The humble head of cauliflower is finally a top ingredient. Chefs are using the bewitching brassica in meatless preparations that are equally satiating and satisfying. Here are 10 top cauliflower dishes perfect for autumn dining.  Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Washington, D.C. Vegetarians can now dig into a steak. Well, cauliflower steak. Herb marinated and char-grilled, the meaty masterpiece comes with an arugula herb pistou and a garnishing salad of shaved fennel and pink lady apples. Make a reservation at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Summer House Santa Monica, North Bethesda, Maryland Steak frites has never been so, er, vegetarian. A hearty cut of seared cauliflower is lavished with lemon herb butter and served with the requisite French fries. All of the gratification, hardly any of the guilt. Make a reservation at Summer House Santa Monica. KYU, Miami, Florida For when you want something hearty but […]

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The humble carrot possesses a tasteful trinity of tones: sugary notes, deep earthiness, and underlying savoriness. That makes the rustic root vegetable a versatile ingredient, which can take a leading role in savory or sweet preparations. This autumn, chefs are creating delicious carrot dishes – from appetizers to desserts that will give you a newfound appreciation of this ubiquitous and often-underappreciated vegetable. Geraldine’s, Austin, Texas Blistered pillars of smoked carrot form a freeform Stonehenge on the plate. The blackened orange roots are accompanied by mole, fresh sumac, and crunchy bits of puffed amaranth. Make a reservation at Geraldine’s. Ana at District Winery, Washington, D.C. This isn’t your average churro. That’s because the circlet of fried dough is made with carrots, which lend a coral complexion. The sweet round is complemented by roasted carrots, tartly sweet maple labne, and spicy ‘nduja. Make a reservation at Ana at District Winery. True Food […]

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Rich in antioxidants and aromatic flavors, tea cocktails are making a splash on menus across North America. Here’s a look at 11 restaurants serving these trendy tipples. Market Punch at Mattie’s at Green Pastures, Austin, Texas Mattie’s Market Punch is mixed with gin, guava jelly, mint marigold, grapefruit, herb tea wine, and fruit and is served in vintage copper bowls or a teapot for two. “Tea is an incredibly traditional ingredient in punch and has been used for hundreds of years to add tannins, dilution, body, and flavor,” says Jason Stevens, director of beverage and bars. “At Mattie’s, our Market Punch is a combination of this centuries-old punch know-how with the lighter cotillion punch style of the forties and fifties.” Make a reservation at Mattie’s at Green Pastures. Q 1908 at Q at the Empress – The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia Afternoon tea at the Empress overlooking Victoria’s […]

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Traditional hot toddies are simple propositions: liquor, hot water, and honey. Maybe some herbs or spices if the composer is feeling inspired. Despite the small ingredient list, they deliver a big hit of heat. Here are 9 top hot toddies to sip when the mercury drops. Travelle Kitchen + Bar, Chicago, Illinois The apple hot toddy is redolent with a wealth of warming spices: clove, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Powered by rye and Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and sweetened with spiced syrup, apple tea gives it depth. A cherry speared on a sprig of rosemary, cinnamon stick, and orange peel finish it off. Make a reservation at Travelle Kitchen + Bar. Death or Glory, Delray Beach, Florida The Hottie Choco Toddy will cure all your winter blues. Made with hot chocolate and Afrohead Briland 07 dark rum, it’s garnished with a cinnamon stick. Doctor Feelgood would surely approve. Make a reservation at Death […]

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Southern food encompasses a rich variety of dishes from a range of states south of the Mason-Dixon line. From fried chicken in Georgia to smoked brisket in Texas, we deserve a designated day (at least) to feast on our favorite comfort foods – and we get it on January 22nd with National Southern Food Day. Check out this sampling of some of the top Southern restaurants to celebrate what is arguably our nation’s most beloved homegrown cuisine.   DTB, New Orleans, Louisiana Their modern take on Cajun coastal cuisine has earned DTB (Down the Bayou) critical acclaim since it opened last March. Stylish decor and elegant plating complement menu items such as frog legs confit and whole-fried catfish. Make a reservation at DTB. Fixe, Austin, Texas Chef James Roberts delivers your comfort food fix at this darling of the Austin dining scene. The menu includes homemade biscuits, deviled eggs, and […]

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For cheese lovers, there can never be enough. After all, at the 1964 World’s Fair, it only took 34,000 pounds of cheese to earn the Wisconsin Cheese Foundation the coveted title of World’s Largest Cheese – and it didn’t take long for the six-and-a-half-foot rectangle of goodness to disappear when attendees had at it. Not much has changed in those 62 years since. From goat to Gouda, we cheese lovers are still geeking out over our favorite indulgence. January 20 is National Cheese Lover’s Day – not to be confused with the 18 other cheese-centric days of the year, ranging from Cheese Soufflé Day on May 18 to National Cheese Day in June, all devoted to those precious curds that make cheese worshippers’ little hearts go pitter-patter. There is even a name for those of us who worship at the altar of cheese – turophile – which, our friends at […]

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Be they superfoods, antioxidant dynamos, or just plain delicious, there’s no denying the power of purple in contemporary cuisine. Eggplant swimming in exotic spices, purple cauliflower artfully perched on the edge of a white plate or beets, shiny from infused oils dressing fresh greens, amethyst-hued ingredients look beautiful and are (most of the time) part of a healthful diet. Purple, or rather PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, is the 2018 PANTONE color of the year, and this week we’re taking a look at how it’s being celebrated in liquid and solid form at restaurants around the world. On the food side of our nod to Pantone’s color of the year, here are a dozen darling places to go wild for violet. Cannon + Belle, Austin, Texas Austin’s culinary scene is on fire at places like Cannon + Belle, where the granola lab is every bit in demand as the kombucha on […]

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St. Patrick’s Day has more traditions than a leprechaun has gold – from dyeing the Chicago River bright green and boisterous parades soundtracked by bagpipes to putting shamrocks on everything and dressing up as the verdant saint. This year, restaurants are getting into the celebrations for the Apostle of Ireland on Saturday, March 17 and beyond by offering up traditional Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage – which became a staple in Irish-American homes in the early 19th century because both components were affordable and plentiful – fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie (also called cottage pie, the classic Gaelic dish sports beef or lamb stewed in gravy with root vegetables and topped off with a layer of mashed potatoes). To wash it all down, there are cocktails highlighting Irish whiskeys and an ocean of Guinness – roughly 3 million pints are consumed that day alone and chefs […]

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The big day is almost here. On Saturday, March 19th, 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 […]

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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 […]

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Just as savvy chefs find innovative ways to reduce food waste, creative restaurateurs give new life to old places by opening restaurants in reclaimed spaces, serving diners in some unlikely spots such as former banks, churches, and even a jail. Delicious food with a chic side of history? We’ll toast to that! Boiler Nine Bar + Grill, Austin, Texas The Seaholm Power Plant powered Austin’s electricity needs for 46 years, and Boiler Nine incorporates some of the structure’s original art deco architecture. “The heat from the fires in the boiler room — now Boiler Room Lounge—would go up the flue through a total of four stories—now Deck Nine Observatory Bar — before being exhausted,” says director of operations Laura Shearer. She adds that the restaurant’s “modern industrial design … is welcoming to nearby neighbors, diners, and imbibers.” Naturally, the menu features grilled items such as brisket or blue cheese-stuffed dates. […]

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One is good, but two is better. That’s the mindset that went into creating these duplex-style burgers. These double-decker burgers are the perfect way to celebrate the start of the summertime season. The Salt Line, Washington, D.C. Two patties are forged with chuck from Fells Point Wholesale Meat in Baltimore and quick griddled. They’re topped off with American cheese, iceberg lettuce, mayo, and bread and butter pickles. A well-buttered, golden-griddled sesame seed bun holds it all together. Make a reservation at the Salt Line. Bud & Marilyn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bud’s Double Patty Burger is everything you crave in a burger. The towering treat comes with cheddar cheese, thick rashers of Nueske’s bacon, rounds of tomatoes, bangles of red onion, lettuce, pickles, and “fancy sauce.” Available at lunch during the week and for weekend brunch. Make a reservation at Bud & Marilyn. Bub City, Rosemont, Illinois The Double Barrel Burger is fully […]

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It’s summertime, and the sippin’ is easy when you’ve got a spiked citrusy beverage in your hand. Check out these boozy lemonades to help you beat the heat this season. Moxie’s Grill & Bar, Houston, Texas The housemade hard lemonade might remind you of high school parties in the best way possible. Vodka powered, it features a burst of bubbles, thanks to some soda. Bonus: you don’t run the risk of getting busted by your parents while you drink it. Make a reservation at Moxie’s Grill & Bar. Charlie Palmer Steak, New York, New York The Queen B may be simple, but it’s oh-so-satisfying on a hot summer’s day. Sweetened with honey, the lemonade gets its buzz from plenty of vodka. A touch of fresh basil adds an herbaceous accent. Make a reservation at Charlie Palmer Steak. Ambar, Washington, D.C. When you want all the lemonades. There are three options: strawberry-rhubarb with […]

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August is peak ingredient season, thanks to the high summer harvest. Find out where to enjoy the best of the bounty for less with August 2018 restaurant weeks. * Hudson Restaurant Week ends soon with $12-$20 lunches and $25-$40 dinners through August 3. Make a reservation. * Baltimore Restaurant Week features two-course $15-$20 lunches and three-course $20-$35 dinners through August 5. Make a reservation. * Howard County Restaurant Week runs for a few more days in the Baltimore area with $15-$40 lunches + dinners through August 6. Make a reservation. * Dine Out Downtown Delray Restaurant Week begins today in the Miami area with $20 lunches and $40 dinners through August 7. Make a reservation. * NYC Restaurant Week continues with $26 brunches + lunches and $42 dinners through August 17. Make a reservation. * Miami Spice starts now with two months of discounted dining at the city’s best restaurants with $23 lunches […]

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These last few weeks of summer send chefs scrambling for what’s left on the vine. The scent of tomatoes just picked, sliced thick on BLTs, diced atop freshly stuffed tacos, or layered on a platter and dressed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, there’s nothing like a fresh heirloom tomato to make a dish sing with flavor. Here are a few dozen of our favorite restaurants for heirloom tomatoes on OpenTable. Bouchon Bistro,  Las Vegas, Nevada, and Yountville, California Under the brilliance of Thomas Keller’s restaurant empire, chef de cuisine Josh Crain crafts an equally memorable salade de tomates for the Bouchon family of eateries. He makes his heirloom tomato salad with burrata cheese, English cucumber, pine nuts, young basil, and a parmesan vinaigrette. Make a reservation at Bouchon Bistro. The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar, Squamish, British Columbia Among the menu of small plates and spectacular views, at The Salted Vine […]

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Quartered and fried tortillas are the foundation of this classic Mexican breakfast dish. The crunchy triangles are simmered with a salsa or mole and then topped off with a variety of toppings – such as avocado slices, refried beans, and eggs – and a flurry of condiments. It’s comforting to the core and super satiating. Trust us when we say these top restaurants for chilaquiles are the perfect place to kickstart your day. Trace, Austin, Texas Quack addicts will love this version. Classic chilaquiles are topped off with duck confit galore, plus a poached egg to pop and swirl into the mix. Available during brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10AM–3PM. Make a reservation at Trace. Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, Napa, California They follow the K.I.S.S. rule: Keep it simple, silly. Corn tortillas come dressed up with green chile salsa, fried eggs, and cojita cheese. Available daily for breakfast and […]

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Why simply have dinner when you could witness a spectacle instead? Chefs are staging elaborate sideshows to inject an element of drama into meals. Here are 11 restaurants for tableside presentations that will steal the show.  American Cut Steakhouse–Midtown, New York, New York You’d better bring a friend if you want to finish this 28-day wet-aged porterhouse. That’s because it clocks in an impressive 40 ounces. As guests watch – and undoubtedly shoot video – the massive cut is flambéed. Make a reservation at American Cut Steakhouse-Midtown. The Regional Kitchen & Public House, West Palm Beach, Florida You could call this Southern caviar service. Pimento cheese is amped up with the guest’s choice of dill, parsley, piquillo and jalapeño peppers, bacon, and Florida blue crab. The spread arrives with housemade crackers and seasonal crudité. Make a reservation at The Regional Kitchen & Public House. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Vancouver, […]

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We can’t stop taco-ing about how excited we are for National Taco Day. To help celebrate one of our favorite annual traditions, we are planning to devour next-level tacos that go above and beyond the average al pastor. Here are 15 restaurants for tremendous tacos perfect for a fun date night, a night out with friends, and more. Lolo’s Surf Cantina, Miami Beach, Florida These tacos work equally well when celebrating #MeatlessMonday. A rainbow of roasted heirloom cauliflowers is matched up with mashed avocado, salsa roja, queso fresco, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Hearty and heart healthy! Make a reservation at Lolo’s Surf Cantina. SolToro, Uncasville, Connecticut What the duck! These tacos come filled with fowl, pickled vegetables, puffed bean noodles, and cherry hoisin. Guaranteed to turn you into a quack addict. Make a reservation at SolToro. Taco Rosa, Newport Beach, California Tacos that are flambéed tableside are inherently better. Take these […]

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Pretty much everybody loves Thanksgiving, pretty much nobody loves doing the dishes. Spare you and your guests the schlep, the prep, the struggles, the stress, and the scrubbing by making a reservation to eat out. These 13 restaurants for Thanksgiving 2018 are serving up epic feasts that ensure you can all enjoy the day and each other without getting bogged down by any of the hassle. If you’re not near any of these spots or you can’t find availability, we can still help you find the right restaurant for a perfect Thanksgiving on OpenTable.com. Travelle, Chicago, Illinois The eats: The massive cuisine-spanning buffet features classics (herb butter basted roasted turkey, whipped Yukon potatoes, and charred Brussels sprouts tossed with lemon vinaigrette) alongside tacos and tamales, ramen, poke, and sushi. As if that weren’t enough, there are build-your-own crepes, cakes, cookies, and tarts for dessert. The deets: $155 per adult; $50 per […]

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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 […]

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