Bellini enticed me with their attentive service, their breathtaking views, and a menu of enticing choices.
Joliet is a more sophisticated spot than the majority in South Beach, and their Southern-inspired menu and hospitality were delightful and fun.
The Eating House debuts its much anticipated new location in Coral Gables, it showcases a creative, tantalizing mix and interplay of brilliant dishes.
If the name doesn’t grab you the food certainly will! This new concept restaurant Walrus Rodeo, from the same people who brought you Michelin Star Boia De should definitely be checked out if you’re in town.
TUR was voted the best new restaurant in 2020 in the Miami New Times. I beg to differ…
It’s big, bold, glamorous and is everything you would expect from an extraordinary hospitality group.
Recommend in the new Canadian Michelin Guide and recommend enthusiastically by me!
The chef uses luxe ingredients from Southern California or imports them from places like Haikodo Japan and using skillful technique and glorious presentations, along with genuine hospitality and gracious service, it was a memorable meal indeed.
Toronto’s newest Italian restaurant, Osteria Giulia, could become a new perennial favourite, I am thrilled to see another great dining experience in the Yorkville area of Toronto. Keep them coming.
Chef Niko Romito is something of a legend in Italy. He has been awarded three Michelin stars for his restaurant Reale in Abruzzo in a former 16th-century monastery.
One of New York’s best-rated Italian restaurants is Rezdôra at 27 East 20th Street. It got three stars in the New York Times and received a Michelin star. It is authentic, and the chef cooks his pasta to perfection, with inventive variations, so for that reason, I am recommending it.
La Colombetta in Como, Italy serves wholesome, pleasant, and fresh dishes in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
Newly opened 63 Clinton in New York was truly a memorable dining experience with the dishes pure joy. It was fine dining without the snob appeal.
L’Aria Restaurant at The Mandarin Oriental in Lake Como, Italy boasts a sophisticated ambiance, quality service, and a delightful menu. Chef Max Blasone is an innovator of excellent cuisine and had upped the ante when it comes to dining in Como.
Torino Italy’s Berton Al Lago one-star Michelin restaurant is located in the modern il Sereno hotel on Lago de Como. I was disappointed and found the food here to be mediocre at best.
Pizzeria Concettina ai Tre Santi is located in the heart Naples, Italy. It’s been run by the Oliva family for over sixty years and is now in its fourth generation. We were enamored with our delicious meal and impressed with this historic, yet ambitious and energetic restaurant.
Agriturismo Sapori di Campagna was a roadside haven serving not only the best meal I had in Abruzzo but possibly my favourite meal in Italy. The purity of ingredients and the seasonality of the dishes made me swoon. Highly recommended, if you are ever in this neck of the woods.
Antica Taverna Navelli is a great restaurant to sample the typical local cuisine of Navelli, Italy. They use only the freshest locally grown ingredients and traditional Abruzzo recipes, with a modern twist.
The Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Abruzzo, Italy has accommodations that are dispersed among several stone houses of the ancient village. The hotel has tried to retain its original look and feel. They have incorporated traditional handicrafts and tried to preserve the integrity of the original structure. All modern technology is hidden, and the original stone and foundations and walls are brought back to their authentic features.
Portosole Restaurant in Coral Gables serves luxury, charm, attention to detail, and inspiring, authentic Italian food.
Wayku Restaurant in Miami offers a Latin fusion menu rooted in the Andean culture that is small but well-chosen and artistically prepared. It’s worth checking out.
Miami’s Osteria Morini, in the Kimpton Palomar South Beach is a cut above the competition. An NYC transplant by the Altamarea Group, it’s my favourite restaurant in Miami this year!
Everything we ordered at Lido Restaurant and Champagne Bar at the Surf Club in Miami’s Surfside Four Seasons was delightful. They take things seriously when it comes to creating a safe environment for guests.
A new Italian restaurant opens in Toronto’s entertainment district, offering Italian classics with modern interpretations.
I love discovering or being recommended to small family owned and small independent businesses and supporting our home-grown local talents. One such, is by gifted baker, […]
More Toronto eateries are jumping on the takeout/delivery bandwagon offering first-rate meals and groceries direct to your home. Many of these places have very difficult reservations to snag, so now is your chance to sample their fare!
I have shared some of my favourite places in Toronto open for takeout or delivery during the Covid-19 social isolation quarantine. Many of these establishments need our support now more than ever.
I had been anticipating the opening of ēst Restaurant in Toronto for months. The chef is from one of my most highly recommended restaurants in Canada. The menu is progressive and focused on locally-sourced ingredients.
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Lake Como in Italy was my experience dining at L~Aria restaurant at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the shores of the breathtaking lakeshore.
Terre Madre in Puglia, Italy is comprised of 4 cones. Each table is identified by one of the vegetables harvested. This farm to fork restaurant is unique and fun. Dining here is a unique experience.
Due Camini in Puglia, Italy is perfect for a special celebration, a romantic meal or a gourmet treat to experience contemporary techniques and dishes that have a history of culinary traditions, re-created in a cutting-edge environment.
Langosteria Restaurant in Milan, Italy offers perhaps some of the best fish and crustaceans I have ever had. Astonishingly, each and every course was perfection.
La Marea in Puglia, Italy is a family-run seafood restaurant, with a simple ambiance befitting the area. They serve delicious focaccia to each table which is a local specialty.
Everything was seamless during our stay at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental in Lake Como, Italy. Almost every spacious room has magnificent views and the service is thoughtful and professional. Highly recommended!
Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni, Puglia is a good example of local dishes, done well in a setting that is memorable. It’s a wonderful temple of Pugliese cuisine.
Coral Gables is not in my neck of the woods. I only know of a few restaurants there and I wanted to try M House as it was a relatively new spot in the Aloft Hotel.
Wynwood’s prettiest restaurant, Doma, has recently opened, just one block south of Beaker and a Gray. They really strive for a purity of ingredients and a seasonality of the dishes.
The Miami food scene continues to explode and I had been waiting patiently for Cvltvra (pronounced, “cultura”) to open. The restaurant is an infusion of Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine, and overall the menu was ambitious and creative. Don’t wait for a game or concert to visit!
There is an open kitchen at the Restaurant at Pearl Morissette in Ontario where you see Chefs Daniel and Eric, work alongside their team to create a French and Canadian, inspired cuisine. All the ceramics and utensils are custom crafted by locals, and everything is hand washed by the chefs and staff.
If you consider yourself a true foodie than Central in Lima is a must-visit destination. Each dish here is beautifully prepared with precision, intellectualism, innovation, finesse and notable highlights. Craft vs art, and the hype meets reality. Kudos!
Mirabelle in Rome combines a great view with refined gastronomy. You know you are in excellent hands and are in for a special lunch or dinner.
I say be adventurous, and you will be treated to a super cool, bohemian, urban vibe. Pinky’s Ca Phe in Toronto is a hidden treasure that serves exciting food with unique, bold, healthy, and distinctive flavours.
At Giulietta Restaurant in Toronto everything on the menu sounds enticing, and every dish that passed by me looked like exceptional regional specialties.
All in all, Paris Paris in Toronto is an inviting vibe, with an original, innovative menu. It is a welcome refuge, to get together with friends or loved ones, over a glass or two of wine, and a few bites.
The menu at IL Covo Restaurant in Toronto is more on the rustic side, with robust flavors. You will find tasty and creative dishes, that are reasonably priced.
The experience is fun at Pa’La Restaurant in Phoenix, AZ, and although the menu is minimal, everything is healthy and of the highest quality.
I am always excited to see a new Peruvian restaurants opening, and Toronto has far too few of them. Recently Kay Pacha opened at 744 St. Clair Avenue West.
FK in Toronto can be your go-to place for food that is fresh, and well prepared, with service that is gracious, welcoming and attentive to detail!
Palat Restaurant is an eye-catching spot, and made me do a double take as I was driving by. I hadn’t heard a thing about it, but decided to try it on a whim, for lunch. It was so good, I returned for dinner the next day.
Mendin and Friends Dinner Series at Habitat, Miami delivers inspiring, well executed and appealing dishes.
I was truly impressed with the culinary excellence, meal is opulent and rich tasting.
We were lucky to be invited to a private dinner at Fátima, Donnie Masterton’s new San Miguel spot in the Casablanca Hotel.
We found the shareable tapas plates to be more to our liking, I would recommend going heavier on a large variety of these and lighter on the mains. My favourite dish, however, is the tender, charred octopus à la plancha, with arugula, and Marcona almonds.
Álbora is a refined and ambitious restaurant, serving haute cuisine with Basque Chef David Garcia. The owners have combined two of their other ventures – famous hams and Spain’s most sought-after vegetable conserves, so the restaurant is known for using stellar ingredients.
I may be away from Toronto this winter, but I am still keeping tabs on new restaurants. Look forward to you letting me know what you think about these about these as well as anything I should try on my return!
Hexagon Restaurant in Oakville strives for culinary excellence, and Chef Sean goes to great lengths to succeed. His new restaurant sets the stage for his creative talent.
Seta is one of Milan’s best dining destinations. It sets the bar high, with original, conceptual Italian dishes that not only look stunning, they also taste it.
Dining at Ristorante Cocchi in Parma may have been my favourite meal in Italy this year. It was a sumptuous experience in regional cuisine. It exceeded my wildest expectations.
Osteria Francescana in Modena, IT serves modern Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting. It’s the ultimate stage for Chef Massimo to showcase his supreme talent.
I have never seen such a beautifully designed, chic restaurant in Italy before as Ristorante Berton in Milan.
Hosteria Giusti in Modena, Italy is very authentic, focusing on regional and classical dishes of pure Emilia cuisine. We were truly enamored with this delightful spot.
I know when I book Ristorante Da Giacomo in Milano I will always get a consistently good meal. It is an old Milanese trattoria that is tried and true with a kitchen that is well-executed.
Everything is extremely fresh at Sud Forno in Toronto. One fabulous treat is the bombolini, an Italian sugar donut with fillings of Nutella or crema.
Estia is Toronto’s new “it” restaurant of the moment. The emphasis is on fresh, simple, uncomplicated dishes, that are cooked well. And really, isn’t this just what people are looking for?
The restaurant is chic, and sophisticated with a hip vibe.
Motel Morris in New York Motel is not a motel, it’s a restaurant in Chelsea with an ode to the 1960’s motel culture.
All the dishes at Canis in Toronto have simple descriptions on the menu, but when you receive the food you see how complex each dish is, with many components to them.
Toronto’s Grey Gardens is fresh, seasonal and creative. A neighbourhood place where you can drop by for a drink and snacks, or stay for dinner.
Bar Ape uses refined recipes and serve an artisanal, handcrafted from scratch, gelato bar. The flavours are intense and the mouth feel is sinfully creamy.
At Forte dei Marmi in Miami they go to great lengths to bring you the flavours of the Amalfi coast, using high-quality ingredients, exceptional regional specialties and inventive Italian cooking in a beautifully presented in a relaxed and vibrant setting.
Now here’s the perfect combination – Miami’s Four Seasons Surf Club and iconic restaurant Le Sirenuse from famed Positano, Italy have partnered together.
Everything about Popina in Tel Aviv is experience driven: from the ingredients to the immaculate plating and modernist methods. Choose a variety of dishes to taste all the flavours and cooking styles. It was definitely my best meal in Israel.
The pizza at Stanzione 87 in Miami cooks in an Italian wood burning oven in under 90 seconds. The pie is soft, elastic, tender and fragrant with a sauce that tastes perfect.
Loving Alan Richman’s 30 commandments for making restaurants—and any dining-out experience—better in GQ. Spot on! Check them out here.
Miami’s Toscana Divino offers a selection of traditional Tuscan and “moderna” fare. The dishes are unexpected and sophisticated. The chef believes in providing quality, flavour and freshness in the artisanal approach of “Fatto in Casa”.
On a whim, I decided to try a new spot that I had heard nothing about. Located at 1099 NE 79th Street is a hidden gem you may not have heard of but you will be glad that you are now. Ferraro’s Kitchen and Wine Bar is sure to impress.
I recently discovered Casa Gioia (which translates to “house of joy”) in Miami – my new favourite bakery for 2016/2017. Everything is truly exceptional, artisanal and unique. It’s a new local treasure for me, “sharing joy one bite at a time”.
Peruvian cuisine is among the most varied and best in the world. Each region has its own local culinary treasures depending on the climate and landscape, including influences from the indigenous population including the Incas as well as cuisines brought from Europe including Spain, Italy, and Germany. There can also be influences from Asia and West Africa as well.
Cardon y El Tirano in Miami is creative, flavourful and eclectic. It’s not all about the glitz like so many places, instead, it’s modernizing the local food scene by bringing new, interesting choices to locals and tourists alike.
Chef Cacciatori works magic at Via Emilia 9 in Miami, a little gem of a restaurant. The food is soulful and luscious. I love fresh pasta so I decided to go with a four-course pasta tasting.
The food is never boring – it’s truly unforgettable. When people ask me, what is my favourite restaurant in Toronto, Buca Yorkville is always on the top of my list. I am seriously impressed with the level of food, the knowledgeable and friendly staff, the high-end crowd and the remarkable creativity of the menu. Rob’s food is a modern approach to dining without being gimmicky. Long live the king.
The Candy Bar is one of the best sources of candy and chocolate in Toronto. They offer unique treats you won’t find elsewhere. They offer a wide range of sugary delights, and you don’t have to be a kid to love these sweet thrills and yummy goodness. It is overwhelming but I guarantee the shop will delight.
Foxley Bistro remains as busy and beloved as ever because of the spot on execution of the dishes and the prices are moderate yet the food is so interesting. So even with all the competition on Ossington, Foxley’s is here to stay.
JK has one of the largest pools on the island, with clean, comfy chairs and shade if needed. We are pampered at the pool by Michele, who looks after all our needs. The crowd is a great mix of young and older, from celebrities to jet setters to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
If you are seeking a unique and indulgent city experience in a superb location, the J.K. Place Roma is unsurpassed in Rome – it has an abundance of style and a staff that exudes warm hospitality.
Sourced from 8 different countries for their style, craftsmanship and quality – if you are a passionate chef, a skilled cook or just demand the best equipment in your kitchen then you owe it to yourself to check out Hacher and Krain knives in Toronto.
When I return I want to try some wood fired pizza, but it did look a little too charred for my taste. Our neighbours seemed to be enjoying their veal parmesan. There is even a cheeseburger on the menu and I presume that it must be good as well.
Unscripted Bal Harbour held another interesting Art Chat on April 28th, 2016, at the St. Regis Hotel in Bal Harbour. A full house came out to hearMr. Franklin Sirmans, the director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), and a curator, writer and educator, interview world renown artist, Teresita Fernandez.
It is nearly impossible to get a reservation at Carbone in Manhattan, NYC. In fact, getting in is like winning the lottery. Now I see why – it was fantastic, why did I wait so long to come here?
Why has this place been popular since day one? First, it feels like you are dining in someone’s private home. The background music is chill. Note I said background music – not the blaring, can’t hear yourself think kind that is so popular these days. The crowd is trés chic, the ambiance is sophisticated, elegant and romantic. It’s difficult to get a reservation, and it certainly has an air of “snob appeal” … though some might consider it rudeness, than anything.
Patrons are in for a treat! Kaori is Miami’s first 360-degree cinematography dining experience. The space is so aesthetically pleasing, with cutting edge technology, art, music and scents. The food presentation is most beautiful, a complete knockout in the terms of creativity.
Last weekend Shanea took over Social Miami’s Twitter to share her food and fun adventures.
I liked my Insalata di Salmon, which was fresh tasting and perfectly grilled. They serve Lavazza coffee and it was prepared like espresso we get in Italy. In addition, they gave us a tiny glass of limoncello. I don’t think I would run back but it wasn’t a total disappointment. We also really enjoyed dining al fresco.
Exploring the complex and ever-changing story of Italian high fashion (alta moda) through a contemporary lens, the exhibit highlights stunning garments designed by Italy’s biggest names.
What I found most interesting was how many of the creations are still relevant. It is a small exhibit, but it is one worth visiting.
Marion is a restaurant with the flavours of the South of France and elements of Spain, Greece and Italy. Located in the Brickell area. It’s a little tricky to find but worth the effort.
Made in Italy Gourmet has a wine bar and a retail market with items such as oils, sauces, pasta, and Italian artisanal products. There is also an Italian wine library with over 2,000 bottles in all price ranges. And don’t forget the cheese and cured meat counter. Their motto: Taste, Live, Share. They really follow these ideals.
I have been visiting Capri for over 25 years in a row, and one of my favourite shops is 100% Capri. It is a luxury lifestyle brand shop owned, run and designed by my friend Antonio Aiello. He is suave, charming and multi-talented. His luxe brand of stores is now becoming a worldwide chain with locations in the poshest of places including St. Bart’s, the Graff Estate in Cape Town, Dubai, Rome, Mykonos, Florence, Beverly Hills and Bal Harbour to date.
Here’s my list of must-try’s for 2016. Comment with some of the spots you are dying to try!
Here is my list of restaurants that I want to try this year, or that I have already tried and enjoyed.
I was a fan of Zak the Baker before he opened his bakery/cafe in trendy Wynwood. I have had some of his fabulous breads in some of Miami’s top restaurants. Most recently I enjoyed his breads at Beachcraft and Cypress Tavern.
We had the pleasure of eating at Via Verdi and we were impressed with the food as well as the warm welcome from the Carro brothers and their staff. A special shout out to Fabrizio who really made our dinner very special with his meal suggestions and conversation.
We came to Florence for a day trip last summer and I tried to find a classic Florentine Trattoria. On the advice of Elizabeth Minchelli in her book Eat Italy , she raved about Trattoria Sostanza on Via Porcellana 25. So off we went on our adventure.
Our FAVOURITE thing to do is rent a private boat and driver (through the concierge), he will take you around the entire island and drop you off for lunch at La Fontelina beach club if you do a half day, or if you do a full day try Recommone(near Narrano on the mainland) restaurant La Conca del Sogno -waiter Alfonso, and after return to Marina Grande…always the BEST day of the trip!
There have been many new restaurant openings in Miami since the summer. One of the new ones is The Continental on 2360 Collins Avenue at 23rd street.
Zucca Trattoria located at 2150 Yonge St. across from the former Art Shop, has been around forever. Well at least since 1996. We used to go all the time but we have neglected it, always wanting to try new places. But we tried it again tonight and I have to say, Andrew Milne has some of the best Italian food in the city.
One of my favorite places to eat in New York last year was a charming West Village Italian Restaurant called Via Carota. It is located on 51 Grove St.
We have stayed at the J.K. Place Capri since the second year it has been opened. The hotel is still exquisite. It is like Ralph Lauren does Italy. We feel like we are staying at someone’s private Palazzo on the sea. The views are magnificent.