USA Restaurants

Our favorite restaurants in the US

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery – Fort Collins, CO

Just like Tom (Patrick Dempsey) in Made of Honor said while waiting in a long line "This is the best bakery in the world. That’s why it is worth waiting for," I have found an eatery worth waiting in line for called Snooze — a small chain of four restaurants currently in Colorado. Established in 2006 by hospitality, journeyman turned entrepreneur Jon Schegel, Snooze’s success has lead to the opening of  an additional Colorado-based Snooze eatery this year plus one in California. Open only for breakfast and lunch (Monday - Friday from 6:30 am - 2:30 pm and Saturday - Sunday from 7:00 am - 2:30 pm), Snooze's goal is to [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:41-04:00October 20th, 2011|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Fort Lauderdale + Coconuts + Fun

Recently, I experienced a new Fort Lauderdale — new to me, that is.  It is no longer the college spring break town it used to be. Lucky me, as I was invited to attend a Spa Chic press trip, staying at the very trendy W Hotel. The hotel, which just opened in 2009, is so hip that earlier this year the Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice Awards named the it the Trendiest Hotel in the U.S. Yes, that trendy. Our first evening, we dined on a buffet set up at our VIP box seats at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts while awaiting the start of the very moving concert [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:41-04:00October 17th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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Bar Bouchee (Formerly Bar Bouchon) in Madison

Those who frequent restaurants in the New Haven area are familiar with the food and impeccable service of chef owner Jean Pierrre Vuillermet at Union League Cafe. Earlier this year Jean Pierre opened a more casual French bistro in Madison called Bar Bouchon, now it's Bar Bouchee. Why would a restaurateur change names midstream? Not by choice. It seems Thomas Keller (The French Laundry, Per Se) owns the rights to the word  "bouchon" and demanded the name change. "A bouchon, in addition to meaning cork or bottle stopper, is simply a French word used to describe a very special type of bistro," explained Vuillermet. "It would be like trademarking the [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:42-04:00October 14th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Polytechnic ON20, Hartford

Finding Polytechnic ON20 could be a tad confusing until you realize the name isn't O N 2 0, but on 20 - as in located on the 20th floor of the Hartford Steam Boiler Building. The restaurant, the former Polytechnic Club, had been open for 30 years yet just two years ago opened for dinner, only on Friday evenings. The restaurant entered my radar with the release of the 2011/2012 Zagat listing it as the top service and decor in Connecticut. A perfect spot for special occasion serving local, organic  food with attention to detail. While perusing the frequently changing menu, I sipped a Fruit Fusion Martini ($11) made with [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:42-04:00October 12th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Fukuburger Food Truck to Sit-Down Eatery

Restauranteur Harry Morton has partnered up with one of Las Vegas' best-loved food trucks - Fukuburger - to create a sit-down eatery version in Hollywood. The new eatery — just like the food truck — offers a rock n' roll vibe along with gourmet Japanese/American comfort food. Fukuburger is located at 1634 Cahunega Blvd. - between Sunset and Hollywood Blvd. - and features a menu focused on six burgers including the signature Fuku-burger, Tamago, Buta-Burger, Kinoko and Karai. For more information or to see their menu, click here. -guest contributor

By |2017-08-31T15:38:24-04:00October 2nd, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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NoMI Garden at the Park Hyatt, Chicago

In Chicago recently on one of those perfect weather days — warm but with a little chill in the air — I met a friend for a drink and asked whether there was an outdoor bar. "Absolutely, I know the perfect place." I followed my friend into the Park Hyatt up to the seventh floor, through the double doors opposite the entrance to NoMI kitchen and onto a secluded terrace overlooking the city. NoMI Garden offers nibbles and pricy libations. I sampled a tasty Blackberry Caipirissima ($14) with Flor de Caña, Demerara and angostura bitters as we soaked in the view and fresh air. I highly suggest this outdoor secluded [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:37:32-04:00October 2nd, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Bistro Bordeaux

Adrien greeted us as we entered Bistro Bordeux.  If I hadn't known better,  I'd have thought I had arrived in France instead of Chicago, as I'd just come off a plane. The bistro, its menu and Adrien's service turned brunch in Evanston into an authentic French dining experience. Since he recommended their version of the Bellini ($7.50) with organic pear puree and Varichon Blanc de Blanc, I ordered that and wasn't disappointed. My dining companion was more traditional, having the Mimosa made with freshly squeezed oj and the Varichon Blanc de Blanc. I ordered the Oeuf & Lamb Merguez ($13.50) with homemade fresh lamb sausage, a poached egg and a [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:43-04:00September 29th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Mickey’s in Hamden

I agreed to meet a friend for a nibble at Mickey's, a local spot that was convenient and had outdoor seating. My expectations were low. You know the type place where burgers are your best bet. The waitress described the specials and my friend and I decided to share the special fresh crab salad while we decided on dinner. Not only was the presentation above and beyond my expectations, so was the taste. The salad consisted of layers of lots of fresh crab, red onion, diced mango, avocado chunks and tomato pieces stacked on a Boston lettuce leaves for easy dividing. The rest of our meal also proved worthy. But [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:43-04:00September 28th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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Union Square Cafe Launches Brunch

New York's Union Square Cafe — 21 East 16th Street — now offers a brunch menu, available Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 2:30 pm that includes Poached Eggs Victor (eggs with Dominican beef and rich hash) at $17, Crispy Fried Polenta with Maple Syrup and Sea Salt at $11 and House-Cured Gravlax with Market Salad, Pickled Beets and a Toasted Bagel $16. Lunch favorites available include the USC Burger ($15) and house-made pastas ($16-$28). The Greenmarket-inspired brunch menu will change weekly based on what is fresh and in season. For more information or to see a full menu, click here. -guest contributor

By |2017-08-31T14:11:04-04:00September 20th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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The Gelston House, East Haddam, CT

We stopped in at The Gelston House, in a bucolic setting on the Connecticut River in East, Haddam, CT, for a quick bite before theatre. The restaurant is not known for its food, but instead for the spectacular views and the proximity to Goodspeed Opera House, home of Man of La Mancha, Shenandoah, and Annie —it's right next door and really the only restaurant nearby. The food during this visit was no exception. The Lobster Salad Sandwich ($17.95) on brioche with fennel and tarragon mayo, lettuce, tomato and French fries was filling but not satisfying. Sadly the lobster was mostly minced and wasn't very fresh, and the service was lackadaisical. The [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:43-04:00September 12th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Philippe Comes to Boca Raton

Philippe - Chinese Cuisine by Philippe Chow - opened recently in Boca Raton, Florida at 200 East Palmetto Park Road, attracting celebrity fans including Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z and Beyonce. Chef Philippe Chow signature favorites include Chicken Satay, Crispy Beef, Peking Duck and Green Pawns with prices averaging at $50 per person. Philippe features a $29 three-course menu nightly and a daily happy hour — at the bar — from 4 to 6 pm nightly with half-priced cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. For more information or to make reservations, click here. -guest contributor

By |2017-08-31T16:19:44-04:00September 11th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Blue Lemon in Westport

Earlier this summer I was invited to a press dinner given by Chef Bryan Malcarney of Blue Lemon restaurant. I couldn't make that but did decide to head Westport to sample what I had heard were his interesting preparations of fish and seafood delivered daily from both local waters and those of Hawaii. I wasn't disappointed. I realized that our paths must have crossed before as Chef Bryan's had cooked at a number of restaurants I had frequented:  Martha's Vineyard's The Black Dog, New Haven's Café Pika Tapas (now Ibiza) and Westport's DaPietro’s. His charming restaurant Blue Lemon is aptly decorated in blues and yellows, in Sconset Square in the [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:44-04:00September 9th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Harbor Bistro

Harbor Bistro is located on Three Mile Harbor, it's one of the places to enjoy views of the marina and a spectacular sunset when in the Hamptons. We did just that while enjoying a couple of apps and a bottle of wine. When you go, be sure to get a set on the outdoor covered porch for the best viewing. The food that we sampled was fine,  just nothing spectacular other than their grilled romaine - a hearty heart of romaine with seared tasty grill marks covered in a light Caesar dressing and shaved Parmesan plus crunchy croutons ($10). Don't miss that. Or try the crab cake coated in fresh [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:44-04:00September 6th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Arugula, West Hartford

Arugula in West Hartford serves Mediterranean-style food blending an amalgam of flavors in unusual delicious ways -  at least from the items I sampled on a recent visit to this quiet and comfy place. I started with a warm roasted eggplant & wonton "napoleon" ($14) with layers of  roasted eggplant, crisp wontons, sweet red onions, roasted feta and roasted tomatoes flavored with both tahina and its light curry vinaigrette.  To eat it, you toss together the layered ingredients that blend into an irresistible jumble of flavors. A must to try. I'd also suggest one of their flatbreads - a meal in itself. Think pizza on cracker-like crust. We tried the [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:44-04:00September 6th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Shake Shack: Philadelphia

Danny Meyer's announced plans to bring the Shake Shake to Philly during the second half of 2012. The planned location is 2000 Sansom Street, near  Rittenhouse Square.   This modern day "roadside" burger stand started in Madison Park in New York City and is known for it's its delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more. To see their full menu or learn more, click here.

By |2017-08-31T15:05:56-04:00September 2nd, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Philadelphia’s Center City Restaurant Weeks – September 2011

Philadelphia's Restaurant Weeks runs for two weeks this September. The event takes place Monday, September 12 - Friday, September 16 and Sunday, September 18 - Friday, September 23.  More than 100 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus with prices ranging from $20.00 - $35.00 (plus tax) and over over 50 restaurants will also be offering a three - course lunch option for $20.00. Participating restaurants include The Dandelion, Barbuzzo, Garces Trading Company, Table 31 and Amada. For additional  information and a full listing of participating restaurants and their menu, click here. -guest contributor

By |2017-08-31T15:05:56-04:00September 1st, 2011|USA Restaurants, USA Travel, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Tacuba Taco Bar in Branford

Arturo and Suzette Franco-Camache have done it again. That incredibly creative restaurateur team who changed the New Haven dining scene in the late 90s when they opened Roomba the Nueuvo-Latino downstairs restaurant in Shubert Alley, hit their mark with their new side-by-side duet of restaurants in Branford. (Yes, that team also owned New Haven's Bespoke, and Branford's The Suburban.) Franco (as Arturo's friends call him) was born and raised in Mexico beginning his skills helping his mom. Tacuba Taco Bar includes the food influenced by his youth:  Mexican street food with a Latin influence. While waiting for a table at Tacuba, you can have a drink at their second place, [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:44-04:00August 30th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|3 Comments
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SoCo Opens in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill

Soco restaurant opened recently in Clinton Hill at 509 Myrtle Avenue.  The southern-style restaurant — started by restaurateur trio  Peter Best, Malissa Brown and Sim Walker —  offers  "Southern Comfort" from the food to the atmosphere in the Brooklyn dining scene . The menu encompasses Cajun/Creole, barbeque and soul food with prices $30.00 and under. SoCo is open for dinner Sunday - Thursday from 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm and Friday - Saturday 4:00 pm - 2:00 am. For reservations or to learn more, click here. - guest contributor

By |2017-08-31T14:11:05-04:00August 29th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Bostwick’s Chowder House

After a day at the beach in the Hamptons, I'm always on the hunt for an inviting roadside restaurant serving truly fresh seafood. We had an inkling as we walked into Bostwick's — now located right on route 27 Montauk Highway at the former site of Cherrystone’s — that it was just that place. Bostwick's offerings are in a laid-back setting (food's served in baskets; utensils and cups are plastic). They have both indoor and outdoor seating. For an appetizer, we had that day's special: fried nuggets of fresh lobster and corn fritters, with a sweet and hot chili sauce ($14). We followed that with a fried soft shell crab [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:45-04:00August 19th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Box 63, New Haven

Last month the New Haven Chamber of Commerce held their Business After Hours at the newly opened Box 63 — in the former home of Fitzwilly's, more recently Cosi, at the corner of Elm and Park Streets. That's where I met Bethany, their marketing and event coordinator, who invited me back for a tasting. I agreed to make a date as the food I had sampled was a notch above typical pub fare. Seasoned restaurateur Carl Carbone and his cousin Tom Carbone are the men behind Box 63. They're most notably of the family run Carbone’s Ristorante in Hartford since 1938. Our tasting at Box 63 included small portions of [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:45-04:00August 17th, 2011|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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