Mattitos Restaurant Review - Uptown Dallas

After living in Dallas for around 2 years, you get to know the good and bad about restaurants pretty soon, because unlike the Bay Area, there aren't too many good choices out there. So if you are in or around the area, and are craving for Mexican food, then check out Mattitos, a fun and friendly Mexican restaurant Dallas that will satiate your cravings for authentic Tex-Mex food.

Like any other food lover, I turned to Yelp to look for better-than-average Mexican restaurants in Dallas, and Mattitos indeed had some rave reviews. As we visited their Uptown Dallas location, we found that their decor is warm and colorful, just how you'd expect a Mexican restaurant to be, and you'll be greeted by nice and friendly staff who will answer your queries without rush. The food is totally another story. Their Menu is large and extensive, especially their Lunch specials. They have a large variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; no wonder they are a favorite party caterer Dallas. And don't forget to order something from their Drinks Menu - their award-winning Cocktails are out-of-this world, and your visit would be incomplete without trying one of them.

Their Sunday Brunch menu is another good choice, from appetizers to main course as well as a dessert, you'll get to taste everything, so it is perfect for family brunches. Mattitos also provides affordable and cheap banquet halls, so check them out if you are planning an event around the area.

With good food, lots of options, affordable prices, and a family-friendly environment, there are a lot of things that work in favor of this authentic Tex-Mex eating harbor. We enjoyed our visit, and I am sure you will too - after all Yelpers can be trusted for their reviews most of the time!

Mattitos Tex-Mex Restaurant
3011 Routh Street (At Cedar Springs)
Dallas, Texas 75201
(P) 214-526-8181

Luxury Restaurants in Dubai

The Arabic Food Recipes kitchen (The Home of Delicious Arabic Food Recipes) invites you to enjoy luxury restaurants in Dubai.

Dubai may be best known for its fabulous shopping, luxury hotels, outdoor attractions and buzzy nightlife, but equally appealing is its diverse range of fine restaurants.
Dubai's thriving culinary scene offers more than 450 restaurants, with pretty much every flavour from around the world represented in this melting pot of cultures. An increasing number of chefs with stellar international reputations have now set up restaurants in Dubai's top hotels - Gordon Ramsay at the Hilton Dubai Creek, Viktor Stampfer at the Ritz-Carlton and John Wood at the Burj al Arab amongst them.

Leading Arabian and Persian restaurants include Automatic, Shabestan, Shahrzad, The Persian Garden, The Al Khayam Lounge and Layali Lubnan. The Marrakech at the Shangri-La Hotel and Shoo Fee Ma Fee in the Madinat Souk are well-regarded Moroccan venues. The Blue Elephant Thai restaurant boasts opulent interiors and fine food; top choices for Indian cuisine include the Ashiana and Khazana, tastefully adorned with lantern lights and bamboo screens, the Thattukada at the Palm Beach Rotana Inn and the Antique Bazaar at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, whilst Sho-Cho is the hottest Japanese venue in town right now.

Top seafood choices include the Aquarium at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the Fish Market at the Hotel Inter-Continental; and Dubai boasts an abundance of European restaurants, particularly Italian: the Bice Ristorante in Umm Suqueim offers first-class Italian delicacies, fine service and alfresco dining; the elegant Cubo Pasta restaurant at the Ibis Hotel receives rave reviews; Venezia, the largest restaurant in the Middle East, is beautifully designed like an Italian village square, complete with gondola rides, musical entertainment and an extensive selection of fine wines. La Moda's plush setting and delicious Italian dishes makes it the place to be and to be seen in. Other top choices include Da Vinci's in Garhoud and the all-day Fontana diner.

If you're not staying there, it's still worth taking a trip to the Rydges Plaza Hotel for its excellent choice of restaurants, including Billy Blues steakhouse and Texan fare at Cactus Cantina.

Dubai is also famous for its Friday brunches, where sumptuous buffets cover the whole spectrum of international cuisines, some lasting all day. Competition is intense and great promotions often apply: some venues offer free use of facilities, such as swimming pools, as part of the Friday brunch package.

 
Verre by Gordon Ramsay
Hilton Dubai Creek
Beniyas Road, PO Box 33398, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 227 1111

Viktor Stampfer
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
P.O. Box 26525, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 399 4000

John Wood
Burj Al Arab
Beach Rd, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 301 7777

Automatic Restaurant & Grill
Jumeirah, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 349 4888

Shabestan
InterContinental Dubai
Bin Yas Street, PO Box 476, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 222 7171

Shahrzad Iranian Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira
PO Box 5588, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 209 1234

Persian Garden
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers
Baniyas Street/Creek Road,
P.O. Box 4250, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 228 1111

Al Khayam
Avari Hotel, Deira
Tel: +971 4 295 6666

Layali Lubnan
Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
(Near Towers Rotana Hotel)

The Marrakech
The Shangri-La Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road
PO Box 75880, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 343 8888

Shoo Fee Ma Fee
Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah
Tel: +971 4 366 3888

Blue Elephant Dubai
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel
P.O. Box 30880, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 282 0000

Ashiana
Ramee International Hotel
Deira, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 224 0661

Khazana
Al Nasr Leisureland, Karama, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 336 0061

Palm Beach Thattukada
Palm Beach Rotana Inn
Bur Dubai
Tel: +971 4 3931999

Palm Beach Thattukada
Palm Beach Rotana Inn
Bur Dubai
Tel: +971 4 3931999

Antique Bazaar
Four Points Sheraton
Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 397 7444

Sho-Cho Japanese Restaurant
Dubai Beach Resort and Club
PO Box 5182, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 346 1111

Aquarium
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
PO Box 6302, Garhoud, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 2956000

BiCE Ristorante
Jumeirah Beach Rd, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 2956000

Cubo Pasta
Italian Restaurant at the Ibis
Shk Zayed Road, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 332 4444

Da Vinci's Restaurant
Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud
Tel: +971 4 7039 1233

Venezia
Interchange no. 2, Sh. Zayed Road
PO Box 26666, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 343 0000

Fontana
Garhoud, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 282 0000

Rydges Plaza Dubai
Al Diyafah Street
Satwa Roundabout, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 398 2222

Billy Blues Restaurant
Rydges Plaza Dubai
Satwa, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 398 2272

Al Dawaar
Hyatt Regency Dubai
PO Box 5588, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 209 1234

Miyako
Hyatt Regency Dubai
PO Box 5588, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 209 1234

Tahiti
Metropolitan Palace Hotel
Al-Maktoum Street, PO Box 56262, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 227 0000

La Moda
InterContinental Dubai,
Bin Yas Street, PO Box 476, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 222 7171

Minato
InterContinental Dubai
Bin Yas Street, PO Box 476, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 222 7171

Fish Market
InterContinental Dubai
Bin Yas Street, PO Box 476, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 222 7171

La Parrilla
Jumeirah Beach Hotel,
PO Box 11416, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 348 0000

Sphinx
The Pyramids,
Wafi City, Bur Dubai
Tel: +971 4 324 9603

La Cucina
J W Marriott Hotel
Abu Baker Al-Siddique Road, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 262 4444

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Top 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in The World

The Most Expensive Restaurants in the world . Dinning is an exciting experience for the food junkies . Visiting one of the most expensive restaurants in the world gives one a true culinary encounter .

1 ) Aragawa, Tokyo Japan Dinning for one : $368
Aragawa is a very famous steak house in the district of Tokyo�s Shinbashi . Though reputed for its beef dishes throughout Tokyo, It should be the best place for steak lovers . Steak coupled with pepper and mustard is what that the restaurant serves its guests with pleasure .

2 ) Paris: Alain Ducasse au Plaza Ath�n�e Dinning for one : $231
This is one of the three famed restaurants under Alain Ducasse, Plaza Athene is located in a grand hotel of Paris . It remains closed during  summer month every year and during the days before Christmas .

3 ) London: Gordon Ramsay Dinning for one : $183
Gordon Ramsay is  a British chef made his venture into the field of restaurant business with his eponymous restaurant in 1998 . They only has 13 tables but still experience a crowd every evening . The mainstay features of the menu are Cornish Lamb and pigeon with foie gras .

4 ) Munich: Acquarello Dinning for one : $125
A Mediterranean-style Italian restaurant rolls in fame for its extensive menu that includes everything from pigeon to veal to pasta . They offer fish delicacies offered too luscious for the tongue to resist its cravings

5 ) Rome: Alberto Ciarla Dinning for one : $113
Alberto Ciarla with an opulence of tasting menus offers dish delights in keeping with the flavor of seasons . The seven courses are offered by the Fisherman�s Menu include linguine with tuna fish , sliced swordfish and tagliatelle with mussels and grilled .

6 ) Toronto: Sushi Kaji Dinning for one : $109
Known for the food offerings of Mitsuhiro Kaji, the executive chef Sushi Kaji offers menus at $80, $100 and $120. Dish delights for the food buffs vary from barbecued eel, fried fluke with spicy tomato sauce, pickled cucumber and strawberry and watermelon soup.

7 ) Queue De Cheval Steak House Dinning for one : $85
The best food to try in Queue De Cheval Steak House is corn-fed beef. It is dry-aged for thirty-five days before being prepared and served . It offers 24-ounce porterhouse with a bottle of Australian or Californian wine .

8 ) El Amparo � Madrid, Spain Dinning for one : $70
the location of El Amparo one of the loveliest restaurants in Madrid is a converted carriage house .  It is popular for its wide collection of wines from the Iberian Peninsula . The chief dining pleasure is the cold salmon with tomato sorbet . Chocolate souffle is a high with hungry diners .

9 ) Whampoa Club, Shanghai Dinner for One: $63
The luxury retail and dining emporium is one of the popular city highs . The appealing ambience of the restaurant rests on its decor that includes pastel glass , opulent Art Nouveau wall panels and crystal chandeliers . The lures of this restaurant are crispy beef strips with sun-dried orange peel and drunken chicken

10 ) Boeucc, Milan Dinner for One: $62
Boeucc has a beautifully decorated dining room, vivid with its soft romantic lighting, paintings and ceramics . A visit to the restaurant is incomplete without a veal with pureed potato and relish of the saffron risotto .


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Moroccan Reastaurants in Chicago: Andalous

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine: Morocco is an exotic land of endless natural beauty that harmonizes with exquisite architecture, presenting a feast for the eyes, and a revelation for the spirit. At Andalous Restaurant we bring you culinary delights prepared in the genuine tradition of Moroccan culture. Any native Moroccan will tell you that the very best Moroccan cuisine is eaten at home, lovingly prepared by the lady of the house with the entire family gathered together to enjoy the abundant servings.

Our Chefs are all Moroccan women, bringing you a feast prepared in this same loving family tradition. We serve you a variety of delightful soups, salads, and hearty entrees, and then finish off your meal with a soothing cup of sweet green mint tea topped with delicate Moroccan pastries. It is our great pleasure to serve you our special traditional recipes as if you were a guest at our own family table. Bon Appetit!

Visit Andalous restaurant web site
 
Alhamra Palace Restaurant


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Moroccan Reastaurants in Chicago: Alhamra Palace

 Chicago Moroccan Cuisine: Alhambra Palace is a spectacular dining and entertainment complex, a grand salon of opulence and intrigue named after and inspired by the 13th century fortress in Granada, Spain.

This dynamic, multi-level venue is unique to Chicago and the Midwest featuring 24,000 square feet of exquisite architecture and artifacts from Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco throughout the restaurant, main dining room and private dining areas.

Upon Entering the Alhambra, guests are greeted by a lively bar and lounge area with intimate Alcove seating. Sweeping archways, marble accents, mosaic tiles, crystal chandeliers and hand carved sculptures lead to the Mediterranean, east to west.

Throughout the venue, guests can immerse themselves in another world, seated in ornate wood carved chairs, plush settees, and soft leather sofas all surrounded by stone carvings, oriental rugs and the overall d�cor befitting of royalty.

1240 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60607-1604
(312) 666-9555 Fax (312) 666-0456 

Visit Alhamra Palace web site

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Cairo Restaurants - Restaurants in Cairo, Egypt

The Arabic Food Recipes kitchen (The Home of Delicious Arabic Food Recipes) invites you to visit the best restaurants in Cairo, Egypt.

Dining - Local Cuisine & Customs

Many traditional Egyptian recipes have travelled from the kitchens of North Africa to tantalise the taste buds of diners all over the world; hummus, tahini, tabouleh and shish kebab are featured in the restaurants of most cities. However, it is always worth sampling the authentic version of international dishes. In Cairo there is an abundance of traditional cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Most daily dishes are meat free and based instead on ful, a brown bean, cooked with garlic and lemon to make the thick, tasty stew mudammas.

Cairo has an enormous number of restaurants, catering to most needs. Cheap food can be found everywhere in street restaurants and snack stalls. The top notch restaurants are often, but not always, found in hotels and Nile boats. The borders between restaurants and cafes are not crystal-clear in the Egyptian capital. In many places it is perfectly acceptable to just have a drink or shisha. Medium and high-range outlets might have a minimum charge. Cheaper restaurants will normally not serve alcohol as well as some more expensive outlets. In general, downtown is good for budget eating, while for higher quality eating you should head to Zamalek, Mohandesin or any of the other more affluent parts of town.

For those with a greater interest in Cairo's culinary life, look for Cairo Dining, a magazine with a half-yearly update of 1000 Cairo restaurants (and places to go out) sorted by price, kind of food and area.

Otlob.com delivers food from a large number of Cairo restaurants, including fast-food places like McDonalds, as well as higher-end places. Otlob is also useful because it offers a list of restaurants by type of food, area, and even covers menus, conveniently all in English. Almost all but the highest quality Cairo restaurants offer delivery or takeout.

Global cuisine is always available in a large variety of city restaurants, but whether you choose local or international flavours it is wise to leave room for a sticky, sweet Egyptian dessert.

Restaurants by Cuisine

Cafe

Naguib Mahfouz Caf�
Perfect lunchtime stop amidst the bustling Khan al Khalili shopping district. The local appetizers are well worth trying.
5 Sekket al-Badistan, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 590 3788

Caf� Riche
Something like a museum in itself, this colonial-feel eatery prepares simple dishes while the patrons discuss its past with the ma�tre d�
17 Talaat Harb Street, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 392 9793

Egyptian

Abu Sid
Probably the best place for local cuisine, set in an art deco apartment with marble tables and Warholesque art
157 26th of July Street, Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 2735 9640

Citadel View Restaurant
Situated perfectly for panoramic views of the city�s main sights
Al-Azhar Park, Salah Salem Street, Cairo
+20 2 510 9150

Nubian Village
Serenades from wandering minstrels and the sweet scent of fresh bread permeate the restaurants riverside terrace pavilion
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Corniche El Nil, Garden City, Roda Island, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 365 1234

Abou Tarek
Serving only koshari, the filling Egyptian fast food, this is a staple of any visit to Cairo
16 Shamplion Street, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 577 5935

Sequoia
Trendy tented spot on the Nile, serving excellent Egyptian and Lebanese meze
1-3 Abou Feda Street, Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 735 0014

French

Justine
Creating classic French cuisine with local ingredients, this is truly the best of both worlds
4 Shara Hassan Sabri, Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 341 2961

Steak

Charwood�s
Using the best meat in town, Charwood�s prepares mouth-watering cuts
53 Gameat El Dowal El Arabia St, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 3749 0893

Thai

Bu Khoa
Seasonal food and continually changing specials mean you�re certain of fresh delights
151 Rd. 9, Cairo
Tel: +20 2 2358 0126

Tipping

Tipping in Egypt is called baksheesh. In hotels and restaurants a gratuity of between 10% and 15% is the acceptable norm. However, baksheesh is expected for every service. Attendants at Cairo's historical buildings, footwear supervisors in mosques, taxi and camel drivers, baggage handlers and tour assistants will all ask for something extra from those who can afford it. Low wages necessitate this requirement and the working people of Egypt rely on the generosity of visitors. The equivalent of between USD 1.00 and USD 2.00 is an appropriate amount each time.

Lebanese Restaurants In Dubai - Arabic & Middle Eastern Food Restaurants... Lebanon

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Lebanese Restaurants In Dubai - United Arab Emirates

The Arabic Food Recipes Kitchen (The Home of Delicious Arabic Food Recipes invites you to eat out at Top 10 Lebanese Restaurants In Dubai - United Arab Emirates.

Al Qasr

Al Qasr is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai. At this fine establishment you can dine on the terrace, which overlooks the tropical pool below, or dine indoors for a more formal affair. The service is one to be marveled at and often tries to be emulated by other Dubai restaurants. The grilled minced lamb plate, mixed grill entr�e and any of the Lebanese cuisine starters such as houmous and fattoush salad are sure to please. You will also find that when you consider the food and service you receive at Al Qasr, the price is reasonable as well.
Tel: +971 4 3461111 | Location: Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah, Dubai

Amaseena

The Ritz-Carlton is a name associated with class and elegance and Amaseena, a Lebanese buffet-style restaurant at the Ritz, is no different. Dine under large tents near the beach and have incredible food while enjoying out of this world ambience. Some of the dishes which must be tried include the fattoush salad, grilled shrimp and succulent lamb chops. It is a bit pricier than other Lebanese restaurants as one might expect but definitely worth the splurge.
Tel: +971 4 3994000 | Location: Ritz-Carlton, Dubai Marina, Dubai

Al Tannour

The Crowne Plaza is another upscale hotel which calls for upscale restaurants inside such an establishment and Al Tannour is one of them. With Lebanese fare which rivals most other restaurants in town, Al Tannour is a sure bet. The food items which often please the most discriminating of tastes at Al Tannour include the house specialty shish kebab and tender lamb chop entr�e. Another reason to visit this restaurant is for the entertainment. A live band and belly dancers help to round off the experience.
Tel: 1- 800-CROWNE | Location: Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Caf� Blanc

Caf� Blanc presents Lebanese food with a twist. Menu items which are sure to please your palate include the fattoush, mixed meat platter and the meghleh for dessert. As the food is delicious, the staff is quite good as well. Overall, a dining experience at Caf� Blanc is quite worthwhile.
Tel: +971 4 2326677 | Location: Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City, Dubai

Sidra

 

Sidra is the perfect spot to dine on delicious Lebanese cuisine while gathering with your friends for good conversation. Feel free to linger over your starters or dessert and make sure to enjoy main entr�e favorites such as the Sidra grill, which features a good array of meats. Sidra is also reasonably priced which won't hurt your wallet too bad in the end either.
Tel: +971 4 3453044 | Location: Dune Centre, Satwa, Dubai

Shu

The extraordinary interior at Shu is what will first hold your attention upon entering the restaurant. With its brightly colored furniture and unique lighting setup, Shu will leave you spellbound for a few minutes, at least. That is until you try the food. All of the Lebanese favorites are served at Shu and done just perfectly. Some of the tried and true favorites include the falafel, sujok and tabbouleh.
Tel: +971 4 3491303 | Location: Jumeirah, Dubai

Reem Al Bawadi

Very so often you will find a restaurant which covers all of the basics and then some. Such is the case with Reem Al Bawadi. At Reem Al Bawadi you will find fantastic Lebanese cuisine, particularly the fattoush salad and shish taouk, as well as friendly staff waiting to help you every step of the way without being overbearing. Also, at Reem Al Bawadi, feel free to linger and enjoy the sights while sipping on delicious beverages along the way.
Tel: +971 4 3947444 | Location: Jumeirah, Dubai

Awafi

If dining poolside on delicious Lebanese cuisine is what you crave, Awafi is the place to go. The seating is set so there really is not a bad seat in the house. The staff is accommodating and the food never fails to please. Some great items to try include the spinach sambusak and flavorful fattoush. Top it off with one of the delicious fruit juices and you will be extremely pleased with all Awafi has to offer.
Tel: +971 4 6077977 | Location: JW Marriott Dubai, Deira, Dubai

Ayam Zaman

Set in the Royal Ascot Hotel, Ayam Zaman has a little bit of everything for those searching for a Lebanese fare restaurant. The service is quite good as is the entertainment, a Lebanese signer and belly dancers entertain the crowd. The set menu provides you with various delectable treats, such as the hot and cold mezze platters. Good food and ambience make the Ayam Zaman a place to visit.
Tel: +971 4 3558500 | Location: Royal Ascot Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai

Fish Basket

Combining a plethora of fish entrees with Lebanese flair is Fish Basket. This restaurant in Oud Metha presents fish choices as far as the eye can see and great service to take care of your every need. The fattoush and houmous are delicious as is the vast array of other seafood choices such as prawns, crab and calamari. The seafood is fresh and cooked to order, just what one would expect from a name like the Fish Basket.
Tel: +971 4 3367177 | Location: Oud Metha, Dubai

Lebanese Restaurants in London - Lebanese Restaurants in Sydney

From Lebanese Recipes 

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Woman (and man and teen) vs Food: A Richmond Day Trip

Just a reminder that I am competing to be the Next Food Blog Star in Foodbuzz's Project Food Blog. You can check our some amazing posts from over 1800 contestants for Challenge #1: Ready Set Blog! And don't stand on the sidelines- you can be part of the Foodbuzz community even if you are not a blogger-lots of foodies do! And check back on September 20 when voting begins. If you check our my challenge post, leave me a comment- I love to hear what you have to say!!

As a blogger and a person generally interested in food, a good percentage of my TV time is spent watching food-related shows - Top Chef, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Anthony Bourdain, and even Gordon Ramsey's latest, Master Chef. It is especially exciting when a show features a restaurant or cook nearby, and that happened a couple of months ago when Man vs. Food did a feature on Richmond, VA. Several restaurants were featured in this episode but the one that really appealed to me was the feature on the "battleship" sandwiches at the Black Sheep, so when my work required me to take a day trip to Richmond, I took my husband and daughter Molly for a mini-adventure, culinary and otherwise.

The drive was pretty uneventful and we got to the Patrick Henry Building in plenty of time for me to make my meeting. The plan was for Gavin and Molly to wander around the recently renovated state Capitol building until my work was done and then we would head to the Black Sheep for lunch. I didn't know till I looked at the pictures that apparently there was a lot to see, even though my meeting was only an hour-ish long. You can see that Molly had a great time exploring(She took all the scenery pictures in this post-good,huh?)

Once I was done, we headed down near to Virginia Commonwealth University to find the Black Sheep. Once we located the small storefront, we had to circle a couple of times to find a parking space, and even though we were there before noon, we had about a 10-minute wait. Even though the restaurant was filling up, the staff was friendly and welcoming, getting us seated and giving us our menus. She also brought us our iced tea right away (it was extremely hot outside) and returned with a pitcher when she heard my husband was diabetic. We already had checked out the menu online and had a good idea what we would order. My husband and I were determined to try one of the fabled "battleship" sandwiches. I knew I would order the Virginia because I had seen this one on Man vs. Food and I am a big fan of chicken livers (I know some of you will be saying "Yuck!"), Gavin wanted to get the SS Sultana, but they were out of the lamb gyro meat, so he decided on a whole SS Congress filled with, what else but pork!! Since he had promised to take some home for Bridget who could not come, he ordered a whole battleship. Molly, who can be a fussy eater, ordered the Cuban Reuben. We enjoyed the decor, looking around at the eclectic variety of art, memorabilia, and knick knacks that adorned the brick walls (Molly particularly liked this guy, above).

When our food came we were blown away. Even though Gavin was having half of his battleship wrapped for Bridget, they insist on presenting it to you whole first. You can see the effect!!
The SS Congress is piled high with honey & chipotle roasted pork shoulder topped with a tomatillo barbeque sauce, grilled pineapple & mexican style pickled cabbage salad. The combination was traditional enough to please a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but with unique flavors that really pulled the different ingredients together.

My SS Virginia featured an unusual combination of fried chicken livers loaded into a toasted french baguette with shredded cabbage, green onions, granny smith apple & remoulade sauce.It is also offered with chicken for the less adventurous. I wasn't sure about the fried liver and apple combination, but it really worked- this was one of the best sandwiches I had ever had!

Molly's Cuban Reuben was served on a ciabatta roll with thinly sliced pastrami cured roasted pork loin, chorizo sausage, pink saurkraut, swiss, pickles and a special house sauce, pressed in the style of Cuban sandwiches. Even though this was a regular sandwich, it was piled with ingredients and Molly ate half and decided to take half home.

The staff at Black Sheep was very friendly and solicitous, making our lunch more like a meal with friends than a restaurant meal. Black Sheep has an extensive menu (I want to go back for their breakfast roast duck hash or green eggs and ham!) While it takes awhile to find, this little place is well worth the trouble!

Fabulous Food Destinations in the Outer Banks

When we planned for fun in the sun in the Outer Banks, while we planned dinners, we left some days free to give us some flexibility to go out or get takeout, or whatever struck our fancy. While the Corolla area is full of the typical sub shops, pizza joints and barbecue stands, we found several culinary jewels during our stay. Our first night, since it was breezy and cooler we went to Steamers to Go and got one of our favorites- their clam chowder, which they sell by the quart. It is a little pricey, but delicious and combined with some mahi mahi en papillote, it made a great dinner on the screened porch! Steamers has all kinds of seafood, and other great pre-made foods meant to make your stay at the beach easier, even if you are the cook!

During our two week stay we had pizza twice trying both the recommended Tomato Patch and Corolla Pizza, a place with local flavor in a little strip mall north of the Currituck Lighthouse. Tomato Patch is popular since it is a family-friendly sit down restaurant as well as pizza take out. Since our children are grown, we care primarily about the pizza. The Tomato Patch makes good pizza, but I have to say that the pizza at Corolla Pizza was my favorite of the two. The shop itself reminds me of our own neighborhood pizzeria where you can watch the dough being tossed. The crust was just the right thickness to please my thin-crust loving husband, with a crisp bottom and freshly-made taste. The sauce was not too sweet or acidic and the toppings were fresh and delicious. As a bonus, they had Mexican Coke, which I had read has real sugar like the Coke of my childhood, so I got two for the girls to try.

Before we left to go on vacation, I had seen something on Food Network about Tullio's Bakery in Duck, and we definitely put it on our list of places to try while we were there. We were not disappointed. Tullio's is a dieter's nightmare- the cases were full of all manner of treats. Cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, cupcakes, muffins, scones and desserts that were so tempting. We got a dozen assorted goodies for breakfast one morning and by noon, there was only an empty box (and the added pounds) to remind us of our stop there. Tullio's also offers half a dozen assorted bagels at a very reasonable reduced price and the bagels are amazing! So what if we had to do a few more laps in the pool? Tullio's was totally worth it! (Actually, writing this post has made me want to make the drive back down just to go there and try more of their breads and desserts!)

Next post- an elegant meal out in the Outer Banks

Arabic & Middle Eastern Food Restaurants - Lebanon

Arabic & Middle Eastern Food Restaurants in Lebanon - Directory of restaurants and bars in Lebanon

Fashion Bar Beirut
Decorated with sophisticated furnishings, the bar bestows an alluring ambiance of the fashion world, with non-stop FTV broadcast from Paris, on lampshape monitors, modular mirror walls, bar and tvs.

Crepaway Lebanon
One of the pioneers in theme restaurants in Lebanon and franchising into the Middle East.

Libanon Restaurant
Lebanese restaurant in Dusseldorf, Germany. Lebanese food and sweets.

The Chase Restaurant, Lebanon
Restaurant with several branches in Lebanon. Offers a mixed international and Lebanese cuisine, pastries and catering services.

Maroush Lebanese Restaurants
Lebanese restaurant with 11 locations in London, find out more about Maroush, Ranoush Juice and the Beirut Express as well as their new venture, Signor Marco.

WanaEat Food Directory - Lebanon
Online restaurant and food guide for Lebanon.

Circus Restaurant-Bar
Restaurant and bar in Lebanon offering fusion cuisine. They feature live shows as well.

Monte Alberto Restaurants
The Monte Alberto hotel and resort offers a variety of dining restaurants and entertainment halls, including a rotating restaurant, winter and summer terraces, cafe, ourzal and wedding palladium.
Ishbilia Lebanese Restaurant
Lebanese restaurant in Knightsbridge. Information on location, menu, events and booking.

Casper and Gambini's
Coffee house and restaurant providing a variety of meals and drinks from international cuisines.

Awtar Restaurant
Lebanese restaurant with branches in Beirut and Kesrwan. Offers a variety of Lebanese and International cuisine. Daily entertainment shows.

Burj Al Hamam - Fawzi Restaurant
Lebanese restaurant offers a range of Lebanese home cooking meals and fresh seafood daily.

Ain Merched Restaurant Casino
Offers its clients a superb view overlooking Nabeh Mourched cascades in addition to its exquisite Lebanese Meza and cuisine since 1965.
Mazaj Pub and Restaurant, Zahle
Oriental and occidental style pub and restaurant in Zahle.

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Training in DC-and the Peking Gourmet Inn

How can it have been a month since my last post?Well, it has been a busy time,with budget season and the new Congress and stimulus package excitement making my day job crazy, and tons of freelance work with super-tight deadlines taking up my free (?!) hours during the evening and weekends,when I cook it has primarily been just to get everyone fed. However, I want to share a food experience I had on a recent jaunt to Washington DC.

Learning about the new Congress is part of my day job, so when I had to attend a 1-day workshop in DC, I decided to drive up the night before and stay with Katie and Gavin in the big city (well, kind of, they live in Arlington) Since I hate driving at night I left in time to get to their place by evening and hung out with Gavin until Katie got off from work at 7 PM. I know you won't believe this but after lamenting how I hate taking down Christmas decorations, I ended up taking down Katie's Christmas tree and packing up her holiday things (it had to be done, and I guess she inherited the I-hate-taking-down-Christmas-stuff-gene from me), while Gavin introduced me to his latest collection of YouTube favorites.

When Katie returned, she was so excited,saying she was taking me somewhere special for dinner we drove to an unassuming little strip mall to the Peking Gourmet Inn in Falls Church. I had heard about this restaurant from my husband who had gone with Katie on his big weekend going to the Redskins game (one of the few games they won this season!), so I was prepared that when we drove up, it had a unassuming facade in a little strip mall. Once we stepped inside I was pleasantly surprised, the restaurant was cozy without being cramped, and I was greeted with the restaurants"wall of fame" sporting pictures of all the politicos and celebrities that have come there to eat (this restaurant was apparently President George 41's favorite).

We settled into a booth and were greeted by Mr.Wong, a friendly and experienced server. we looked at the menu trying to pick from the dishes.Peking duck, the restaurants specialty,was a no-brainer since we all love that, and you cannot go to a Chinese restaurant without eggrolls. Katie is not as fond of spicy dishes and Gavin and I both like spicy so we tried to find a mix of foods that we could enjoy. We finally settled on Sweet and Sour Chicken (Katie's choice) and Szechwan Beef Proper (Gavin's choice).

While going to a new restaurant to eat is a fun experience, going to a meal with Katie and Gavin is an experience in and of itself . They pick at and insult each other, all in fun, of course and they are just so funny together- they have such a great relationship and it is so much fun to be with them. Mr Wong brought our eggrolls first and they were delicious, crisp on he outside with tender,well seasoned insides that were not laden with grease as can often happen when cooking eggrolls. You can see that Gavin gave these the thumbs-up! Frankly, I could have eaten more but I didn't want to fill up with all the food we had ordered.

Next, a small table was set up beside us, signaling the coming of the Peking duck. This was dramatically presented and artfully carved right at the table. Our server was more than pleased to pose with the deliciously crisp and fragrant duck before carving, and he ensured each serving had a mix of crisp skin succulent white and dark meat. As he carved he carefully removed any excess fat so that our Mandarin pancakes were full of the flavors that make Peking duck so delightful. It was so delicious, a special treat since I hadn't had Peking duck in a really long time. The duck was such a star , that the other dishes paled in comparison. The sweet and sour chicken was just okay and the Szechwan beef proper was not what I expected (sweet-hot) and was more like beef candy, however it was really pretty. As you can see,though, Gavin gave the whole dinner a thumbs-up!

I know you won't believe that after all this food we actually were interested in dessert, but Katie really thought the toffee bananas sounded great and we decided we could share. Gavin wanted to try the coconut ice cream so we took the plunge, but our server informed us that the bananas were too soft for toffee bananas but we could have toffee apples instead. We were in for another tableside show with our dessert as well. The server dipped the apple chunks that had been coated in batter and fried into a bowl of toffee sauce and then dropped them one by one in a bowl of ice water so that the morsels developed a crunchy exterior- it was great, like a Chinese version of apple pie - we ate every bite. We had a taste of Gavin's coconut ice cream which was awesome and we agreed that next time we would have the toffee apples and ice cream together.

We left the restaurant stuffed, with our take-home boxes in hand. The experience was really fun, but next time I would increase the eggrolls and have just the Peking duck with perhaps a veggie dish on the side, because the duck was clearly the star of the meal. I know our picture won't end upon the wall of fame, but the Peking Gourmet Inn still treated us like we were celebrities!

Soya- Seriously the Most Awesome Sushi

About 15 years ago, when I started working at Jefferson Lab, I had a colleague who made me feel a bit inferior. He was a man, I was a woman (a serious minority at a nuclear physics lab), he had a Ph.D. in physics, I had a B.S degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, he had been at the lab for years and I was a new temp employee... you get the picture. This sounds like it could be the makings of a real disaster, but in fact, it was a relationship that benefitted us both. He decided to move out and up working at a bigger national lab... and me? I was introduced to sushi. You see, when our professional relationship was a bit tense we went out to lunch to have a talk, and he picked a nearby sushi bar. Though I had never had sushi (I know I lived a protected life), there was no way that I was going to be intimidated, and so, I ate my first sushi roll. It was the beginning of a love affair (with sushi, not the co-worker!)

Sushi is something that is best made by a master, someone who appreciates the need for super-fresh ingredients, and how to combine elements that result in the full experience, something that is pleasing to the eye and the palate. While I am not cosmopolitan, I have eaten sushi several places since that first experience, and my favorite is Soya, right here in Newport News. First of all, Soya has a family-type atmosphere, and they remember what you like, and who you are. In all fairness, I would consider my family regulars since both my daughter Bridget and I are sushi fiends, and sushi is always our idea of a great lunch, but it is so nice to go somewhere and be greeted by people who really appreciate your business. (When my daughter goes in to order takeout, they ask- "Lunch with Mommy or daddy?")

But I don't care how nice you are,it is the food and service that counts when you are spending money for food from a restaurant, and Soya has that down pat. Though they have a very complete menu, we almost always order from the sushi a la cart menu. While we each have our favorites (Husband- Hurricane, Me- Seattle roll, Bridget- Anything without eel, Molly-Phoenix),we have started to try some of the new special rolls that Soya. Our new favorite is their '08 Special, topped with spicy scallop flakes- it is a great combination of savory and spicy.

Soya has locations in Newport News and Hampton, and even in Virginia Beach. I have been to both the Hamptonand Newport News locations and have never failed to be impressed. As a fairly skilled cook, when I go out for a meal, I like it to be something that I couldn't make at home, and sushi certainly fills that bill. If you are not into sushi, Soya also offers hibachi and other Japanese favorites. But if you are in the Tidewater Virginia area, go to Soya, and you too will become part of their extended family!

Tadka Indian Restaurant Review - Manhattan New York

On a recent business trip to New York, I was craving for some delicious indian food, and I have to say I was happy when a colleague recommended Tadka Indian restaurant in Manhattan, for a memorable lunch! Its hard to find nice and reliably good food for reasonable prices in a Manhattan/Midtown, and Tadka turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It is indeed a very tiny and cramped place in a busy location, but if you are seeking fast service, better-than-average food, and affordable lunch alternative, then Tadka will not disappoint you. In fact, a lot of my American colleagues seemed to like it too, and I was also told that this serves to be a very popular restaurant for take-out and delivery! With so many people vouching for it, I think you can safely give Tadka Indian restaurant a fair chance on your next trip to Manhattan, right?!

Tadka restaurant in New York the newest addition to the critically acclaimed Indian eateries by Shiva Natarajan, the chef & owner of the already famous Chola, Bombay, Malabar Hill and Jaipore Royal Cuisine in the Tri-State areas. Combining traditional Indian decor with a New York look, this is a small yet cozy place that features dark wooden floors and tables, light flowering hanging lanterns, comfortable chairs, walls decorated with small statues hidden amidst strategically mounted frames and a large front window that makes the dining area a bit more spacious. The limited space is not so much of a concern, considering the other similar restaurants on the same street! The overall feeling is comfortable and inviting.

They feature an extensive menu, with a special one for Vegetarians like me. we ordered the Tawa Paneer and the kalmi Kababs for appetizers, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed these. There are a lot of exquisite entrees for the main course. The prices are pretty reasonable, and the portions are substantial too. The Navratan Korma, Shahi Paneer, Lamb Vindaloo and the Bhuna Gosht were particularly good. Loads of choices for the Breads and Parathas too; the only disappointment was the dessert. With only Gulab Jamuns, Halwa or Kheer to choose from, the sweet-loving critic in me was not too satisfied - but the Gulab Jamuns we ordered were soft and nice, so it was good.

The service was fast and efficient, and the waiting staff was courteous and educated about the menu options. The price ranges from $3.50 to $17.95, which is quite reasonable for a comparable fine-dining experience. Having said that, we all enjoyed the food, and though it was not "exquisite", it was worth the value, and without any grievances. The only drawback would be the tiny place, and the lack of parking. It's an ideal location for weekday lunches if you work around the area; better yet, order a take-out as they provide free delivery upto a certain radius!

Tadka is not a place you'd choose for a romantic dinner or a boisterous family gathering. But if what you seek is reasonably-priced good food with fast service, Tadka Indian Cuisine should be on your to-go list.

Address:
229 E53rd St
New York, NY 10022
(212)-355-9660
Tadka Indian Cuisine - New York

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Spago Beverly Hills Restaurant - A Celebrity Destination

Wolfgang Puck is a name not unknown to anyone. Spago Hollywood on Sunset, originally known as Bistro Garden and a favourite with all hollywood celebrities, has been re-surrected as Spago Beverly Hills, the latest venture by chef Puck, and remains to be a cherished dining destination for the people of Los Angeles. With its beautiful ambience, shaded patio with tall trees and the inviting open-kitchen architecture, Puck and his wife have truly created an upscale restaurant in the already star-studded Beverly Hills. Standing the tests of time and taste since 1997, Spago is undoubtedly one of the best in terms of cuisine, standards and style! Romantic yet affable at the same time, and featuring the creativity of celebrity chefs, there's no way you can go wrong with Spago!

The interior is aesthetically done and carries the sophisticated, elegant and warm touch that is a bit uncharacteristic of designer Barbara Lazaroff. At the center of the sophisticated restaurant is the old Bistro Garden's romantic patio, beautifully designed and shaded by tall pepper trees. It offers a relaxing outside venue for a lunch. A fountain inscribed with the word "passion" (in various languages) stands next to a pair of 100-year-old olive trees imported just for Spago. But the highlight has to be the spectacular kitchen, which can be viewed through a giant wall of colorful, etched glass. The dining room is striking, with colorful tiles, vibrant stained-glass windows and wildly colorful carpets. Spago is a place where you can expect to be given the red-carpet treatment; it does not matter that you are a "somebody" sharing the space with the hollywood stars! Original artwork and jeweled details surround the dining room and add to the beauty of the restaurant, which also offers two private dining rooms with a separate bar for receptions and functions.

As Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant, Spago remains at the forefront of L.A's dining style. Executive chef Lee Hefter's menu features such signature dishes as the deservedly famous salmon and creme fraiche pizza. Using the finest ingredients and his artistic flair, Hefter creates culinary masterpieces. It's difficult to list the best dishes, but we had the Risotto with oregon Porcini Mushrooms and the famous Sweet White Corn and Mascarpone Agnolotti, followed by the Giant Farmer's Cheese Ravioli, and I have to tell you everything about the dishes, from taste to texture to presentation, was simply fabulous! They have several daily specials with cheese and seasonal produce, and the salmon dishes, variety of salads, pasta and noodles, everything is a classic. Actually, I was surprised to find so many choices on the Menu- there's something for everyone to enjoy! But the nightlight, and also the primary reason we visited Spago, was the classic desserts by Pastry Chef Sherry Yard. I own her cookbook and marvel at her creations, and though the luscious Tiramisu and the buttery Apple Streudel was all we could eat, you'd want to sample every entry on the menu!!

They also have an extensive wine list to suit the rest of the menu. You can easily expect a tab of $70-100 for a couple, but that's pretty competent with other upscale restaurants like Tantra Indian Restaurant and La Fondue, and definitely worth the quality of food and service. You are sure to enjoy your time at Spago, with the added bonus of sighting your favorite hollywood celebrities, and you'll leave feeling culinarily blessed! If you are looking for an upscale romantic and memorable lunch or dinner destination, Spago at Beverly Hills will not disappoint you!



Address:
176 North Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310)-385-0880
Spago Beverly Hills

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Masala Indian Fusion Restaurant - Danville, San Ramon

Anyone who has eaten Indian food knows that it is characterized by the rich spectrum of spices in which it is cooked, giving the food its inimitable flavor and aroma. These spices are known as "Masala", which is nothing but an intricate combination of different spices used to flavor the food. But Masala Indian Fusion restaurant takes the traditional indian food one step further by pairing the indian culinary techniques with western ingredients to make it more appealable to an international audience, and I must say they do a great job of it! Located in Danville, more like the San Ramon area of East Bay in california, Masala Fusion is an upscale restaurant sure to serve you a memorable dinner.

Masala Fusion is located in the danville downtown area on San Ramon Valley blvd, and has the look of a typical downtown eatery. Quaint and artistically decorated in warm colors with white tablecloths, it is not very overly-done, and has its warmth and appeal. The highlight is definitely the open kitchen area where you can see the chef Rajesh Khanna in action, who by the way, is also the owner. His wife Anu is a gracious hostess, ever-smiling and exuding warmth, which makes you feel quite at ease and relaxed. The low-lighting, small wooden partitions and plants create nice individual spaces, both comfortable and inviting. During day-time, the open glass windows give a nice view of the downtown while you enjoy your food.

The food is definitely the best I have eaten in a long time, and I'd put it in league with my other favourites Shiva's restaurant in mountain view and Amber restaurant in santana row. There is an extensive Wine List to choose from, and a nice menu with loads of vegetarian and non-veg options. All the dishes we ordered were just perfect, and the entrees are served with saffron rice. From tender lamb to grilled mahi-mahi, pepper chicken to mussels, calamari or scallops, the non-veg options are plenty. But the vegetarians have loads to enjoy too! The pan-fried baby eggplant and grilled portobello mushrooms were great as appetizers, and their tomato-coconut bisque(soup) is the closest to indian tomato soup I've had anywhere in the bay area! We were really impressed by their gravies, which had some unique blends like pine-nuts and saffron, carmelized onion and grape, or the cashew and chilly sauce! And their Vegetable Biryani was simply superb; perfectly cooked and spiced. They also have several tandoori classics and breads to choose from. But please notify them about your spice level as some of their dishes can get really hot! But don't worry, a mango creme brulee or a pista-ssaffron kulfi will soothe your tongue and your senses.

Desserts at Masala Fusion deserve a praise of their own. Even with just 4 choices, their Creme Brulee and Indian kulfi is a classic end to a perfect dinner! Their very-well-priced lunch buffets are a delectable option for under $10. They are closed on Mondays, but if spices and indian cooking interests you, they offer Cooking Class & Food Tasting every Monday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the restaurant for $6. We've already been there two times and I have nothing but good reviews to share about Masala Indian Fusion. You really have to try this restaurant for a unique take on indian food. A warm ambience, commendable food, friendly staff and a unique blend of flavors will lure you to visit them again. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself and see!

Address:
499 San Ramon Vly Blvd
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 362-4900
Masala Indian Fusion

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Village California Bistro and Bar - Santana Row (San Jose)

When it comes to an upscale area full of shopping and good food, Santana Row in san jose steals the show. This small street is lined with beautiful shops on both sides and quaint yet inviting restaurants that can fulfill any culinary urge! Decked among these is the only independently-owned Village Bistro and Bar that offers the finest and freshest local ingredients in a culturally diverse menu that reflects the personality of our region. If you are looking for a fresh take on taste and presentation on californian cuisine, Village California Bistro is a place you should not miss. With a great location, admirable food and the most eclectic wine list in the South Bay, this place will make you feel right at home!

Located right in the middle of Santana Row, The Village California Bistro is walking distance to numerous hot spots on the street. We went there for an early dinner with a reservation, which was good, as it does get crowded at times. The place is small and quaint, and though the ambience was relaxing, I think the lighting was too dim; just a little more bright would only have made it more appealing. They are open for Lunch and Dinner and offer a special Brunch Menu on weekends, which looked pretty interesting. They have a bar seating on the right side, and a wonderful outside and shaded side-patio seating which is perfect for sunny days! The decor of the place was soothing, and each table has a neatly folded square piece of paper which is actually the Menu- pretty cool and different, I liked the style!

True to its California Bistro theme, the menu has several options with regional favorites combined with classic and some fusion elements. It has a wide choice for both vegetarians and the meat-lovers alike. The portions are small, especially if you are comparing them to generous servings in indian or italian restaurants, so be prepared to order an entree per person, unless you have a really small appetite. But the dishes are reasonably-priced, comparing with the other places in Santana Row. We had the Housemade Tortellini and Spring Garlic Soup which were just fabulous; we ordered the Spinach-Mushroom Lasagna and the Grilled Asparagus Spears, while our friends had the Linguine Clamps and the Oven-roasted Salmon- all food was cooked fresh and was aromatically spiced with herbs and sauces. They have variations in the menu for weekend brunches, so we are definitely trying those next time.

The wine selection is huge, and if its California wine (from the wine country itself), you know you can't go wrong! The desserts were good, we could barely share the Sunken Hazelnut Belgian Chocolate Brownie which was awesome! They do charge $2.00 extra for split/sharing orders (kind of strange, huh!), but that's printed on the menu in fine print, so don't be shocked! So far so good, and now a look at a few things that I'd like to be changed. The staff is coureous, but the service is slow, and the food takes a really long time to come! I'd like to think its because they make everything fresh, and it gives us time to enjoy and converse, but a little faster service would get it more followers. And I don't think its a place young kids would enjoy. Maybe the patio for brunches, yes, but the restaurant is more suited to private, romantic dinners rather than a group of boisterous people.

Overall, we did like the food at Villge Bistro, and though we may not visit it as often as Amber Indian Restaurant, its definitely a nice place to enjoy authentic and fresh californian food around the Santana Row area.



Address:
378 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 248-9091
Village Bistro and Bar

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Tantra Indian Restaurant - Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the city of the Hollywood stars, with all the glimmer and glitter, has several inviting areas that attract huge crowds every night, Silverlake downtown being one of them. Sunset Boulevard is definitely one of the most picturesque and upscale streets in Los Angeles, housing quite a few famous restaurants and night-clubs, one such gem being the Tantra Indian Restaurant. One visit is enough to prove that the owner Navraj Singh has spared no expense in creating this masterpiece of a restaurant cum nightclub. Tantra is one of L.A.'s current "in" destinations, both for its ambience and the fine cuisine. We were so mesmerized with our visit I wish I could drive to LA every weekend to dine here!

As you enter through the massive copper doors, you will find yourself surrounded by a decor that takes its cues from the spices of Indian cooking. Rich saffron-colored walls invite you to lose yourself in the sensory experience that awaits, as iron-and-silk light fixtures, curtains of oxidized metals, murals of gender-fused beings, and black-and-white Bollywood movies shown on a giant plasma screen lend an unorthodox feel to the place. A beautiful portrait of an Indian mythological figure hangs above the hostess station, welcoming you with a huge smile. To the right is a cocktail lounge, with long banquets covered in gorgeous sari material, and a beautiful bar that serves specialty drinks such as Tears of Ganesha, Tiger�s Milk and Shiva's Revenge as the DJ keeps the hip mood alive. To the left is the dining area, and to reach this you have to cross a narrow pool strewn with orchid blossoms and floating candles!! Yes, an actual indoor pool, which jus makes the atmosphere even more mysterious and romantic!

Moving onto food, I think the chef Sanjay Kumar has created a truly eclectic fusion menu that has its roots in indian cooking yet offers a contemporary dining experience. The entrees range from $11 to $16, and span across a range of typical and atypical flavors; from chicken to catfish, lamb to salmon and shrimp, and bhindi and eggplant to potatoes and paneer, there's something to appease everyone in the group. All the food is very delicately spiced, with one particular flavor dominating the dish; the chef offers some unique pairings like cardamom with homey mustard and dill, or coconut with cumin, ajwain and mint to name a few. The rich and creamy curries have the aroma of freshly-ground spices, and taste great with the choice of breads and naan. They also have a nice drinks menu to compliment your meal. The dessert offers decent choices; we really liked the Chocolate Crepes and the Tandoori Ananas (grilled pineapples)

The waiting staff is knowledgeable and professional, courteous and efficient. The owner himself is always present to preside over the dining experience. Due to its location and popularity, its advisable to make reservations in advance. The place offers valet parking as well as catering services and banquet facilities. Overall, Tantra offers a wonderful value for your money. It's trendy and stylish, yet brings you in touch with indian decor, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a celebrity enjoying themselves on Sunset Blvd!! Tantra Indian restaurant is definitely on my highly-recommended restaurants in Los Angeles list. Try it and see for yourself!

Update: Chef Sanjay is no longer with Tantra, and the management seems to have changed too; the food is not as great as it used to be, but is still decent to label Tantra as a nice restaurant to try in the vicinity!



Address:
3705 W Sunset Blvd (Silver Lake downtown)
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tantra Indian Restaurant

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Darbar Indian Restaurant - Palo Alto, CA

Living in the Bay Area definitely has its perks, especially in terms of choices in food! We have never been more satisfied by restaurants than here, and for foodies like us, that means a lot! So last weekend, we decided to explore the Palo Alto downtown on foot. It's a quaint little downtown close to the upscale residential area of Palo Alto. There are several restaurants to choose from, but an American friend at work had recommended an Indian place called Darbar Restaurant, and we decided to check it out. It was totally worth the trip, because the fresh and homemade-style food, with no additional garnishes required, was so good that it spoke for itself!

Darbar is not a very upscale restaurant; in fact, the first look from outside may put you in second thoughts about the place! But open the door and you'll see a vibrant indian restaurant, a huge bronze statue welcoming you at the entrance. The decor is fitting with warm tones of light yellow and orange. The place is really small though, and they have a setting for the buffet table at the end of the room, making the dining area even smaller. I wouldn't rate it high on the ambience, but then the food will make it worth your while!

Darbar serves both North and South Indian cuisine, and has lunch buffet specials from Monday to Friday in the noon, which has more than 20 items on the table. It's affordable, and definitely a great lunch place for people working around the area. The Dinner Menu is like any other restaurant, with lots of choices for appetizers, tandoori dishes, vindaloo, vegetarian entrees, meat, seafood and desserts. While you wait for your food, they serve you a complimentary plate of potato fritters. The gravies and curries are very tasty and flavorful; not the typical curries with an overload of cream and a few spices. While we enjoyed the Paneer Do Pyaza and the Malai Kofta, our friends relished the Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Kurma and Tandoori Pomfret. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the balance of spices and flavors with the sauce or veggies was really commendable. Another highlight was the Biryani, which I must say was very delicately flavored with spices and saffron. It's not easy to make a good biryani, but the chef at Darbar seems to know the trick!

We were surprised to see a lot of americans dining at this restaurant, and they all seemed to be really enjoying the food! On the down side though, they don't have a sufficient wait staff, and hence you might have to wait long before you get to enjoy your dinner! Being small, it easily gets cramped, so either go in early to beat the crowd or make reservations ahead. If you are looking for a fun place for a large and boisterous group, Darbar may not be the ideal choice; it's more like a highly affordable family restaurant to enjoy good indian cuisine. And after dinner, you can walk down to one of the gelato cafes in the area for a perfect dessert! On the whole, I'd say Darbar Indian Restaurant is a place I'd definitely visit again for their food.



Address:
129 Lytton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650)- 321-6688
Darbar Indian Restaurant

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