Bites from the Road

Sammy’s Bistro, Park City, UT

While visiting in Park City, I heard that Sammy's Bistro had decided to offer breakfast. I had to try it as there are very few places offering breakfast fare in this busting ski resort. One of us ordered a simple scrambled egg, bacon and hash browns with a side of toast ($8.50). Although they mentioned that they made they make their own hash browns, the kitchen forgot to add any seasoning. Salt and pepper would have been an acceptable addition. Another had the two Scotch eggs — Italian sausage wrapped around a soft boiled egg, then rolled in bread crumbs and fried ($12). Sadly the cook fried it way too [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:03-04:00December 21st, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Tupelo, Park City, UT

Tupelo's chef-owner Matt Harris had worked in — and opened — restaurants around the country before he settled in Park City to open this — his first — one. He worked with Jean George at Spice both in Atlanta and NYC, With Nancy Oakes at Boulevard in San Francisco and with many other chefs. Matt describes his new Main Street establishment as "a globally inspired fine dining restaurant that honors artisanal ingredients and food terroir."  I got to sample his cuisine just before the official opening, the day after the menu had rolled out. For beverages they offer Mexican sugar cane bottled sodas in addition to a full bar. I [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:03-04:00December 14th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Boston Public Market, Government Center, Boston

The new Boston Public Market is the pride of the city, captures the fresh and local flavors of New England agriculture and requires no reservation. The market is a year-round permanent indoor 28,000 square foot structure that opened in August at 100 Hanover Street,  273 years after Faneuil Hall, Boston’s first market opened a block away. The market is wonderful for finding locally sourced farm-fresh products with 38 vendors selling produce, meat and poultry, ice cream, hops, juice, milk, chocolate, coffee and cheese, baked goods, pasta, wine and flowers, including Taza chocolate and George Howell coffee, It’s perfect for grazing! There are plenty of attractions to wet the palette including hands-on-cooking [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:51:24-04:00December 3rd, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Estia’s Little Kitchen, Sag Harbor, NY

One beautiful fall day when visiting friends in the Hamptons, we stopped at Estia's Little Kitchen for a bite. I had high hopes for this cute little out of the way place, as it reminded me of the original Kitchen Little just out side of Mystic Seaport before that restaurant relocated to a larger and less inviting location. You know that type of place, one that attracts regulars with its fresh good food, reasonable prices and friendly service. That's exactly what we found at Estia's. Our server offered up both the lunch and breakfast menus as it was just midday. We each settled on a breakfast platter. Those included a [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:03-04:00November 28th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Yvonne’s, Downtown Crossing, Boston

Walking into Yvonne’s, you are first struck by the plain lobby with odd shampoo and conditioner bottles lining a corner shelf and a white plywood door. The restaurant is no where to be seen. The hostess halts you and she calls someone to alert of your arrival, then opens the door and you're propelled into another world of gorgeous damask rose wallpaper, tear-dropped chandeliers, carved paneled walls, velvet nooks for whispering and high gloss mahogany bars. This isn’t Locke Obers, the space that formerly hosted Brahmin powerbrokers, but a captivating dark speakeasy packed with the city’s who’s who. We started with a light and delicious 1989 cocktail of Ketel One, [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:55:36-04:00November 26th, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

NYC Thanksgiving Offerings

Hey New Yorkers — whether you're ordering a turkey or making reservations, we've compiled some options for you. If you're planning to cook for the upcoming holiday, be sure to pre-order your Thanksgiving bird. Here are some suggestions: Fleisher’s Grass-Fed and Organic Meats (Many locations): Order your fresh bird from this  well-known butcher shop. The Meat Hook: This Brooklyn butcher shop gets its broad-breasted white turkeys from Interlaken, New York. They also can provide you with bacon or sausage for stuffing or sides. DiPaola Turkey Farm:  Order your free-range and antibiotic-free turkey at one of almost 20 Greenmarket locations throughout the city. Dickson’s Farmstand Meats: This  Chelsea Market butcher shop [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:03-04:00November 11th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

South of Nick’s, San Clemente, California

I seem to find casual Mexican food fresher and tastier when eaten on the West Coast. Take South of Nick's in San Clemente as proof. While looking over the menu we ordered some guacamole ($9) for the table — freshly made with roma tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro and some red onion — to go with table-offered warm corn tortilla chips and freshly made salsa. The salsa was so fresh and tasty, I could almost drink it! With that we of course had margies. The traditional margarita was ($9) made with Milagro silver tequila and housemade sweet ‘n sour mix; the spicy version — with their housemade jalapeño infused tequila — was [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:03-04:00November 10th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Eating Establishment, Park City, UT

One day while walking down Main Street, I got a hankering (my Western-speak!) for some huevos rancheros. I notice that the Eating Establishment — the oldest full service restaurant in Park City — served breakfast all day and offered that dish of eggs served on a tortilla with a spicy tomato sauce. I ordered it. The Eating Establishment's version ($11.50) was okay, nothing special served with a side of breakfast potatoes and — oddly — another flour tortilla. The eggs were lightly basted atop some black beans smothered in their homemade salsa. I had asked for chili (an extra $1.50), but the kitchen forgot to add it. I did like [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:03-04:00November 2nd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Muscoot Tavern, Katonah, NY

In Katonah — at the intersection of route 100 and 35 — is the Muscoot Tavern, a small, oddly shaped, red structure established before 1925. It has had many owners and as many names — Muscoot Inn, the Muscoot Diner, the Muscoot Restaurant, Little Brauhaus. What remains constant is the “Cheers-like” atmosphere of this local hangout. I was invited recently to sample their extensive menu. While perusing the menu, we sipped our cocktails (Their margies are good!) and nibbled their garlicky bread ($5), both the regular one sprinkled with cheese and a rich pesto-topped version. There were six of us, so we had many mouths to share all the goodies. Our [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 27th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Harbor Bistro, East Hampton, Long Island

Before I became middle aged, I laughed at the white-haired elders heading for the early bird specials. But now — even though I'm not silver-headed — I often do the same as I enjoy eating early and then lingering over a glass or two of wine! And so I'm suggesting the early bird special at Harbor Bistro available from 5 to 6 pm. For only $29 you get two courses, a glass of wine or if you have a sweet tooth, three courses including dessert. An added bonus are the spectacular views of the marina and sunset. Just be sure to request a seat on the outdoor covered porch. I [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 25th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Red Rock Brewing Company, Park City, UT

One night while visiting in Park City, we decided to go out for a quick light meal at Red Rock Brewing Company, just off I-80 at the Kimball Junction exit in the Redstone Center. If you're in the area skiing, it's a good place to take the kids that won't break the bank and — with something for everyone — will satiate and satisfy. We tried the unusual crab stack ($14) with layers of avocado mango, baby pea shoots, tomato, red onions and peanuts all topped with jumbo lump crap. We tossed the entire amalgam in the cucumber lime ginger dressing. We also tried the fresh salad with "superfood" ingredients,  baby [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 23rd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

The Black Pearl, Newport, RI

Since our driver was yearning for a bowl of renowned The Black Pearl's clam chowder, we took a detour to Newport on our way home from the Cape. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city's Bannister's Wharf; it has an outdoor patio with a view of the bustling Newport Harbor. I found it odd that their chowder is the creamy New England style, and not the traditional Rhode Island chowder with clear broth since after all Newport is in Rhode Island. Odd, but the rich, buttery and chock full of clam chowder ($9.50) with crackers, happily satiated our driver! The day's special offered an Asian-style black and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 20th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Pallet, Salt Lake City, UT

You'll find friendly hospitality at the cozy — but quite noisy — Pallet restaurant in Salt Lake City. We began our time their with a specialty cocktail developed for an upcoming competition. Their 237 Beeknick Farm ($10) was made from beet juice, serrano, chile pepper, lime juice and bitters and had a nice after-kick. Their menu is quite unusual with only one of the entrees that interested us. We went heavy on the apps. Their Caputo’s burrata ($11) with fresh tomatoes was drizzled with basil pistou. The mozzarella was more firm with little of the desired creaminess oozing out. Their three large meatballs were made of pork, veal and beef [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 18th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Michelin 2016 NYC Restaurant Stars

Earlier this month, Michelin awarded its stars to top chefs at a star-chef studded gala at the Manhattan Classic Car Club. Here's a listing of those New York City restaurants that have 2016 stars: Three Stars ("Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey") Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare\ Eleven Madison Park Jean-Georges Le Bernardin Masa Per Se Two Stars ("Excellent cuisine, worth a detour") Aquavit Atera Blanca Daniel Ichimura Jungsik Marea The Modern Momofuku Ko Soto One Star ("A very good restaurant in its category") Ai Fiori Aldea Andanada Aureole Babbo Bâtard Betony Blue Hill Bouley The Breslin Brushstroke Café Boulud Café China Cagen Carbone Casa Enrique Casa Mono Caviar Russe [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:04-04:00October 7th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

The Summer House Restaurant, Siasconset, Nantucket

On a day trip to Nantucket, we headed out to picturesque Siasconset and had an alfresco lunch at what we learned to be the island's only restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We all opted for The Summer House Restaurant's specialty cocktail, a refreshing blend a melon juices with citrus vodka, St Germain and a splash of soda. With no prices on listed on the cocktail menu, I had to ask our server the cost as the rest of the menu seemed a bit pricey. After all, we were on Nantucket. Those cocktails were $15 each. Having seen the abundant meza platter served at other tables, we decided to share that [...]

By |2017-08-31T14:10:00-04:00October 6th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

The Brotherhood of Thieves, Nantucket, Massachusetts

After a day of touring the island of Nantucket, we settled in at the bar at The Brotherhood of Thieves, a rustic low-ceiling cozy tavern with carriage lanterns, dark wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and fireplaces. On the walls were whaling spears designed to look like beer taps. The bartender suggested I try Maine Brewing Company’s Peeper Ale, a rare and crisp American Pale ale, refreshing with a flavor of grapefruit and oranges ($13/16 ounce). The ten broiled scallops were surprisingly moist and delicious, served very hot with a light flaky crumb crust in a white wine and butter sauce ($30). I shared them with my companions, who all wanted [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:54:56-04:00October 5th, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
Read More

Edwige At Night, Provincetown, Cape Cod

We stopped in at Edwige at Night, not in the evening, but for an amazingly fresh brunch when in Provincetown on the Cape. Each brunch entree was freshly made with every component served at the correct temperature. Sounds like a small thing, but I've been to many a brunch at restaurants that can't manage to do so! One of us had best bargain on the menu, the Edwige Eye Opener ($15) with a cocktail, two poached eggs, crunchy and peppery home fries and whole wheat toast. I say a bargain as the Bloody Maria itself  — made with house-infused pepper vodka — would have cost $10. Also good: the lobster [...]

By |2017-08-31T14:10:00-04:00October 3rd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Doña Eutimia, La Habana, Cuba

Visiting Havana, Cuba is like riding a time machine back to an era of vintage muscle cars and crumbling colonial buildings, before there were cell phones or Internet. For budget travelers, finding a high-quality paladar (privately-owned restaurant) without overpaying can be a daunting task. Enter Doña Eutimia: a well-known yet authentic restaurant in the heart of Old Havana. Hidden down a cobblestone alley off the regal Plaza de la Catedral, Doña Eutimia boasts consistently-superb Cuban cuisine at surprisingly modest prices. If you can stand the heat, outside seating provides the occasional stray chicken circling your feet while street musicians perform popular Latin tunes. The shrimp appetizer ($5) is simplistically grilled [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:27:52-04:00October 2nd, 2015|Bites from the Road, World Restaurants, World Travel|1 Comment
Read More

The Studio at Montage, Laguna Beach, CA

Bliss is being invited to sample the cuisine at The Studio at Montage in Laguna Beach, California along with a friend and to sit at a window table overlooking the sun setting over the Pacific. With the creative food and presentations of Chef Craig Strong and the care of the exuberant staff with their detailed explanations of each dish, we had an amazing experience. We started with Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve ($31) champagne while deciding between the tasting menu and the à la carte offerings. Once we learned we could pick and choose to create our own tasting menu. That's exactly what we did. The amuse-bouche included a poached shrimp atop [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:05-04:00September 28th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More

Beachcomber, Wellfleet, MA

If you have plans to go to the Cape, keep the Beachcomber mind for next summer, as it's the ultimate place for a good time — only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We arrived at the Cape on a Friday afternoon in early September, itching for an entertaining way to start our long weekend after the long drive. We stopped in a couple of places with no atmosphere all, and whispered to the hostess asking where we might find a lively place. She suggested a drive to Wellfleet to this shack like place on the beach. We were so glad we did. You don't go to the Beachcomber [...]

By |2017-08-31T14:10:00-04:00September 23rd, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
Read More
Copyright 2012 - 2021 BiteOfTheBest | All Rights Reserved
Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top