Posts filed under: United States

Washington DC

Upscale bar: Blue Duck Tavern. Part of the Michelin rated restaurant by the same name located in the Park Hyatt. “Ducked” in for a quick bite and a drink on...

New York

A unique experience at 1 World Trade Center and Brookfield Place: Beaubourg Part of Le District, an incredible French market in the Brookfield Place shopping center, this made for a...

New York

A new place to try on this trip: Cosme. Multiple accolades for this chef from Mexico City where he has one of the best restaurants in the World with this...

New York

On a hot day why not: Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory Made in house and located right on the East River in Brooklyn near the bridge. Had 2 scoops: coffee and...

New York

The pizza place in Brooklyn: Juliana’s. Story has it that this one of the 3 best pizza places in NYC and we were staying very close by so thought it...

New York

I don’t often post on hotels but this place is special: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. A new upscale hotel in Brooklyn that just opened a few months ago so the...

New York

One of my go to places in Manhattan: Balthazar. One of several visits to this classic French bistro in the Soho area. Met up with friends from Atlanta and South...

Kirkland WA

Looking for Thai and a new experience: Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen Have heard great things about this place so we decided to visit on a cold rainy Junuary Seattle day....

Seattle

Not really a commercial concern: Dean Wines Those of you who have read my home page and my posts know of my enjoyment of good wine and my hobby of...

Seattle

Vietnamese on lower Capitol Hill: Ba Bar One of three restaurants this is the original location. It’s part of the Monsoon restaurant group. I have been wanting to try it...

Bellevue WA

Dinner for thirty: Seastar Another group dinner at this well known and highly regarded seafood restaurant in the metro area. Fixed menu this night with the typical choices…salmon, a chicken...

Seattle

A Seattle institution: The Pink Door. The cuisine is Italian but this place is more than just food…..there are nightly shows that vary between music and on Saturdays, cabaret and...

Seattle

It’s all about the view: Aqua. Entertaining a visiting faculty member at this waterside spot on Puget Sound. There are a couple of places like this in Seattle but this...

Chelan WA

Hit a few wineries for tastings while cycling (off the bike) in Chelan: Nefarious Cellars, Benson Estate Winery,Mellisoni Vineyards, Hard Row to Hoe and Radiance Most had free tastings which is unusual...

Seattle

High end Indian: Nirmal’s. The space is beautiful and located in the historic Pioneer Square area. It has received multiple accolades including Zagat’s top 15 hottest new restaurants in the...

Chelan WA

Classic small town diner: Apple Cup Cafe. This place is legendary and I’ve had breakfast and dinner during here. Portions are huge and are primarily comfort food with a bit...

Chelan WA

Another post ride feed: Local Myth Pizza A go to place for pizza while in Chelan. It’s very small so expect a wait. Nice bar type tables outside so on...

Chelan WA

Post ride feed: Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana. I’ve been here once before and we were post ride so it was a good choice for abundant calories. It did not disappoint. The...

Gulfport MS

Quick trip to visit cousins: Harbor View Cafe Breakfast was as one would expect in the deep south….eggs, bacon and grits…but for some unknown reason I had the Belgian waffle...

New Orleans

This is the real deal: Herbsaint Last dining experience this trip and this is by far the best of those tasted. The chef is a multi year winner of the...

New Orleans

Still trying new places and this looked unlike the typical city fare: Compère Lapin. Located inside the Old No. 77 Hotel near the convention center, this place has a definite younger...

New Orleans

Decided to try some of the newer places; here’s the first: Cochon A James Beard winning chef got my attention and it’s mostly about pork so you know I had...

Seattle

Third option for lunch: Gracia. We didn’t start out to try this place in Ballard but wound up here when our other choices weren’t open for lunch. The space is...

Seattle

End of the indoor cycling class season meetup: The Pub at 3rd Place. Always been an interesting place in the basement of 3rd Place Books…almost like entering a cave. Typical...

Maltby WA

Got the job to pick up our cats today so this was lunch: Maltby Cafe. I’ve passed this place numerous times when we cycle north of Seattle but have never...

Philadelphia

Dinner for 20: Continental. A bit hard to describe this place…global comfort food that leans a bit Asian, probably comes closest. This night we had a fixed menu with 3...

Philadelphia

Everybody wanted Peking Duck so we decided this place fit the bill: Sang Kee It has been awhile since I’ve had this quintessential Chinese dish…..last time was in Beijing, so...

Bellingham WA

Great place on a cold day: Firehouse Café Nice little coffee and pastry shop in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham. Located in an old firehouse with a performing arts center...

Bellingham WA

Quick trip to check out: Back East BBQ. We have a wedding coming up in August so we did a bit of a secret shopper trip to the area to...

Seattle

On my list for some time: Mkt. One of a long lineup of Ethan Stowell restaurants in Seattle this one is in the Tangletown area and hence its name….Meridian…the older...

Seattle

Another business dinner downtown: Capital Grille. Classic high end steak place, with the usual decor, that does a great job of what they do well……steak. They also have the usual...

Seattle

Long time coffee spot on south Capitol Hill: Café Presse. A sister to Le Pichet with a focus on coffee. Located very near Seattle University, it’s a spot to consider...

Seattle

Another Seattle restaurant by Renee Erickson: Bar Melusine. Described as an oyster bar with small plates and focused on the cuisine of Normandy and Brittany; it’s located on lower Capitol Hill...

Washington DC

Quick lunch before the airport: Mandu. One of 2 locations in DC and near the Convention Center and Chinatown. Decided to give Asian cuisine a go before leaving DC and I...

Washington DC

The new Vidalia: Honeysuckle. Vidalia was my go to place in DC and one of my favorite restaurants but it is no more. Honeysuckle opened about 2 months ago in the...

Washington DC

Pizza in the heart of Chinatown: Matchbox. One of 3 locations in DC this one is close to the convention center and adds a choice to the Asian fare common...

Washington DC

Stopped for a post dinner drink with the UW crowd: Silo. Near the DC Convention Center just north of Chinatown. Very busy with a high noise level but a good...

Washington DC

Sounded interesting: Tail Up Goat. Story has it that if you see something in the distance that may be a goat or a sheep the way to tell is the goat...

Washington DC

Quick bite to eat: Bóveda. Just off the plane and didn’t take UA up on their hamburger so I was looking for something to tide me over and this was...

Seattle

An old favorite for Vietnamese cuisine: Green Leaf. This place has been a stalwart of Vietnamese food for many years. It’s in a small space in the International District and...

Snoqualmie WA

Late afternoon lunch after a morning of cross country skiing: Salish Lodge Attic. Great location and it’s on the way back from the pass which makes it an ideal stop....

Renton WA

On a run to pick up wine south of Seattle and needed a lunch stop: Berliner Pub. The online wine store, Garagiste, moved from the Sodo area to Renton about...

Seattle

Liquid food: Garagiste. If you live in Seattle and enjoy wine, check out this offering. It’s not a wine club so buy what interest you. It’s all done online although...

Seattle

Sushi outlet north of downtown: Wataru. Have seen this place for a few years when driving by and finally decided to visit after a recommendation from the chef of the...

Seattle

Always a good stop for breakfast: Portage Bay Cafe. One of four restaurants in the Seattle metro area that all offer local, organic food which is always good with excellent...

Seattle

Ok…so it’s not a restaurant but you gotta try The Cookie: Metropolitan Market. One of a half dozen stores in Seattle known for higher end groceries, The Cookie has attracted...

Seattle

One of my go to places for comfort food after a long day: Toshi’s. Reminds me of the one located near Greenlake 30 years ago. Always fast and consistently good....

Seattle

Finally got to experience this place after a false start a few months ago: Heartwood Provisions. Not sure how to describe the cuisine but let’s just say it’s varied……classic raw...

Seattle

All I got was take away: Monsoon. However this has got to be some of the best Vietnamese fusion food in the city. My love thought of me while having...

Seattle

Looking for dim sum: Chiang’s Gourmet. While they don’t serve dim sum on weekdays…..it is available on weekends as breakfast only (10 am to 3 pm) in the true Chinese...

Seattle

On everyone’s list and mine too: Stateside. French Vietnamese with a flare on Capitol Hill. Had brunch which was a bit of fusion with more classic French fare but the...

North Bend WA

Second location of this coffee bar: Pioneer Coffee Roasters Didn’t know about this one but it is almost a reproduction of the location in Cle Elum but it is perhaps...

Ferndale WA

Multiple locations from BC to Bellevue but try this one within a few miles of crossing the border: Woods Coffee. When you need your coffee fix after the border crossing...

Philadelphia

A cold night so not very adventurous: Red Owl Tavern. It’s the restaurant for the Hotel Monaco so it was easy to pop in for a quick dinner. I’ve stayed...

Winthrop WA

Mexican food abounds in Eastern Washington with this spot offering a bit of a Mayan touch: Carlos 1800 Mexican Grill & Cantina. Couldn’t get a table at our first choice...

Winthrop WA

Just outside of town: Methow Valley Ciderhouse. Stopped by to try this place because it looked interesting. Basically a sausage place with local ciders. The meat is from local producers...

Winthrop WA

Great way to start the ski day: Rocking Horse Bakery. Funky space…boat on the ceiling and bikes on the wall….that is always busy. Great coffee and pastries right on the...

Leavenworth WA

Very touristy German themed town but check out: Schocolat. Lots of places to spend your money here but this is a local artisan producer of Belgian style truffles that does...

Cle Elum WA

Nice place for a quick coffee break just off I5: Pioneer Coffee Roasting Co. Right in downtown and just past Snoqualmie Pass makes it a perfect stop to refuel. The...

Seattle

Highly regarded restaurant for dinner: Salare. The chef is from St Petersburg and the food has a certain Southern touch. Had pickled vegetables, corn bread (sweet) as well as whole...

Seattle

At the Four Seasons: Goldfinch Tavern. Even though it’s a hotel restaurant it’s quite good and the service is excellent. Very nice, modern but cozy space…a great one when it’s...

Woodinville WA

Liquid food here: Darby Wines Hollywood Hills tasting room. You must visit my good friend Darby English on your next trip to Woodinville. The space is great for tasting and...

North Bend WA

This is it…the diner of Twin Peaks fame: Twede’s Cafe It’s been some time since I’ve eaten here but this is one of those places that never changes. It’s a...

Seattle

I have been wanting to try this restaurant for some time: Mamnoon. It’s described as Middle Eastern food but it’s predominantly from Syria and Lebanon. The menu is extensive with...

Seattle

Neighborhood bar and grill: Sand Point Grill. We visit fairly frequently since it is close to home. It’s usually crowded around dinner time so keep that in mind if you...

Seattle

One of Seattle’s best seafood restaurants: Rockcreek. The menu is seafood so if you don’t like seafood then this isn’t the place for you. That said, it’s all outstanding. This...

Seattle

One of my favorite sushi places in Seattle: Kisaku. Wouldn’t think you would find this outside the international district much less in Tangletown. The sushi is excellent as is the...

Ashland OR

Off the beaten path: Hearsey Best outdoor dining we found in Ashland. Delightful space with a fantastic brunch. In the basement of an old church near the Ashland Springs Hotel....

Ashland OR

A few blocks from downtown but worth the walk: Peerless This restaurant is next to the hotel of the same name. Service was excellent and the menu varied. Very good...

Bozeman MT

Out of the way bistro: South 9th Bistro This restaurant is not in the downtown core but is next door to MSU. Located in a restored home from the turn...

Bozeman MT

Great wine bar in the heart of Bozeman: Plonk. Nice space right on Main Street with a good selection of wines and cocktails. Had a nice flight of Rosé wines...

Coupeville WA

Right on Penn Cove: Front Street Grill. It’s a very busy place….a good sign that the food has to be good They have at least a dozen different preparations of...

Bow WA

Always wanted to eat here as I cycled past it: Oyster Bar Spectacular view from the upper restaurant. Of course the raw Kumamoto oysters were outstanding as were the fried...

Yountville CA

Gotta try: Bouchon Bakery. There isn’t anything in the bakery that isn’t excellent as evidenced by the line that forms daily, and all day long! It’s a small place but there...

Yountville CA

Another excellent option: Redd Wood Pizza. Had the white anchovy pizza with an affogato to finish.               Visit website @theeatingplaces #seattlefoodies...

Simpsonville SC

A great place for Southern nouveau cuisine: Stella’s Southern Bistro Classic shrimp and grits (Anson Mills) with eggnog cheesecake to finish.               @stellasbistro Visit...

San Francisco

Nice lunch on our way to wine country: Outerlands. Visiting friends who live in the area. You have to have local knowledge to know of this place. Chicken salad with...

Yountville CA

Simply put….incredible: Bouchon. Visit website...

Chelan WA

Classic, intimate Italian in small town WA: Andante. Up and coming wine AVA which produces better wine every year. It’s a cool weather AVA so think Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc,...

Seattle

Best bakery in Seattle: Bakery Nouveau. Twice baked almond croissants are to die for! Too bad you can’t just try everything all at once. The original location in West Seattle...

Seattle

Convenient place for a quick bite: Nordstrom Grill. It’s not fine dining but meets the need when you are in the area. The chicken paillards is one of the best...

Birmingham AL

Beautiful space in the heart of the city: Revelator Coffee Company Wonderful spot for coffee and baked goods. @revelatorcoffee Visit website @theeatingplaces #theeatingplaces #seattlefoodies...

Birmingham AL

Another new place in BHM: Brick and Tin Very solid new American cuisine. The chocolate bread pudding with homemade butter pecan ice cream was outstanding. @brickandtin Visit website @theeatingplaces #theeatingplaces...

Birmingham AL

Very unique menu of small plates: OvenBird Shishito peppers, corazones (duck, chicken and beef) with classics such as deviled eggs, pork shoulder and paella finished off with espresso beignets and...

Seattle

One of my favorite French restaurants in Seattle: Voilà! It is very French in a nice intimate space in Madison Valley. Give the Moules á la Provençale and add frites...

Seattle

Nice spot for happy hour: List. Come early….it’s small and busy. Visit website  ...

Seattle

Very unique small plates: The Whale Wins. Visit website...

Napa Valley CA

A Napa classic: Auberge du Soleil This is another one of those places that needs to be on your bucket list. The space is outstanding and as expected the service...

Seattle

While not a restaurant this is an event to consider: Vine Arts. Held in the Chihuly Garden & Glass space this is a PNW wine tasting with a blind tasting...

Philadelphia

Gotta try this place for locally made ice cream: Franklin Fountain. The lines can be long but it’s worth the wait. Extensive offerings…at least 20 flavors! Visit website...

Napa CA

Nice spot for a quick bite: Hog Island Oyster Co. This is an outpost of the original in San Francisco and is all about seafood, particularly the bivalve variety, sustainably...

Birmingham AL

Never disappoints: Highlands Bar and Grill. The service is impeccable and the food cannot be beat. Best described as Southern French fusion with typical Southern fare married with, sometimes unusual...

Yountville CA

Great French bistro in a town with great restaurants: Bistro Jeanty Typical French style green salad and French Onion soup followed by perfectly done lamb. Excellent and with great service....

Santa Rosa CA

A bit of Vietnam in the heart of Santa Rosa: Kettles Noodle bowl with a glass of Miraval Rosé. Not your typical cuisine in this part of California but worth...

San Francisco

Highly recommend by Suzan….who would live in SFO given the opportunity: Perbacco. Started with a crudo of halibut followed by lamb pappardelle ending with a chocolate bonet and all washed...

Seattle

BBQ in Seattle: RoRo. Craved a bit of Q this afternoon so made a run to this well known spot. Classic place with typical offerings. The pulled pork had good...

St Helena CA

Great place for Bruschetta in St. Helena: Clif Family Winery Yes it’s true…brought to you by the same people as Clif Bars. This is from the food truck parked beside...

Seattle

A little sangria, fish tacos and pollo en mole with hand made tortilla from abuelita: Rosita’s Mexican Grill.                 @rositas_greenlake Visit website @theeatingplaces...

Seattle

Great dinner, as always: Pair. One of our go to restaurants in Seattle because it never ever disappoints. It’s all about small plates, with a French flair, which are always...

Woodinville WA

Another great dinner at this local restaurant: Barking Frog. Salmon with corn fritters, mussels Thai style, a Bandol Rosé followed by Caramel sorbet and a local Januik Muscat. @barkingfrogwoodinville Visit...