Restaurant & Bar Reviews

We found ourselves in the recently developed area of Buenos Aires; Puerto Madero at one of the restaurants in the Faena Hotel (designed by Phillipe Stark)

The night started as many have this trip with an Irish coffee.

And this Irish coffee did not disappoint! The service was exceptionally attentive (for BA) and the kitchen was happy to accommodate specific request to avoid onions and garlic.

The Four Seasons Buenos Aires have just completed two years of construction that accomplished the creation of a few deluxe new restaurants for the city. ELENA we were told is listed in the top 50 restaurants in South America currently (12/26/13), so we decided to stop in for a taste!

An Irish Coffee was in order for the occasion and they did not disappoint!

A contemporary play on French cuisine, we stopped in here late morning on a Sunday for Brunch.

Stopped in to What A Bagel! for a quick lunch. It’s a popular spot for folks working in the Toronto fashion district as it’s top quality food and fast service.

They have an extensive list of sandwich (on a bagel) and salad (with a bagel) options! I went with the arugula salad topped with chicken (sans bagel) and my friend tried the burger with sweet potato fries.

It’s a casual spot but worth a stop if you’re in the need of a quick bite to eat! Also if you’re from the states you’ll be able to take advantage of their wifi to stay connected with e-mail and online travel plans.

Table side discussions also revealed if you visit on your birthday with proof of ID you’ll walk out with a dozen bagels of your choice!

Victor restaurant was a pleasant surprise for my stay at Hotel Le Germain in Toronto, it really held up to the five star experience the hotel gives.

They offer a tasting menu and al la carte, as well, if you are headed to the theater they have an option that will give you the full experience with a faster turn around.

We ended up ordering a few options across the menu so we could have a variety of tastes throughout the evening.

‘Little Portugal’ Lobster and Chicken Cataplana, chorizo, rice and saffron

‘Les Miserables’ Duck Breas ‘Al’Orange’ Pomme fondant and carrots.

Sushi Pizza 2013! Sashimi, lobster salad, roe, avocado, crisp rice and wasabi-miso dressing.

Seasonal Vegetable Casserole

The night finished with a tasty takeaway left by our waiter of caramel covered popcorn squares.

The space is small and gets really busy as the night goes on, I highly recommend making a reservation at Victor Restaurant in Toronto’s Hotel Le Germain so you can ensure you’ll be able to get in.

Luma in Toronto is an Oliver and Bonacini restaurant that I stopped into for lunch this past October.

The restaurant is located on the second floor of what looks like a cinema, there is a huge video displayed on an open white wall as you enter the complex. Find the stars on the right of the entrance and walk up, you’ll then find  LUMA!

The food and experience at the restaurant were top notch even though we stepped in just before lunch closed for the day.We were welcomed with open arms and a pleasant smile, the fresh prepared organic food that followed was delicious.

Our lunch consisted of the calamari and scallop special:

And the Mushroom flatbread with the soup of the day.

Both hit the spot and I would highly recommend stopping into LUMA for a meal or a drink if you have an hour to fill and an empty stomach!

Since the renovation of the Pump Room Public Chicago, we’ve been a handful of times to experience the new space and taste the work of restauranteur Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This spot is sure to deliver a great scene with delicious food and phenomenal service. The Pump Room in Chicago has an extensive history for celeb spotting.

Be sure to start with a glass of wine or a cocktail, the selection was deluxe.

For appetizers try the Tuna Tartar, Salmon Crispy Sushi Rice with Chipotle Aioli or the Pretzel Dusted Calamari, all were delicious and didn’t last long enough to get a picture of. Every dish we had was fantastic, for an Entree it’s really up to your preference, the menu for the Pump Room has a great selection that won’t leave you disappointed.

pump room entrance from Public hotel lobby.

Cocktail Menu at Pump Room ~ Try the Moscow Mule!

Since BLT Steak is in the Ritz Carlton adjacent to the El San Juan Hotel where the Caribbean DanceSport Classic is held, we stopped in for a late dinner at the bar.

They had a limited wine list by glass, but we found something to accommodate the wife.

Vegetable chopped salad and huge baked potato, they were both absolutely wonderful!

Potato before

Potato after

Hanger steak was average and a little tough, they didn’t get my request right to not include the butter… Have to say this was not as good as the one at our local the Navy Yard Bistro in Charlestown, MA!

Tried the Old  Harbour Pale Ale.

Checkout the menu and make a reservation at BLT Steak San Juan Puerto Rico. It seems the best part of BLT Steak San Juan were the vegetables, who would have guessed!

We stopped in to Budatai for a tasting lunch after a long walk from our hotel back in June. This restaurant has a doorman at the front and is surround by high class shops such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton.

They serve Asian Fusion dishes and have a great rose champagne by the glass. 

There is an outside covered patio, we sat out here and watch the gay pride parade march by during our lunch, what a great view!

I highly recommend stopping in at Budatai San Juan, it’s a funky space with great food and staff, they even have Creme Brulee!

Make a reservation at Budatai to make sure you get a table! Valet parking is available if you’re driving.

After a long walk from our hotel the El San Juan Hotel & Resort we ended our day at a nice French restaurant Trois Cent Onze in Old San Juan.

They have Moët for $15 a glass.

We grabbed a scallop and tartar appetizers to hold us over until dinner:

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The space had a french feel with a contemporary edge, the light bulbs at Trois Cent Onze gave a nice twist.

Checkout  311 ~ Trois Cent Onze  the next time you’re in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico