Depending on your age, the very first time you try burrata, you may experience anger. That sounds crazy, but hear me out. You see, unless you’re trying it as a child, your love-at-first-bite sentiments of delight could quickly give way to bitterness, a bitterness born of the fact that for however many years you’ve been eating quality cheese, you have *not* been eating beautiful burrata. Before you despair entirely, however, know that it is burrata season, and you’ve got ample opportunities to make up for lost time. I describe burrata as the lovechild of just-pulled mozzarella and fresh ricotta — which isn’t entirely accurate, but it gives the unchristened a general idea of what I’m getting at when my ‘Trust me!’ isn’t cutting it. More precisely, burrata is freshly pulled buffalo or cow milk curd shaped into a purse of sorts and then filled with cream and curd. There are many ways to enjoy it, from being paired with oysters to a simple presentation of crusty bread and a drizzle of quality olive oil. Burrata’s name comes from the Italian word

* 360 Bistro, Nashville, Tennessee: “Our daughter thought her dish was the best of all — Italian burrata & Alto Adige speck with zucchini ribbons, truffle oil, and Tennessee dark honey on toasted baguette.”

* A Bellagio, Campbell, California: “If you like cured meat and excellent burrata, then this is the place for you! Burrata is a must! It is so creamy.”

* Annabelle’s Bar & Bistro, San Francisco, California: “Loved the arancini — savory little rice balls filled with burrata.”

* Acqua Al 2, Washington, D.C.: “The special appetizer was a super fresh burrata and apricots.”

* Brunello Trattoria, Culver City, California: “We started with the arugula salad with burrata cheese and hearts of palm, which was excellent.  Exactly what I was craving.”

* Chez Soi, Manhattan Beach, California: “Mad props to the chef at Chez Soi! He chooses his ingredients carefully and really lets each one shine in the dishes he prepares. The smoked and grilled peach that accompanies the gorgeous burrata, for example, added a lovely twist to an already lovely plate.”

* Circa 1922, Wilmington, North Carolina: “The burrata with heirloom tomatoes was outstanding — so good we both wish we had ordered two instead of sharing. The waiter’s suggestion of pairing it with a tapas plate of speck made it even more spectacular.”

* Cotogna, San Francisco, California: “To a first timer, I recommend anything with burrata cheese because they do it better than anyone else.” 

* edison food + drink lab, Tampa, Florida: “Everything tasted excellent. There were some very creative touches, like the orange sherbet with the burrata salad.”

* Gramercy Bistro, North Adams, Massachusetts: “The antipasti plate was the highlight of the evening . Rich, pure burrata, artichoke, and charcuterie.”

* Hibiscus, Dallas, Texas: “I started with the burrata and ramps…….very good.”

* La Ciccia, San Francisco, California: “A divine burrata drizzled with olive oil and sea salt, artfully placed in a nest of fresh arugula and fava beans.”

* La Messeria, New York, New York: “Really authentic cuisine; burrata is actually flown in from Italy;”

* Lucques, Los Angeles, California: “We shared a couple appetizers — the soft shell crab and asparagus with burrata. Both dishes were perfect! Great flavors!”

* Pasta Moon, Half Moon Bay, California: “If they have the burrata prosciutto appetizer, order it! It was the best thing we have ever eaten! Ordered it twice in two days!”

* Pastaio, Spring Lake, New Jersey: “The other appetizers were the burrata cheese, which was salty, creamy, and smooth. Served with olives and figs, do not pass up trying this dish.”

* Postino, Lafayette, California: “The burrata with prosciutto and tomato jam was outstanding. Fresh basil leaves and crunchy thin crostini were the perfect additions that led us to smile, laugh, and really get to know each other as we piled the toppings on our crostini. Beautiful evening.”

* Remi, New York, New York: “The food was so tasty. We had the burrata, arugula, and nectarine salad to start. YUM!”

* Stella Barria Pizzeria, Los Angeles, California: “The fennel bianco pizza with burrata is to die for. So delicious.”

* The Tasting Kitchen, Venice, California: “The burrata and tomato grilled cheese was obscenely rich but delicious.”

Participating restaurants include Amanda’s Restaurant in Hoboken, Babbo in Manhattan, and Monsoon Asian Kitchen in Babylon, among others.

National Dine Out Day is a great way for people around the country to get out of the kitchen for a night, dine out at a participating restaurant, and help New Jersey’s victims get back on their feet. Make a reservation for National Dine Out Day on June 19th at one of these participating restaurants in New York or New Jersey to show your support for those still struggling.

Tom Cruise celebrates scoring a reservation at the Polo Lounge.

Recent celebrity sightings at restaurants on OpenTable… 

* Erstwhile Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford lunched at ABC Kitchen in New York City. [People]

* The Bachelor‘s Sean Lowe dined with fiancee Catherine Guidici at Manhattan’s Ainsworth Park. [People]

* Julianne Moore dined with designer pal Rachel Roy at Antica Pesa in Brooklyn. [NY Post]

* Upcoming costars Will Arnett and Megan Fox shared a meal at NYC’s Beauty & Essex. [People]

* Katie Holmes was deep in conversation with feminist icon Gloria Steinem at Carbone in NYC’s Greenwich Village. [NY Post]

* Rockers Axl Rose and Steven Tyler hit up Catch in New York’s Meatpacking District. [NY Post] 

* Newsman Dan Rather hugged it out with Willie Nelson at The Four Seasons in the Big Apple. [NY Post]

* Designer Tory Burch attended a private party at Il Buco in Manhattan. [NY Post]

* New York Governor George Pataki and the dude who was Cowboy in the Village People (!) attended a fundraiser at Le Cirque in Manhattan. [NY Post]

* Tom Cruise was spotted on a possible double date at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills [NY Post]

* Basketball player Kris Humphries, likely happier than Luke Skywalker as he escaped the imploding Death Star, celebrated his divorce at Miami’s Sugarcane raw bar grill. [NY Post]

* Willie Nelson jammed with Jimmy Buffet at Montauk’s Surf Lodge on Long Island. [Us Weekly]

* Celebs, including Tom Hanks and Jane Krakowski, hit up Todd English at The Plaza Food Hall in New York City after the Tony Awards. [NY Post]

http://www.usmagazine.com/hot-pics/friends-til-the-end-2013116

Nothing says ‘Thanks, Dad!’ like a juicy ribeye.

Father’s Day is just a few days away, but there’s still time to book a table for Sunday. No matter what city you’re celebrating in, OpenTable can help you find a reservation!

You can visit our local Father’s Day pages to find details on special menus, pricing, and additional offers. And, below, we’ve rounded up a sampling of offers, from value-driven to extravagant, as well those that are a bit different, to whet your appetite.

Atlanta:
A bit less: Shula’s 347 Grill — Celebrate Father’s Day by treating Dad to a free entree. One per table; another entree must be purchased by one other diner.
A bit more: Park 75 – Head to the Four Seasons Hotel for a special BBQ with Dad experience.$70 per adult ($79 including Bloody Mary’s and beer), $30 for kids 6-12.
A bit different: Amura Japanese Sushi Restaurant – $5 New York steak after rebate, for fathers only.

Baltimore:
A bit less: La Tasca – Enjoy three tapas dishes and a dessert for $25 per person from the special “Tapas for Papas” menu.
A bit more: Morton’s The Steakhouse – Let Morton’s do the grilling. Join them for a mouth-watering three-course meal for only $69 per person.
A bit different: The Alehouse Columbia – Order a growler gift basket, which includes a signature pint glass, growler, and gift card.

Boston:
A bit less: Antonia’s at The Beach Restaurant and Bar – All-you-can-eat brunch buffet for only $14 per person.
A bit more: Palm Restaurant – Offering a 16-ounce, bone-in filet mignon at a special price of $45 and a $79.95 summer lobster dinner for two.
A bit different: Orchard Street Chop Shop — All dads get a complimentary cigar with entree purchase to enjoy on the terrace or take home.

Chicago:
A bit less: Domo 77-Aurora – Steak and lobster plus shrimp and chicken combination with soup, salad, veggies, fried rice, and a bottle of house wine for $59.96 for two people.
A bit more: deca Restaurant + Bar at The Ritz Carlton – Featuring a “Beef, Bourbon, and Beer Brunch” with Half Acre Beer Co., Revolution Brewing, and Woodford Reserve for $79 per person.
A bit different: Bistro Dre – All fathers will receive a complimentary slice of cheesecake with fresh strawberry sauce — and a gift bag.

 Denver:
A bit less: Randolph’s at Warwick Denver Hotel — Check out “Blues, Brews, and BBQ” on the patio. All your favorite brunch and BBQ items from the grill. Local draft beer included, all for just $25 per person.
A bit more: EDGE Restaurant & Bar – EDGE has partnered with Rickenbaugh Caillac of Denver for brunch and test drives on Fathers Day. $55 per adult, $25 for children (under 12).
A bit different: Aquarium Restaurant – Treat Dad to an under-the-sea adventure! Enjoy the one-of-a-kind Aquarium Restaurant and Aquarium Adventure Exhibit this Father’s Day. 

Los Angeles:
A bit less: Cafe Masilia – Enjoy an endless Champagne three-course brunch for $22.95 per person.
A bit more: The Royce at the Langham – Offering an interactive Sunday market brunch with chef action-stations inside the kitchen and a Stone Brewing Company beer tasting on patio, $99 per person and $35 for kids 4-12.
A bit different: Whisper Restaurant & Lounge – Father’s Day brunch with live jazz, plus complimentary mimosa, photograph and shoe shine at the Grove Shine. $35 per adult and $15 per child.

Minneapolis:
A bit less: Woolley’s Steakhouse – 50% off all steaks for fathers with a free craft beer of his choice.
A bit more: Haute Dish – Treat Dad to the three- and four-course carnivore ($35) or vegetarian ($30) tasting menus.
A bit different: Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill — Enjoy a mediterranean Father’s Day brunch with gyros, hummus, kabobs, eggs, pancakes, sausage, pasta, soups, salads, fruit, baklava, and more. $15.95 adults and $5.95 kids.

New York:
A bit less: The Barrel Room at City Winery – Fathers can enjoy a delicious steak and glass of wine for $25.
A bit more: Ai Fiori – Offering the regular dinner menu and a special Sunday pasta pre-fixe menu for $72 from 4pm to 8:45pm.
A bit different: Mezetto – The fun folks at this LES restaurant invite you to “Get your dad drunk on $15 bottomless mimosas at Mezetto for Father’s Day!”

Philadelphia:
A bit less: Derek’s – All fathers will receive a FREE ribeye steak at dinner. Must be accompanied by at least one other child or spouse. And, all bottles of wine are half price all day.
A bit more: The Prime Rib – $45 three-course, prix-fixe dinner. Plus, BYOB = bring your own bottle of wine with no corkage fee.
A bit different: Broad Axe Tavern – Receive a FREE gift certficate to Talamore Country Club for four rounds of golf and full dining and club access per reservation, while supplies last.

San Francisco:
A bit less: Pescatore – Celebrate Dad with a Niman Ranch ribeye and any one of Pescatore’s local draft beers for $25.
A bit more: Garden Court – Treat your father to a Palace Hotel tradition featuring a decadent selection of savories and sweets. $95 for adults, $45 for children 6-12.
A bit different: Bourbon Steak – Get dad lessons on how to throw the perfect backyard BBQ. Classes start @ 3pm, followed by dinner at 5:30pm.

Washington, D.C.:
A bit less: Taste Gastropub – Take Dad out to enjoy a complimentary pig roast entree, one per father.  Also, Dads get all craft draft beers for $4.
A bit more: Cafe Dupont – A unique two-course dinner, beer tastings, and a surprise gift at the end, all for $50 per person.
A bit different: Ping Pong Dim Sum – Celebrate Dad with a hearty dim sum brunch for $29 per person, $4 draft beers, and $15 bottomless tableside mimosa bars.

If you’re a foodie, summer is probably your favorite season, not just because of the arrival of sumptuous summer produce on restaurant menus. Summer restaurant weeks are akin to the food Olympics for avid eaters. We’ve rounded up those you can enjoy — or at least reserve — right now. Check back for MANY more restaurant weeks to be announced around the U.S. and Canada, so you can plan to save at home and on vacation this summer!

* Palm Springs Desert Resort Restaurant Week continues. Reserve to enjoy special $26 or $38 dinners, May 31-June 16.

* Dine About Town San Francisco is on. Book now for $18.95 two-course lunches and $36.95 three-course dinners, June 1-15.

* Portland Restaurant Month is in full swing. Make a reservation for three-course gourmet meals for just $29, June 1-30.

* Taste Around Town by bottlenotes is happening in Chicago. Delight in a selection of featured wines paired with courses or in tasting flights at participating restaurants, June 3-14.

* Taste Around Town by bottlenotes is happening in Washington, D.C., too. Sip a selection of featured wines paired with courses or in tasting flights at participating restaurants, June 3-14.

* Indianapolis Chow Down Midtown has arrived. Check out special three-course, prix-fixe meals at participating restaurants, June 10-23.

* Coral Gables Restaurant Week has begun. Take advantage of special $17-$29 lunches and $17-$49 dinners, June 10-30. 

* Dine Downtown-San Jose Restaurant Week reservations are live. Feast on special three-course, prix-fixe meals at participating restaurants, June 21-30.

* Allez! New York City French Restaurant Week is coming soon. Book now for amazing prix-fixe $17.89 meals at the city’s finest French restaurants, July 8-14.

* Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Restaurant Week is back in action this summer. Take advantage of $10-$20 lunches and $15-$30 dinners, July 14-19.

* dineLA is set to start in July! Make a reservation for $15, $20 or $25 lunches and $25, $35 or $45 dinners, July 15-26.

* Baltimore Restaurant Week is coming back. Don’t miss $15.13 two-course lunches and $20.13 or $30.13 three-course dinners, July 26-August 4.

* Atlanta Downtown Restaurant Week returns in July. Reserve for $15, $25, and $35 prix-fixe lunches and dinners, July 27-August 4.

Pea soup is super, but there are dozens of ways chefs are showcasing this short-lived springtime delight.

Sweet peas are a sure sign of spring. Largely intolerant of temperatures higher than seventy degrees, sweet, or garden, peas tend to leave town as soon as high summer arrives in many growing climates. So, the time is ripe to eat these emerald gems — and chefs are serving them up in truly inventive ways. Pea soup is a staple of the season’s menus — and thank goodness because we LOVE pea soup — but there are hundreds of other ways to sample one of spring’s most beloved treats. Peas are rich in folic acid (a must for expectant moms), and they’re a good source of vitamins A and C. Find out how what your fellow OpenTable diners are saying about sweet peas in recent restaurant reviews!

* A Voce Columbus, New York, New York: “The real standout for me was the pea and mascarpone ravioli. It was finished with breadcrumbs and cheese and was true comfort food without being heavy.”

* ABC Cocina, New York, New York: “Everything was excellent. The pea guacamole, the prawns with bananas and almonds, short rib, and fish tacos.”

* Agrodolce, Seattle, Washington: “Maria Hines does something with peas that no one else ever does with peas, so whenever peas are on the menu, we order them.”

* Beast and Bottle, Denver, Colorado: “The pea soufflé is absolutely divine!”

* Birdhouse on Hennepin, Minneapolis, Minnesota: “The pea paté and the deviled eggs were really good as starters.”

* The Dandelion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: “Particularly good was the spring pea soup. I’m not ordinarly a pea soup fan, but I could make a meal out of this stuff.”

* Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas, Nevada: “The English pea soup was out of this world.”

* Etch, Nashville, Tennessee: “The truffled pea pesto was AMAZING.”

* French Blue, St. Helena, California: “The fresh taste of the farm direct food holds its own with any wine of the region. Monterey Bay and the farmers cheese with fresh peas on toast points were a conscious awakening to really tasting and savoring every flavor.”

* Goose & Gander, Saint Helena, California: “The scallops were out of this world. Smashed peas the best. Our party of five had the most delicious meal.”

* Grillfish DC, Washington, D.C.: ”The vegetables (fresh peas and green beans) were grown on their farm in southern Maryland and were also fabulous.”

* Le Philosophe, New York, New York: “Had the crushed pea soup as an appetizer — very flavorful as well.”

* Luca’s Ristorante, Flemington, New Jersey: “The green pea hummus-like dip was just so good.”

* Niche, Clayton, Missouri: “The desserts are always a favorite — sweet pea ice cream with surprisingly delicate flavors complimented strawberry mousse and a cake.”

* Paragon, Portland, Oregon: “Pea soup with watermelon salsa: GET THIS. Cold, sweet watermelon on rich, cold pea soup was absolutely perfect. I want to learn to make this at home.”

* Pasta Moon, Half Moon Bay, California: “I had the fava bean/fresh pea salad with lemon and mint. It tasted like it was just picked from the garden.”

* Portobello Vegan Trattoria, Portland, Oregon: “English pea ravioli was great!”

 * Rionne XIII, Seattle, Washington: “Pea shoot ravioli, killer!”

* Telepan, New York, New York: “ I had the pea pancake, roasted trout, and s’mores — all done to perfection.”

* Vinaigrette, Albuquerque, New Mexico: “I got the pea salad (wonderful) with scallops — also great!”

Taste of the Nation Minneapolis HOTList is one of the hottest events happening this month in the Twin Cities.

Happenings on and around OpenTable…

* Save 10% on tickets to Taste of the Nation in Los Angeles on June 9th. Click thru for exclusive discount code.

* Save $5 on tickets to Taste of the Nation Minneapolis HOTlist in the Twin Cities on June 10th. Click thru for exclusive discount code.

* Palm Springs Desert Resort Restaurant Week reservations are live. Reserve to enjoy special $26 or $38 dinners, May 31-June 16.

* Dine About Town San Francisco is almost here. Book now for $18.95 two-course lunches and $36.95 three-course dinners, June 1-15. 

* Portland Restaurant Month starts soon. Make a reservation for three-course gourmet meals for just $29, June 1-30.

* Triangle Restaurant Week kicks off in Chapel Hill-Durham-Raleigh area. Don’t miss $15 lunches and $20 and $30 dinners, June 3-9.

* Coral Gables Restaurant Week is two weeks away. Take advantage of special $17-$29 lunches and $17-$49 dinners, June 10-30.

* Trending on recent OpenTable restaurant reviews? Grilled romaine!

* Why do good restaurants close? Find out about last call at Jo’s.

The magical grilled romaine salad from South Edison restaurant.

I often think the world is divided into two groups: those who love salads and those who do not. I am squarely in the former and my husband is, unfortunately, in the latter. He’ll eat salads, but, more often than not, it is begrudgingly. Not so when we were at South Edison in Montauk, New York, recently. We had a char-grilled romaine salad with meyer lemon vinaigrette, and my husband declared that he would eat salad every day (!) if it were this very dish. Perhaps then, those who do not love salad haven’t yet tried this delicious variation on dressed greens. Romaine lettuce is perfectly suited to grilling because its hearty texture holds up over hot coals, which bring out its sweetness while adding smokey depth. Chock full of vitamins A and K, romaine lettuce is low in calories and high in fiber. Find out what OpenTable diners are saying about this summery spin on salad in recent reviews.

* Alfio’s bon cibo, Cincinnati, Ohio: “Butternut squash soup was yummy, as was the wood-grilled romaine salad. Must be a genius in the kitchen.”

* Bella’s Restaurant, Charlottesville, Virginia: “Do not miss the grilled romaine; it’s to die for!”

* BOCA, Cincinnati, Ohio: “Dinner at Boca was outstanding. The grilled romaine is a must.”

* Bonfyre American Grille, Madison, Wisconsin: “My side Caesar salad was great. They grilled the romaine. Awesome flavor.”

* Campania Cafe, Davidson, North Carolina: “Comfortable dinning, excellent food. I especially enjoyed the grilled romaine salad.”

* Chloé, Seattle, Washington: “They have several wonderful prix-fixe options; I tried the grilled romaine salad, steak, and creme brulee option for $25. Wasn’t sure how I’d feel about grilled lettuce, but it was delicious!” 

* Haven Restaurant, Atlanta, Georgia: “The grilled romaine Caesar was out-of-control delicious.”

* Il Terrazzo Carmine, Seattle, Washington: “ I had grilled romaine salad. The salad dressing was delicious — just a hint of rosemary.”

* Imperial, Portland, Oregon: “We especially liked the two appetizers we ordered –mthe grilled romaine and the kale salad.”

* Matt’s Red Rooster Grill, Flemington, New Jersey: “The grilled romaine salad is one of the best Caesar salads that I’ve ever eaten; the dressing isn’t overpowering, nor is it underwhelming, but the real surprise is the smokey taste from the grill.”

* Panzano, Denver, Colorado: “The grilled romaine caesar salad was perfection; I could have eaten a bowl of that for my meal.”

* Smoke on Cherry Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma: “The grilled romaine is so unique. I am beginning to prefer it to a traditional Caesar salad.”

* South Edison, Montauk, New York: “Everything was great! Grilled romaine salad, fried olives unbelievable, and the varying flavors with the porgy were delicate and distinctive simultaneously.”

The stylish-yet-seemingly-secret dining rooms at Jo’s in Nolita.

Every time a restaurant closes, a piece of my heart breaks — for a hundred different reasons. Primarily, though, it means a dream has, at least momentarily, been dashed.

So is the case with Jo’s in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood. Established four years ago by Jim Chu and Johnny Santiago, Jo’s sought to fill a unique gap — that of neighborhood watering hole and everyday restaurant with a warm, welcoming vibe. They courted their regulars, held fun contests (Pancakes!), created an anti-social media postcard campaign, and tweaked their menu very carefully, seeking out kitchen talent who understood their vision and respected the price point they had set for their unusually accessible menu. Chu and Santiago, both longtime veterans of New York City’s bar and restaurant scene (despite their youthful looks), gave cheeky seminars on how to semi-succeed in business, always maintaining their optimism and good humor. On any given night, either one or both could be found on premise, greeting diners, pitching in when duty called, and making sure guests were having a good time.

Despite these careful and creative efforts, Jo’s will shut its doors at the end of service tonight after not even half a decade in business. What led to its untimely demise? Well, this piece by Josh Ozersky regarding the state of dining, blogging, and PR in New York City may shed some light on why only those with the deepest of pockets seem destined to survive. But, ultimately, says co-owner Santiago, “I think for us the biggest issue was our space itself. The location was tough, the physical location. In the end, that’s what did us in.” 

Johnny Santiago, whose name reminds me of that of a celebrity or a character from an S.E. Hinton book, reflects on the closing of Jo’s.

The challenges of the physical space are something Santiago and I had discussed previously. Passersby never quite caught on to the fact that Jo’s, like The Tasting Room (where I had my wedding dinner!) before it, was more than the intimate bar space visible from the street. Tucked away in the back, just past the host stand but not visible to the untrained eye, are TWO dining rooms. But it’s hard to fill rooms when folks don’t realize they’re there — or would prefer to sit up front to see and be seen. Jo’s immediate predecessor, The Tasting Room, shuttered in the same space after just a few years, and, prior to that, the once-successful M & R Bar closed in 2003 after its lease was up (and its rent was, presumably, astronomically hiked). Santiago admits he was charmed by the space, despite its immediate challenges, because of his fond memories of M & R Bar. In hindsight, he observes, “M & R Bar worked well because they had a garden in the back. It’s challenging to do a garden anymore because a lot of residents [whose apartments would look out onto a restaurant's garden seating area] don’t want that.”

When asked how the power of the interwebs have changed the restaurant game since he opened his first venture, the former operator of Torch, a supper club on Manhattan’s Lower East Side (which, true to its name, burned down), said, “The difference between opening Jo’s compared to Torch is that the way people discover restaurants is completely different now. To me, a restaurant is about an experience. However, now people can go online and see photos, read your menus, find out what other people think about it, and decide which dishes to order. So, they’re showing up with a predisposed set of expectations rather than a sense of adventure. It’s good and bad at the same time.” As a result of this cultural shift in dining, he notes, “Someone has to constantly be reaching out, pushing the restaurant to bloggers, writers, and festivals. If you want to *just* run a restaurant, I think it’s kind of impossible. To stay relevant, it seems like you have to constantly participate in all of these forums and events.”

After Jo’s last blowout this evening, what does the future hold for Santiago? “I’m going to catch up on some sleep! And, I’ll take the summer to reconnect with friends.” Because restaurateurs are well known for their resilience in the face of setbacks, I wondered if there will be another restaurant in his future. He laughed, “It’s a sickness. A bad habit! But, I like to create experiences for people; I love meeting them, finding out what they do, talking to them, and taking care of them. I guess that’s the difference between being in this industry and other service businesses. It’s not what you do; it’s who you are.”

Stop by to raise a glass to Jo’s tonight.