USA Restaurants

Our favorite restaurants in the US

Good Karma, Park City

Good Karma, a local Park City favorites, offers al fresco dining, which I recently took advantage of  for brunch. Along with freshly brewed coffee ($3), I sampled the Bollywood Burrito, a spinach tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, too few black beans for me and — to moisten it — some ranchero sauce. A spicy  Indo-Mexican tomato salsa (a vindaloo sauce), a refreshing watermelon slice and crispy Yukon Gold potato accompanied the hearty breakfast special ($10.95). My dining companion ordered the locals' favorite ($9.95) of cinnamon-battered challah French toast, two scrambled eggs and 2 slices of honey-cured bacon. Each of the offered flavorings added to the price: fresh banana ($2) and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:35-04:00July 5th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Bistro Basque, Milford Revisited

If you haven't yet discovered Bistro Basque, the hidden gem in the center of Milford, I suggest you do so! It's worth the drive from where ever you are. It has consistently good food and welcoming service. When you go, don't sit in the dining area just past the bar -- unless you want darkness. Instead, head through that area to the atrium with a heated floor and  glass roof where sunlight pours through ... or, weather permitting, go to the outdoor area. Try the white asparagus ($9.50) topped with Manchego cheese (whole milk sheep's cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain) and thin slices of Iberian ham in [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:35-04:00July 1st, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Adriana’s, New Haven

It had been more than a decade since I was at Adriana's in New Haven. And I was pleasantly surprised by the attentive accommodating service. One of my dining partner was in the mood for veal piccata that was not on the menu. "Absolutely," responded the waiter that the kitchen would make it. We sipped the Don Miguel Gascon Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($38) while waiting for our starters. The Crisp Caesar salad ($5.95) came plentifully topped with thin slices of Parmesan cheese. The evening's special of John Dory, (sea bass) was lightly breaded and baked with fresh lemon and white wine. Delicate, delicious ($26.95) and served with fresh garlicky spinach. One [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:26-04:00June 22nd, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Rosebud, Atlanta

Earlier this year, I visited Lowcountry in Manhattan for brunch one Sunday when guest chef Ron Eyester from Rosebud in Atlanta (Virginia-Highlands neighborhood) was cooking with chef/owner Oliver Gift.  Ron invited me to sample his fare the next time I was in Atlanta. How could I resist? Ron wasn't in town when I had the opportunity to be in Atlanta last month, but his incredible staff took fabulous care of me and my dining partners. We sampled many of their delicious starters while sipping a refreshing 'Rosebud punch'— a combination of Amaro Nonio (bitters) green tea, Cocchi Americano (white wine liquer), sugar and soda ($9). The crispy Point Judith calamari [...]

By |2017-08-31T14:08:46-04:00June 20th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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VERDE! Atlanta Local Food Festival

The 4th annual VERDE! event fast approaching. On Thursday, June 28 the VERDE! carnival-themed party is all about being LOCAL ... Local bands (Little Tybee, Adron, Christ, Lord!, Seven Handle Circus) ... Local cocktails (by Holeman & Finch and Pura Vida) ... and most importantly... Local food (thanks to White Oak Pastures and Riverview Farms)   Buy Tickets. You can purchase advance tickets to attend VERDE! by clicking here. Social:  Facebook Event link. Twitter  #VERDE2012 Sponsored by The Georgia Conservancy and Georgia Organics.  

By |2017-08-31T14:08:46-04:00June 20th, 2012|Other happenings, USA Restaurants, USA Travel, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Ivy Bistro Noodle

We heard about the recently opened Ivy Bistro Noodle in Science Park at a New Haven Chamber of Commerce after hours networking event and decided to give it a try. The Sesame Wontons in Hot Oil are worth the trip, with pork-filled, soft dough in a not-too-spicy peanut sauce sprinkled with sesame seed (8 for $4.75).  I didn't like the Crab Rangoon as much as the crispy fried dough came filled with a pocket of creamy imitation "crab" served with traditional Chinese "duck" (AKA sweet and sour) sauce.  Faux is not my cup of tea. Oh, speaking of tea, that wasn't offered. We also shared the Singapore Mai Fun a [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:26-04:00June 16th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|2 Comments
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G-Zen, Branford

Some friends asked if I'd mind meeting them at G-Zen in Branford, an entirely vegan restaurant with —whenever possible — organic and sustainable ingredients. G-Zen was opened by Mark Shadle and Ami Beach Shadle in the location of the short-lived Suburban. We shared a G-Zen dim sum plate:($14) with steamed vegetable dumplings, fresh spring roll with shredded carrots, daikon  and cabbage and an assorted turmeric-spiced vegetable tempura. That was served with a ginger-tamari mirin sauce and a spicy cilantro peanut sauce. We liked the spicy sauce best. We shared the downward dog burrito, a spinach whole grain wrap overstuffed with organic brown rice, black beans, spicy cilantro salad, shredded veggies and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:35-04:00June 10th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Stonebridge, Milford

Oddly Connecticut has fewer water location for dining than you'd imagine. So when I find one, I'm always ready to sample it. Recently I met a friend for brunch at Stonebridge in Milford with a view of  the Wepawaug River. It was too chilly to dine on their outdoor patio, but we did second best - sat in a booth with a view of the water as we sipped our spicy bloody Mary's ($8.50) Breakfast at Stondbridge is served 9 to 11  Saturday and Sunday. All eggs are served with Arthur Avenue sweet seven grain artisan toast and breakfast potatoes. The potatoes were mixed into our open-face frittata "stuffed" with [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:35-04:00June 1st, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Delaney’s Restaurant & Taproom

While wandering a street fare in Westville on a perfect spring day, we stopped into Delaney's Restaurant & Taproom for a nibble as they offered alfresco dining. Craving greens, I decided to sample the chef salad ($10.95) with chopped Black Forest ham, bacon and not-yet-summer tomatoes, hard-cooked egg wedges, bacon, and romaine lightly tossed in  house made Ranch dressing. Oddly, the small portion begged for both more greens and more dressing (the latter is something I never say...as I like all my salads lightly dressed.). Since my friend didn't eat the blue cheese dressing that came with the spicy, meaty buffalo wings (6 for $4.95), I used a tad of [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:26-04:00May 31st, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Artisan Restaurant in the Delamar Hotel, Southport, CT

The Artisan Restaurant in the Delamar Hotel in Southport, CT is a find! When you go, walk through the tavern to the back room, as instead of wood the tables are draped in white. It's much more elegant than the front room — and at lunch the menu is identical. We began with a mostly-crab cake (as it should be) in a swirl of delicate carrot-ginger puree, garnished with a lightly dressed salad ($15). The photo shows only half a portion, as we shared! The feathery light goat cheese gnocci in a rich lamb bolognese was topped with creamy whipped ricotta garnished with fresh mint. The over-generous half-order ($16) is [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:35-04:00May 10th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Mole, New Restaurant, NYC

Husband-and-wife restaurateurs Nick Cervera and Guadalupe Elizalde just opened their latest  branch of Mole on the Upper East Side. The restaurant features the traditional, regional Mexican dishes in Mexican-inspired, festive  dining room, with a  tiled sit-down bar featuring a selection of 100+ tequilas, mezcals, a variety of specialty cocktails, and an American/South American wine list. Outdoor dining available. Mole (at 1735 Second Avenue, between 89th & 90th Streets, — ) is open weekdays for lunch, weekend brunch, and every night for Happy Hour and dinner. For more info click here or call 212-289-8226. - guest contributor

By |2017-08-31T14:11:02-04:00May 3rd, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Olde School Salon and Bistro

The Olde School Salon and Bistro on State Street in New Haven didn't know what hit them! The restaurant had booked the Jassmen, a jazz group of six men over 50, whose real professions include orthopedic surgeons, a veterinarian, an endocrinologist, a business man and a retiree, but whose passion is now music. One played trumpet, trombone, keyboard, bass, sax and another drums. The wives had emailed friends to come hear them play - and this quite little State Street saloon and restaurant had standing room only. The food was amazingly good, when it finally was served.  Since we were theee to listen to our friends play and have some [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:27-04:00April 28th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Napa at the Peabody, Orlando

Napa at the Peabody in Orlando is where I met a business associate for a light bite last month while attending the Pillsbury Bakeoff. Napa, of course refers to the wine country, and so serves what they refer to as modern California wine country cuisine. I realized I had selected the "place" to dine in the hotel when we saw Martha Stewart and her crew come in.  Our table was  in the dining room, right outside the closed off, glassed in one where they  ate. The golden diver scallops were grilled perfectly and sat atop a roasted cauliflower risott0 with smoked bacon, forest mushrooms, toasted squash seed ($20). Also good [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:36-04:00April 19th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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New Haven Spring Restaurant Week 2012

New Haven Restaurant Week will run from April 15 – 20, 2012, offering diners significant savings at local restaurants. Patrons can whet their palates with a variety of menu options from 34 of the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer prix fixe, three-course lunch ($18)  and dinner menus ($32) in addition to regular menus. The price does not include beverage, tax or gratuity. Patrons are recommended to make reservations in advance. Restaurants participating include: 116 Crown (Bar, Kitchen & Cellar), Adriana's Restaurant & Wine Bar (Northern Italian), Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar (Spanish Wine Bar), Basta Trattoria (Southern Italian), Bentara (Spicy Malaysian), Café Goodfellas (Regional Italian), Carmen Anthony [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:27-04:00April 9th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|5 Comments
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Rizzuoto’s, Stamford

Having been to Rizzuto's in Westport, I knew to expect  simple ingredients in classic presentation. I again ordered the vegetable antipasto ($4.95 each, or the bargain of $14.95 for all seven). It included chickpea puree (hummus) with toasted pine nuts and peperonata; Sicilian eggplant caponata; Mediterranean olives with orange zest and seasoned with thyme; farro salad with finely diced artichokes, olives and mushrooms; roasted cauliflower with pistachios, preserved lemons and currants;  roasted frying peppers, garlic, rosemary and aged provolone; and —  the only disappointment — the artichoke hearts, that the menu described as grilled with lemon and olive oil, but were flavorless.  All were served with fresh  crunchy oven-fired flatbread. Delicious [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:36-04:00April 8th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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The Rose Opens in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole welcomes a swanky new cocktail lounge, The Rose. This classically inspired cocktail lounge offers vintage libations and artfully crafted bar snacks in an elegant 80-seat space. Signature drinks are designed with a minimalist approach to highlight rare and unique spirits and fresh ingredients. The by-the-glass wine list features unique offerings, such as a rosé Syrah from Snake River Valley Idaho, and international selections from Spain, Italy, and Germany. The beer list includes selections from Jackson’s own Snake River Brewery and Bend Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery on draft, plus local and international brews by the bottle and can. All cocktails range from $7 - $11, punches $28 - $36 and [...]

By |2017-09-01T16:47:15-04:00April 7th, 2012|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Altamare, Miami

To get away from the hustle and bustle one night while attending the South Beach (SOBE) wine and food festival last month, I walked almost to the end of Lincoln Road to dine at Altamare —  a place for really fresh seafood while in Miami. The friend I was dining with canceled and not being one who enjoys fine dining alone, I sat at the bar and chatted with restaurateur Claudio Fordano while I ate. At his suggestion, I started with grilled octopus ($18) with crunchy farro, diced chorizo, scallions and fresh cilantro all drizzled with smoked paprika aoli. I could have eaten an entree portion of this! I also [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:42:29-04:00March 31st, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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Obika Mozzarella Bar New Rustic Italian Pizza Menu

Obika Mozzarella Bar in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center announced the launch of its new Italian Pizza menu. The pizza is prepared with stone ground flour imported from Italy, no artificial yeast, and in Neapolitan tradition, Obika’s Pizzaiolo allows the dough to naturally rise for 48 hours before preparing the pizzas. Ingredients such as Mozzarella di Bufala, Fresh Basil, Grilled Eggplant, Gorgonzola, Prosciutto, Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon, Organic Tomato and N’Duja Spicy Sausage are used to create seven varieties of pizzas ranging from $12 to $16. Obika installed a new state-of-the-art Valoriani-Mugnaini pizza oven — viewable from inside and outside the restaurant — that reaches over 900 degrees and [...]

By |2017-09-01T16:47:08-04:00March 29th, 2012|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Big Pink, Miami

When heading to Miami for the South Beach Wine and Food festival, I asked a local where to to have a fun breakfast. Without hesitation, "Big Pink!" The Big Pink so reminded me of a diner from the '50s, I almost expected Fonzie and Richie to walk through the door. The portions here are not huge, they're humongous: omelettes are made with five (yes, five) eggs - and that can be made with just egg whites. The omelettes aren't the only thing big as the coffee cups are the size of an extra large cappuccino ($3). We opted to split two entrees. For one, Pinky's Hollywood Breakfast ($10.25) with a [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:42:29-04:00March 28th, 2012|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Cafe Terigo, Park City Utah

Historic Main Street in Park City, Utah offers many dining options. This time we stopped in at Cafe Terigo, a cafe serving hearty cuisine inspired by both Northern Italy and Southern France. To start our meal, we nibbled on a serving of pinenut-crusted Utah goat cheese with a not overly sweet cranberry orange compote and herbed flatbread  ($11) along with our cocktails (High West, $12; Absolut, $9). As I would learn to Cafe Terigo pinenuts seem ubiquitous. Being chevre lovers, we also ordered the roasted beet, baby arugula and watercress salad topped with crumbled Utah goat cheese and toasted pinenuts ($11). Tasty, but a skimpy portion needing both more beets [...]

By |2017-09-01T16:47:23-04:00March 13th, 2012|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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