USA Restaurants

Our favorite restaurants in the US

Centro, Des Moines (IA)

One night in Des Moines, I ended up dining at Centro down the street from the Suites of 800 Locust Hotel and Spa where I was staying. The prices were amazing  with a three course Prezzo Fisso at $25, the food not so (compared to New York). The food was tasty, but nothing out of the ordinary. I started with a sweet (uncooked) local corn salad with roasted red pepper, scallions, basil, parsley and feta cheese.  A nice melange of flavors, but missing something.  A splash of champagne vinegar? Lemon Juice? Salt? Something. I ordered the wood-grilled Niman Ranch pork chop medium. It arrived well done. The second version was [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:34-04:00August 26th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Midwestern Hospitality in Des Moines (IA)

I had been through Iowa a number of times driving across the country, but hadn't spent time in Des Moines. Last month while attending a Soy Foods Council editors trip to learn everything there was to learn about soy, I also learned about Midwestern hospitality. That welcoming began at the Suites of 800 Locust Hotel & Spa when I attempted to get online in my hotel room that purported to be wireless. I needed to post that week's Bite. Who came to my rescue? Not a technician, but one of the hotel owners - Bradie Weeter. I couldn't believe Bradie's smile and warmth, as she was having one of those [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:34-04:00August 25th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|2 Comments
Read More

Man on the Moon Commemorative Cheese

I mean, really? It's just too funny not to post! So, apparently the first man on the moon is going to be commemorated in cheese! July 20, 2009 marks 40 years since man first realized the dream of landing on the moon. Although the traditional 40th anniversary gift is ruby, Sarah Kauffman, the “Cheese Lady,” is commemorating the event in true “moon” form – with cheese! (What else?!) Kaufmann will be carving a life-size astronaut out of 1,800 lbs of Wisconsin white cheddar. Sarah began her carving on July 17 at a local Kroger supermarket in Saint Marys, Ohio. Customers were invited to stop by the store, watch the carving, [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:34-04:00August 24th, 2009|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
Read More

Stonehouse (Guilford, CT), a Pleasant Surprise

Having never been the the Old Stone House in Guilford, I looked forward to trying it for lunch. I wasn't disappointed — at least in the food. Nancy — one of my friends — had been there many times before and insisted we get some onion rings while we perused the menu trying to decide what to order. Before we could disagree, she asked the waiter to bring us an order... They were as good as she had described. The three of us nibbled the lightly battered thin wisps of onions while we continued our nonstop conversation. Good thing, as it was more than half an hour later our waiter [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:35-04:00August 18th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Avec, Chicago – Well Worth the Visit (…and the Wait)

I made a date to return to Avec, as soon as I knew I was heading to Chicago for the BlogHer conference last month. I had been before, but used any excuse to return this time with my camera in hand so  I could share photos. Avec is a wine bar located next door to Blackbird, where I've eaten a couple of times (both owned Paul Kahan). I'd go back to Avec every time I'm in Chicago, but not  Blackbird. There are no reservations at Avec; you sit at communal tables with many others. Aptly, Avec means "with" in French. Each time I've befriended (and sometimes even shared food with) [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:35-04:00August 14th, 2009|Foodie Interviews, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
Read More

Bistro Basque, Milford CT, Well Worth the Trip

Just like the Basque region is divided between France and Spain, so is Bistro Basque's menu: it combines Spanish tapas with French bistro offerings in a casual atmosphere with incredibly friendly service. Leonardo Carreno, the manager, greeted me and my friend with a smile that didn't fade from his initial description of the wine offerings up until we received our check. I'd go back just for his friendliness and efficiency! As we waited for our first tapas, we sipped Aizea "Breeze" Albariño ($8 a glass).  Interestingly,  this is the same crisp and citrusy Albariño served at the Manolo restaurant media event. David Fernandes, originally from Biarritz in the Basque region [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:36-04:00August 5th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Manolo, Westport (CT), Mediterranean Fare

Pedro Garzon cooks from the heart at Manolo, his new Mediterranean restaurant in Westport (CT) where the short-live Zest used to be. Courses are offered in two sizes: one portion or — what he prefers to serve — a family style platter, so you feel at home. Pedro, a former chef at New Haven's Barcelona Restaurant on Temple Street, selects the best foods and handles it as little as necessary. I experienced that last month at a dinner for Connecticut press to introduce us to his cooking. We began with platters of charcuterie, another of smoky white bean hummus, roasted peppers and olives while sipping Aizea "Breeze" Albariño Rias Baixas, 2006 [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:37-04:00July 31st, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|4 Comments
Read More

Eat a Pizza, Win a Vegas Vacation…

A free trip to Las Vegas for eating pizza... Hard to turn that down! I'll admit that I've never even tried this place (hey, I'm from New Haven.. I know pizza.. I don't mess around with chains!), but I feel that I have to let you know about free contests... So, here you go! Cici's Pizza is having a giveaway. This summer, lucky guests all across the country might find themselves the winner of one of five grand prize family getaways to Las Vegas. The CiCi’s Peel and Win Summer Promotion launched in June and includes five grand prizes of an all expense paid family trip for four to Las [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:37-04:00July 24th, 2009|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|4 Comments
Read More

Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar and Cafe, Hamden, CT: Not to be Missed

Ignacio Blanco has done it again — this time offering a dining spot with fabulous Spanish tapas in the New Haven suburb,  Hamden, CT. You may have read about or tried Blanco's food elsewhere. He first opened Meson Galicia turned Meigas in Norwalk, then Cafe Pikas Tapas turned Ibiza in New Haven.  The two Connecticut places have been described by more than one food writer as the best Spanish food not in Connecticut, but in the country. We're talking innovative Spanish food like you'd find in Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and other Spanish cities. I had heard about -- but missed -- the opening of Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar and Cafe last [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:38-04:00July 15th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Gourmet Beer: Estrella Damm INEDIT

I heard a very interesting announcement recently about the launch of Estrella Damm INEDIT, a beer specifically created for food pairings. This artisinal beverage is crafted by Ferran Adrià & Juli Soler (elBulli chef & sommelier) and Estrella Damm, the ubiquitous brewer of Barcelona. How can you argue with this product!? This incredible beer is already highly lauded within talented circles of the culinary community. INEDIT was introduced to the US during an event hosted by Dan Barber at his restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Barber was recently awarded Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and named the nation’s Top Chef by the James Beard Foundation. [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:44:15-04:00July 13th, 2009|Food & Drinks, USA Restaurants, World Restaurants, World Travel|11 Comments
Read More

116 Crown: Cocktails From Classic to Contemporary

116 Crown's maestro mixer John Ginnetti held a master class and cocktail tasting at his restaurant last week during the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. "All cocktails basically have three components," explained John, "a base, a modifying agent and something additional either for flavor or to smooth the mix." For a martini, that's the gin, vermouth and a twist. While he discussed the fine art of making cocktails, two of the restaurant's bartenders busily mixed all six variations for tour participants (over 21, of course). We sampled the classics — a champagne cocktail, martini, and original rye sour — to the truly contemporary — a monza, corpse reviver and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:40-04:00June 26th, 2009|Recipes, Starters, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

AIA/LA Restaurant Design Awards

The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA/LA) recently announced the list of finalists for the 2009 Restaurant Design Awards (RDAs). AIA/LA extended the reach of their contest for the first time since the RDAs inception in 2005, now accepting projects from any US-based firm for consideration. This year, the list of finalists includes restaurants, cafés and nightclubs from California, Texas, Colorado, Brazil and China (Where is New York!!?). The winners will be announced at the 5th Annual Restaurant Design Awards Ceremony at Mobius LA, hosted during the Dwell on Design conference on Friday, June 26. Here are the finalists (seems a bit California-centric though, don't ya think?) RESTAURANT FINALISTS [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:22:03-04:00June 25th, 2009|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake

Since my initial move to Atlanta a few years back, I've realized there are certain things that are sacred, things that you just can't make fun of, no matter what. University of Georgia football is probably number one on the list, though Chick-fil-A and peaches are a close second and third. I think we've found the holy trinity.. Chick-fil-A is one of the largest fast food companies in existence (though completely foreign to me when I got to Atlanta - Connecticut is actually one of the few states without a single franchise, odd!). The Georgia-based company is historically famous for their chicken sandwiches, though since the launch of their handspun [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:25:00-04:00June 23rd, 2009|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

From Iberia to Latin America: Last Stop Geronimo Restaurant

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill (271 Crown Street, New Haven; 203.777.7700) was the last stop on the first Foodie Tour of the Festival of Arts & Ideas last Saturday June 10. Tableside is the word for service at Geronimo's. Jon Isaacson demonstrated the preparation of a tableside margaritas made only from fresh squeezed lime juice, cointreau and blanco (or silver, clear) tequila. The cost? No more than just ordering a regular one -- but much more fun to watch. Next Alex Diaz demoed the preparation of their tableside guacamole with a dish of mashed avocado,  fresh lime juice, onions, jalapeno peppers and fresh cilantro prepared in a mocajete. (A [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:40-04:00June 19th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

From Iberia to Latin America: Second Stop Bespoke Restaurant

"Where do I get green apple juice?" asked Arturo Franco-Camacho, as he smiled and sliced a green apple before putting it through a juicer. "Simple!" The rooftop of Bespoke restaurant was the second stop of the From Iberia to Latin America foodie tour at the Arts & Ideas Festival this past weekend. If you haven't yet dined al fresco at Bespoke (266 College Street, New Haven, 203.562.4544), make a plan to do so this summer. It's up two flights of stairs, but it's worth the walk - and it's obviously only open weather permitting. Tour participants enjoyed Arturo Franco-Camacho's cooking demonstration of the Apple-Inspired Ceviche -- consisting of shrimp, scallops, [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:40-04:00June 17th, 2009|Foodie Interviews, USA Restaurants, USA Travel, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

From Iberia to Latin America: First Stop Ibiza Restaurant

The Foodie tours have commenced with the first of seven — for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas 2009 — held on Saturday June 13. Flavors from Iberia to South America's first stop was Ibiza, 39 High Street, New Haven (203.865.1933) hosted by owners Juan Carlos Gonzales and his wife Maria. Chef Manuel Romero demonstrated vieiras (scallops). Specifically Seared George Bank sea scallops with asparagus, butternut squash, grape tomatoes in a potato foamy emulsion. The chef first lightly seasoned the scallops with a pinch of salt and then seared them in extra virgin olive oil; he set them aside as he added thinly diagonally sliced asparagus, diced butternut squash [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:41-04:00June 15th, 2009|Foodie Interviews, Other happenings, Recipes, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Chilie Peppers, San Luis Obispo

A garlicky shrimp burrito? That's what the relatives I was visiting in San Luis Obispo kept raving about. I just had to try it. One night we drove over to Chilie Peppers — a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with super friendly staff — for take-out. My sister Shelly had taken orders as the two of use went to pick it up. My niece and uncle had planned to share a burrito. I thought they just weren't very hungry. Little did I know that burrito is the size of a heavy text book — a huge amount of food inside a tomato tortilla. The Garlic Spicy Shrimp Burrito ($8.36) contains garlic sauteed [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:41-04:00June 12th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Novo Restaurant, San Luis Obispo

Lunch at Novo Restaurant in the historic downtown area of San Luis Obispo was my last chance to treat my sister and niece to a meal. I had high hopes for this restaurant known for its many international flavors. We were seated on the patio overlooking the San Luis Creek. Could the fact that there wasn't a cloud in the sky be a sign that this meal would be perfection? I had high hopes. Consistent with the rest of my visit, we ordered a Central Coast wine, this time a crisp Tangent Albarino ($30). In typical fashion, we opted to split everything. We started with deep-fried Potato Samosas ($8) — Indian [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:41-04:00June 10th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Lido Restaurant at Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, Pismo Beach, CA

To thank my sister Shelly and niece Cindy for their hospitality, I wanted to take them to dinner. They only knew we were heading for a girls night out. After much discussion, we selected Lido restaurant in Pismo Beach, where Cindy had been and raved about their service. That plus learning that the restaurant is committed to supporting local ranchers and farmers by using products sourced from California's Central Coast, made it the ideal choice. At least that's what we thought. Our waiter Eric burst the bubble immediately. We ordered a local Central Coast wine. Thirty minutes later we finally received it. (And, I need to add that the restaurant [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:41-04:00June 8th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Corky’s BBQ — An Unplanned Stop in Memphis

On a non-stop flight from Dallas to LGA, the captain reported, "We've just lost an engine, and will be landing in Memphis in 20 minutes. Please put up your tray tables....." Carly — my new exit-row friend — and I, looked at each other and agreed that she'd get the door if need be. Fortunately, we landed safely and with enough time to sample some Memphis BBQ at Corky's. After enjoying every succulent bite of the pulled pork sandwich topped with cole slaw ($7.99), I learned Corky's slow cooks  — 18 hours — the meat in BBQ pits using both hickory chips and charcoal, bastes it with a special blend [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:20:41-04:00June 5th, 2009|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|3 Comments
Read More
Copyright 2012 - 2021 BiteOfTheBest | All Rights Reserved
Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top