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Royally Fun: Restaurants Celebrating the Royal Wedding

OpenTable May 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

The big day is almost here. On Saturday, March 19^th, Meghan and Harry will tie the knot in stately style. Chefs and mixologists are feting the couple’s forthcoming nuptials with everything from cocktails and high teas to special dishes, including a Kellogg’s viewing party. Check out these restaurants celebrating the royal wedding on this side of the pond.

The Victor, Vancouver, British Columbia
Brice Peressini, lead bartender at The Victor, created The Emperor’s Sour cocktail to make anyone feel as special as Harry’s betrothed. He uses naturally violet Empress Gin, which was made for the Empress Hotel in Victoria. “Adding egg white for the frothiness gives it a cloud-like impression that will match any bride’s dress well. To top it all off, the drink’s flavor is a crowd pleaser. Floral, sweet, and sour with enough kick to get the party started, it’s a perfect companion for any royal wedding — just tip your bartender well. This is a touch harder to make than a gin and tonic,” Peressini states. Make a reservation at The Victor.

The Shakespeare, New York, New York
New York City’s The Shakespeare will host a Royal Wedding breakfast gala at 6:30AM on Saturday, May 19. Guests will be welcomed with a mimosa and a sausage roll (the latter being the savory treat given to the public invited to the grounds of Windsor Castle for the wedding) and can watch the festivities live on large screens strategically situated throughout the restaurant. Diners can savor a regal breakfast based on the couple’s favorite foods, as well as British and American morning meal traditions, such as a full English breakfast, banana bread, roast chicken (and waffles), kedgeree, and pancakes. There will be a toast to the newly minted royal couple with Chapel Down’s Brut, the same British sparkling wine reportedly being poured at Harry and Meghan’s second wedding reception at Frogmore House that evening. And, of course, there will be wedding cake of the lemon elderflower variety, just like that of the prince and his bride. Make a reservation at The Shakespeare.

Outlier, Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s Outlier, located in the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, is shaking up a special cocktail created by John Walter. Called The Princess and the Tea, it is suitable for a princess indeed! This royal engagement-inspired sipper features crème de violette, created from two distinct flower breeds, including the (aptly named) luminous Queen Charlotte blossom. The inclusion of chamomile syrup is a nod to the British love for tea, and, when served in a gorgeous teacup and saucer, it induces a royal vibe to all who sip. Make a reservation at Outlier.

The Clocktower, New York, New York
Chefs Jason Atherton and Danila Bodgan have put together a special brunch roast menu to mark the day. Offerings include Beef Wellington with creamed cabbage, roasted carrots, shallot, and red wine sauce. Also, don’t miss the Royal Engagement cocktail to kick things off. It’s crafted with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Drambuie, housemade carrot-ginger syrup, and lemon. The cocktail is available anytime – and the brunch is served on weekends. Make a reservation at The Clocktower.

Dirty Habit, Washington, D.C.
Head bartender Sarah Ruiz created the When Harry Met Meghan cocktail with Brits’ love of Earl Grey and gin in mind. She uses One Eight, an American gin distilled in Washington, D.C., as a representation of blending Prince Harry’s British heritage with Meghan’s American roots. Make a reservation at Dirty Habit.

Mattie’s at Green Pastures, Austin, Texas
Hold court this weekend around Mattie’s Market Punch mixed with gin, guava jelly, mint marigold, grapefruit, and herb tea wine and garnished with fruit and edible flowers. This delicious large-format drink can be shared among a group and is served in a beautiful, antique teapot with individual teacups. We’re sure the Queen would approve. Make a reservation at Mattie’s at Green Pastures.

The Dandelion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
On the 19^th, executive chef Liam Geoghegan is serving a $55 prix-fixe, family-style menu. Diners can feast on deviled eggs and the pint of prawns, followed by roast sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding, watercress, roasted potatoes, horseradish sauce, beef gravy, and a vegetable. The meal concludes with elegant Elderflower lemon cake. Make a reservation at The Dandelion.

Just in Time for Mother’s Day: OpenTable Reveals 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America 2018 #OpenTable100

OpenTable May 8, 2018 Leave a Comment

Ahead of Mother’s Day, the single busiest day of the year for group dining, we’re pleased to unveil the 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America 2018.

From California cool brunch spots that embrace the outdoors, including The Ivy in West Hollywood and Geoffrey’s Restaurant in Malibu, to chic New York dining destinations, such as ABC Kitchen and Sadelle’s, the complete list features winning restaurants in 24 states and Washington, D.C. California comes out on top with 19 winning restaurants, followed by New York with 15, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania with nine apiece, and Illinois claiming eight.

The 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America list is generated solely from more than 12 million verified OpenTable diner reviews for more than 45,000 restaurants in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., collected between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2018. All restaurants with a minimum “overall” score and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Qualifying restaurants were then scored and sorted according to the percentage of reviews for which “great for brunch” was selected as a special feature.

Based on this methodology, the following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, comprise the 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America 2018, according to OpenTable diners:Continue Reading

Eternal Flames: 9 Restaurants for Open Hearth Cooking

Nevin Martell April 27, 2018 Leave a Comment

Chefs are returning to their primal roots by cooking over open hearths. The wood-fired infernos allow them to add char and a kiss of smoke on the grill while doing more cooking on the coals below. Celebrate this timeless technique by booking a table at one of these top restaurants for open hearth cooking.

El Che Bar, Chicago, Illinois
Every evening, chef John Manion uses a flamethrower to ignite the 12-foot, oak-powered custom hearth. Featuring two grills, two planches, and a smoker, more than 90 percent of the Argentinian asador-inspired menu is cooked over its fires.
Taste the fire: Herbed gnocchi, veal sweetbreads, and steaks, such as a 32-ounce bone-in ribeye and 16-ounce New York strip.
Make a reservation at El Che Bar.

Maydan, Washington, D.C.
The open, oak-powered stone hearth commands center stage. The conical copper hood is welded to an old ventilation shaft, which extends to the ceiling two stories up. Co-executive chefs Chris Morgan and Gerald Addison and their team tend the grills while fostering the flames with woven fans they keep stuck in the back of their aprons.
Taste the fire: Ras al hanout-seasoned duck breast kebab, spatchcock chicken, and lamb shoulder accented with Syrian seven spice.
Make a reservation at Maydan.

Imperial, Portland, Oregon
Native hardwoods and fruitwoods keep the heat sweet and searing in the large-scale grill and rotisserie. The chef’s counter in front of the flames is the best way to watch as executive chef Matthew Jarrell and his team bend the fires to their will.
Taste the fire: Coal-roasted sweet potatoes with charred onion butter and pepita salsa, grilled Caesar salad, sausages, and roasted half chicken.
Make a reservation at Imperial.

Summer House Santa Monica, Chicago, Illinois
Experience the thrill of the grill. A centerpiece of the open kitchen, the stainless steel set-up from Grillworks is fueled by white oak and hardwood charcoal.
Taste the fire: Chili lime-marinated chicken tacos, center-cut filet with herb butter, and grilled salmon.
Make a reservation at Summer House Santa Monica.

The Hitching Post II, Buellton, California
Santa Maria-style barbecue can trace its smoky roots back to the Spanish rancheros, who cooked their meats over an open fire powered by red oak. The traditional technique endures today and is now also applied to vegetables, seafood, and fowl.
Taste the fire: Grilled artichoke with tomato-ancho mayonnaise, grilled lobster tail, and grilled Texas quail.
Make a reservation at The Hitching Post II.

Lulu Kitchen & Bar, Sag Harbor, New York
Seasoned oak for the blaze, applewood chips for the sweet haze. The restaurant’s 62-inch Infierno from Grillworks is put to use grilling a variety of produce and proteins.
Taste the fire: Grilled octopus with confit pork belly, grilled whole branzino with smoked tomato Provençal and lemon-infused olive oil, and grilled cauliflower with spicy grapes, toasted sesame, yogurt, and white balsamic vinaigrette.
Make a reservation at Lulu Kitchen & Bar.

Marta, New York, New York
The open fire grill hits high temps while imparting complex smoke tones. This duality is due to a combination of woods, such as cherry oak, white oak, ash, chestnut, and maple.
Taste the fire: Anatra (duck breast, crispy sunchokes, Calabrian chili honey, and burnt orange) and pollo ubriaco, beer-brined chicken with charred Caraflex cabbage, Fresno chili, and mint.
Make a reservation at Marta.

Enjoy an Animal-Free Thirsty Thursday: 13 100% Vegan Cocktails

Nevin Martell April 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

Keeping cocktails completely vegan isn’t as easy as leaving out egg whites, creamy liqueurs, and bacon swizzle sticks. Lots of ingredients have surprising animal products hidden in them. Worchester sauce is made with anchovies. Wines are often processed with egg whites, while sake is often processed with gelatin. Beer is traditionally clarified with isinglass, otherwise known as fish bladder. And red beverages are often colored with cochineal, an insect extract. Bartenders are getting better at accommodating vegan drinkers by creating libations that carefully consider every element of every component. So, if you’re trying to stay complete animal-free this #ThirstyThursday, try one of these 100% vegan cocktails.

Honey Salt, Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s easy to convince yourself that you’re staying healthy when you drink the Green Tox. That’s because it’s made with a Green Goddess juice rich with kale, celery, ginger, cucumbers, Granny Smith apples, and lemon. Of course, it also features vodka, but all the other components basically counterbalance it. Basically. Make a reservation at Honey Salt.

Rouge Tomate Chelsea, New York, New York
You’ll flip-o for the Eucalypto. Cimarrón Tequila is combined with pistachio syrup, lime juice, Angostura bitters, vegan sugar, and eucalyptus tincture made with quinoa vodka. But isn’t sugar always vegan, you may be wondering. Actually, it’s usually processed with bone char, so, no, it’s not. Make a reservation at Rouge Tomate Chelsea.

Del Frisco’s Grille, New York, New York
Gimme this gimlet! Blueberry and cucumber are the predominant flavors, while Hendrick’s gin gives it a strong backbone. It arrives garnished with a cucumber wheel. Make a reservation at Del Frisco’s Grille.

Kali, Los Angeles, California
New Pad Thai – definitely different than the old Pad Thai. This drinkable version is made with St. George green chili vodka, eau de vie, and lime juice, plus sprouts and a carrot strip. Coconut ice keeps it cool. Make a reservation at Kali.

Poggio, Sausalito, California
Sometimes simplicity is the most satisfying option. Take this classic spritz made with Aperol (which gets its ruddy hue from ingredients such as orange and rhubarb, not any insect derivatives) and prosecco. It puts the mmm in minimalism! Make a reservation at Poggio.

Lolo’s Surf Cantina, Miami Beach, Florida
Say hola to the Sayulita Sunset. A mix of mezcal, blood orange, lime, agave, and bitters, it has a flavor profile that deftly balances sweet and tangy. It’s muy refrescante (very refreshing)! Make a reservation at Lolo’s Surf Cantina.

The Library at the Public, New York, New York
The American Beauty has Old World roots. Combier rose liqueur from France’s Loire Valley is paired with two Italian stunners: Cocchi Rosa and Strega. There is one stateside component: High Wire Hat Trick gin from Charleston, South Carolina. Make a reservation at the Library at the Public.

Blue Duck Tavern, Washington, D.C.
We’re sure Prince would approve of this drink. The Strawberry Beret is forged from Four Roses bourbon, rosemary-infused bourbon, strawberry syrup, and ginger bitters. If that’s not your vibe, almost of lead bartender Cole Burger’s other cocktails are vegan as well. Make a reservation at Blue Duck Tavern.