Archive for the ‘trends’ Category

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Fiddlehead Ferns

Monday, May 14th, 2012
Fiddlehead Ferns Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Fiddlehead Ferns

Fiddlehead ferns are coveted among foragers!

Fiddlehead ferns are another beloved blink-and-you’ll-miss-them springtime treat. There are different kinds of fiddlehead ferns, but only several are actually edible. Local to several areas in North America, including the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S., restaurants on OpenTable are serving this wild treat to the delight of diners.

80 Thoreau, Concord, Massachusetts: “Another great dinner at 80 Thoreau. Had the rabbit paté and the artichoke with barley. The paté was moist and very flavorful. The vegetarian dish was a palette of greens and golds. Indicative of the spring fare were the fiddlehead ferns, asparagus, and golden carrots accompanying the stuffed artichoke. It was presented so beautifully that I didn’t want to disturb it. Delicious dish I would have again.”

8407 Kitchen Bar, Silver Spring, Maryland: “The food is amazing. Loved the fiddlehead/ramp/chicken-of-the-woods mushroom salad! Very skilled server.”

Bricco Trattoria, Glastonbury, Connecticut: “They cook with local ingredients and had fiddleheads for an appetizer, followed by an apple salad with shaved fennel and a light dressing. The veal parmesan with a side of fresh pasta with pork strips in the sauce was excellent. I cannot remember getting a meal of this quality.”

Culina Millcreek, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: “Three of us went to Culina to celebrate a birthday. We all thought the evening special sounded delicious (asparagus soup with blue cheese, Alberta pickerel with fiddleheads), and all of us were extremely pleased. I also love to go to Culina for brunch.”

Fuel Restaurant, Lewiston, Maine: “This is the second time we have been to Fuel, and we were not disappointed. The food was wonderful. We had a dish of fiddleheads cooked in a white-wine reduction with apple smoked bacon — and asked for more bread to sop up the juice.”

Jamestown FiSH, Jamestown, Rhode Island: “We had two fabulous dinners at Fish. The first was a spicy shrimp dish with the most delicious polenta I’ve ever had. The second was a salmon dish with spring veggies, including fiddlehead ferns. Everything that comes out of the kitchen is beautifully presented and tastes fantastic! We wanted to lick our plates!! The chef is extremely creative.”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Fiddlehead Ferns

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Soft-Shell Crabs

Monday, April 30th, 2012
GW Fins Soft Shell Crab Po Boy Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Soft Shell Crabs

This is the delicious soft-shell crab po' boy served at GW Fins in New Orleans.

The weather has been wacky this spring, particularly on the East Coast. Back in February, there were days during which the temperatures reached well into the 80s. A lot of my fellow New Yorkers enjoyed this, though the Master Gardener in me considers it a sign of the ecological apocalypse. One happy by-product of this eerily unseasonably warm weather, however, is the early arrival of soft-shell crabs. I indulged at a friend’s restaurant for the first time last night and relished every crispy bite, so much so that I am having them again today! 

Another Monkey, San Francisco, California: “Best Thai food I’ve ever had! Definitely order extra soft-shelled crab. Four of us came, and we split four dishes, and all were amazing. The crab was so good that when we finished, we ordered a second for dessert!”

 * Blue Water Grill, New York, New York: “I took my mother here to celebrate her birthday. She love soft shell crabs and they went above and beyond to ensure that they let us know that they were going to have thm especially for her. They were flash fried and extremely tasty.”

Chef’s Station, Evanston, Illinois: “Soft-shelled crab was on the menu and my wife and I agreed that it was about the best we have had. Foie gras appetizer was perfectly prepared, too. Definitely a find for us.”

Chez TJ, Mountain View, California: “Dining at Chez TJ was one of the best experiences I have ever had. The food was innovative and delicious and they were awesome when it came to celebrating our special occasion and food preferences. I loved everything we were served, but I must say the soft-shell crab was the best, most succulent, sweet and well-cooked soft-shell crab I have ever had.”

Cookshop, New York, New York: “Pizza with fresh ramps, sublime. Soft-shell crab delightful and generous. I’ll start combining appetizers at this nabe fave, but not because the scallops and pheasant don’t stack up–they do!”

Craft, New York, New York: “We had a great dinner with really different and exciting dishes. The soft-shell crabs were amazing. Crisp and incredibly favorable. One of the best meals we have had.”

ELEVEN, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: “A magnificent soft-shell crab was served with freshly foraged ramps — those seasonal rarities which just go to prove exactly how good nature is at making food when not messed around with by mankind.”

* Food Wine and Co., Bethesda, Maryland: “Soft-shell crab was crisp and had a fantastic corn puree alongside.”

Gram & Dun, Kansas City, Missouri: “I had the special of the day — soft-shell crabs with a light breading and grapefruit sauce and truly enjoyed it.”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Soft Shell Crabs

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Scotch Eggs

Monday, April 23rd, 2012
Scotch Egg Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Scotch Eggs

This is hardly as pretty as the Scotch egg I remember, but I'm betting it's still darned tasty.

About a decade ago, my husband and I visited a small Jamaican-American restaurant for brunch. Our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs (although I’m not sure that’s true anymore), and we wound up ordering more food than any two people should, including their version of a Scotch egg. The restaurant has long since closed, unfortunately, but I remember it — and that slightly runny, boiled egg, swathed in salty, spicy pork sausage and crisp breadcrumbs – fondly. As you’ll see, Scotch eggs remain popular in the U.K., where they were invented, and have since become fashionable in restaurants on OpenTable in the U.S., as well. 

The Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, U.K.: ”We absolutely love this place — it was even a place to bring the parents for dinner! It has a whole beer list and the food is delicious. Highlights are the bar snacks — pork crackling with apple sauce and the Scotch egg.”

Cedric’s Tavern-Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina: ”The food at Cedric’s is excellent — the Scotch Eggs are the best in town; in fact they’re probably the best I have ever had.”

The Fat Radish, New York, New York: ”They have many exciting dishes and appetizers on the menu, and also a lot of vegetarian options. I loved the Montauk diver scallops with sweet potato mash. I also tried the Scotch egg as a starter, which was amazing. Great place!”

The Gage, Chicago, Illinois: ”The Scotch Egg is fantastic! Also, the stuffed peppers were a real surprise as well and the beer on tap is broad. The entree’s were elk saddle and farm chicken. Both of them were good…. I would absolutely come back here if for no other reason to order four or five Scotch eggs.”

Gram & Dun, Kansas City, Missouri: ”The presentation is great here. Every dish looks like it could be in a magazine. My Scotch egg at brunch was fun and tasty; my wife said the French toast with the egg in the middle was the best French toast she ever had.”

The Hinds Head-Bray, Bray, Windsor, U.K.: ”A great meal. We tried Heston’s legendary Scotch Eggs as starters. They were … legendary!”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Scotch Eggs

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Meyer Lemon

Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Meyer Lemon Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Meyer Lemon

These preserved Meyer lemons seriously make everything taste better!

When I was at my local Fairway this winter, I was overcome by Meyer lemon madness. I purchased dozens — repeatedly. A winter citrus, you can extend the season by preserving them, which is precisely what I did — repeatedly — using Eugenia Bone’s easypeasy recipe. I have been using them in virtually everything we cook at home (White clam pizza! Linguine and clam sauce! Roasted broccoli! Brussels sprouts! You get the idea.) Restaurants have also been making the most of this delicious fruit, using them in recipes both sweet and savory, to the delight of diners. 

Blue Fin, New York, New York: “Meyer lemon tart was to die for!”

Bouchon, Yountville, California: “I had the most delicious seared scallops with a meyer lemon oil. Also a great glass of Gentlemen Farmer’s Cab Franc — the owners of the vineyard were sitting next to us and shared the bottle. Great news that it is on the wine list also!”

Chez Panisse Cafe, Berkeley, California: “The Meyer lemon spritzer was better than wine!”

Domaine Chandon étoile, Yountville, California: “We had the four course tasting menu. My crab appetizer was scrumptious, and my husband adored his tuna. We both had the diver scallops — delicious. Then I had the duck for a main course and my husband had the lobster and veal. Both were outstanding. For dessert he had creme brûlée, and I had a marvelously delicate Meyer lemon mousse.”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Meyer Lemon

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Dining Out Is In on Passover

Monday, April 9th, 2012
Ten Plagues Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Dining Out Is In on Passover

No one mentioned if any of the restaurants used these Ten Plagues hand ouppets in their Seders.

As we noted last week, more restaurants are helping diners observe Passover with special menus, dishes, and even hosting their own Seders. See what OpenTable diners have been saying about Passover in reviews from the last few days.

* Cantina Feliz, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania: “We came for their very untraditional ‘Passover Feliz’ menu, but we’ll be back. Innovative cuisine and good value. Try the Santana Margarita.”

Firefly, San Francisco, California: “It’s a Passover tradition for us to go to Firefly. I’m like Pavlov’s dog when it comes to the gefilte fish and chopped liver. We passed on the matzo ball soup, not because we don’t love it, but because we’re trying to watch our carbs. Then continuing with the hearty fare, we had the brisket and the lamb. Both were delicious with complementary vegetables and a delicious reduction. It’s a fave for me!”

* Firefly, San Francisco, California: “Wonderful Passover menu. Enjoyed sharing the first night Seder with so many others. Ran into many neighborhood friends. Lovely waitress.”

* Fork Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: “We went for Passover dinner and the food was wonderful!!!”

* Manhattan in the Desert, Palm Springs, California: “Great deli food. Travelled a long distance for a wonderful Passover meal.”

* Metropolitan Club, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts: “Went for the Passover menu. We were delighted with the choices and the whole meal.”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Dining Out Is In on Passover

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Poutine

Monday, April 2nd, 2012
Poutine Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Poutine

There are entire blogs devoted solely to the pursuit of the best poutine and, I assume, living with heart disease.

Got a craving for poutine? Blame Canada! The Great White North birthed this dish in way back in the Mad Men era. Made with a base of French fries, fresh cheese curds, and brown gravy, poutine has been getting upscale makeovers from ambitious chefs, through the addition of luxury ingredients, such as duck, lobster, and truffles, and technical twists, to elevate its stance from a national fast-food fave to an international treasure. See what OpenTable diners have been saying about poutine in reviews from the last seven days.

The Ballroom, Toronto, Ontario: ”My sister and other frind tried the mushroom poutine, and said it was good also.”

Bannock, Toronto, Ontario: ”From the herb laden poutine, the bannock sandwich, to the incredible butter tart, we devoured it.”

Boneta Restaurant, Vancouver, British Columbia: ”Super poutine! Crisp fries, light, tasty gravy, fresh curds.”

Brava Bistro, Calgary, Alberta: ”The lobster poutine was delicious as was my shrimp and avocado salad.”

East Ender, Portland, Maine: ”The food was excellent. Lobster poutine is evil (in a good way).”

Fork, Chicago, Illinois: “The poutine was fab!”

Foundry on Elm, Somerville, Massachusetts: ”We had the poutine, which was rich but very tasty.”

Garde Manger, Montreal, Quebec: ”The food is indeed amazing. The foie gras and lobster poutine didn’t disappoint.”

The Gorbals, Los Angeles, California: ”We had grilled lettuce, beet barley risotto, grilled squid, bacon wrapped matzoh balls, and Bánh mì poutine. Grilled lettuce and Bánh mì poutine were really great and tasty.”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Poutine

Trending on Recent OpenTable Reviews: Ramps

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Ramps Trending on Recent OpenTable Reviews: Ramps

Pickled ramps are a popular way to extend the season for this spring plant.

Spring officially sprung last week, and one of its hallmark ingredients that most excites chefs and diners alike are ramps. Also known as wild leeks, garlicky ramps can be served dozens of different ways. Actually, there are probably hundreds of ways to enjoy them. See what diners are saying about ramps in select OpenTable reviews from the last seven days!

* Alligator Soul, Atlanta, Georgia: “The rabbit five ways was a treat well tied together with dirty rice and served with crisp haricot verts and ramps.”

* Island Creek Oyster Bar, Boston, Massachusetts: “My Maine halibut on risotto, fresh english peas, muscadine grapes and grilled ramps was the star! Every bite was like velvet and such fresh spring flavor.”

Maialino, New York, New York: “Pasta was sublime (made with fresh ramps). Meat dishes were good. Chicken was actually better than their signature pork. Will return.”

* MarketHouse, Chicago, Illinois: “The dishes used a very good variety of seasonal ingredients to come up with flavorful results. They just started their spring menu and the wild ramps were excellent.”

* Naha, Chicago, Illinois: “Two ramps sitting on top [of my rib eye] were the most tasty component.”

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Reviews: Ramps

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Meat-Free Dining During Lent

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
Go fish Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Meat Free Dining During Lent

I'm not sure if there's ever a good time to be a fish, but I think it's safe to say that Lent is definitely not one of those times.

Today is the Great American Meat Out, during which many people are giving up meat for the day — or forever! At the same time, Lent is going on. Many diners eschew meat on Fridays or altogether until Easter Sunday. Dining out for these folks can be a challenge, See what diners are saying about meat-free dining during Lent in select OpenTable reviews from the last seven days!

Eddie Merlot’s, Columbus, Ohio: “We especially love the Lent special this year with the change to two lobsters.”

Karyn’s on Green, Chicago, Illinois: “For two meat eaters, trying a vegan restaurant was quite an experience, but we should have never had any doubts! We went to Karyn’s on a Friday during Lent and were very happy with the food and will be returning in the future. The ‘chorizo sliders’ were delicious and had we not known they weren’t real sausage, we would have never been able to tell.”

Le Cirque, New York, New York: “Went on a Friday during Lent so only ate fish/seafood. No complaints about our selections, all were great! From grilled octopus to whole turbot fish.”

Macello, Chicago, Illinois:  ”We were looking for a good place to have dinner before a Blackhawks game and found Macello. We had a great experience. Two of the four of us were observing Lent (no meat on friday) and one was following a low carb diet. All four of us had many great options to choose from.”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Meat Free Dining During Lent

Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Asparagus Salad

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
asparagus spring Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Asparagus Salad

Asparagus is one of the earliest and best spring vegetables!

Spring hasn’t yet officially sprung, but asparagus is springing up at OpenTable restaurants, starring in salads! See what diners are saying about this fresh twist on a perennial favorite in select OpenTable reviews from the last seven days!

Bijoux, Dallas, Texas: “The warm asparagus salad with egg and hollandaise was hands down the best appetizer in Dallas.”

Bouchon, Beverly Hills, California: “We tried things we’d not had before there, like the asparagus salad and the skate. Everything was out-of-this-world incredible.”

Credo, San Francisco, California:  ”I started with the shaved asparagus, homemade mozzarella and roasted red pepper dressed salad. Rich and delicious.”

Fifth Floor, San Francisco, California: “I loved the crab and uni custard, and the asparagus salad.”

* MUA, Oakland, California: “Had a new dish, asparagus salad with frisee, amazing!”

(more…)

share save 171 16 Trending on Recent OpenTable Restaurant Reviews: Asparagus Salad

OpenTable Diners Reveal 2012 Valentine’s Day Dining and Reservation Trends

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

As Cupid prepares to pull back his bow on February 14th, OpenTable has surveyed our network of diners to find out how and when you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day, which celebs you’d most like to dine with, and what types of foods put you in the mood. Get all the details in our fun infographic below!

 

Valentines Day OpenTable InfoGraphic January 2012 FINAL OpenTable Diners Reveal 2012 Valentines Day Dining and Reservation Trends

share save 171 16 OpenTable Diners Reveal 2012 Valentines Day Dining and Reservation Trends