Restaurant & Bar Reviews

Do not let the strange location of this restaurant fool you( it is on the top level of the South Coast Plaza). It is my fav place to eat in the Irvine/Costa Mesa area

It features 2 outside eating areas.(this one is actually in the mall)

This one is inside the restaurant walls but actually the roof opens up.( confusing at first but after a few drinks it will all make sense)

The bar is small but very well stocked and the bartenders have always been excellent on each visit .

The main seating area is right next to an open kitchen.

The food is excellent. I have never had anything that I did not really enjoy.

The bone marrow an tataki were both excellent.

Coq au vin simply magnifique.

John Dorey is a fish and was excellent.( I thought he played for Huddersfield )

For dessert it is definately off to Hungary.

We actually started and finished in Hungary .
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Buckhead is the ritziest suburb of Atlanta.Paces 88 is located in the St Regis hotel.

Paces 88 is a very upscale American Bistro .

I was there for lunch and there was a vegan option not shown on the main menu.

I did not have a starter but went with an Irish coffee. Nothing special here but the presentation was very nice.

Steak frites was also very good.

Lobster BLT was ok but nothing to write home about.

If the weather is good try the outside patio. Very cool.
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This Ritz is located on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.

This ritz is actually very modern inside but the Atlanta Grill is very traditional both inside and out.

The place to eat is this outside balcony right on peachtree street. It is very amusing as some of the locals are very colorful .

Inside the atmosphere is what you would expect at the Ritz.

The Irish coffee was excellent.

The beer menu was quite extensive.

I plumped for the beer tasting menu. Very good.

We visited mid afternoon so the menu was a bit limited.

Steak frites was very basic but excellent.
So nothing out of the ordinary but everything that you would expect from the Ritz brand.
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The salty and sweet nibbles that are put out at the bar are some of the best in Boston, you could consider coming in for a drink just for this deluxe selection. I started the night with a glass of Sankity Light, a local beer that hits the spot, when you don’t want something to heavy or to light.

I always start with the Tuna Tartar (one that I consider to be the best in Boston)

The Sea Bass is presented in a light sauce that lingers in your mouth, urging you to ask for more!

Market has a happening lounge and restaurant scene, I highly recommend making a reservation at Market in Boston for any occasion!

Woodward is a happening spot for tasty food with an old feel, it is named for a tavern once housed in the Ames family home, Woodward is a modern-day tavern that incorporates local fresh foods and a dynamic beverage selection.

“Located at 1 Court Street and Washington Mall in downtown Boston, the Ames Building was designed by the architectural firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge in Richardsonian Romanesque and paid for by Frederick L. Ames. It is the second tallest masonry load bearing-wall structure in the world, exceeded only by the Monadnock Building in Chicago, completed that same year.” (Quoted from Wikipedia)

I started with the Steak Tartar (topped with an egg, not a usual choice for me but the dish was delicious none the less)

The Simple greens salad was topped with pumpkin seeds, cucumber, dill yogurt and a cider vinaigrette, fantastic!

Also at the table we tried the Steamed mussels, pork belly, fennel, garlic and Woodward Ale! Unforgettable!

This is a common stop for us when we have people in town and want to show them a comfortable setting with deluxe food and as dressy as you want to make it. I highly recommend stopping into Woodward at the Ames hotel if you are in Boston.

This branch of the Oliver and Bonacini group is located in the financial district of Toronto. The restaurant consists of a bar, sidewalk cafe, restaurant and outside covered dining area.

Light fixtures in bar are really funky.

Outside was also very pleasant.

Tuna was very good.

So was the salmon .
I also had brunch here which was excellent.
Once again the staff at all the restaurants I visited in Toronto were really good and mostly very funny. The guys here were great.
I will definately go back if I find myself in Toronto again.
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As in Buenos Aires ,Gusto , which opened in Feb 2012 is located in an old auto body repair shop.

The restaurant is located on 2 levels . Downstairs has an outside patio and indoor dining. Upstairs is totally open air.

The food while not gourmet was very good.

Octopus was very tasty .

Beef tartar was served with figs and was very different but very tasty.
The place is extremely hip and it seems that dress code is whatever you want.
I really enjoyed the place and re staff were excellent.
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Juvia is actually located in the funkiest car-park I have ever seen. It is located at the end of Lincoln Road that is furthest away from the beach.It features
Inside and outside dining.

Hard to describe the atmosphere. It is cool and funky but really feels like an upmarket beach bar/restaurant. Now do not take this the wrong way the place is fantastic and you could wear your tux or shorts( actually don’t know if there is a dress code) and be totally comfortable here.
So what about the food. It was fantastic. Everything we had was excellent and the prices while not cheap were not outrageous.

Cerviche

Salmon rolls.

Tuna

Lamb chops

Short ribs.
Once again make this one of your first stops on your next Miami visit.

I suggest before you leave grab a mojito and savor the night time beach view.

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Bar Boulud is located in the Mandarin
Oriental in Knightsbridge directly opposite Harvey Nichols.

I was here for lunch and was amazed how the gluton free bread tatsted.

Starters were excellent especially the country pate.

Coq au vin and salmon entrees were really good.

Dessert which was sorbet also hit the spot

This is a very civilized place to spend a lunch time.
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Fig and Olive in Melrose Place is the latest offshoot of the famous NewYork
eaterie.It is well worth checking out the neighborhood as Melrose Place is really happening at the moment.

Decor is very cool and the outside tasting bar looks like a fun place to hang out.

Food was excellent.

Tuna carpaccio was so good nearly forgot to take a photo.

Tuna and scallop salad was also great.

Veal wonderful

So was the Branzini.

Coffee great as well.
2 thumbs up To make a reservation