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Salad Days: 9 Restaurants for New Spring Salads

Laurie Wilson May 21, 2018 Leave a Comment

May is National Salad Month, not to mention damage control month following a winter of heavy eating and drinking. Chefs are creating unique salads with the season’s best ingredients paired with a few surprises. Check out these restaurants for new spring salads and eat guilt-free.

Kyma, Atlanta Georgia
Beat the heat with executive chef Pano Karatossos’ beet salad, a blend of baby candy beets, striped beets, and yellow and red beets — all are roasted, quartered, and splashed with aged red wine vinegar and a Manouri dressing and adorned with toasted walnuts. The crown: a beet sorbet made from roasted beet puree and simple syrup. Make a reservation at Kyma.

Siena Tavern, Chicago, Illinois
Watermelon and warm weather are a fun-lovin’ pair. Chef Fabio Viviani created his watermelon salad to be “a juxtaposition of a sweet and savory combination” that stars watermelon (of course), spiced yogurt, shaved radish, Nordic creamy feta, honeycomb, and a pistachio and mint vinaigrette. Make a reservation at Siena Tavern.

Bella Gioia, Brooklyn, New York
A citrusy city salad, the fennel and orange salad on chef Nico Daniele’s Park Slope neighborhood menu is a fruity and nutty mix of blood oranges, green apples, pecans, and a citrus vinaigrette drizzle. Make a reservation at Bella Gioia.

Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen, Austin, Texas
The no-veto-vote” menu at this Chicago-based brand (named after founder Craig Bernstein’s late father, Doctor B.) has a section devoted to “craveable salads.” Elect the California salad and you’ll get a mingle of kale, avocado, cranberries, wasabi peas, and sweet potato dressed with a roasted garlic dressing. Available at all locations. Make a reservation at Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen.

LH Rooftop, Chicago, Illinois
Executive chef Jacob Verstegen’s heirloom cucumber salad puts this refreshing fruit center plate. The dainty salad is comprised of balled, shaved, and sliced cucumbers as well as pickles, and it is complemented with a green garlic custard, popped rice, and spring herbs. Make a reservation at LH Rooftop.

Josephine, Nashville, Tennessee
Come for brunch and start your midday meal with executive chef Andy Little’s duck confit salad that’s created with a delicate toss of duck confit, frisée lettuce, and shaved apple, and it’s jazzed up with a creamy mustard dressing. Make a reservation at Josephine.

Rice, Rice, Baby: 7 Top Bibimbap Dishes That Will Bowl You Over

Nevin Martell May 18, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Korean word bibimbap literally means ‘mixed rice.’ A bowl full of the grain serves as the base for toppings such as namul (sautéed vegetables), grilled beef, kimchi, and an egg. Chili-powered gochujang paste, soy sauce, and fermented soybean paste (doenjang) add extra layers of flavor. Here are 7 bibimbap dishes that will bowl you over.

Sushi San, Chicago, Illinois
Try bibimbap with a Japanese accent. The Beef ‘n Bop features short grain rice steamed and coal roasted in a cast iron skillet. Beef short ribs, roasted maitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, sliced asparagus, crispy shallots, and a sunny ‘n’ runny egg yolk top it off. Make a reservation at Sushi San.

Departure, Denver, Colorado
Expect heat and meat in this blue-ribbon bowl. Skirt steak gets amped up with Korean chili and fiery strands of pickled kimchi. Sitting at the center is a poached egg to pop so you can mix in the creamy yolk like it’s an extra condiment. Make a reservation at Departure.

SouthGate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bibimbap – now in omelet form. This clever play features eggs dressed with the toppings of a vegetarian version of the rice bowl, including zucchini, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms. Golden-griddled hash browns complete the hearty breakfast. Make a reservation at SouthGate.

E&O Kitchen and Bar, San Francisco, California
This Bop is a Japanese interpretation of ‘bap. Crispy dashi rice is interspersed with layers of spinach and savory sweet pickles with a sunny side up egg on top. A sprinkling togarashi, bonito flakes, and an umeboshi plum add the final flavors. Make a reservation at E&O Kitchen and Bar.

6 Chic Coconut Cocktails to Drink This Spring

Susan Johnston Taylor May 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

Coconut cocktails sometimes carry kitschy connotations, especially when served in a coconut shell. But recognizing coconut’s sweet flavors and versatility, mixologists have given it a more modern spin. Here are six places to get your drink on.

The Pacific Palm at Charlie Palmer Steak, New York, New York
Created by general manager Jill Dobias, the Pacific Pam combines vodka, coconut water, and lime zest. This refreshing combination brings a vacation vibe right to Midtown — no packing or passport required. Make a reservation at Charlie Palmer Steak.

Pacific Scorpion at Roku, West Hollywood, California
Mixologist Charity Johnston uses Svedka clementine vodka mixed with coconut, pineapple, passion fruit, watermelon, guava, and lychee juice for a tantalizing taste of the tropics. Make a reservation at Roku.

The Anti-Inflammatory at Saffron NOLA, New Orleans, Louisiana
Concocted by owner, general manager, and bar director Ashwin Vilkhu, the Anti-Flammatory includes cognac, turmeric-infused coconut milk, honey syrup, chili oil, and a sprig of cilantro. Vilkhu says the coconut milk contributes to the drink’s flavor profile and viscosity while providing a healthier alternative to cream. Make a reservation at Saffron NOLA.

Local Favorites: Top Denver Restaurants to Try Now

Kelly Merritt May 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

In the shadow of the mighty Rocky Mountains where the flavors of Colorado spring to life throughout Denver, health nuts, carnivores, brunchers, and late-night gastropub patrons come together in one of America’s most dynamic culinary cities. When it comes to cuisine and general fabulousness, Denver is beyond reproach. After all, this is the same city where visitors can stroll through the home of the unsinkable Molly Brown, Titanic survivor and activist for women’s suffrage, among other pursuits. Denver divides itself into the best of mountain cultures, east of California and west of the flyover states. It is rugged and elegant, bohemian and polished with no singular defining description. The crowd of restaurants is as diverse as the clientele. There’s no shortage of good eats in the Mile High City. But unless you live here and go out to eat every night, choosing just a few is like trying to slay every mogul on the slope. The following list of nine top Denver restaurants is a good start.

Urban Farmer
The name says it all in chef Chris Starkus’ LoDo neighborhood steakhouse. Similar to so many Colorado establishments, meat is king here. He even offers a New York steak tasting. But chef Starkus is also known for his spot-on, sea-faring palate. The chorizo oil married with citrus is an irresistible combination of zingy flavors in his seafood salad, while the charred octopus with mussels, black garlic, and saffron spätzle remain wildly popular with the after-work crowd. He adds a little Southern soul to the menu in his ham bone soup. And regulars argue his blackened foie gras butter, a luxe touch for any of the steaks, should have its own fan club. Make a reservation at Urban Farmer.

Randolph’s Restaurant & Bar
In what could be the best cheat food / Netflix binge-worthy snack ever, diners find East coast lobster corn dogs at Randolph’s Restaurant & Bar in the Warwick Hotel. No wonder this Capitol Hill neighborhood patio has such a following; cooks prepare the crispy little treasures on the barbecue grill. The equally lip-smacking herb polenta and gremolata serves as a savory, creamy counterpart to housemade Colorado bison meatballs. On the lighter side, housemade ricotta gets a helping of heirloom beets in one of Randolph’s bestselling salads. Make a reservation at Randolph’s Restaurant & Bar.

Public School 303
The name itself sounds like trouble. Like at any moment a bunch of rowdy kids will come running through the cafeteria wreaking havoc on the lunchroom. And that’s just what the menu at this Denver gastropub does. It annihilates all things boring. An otherwise dull chicken burger becomes honor roll-worthy with smoky tomato jam, avocado, red onions, blue cheese aioli, crispy bacon, and a fried egg topper. Comfort foods like chorizo mac and cheese or bacon and cheddar tots square off against fried chicken and green chili cornbread waffles as diner favorites. Public School 303 aims to educate guests in the art of food and beer, principal’s office style. Make a reservation at Public School 303.

Old Major
The slogan ‘seafood, swine, and wine’ just about sums up why patrons are celebrating the fifth year of Denver foodie staple Old Major. This nose-to-tail bastion of butchery is helmed by chef Justin Brunson and is part of the Brunson & Co. Denver family of restaurants that also includes Masterpiece Delicatessen and The Royal Rooster. Road warrior Brunson is a major part of why Old Major remains so successful – his infectious joy over seasonally and locally sourced ingredients and the storytelling that goes along with them remain trademarks of his Iowan farm upbringing. Brunson’s penchant for Colorado heritage-raised meats helped land him the starring role in Food Network’s SEARious Meats. Brunson’s eager guests love his rigatoni with braised rabbit, crispy whole fish, and various juicy steaks.
Make a reservation at Old Major.

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew
Lower Downtown Denver is home to Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, where a touch of the creole South has found its way to the mouths of hungry Denver diners with the likes of seafood jambalaya, Po’Boys, catfish bites, and even an old-fashioned fish fry. Chef Jason Rogers, formerly of St. Regis Aspen and Boulder’s St. Julien Hotel & Spa, knows no proper Louisiana meal would be complete without boudin dirty rice and green onions, so plan to order some for the table to share. When booking a reservation, be sure to allow for enough time to visit the on-site Black Buzzard where rock legend tributes and nearly 50 rotating American craft beers on tap compliment a vivacious blend of live music. Make a reservation at Oskar Blues and Brew.

STK
Denver is nothing if not one of the best party cities. One of Denver’s sultriest enclaves, STK is like a supermodel with a Ph.D. This contemporary steakhouse is known just as much for its swanky lounge and sleek cocktails as for its beef also offers a dynamite raw bar. Don’t be surprised to find shot skis and an ice luge at even the most formal events here. Between toasts, steaks, and chilled shellfish, memorable savory noshes include shaved Brussels sprout salad, tartare, and braised short ribs with jalapeño cheddar grits. Make a reservation at STK.

Wewatta Point
The newly opened seafood stash of Wewatta Point is the latest addition in the Point Restaurants clan of eateries. Aside from the décor that feels like a breath of fresh air among a herd of dark wood-accented restaurants, expect to savor a lot of Asian flavors here in tangy ahi tuna poke bowls prepared with kimchi rice and whole Thai snapper for two. Patrons who swim in for “low tide” happy hour enjoy lobster rolls, and brunchers find surprising additions to old favorites, such as the togarashi-accented Benedict. Make a reservation at Wewatta Point.

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