Bites from the Road

The Black Pearl, Newport, RI

Since our driver was yearning for a bowl of renowned The Black Pearl's clam chowder, we took a detour to Newport on our way home from the Cape. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city's Bannister's Wharf; it has an outdoor patio with a view of the bustling Newport Harbor. I found it odd that their chowder is the creamy New England style, and not the traditional Rhode Island chowder with clear broth since after all Newport is in Rhode Island. Odd, but the rich, buttery and chock full of clam chowder ($9.50) with crackers, happily satiated our driver! The day's special offered an Asian-style black and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 20th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Pallet, Salt Lake City, UT

You'll find friendly hospitality at the cozy — but quite noisy — Pallet restaurant in Salt Lake City. We began our time their with a specialty cocktail developed for an upcoming competition. Their 237 Beeknick Farm ($10) was made from beet juice, serrano, chile pepper, lime juice and bitters and had a nice after-kick. Their menu is quite unusual with only one of the entrees that interested us. We went heavy on the apps. Their Caputo’s burrata ($11) with fresh tomatoes was drizzled with basil pistou. The mozzarella was more firm with little of the desired creaminess oozing out. Their three large meatballs were made of pork, veal and beef [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 18th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Michelin 2016 NYC Restaurant Stars

Earlier this month, Michelin awarded its stars to top chefs at a star-chef studded gala at the Manhattan Classic Car Club. Here's a listing of those New York City restaurants that have 2016 stars: Three Stars ("Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey") Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare\ Eleven Madison Park Jean-Georges Le Bernardin Masa Per Se Two Stars ("Excellent cuisine, worth a detour") Aquavit Atera Blanca Daniel Ichimura Jungsik Marea The Modern Momofuku Ko Soto One Star ("A very good restaurant in its category") Ai Fiori Aldea Andanada Aureole Babbo Bâtard Betony Blue Hill Bouley The Breslin Brushstroke Café Boulud Café China Cagen Carbone Casa Enrique Casa Mono Caviar Russe [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 7th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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The Summer House Restaurant, Siasconset, Nantucket

On a day trip to Nantucket, we headed out to picturesque Siasconset and had an alfresco lunch at what we learned to be the island's only restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We all opted for The Summer House Restaurant's specialty cocktail, a refreshing blend a melon juices with citrus vodka, St Germain and a splash of soda. With no prices on listed on the cocktail menu, I had to ask our server the cost as the rest of the menu seemed a bit pricey. After all, we were on Nantucket. Those cocktails were $15 each. Having seen the abundant meza platter served at other tables, we decided to share that [...]

By |2017-08-31T14:10:00-04:00October 6th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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The Brotherhood of Thieves, Nantucket, Massachusetts

After a day of touring the island of Nantucket, we settled in at the bar at The Brotherhood of Thieves, a rustic low-ceiling cozy tavern with carriage lanterns, dark wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and fireplaces. On the walls were whaling spears designed to look like beer taps. The bartender suggested I try Maine Brewing Company’s Peeper Ale, a rare and crisp American Pale ale, refreshing with a flavor of grapefruit and oranges ($13/16 ounce). The ten broiled scallops were surprisingly moist and delicious, served very hot with a light flaky crumb crust in a white wine and butter sauce ($30). I shared them with my companions, who all wanted [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:54:56-04:00October 5th, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Edwige At Night, Provincetown, Cape Cod

We stopped in at Edwige at Night, not in the evening, but for an amazingly fresh brunch when in Provincetown on the Cape. Each brunch entree was freshly made with every component served at the correct temperature. Sounds like a small thing, but I've been to many a brunch at restaurants that can't manage to do so! One of us had best bargain on the menu, the Edwige Eye Opener ($15) with a cocktail, two poached eggs, crunchy and peppery home fries and whole wheat toast. I say a bargain as the Bloody Maria itself  — made with house-infused pepper vodka — would have cost $10. Also good: the lobster [...]

By |2017-08-31T14:10:00-04:00October 3rd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Doña Eutimia, La Habana, Cuba

Visiting Havana, Cuba is like riding a time machine back to an era of vintage muscle cars and crumbling colonial buildings, before there were cell phones or Internet. For budget travelers, finding a high-quality paladar (privately-owned restaurant) without overpaying can be a daunting task. Enter Doña Eutimia: a well-known yet authentic restaurant in the heart of Old Havana. Hidden down a cobblestone alley off the regal Plaza de la Catedral, Doña Eutimia boasts consistently-superb Cuban cuisine at surprisingly modest prices. If you can stand the heat, outside seating provides the occasional stray chicken circling your feet while street musicians perform popular Latin tunes. The shrimp appetizer ($5) is simplistically grilled [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:27:52-04:00October 2nd, 2015|Bites from the Road, World Restaurants, World Travel|1 Comment
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The Studio at Montage, Laguna Beach, CA

Bliss is being invited to sample the cuisine at The Studio at Montage in Laguna Beach, California along with a friend and to sit at a window table overlooking the sun setting over the Pacific. With the creative food and presentations of Chef Craig Strong and the care of the exuberant staff with their detailed explanations of each dish, we had an amazing experience. We started with Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve ($31) champagne while deciding between the tasting menu and the à la carte offerings. Once we learned we could pick and choose to create our own tasting menu. That's exactly what we did. The amuse-bouche included a poached shrimp atop [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:05-04:00September 28th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Beachcomber, Wellfleet, MA

If you have plans to go to the Cape, keep the Beachcomber mind for next summer, as it's the ultimate place for a good time — only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We arrived at the Cape on a Friday afternoon in early September, itching for an entertaining way to start our long weekend after the long drive. We stopped in a couple of places with no atmosphere all, and whispered to the hostess asking where we might find a lively place. She suggested a drive to Wellfleet to this shack like place on the beach. We were so glad we did. You don't go to the Beachcomber [...]

By |2017-08-31T14:10:00-04:00September 23rd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Wahlburgers, Hingham, Massachusetts

If you are from Boston, Mark and Donnie Wahlberg are icons. They act, sing, model and now own a fleet of restaurants headed by younger brother Paul. The A&E reality show, The Wahlburgers has only added to the restaurant’s popularity. I made a lunch date with a friend and together we rode the MBTA ferry to Hingham, a 40-minute ride across scenic Boston Harbor. Wahlburgers is a casual open kitchen concept with paneled wood, concrete floors, green walls and matching chairs. High above are soundproofing panels with Mark and Donnie’s TV and movie name memorabilia. The lure of burgers drew us inside but we were halted by a 2-hour wait [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:57:22-04:00September 17th, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Pachapapa, Cusco, Peru

If you've ever wondered what upscale Andian cuisine tastes like, Pachapapa — which translates to father earth — is a must try in Cusco, Peru. Not adventurous enough to eat the local specialty of whole guinea pig, we did try the marinated alpaca skewers (26 soles/ $8.21). An interesting texture, the closest comparison is beef, with an earthy flavor. The scent of the wood fire oven prompted us to order the smoked trout pizza (29 soles/ $9.15) with mozzarella, capers, onions and arugula. Being inland, river trout is typically the fish of the day in Cusco, and the mildly sweet tomato sauce contrasting with the salty and savory taste of [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:56:28-04:00September 6th, 2015|Bites from the Road, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
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Sam’s at Louis, Boston, Massachusetts

You can never have too many outdoor dining options in the city where a moment of respite brings Zen to a crazy day. I booked a business lunch at Sam’s at Louis after seeing it on  the Boston Globe Magazine list of best restaurant patios. The restaurant in the ever-changing Fan Pier district above the former apparel boutique Louis with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Boston Harbor. Step beyond the stark interior to the wraparound deck stuns with views of the city, yachts, schooners and planes scaling to the heavens. From the get go, the selection of eclectic dishes, attractively plated for sharing, caught our attention. Do try the refreshing [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:48:36-04:00September 3rd, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Big W’s Roadside Bar B Que, Hudson Valley, NY

We left the city heading to Sherman CT for the weekend with a car filled with groceries, planning to cook dinner when we arrived. But as we approached the state we began looking for a place to eat as we were hungry and didn't want to wait. The first place had an hour wait. We kept driving when the driver recalled the amazing BBQ they had recently, not too far from where we were. The aroma from Big W's Roadside Bar B Que on route 22 was enticing, as were the smiles on those eating outside on picnic benches. We happily indulged in their combination plate for one, which was [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:05-04:00September 2nd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill

As you enter Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill on the waterfront (the old Sage American Grill), you are welcomed by wide-open walls of windows with an expansive view of Long Island Sound. The interior features both a raw and a stylish horseshoe shaped bar, ideal for socializing. The décor is fresh and clean with no stereotypical nautical signs. The menu offers small plates, soups & salads, chefs selections and side dishes to share, and features a Simply Prepared Classics section, for those looking for unadorned options with a choice of a simple sauce — a perfect option for those who want simple entrées not overloaded with extra ingredients -- [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:18-04:00August 22nd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Tarry Lodge, New Haven, CT

Tarry Lodge seemed like a good place to meet friends for a birthday celebration. After all it's the positively reviewed new Mario Batali – Joe Bastianich place and I'm a fan of many of their NYC places including Casa Mono and Del Posto. I thought we couldn’t miss. Our waiter was very attentive, but then disappeared. We tried to order wine from three servers — as each had stopped by to see whether we needed anything — before we got a bottle. We chose the wine that was pushed— Toscana La Mozza Morellino di Scansano 2013 ($38) —as it seemed easier to just do so at this point. Their kale [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:18-04:00August 20th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Capital Cocina y Cafe, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Wandering the cobblestone streets of bustling Bogotá, it may be easy to overlook the tiny restaurant Capital Cocina. Located in La Candelaria, a vibrant and historic neighborhood filled with hostels, university students, bars and street art, this restaurant serves one of the best steaks I've ever eaten -- and for a huge bargain. Upon returning the second night, the waiter recognized us and brought over a crispy baked potato chip appetizer with creamy dill yogurt and a spicy red pepper purée for dipping. The main event, the steak entree (Filete de Res: 26,000 pesos/ $10.24) is a hearty portion, perfectly tender and cuts with a butter knife -- no steak knife necessary! That night [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:30:22-04:00August 15th, 2015|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Ventuno, Nantucket, Massachusetts

After a day of riding bikes and enjoying the surf at Nantucket’s Cisco Beach, we dined at Ventuno, a romantic and deliciously executed Italian restaurant that sets the bar high for culinary island dining. We sat in a cozy corner inside the grand colonial with moss green paneling, antique fireplaces and real burning candles on the table, a missed atmosphere gem that I rarely see anymore. Try the rombo di lenza, a large sweet-flavored halibut served with lavender edible flowers, capers, marinated white cauliflower, juicy currants and pine nuts that add a great crunchy texture, all under a base of green spinach and yellow cauliflower purees ($37). The halibut was [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:05-04:00August 6th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Pauly Saal, Mitte, Berlin, Germany

While visiting Berlin earlier this year, I made a late lunch reservation at the 1-star Pauly Saal, a restaurant that I had both read and heard about. My expectations were high.With a Michelin star, I expected both impeccable service and remarkable food. I was seated outside in the restaurant garden at a white cloth-covered table under a giant umbrella. My choices included either the 3-course prix-fixe lunch for a reasonable 49 Euros (~$55) or a la carte. The 34 Euro 2-course option that I had read about and had seen on their website was not available. I selected my courses, asking my server to recommend German wine pairings. Oddly there were [...]

By |2017-09-01T15:27:40-04:00July 28th, 2015|World Restaurants, World Travel, xyz misc|0 Comments
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La Cocina Pepina, Cartegena, Colombia

La Cocina Pepina, Cartagena's hard-to-find Carib-Colombian restaurant in the lively and funky Getsemani neighborhood, is worth the hunt. Blending in to the colorful street with a bright yellow facade, the restaurant's interior is relaxed with rustic and traditional decor. Cartagena is known to have a booming culinary scene with Caribbean and international fare that can rival any American metropolis. This restaurant is no exception. The outstanding appetizer of camarones en aguacate (22,000 pesos/$8.52) is a flavorful and fresh medley of sautéed shrimp, avocado, tomato, red and green pepper, finely chopped onion, cilantro and lime. The perfect starter on a hot afternoon. The dorado asado (29,000 pesos/$11.24) is the dish I [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:37:56-04:00July 11th, 2015|World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
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Dan’s Taste of Summer, Hamptons, NY

Dan's Taste of Summer annual food & wine festival takes in the Hamptons beginning on Friday July 17th with GrillHampton, a competition pitting 8 NYC chefs vs 8 Hamptons chefs in the ultimate grill off. Located at Sayre Park, 156 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton. Tickets available for $125 (inclusive of all food & beverage). Saturday July 18th is the fifth annual Taste of Two Forks, the biggest celebration of East End restaurants bringing together more than 40 spots under one roof, hosted by The Chew's Michael Symon and Hamptonite Katie Lee (also co-host of Food Network's The Kitchen). Also located at Sayre Park, with tickets from $170 for general admission, [...]

By |2017-09-03T08:11:01-04:00July 10th, 2015|Rambling, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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