Bites from the Road

Edinburgh Area Eating2: Rabble, Amber at The Scotch Whiskey Experience, Ochiltree’s Cafe

During our time in Edinburgh on our Ex.As expats in New York, our first overseas trip was packed with a jam-packed itinerary filled with lots of good eating. This post is the second of two focusing on our culinary adventures in Scotland. On our first food tour, we stopped by Rabble—a hip bar and restaurant replete with ten stylish boutique hotel rooms—for a slow-cooked pulled pork Scotch egg that most of us enjoyed. We then drooled over the gooey smoked cheddar mac and cheese that they served to our group's vegetarian (£5.95). Definitely worth the stop! During our time in Scotland, we made sure to indulge in Scotch tastings. One [...]

By |2025-11-01T09:58:07-04:00November 2nd, 2025|World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
Read More

Edinburgh Area Eating #1: Number One, Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar, Singh Street

The morning the rest of our group was to arrive in Edinburgh for our first Ex.Expats of New York overseas trip, two of us stopped at the Singh Street Cafe—located near our hotel, across the street from the short holes at Bruntsfield Links—for a breakfast naan, one with egg (£8.50) and one with bacon and egg (£10.50). Tasty. We stopped in at Greyfriers Bobby after a too-short visit to the National Museum of Scotland. There never seems to be enough time to see everything you want when traveling. In addition to the food, I liked how this traditional pub checked patrons out at the front register, where you tell what [...]

By |2025-10-23T07:17:01-04:00October 23rd, 2025|World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
Read More

Pub Stop at The Islay Inn, Glasgow, Scotland

Off to Glasgow, we decided one day and jumped on the train for a quick red. Once we arrived, we walked around the city and decided to look for a pub for lunch. After visiting a couple of pubs that only served drinks with no food, a bartender directed us to the Islay Inn down the street. At the Islay Inn, we ordered pints—one of us had a Tennent's for £5.30, while the other opted for a Harviestoun Schihal for £6.30. We then enjoyed their Wednesday special, which included soup and a huge sandwich for £8.50. One of us had a cheese and tomato sandwich, while the other two had [...]

By |2025-10-02T09:20:38-04:00October 13th, 2025|World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
Read More

Cafe Amarcord, Beacon, NY + Bannerman Island

We met in Beacon (NY) for a birthday lunch at Cafe Amarcord, a friendly, casual Italian restaurant on Main Street, before taking a barge to Bannerman Island for a cruise to Bannerman Castle and Pollepel Island and a walking tour.  We started with cocktails, with some sipping the Hugo Sprintz ($25) made with St. Germain, while others drank a Paper Plane ($15), a cocktail we've featured, while nibbling their fresh bread dipped into a tomato oil relish.  We shared the decadently creamy stracciatella cheese (made by combining shredded fresh mozzarella and cream) with Vesuvio tomatoes ($18). And, their smoked trout and endive salad ($15) with radicchio, Jerusalem artichokes and batons of [...]

By |2025-09-21T13:01:00-04:00September 13th, 2025|USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Lunch Combo at Mai Tai, Orange, CT

When I hear "Mai Tai," I think of the Hawaiian tiki rum drink, not the Thai restaurant where I met friends for lunch in a strip mall in Orange, CT. The restaurant's name made more sense when I noticed that half of their signs spelled it as "Maitai." We lucked out, as they were offering a lunch special that was too good to pass up. It's available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, ranging from $16.95 to $20.95, depending on your choice of protein. The portions were generous, providing more food than any of us could finish. Protein options included chicken, tofu, pork, beef, seafood, shrimp, and [...]

By |2025-08-11T08:02:22-04:00August 21st, 2025|USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
Read More

Milford Connecticut Lunches: Monty’s River Grille & Citrus Restaurant

Situated overlooking the Housatonic River, Monty’s River Grille is located within the Great River Golf Club. We stopped there for lunch one day while visiting friends in Connecticut. We enjoyed the views from the outdoor terrace location while sipping our cocktails. I sipped an Aperol spritz ($14), while one companion had a Tito's and soda ($12), and the other opted for a non-alcoholic strawberry limeade ($6). Two of us tried their eponymous salad, featuring green apple cubes, shaved butternut squash, and crumbled candied pecans in a fig-balsamic vinaigrette over a packed bowl of lettuce ($18); one dining partner opted for crispy chicken (+$6), I topped it with their grilled salmon (+$10) [...]

By |2025-08-10T07:06:47-04:00August 10th, 2025|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Garden Café, The Newt, Bruton, United Kingdom

One day while at the Edible London culinary adventure created by members of London Les Dames, we divided into two Country Tours groups, I chose The Newt in Somerset, a working estate with acres of  gardens, woodland, farmland and cider orchards. After  exploring the grounds, we headed to the café for a communal lunch. On the table already was their sourdough bread made with apple waste, topped with hangop with garden veggies. Hangop is strained yogurt, literally meaning 'hang up' that we had watched Cheesemaker, Margaretha Van Dam, make at her creamery alongside the railway tracks. Our main dish was the spiced roasted whole cauliflower with fermented leaves, English grown [...]

By |2025-06-28T09:31:50-04:00June 23rd, 2025|World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
Read More

Caractère Restaurant, Notting Hill, London

We divided into two groups, mine heading to Kew Gardens, then all met up again for dinner at Chef Emily Roux and husband Diego Ferrari's Caractère Restaurant. It's a former pub now one of "The Best Restaurants in Notting Hill" that's about to receive their first (well-deserved) Michelin star. Lucky us. We began with three creative passed bites, with the fish bone cracker topped with eel and furikake getting the most raves. The other two included a smoked cod roe tartelette with piment d’Espelette and a charcoal tea pie with soy and smoked whisky. Once we were seated, I dove into the crusty bread on the table. Heavenly crust! Then [...]

By |2025-05-27T07:04:45-04:00June 21st, 2025|World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
Read More

High Tea at The Veranda, Goring Hotel, London

Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, I proceeded to the "Arrivals" lounge, where I met my friend who was also attending the Edible London culinary adventure put on by members of London Les Dames d'Escoffier. We checked into our hotel and began walking toward The Goring to join some other Dames for Afternoon Tea to enjoy an elegant afternoon overlooking the garden from their veranda. Our attentive server started us off with their seasonal amuse-bouche of savory pea tartlets filled with goat curry and pistachios, and an unusually refreshing welcome drink made with apple juice, non-alcoholic gin, apricot syrup and elderflower.  Two of us ordered the Bollinger Afternoon Tea, which included [...]

By |2025-06-01T06:57:54-04:00June 15th, 2025|World, World Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Somos Ecuador Restaurante, Quito, Ecuador

On Valentine's Day, while traveling in Ecuador, my group stopped at Somos Ecuador Restaurant to enjoy the globally inspired cuisine of Chef Alejandra Espinoza. After working in France with several Michelin-starred chefs, Chef Alejandra moved to Quito in 2018 with her husband, Signo Uddenberg, to establish SOMOS alongside her brother, Alonso Espinoza. The restaurant features colorful murals by Ecuadorian artist Apitatan, with every detail carefully designed to foster an atmosphere that emphasizes "food, conversation and human connection." Her food is not only delicious but also beautifully presented and served. Chef Alejandra Espinoza has recently opened a new location in Miami—Cotoa (address: 12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161)—which I [...]

By |2025-04-28T10:59:15-04:00May 14th, 2025|World, World Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Dinners at Geronimo & Sazón, Santa Fe, New Mexico

When asked about favorite places to dine in Santa Fe, where I was heading with friends, most had Geronimo and Sazón on their to-try lists. Coming off Canyon Road into Geronimo, I felt elegant. The staff welcomed us. The lights were low, banquettes cushioned and tables spaced wide apart. I could hear my traveling companions without straining. That bubble burst when our unseasoned server set down our cocktails and began pouring our red wine. Worth having is the lobster poblano bisque with rock shrimp, fingerling potatoes, leeks and chunks of lobster meat ($22) in a rich broth. Also good are the rectangular stack of oven-roasted beets with candied pistachios, goat [...]

By |2025-04-12T10:50:41-04:00April 29th, 2025|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Mind Shaft Tavern, Madrid, New Mexico

The Avis car rental man in Albuquerque suggested the more scenic route to Santa Fe on State Highway 14 that goes through Madrid (MA-drid). And and to satisfy our hunger he suggested grabbing a bite at the Mine Shaft Tavern, a rustic roadside tavern offering our first taste of New Mexican fare. Being famished, we did just that, starting with their delicious $8 house Margaritas. At that price, we had more than one, then shared their fantastic Southwestern food. The burgers come with fries and cole slaw, with the option to sub their stew (+3.50) for the fries, which we did with one burger. We worked on devouring their Classic [...]

By |2025-04-26T13:51:53-04:00April 26th, 2025|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Travel|0 Comments
Read More

Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro, Westchester, New York

I jumped on Metro North to Rye, as we hadn't had time together since her December birthday other than group meals and a disco party. This gathering, just us. We grabbed a bite at the Ruby's Oyster Bar & Bistro, a lively seafood restaurant on Purchase Street, and were seated by an open window with a warm breeze. The food is fresh, nicely prepared and everything's served with a smile. I sampled their expresso martini ($16), needing a caffeine pick me up; my friend their Tito's bloody Mary ($14.50). I was in a burger and fries mood; Ruby's ($21) hit the spot, topped with Farmhouse Cheddar and bacon jam on [...]

By |2025-04-20T13:25:44-04:00April 20th, 2025|USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Dukes, Hau Tree and Cafe Morey’s in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Met friends and family for meals while on Oahu, as many had vacationed in Hawaii over the holidays too. Duke's in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort was across from the hotel where my sister and her family stayed. We were between lunch and dinner when we stopped in for a meal, so we ate whatever was available. We all picked at Duke's nachos ($17), coconut shrimp ($29) and the orders of Cajun fish tacos ($27 + $2 for the guacamole). My friend and fellow Dame, a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, welcomed me with a beautiful lei before we walked to the Kaimana Beach Hotel for lunch at Hau Tree [...]

By |2025-02-24T10:39:41-05:00February 27th, 2025|USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
Read More

Visits to Monkeypod, Ko Alani, Oahu, Hawai’i

We headed off property to Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman for better food. We liked Ko Olina Beach Club, but not their food offerings. When I lived in Waikiki in the 60s, this area didn't exist. The current area includes The Four Seasons, Aulani-A Disney Resort & Spa and more!  It's lush, with lots of swimming/snorkeling options and the beaches are not crowded as they are in Waikiki. I recommend. As for Monkeypod, the staff knew us after our first visit with the bartender, recalling the virgin cocktail he had made for my 10-year-old grandson; he made it again. The food here is fresh and recommendable; the staff is friendly. We [...]

By |2025-01-22T10:16:32-05:00February 14th, 2025|USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
Read More

A Celebration at L’Escale, Greenwich, CT

We joined the ranks this time at L'Escale in Greenwich, Connecticut, where we ended our meal with a sparkler and song! This waterside restaurant is the place to celebrate, as singing servers bring handheld fireworks emitting sparks. We first helped the town's economy by shopping on Greenwich Avenue before heading down to dinner. We'll need to return in summertime to dine waterside. Our meal began with a pâte à choux amuse bouche while we perused the menu. We were sharing everything. Once we decided on the seared Hudson Valley foie gras ($35) with roasted quince, brioche toast, and quince-infused jus, I opted for a glass of Bordeaux, Château Greysac, Medoc, [...]

By |2024-12-15T14:51:43-05:00January 9th, 2025|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Kawi Ni, Westport, CT

After enjoying cocktails and apps at The Welk, we walked up the street to Kawi Ni to continue our meal. Our servers were friendly and attentive. We started with drinks and our first wave of foods, which included the addictive cabbage ($11) flavored with sesame, wasabi and honda shi (Japanese dashi stock made of dry bonito), ume cucumber salad, pork ($16) and shrimp ($18) Szechuan dumplings. Next, chicken karaage ($14) and my favorite dish, the spicy lamb Dan Dan noodles ($22). Not only was everything we had delicious, but the service was amazing, which is why I recommend a visit to Kawi Ni. Kawi Ni Japanese 19A Bridge Square, Westport, CT 06880 [...]

By |2024-11-14T12:24:27-05:00December 22nd, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Matto Wine Bar, Shelton, CT

We took a break from packing my friend's home for her move to meet a mutual friend in Shelton for a meal. We were yakking so much that we almost missed that our water hadn't even taken our drink order. When he finally did, we quickly also gave our app order. Like many restaurants, the apps were much more interesting and flavorful than their entrees. We were happy with the old-fashioned iceberg wedge salad ($14.95) smothered with blue cheese dressing with crumbled gorgonzola and pancetta; sautéed calamari with white beans, arugula, cherry peppers and roasted tomatoes ($16.95); grilled octopus with shishito peppers, potatoes and a roasted red pepper aioli ($16.95); [...]

By |2024-12-25T08:18:11-05:00December 17th, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

The Whelk, Westport, Connecticut

Our evening started with cocktails and apps at The Whelk that included friendly service and good food. Some favorites include the smoked trout dip with dill, topped with trout roe and sourdough crisps ($18), hamachi crudo topped with jalapenos ($20) and fabulously rich maitake mushrooms with nduja (spicy, spreadable pork sausage from the Calabria) in garlic butter with an egg yolk ($21). I'd recommend a visit to The Whelk. After apps, we walked up the street to Kawi Ni for dinner, a writeup forthcoming! The Whelk Westport 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880 203) 557-0902 thewhelkwestport.com

By |2024-12-24T11:02:10-05:00December 12th, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Shopping on Main then Nômade, Westport, CT

After a stop at the farmers' market, we walked to Main Street in Westport to grab a bite at Nômade upstairs in their outdoor seating as the weather was unseasonably warm. We started with Bloody Marys ($15) while perusing the menu, and then each had a salad before continuing in and out of stores on Main Street, helping the Westport economy. The signature tavern chopped salad with chicken ($28) contained romaine, brown rice, Kalamata olives, capers and vegetable confit in a light sherry shallot vinaigrette. I had their warm goat cheese salad ($18) topped with a generous portion of salmon (+$14) that consisted of lettuce, sliced pears, way too many [...]

By |2024-12-23T13:22:46-05:00December 6th, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More
Copyright 2012 - 2021 BiteOfTheBest | All Rights Reserved
Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top