The Dining Duo

Banyan Tree's and Endless Sunshine -- Part II -- The Joys of Acapulco

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 01:28:00 +0000

The Banyan Tree's fine dining delivers to your private villa, and at their magical locales on this very special property. Read on and take a look at some of our favorites, as well a bit of Acapulco.

La Nao Restaurant

Brunch, Lunch and Dinner

We enjoyed this restaurant for breakfast most every day. They served up a fabulous buffet in addition to menu selections, and their patio al fresco is graced by a giant banyan tree, with views over the main pool and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

Completely casual, we loved being able to dip in the warm pool between course.

Of course at night, the hanging lanterns create a romantic space that is complimented by the live music.

The food selections on the morning buffet were vast and a fusion of eclectic tastes combining Latin and Oriental cultures, but we particularly enjoyed the handmade Quesadillas, especially the ones made with Spanish chorizo.

Totally delicioso and the supply keeps coming to the table until you burst. Or go swimming and take a nap in one of the poolside cabanas.

Saffran Restaurant

Sunday through Thursday:

From 6:30 to 11:00 pm

Friday and Saturday:

From 6:30 to midnight

This is the resort's fine dining experience and although they request long pants for me, we did see other diners in shorts since the evenings are warm and balmy. We also saw diners dressing up, and it's fun to have that opportunity to break out the white resort clothing for a special evening on the edge of a cliff over the Pacific Ocean.

Saffron is a Banyan Tree signature restaurant, and the chef is so Thai that we felt like we were in his home in Thailand. The fare is contemporary Thai cuisine that is all very tasty, but a fellow traveler we met turned us to the true secret of this place: ask the Chef in advance to cook what he wants for you.

We did this on the second visit to Saffran and the meal was exquisite, while we truly felt like we were back in our beloved Thailand.

Even the gentle breezes and flower-scented air bespoke of exotica, as one more fabulous dish than the other arrived at our table. The cuisine included crispy and mouth-watering dishes such as Tom Yum Goong, which is always the litmus test of a quality Thai restaurant with this one coming in at the top of the scale. Although dining outside is the best, the decor of the restaurant is quite beautiful, and there's a wine cellar that seats 12 guests if you're planning a special event.

Las Roccas Restaurant and Beach Club
Lunch Every Day for Hotel Guests Only

This location on the property swiftly became our favorite for a variety of reasons. It's a bit more remote than the main pool and so no one seems to be there. In fact, in the three days that we visited here, we were either completely alone or shared the locale with only one other couple. It is only available to residents of the hotel and no outsiders. Again, with a full house at Christmas time, we made it as if it were own little home complete with an accommodating and smiling staff at our service. We can't stress enough how wonderful the people are who work here and although there are too many to mention, Irma stood out with her inviting smile, desire to promote Mexican hospitality and her command of the English language for our benefit. The people working here genuinely care when they ask how you are, and in addition to that they are great looking young men and women, which of course completely add to the already glorious scenery of the property.

Overlooking the bay of Marques, there are private cabanas and lounges; but as we said, we had our choice of any of it so we followed the shade. There is a constant breeze at this location which eviscerates the humidity of Mexico. The bartender is happy to whip up some exotic bloody Mary, margarita or serve up a beer or three. The long pool is cool and refreshing and the pounding waves on the rocks just under it make it exceedingly difficult to read without passing out for the fifth time that day. After a little siesta, there's of course lunch (this area is only open during daylight hours) and there are a variety of tables perched along the edge of the cliff, or an entire private and more secluded area down dozens of romantic steps to the sea below.

We enjoyed the fresh lobster grilled to perfection and accompanied by a spicy tomato based soup, escorted by a Mexican cerveza. Somewhere in the distance across the bay someone was blasting some music, but by the time the sounds reached us over the pounding waves on the rocks below us, it was melodic and enjoyable. Fisherman in small boats did their jobs in the distance as large cabin cruisers and sail boats provided a show during lunch. The menu looked enticing on other fronts, but during our second visit, we couldn't stay away from the lobster so we had to repeat the experience.

This time we finished it off with house-made chocolate ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. We also suggest trying the fried caramel banana desert with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chocolate. And after all of this, we crawled back to our cabana for yet another snooze in the fading afternoon sun while the breeze massaged our sun grazed skin.

The Spa

"Come relax with us; rejuvenate the body and the soul" is the motto of the spa that embodies the best of South East Asia and combines it in the setting of North America, with the hospitality of Mexico.

As if this is not enough to entice you to indulge in their luscious services offered in visually spectacular surroundings, the resort tempts you further with, " be soothed by healing hands in the cradle of the Pacific Ocean." We quote their self-descriptions because it's just that accurate.

We enjoyed a few services and they were all superlative. The pedicure was offered in a room surrounded by windows and unlike the quickie U.S. version, it went on for an hour and a half. It was less of a pedicure and more of a full-body chair massage.

Whatever they called it, it was the best pedicure experience of our lives and they had to drag us out of the chairs when our time was over.

The massages are offered in individual villas that are so luxurious and sensuous that you don't want to close your eyes lest you miss something. After changing into a sarong, we sat in a chair overlooking the views, whilst the therapist washed and massaged our feet. From three, it was onto an incredibly comfortable massage table, and then a combination Thai and Balinese massage that made our bodies melt into the table. When this ended (sadly, it ended at all), we went back to the comfortable couch where we were served ginger tea and honey and sat as long as we wished enjoying the view. It was just this side of Heaven and if we could have booked every single day of our trip, we would have. In fact, we met another guest who booked two hours every day and we completely understood why.

With this pampering of our bodies and the relaxation of our souls, the rich tradition of Asian healing allowed us to step into this rare world of hushed relaxation under the most proficient and trained hands. We simply have to figure out a way to bottle this and bring it home.

Touring Acapulco

There really are so many fun things to do and see in Acapulco, but honestly, it was difficult to drag us away from this enchanting and relaxing resort. That said, you can hire a driver and a guide from the hotel to take you where you want, and wait for you when shopping or exploring. We met Oscar at the hotel and we drove with him all week. He once lived in Texas, speaks English fluently, knows the city and environs backwards and forwards, and became our friend. We recommend you ask for him as well. Here's some ideas IF you really must leave the Banyan Tree:

Dolores Olmedo Patino House -- A private residence with a 1955 mosaic mural by Diego Rivera, Who once Lived there.

Acapulco Cliff Divers -- Great fun to watch hunky hot Mexican men nearly kill themselves as they swan dive into the rocky Pacific. For a few pesos they'll pose with you for pictures, which is worth the ride. Note that it's about an hour from the hotel and there are specific diving times, so don't miss it. Visit the famous "old school" hotel after and see the famous wall of celebrity signatures there.

Silver shopping -- Oscar will take you to the right factory, but there are shops everywhere.

The Craft Market -- We had so much fun losing our money here. Great little shops to purchase t-shirts and such. We bought a hammock for our yard and swing it remember the experience. Watch yourself, these folks are expert negotiators and you will lose no matter what you do for a living!

Las Brisas Hotel -- Not great for meals but the setting is beyond amazing. Drive above the resort for breathtaking views in the daytime, and go to the dining room for drinks at night for a view that will dazzle you beyond description.

Coyuca and Tres Palos Lagoons -- Untouched and otherworldly wonders of nature where you can voyage into the City's past.

Drive to Zihuatanejo -- do it in the daytime and it's a real adventure with twists and turns through local villages. About 5 hours will take you there. It's fun, different and then you can combine another Mexican resort experience with your trip. We're glad we did.

Como Acapulco no hay dos. “There’s nothing like Acapulco,” the local saying goes. Or, to translate literally, "there is only one." That's so true, and that's particularly the case for the one and only Acapulco when there's a resort like Banyan Tree Cabo Marques from which to enjoy it all. Via con Dios, nos amigos.

Zihuatanejo

There's a saying that things happen for reason, and we seldom know exactly what that reason is. We were scheduled on a flight to Acapulco and arrived two hours prior to the flight only to find that United Airlines in its infinite wisdom had changed the flight time and forgot to inform us of that little fact. After missing the flight, we scrambled at the gate to find our alternatives and we found that could get a flight in a hours to Ixtapa and rent a car to drive the 4 hours up the coast to Acapulco.

However, we arrived at dusk, and the thought of driving through the hills on a dark country road in Mexico and unescorted gave us chills. We called our friends at the Banyan Tree in Acapulco and asked for a recommendation for the best hotel accommodations in Zihuatanejo (just next door to Ixtapa, but much less touristy and much more enchanting). They booked us into La Casa Que Quanta.

In the heart of Zihuatanejo Bay, La Casa Que Canta (“The House that Sings”) has a stunning setting overlooking La Ropa beach. As traditional and romantic as our imaginations could conjure up, Terracotta-hued walls and thatched canopies gave each luxury suite a hacienda-style appearance. The friendly and attentive staff gave us a flavor of warm, authentic Mexican hospitality. This intimate retreat felt like our very own sanctuary.

Escaping inside our suite, we discovered a cool, airy enormous space sprinkled with colorful Mexican charm. The traditional décor included handcrafted furnishings, and our private terrace offered breathtaking views. Throughout the villa there were thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers, a welcome message in flower petals on our bed, fresh fruit and tequila to make our stay superlative. We shook off the horror of the our travels with an immediate naked dip in our infinity pool, enjoying the Jacuzzi jets and tequila. Had we ventured out, we could have also enjoyed the saltwater pool set in the rocks above the waves. There's also a fitness center for working out, plus an exclusive Clarins Spa in which to unwind.

Sadly, we didn’t have the time to enjoy so much that this enchanting place had to offer and so we are putting it on our list for a return visit of many days. We did have an incredible outdoor dinner with a food selection that matched the enchantment of where we were, and so we can’t wait to return and try out more meals, more spa time, more hidden relaxation areas and more time in our really special environment. Hasta pronto La Casa Que Canta!

And tomorrow the Dining Duo is off to explore the Four Seasons Punta Mita and beyond. Stay tuned for the next adventure in fine dining and top luxury resorts when we bring you a little bit of paradise so close to most of our homes.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

Acapulco -- The Banyan Tree has roots all the way from South East Asia

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 01:46:00 +0000

Banyan Tree Cabo Marques

Acapulco, Mexico

Blvd. Cabo Marqués, Lote 1
Col. Punta Diamante
Acapulco, Guerrero 39907

+ 52 744 434 0100

+ 52 744 434 0101

cabomarques@banyantree.com

"Don't be sad because it is over, be happy because it happened." --Anonymous

It's hard not to be sad when you leave this magical place on this earth called Banyan Tree
Cabo Marques resort and villas in Acapulco. It's hard not to be sad when saying "adios" to the new friends and warm smiles from the people who work here that greet you daily.

It's hard not to be sad when packing away the few items you need to bring to this resort while also packing away the memories of new friends we've met from around the globe who all want to keep in touch. But ultimately, it is the raison d'etre for traveling, the gift of a trip to The Banyan Tree that will make us happy it happened to us.

When we asked our American Express travel agent for information on Acapulco, her response was, "Acapulco? No one goes there anymore." She couldn't have been more wrong and we’re so happy that we heard on the drumbeats of the travel industry that Acapulco is gearing up for its third reincarnation. We pushed forward to explore this once sleepy fishing village and now thriving beach playground of over one million full time residents and oodles more travelers from around the globe.

This twinkling city of eternal sunshine and beach fun during the day, and nighttime partying is coming back into the international limelight. Miami and Waikiki couldn't begin to compare to the endless hotels and condos that line the equally endless beaches of Acapulco.

Having written that, there is really only one place to make your home when traveling to "Aca" and that's at the enchanting and magical Banyan Tree Cabo Marques.

New to Acapulco for less than five years, this architectural gem is located in the "new" and third area of Acapulco, on a protected and gated peninsula of Cabo Marques (once the hiding place of pirate Francis Drake as he secreted himself for attacks on Spanish ships carrying gold back to the Mother country) that not even James Bond could get into without proper authorization.

Once the hiding place of pirate Francis Drake as he secreted himself for attacks on Spanish ships carrying gold back to the Mother country, the location sports a prime view of the original Acapulco without having to be in the mix. There are only 45 villas on approximately 100 acres of land, and so the Banyan Tree founders’ mission to build a better society for all while bringing a lush and inspiring environment is clearly effectuated in this unique property.

After driving for miles down a private lushly landscaped road trimmed with stone walls, we arrived at a huge open lobby that jutted out onto the point and consumed us with sweeping, jaw-dropping views. We were greeted at the entrance by the genuine smiling and beautiful Mexican people who worked here and the check-in process was less of a "process" and more of a visit accompanied by a refreshing hibiscus tea and a siesta from the rush of life. Unlike all of the other hotels in Acapulco, we were literally the only folks in the lobby and it immediately created a feeling of being unrushed, unhurried and de-stressed. We had arrived.

While we sipped on our tea and took in the magnificent vistas all around us in the open-air lobby, our bags were swept away without us even noticing. A few more sips of tea, and in no time we were on a virtually silent golf cart jetting down one of the many charming narrow paths that circumnavigate this property. All of the villas are separated for privacy and named after flowers or fruit, which also sets the tone of what's beyond the stone walls. Although honestly all of the villas have different stunning and magnificent views, in our opinion, we were fortunate enough to be in what we feel was one of the two best situated villas. We highly recommend trying to reserve Girasol (or number 408) or Noche Buena (number 407), the name for Christmas Eve and also the Mexican word for poinsettia. The views from both are simply enthralling and sport a direct sunset position as well as a side view of the city lights across the bay to Acapulco.

This inimitable and exclusive property is a perfect combination of the enchantment of Thailand and the warmth of Mexico. Built with a clean, contemporary design of glass and steel on cliffs of rocks to the ocean, our villa is approximately 2,000 square feet which includes the interior space as well as the exterior patio area. The sun set every night into the Pacific ocean directly in front of our villa and the Acapulco sunsets are glorious artworks of nature providing a show each and every evening with a mélange of changing colors like shifting colored sands in the sky.

Totally private, we had our own infinity plunge pool that was jutting over the side of the cliff and appeared to be spilling into the Pacific ocean. The blue color of the pool water would meld with the changing azure blue waters of the sea, and when the sun set the colors bouncing off of both became a mesmerizing canvas of nature's art.

The patio was both an Asian stone and indigenous teak wood, and it comfortably sported two lounge chairs with an umbrella for shade, a dining table and chairs, a couch and the most wonderful hammock one could imagine. In fact, when relaxing in the hammock, there was an optical appearance that we were rocking directly over the ocean. There were so many other lounging options during the day that frankly it was difficult to ever leave the privacy of our own villa where swimsuits stayed in our hotel drawers. The couch and the hammock are located under an outdoor "sala" or room and it provides both shade and another alternative for reading, relaxing or taking another siesta. It's presence as an additional edifice quietly summons you to take some time and enjoy the space and the moment in life in which you have arrived.

Dipping in and out of our own pool was not only sultry and relaxing, but totally private. A flick of a switch in the villa insured that no one would enter the main gate at the top of the hill. One day we sat at the end of the suitably shallow pool and watched the hawks sail overhead as well as below us on the nearly vertical cliffs, diving in and out just over head, as the warm winds ruffled our hair and the sun melted like butter on our skin. It seemed like we could have done that for an eternity as time all at once stood still in our otherwise consumed lies. With only the sounds of the crashing waves below, it was one of the most peaceful surroundings we've ever experienced.

The Villas are of an extraordinary contemporary architecture with an Asian flair and buttresses that are a reflection of its Asian roots. The villas are simply built of walls of glass on three sides and since we were perched on the edge of the cliff, we felt like we were on a boat when inside the villa. With views out of every part of the villa, it is nearly impossible to shut your eyes to go to sleep. In order to actually find a way to do so, the breathtaking views can be shaded by breezy white drapes that flutter in the gentle winds; and for more darkness, a touch of a button quickly lowers a series of black out shades in a brief instant.

The floors are of the same soft-colored Asian stone that lend a distinctive warmness to the modern structural design. The furnishings are a combination of Asian and Mexican design, with a Mexican tapestry framed above the bed on an earthy-colored accent wall behind it. The accent wall and stone bring the natural colors into the otherwise black lacquered and white painted environment.

In addition to the enormous king bed (it's larger than any other king bed we've experienced, and remarkably comfy),there is also a day bed up against sliding glass windows that is there for sitting, eating, contemplating life, meditating or just hanging. The bed and remarkably soft pillows are covered in crisp white sheets, and a variety of interesting hand-crafted throw pillows adorn the day bed. All the functions in the suite are modern, and the mornings become an exciting event of triggering the remote to electronically unravel the blackout curtains to reveal yet again another magnificent day in Acapulco.

Above the bedroom area (and also in the sala area outside on the patio) the ceilings are like being in the inside of a pyramid, so the volume of the Villa is both extensive and visually appealing to the senses. There is also a writing desk, a mini-bar and a rather smallish closet; but the real lesson on the small closet and few drawers is that you truly do not need much clothing at this resort or anywhere else in Acapulco, so leave the massive amount of clothing at home and bring just the bare minimum. In fact, it is only at the fine-dining Saffron (more on that later) that you need a long pair of pants; otherwise shorts are acceptable absolutely everywhere.

Between the bedroom and the bathroom, huge pocket doors slide open to reveal a bathroom with two sinks and a large soaking tub in the windowed corner of the room for full viewing pleasure at the end of the day, or any time for that matter. Banyan Tree thoughtfully provides bath salts, bath gel and bath oil to make your pensive moments seem as if you're in a spa. The shower is separate from the toilet, and both are private with sandblasted glass. The shower is a rain shower high up on the ceiling and it feels like we were continuing the spa experience in our own villa. The entire space is strikingly airy and minimalist with open floor-to-ceiling doors, creating a blend of nature and modern living. They have also utilized indigenous materials throughout the villas (and the property) including small roof tiles which reflect contemporary Mexican elements and colors, yet maintain a distinctly pervasive Asian theme.

There is also a great attention to detail in the villas such as the placement of fresh incense each day, and the arrangement of a different fresh fruit each afternoon for snacking (it’s amazing how doing absolutely nothing can make you work up an appetite). There is a mini bar with many courtesy items such as juices and bottled water. The housekeepers thoughtfully put water into a container with ice each day as they meticulously clean and prepare the villas for our return (we love these housekeepers who are amongst the best we've experienced in our travels).

Flowers are caringly placed upon the vanity in the bathroom, and candles are left throughout the villa. At night there is often a little present on the pillow made of Mexican handicrafts, accompanied by a lone flower to remind you of the day to come the next morning. The products in the bathroom are beyond delicious and whilst using the soaps and lotions, there is a distinct aroma of jasmine or frangipani, reminding us of visits to Thailand and Southeast Asia many years ago. They are so appealing that we managed to wash our hair about ten times a day and slop on more lotion than we needed. These same products are used in the spa (more about that later) and although provided in hand-hewn jars in the villas, you can purchase them at the Spa to take home for olfactory memories.

This is really a remarkable property and if you can tear yourself away from the villas and the privacy that they afford, a phone call will summon an always handsome Mexican young man clad in a dashing hat and riding in a golf cart to sweep you to your heart's content (at least as far as the property goes, so don’t fall in love). Back at the main lobby building and to the side of it is located the La Nao restaurant and beyond that patio, the main swimming pool area.

One of the things we loved about staying at this property is that even during full season of Christmas we felt like we were nearly the only guests here. After going to Maui for every Christmas where a visit to anywhere in Hawaii entails huge beach crowds and reserving lounge chairs early in the morning, this experience is the antithesis. When we arrived at the main pool at about eleven in the morning the first day, we were the only people there. Enormously long, this infinity-edge pool screamed for us to swim in it, yet ever so gently so the waves of water could gently wash over the imperceptible edge with but a whisper of a sound.

The pool is surrounded by private cabanas with fluttering drapes and each with gripping views out and into the ocean and over to Acapulco bay. At a point, the breeze gently washed over us like homemade lemonade on a hot summer’s day.

The entire scenario was so stunning that honestly it is difficult to capture into words for this article. It was a photographers' dream providing vistas and drama provided at every turn of the eye. The water was deliciously warm, and the woman who helped with the cabanas had a broad white, welcoming smile that was genuine, unrushed and unhurried.

It wasn’t about “manana” at all; it was about ahorita…right now, in the moment. Since all gratuities are included in the very end of the stay, it's a pleasure not to have to stumble over emptying your pockets or having to sign for things. It's just there for you to enjoy, now, later, tonight and tomorrow; and enjoy we did.

There's so much more coming in Part Two, including reviews and luscious pictures of The Banyan Tree's fabulous:

La Nao Restaurant

Saffran Restaurant

Las Roccas Restaurant and Beach Club and

The Spa

and there will be a piece on

Touring Acapulco with a touch on a side-trip to enchanting Zihuatanejo

So until then, enjoy another stunning sunset from our villa at Banyan Tree...

Hasta Pronto,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

Everything is big in Texas -- including Hotels and Food

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 02:56:00 +0000

The Driskill Hotel

Austin, Texas

604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

Phone:(512) 439-1234

Historical, old school and filled with lore and legend, the Driskill Hotel is quite the spot to stay when in Austin, Texas. Who knew that Austin was so much fun? What a great town, so clean and easy to navigate with music and food establishments bubbling up like crude oil from Texas dirt. There is a reason why so many Californian's are moving to Austin and now we have a better understanding as to why.

The Driskill was built by Colonel Jesse Lincoln Driskill. He came to Texas in 1849 where he became a prosperous rancher and cattle baron. In 1886, he spent $400,000 (that was a LOT of money then) to build the finest hotel south of St. Louis. Smack in the middle of downtown, the location is wonderful because you can walk everywhere.

The Capitol is six blocks in one direction and the edifice is steeped in its own rich history. In the other direction the street is littered with lively music establishments and bars, and in yet another direction there are more upscale venues for music such as the infamous Elephant Club. A fifteen minute walk down to Second Street will lead you to some finer shops and some great restaurants. If you get tired of walking, most other things are a five to ten minute Uber ride from the hotel and Uber in Austin seems less expensive than almost anywhere else in the country.

And if you don't want to leave the hotel, the Grill area above the main lobby is just as happening as the night scene outside the hotel. Live music wafts through the enormous room as people of all ages drink, socialize and enjoy a bit of southern hospitality.

As our readers know, we like to stay in suites. The Drikill did not disappoint as we found ourselves happily ensconced in the "Yellow Rose of Texas" honeymoon suite. Suite 543 is at the end of the most charming hallway we've ever seen in a hotel; covered in early American art framed and individually lit.

Double doors opened to the great room which boasts twenty foot ceilings and dramatic golden yellow drapes gushing to the floor, atop of which were more draped fabric and crafted rose petals. An enormous room with crown molding and a ceiling design as interesting and detailed as the rest of the room, a painting of a beautiful Texas Belle in yellow roses anchored the room over the writing desk (where we sit and write this story).

Old crystal antiques, clocks, vases and other artifacts adorn the room (without being glued down, trusting souls) and take us back to a simpler more grand time in old Texas where such refinements were de rigeur (if you happened to be in that socioeconomic world, of course). A chair rail surrounds the room and more molding accentuates the simple wood floors. An antique woven tapestry adorns the far wall, while a woven throw rug warms the floors and carries with it ornate caved chairs and sofas for the comfort of enjoying television, or just the space itself. An oval dining room table is beside the window where bright light spews through the beautifully lace clad windows. On the fifth floor of only five floors, we were high enough to enjoy a view and to just lazily watch the sun fade in the sky as the pigeons cooed on the window sill.

From the great room, there is a door leading to a dressing area, complete with vanity table and closet. Beyond that is another door leading to the bedroom that contains a four poster bed. Moments of old Texas and bric-a-brac of items with roses and Texas adorn the walls making a trip around the suite as interesting as it is comfortable. The four poster bed is comfy and has fabric draping on all corners and the windows are double pane for a quiet night's sleep. In fact, we're sleeping better here in the middle of the city than we do at home where we live in the quiet hills. The bathroom is charming, albeit small, and the shower is brilliantly set high up on the wall for us tall folks. The amenities are lovely, June Jacobs, and definitely worth stuffing into your suitcase, especially the refreshing revitalizing hydrating mist.

In addition to the many stories about this hotel (such as the one that Mr. Driskill lost the hotel during a drunken game of poker) there's the legend that the hotel is haunted! No one loves a good haunting like The Dining Duo, and we were in luck because the room in question --525--was right down the hall. Although we can't quite get the right story from anyone (and it's a bit like playing the game of telephone), legend has it that two women were about to get married but they were secretly lesbian lovers and so the only way to save themselves from being sent away with the men they didn't love was to kill themselves…which they did…in room 525. Folks whisper that you can hear them cry or smell their perfume, so we hung out there a few nights to see and hear for ourselves. You'll just have to go there and perhaps stay in the room to find out if it's true.

The public areas in this hotel are really charming and old world in a Texas sort of way. The chandeliers are kitschy and the ceilings are saloon-like, but upscale. People definitely congregate here and it's well worth spending time in the lobby and people watching.

The Bakery in the hotel is also a dining establishment and we enjoyed cafe lattes and espressos there each morning. The pastries and blueberry muffins were truly divine and some of the best we've tasted.

We had the good fortune of meeting the head Pastry Chef, Tony Sansalone, who described with pride how they prepare everything fresh each and every morning starting at five A.M. so the guests would have only the best.

We're still tasting those pastries, and it was a great way to start the day in Austin.

The Dining Duo enjoyed these Restaurants while in Austin:

1. South Congress Grill:

Fun and funky, this restaurant is located in the equally funky South Congress area, and it definitely skews younger. The food was good, although the service was "hippy"-iffy and without fanfare or any scent of training. We had the traditionally eggs Benedict with chipotle, that was tasty, but overcooked so that the yokes were not runny.

We also enjoyed their famous carrot-cake French toast, but it came served slightly warm and a bit soggy. It was accompanied by their own concoction of a syrup that was too heavy and drowned the flavors of the toast. The applewood smoked bacon was terrific, but also served warm, not hot.

Don't skip the bloody Mary, it was a great way to welcome in the day.

This is a cool place to come and enjoy the young vibe of Austin, but we think the food is overrated by the locals and is more of a B than an A.

2. Lambert's:

Located in an upscale shopping area of just a few blocks, this restaurant delivered BBQ like we've never experienced in Los Angeles or anywhere. It's fun, loud (which we don't really care for, but it had its place here), crowded, unbelievably popular (so book far ahead) and they make BBQ the way BBQ should be made.

Our waiter was well versed on the menu and made suggestions that were great. We had pork and chicken that embodied flavors that were both sweet and savory and that set our mouths into a new zone of awareness.

We started with an Asian version of some deep fried baby ribs with a Roquefort sauce that was so good we licked our lips, fingers and nearly the plate. The Mac n' Cheese shown was scrumptious and decadent.

The burnt caramel apple pie was sensational and provided the right compliment of sweetness to compensate for the BBQ orgy we had just experienced. The traditional cheesecake was a disappointment and ordinary so skip it; but do not skip this restaurant when in Austin no matter how short of a visit. There's another restaurant rumored to be amazing called Franklin's, but you have to line up literally for hours and then you could be faced with them running out of food. Frankly Franklin's, who needs this when you have Lambert's that is superlative BBQ with an honored reservation.

3. Olemaie:

What a sensational find. Located in a charming little house in a residential area, the quaint and charming home offered up beyond amazing southern creations

that we are still tasting and wishing this place was in Los Angeles.

Chefs Michael and Grey (both so handsome too) have cut their teeth in New York at Per Se and Lincoln, and in L.A. at Animal and Son of a Gun, and now they have created their own sensational food and environment.

You can enjoy a fast lunch here if you're on the run, or perhaps a romantic dinner. But whatever you do, do not miss it when in Austin.

4. Berry Austin Frozen Yogurt

This is a really fun desert place on 2nd street in the heart of a small but upscale shopping area of downtown Austin and is not only a delicious spot for yogurt, but it is the most clever build-out we've ever seen. The owner, Kathy Steele, is a delightful Texas belle who is as much an artist as an entrepreneur. If you want to see some of the best decoupage south of the Mason Dixon line, this is the place to drop in and enjoy. If it were in a museum of contemporary art, you would be charged an entrance fee.

Really fun places to see when in Austin and shouldn't miss:

1. LBJ Presidential Library--Truly great fun and historically interesting. A real highlight was listening in on actual telephone calls with the likes of Martin Luther King. It was almost as good as being right on the line in the next office.

2. Cathedral of Junk--What a kick in the pants. This interesting and eccentric artist has turned his home into an art piece composed of found objects. It's a bit off the beaten path, but you'll never see anything like it; ever.

3. Wander down South Congress Street in and out of all the funky shops--Stop into the western wear shop and purchase some amazing boots; or browse the local artisan shops for old items and new creations.

4. Wall of Graffiti at 11th and Boyston--This is just an amazing display of transforming an abandoned hillside into a piece of art assembled by graffiti artists from around the city and the country. Spend ten minutes or ten hours here as it's mind-altering.

5. Museum of Texas--Live and learn. Who knew Texas was once its own country? Browse the museum and learn about an amazing history.

6. University of Texas--How can 50,000 students be wrong? Check out the bell tower and the other interesting buildings, but watch out for the abundance of bag people who populate the nearby sidewalks.

7. Capitol tour--absolutely fascinating tour, so don't miss it. Everything is big in Texas, including the Capitol which is more than two feet taller than our national Capitol.

Now, that's BIG. We LOVE Austin and can't wait to come back and explore some more Texas.

Appetizingly Yours,

Scott and Michael,

The Dining Duo

Long Beach: The Queen Mary, The Aquarium and Michael's on Naples Ristorante

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sat, 16 May 2015 16:33:00 +0000

Michael's on Naples Ristorante

By Michael Dene

5620 E 2nd St
Long Beach, CA 90803

Telephone: (562) 439-7080

Who knew Long Beach could be just that much fun?! What an iconic Southern California neighborhood of 1950's modern architecture, beach side stores and a host of interesting restaurants. Michael's has been on our radar for the last few years and we finally made it to an extraordinary chef's tasting menu here on unseasonably warm Saturday night.

We are fans of Michael's Pizzeria in Rancho Mirage and although the food there is limited because of the small size of the space, the interesting selections gave us a premonition that this would bring Michael's food to the next level. We were not disappointed and it was worth the drive just for this restaurant, if not for all the other attractions.

The charming restaurant consists of two stories. Downstairs is warm and inviting, flanked by a bar with a very welcoming bartender that everyone seems to know. If it were a tiny bit cooler the day we visited, we would have hung out on the second floor, a rooftop cafe open to the stars (and well, the setting sun too in our case). Even if we ultimately chose to dine downstairs, drinks and dessert before or after our dinner would definitely have been upstairs.

We partook in the chef's tasting menu ($75; $105 with a wonderful selection of wine tasting pairings designed by the charming Sommelier and GM, Massimo Aronne) and felt it was a very good value for the fabulous selection of food that was offered up to us. The red Russian River kale salad with shaved bosc pears, Gorgonzola and candied pecans was flavorful and a clean way to begin our meal.

It was followed by a house made cesarecce pasta (which is a very narrow twisted and rolled tube) with braised duck neck. We felt the duck preparation was superb, bursting with the tastes heightened by pistachios and shallots.

Next came a light dish which was fresh organic Branzino, so familiar to us all now but for those who haven't enjoyed this fish, it's basically European sea bass. This course prepared our palates for our meat course which we delightfully enjoyed (well, at least Michael did, because Scott doesn't eat beef). It was a carved New York strip with cipollini onions, house made potato gnocchi and a delicate side of haricot vert.

We can't seem to get enough of Michael's house made pasta so what could be better than a deliciously prepared steak and fresh pasta?

We couldn't leave without tasting their superb desserts. Our favorite was the Cioccolato budino, a chocolate tart with just the right amount of salted caramel. As you may know by now from our myriad writings, The Dining Duo is a tad "saltaphobic" (believe it or not, that's the technical word for one who is afraid of salt) but every rule has an exception, and this was one of those times. Who cares if our faces were swollen the next day, so were our stomachs. In the words of General MacArthur, "I came through and I shall return", Well, "we" that is.

We can't wait to come back during the summer and enjoy another fabulous meal, but this time up top as and at sunset.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills - The Folks that Lunch

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 02:01:00 +0000

Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills

Mariposa

9700 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

(310) 975-4350

The basement of Neiman Marcus has been completely redone and finally resembles Harrods or some other world-class department store.

As your escalator sinks into the basement amidst cosmetics, perfumes, lotions and potions, the space is electric. There is a wall of glass separating the new Mariposa dining room, which, when inside, allows you to yearn for fancy treats and gifts while you dine and observe. Like most of the aging women frequenting the place, Mariposa has survived a much needed face lift with a vibrant, youthful result.

The plank marble floors have a contemporary look and offset the good-looking aqua blue and shades of yellows accenting the room. Anchoring are two larger booths surrounded by blown glass ornaments and Mercury glass beads. Gone are the rather dull Calder tapestries and instead now there is an elegant nod to the good tastes of the 50's with a present day that keeps it from looking like a theme room. .

Along the entire back wall is a full bar which replaces the former dark wall (due to no windows in this basement setting). Behind the bar are a series faux windows with a constantly changing light show of colors and what seems to look like a workman on the other side washing windows. If you look closely at the shadows cast, there seems to be something large dangling between his legs but we are hoping that is a safety belt and nothing more. Or perhaps it's a way of entertaining the usual older, female and gay population who crowd this famous Beverly Hills watering hole.

The chairs and banquettes are a lovely cream color and aqua blue glasses set off the basic white tables and stylish (and comfortable) chairs.

As you settle into your table or banquette, the usual hot and scrumptiously fattening popovers and shot of chicken broth are placed before you to start your lunch.

There are many staples still on the menu and many new choices as well. Scott indulged in the lobster club which was just as delicious as before the transformation (although it was a tad light on the lobster for the hefty price of $30). We suggest that you ask them to skip the third piece of bread and add some bacon.

A tasty latte was a perfect complement to the sandwich.

Michael enjoyed the beet salad with a creamy Chevre cheese. It was superb and deliciously light; just perfect for lunch or a starter. He followed it with the turkey London broil which was moist and flavorful. The sweet potato fries were terrific, hand cut and especially tasty. For a small up charge you can have truffle fries which are even more delicious.

The service was crisp and professional, as always, and everyone there knows how to make you feel like you're the most important shopper in the store. Robert was there hosting today, as he has been for the past 30 or so years, and there just isn't a better representation of Mariposa than both he and James.

We were pleasantly full and decided to skip on dessert so you will just have to go yourselves and leave it up to your imagination. Having written that, the check is delivered with two delicious C. Kay Cummings chocolate mints to go, which is a beautiful touch and a great way to start your shopping day.

The Dining Duo says, "Go" and enjoy a bit of time shopping around the luxurious items of Neiman Marcus when you're finished with dessert.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

("Like" us on Facebook at The Dining Duo)

THE MAUDE EXPERIENCE

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 01:04:00 +0000

Maude

212 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Reservations: 310 859 3418

This month is all about Truffles.

Handsome Aussie Chef Curtis Stone describes his incredibly intimate and charming restaurant in Beverly Hills as, "The Maude Experience." This brief but accurate description is what separates Maude from just about every other restaurant in Los Angeles; it is indeed just that: an experience.

Perhaps it's the fact that you can walk right past Maude without noticing it. Perhaps it's the warm and welcoming interior. Perhaps it's the aroma of delightful creations whilst the chef and sous chef hurry themselves in the open kitchen to quietly arrange a piece of art on a plate. Whatever it is, it is a sysygy of planets aligning in an exquisite celestial power that is like no other and we are so happy it's in our hometown.

Maude was Chef's dear Granny who originally inspired him in the food arena and opened his eyes to the possibilities of meals as creations. Each month there is a new theme of a celebrated ingredient, and The Dining Duo has been there for nearly all of them since Maude opened its doors. From Tomatoes to Peas to Rhubarb and beyond, the nine course tasting menu always delivers and always leaves us wanting more, not wishing we had stopped after course five. Tonight was about truffles; white truffles; nine courses of delicate, pungent, rare white truffles.

Entering from busy South Beverly Drive, we are welcomed by the Ben, the manager, Maitre d' in a bow-tie of the month, and ushered to one of the nine tables or so. Nick-knacks of all sorts are thoughtfully placed around the restaurant, and the plates and cutlery are from days gone by.

Each course is on a different set of china, and accompanied by dissimilar silver selection. In fact, Scott recognized one set from when he grew up. The atmosphere has been demure at times, and lively at others, all depending upon the interaction of the people at the restaurant. It's like family has assembled for the holidays. The honeymooners to the left were from Australia and the ladies to the right were old friends catching up on life. This is the perfect environment for it all. Even the restrooms look like they are in someone's home, with nice hand towels and sweet-smelling soaps and even vintage Playboys in the men's room.

The selections are beyond creative and always a spot-on hit. The Chefs break down the particular ingredient of that month and pair it with a beautiful compliment to make it artful, interesting and delicious. The very best flavors are drawn out and accentuated, working themselves seamlessly throughout the evening's menu. In the end, it is the versatility of the highlighted ingredient that is as interesting as that of the food sensation created. And all of this magic can be seen in the open kitchen where the dishes are unobtrusively assembled. The fact that the service is exquisite and without recrimination adds to the magic of the night. Although service is a definite team effort, we always love receiving the sophistication and genuine smiles of Leah who brings that unmistakable friendly Aussie accent to the table.

We always expect to dine for about two and one half hours, but it flies by and it's worth the time investment. In fact, the timing between courses is beyond perfect; never too fast, and never so slow that you're eating the table cloth just to keep busy. The menu price changed this month due to the ingredient, white truffles, and tonight was more costly than usual ($250 pp).

The wine pairings brought to us by the very knowledgeable sommelier is always an enjoyable accompaniment, but since we have a later reservation (did we mention it's just impossible to get a reservation, so plan thirty days ahead. No walk-ins so you must make a reservation and if you're a no-show, there will be a charge, which is completely fair since there are only 25 seats in this very special venue) we opted to go with just a glass for dinner. The selections are lovely, so leave your de rigueur bottle at home and experience what they have chosen to offer (plus the corkage fee is $50).

Tonight was amazing. Beyond amazing and, of course, all about white truffles from Alba (and some black ones, too). We started with something small and very creative, miniature pop tart cannolis with some sort of white truffle cream cheese that was so bursting with flavor, and the perfect way to start with a bang.

The soup creations are always sensational and tonight was no exception. The potato, kohlrabi and escarole soup had such a flight of flavors that it was literally indescribable. We hope the picture is worth the proverbial one thousand words.

The squash salad with persimmon, and, of course, truffle vinaigrette, was an excellent way to lead us into what would be one exceptional dining experience. As flavorful as it was picturesqe, there was a lot of moaning going on at our table and others as well.

Next onto a scallop crudo with savory truffle soil and beets (Scott who is not a scallop fan even had to admit that this brought them to a whole new level). The colors and setting of the food on the dish tantalized our visuals and led to the taste sensation that followed.

Then look at this hen egg with brioche and our perennial favorite the introduction to Alba truffles for the evening. A gentle poke of the yoke and the Chef's ingredients combined with the infusion of the aromatic white truffles to release a superlative savory creation.

What followed as a white truffle, endive spinach and coulis combination that again was visually stimulating and wholly original in its flavors.

Then, without fanfare or adequate celebration, our favorite dish of the evening was delivered to the table as the aroma of the white truffle preceded it. A classic favorite, tagliatelle loaded with Alba truffles was placed in front of us and we nearly cried with joy as the server kept lavishing on the truffles. As if that was not enough, she then dripped some warm butter over the entire dish for additional richness. Each mouthful was simply divine.

This was followed by a small veal sweetbread course with cauliflower and Perigord wine (once again Scott protested about veal and sweetbreads but devoured it, as well (it’s nice after 28 years together that Michael can teach an old dog new tricks...or perhaps Scott was so transported by all the truffles that he just forgot it was "sweetbread"). The presentation was royal and exquisite.

Speaking of exquisite, the venison preparation with parsnip, Matsutake and chocolate was both gorgeous to look at and even better to taste.

Were we completely sated yet? Not quite as an elegant dish of yesteryear was placed in front of us containing Teleme cheese, an American semi-soft cheese originating from San Francisco Bay area and invented before WWII by Serafino Iacono.

We loved finishing our meal with Curtis’s take on toffee cake with white truffle ice cream raisins and pomegranate which even the Dining Duo had never experienced before….oh, what a night! And at the end of each evening, you are presented with a different thoughtful, often times tasty gift for the next morning. This night, we received a specialized truffle knife for our kitchen collection. Apparently Curtis is under impression that we know how to cook. Honestly, the gift was the dinner; thank you Curtis.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

Mexico City is all about Food - Four Seasons and Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 02:19:00 +0000

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE FOUR SEASONS -- WHERE ELSE?

This is not brunch. This is an event. This is an afternoon of dining, listening to music, visiting with friends new and old, sipping French champagne and spending the afternoon surrounded by some of the most scrumptious food selections in North America. If you think we're exaggerating, read on and just try not to book a flight to The Four Seasons Mexico City.

And this all brought to us by Chef Edgar Kano, who, simply put, is a charming, bright and talented man. It was truly a pleasure to meet him, get to know him a bit, and experience his flair.

He was born in Mexico to Japanese parents who schooled him at German speaking schools. He speaks so many different languages fluently that his international cultural influences are present in all his creations.

Nothing can beat sitting in one of the most charming patio gardens while large umbrellas dot the walkway and festively dressed well-healed locals enjoy a gorgeous afternoon brunch that doesn't seem to stop with its selections and abundance.

As musicians stroll around the tables playing traditional Mexican music, we were like kids in a candy store with way too many options from which to choose.

It's difficult to differentiate between different types of guacamole in Mexico, but the Four Seasons has perfected the recipe by adding--get this--worm salt and grasshopper bits for that certain unspeakable spicy and crunchy flavor. It sounds completely odd to our gringo sensibilities and palates, but we are here to report that it was an exceptional taste treat not to be missed, even if Scott was not as adventurous in the insect department.

The chips too are incomparable with just the perfect amount of low salt and crunch.

Add in a variety of fabulous French Taittinger champagnes and Micro Brewed beers (the pioneer of craft beer here is Gustavo Gonzales, creator of the legendary Cosaco "me gusta" ) and it's a satisfying meal in and of itself. Michael's new favorite drink the michelada (beer, lime sauce, added with spices and clamato, optional, but makes it for Michael) is prepared beautifully.

With so many ways to turn for food, we decided to start with the outdoor grill since the aroma was driving us crazy. The grill was buzzing with activity of fresh fish, shrimp, meats and myriad sausages.

Again, what to choose became the question of the day. We sampled the Mahi Mahi and the sea bass, which tasted like the fish had just jumped from the ocean onto the grill and then onto our plate. A simple, no salt grilling proved to be a flavorsome and fresh dish, revealing a tender flaky fish inside the flavorful exterior. We paired this with some of the best cole slaw we've ever tasted, containing just the right mix of mayo and spices.

Scott just loves tacos, and not those wimpy soft designer ones either. Upon his request, a dish of savory and mouthwatering perfectly-crispy tacos of myriad varieties ended up on the table. We had no problem devouring them; all of them.

The traditional Mexican station was particularly festive, with a señorita dedicated to making fresh corn quesadillas with a vast assortment of ingredients from which to choose. The interesting thing we've learned in Mexico (as compared to our version of Latino cooking in Los Angeles) is that the spices are vast, varied and regional. Our gracious server (more on that in a bit) prepared about ten different varieties of quesadillas and although each was worthy of being written about, the bottom line is that they were all worth tasting and you'll just have to come here for yourself to experience the explosion of flavors and native spices that we've never experienced.

As if this wasn't enough food, we just had to sample the items from the Pasta Bar where two gentlemen prepared any combination of anything we desired. Michael had the fusilli in a lobster sauce with bacon, which proved to be absolutely superb despite the seemingly heavy sauce that was instead quite refined. Most of the pasta is house made and the selections are in large bowls for you to choose. Scott sampled the spaghetti with a tasty marinara sauce and delicious cured bacon. The pasta was served perfectly al dente and the flavors were divine.

So about the service and the waiters; just flawless. We cannot stress enough the training that these folks must receive because it's all presented to us with aplomb and without complication.

The Four Seasons simply invented top service and the Mexicans executed it with warmth and precision. Usually with American buffets you barely see a server and if you do, it's a quick clearing of plates. These folks were ubiquitous, but never in your way. Plates were served with courteous and congenial smiles, and other plates were taken away while replacing napkins and clearing crumbs from the table.

Someone kept pouring the Tattinger champagne over our protestations (This quality French champagne comes with the brunch) and bottled water, juices, coffees and the like kept coming to the table just when we were thinking about wanting them. The smiles and warmth of the servers were genuine, and never did we hear "are you still WORKING on that" or an auctioning of food such as "who had the…." Armando and Ricardo were particular standouts, offering to bring us items on the buffet so we didn't have to even get up and get them. When we had hit the wall on alcohol, Ricardo even suggested the off menu item of a mango smoothie since mangos had just come into season in Mexico City; who could say no to that?

After all of this, we just had to indulge in the dessert bar. A luscious chocolate fountain of liquid chocolate was perfect for dipping fresh fruits such as honeydew, cantaloupe and strawberries. And how about that indescribably delectable fig and chocolate concoction.

Then there was the chocolate pear tart that was also a sensationally interesting standout amongst the many deserts available. Honestly, there were so many from which to choose that we had a hard time doing so.

That didn't stop us from visiting the gentleman who was scooping out homemade ice creams from a cart. They were made with all sorts of herbs, spices and seeds, all particular to Mexico, making the tastes so interesting and unique. Yogurt with chia seeds and caramel flavored cream were our favorites because of their appealing flavors. We just forced ourselves to finish with chocolate mousse from Oaxaca which floated a dark rich chocolate on top. We paired those with some homemade chocolate truffles and life was sensational.

All this and more for only approximately $50 ($80 with unlimited Tattinger champagne) and we thought it to be of great value with a sensational sense of place. We ordered up another latte and espresso and we were on our way to see the sights of D.F. But wait, before we could leave, they thoughtfully brought over a cotton candy

as a thank you for coming to spend the day with them. Viva Mexico. Viva Four Seasons. Life is so good here that we can't wait to come back to the warmth, grace and style this is just so Mexico, so Four Seasons. Gracias y Bravo!

Dining in Mexico City outside of the Four Seasons Hotel

Our experiences in Mexico City were dream-like. We were transported to a bustling metropolitan foreign experience just hours from Los Angeles. As you have read in all three parts of this story on Mexico City, The food was sensational, especially at each of the venues at the Four Seasons. Suffice it to say, Michael is now addicted to Mexico's chilaquiles with habanero (the Four Seasons won on this dish as well). It is a traditional Mexican dish where typically, corn tortillas are cut in quarters and lightly fried. Green or red salsa or mole is poured over the crisp tortilla triangles, called totopos. The mixture is simmered until the tortilla starts softening. Eggs (scrambled or fried) and pulled chicken are sometimes added to the mix and then topped with cheese and sweet Mexican cream and is served with refried beans. Hungry for more? Read on.

When venturing beyond the courtyard of our hotel, our finest experience was Dulce Patria (Anatole France 100, Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal, Mexico), and it was our best. We wanted to take it all in--the vibrant red decor that screamed Latin passion, and all of its myriad nuances--so we decided not to take notes on the many fabulous items we experienced. We are not going to write about it in detail for a couple of reasons; the first being that they do not have an on line menu and secondly, for some inexplicable strange reason, they would not allow us to take a copy of their printed menu with us. That written, you will see a few great photos of the divine cuisine here, but we can say without reservation, their many taste creations were extraordinary. Located in the hip and happening Polanco neighborhood, this elegant dining locale is a must. As for the food, pick anything off the menu, you won't be disappointed.

The sister restaurant to Dulce is Anatol, and they share space at Los Alcabos, a small and beautiful boutique hotel. We viewed the rooms before dinner and it's a hip and chic alternative to the elegance of the Four Seasons, but be prepared for very small rooms. In any event, Anatol is more casual than Dulce and although it was smartly tailored, it's more casual atmosphere also meant that it lacked the magic of Dulce.

The two stand outs on the menu were the Spring Crab Toast ($190 pesos) which burst with flavor from the lump crab and the jalapeno marmalade; with just the right amount of kick for both of us. The Chiapas Black Bean soup is a must, especially for Californians, who have been unfairly denied foie gras. This dish is accompanied with a generous portion of the sacred foie on top of this sensational soup ($175 pesos).

Also give the Fried Squash Blossoms ($160 pesos) a try, filled with piping hot ricotta cheese, a reckless indulgence which we loved.

For one of the most fun dining experiences, especially if you're bringing the family, you must try Porfirio's (Presidente Masaryk 214, Miguel Hidalgo, Polanco, 11580 Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico), the space is contemporary and welcoming and their Chile Relleno de Picadillo were a stand out, very authentic and well presented.

They bring all sorts of interesting things to the table which house the food preparations. Right in the restaurant is a Senora preparing hand made tortillas.

Don't miss downtown Mexico City and the best way to experience it is at Azul (Isabel La Católica 30, Cuauhtémoc, Centro Historico A, 06000 Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal, Mexico ) in the Downtown Hotel. Situated in a massive courtyard with trees climbing to the heavens, Scott had the chance to try Guacamole with grasshoppers. Although he resisted at first, he savored every little crunchy bite, proving that it's those special ingredients that make the guacamole south of the Border oh-so-yummy. The stuffed Duck Fritters ($190 pesos) bathed in Oaxacan mole where outstanding because despite the mole, you could taste the duck that had been baking for hours. Washing it all down with margaritas and Negro Modelo beer, this is a perfect place to spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing but eating, drinking and enjoying the company of the locals.

Sadly, we ran out of days with plenty of other hot spots to try in this gracious, old and impressive city. We made some new friends who exuded the warmth of the heart of Mexico City, and so without hesitation, we will be back for more.

Hasta Pronto y buen provecho,

Michael and Scott

El Dining Dos

THE FOUR SEASONS DOES MEXICO CITY RIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 01:31:00 +0000

Part 2 of 3: Previously on The Dining Duo: The Dining Duo took off for Mexico City because word is on the streets that it's the newest growing foodie scene. Making the elegant and perfectly centered Four Seasons Hotel their base camp, they explored this fabulous city; but only after pulling themselves away from all that the Four Seasons had to offer.

The Four Seasons Hotel

Paseo de la Reforma 500,

Cuauhtémoc, 06600

Mexico City, DF, Mexico

Phone:+52 55 5230 1818

...but there is a lot more...

FRIDAY AFTERNOON LUNCH: MARISCADA (Seafood Buffet) at THE FOUR SEASONS

First of all, we love that in Mexico lunch goes on forever, and second we love that lunch starts at about 3pm on Friday. After a late morning of lounging around our suite, and some sightseeing, we rushed back to the hotel because they have a well known lunch option only on Fridays that is composed entirely of seafood selections. Once again we find ourselves at the Reforma 500 dining room, selecting a seat on the luscious patio where we sipped on divine margaritas and idled away the hours with Mexican friends as the time magically stood still.

Music from a Mexican troupe of singers reminded us of exactly where we were, and the subtropical gardens and flowers compliment the sounds of gurgling fountains. We pulled up a table close to the gardens and dove into the set menu of eight taste sensations offered at a very reasonable price of approximately $45. Sous Chef Alfredo Sanchez greeted us with a warm and welcoming smile and soon we were on a wonderful ride of taste indulgences.

We started with the Chipotle marinated tuna on a tortilla crisp. It proved to be a great way to excite our taste buds. The tortilla crisp complimented the tuna and the pairing was a success.

Next to arrive at our table was the "Vallarta" style ceviche on a tortilla crisp, and this too was equally tasty but distinctly different from the first offering.

The Key Lime marinated ceviche was a huge bowl of oysters, shrimp, fresh fish and other items that together made for a conglomeration of tastes while still providing individual flavors.

The timing between the selections was perfect because it allowed us to take pleasure in our company and spend the afternoon doing what we are meant to be doing in life; relaxing, eating and enjoying life. The waiter brought over a spiced shrimp broth that enlivened our mouths. It was sensational and not overly salty like most soups.

Then we had the good fortune of tasting the braised shark peccadillo that was crunchily delicious. It was certainly better to eat the shark than the other way around. Speaking of interesting selections, next arrived the grilled octopus which was paired with potatoes and scallions. Scott's not much of an octopus consumer, but this was really fresh and delicious and the grill gave it smoky flavor.

And finally, a six ounce Mahi Mahi filet was brought to the table and served in a garlic mojo that enhanced the fish's natural flavor.

The side dishes were remarkable too, including sautéed fresh vegetables, rice pilaf and baby potatoes. Everything at the Four Seasons restaurants are sourced within the general area, and they even have their own small farm for certain items; all to ensure freshness and maximum taste.

Then, to balance all the fish selections, we finished with a dulce de leche flan custard that was to die for. There is nothing like a real Mexican flan and Chef nailed it with this version. Creamy not runny, it just melted in our mouths and although we were stuffed to the gills--pun intended--we couldn't stop eating the flan until every bite was gone. Uno más por favor.

WORK OFF THOSE MEALS WITH FUN THINGS TO DO IN “D.F.”

Walk out the front door of the hotel, hook a left on the Reforma (think Champs d’Elysee),

and within minutes find the oldest natural park in North America, Chapultepec Park, which is also the largest city park in the world – covering 2,100 acres of the city. We suggest going on a Sunday when it seems like the entire city is enjoying in the park. The food, smells, sights and things to purchase are off the charts. By the way, at no time did we ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and when asking directions, people were absolutely lovely to the gringos; as long as you speak some Spanish.

For guest transportation, the Four Seasons provides a stress-free fleet of 50 or more private, late-model automobiles driven by bilingual, bonded chauffeurs. It’s a convenient and safe way to travel between restaurants, museums or on excursions, especially since transportation fees can be simply billed to your room.

Also walking distance from the hotel, the National Museum of Anthropology and History is filled with priceless relics, such as the famous 30-ton Aztec stone calendar which we were absolutely thrilled to view, and touch this piece of history.

This museum houses 12 exhibition halls devoted to Mexico's earliest civilizations and is itself an architectural masterpiece, especially for the decade in which it was built. If you happen to be Mexican, it’s free on Sundays, but if not, it’s a minor charge to enter.

Speaking of architectural masterpieces, Carlos Slim, the richest man in the world, has built a museum to house his masterpieces and it is stunning, if not mesmerizing. It is filled with the largest private collection of Rodin’s in the world, so we are told. What was particularly interesting was that they displayed tableaus of art so that a visitor can view the backs and the travel stamps that these priceless pieces have acquired as they voyaged the world over the decades.

Right next door is another architecturally fascinating museum called Jumex, and built by the family who created the product. Once inside, you’ll notice that it’s filled with light but never has direct sunlight on any of its works due to the architectural design. It’s extremely impressive and worth the visit.

Perhaps one of the best excursions provided by the Four Seasons is a five hour private tour guided trip to the famous pyramids, as well as to the fascinating Cathedral of Guadeloupe. Our guide was not only extremely nice, but he started telling us facts and information from the moment we left the hotel, which made the entire experience a superlative one.

The car was a comfy Mercedes, air conditioned, and we had the comforts of home while learning the fascinating history of Mexico City, its people and places. All of this for $205, which we couldn’t believe could possibly be the case, but was. We learned about the pyramids and then climbed the pyramid to the Sun, enjoying the vistas and two major volcanoes of Mexico City.

Acquiring knowledge about the sophistication of the Aztecs, the aqueducts they built and the spirit behind its creation was inspiring. We also worked up an appetite.

RELAXING BY THE POOL

There is a small, but cozy spa on third floor rooftop. After an afternoon of sightseeing and lots of sightseeing, we opted for a jacuzzi, then a nap before dinner. The looming skyscrapers overhead made for surreal experience while sitting in what resembles a tailored French garden. It's all part of Mexico City's emerging landscape, and we were grateful to soak our tired bodies before a nap and dinner. Next time we hope to work in a massage; or after catching a glimpse of the General Manager Adames in his workout clothes on the way to the gym, maybe that's even a better option.

A SPECTACULAR DINNER WITH CHEF EDGAR KANO

Edgar Kano's tasting menu was like an unexpected warm and fuzzy dream. Whoever says a dinner at a hotel restaurant can't be extraordinary hasn't dined at Reforma 500 at the Four Seasons Mexico City. This multi-cultural wizard of dining knocked our socks off with his myriad creations.

Once again, we found ourselves dining al fresco in the charming interior courtyard. The fountains, flames and finely dressed femmes fatales never get tiring. The night we arrived, a beautiful woman strolled the box hedges and flowers, singing enchanting songs that accompanied the atmosphere, not overtake it.

Warm smiles as we arrived, now recognized guests at the hotel, we were greeted by name and brought immediately to our table just off the winding paths of the tailored gardens.

The seven course tasting menu was easily our finest dining experience in Mexico and we’re so happy we saved this experience for last so that we could make that statement without hesitation.

From beginning to end, the service and food was exceptional. We started with one of Chef Edgar's most popular dishes, the Roasted Poblano Pepper Cream Soup, spicy but not too intense for Scott, and not heavily cream laden, it was accompanied with sautéed shrimp and zucchini blossom petals. It was not only beautiful to look at, but wonderful to taste.

Our soup was followed by a grilled yellow fin medallion, the evidence of charcoal grilling enhanced the taste and the accompaniment of avocado risotto was probably our most cherished taste that night, we could have just added the phenomenally tasting risotto and would have been satiated; but that would have taken the fun out of the rest of the evening.

Our next course was the Grilled Octopus from the Gulf of Mexico and it was so fresh that it tasted like it crawled onto our table. The octopus was then followed by a Sake Glazed Mahi Mahi with a sauce peculiar to the Yucatan peninsula as well as habanero (Michael’s favorite essence). It was hot, but not too spicy for those whose palates are more mid-range.

Scott is a huge duck lover and he’s tasted duck preparations all around the globe. Chef Edgar's roasted Duck Magret did not disappoint his discriminating perception; he ranked it as world class. After indulging on this dish accompanied with its black mole sauce prepared Oaxaca style, we decided our next Mexico excursion has to be to Oaxaca. Incidentally, the handmade blue corn tortillas that accompanied this and other plates were superb. Mexicans love their tortillas and why we would as well if we could get the kind of tortillas Chef’s kitchen produces.

Our final course was a Rack of Lamb and even though Michael is not a lamb fan, even he adored this tender, juicy and tantalizing preparation. It was served with a chili peanut sauce and arrived at the perfect medium rare temperature that we requested. Again, we wondered why we couldn’t get this kind of results in so many of our own American restaurants when Chef Edgar and his staff knocked it out of the ballpark.

Of particular note is the “mixologist” Mica Rousseau, who hails from Tours, France (Scott spent his six months there during his junior year at Stanford). Both handsome and incredibly talented, he’s very serious about his cocktails. Having won the #1 slot in the Mexican mixology national completion, he also established himself in the top ten in the world for mixology.

During the course of our dinner, we had Mica bring over a variety of cocktails and one was more interesting and colorful than the next. Like a scientist, he would mix and pour and add elements beyond our imaginations until the result in front of us was a superlative magical mix of flavors and colors and styles.

Finally, our last drink came as a coconut share, exemplifying the shared experience of the food, the drink, the atmosphere and each others company.

And the desserts! What a perfect way to end a perfect meal. There were three yummy desserts that were spectacular three-dimensional creations. Our favorite, both for its gorgeous look, ingenuity and taste, was a Contemporary Apple. It was spun from sugar and looked like a gorgeous freshly washed green apple; instead it was a delicately spun sugar creation that was both crunchy and absolutely delicious. Clearly this restaurant was the apple of our eye in Mexico City. Thank you Chef Kano and why aren't you in Los Angeles where we can enjoy your cuisine all the time?

*****************************************************************
Oh no, The Dining Duo is not yet done with Mexico City. Make sure to check back in with us for a final part three story about Sunday Brunch at the incomparable Four Seasons Hotel, as well as some other hot-spots in and around Mexico City. Until then, Hasta pronto amigos.

Buen provecho,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

MEXICO, D.F. - The Four Seasons Hotel and Restaurants

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 22:08:00 +0000

The Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City -- Muy Bonito y Delicioso

Part 1 of 3:

Paseo de la Reforma 500,

Cuauhtémoc, 06600

Mexico City, DF, Mexico

Phone:+52 55 5230 1818

There is a certain indescribable and unmistakable scent that permeates the air of a Four Seasons Hotel. You recognize it the minute you breathe it in.

As we fought the traffic of this enormous city with millions of people, the manic energy of the metropolis was both overwhelming and exciting.

The ride from the airport provided bumpy streets, sweat filled air tinged with city smells and miles and miles of graffiti laden buildings.

And then we arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City and as the doors to our car flung open, that scent of calm elegance infused with a sense of place overtook the cumulative stress that is always the underbelly of travel.

Built in 1994 as a replica drawing from both French and Spanish influences, this high rise hotel is more of a modern hacienda located right in the middle of it all. Juxtaposed to the crowded city from whence we just came, the enormous marble- laden lobby was filled with perfectly cut flowers and an assortment of interesting art as well as objects d'arts.

We were immediately greeted like old friends and then swept to the reception as our luggage was handled without further attention on our parts. Everyone had a genuine smile and a gracious welcome, and although we're not special, they made us feel special. Therein lays the magic that is Four Seasons. Add in the inescapable graciousness of the Mexican people, and we knew at that moment that we had made the absolute right choice to make this hotel our home in "El D. F." as the Mexicans call this grand city in the center of their country.

Mexico City is the nation’s capital city and the focus of Mexico’s political, cultural and economic life. It’s the largest metropolis with a population of over 25 million and covers an area of 597 square miles. Its wide boulevards are lined by both modern glass and steel structures and the colonial architecture of the past.

What we found absolutely amazing is that the city offers 75 museums and 10 archaeological zones. Mexico City’s historical centre is a 668-block area around the Zócalo (which is its main square) that has been designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The district encompasses more than 1,400 historic structures, including the Templo Mayor (Great Temple of the Aztecs), as well as private mansions and civic and religious buildings. This city is a must for a fun, interesting and diverse travel experience, and we’ve made our home to do so at the Four Seasons, right in the middle of it all.

THOSE SWEET SUITES: FOUR SEASONS DOES IT SO RIGHT

As our readers have come to expect, it's all about the suite for us and for you. If you've followed us over the years, you too agree that it is incomprehensible when people say, "it's only a room, and how much time do you spend in the room." This is downright blasphemy to the cumulative ears of The Dining Duo. A suite is one's existence when in a foreign city, and if you can't be as comfortable as you are when you're home, then what's the point of traveling?

The Four Seasons' suites are large and cozy and our particular suite number 411 measures just shy of 800 square feet, although honestly, it seemed a lot larger. When we entered the suite we immediately felt like there was space to spread out and unwind. Just through the main door, there is an expansive second "powder room" with separate sink and toilet that allows two people to not have to constrict themselves into one bathroom, no matter how large.

A small hallway (complete with a little thoughtful table onto which we kept track of room keys) gave way to walls of olive highlighted by white moldings sporting a living room, dining area and writing desk that was expansive and open. There is a general feel in these rooms of casual elegance, and lamps throughout replace the harshness of bright overhead lighting.

Full curtains puddle to the floor and when opened reveal large French windows opening to an absolutely beautiful courtyard that looks like it's from the Castle of Chapultepec.

This is truly a breathtaking courtyard, with arches on several levels and a spectacularly manicured formal garden surrounding a lush trickling fountain at the center. At night, fire leaps from the spray as well as from pots around the courtyard, and we find ourselves glued to the window watching the flames lick the sky.

Our first night, a bottle of tequila had been set thoughtfully on the coffee table, and on the dining table is a welcoming appetizer of fruits topped with some sort of wickedly hot spice, foreshadowing the taste treats that the Chefs at The Four Seasons Mexico City have created for our dining pleasure. There are tons of bottles of water everywhere, and our bellhop thoughtfully whisks up Scott's favorite Negro Modelo to help the perils of travel fade from memory.

Oh, but this was only one half of the suite. Large double doors sweep open to reveal the elegantly tailored bedroom that is washed in a sunny shade of yellow. The bed is sheathed with crisp white linens covered with a snuggly down comforter, and Michael plops on the bed only to sink into the softest feather pillows imaginable. The Four Seasons are known for their beds, and we must say that sleeping on a bed that seems to mold itself to our bodies is a total joy. If nothing else, the bed and linen made for dreamy, restorative sleep filled nights.

More yards of drapes curtain off an area with a couple of chairs for reading and lounging, and a large chest of drawers allows for storing the myriad clothing we've brought to enjoy a more formal (than Los Angeles) Mexico City. The art on the walls is eclectic and tasteful, each with a different type of gold frame, setting the decor to a feel of a city apartment that we would love to have here, or in New York City.

A large walk in closet provides space for even more hanging clothes (and there was a closet in the entry as well), and it's such a pleasure to be able to hang clothes so they don't all smash into each other and look wrinkled before you even put them on. A marble counter is thoughtfully placed just outside the closet for all those things that build up in your pocket that always gets lost (like money, lip balm, receipts, and the like).

The bathroom is a great size. Containing a soaking tub, glass shower, and separate toilet area with bidet, it's a pleasure to enjoy when tired and needing a little space to spread things out. There are also doors, which seem to be missing from so many modern hotel suites. Doors are great for guests; you can shut them and have some privacy, and after all, isn't that what bathrooms are for? The products are L’Occitane, which we love, and all you have to do is ask and products will be free-flowing.

Each afternoon something new arrives in our suite. One night it was cheese, crackers and a wonderful bottle of Mexican red wine to compliment the selection. Another night it was the freshest and tastiest guacamole ever and incredibly crispy chips (we can't get these chips in the states, so maybe we should go in the "chip-importing" business) along with a selection of four different types of Mexican beers (and a charmingly framed explanation of the beer choices). Add in the two flat screen television sets, one in each living area, and The Four Seasons Mexico City made our stay so pleasant, it was really all we could do to even leave the room.

In the morning, when we peeled back the curtains and the light flooded the bedroom, the yellow walls gently woke our spirits. We wandered off to the mini bar where there was an assortment of great snacks and more importantly, the same Nespresso machine that we have at home, along with a selection of pods of all kinds to satisfy your "must have" coffee hankerings. Night after night, the courtyard rooms were so quiet and snug that we awoke refreshed and ready to take on the sights, aromas and tastes of this fabulous must-see city.

FOUR SEASONS INVENTED SERVICE - MEXICANS INVENTED HOSPITALITY; WHAT A MARRIAGE

Four Seasons Hotels invented service and when you add in the Mexican innate cultural sense of hospitality, it's really the epitome of graciousness; the Four Seasons doles it out in abundance. Whether you are the housekeeping staff, the concierges, the waiters, the bell staff or anyone in between, we were made to feel like we were guests in someone's home. In a large hotel of this size, this is a difficult task, and truly a testament to the model-handsome (and we really mean movie star handsome) General Manager Jose Adames. No doubt there is abundant training here, but frankly, if we worked for GM Jose, we would do whatever he asked!

The concierge staff is all exceptional. Two standouts are Stefano and Raphael. Normally, we question the suggestions of concierges because they usually recommend the last place they got a free meal, but that wasn't the case here. As we usually do prior to leaving our home, we called the concierge and asked a host of questions, all of which Raphael adroitly answered. Upon arriving, we discovered that Stefano had an enormous knowledge of the foodie scene in Mexico City and backed it up with an iPad displaying decor and food pictures. Could there really be anything better for us foodies? Raphael understood the customs of the restaurants, and both worked their magic to obtain last minute reservations in a town where getting a table at the hottest spots is nearly impossible. They both outlined the variety of expeditions for us (such as the pyramid tour, more on that later), without pushing anything on us. In fact, Stefano even offered to bring us his own scarves for the colder early morning balloon trip over the pyramids! This is truly above and beyond. We were so impressed.

GM Jose's new reign is bringing innovative improvements to the hotel too, including a new restaurant by Chef Rolly Pavia of L'Oesteria del Becco fame, new refurbishments to the public and living areas of the hotel and so much more. We are loving it as-is, but we can't wait to return next year to tell you about the exciting new additions that will take the Four Seasons Mexico City from sensational to sublime.

CUISINE TO EXTREME: SO MUCH TO EAT, SO LITTLE TIME:

We were truly surprised, and pleasantly so, at how many great dining options there were right in our own hotel.

GOOD MORNING MEXICO CITY!

There are two perfect ways to start the day when in Mexico City. One is to roll over in bed and grab a comfy robe when room service rings...

...and the other is to pull on some clothes and drop into the dining room of the Four Seasons’ Reforma 500 for some typical Mexican morning eats. We opted for both during our stay.

Room service was perfectly prepared to order, delivered exactly on time (as if they waited outside our room for the clock to hit the appointed hour) and was piping hot. Although there weren't any particular stand-out must-have dishes, it really didn't matter because we welcomed the freshly made hot latte and espresso, as well bacon, eggs, pastries and a variety of other sensation items.

Mango has just come into season and honestly you just can't get this fruit in the United States with the equivalent popping flavors. All the juices were fresh, so think Payaya, Mango, Orange or whatever you fancy. The gent who delivered it to us was of cheerful spirit and set up everything on our table for our dining pleasure. We love eating like little piggies whilst lounging in thick cotton robes and looking a mess. Seriously, isn't that what pampering yourselves is all about? Four Seasons does it so well.

Another beautiful way to awaken is to dine in Reforma 500's sun filled dining room or their outdoor terrace amongst the flowers and fountains. If you're experimental with morning foods, make certain to try the chilaquiles, a very traditional Mexican breakfast consisting of corn tortilla cut into quarters and lightly fried. When you add Habaneros, green peppers that are so hot a fire engine follows, the flavor is off the charts delicious.

Trust us, they are not for the weak of heart, but Michael ate every morsel of his new favorite breakfast and then sat at the table sweating; well worth the mop-up job. Another stand out was their take on croissants that was more like almond cake. We coupled this and a variety of other breakfast choices with freshly squeezed papaya and mango juice and there really was nothing better. We went back several times for those almond croissants, by the way. If only they could overnight them to Los Angeles.

NEXT PART 2: A LUNCH FIT FOR A KING, MEXICO CITY HIGHLIGHTS AND DINNER AT THE FOUR SEASONS WITH THE FABULOUS CHEF KANO

¡Hasta pronto y buen provecho!

El Dining Duo

Michael and Scott

Viva La Mexico City!

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 03:42:00 +0000

COMING SOON:

THE DINING DUO INVADES MEXICO CITY

The foodie scene has erupted in Mexico City and

The Four Seasons is right in the center of it all.

Coming soon, "The"address in Mexico City and where to dine when there.

Estamos muy hambriento

Hasta Pronto amigos,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

Palm Desert Food + Wine Festival

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 02:08:00 +0000

FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL PALM DESERT

Celebrity book signings, live cooking demonstrations,

and wine and craft beer seminars round out the weekend-long foodie celebration

The Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert is here as top culinary experts from across the country—alongside more than 50 restaurants and 70 wineries, breweries, and spirit purveyors—gather in the Coachella Valley, Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23. The three-day festival continues to grow, just recently welcoming new culinary talent to its roster of live culinary demos, and adding craft beer and wine experts to lead tasting seminars. A full schedule of all the weekend’s events is available at www.palmdesertfoodandwine.com, with some of the newest programming highlights including:

· Craft Beer and Wine Seminars

Taking place during the grand tastings on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23

In addition to wining and dining at the grand tasting events, the Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert also offers guests a chance to expand their food, wine, and craft beer knowledge with a series of tasting seminars. Tickets are available for an additional $25 per person/per seminar, and include access to an intimate tasting class led by an industry expert. Notable participants from both the Coachella Valley and beyond include, but are not limited to:

o Chris Anderson, brewmaster/CEO for the Coachella Valley Brewing Company

o Christina Perozzi of “The Beer Chicks” and western regions educator for Goose Island Beer Company

o Larry Brooks, winemaker for Tolosa Winery

o Sam Calagione, founder and president of Dogfish Head Brewery

· Celebrity Book Signings

Taking place during the grand tastings on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23

Guests can attend cookbook signings by participating celebrity chefs and personalities, including Roy Choi, Valerie Gordon, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, The Hearty Boys, Gale Gand, Lulu Powers, and Mark DeCarlo.

· Chef Demos

Taking place during the grand tastings on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23

The Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert’s celebrity chef lineup continues to grow, including some exciting additions to its schedule of live cooking demonstrations. Each featured demonstration takes place on one of four state-of-the-art, fully equipped kitchen stages, offering attendees an opportunity to learn from some of the culinary world’s biggest stars. A few recent additions to the demo roster include The Hearty Boys, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, and stars of the Food Network’s “Party Line with the Hearty Boys”; “The Entertainologist” Lulu Powers, best-selling author, entertainer, and former celebrity chef; and Julie Pech, author, nutritional educator, and owner of “The Chocolate Therapist.”

About the Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert

For tickets or more information please visit www.palmdesertfoodandwine.com. Visit the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/palmdesertfoodandwine or follow on Twitter @PDFoodWine.

The Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert is owned and operated by Palm Springs Life in association with Sunset, and with sponsorship support in part from Lincoln, the City of Palm Desert, Celebrity Cruises, Jensen’s Finest Foods, Stella Artois, Double Cross Vodka, Sarabella Tuscan Jars, Wild Turkey, Campari, Just Fabulous, Chef Works, Time Warner Cable, and Desert Radio Group. The annual food and wine event aims to gather the brightest and most inspired chefs and culinary personalities from around the country for three extraordinary days of food and wine tasting. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the James Beard Foundation and the AIDS Assistance Program. Palm Springs Life has represented the greater Palm Springs area for over 55 years. Its award-winning monthly publication is a reflection of the special lifestyle of the desert resort communities. Palm Springs Life’s monthly editorial content includes: social scene; upcoming events including major golf and tennis tournaments; luxury homes; fine dining; fashion; travel; the arts; and profiles of celebrity and business leaders.

SEE YOU THERE!

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

Marinus at Bernadus Lodge in Carmel Valley

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 03:06:00 +0000

Marinus

At Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley

415 W Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley CA 93924
Reservations: 888-648-9463
Telephone: 831-658-3400
Facsimile: 831-659-3529

Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings
from 6-9pm.

As you drive through the gates of Bernardus Lodge, you are immediately greeted by old world elegance. Located amongst the oaks and vineyards of picturesque Carmel Valley, the gracious intimacy of this charming resort with an epicurean flair felt like we were coming to a friend’s private villa in Italy.

Cozy fireplaces and wood beamed ceilings are the backdrop to dining at their unparalleled Marinus Restaurant, voted one of the Zagat's top restaurants, and further voted one of The Dining Duo’s top restaurants in the country.

Recently, Marinus received a top-to-bottom refurbishment. Taking full advantage of the resort’s pastoral location, the new intimate design which seats approximately 15 tables artfully combines present comforts with the natural sophistication of Carmel Valley wine country. Hand forged chandeliers and wall sconces from Normandy add drama to an intimate room, while walls in soft shades and natural tones exude warmth.

In addition to the massive signature stone fireplace, inviting custom chairs, linens on all tables and crewel drapery over classic French windows add texture and depth while elements of the outdoors are brought inside. With fresh flowers atop a long wooden table adorned with wine and glasses, wood crackles in the fireplace, and before a morsel of food is served we feel all warm and fuzzy about this place.

Chef Cal Stamenov is a maestro of California natural cuisine, and uses only local, organic produce from Bernardus’s own gardens and also sourced from local farmers, fisherman and foragers. Since we had heard rumors that Marinus had one of the best tasting menus in the Carmel area, we opted to treat ourselves to the chef’s Tasting Menu, which compared to the likes of Per Se in New York (and it does compare, we are pleased to say), is truly a bargain at $125 per person.

With a wine list of more than 1,800 fine wine selections, we also highly recommend that you add the wine pairing portion (again, a steal at $95 per person), which provides an outstanding selection of wines in one meal.

Let us just say that our socks were knocked off with this meal and we have not stopped raving about it. From start to finish, everything was superbly prepared, marvelously presented and excellently served.

Upon the recommendation of the dashing Som, we started with a 2007 Caraccioli Cellars Brut Cuvee from the Santa Lucia Highlands in order to celebrate our great fortune at having this dining experience. When the Carmel Valley grass fed beef tartare prepared with spicy aioli, quail egg yolk and black truffle came to the table, Michael just about wet his pants with delight.

We paired this sensational taste sensation with a 2011 Domaine Alain Grillot Crozes Heritage Blanc which originated in the Rhone Valley of France.

Next, an herb crusted turbot made its way to our table. Prepared with celery root, leeks vinaigrette, bacon wild watercress and black truffle sauce, we couldn’t decide if it was perfect as is, or even more perfect paired with the som’s choice of a 2009 Chateau Fuisse Pouilly Fuisse from Macon, France.

As the flavors of this exquisite dish remained on our tongues, the timing of the courses remained flawless with the arrival of a Sonoma duck, prepared with an onion confit, Brussels sprouts, chestnut and pomegranate jus.

Who thinks of these things? Well, apparently Chef and Chef de Cuisine Abby Burk.

We next enjoyed the Venison Loin. The breadth of this dish with its golden chanterelle mushrooms, pancetta, sweet potato and current-mustard jus was accentuated by a Syrah from the Santa Cruz Montains, a 2009 Frederick Williams Cellars. Scott joined Michael in the pants wetting completion with this amazingly broad and deep Syrah.

As if we hadn’t had enough, the next dish the Chef called a “Dancing Fern” consisted of Sequatchie Cove creamery (Sequatchie, Tennessee) raw cow milk, heirloom apple puree and pickled mustard seed. Accompanied by a German Riesling (1997 J.J. Prum), we didn’t care at this point what were eating, just that it was beyond scrumptious.

What would a meal be without a divine selection of cheese, honey and preserves. With a range from subtle to strong, there was something for everyone. The cheese was sophisticated and imported and simply yummy.

We topped off the dining experience with a crispy farina, poached pear, quince and honey ice cream, and an Austrian dessert wine, a 2011 Alois Kracher Auslese Cuvee, and it was a little bit of heaven on a plate.

Is it possible to have a near flawless experience? Yes, and in fact as we stated above, we put this superlative dining extravaganza in the same category as some of the best restaurants in Manhattan. The only thing we really needed to do to improve this experience was roll out of the dining room and into a fabulous suite to dream of the entire evening all over again… Next time.

The entire experience is one The Dining Duo highly recommends to our readers. It’s worth a trip to the gorgeous Carmel Valley if only to come to Marinus at Bernadus Lodge. We will be back.

Appetizingly Yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

P.S. and if you don’t believe us, check out their other awards:

• Wine Spectator's Grand Award recognized Marinus as one of the best in the world for wine lovers since 2001
• Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s "America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants", 2011
• Recognized by Zagat Survey for the Top Restaurant in the Bay Area, Most Romantic, Best Wine List South of San Francisco, and the Bay Area's top vote-getter for "worth a trip"
• Forbes (Mobil) Four-Star Rating, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• Honored by Monterey County Weekly for "Best Restaurant in Monterey County,"since 2004
• Voted World's Best Resort Restaurant in 2003 by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report.

The Peninsula Gone Green - Quail Lodge and Golf Club

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 05:03:00 +0000

Quail Lodge and Golf Club

8205 Valley Greens Drive * Carmel, CA 9392 * 831-624-2888

This is a Peninsula Hotels property? You bet it is, and we were excited to see that they know how to tailor their property to accommodate the sense of place that Carmel Valley commands.

Gone are the men with little white hats who open the front door for you as you enter. Instead we found the first Peninsula property to transform itself into an environmentally conscious locale with an emphasis on what you receive for your money rather than posh formal services that do not fit this landscape. They strive to maintain the quality of the Quail lodge's prior reputation while complimenting the stunning location in sunny Carmel valley, and they've not only succeeded, they've succeeded One Hundred percent.

Set amongst 850 stunning acres of lush fairways, tailored gardens and oak-dotted hills in the sublime pastoral river valley, Quail Lodge has captured the easy elegance of its setting both indoors and out. There are so many recreational adventures just beyond your villa doors that it's hard to stay inside (but read further and you'll see why it was even harder to go outside). Every morning we hiked through the oak-forested hillsides, relaxed by the heated pool and contemplated how splendid it would be to play on the championship 18 hole golf course (or a round of bocce, tennis or par-2 executive putting course golf on the 9 links that meander through the property).

We were at first crestfallen when we entered our Villa 403 and we saw that just past the entrance was a room with two double beds. Yes, it was slick and designed beautifully. Yes, the beds had big fluffy down pillows on it and faced a sitting area complete with fireplace. Yes, the ceilings soared upward revealing open beams and a lofty, gracious feel...but we haven't slept in separate beds in 27 years and we didn't really want to start now. While Scott tried to figure out how to push the beds together, all at once Scott heard Michael scream from somewhere else in this enormous villa, "WAIT; there's a HUGE master bedroom back here!" We were like little kids running throughout the gorgeous living room and in and out of the three bathrooms and master bedroom to take it all in when we realized that this is exactly the kind of get-away experience we wanted and our readers expect.

The thing we love about this place is the lack of pretense. From the moment we checked in at the front desk where the lobby screamed to be enjoyed and the smiling, friendly folks took care of us, to our ability to park our own car close to our residence, we liked the relaxed atmosphere that is exuded here. A few feet from our car, we walked down a garden path to the front door of our 2,000 square foot home that has been newly remodeled this past summer. If anyone ever wondered how to bring a 60's ranch into this decade, this is a must see design by Santa Monica based designer Bob Berry. Traditional lines have been emphasized with contemporary touches so that what you see is an expansive, open and inviting set of rooms that spill into each other to form the whole.

With wood floors throughout, the Villa is dominated by an enormous living room and dining area, centered by one of the three fireplaces throughout the dwelling. Skylights pour light in during the daytime, and the lofty open beams capture the glow of the fireplaces during the evening hours when the sun turns the environs into golden hues. Large leather and fabric sofas are in both bedrooms and the living room, creating plenty of options for snuggling by the fire with a good book, or a good companion, or both.

Speaking of snuggling, this property and the city of Carmel (thanks, in part, to the efforts of local Doris Day, who has a home overlooking Quail Lodge)

is completely dog (and cat) friendly. No need to hide pooch in the car and sneak him in and out at night for a walk. Quail Lodge welcomes your furry family with open arms, doggy bags and even a flashlight to help you pick up any parting prizes Bowzer might leave behind on the golf course. We only wish we knew this before we left poor Triple dog home, and we missed out on having him with us to share the fun.

Smartly decorated, there is a hint of native American Indian theme throughout the entire villa with fabrics and throw rugs of bright colors. Add in oversize hand-carved wooden tables, chairs and bedroom furniture, with a taste of Asian armoire and the eclectic feel is one that exudes warmth and an inviting flair. A huge table that sits eight comfortably sits in the living room and along with the omnipresent wood floors throughout, it transforms the space from that of a hotel to that of a home. Myriad books on automobiles (Michael was happy) and such invite you to spend time by the roaring fire and burrow into one of the oversize couches for a bit of a read and a snooze.

Off of the living room is yet another bathroom, this time for guests, that is larger than most main bathrooms in other hotels. Polished granite sits atop a wooden chest of drawers and it's nice to have this option should friends stop by for a visit.

The master bedroom is huge and wonderful; so much so that we want to stay here for many months, forget many days. It really is beyond generously large and is nearly a perfect square with vaulting beamed ceilings of gray and white. A soffit surrounds this and all of the rooms for lighting; but the lowered ceilings around the entire edge of the room emphasize the volume created at its center. The king size bed is covered in beautiful linens and adorned by huge fluffy feather pillows. Maybe it was the cold nights in Carmel, but all we wanted to do was enjoy all the inviting areas to sleep and sleep and sleep. A flick of a remote ignited the fireplace in the bedroom as well, and by opening the glass doors, a beautiful warmth filled the room. More Native American rugs and furnishings rounded out the decor. With a writing desk between two closets (safe, iron, and other necessities) we could glance out the window at the fabulous landscaping whilst writing this review.

The bathrooms in both bedrooms are enormous. The master bath sports a mini-tiled floor of rough honed beige supplemented by clean slick tiles of the same color palette. With an obscured glass door leading to a giant toilet area on one side, and a transparent glass door area to a shower that fits about a ten folks, with a soaking tub and a glass door to private garden patio beyond. Every morning we would shower with the door open, the sun shining in, and we would have the superlative Crohe brand giant rain-shower head to create a tropical rainforest paradise.

After luxuriating in the shower, a toweling in the sunshine on the patio, and a rest on one of the teak benches proved to be the perfect way to start the day.

The "green" theme is carried throughout the villas and suites as well with shower gel, shampoo and conditioning coming from a device in the shower. Although the products look generic in such a device, Quail refills it with "Lather Modern Apothecary", utilizing lavender lime moisturizer, mint thyme hair wash and Yuzu Bergamot creme rinse. Who knew that all those partially used little bottles of products at hotels worldwide had to be emptied out by housekeeping staff, disposed of and then the bottles would end up in landfills; the waste of products and containers was brought to our attention for the first time in our travels. Knowing that we were contributing to the environment by not dragging home millions of bottles, or leaving unused ones around to be destroyed, added infinitely to our enjoyment of this gorgeous spot on earth. Thank you Quail for educating us on this small but important fact.

Perhaps the best part of this Villa is the fact that windows are everywhere and the views of the green golf links and the Santa Lucia mountain range beyond are just phenomenal. We checked out all the villas, and 401-403 is truly the best location because it is privately away from the lobby while sporting the best views of the fairways and hills beyond.

With magnolia trees, oaks and bamboo everywhere, the verdant views beyond are truly magnificent, encouraging us to take a long walk every morning to absorb it all. After our walk, a coffee on the back patio while relaxing on one of our many teak chaise lounges proved to be a relaxing way to plan our adventures for the day.

With its perfect location just twelve miles inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea, the weather pattern here is insulated from the cold and fog of the California coast, not to mention the maddening crowd of tourists; a peaceful morning of bird chirping and warm sunshine is beyond reproach.

As a note, we also took a look at one of the suites (every room is different here at Quail Lodge) and it was large and spacious, sporting it's own fireplace, sitting room and patio with views beyond. If the Villas weren't available, we would definitely opt for one of the suites around the property.

There is a pool at the hotel that is lovely with a nearby gym for those interested in pumping some weights or doing a little cardio to stave off the pounds from all the good restaurants in this part of the State.

Although the gym sports some lovely views, we preferred to just walk out or Villa door in any direction and soak up the real thing. If it's a quiet serenity you desire, just beyond the lobby is a gorgeous deck on a pond, an arcing bridge just beyond a water fountain, and the mountains in the background. Grab a drink and listen to the sounds of nature as your body clock slows down to where it should run without the stresses of our daily routine.

We don't golf, so it's difficult to comment on the 18 hole championship golf course other than to say that there is a lovely golf club, lots and lots of manicured grass everywhere, and views that don't stop. Add in water features and ducks and it seems like a fantastic way to spend a day.

At the club, there's a restaurant called Edgar's that offers excellent club food and views.

Chef Kenneth Macdonald is new to the scene here and he is already bringing new taste treats that both members and hotel guests can enjoy.

For us, a standout was the flat bread which was delicious.

With a broad wine list, we accompanied our superb lamb chops with a large red from the region.

We very much liked the fare at Edgar's, and it proved to be a great casual place to hang out after a long day of activities.

What we're also excited about is the beating of the drums that tells us a "celebrity chef" restaurant is soon to appear in the now empty dining facilities of Quail Lodge. With a 10 on setting, we can't wait for this to open and we will be back to experience both the Villa and the new restaurant at Quail Lodge.

One of the interesting secrets of this enormous hotel property that spans over 850 acres is that they have a gorgeous outdoor wedding location in the hills which looks over the mountains, a tranquil lake and thousands of leafy oak trees. The venue is extremely affordable to rent for a wedding, and of course the hotel can accommodate all the guests. With breathtaking views, and nature's ubiquitous serenity, we can't think of a more romantic spot to tie the knot...maybe even The Dining Duo's knot in the future!

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO WHEN AT QUAIL LODGE

1. The Jaguar Land Rover Experience Driving School

Quail Lodge offers the only west coast land rover experience driving school. Open year-round, the school provides customized off-road driving lessons and adventures activities for all levels that provide elements and terrain that will increase knowledge and ability off-road. Scott had already experienced the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy in Las Vegas, claiming it to be one of those must-do things in one's life, and so he was looking forward to doing this as well. It proved to be a wonderful companion piece to the speed of Vegas, but more reflective of the slow and steady of Carmel.

For two hours his private instructor helped him over logs and rocks, down steep descents on a two track-trail, navigate hairpin turns and drive on and off 4 wheels. Overhead the canopy of trees provided shelter from the sun and created an otherworldly location. Their dedicated course is composed to provide an exciting outdoor adventure of endless obstacles including ascents, descents, side-tilts, log crossings, and rock crawls. Scott and his instructor would often times leave the vehicle and study the terrain for intelligent driving choices. At the end, Scott further challenged his skills by driving through a series of stakes without touching them with the car (or so he told Michael).

With this under Scott's belt, he's looking forward to the next, more advanced course: There are over 80 acres of hills, descents, wooded trails, sand traps, rocks and other real-world obstacles to explore. These trails will increase skill level and introduce more advanced driving techniques such as winching, vehicle recovery and expedition travel or other topics you wish to explore with your private instructor.

This was such great fun and is an immense thing to do alone, or even better with a group of friends. The instructor was completely knowledgeable and Scott walked away wanting to purchase a Range Rover and do it again, soon.

Open 9 am - 5 pm
reservations required
1 hour $250
2 hours $400
Telephone: 831 620 8854

2. Explore your environs

Walk out of the property and take a stroll down the main street until you leave the property, then up into the hills. Dogs are playing everywhere, people are enjoying nature walks and the sights, sounds and smells of nature are intoxicating.

Walk across the street from Quail Lodge and find a fabulous funky restaurant for breakfast right out of small-town America called The Wagon Wheel.

Or stroll through the dozen or so antique shops and such picking out some fantastic things to bring home or take to your villa. There was a bird house shop where the owners built and painted custom bird houses and there were so many choices, we just had to have one.

Quail Lodge and Golf Club is an absolute must for anyone wanting to explore the Carmel Valley, or just for a reclusive getaway from the daily grind.

Ensconce yourselves into a Villa and never leave. We are counting the days until we return to this beautiful hotel in this beautiful spot in the world.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

Nine Zero in Boston -- Our very own Pied-à-terre

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 17:17:00 +0000

Nine Zero Hotel

90 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108

Phone:(617) 772-5800

We love "boutique" Hotels.

The minute you arrive at Nine Zero Hotel in Boston, it feels as if you're coming to your own private fully stocked pied-à-terre.

The Nine Zero hotel really does deliver "chic" in the heart of Boston. "Relax" is the mandate of this hotel and from the moment you arrive it's ingrained in the sidewalk outside the front door of the hotel; it's on the hotel menu and in-room iPad.

When the doors from the street open, there is a dog bowl and treats for your pet, signaling from that very moment that this is the kind of place that values its furry friends; and if an organization values its pets, it values its customers. When we checked in at the front desk, we were immediately handed a glass a wine and welcomed like a true guest.

There are selection of fabulous suites, so it was difficult for us to chose one to try. After a lot of discussion and perusal of the hotel's website, we settled on the "501" suite, and we are certainly happy we did. Approximately 750 square feet, it's really everything you need for the perfect stay in Boston. Walking across a tailored lobby of marble floors, eclectic furniture and cutting edge art, an elevator ride later we are entering our suite at the very end of the hall. There is something special about walking to the end of a hall in a hotel because instinctively you know it's going to be better than everything else in-between.

With the door flung open, the tailored suite shown all black and white with lavender furniture, oversize lamps, felt chairs and coffered ceilings lined in silver papers. There's a dining table for four, a bar area, writing desk, living room with mini bar and flat screen, and lots and lots of nick-knacks that are not glued or nailed down, letting you know that you are welcome in "your" home. There is even a yoga mat in every room in case you want to de-stress from the travel experience, or just stay "om" (like Scott's mantra when he meditates).

Michael and I perused the myriad art books strewn throughout the living area as we felt the vibrancy of the black and white wall paper behind us. Sitting on the bar was a welcome bottle of champagne, as well as a picture of Triple dog (a Nine Zero staff member had written to us prior to our departure from L.A. asking if they could have a picture of something or someone we had to leave behind,

and voila, it was framed in the suite for our pleasure; nice touch). Each suite comes equipped with an iPad with shopping selections, five major newspapers and internet.

The bathroom was smallish but equipped with everything you would want or need, surrounded by Carrara marble floors and a gorgeous tan marble sink. Small interesting crystal perfume bottles appoint the shelves, along with the most fab Etro products whose colors excite the eye and compliment the artistic decor of the suite.

Big fluffy Frette robes with faux zebra fur collars set them apart from all the other robes that hotels supply and they were so fluffy we could hardly fit them in our suitcases (just kidding, but you can purchase them). There's also a night light in the bathroom which is very thoughtful so that you don't trip on the way to use the toilet at night (or have to turn on a light to wake you up). This is a small feature, but so appreciated and oft times overlooked by the "big" hotels.

There are two closets, one in the living room and one near the bedroom, which is ample room to store and hang our belongings for a week. The bedroom is delightfully separate and without windows, which means it's off the city streets, nice and dark and very, very quiet. To be in the heart of a major city and not hear any street noise is worth every penny. Sliding black doors reveals the chicly tailored bedroom, complete with king bed, beautiful cotton sheets

and mounds of pillows (they have a pillow menu from which one can choose just the kind of pillow that will make you happy) and they scream, "come lay on me." The black and white decor is not dark, it's just smart. A large flat screen on the wall is the perfect way to unwind after the long flight, and soon we are asleep and wondering why we didn't book an entire week at this hidden gem of a hotel.

Unfortunately the fine dining restaurant was in the process of being remodeled, so we didn't get to experience it (next time), but in-room dining is available all the time, night and day, from a sumptuous meal to light snacks and desserts. They also make bar packages and hors d'oeurves available in the hospitality room on the second floor, (but who could be bothered getting out of our fab Frette robes to go public?).

In the morning, the realization that we were in the oldest part of our country set in when we pulled back the drapes to find that right outside our window was a beautiful ancient cemetery and the tall steeple from an old church.

After a truly restorative and uninterrupted sleep in our comfy cocoon of a bedroom, we opted for breakfast room service, which was delivered at the exact time it was ordered (in our case, bright and early at 10:30 am). The lovely Brazilian server's smile detracted from the pouring rain outside our window.

We ordered a ridiculous feast for two people and excused our gluttony on

the fact that we wanted to try a wide selection of items on our only day at Nine Zero to do so.

The French toast consisted of six slices of thick brioche bread, covered in pecans and real maple syrup (they take offense to Mrs. Buttersworth in this part of the world), accompanied by crispy bacon and sausage.

It was a indulgent way to start the day, and so wonderful. The cafe latte that accompanied it was piping hot and smooth as silk. We decided to be healthy by washing it down with fresh oj and a glass of coconut water. The American Breakfast was a terrific combination of eggs over easy that looked bright yellow and farm fresh, as we're sure they were. If you're after a light start, the granola and yogurt was covered with so many fresh berries that you couldn't even see the yogurt underneath. It was also big enough to share.

We wanted to see if the east coast could compete with California's fresh fruit and we were very pleased to discover that their fruit selection was as fresh as the stuff we get at home. The large plate was covered with fresh pineapple, blackberries, strawberries, cantaloupe and honeydew, and it was a terrific way to rationalize that we just ate French toast, bacon and sausages covered in maple syrup! This would have been a perfect time to go to their gym on the third floor

which was compact but perfect for travel needs; or use the yoga mat; but we decided on a walk around Boston Central instead.

Located in the Ladder District, Nine Zero is a five minute walk to the financial district, the theater and nightclub district and ten minutes from the city's best shopping and tourist destinations such as Faneuil Hall, the historic waterfront, back bay and Beacon Hill. It also is on the famed Freedom Trail and is just a block away from the green oasis of historic Boston Common.

There is no question that we will revisit Nine Zero the next time we come into town, and we will make sure to spend more time in the room and the new special eatery they are creating, soon to open. So stay tuned.

**************************************************************************************************

Eating our way through New England

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine

There are so many wonderful choices in this part of the world, it was difficult for us to select where we wanted to dine. Here are just 3.5 of our Dining Duo picks:

1.

No. 9 Park
9 Park Street
Boston, MA
(617) 742-9991

Our eating orgy began at No. 9 Park and what a beginning it was. The restaurant is
now celebrating their fifteenth anniversary and No. 9 is still as good
(if not better) than the first time we were there about fourteen years
ago. Barbara Lynch's superb style shines through each and every dish. As
Californians, what a treat it is to go back to one of our perennial
favorite taste treats, foie gras, which is now ridiculously unavailable in our home
state. We were lucky enough to savor it two different ways. Our
favorite--a real "Sophie's Choice"--was the seared Hudson Valley with
black pepper.

Scott can't stop talking about the prune stuffed Gnocchi with yes, more
foie gras and almonds which was a true taste delight and almost an
overload to our senses (but not quite).

2.

Cava
10 Commercial Alley
Portsmouth, NH
(603) 319-1575

Who knew that one of our best meals in New England would be in
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is a town that matches charm with
collegiate. The quaint and compact Cava is off an alley way that is filled with small shops and restaurants. Their $32 tasting menu has to be one of the best pay-offs and values we've experienced in ages. We were very warmly welcomed by owner John Akar, who checked on us throughout the evening.

Our server Danny was handsome (which always adds to the dining experience) and extremely attentive, explaining each of our five courses to us in just enough detail to allow us to explore the indulgences further. We loved the Pork tenderloin with slab bacon and beluga lentils and if the fennel cider soup is any indication of how terrific their other soup offerings are, Cava is the place to warm during those tough Northeast winters. We can't wait to return here.

3.

Five Fifty-Five
555 Congress Street
Portland, ME
(207) 761-0555

Don't skip Portland, Maine on your journey through New England.
Decades ago it was a rough port-town, but now it's a restaurant savvy
charmer. Brunch at Five Fifty-Five was a memorable experience. Their
"Traitor's Eggs", consisting of gently-poached eggs with fresh Maine
lobster, arugula and lemon-chive hollandaise was a true stand out.

Take a look at the picture and you will see how loaded it was with lobster.
We also enjoyed the "Mother and Child reunion" which was brined chicken
and a coddled egg with hash.

3.5

West Bridge
1 Kendall Square
Cambridge MA
(617) 945-0221

Circling back to Boston, we met our hip-foodie friends Charlotte and
Marc at West Bridge in Cambridge. The space was cool and we loved their
seafood potage with uni butter and cedar ($14). Also shown is their signature egg in a cup, which is a must try. We'll be back to further review this unusual offering.

Appetizingly Yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

THE address in Southern California: MONTAGE IN LAGUNA -- Studio, the Spa and Inner Peace

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 19:07:00 +0000

PART II -- The Incomparable Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach

The perfect Suite, Spa and Foodie experience right here in Southern California

STUDIO at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach: where divine food meets a heavenly setting.

30801 S. Coast Hwy.,
Laguna Beach,
(949) 715-6420
www.studiolagunabeach.com

Open for dinner Tues.-Sun., 5-10 p.m. Starters, $25-$28; entrées, $55-$65; chef’s tasting menu, food only, $125-$175 per person; with wine pairings, $200-$250. Full bar. This is truly one of our favorite dining experiences where cuisine, aesthetics and service are all wrapped up into an unforgettable evening. The tone is set from the moment you enter and the gracious hostesses invite you in to dine.

Perched superbly at the end of the bluff overlooking the ocean and with all of humanity behind you, we can think of no finer spot in America to enjoy the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean than one of Southern California's finest dining establishment, headed by the handsome Chef extraordinaire, Craig Strong.

When Jimmy Boyce (Mary Elaine's at the Phoenician in Arizona) moved on from Studio a few years ago to open his own restaurant in the south, the always incredibly well dressed Food and Beverage Director, Vittorio Gonzalez, who originally hails from Mexico City, sought to create the next incarnation for this modernistic craftsman masterpiece. Stealing Craig away from the The Langham, the former Ritz Carlton Pasadena, the hotel gave him the liberty of designing his own menu that is both whimsical and fabulously beyond reproach. Chef strong continues to match the unique architecture and setting of this venue with equally unique servings.

The main room is lofty, yet warm at the same time. It is filled with wood and glass, with dynamic views every direction, and the beams up and over your head create dimensions and shapes that keep the eye amused. The bar is in the center of the room, creating both a visually beautiful and romantic space. The tables are set at a comfortable distance so they are not on top of each other. No matter where you sit, you feel as though you have the privacy to share a meal with a loved one.

The Captain, Miguel, is as handsome as the restaurant is attractive, and certainly made for a good start to the night.

Despite the fresh-faced model-like good looks of the entire staff, there is not an ounce of attitude, a welcome relief from so many metropolitan fine dining establishments. Their sole goal is to please their patrons and resonate a wonderful dining experience.

Every course we enjoyed was paired with a new and interesting wine, and the som's description and enthusiasm for the wines he was pouring was inspiring, increasing the anticipation of trying that particular selection.

Chef Craig will accommodate anyone with any tastes, allergies, likes or dislikes, and all with a smile on his face. We strongly suggest trying the tasting menu, or asking him to cook for you with taste sensations from his imagination. We did the latter, and told him what we didn’t care for (low salt for Scott, no shrimp for Michael, for example) and he took it and ran with it, with beyond scrumptious results.

We partook in the superb tasting menu of six course which at $125 ($200 with wine pairings) is a relative bargain for all that you enjoy in this experience.

Starting with their heirloom tomato salad (locally sourced, of course) with aged balsamic and baby greens (some fruits and veggies are grown right outside Studio's doors in their own garden), we followed this with seared diver scallops. Scott is not a fan of scallops but he devoured each one as if they were a new food group.

The orange powder and the coconut curry sauce was the perfect combination to make these scallops unique and delectable.

From here we launched onto the sautéed sea bass with a checca sauce, light and mouth watering and subtle but still bursting with hints of flavor from the oregano and accompanied by the Swiss chard-potato gratin. In fact, the sea bass tasted so fresh, we could almost imagine the fishing dories floating up on the Montage's beach with their catches of the day.

We have to admit the press roasted Guinea was our favorite served with pickled cherries au jus and we had the perfect pairing with the hen, 2009 Soliste Pinot Noir, which brought out the pungent flavors of the hen.

There was a perfectly prepared cheese course between our hen and dessert. For those of you who are unaware, the Montage in Laguna has an almost unparalleled cheese program and the triple cream Vermont cheese was a wonderful way to (almost) end the meal. All of the wine accompaniments were stellar, but since the Dining Duo craves dessert, the Uroulat, Jurancon, 2001 proved to be the standout, setting the desserts off perfectly.

The light coconut hibiscus meringue with coconut sorbet accompanied by a late harvest wine of our choosing was truly the ultimate ending and we cannot wait to return to see what else Chef Craig has up his sleeve.

There is a private dining area for 12 just off the kitchen, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Secure it for a minimal food and beverage fee, and you can have a private party that will be remembered for ages.

Chef Craig can and will pop in and out of the dining room, more fully describing the evening’s events than he could do in the main dining room.

Set with a stunning long wood table and fine, and interesting china (such as the “sea foam plates” that look just like it sounds), the room is anchored by a large fireplace and a rack of rare wines. Don't rush this dining experience, come and spend the evening feasting on all things Studio.

THE ART OF SPA -- one of the country's best spa experience!

Start with the private quiet pool where we sat on the edge of the world and watched the sea birds fly in sync with the sound of the crashing waves. Then move indoors for continuing solitude.

The spa at the Montage is not so much a destination for massages, but more a personal journey in relaxation. Going way beyond massages, we started with mani/pedis that proved experienced and unrushed. Distinctly missing was the chatter of a foreign language with rows of chairs and foot tubs. Here, the service was individual and with real personal care. We felt like we were having time with an old friend.

The folks working in the entire spa facility are friendly and welcoming, and clearly enjoy their work. The massage therapists are taught to combine a knowledge of indigenous botanicals derived from the ocean with the purpose of inspiring positive change “inside and out”. It’s not just rhetoric. Both the men’s and the women’s sides (nearly identical) provide a peaceful setting, with a cozy quiet room with fireplace, teas and edibles. The Jacuzzi is more like a small pool, and a waterfall cascades into it in such a fashion that we couldn’t wait to have it run over our weary, tired shoulders.

Inhaling the fresh ocean air, we could feel our calm and inner peace slowly eclipsing the rat race of L.A.'s fast paced life. The therapy rooms were welcoming (with both indoor and outdoor areas) and within minutes, we faded into the oblivion of masterful hands.

There is a romantic couple’s room, and three specialty suites with outdoor gardens.

Back to the Jacuzzi, we finished our time at the spa with some moments in the eucalyptus steam and redwood sauna. There was a cold plunge for the brave, but we were too relaxed to try it. The Dining Duo gives this spa high marks and can't wait to come back for more.

FITNESS FOR EVERYONE

We are constantly asked: how do you guys eat like this all the time and not weigh 500 pounds. The answer is easy, we are at the gym…a lot. When we go on vacation, “gym time” is not usually a part of our regime. However, this is the exception to the rule for the Dining Duo. Light streams into both the adult (no one under 16, thankfully) fitness center, yoga and movement studio.

You can enjoy a group fitness class, yoga, T'ai Chi, the Montage’s signature lecture series or a private life coaching session against the backdrop of those brilliant shiney waves. 45 minutes on the treadmill whilst looking over the adult pool and the blue Pacific proved to be divine for both the body, and the soul.

We didn’t have enough time for other services at the full-service salon which also offers highly personalized programs. The boutique had a tremendous amount of lotions and potions, and other items to take home as souvenirs of this moment in time.

At the end of the day, we sat on the chairs at the edge of the quiet adult pool, after fabulous treatments, and watched the sun, a big ball of fire, melt into the sky. Could there really be anything better than this? With all of life’s tedious troubles, it turns out that a long weekend at the Montage in Laguna Beach is all it took to make us realize just how good life really is.

SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE

It’s all about the service here and we understand what it feels like to be pampered and luxuriated, without pomp and circumstance. It’s said that “the Devil is in the details” and it’s details that are covered in every corner of the hotel. Scott had started up a converstion with one of our housekeepers who was from the Philippines and when we were leaving, she presented Scott with a hand crafted souvenir that she had brought home from her last trip. We have it on our shelf at home and this small touching gesture is just typical of the biggest asset at this hotel: it's people.

From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, it feels like family (from the good side, that is) is taking care of you.

When we arrived, we couldn’t seem to hook up our computer to the wireless. Within minutes of calling the front desk, we were walked through the steps to get us on line. It was simple, and accommodating, two things we find lacking in the IT area of many high-end hotels.

The pillows provided are big, fluffy feather pillows. However, we found them too large. Upon requesting “smaller” fluffy feather pillows, the housekeeping woman said, “yes, many guests ask for those”. We doubt that to be the case, but it was her way of certainly making our request feel reasonable. And right next to the pillows, each night, is placed a homemade chocolate wrapped in a little gift box. Yum.

When picking up the car one day, there was a note in it from the Captain of the Loft, saying how much he enjoyed serving us, and that he hoped we would return soon. We were already planning on coming back, but the note was definitely a nice touch that went above and beyond. They seem to think of everything here.

It’s all of these things and many more that moves this Hotel and it’s restaurants into its own exceptional category. We’ve already listed our house for sale, and sent for our belongings so we could move in here permanently. Oh wait, all we really need is a few pairs of shorts, some bathing suits and a few toys for Triple Dog, and they sell all those at the hotel gift shop.

We were not the only ones who had a superlative experience at the Montage and didn't want to leave.

As the sun set over the Montage Hotel in Laguna, we vowed to return again to this magnificent spot sooner than later.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

THE MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH -- "The" place to get away from it all in Southern California

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 01:37:00 +0000

THE MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH -- "The" place to get away from it all in Southern California

30801 South Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 715-6000

http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/

“Welcome home!”
– James Bermingham, General Manger

It's always a summer vacation in Southern California, and here’s an easy, fantastic getaway for a long weekend, or even better, treat yourself to an entire week.
Part One:

Sometimes it’s about a sense of place. Sometimes it's all about gracious service without the least bit of pretense. Sometimes it’s about exquisite cuisine at every turn. And on completely rare occasions when the sun, the moon and the earth align in a perfect astronomical syzygy, a superlative experience is born and rises to the top. It's called the Montage Hotel and Spa, Laguna Beach.

We’re sprawled on chaise lounges at the very edge of the spa's “adults-only” pool, hidden from the blazing sun by a parade of umbrellas, as our minds start drifting seaward with the outgoing tide. Cushy terrycloth cushion covers feel as if we’re floating with the sounds of undulating waves and singing gulls, when all at once we are sound asleep. A decadent deviation from the unrelenting stresses of our lives, there is no price tag too high for this luxurious moment in time--so much so that we want it to last forever and ever.

This is the magic of a visit to the Montage in Laguna Beach, California.

We awaken to the soft sounds of a musician somewhere on the property strumming “a peaceful easy feeling” just in time to see a formation of birds glide against the fading summer sun.

No planes, no trains, no security strip checks, nor delays; no waiting around airports, and no stressing or praying your baggage will arrive. Nirvana is so close to so many in California and The Southwestern United States. In fact, by the time we tallied all those flights and transpiration costs together, suddenly the fare for a divine suite--the only way to go--was really not that bad and well worth every penny spent.

Our stomachs are full from lunch and yet our senses catch the aroma of something enticing, exciting us as to the possibilities of a superb culinary experience at one of the many superlative dining sections: Studio, The Loft or Mossaic. But that’s for hours from now, as it is time for our spa appointment.

Regretting having to move a muscle, we force ourselves to get up and meander into one of the great hotel spas in the country, the first spa in America to be rated with five well deserved stars. More of that experience in Part Two of The Dining Duo's experiences at The Montage Hotel and Spa...but first, how did we even get to this Zen-like place...

**********************************************************************************

“Welcome Home” the front desk clerk chimes as we walk into the beyond gorgeous craftsman-style Montage Hotel, the preeminent address in Laguna Beach, California. One of the many good looking and well-trained employees comes out from behind the desk with a big wicker basket full of stuffed doggie toys, bends over to our Scottish Terrier Triple and asks if he would like one. Triple would like all of them, but she doesn’t know that yet.

Freshly groomed for the simple one hour and fifteen minute car ride, Triple grabs the appropriate whale and squeaks off into the lobby as everyone coos after him.

We are handed key-cards and as soon as we look out the Hotel’s "great room" to the sparkling blue Pacific beyond, we realize that we truly are at home, again; it's been far too long between visits and we wonder why we allow that to happen when it's just that easy to come here. Too bad we can’t make the Montage our home permanently.

The Dining Duo has stayed at all the hotels in Laguna—and north and south of it—and there simply isn’t anything that matches the check-list qualities of The Montage. In fact, we’ve heard it referred to as the first and only “6 star” resort. Exuding simple gracious, elegance, the groupings of low-rise buildings sprawl along the coastline feel as though they are cottages that have been perched above the ocean forever. The furnishings, décor, and treatments are as fresh and new as if they were just installed before we arrived.

We can’t wait to get to our one-bedroom suite, 306, on the North-West corner of the edifice so it affords us uncompromising views of the incomparable California sunset. Once again, we take notice that the hotel is extremely quiet. It’s not because folks aren’t here, as the occupancy always runs extremely high if not completely full, but it’s because there is a distinct absence of maid’s carts, slamming doors, and luggage racks. The bellmen carry the luggage to the room (poor guys) and the housekeeping staff seem to slither by with almost otherworldly stealth.

More than 1,000 square feet, this suite sports soothing olive green tones offset by cream and olive sofas and chairs, with windows out to the white sand beach and craggy coves of Laguna Beach. Sliding French doors are open and a soft breeze tickles the sheers behind the drapes, making you realize how wrong people are when they say, "we don't spend money on a room because we don't spend time it." Au contraire, we don't want to ever leave this wonderful nest of understated elegance.

And it's clear that we're not the only one who wants to stay put in suite 306.

Triple has already charged ahead of us, discovering the dog bed thoughtfully left inside, along with two silver dog bowls (doggies under 25 pounds are welcomed, but there is a slight fee per visit to sanitize the rooms for the next guest; totally understandable and fair to those coming and going).

Early California oils are thoughtfully scattered throughout the suite, lending a feeling serenity. We find more sweeping views in the bedroom, more comfy furniture and a bed perfectly made with Egyptian cotton four hundred thread count Fili D'Oro linens just waiting to be slept in. The down feather pillows are fit for royalty. The en suite bathroom (in addition to the 1/2 bath in the entryway) is detailed with white Carrera marble, and the tub screams to be used. The shower has a mirror thoughtfully installed into the marble for shaving, which is a nice touch for us guys. In addition to large, fluffy towels, also thoughtfully provided are candles and matches so that sliding into a tub full of fabulously smelling bath products (Antica Farmacacista Lemon Verbena) can be conducive for all sorts of fun experiences.

The views from this suite are beyond fabulous and there are three balconies from which to choose your viewing pleasure. All at once the doorbell rings and a bottle of champagne is delivered to welcome us home, and we again pinch ourselves and beg the clock to slow down as much as possible so we can savor every second of this experience.

One of the many things we love about this hotel is that it seems every suite is different, and excites our senses each time we cross the threshold.

Last time we stayed in the Aliso two-bedroom suite, room 370/371. With approximately 1,700 square feet, it has double doors that swing open to a luxuriously large living room, anchored by a large fireplace, a big comfy sofa and writing desk. Tones of olive on the walls and a pale yellow and beige on the floors surrounded by clean white moldings comfort our sensibilities and once again draw our eyes to the star attraction, the Pacific Ocean beyond. A giant balcony complete with inviting outdoor furniture sweeps from the living room to the bedrooms situated on each side. Just inside the front door is a powder room for guests, a thoughtful touch for a hotel suite with two other large bathrooms.

More double doors swing open to reveal the master bedroom. The closet is almost bigger than ours at home, and the bathroom is filled with volumes of marble. Gracing this simple elegance are big fluffy towels and fabulous bath amenities in which we can hardly wait to indulge. The other bedroom is smaller than the master, but it has its own entrance, its own views, its own fabulous bathroom, and is perfect for sharing the suite with friends, and yet not sharing every moment together.

And if you truly want to live like a King, the Catalina Suite at 305 is the only way to go. Sweeping ocean views greet you from the moment you step into the dramatic foyer with its striking, inlaid wood floor.

Entertaining and family downtime is a true pleasure in this 2,000-square-foot beachside palace with a Craftsman-style two-sided fireplace, a dining table that seats eight, kitchen, dressing area with a dry vanity, his and "his" bathrooms with intricate marble flooring, a deep-soak tub and separate showers.

The expansive parlor offers floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a 700 square-foot balcony that spans the entire length of the suite. Almost beyond description, when the Dining Duo wins the lottery, we will make this suite--styled as if it were a home--our ultimate destination!

THE LOFT at the Montage Hotel and Spa

Open 7 Days a Week

6-11a.m. Breakfast

11a.m.-3p.m. Lunch

3-10 p.m. Intermezzo bistro menu

5-10p.m. Dinner

For reservations:

(949) 715-6420

All this luxury was making us hungry, so we rushed off to the Loft for lunch. More muted colors of olive green and shades of yellows and soft gold exuded the soft comfort ubiquitous to the hotel; the craftsman architecture is easily incorporated into this relaxed and elegant room.

Surrounded by polished wood paneling, and dotted with equally polished wood tables, the accompanying chairs are sewn with crewel fabrics that echo a simpler time gone by.

It’s such a gorgeous day that we opt to slide into our seats on the patio and enjoy the view al fresco, preparing ourselves for a scrumptious lunch.

A plate of select warm homemade breads, including our favorite, the warm and crispy pretzel, is rushed to the table. We started with the three types of French fries that are billed as a Tasting of French Fries ($15), one of their most popular dishes and we can see why as we scarfed them up without a hint of guilt.

We loved all three varieties of fries as well as the house made dried chipotle cranberry ketchup.

The Grilled Albacore Sandwich ($26) was bursting with flavor and so fresh it felt like the tuna just jumped on our table from the sea below. Accompanied by sweet potato fries, it alone would have been the perfect lunch dish.

We almost didn't try the Truffle Pizza ($21) and that would have been a big mistake. It was sensational, with a hint of truffle oil so as not to overpower the fennel which was also sprinkled proportionally so as not to overwhelm the taste buds. What a great take on pizza.

With so many selections on this menu, we also strongly recommend that you don't miss the Dry Aged Burger. We couldn't help but immediately notice how dark and rich the bun looked, which was truly inviting, and from the first bite, there is no disappointment. The Hook's 1000 Island dressing is the perfect partner for this perfect burger.

If you want something lighter and refreshing instead of some of the other more "filling" choices, the VR Green Farms Heirloom Tomatoes ($21) with Italian Burrata and aged Balsamic is the perfect way to go. It was not only beautiful to look at, it was utterly scrumptious.

Our server, Eric, is not only a well trained server, he's darn handsome too! Speaking of desserts, in addition to the sweet treats, the Loft is known for their cheese and honey selections and they didn't fail to disappoint this time either. We ordered the Artisanal Cheese Plate ($21); the Loft has a never ending selection of cheeses and honey, that rivals the best French restaurants in the world. The idea of coming back at sunset, ordering an extensive cheese platter drizzled with exotic honeys and pairing it with some fabulous champagne, is something the Dining Duo is going to add to their list of "must-dos."

Every dessert we tried was noteworthy but the one we couldn't live without was the Sea Salt Caramel Mille-Feuille, ($13) a thin cracker pastry infused with caramel sea salt and as we are writing this review, we're craving it. Also shown the Strawberry Creme fraiche Sundae ($13), yum.

It’s the little things that make a restaurant a great experience. There was a little salt spilt on the table, and a busboy rushed over to clean it. The breadbasket emptied rapidly, and it was replaced without asking. This place invented service, and it’s a microcosm of the entire hotel. Clearly the omnipresent General Manger, James Bermingham’s motto that one is “never late” for anything here is meant to convey the philosophy that we are the boss, no matter what we want or desire.

COMING NEXT in part 2:

The incomparable Studio at the Montage and the first 5 Star Spa in the country. Don't miss it...or better yet, just book a stay and find out for yourself just how sweet life here can be!.

Appetizingly Yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

Montage at Laguna Beach

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 01:49:00 +0000

COMING SOON FROM THE DINING DUO:

"THE" PLACE TO VACATION, DINE AND RELAX IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

THE MONTAGE IN LAGUNA BEACH

We've experienced resorts up and down the coast of Southern California and we keeping coming "home" to the incomparable Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach. From the magnificent suites created with a gentle sense of gracious California, to the ultimate spa that beckons you to imbibe in relaxation, to the incomparable foodie scene, life just doesn't get much better than this.

If you haven't run away from home to this escape we call perfection, do so without hesitation. We'll be giving you the full view shortly, so stay tuned.

Enjoy your summer,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

Park it at Park Avenue in Stanton, CA

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:02:00 +0000

Park Avenue
11200 Beach Blvd.
Stanton, CA 90680
(714) 901-4400

Where on earth is Stanton?

You're going to find out because we highly recommend that you leave the comfort zone of Los Angeles and visit Park Avenue restaurant in the most unlikely of all places, Stanton, in Orange, not far from Anaheim. This mid century throwback to the family steakhouses we all grew up with offers so much more than the traditional fare and that is because of owner/chef David Slay.

He has his talented hands on every aspect of the restaurant and seems ever present with boundless energy hopping from table to table, greeting guest warmly and offering dining suggestions to everyone who asks.

Park Avenue is situated on five acres hidden from unappealing strip malls and car dealerships. Out of sight and behind the main Park Avenue is Slay's latest creation inside the barn garage, "Il Garage," which is also getting raves on it’s Italian fare (we can't wait to try it, but one thing at a time).

When one talks about organic and locally sourced, it doesn't get any more local than Park Avenue because Chef David has his own organic garden between the Park Avenue structure and Il Garage.

In fact, in between courses, they encourage you to take a walk in the garden and breath in nature, while touring both restaurants.

The experience starts as soon as one walks through the door at Park Avenue because everybody is so amazingly friendly and welcoming; even on a busy Saturday night, they all seem to have time for you. We think it used to be that way in when we were young in the 50s and 60s, but that welcoming hospitality is long gone in today's times. The original building is such a retro throw-back to our "mid-century" upbringing and its many rooms are just jammed with happy guests. They have created renditions of classic American cuisine to compliment the style of the building itself.

We highly recommend starting with the PAG Crispy green salad ($12) harvested that very morning, with Parmesan, sea salt and lemon, a real tasty concoction, which we have previously never experience.

We also really enjoyed the grilled avocado Evo with lime and grilled sourdough toast ($10).

Michael loved the certified choice Black Angus grass fed rib-eye steak with blue cheese butter and caramelized onions ($27). Combine this with the natural ingredients and it proved to be a tasty event.

Scott was really enthused by the 5 Spiced baked salmon which was drizzled with mustard and sage ranch honey and served with a side of scallion brown rice and spinach ($26).

We didn’t really have much room for the desserts, but we just had to try, and it was well worth it. They are all $8, and the chocolate cream pie with whipped cream topping was worth every calorie. The daily preparation of their take on warm bread pudding was also worth the diet sabotage, so much so that we enjoyed the sugar rush all the way home and didn’t even notice the commute.

We’re coming back to try Il Garage, where we can dine amongst the farm tractors and feast on Italian preparations. We hope we’ll see you there.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

Post Script: If you happen to be in the Palm Desert area Sunday, march 24, don't miss a the fun "Food + Wine Festival" that is tented just off El Paseo. Dozens of restaurants and spirit companies are showing off their wares, and it's a great way to sample fun and tasty treats all under one roof.

Michael and The wonderful Chef Josh Tajchman from the newly opened Mastros, Palm Desert

Park it at Park Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:40:00 +0000

Park Avenue
11200 Beach Blvd.
Stanton, CA 90680
(714) 901-4400

Where on earth is Stanton?

When one talks about organic and locally sourced, it doesn't get any more local than Park Avenue because Chef David has his own organic garden between the Park Avenue structure and Il Garage.

In fact, in between courses, they encourage you to take a walk in the garden and breath in nature, while touring both restaurants.

We highly recommend starting with the PAG Crispy green salad ($12) harvested that very morning, with Parmesan, sea salt and lemon, a real tasty concoction, which we have previously never experience.

We also really enjoyed the grilled avocado Evo with lime and grilled sourdough toast ($10).

Scott was really enthused by the 5 Spiced baked salmon which was drizzled with mustard and sage ranch honey and served with a side of scallion brown rice and spinach ($26).

We’re coming back to try Il Garage, where we can dine amongst the farm tractors and feast on Italian preparations. We hope we’ll see you there.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

Michael and The wonderful Chef Josh Tajchman from the newly opened Mastros, Palm Desert

Gabbing at Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 18:49:00 +0000

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen

141 S. Glassell Street

Orange, Ca.

714 633 3038

Who knew that “Old Town” in the city of Orange (in Orange County) was such a conglomeration of charming restaurants and ubiquitous quaint antique shops?

Just off the main plaza on Glassell Street, this former antique store is covered in used brick walls and brick floors, with an exposed lighted rough-beam ceiling. Sprawled across one wall is an assortment of multicolored glass (think Dale Chihuly), while the opposite brick wall hosts hand wrought iron sconces, all lending a festive and authentic feel from the moment you enter the restaurant.

We went for lunch, and talked the pretty young hostess, Kelsey, into seating us outside (inside is beautiful but too dark for our daytime tastes).

Michael started with a serious jalepeno margarita, covered with floating cucumbers. The spice is the secret of this drink.

Scott went virgin with the blended guava margarita, which was so smooth and delicious, he never missed the alcohol.

Gabbi Patrick, of Mexican extraction, brings regional Mexican food from the kitchen to the plate. Aaron was our waiter, and he was well versed and accomplished, especially for a more casual restaurant. He rattled off so many delectable options that it was difficult to choose which ones we wanted; they all sounded that good.

We munched on a basket of salt-free chips. They very nicely accommodated our request to set the salty ones aside. It took them a long time to bring us our first course, but when they did, we started with the Ensalada de Peras, which was an interesting mélange of herbed chicken, pears, pine nuts, green beans, dried cranberries and goat cheese, lightly dressed with pear vinaigrette ($16). Michael found it appealing and enjoyed it, but Scott found the chicken to have an odd and off-putting flavor; while the rest of the greens and ingredients were delicious.

When Aaron brought us all our dishes, he used a napkin around his hand so that it never touched the dish—nice touch, who wants thumb in their plates. Speaking of greens, all of the greens are locally sourced from the neighborhood farmers, but the chicken and meats are only “natural”, not organic (which they should be at the enthusiastic prices here at Gabbi’s).

The main courses were far more eventful than the salad. Scott had the Puerco Poc-Chuc, which is a Mayan recipe of Kurobuta pork loin, adobe achiote marinade, grilled onions, habanero salsa, and fabulous platanos frijoles negros ($19). This dish came as a tower of delicious fare, and it was stunningly delicious. Even with the habanero sauce on the side, this dish was quite hot, but it was the most delicate and tasty mountain of pork that we’ve ever tasted.

Michael went for the Arrachera, which was grilled skirt steak, cebolla asada, guacamole nopales and Mexican corn (also $19). This recipe hails from the northern regions of Mexico, the steak was flavorful and beautifully presented with piping hot corn tortillas (made a few feet away by a Mexican Senora) and included Mexican corn and a side plate of beans and superb plantains (which served as our dessert).

This little find made L.A.’s Mexican restaurants look pathetic but at $100 for lunch for two, it better be a cut above the rest. It was the closest we’ve tasted since our meal with Rick Bayless in Chicago, and it’s well worth the drive. Please, Gabbi, tell your servers and busboys that we are not “working on it”, we’re enjoying, and that’s just what we did!

Appetizingly Yours,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

“Son of Saam” at Bazaar in the SLS Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 02:21:00 +0000

Sam Nazarian, son of Younes Nazarian, co-founder of the telecom conglomerate Qualcomm, has created one of L.A.’s best eateries and certainly one of the most bizarre, called Bazaar, by chef Jose Andres.

Sam was born in Tehran in 1975 and transplanted to Beverly Hills. This guy has his fingers in everything that’s hot. Right out of a Fellini movie, central casting has provided a host of over-the-top clientele who drink and dine at this Philippe Staark designed restaurant that resembles an acid trip personified. If it’s loud and frenetic entertainment that you desire, do not miss this experience, the décor, and food orgy.

If it’s a polished, elegant, fine dining experience that you desire--away from the platinum blondes with way too-short-skirts and accented Euro-trashy men with open shirts and remnants of gold chains--then do not miss the “in the know” semi-private room hidden within Bazaar, called “Saam” (pronounced like “Sam” but with an extra “a” just to keep with the unconventional theme).

Located almost secretly in the back of the restaurant, you need to know that it’s there in order to obtain a coveted reservation. When you enter, the din of the insanity outside its walls fades away to a peaceful, secluded oasis with quiet music and a serene, upscale pace that is more “private and chic” Las Vegas than it's step-sister, Las Vegas casino crazy.

It's almost inconceivable to think that $120 is a bargain for dinner but this 22-course tasting menu at Saam may just be the best deal in Los Angeles. From the moment you enter this intimate dining room you realize this is going to be a singular occasion. Chef Jose's creations are inspired, flavorful and creative.

We were immediately ushered to our table in the corner, and presented with a Kir Royale cocktail, but this time with caviar-like Cassis balls, setting the tone for our experience. Every item we tasted was delicious and, in fact, there was not one course of the 22 that we didn't enjoy. Admittedly, that was also partially due to the fact that our server made an exhaustive list of what we didn’t like prior to delivering it to the kitchen.

Some of the highlights included Polenta Gnocchi with Parmesan water, a little nugget of powerful tastes.

Michael devoured the Uni and eel which brought him right back to his most recent experience at the incomparable Urasawa.

Scott's favorite was the Fried Egg and Jamon which was delivered in a tiny personal skillet. The bacon seasoned the dish like no other egg dish he’s experienced. This one was a true stand-out and itself worthy of the visit.

When the meal almost concluded Michael was presented with a Waygu and Mushroom Escabeche (you may recall that Scott hates mushrooms because his Father always told him they were just picked off the front lawn) a fitting way for him to conclude the entree portions. It led the way to Dragon's Breath, which is a palette cleanser/dessert created with liquid nitrogen that is not only a taste bud sensation but also makes you look like a snorting dragon (mirror provided by the wait-staff for personal inspection and verification).

The dessert selections were equally inspired, and believe it or not, we had just enough room in our stomachs to enjoy them.

Speaking of wait-staff, we had two amazing servers, Quiana and Cameron, who elevated the usual L.A. dining experience to New York or Las Vegas caliber. They delivered a flawless experience, and defined each and every dish with knowledge and aplomb, as if it were the very first time they spoke of it. Bravo to them for making our 3.5 hour “ride” worth every minute and every dollar.

As bizarre as it may sound, Saam’s room at Bazaar is like finding a valuable gem at a local Bazaar.

Appetizingly Yours,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo
www.TheDiningDuo.com

This and That

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 19:23:00 +0000

Dear Dining Duo Readers,

We wish you a very happy, healthy and lucky 2013! Thank you for reading our restaurant and hotel reviews over the years, and please don't forget to "like" us on Facebook...we're over 20,000 strong and growing!

We recently hosted our very first "The Dining Duo" mixer evening at SFIXIO in Beverly Hills, and all 65 seats were quickly filled with people enjoying, socializing and trading business cards. Dinner was wonderful and offered at less than half the normal price. Parisian artist Jon One (offered by FABIEN CASTANIER GALLERY in Studio City) created a unique original tableau during dinner that was sold at a fraction of the value to a lucky collector. We will be doing this again soon, so keep your eyes open for our next event.

Following is a potpourri of reviews for your enjoyment, be it dining in Maui, or a hot-spot in L.A., or a not-spot in Palm Springs.

If you have any suggestions of restaurants for us to review, please don't hesitate to email us at: FabDiningDuo@aol.com. We will be doing a "guest review" soon, so if you're out of Los Angeles and would like to be published, please send us a picture of the restaurant and a review of 50 words or less.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

MAUI -- HAWAII

THE BANYAN TREE

Asian Fusion

1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Kapalua, HI 96761

Phone: (808) 669-6200

This is fine dining and it's Superb!

If you stop to think about most of the restaurants on Maui compared to any metropolitan city, most fall short and just service the resort crowd. That is, except for this idyllic locale. Located at the lower end of the gorgeous Ritz Carlton property, there is more of a South East Asian feel than a tourist trap trading off of a lit beach.

With a peaceful, open setting, the food selections are minimal, but they all deliver. Robaire, the consummate waiter with former Paris training and time spent at the legendary Ma Maison in L.A., creates a superlative experience. He will make you feel like you are the most important person in the restaurant and Ken backs him up with the ease of a tango partnership.

The Opakapaka was sublime, flaky, delicate and sensational. The organic pea soup was tasty and refreshing. Everything is organic and locally sourced. Skip the traps on Kaanapali Beach and make the evening a dining experience; expensive, but.... anything good (with the exception of 100 Wines) on Maui is expensive.

MAUI FISH AND PASTA
Who knows?

Whalers Village

Lahaina, Hi. 96761
808-662-0668

Did we just mention "tourist trap on Kaanapali Beach?"

Well here's an example of one of the worst. This place is just bad. If you're stuck on being at just Kaanapali, then try the two restaurants in front of it, Leilani's and Hula Grill, both of which were packed when we went to Maui Fish and Pasta, itself 3/4 empty; and with good reason.

The environment is sterile, the seats hard, the service unprofessional and unpolished, and the menu is uninspired. They have "Pasta" in the name of the restaurant, yet there are only 2 pasta dishes. If you request a side of pasta with your meal instead of potatoes, they up-charge you $5. Really? For a small side of pasta that probably costs them a few cents per side. The fish was plain inedible; hard, and probably frozen, and definitely over-cooked. The waitress was sweet, but didn't know anything about the menu and had to keep running to the back to find out answers to our normal questions (and then she complained about "having a workout"). The only answer she couldn't give us is why we bothered coming to this loser in the first place. Shame on the restaurant savvy Sansei co-owner who should know better than to serve up this slop and call it Aloha.

100 WINES MAUI

French inspired

325 Keawe Street #202A
Lahaina, Hi. 96761
808-661-6181

There is a new kid on the block in West Maui. Opened just last year, and located in an average looking meandering strip mall, this new venue is hip, happening and delicious. Oh, and as we said above, by Mauian standards, it's cheap ($75 all in for 3 of us). We received extremely attentive service from both the waitstaff and the manager, all of whom were very friendly.

Don't expect something glamorous here, but the first room (not the inside room) is charming, with a bistro flair, and offers a cart of, you guessed it, 100 affordable wines (with no corkage fee). All three of us agreed that this place prepared one of the best dishes of Onion Soup loaded with Maui onions that we've ever tasted west of France. The unbelievable brussel sprouts (only $10) were not only delicious (Scott normally hates these things, but not here) but they also sported a unique presentation. Enjoy, I know we did!

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

Asian Sushi Fusion

Kapalua Resort
600 Office Road
Lahaina, Maui 96761
808-669-6286

From the moment you walk in and you receive a warm greeting from Jamie, you know it it's going to be a wonderful experience. This little gem is located about a 15 minute drive from Kaanapali Beach and is worth the visit, maybe even a few times during your stay. The food is consistently good, and the flavors of their signature dishes are truly yummy.

With so many to mention, we loved the crab ramen noodles with Truffle broth, the firecracker shrimp and the panko crusted ahi. The fish are so fresh it seems they just got out of the ocean. The desserts are limited (if you even have room) but the apple caramel tartan is scrumptiously divine. Ask for Joni and you will get the finest service, which she delivers with the TLC of someone who genuinely cares.

Don't miss the Crab Ramen with truffle oil, so much YUM! The prices are fairly reasonable to begin with, but if you go after 10 PM, it's 1/2 price sushi, and you get to listen to really bad karaoke.

TEPPAN-YAKI DAN

Japanese Grill

Sheraton Hotel Kaanapali

2605 Kaanapali Parkway
Lahaina, Hi. 96761
808-661-0031

Yes, there is actually decent food at the Sheraton Hotel in Kaanapali, but only at Teppan-Yaki Dan (don't even think about risking the other venues).

We have been here too many times to count and have never been disappointed. Josh is an excellent chef and showman, and really the only one to ask for when making the reservation. Once again people complain about the price which is high (some entrees into the $50 range) BUT this is Maui, so just be prepared at most of the restaurants.

We enjoyed the lobster, the fried rice and filet mignon. The beansprouts on the grill tasted heavenly, and the veggies were Maui-fresh. Josh can wield a knife like no one else, so make sure you leave him a good tip.

PULEHU ITALIAN GRILL

Italian

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas

6 Kai Ala Drive

Lahaina, HI 96761

808. 667-3200

Who would have thought that a time-share resort would have such a nice restaurant?

Sporting excellent food and a beautiful atmosphere, we were greeted warmly by the charming and sophisticated Elyse (who, in fact, graciously lent us her personal reading glasses), and she set the high standard for the evening.

Ask for one of their curved booths which is cozy and has a view of the outdoors. We really enjoyed the risotto crusted majong and the lobster carbonara. The service was superb from start to finish, and our server, Kelsey, was flawless. Considering the mix of atmosphere, service and food, we thought this to be an excellent value and definitely worth a visit. We'll come back.

THE LAHAINA GRILL (formerly David Paul’s)

Pacific American
127 Lahainaluna Road
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 667-5117

Returning to The Lahaina Grill each year is like going to an old friend’s for dinner; an old friend who just happens to be a talented chef with an exquisite kitchen. Superbly run and owned by the ever-charming Swiss Yurg Munch, we adore this spot smack in the center of old Lahaina Town. With its colonial interior motif and intimate feel, it’s always consistent and has never disappointed us during our more than 20 visits throughout the years. It's also been voted "Best Restaurant on Maui" for the past 18 years.

The bar is in the center of the main room, and is always a scene. The drink menu is filled with tropical creations, and the wine selections are plentiful. We love to start our meal either with their true Maui onion soup. There are so many delicious appetizer choices that we suggest picking several and splitting them amongst your dining companions; don’t miss “the Cake walk” which actually is a combination of crab, lobster and ahi cakes. The lamb chops were thick, juicy and exactly as ordered at medium rare.

Make sure to sample the sunken chocolate cake, flour-less chocolate decadence (with real Kona coffee ice cream), and their Kauai pie, with Oreo crusted Kona coffee ice cream with rich chocolate fudge. Appropriate wine pairings are available with each course, as well as with the desserts.

If you have six to eight friends with you, call way ahead to reserve their “private room” off the main dining room; it’s charming and intimate. If you’re alone, eat at the bar, mingle with new friends and say hello to Mary, the sweetest and sexiest bartender on the island.

Gerard's Restaurant

French traditional
174 Lahainaluna rd.
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
(808) 661-8939

The Dining Duo is always transported to a time and place beyond that of an American tourist destination, thanks to owner/chef, Gerard. When you walk into the historic inn that houses Gerard’s, the moment you inhale the exotic smell of burning incense, you feel as if you are a colonial in South-East Asia a century ago. It is our recommendation to take advantage of the lovely verandah in the front to dine al fresco amongst the striking palms and local flowers. The wine list is quite extensive and well priced and features a number of half bottles.

Gerard's offers one of the finest Foie Gras dishes in Hawaii. It can be ordered in a terrine but we prefer seared with Macadamia nuts and French toast. You will not go wrong with their fresh fish offerings, which vary from night to night. Scott savored his favorite dish, Rack of Lamb, prepared medium rare to perfection and accompanied by exceptional, fluffy, potatoes au gratin.

Their crème brule is one of our favorites because it’s as if it were dropped in from Paris, with just the right amount of sugar and flame on top. The dusty road, which features both coffee and chocolate ice cream, is laced with butterscotch and chocolate sauces, Chantilly cream, macadamia nuts and chocolate dust.

PALM SPRINGS -- CALIFORNIA

WORKSHOP KITCHEN + BAR

Comfort Food
800 North Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, Ca. 92262
760-459-3451

We had been to Workshop for lunch just after it opened and gave it a very positive review, but when we went again for dinner a few months later, it was a horror. We were with a group of ten and the restaurant was hopping, but the food served to us was almost inedible and so loaded with salt, (our latest pet peeve that seems to be apparent with restaurants catering to main-stream tastes). We could barely open our mouths this morning (that might make a few people happy, but not us), our tongues were brined from all the salt.

The space is aesthetically extraordinary but the food needs lots of help. The pizza barely had any flavor; the new rage, brussel sprouts, were devoid of any taste; the chicken was cold and tough; and the vegetables were soggy and uninspired. That's not all of it: the burger Michael ordered at medium rare came out well done and then it was recooked, came out right, but he had to ask the waiter four times for ketchup so that when it finally showed up, the burger was not hot. The waiter rolled his eyes when we complained.

If they don't get their act together soon, the space may just be a beautiful furniture store, which is terrible for a restaurant we had high hopes for on the Palm Springs strip. HELP!

KIYOSAKU

Japanese Traditional

1555 S.Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, Ca. 92264

If you want to sample some tempura that is the best you've tasted outside of Japan, this is the place. Small and intimate, this gem feels like you just ducked out of the streets of Tokyo and into a taste sensation. Don't stop at the tempura, as all the sushi is top grade and prepared by husband, Kiyo, while his charming and beautiful wife, Teruka, greets every guest as if they were family.

If you want something truly unique, try their original grapefruit special "cocktail" with Alaskan King crab, tuna, scallop and salmon, served from a half of a grapefruit. We challenge you not to pick it up and slurp.

THE VENUE SUSHI BAR AND SAKE LOUNGE

Sushi innovative
73-111 El Paseo

Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-1500

This is still an amazing experience, from start to finish. Our friend, Chef Engin hails from Turkey, and he brings an innovative middle-eastern interpretation to all of his creations. This is located on the elegant El Paseo in Palm Desert, so after the meal you can step right outside and enjoy fabulous window shopping. It is quite reasonably priced for the quality of what is served.

The very attentive staff, especially Lucky, attend to every need and serve you some the freshest and most creative food in the desert. If you haven't been, you owe it to yourself to experience The Venue; a great value for the quality of food you are served.

BEVERLY HILLS -- CALIFORNIA

URASAWA

Japanese sushi

218 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210
310-247-8939

An amazing experience; I've been lucky enough to dine at Urasawa four times and it has never disappointed me. Everything is sushi perfection; one can basically eat as much as you like but I have never felt overstuffed when I leave. The dishes are beautiful to view as well and the service is very well paced. Get over the approximately $600 per person including tax, tip and drinks, and you will not feel taken advantage of. This is an instance where one gets what they pay for and more (Scott hates sushi and wouldn't spend $60 on it, so this is Michael's opinion)

FLEMING'S STEAK HOUSE
American steak and seafood
252 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-278-8710

Yes, something new in Beverly Hills that's not Italian. Remember the old RJ's on Beverly Drive? Several unsuccessful restaurants later, and a whole new comfy interior, it's now Fleming's.

Now some of you may be thinking, "The Dining Duo at a 'chain' restaurant?" Busted. It's true, and it's our guilty pleasure. Every Fleming's we've enjoyed is consistently good, and delivers a great steak, and frankly, one of the best lettuce wedges we've had anywhere. Expanding their menu, this new Beverly Hills locale now offers delicious pork bellies as well; plus, they are all open late, which is great when you are coming from the theater or a movie and want a warm, cozy place to dine and talk. We dropped in this new location after only one week, and yet the service was already impeccable and friendly, and the entire "vibe" of the place was right on.

In fact, one of our favorite spots in Rancho Mirage is Fleming's at the River, where we can always run in, get a comfortable table, enjoy great service and yummy food. We don't yet know the management well in Beverly Hills, but have had the pleasure of meeting Ty and Chef Brandon, and in Rancho Mirage, Patrick is a dynamite GM who knows what hospitality is all about (and he knows his wines too), and David is the young-buck chef who can really cook. When we don't want to scream over dinner to be heard, and don't want to think about where to eat, Fleming's is our go-to choice.

VENICE -- CALIFORNIA

THE TASTING KITCHEN

California Cuisine
1633 Abbott Kinney Bl
Venice, Ca. 90291
310-392-6644

This ranks as one of the single worst experiences we have had and we didn't even get to taste the food.

We arrived at 9:45 PM for a 10 PM reservation, at 10:15 PM, with no table in sight, we asked if maybe they would bring as a drink and they said it was only 10:14 (we swear this is what the host said to us) and on weekends it is "problematic to honor reservations." 10:25 PM rolled around, and still no drinks; we were told by the hostess that "drinks take a long time," at which point we walked out with absolutely no protests from the staff. Before we left, we also spoke with the manager and, unfortunately, he was very dismissive. Add into the mix that the noise was deafening and you have a recipe for disaster.

We're the folks spending the money, lets give The Tasting Kitchen a taste of their own medicine by not going there until they improve their behavior and personality.

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Until next time, Bon Voyage and happy trails.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott
The Dining Duo

They Support Us, Let's Support Them!

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 03:36:00 +0000

Dear Fans of The Dining Duo,

“Giving back” is something that is so important to us on an individual basis and on a company one as well. Our restaurant, hotel and art friends get solicited every single day by charities and groups wanting donations, and we recognize that it can be quite overwhelming for them since most want to help in some way. We recently asked for donations for our favorite two foundations, The L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, and The Trevor Project. The following folks gave generously and without question. We believe that it’s so important to support those who support us!

Please take a look at the following angels and when you’re thinking about a place to visit or dine; or purchase art (and framing), think about theses friends who generously gave to great causes and say "thank you" by spending your money with those who gave without question, year after year.

Adagio Gallery / Palm Desert

Amici Ristorante / Brentwood

ArtPicLA / North Hollywood

Burger Lounge / West Hollywood and Beverly Hills

Classic Art Forms (art and framing) / West Hollywood

Cork Tree / Palm Desert

Cuistot / Palm Desert

Dwight Polen Asian Antiques / Palm Desert

Fabien Castanier Gallery / Studio City

Firenze Osteria / North Hollywood

Fleming's / Rancho Mirage

Il Sogno / Palm Desert

Izakaya / Sherman Oaks

La Cava / Sherman Oaks

La Frite / Sherman Oaks

La Spiga / Palm Desert

Marino Ristorante / Hollywood

Mark Mikesell / Beverly Hills

Michael's Pizza / Rancho Mirage

Nonna / West Hollywood

Petrossian / West Hollywood

Piero's Pizza Vino / Palm Desert

Pizzicoto / Brentwood

Polacheck Jewelers / Calabasas

Porta Via / Beverly Hills

Sammy's Wood Fire / Studio City

Sfixio / Beverly Hills

Spencer's / Palm Springs

Sugarfish / Brentwood

The Counter / Studio City

The Palm / West Hollywood

Terranea Resort / Palos Verdes

Tropicale / Palm Springs

Tyler's / Palm Springs

Villetta / Brentwood

If you are interested in hearing about the limited few who chose not to support charitable causes, you can e mail us below.

If you are a restaurant, hotel, art gallery or anyone who would like to support our causes with a donation, please feel free to contact us and join this illustrious list of angels. FabDiningDuo@aol.com

Thank you Angels, we will return over and over again!

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

The Dining Duo’s New York City’s Top 8 Restaurants

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 01:22:00 +0000

The Dining Duo’s New York City’s Top 4 Restaurants...

...plus some new ones worth enjoying

#1 – Per Se

10 Columbus Circle #4 New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9335

Once again the mother of all restaurants and in our opinion, this is the very best in the country. We will say it again; food preparations, ambiance (with a gorgeous view over Columbus Circle and Central Park) and service simply could not get any better at this superlative, exquisitely tailored creation. If we had one last meal on earth, it would be at Per Se; although if there is a heaven, Per Se will be catering it.

It's not for the faint of heart, if you want the true Per Se experience, be prepared to take a second on your home since it's not easy to get out of there without spending about $1,000 for two, but if ever there was a splurge, this is worth it. You have to view it as a four hour ride hosted by impeccable servers, not just a meal. Do not miss this (at least) once in a lifetime experience and if you do, don't blame us; we told you to go.

#2 –Le Bernadin

155 West 51st Street New York, NY 10019
(212) 554-1515

Quel Beaute! La Raine of Restaurants in New York City, Le Bernadin is right up there with Per Se as being a magnificent place to truly dine. If we were living in NYC, we would come every month, especially since that’s how long it takes to get a reservation. This is a handsomely decorated house of fish, and the fish selections are incomparable.

Tightly tailored tables are back-dropped by scenes of crashing oceanic waves (an ode to the cuisine, we suppose) and the service was perfection. We’ve met Mague, one of the owners, and Le Bernadin is absolutely an extension of her characteristic French elegance and je ne sais quoi.

It won't be easy to get into Le Bernadin but be persistent as it is well worth the work to secure a reservation.

#3 –Bouley

163 Duane Street New York, NY 10013
(212) 964-2525

The moment you walk through the entrance and into a parlor decorated completely in apples from floor to ceiling, you know that this is going to be an extraordinary place.

Jaw dropping aesthetics present a comfortably warm design that you wish you could live in full time. Dramatically gilded vaulted ceilings are offset by imported antique wood and stone floors and balanced with fabulous delicate silks, chandeliers and aged glass that bespeak of a European chateau. The food matches the quality of the décor and for an unbelievable $55 per person, you can enjoy a three hour lunch that will knock your socks off with selection, originality, taste and unparalleled style.

This is worth the ride downtown and one of the few places where the owner-chef is more interested in providing superlative repasts rather than perpetuating his image; you’ll always find him in the kitchen and not on television. Walk through the doors and dare to tell us we’re wrong in any way.

#4—Del Posto

85 10th Avenue New York, NY 10011
(212) 497-8090

Yes, Del Posto is that good and that beautiful. Prices are at the hefty end but well worth every dollar. Oreos never looked so good ; once the original Nabisco warehouse in the meatpacking district, this dramatic space wows you from the instant you open the hand-made iron doors.

Our server was was the consummate professional. If you are looking for Italian cuisine with a modern flair, this is it. With live piano music filtering through the dramatically detailed space centered by sweeping staircases, we enjoyed a tasting menu of dishes that were not overly ornate, but that most definitely made the taste buds squeal with pleasure.

#5—La Grenouille

3 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022
(212) 752-1495

You don’t have to be a prince to kiss a frog. This frog has been the princess of the East Side forever (fifty years in the family) and is classically French and classically old world in every aspect. If you don’t want a meal that is cutting edge, but you want to enjoy a country pate and duck that has all the markings of France, this is the place.

Beautifully elegant décor, the dining experience is more hushed tones and old money. We haven’t been in over thirty years, and just like France, not much changes in such a short period. If you want to feel like a prince or princess, or both at the same time, this is your spot. Whatever you eat, make certain to share a chocolate soufflé. We’ve had them all over the world, and this is by far the most scrumptious chocolate soufflé ever; think hot chocolate pudding with a cream sauce and then give your frog next to you a kiss.

#6—Annisa

13 Barrow Street New York, NY 10014
(212) 741-6699

Duck into this very neighborhood eatery for some delicious home cooking. The chatter of old and new friends fills the tiny environment while the service is informal and friendly, but reflective of the simply delicious food.

The chicken is deliciously organic (as the meats are grass fed) and everything is locally sourced. Expect to wait even with a reservation since there are so few tables, but if you want to experience a delightful alternative to fancy fare, the Chef Anita Loo delivers. She’s always cooking too, so peek in the kitchen and say hi, or meet new friends at the 4 seat bar while waiting for your table.

#7—Hakkasan

311 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036
(212) 776-1818

What an amazingly dramatic space. This place is cavernous and contains mountains of clean, glistening white Carrera marble. The lighting is beyond dramatic, and the scents of incense greet you at the door, along with beautifully lit stone sculptures of Buddha and such.

The bar undulates with oceanic waves, and it’s a mile long. The food is pan-Asian, and although we’ve tasted better in other cities, it’s the entire experience here that is well worth the visit. The drinks, including non-alcoholic ones, are sensational; the service is friendly, and the food quite tasty. Located in the theater district, it’s one of the few restaurants that’s open late after theater, and that’s actually worth the visit.

#8—Lombardi’s

32 Spring Street New York, NY 10012
(212) 941-7994

Pizza is Pizza (unless it’s Mozza Pizza in Los Angeles), but the reason this spot makes our list is because it’s the very first pizza parlor in America, established in 1905. Since pizza is about as much as an institution in America as it is in Italy, we had to experience where the two countries intersected and so should you. Get here early because the lines are long. Michael really enjoyed the sausage and meat ball pizza, and our friend Danny clearly enjoyed his since he ate five slices for lunch. That a boy.

We have only brought you 8 restaurants because we can’t wait to go back and source out numbers 9 and 10. If you have any suggestions, don’t hesitate to let us know!

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott

The Dining Duo

www.TheDiningDuo.com

Happy Birthday to Michael today...the best dish anyone could create!

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Dear Dining Duo: The truffle caviar is an inspiration on the chef's part. Have never seen this done before even in Florence. You lucky guys to have two amazing places nearby. Think of me stuck with Legal Seafoods (not that we go there! I do cook a lot and yes, there are some fine dining choices in the Boston area, but increasingly less. Portland, Maine is the foodie haven these days in New England ). on Old World Meets New World: East side, West Side all around the Town
--Katherine, Maine

Twist and Shout - Two Las Vegas Restaurants win again for fab restaurants you have to try

noreply@blogger.com (The Dining Duo) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:45:00 +0000

Sheer elegance. These two words bespeak the signature that has become the Mandarin Oriental in whatever city this exquisite establishment lands, but particularly in Las Vegas, Nevada. Don't stop there, the other end of the Las Vegas strip, which is not so exquisite, has a gem of a Steakhouse not to be missed.

TWIST BY PIERRE GAGNAIRE

3752 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109

888) 881-9367

As we walked the strip of glitz, glitter and just enough seediness to want to take a shower, we could see the high-rise hotel intentionally missing a casino that is the Mandarin Oriental. High up are windows with hundreds of twinkling lights that clearly is the pearl in that oyster.

We entered the first floor lobby to find it, like most of the M.O.’s, surprisingly simple and clear of staff. The feel is almost a subliminal message of, “if you don’t know where you’re going, you really don’t belong here.” In our constant search for superlative amongst the ordinary, we are happy to receive this message loud and clear.

We speed in a waiting elevator to the 23^rd floor where “small” and “unassuming” have been left behind. The doors open to a stunning wall of gold that resembles more of a giant Asian handcrafted screen than that of a wall, and portends hidden spectacles to come.

Crossing a lobby of uninterrupted elegance, we enter into the magical space of Twist, by Pierre Gagnaire.

The handsome and genial Matthias Maier, who hails from Munich, Germany, and has all the savoir-faire of an extremely polished hospitality professional, and then some, immediately greeted us.

Without delay, he whisked us from reception to our waiting table (and we have to add that we love when a restaurant waits for its patrons, and not the other way around, especially when spending a lot of money). We highly recommend requesting our table #34, which is elevated and affords a view of the intimate and breathtakingly beautiful space. From our table, we had wraparound views of the Las Vegas strip that twinkled with its inimitable neon brilliance.

We could also see into the immaculate kitchen that was working with the precision of a fine tuned Swiss watch.

High above the madhouse of the Vegas strip below us that sported those way-too-short miniskirts, alcohol-carrying revelers and omnipresent tattoos, a look around Twist revealed an elevated elegant and superbly dressed patronage.

Hundreds of lights seem to float above the tables like underwater jellyfish drifting in the ocean, creating a magical setting not only at the tables, but also throughout the entire space. On one side of the restaurant is a wall of glass, behind which is subtly displayed a wine collection of about 800 different labels.

The walls of the restaurant itself look like a giant cannonball hit them in several places, leaving a cracked appearance that plays against the finely manicured look (and whimsically, the charger plates at the tables match the walls). Adam Tihany designed this “broken” look from a Rosenthal vase that Chef Gagnaire loved, as did we.

In a world where everything in Vegas is big, the sheer elegance we described at the start of this piece is captured by creating only 18-22 tables at any one time; it’s true dining.

We started with the most comprehensive amuse bouche course we have ever been treated to at a restaurant. In fact, it was so complicated of a description that let us just say the flavors were beyond delicious and forecasted the rest of the dining experience.

Three types of warm bread were rushed to the table, and both salted and unsalted butter accompanied it. If we had paired the amuse bouche and breads with a wine selection, we would have been supremely happy at that point; but oh no, there was a lot more coming our way, and are we happy that it did.

Start with an inspired cocktail that you choose from the ipad delivered to your table. It’s an inspired way to select a drink that first appeals to your eyes, then to your taste. The menu is so unique and complex it would be difficult to highlight more than just a few items; suffice it to say, there was nothing on the menu, that we didn't find extraordinary.

Some of the standout highlights included the starter "Comme Dans Le Sud De La France" ($35) which consist of four appetizer courses, our favorite being the Gorgonzola Ice Cream with fresh goat cheese and assorted fruits; it brought us right back to Ludo's approach at the former Bastide, a very strong compliment. “The Summer in the City” ($38) included three remarkable courses with the stand out being the foie gras custard with summer truffles; we could have made a meal of just that. Since California took foie gras off the menu last July, coming here for this course is worth every bit of the trip.

As far as the main courses go, Michael could not resist the Texas Mishima Waygu, 8+ ounces of ultra prime marbling, which gave our experiences in Tokyo a run for their money. Scott didn't get enough lobster in our recent Maine restaurant hunt, so he opted for the Sliced Maine Lobster ($58), with apricot puree and traditional bisque. We could have been satisfied with just the bouillon of organic cauliflower and small lemon gnocchi, but the entire dish was magnificent.

Don't leave without sampling the desserts. The way to go is Grand Dessert Pierre Gagnaire ($25), which consists of a sampling of six French inspired desserts, (you do get all six).

Our favorite being the Cherries Jubilee, which one rarely finds anymore, with Kirsch and roasted hazelnuts, including caramel ice cream, yum. Double yum.

Make sure that you avail yourself of the Men's room, (we can't speak for the Ladies room but it would be hard to imagine it is any less spectacular), as the only facility that compared to this is Fenix in Hong Kong. You feel like you are floating in a sea of black granite and mirrors, with glass walls over the strip; with all the wine and water we were drinking, we saw that sea many times.

As intimate as the restaurant itself, there is a gorgeous private dining room with dedicated waitstaff for that special private party you always wanted to have in Las Vegas.

Chef Gagnaire signs his menu with words that deliver the culinary impact of Twist, “Cuisine does not measure itself in terms of tradition or modernity. One must read in it the tenderness of the chef.” It’s the tenderness of the entire scene, from atmosphere to service, to cuisine, that makes this a must have when in Las Vegas.

Twist has made it into the elite league of The Dining Duo’s top five restaurants in the United States, sharing company with the likes of Per Se and Le Bernadin in New York City, and Joel Robuchon’s “Jewel Box” in Las Vegas. Welcome aboard!

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THE STEAKHOUSE

Circus Circus Hotel and Casino

2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S.  Las Vegas, NV 89109

702-794-3767

We felt like we were on drugs when we left the comfort of our Wynn Hotel car and entered the forty-plus year old Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. As an Australian friend of ours likes to say, the two hotels are as similar as chalk and cheese. So is the clientele, but that’s just the Dining Duo being snobby about the low rent Casino.

That said, chucking, a walk around the place made us wish we were young kids again and that we were staying at this entertaining and fun place.

With trapeze artists flying through the air, multicolored stuffed animals just a ring toss away from our arms, and other bizarre ubiquitous circus acts abounding, we worked up an appetite of a circus lion.

As if a mirage in a desert of tank tops and short-shorts revealing oodles of cellulite, THE STEAKHOUSE appeared to us like water in the desert. Gasping for air and a respite from all things Circus Circus, we clamored for the door and club-like entrance, passing a haunting room of curing meats that was glowing red.

We were greeted by the affable General Manager, Ron (who left Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, three decades ago) and has been serving in that capacity for over 27 years.

The place was jammed with happy patrons; so we took a seat behind the bar and let Pete the bartender (serving thirsty folks for over 22 years) dish up a drink like we were old friends.

If we were Vegas mobsters, we would feel like we had just arrived in gangster heaven; and we say that in a positive way. Several rooms spill into each other, all covered in hunter green and surrounded by dark wood.

Green Tiffany-style lamps, animal heads and paintings of wooded fields accent the ruby leather booths.

We waited for a special corner booth on the upper level (which we highly recommend, ask for table number 9) as it has a bird’s eye—or should we say cow’s eye—view of the restaurant.

Tables 13 and 14 (each only for two) have a ringside view of the cook in action if you want dinner and “a show.”

Our server, Chae, has worked there for nearly 30 years and is as smooth and professional as the best servers in L.A. or New York City. In fact, our editorial comment is that Las Vegas has the best waiters in the country; the folks are interested in careers as servers, not as actors or models. If you’re not good at this profession, you don’t work in the best restaurants of Las Vegas. Have you noticed a theme at this restaurant located in a city of transient folks? The people who work here are here for a career, not just a job, and they treat you with just that level of impeccable professionalism.

We decided to start with the king crab legs ($62). Michael had them cold and Scott had them served warm; both versions were totally fresh, and delicious. Served with warm butter and sauces, we practically licked our fingers when we were finished. Even though this is a steak house, clearly they do seafood justice.

We loved the black bean soup, which comes with all the entrees. It was very flavorful and distinctive, proving it to be one of the better versions that we have experienced in a long, long time.

Scott loved his Waldorf Wedge ($11), blue cheese with vinaigrette dressing that included bacon, apples, pecans, tomatoes and raisins. This is a must have and a great accompaniment to the meal that follows (although if you don’t come armed with a huge appetite, this generous portion could almost be a meal in and of itself). Michael adored his bone in Ribeye ($50) which arrived precisely medium rare as he had requested. There is no guesswork at this professional restaurant when it comes to meats and they all arrive exactly as you requested it.

Scott gushed over the king-sized Lamp Chops ($51), which were seasoned beautifully and oozed with its own juices. We opted for a side of Fries Our way ($5), fried in duck fat, not the healthiest alternative, but well worth the fat and calories.

The dessert offerings range from chocolate mousse cake, New York-style cheese cake with a fresh strawberry sauce, The Steakhouse's version of Bananas Foster, vanilla bean creme brulee, fresh raspberry chocolate cake made with fresh whipped cream, Key lime parfait, and tuxedo white and dark chocolate covered California strawberries,

all of which are displayed on a dessert cart brought to your table. All desserts are only $7, so we sampled most of them and particularly loved the Bananas Foster, which although not done table side, is a delicious way to end your meal.

Feeling completely satiated, we stepped out into kiddie mayhem and tried our luck at a bunch of the games. We threw the ball into the milk container, and took home a giant stuffed blue dog for Triple.

Don’t miss the entire experience, it’s fabulous.

Appetizingly yours,

Michael and Scott,

The Dining Duo

    Our view of Las Vegas from the always-fabulous Wynn Hotel Suite.

 We are already planning our return!