Tag Archives: dining

QUEEN HELEN OF BROADWAY – MARCH 6-8

It’s the freakin’ weekend! Lots of fun on tap. Helen Mirren on Broadway, Hozier in concert, Bjork at the museum, CoffeeCon… and that’s just touching the surface.

Find World-Class Luxury at the St. Regis Atlanta


Embracing one of the world’s finest hotels was very easy for Atlantans clamoring for world-class luxury. So far, the St. Regis hasn’t disappointed. Tucked away near the heart of Buckhead, the St. Regis is both accessible and exclusive, so there’s a resort feel without the hassle of having to travel far to find things.

But why travel at all when Picture 15everything needed is right there? Work out anytime at the 24-hour fitness facility. Relax at Remède Spa where there’s no one service fits all policy. Instead, services are unique and customized to the guest. Therefore, no facial or massage is the same.

Envision high living on the Mediterranean at the sprawling pool piazza, with its tropical plants and cascading waterfall. Don’t lift a finger thanks to the private butler service, but do bring on the night with the traditional Champagne Sabering dating back to Napoleon Bonaparte’s era. And, of course, fine dining is a requirement at Paces 88. For serious unwinding, there’s the Wine Room or the even more popular St. Regis Bar.

With plush accommodations and such fabulous amenities, no wonder locals and travelers alike rave about the St. Regis Atlanta. All hotels are clearly not equal.

Taste of summer at Sardinia Enoteca

On the quieter side of South Beach, away from the clubbiness of Washington Avenue and the hawkers on Lincoln Road, many restaurants are popping up along Purdy Avenue in the Sunset Harbor neighborhood. Purdy is where the Italian eatery Sardinia Enoteca can be found, as well as their summer lunch and dinner specials running June and July.

Mimicking the popular early fall Miami Spice deals, Sardinia is offering a prix fixe $23 lunch and $39 dinner menu for the two months.

Cozze 2Owner Antonio Gallo and Executive Chef Pietro Vardeu have concocted several delicious choices. For lunch try their spaghetti carbonara, housemade potato gnocchi or Sardinian tuna fish as an entree and delicate mussels or a fresh caprese salad as an appetizer. Dinner selections include a few creative octopus appetizers and choices of housemade rigatoni or diver scallops as entrees. The Wine & Dine Special as they’re calling it, also includes 40% off select wine bottles.

In addition, they’ve launched happy hour specials  on drinks available Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. They include $7 wines by the glass of Bianchi, Rossi or Frizzante or well and featured Stoli cocktails. Corona, Miller Lite, Stella Artois, Heineken or Peroni are all $3.

Sardinia Enoteca is located at 1801 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. Visit their website at sardinia-ristorante.com for a complete list of what’s available.

 

The Boarding house… mammoth wine selection! Even a wine chandelier!

The Boarding House

The Wine Bar at The Boarding House | First Floor
The first floor of The Boarding House serves as the restaurant’s main bar. Enjoy a selection of 20 wines by the glass, 450 wines by the bottle, custom cocktails, specialty spirits and craft beers to pair with Chef Gosselin’s menu of traditional wine bar provisions, including cheeses, charcuterie, shellfish platters, and artisan pizzas. The First Floor Wine Bar menu is distinctly different from the The Dining Room menu. Seating in The Wine Bar is available without reservations.

The Dining Room at The Boarding House
The main dining room at the Boarding House is located on the third floor, featuring exposed beams, inlaid hardwood floors and tables, large bay windows, plush banquettes and an impressive ceiling installation made from more than nearly 4000 wine bottles. The menu features a mix of small, medium, large, and shared plates. Enjoy Chef Gosselin’s wine inspired cuisine, including braised short ribs, chicken three ways, and citrus poached salmon with a 450 bottle wine selection.

The Cellar at The Boarding House | Lower Level
Ideal for sophisticated, late-night revelry, The Cellar at The Boarding House includes an intimate cocktail bar and comfortable lounge seating. Cap the night off with wine or cocktails after your dinner. Experience 450 wines by the bottle, exclusive, high-end wines by the glass, classic cocktails, and luxury spirits, all available with the same menu as featured in The Bar. For more information, click over to boardinghouse.com .

The Publican

Featuring pork and fish/seafood preparations, the menu is best described by Kahan and Huston as “pristine product, simply prepared,” an approach to food Kahan has long espoused in all of his kitchens. The Publican boasts the simplest cuisine of all three properties, each dish stripped of adornment and containing only essential ingredients. The menu is presented in sections: Fish, Meat and Vegetables, each laid out from lightest to heaviest fare.

Pristinely fresh oysters, hand-selected for the restaurant from purveyors with whom the culinary team has formed partnerships over the past year, anchor the fish portion of the menu. From classic Belgian-style mussels to seafood stew to wood-roasted whole fish, the seafood is simple and straightforward yet eclectic in presentation.

Meat dishes center upon pork, all certified organic and sourced from Dyersville, Iowa. Anchored by a wide selection of housemade terrines and charcuteries, the menu changes daily to reflect the seasonal availability of products. Other hearty dishes, again, presented simply and stripped of adornment, include such seasonal items as black and white sausage, steak tartare, pork shoulder and pot-au-feu. Kahan and Huston plan to make the wood-roasted chicken a signature, “… with the best frites in town,” boasts Kahan.

A selection of vegetables rounds out the menu, including such seasonal items as daily aïoli, roasted broccoli, pine nuts and Italian buratta and cauliflower sformato with Marcona almond romesco.

Strong architectural lines dominate the space, which is large, airy and awash in earthy colors. Guests enter The Publican through a glass-enclosed vestibule, its 10-foot-high ceiling offering a glimpse of the restaurant’s 13.6-foot ceiling. Inside, the spacious interior is dominated by a large walnut communal table designed to recall 16th Century European banquets. Set up in racetrack fashion, the banquet table seats upwards of 100 people, side by side.

At the center of the banquet table stands eight English pub-style three-tiered cocktail tables where guests can stand, leaning comfortably on one level, with their beer and food resting on the other tiers. This interior space is large enough for guests who are waiting for tables or visiting the restaurant just for a beer and a bite. Against the east wall stand a series of four-top walnut banquette tables set up on platforms and privatized by table-height swinging doors.

The walls and ceiling are wrapped in a material reminiscent of antique pressed tin. Across the front of the space, 10-foot cafe-style doors open out onto the street. At the back of the restaurant, a partially open kitchen offers a view to the culinary action.

Ed Debevics

Orchestrated ’50s mayhem recalls the diner in the old television series “Happy Days.” Ed’s is jam-packed with action: period decor and memorabilia, deejays spinning gems from the ’50s-’70s (“Tutti Frutti,” “The Twist”) and gum-cracking waitstaff, who shtick it up by dishing out rude comments to all — don’t worry; the sass is all in good fun and part of the joint’s appeal . The “”Route 66” is available for private parties of up to 35 people, the “Elvis Room” handles groups of up to 40. The bustling corps of valet parkers outside are an amusement in itself. Ed’s is one of the city’s best bets for visiting families.

Balena

The Bristol and Boka Restaurant Group have teamed up for this rustic Italian restaurant in the Landmark space in Lincoln Park, where a wood-burning grill and roasting spits work hard to turn out dishes such as cherry and duck bruschetta, whole grilled fish, pizza and panzanella.

Harry Caray’s Restaurant

Located near the main entrance to Navy Pier, Harry Caray’s Tavern waterfront location, family friendly menu, and Chicago’s premier sports museum combine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests of all ages. The extensive menu includes flavorful sandwiches and wraps, pastas, fresh salads, and homemade pizzas. The Chicago Sports Museum, featuring beautifully crafted display cabinets, highlights a rotating collection of museum-quality sports memorabilia, including an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and vintage newspapers celebrating Chicago sports legends, past and present. Harry’s extensive patio offers the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and the excitement of Navy Pier. Click here for more information.

CVI. CHE 105: Peruvian classic with a hip twist

Ceviche

The small, mom and pop eatery in Downtown Miami is slowly disappearing, replaced by modern, hip restaurants and leading the trend is Cvi.che 105.

Chef/owner Juan Chipoco and sous chef and co-owner Luis Hoyos have created an incredible ambiance and menu that is indicative of their passion for traditional, delicious Peruvian cooking. The space is deceivingly large and inviting,  with a bright interior, open kitchen and ultra-contemporary furnishings and accents.

Chipoco blends sexy dishes like seafood orgy ceviche, a blend of marinated raw seafood including fish, calamari and shrimp served in typical Peruvian tiger milk with more traditional ones like Mama Ele Corvina Fish – his grandmother’s recipe of pan roasted fresh corvine fish served with a crab cake in a rocoto sauce and a homemade potato cake

 They also take great care in developing specific flavors for each ceviche depending which region of Peru it represents.

Cviche 105 is located at 105 NE 3 Ave., Miami, FL 305-577-3454, www.ceviche105.com

Sepia: Chic Design & In Living Color Cuisine

Enter Sepia and you feel like you’re stepping on set for some design show on TLC. This place is impeccably designed to perfection. As its name implies, sepia tones alight the ambiance with a sexy and chic mood lighting while elegant touches like candles, gorgeous chandeliers and warm brick walls relax you even sepiabefore the wine hits your lips.

Transformed from an old printing building from 1890 the restoration is nothing short of spectacular.

The food is just as worthy of the spotlight. Flat iron steak with potato confit, maitake with coffee and bearnaise sauces or apple and morcilla stuffed trout with black garlic romesco and white polenta – you really can’t go wrong here.

Showplace Icon Movie Theater

Modern design and delectable dining converge with state-of-the-art cinematic technology for a feast of the senses. ShowPlace ICON Theatre is an entirely new technology for a feast of the senses. Relax and have a drink and a bite before, after, or even during the movie.*

*Guest can bring their cocktails and food into the VIP Premium Reserved section and enjoy their fare throughout the movie.

See and Be Seen at Twist

Twist offers a huge bar area, satay station, tapas menu & pristine sushi & seafood. The dining room seats 300 guests with additional seating for 75 guests on the patio. Twist hosts fun happy hours daily is open late with great food. Thank you! Reservations are guaranteed for inside seating only, patio seating is first come, first serve. Click http://h2sr.com/twist/ here for more information.

Prime Steakhouse

Only one steakhouse in Atlanta features the cuisine of an Internationally renowned chef and a traditional sushi bar. Prime pairs the finest steaks available with sophisticated sushi in an elegant and modern atmosphere. When hosting business meetings, private functions or intimate occasions, Prime’s private dining room, known as our New Castle Room, is available for lease. The Private Dining Room seats up to 22 guests. It is separate from the main dining room, offering the privacy and seclusion that certain gatherings may require. Prime’s Atrium Court, located adjacent to the restaurant, is the perfect venue for large party dining and cocktail receptions. It is available to lease in half or in its entirety. Seating capacities for lunch or dinner are up to 30 guests for half the Atrium area and up to 55 guests for the entire Atrium. The Atrium can also accommodate up to 100 guests for reception style events. Click here for more information.

A Whole New Way to Soak In The Sun: Santa Monica Place

Looking to spend your day shopping? What about a nice glass of wine with an ocean view? Well, if you think you have to pick one or the other, you clearly haven’t visited Santa Monica Place yet.

This new shopping and dining compound is the newest addition to the Santa Monica area, offering everything under the sun, and more.

Let’s talk retail: Santa Monica Place is quickly becoming known for their amazing shops, that include Kitson, Bloomingdales and high-end boutiques such as Tory Burch.

And just when you made the rounds and worked up an appetite, don’t expect your average mall food court (even though they do have that). You can also head right to the top and visit a number of fabulous restaurants, including Sonoma Wine Garden, a restaurant that has quickly become popular for their cheese plates, pizza and selection of wine.

So drop those bags, grab a glass of wine and put your feet up as you soak in the sun – Sonoma’s patio has a breathtaking view of the water.

Welcome to paradise – we mean Santa Monica.

395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
http://www.santamonicaplace.com/

Hopleaf hops no matter the time of day/night

Even when every seat is taken in Hopleaf, it’s considered a slow night. But when patrons pack inside for the extensive beer list and gourmet restaurant menu, things really get hopping at Hopleaf. Despite the busy bar, the atmosphere is decidedly laid back both on the first and top floors.

When waiting for a table, grab a beer and maybe even a book on the history of beers and liquors. Hopleaf’s small library is appropriate for this tavern, considering it opened 18 years ago, just before the craft beer market exploded. Today, it offers more than 250 beer options.

The tavern opens at 3pm every day of the week, 365 days a year.

Pubbelly: Simply stated, it’s hog heaven

The gastropub has come to Miami, Miami Beach that is, in Pubbelly located around the quieter end of South Beach around 20th Street. Smart move, the space has the perfect non-Art Deco-looking Chelsea New York reminiscent look and feel. It fits perfectly with what the trio of young hip owners are going for.

High ceilings, brick walls, rustic but city like, it’s the antithesis of bubblegum, neon, pastel South Beach and the unique menu is the perfect complement. Asian-inspired Gastropub’s the concept here, an unusual blend for sure but one that works.

Try the spaghetti and meatballs with lemongrass, sommen noodles, tomato and peanuts best described as tangy with a surprising addicting flavor. The McBelly with porkbelly, kimchee, barbecue, pickles and shaved onions is a must as is the pubbelly ramen with porkbelly, lemongrass broth and a poached egg. Menu’s divided into small plates (the first two mentioned here) and larger ones like the ramen, as well as veggies, raw/marinated/cured options and sides. Brews, sakes and wines are great here too with a huge selection.

Pubbelly is located at 1418 20 St., Miami Beach, FL

pubbelly 1

Gigi Restaurant: Small bites, big flavor

The latest incarnation in the ever-growing restaurant scene in the Design District is Gigi Bistro. Intimate and hip, it’s obvious they’re going for their own vibe here. Stool seating here outnumbers actual tables and that’s fine. Reaching for shared bites while sitting next to each other is easier than an outstretched arm across a table.

And that’s what they want here, lots of sharing. The small portions, I hate to call them tapas the term’s so overused these days, make for a great experience of sampling different dishes. It’s obvious Chef Jeff McInnis is always thinking up new menu items judging by the small two-sided menu that’s handed out upon arrival (and one side’s all drinks). He makes delicious Asian-inspired buns filled with either beef brisket or with shiitake mushrooms topped with sticky, icky sauce (yes, that’s what it’s called) and sesame. And the super refreshing homestead avocado and tomato salad with citrus, hearts of palm and crunchy rice is a true original.

Gigi is located at 3470 North Miami Ave., Miami, FL

Piece: Eat Your Pizza in Peace

pizzaandbeerWhen you think Chicago and pizza, the image of a 100 pound deep dish usually conjures. Not the case at Piece Pizzeria and Brewery in Wicker Park. Nope. Here slices of just about anything you want can be made and the most popular is actually the “New Haven” style.

From clams to sauteed mushrooms, the topping selections means no one goes home hungry. And the beer? What other perfect accoutrement could one need? With its seven barrel brewery, Piece produces award winning micro brews thanks to brewer John Cutler who was even named top brewmaster at the World Beer Cup Champion as was this small brewpub. Prost!

Garces Trading Company- A Unique Concept

Located in West Washington Square, Garces Trading Company offers a dining experience unlike any other. Whether you are dining at home and looking for a gourmet touch, or looking to dine out-Chef Jose Garces has created a one-stop shop. Food Network’s newest Iron Chef has joined forces with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and opened Garces Trading Company, a cafe, wine shop and on-site bakery. Not only can you go in and purchase a bottle of wine to take home, but you can also buy a bottle with no markup price to accompany you at your table as an afforable asset to your meal. Along with a phenomenal menu for diners, customers can also purchase artisan cheeses, charcuterie, breads, desserts and much more. Although the restaurant is in the middle of the market, the ambience is charming and does not lack an ounce of rustic flare. This unique concept in a Philadelphia original and definitely worth a trip.

Insiders Tip: Check out the vingegar bar, where you can find a plethora of choices to dip your bread in before dinner. The pomegranate balsamic vinegar is delicious! Yum!

Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill: Small bites, big flavor

The concept at Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill is to entice diners with a combination of flavors in a wide variety of small plates, known around Europe (particularly Spain) as “tapas.” They have robata, hot and raw bar kitchens.

Their eclectic menu is contstantly changing so it’s a unique and different experience everytime. Some of their most ambitious items include bacon wrapped dates with linguica and manchego, thin-crust flatbread with cured tuna, tobiko and sour cream and Kobe beef sliders with tonkatsu and quail egg. Their hand picked market greens with with crumbled goat cheese and cherry bing vinaigrette is a great starter, free range bulled barbecue chicken on brioche bread served with zucchini pickles and pommes frites (very fancy and tasty fries) is a great entree sandwich and the homemade el ray chocolate chip ice cream sandwich is a tasty dessert.

Inside, the place is colorful, industrial and edgy with a West Indies flair through their paddle fans, watercolor stained walls, a tall green hedge surrounding the outdoor patio and a killer bar with colorfully displayed wine bottles and alcohol.

Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill is located at 3250 NE 1 Avenue, Miami, FL

SUGARCANE

Epic: Spoil Yourself

epicRocking Hubbard Street, Epic has made a splash on the Chicago scene and for good reason – the service is ridiculously good. On a street and in a ‘hood where new restaurants come and go as fast as fashion fads, Epic should be here to stay as guests feel spoiled indulging in the attentive service and delicious menu.

Here, despite its location in the Midwest, the calamari is as thick, plump and juicy as if you were in Hawaii – same goes for their tuna tartare. Steak lovers rejoice and celebrate in a hearty Midwestern steak and if you’re only down for cocktails, this is the perfect place as well. The dark and sexy lighting makes the medicine go down.

Spiaggia: Killer Clientele, Killer Food

5It has been said that Spiaggia has the best Italian food in all of America by notables for Travel & Leisure and Esquire. Yep, read it and weep Northeast coasters who think you’re the only people to recreate Italian masterpieces.

Going strong since 1984, chef and partner Tony Mantuano is a name to be reckoned with in the world of cuisine. Everyone knows he’s a master, no contests necessary. Just take a look at the crowd that eats here: Michelle Obama, Sir Elton John, the late Princess Diana, Sir Mick Jagger, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel, Paul Newman, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon.

En sum, “Il mio sogno realizzato” says Spiaggia owner and founder Larry Levy, his dream come true.

Wishbone Restaurant: Southern Eatin’ in the Midwest

Rockin’ comfort food since 1990 back when it was nothing more than a few stools and 23 seats, Wishbone Restaurant is clearly doing something right since they’ve now evolved to three locations.DOG_LOGO

Back before Wicker Park was an “it” neighborhood, Wishbone opened as one of the first chef-owned indie restaurants in Chi-town making it a fave locale for artists and hipsters. Today, Wishbone’s three locations continue to host artists and hipsters in the ‘hoods of Berwyn, Lincoln and West Loop.

The secret to their success? Chef and owner Joel Nickson and his brother, co-owner, Guy Nickson are indeed from the south so trust them on their southern take on good eats. Joel even schooled with Anthony Bourdain so let’s hope there was nothing on Kitchen Confidential on Wishbone.


Park Grill: 4 Seasons of Fun

Millennium Park bustles with tourists and locals in the soutdoor-summerummer gawking at art installations, music concerts and taking summer strolls while the winter hosts bundled up cuties of all ages circling the ice rink with their best moves. All seasons, this park swarms with action and the perfect place to tuck in to rest your feet in between park time is where else, but the Park Grill, found in the center of it all.

Lunchtime heats up with local business power lunches while happy hours revel in drink specials while dinners are posh yet classsic, top notch yet not over the top. In other words, Park Grill is always a safe bet and has been since it and the park’s debut in ’03.

Venice Beach: Down By the Boardwalk

venice beach pic

Whether you are looking for snow cones, inexpensive sunglasses or guys flexing at Muscle Beach, just about anything and everything can be found at the Venice Beach boardwalk.

Known for its sidewalk art displays and t-shirt shops, the energy at the boardwalk never lets up. With endless dining options and street cafes such as James Beach or Hash at Hotel Erwin, visitors can choose to dine in or on the go from endless street vendors and walk-in locations.

Along with endless dining options, the Venice Beach boardwalk is known for its shopping, from t-shirt shops to stands filled with sunglasses as well as a plethora of vintage clothing stores.

Not only is the boardwalk known for dining and shopping, but it has become famous for street performers and art displays. Whether it’s a palm reader, henna tattoo artist or someone painting portraits on the spot, all artists alike come to Venice beach to display their talents for all that travel the boardwalk to witness.

Crowds and parking to even access the boardwalk can be a nightmare on the weekends. Many private parking lots will grant you all day access for a fee. As far as visiting hours, most will tell you to visit when it is light out because the boardwalk can take on a different vibe at night.

Diggin’ Deep Dish at Gino’s

ginos_pizza_chicago-0953There are two types of pizza in this world. New York thin slice and Chicago deep dish. Sorry, Italy – your pizza doesn’t really even register anymore. If you ask the DJs Deep Dish, their answer is simple – Chicago pizza takes the cake (or pie). When they moved to the USA, they fell so in love with it, that they named themselves after it.

When looking for that classic Chicago deep dish, the place to go is Gino’s East . Don’t expect the most glamorous ambiance or the best service, no, no. This is all about the checkered table cloth, simple service but amazing pizza. There’s just something about that cornbread crust.

Beginner’s beware: You don’t need a lot of pie here. One piece will likely fill you up in a beautiful way. Also, if you think you’re in a hurry – forget it! A deep dish pizza at Gino’s will run you a minimum of 30 minutes – but hey, heavenly taste don’t come easy baby, so chill.

Third Street Promenade: How to Walk & Shop

With 30 blocks of restaurants, shopping and live entertainment, one trip to Third Street Promenade is all it takes to get you hooked. From fire throwers to live street performances, there is always something new and exciting happening on the streets of Santa Monica.

Minutes away from the Santa Monica Pier as well as the ocean, Third Street Promenade is always happening, from early in the morning to late at night. Though the Promenade is filled with original boutiques and restaurants, it definitely has its fair share of name brand stores and well known restaurants.

Though the restaurants, live entertainment and shopping could drive anyone in, Third Street Promenade seems to gain popularity during the Summer time when shoppers can walk up and down the promenade. At night, the Promenade turns into a row of bars and breweries for those looking to party by the beach.

If you plan on visiting during a particular time, make sure to check the list of events located on Downtown Santa Monica’s website. You can find dining events, music shows and art exhibits that will occur on the streets of Santa Monica.

Even though it’s Third, it definitely finishes first.
Third Street Pic

Mon Ami Gabi: Fun to Say & Great to Eat

ATwinetasteIf you aren’t familiar with Lettuce Entertain You, the big wigs and ingenious company behind so many staple Chicago bistros and top notch eateries, than either you’re not in the biz or not from the Windy City. It doesn’t really matter, what does, is that you sample some of their top joints, one of those being the most fun to roll off the tongue: Mon Ami Gabi.

If your high school French is failing you, N’inquiétez pas, it simply means, My friend Gabi. Just as fun as the bistro’s name, is the executive chef and owner of six of the top Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, Gabino Sotelino (hence the name). Sotelino is touted as one of Chicago’s best and a few samplings of his French delicacies will tell you why.

Classic French fare is done just right and the ambiance is cozily reminiscent of that corner bistro in Paris, yet the gluten free menu and option to buy their steaks online make it all-American too.

So Chic And So Good: Terzo Piano at the AIC

When the Modern Wing of the AIC unveiled in 2009, it gave the already gigantic museum an additional whopping 65,000 square feet of modern galleries designed by Renzo Piano. Thankfully, Chicago also got a restaurant out of it: Terzo Piano. Those who don’t have time to do the museum can still enjoy the fresher-than-fresh offerings from the restaurant as well as its striking views of Millennium Park and Chi-town skyline.Picture 6

With salads so fresh you wonder where the garden is, delectable flatbreads and entrees, taste anything they offer and you’ll realize Chef Tony Mantuano (of Spiaggia) can do no wrong! And after your main course, it’s simply a must that you indulge in the cava di stagionatura or the authentic cheese cave. Fresh picks of cheese from neighboring masters in Wisconsin and imported delights from around the globe are the perfect way to finish your extended lunch or dinner.

As for the decor, think Modern Wing baby. Just as the wing was designed, so was the restaurant. Stark, clean white is complemented by earth accents of subtle metal and wood: so chic and so, so good.

Iconic Gibsons Steakhouse is Good Enough for Johnny Depp

If there is one iconic restaurant in Chicago, it may just be Gibsons Steakhouse. This is Chicago at its best: mouth watering steaks, a bar that never runs dry and serves nothing but premium liquors and wines, celeb sightings to watch for and enough people watching to compete with your appetite.

Rounding off the “Viagra Triangle,” yes, the ‘hood really is called that because of the Ferrari driving white-haired men and their hot young things, Gibsons Steakhouse is the place to be. In case you don’t want to call its digs the V Triangle, it’s also known as the Gold Coast area where Rush Street and State Street become one. Gibsons Steakhouse is literally packed from Monday through Sunday, partly because of the financial district heads who dine there or the ladies who lunch (and linger until happy hour), but the place gets jumping early and ends late. If you want to snag a good table, you’ll want to head there at 4ish on a weekday!

As for the Johnny Depp connection? Gibsons Steakhouse was a favorite eating place for Depp when filming the mobster flick: Pubic Enemies. Johnny liked the place and its service so much, he left a $4,000 tip! So if it’s good enough for Johnny, you better believe you’re going to love Gibsons.

Wild & Wonderful at the W Hotel in Westwood

The W Hotel in Westwood is the perfect hideaway for a Los Angeles vacationer. Hidden in a residential neighborhood, you can forget about the hustle and bustle of foot traffic, but are minutes away by car. This perfectly situated hotel has everything you could every want: from an amazing spa to beautiful rooms, a perfect place to grab a cocktail and an even better place to sweat it all off.

With great rooms and even better service, the Picture 20W Hotel is home to Bliss Spa, one of the most prestigious and well known spas in LA. Over-the-top treatments and indulgences are waiting behind the blue signage and it’s a perfect perk for the hotel guest.

Along with a great spa, the W Hotel features an amazing pool area called “WET” and fitness facility titled “SWEAT.” Both “WET” and “SWEAT” are two reasons people choose the W, from the newly redesigned heated pool to a state-of-the-art workout room that any gym enthusiast could dream of.

The W Hotel also features some great dining experiences, from NineThirty, a great place to experience American cuisine, to The Backyard, located poolside and also recently redesigned.
If all of this sounds intriguing and you are ready to make plans, make sure to check the website before you do. The Starwood Hotels are always offering amazing deals and packages to make sure your stay is as perfect as what the hotel can offer you.

Five Courses of French Heaven at Les Nomades

Picture 11Ask a Frenchie in Chicago where he or she loves to go for la cuisine francaise authentique and you’re most likely to hear “Les Nomades.” Pourquoi? It’s simple, with amazing array of plats premiers like herb roasted Maine lobster, Chantenay carrot purée, sugar snap peas, Madras curry natural jus; main courses like Duo of Squab Breast and Crispy Veal Sweetbreads with mustard greens, quinoa, sauce d’épice;  fromage plates and desserts like chesnut bon bon mousse coffee ganache and Guanaja chocolate cremeux. After all this, you’ll wish the five hour, five course meal would never end.

Inside a chic brownstone just steps off of Michigan Avenue, Les Nomades is zee perfect place to rest your shopper’s feet while sipping back wine from the award winning list. From Forbes, AAA Four Diamond, Zagat to Wine Spectator, this place has won all the awards that count. The service alone speaks for its status.

Insider’s Tip: Pay the $130/person for the five course meal, you won’t regret it.

From Classic Blues to Progressive DJs at House of Blues

Tucked away in an area that oozes a “Gotham City” vibe (and yes, The Dark Knight was filmed in Chi-town), Chicago’s House of Blues stands as a gigantic blue-lit seashell (in truth, it was modeled after “Estavovski” Opera House in Prague) in between the sexy Hotel Sax, the delicious wine bar and restaurant Bin 36, and just off of Marina City.

house of blues chicagoInside, the mish-mash of bright decor and blues memorabilia houses a restaurant full of hearty home cookin’ plates of goodness, an area large of enough for 1,000 dancin’ bodies and an intimate stage – perfect for grabbing great views of your favorite stars. Having hosted a long list of greats since its opening in 1996 like B.B. King, The Who, Pearl Jam and Al Green, the “House” stays true to its roots by housing a box full of mud from the Delta Mississippi underneath its stage – how’s that for a fun fact?

Night after night, Chicagoans and tourists count on this classic for the best of yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s hot artists. And yes club kids – that means you too! Plenty of world famous DJs also adorn the HOB Chicago stage!

Insider’s Tip: If you love the HOB Chicago so much, become a member of the Foundation Room, a unique bar full of 300 year old international artifacts, three “prayer rooms” a full bar, dinner menu and great people-watching all attached to the main room. No Member’s Only Jacket included, unfortunately.

It’s All About Legs at Hugo’s Frog Bar

Chicago’s Gold Coast is a mecca of fine dining and celeb sightings. Where Rush Street turns into State Street- what Chicagoans call the Viagra Triangle for its reputation of older men with arm candy dates- is a scene of classic Chicago restaurants where Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House stands out above the crowd as one of the best spots for seafood you’ll find west of the Atlantic.

But before you even get to the mouth-Picture 15watering menu options of crab, lobster, oysters (for the aphrodisiac lovers) and fresh fishes, it’s all about the legs. Oui, les frog legs that is. Lathered in garlic and delicious spices, the frog legs at Hugo’s are so scrumptious that even the pickiest of eaters tend to become leg lovers post visit. If you save enough room after the legs, the menu is chalk full of more seafood options and of course, plenty of turf for meat lovers as well.

Equally as notable as the delicious cuisine here however, is the charm of the ambiance. The ol’ maritime interior and swingin’ vibe leave patrons in a jolly good mood as they sip dirty martinis and their conversations begin to spill from one table to the next.

Viagra not included.

Ooh La La, Le Provencal C’est Magnifique!

Picture 7The classics of French cuisine and wine are expertly represented at the beacon that is Le Provencal restaurant in Coral Gables. For years, the place was nestled in a corner of Miracle Mile, and now finds itself a new home in the center of the ritzy street. The menu though, prepared by Chef Christian Antoniotti, hasn’t changed a bit. It’s still chock full of traditional French fare including bouillabaisse du Provencal- a fish, mussels, sea scallops and shrimp stew; duck leg confit with chestnuts; endive salad with walnuts and roquefort cheese. Pair the meal with a wine from their impressive selection (the list includes reds, whites, and sparklings) from the USA and around the world. The look and feel, from the food and wine to the simple decor, is all French bistro done at its finest.

5. Eat Out for Boston Restaurant Week March 14-26

Picture 19Besides all the drinking this month for St. Patrick’s Day, Boston has a two-week holiday known as “Restaurant Week.” From March 14-19 and 21-26, dozens of restaurants across the city will be offering signature dishes at a ridiculously low rate: two-course lunches for $15.10, three-course lunches for 20.10 and three-course dinners for 33.10. Participating restaurants include some of Boston’s best, like The Cafe at Taj Boston, Capital Grille, Ginger Park and Mooo. For two weeks in March, there’s no better excuse to eat a three-course lunch and dinner every single day.

Drink Your Way Through Dinner at Prosecco

Picture 10Making a toast is oh-so-easy at Chicago’s chic River North Gallery district’s restaurant, Prosecco. After all, they have the largest selection of sparkling wines in the whole city. White linen tables, authentic seasonal Italian cuisine with homemade pastas, and plenty of romantic ambiance make this place a hotspot for dates– and for those looking for love.

At Prosecco it’s not just about making that initial toast with the sparkling wine, however. The mantra is that the sparkling wines of Italy stand alone, both the reds and the whites and need not/should not be limited only as a starter beverage, but rather enjoyed throughout the duration of the meal. For those unfamiliar with the pairing of sparkling wines for each course, leave it to the friendly staff to guide you to the bubbly of your preferences. And don’t forget about the elegant Italian food that’s made Prosecco one of the best new restaurants in Chicago.

The bar here is equally as fun as the ristorante. Painted to look like Caravaggio’s “Confessional of St. Paul,” it’s the drinks that will have people confessing, like the Mionetto Brut Prosecco with Chambord and 24 carat gold dust! The long, classic bar is one of the best in the city, making it perfect for those wishing to get buzzed on bubbly wine with a new, special someone.

When a quick trip to Veneto, Italia isn’t quite doable, Prosecco should suffice just fine. Cheers to that.

Rosewood Crescent is a Landmark of Luxury

It’s impossible to miss The Rosewood Crescent Hotel. Its eye-catching French windows and pristine white exterior beckon a peek inside the uptown landmark. Upon entering, the vaulted ceilings, marble floors and fresh flowers confirm what you already suspected: this is a first class hotel that doesn’t compromise on style or service.

For the health nut, the fitness center’s classes,Picture 13 like Pilates and kickboxing, are added perks. For those looking to relax during their stay, the spa offers over 77 treatments ranging from wraps, scrubs, massages and nail care.

When you want to venture out of your room that includes 480-threadcount Egyptian sheets and cuddly terry bathrobes, the Shops and Galleries of The Crescent are the perfect solution. The shops carry bath and beauty products, fine art, linens, home products, and you’ll also find dining that rivals the best restaurants in the city.

It isn’t uncommon to see a beautiful bride celebrating her day at this hotel as it boasts some of the most luxurious weddings and special events in Dallas. From the moment you arrive to the moment you check-out, The Rosewood Crescent lives up to its look and reputation, and instills the desire to return again soon.

Killer Kobe & Clientele at Beach’s Prime 112

Housed inside a former hotel and looking more like a Key West-inspired structure than anything resembling Art Deco, the hotspot foPrime 112 #2r dining south of Fifth Street on South Beach is Prime 112. Walk through the doors of this quaint yet brightly colored restaurant — seriously, it’s a cheery yellow wooden structure with white trim — and the sense of “this is the place to see and be seen” is immediately evident. Celebrities and all-star athletes love to celebrate here, seeing as the food and ambiance are amazing.

Known for the killer steaks — filet mignon, Kobe, strip, porterhouse, rib eye — they’ve got them all and then some. The seafood selections, including local swordfish, crab crusted grouper, wild salmon and Chilean sea bass, are perfect for seafood connoisseurs. And the ridiculous amount of of potato-inspired sides and other traditional fare makes ordering here that much more entertaining. Obviously, reservations are strongly recommended.

Michy’s Does James Beard Winning Experimentation

Having fun and experimenting with the menu is what it’s all about at Michy’s, the swanky, hip restaurant created by James Beard Foundation-winning chef Michelle Bernstein.Picture 7 Named after her childhood nickname, Michy’s is a reflection of her Cuban and Jewish heritage.

This cozy spot is the perfect match for a menu filled with original creations that beckons hints of her Cuban background with an added twist and flair from other countries. At this place, sharing is encouraged with dishes served as half or full sized. So go ahead, reach across the table, and take a piece of the crispy serrano ham and blue cheese croquettes served with a tangy, sweet fig marmalade; the crisp pork belly nectarine salad, soy ginger vinaigrette and spicy pickled radishes; or steak frites churrasco, house made fries with bearnaise and au povre dipping sauces.

Wash it all down with a suave Miami-inspired champagne mojito. Ahhh, now that’s  refreshing!

It’s Location, Location at Sir Francis Drake Hotel

Looking for classic downtown digs with an offbeat San Francisco vibe?  The Sir Francis Drake Hotel in Union Square offers luxury lounges, romantic suites, and spectacular views of the city, complete with the famous Beefeater doorman to welcome your stay.  Even if you’re not here to lodge, most everyone loves stopping to pose with the most photographed man in the city.Picture 15

Location is the draw of this hotel with the clang of San Francisco’s historic cable cars at the front door and shops like Tiffany & Co. and Hermes just around the corner.  The Financial District and Moscone Center are also within walking distance if you’re in town on business.

Should you choose to stay in for the evening, The Drake boasts two of the most popular venues in the city.  Enjoy a fine Italian/French candlelit dinner at Scala’s Bistro on the main floor, with a menu created by Bravo’s Top Chef Jen Biesty.  Then sip cocktails with San Francisco’s most famous socialite Harry Denton in The Starlight Room, a 1930’s glam lounge on top of the hotel.  It’s a sparkly, starry view from the top floor of the hotel, and you’ll thank yourself for booking your stay here.