Posts categorized: Restaurants

A road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur offers some of the most dramatic vistas in the United States. With the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the dramatic arch bridges connecting the road across steep valleys, this region of California’s Central Coast is all majesty. Stop to enjoy the view at Nepenthe, a sprawling restaurant with an enormous deck perched high above the ocean. It’s been in business and family-owned since […]

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With a sleek and sexy aesthetic and an approachable, unpretentious vibe, Black Bottle is the perfect gathering place to meet friends for cocktails and small plates in Seattle. Billed as a gastro-tavern, the menu is divided into sections designated as meat, seafood, veggies, and flatbreads. Items are meant to be shared, so divvy up your order and enjoy beer mustard braised local sausage, seven spice shrimp, wilted baby kale with spinach pancetta goat cheese, and an arugula, tomato, and basil pesto […]

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“What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” the refrain echoes from behind the cash registers as the next guest in the long and always fast-moving line approaches the counter. The Varsity is an Atlanta institution that’s been goings strong since 1928 with a loyal following of locals, visitors from around the world, and even a string of U.S. presidents. It’s all retro throwback with a massive drive-in and dining room, and a menu serving signature greasy spoon selections, like chili cheeseburgers, […]

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I’m back in Miami after an eleven day trip to Key West that, for one reason or another, felt more like an eternity. Key West was home for many years, and I still make regular visits back. This time, I was there to work on the event staff of the Key West Literary Seminar. I rented a cute little cottage near the Southernmost Point and settled back into my former island lifestyle. Since I’m no longer a full time resident, I […]

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For a break from the Champagne caves and tastings, head to Glue Pot, an Irish pub in the heart of the Reims nightlife district. Get cozy in a red leather booth and order a hearty meal of familiar pub grub and a heady beer from their extensive menu. Of course, you’re in Champagne, so feel free to order a flute of your favorite bubbly. Try Ruinart, produced in Reims and a favorite amongst locals–it’s difficult to find outside of France. Students and other […]

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For contemporary Japanese cuisine in a sexy setting, head to San Francisco’s Ozumo in the trendy waterfront Embarcadero District. Start with cocktails at the sceney lounge while you wait for your table. The menu includes inventive and fresh sushi and sashimi, as well as a charcoal robata grill. With a reputation as one of San Francisco’s most expensive restaurants, it’s still possible to hem the bill if you stick to the sushi menu. The shacho roll, made with Maine lobster, mango, […]

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For outstanding Indian cuisine in Vancouver, head to Vij’s early and don’t be surprised if there’s a wait. Serving dinner starting at 5:30pm on a first come first served basis, this place is persistently packed. Don’t fret. The atmosphere is inviting and convivial. Head to the lounge and order a glass of wine or a cocktail and nibble on the generous helping of complimentary passed hors devours, like samosas and padamums. Once seated, prepare to feast on entrees that include […]

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Venture downstairs to this bright and spirited subterranean bar for a sampling of some of the most inventive and tantalizing tapas in Barcelona. Located in the chic Eixample neighborhood, Tapas 24’s atmosphere is lively with patrons lining the bar or waiting for a table while sipping cerveza. Order the requisite patatas bravas, Iberian ham croquetas, and pa amb tomak (tomato bread), but don’t forget to try the mouth-watering McFoieburger and the truffle oil bikini sandwich. Not sure what else to add […]

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Situated across the street from the Louvre in the heart of Paris, Le Fumoir is a bustling bar and restaurant frequented by a well-heeled after work crowd. Midday, it’s the perfect cozy cafe to get off your feet and warm up with a café creme, but by the time happy hour rolls around, it’s a lively meeting place where Parisians and tourists alike rub shoulders at the bar sipping kir royale, wine by the glass, cocktails, or draft beer. With red leather […]

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Head down Petronia Street and into the heart of Bahama Village for upscale Spanish tapas with a twist at Santiago’s Bodega. The intimate restaurant recently expanded, doubling its dining area, which is still almost always full on any given night. Call ahead to reserve a table inside or on the covered wraparound patio when the weather is mild. Serving only wine and beer, pitchers of the red or white sangria are a popular option and so is the Bellini. While […]

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