dining

Our Top Winterlicious Picks

by Pretty Chic Travel on January 21, 2013

La Societe Bistro.

Are you as excited as us for Winterlicious? Toronto’s annual culinary celebration is back and is looks to be better than ever. Running from January 25 – February 7, 2013, Winterlicious is when dozens of the city’s best-loved restaurants offer prix fixe menus at lunch and dinner, as an opportunity to get more customers through their doors during this typically slow restaurant season.

We however, see it as that time of year when we can try a new restaurant we’ve been dying to check out, as well as dine at some high-end restaurants for a fraction of the price it would be if we were just walking in on a regular day. This year a total of 191 restaurants around the city are participating in the prix fixe menus, and on top of that are unique culinary events you can attend, including a cocktail making class and pasta-making workshop.

With so many restaurants and events it can be a challenge deciding where to go, so we’ve selected our top picks for this year’s Winterlicious. Bon appétit! READ MORE

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Hidden Gem: The Good Bite Kitchen Lake Placid

by Stephanie on January 14, 2013

We love stumbling upon unexpected gems during our travels — be it a restaurant, clothing boutique or even a local cafe. To our surprise, we came upon this restaurant while taking a break from popping in and out of stores on main street in Lake Placid. Though we’re not technically vegetarians, we love eating vegetarian, both at home and away. We were in the mood for something light and we decided to try The Good Bite Kitchen, when we saw the words “vegetarian” on the chalkboard outside. READ MORE

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The Best Restaurants in San Francisco

by Jennifer on December 6, 2011

If there’s one thing the chilly city of San Francisco is known for, it has to be the food. And we just couldn’t get enough of it. Trust us, a weekend in San Fran means you’ll need and want to squeeze in as many restaurants as possible. But here are five of our favourites to get you started.

Fresh tomato, basil and egg pizza at the Plant Cafe Organic. Photo by Justin Harrington.

The Plant Café Organic
One thing that is a must in San Francisco is dining by the water. And we found the perfect spot for lunch on the patio of The Plant Café Organic. It can be a bit chilly, so be sure to bring a scarf or light sweater, but the cool air is refreshing as you sip on sweet iced tea and a chilled beer. The daily specials are the best to test out – on our sunny day, a fresh tomato, egg and basil pizza, and a crispy, fresh organic chicken salad with cabbage, lettuce and a tangy dressing were on the menu. And they were just the right size for sharing for a light lunch. If you need an extra oomph to walk up the hills, the fresh, vegan desserts will fill that sweet tooth craving and give a boost of energy.

Where to Find:
The Plant Café Organic
Pier 3 Suite # 108 The Embarcader
San Francisco, CA 94111
theplantcafe.com

We could sit in Credo all day reading the quotes and eating rustic Italian food. Image courtesy of Credo.

Credo
Credo, a Latin word for “I believe”, is one of San Francisco’s true gems. Its interior is fantastic, with famous quotes covering every wall and free space. It’s casual, laid back vibe mixes perfectly with the homey, soulful comfort food whipped up by Executive Chef Gustavo Romero in the open-concept kitchen. Italian is the name of the game here and it’s such good, heart-warming food we still dream about it. We started with a super rich and creamy wild mushroom fondue with crunchy tortilla chips, then some fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. But then came the prize of the meal. Sedanini alla Credo — mezzi rigatoni, calabrese sausage, pancetta, sage, pecorino, and tomato topped with pizza dough and oven baked. It looks huge when it comes to the table, but break through the pizza dough top and a steamy pile of saucy rigatoni. It was one of the best pasta dishes we’ve ever had, and thankfully we had a few hills to walk up to burn off the calories. Another reason to love Credo? They partner up with local charities, with proceeds from special drinks and dishes going to San Francisco causes.

Where to Find:
Credo
360 Pine Street (at Montgomery)
San Francisco, CA 94104
credosf.com

An insalate starter at Delrosa on Chestnut Street.

An starter at Delrosa on Chestnut Street. Photo by Kyle Edward Wilson.

Delrosa
We came upon this Italian restaurant on Chestnut Street by chance, but we’re very happy we did. A busy lunch destination, we took a seat outside under a toasty heat lamp (a must for outdoor dining in San Fran) and could hardly decide what to order — although considering every other table had a pizza, we figured that must be a house specialty. We started with a wonderfully fresh insalate made with carrots, turnips, fennel, cucumber and beets, then moved onto a piping hot Roman-style Margherita pizza. Luckily we shared because the pizza is definitely big enough for two, especially if you’re having a starter. Although we didn’t indulge in a drink, the cocktail menu is huge, as well as the beer list, with plenty on draft. Next time we’d go for dinner and plan to have a cocktail (or two).

Where to Find:
Delarosa
2175 Chestnut St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
delarosasf.com READ MORE

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48 Hours in Basel

by Stephanie on November 10, 2010

A water taxi on the Rhein

As we mentioned in an earlier post about the city’s best hotels, Basel is a cultural hub, packed with fantastic galleries and museums, not to mention an abundance of delicious dining destinations. However, we realize Basel is not the only city in Switerland worth your time, and a packed 48 hours is a great way to catch the highlights of this great place. Where do you start? Read on for a play-by-play of how to experience this rich city.

DAY 1
9:30 a.m. — Grab a tram and head to Fondation Beyeler. Here you’ll be able to experience the incredible collection of Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, which only opened to the public in 1997. Many art experts have called Ernst one of the most important art collectors of the 20th century and with good reason. Housing over 200 works by 40 artists from van Gogh, Monet, Picasso to Matisse and Kadinsky, the pieces here are extremely special (he had personal relationships with many of the artists). Aside from the permenant collection, every year about three to four special exhibitions are shown, most recently was the controversial artist from New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat. It’s a stunning museum, you’ll definitely want to spend the morning at.

Fondation Beyeler

Note: Taking the trams in Basel are very easy and affordable. All hotels in the city offer their guests a complimentary “Mobility Pass” allowing you to travel throughout Basel for free, so make sure you’ve got that on hand.

Noon — Take a snack break at the on-site Restaurant Berower Park. Featuring a light Mediterranean menu, and a tranquil outdoor patio, ideal for the summer months, it’s a great place to have a break before you head back across the river into the downtown.

2 p.m. — Start your shopping along Freie Strasse. Here you’ll find plenty of luxury boutiques from labels like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Lacoste, to watch stores like Mezger and retail fashion fixes like H&M and Zara. Be sure to pop into Trois Pommes, filled with designer labels like Balenciaga, Lanvin and Dior.

4:30 p.m. — If chocolate and Lackerli, the sweet gingerbread biscuits that are a speciality of Basel, are on your “bring home” list then you must make a stop at Schiesser Confiserie & Tea Room. Opened in 1870, the speciality of the bakery is their handmade chocolate, high tea with cookies and ice cream, which they have made since they first opened. It’s a delightful little shop, with plenty of seating upstairs and a small outdoor terrace out front, perfect for people watching along the Marktplatz.

Stucki

7:30 p.m. — Definitely the best restaurant in Basel, and certainly one of the best in Switzerland, Stucki, is a French dining destination, that lives up to its hype. Boasting 18 Gault-Millau points and one Michelin star, if you are planning on dining here, be sure you’ve made a reservation prior, or else you may be out of luck! Set in an old manor, with cozy outdoor garden seating, Chef Tanja Grandits leads the kitchen with her aromatic cuisine. Scallops marinated with elderflower, char ginger confit and beef glazed with Maggia pepper are just a sample of what is offered. Don’t skip out on dessert and be sure to dine outside if the season permits. This is a food journey you’ll be thrilled you went on.

DAY 2
9 a.m. — Start your day off with a trip to the Basel Zoo. Open 365 days a year, the zoo covers about 24 acres of land and is home to animals from around the globe. Elephants, zebras, monkeys, kangaroos, lions and rhinoceros, you name it — it’s here. There’s the Vivarium where you can see the underwater world, visit the Monkey House or the Gamgoas to view their lions close up. It’s a great experience just walking on your own, but guided tours are also available. READ MORE

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Boston Nightlife

by Stephanie on September 28, 2010

Drink

When the sun sets and you’re looking for a place to have a cocktail, hear some live music or hit the dance floor, where in Boston should you go? Here are three places we think you should definitely check out.

1. Drink
As the name implies, this is a place to drink — and not just any old cocktail, but a masterful creation none-the-less. Launched in 2008 by chef and restauranteur Barbara Lynch, the concept of this bar surrounds the creation of the cocktail. The bar itself is pretty minimal — exposed brick, simple decor. No bottles lined up behind a counter. Instead you’ll find a zig-zagging wood counter that snakes around the space, a table behind for mixing drinks, chipping ice and chopping herbs, and bartenders who can create something just based on your mood or a flavour. Don’t look around for a drink menu because you won’t find one. There is however, a menu for food in case you want some nibbles — canapes that change about every three months. A unique find in Boston, that will definitely have you back for more.
348 Congress St., Boston MA, 02210
(617) 695-1806
drinkfortpoint.com

Top of the Hub

2. Top of the Hub
If you go for anything, go for the view. Located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential building, this award-winning restaurant and lounge feature panoramic views of the Boston area. We suggest having a drink and listening to some jazz in the lounge — live every night of the week. You don’t need tickets and there’s no cover charge, although they do ask for a $24 minimum after 8 p.m., which is easily reachable. Drink-wise you’ll find tasty creations like their Berry Bubbly Martini for $14 which includes Grey Goose Citron and champagne or their Pomegranate Mojito for $11 made with a herbed vodka. On the menu you’ll find a variety of appetizers and meals from seafood finger foods to salads, steaks and comfort dishes like mac and chesse and chicken pot pie. A must-visit if a little live music is on your to-do list.
800 Boylston St., Boston MA, 02199
(617) 536-1775
topofthehub.net READ MORE

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3 Amazing Hotels in Boston

by Jennifer on September 19, 2010

With so many places to staying in this vibrant city, it can be hard to narrow down your search of hotels in Boston. We’ve found some amazing spots that we think just can’t be missed. Whether you’re looking for something ultra-hip and trendy, or classic and sophisticated, Boston has it all.

Photography courtesy of The Four Seasons Boston

Classic: The Four Seasons Boston
There’s a certain elegance that comes with staying at the Four Seasons anywhere in the world. The Four Seasons in Boston is no exception with luxurious, spacious rooms with classic detailing, huge bathrooms with L’Occitane products, amazing dining options and impeccable service (our welcome gifts when we arrived included bubbly and sweets). Situated right on the edge of the Boston Commons, you’ll also get amazing views (we suggest getting room service one morning and sip your coffee while watching the sun come up over the park’s trees). The location is also great for those looking to explore the Back Bay area. READ MORE

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Dining in Boston

by Jennifer on September 13, 2010

Photography courtesy of K-O Prime

With all the culture, shopping, history and charming neighbourhoods, Boston is easily one of our favourite U.S. cities. An added bonus … the food is amazing. Bostonians love their food and know how to do it right. The seafood is fresh, the Italian is comforting and full of flavour, the fine dining is exquisite and the pub food is delish. Here are some of our favourite places to grab a bite in the east coast city.

K-O Prime
If steak is on your mind after a day of sight-seeing, there’s no better place to get a perfectly cooked, juicy piece of beef than at K-O Prime. Award-winning chef Ken Oringer fronts this modern steakhouse that is home to a young, hip crowd. But if you’re not into red meat, you won’t be disappointed — the menu has tons of seafood options (try the Striped Bass with Summer Succotash) and a roasted chicken option. From the starters, try the freshest tomatoes imaginable with the Heirloom Tomato salad and the Fricassee of Escargot is definitely a must (even if you’re not an escargot fan, you’ll love these flavourful little bites). But the best part is the steak — our fave was the filet mignon with a chimichurri sauce. Pair it with any of the amazing sides (creamy potato puree, sautéed spinach and more) and it could possibly be one of the best steak meals you’ll ever have.
K-O Prime, 90 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108; 617-772-0202.
koprimeboston.com

The Bristol Lounge
There are two things that must be sampled at The Bristol Lounge — the raw bar and the dessert buffet. This resto knows how to bring out the best the sea has to offer. The east coast oysters are super fresh, light and the perfect way to start the meal, but the jumbo shrimp with jalapeno cocktail sauce is also a tasty option. The halibut with summer vegetables and shellfish minestrone is a stellar choice as well. Must-try: The Four Cheese Gnocchi Gratinee … handmade gnocchi baked with cheese, leeks and truffle oil — it’s ideal for sharing, but so good you may want your own order …what could be better? Then on to the dessert buffet — mini crème brulees, cheesecakes, homemade ice cream, tarts and pastries, it’s a great way to taste a little bit of everything without adding to your waistline.
The Bristol Lounge, 200 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116; 617-338-4400.
fourseasons.com READ MORE

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Afternoon Tea in Toronto

by Jennifer on September 6, 2010

Photography courtesy of Windsor Arms Hotel

There’s something so sophisticated (and perhaps a bit indulgent) about treating yourself to afternoon tea. The classic British tradition is one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon in a new city, but when we can’t get to London, New York or Paris for high tea, we find great ways to escape right here in Toronto. Here are some of our favourite afternoon tea spots — whether you live in Toronto or are just visiting, a quiet afternoon of tea will always hit the spot.

The Windsor Arms
A frequent celebrity haunt, The Windsor Arms is quiet and tucked away on St. Thomas Street, just off of Bloor Street West. Tea is served in the Tea Room from 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily and includes smoked salmon and salmon caviar, petit fours, scones, tarts and fresh fruit. Even more dainty — your tea is poured from pretty flowered pots.
Price: Starting at $30
Windsor Arms Hotel, 18 St. Thomas St., 416-971-9666.

The Old Mill Inn and Spa
Charmingly British, this Tudor-inspired hotel in the west-end of Toronto has an adorable garden terrace that makes afternoon tea in the spring and summer a special treat. But in cooler months, you can sip on Earl Grey and dine on sandies and sweets in the cozy inclosed terrace.
Price: Starting at $20.95
The Old Mill Inn & Spa, 21 Old Mill Rd., 416-236-2641. READ MORE

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Map: Hotels & Restaurants in Buenos Aires

by Stephanie on July 19, 2010

Photography courtesy Destino Argentina

You’ve read our recommendations for hotels and dining hotspots, so now you can use our map to see exactly where they are! READ MORE

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Buenos Aires: Bars and Restaurants

by Jennifer on June 25, 2010

Casa Cruz

Casa Cruz
Located in the hip Palermo neighbourhood, Casa Cruz feels like a little bit of NYC in Buenos Aires. An unmarked entrance, the interior is sleek and modern, with dim lighting and cozy banquettes. Dark mahogany wood, red velvet upholstery and a sleek oval bar sets the tone of the restaurant.

While the setting sells the experience, the food is actually really good. Overseen by Chef Germán Martitegui, the menu is Argentine cuisine with dishes like roasted rabbit, tuna with fennal-slaw, and Patagonia lamb. More expensive than the average BA restaurant, you’ll likely be dining with stylish locals, tourists and possible a celebrity or two. We love the extensive wine list (the floor-to-ceiling wine cellar is impressive), and definitely recommend taking in a least a drink or two here at arguably one of Buenos Aires hottest addresses.

WHERE TO FIND:
Casa Cruz
1658 Uriarte, Buenos Aires; (011) 4833-1112
casa-cruz.com

Cabaña Las Lilas

Cabaña Las Lilas
To be in Argentina and not try a mouthwatering steak would truly be a shame (our apologies if you’re vegetarian, but this really is meat country). The proud meat eaters of Argentina are known for raising and cooking up some of the most delicious beef in the world and they are incredibly proud of it. So when we visited Argentina, it was quite easy to get our red meat fix.

One of our favourite places (which was also recommended to us by locals) was Cabaña Las Lilas, located in the Puerto Madero section of Buenos Aires. Part of what makes Cabaña Las Lilas so special is that they raise their own cattle for the restaurant, so you know that you’re getting high-quality meat and delicious meals. Some must-tries include the tender skirt steak, the Medallón de Lomo Tenderloin and the option to make your own salad.

Even better, for those who are trying to limit their red meat intake, Cabaña Las Lilas offers a light menu, with smaller portions of tenderloin, skirt and rump steaks. And if by chance you’re not in a red meat mood at all, the Patagonic Spider Crab is tender, sweet and our non-meat must-try.

The dessert menu is huge, and we mean huge. There is no shortage of options, from dessert wines to ports, ice cream and biscuits, we recommend picking a few options to share around the table, just because it’s far too hard to choose.

WHERE TO FIND:
Cabaña Las Lilas
A. M. de Justo 550, 2ª Piso (C1107AAL) Buenos Aires; (54-11) 4315-1010
laslilas.com

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