Bites from the Road

Archie’s Seabreeze, Fort Pierce, Florida

Archie's welcome sign "no shoes no shirt no problem" announces the casualness of the sprawling outdoor space across the street from the ocean on Hutchinson Island. You go for the fun, not really the food - although it's freshly prepared and not bad. And, you can even bring your canine — as Archie's has special areas to sit where they even provide doggie water bowls. We both had the fresh fish sandwich ($11.99), blackened.  It's a thin piece of grilled mahi-mahi lightly coated with spices, topped with lettuce and tomato on a soft Kaiser roll, served with tartar sauce, creamy cole slaw and fries. Sweet potato fries are extra ($1.50) [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:06-04:00May 29th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Ranchos Morgan, Ometepe, Nicaragua

Situated on the Lake Nicaragua shoreline of Isla Ometepe, Ranchos Morgan is a hidden gem with fresh local dishes at a serious bargain. Sunset dining means sipping mojitos (45 Córdobas/$1.69) with basil from the property's herb garden while watching the locals ride by on horseback with a backdrop of Maderas Volcano. For dinner we shared the chicken filet with a creamy mushroom sauce flavored with onion and garlic (150 Córdobas /$5.65). It was accompanied by our-soon-to-be favorite side dish in Latin America-- patacones-- lightly breaded and fried plantain patties, a salty sweet delight. The clear winner though, was the tender filleted fish in a parsley, garlic and olive oil sauce [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:33:39-04:00May 23rd, 2015|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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The Beacon Hill Bistro, Boston

Beacon Hill Bistro, a casual business lunch gem, is a quick walk from Back Bay and the Financial District. The nearby Boston Common Garage makes it convenient for out-of-town drivers. The European-styled restaurant is comfortably elegant with banquettes, black and white retro tiled floors and closely set black iron tables, adorned with trendy dish towel napkins that seemed out of place. Conversation was easy, as the restaurant wasn’t filled. Chalkboards promote upcoming wine dinners. Upstairs is the boutique Beacon Hill Hotel; explaining the snippets of French and Italian heard around us. Forget your conversation and focus on the food. It is worth it. We sampled four dishes and every bite [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:52:52-04:00May 1st, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Galley Kitchen & Bar Restaurant, Scituate, Boston

After months of parking in Boston’s historic snowdrifts, we made an escape to the beautiful harbor hamlet of Scituate, about 20 miles south to enjoy dinner at Galley Restaurant. This packed neighborly-vibe restaurant has slanted wood boards, tin ceilings and big open windows that invite the seaside air inside on warmer days. Galley offers small tapas dishes, friendly service and is cornered by an open raw bar where diners can watch chefs shuck the bivalves. For an oyster aficionado, the fresh arrangement of mollusks from Copps Island, Duxbury and Kusshi topped with homemade vinegar of pink peppercorn white balsamic did not disappoint ( market price 6 for $14.25). The finely [...]

By |2017-10-28T07:54:29-04:00April 21st, 2015|USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Piñon Grill, Boca Raton, Florida

My friend raved about both the peanut & ginger cole slaw and the large portion of pecan-crusted trout that she often ordered for dinner at Piñon Grill before at Town Center Boca Raton.  Since they didn't have a special lunch menu with smaller portions, we decided to split the sauteed rainbow trout ($23) coated with minced pecans in a delicate currant citrus chardonnay sauce, and ask for a portion of the cole slaw also split. Both were worth the visit. As you can see in the photo, a half-portion is huge! We did also share an also huge bowlful of crispy non-greasy shoestring fries ($6), washing it all down with [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:07-04:00April 21st, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|2 Comments
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Annual Iron Chef Elm City, New Haven

The eighth Iron Chef Elm City will be held  Sunday, April 26 11:45 am a the Omni New Haven Hotel, 155 Temple Street.  The competition is a battle between three chefs, requiring them to demonstrate their culinary prowess, while testing their skills against each other, Each chef must create a scrumptious appetizer, entrée and a dessert using the “secret ingredient." which is revealed at the start of the competition. This year's competition feature chef Carlos Cassar of Copper Beech Inn, Ian Frew of Yale-New Haven Hospital and Todd Ruiz of Omni New Haven Hotel Enjoy food samplings from competing chef's restaurants and CT food manufacturers before and during the competition. [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:18-04:00April 20th, 2015|USA Travel, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Community Plates Food for All

Community Plates, the technology-fueled, direct-transfer food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in America, presents their signature fundraiser, “Food for All” on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 6 to 9 p, at  The Loading Dock, 375 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford. This is an event features Fairfield County’s newest restaurants and artisans, in addition craft cocktail bars spearheaded by creative mixologists. The Dessert Café will feature sweet treats and libations. Tickets are $75. To purchase tickets ($75) and find more information click here.  

By |2017-09-01T14:48:07-04:00April 19th, 2015|USA Travel, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Il Timoniere, Rome, Italy

Tucked back in a corner of a residential area of Rome, we entered the cozy family run Il Timoniere, a restaurant known for classic Roman cooking. We were immediately greeted and "warmed" not only by the heat, but also by the sweet older couple who run the restaurant. We started with an assortment of appetizers, beginning with an in-season bruschetta of asparagus and garlic, then crostini topped with zucchini flowers and a honey drizzle. Our final starter was a rich and creamy, yet light, artichoke heart, potato, cheese dish. We knew we hadn't overindulged. Our pasta dishes included the amatriciana ($10), a tomato sauce cooked with guanciale (smoked/cured pork cheek), [...]

By |2017-09-01T16:58:02-04:00March 3rd, 2015|Bites from the Road, World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
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Solun Tapas Bar, Woodbridge, CT

I recommend a visit to the happy hour at Solun Tapas Bar in Woodbridge. They offer flavorful tapas ($5 each), decent wines ($4 per glass) with extra friendly service in the bar area from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. I had taken a break from packing to meet some friends before I moved from Connecticut to New York City. We sipped the wild berry peppery Spanish Dacu Tempranillo, while nibbling a number of tapas. I'd recommend the fresh guacamole with tri-colored chips, the tortilla española (layered sliced potato, onion and egg omelette topped with a chipotle aioli) and the cazuelita de invierno (an assortment of veggies and beans in tomato sauce). [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:18-04:00March 1st, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Bruno DiFabio Opens Amore Cucina & Bar, Stamford, CT

Numerous awards, 11 restaurants and several Food Network gigs later, Bruno DiFabio opened Amore Cucina & Bar, the second oldest restaurant in Stamford (921 Hope Street). The six-time World Pizza Champion, restaurateur, and Food Network judge came home to the neighborhood where he made his first pizza dough. Amore Cucina & Bar offers classic Italian fare to pay homage to its predecessors. The restaurant features Bruno’s popular Pizza Romana, a square pie that uses the “Poolish” dough method of a 72-hour fermentation process that's cooked in a gas-fired brick floor oven. Varieties include the award-winning West Side (spicy salami, green olives, tomato, mozzarella and passata). The wood-fired oven offers the [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:08-04:00February 20th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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David Burke’s Primehouse (Chicago) Introduces New Lunch Program

Under the guidance of newly appointed Executive Chef Dino Tsaknis, David Burke’s Primehouse at The James Chicago Hotel (616 North Rush at Ontario St.) is offering an updated lunch program called Prime Spot at Primehouse. Over 15 new items have been added to the menu including many shareable dishes such as charcuterie board ($21), plus a thin Burker($13) and porchetta sandwich ($14). Primehouse favorites —  40-day dry aged prime steak burger and 55-day dry aged rib-eye — will still be offered. For information call 312-660-6000 or click here. - Guest submission  

By |2017-08-31T15:37:30-04:00February 18th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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BestWorldYet, Tapas at el Atril

Living in Barcelona, we eat tapas almost daily. They’re offered at least on every corner; some are good, some okay and just a few are truly exceptional like those at el Atril (Carrer dels Carders, 23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain). Their pan con tomate is the best in this city. It’s a tapas always served whether or not it's on the menu. The tomato is not chopped or sliced; instead it’s cut in half and rubbed onto the bread (along with garlic and other spices) creating a light, saucy piece of toast. When done right, pan con tomate is a divine addition to every meal. NOTE: this is coming from a [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:45:28-04:00February 11th, 2015|World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
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Darien Taste of the Town in February

Darien Taste of the Town offers a week-long celebration of Darien’s thriving restaurant scene with prix fixe menus and special offers from the area’s favorite restaurants from Thursday February 19 through Thursday, February 26, 2015. Center Street Public House, Estia's American, Meatball & Co. and Rory's offer lunch for $12.14; dinner for $18.14. The others participating restaurants are offering a prix fixe lunch for $20.14; dinner $30.14; those include: Bodega Taco Bar Cesco’s Trattoria Coromandel Darien Social Green & Tonic Lobster Craft Palmwich Scena Wine Bar & Restaurant The Goose The Waters Edge at Giovanni's Prices exclude tax and gratuity. For additional details and updates, click here. - Guest contributor

By |2017-08-31T16:19:08-04:00February 10th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Claire’s Corner Copia, New Haven

My dear friend Claire Criscuolo called one weekend morning when I was packing to move asking me to meet downtown New Haven at her eponymous vegetarian restaurant — now in its 39th year — for breakfast. How could I resist? Lucky me and two other of Claire's girlfriends as we sampled lots of her organic, vegetarian, homemade breakfast offerings. I selected my favorite huevos rancheros ($11.50) that included organic eggs, corn chips, housemade refried pinto beans, caramelized onions and guacamole — that Claire said is made fresh twice a day. And of course salsa, made from her recipe that hasn't changed since she opened! Claire wanted their whole-grain vegan pancakes (three [...]

By |2017-08-31T15:40:18-04:00January 29th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Lyttelton Truffle Menu, Stafford Hotel, London

Tucked into London’s upscale St. James neighbourhood, The Stafford London hotel (16-18 Saint James's Place) is featuring a truffle tasting menu at its Lyttelton restaurant through Thursday, February 19th for £85 (~$125) per person. Executive Chef Carlos Martinez delivers a menu that compliments the luxurious comfort of this five-star, history rich hotel as he continues his quest for a Michelin Star. Named after former residents Lady and Lord Lyttelton, the restaurant is decorated with the understated elegance embodied by the aristocratic family’s best known descendent, Princess Diana. We started with cocktails from the equally historic American Bar and proceeded to tuck in to the amuse bouche of mushroom jelly and [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:08-04:00January 28th, 2015|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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BestWorldYet, Pizza in Naples

We visited Naples twice on our Amalfi Coast Journey; once for a night on the way there, as well as an impromptu pizza-stop on the way back. There are plenty of pizza places to choose from in Naples, but there's one that was recommended by all of the locals as the best pizza in Naples. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele Via Cesare Sersale, 1 / 3 80139 Napoli Like many of the pizzerias in Naples, Da Michele's is a family run spot with traditional methods, resulting in that perfectly chewy pizza crust Naples is known for, that have been passed down for generations. The history of this sacred, Neapolitan Pizza temple [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:08-04:00January 15th, 2015|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|1 Comment
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BestWorldYet, South African Winelands

BestWorldYet.com is an inspiring new travel blog that will bring back memories — and make you envious for sure — as you follow Andrea Butler and BiteoftheBest.com’s Bryan Leblang as they backpack around the world. Here’s part of Andrea and Bryan's post on South African Winelands to whet your appetite. Click to see the complete post on BestWorldYet.com; click here to follow BestWorldYet on Twitter. - bonnie Follow @BonnieBOTB   Just a short drive east from Cape Town and you are suddenly surrounded by the beautiful gardens and rolling vineyards of one of the country’s premier wine regions. On our way to Franschhoek (our final destination), we stopped in the [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:08-04:00January 7th, 2015|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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BestWorldYet.com, Paris Chocolate Walk

Remember when you were young – or adventurous enough — to backpack though Europe? BestWorldYet.com is an inspiring new travel blog that will bring back memories — and make you envious for sure — as you follow Andrea Butler and BiteoftheBest.com's Bryan Leblang as they backpack around the world. From fine dining and entertainment in bustling cities, to hiking and thrill seeking in remote jungles...the blog may just inspire — or provide you with some tips for — your next adventure… Here's a sample of their Paris Chocolate Walk post to whet your appetite. - bonnie Follow @BonnieBOTB   Paris Chocolate Walk For those who love eating chocolate… especially as [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:09-04:00December 23rd, 2014|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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The Central Restaurant & Bar in York, Maine

What to do when visiting relatives who have a friend who just opened his restaurant? Visit it of course, which is why I stopped in recently at The Central Restaurant & Bar in York, Maine. Because they wanted me to write about it, we sampled much more than if I were just dining. And for full disclosure, we paid for everything. Be sure to try some of their small plates. The flavorful Vietnamese garlic wings ($7) are only the flat wing, without the meaty drums (my favorite part). Their fried Scotch eggs (three for $8) use quail ones, wrapped with Italian sweet sausage and rolled in Panko crumbs, served with [...]

By |2017-08-31T16:19:09-04:00December 2nd, 2014|USA Restaurants, xyz misc|0 Comments
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Usine Gastro Cafe, Bangkok, Thailand

Escaping the chaos of touristy Khao San Road, I ventured to Bangkok's predominantly-Thai residential neighborhood, Ratchathewi, to stay with an expat friend living in the city. It was there in the minimalist and modern Usine Gastro Cafe that I enjoyed one of my favorite meals in all of Thailand, coincidentally it was also my last meal before leaving Asia. We shared three dishes, all incorporating traditional Thai ingredients. The soft shell crab salad for 250 baht ($7.83) was a delectable way to start the meal. The crispy crab sat upon a mix of fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, carrots, diced chillies and onions. We shared two main courses, Larb Woon Sen [...]

By |2017-10-24T07:39:01-04:00November 21st, 2014|World, World Restaurants, World Travel|0 Comments
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