USA Restaurants

Our favorite restaurants in the US

Supermarket & Sports Bar in St. Elmo, Barbados

When we were turned away from The Fish Pot for lack of a reservation on our drive around the island, we asked for suggestions of where to eat. They spouted all the top places, which also needed reservations. "Where do Bajan's grab a bite?" The response was to drive about 5 minutes north in St. Elmo's, and as soon as we saw a fresh fish stand on the right to look left for a supermarket and bar. At first we passed it, but turned around and parked right in front next to the construction outside, building a porch. Off the beaten path with our stop is a gross understatement. Many [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:51-04:00January 7th, 2009|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|4 Comments
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The Fish Pot, Barbados

Driving north along the west coast in Barbados, we came upon The Fish Pot located right along the sea just north of a little fishing village — Shermans — and decided to stop for lunch. Silly us. We hadn't made a reservation as we thought we only needed them for dinner. Wrong! We returned New Year's Day, this time with a reservation. It was worth the wait. Good food, friendly service and a picturesque water view. Apps included a Pickled Conch Salad with avocado and green mango ($19) and a Seafood Ceviche of super-fresh shrimp octopus, tuna, squid, with diced tomato and onions flavored with fresh lime juice and cilantro [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:51-04:00January 6th, 2009|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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A Nogatini: One is More Than Enough

"Let's meet at Temple Grill for a Nogatini," suggested Robbin, who explained that the restaurant's eggnog martini is only available at this time of year. As a martini lover, how could I resist? The Nogatini ($8) is smooth and delicious with a hint of coffee, vanilla and nutmeg. It's so rich that one is more than enough. I had to know more. Tony Matchitto, one of the owners and a graduate of the CIA, explained that his drink is a mixture of Stoli Vanilla, Kahlua and homemade eggnog. I nudged him to share his eggnog's trade secret recipe so that you could try it at home. (Toni and I first [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:52-04:00December 24th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Heirloom Restaurant – New Haven, CT

Though I grew up in New Haven, I haven't spent much time there over the past 10 years. Going back this past Thanksgiving was a truly great experience; not only seeing old friends after far too much time apart... but eating my way through some of my favorite old haunts, as well as some new additions to the neighborhood. Pizza was my central focus during any food discussion while at home. The blinders were on people, this is New Haven, pizza mecca... and I cannot get real pizza in Atlanta!. My first available lunch was taken at Yorkside Pizza, with meatball Parmesan and far too much pizza ordered (purposefully). More [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:52-04:00December 23rd, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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St. Johns Restaurant – Chattanooga

Foodie road trip pt. 2; After leaving Adairsville in the morning, we took the brief (1hr 20m) journey up I75 to Chattanooga, TN. Arriving midday, we quickly checked into our hotel, The Stonefort Inn, a quaint 'elder year' property located in the heart of the city (most specifically within walking distance of our dinner-dining choice - yes, walking in the South!). Sous is also 'press' and had gotten us passes to the Tennessee Aquarium. Apparently the Southeast is all about two things; college football and who can build the biggest, baddest aquarium (we all need something)... As Atlanta now boasts the 'biggest', we figured we had to see the previous [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:52-04:00December 19th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Barnsley Gardens; Better than Cow Tipping

So, what do you do in North Georgia? Recently, my friend Sous and I decided to go on a 'foodie road trip', with a plan to keep the driving to within a three-hour radius (avoiding overly long drives, especially after dining experiences). To any of you reading this from the 'Northeast Corridor', you may be thinking that a three hour radius is more than enough time to do a true three-city tour de cuisine... with Boston, Providence, Hartford, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington all in striking distance. To those of us in the Southeast (Atlanta specifically), this driving radius means that Birmingham and Chattanooga are the only [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:52-04:00December 17th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Craft Restaurant Atlanta – Tom Colicchio

Recently, I was lucky enough to get to attend a media event for the opening of Tom Colicchio's (of restaurant empire and 'Top Chef' fame) newest restaurant, Craft Atlanta. Craft is the latest dining experience to be added to the Rosewood's most recent property, The Mansion on Peachtree. Though the Mansion currently offers an amazing fine-dining, Italian restaruant, NEO (full report to come!)... Craft adds an alternative, casual, upscale element while also delivering with its renowned, excellent food. Chef Colicchio hosted the casual event, ducking questions about current Top Chef developments and entertaining the lunch crowd with antics from the dishwashing line a few nights before. Passed apps included samplings [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:53-04:00December 14th, 2008|Foodie Interviews, Other happenings, USA Restaurants, USA Travel, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Serenbe – Les Dames d’Escoffier – Food Festival

I love finding new things (in general). I truly love finding new foodie things. I absolutely love a new discovery that much more when it's right under my nose! This was my reaction to Serenbe, a self-sustained food 'village' located about 40 minutes South of Atlanta. "I had no idea this existed!" I chirped to my good friend 'Sous' (an elaborately derived nickname stemming from being my partner in foodie shenanigans). "Well, you don't know Atlanta and haven't ever tried to" she replied. "Valid point" was my only response. If I had even thought there was something like this buried in the obscure Southern counties of Atlanta, I would have [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:53-04:00December 1st, 2008|USA Restaurants, USA Travel, xyz misc|1 Comment
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Puerto Vallarta Restaurants – Cafe des Artistes

By far, the best perk of my main undertaking (running www.villascaribe.com) is the travel. Experiencing the delights of a tropical destination as part of a legitimate business outing is an unbelievably enjoyable part of my life. I recently returned from Mexico; the beautifully lush hills and beaches of Puerto Vallarta served as backdrop for a few real-estate meetings we had planned. Of course, in our downtime, we sampled the best of what PV dining had to offer. Our villa, Casa Salinas, had an excellent chef, so our group generally took dinner at home. Despite the cuisine available while overlooking the Pacific from our al fresco dining table, we did venture [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:53-04:00November 28th, 2008|Bites from the Road, Foodie Interviews, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Eleven Madison Park: Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux

Eleven Madison Park — a Danny Meyer, New York City restaurant with Executive Chef Daniel Humm — has just been designated Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux — an exclusive "club" with only 150 chosen members. The restaurant, celebrating its tenth anniversary this month, joins the gastronomic elite ranks that also includes New York's  Per Se, Le Bernardin, Daniel, Jean Georges, and Aureole. Relais & Châteaux (www.relaischateaux.com) is a collection of 480 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries, 150 given a designation of culinary excellence. Eleven Madison Park is the only stand-alone restaurant in North America to be newly inducted this year. It's part of Danny Meyer’s Union [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:54-04:00November 18th, 2008|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Whole Animal Cuisine – Are You Gonna Eat That Tongue?

I've been hearing more and more buzz about the concept of 'the whole cow' as an ever growing number of young chefs attempt to revive the craft of butchery. The idea is beautiful in its simplicity, start with properly raised and fed animals and leave nothing to chance, by allowing your kitchen staff to break down chickens, pigs, cows and more; as needed for their dishes. Why have an up-charging, semi-skilled, meat-packing middle-man dictate your kitchen's menu when there are talented chefs with sharpened knives standing at the wait? The Times dining section recently highlighted a few of the more distinguished restaurants basing their kitchens on the butchery concept, most [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:54-04:00November 10th, 2008|Foodie Interviews, Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Wisteria – Atlanta Dining

There are certain restaurants that you pass-by all the time. You might say to yourself, 'why haven't I tried that place yet?' or 'I keep meaning to eat there!'. For me, the latest check on my proverbial culinary bucket list (which is ever-expanding) was an Atlanta restaurant, Wisteria. I must have driven by this cute little brick building 50 times before I even noticed it was a restaurant. The next 50 times I drove by, I kept thinking I really should've tried it already.. and, last week, try it I finally did. I had the opportunity to dine with a friend of mine who was 'up for anything', and we [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:54-04:00November 8th, 2008|Foodie Interviews, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|2 Comments
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Wilton Cake Decorating Class: A Mini

I had planned on reporting to you from Chicago, while attending a mini cake decorating class at Wilton School of Cake Decorating & Confectionery Art last month with 19 other food writers. But I was so busy learning about all that Wilton  as a company has to offer bakers and how to decorate cakes that time got away from me. Wilton — celebrating its 80th anniversary — is the company when it comes to celebrations for every occasion. From everything you could possibly need to make a special occasion cake or cupcake to shaped cake pans. While in their facilities, I photographed some of the cakes their team designed and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:55-04:00October 20th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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ROOT Restaurant – Philadelphia Dining

I went to school in Philadelphia and immediately fell in love with the city's food culture. Like any good food city, Philly is a cultural melting pot with all different communities contributing to the vibrant street fare and fine dining. From the iconic Italian Market to to Le Bec Fin (arguably one of the country's best restaurants), Philadelphia challenges for honors among America's top food meccas. One of the newest restaurants to open is Root. Chef Christopher Hora (of Wolfgang Puck tutelage) is in the kitchen, with minimal design and hand-made finishes adorning the dining room. The message is straight forward and the MO is clear; simple presentation of the [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:55-04:00October 17th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Top Chef Richard Blais

For all of you eagerly awaiting the next Top Chef season like I am, I thought I would engage in some fond memories of last season. A while ago I dined at Home Restaurant & Bar, a newer release from one of Atlanta's established restaurant groups. I'm not the biggest fan of the group but I'm not down on them either; their restaurants are always pretty good for food quality but their ambiance can be a bit 'mall'. I was excited though as Home had recently taken on Richard Blais (Top Chef finalist) as their head chef I started with the most interesting twist, foie gras torchon with fruit preserves [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:56-04:00September 22nd, 2008|Foodie Interviews, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Buckingham Palace Tour

Started our day with a traditional English breakfast of interesting edibles that included kippers, smoked haddock, streaky bacon and eggs before heading off for a tour of Buckingham Palace (only available in August and September) and worth every penny – I mean pence.  The entry ticket (£ 15.50) to this very organized visit included an audio tour, rich with so many palace details that another visit is needed to absorb all the facts. The dining hall was impeccably set as if ready for one of the two state dinners held a year with attention to minutia - from measuring the space between the seats and glasses to the exact placement [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:56-04:00September 21st, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Travel Log, London: The Stafford Hotel & Vittles

Elegance. Understated that is, at the classic Stafford Hotel in the St. James area. A hotel sophisticated in an unpretentious way. General manager Stuart Procter best described it as, "If you're arriving in life stay somewhere else; if you're comfortable in life stay at the Stafford." Comfortable, I am. As we settled into our spatial room, we noticed Matisse original sketches (yes, actual ones) on the wall above the desk where I was plugging in my computer. A knock on door. A bottle of wine and fruit compliments of the hotel. Another knock. A plush terrycloth robe monogrammed with both the hotel and my name. Glad I left room in [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:56-04:00September 20th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|2 Comments
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Travel Log, day 1: Departure for London

What follows is day 1 of my excursion to London to catch the Queen Mary 2 to sail back to the Big Apple. I plan to blog on it daily, with photos to be posted later. •••• The welcome at JFK airport matched all Virgin Atlantic's enticing marketing campaigns: warm, friendly, inviting. Same with the upper class clubhouse, where — before we boarded — we dined (yes, dined) on goodies selected from their complementary menu along with bottomless glasses of Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc and Michel Picard Bourgongne Pinot Noir. Our server suggested the day's special of steamed chicken pot stickers on a bed of arugula redolent of fresh ginger, Thai [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:56-04:00September 19th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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New Breakfasts at Starbucks

The Starbucks publicist kept reaching out to me, to try their new breakfast offerings being introduced this month. I procrastinated about doing so as I found neither the tiny dark photos on the press release nor their descriptions enticing. And — from my past experience running through airports (my time to frequent Starbucks) — all I could imagine were their high-fat, calorie-laden scones, cakes and muffins. But dutifully, I figured I must.  And I thought, better with a friend and invited Diane to meet me there one morning to taste test their numerous offering. We both were pleasantly surprised, not only by the tasty whole-grain nutritious offerings but by the [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:56-04:00September 18th, 2008|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Chop Suey: Worth The View

I'm always asked for recommendations of  where to dine in the Big Apple. Some places I recommend because of the food, others for the view or atmosphere. Chop Suey is the latter. It's an Asian-style restaurant (obviously)  in a glass-enclosed second floor location overlooking all the happenings in Times Square. A perfect place to drink in not only the city lights but your favorite libation as well. Or for a nibble before or after a Broadway show. While there, we shared a bowl of chili-flavored noodles with chunks of Chinese roasted pork. Quite nice. Spicy, but not too so. Chop Suey in the Renaissance Hotel New York City - Times Square, [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:57-04:00September 14th, 2008|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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