Kick start your weekend plans with a great brunch spot, plus where to shop and where to spa!
Tag Archives: outdoor patio
Piccolo Sogno is a little dream, especially on the outdoor patio
Tom Colicchio Knows How to Get Craft-y
Ever since Tom Colicchio made his mark on Atlanta, Dallas and New York, it was about time that the Top Chef superstar brought Craft to the City of Stars, Los Angeles. Whether it’s lunch, dinner or dessert, Craft restaurant brings swanky, sexy, simple, sophisticated American classics together without ever missing the mark.
Featuring courses of octopus and Dry-
Aged sirloin, the food at Craft truly cannot be beat and pretty much everything off the menu is worth ordering. And that’s the point, everything comes a la carte, and sides like Shitaki mushrooms will blow your palate away as much as the cooked-to-perfection NY strip steak. Though Craft is known for its fish and meat, it is probably one of the only Los Angeles restaurants with a dessert menu long enough to act on its own. Between classic beignets and fabulous dessert combinations, you truly get the full culinary experience.
Though the food is outstanding on its own, the décor and ambiance of the restaurant truly make it an unforgettable experience. If a party is in your future, make sure to book the outdoor patio that can seat up to 80 people.
In the famous words of Bravo’s Top Chef, “Please pack your knives and go” to this restaurant!
Period Chic Meets Euro Beats at Eighteenth Street Lounge
What happens when you open a hip, Euro-infused lounge in the former home of Teddy Roosevelt? You end up with the ultra chic, super unique hotspot known as Eighteenth Street Lounge. Situated just south of trendy Dupont, ESL is known for its velvet ropes and hipster crowd that packs the luxe top three floors of the old school mansion club.
Chic Washingtonians and sophisticated European partiers sit, mingle and sip as DJ’s spin hip Middle Eastern, Italian and Indian-centric beats that echo from the dark, narrow hallways of the comfortably posh venue. Studded with functional antique fireplaces, gilded sconces and twinkling chandeliers that cast a soft glow, ESL exhibits modern glamour with touches of period décor to showcase the mansion’s turn of the century roots.
As the beats increase and the drinks flow, patrons crowd the living room-esque dance floor and overflow to the spacious outdoor roof patio in the warmer months. Wander onto different floors for a change of scenery and music varieties – there tends to be a DJ on one floor and a jazz band or live performer on another.
Insider Tip: With live performances almost every day of the week and the lounge’s urban chic vibe, there’s usually a cover charge between $5-$15 after 10PM, Wednesday and Saturday. Be sure to dress to impress – the discerning bouncers don’t put up with shorts, sandals or baseball caps.
La Belle Vie at Bistrot Margot
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Strolling down Wells Street in Chicago’s Old Town, you’ll pass dozens of charming restaurants emitting delicious smells, but only one will stick out as appearing classic French: C’est Bistrot Margot! Its charming outdoor seating is filled with happy diners being served by attentive black aproned waiters below a classic red and black striped awning.
Inside this family-run restaurant, even more charming decor awaits. So French, so cozy, so magnifique! Any day of the week the slew of regular diners and newcomers alike take advantage of the items du jour from the rotating menu. Of course, a good ol’ Steak Frites is a top pick and rightfully so, but the options of fish, duck and chicken are equally as perfect.
Forget not when at Bistrot Margot that it is a French restaurant and therefore, you’ll want to eat by courses. So don’t overdo it on the first appetizer of tarte au brie, moules or risotto du jour (a must!), because you need to eat every last course, including the cheese! That said: ordering wine is also a must, it helps cut through the rich and decadent food. Bon appetit!