Restaurant & Bar Reviews

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

To get a taste of Old San Juan in an open air space tryout El Picoteo in El Convento Hotel. The restaurant along with two others is located in a “landmark monument to the Conquistador Age, Hotel El Convento in San Juan, Puerto Rico showcases a timeless aura of Old World charm and splendor. Befitting its origins as a Carmelite convent 356 years ago, with a loving restoration of Spanish Colonial architecture and design…”

This is a must stop for the architecture and to feel like you’ve experienced Old San Juan! Try the Sangria at Picoteo in El Convento along with a taste from their wide selection of appetizers.

Checkout details of all three restaurants at the El Convento Hotel website.

Who would have thought the local movement would hit Puerto Rico?  It has and with over the top taste and service that you can experience first hand at 1919 Restaurant in San Juan Puerto Rico! This newly renovated spot is in the Vanderbilt Hotel and will deliver an experience to remember.

1919 Restaurant was recommended to us by our contact at the Hotel El San Juan, thankfully we both ended up getting dressed up otherwise we probably would have felt out of place (it was only suggested business casual.)

The service boarded on what we have received at spots like L’ESPALIER in Boston, very fine and exceptional food! It doesn’t stop there though, the food is locally sourced and organic when possible which kept the wife happy.

Everything was delicious, the service was impeccable and we found out they do an express style lunch for business type traffic during the day, so if you’re not up for an evening out, take a taste during lunch hour! The two dishes that stand out from our order; Scallops (the broth was fantastic) and the Tuna Tartar had a unique rice wafer.

Make a reservation at 1919 Restaurant in San Juan

CONDADO VANDERBILT HOTEL : SAN JUAN : PORTO RICO : 787.724.1919

Asia de Cuba is one of my fav places to eat in Los Angeles.
Located in the funky Mondrian hotel it offers inside and outside dining.

The food is Cuban fusion and is outstanding.

Calamari salad is the signature starter and is a must. It is a big portion so can be shared.

Tuna pica is also excellent.

The view of LA is incredible .

The mojitos are very good as well. Especially the mango .

Salmon was great.

So was Cuban chicken.

The steak was so good that I forgot to photograph it before I started eating.

The wild decor almost has an Alice in Wonderland feel.

While this is not a cheap place it is definately worth a visit.
To make a reservation