Tag Archives: Food

WEEKEND BY THE WATER – AUG 4-6

The weekend is pack with tons to do! Fantasia, Babyface, Rancid and Dropkick Murphy are in concert. Plus, the cast of Nashville comes to Coney Island and ready up for binge watching.

CLEAR THE TABLE – JUL 24

Happy Monday NYC! We hope you find this week ful-“filling” as NYC Restaurant Week begins today! Plus, enjoy a benefit concert by Muse or various theatrical performances.

ALL OF THE LIGHTS – DEC 3

Celebrate the holidays in Central Park, hit a new spot for lunch, or cheer on the Rangers tonight.

LORD OF THE LAUGHS – NOV 10

Flashy dancing, LOL’s galore, and a food event that will tickle your tastebuds today on Citybuzz.

HAUNTED HUMP DAY – OCT 28

Halloween starts early with a haunted tour, plus where to grub and basketball is back!

PLAYOFFS?! – OCT 2

Happy Weekend!! Last chance to catch a regular season Mets game, plus a couple of fall festivals goin’ down.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS – SEPT 15

A classic movie’s anniversary, another celeb book signing, and where to eat… today on Citybuzz!

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ – SEPT 11-13

The Oscars of food trucks, another great tasting event in Brooklyn, and shop your DIY faves this weekend.

BONJOUR, MY LOVE! – MARCH 13-15

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day early, catch a new B’way show, or indulge in a sweet foodie event (or 2)! Happy Weekend, New Yorkers.

The Bazaar

The Bazaar also features vitrines curated by Murray Moss of Manhattan’s (and West Hollywood’s) hyper-design shop Moss, and if you see something you’ve just got to have — a fabulously expensive Nymphemburg porcelain tchotchke, a gilded piglet piggy bank, a vintage model powerboat, a fetching pair of gentleman’s shoes or, my favorite, a set of finger puppets depicting five or six notables (including Maharishi Mahesh Yogi) — why, by all means break out that platinum credit card. The rest of us will just goggle.

The Bazaar has some of the same theatricality, but it’s more accessible. And more fun. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a serious restaurant (serious in the sense that each dish is a revelation) that was as engaging and playful. Yet each dish has a kind of laser precision, especially the more contemporary ones from the Blanca side of the menu.

Brownstown Jazz classes up Bed-Stuy at Sankofa Aban

Imagine you are transported to a 1930s jazz venue listening to some of the greatest jazz musicians in the world. Such an experience is only a subway ride away at Sankofa Aban in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Here is a place where you can listen to great musicians from the Bed-Stuy jazz scene, while enjoying a complementary fish fry dinner and some wine. Stick around late Friday or Saturday nights for Open Mic. night for the opportunity to perform with these great talents!

Rustic meets refined at Betony, a modern American Restaurant

Betony is a Modern American restaurant overseen by Executive Chef Bryce Shuman (Eleven Madison Park) and General Manager Eamon Rockey (Eleven Madison Park, Atera, and Aska). The restaurant features soaring ceilings, contemporary photos of New York City street scenes, a bar, lounge and dining room.

Pick Your Favorite Brew at Public House

If you could go to a bar where you can have any type of beer, which one would you choose? At Public House, it’s all about beer. Located in the heart of Chicago, this bar/restaurant has hundreds of different drafts of beer, a great food selection, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It is a great place to not only eat and drink but also socialize with other beer-lovers. Only after one visit will you want to come back for more.

Eat Breakfast Any Time Of Day At Buvette

Buvette is an exquisite French-Italian breakfast cafe where you can meet for food and drink anytime of day. Located in the West Village, this unique restaurant serves a wide variety of food. You can either go in the morning and eat a fluffy brandade with fresh squeeze orange juice or sit down for dinner with steak tartare and a glass of champagne. Another satisfying feature includes a French and Italian list of wines that makes Buvette a place where breakfast and wine can coincide.

A play on brunch at Tongue & Cheek

The restaurant’s name is certainly a play on words but the owners of Tongue & Cheek aren’t messing around when it comes to brunch. They’re taking it as seriously as any other meal of the day.

Chef Jamie DeRosa got the reigns in the kitchen where he’s concocted an all-inclusive menu for foodies with a sweet or savory tooth and those who want traditional as well as something with a bit of a twist.

T&CThe King Crab benedict with Tabasco hollandaise and baby arugula’s got some kick or the Cuban sandwich with pork cheeks and pickled cucumbers will wake up anyone hungover from a night of clubbing on South Beach. Or perhaps indulge in lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry jam, sticky buns with brown butter pecans or a basket of housemade donut holes in three varieties.

Wash it all down with what else…a bloody mary but not just the usual, here there’s a Barbecued Bloody Mary with Woodford Reserve and Belvedere Vodka and the True Blood, the traditional with Belvedere Vodka, horseradish and pickled vegetables. And if necessary, finish up with coffee which is free throughout brunch.

Brunch is on Sundays at Tongue & Cheek at 431 Washington Ave., Miami Beach is from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here to visit their website or call them at 305-704-2900.

Check Out The New Bar The Elroy!

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The Elroy is a new, “futuristic” bar that opened up on Memorial Day weekend, at 1423 H St NE in the Atlas Theater District. The name refers to the Jetson’s character. Karl Graham, who was a partner in New York Avenue Beach Bar, is behind the neighborhood bar.

Graham describes the spot as “a nice little neighborhood bar where you come in and people know your name.” The two-story space is located a quarter mile from where Graham grew up.

Some of the more “futuristic” flourishes to go with the name: outlets and USB ports along the bar, TVs in the bathroom mirrors, frosted glass restroom mirrors that switch on and off, and funky glassware. The Elroy will specialize in cocktails in “fancy glasses, really crazy cocktail glasses,” Graham says. There will also be a limited bar menu with five to 10 items—”nothing extravagant.”

Look Restaurant Reaches Across The Aisle For Fun Times!

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Who says K Street has to be Conventional?

LOOK Restaurant Lounge reaches across the aisle to bridge the gap between Socially Liberal and Tastefully Conservative. Located in the heart of the K Street Corridor, LOOK Restaurant Lounge sets out to shatter traditional stereotypes by taking the “boring” out of business lunch and the “corporate” out of corporate reception.

Enjoy world cuisine through a variety of over 30 small plates from our Executive Chef in a warm, dynamic, open setting. Our 150 seat dining room is open for lunch, dinner, private events, corporate gatherings, and any social events. The Event Director and Executive Chef will work with you to customize the perfect event experience for up to 300 seated guests or 800 standing guests.

Guests are strongly encouraged to be Socially Liberal, yet fiscally conservative in the belief that Washington needs to cut spending. With this thinking, HAPPY HOUR at LOOK starts at noon. From 12pm to 7pm, LOOK offers Absolut kocktails, House wine by the glass and our full beer selection at $5! Visit lookatkstreet.com for more information.

Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! Food Tours

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Dallas’ Most Innovative Food Tours Rock the House!
Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! have taken Dallas by storm, and by chocolate, barbeque and burgers. We offer specialty food tours to some very unique, off-the-beaten-path, locally owned restaurants and shops. Led by some of Dallas’ most knowledgeable food aficionados, each tour treats you to delicious samples and great drinks as you learn about cool food finds, the history of chocolate or a given food, how it is made and more.

The tours are taken in luxury mini buses and last from three to four hours. During that time, three to four locations are visited and tasty treats are sampled at each location. The tour guides make the tours plenty of fun with interesting facts and contests. Tours (depending on the tour) include wine or beer, water and juice. Kids are welcome too. The tours are like a mini escape from the day to day, and are perfect for individuals, families, friends, groups, special occasions and team building.

In addition to weekend and weekday tours for individuals through the www.DallasbyChocolate.com and www.dallasbitesfoodtours.com websites, Stevens and her guides also do private chocolate tours and tastings for groups. “We have a lot of families, even bachelorettes, seniors, homeschoolers, birthday parties and Girl Scout troops,” she says. “It’s a fun experience and it’s different than the typical shopping trip or stadium tour. Everyone makes new friends, and some guests have booked three or more tours because every tour is different.” Click here for more information.

Wine and Roses

Wine and Roses

When you walk into Wine and Roses on the Upper West Side (Columbus between 73rd & 74th streets to be exact), you immediately understand where the cozy wine bar got it’s name.

Model, Cindy Guyer, decided to turn her passion for the finer things, specifically wine and roses, into a new career as restauranteur. She’s successfully created a “Cheers” like environment where strangers become friends and neighbors often just pop in to say hello. Offering over 200 different bottles of wine, along with delicious dishes like Prosciutto Pizza, Wine And Roses offers an unforgettable dining experience. Citybuzz host Seth Levine takes a closer look.

Head Out To The Dead Rabbit For An Old New York Evening

Dead Rabbits

The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog embodies the conviviality of Old New York and the Irish-American tradition.

Our ground-floor Taproom offers an informal setting for the enjoyment of craft beer, bottled punch, and whiskeys of the world, with lunch served daily.

Upstairs, our sumptuous Parlor focuses on small plates, communal punch, and 72 historically-accurate cocktails dreamed up by the nineteenth century’s most celebrated bartenders.

The Dead Rabbit is dedicated to advancing the art and practice of hospitality, as it was understood then and as it is understood now, for all residents of and visitors to this great metropolis. Visit deadrabbitnyc.com for more information.

Be On The Floor At The Cutting Room

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The Cutting Room opened at 44 East 32nd Street in NYC in January of 2013, Compared to the old space, this “new” Cutting Room is bigger, with a better location and better food. The old one had a New York Rock ‘N Roll feel, and things have changed for the better. The Rock ‘N Roll feel is still here, but with a touch of a supper club ambiance.

There’s quality on every level, good food, good drinks, good entertainment, good sound. Check out the menu and the upcoming calander on the website at thecuttingroomnyc.com

Bub City- the most fun BBQ, country music and whiskey in Chicago!

 

Country Music and BBQ at Bub City…Paradise for BBQ fans!

Bub City brings in rising stars from Nashville, Austin, and other places, to play on the stage, in Chicago. You might see someone you could only see in Nashville.

BubCityIt’s a casual atmosphere, where you can stop in for a beer, and some bar-b-que, and listen to some fine country music. Bub City is open late every night. On Tuesday they have Country Karaoke. You wont find a more lively, fun place in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Click here for more information.

Bold, beer hall fun found all night long at Houston Hall!

Houston Hall

Come on down to Houston Hall to hang out with friends and have a beer or two. The huge room, formerly a FDNY storage facility, has rows of tables and benches, and a very lengthy bar, which on a busy night can be five people deep. The hall resembles a downtown version of a German Beer Hall. It’s self-serve seating. The bar has a strong menu of unusual brews made by Greenpoint Beer Works in Brooklyn. Visit houstonhallny.com for more information.

Tastebud-melting authentic Greek food & good friends… at Kanela!

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Kanela [kuh-nel-uh] is a marvelous world bringing a local, organic, and flavorful approach to a Greek-inflected American breakfast + lunch menu reflecting our heritage as well as the origin of the name, which means cinnamon in greek, and which you will find in abundance on the menu. A refreshing take on mama’s recipes and delivered to you just the same way, with love and a smile.

Our deep earth tones, vintage chandeliers, exposed brick walls and wrap- around seating have created a dapper vibe for a snazzy, yet mellow breakfast + lunch.

We use only the finest and freshest ingredients available in order to please our customers. Every kanela plate is carefully inspected to meet the highest standards and our quality expectations. We use Eggland’s Best Cage-Free Organic Eggs, Julius Meinl Coffee and support our local farms and markets. Our bars offer an elaborate menu of classic and signature cocktails made with fresh fruit and herbs. Every detail receives special attention.

The Varsity – The World’s Largest Drive-In

The Varsity is the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, serving customers in Atlanta since 1928. People from all over the world come to experience The Varsity because there is nothing like it anywhere!

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The original Varsity, located at 61 North Avenue, near Georgia Tech, opened in 1928 on a 70′ X 120′ lot with a white picket fence by a man named Frank Gordy; a man with a $2000 nest egg and “million dollar taste buds.” Through his dedication to freshness, superior quality, advanced technology and serving the best food fast, he gained a reputation that is known worldwide. The Varsity has hosted well known people from the entertainment industry, the sports industry, the Governor’s mansion, the White House, as well as visitors from all over the globe. Through Frank Gordy’s determination, the original Varsity has grown into a two-story “Lunching Pad” and there are now 7 sister locations. The Varsity has become an Atlanta institution known and loved by all.

There are now 7 locations in and around the Atlanta area. Stop by for some amazing food. Click thevarsity.com for more information.

Untitled

In the heart of River North, hidden behind large unmarked doors at 111 W. Kinzie, lies a restaurant and lounge like no other. Untitled invites you on a journey of discovery and surprise on many levels. Come experience intimate spaces and grand see-and-be seen rooms. Craft cocktails, beer and wine and bubbly from around the world complement Chef Joseph Heppe’s delicious yet approachable cuisine. Untitled pays homage to the vibrancy of supper club and speakeasy establishments of the Prohibition Era. The food, drink and entertainment you find at Untitled entices you to have a taste, tap your feet and wet your whistle.

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Sons of Essex

The Sons of Essex menu is a reflection of the diverse melting pot of cultures that has gentrified the Lower East Side. The old school ‘Bowery Boys’ atmosphere and ‘Gangs of New York’ vibe pays homage to the history of the Lower East Side, fusing a traditional American comfort food menu with the spices of Lower East Side immigrants past with the use of local ingredients and Essex Street Market fruits & vegetables. Yupp, that’s how we roll.

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.

Three Lions Food Truck

When Cameron Bonfield came to Texas, he did not anticipate starting and running a food truck concept in the emerging food truck scene of Dallas, but fate dealt him a hand he had to play. Joined by his brother Scott in in the fall of 2011, the two worked hard to bring flavorful tacos with a bit of South African spice to the DFW Metroplex. They were able to create a cult following, but something always bugged them. The food they were serving was great, but it didn’t say anything about who they were. Tacos? Englishmen? What is the connection? They began to serve some more traditional English fare along with the tacos and saw demand for the food quickly grow. So, early in 2012 they made the decision to start over and Three Lions food truck was born. A concept that was wholly about their heritage and a higher calling to represent English cuisine in a positive way to the DFW Metroplex. They now run and operate the Three Lions food truck bringing fast, delicious English fare to America.

Thomas Farley on Top Hops Beer Shop

Lower east side NYC. Just a few blocks from NY food and beer institutions, New Beer, Whole Foods Bowery, and Katz’s Deli. This is a new place that has it all…multiple growler fill taps, 100’s of bottles (kept in growler units without lights to preserve the integrity of the beer), artisanal foods available while you enjoy a tasty draft at the bar…1/2 bar, 1/2 growler fill station..is the this the new model for craft beer distribution spots? Not sure but this is a well worth checking out location…Craft is appreciated and celebrated, mid sized spot, with a sleek and comfortable arching bar, friendly, gracious and knowledgeable owner adds to the experience…go check it out..places like this are the future and deserve to be supported.

Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach in Miami is the hidden jewel of South Beach, located at One Ocean Drive along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean amid swaying palms trees and warm sunny breezes. Nikki Beach Miami has established itself as the landmark nightclub and venue for ultimate private parties, large celebrations, and always lives up to its reputation as a South Beach Miami party playground for jet setters, celebrities, VIPs, guests and visitors alike.

Tex’s Tacos

Affectionately dubbed the ‘Antonio Banderas’ of food trucks, Tex’s Tacos is nothing short of suavé – a fully equipped kitchen & restaurant on wheels. Serving-up a delicious array of ‘Nueva Texicana’ eats with style and grace, we keep the good times rolling…literally. Spice up your day and embark on a friendly adventure to our taco trough. What’s there not to love about eating deliciously fresh tacos, quesadillas, & lime fries out of a truck!?!? See texstacos.com for more information and locations.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar: Classic eats meet urban art

Like most venues in the Wynwood area, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is a unique restaurant that offers diners great classic food along with funky urban art. One of the new kids on the block in the neighborhood, this spacious eatery offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

The feeling here is industrial warehouse meets comfortable and natural. The decor is a blend of driftwood accents, dark oak tables, high ceilings and oversized, colorful graffiti almost tattoo art. Outside the art continues with garden seating among the famed Wynwood Walls which are filled with artistic graffiti.

Enough about the decor though after all, it is a restaurant so food’s the main draw here. Clay pots are the hit here with snapper and mussel curry with  charred pineapple and basil or braised lamb with carrots, mint cardamom-panko bread crumbs and sour cherries. All are served with jasmine or brown rice. Skewers make good appetizers with choices like pork with cilantro-sesame dipping sauce or beef with basil dipping sauce.

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is located at 2550 NW 2 Ave., Miami, FL

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: Comfort food done right

With a website name like runchickenrun.com, there’s no doubt that Miami Beach’s Yardbird Southern Table & Bar takes their chicken and comfort food for that matter, seriously. They don’t even call it a dinner menu, it’s called supper.

A rustic interior with small jam jars on display, cute sayings printed along the bar like “Say Please and Thank You” and “Run Chicken Run” and lots of natural wood to evoke a country setting.

Things to try here: Shrimp ‘n grits made with Florida shrimp, crisp Virginia ham and South Carolina stone ground grits (they love using the best Southern ingredients here and make sure to name them too). The Llellewyn’s Fine Fried Chicken is a 1/2 a Bell & Evans bird served with  cheddar and chow chow waffle, spicy Tulepo honey and citrus pepper watermelon. The melons and cheese appetizer of fresh melons, grilled farm cheese, fresh celery in Meyer lemon Texas olive oil is a great starter.

The restaurant is located at the corner of 16th St. and Lenox Ave. in Miami Beach, 305-538-5220

Dine on fine French food at The Mansion at Turtle Creek

The Mansion at Turtle Creek has been a staple in Dallas’ fine dining scene for over thirty years. An upscale atmosphere and excellent service only add to The Mansion’s French-inspired menu. Sip a little bubbly while enjoying seared foie gras with a pineapple-raisin chutney, roasted duck breast with carmelized turnips, quince and a black current reduction, or enjoy any number of Chef Chef Bruno Davaillon’s seasonal tastings. For a switch, enjoy your meal on their picturesque restaurant terrace or reserve an intimate private dining suite for a cozy dinner for two or for a crowd. Dining at The Mansion is the perfect start to enjoying a night on the town.

Flavorful Ethiopian at Etete

Looking for a new place to try exciting and exotic new flavors? Come to Etete where you are promised an authentic Ethiopian dining experience with a contemporary flare!

Located in Little Ethiopia, Etete is a family-owned restaurant where people from all walks of life come to try flavorful Ethiopian soul food and eating with their hands for the very first time. Trust me, they all came back for more.

Dishes are cooked in specially spiced Ethiopian butter and served with injera, the thin spongy sour bread unique to the Ethiopian cuisine. There are also great vegetarian specialty options that would make even the carnivores drool.

To complete the experience, don’t for get to try Etete’s unique variety of Ethiopian wine, beer and ambo!

Hardwood Smoky Goodness at Rocklands BBQ

Stepping into Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company you will see a huge bucket of peanuts, a whole bookshelf of hot sauce selection, and several rolls of no-nonsense paper towels – you know this is the perfect prerequisites to a hearty meal of BBQ.

With the meat, seafood, and poultry cooked by real red oak and hickory, you can smell the woody deliciousness half a mile away! Munch through the ribs, briskets, sausage, sides, and corn bread and don’t forget to take a swig from their tasty Coolant Root Beer (refill available)!

Insider info: You can have Rocklands prepare their famous barbequed pigs, displayed whole on a decorated board for your special events!

Sushi and Burritos Fuse at Sushiritto

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San Francisco is  known for many things and being the capitol of innovative restaurants is one of them. Sushiritto, located in SOMA, is one of the latest fusion restaurants to hit the city by taking sushi and rolling into a burrito-style roll that is easy to eat on the go.

The menu is simple  – they offer six signature rolls including a vegetarian Buddha Boy roll – which combines traditional sushi roll elements with a Mexican flair (think ingredients such as Mexican Kabayaki sauce and melted pepper jack cheese).

It’s standing room only in the actual shop so head over to Union Square or find a nice bench to enjoy this unique taste of San Francisco.

Sushirrito is located at 59 New Montgomery Street in San Francisco.

Take a jog around the Washington monuments during sunrise

Experience the serenity of the monuments at sunrise. Start with the sun behind you at the Grant Memorial (just in front of the U.S. Capitol), and jog the 2 miles down to the Lincoln Memorial, passing the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial along the way.

Tavern on the Scene: Laurel Tavern

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If you happen to be in the San Fernando Valley on a Saturday night looking for something to do, visit Laurel Tavern in Studio City where there are a fine selection of beers on tap as well as a fine selection of pretty faces everywhere.

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Though the Valley isn’t particularly known for their happening nightlife, Laurel Tavern is an exception to the rule. This rustic “pub” is the perfect place to grab after-work drinks with friends or kick back with a beer and bucket of fries any day of the week. Though they have an outdoor patio in front, finding a table inside seems to be all the rage, making it exceptionally hard to find a place to sit after a certain hour.

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The after-work crowd tends to pile in around 6pm or 7pm when the kitchen is still open and serving dishes such as Grilled Artichoke, Chorizo Sliders and Pork Belly Skewers.

The only downside to finding a table, chair and someone to share a beer with: you have to pay for everything at the bar.

Also, don’t be surprised if you run into a celebrity or two at a table in the back.

Kristen Celins reports on The Reading Terminal: Food for the Brain

Since the early 1990s, the Reading Terminal Market has become one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist destinations.

With so many vendors and tasty treats to try- the market can be a bit overwhelming for a new comer or even a Philadelphia veteran. The “Taste of Philadelphia” food tour rolls everything into one tour around the market that is sure to enlighten and make your taste buds water.  Carolyn Wyman, author of the ultimate “Great Philly Cheesesteak” book, leaves from the market information desk at 12th and Filbert every Wednesday and Saturday at 10am to reveal Philly’s favorite sandwiches, breakfast foods and snacks in the city.

 Wyman’s wealth of information about Philadelphia food history leaves no stone unturned and you even get to try a few of the Philadelphia staples along the way!

 At an affordable rate of $15.95 per adult and $8.95 for children this 75-minute tour won’t eat away at your wallet or your time- only your appetite!

Insider’s Tip: Plan to eat before or after the tour. Although there will be sampling, it is more of a talking than tasting tour!

Philly Neighborhood Food Week October 11-18

Philly Neighborhood Food Week

October 11-18

Over 30 restaurants in Northern Liberties, East Passyunk, Penn’s Landing, and Chestnut Hill are offering menus for $20 and $30. A portion of the proceeds from this Alterna-Restaurant-Week will benefit Philadelphia Academies, making the week not only good for your stomach and good for your wallet, but also good for the community. A restaurant week focused away from Center City allows you to see and experience places in the Greater Philadelphia area you would normally miss, but the locals love.


http://www.phillyneighborhoodfoodweek.com/

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Muy Bueno: Las Palmas

If you feel like you just stepped into an episode of “The Hills,” it’s probably because you were rubbing elbows with Brody Jenner and Kristin Cavallari at Las Palmas Nightclub in Hollywood.

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If you seemed to make it through the line and past the doorman, consider yourself lucky; Las Palmas is taking over the Hollywood nightlife scene and is becoming THE place to frequent. Ever since Las Palmas had a nice little face lift, the place is swarming with celebrities and those willing to purchase private tables.

Though the lines are long and the guest lists are crucial, Las Palmas has become known for featuring unbelievable DJs that deliver amazing music. If all the dancing and squeezing through crowds has got you hot and bothered, Las Palmas features two outdoor patios that shouldn’t be missed.

Even after a long night as Las Palmas, the h.wood family was kind enough to set up a taco stand out front, to fulfill any late night munchie needs.

10 Pin Puts a New Spin on Bowling

When you think of bowling, often times the images that conjure are disgusting shoes, stale air and beer bellied men. Well say good bye, to that image when stepping in to 10 Pin who offers “bowling with a twist.” It’s a twist in deed; cocktails shaken, stirred or straight up – whatever your fancy. A wide array of colorful and tasty cocktails are met by a menu featuring typical faves- also with a twist. Instead of greasy bar food expect chips with fresh guacamole, hummus plates, upgraded cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, pizzas and of course, Chicago hot dogs.

As for the lanes you’ll be bowling on, they’re so colorful and cool they look more like a nightclub’s installation than bowling lanes! Serious players or those looking for serious fun, line the lanes for plenty of laughs, mingling and flirting. And with the nightclub-worthy stereo system you just may want to ditch your bowling shoes and break out your dancing shoes.

Insider’s Tip: 10 Pin is available for private parties and runs plenty of its own events (faves coincide with Chicago sporting events), so check their calendar for specials.

1. Wine and More at Toast of the Town May 24

Picture 26Taking place in one of the premier wine and food capitals of the world, the Toast of the Town wine tasting festival is the place to go for wine enthusiasts or those just looking for a good time. There are over 500 world-class wines for people to taste. There is also music paired with gourmet dishes from New York’s top restaurants. The festival is organized by WineEnthusiast.com, which means many of the knowledgeable editors and writers of the site will be mingling and wine-tasting with the crowd. From wine experts to novices, everyone here will be enjoying the spectacular evening.

2. Rock Out at Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival May 29-30

Picture 18Some of the most popular nightclubs and bars are located around the intersection of Belmont and Sheffield and serve as a testament to its central role for all that’s happening in Chicago’s trendy Lakeview neighborhood. With its reputation for nightlife, food, and music, it comes as no surprise that the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival is a reflection of the atmosphere and style that the neighborhood is famous for. The festival boasts some of the best local musical talents in the Midwest. This year, the bands include the Trippin Billies, Wedding Banned, Rock Candy and more. The festival also features arts, crafts, fashion, and a variety of food and drinks. It usually brings out a young crowd, so there will be plenty of partying and dancing here, too.

1. Premier Dallas Wine & Food Fest April 21-25

Screen shot 2010-03-24 at 12.44.12 PMCome and taste the best wine that Dallas has to offer at the 26th annual Dallas Wine & Food Festival. This is the premier food and wine event in Dallas, taking place over five days at landmark settings in and around the city. The festival showcases local and national talent and is the only festival in Dallas to feature award-winning wines from the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, the largest national wine competition outside of California. There are various events throughout the festival, from a movie & dinner ticket to cooking seminars to an over-the-top five-course winemaker’s dinner featuring the top winners of the annual Rising Stars Chefs’ Contest.

5. Coral Gables Wine & Food Fest April 10

Screen shot 2010-03-24 at 5.33.07 PMWhat do Grey Goose vodka, Martini vermouth, Premier Beverage Company, and Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables all have in common? They are all sponsors for the 7th Annual Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Coral Gables Wine & Food Festival; a one-day street festival where you can enjoy world class cuisine, exquisite wines, and live entertainment. At a $50 ticket price, don’t let that turn you away, because all proceeds benefit The American Lung Association in Florida-South Area’s lung research, education and patient assistance programs and The International Bronchitis Center at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Bryant Park Has the Best of Both Worlds

Picture 6Watch out, Central Park. Sure, Bryant Park might not be New York’s most famous park, but definitely puts up some good competition. Here, it’s the best of both worlds: tall Manhattan skyscrapers surrounding a green lawn that features some of the most iconic New York events, like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the HBO Summer Movie Screenings.

Just one block from Times Square, the park is a popular lunch break getaway for the suits and ties, eating at Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio’s casual ‘wichcraft or at the Bryant Park Grill’s enviable patio space. For those looking to relax and soak up the few rays of Manhattan sunshine, there’s free Wi-Fi access as well as intermittent racks of books (Bryant Park is directly behind the New York Library). For those with children, the custom-built carousel is a must.

Bryant Park is always alive; every season comes a new batch of highly anticipated and high quality events. In the summer, the HBO Summer Film Festival screens free films for those on the lawn, and various concerts, including the GMA Summer Series and Broadway in Bryant Park. If you come in the winter, there are the independent merchants at the Holiday Shops as well as The Pond, a free-admission ice-skating rink that has been touted as NYC’s best.

4. Chocolate Lovers Rejoice at Festival March 6-7

Chocolate, chocolate, andPicture 17 more chocolate. That’s what you’ll find here at the annual two-day Chocolate Lovers Festival in Old Town Fairfax. There are plenty of events to participate in: buy chocolates from vendors at the Taste of Chocolate; create a work of art using chocolate as the medium at the Chocolate Challenge; devour the chocolate chip pancakes at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. There are also historic re-enactments, children’s activities, craft shows, open houses at historic buildings and many more chocolate themed events. Some of the events do require a fee, while other ones are free to all visitors. Whether you’re bringing a date or the whole family, there’s plenty to do here.

4. One Day to Taste Whiskies of the World March 27

Picture 29If St. Patrick’s Day was not enough to get your fill of Whiskey, then head over to the Whiskey of the World, or WoW, Expo.  At this, though, they have much more than Irish whiskey; bottles are imported from all over the world, including Scotland, Canada and Japan. WoW celebrates the “water of life” with brand names and some of the world’s best independent bottlers as well as some of the rarest bottles in the world.

Apart from the whiskey, the Expo offers an assortment of food and hors d’eourves as well as luxurious spirits, like handcrafted vodkas, gins and other liqueurs. For those who love a great big Jack on the rocks, just consider this a dream come true.

4. Flay & Ray at SoBe Wine & Food Fest Feb. 25-28

Picture 4Join your favorite Food Network stars for a fun-packed 4 days of cooking demonstrations, book signings, seminars, wine tastings and more! Take some pointers from celebrity chefs Paula Dean, Rachel Ray, and Bobby Flay, to name a few.

Typical to the Miami Beach lifestyle, it’s not all learning with no playing at these events. Get mischieveous on Friday at Mischieve, where artists, performers and dancers will set the scene. Cocktails will be served by beautiful agave girls whose drinks will replace all spirits with Hornitos, the 100% pure blue agave tequila.

Attend a sunset soiree on Saturday as fashionista Sandra Lee hosts the gala that’s fittingly held in the house where fashion was built, Casa Casuarina, the former home of Gianni Versace. Sip on fabulous cocktails while you enjoy savory hors’ devoures and mingle with Miami’s elite.

There’s so much more than just food at the Food Network’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Hotspot Spice Market Heats Up Atlanta

The same Spice Market that made a name for itself in the trendy meatpacking district in NYC has come to Atlanta. The exotic curry inspired dishes are now enticing a new set of eager taste buds. Frequent patrons have dreams of the samosa appetizer and red curry duck entree that keep this restaurant spicy every night of the week. The food, just as in the name, is composed of bold flavors taken from Southeast Asian inspirations. Enjoy the intriguing food and cultural experience at the Jean-Georges Vongerichten hotspot at the W Atlanta.

Make a Toast at the Real Cheers

Yes, this is the place where everybody knows your name! Ok, maybe that’s only true on the mega-hit television show Cheers, but this Cheers is the Boston bar that started it all. Staying true as the show’s inspiration, the real Cheers offers a fully stocked bar and generous meal portions. The menu also pays homage to the cast with eNORMous Burgers, Sam’s Starters and Frasier’s Favorites.

Cheers is a Boston landmark that is as feel-good as your own neighborhood bar. Check out the website at cheersboston.com.