USA

Valencia Food Truck, Connecticut

Backyard bliss in Norwalk, where a wedding reception that felt like a warm hug — made even better by the Valencia food truck parked just up the hill from the party area. Guests lined up (more than once) for crisp-edged arepas — handmade Venezuelan corn cakes fried to golden perfection, then stuffed with pernil (slow-roasted pork), carne mechada (tender shredded beef), or The Zach (crispy chicken kissed with honey). I didn't overlook the empanadas: flaky pockets of joy filled with chicken tamarillo, beef picadillo, or the surprising standout that I chose — curried cauliflower and ricotta. Love was in the air. So was the smell of garlic and cumin.  

By |2025-11-01T09:59:47-04:00November 25th, 2025|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Esh, Fairfield, Connecticut

There’s something undeniably warm about walking into Esh, Fairfield’s vibrant new nod to modern Mediterranean. Maybe it’s the open wood-burning oven flickering in the corner, or the low hum of conversation drifting over candlelit tables. Or maybe it’s just that, from the moment you arrive, you feel welcomed—not as a customer, but as a guest. The Mezze Quintet ($35) was a standout starter, with smooth, flavorful dips and extra flatbread ($9) that arrived warm and puffed from the oven—worth the extra order. We sampled all five dips that included hummus, tzatziki, spicy feta, baba ghanoush and labneh. Next were the golden and bright Crispy Artichokes ($18), balanced by capers and [...]

By |2025-11-01T09:59:31-04:00November 22nd, 2025|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Midway Mercantile Restaurant, Midway, Utah

Deciding at the last minute to go out and celebrate the kids' 12th anniversary, we opted for a local spot, Midway Mercantile, a New American Cuisine restaurant near their home. We started with their fun Mercantile Cracker Jacks, a popcorn treat with peanuts, scented with Chinese Five Spice powder ($6) and their delicate cornflour-dusted calamari with a sriracha-roasted yellow pepper aioli ($16), each a fun start. We sopped up every drop of the flavorful sauce. We sipped their sparkling rosé, Hubert Meyer France NV ($26) I sampled the shrimp & grits, their flavorful wild shrimp in creamy sauce over yellow corn grits topped with southern greens ($34); one had their [...]

By |2025-11-01T09:58:31-04:00November 16th, 2025|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Litchfield’s, Wigwam Resort, Phoenix, AZ

Five of us slipped away from the conference crowds into Litchfields, the on-site restaurant and popped a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château La Nerthe, Rhône Valley, France 2019 ($135) to accompany our dinner. One had the Duck Bolognese Pasta ($44) with butternut squash, spinach, spiced pine nut and parmesan. Two tried the lamb chili ($18) topped with Crow's dairy goat cheese, Fresno chile and cilantro, served with a blue corn muffin. One the crab cake ($22) topped with avocado crema, guajillo chile and mezcal-infused jícama, another Mary's farm roasted half chicken ($28) with fingerling potatoes, carrot mole and pistachio pesto. The table also ordered blistered shishito peppers ($14) and charred broccolini [...]

By |2024-11-10T11:02:38-05:00November 28th, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Wren & Wolf, Phoenix, AZ

While in Phoenix for the Les Dames d'Escoffier (LDEI) conference, we left the Wigwam and headed into town for dinner at Wren & Wolf one evening. We started with caviar bumps ($12), minuscule compared to what we had at Nebulez. We also shared charred bone marrow with noble toast, chicharrón and chimichurri ($19), a dozen oysters ($23), crème fraîche tuna tartar ($29) and za'atar man'ouche—flatbread with herbs—($16), with gruyere, manchego, artichokes, kalamata olives and micro arugula. Some of our entrees included the rib-eye steak ($69), Faroe Island salmon ($39), and sea scallops ($54). We washed those down with a glass of wine ($14 - $16). If you're visiting Phoenix, this is [...]

By |2024-11-10T11:01:53-05:00November 24th, 2024|USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Fall Fest: Cider, Beer & Spririts Stroll + Luna Red, San Luis Obispo, California

While visiting San Luis Obispo, we attended the inaugural Fall Fest Stroll, run by Downtown SLO. The walk included cider, beer or spirits and bites offered at about 20 shops, followed by a short terrace reception. The net proceeds of the event benefited their clean and safe program. After the event, which featured lots more spirits than food, we headed over to Luna Red on Mission Plaza to share the paella their globally inspired menu is famous for. We shared the de la luna ($52) with housemade aji amarillo-seasoned chicken, chorizo, soft-cooked eggs and English peas over a layer of soccarat — the caramelized, crispy rice — on the bottom of the [...]

By |2024-11-10T10:59:42-05:00November 20th, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Breakfast with a view at Vista Steak and Seafood, Pismo Beach, California

While on the Central Coast of California, we dined at Vista, one of three family-run restaurants on the bluffs in Pismo Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We started brunch with oh, so reasonably priced cocktails—at least compared to Manhattan. The Bloody Mary is $11, the Raspberry Bellini, $12, the Beefeater martini, $12, and a glass of red blend wine, $10. Our waitress was only one of two handling the fairly large restaurant that morning and did so with smiles, apologizing for the wait.  We didn't mind as we were catching up! One indulged in their salmon board (taking much of it home) that included a bagel and cream cheese, smoked [...]

By |2024-11-17T06:06:53-05:00November 11th, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|2 Comments
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Breakfast at Joe’s Cafe, Santa Barbara, California

We had a few hours to kill in Santa Barbara before heading to the airport for our flight home. To have enough time to catch our flight, we took the pre-sunrise Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from San Luis Obispo. We walked into town from the train station, stopping at Joe's, a friendly cafe at the bottom of State Street, where we sat outside to enjoy our last day in California. Fortunately, as train passengers, we could leave our carry-ons ($10 each) with the stationmaster, a service I didn't realize had returned since the pandemic. Joe's is a very friendly cafe with sidewalk seating. We took advantage of that as we were [...]

By |2024-11-17T06:16:00-05:00November 3rd, 2024|Bites from the Road, General Food Info, USA, USA Restaurants|2 Comments
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Shoreline Visits: Shell and Bone, The Stand and Zinc

I'm always amazed at how few restaurants are on the water in Connecticut, a coastal New England state — something I realized while writing for Yankee Travel Guide. And so, when visiting friends in Connecticut, I picked my first dining stop at Shell and Bones on the water in New Haven. Their bloody Mary cocktail is almost a meal ($19) garnished with chorizo, shrimp, bacon, cornichons and olives. I also shared their grilled Baja fish tacos (3 for $19) with cabbage pico de gallo and tomatillos. Another night, we headed to The Stand in Branford one evening for open-air dining and music. There, I indulged in their crispy fried coconut [...]

By |2024-09-13T11:09:40-04:00October 20th, 2024|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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