This New Orleans legend is still tucked among the chaos and beer-soaked college amateurs along Bourbon Street. But step inside (jackets suggested for men) and be transported to the time of Tennessee Williams and Cokie Roberts’ parents. There are just as many judges, politicians and attorneys having lunch here as there are tourists. Get the … Continued
Ana Sortun’s chickpea falafel wrap, to be featured on the menu in June. It looks like it’s a wrap for Mediterranean restaurant Falafill. Starting this month, the establishment will be offering special, limited-time-only wraps as part of a “Guest Chef Series” to benefit Alzheimer’s disease research. Collaborating chefs like Chef Farid Zadi (of Los Angeles) and … Continued
Neighborhood gems can be hard to find in London, which has so many nooks and crannies. The typical joint is a fish & chips shop, but St. John defies that stereotype. Located in Smithfield, St. John has become the ultimate nose-to-tail restaurant, led by Fergus Henderson (who essentially wrote the book on the subject). The … Continued
Click here to read my profile of Vikram Vij, Chef/Owner of Vij’s in Vancouver – in my opinion, the best Indian restaurant in North America.
First of all, you have to make some time to see the Momofuku Complex/Temple while you’re in town. Located next to the Shangri-La Hotel, David Chang has three different concepts all under one, giant, glass cube. Noodle Bar on the ground floor; a small Milk Bar and a regular cocktail bar on the second floor; … Continued
Restauarnt Chantecler offers a rotating menu of inventive tapas – many with an Asian spin – and signature cocktails in a cozy, brick exposed location. I loved the neighborhood too; good place to come for a lazy weekend brunch/lunch. Restaurant Chantecler 1320 Queen St. W, Toronto; (416) 628-3586
One of my favorite restaurants in Toronto, Bar Isabel serves up craft beer and creative, Spanish-influenced plates in a rustic, old-world setting that doesn’t feel tired or forced, just comfortable. Staff is super knowledgeable and I just ask them to have the kitchen send out whatever the hell tastes good, crafting a menu on-the-spot. Bar … Continued
This stylish coffee shop crafts their own gelato and sorbet. Located on busy College Street, they were the first to carry Intelligentsia coffee (in a city that loves its Tim Horton’s). Emphasis is on beautifully-crafted lattes with attention to detail. Manic Coffee 426 College St., Toronto; (416) 966-3888
Ironside offers fresh seafood and inventive cocktails in a hip location with quirky decor. It’s located near Little Italy, but there’s nothing cliché about the menu. Reminds me of cooler, updated Shaw’s Crab House (Chicago) meets Island Creek Oyster Bar (Boston). Can be pretty loud at night, just fyi. Ironside Fish and Oyster 1654 India … Continued
Click here to read my story about Montreal’s beloved poutine, which I sampled at several locations in the wake of Canada’s annual Le Poutine Week.
Hay-cooked ham, side of maple-soaked pancakes I knew I was in trouble long before the 45 minute ride to the bucolic town of St-Benoit de Mirabel. Mainly because my body had been responding adversely to the suddenly massive amounts of butter, fat and foie. I had only been in Montreal for about two days, but … Continued