With Texas-style brisket on my mind this week, after my second trip to Austin last weekend, I felt it would only be prudent to let you know about my favorite Texas-style brisket in Chicago. This is not the Montreal influenced, coriander-and-pepper-rubbed, cured and smoked beauty that is Fumare, but rather, a humble expression of brisket … Continued
There are two locations in London. One in trendy Shoreditch, on the city’s East Side, the other in busy Covent Garden. If you can, visit the Shoreditch location, which has that feeling of an old Irani Cafe from Bombay at the turn-of-the-century. A great place to hang out anytime of day, begin your morning with … Continued
Hinoki & The Bird’s imaginative dining concept pushes modern California cooking to new heights. Drawing inspiration from his travels through the Silk Road, chef David Myers’ restaurant combines vivid flavors with that California approach to healthful sensibility. The space itself is very cool; a little modern, a little casual and yet still sophisticated. Hinoki & … Continued
At The Strand House, diners can enjoy a fresh, exciting take on traditional dishes in an elegant setting with unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. Their colorful menu features the freshest produce, hand-selected from local growers. The Strand House 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; (310) 545-7470
Little Next Door presents quality seasonal fare, a wide range of international dishes including pastries, house-made jams and preserves, and a global wine selection with European elegance. Little Next Door 8142 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; (323) 951-1010
Award-winning chef Ricardo Zarate serves up an innovative, modern take on traditional Peruvian comfort food in a vibrant, urban-artsy setting, located in downtown L.A. (trust me, even though the area has been on hard times, downtown is making a major comeback). Mo-Chica 514 W. 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014; (213) 622-3744
Click here to read my story in Canada’s national newspaper about great Asian food both on and off of The Strip.
Normally, I approach new restaurants on an empty stomach. But last Thursday night, after devouring a few bowls of ramen at the excellent Misoya in Mount Prospect (thanks, Mike Sula for that tip), I convinced our friends to try this new place I had heard about, Gogi. I figured we’d stop in for a quick … Continued
This is the most fantastic sushi experience I’ve had in some time. Certainly the best in Vegas. A quiet, demure room and chefs who truly know how to prepare rice and slice fish. They get deliveries six days per week from Japan and you’ll pay a lot less than at fancier, glitzy spaces on the … Continued
Yes, there is a focus on Asian food here, inspired by New York’s well-known corridor in Chinatown. But Ed Kim’s (Ruxbin) food goes beyond the mom-and-pop noodles and soups found in dingy storefronts. His udon noodles with spicy cod roe are a revelation, as is his ethereal poached chicken. No reservations, but they have a … Continued
Click here to read my story about walking downtown L.A. and finding better food than you’d expect.