How do you select a restaurant in New York City, not too far from the theater district, that satisfies 12 to 14 women with varying tastes and interests? Answer: it’s not always easy. When it’s time for my annual NYC trip with friends, I research, ponder, research some more, and then hope for the best. […]
SER: Simple, Easy, REALLY Good
August 1, 2015 · by · 2 Comments
How can I best sum up my feelings about SER, the new Ballston restaurant featuring Basque cuisine? It’s simple, easy, and real. Which is a good thing, since that’s the meaning behind the moniker. The cuisine at SER is based on authentic family recipes from Executive Chef/co-owner Josu Zubikarai. The food isn’t fancy, but the ingredients and […]
China Chilcano: Standing Out and Making a Stand
July 25, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment
With DC restaurants opening at a dizzying pace, it’s critical to stand out. China Chilcano, which opened in Penn Quarter this past January, has a multitude of merits that make it notable. It is one of the newest additions to Jose Andrés’ DC restaurant empire, which continues to grow. Andrés is one of DC’s most recognizable restaurateurs. […]
Blackwall Hitch: A Staycation in Alexandria
July 17, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment
I wish I could spend the summer somewhere that overlooks the water, with a cool breeze blowing and a cocktail in my hand. It’s a nice fantasy, but I have a full-time job that doesn’t offer this as a possibility. One evening at the new Blackwall Hitch in Old Town Alexandria isn’t a substitute, but […]
NYC: Dirt Candy is a Garden of Eden
July 13, 2015 · by · 3 Comments
It used to be cause for celebration when a chef did something creative with vegetables. It’s not such a rarity anymore. But it is unusual for a completely vegetarian restaurant to be on par with other top notch dining destinations. Chef/owner Amanda Cohen of Dirt Candy is a chef to be respected, and hopefully emulated. She […]
Chicago: Parachute and Ruxbin Elevate the Windy City
July 3, 2015 · by · Leave a Comment
Chicago is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to restaurants. I recently discover two more reasons why I love to dine here. Parachute provides an uplifting ride, and Ruxbin is as playful as the name suggests. The cab ride from my hotel on Michigan Avenue to Parachute in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood is not a quick one. The […]
Il Pizzico: 25 Years and Counting
June 27, 2015 · by · 2 Comments
You have to respect a twenty-five year anniversary. It is safe to assume there have been considerable transitions in that span of time, some easier to handle than others. And as the excitement of discovery diminishes, there is also a tendency to take things for granted. I could be writing about marriage, but this is a […]
