Restaurant Reviews

How to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant?

2009-11-04T03:39:00.005-08:00

The ability to attract and maintain customers is essential to the success of a restaurant. You need a constant flow of customers coming into your restaurant on a daily basis. Just posting an 'Open' sign in the front window is not enough to attract customers. You need to have a strategy to bring in customers.

The following are a number of tips to attract customers to your restaurant:

1. Market Your Restaurant: There are a number of different things you can do to market your restaurant. You can market at nearby hotels, motels, and other accommodations. You can provide a discount coupon for hotel guests. Use local flyers and newspapers to advertise special discounts. Hand out restaurant menus in public places or though the mail. You can also sponsor different events such as sporting or charity functions. You can also enter your staff in a charity event. The publicity will be very beneficial. Holding contests such as the chance to win a meal or gift certificate will attract customers.

2. Food: The food you serve is a key element to attracting and keeping customers. Make your dishes unique and stand apart from the other restaurants. Quality at a reasonable price is essential. Because more people are embracing a healthy life, offer some healthy dishes. Try serving samples in public areas such as supermarkets. As well, hand out a menu flyer with the samples.

3. Staff: It is essential to hire vibrant, friendly, and hard working staff. They are on the front lines of the restaurant and reflect the restaurants vision. Customers will return to a restaurant that has great staff. Colors and decorations should be appealing.

4. Restaurant Atmosphere: Make sure your restaurant is warm and inviting. The restaurant should be clean, including the bathrooms. The temperature should be comfortable and the seating should be relaxing and comfy. A dirty table should be cleaned and reset quickly.

5. Special Deals: It is important to offer special deals regularly, even daily. This will keep the customers returning. You can even often free appetizers such as bread, chips, or finger foods. You can also have special such as a free meal on one's birthday.

6. Gift Certificates: A gift certificate is a great way to acquire new customers. They also make for great gifts for such holidays as Christmas. Make sure you have an expiry date on the certificate.

7. Customer Loyalty Programs: Loyalty programs are a great way to build a customer base. You can send out newsletters, special deals only for them, coupons, or a complimentary meal deal such as a buy 2 get 1 free meal. You can also send out a discount offer on a new menu item. Acquiring customer emails is a great way to keep in contact with them.

A restaurant's success depends on the volume of customers coming through its doors. It is important that you implement a plan that shows customers that their patronage is appreciated and valued. Actively promoting your restaurant will result in long term success.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt

Fifties Diners Then and Now

2009-11-04T03:39:00.003-08:00

Fifties-style diners remain popular today as a nostalgic style, but just after the end of World War II, they were actually considered the latest new thing. If you remember eating in a diner in the fifties, you probably remember sodas served in a classic Coke glass, home-cooked style meals, and warm apple pie for dessert. Outside the diner would sit the cars driven there by teenage boys on dates and fathers bringing the family for a meal, classic 1950s hot rods in turquoise and chrome. These cars would become so well-loved that they would even inspire pedal-car versions for their owners' children. Fifties diners incorporated chrome and steel in a "space age" design, and vinyl seats in turquoise, mint green, and cherry red. Over the jukebox played the hottest new rock n' roll hits as teenagers sipped on milkshakes and families ate hamburgers.

The classic diner in the 1950s was actually built in a factory, and then transported to its location in sections. These midcentury diners were characterized by their counters with tall stools and the booths where countless teenagers visited on date night. Diners were known for large portions, friendly service, and a comfortable and relaxed environment. Fifties-style diners are a uniquely American idea, although the idea of a diner restaurant actually goes back to the nineteenth century, when they were designed after railroad cars, albeit without the chrome and Formica styling of the classic 1950s diner. New materials developed during the World War II timeframe, like stainless steel, gave the fifties diner its unique "modern" appearance.

Unfortunately, this classic dining establishment is slowly disappearing, being replaced by fast food joints and brick-sided restaurants as the "space age" design style used for fifties diners has been overtaken by more current styles. According to one study, today there are only half as many diners in the United States as there were in the 1950s. Those that still exist may not have their original shiny chrome exteriors, vinyl bench seats, and Formica countertops that you remember from diners half a century ago. Unfortunately, like so many classic touches of the 1950s, the diner is no longer as prevalent as it once was, although it is still popular with fans that remember the diner at the height of its popularity or enjoy its now-retro ambience.

The atmosphere in a fifties-style diner today is a throwback to a simpler time; diners from the fifties still operating today are known for their pie and coffee; many still have an old-fashioned jukebox where you can find rock and roll songs from decades past. Today, fifties diners can still be spotted with their original styling both inside and out. Come on in for a traditional meal of coffee, milk shakes, hot food and pie. It sure is a treat, whether you're old enough to remember diners back in the 1950's or just love the retro styling. The diner was a popular hangout during the 1950s, and today it still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many, just like pedal cars and rock and roll. If you like the retro look, you can even decorate your home with diner-style booths and Formica tables with chrome legs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_P_Clark

Best Way to Get Your "Chopsticks" on Chinese Restaurant Supplies

2009-11-04T03:39:00.001-08:00

In the Chinese culture, food has always been one of the most important aspects. Like the old saying goes, "Food is the first necessity of the people." The Chinese have a strong belief in this saying, in fact, the usual greeting between two friends when meeting tends to be "Have you eaten?" rather than "How are you?" Literally everywhere in China, you can easily spot Chinese restaurants and food kiosks regardless if the town is big or small. In actual fact, Chinese restaurants are commonly found in cities all over the world. People from around the world, with different ethnic backgrounds, have learned to appreciate the Chinese culture and their delicious yet nutritious foods.

With that said, opening up a Chinese restaurant can be very lucrative. However, competition will be fierce. Just like in China, you'll probably find a Chinese restaurant just around the corner from where you live (no matter where your location is...I bet!). It will be difficult to open and actually survive against the current odds that are not in your favor. However, that's all going to change once I reveal your competitive advantage. It's quite simple actually. You need to find the perfect online Chinese restaurant supplier.

So many restaurant owners today are not web savvy and are very traditional. Repeatedly, they have been going to the same vendors for all their supplies and equipment without even considering a more cost effective solution. Granted, the owner might be getting great deals and plus the trust and loyal factor plays in. But it is almost a guarantee you will find a wider array of products, even better products at unbeatable prices online. As a restaurant owner, it is your responsibility to promote productivity and improve profit margins on a consistent basis. Relying on steady sales and repeat customers will not secure your job. You need to cut expenses and find better solutions for your restaurant needs. Searching online for your restaurant supplier will do the trick.

Also keep in mind, there might be cases where the "trustworthy" vendors take advantage of their loyal customer and charge more. This is not a rare occasion; I've seen this happen plenty of times. It's sad to say, but a lot of vendors do take advantage of their customers. Truth be told, I'm not going to be right in all cases. To ensure all fairness, you could use the web to do some research on your current products and their prices, which is another great reason on why you should use online Chinese restaurant suppliers.

Starting up a Chinese restaurant can be a weary task. Where would you find the right products and equipment that fits best with your offering? Finding Chinese food products and equipment can be a daunting task for anyone without the web at their disposal. Another plus side about choosing a supplier online is you can find niche suppliers, in this case, a Chinese restaurant supplier, without the hassle of flipping pages, scrimmaging with papers and contact numbers. You can easily filter out and narrow your search simply by typing down your search query on a major search engine and let it do all the work. Hit enter, then PRESTO! You'll have the list before your very own eyes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._E._Seoh

Dining on Vacations - How to Find a Local Restaurant

2009-11-04T03:38:00.001-08:00

The new and different foods make dining at a restaurant while on vacation a real treat. When you travel to a new location, you are not familiar with the area which can make finding a good restaurant difficult. You do not want to end up eating at a place that may not have the best standards so it is important to know how to find a quality restaurant.

The following is guide on how to find a local restaurant when on vacation:

1. Tourist guide books are a great source of information for locating a great restaurant. Most guide books will have restaurant reviews or ratings. Most hotels carry local guide books, but if they don't, check at the local library or tourist centre.

2. Hotel employees are a valuable resource when searching for excellent local attractions because they are usually locals. They should know where the good restaurants are located. As well, if you are looking for a particular type of restaurant such as Italian or Greek, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

3. The actual local residents will be able to provide you with information about good restaurants. Such locals you can ask include retail employees, bus driver, taxi driver, and even people walking along the street. They should also be able to tell you about prices and the type of restaurant.

4. The internet is a great source of restaurant information. You can find a number of sites listing reviews, ratings, they type of food served, popular dishes, and more. There are some sites that allow customers to post their own reviews.

5. Another way of locating a restaurant is to do a walk through the area. If you come across a restaurant, check the quality by walking in and looking around to see how clean it is. Look at the floors, walls, and tables to see if there is any dirt. Look to see how many people are dining which is a good indication of its popularity. You may want to go into the bathroom to see how clean and well-kept it is. You can also take a quick glance at the meals the customers are eating. Note the appearance of the food and if the diners seem to be enjoying the meal. Ask to see a menu. If the servers have sloppy and dirty uniforms, you may want to keep looking. The appearance of the restaurant and how well it is maintained is a good indication about the quality of the food.

6. Check the local media such as newspapers and television. Restaurants tend to advertise in these mediums. Local television ads tend to highlight food descriptions and even show pictures of dishes. Pamphlets, brochures, and coupon books are also a great source of restaurant information.

A vacation is a great time to get away from the stresses of life and relax and be pampered. Dining at a restaurant is one of the many great features of taking a vacation. In order to ensure that all of your meals will be delicious, take the time to learn how to find the best restaurants in your destination area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_E._Nutt

Pizza Hut Review

2009-09-10T23:27:00.003-07:00

Pizza Hut to me and my family is something of a staple. They've been in operation over 50 years now, and I've been a patron for 30 of those years. Forget Zwieback Teething Toast, I cut my teeth on Pizza Hut pizza crust. For about 10 years straight, Friday nights in my house were Pizza Hut night complete with a large pepperoni and extra cheese crust.

For a while, I'll admit - I strayed. My body's needs changed and I desired a lighter, thinner crust. For those times, another famous pizza chain fit the bill. For a long while, I cleaned up my eating habits and saw pizza as the enemy and accordingly I stayed away. Since having married however, I have been drawn back in by a husband who is as married to Pizza Hut pizza as I once was.

Pizza Hut is probably best well-known for their pan pizza - named so because it is baked in a deep-dish pan. Its crust is thick, golden brown, crispy and glazed with a light coating of oil which, although perhaps not the best choice for healthy cholesterol, is irresistible in its crispy crackly texture.

Recently, I've reignited a love affair I once had with the salad bar that is available in most full-service Pizza Hut restaurants. I've always been a healthy consumer of vegetables thanks to constant offerings at the dinner table while I was growing up, but in recent years as I've uncovered all the health benefits of consuming fresh foods from nature, I've become somewhat obsessed and now crave vegetables as much as I sometimes crave chocolate.

Now, one of my favorite things to do with my husband is have dinner at our local Pizza Hut. He fills up on pizza and bread sticks. I gorge myself on lettuce, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, cheese and a drizzle of dressing. Then I enjoy a slice or two of pepperoni pizza. That way I get the best of everything - fresh vegetable great for my health, cheesy irresistible pizza and a fully satisfied belly.

Pizza Hut's most recent transformation has been a highly publicized offering of pastas. Am I crazy, or does anyone else remember that Pizza Hut has always had spaghetti and ziti on the menu? OK, I understand - they're offering NEW pastas, and they want to make sure we know about it. Point taken.

Among the new pasta offerings are a rotini in a marina meat sauce, a chicken Alfredo, and a mac and cheese with bacon.

In my humble opinion, they are all delicious although I have to say the Alfredo chicken with its smooth, subtle cheese flavor is probably my favorite. The meaty marina has a somewhat spicy kick which is exciting on the taste buds, and the mac and cheese is creamy with a rich mouth-feel.

All of the pastas are baked, and come to the table with a lovely crust of golden baked cheesy deliciousness.

When delivered, an aluminum tin nestled inside a cardboard box keeps them hot and tasty until they reach your door. If you're a regular consumer of take-out, pasta delivered to your door is a great alternative to having pizza delivered.

Pizza Hut has come a long way from the dark wood paneling of 20 years ago. They are emerging with a new image to meet the demands of a new generation, and if they keep turning out great pizza, fresh salad and terrific pasta, I pledge that future generations of my family will also get the chance to cut their teeth on a nice, thick pizza crust (and maybe a piece of broccoli for a well-balanced nosh).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Melone

Culinary Atlanta - Two Urban Licks

2009-09-10T23:27:00.001-07:00

When one thinks of culinary Atlanta, one imagines traditional Southern cuisine: shrimp and grits, pit barbecue, turnip greens with fatback, and pecan pie. But that is a narrow representation of Atlanta's diverse culinary offerings. Culinary Atlanta also offers a wide variety of more urban, modern cuisine. Some of these offerings include new variations on old favorites, while other dishes reflect the diverse cultures of an ever changing population.

One restaurant that has received much deserved attention is Two Urban Licks (820 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, Ga 30306; 404-522-4622). Since its opening in 2004, this revamped warehouse has been nominated for several awards, including Best Place to Take an Out of Towner. Chef Scott Serpas' salmon chips have also been featured on ABCs daytime talk show, The View. The restaurant is noted for "fiery American cooking," live blues performances, and small plates perfect for sharing or for enjoying solo. The unique wine wall, which stands 26 feet tall, holds over 40 stainless steel barrels and dispenses wine through a gravity-flow pouring system. Fruit- infused cocktails also hang from the rafters, adding an interesting flare. In addition to the main dining room, guests can dine in the courtyard or the patio. "This bluesy high-end grill is the ultimate hidden-in-plain-sight jewel." (Conde Nast Traveler Hot List)

The menu features savory entrees that reflect traditional Southern ingredients and recipes, but within an updated twist. The popular salmon chips are loaded with short smoked salmon, chipotle cream cheese, capers, and red onion. Another highlight is executive chef Cameron Thompson's fried chicken served with grilled corn slaw and chipotle honey mustard. Fried green tomatoes are dressed up with shrimp tarter sauce. The seafood lover will enjoy pan seared snapper served with a sweet potato purée, bell pepper confit, and basil vinaigrette. Also popular are the bronzed scallops with Gouda grits, smoked tomato broth, and Pico de Gallo.

Diners who enjoy the traditional tastes of culinary Atlanta will relish the peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream or the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Executive pastry chef Jonathan St. Hilaire shows his playful side with his wide assortment of cupcakes and ice cream. Other crowd pleasers are the banana chocolate bread pudding soaked in vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate mousse.

Whether dining with a friend or an entire party, Two Urban Licks is a great option for anyone who wants a hip and updated taste of traditional culinary Atlanta.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Meinert

Dining Out in Tunbridge Wells

2009-09-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

When looking for a restaurant to eat at in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, there are a huge number of options to choose from.

Your decision will be based on many different factors, such as price, style, atmosphere and location. In this article, I will highlight some of the better options.

If you are looking for a lively dining experience , then your best bet would be to book a table at Zapata. This Mexican restaurant at the south end of the Pantiles is a great place to start a Friday or a Saturday night. Always a lively atmosphere and it's location is perfect for heading out to the various pubs and bars along the Pantiles.

Zapata offers indoor and outdoor dining so if the weather is good, you can catch the final rays of the lowering summer sun.

Inside, the decor is charming. Mexican souvenirs and artifacts line the walls and the ambiance is added to by the soft lighting and background music, which adds to the Mexican theme.

The food at Zapata, as the theme implies, is Mexican and Spanish, offering staple dishes such as Burritos, Tacos, Paella and a number of other Mexican classics. Already had dinner? Not a problem, you can get your fix of Cerveza and Tequila based cocktails at the bar.

Woods, also on the Pantiles, and less than a minute walk from Zapata, offers a more British dining experience. Owned and run by the Wood family, they are open for food and drink throughout the year.

The atmosphere here is much more relaxed than at Zapata. Outdoor seating is also available for you to enjoy the seasonal menu featuring dishes such as Hot Smoked Salmon Fillet with Pickled Cucumber, Horseradish Créme Fraiche and New Potatoes; Breast of Chicken on a Warm Salad of New Potatoes, Crispy Bacon and Rocket with Chili and Mint Yogurt; and Potted Crab with Gooseberry Compote and Mixed Seed Toast.

Woods caters for all your dining needs, from snacks and brunch, all the way to a full Sunday lunch.

Sandwiched in between Zapata and Woods on the Pantiles, you will find the Grey Lady. The Grey Lady acts as a late night drinks venue as well as a restaurant with the music lounge above the restaurant. The music lounge features regular live acts keeping you entertained with Jazz, Blues, Soul and just about every other genre.

The restaurant features a sophisticated menu with dishes such as; Gambas con Chorizo - Prawns with Spicy Sausage served with Cherry Tomatoes & Rocket; Pato Con Peras - Pan-fried Breast of Duck with baked Pears & Cinnamon Sauce; and Fish Trio - Halibut, Monkfish & Salmon with a Basil & Cream Sauce. The house specialty is "A la Piedra" - Traditional Portuguese style of cooking fish on a granite stone at your table.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rodney_Munch

Celebrate Your Day in Style in the Restaurants of NYC

2009-08-23T08:52:00.001-07:00

Some of the restaurants in New York are the best restaurants in the entire universe. People from all over the world come to this country being attracted by the superb restaurants. It is always known that the nightlife of New York City is famous all over the world and the restaurants are one of the main reasons that make the nightlife so happening. The amazing thing about all these restaurants is that they stay open late. The restaurants in NYC are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion be it any birthday party or a simple place to relax. These restaurants remain over loaded with people late at night as New Yorkers make reservations late at night.

Some of the most classy and stylish restaurants in New York City have always witnessed a huge range of big celebs. These restaurants are the coolest places to hang out amid the locals as well as the tourists. Some of the best and most stylish restaurants in New York are as follows:

Sapa: If having fun is all you desire, then Sapa is the best restaurant for you. The fresh flowers add a lot of beauty to the dining room of this restaurant. Steak frites is the most relishing food which is offered in this restaurant which will surely make your day very stylish and yummy!

Gramercy Tavern: It is amid the best restaurants in New York City. It is the most apt place to roan around with friends very late at night. The superb dishes, excellent ambiance and the slow soothing music in this restaurant makes it one the classic restaurants in NYC.

Tao, Buddha Bar and Lattanzi are also some more classic and stylish restaurants in New York City which are amid the favorite destinations of the people in NYC. The tourist who visit this place also love to visit these restaurants as visiting all these restaurants is actually a superb experience.

Thus, if you plan to visit New York City or thinking about any stylish place to celebrate then these restaurants should be the first thing to think. The decors and the service in these restaurants make your day really more exciting and memorable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_S

For Tasty Italian in Issaquah, Look No Further

2009-08-23T08:51:00.002-07:00

I grew up in Issaquah, and I thought I knew every restaurant Issaquah had to offer, but I had never heard of Amante until about a week ago. Issaquahs Amante is located in a cute European-style building on Locust Street, and is fairly well hidden from the heavy traffic cruising down Gilman Boulevard. The interior is small and cozy with only a dozen or so tables, but a courtyard also contains a couple more.

On a quiet evening, my two friends and I were shown a spot by the window by our friendly server. The first thing that struck each of us was the extensive menu. Amante offers 17 salads; 30 pizzas; six calzones; 10 hot oven grinders (such as turkey or roast beef entres); nine hot sandwiches; 28 pastas; and 12 desserts. The menu even features a low-carb section with six more entres. Amante also allows guests to create their own pizzas and calzones by picking and choosing their own ingredients. Sizes for pizzas range from 10 inches to 18 inches. Entres range from about $7 to close to $30 (mostly for the extra large pizzas).

However, most entres run between $9 and $15. . Everything on the menu looked quite delicious, and after coming to terms with the fact we could not possibly eat everything on the menu in one sitting, we made our selections. I order the chicken penne pasta. I received an entre of grilled chicken, artichoke hearts and garlic, all lathered in pesto sauce. The meal was beyond delicious and quite possibly some of the best Italian cuisine Ive ever eaten.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcia_Berrys

Red Lobster Menu Recommendations and Printable Coupons

2009-08-23T08:51:00.001-07:00

Red Lobster is one of my favorite restaurants, although I haven't eaten there in a long time. However, a friend of mine recently gave me a coupon and told me that the restaurant has just added 3 new Mediterranean flavored dishes to their already mouthwatering menu.

My friend shared her experience trying the Mediterranean-Grilled Lobster and Shrimp. She found it both yummy and filling. Being very weight-conscious, she felt like a pregnant woman just halfway through her lobster, but she forced herself to chow down every last bit of food.

I, on the other hand, tried one of the new dishes for myself last weekend. I purchased the Garlic-Cream Shrimps and Scallops. I sat with my back facing the kitchen, but I could smell the rich aroma of the dish as the waiter was bringing it towards me.

My sense of sight agreed with my sense of smell as the dish arrangement was nothing but indicative of first-class cuisine. I couldn't wait to devour the whole thing-- and that's exactly what I did. Fork in hand, I methodically poked the shrimps and scallops and led them to my delighted taste buds one delicious piece at a time.

My friend and I are already planning to have dinner there next weekend. After all, we still have one more dish to try. But, why go back so soon? The new menu is only being offered for a short period of time, so we just have to try it before its gone forever.

The food is so good, but what if I told you that there's a way to buy these delicacies at a discounted price?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erika_Ayala

Incredible Shrinking Food - Where's the Burger?

2009-08-15T07:23:00.003-07:00

Has anyone else noticed that food is shrinking? It adds a whole new meaning to cutting back or moving away from the table." Let's just say the economy is not just reducing what Americans eat on a daily basis, restaurants have joined in downsizing America too. The food, plates, cups and glasses are shrinking. You don't even get a glass of water from the waitress unless you ask for it. What's up with that?

Today just about every menu has "minis" those tiny burgers served with fries or onion strings. And it doesn't stop there; we have mini turkey burgers, mini fish sandwiches, is there anything that doesn't come as a mini? Menus are expanding offering a two for one entree loaded with tiny bites of food cut into cubes. What will they come up with next, dessert shooters? Oh, that's right; the neighborhood restaurant joint already has them. Is it just me or are the cups at Starbucks shrinking again? A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association reported that miniature desserts will be a new product in the future. The idea of large gaudy desserts is going to be a thing of the pass. What will Americans do?

The solution is to pull out your little black book and start jotting down the names and numbers of those famous home-based bakers. You know those ladies, at the church or at school, who are known for their Key Lime Pound cake, double Dutch fudge brownies and buttermilk pie. We are stepping back in time to the good old days when life was simple and good food had nothing to do with a television commercial. I think a lot of this good old fashioned nostalgia got buried in living a hurry-up lifestyle. It's going to be hard for many to understand and acknowledge but those days are over. We are being forced back to the good old days, when you paid cash for everything, your neighbor left a bag of tomatoes from his garden on the back porch and you poured fresh squeezed juice in Popsicle molds to make treats for the children.

Is that really such a bad thing? The idea of having a technology driven world that gives you information at the blink of an eye, but makes you wait for the cow to be milked appears a bit bizarre, but we may be heading that way. There was a time when you could only drink a 6.5 ounce contour bottle of Coke. A homemade pound cake served 12-16 folks and a heaping tablespoon of home-made ice cream was considered icing on the cake. Wow, have times changed.

The whole idea of food shrinking is not such a bad thing; the horror comes from the prices being attached to these bite sized morsels of sustenance. Personally I think it all started with Tapas, a brilliant way to charge disgustingly sinful amounts of money for bits of food, but that's for another time. Well, it's to late now and given the choice between "shrinking food" and doing it myself, I now choose "DIY." I will make homemade pizza dough and leave the soda alone substituting good ole time "fresh squeezed" lemonade. Enough is enough. When do we stand up and say, what was so eloquently chanted by Howard Beale (Peter Finch) in "Network;" "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this any more?" Unfortunately, not today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denay_Davis

Sitar Indian Cuisine - Traditional Yet Modern

2009-08-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

"Traditional Indian cuisine with a modern touch," is an apt motto for Sitar Indian Cuisine on Colorado Boulevard in the Playhouse District.

"It's just simple, natural cooking, with traditional values," says owner/general manager Aman Kamboj. The modern touches come from the zen-like music played throughout the restaurant, the warm decor and their full bar complete with mango martinis, Indian wines and beers.

Their menu is derived from Punjab cuisine with influences from Southern India. Tandoori, lamb, chicken and seafood specialties share space on the menu with many vegetarian dishes.

I chose the Sitar Special with samosas, tandoori chicken, lamb boti kabab, chicken korma,vegetable aloo gobhi, basmati rice, garlic naan and rice pudding. My companion indulged in his favorite dish of lamb biryani.

A word about spice. It is a common misconception that all Indian food is hot-spicy. This is not so. The heat comes from a few ingredients that make up the whole and can be controlled in the final cooking of the dish. Since Sitar makes all their food when ordered they can control the amount of spiciness to your taste.

"So our food might take a little longer to come out, but at the end of the day it's fairly gourmet. And so we have the luxury, depending on the guest's palette, to make it mild, medium or spicy," adds Aman.

I opted for medium, my spice-impaired companion had it mild.

The tandoori chicken was tender with the smoky taste of the tandoori oven that mingled with the yogurt-spice marinade. Lamb morsels also cooked in the tandoori oven, were touched by a marinade of herbs and spices.

The chicken korma which is a creamy sauce garnished with almonds and cashews, was light and delicate.

Fresh vegetables studded the aloo gobhi which was sautéed with ginger, tomatoes and spices. I'll eat my vegetables anytime they are cooked like this.

The lamb biryani, which is a Mogul dish, had tender pieces of marinated lamb in bastmati rice that was flavored with saffron and studded with nuts, raisins, onions and bell peppers. A hint of heat added to the appeal of this dish.

Sitar also has banquet facilities for 250 people next door to the restaurant, conference rooms above the restaurant and their very own parking. Currently they provide conference support for many of the larger companies around town. And if it's a celebration you're after, Sitar can provide it at a lower cost than the hotels. That's because they have so many services available to them like the lighting, DJs, live music, and florists. "I want you to come happy and leave happier," says Aman.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candice_Merrill

Union Oyster House - Boston's Oldest Restaurant, and Still One of the Best

2009-08-15T07:22:00.001-07:00

Do you love historic restaurants with lots of ambiance and great food? If so, you'll want to try Union Oyster House in Boston, located right around the corner from the historic Freedom Trail in one of the oldest parts of the city. This beloved restaurant opened in 1826 and occupies a building that was built sometime in the 1740s, roughly 30 years before the American Revolution. Best of all, it's still one of Boston's top seafood restaurants.

Union Oyster House, originally named the "Atwood and Bacon Oyster House" after its founders, opened as part of an oyster obsession swept across the American Colonies. A New York restaurant had began serving oysters in 1763, and Colonists could not get enough of them. Oyster restaurants and bars became trendy, opening everywhere. Although most of the others closed long ago, Union Oyster House continues to satisfy Bostonians' love for oysters and other fresh seafood. In addition to now being Boston's oldest restaurant, it is also the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in the U.S.

What should you sample here? Well, the restaurant has so many things on its extensive menu that you'll have a hard time choosing, but a good place to begin is with its speciality: oysters and clams on the half shell. Try a half dozen of the native oysters, or the Cape Cod cherrystones or littlenecks. If that all sounds so good that you can't choose, order the cold seafood platter, which also includes shrimp - or even better, the hot oyster house sampler for 2 which includes grilled oysters, baked stuffed clams, oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, and shrimp scampi.

Other types of "samplers" are also available - clams casino, yummy grilled oysters (if you're not too sure about the raw form, try these), and best of all, a platter with a crab cake, fish cake, and lobster cake served over greens with an out-of-this-world roasted red pepper dressing. If you're thinking that sounds like a meal in itself, you're right - but put that thought aside because you don't want to miss out on the other great selections here.

If you ate too much from the raw bar and can't manage a full meal, you could compose a great dinner by ordering a bowl of the fabulous clam chowder or oyster stew and a fish sandwich. Add on steamers (clams) or mussels steamed in garlic and wine if you can still manage to eat another bite.

I must warn you, though - once you see the platters of main courses emerging from the kitchen, you will wish you'd skipped the starters. Union Oyster House is one of the best places in Boston to order whole live lobsters prepared by either boiling or broiling. The menu offers many other seafood options - shrimp, clams, sole, scallops, native swordfish, scrod, salmon, plus the catch of the day - fried, grilled, or broiled.

In additional, you'll find many other special lobster dishes such as Lobster Newburg, Lobster ravioli, and a Bouillabaise seafood medley. A particularly memorable offering is the spectacular Shore Dinner - lobster plus all the traditional sides. If you want to try a little of everything, go for one of the seafood platters.

After all of the seafood, you may not have room for dessert - but if you do, the Boston cream pie is very good at Union Oyster House. But if you can't manage even a bite, don't worry - just plan to come here again.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Vik

French Restaurants in Boston - 3 Top Recommendations That You'll Love

2009-08-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

Do you love delicious French food and seek out French restaurants, even when you're not in France? If so, you'll be thrilled by the number of excellent French restaurants in Boston ranging from haute cuisine to rustic bistros. Here are 3 of the top must-try places where you'll want to make reservations whenever you're in the city.

Aquitaine (569 Tremont Street) is a stylish and rather sophisticated French bistro in Boston's South End. Talented chef/owner Seth Woods uses the freshest local and New England ingredients in his flawless preparations of traditional French favorites such as duck with pommes anna, coc au vin, and steak frites. The fallen chocolate souffle cake with cognac creme anglaise is so sublime that some regulars consider skipping a main course and going straight to the dessert menu. And the wide-ranging wine list is as wonderful as the food. You'll find excellent selections from all the major regions of France, with prices ranging from affordable to splurge.

L'Espalier (774 Boylston Street, Back Bay), unabashedly pricey and always out-of-this-world wonderful, is not only one of the very best French restaurants in Boston, but also perhaps the most beautiful and romantic. This is where you'll want to come for important proposals, anniversaries, and celebrations. Menus change daily, and Chef Frank McClelland emphasizes the freshest New England and artisanal ingredients. Cheeses come from all over the world, and the wines are top-notch. The check, when it arrives, is not for the faint-hearted, but the memory of a dinner at L'Espalier is one that you'll cherish for a long, long time.

For a more down to earth experience, Sel de la Terre (255 State Street, Downtown Waterfront) features wonderful dishes inspired by Provence and Southern France. For example, you might feast on grilled lamb with licorice-scented faro, grilled tomatoes, and Vidalia onions. Or you may want to try roasted fish with tomato-avocado fondue, cannellini beans, and cucumber salad. You're sure to love the rustic homemade breads and the hearty wines. Chef Goeff Gardner spent 8 years as sous chef at L'Espalier, and the same meticulous attention to quality has made Sel de la Terre a local favorite.

Whatever French restaurant in Boston that you choose - and these 3 are just a few of the city's wonderful selections - you'll enjoy classic French cooking techniques along with the best local and regional ingredients for a fabulous meal. Bon appetit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Vik

Radius Restaurant - Excellent Modern French Cuisine in Boston

2009-08-02T07:50:00.002-07:00

Although you can find many wonderful French restaurants in Boston, Radius Restaurant (8 High Street) stands out for its sophisticated treatment of traditional and modern French dishes. Radius opened in 1999 to rave reviews, and the applause continues today. Come for one meal - or many - and you'll understand why Radius is one of the most popular French restaurants in the city.

Part of what makes Radius interesting is how it manages to appeal to a diverse group of customers. Located in Boston's Downtown Financial District, Radius Restaurant is a favorite site of business lunches where financial types feast on the crisp-fried local oysters, red snapper, and skirt steak. Look more closely, and you'll see that clams and escargot accompany the snapper, and the steak is flanked by black bean and mango salad, pickled shallots, and a special hot sauce.

By dinner time, theater-goers and French food enthusiasts arrive, and the menu shifts from bistro to more classical techniques. Oils, emulsions, and reductions infuse the food with fabulous flavors. This is a lighter approach than classic French cuisine - you won't find heavy sauces or butter-drenched dishes. Delicious New England seafood, slow-roasting techniques, and the freshest local veggies star in dishes like East Coast halibut with fennel puree, almonds, celery, and sweet Meyer lemons.

Award-winning Chef Michael Schlow changes the menu seasonally and even daily, depending on what's best in the markets. A mouth-watering daily cheese platter contains selections provided by Formaggio, Boston's premier cheese shop. And the desserts . . . just to give you a flavor, imagine an ice cream cone concoction involving a bittersweet chocolate cone, fenugreek ice cream, salted peanuts, rum-soaked currants and apricots, all laced with caramel. Or a cranberry walnut cake with warm butterscotch sauce and maple ice cream.

Radius offers 4-course and 7-course tasting menus, including vegetarian options. Chef Schlow creates each menu specifically for your table, based on the season and the market's specialities of the day. You can also request wine pairings, with a special wine matched to each course.

Like most of Boston's French restaurants, Radius Restaurant is fairly pricey but the quality and deliciousness of the food more than matches the cost. If you love French food, appreciate a lighter and more modern touch, and want to experience the creations of a very talented chef, you will be very happy here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Vik

Petit Robert Bistro - Boston's Favorite Affordable French Restaurant

2009-08-02T07:50:00.001-07:00

You'll almost think you're in Paris when you dine in Boston's best French bistro, Petit Robert Bistro. Chef/co-owner Jacky Robert opened his neighborhood restaurant with a commitment to serving authentic French bistro classics prepared with the finest local New England ingredients at affordable prices. He has succeeded so well that he had to open two additional bistros to keep up with demand from enthusiastic diners.

You can find the three branches of this Boston favorite near Fenway Park (468 Commonwealth Ave), in Boston's South End neighborhood (480 Columbus Ave), and in suburban Needham, just a few miles southwest of Boston.

All three restaurants are small and intimate, with authentic round bistro tables and chairs. During the day, light pours in the windows, and at night, the bistros' signature replicas of the Eiffel Tower by the outside entrance sparkle with lights.

If you love French bistro food, you'll devour the homemade pates, pot au feu, steak with French fries, mussels, lobster bisque, and other wonderful specialties. The French onion soup - a hearty beef broth filled with caramelized onions and topped with French bread croutons and Swiss and Muenster cheeses broiled to golden perfection - is substantial enough to be your entire meal.

But you'll want to try as many things as possible. The duck comfit with homemade sausages and sauteed cabbage is too fabulous to miss. And who can pass up the pan-seared scallops served with braised spinach and delicate crab meat?

Although most of Boston's French restaurants are pricey, Petit Robert Bistro is quite affordable. Everything on the lunch menu is under $15, and everything on the dinner menu is less than $20.

A children's menu offers simple sandwiches such as smoked salmon on a croissant, and everyone's favorite homage to nearby Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox: a burgerdog served on a French baguette. Happily for grownups, all of the yummy items from the kids menu are also on the regular lunch menu, so that you can enjoy a burgerdog of your own. Yes, this is comfort food at its best!

The menu also includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

And the desserts! Like all good French restaurants, Petit Robert Bistro has its own pastry chef, who makes all of the special French desserts such as ile flottante, creme caramel, and the fabulous Chocolate Eiffel Tower cake. If you have will-power, you can also end your meal with just cheese and fruit.

You'll also find a lot to make you happy in the full bar and the nicely chosen and mostly affordable wine list.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Vik

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse - Boston's Premier Italian Restaurant

2009-08-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Do you love Italian cuisine? If so, you'll want to try Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse in Boston. In contrast to southern Italian cooking, which emphasizes tomato sauce and olive oil, northern Italian cuisine embraces risottos, polentas, game, fresh seafood, and delicious veggies. You'll find all of this plus New England favorites at Davio's, one of Boston's most celebrated Italian restaurants.

The restaurant is located at the boundary between Boston's stylish Back Bay neighborhood and Park Square, next to charming Bay Village and close enough to the Theatre District to be a favorite for dinner before a show or after-theater drinks and dessert. The warm cream and silvery taupes in the large, high-ceilinged space provide the perfect stage for open kitchen as it produces plates of sumptuous food. Stop by the restaurant at different times during the week, and you'll find business people enjoying power lunches, groups of friends meeting after work for a drink and dinner, and families celebrating anniversaries and birthdays during the weekends, all feasting on the Northern Italian specialties.

So what should you try?

Lunch tends to be more casual. The Caesar salads topped with homemade croutons and white anchovies are meals in themselves, especially when you add fried oysters, slices of beef tenderloin, or crispy chicken livers. You'll find lots of other mouth-watering antipasti, pasta, and pizza choices, plus a few main courses such as grilled shrimp with pancetta risotto. You'll also see fabulous panini choices, such as the popular prosciutto, bufala mozzarella, tomato, and pesto combo.

At dinner, Davio's puts on a spectacular show with its wide-ranging menu. Start with the homemade sausage or pasta with clam sauce. Or perhaps the hand-rolled potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, or a half-portion of my personal favorite, the lobster risotto laced with asparagus and fresh herbs. Then, if you're not too hungry, add something like the roasted red beets and fennel salad, or everybody's favorite, the Philly cheese steak spring rolls with spicy catsup and mayo (ok, so maybe that's not exactly Northern Italian, but it sure is good!). But try to arrive with a big appetite, because the grilled prime steaks and chops, the grilled sushi-grade tuna and jumbo shrimp, and other fresh seafoods and meats are too wonderful to miss. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to love here too--at least a dozen tasty grilled, roasted, or baked veggies.

Portions tend to be huge...so saving enough room for dessert is definitely a challenge. Homemade desserts and ice creams vary daily but are always wonderful. Try the classic tiramisu.

The top-notch wine list includes many options at all price ranges, including some very nice but expensive big-celebration choices. You can enjoy several glasses from different bottles if you opt for the prix fixe menu with wine pairings (also available without wine).

One of the nice things about Davio's is that the menu gives you such a wide range of options. You can put together a fairly small, simple meal - or something much less grander. You'll want to come back again and again to try different things on different types of occasions. Whatever you choose, you'll leave very satisfied - and full!

Davio's also serves up its Italian specialties at two other locations: Patriot Place next to Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxborough, Massachusetts, and also Philadelphia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Vik

Some Choice Restaurants in Tennessee

2009-05-24T03:28:00.001-07:00

Tennessee is one of the most famous states in the Southern part of United States. This state is famous for its culture, lifestyle, restaurants and tourist hotspots. The state offers a great choice of hotels, resorts, spas and restaurants to the travelers.

If you are searching for restaurants in Tennessee and would like to enjoy a most luxurious and memorable dinner experience, check out several restaurant directories in Tennessee. These restaurant directories provide extensive restaurant lists, making your selection for the best restaurant a breeze.

Famous Tennessee restaurants

There are over 4,487 restaurants that can be easily located in Tennessee. And major cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga situated in Tennessee have many restaurants catering to varied cultural cuisines.

Some of the most famous restaurants are:

• Amerigo restaurant - This restaurant in Tennessee is well known for its Italian American food with a bounty of cheeses and pastas. The food offered by Amerigo restaurant is portioned large and is served in a very warm and efficient manner. Having a dinner at Amerigo restaurant is also known to be quite affordable.

• Brentwood grill- This bar-style restaurant is one of the best places to have a dinner with family. This restaurant offers American food with special drinks and wines at very reasonable prices. It is famous for its live jazz shows that make your dinner memorable.

• Pei Wei Asian diner restaurant- This restaurant offers great quality food, including appetizers, noodle bowls, dishes such as chicken, shrimp or scallops, beef and pork. This restaurant also offers vegetarian food and is well known for spicy foods

Knoxville, Tennessee has an abundance of restaurants. Some of the more popular ones are:

• Smoky Mountain Brewery restaurant of Knoxville provides tasty and outstanding appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas. This restaurant offers awesome live music and is specially designed for young generation.

• Applebee's is an American restaurant with specialties, such as boneless Buffalo wings and crunchy onion rings. Its other distinct varieties include mozzarella sticks along with shrimp, chicken salad, cheeseburger and sirloin. This restaurant offers quality food and great service.

• Vinny & Me Trattoria Italiano restaurant is famous for Northern Italian food. Vinny's spicy marinara sauce is the major attraction of the travelers to this restaurant. Meatballs and spaghetti with lots of spice is a dish that will surely please your taste buds.

There is no denying the fact that restaurants in Tennessee give a wonderful, warm welcome to their guests. The restaurants here serve a wide variety of cuisines - both vegetarian and non vegetarian - at very reasonable prices along with the best services.

If you are deciding on your next trip to Tennessee, don't miss out enjoying a great dinner or lunch with your family at any of these stylish restaurants. A dinning experience at these restaurants will leave you with unforgettable memories.

If you are looking for restaurants that have a cowboy theme - something that is an integral part of Tennessee and its western way of life - there are many restaurants offering great dining experiences. You can enjoy a cowboy menu in your John Deere boots, surrounded by cowboy paraphernalia and décor while listening to country music.

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Bar - B - Q King As Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

2009-05-24T03:27:00.000-07:00

Bar-B-Q King was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives one of my favorite shows on the food network. It's hosted by Guy Fieri. This drive in is located right here in the Queen City Charlotte, North Carolina.

I have driven by several times while driving around the city of Charlotte. At times I wondered if it was still a working establishment. Being a big city girl I wasn't too familiar with the drive in concept. I was curious as to how they worked but was too scared to ever try one.

While watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives I seen Guy Fieri on my television screen raving about this Bar-B-Q Drive-In located right in here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

If you've had the pleasure of watching Guy's show I know there are a multitude of places that he has visited that you just want to try for yourself.

Unfortunately, not all of them are located right in your own backyard. So when Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured this drive-in I knew it was a place that I had to try out for myself.

I've never seen a food establishment that Guy didn't like. Definitely wanting to see what the hype was all about I ventured out on my own. So Guy Fieri put your money where your mouth is.

The first thing I wanted to do was try what they are famous for and that's the Bar-B-Q. So I ordered the pulled pork and chicken dinners. And yes I did have family members there to help me out.

I have to admit the chicken was different from any version of barbecue chicken that I have ever tasted. This particular barbecue chicken is deep fried first then dipped in their secret sauce. It might sound strange but it works.

This Bar-B-Q isn't the best out there but it's definitely one of the better ones here in Charlotte, NC. If you're expecting five star services-get over yourself. You're only expected to get your eat on and drive away.

I have three categories in which I put a dining experience in.
Recommended - Meaning I would eat there again and recommend it to others.
Toss up - Means you have to decide for yourself by visiting the establishment.
Drive By - Means keep on driving pass the restaurant.

So how do I rate Bar-B-Q King? I would have to say: Recommended.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ayanna_Malone

Majorca Restaurants With Michelin Stars

2009-05-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

Mallorca Restaurants with Michelin Stars

Michelin Stars are awarded by the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and most well known European hotel and restaurant guide book. The guide was first started by Andre Michelin in 1900 and the first edition was a guide to France, with advice about travelling by car and on how to find good places to stay and have a meal while on route. The guides are now published annually and there is one published for France, Austria, Spain/Portugal, Netherlands/Belgium and Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Uk/Ireland, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

The guide awards one to three stars to a small number of restaurants of outstanding quality. Stars are awarded sparingly. One star indicates "a very good restaurant in its category", two stars indicate a restaurant with "excellent cooking, worth a detour", and three stars indicate a restaurant with "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey".

There are five Majorca Restaurants with Michelin Stars. Tristan Restaurant in Puerto Portals and Chef Gerhard Schwaiger has 2 michelin stars, Bacchus Restaurant at Read's Hotel and Chef Marc Fosh has one michelin star, Es Raco des Teix Restaurant in Deia and Chef Josef Sauerschell has one michelin star, Es Moli den Bou Restaurant in Sant Llorenc des Cardassar and Chef Tomeu Caldentey has one michelin star, and Plat d'Or Restaurant in the Arabella Golf Hotel in Son Vida and Chef Rafael Sanchez has one michelin star.

The Michelin Star rating has become a very prestigious award for any restaurant and its Chef, and the guide has been known to take away a star if a restaurant falls in quality for some reason. For the island of Mallorca to have five restaurants with Michelin stars is quite an achievement and a great complement to Mallorcan cuisine, its chefs and its restaurants.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_Amengual

Barbecue Joints in Austin

2009-03-03T23:23:00.003-08:00

Texas BBQ is legendary - slow smoked meats served with or without sauce, with our without sides. Although Llano, Lockhart and Taylor boast the most storied BBQ joints in the state, Austin holds its own with some incredible BBQ options. Whether holding to the bottom line of Texas BBQ, beef brisket, or expanding out to include sausage, pork ribs, or chicken, BBQ lovers can find down-home joints, high-tone restaurants, and even music venues serving up Austin's finest.

Stubb's: Probably the most famous Austin BBQ originally came from Lubbock, in the plains of West Texas, where C.B. Stubblefield's hickory-smoked meats and heavenly sauce fortified a burgeoning music scene, including Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. In Austin, Stubb's sauce was bottled informally until the restaurant and music venue bearing his name in tribute, opened on Red River. With an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor nightclub, concert goers can chow down on great 'cue before the show - without losing their parking place! (801 Red River / Austin, Texas 78701 / 512.480.8341)

Iron Works: Downtowners and out-of-towners alike flock to this unassuming corrugated metal shack, lured by the aromatic smoke curling throughout the business district. The Iron Works was formerly just that - an iron working business, but in 1978 the building got a historic designation and the family began serving up BBQ. They also offer custom smoking of any meat you bring to them . (100 Red River / Austin, TX / 78701 / 512-478-4855)

Sam's: This east side institution serves their delectable fare until late in the night, making it a favorite of the local musicians and music fans. The building might seem a little run-down, but make no mistake - this is some of the finest 'cue in Texas. Sam's is justifiably famous for its friendly service, musician-friendly hours, and an offering not found at many other Austin joints -melt-in-your-mouth mutton. (2000 E 12th St / Austin, TX 78702-1702 / (512) 478-0378)

Green Mesquite: Located just south of the river, along "Restaurant Row" on Barton Springs just adjacent to Zilker Park, this funky, charming spot is one of Austin's favorite BBQ joints. Their meat combos are popular, and they offer other temptations like some of the best fried catfish in the area. The décor is purely South Austin - with neon, music posters, cushy booths and a checkerboard floor. Cold Shiner Bock on draft, bluegrass in their biergarten - this place is hard to beat. (1400 Barton Springs Rd / Austin, TX 78704 / (512) 479-0485

Lambert's: A relative newcomer to the River City's BBQ scene, Lambert's Downtown Barbecue is one of the more upscale joints in town to dish out some well-made Texas food. Located in a renovated building in the burgeoning 2nd Street shopping and dining district, Lambert's features live music, mostly jazz and DJs, in addition to grilled steaks, seafood, inventive sides, and of course, fine smoked meats. Beef and pork ribs, the ubiquitous brisket, and "fancy" surprises such as quail and trout emerge from their oak burning smoker. (401 W 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant Review - Delicious and Family Friendly

2009-03-03T23:23:00.001-08:00

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant is a small restaurant chain located in the Phoenix, Arizona area. This review is of the location at 10040 W. McDowell Road in Avondale, Arizona. As the name implies, you will find a wonderful variety of Greek food in a fun but classy environment. The seating is scattered between booths and tables, including large round tables which accommodate a larger family. Staff was friendly and attentive. Our waitress was sure to check with us often but not enough to be annoying. She seemed to pick the perfect time to refill our cups and knew when it was time to bring us "to go" boxes for our left-overs. The manager even stopped at the table to be sure we were happy with our experience.

If you have never tried Greek food, this is a wonderful place to start! They have a great variety of Greek classics. If Greek food isn't for you then try one of their traditional classics, like fish and chips, burgers or a chicken sandwich. Every item we tried was delicious. The spanakopita (a spinach pie with feta cheese) was light and full of flavor. The mousaka (layered potato, ground beef, eggplant and zucchini in a creamy sauce) was a definite favorite. Don't forget to try some baklava (pastry with honey, pistachios and walnuts). Though with the generously-sized portions, you might have to take your dessert home along with the leftovers from dinner!

Considering the size of the entrees and the variety of fresh ingredients used, we were pleased to see the moderate pricing. Most entrees range from $8 - $15 so you can find a variety of meals to fit into your budget. Are you taking children with you? If so, you will love the Avondale My Big Fat Greek Restaurant kids eat free special. This special allows one free kid's meal for each adult entrée purchase. The special runs daily, though it is subject to end at any time.

Overall, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant offers a fun family dining experience with delicious food, friendly staff and the chance to sample another culture!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhonda_Endter

Austin Originals - Kerby Lane Cafe

2009-03-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Austin is full of originals from people to music to landmarks, this town has a personality all its own. Some things are bound to come and go. With any growing city, turnover is common in business (particularly locally-owned and operated establishments), but some businesses manage not only to survive, they thrive. Kerby Lane Cafe is one of these Austin originals that has beaten the odds and firmly established itself as a culinary landmark in the Live Music Capitol of the World.

No matter what time of day you find yourself hungry in Austin, Texas, you can find a healthy, delicious meal at the Kerby Lane Cafe. Founded in 1980 by a pair of Austinites dedicated to fresh food and affordable prices, Kerby Lane Cafe has come to be a true Austin staple, catering to patrons from all walks of life. The 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week schedule and reasonable prices are sure to draw in the late-night college crowd from local Universities in Austin, but you'll find a full house most any time of day or night at any of the restaurant's four locations around Austin.

What makes Kerby Lane Cafe such a popular spot? With literally hundreds of unique, affordable dining options around Austin, what is it about Kerby Lane Cafe that keeps people coming back again and again? For one, it offers affordable fare. With entrees ranging from $7-$13, Kerby Lane Cafe makes it easy to eat well, without overspending. For another thing, the restaurant's commitment to using produce and products produced locally helps promote other local businesses which is a big plus to many Austinites. Their green approach to business and extensive community involvement are also big selling points for many local regulars.

But the most convincing reason has to be the food. From award winning pancakes (you can even buy their pancake mix online or in local grocery stores around town) and creative seasonal menus to delicious pastas and satisfying sandwiches, Kerby Lane Cafe truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or a regular old carnivore, Kerby Lane Cafe aims to please. Texas staples like queso (melted cheese dip) and chicken tortilla soup come together with homemade red pepper hummus, middle-eastern inspired salads, fresh fish dishes and many more unique offerings to create an eclectic menu full of flavor and personality. The 24-hour breakfast menu is a sure bet, with delicious Texas staples like migas and biscuits and gravy, and French toast made with thick-cut Texas toast.

Kerby Lane Cafe is well known for its originals, too sweet potato fries, gingerbread pancakes and their signature hippy burger are all local favorites. Plus, their creative seasonal menus keep things changing, bringing the freshest, best produce and products of the season directly to the table. The full bakery on-site churns out cobblers, cheesecakes and other delicious desserts daily from old fashioned gingerbread to silken mocha tofu cake further increasing the restaurant's versatility and appeal. No matter what you're craving, and no matter when you're craving it, Kerby Lane Cake is sure to satisfy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray

Good Evening Y'all - BBQ Catering in Orange County, California

2009-01-30T01:55:00.003-08:00

There are many occasions in Southern California that require catering and when you think of catering and Southern California, you might think caviar, filet mignon and champagne. But while it may not be the first thing you think of, there is another very popular type of catering that is going on in the southern part of the stare and that is BBQ catering in Orange County, California.

One of the reasons BBQ catering in Orange County, California is so popular is that the food is usually served piping hot, fresh from the smoker or the grill and the portions are plentiful and delicious. The choices in BBQ catering in Orange County, California range from what may be considered "typical" BBQ fare to upscale menus that include prime rib and salmon.

When you choose to get a BBQ catered, most of the caterers have the option of bringing the smoker grill to the affair being catered. The meat has been pre-cooked, usually for hours to ensure, especially with the ribs, that the meat literally falls off the bones. There are chefs who specialize in BBQ with rub and no sauce, or the ones who mop sauce after the ribs are done and are ready to be served. BBQ catering in Orange County, California is available for every taste.

And because this is BBQ catering in Orange County, California, there are caterers who offer not only vegetarian fresh vegetable skewers, but freshly grilled Garden Burgers as well. Just try to find a veggie burger at a BBQ in the South! But this is Southern California and there is a reputation to be upheld. Another catering company serves spinach and artichoke cheese dip, crab cakes or BBQ tiger shrimp for appetizers. Not your usual BBQ fare, but very well received whenever served.

Creative side dishes are where most of the BBQ catering in Orange County, California really shine. While macaroni and cheese, potato salad, cole slaw and baked beans are must haves; the recipes for the ones you find here won't be found in your everyday Southern cookbook. These caterers offer Fresh Gingered Apple Slaw, Three Cheese Macaroni with Golden Parmesan Bread Crumbs and even the corn on the cob is mesquite grilled fresh in the husk, finished with Parmesan butter, cracked black pepper or roasted garlic butter.

When it is time for dessert, these chefs don't disappoint. Although some of the choices sound relatively simple,most BBQ catering in Orange County, California includes a choice of cookies, brownies and fruit cobblers, these are no ordinary cookies. Look for white chocolate, macadamia nuts, raspberries and apricots in the cookies and don't expect box cake mix brownies with canned icing from any of them. Even the doughnuts are made from scratch.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_T_Smith

Dining in Boston - Part 1 - Cafe Quattro

2009-01-30T01:55:00.001-08:00

With all the choices for dining in Boston, how do you choose? I have to admit, this is no easy task!

But with this article, I hope to spotlight some of the noteworthy and worthwhile places to visit while having a hunger craving in the city of Boston Massachusetts.

Somerset Street is a little side street off of Beacon Street, near the Massachusetts State House and there is where you will find a little place called "Cafe Quattro". A little cafe that never ceases to amaze me with the fine entrees and what is more amazing is that the restaurant almost blends into is surroundings.

Walking down Somerset Street one afternoon, with my Lady, we stopped to look at the menu in the window of Cafe Quattro.

We'd passed by the restaurant many times before but never stopped, this time we did.

We didn't feel like cooking that night so we ordered a pizza to go.

"Gennaro" was the style we settled on, a thin crust pizza made with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and sliced onions!

First of all, this was a 20" pizza for under 10 bucks!

Second, this pizza was the best either one of us had had in a long long time!

You could tell just by the smell that it was going to be good, and with the first bite we were hooked!

Fresh ingredients, fresh made and just the right combination and amount of toppings.

This pizza is a masterpiece!

Before long we were ordering this pizza every week, sometimes more often.

Then we branched out, tried the other pizzas, those too were winners!

We were hooked on Cafe Quattro!

Next, we tried the Spinach Salad (with tomatoes, onions, mozzarella cheese and bacon bits), now mind you, I never cared for raw spinach until I tasted the Cafe's Salad.

Perfect!

Then we tried the Crabmeat Salad (over a garden or Caesar salad with artichoke hearts, onions, black olives and roasted red peppers), the Tuna Salad..

Not a single disappointment, the portions are generous and the prices are more than reasonable.

Most everything in Cafe Quattro is priced at under 10 bucks and all of it is made fresh!

Cafe Quattro is located at 4 Somerset Street, just off of Beacon Street near Suffolk University.

The Cafe delivers locally and also has a catering menu.

When you're touring Boston, this Cafe is a great place to stop to refuel!

Try the "Gennaro" Pizza - YOU'LL BE HOOKED!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Orsillo

Best Plano TX Hamburger

2009-01-30T01:54:00.000-08:00

In order to figure out who has the best, one must ask what it takes to make a great burger. Burgers really come in three parts a bun, patty, and toppings. As simple as that is, there are as many variations of burgers as there are people in this world. Everyone has a subjective attitude toward what is required of a good burger. In order to be able to crown a victor in the best burger category I need to set some ground rules, in order to avoid the subjectiveness of taste alone, I will describe the commonly held beliefs about what constitutes a good burger.

First off, let us talk about the bun. A burger needs a bun, sorry Atkins fans but the carbs. are required, if you wrap it in lettuce it becomes a lettuce wrap not a burger. The bun has to be fresh with added points going towards toasted buns. Feel free to get creative add poppy seeds, sesame seeds or anything else that could spice up the bread. But, a bun must not be greasy, if you cover the bun in butter you defeat its god intended purpose, to protect the hand from the grease of the patty. Nothing makes me want to pile drive a chef more than having to dry off the outside of my bun. Its bread not Lard. Also, the importance of toasting a bun can not be down played, by toasting you create a grease barrier on the business side of the bun, you keep the juices at bay, and it not only adds to the functionality of the burger but also increases the "crunch" satisfaction.

Next, the most important part of burger is the patty. Hands down, if your patty is dry and taste like cardboard nothing can save you. It doesn't always have to be made of beef, feel free to use bison, buffalo, ostridge, turkey, chicken, or even vegetables, but it does have to be flavorful and juicy. Dry patties are like fingers on a chalk board, all they do is make you want to drive a pencil through your temple, don't do it. Seasoning can be added to the meat, but understand that good meat doesn't need seasoning, when I taste seasoning, I instantly think the meat is junk because your trying to hide it. Anything more than salt and pepper is overkill; I want to taste the meat (or veggies). If you think quality meat comes frozen and pre-formed, I challenge you to go to your local butcher and get fresh ground chuck and see how it compares. If you must thaw it on the grill you might as well feed it to your dog, I am not buying.

Finally toppings, common toppings are Onions (preferably red), Pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. Don't feel like your stuck with only those options, get creative, I love jalapenos on my burger. Extra points go to original ideas, heck, if you can make guacamole and bananas taste good, I bet it would work well on a burger (just make sure it taste good before trying to sell it to the public). Toppings need to accentuate a burger, not distract from the patty. A quick note on sauces, don't try to hide a dry patty by adding "special" sauce, if you do so, all you get is soggy cardboard. This doesn't work, Sauce like other ingredients needs to add to the experience not drown it out.

In Plano there are four major competitors trying for the hometown best burger crown, there's Country Burger, an establishment that has been in Plano for more than 30 years, Gazeebo Burgers, a newcomer to Plano however it has been in Dallas area for quite some time, Ye Olde Butcher Shop, which is a staple of downtown and has been conveniently located for three decades, and finally Amazing Jakes where the beer is cold and burgers are sure to delight. I have ranked these competitors based upon the quality of there offerings.

In fourth place is Gazeebo burgers, even with the nice condiment stand and build it yourself attitude, Gazeebo failed in the patty department. Once again, dry doesn't work, having a great selection of patty options doesn't help if they aren't any good. Gazeebo needs to get back to the basics, quit buying your patties pre-made, and go buy a grinder and a couple sides of beef. You'll thank me later.

Coming in at third is Country Burger, they don't quite have the patty problems that Gazeebo's does, however they aren't quite up to par. In addition to there mediocre burger patty, they don't really offer the selection of condiments that are necessary to compete for the affection of twenty first century burger lovers. Also, I suspect that like Gazeebo, Country Burger has fallen into the frozen processed Pattie trap. Personally, I think there needs to be laws against frozen burger patties, yeah it's better than Gazeebo but I am not entirely sure I am getting all beef.

The silver medal goes too Jake's. Jakes makes a good burger, and would be gunning for the top spot except for the fact they committed the cardinal sin of burger making, greasy bun. If I need to wrap a burger with a napkin in order to keep my hand from slipping off the bun, you're losing points. Jakes, offers a wide selection of burger, everything from the classic American Bacon Cheese Burger to more spicy concoctions making use of pico de gallo and salsa. If you're looking for a good burger, Jakes is worth the stop.

Finally the crown goes to Ye Olde Butcher Shop, honestly when it comes to quality beef, go to the butcher. Everything else is second best. The Butcher shop located in downtown on 15th combines the freshest ingredients with the best meat. Having a solid offering of Buffalo, Elk in addition to Beef, Ye Olde Butcher Shop won't disappoint. No gimmicks here, no southwest chipotle sauce cover-up just good old fashion American hamburgers cooked with the finest available meat. Don't believe me, go check it out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_M_Russell

Modern Apizza - Coal Fired Pizza in New Haven, Connecticut

2009-01-30T01:53:00.000-08:00

We just got back from Modern Apizza in New Haven, Connecticut. Modern is the third member of the Holy Trinity of Pizza. The first two are Pepe's and Sally's. If you go to Pepe's or Sally's, you can expect to wait in line.

The most amazing thing about Modern Apizza, is that we were able to get right in without waiting in line.

No waiting. No line. No nothing. The pizza's were delivered to our table with-in ten minutes after we sat down. Talk about service!

We ordered three pizzas: a Clam Pizza, an Italian Bomb and a Cheese, Peppers and Onions.

Incredible! The pizza was different from Pepe's and Sally's Apizza but certainly right up there in quality. The pizza was some of the thinest crust I have ever tasted. This was true Neapolitan pizza.

The clam pizza was served with lemons and had a creamy cheesy taste. All of the pizzas had a generous amount of toppings. There was no skimping in that department.

It almost seems to me that Modern Apizza may be the absolute best kept secret in New Haven. There was ample parking as well.

Now because the pizzas are cooked in a brick oven, you need to expect a certain amount of blackness around the crust.

According to The Modern Menu: the heat in the brick oven will reach temperatures in excess of 700 degrees. The menu goes on to explain that pizzas may be a little black around the edges and even lose their perfect shape due to contact with the brick floor of the oven. That is the price you pay for pizza perfection.

Modern Apizza deserves to be recognized as having one of the absolute best pizzas in the world! None of us had ever been to Modern before, and you can bet your clams, we will return.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Albert_Grande

Top 5 Sushi Restaurants For Your Dinner Party

2009-01-08T21:54:00.002-08:00

Did you ever have any notion of trying a sushi food in a sushi restaurant in New York? For a lot of people the sushi food means only the raw food. Many food lovers just get turned off when they hear about the uncooked fish which is served in a classy way. But the actual truth is that once you have a sushi food, you will actually love it and it will add in your favorite cuisine list. You will actually discover the sushi food and enjoy it a lot.

Sushi can be a great feast for the sea food lover. It does not only include the fish but also many other sea dishes. You get a lot of superb varieties of food. New York City has some of the best sushi restaurants in the world. They serve great food to its guest and people definitely change their view about the sushi food.

Some of the top sushi restaurants in the city of New York are:

Tomoe Sushi: If you want to treat yourself with the yum sushi food in this restaurant, all you need is patience. This restaurant is always very crowded as people love to relish their sushi food here. The wonderful fresh and superb scallop sushi is among the most beloved dish which is offered at a very reasonable price.

Jeollado: This restaurant is among the top sushi restaurants in the city of New York. It can be a wonderful place for a dinner party especially for people who like to hog on the sushi food. This is an East Village restaurant which serves both Japanese and Korean food, sushi being the main on the menu list. The seaweed salads are among the best cuisine in this restaurant.

Yama: Although this restaurant is one of the finest sushi restaurants in New York, you will get amazed to see the low priced food on the menu list. This brilliant restaurant chooses to offer great food at very low price without any compromise on the taste. The classic décor and services in this restaurant makes it a perfect place to throw a dinner part here.

Blue Ribbon Sushi: This sleek and small restaurant offers some of the great and freshest fish food in the city. This particular sushi restaurant is best for those people who love sushi food which is spicy, attractive and has awesome taste.

Nobu New York: This sexy Japanese restaurant offers superb sushi, elegant décor, greaseless tempura, extraordinary specials and a huge bill. But paying for the finest sushi food is worth here as you get everything to satisfy your appetite. So, it is a perfect place to have a dinner party if you have promised to treat your friends or family with the best sushi food.

In the recent years, the sushi food has become very famous and a lot of restaurants have come up that offers great and original sushi food. New York City has a lot of restaurants that specializes in the sushi food and are great to dine.

Mario Stewart has a passion to write about New York City and the event spaces, clubs, bars and restaurants in the city. He is internationally popular for providing the most apt reviews about the New York restaurants. You may visit one of his websites to know more information about New York Restaurants.

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Michelin Star Restaurants in Antwerp

2009-01-08T21:54:00.001-08:00

Belgian "national dishes" are fries with mussels , rabbit with plums, eel in green sauce ( Paling in't Groen in Dutch) and meatballs with "rabbit sauce" - also called "hunter sauce". It is not likely that you will find those on the menu in Michelin Stared restaurants, maybe a "noble" version of some of those dishes, but in general you can expect french influence.

Gin-Fish

This Michelin star rewarded chef prepares the best fish in town. Simplicity is his keyword but his cooking results in the most complex taste experience. A few years ago, this master chef was already awarded a star for his previous restaurant 'The Matelote'. Following his own path, he handed back the star and started all over with a new concept. Soon after, the Red Guide again awarded him a star, this time around for ... the Gin-Fish.

The Gin-Fish is small, trendy but a very cozy venue. Don't worry about what to choose. The chef does it for you with his set menu!

District: Old Town

Haarstraat 9
2000 Antwerp
00 32 /3 231.32.07

Budget : EUR 75 to 100
Cuisine: Seafood

Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday midday, Wednesday midday, Thursday midday, Friday midday, Saturday midday

'T Fornuis

This one has not been tried yet but I thought it's best to included on the "all star restaurants" list.

District: Old Town

Reyndersstraat 24
2000 Antwerp
03.233.62.70

Budget : ± 70 Euro
Cuisine: French

Closed: Saturday - Sunday - Pub.Holidays

Dome

The chef and his wife set up this restaurant in one the coziest areas of Antwerp. Close to the Cogels-Osy lei, they offer you a classical French cuisine in an amazing art nouveau building.
This former tea house, police office, and sewing school stayed almost intact during the last century.

Go for whatever you like on their menu. You can't make a mistake! The Red Guide rewarded them with a Michelin star for their efforts.

District: Zurenborg

Grote Hondstraat 2
2018 Antwerp
0032 /3 239.90.03

Budget : EUR 75 to 100
Cuisine: French

Closing days: Sunday, Monday, Saturday noon

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On the Rocks Provides London With Good, Clean But Deliciously Grimy Entertainment

2009-01-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

I'm sick of overpriced London clubs that charge you £400 just to sit at a table with po-faced individuals whose sole aim in life it appears, is to out spend other po-faced individuals whilst simultaneously competing to look the most bored.

Certainly there seems to be something about inner city London clubs that require their customers to be somewhat self-absorbed. Where is the fun in tottering around in this season's hot designer dress, spending the entire night pouting and checking out the competition?

Seriously though, who can say they've had a great night when you step out of the club looking as perfect as when you first walked in? Of course I am not suggesting that you all rock home looking like an extra for those, Alcohol Know Your Limits adverts but come on. A bit of sweat and smudged mascara never hurt anyone. Jimmy Choo's and bag full of makeup however, cause back pain.

On The Rocks, described fantastically as a 'scuffed up diamond found via a doorway on Kingsland road.' Is a perfect opposite of the Movida's and Chinawhite's of London city.

The old Shoreditch crowd are reported to be steadily moving further into Dalston and Bethnal Green in search of grimier and cooler venues to throw shapes in and it seems On The Rocks has captured many migrating revellers.

Disappearing down uneven stairs into what is best described as a sparsely decorated room with a stage-and that's it. The unpretentiousness of the venue is its strength. What On The Rocks lack's in sparkle though, the customers certainly make up for.

American Apparel catsuits and sequined hotpants galore, the crowd is a pretty mix of twenty something eccentrics enjoying the shiny disco ball. Air conditioning seems to be a rare commodity that can only be found if stood under a small grate in the centre of the dance floor but that doesn't stop everyone dancing.

The beats are provided by various resident DJs including Hannah Holland, Kitsune, Zombie Disco Squad and the favourite floor packers Were Not Cool.

Friday nights are heralded as a 'sleazy rave box that pounds out electric booty shake' and on Saturday you will find anything from reggae to funk ska and soul.

Most people would rather gyrate on the dance floor than get caught up at the bar but when they do, tins of Red Stripe and spirit mixers seem to be the most popular drinks of choice.

Anyone looking for an alternative London night out where they can really let go of their hair and shake loose inhibitions should visit On The Rocks. In the words of one reveller, 'pop along under the pink neon sign but go with old shoes and an open mind.'

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Host Your Party in Private Room With These Beautiful Restaurants

2008-12-29T03:01:00.002-08:00

New York City is among the most important center for trade and commerce in the world. Being the world's major cities for politics, international finance, culture and entertainment, it welcomes large number of people from all over the world. New York has a lot to offer to the visitors in terms of culture, entertainment, food and lodging. It is an important destination for organizing conferences, parties, social events and other functions. There are many private hotels and restaurants that offer the event space in order to organize these meetings and gatherings. There are various options for people for selecting an appropriate location to host their parties and conferences. It has every type of restaurants one could possibly imagine. The restaurants also vary in range such that everybody would be able to find a place that would be suitable to him and his budget.

There are also some beautiful restaurants in New York City that provide private space for hosting parties. These restaurants have special event space to allow their client organize private parties. These private rooms are especially designed for private events and the décor consists of comfortable chairs and cushions. The staff service is excellent and the menu bar is amazing. They offer some of the best cuisines in the United States.

Some of the most famous restaurants that offer private rooms for events include: Tao, Stk, and Buddha Bar

Tao: Tao's waterfalls, lush velvet & silks, and century old stones and woods, transport the guests to the Pacific Rim from the City of Sin. Over the corners of Tao are placed a wide collection of statues of Buddha. The nightclub is decorated with red chandeliers and consists of a Monk Bar which has a wall decorated with around three hundred hand carved candles and monks. The 400 seat lounge menu incorporates dishes made from the cooking components from Japan, China and Thailand. The private space for events has been beautifully decorated according to the general theme of the restaurant. The service offered along with the atmosphere, makes the party a smash hit among the guests.

STK New York: STK combines the energetic beat of a city center lounge with the heart of a greenmarket eatery, thereby redefining the New York's steakhouse experience. The menu emphasizes on fresh ingredients and local manufacturer, offering Americans traditional to alternative steakhouse fare. STK has brought new life to Meatpacking District, one of Manhattan's most lively areas. The main dinning room has the seating for 200 people whereas the upper level features private party suites with comparatively lesser seating capacity. These private rooms provide the ideal setting for personal private parties and some special corporate events.

Buddha Bar: Buddha Bar is just the ideal restaurant to organize private parties. The interior consists of bamboo elements, wood plank floor covering, huge chandeliers and low seating. The menu consists of seasonal food incorporated the bold Asian flavors and the French essences. The soul of Buddha Bar is the stunning jet black Buddha resting peacefully underneath a cross shaped skylight.

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Top 10 Places to Take Your Family For Dinner

2008-12-29T03:01:00.001-08:00

People are finding it increasingly difficult to be able to spend some quality time with family now days. The work takes so much out of you, that you hardly have time to interact with your family. There is so much competition that if you don't give your hundred percent to your work, you would never succeed. There had been many instances of family suffering because of not being able to spend time with family. New York has been growing at a rapid rate. People don't have time for anything, not even their family. But it doesn't mean that you don't love your family. What better way to spend time with family than to take them out for dinner

New York is well known for its world famous restaurants. There are restaurants to suit everyone's budget. You can get the classy aristocrat restaurants or the suburbs cheap meal restaurants. There is never a dearth. They remain open till late night and are a great place to be with family members. They offer a wide range of dishes and cocktails. The electrifying atmosphere combined with the excellent staff service makes it a much needed outing for your family. Some of these restaurants are the hang out place of celebrities who are spotted regularly across many New York City restaurants.

Some of the best restaurants in New York City to go out with family for dinner include:

Gramercy Tavern: it is great place to come with family for dinner. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is just rocking. The great martinis and the excellent service make it a popular restaurant to come with family.

Carmines: located at the Upper West Side and Midtown in Manhattan, carmines offer simple, family type Italian food. This spacious restaurant recreates the magic of an Italian-American marriage feast. Home type pastas, seafood, salads and meats are some of the most ordered dishes. The service offered is excellent.

Buddha Bar: Buddha Bar is one of the most well known restaurants in New York. The interior is spectacular with wood plank flooring, low hung seating and bamboo elements. The menu consists of some unique dishes which combine the French essence with Asian flavors. The excellent staff and the pleasant atmosphere make the family dinner a special one.

Tony di Napoli: a blazing red canopy stretches almost the entire length of the block. Though the inside has the feel and look of little corporate, the employees are aggressive in its friendly attention. The menu consists of Italian-American cuisines

Tao: this is an excellent restaurant for people fond of sea food. They offer some great sea food and the drinks served are some of the best in the world. The deserts are a real treat for children.
Destino: the stylish dinning room, outstanding service and the traditional Italian food guarantees a great dinning experience for you and your family.

Other popular restaurants in New York City to go out with family for dinner include: Sapa, Lattanzi, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Rosa Mexicano and Mr. K's, Ruth Chris Steakhouse.

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Simple and Delicious Maharashtrian Thali at Durwankur - Pune Restaurants

2008-12-29T02:53:00.000-08:00

What you see - Located on the busy Tilak road the pink building in the corner is difficult to miss. The huge kitchen of this Pune restaurant is on the first level with high hygiene standards while the second level is the massive dining area which can easily accommodate about 200 people. The place is simple with no frills and fancies. There are several tables laid out here with plastic chairs and a red table cloth matching with the velvet curtains. The daily menu board is right at the entrance giving an idea what is to be served today.

What you get - There are varieties of Maharashtrian thalis and the one served here is the Brahmin variety which is not a spicy preparation. They have about 15 dishes in the thali which is unlimited at a mere cost of Rs. 80 per person. Therefore make sure you come here with an empty stomach to gorge on these delicacies. The daily menu is pre-decided by the owners as they have no a la carte.

The thali is served in a shining stainless steel plate with small bowls called the vatis. Our table already had varieties of chutneys and the kakdi koshimbir (cucumber salad with curd) which is a great way to beat the heat. Starters include pakodas (fried Bengal gram preparations), potato and coriander wade which are crispy and addictive if relished with green chutney. Then varieties of breads are served like the chapattis, bhakri and thalipeeth which are fresh and piping hot.

In vegetables we were served gourd or dudhi, which was tasty but a bit oily. They had varieties of curries like the usal (pulses), kanda batata rasa, the tangy and sweet dal called amti and the soothing sweet kadhi. There are many waiters who do the rounds here and in case they see any thali empty they fill it. This gives this place a homely experience. Other than the usual which was very spicy we loved all the dishes.

Then comes our favorite waran bath, a dal and rice combination served with ghee which is truly delectable. They also have the yummy moong dal khichdi which is best had with ghee and kadhi (a preparation of buttermilk and Bengal gram). We were told that a lot of thought goes in preparing the daily menu to make it wholesome and nutritious. Buttermilk, a great heat buster is served to finish the meals with.

The sweet dish here is a must. This will, however, cost extra. Well we ordered for the dessert of the season, aamras for Rs. 20. It was cooling and so tasty that we decided to go for a repeat. Gulab jamuns and sitaphal rabdis are served here as well.

Our verdict - This place is a definite value for money. The food standards have been maintained over the years in terms of hygiene, quality and price. The wash area is crowded and is slightly a put off. But that's also because a lot of people frequent this restaurant. So sometimes there is a long waiting even on weekdays. We liked the restaurant for its homely service. Parking space is available in the building.

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Friendly And Comfy The Perla Marina Hotel Is Near To The Best Attractions In Costa Del Sol

2008-12-05T21:32:00.002-08:00

The sunny and vibrant region of Costa Del Sol, when translated means literally the “Coast of the Sun”. The Perla Marina Hotel which happens to be lucky enough to be situated in this particular area offers a chance at a fantastic holiday experience. It should be noted that Costa Del Sol is situated in the southern region of Spain where at one point during the 1970s and 1980s, the term “Costa Del Crime” was more than generously used to explain the infamous tendency for British crime lords to escape authorities in Britain and to end up here to live opulent lifestyles.

It probably comes as no surprise the level of historical importance that is associated with this region of Costa Del Sol. As the history books would have it, there have been settlements spanning right into the Bronze Age. Not to mention the interesting fact that Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors have all had their turn in colonising and ruling this vibrant and sun infused region. Perla Marina Hotel Costa del Sol luckily then happens to be near all this historical evidence. However, it is not only the history and heritage that is embraced by the tourists to this region; there are in fact many other attractions that have struck awe into the hearts of visitors.

Not too long ago, 1959 to be exact, a wonderful and natural ecological discovery was made by a group of adventurers. The Caves of Nerja happen to be one of the main attractions that could be visited from the proximity of the Perla Marina Hotel in Costa del Sol. Truly an awe inspiring spectacle, this ecological creation by the hand of Nature has been literally worshipped by the world’s media and geologists throughout the years. Trust Nature itself to have a hand in natural engineering; the caves are home to a particular chamber which serves as a natural amphitheatre. As one would expect concerts are regularly held much to the admiration of tourists.

The Perla Marina Hotel is placed is such a convenient setting where tourists and visitors alike can travel with convenience to many of the attractions that makes Costa Del Sol so famous. Yet it could be safely said t at this point that the beach may in fact be the most alluring of all the attractions to most tourists. Sandy and sunny beaches are just a 5 minute walk away. Many water sports could be indulged in and enjoyed. Sipping a cool pina colada, whilst enjoying the salty and tantalizing breeze is guaranteed to ease stress away in no time.

It goes without saying that the Perla Marina Hotel Costa Del Sol is near to another attractions besides the mystical and enticing Caves of Nerja. There is the royal and authoritative Alhambra in Andalucía which is an ancient palace and fortress built by the Moors during a time when they ruled this region. As testified to by history, this was the home and residence of Muslim kings of Granada. Just like the Caves if Nerja, this too is an attraction that is worth visiting, since it offers an insightful look into the cultural and historical mosaic of Costa Del Sol.

Offering all the necessary amenities and facilities as expected from a well situated hotel, the Perla Marina Hotel Costa Del Sol does offer adequate comfort and friendly service. Besides being in close proximity to the beach, facilities such as a bar, internet services, swimming pool and restaurant could be ideally expected. The rooms per se are also comfortable affairs which amenities such as cable television and air conditioning being provided. Yet, it goes without saying that amenities and facilities all depend on the type of room being booked. All in all, it should be noted that if tourists are in search of an accommodation spot which offers quality facilities while being in close proximity to nearby attractions – this is the place to stay.

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Punta Cana Restaurant Reviews

2008-12-05T21:32:00.001-08:00

Just the mention of Puerto Rico provokes an image of resort-lined beaches and lazy days spent floating in the ocean; as though the rest of Puerto Rico simply unearthed following the development of its hotel zones. So it is only reasonable, then, that someone would review each and everyone one of them, pluck the very best from the herd and dismantle them on paper, feature by feature, so that future vacationers would know exactly where to stay. That person is not me; however, I am willing to offer my shakedown of Puerto Rico's top resort-restaurants.

Gran Melia's signature innovative Asian Bistro. Dining involves three separate cuisines at one elegant location, offering a full sushi bar, a Teppanyaki restaurant, and a Pan Asian-style menu infused with Latin Influence.

Attire: By Reservation. Smart Casual.

Rotisserie II Giardino @ Caribe Hilton San Juan

A rich cuisine from Northern Italy that includes a dozen pastas and anti-pastas prepared fresh, daily, prime selections of meats and seafood, and over 150 wines from the top vineyards around the world.

Attire: "Smart Casual", meaning a sports jacket, with or without a tie, for the men, and a dress for the women.

Hours: By Reservation. Monday through Saturday, Lunch and Dinner. Sunday, Dinner.

Aqua Lounge @ Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa

An oceanfront seafood restaurant serving an extensive menu of the most supple and fresh seafood; caught locally and daily. Located at the Ocean Villas wing of the resort.

Attire: Resort Casual, meaning slacks and a polo or button-down for the guys, and a casual dress for the girls.

Hours: Reservation Recommended. Dinner only.

Strip House @ Las Casitas Village & Golden Door Spa

The famous Manhattan Steak restaurant of Costa Rica, inhabiting a seductive atmosphere. Rated one of the 10 best steak houses in 2006 by Maxim Magazine, the Strip House menu includes signature truffled cream spinach, goose fat potatoes and, as always, prime cuts of beef.

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The Art Of Choosing A Good Restaurant

2008-12-05T21:31:00.000-08:00

So deciding where to have dinner may not exactly qualify as one of humanity's most crucial choices but it doesn't mean that you should just pig out at the nearest dining dumpster either. Food, after all, is not merely a physiological necessity; it also happens to be one of life's greatest pleasures and should be thoroughly enjoyed in the best possible manner. Thus, it is only appropriate that the choice of a restaurant be given its rightful consideration.

Let's start off with the basics. One of the most important criteria in choosing a dining spot is cleanliness. Before even bothering with star rating, a restaurant must at least pass sanitary requirements. You don't want to worry about intestinal disorders while having dinner, do you? Be wary of flies hovering around, messy tables, stinky smells, or spilled food stuck on the floor. A filthy bathroom is a very bad sign. If a restaurant doesn't look clean in the areas you can see, then imagine the sanitary conditions in the areas you can't see, like the kitchen for instance.

Another indicator of the quality of a dining establishment is the number of its customers. Restaurants who have a steady stream of diners are more likely able to provide good food and great service. You may also ask your friends for recommendations. It is also helpful to consult restaurant reviews for a more professional opinion. Keep in mind though that the respectable opinion of your friends and the food critics in your local newspaper are based on their own palates and may not agree with your own unique taste.

If the dinner you're planning happens to be a romantic date or an important business meeting, it would be worth your while to conduct your own reconnaissance of the restaurant. Befriend the bartender or the maître d'. Check out the menu and the wine list. Take note of the lighting, amount of noise, and interior design. And make sure to make a quick trip to the restroom before you leave. Of course, it's not always possible to make an advanced personal inspection of each restaurant you want to eat at but doing so would definitely increase the certainty of an excellent meal.

These days, most restaurants, especially the fancy ones, already maintain their own websites. These sites usually feature the menu, house specialties, wine selections, additional services, and some even cater to online reservations. There are also sites which contain comprehensive listings and reviews of dining spots in a particular city or community. With the wealth of resources about restaurants on the internet, it's much easier for you to check out the eateries in your area without having to step out of the house.

Finally, your choice of a dining spot ultimately depends on the kind of dining experience you want to have. Are you aiming for a gastronomic adventure or would you prefer a more familiar and comfortable dinner? Do you want to taste a specific cuisine? Or a certain specialty perhaps? Your particular preferences, as well as those of your dining companion/s of course, are invaluable in coming up with that all-important decision of choosing where to eat.

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Noodles and More at Noodle Bar - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-31T03:08:00.001-07:00

What you see - Simple yet elegant, and small yet big, the Noodle Bar at Hyderabad Central offers a lot more besides loads of noodle delights. Now it seems to be a modestly sized restaurant from the foyer but the saying, 'Looks can be deceptive' turns out to be dead right with this one! Because very soon you will learn that the three juxtaposed restaurants - Bombay Blue, Noodle Bar and Copper Chimney - are owned by a single family and come under the Blue Foods banner.

Enter into any of these three restaurants where glass acts as a dividing wall, and you, by all means will get a feel of being present in one huge restaurant. Though the kitchens are separate since they serve different cuisines, the bar is common for all the three. The bar serves cocktails, mocktails and alcohol.

What you get - Basically serving lunch and dinner, the menu at the Noodle Bar features Thai, Japanese, Chinese and other types of Oriental cuisine and is quite vast with both the starters as well as the main course. One good thing about the menu is that it is self-explanatory. If the quaint names of some of the dishes make you wonder, then the accompanying description give you a lucid account of what to expect.

Try their special Tom Yam Thai (Thai soup with noodles, veggies and wantons) and dim sums for starters. Another specialty of the place is the Teppanyaki sizzlers. Try these out if you would like to get an idea of the Japanese style of cooking. These are available in both the vegetarian and the non-vegetarian variety.

If you, however, are of the kinds who prefers to stick to what you usually eat then go ahead and get your own choice of tossed noodles made. The servings here are (more than) sufficient for one person. Otherwise the Noodle Bar Signature - a combo of rice and noodles with vegetables - can stand as a meal in itself. By the way, there is no better way of ending it than with the sizzling brownie here. A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with heavenly hot chocolate fudge is how we would define it.

The verdict - If your craving for a perfect Chinese luncheon has remained unfulfilled of late, then Noodle Bar is a good and a gratifying option. Veggies have enough to choose from over here even though it serves non-vegetarian food as well. You need not wait long for your meal to arrive here. Hospitality, in fact, may just become another reason for you to step in again. All in all, a great way to end your shopping endeavor at Hyderabad Central.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shah_Barkha

A Taste of Italy in Hyderabad - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-31T03:07:00.002-07:00

What you see - Have you ever wondered why Little Italy serves only vegetarian food? Well, we think we have the inside information. It is because the owners of the company are Gujaratis.

Now here's another piece of background. The brand was actually started by an Italian chef called Don Giovani, 17 years back, when he came to visit Osho's Ashram in Pune. So he started something called La Pizzeria that still runs in Pune with the same name. Little Italy was started later in time.

The brand has now expanded to multiple cities like Mumbai, Goa and our very own Hyderabad. And while Giovani is no longer the owner of the company, he makes it a point to come to India to advice on the menu and the cooking style. After all, Little Italy is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

Little Italy in Hyderabad reminds you of a small cottage. Homely in appearance and minimal when it comes to decor, this restaurant-cum-bar allows you to dine inside as well as alfresco.

What you get - Now when you take a look at the menu over here, don't get embarrassed if you cannot pronounce most of the names over here. And by the way, try to even ignore the spelling mistakes like "mouse cake" instead of "mousse cake". Just ask the captain and he will guide you. We went for Zuppa Di Pomodoro (we told you, don't let the names bewilder you...it's just plain tomato soup), Chiller and Pasta Barberesca.

The tomato soup was ordinary, the Chiller (a mint-based drink) was refreshing and the Pasta Barberesca (pasta with creamy tomato sauce, tomatoes, broccoli, parmesan cheese with pepper and garlic) was awesome. Well, we did not leave anything on the plate. Of course, apart from the taste, the small quantity could be one of the reasons to.

As far as the prices are concerned, Little Italy charges a little on the higher side (probably because of the rich cheese and herbs that they use in the dishes). So the Chiller or any other non-alcoholic drink would cost you about Rs. 130, a main course dish about Rs. 260, soups about Rs. 100 and desserts about Rs. 120. By the way, they also offer Indian wine and according to Passary, in a month's time, imported wine will be on the menu as well.

So the bottom line is that the food tastes great here and is a must-try when you are looking for something beyond the ubiquitous Naan and Paneer Butter Masala. The areas where they could improve however are with regard to the interiors and service. The walls seem like they need a fresh coat of paint.

In fact, Little Italy also has a boutique inside which has ethnic apparel, bags and accessories designed by Vinita Passary (yes, she is Vikas' wife). There was no sales executive at the boutique as well, giving you the impression that the stuff there is just for display and not for sale.

The verdict - We recommend that you dine outside to see the chefs making those pizzas for you. Vikas Passary, the brand owner for Little Italy in Hyderabad, actually says that it is these pizzas that sell the most at the restaurant because nowhere else can the Hyderabadis get a taste of wood-fired pizzas in the city.

And the service? Well, we had a wrong dish served on our table. And did we forget the parking space? It can squeeze in only about 3 cars and 6 two-wheelers. Now that's really little for Little Italy!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shah_Barkha

Colorful Cuisine at Bombay Vihar - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-31T03:07:00.001-07:00

What you see - Colors and radiant ones at that. Yellows, reds and pinks may carry a kitschy feel today when it comes to restaurants. But when it comes to Bombay Vihar, these colors fit in quite well. That's because they symbolize the basic positioning of this restaurant which serves cuisine from the western regions of the country.

To put things into perspective, how would you like a plate of thepla (Gujarati cuisine - type of bread) or misal pav (Maharashtrian cuisine - lentils and bread) being served on a white table cloth with brown and beige interiors? Or would you even like someone in bow tie to serve you a thali of Rajasthani culinary delights? Nah! So that's the reason why those in-your-face colors don't really make you go Ugh! So what if they are everywhere! On the walls, in the seating arrangements, in the traditional paper lanterns and even on the bearers.

What you get - Bombay Vihar serves Rajasthani, Maharashtrian, Gujarati and even some North Indian cuisine. All the food here is pure vegetarian. You can decide to pick and choose what you wish to try here or even go for the regional thalis.

They even have something called the Paschimi thali here that is served from Monday to Thursday. This meal is an amalgamation of Gujarati, Maharashtrian and Rajasthani fare. So it is a good bet for someone who wishes to sample cuisine from all of these regions at one go.

What you get in this thali ranges from farsaan (snacks and savories) to chaas (butter-milk). Khichdi kadi (rice hotchpotch with curd-based gravy dish) and theplas (thin wheat-based bread) are a must-try. If you are going a la carte, the individual items that you could try are sabudana vada (sago crispies), sev tamata nu shaak (gravy made from tomatoes and sev which is crisp vermicelli made from gram flour) and misal pav. These are authentically delicious.

The verdict - If you are looking to try something different from the regular fare and are in the mood to experiment, this place is a good bet. The thalisare the best options you could go for. The service is efficient but not comparable to the ones that you see in authentic Gujarati restaurants. Ambience is interesting and suitable for an informal dine-out. Parking space is ample as it is located in the building that houses Lifestyle.

Chutneys, For Dosas - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-31T03:06:00.001-07:00

What you see - The really cramped entrance with Lord Ganesha guarding the extended threshold is what you see first of this no-nonsense restaurant, Chutneys. The interiors are kept to the bare minimum with cane chairs and wood look-alike tables. The music they play is also predominantly south Indian or old classis, be it Hindi or Telugu. While you wait for the menu or food, they have a paper tablemat with Calvin & Hobbes cartoons and word jumble to keep you occupied.

What you get - The restaurant is famous for its south Indian fare. They also serve North Indian, Chinese and Jain cuisine. But these are priced above the norm. Being in this restaurant and not trying their specialties would be a crime.

As it is primarily a South Indian place, varieties of dosas and idlis decorate a major part of their menu. The crispy Rava dosa is priced at Rs 62. Apart from the regular Masala dosa (Rs. 58), Idli, Vada, they have a Steamed dosa for Rs. 58 and their menu states it was perfected especially for actor Chiranjeevi. They have Babai Hotel Idli (Idli soaked in butter and ghee). One of the items, which will immediately capture your attention is the Four Utthapam fare (Mango Utappam, Onion Utappam, Pudina Utappam and Karam Utappam).

Just before your food is served, they serve you the Chutneys that they are famous for. It comes with a handle that supports four containers. One of it is a pure coconut chutney and the others are dal-based chutney, tomato chutney and ginger chutney. The sambar they serve you here is obviously made with love as the ingredients perfectly blend and yet it's not thick.

The Steamed dosa, resembles an appam as it is spotted with air holes and is white. If well cooked it melts in your mouth and it is best when eaten with the tomato chutney and Sambar. For those of you who wouldn't mind the sweetness of grated coconut, you could try it with that too. The Babai Hotel Idli comes soaked in ghee and you can see butter melting on it. This is for those ghee lovers.

Other than their specialties, they also have dosas with different vegetarian fillings, be it mushroom, paneer or baby corn. We tried their Baby Corn dosa as well which came a little undercooked. As far as the beverages are concerned, you should try the buttermilk here which is made to perfection. They also have fresh juices on offer at around Rs. 65.

Malaysian Cuisine at Awana - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-29T06:25:00.001-07:00

What you see - A pretty woman in black with a muted red belt ushers you into Awana, the Malaysian restaurant. Just across the foyer is the bar, with low tables and leather cushions on your left and regular tables on your right. You will find that this is a two-storied restaurant with the staircase lined with pictures of buildings in Malaysia and done up with wooden paneling. And the "Visit Malaysia" advertisement screams at you from quite a few places in the restaurant.

What you get - Run by a true blue Malaysian, this restaurant offers you authentic Malaysian food and the owner is not high-nosed either. You will find him serving at some table or the other. The staff offers you a wet towel as soon as you are seated and that can be a refreshing thing to use. But once they hand over the leather bound menu, it is sure to read like Greek and Latin to most. So, like we did, you could take help from the captain or the person taking your orders.

As Malaysian cuisine is known for its sea food, we decided to try the Udang Garam Lada Hitam, which in common parlance is crispy golden prawns stir fried with spring onions and green leaves for starters. It was made to perfection. The prawns were cooked well, were just crispy enough and went well with the peppery spring onions. A platter gives you seven tiger prawn pieces for Rs. 380.

For vegetarians too, this place is a delight. We tried the Murtabak sayur. It is a paratha stuffed with vegetables, but that is where the Indian connection ends. This one comes with vegetables stir fried with pepper dressing and then stuffed in. You get the taste of each vegetable and yet together, their taste is subdued. It is served with pickled carrots and onions and a dip, which resembles the South Indian onion curry, but here they have used more of tamarind. It complements the taste of Murtabak Ayur.

For main course we ordered Nasi Lemak, which is priced at Rs. 220. In simpler terms, it is the Malaysian version of our thali. It comes with coconut rice, lamb curry and peanut masala. The rice was steamed with coconut milk and the peanut masala had a touch of seafood taste to it. You could also try fragrant rice, which is plain rice, with any of the curries.

We recommend the Kari Ayam Masaman, which is chicken curry cooked with coconut milk. It comes with a lot of vegetables such as brinjal, ladies finger and beans. Though boneless, the chicken is not cube-shaped. Seafood lovers could try it with Kari Ikkam. This is red snapper in coconut curry with okra and aubergine. As this restaurant serves wine, you could wash it down with Madeira's white wine. This is priced at Rs. 190 for 150 ml.

That is not all. They have soups and satays (Malaysian style barbeque) and special Malaysian bread, roti canai. They have tofu and tomato starters too. With main course, you could always try the items in the claypot section. It can substitute for a heavy soup by itself. It has Chinese cabbages, mushrooms, aubergine, dried chilli, spring onions, soya sauce, rice wine and chicken. All this for Rs. 200. The regular fare of fried rice and noodles also find a mention in the menu. But if you want to try authentic Malaysian cuisine, please don't wander further down the menu card.

To sweeten the meal, you could opt for Dadar. It is a pancake with sweet coconut shavings. But the ideal way to end the meal would be to try the Teh Larik, which is the Malaysian pulled tea and is served with milk and coconut cream on top. The taste lingers long after it is downed. There is even the special variety of crispy sweetened bread served with vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce for Rs. 120. It makes for a wonderful end to the meal.

The verdict - The ambiance settles you in fast, save for the jamming noise from the pub Afterlife next door. The lights are not too muted either. The service is attentive. It pleases to see them serve beer without any froth on the top. If the food is delayed, they tell you immediately and apologize too. Our meal got served at another table, yet they informed us of the reason.

But please crosscheck the bill, as the names appear similar to first-timers. They billed us for a non-vegetarian dish though we had ordered for a vegetarian one. You will find a lot of Malaysians frequent this restaurant so the food must definitely taste like home-food for them. And valet parking is available. This restaurant is worth going back to anytime.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shah_Barkha

Chinese Delights at Oysters Blue - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-29T06:24:00.001-07:00

What you see - Oysters Blue restaurant is easy to miss unless you are really looking for it. But enter the place and it overpowers you with its soft ambiance. Hues of blue and green complemented with aqua wall hangings, mood lighting, and soft music fit well with the name of this restaurant.

On the walls are LCD screens, featuring the latest fad. We weren't surprised to find cricket on it most of the time. After all, it is the continuing cult in India. In one corner there's a non-alcoholic bar, with all the beverages stocked in slotted shelves.

What you get - On the menu is an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian and Chinese dishes. You won't find any exotic dishes here, so it is best to go for the usual ones. If you opt for a Chinese meal then the Veg Spring Rolls as an appetizer combined with any soup is a good start.

For the main course, the Hakka Noodles are delectable and combined with the Szechwan Chicken or Chilli Mushroom, make the meal complete. The portions are generous and so a bowl of each dish for two people is more than ample.

On the menu to drink is a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like fresh fruit juices, healthy milkshakes and of course, aerated drinks. For desserts, there's a whole range of ice-cream based ones. Recommended is Crackers, a fig and honey ice cream topped with mixed nuts. Sinful, but just a wee bit!

The verdict - We recommend Oysters Blue for those looking for a good affordable meal, served in reasonable time, and in a pleasant and hygienic ambience. The staff is pleasant and friendly. Parking space is available though limited. They also have branches in Kothaguda, Kondapur and KPHB Colony. And for all those who don't feel like a drive out, they offer home delivery (free within 4 kilometer radius) too.

What you pay for a meal for two - Rs. 500

Drive to - Oysters Blue, Sanjeev Enclave Lane next to Seetha Ramanjaneya temple, Opp. Jayabheri Silicon County, White Fields, Kondapur, Hyderabad - 34.

Call at - 040-64530644/45

Anytime between - 12 PM - 4 PM and 7 PM - 11 PM.

Hyderabad Restaurants has been written by Shah Barkha for MetroMela.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shah_Barkha

Soups and Salads at Cassia - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-29T06:23:00.002-07:00

What you see - Am impressive façade of the Hampshire Plaza Hotel greets you when you walk in from the ever busy Lakdi-ka-Pul area. The serenity inside is a welcome change from the chaotic traffic outside. The spacious lobby of the hotel leads you to their coffee shop Cassia. This place has a touch of class to it. The aroma of the buffet laid out leads you in.

There is a separate smoking and non-smoking section here. There are television sets across the room which are on mute. Light pop music plays in the background.

What you get - The restaurant serves Continental, Chinese, Indian and Italian fare but the real treat is their very elaborate buffet spread which gives you an all inclusive treat of all these cuisines of the world.

You should try the soups and salads buffet here. The selection starts with a wide variety of freshly baked Italian breads to choose from along with varieties of soups. For the calorie-conscious, the selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian salads is delicious. There is the traditional Chicken Caesar salad with Italian dressing, yogurt and cottage cheese salad, pasta salad, Mediterranean chickpea salad, Cobb salad, mixed fruit salad, creamy potato salad, cucumber salad, broccoli salad and many more. The salad menu is updated with new combinations every week so that you never get bored with the selection on offer.

If you plan to go a la carte, we'd recommend that you try the good selection of kebabs and continental starters. Do take a look at the coffee and milkshakes on offer as the chef whips up tasty delights. Go for the shot of espresso here if you like it dark and strong. The dessert list ranges from the continental chocolate tarts and soufflés to the very Indian Motichur Laddu and Sevaiyan Rabdi.

Our verdict - The best part about the restaurant is that it is open 24/7 and has staff that is courteous and willing to serve. While the food smells and tastes good, what's also worth mentioning is their selection of foreign liquor and wine. If you are celebrating, they have a bottle of champagne. Otherwise, there is even a vintage bottle of wine. Buffet option is available for lunch, dinner and even at midnight. There is valet parking facility available.

What you pay for a meal for two - around Rs. 800

Drive to - Cassia

Hampshire Plaza Hotel

6 -1 - 79 & 80, Lakdi-Ka-Pul,

Hyderabad- 04.

Call at - 040-23335555.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pranay_Rupani

Hyderabad's Paan Shops For Meetha, Saada Or Maghai - Food in Hyderabad

2008-10-29T06:23:00.001-07:00

Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan may have immortalized the Benarasi Paan but this palate cleanser and mouth freshener has always been an inherent part of the city's culinary temptations. The Seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan is also said to have been quite fond of the paandaan, a casket used to store these betel leaves. No wonder then that Hyderabad has a good mix of small Paan Dabbas as well as special paan boutiques. Here is a list of some popular ones in the city.

PVS Paan Mahal Paradise Circle, Secunderabad.

If there was a place that could be defined as an opulent Paan Shop this would be it. It has a menu where you can take your pick from with the ingredients like supari, gulkand, qiwam, kattha, chuna and tambaku on display like it were a showroom. In terms of varieties you can choose from sada (simple), meetha (sweet) to the maghai (the twin variety), rampiyari, baba kashmiri etc. Their kalkatta meetha paan is quite a mouthful. They also serve a designer paan with real silver and gold waraq (silver leaf) and it costs a mind boggling Rs. 2,500. Also available outside are the very enticing ice golas (ice candies) which go perfectly with the paan. This place also has a huge collection of international bada suttas.

Dimmy Paan Palace Sindhi Colony, Prenderghast Road, Secunderabad.

Made on the lines of PVS Paan Mahal, Dimmy Paan Palace is another designer paan shops in the city. This place has more of an evening hangout feel to it with chaat, sandwiches, ice golas and soft drinks also available here. Their specialty is the kalkatta meenakshi paan which has a minty flavor and is filled with elaichi (cardamom). Do try their rampiyari as well and do not forget to ask for soft supari (bhuna hua chaliya) in your paan if you are not too keen on teeth-grinding. We recommend the kalkatta meetha paan with extra gulkand (rose sugar), saunf (fennel), elaichi, laung (clove) and kesar (saffron) for the complete experience. This place also has a good collection of international suttas and bada suttas.

Blue Diamond Paan Shop Near LB Stadium, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad.

For a feel of the old neighborhood corner paan dabba experience, hop over to the Blue Diamond Paan Shop at Basheerbagh. This place has been running successfully for over forty years now. Their specialty is the regular patta meetha paan which is quite nicely folded into a small paan holder. They also have a selection of very traditional paans such as the Navratan and Kashmiri and also offer unique mixes like the Navratan Meenakshi and the Navratan Rampiyari. Looking for suggestions from the paanwala himself? That's available too.

Paan Shop Near Sahib Sindh Sultan, 5th Floor City Centre Mall, Banjara Hills Road No.1, Hyderabad.

This is nestled in a corner near Sahib Sindh Sultan restaurant. The paanwala is dressed in typical Benarasi style with a dhoti and a Nehru cap with a nice moustache. This shop's specialty is its maghai (twin paans). The meetha paan is also quite tasty and the supari is quite soft. Also on offer is the kesar filled rampiyari which is a nice twist to an already popular paan. It's a must stop after a meal at one of the BJN restaurants here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pranay_Rupani

Hyderabadi Biryani at Bombay Palace - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-10-20T04:14:00.001-07:00

What you see - Right along the chaotic Lakdi-ka-Pul junction is The Hampshire Plaza hotel. The huge lobby leads to a corridor to the restaurant - Bombay Palace. The door resembles that of a palatial chamber. Inside is the small restaurant which has a Mughlai feel to it. The walls have images of Bombay as it was in the earlier years. You are greeted with pictures of the Victoria Terminus, The Gateway of India, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Building. There is a deep sense of nostalgia attached to it. It is really like a slice of Bombay in Hyderabad.

A famous international chain of restaurants serving Indian food in New York, Kuala Lumpur, Budapest, Toronto and London. The uniqueness of cuisine here lies in its adaptation to tastes of the local people. The place, therefore, mainly serves Mughlai cuisine with special Hyderabadi and Andhra dishes.

What you get - The restaurant has a very elaborate wine list. In fact, even water is served in long stemmed wine glasses. On the menu are a delectable selection of Kebabs from Shikampur to Sheek and a very good selection of Tandoori seafood thrown in. Even the roasted Papads are very tangy and tasty.

In the vegetarian starters there is a unique selection of Chaat dishes such as Ragda Patties (an ode to the iconic Chowpatty Chaat) to choose from along with other popular ones like Paneer Tikka, Aloo Wraps etc. The platter is the best choice if you want to savor the taste of all that is on offer.

Coming to the main course there is a very wide range of Biryanis. The traditional Hyderabadi Biryani is prepared in three different styles! Must-try is the aromatic Nizami Prawn Biryani. Then there is the traditional Mughlai fare which includes Murgh Makkhanwala, Kadhai Murgh and seafood like Fish Amritsari with cream.

Our verdict - For a unique experience as far as Hyderabadi Biryani is concerned go to Bombay Palace (sounds paradoxical but it's true). The seafood is indeed one of the best in the city and the service is quite good. The restaurant staff is very courteous and makes efforts to make the guest feel at ease. For a good experience try the white wines with white meats and the red wine with the red meats.

The ambiance complements the food very well with light music playing in the background. Valet parking is available. The place is currently open only for dinner and in the day is available for large or party bookings with special packages on offer.

What you pay for a meal for two - Rs. 650 (without wine).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pranay_Rupani

Finger-Licking Kebabs - Food in Hyderabad

2008-10-20T04:13:00.002-07:00

Hyderabad is most famous for its Biryani but not far behind are the delectable Kebabs served at many a place around the city. Not surprisingly most of Kebabs the places which serve the best Biryani also serve some of the best Kebabs but all that is changing as new eateries get added to the city's map. Here is our guide to some of the best places for Kebabs around the city.

Old and Popular

These restaurants have grown with the city. The typical dishes they serve range from the ever popular Murgh Tikka to the very delectable Murgh Malai Kebab, Tangdi Kebab and of course traditional favourites like the Shammi Kebab, Mutton Do Pyaza, Mutton Sheek kebab and Patthar Ka Gosht. Do not expect a large variety of sea food here as only the fastest moving items are served best here. The prices range from Rs. 80 to Rs. 160.

Garden Restaurant,

# 38, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad.
Tel - 040-27804074, 66337755

Hotel Shadab,
Shop No. 21-1-140, High Court Road, Hyderabad.
Tel - 040-24561648, 24565949

Paradise Restaurant,
Paradise Circle, Secunderabad.
Tel - 040-27843115

Hotel Niagara,
Chaderghat, Hyderabad.
Tel - 040-65092711

New Kids on the Block

The city has grown exponentially and there has been a huge surge in the number of restaurants. While some follow the fast food culture others offer fine dining facilities too. Some even offer Mediterranean, Lebanese and Arabic varieties of kebabs. So while there are evergreen favourites, there are even new varieties to sample like the Sharwama, Falafel etc. The pricing here is modest and ranges between Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 for the chicken variety and Rs. 100 to Rs. 140 for the mutton variety.

Hyderabad House
Raj Yuvraj Complex, Road No. 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Tel - 23554848

Also at Mehdipatnam, Madhapur, Malakpet, Himayath Nagar, Trimulgherry, Sanjeev Reddy Nagar, Lallaguda, Secunderabad, Kukatpally.

Kababish Food Court
Red Hills, Lakdi-ka-Pul, Hyderabad.
Tel - 09393055566, 09393025677

Also at Yousufguda, Mallepally, Chaderghat, Towlichowki, Khairatabad, Ameerpet.

Four Seasons
Opposite RTO Office, Toli Chowki, Yousuf Tekri, Hyderabad.
Tel - 040-23560156

The 5-Star Experience

Five star hotels like the Taj Banjara has Kebab-e-Bahar, which is by far one of the best places for Kebabs in Hyderabad. They serve the popular fare with a Lucknowi touch in the form of Kakori kebabs and the ever popular Barah Kebab. Since this is a five star restaurant there is also a good selection of sea food from Tandoori fish to Fish Amritsari and the Tandoori Jhinga to choose from. The food has a distinct touch of the North. Then there is even Kebabs and Curries (formerly Peshwari) at the Grand Kakatiya. They serve some of the best Tandoori Raan in the city. The lobster is one of the best in the country and so are their jumbo prawns. Apart from its specialties they also serve some of the softest and most delectable sheek kebabs (with a special crunchy buttery variety) and Murgh malai kebabs. The prices, needless to say, are on the higher side.

Kebab-e-Bahar
Taj Banjara, Road No.1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Tel - 040-66661919‎

Kebabs and Curries
ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton & Towers, Begumpet, Hyderabad.
Tel - 040 - 23400132

So have a finger-licking time at these kebab havens!

Food in Hyderabad has been written by Pranay who writes for MetroMela

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pranay_Rupani

Dubai's Cool, Smart and Friendly Bars

2008-10-20T04:13:00.001-07:00

Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The city grew significantly for the past decades and has many things to offer to distinctive traveler or party-man. Originally it was a settlement on an ancient nomadic trading route. By the 19th century the settlement had evolved into a fishing village, taking all advantages of the fertile Arabian Gulf. Foreign interest to Dubai was very limited until 1960s.

This tendency changed within last few decades, after huge reserves of oil were discovered beneath its arid soil. Dubai's government desired to transform the city into a world leading centre of commerce, demanding Dubai property and architectural grandeur. Since the money was no longer an issue, Dubai had been developing a lot with almost unseemly speed. Nowadays Dubai is known as a homeland of cutting edge seven star hotels, Western friendly alcohol laws, and plentiful tax-free shopping.

It's almost impossible to recommend bars which will be good for everyone. Below you can find a list of places where I've been for the past time. Just read my little reviews decide on your own if you like them or not. If you still hesitate, just walk around different places and find the one that suits your tastes. There are plenty of them in Dubai!

Vu's Bar - Located at the 51st floor of the awesomely space age EJumeirah Emirates. The gorgeous views over the sea from Vu's Bar - perhaps Dubai's shorthand for views. Like in many glamorous UAE hotels, the crowd is an up market mix of guests, who are dressed to impress. The soft-cushioned air-conditioned luxury can make you feel like a superstar. If you try the 51st Floor house cocktail, you will find it so delicious. We even forgot to ask what it was. But if you can't find it, don't worry - there's a astounding 200 cocktails to choose from! If you are looking for a night club don't go there. It's definitely not that kind of party.

Boudoir - If you're not staying at the Dubai Marine Beach in some property in Dubai, catch a cab to this place and check out the Boudoir. It's bursting with nice furnishings, oil paintings and velvet plush, done in an magnificent French Renaissance style. Entrance with rose bowls, rich cocktail menu, Boudoir has certainly abandoned Dubai's obvious Eastern theme and gone for authenticity in its own.

360º Bar - The name of the place says for itself. This elegant, laid-back terrace bar swanks outstanding panoramic view of the ever changing Dubai property, ever evolving Dubai skyline. Placed in the centre of the Gulf, at the heart of the huge, wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this naturally cool spot is popular hangout with Dubai's cocktail set. Chic and sophisticated, bathed in desert sun, this is the perfect place to escape overwhelming Dubai buzz and relax in a beautiful atmosphere. Cool house tunes set the tone at the Bar, playing until the early morning. The visitors sink into comfy sofas and sip a drink (or two, and more) as they watch the sunset.
Alamo -located at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa is a Tex/Mex restaurant with emphasis on the bar drinks.

The Agency Wine Bar - Located at the Emirates Towers Hotel, The Agency Wine Bar is one of the nicest bars I have seen in Dubai.

Dubai has some very interesting laws for clubs: they all must close at 3 am, one must be 21 to drink alcohol, 25 to enter a nightclub, and interestingly they are not allowed by law to refuse entrance to anyone, including members only clubs. But this does not mean that you will be able to walk into any members club free of charge, a lot of the members clubs have very high entrance fees, that they will charge you if you do insist on applying the law and entering the club. This is actually not a bad thing as it allows the clubs to ensure a good mixture of clients.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christen_Richardson

Epicurean Morocco - Moroccan Cuisine & What it Means

2008-10-17T02:10:00.001-07:00

Food transpires across language barrier or cultural divide. It is that one special element of life that can make a person feel at home even when "home" is a thousand miles away. Part of enjoying a visit to another region of the world is taking in all the wonderful tastes and smells that foreign cuisine can provide. Providing a window into what makes up a culture, food gives one the opportunity to explore different dishes. Morocco cuisine will not disappoint. There are a variety of places that let foreign travelers experience the vibrant flavors that go into Moroccan cuisine.

Some Good Restaurants

A Moroccan culinary experience starts at the Le Restaurant du Riad Monceau. This charming dining establishment is owned and operated by renowned French artist, Isabelle Aubry. The dining area is set inside the Riad accommodation area providing the ultimate dining experience for couples, families and friends. Menu selections features traditional Moroccan cuisine such as fruit kebabs with coulis topped with citrus fruit honey. Meals may be served in the main dining room, lounge area or poolside at quaint patio tables.

Travel 10 to 15 minutes outside of Marrakech to uncover the culinary wonder of Le Bo Zin. Here diners will delight in experience Asian fused cuisine in a vibrant setting. Most nights features the musical talent of DJ's that play a nice mixture of music. Once dinner has been cleared from the table, the music is kicked up a notch and the dancing begins. Staff members have been known to get out on the dance floor and dance the night away with guests. An outside patio area features comfortable sofas and music that is perfect for that after dinner drink with friends or a toast to the end of another great day in Morocco.

Arrival at Le Foundouk is unlike any other experience in Morocco. Many guests are dropped off by taxis or other transportation services at what seems to be a desolate location. From out of nowhere a man arrives clothed in beautiful garments carrying a lantern. This will serve as the diner's guide to the restaurant location. Walk down a small roadway and into the front door of the restaurant. Once inside, ancient Marrakech decor adds a stylish ambiance. Taking center stage is a magnificent candle chandelier that draws focal attention from every corner in the restaurant. Menu selections feature one menu of Moroccan cuisine while the flip side displays European cuisine.

Guests will enjoy an evening dining at Tanjia. This three story restaurant features a bar on the ground level and two main levels for dining. The bar is a great place to grab a quick drink and appetizer before dinner or enjoy the evening with friends. Venture upstairs to enjoy a great meal in the balcony area blanketed by an atrium that sprinkles water mists to keep the Moroccan heat down. After dinner enjoy the evening attraction of a traditional Moroccan belly dancing show.

Wind down a great day in Morocco with a stop at Café Arabe in Marrakech. This three level bar and restaurant serves up drinks and dinner that are an adventure all by themselves. Each level of the restaurant offers food and drinks. The roof top terrace affords some of the best views in Morocco. Menu selections feature traditional Moroccan dishes alongside Italian delights. Staff is personable and always available to refill a wine glass or bring the next course to the table.

One of the hidden gems of Marrakech is the Earth Cafe, owned and operated by Niam, a former up-scale california restaurant owner turned dalmation and organic olive farm plantation owner, opened a little restaurant in a small riad in the central part of the medina. Having some of the best and simplest mene choices around, your taste buds and satisfactory cells won't be left hungry. Niam also sells organic olive and argon oil from his farm here. This place is highly recommended and still left undiscovered. (I know, cause I'm his friend.)

Casablanca: Culinary Cuisine

For a culinary change of pace, take a trip to Casablanca to experience Kiotori. This restaurant holds the distinct honor of being the first Japanese restaurant in Morocco. Diners will be treated to authentic Japanese culinary tastes and smells with dishes straight from areas of Japan and Asia. Once inside the doors, diners are engulfed in simple Japanese décor that emits a Zen-like ambiance among personable and helpful staff members.

Another great dining experience can be found at the Tahiti Beach Club restaurant. Diner will enjoy scenic views of a nearby beach, botanical garden and city life in Casablanca. Menu selections are delicious portions of international cuisine that are sure to delight everyone at the table. Staff members are fluent in Arab, French and English. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A visit to a Morocco restaurant or other on your Morocco holidays would not be complete without indulging in all the culinary aspects of the region as well. Each eatery and dining establishment offers a different twist on traditional Moroccan dishes while offering others from all realms of the cultural culinary world. Diners will not be disappointed, with the menu selections offered and will often find a need to ask for a second bite or try something new. One thing is for sure, Moroccan cuisine will not have diners asking for a doggie bag to take leftovers home. Every delicious bite will be consumed on site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Hollowell

Vegan Brunch

2008-10-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

As a vegan living in NYC that works at a vegan business, one of the questions our staff gets asked most often is, "Where are the great vegan restaurants?" This can be especially challenging for Sunday brunch, which is typically rife with non-vegan fare, such as eggs, meat, cheese, etc.

Yet Sunday brunch is one of my favorite meals, and it's always fun to join friends for a relaxing meal. And since it's one of my favorites, I made sure to find places that I really enjoy. There are tons of places in New York where you can find great vegan fare, but these are just a few that I really do love.

Sacred Chow
This great downtown restaurant features a bistro-fare of organic beer, wine & herbal elixirs, mouth watering soups, stews, salads and heroes, enticing desserts & hot drinks, delicious, hearty plant proteins, complex carbohydrates and luscious frozen smoothies. But for me, the number one reason for going to Sacred Chow for lunch is their biscuits. I love their breakfast sandwich which comes on a flaky, savory biscuits which is just wonderful Also, Sacred Chow has the best tasting mimosas made with the freshest orange juice ever. The restaurant is also almost completely vegan and the staff is always really nice, which means you get great service.

The Organic Grille
Located on First Avenue between 7th Street and St. Mark's Place, this inviting café offers vegan omelets that look like what omelets looked like before you learned the horrors of the egg industry. While not fully vegan, they do have a substantial brunch menu that is sure to please all of the people around the table.

The V-Spot Café
What could be better than brunch on a beautiful outdoor patio? The V-Spot Café is 100% vegan, which is a great news for Brooklyn that unfortunately falls short to Manhattan with regard to its veggie fare. And while you might feel that you have "seen it all" with regard to breakfast wraps, there is something about the one at the V-Spot that cures my jaded breakfast burrito heart.

Being vegan does not mean that you have to give up one of New York's favorite meals. Now that you know where to go, grab some friends and have some weekend fun!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erica_Kubersky

Got the Munchies? Clubs That Keeps the Kitchen Open Late

2008-10-17T02:06:00.000-07:00

The New York City nightlife is famous worldwide for its events, fast paced fun and energetic, excited people. The NYC comprises of the trendiest clubs that offers great service, delicious cuisine and is vibrant with activities and events organized daily. There are many night clubs in New York City that keeps the kitchen open till late hours of night. These clubs are a regular hangout place for people. They offer great food and are regular spots for celebrity sightings. The dance floor along with the VIP treatment at some of these clubs makes the atmosphere electrifying.

There are many nightclubs in New York City that keeps the kitchen open till late. Some of the most popular among them include: Room Service, Suzie Wongs and Tenjune/STK.

Room Service is among the premier nightclubs in the New York City. It is located in the Flat Iron district and offers high class service with plush atmosphere. There are private rooms within the club equipped with television system, DVDs and concierge service to fulfill customer's needs. There is a mini bar with stocked snack and the VIP treatment makes the atmosphere electrifying.

Suzie Wongs is a professional, stylish destination with deep crimson and black interiors which sets a classy tone with easy, low slung seating. Suzy Wong's has a great romantic vibe and is very crowded particularly on the weekends. The outside patio offers fabulous sights of the Atlanta skyline. The wine list is particularly popular with great cuisine that can be ordered throughout the night.

Tenjune offers complete VIP treatment to its customers. The inside decor is electric with sexual texture-wavy wood grains, zebra prints and marble accents with walls of violet velvet. The dance floor is horse shoe shaped with the DJ both strategically placed to keep the energy flowing. This is a spot for regular celebrity sightings like Lindsay Lohan and Diddy. The service is great with delicious cuisine that runs till late at night.

New York City clubs are famous worldwide. The nightlife is electrifying with vibrant atmosphere.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_Stewart

Most Romantic Spot to Propose to Your Loved One

2008-10-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

Choosing the perfect restaurant for a special occasion can make all the difference. Especially if you want to propose to your special one, choosing the right place can do wonders. There are almost thousands of romantic restaurants in NYC. These restaurants offer a romantic atmosphere with great services and quality food.

The most important thing about a romantic dining is privacy. Nowadays the restaurants are so crowded that people are almost sitting on top of the person next to them. Therefore choose a romantic restaurant which offers privacy for one of the most important days in your life. These New York restaurants offer romantic music to dine by, candlelight, spectacular views and crackling fires.

Some of the most popular romantic restaurants in NYC include: Blue Water Grill, Aureole, and Gramercy Tavern.

Blue Water Grill is known for its fashionable offerings. It's been rewarded with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This place offers an elegant atmosphere with live music. The Blue Water Grill features a raw bar, private rooms, fine wines and brunch. This place is open till late and is a regular hangout place for couples. The food is excellent and the service is great.

Aureole is renowned worldwide as an intimate and ultimate destination for excellent American food prepared with big flavors in soothing combinations. Aureole is the kind of fashionable restaurants which the people in NYC love. Aureoles offer a stylish environment with soft music, supreme service and freshly cut flowers.

One of America's most well known restaurants, Gramercy Tavern is a spectacular American version of a warm, lavish restaurants found regularly in the European countryside. Inventive cuisine from Chef Michael Anthony, wines and great service are the mark of this antique filled, wood beamed restaurant. The soft music while you dine in makes it the perfect place to propose to your loved one.

There are many romantic restaurants in New York City which offers the perfect atmosphere for one of the most important days in your life. Take your loved one at one of these romantic restaurants and she would be thinking of you for hours. It creates the right mood for you to propose to your loved one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_Stewart

Top Ten Dinner Restaurants in New York City to Go With Friends

2008-10-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

New York City offers you some of the best restaurants in the world. You get the priciest as well as the cheapest meals in the NYC. The restaurants in NYC remain open all the time were you can enjoy with your friends. You can stay out and relish your food late at night as having dinner early may sound strange, unless you have some other plan.

The Celebs keep visiting some of these best restaurants in NYC as these restaurants serve the finest cuisine and is the best hang out place. Some of such restaurants are:

Buddha Bar: From the moment you enter, you will be delighted. The help, the décor, the services and most significantly the food are excellent. It can be the best place to be with friends.

Gramercy Tavern: The Tavern can be the finest place to meander late at night. The awesome food, comfortable services and the great martinis can be the best restaurant to have dinner with friends. The mouthwatering pork with the implausible parsley sauce is the best cuisine served their.

Sapa: If your friend circle demands fun and noise, Sapa can be the best restaurant in New York City to visit. The dinning room is always crammed with fresh flowers. The steak frites offered by this restaurant is an unforgettable cuisine.

Lattanzi: This is a classy restaurant that serves food very similar to the home made stuff. It is always very crowded, so it's advisable to book your table well in advance in order to avoid last minute hassle. The décor is awesome with high quality food.

Tao: It is an excellent restaurant for the people who love sea food. The drinks served are among the best and selected ones from all over the world. The desserts like giant cookie overflowing with milk chocolate mousses can be a real treat.

Few more restaurants like, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Mr. K's, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Tavern on the Green and Rosa Mexicano are also very famous. They serve the best cuisine with a perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy with friends.

New York is blessed with a lot of restaurants that have its own unique style to represent a classic décor and leaves you missing a word as you enjoy the food which is oh, so tasty!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_Stewart

Lansdowne Street - A Boston-style Pub in Bonita Springs, Florida

2008-10-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone from Massachusetts knows Lansdowne Street is the road running behind Fenway Park.

Bonita Springs now has it's own Lansdowne Street. And while it's not located just a few footsteps from the legendary home of the Boston Red Sox, it sure feels like it from inside.

Located inside the Bernwood Design Centre, near the corner of Old 41 Road and US 41, Lansdowne Street is a new restaurant and pub that recreates the experience of sitting in a Boston Bar. Modeled after the well-known Beacon Hill watering hole, The Sevens, Lansdowne Street oozes gritty Northeast charm. The interior is all brick and rich, dark wood. At one end of the establishment, there is a Green Monster scoreboard and an "old-school" dartboard. At the other end, there is an antique stained-glass window from a Cambridge church and a working fireplace. Between it all there is a veritable museum of Red Sox memoribilia, lots of flat-screen TV's tuned to New England sports, and a stately bar serving over 48 different types of beer. Some of the stand-out brews are Lefthand Brewery's Milk Stout, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, and the hard-to-find-in-Florida Boston-Favorite - Harpoon IPA.

The food Lansdowne Street serves is lighter-style pub fare. Their menu revolves around the concept of gourmet sandwiches. They've got everything from vegetarian panini offerings to fully decked out grinders. All of Lansdowne Street's signature sandwiches are named after well-traveled Boston roads...The Mass Pike, Newbury Street, Yawkey Way. They've also got a full selections of salads, chili, clam chowder, Boston baked beans, and a not-to-be-missed lobster roll.

Juke box music blares from the corner. Live music passes through on occasion.

"On St. Patricks Day, we had a block party outside with a tent set up. We had an industrial-sized grill set up, live music...the bartenders were pouring green Pabst Blue Ribbon," says Lansdowne Street proprietor, Michael Maurer. "Thousands of people showed up, you could barely move through the crowd, it was incredible."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Taubert

New Years Eve party food

2008-10-07T00:18:00.000-07:00

New Years Eve Party Food

Appetizers, along with cocktails, are one of the most popular food options for a New Years Eve party. You should plan on providing at least five different appetizers for your party to ensure your guests will get to taste a wide variety of items. A mixture of sweet and savoury appeitzers is best. Try choosing appetizers that are not messy to eat, especially when your guests are likely to be dressed elegantly.

We have listed some appetizer recipes that are sure to go down a treat with your guests and can be prepared in advance, so you can also enjoy yourself on New Years Eve.

Cheese & Olive Bruschetta

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or salad dressing)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
2 medium tomatoes, seeded,finely chopped
1/4 cup black olives, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 baguette, fresh, about 2 1/2" round and 27" long
1/3 cup butter, softened

Mix the first 8 ingredients (this can be done the day ahead and refrigerated). Cut the baguette into 1" slices. Butter one side. Arrange on a cookie sheet, buttered side up. Divide the mixture among the slices and spread. Bake in 350F oven for about 15 minutes and the cheese has melted.

Tortilla Pinwheels

1/4 Cup Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 Cup Salsa
1/4 Cup chopped green onion tops
1/2 Teaspoon chili powder
4 Flour Tortillas, 6-inch

In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with a fork until the cheeser is incorporated. Stir in the salsa, green onion, and chili powder. Spread the mixture evenly on the tortillas. Roll up and chill. Slice into rounds.

Deviled Eggs With Crabmeat

6 hard cooked eggs, peeled
3 1/3 tbsp. mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 1/3 tbsp. finely chopped celery
2 tsp. (dijon) mustard
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. onion powder
few drops Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 can (6 oz) salad crab meat, drained

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks. With fork, mash yolks; add mayonnaise, celery, mustard, parsley, oregano, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
Add crab meat, mix well. Refill whites with yolk mixture and garnish as desired.
Serve immediately or store covered in refrigerator. Use within 3 days.

Chocolate Truffles

1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
1-1/2 teaspoons instant-coffee crystals
1 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate pieces
1/4 cup butter
Sifted cocoa powder

In a bowl, combine whipping cream, Irish cream liqueur and coffee liqueur. Stir in the instant-coffee crystals; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Remove from heat; gradually stir in cream mixture until blended.
Transfer to a bowl; cover tightly and chill in refrigerator about 2 hours or until completely cool and smooth, stirring occasionally. Mixture will be slightly sticky.
Shape tablespoons of candy into balls. Roll each in cocoa powder. Place on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet. Chill until firm. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you like, roll in additional cocoa powder before serving.

Cream Puffs

2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs

Mix together vanilla instant pudding mix, cream and milk. Cover and refrigerate to set. Preheat oven to 425F. In a large pot, bring water and butter to a rolling boil. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon or stand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Centers should be dry. When the shells are cool, either split and fill them with the pudding mixture, or use a pastry bag to pipe the pudding into the shells.

Sesame Chicken

24 chicken tenders
1 cup sesame seeds
4 tbsp. dijon mustard
2 tsp. onion powder
2 cups mayo
1 cup honey

Grease baking sheet. Preheat oven to 450.
Combine dijon mustard, onion powder, mayo and honey. Dip chicken tenders into this mixture and then into sesame seeds. Place chicken tenders on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Marinated Mushrooms

1 lb. fresh mushrooms
1 tsp. chives
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. tarragon
pinch of salt
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. garlic powder

Clean and dry mushrooms. Mix all ingredients together. Let marinate in refrigerator for 8-12 hours and serve.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

The Absolute Best Recipes on the web! Free Quality Recipes!

2008-10-07T00:17:00.002-07:00

When looking and deciding the correct and most appropriate recipe for the right event or occasion, you must search where all the best and diverse recipes are located. This will give you the upperhand for preparing that dish that everyone will remember and ask about!

There is one thing that is a give: all people have different taste and preferences. Free Quality Recipes recognizes this fact and represents every kind of food or dish that you could possibly want: from ethnic food to desserts or vegetarian dishes to appetizers, I'm sure we'll have what will satisfy your appetite!

With so many recipe sites online, what makes Free Quality Recipes different? All our recipes are organized for you to find them easily. Search alphabetically or by the type of dish you're looking for, whether it is seafood, soup, salad, or meat.

After you've tried a recipe, you can rate it. You can even e-mail your favorite recipes to your friends. And if you sign up for our e-mail list, you'll be getting delectable recipes in your inbox.

The site is a clearinghouse for good recipes that will lead to delicious dishes and memories shared around the table. Using Free Quality Recipes is meant to be fun. If you love to cook, this site is for you! The next great recipe for your dinner table is waiting for you right here.

If you're tired of spilling food all over your cookbooks while cooking in the kitchen, we don't blame you at all. That's the nice thing about our Free Quality Recipes. You can just print them out one page at a time for use as you cook. If you spill on it, it's no big deal. You can always print out another.

People visiting and posting their recipes or remarks are growing every day! As you use our site for whatever you're looking for in terms of recipes, we hope that you find the site user friendly and noticeably high in quality. This site might be free, but we will expend much effort to make sure quality is ever present!

Customer service is not something that is secondary or "nice to have", it's completely and undeniably essential and must be blatanly obvious in all aspects! I will work hard to see that this site is providing you with tools and services to make your visit and time productive and enjoyable. If you have question, comment, or opinions regarding this website or its operation, please don't hesitate to contact me!

We're doing our best to make sure great quality recipes are being uploaded daily and will stop at nothing to make sure the site is constantly evolving. We have a lot to offer consumers who are looking for delicious recipes for dinner and special occasions. Whether you need to feed a few people or a large party, there are plenty of recipes to meet your needs here at Free Quality Recipes.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

How to Prepare Malai Kofta

2008-10-07T00:17:00.001-07:00

Ingredients : - 2 cups vegetables like carrot, cauliflower, potato, bottle gourd, green peas, 4 large onions, 4 large tomatoes, 3 teaspoons ginger garlic paste, 1 big green chilly, 4 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 2 tablespoons maida(refined flour), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder,1 teaspoon coriander powder, 3/4 teaspoon turmeric, 2 teaspoons red chilly powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala(hot spice mix), 4 tablespoons malai(cream), 15 tablespoons oil and salt to taste.

Preparation time : - 25 minutes Serves : - 2

HOW TO PREPARE :-Boil all the vegetables together. Separately boil the onion and make a paste. Finely chop the tomatoes. Make a paste of the chilly. To make the kofta or vegetable balls, first mash all the boiled vegetables. Now to this add the maida, 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste, pepper powder and salt. Mix them well and make small balls of this batter. Take a frying pan and pour oil enough to deep fry. Bring the oil to heat. To check whether the oil is very hot put in a small piece of the batter and see. If the batter floats the oil is ready or heat the oil for a little while longer. If the batter begins to crack or break add a little bit more maida to the batter. Fry the balls on a medium flame and keep turning them over often so that they are cooked evenly and properly. Next for the gravy take another pan and pour 4 tablespoons oil and bring to heat. Once it’s really hot add the bay leaves and sauté for a while. Next add the ginger garlic paste and chilly paste and let it crackle. Follow this with the boiled onion paste. Sauté till the raw smell leaves and the onions turn golden brown. Add the turmeric, red chilly powder, coriander powder and sauté for three minute. Next pour water according to your desired thickness for the gravy. Bring to boil. Add the salt, stir well and let it cook for five minutes. Put the cream and ensure that it blends well with the gravy. Put the koftas into the gravy only five minute before you serve so that they are not too soggy. Garnish with cream in the centre and serve hot.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Healthy Fast Food Menu Options

2008-10-01T05:07:00.001-07:00

Fast food restaurants have gotten such a bad rap in the past few decades as a major reason for the obesity epidemic in the US, that many of them have felt compelled to defend their existence. Recently, the head of McDonald's, one of the most often cited restaurants in the blame for obesity, defended his restaurants saying that they were not responsible for the obesity rates in children.

I must agree with him that it is no one's direct fault that there are increasing amounts of obese children as well as adults, but the sad truth is that here in the US there are a combination of factors in our culture that promote obesity and will continue to unless we change our ways. According to statistics, obesity rates have tripled in just the past thirty years in adults. If that doesn't tell you something is amiss, then I don't know what does.

In response to pressure from consumer and health advocates, many fast food restaurants have come up with lighter menu options and healthier choices for kids meals to do their part in at least offering the option to be healthier. The rest is up to the customer or the parents of children who are eating there, and that is where the true education and enlightenment must come in, which is a difficult thing to control.

Wendy's, one of the most popular fast food chains, has started to offer mandarin oranges as a side option, which is a lot healthier and less caloric than french fries or a loaded baked potato. They also offer side salads with light dressings, and have quite a nice little menu of low fat salads that would tempt anyone's taste buds. In fact, Wendy's probably has one of the best salad menus of any popular fast food chain right now in my opinion.

They still have their triple stacked burgers and fries too for those who want the true naughty fast food experience, but those who are watching their weight or are just generally health conscious now have choices that are more palatable than they have been in the past.

McDonalds has also jumped on the healthier offerings bandwagon, and has salads to choose from, although not as impressive nor as tasty as Wendy's, and instead of french fries as their only choice for sides, they also now offer fruit and nut parfaits and apple dippers, a favorite with kids, which is sliced apples with a low fat caramel dipping sauce.

They even have offered active meals for adults which include salads, bottled water, and a free pedometer and health guide. A recent news story where a man lost significant weight eating at McDonalds no doubt fueled the popularity of apple dippers and their fruit and walnut parfait, both of which he ate almost exclusively while on his diet.

I recently went to the drive thru at a local Taco Bell, and even they have added a lighter menu to their offerings. The lighter menu offers some of the same traditional tacos, burritos and soft tacos, only they hold the cheese and load up more on the veggies, salsa and lettuce to make the meal lower fat and higher fiber, as well as lower in overall calories.

Subway is one of my favorite fast food places to grab a quick and healthy bite to eat while controlling calorie intake. They offer a whole line of subs that are low fat as well as 400 calories or less, perhaps slightly more on some but not much over the 400 calorie mark, which is ideal for a lunch or a dinner since it is calorie controlled.

Their offerings include subs on high fiber bread, which is delicious, and low fat meats such as roast beef, turkey and ham. You should order them without the cheese, which I've found to not be such a big deal since the cheese is very thin and doesn't provide much additional flavor anyways.

Just ordering without cheese saves you roughly one hundred calories. They have such a great selection of fresh veggies to pile on that you won't even notice you're eating a healthy, low fat meal. Choices include spinach leaves (my personal high fiber, high iron favorite), cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, pepper, pickles, and black olives (to be used sparingly, they are high in fat).

Add to that the fact that they have some great condiments that are fat free like their onion sauce and their honey mustard, and you've got a delicious low fat meal that will make you feel energized instead of lethargic, and keep you fuller longer than a burger and fries will.

Burger King, McDonald's oldest rival, also has some healthy menu options. They do offer a veggie burger made by Morningstar, which is quite tasty, however if you want to make it low fat skip the mayo, which they apply copiously unless you ask them to hold it. Add extra tomato and lettuce and maybe a little mustard for some flavor, and you've got a low fat burger replacement. Hold the cheese though of course.

Burger King also offers a nice list of salads and some low fat dressings to accompany them as well for a low fat, high fiber meal with protein such as chicken. There is also a grille chicken sandwich that if ordered without the mayo is a somewhat healthy choice. However, unlike McDonalds, they seem to be lacking in the other more novelty healthy foods that keep it interesting, meaning they are probably sticking with their core audience who stops for burgers and fries.

And there you have it. That's just a quick summary of some of the healthier choices offered by today's most popular fast food restaurants here in the US. Hopefully we will start to see more healthy competitors opening their doors in the same neighborhoods, and that at least will give us a better chance at getting something that is healthy, but also interesting.

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New York Restaurants – Perfect Spot For Foodies With New Tastes

2008-10-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

New York is a tantalizing proposition with its luminous neon, the gourmet, nightlife scene, open fronted bars and restaurants. New York is the most happening city in US that never sleeps. This city offers some of the best restaurants across the world. NYC restaurants are open all the time so that you can enjoy appetizing meal with your family and friends. You will find priciest as well as cheapest cuisines in NYC. New York’s food is well known for its exotic fusion of western and eastern flavors with enormous variety of culinary enjoyments. Local visitors as well as foreign visitors keep visiting some of the best restaurants in NYC due to their excellent cuisines and services. Some of such restaurants are listed below:

Artisanal: Artisanal, lively midtown restaurant, near Empire state building, offer more than 200 ranges of cheese. Vegetable and seafood dishes lead the menu but its extensively highly praised variety of fowl, game and beef are not to be missed out. Its wine list is excellent and tops the lists of patrons and food critics over the city.

Bond Street: This Japanese restaurant in NYC although minimal in décor offers many exciting Innovative cusines. Bond Street serves the freshest sushi in NYC along with Nobu.

Brasserie: Brasserie is well known for its after party circuit due to exotic late night dinning staple. Even feast at this space-pop contemporary dinning room is also cause for celebration. This restaurant is French inspired and offers excellent cuisines and the active bar scene makes it an ideal spot for foodies who are looking for new taste.

Daniel : NYC culinary superstar Chef Daniel Boulud with impeccable credentials owns this restaurant. Originally, he was the head chef of Le Cirque. This world class restaurant offer sumptuous cuisines at cheapest price.

Della Femina: Della Femina conveys the superiority of Manhattan with relaxed elegance and high class comfort. This restaurant offers French cuisines with American twist with fine wine at affordable price. It’s difficult to ignore this hotel in NYC.

The Screening Room: Movie and dinner have never been accessible upscale. The screening room features some classic cinema with dining. Here, you can get both food and film either together or separately. Dinner can score three-course prix-frix meal with movie tickets for less than 40 bucks.

New York restaurants offer exotic services and cuisines so that you will be delighted from the moment you enter till you exit. Restaurants are always crowded, so it is advisable to reserve your table in advance. They serve good food with perfect environment to relax and enjoy with family and friends. Therefore, whenever you go to New York next, do ensure to try these different restaurants to enjoy the different kinds of cusines available there.

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Punta Cana Restaurant Reviews

2008-10-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Lists of Caterers Food Services

2008-09-29T05:58:00.001-07:00

In every event, food-catering service is something that all event planners will have in mind. Food is the heart and soul of every good event and party. Without nice food, the event will seem like a failure. So, to give your guests a good event, you need to get the best dishes from your food caterer for your event. However, it is not easy to find the right catering services. So, here is a list of Top 10 Caterers Food Services in Albuquerque city.

The Good Caterers list is ordered by how frequently the Caterers Food Services information is stored in people's digital address books. 79 people, according to grayboxx.com, have stored the #1 Caterers Food Services on the Top 10.Generally, people only store a business' information in their address books if they are satisfied with the provider's service and wish to engage in repeat business.

The Top 10 Caterers Food Services of Albuquerque, NM area:

1. El Pinto Restaurant (79 people stored this Caterers Food Services in their digital address books, according to grayboxx.com and areag2.com)(505) 898-1771 10500 4th St NW - Albuquerque, NM 87114

2. Trombinos Bistro Italiano (29)(505) 821-5974 5415 Academy Rd NE - Albuquerque, NM 87109

3. Zios Italian Kitchen (25)(505) 792-9222 10041 Coors Blvd NW - Albuquerque, NM 87114

4. Taj Mahal Cuisine of India (24)(505) 255-1994 1430 Carlisle Blvd NE - Albuquerque, NM 87110

5. The Cooperage Restaurant (22)(505) 255-1657 7220 Lomas Blvd NE - Albuquerque, NM 87110

6. Wecks Breakfast Lunch Catering (21)(505) 881-0019 3913 Louisiana Blvd NE - Albuquerque, NM 87110

7. Albuquerque Catering Company (17)(505) 299-3999 6220 Edith Blvd NE - Albuquerque, NM 87107 (abgcatering.com)

8. Special Touch Catering (17)(505) 294-2396 5200 Eubank Blvd NE - Albuquerque, NM 87111

9. The Cooperage Restaurant (17) (505) 323-0222 9700 Montgomery Blvd NE - Albuquerque, NM

87111

10.High Noon Restaurant & Saloon (16) (505) 765-1455 425 San Felipe St NW - Albuquerque, NM 87104

Restaurants in Australia Craft a Culture of Cuisine

2008-09-29T05:57:00.002-07:00

Australia has among the most diversified cultures in the world. The good thing is, Australia has kept its cultural diversity preserved, while people live together in harmony.

The same thing goes with their cuisine. Australian cuisine inherited its nature from British cooking. From pies, to grilled meat chops, slightly cooked veggies, and chips, Australian food has evolved progressively. It is now able to accommodate the dishes from the varied cultures in their land. Modern Australia is a term coined for it that includes the embrace of their multicultural culinary influences. Ever since the fusion of varied cultural dishes, the best restaurants in Australia have taken Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines to be part of their serving menu.

In the cities, you can find several eat-in and take-away Asian food shops that offer a multitude of Indian and Chinese dishes. This has resulted from the high count of Asian immigration to Australia, and of course the long existence of the Chinese community in Australia.

Still popular choices among Aussies are the American food chains such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, and McDonald's. Australian restaurants have also came up with their own versions of fast food eat shops like Chicken Treat, Eagle Boys pizza chain, and Red Rooster. The most common food that you can order in fast food stores is the "Australian Hamburger". This has become an iconic food item in Australia as this offers a wide variety of hamburger fillings anyone can choose from. Obviously, the persistence of fast food chains remains to be a legacy of Australia's British traditions.

Vary Vegetarian in Miami

2008-09-29T05:57:00.001-07:00

No, that's not a homonym faux-pa in the title; we meant it. We need some variety in Miami because face it; seldom will you ever hear the words "vegetarian" and "frugal" in the same sentence. When you're on the cheap and on the go, finding a compromise between the two will usually result in crafting meals from a Taco Bell menu or strolling the frozen foods aisle at the nearest grocer. But seemingly every time you have a few extra dollars in your billfold, the figurative floodgates of vegan and vegetarian options fly wide open and you go from limited to limitless.

So it's always comforting and a little special when restaurants open up that aren't part of a franchise, or the product of an over-familiar mold. And the taste is that much sweeter when it serves a cuisine that's menu has a tradition of blending animal-friendly elements-In this case we're speaking of Indian food.

Samosas, naans, paneers, and much more have been the staple of many vegetarian diets; increasingly those who associate themselves in a DIY (do-it-yourself) subculture where the ingredients to realize these concoctions can all be pinpointed to a lowly grocery aisle labeled "Ethnic," or some other absurd category.

But getting back to the original course of topic; finding that cohesion of affordability and vegetarianism is often an insufferable pain. However, if you live in Miami, the burden just became a little more bearable.

ISHQ contemporary Indian restaurant is housed in the Art Deco district of South Beach Miami. The location, the slick interior décor, the food presentation-all overshoot the price you'll find printed on your check at the end of the night. As a result, you're left with a new favorite go-to restaurant to add to your meager collection.

Soul Food Restaurant - Tips to Serving up a taste of HOME Cooking

2008-09-27T03:21:00.002-07:00

Okay so you don't have the skill, time or patience to cook up that perfect soul food dinner? Chances are a soul food restaurant in your area is serving up home cooking just like mom or grandma use to make. Give yourself a break from kitchen duties and here is the reason why.

Soul food restaurants have never been more popular. In fact, today you have more options than ever before. Black celebrities, seasoned chefs and great cooks around the country have teamed up to offer you a unique dining experience and familiar soul food menu.

If you live in or near major cities with a significant African American population, expect the competition for your business to be fierce. This is great news for you because in essence you will have an opportunity to enjoy a full range of dinning experiences at several different types of restaurants including: soul food diners, upscale dining, buffets, catered events, mom & pop dining, cafeteria style dinners and much more.

Cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Memphis, New York, Philadelphia, St Louis, Oakland and Washington DC all offer unique dining experience including: live jazz performances, comedy shows, celebrity appearances, modernized soul food cuisine, artwork exhibits, gifts & memorabilia and cooking products.

Once you get out and start enjoying establishments in your area, it will be easy to see that the soul food restaurant industry caters to a diverse group.

Now that you're sold on the idea of giving yourself a break from kitchen duties, the obvious question is "What are celebrity soul food restaurants and famous chefs cooking up?". This question is not at all easy to answer. The simple fact is, it all depends on location and the type of clients the restaurants in your area are trying to attract.

The bottom line up front is that in most cases you can find a soul food restaurant in your area that provides the type of comfort foods and home cooking you have become accustomed too. At this point you should feel very good about the idea of eating foods any day of the week that are traditional served only during Sunday dinner and on special occasion like family reunions, family barbecues, birthdays, etc.

So what type of dishes can you expect to find on a soul food menu? That depends on the type of restaurant you visit. For example at a barbecue restaurant you can experience the taste of barbecued ribs, chicken, brisket; baked beans, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw, potato salad; banana pudding, sweet potato pie; and more.

At an upscale restaurant you would more than like see many remakes of traditional soul food and southern favorites. These modern meals will be more appealing to today's taste buds. In additional you'll see soul food fusion, the combination of African American, Caribbean and Jamaican cuisine. Lastly, on the menu you'll probably see NEO Soul Food aka New Soul Food prepared to fit the healthy lifestyle. These dishes contain less salt, fat, cholesterol and calories.

You'll be pleasantly surprised when eating at Cafeteria style restaurants, along with restaurants featuring buffets. Here you can taste and sample a variety of comfort foods including meats like smothered chicken, barbecue, meatloaf, fish; vegetables such as collard greens, cabbage, yams, okra; delectable desserts like peach cobbler, red velvet cake, pecan pie; and much more.

The Mom & Pop type restaurants will be limited to daily specials and lack variety when compared to large establishments. This can work out to your advantage because you'll always be served fresh vegetables and desserts with fruits that are in season.

Okay now is the time to take a break do some research and rush out to enjoy some soul food at a soul food restaurant near you. Just remember there are plenty of restaurants to choose from offering a variety of soul food menus. One word of caution all soul food restaurants are not created equal.

Your Guide to an Amazing Hawaiian Vacation

2008-09-27T03:21:00.001-07:00

Hawaii: beautiful beaches, perfect weather, amazing surf, exquisite cuisine, and one of the world's favorite places to visit on a much-needed vacation. Here's a quick tour of Hawaii with some highlights, hotel information and the key to an amazing Hawaii vacation. Here's the secret: find an inexpensive package that will get you a ticket to the island, a hotel, and a beach tour or restaurant all in one. Tons of places in Hawaii advertise their business by packaging with a hotel or airline. Below you'll find some good picks.

First of all, for the golfing enthusiast, you can find the Unlimited Golfing Package from Prince Resorts Hawaii. On three Hawaiian islands, you can visit any one of 5 breathtakingly beautiful golf courses with a total of 99 holes and golf the day away. With a breakfast buffet included, you can't go wrong with the Prince Resorts Hawaii. Next, you don't want to leave Hawaii without catching one of those famous waves. Pick Ohana Hotels, and you can “Catch a wave in Hawaii” over a five night luxurious stay.

One of the most famous things about a vacation in Hawaii is the delicious Hawaiian cuisine. For example, Tiki's Grill and Bar is one of those restaurants. With the look and feel of a '50s or '60s Hawaiian tiki bar, this restaurant is a great place to go for delicious food and a breathtaking view of the beach. For more information on Hawaii's delicious restaurants and restaurant reviews where visitors talk about their favorite Hawaiian cuisine, visit www.myhonoluluhi.us.

For those more interested in Hawaii's history and archaeology, visit Bishop Museum, home to more that two million Hawaiian artifacts. The museum now has a location at Hilton Hawaii Village Beach Resort, so it is easy to visit and view the amazing history of the beautiful state of Hawaii. With exhibits dating back to 400 AD and leading up to Hawaii's modern history, the museum includes weapons, shark teeth, historic sufboards, and feather lei capes worn by Hawaiian nobility. This is truly a great tourist site for some unique Hawaiian history.

For more information on Hawaii, including restaurants, movie times, camping, shopping, and hotels, visit My Hawaii.

100 Degrees, For a Romantic Dinner - Restaurants in Hyderabad

2008-09-25T02:23:00.000-07:00

What you see - 100 Degrees comes across as another winner from Ohri's. What works in its favor is its location on Necklace road with a magnificent view of Tank Bund. The restaurant's interiors are done with muted lights, water fountains in the center and a dome-like-structure that gives positive energy and appeal to the ambiance.

You can decide to dine inside or alfresco. The terrace area overlooking the Hussainsagar Lake with beach umbrellas is nothing short of a seaside experience especially during the evenings. The area is open for dinner and offers perfect setting for a romantic time out. But make your reservations if you want to enjoy the open roof as the seats there are limited and seldom available. The other side of the restaurant has a very secluded feel to it and is modeled like a lounge with soft pop music playing in the background.

What you get - 100 Degrees is a complete treat of global cuisines - Continental, Mediterranean, Tex-Mex and Indian.

The sizzlers are varied - Japanese Yakitori, Indian Kadai Paneer, Moroccan Chicken, Olive crusted Pomfret and more. Indian and Chinese noodle sizzlers are the unique selling points. You can also make your own sizzler choosing the bread, sauces and accompaniments, wash it down with some wine and end with Baklava (Greek and Middle eastern dessert made of thin pastry and nuts) served with ice cream.

The restaurant also offers finest coffees from all over the world. Be it coffee from Coorg, Hawaii, Jamaica, Yemen, Columbia or special teas like Earl Grey and Lemon Tea, the choice is wide.

The 100 Degrees Sizzler and the scrumptious Chicken Sizzler are must-tries. There is nothing like sipping your favorite drink, taking in the cool breeze blowing past and biting into a piping hot sizzler.

Our verdict - The Yakitori is not as authentic as promised but the Middle Eastern fare is par excellence. This is not a restaurant which is modestly priced but the ambiance makes it worth every penny. The kebabs are to die for as well. A glass of fine wine would go really well with the ambiance and is the recommended drink of choice.

The service is satisfactory though the knowledge of the staff on the dishes being served is at best limited but nonetheless satisfactory. We would have liked more tables for two outside as well. There is valet parking facility available. All in all, one of the best places for a romantic dinner in Hyderabad.

Lake Mary And Seminole County Florida Mexican Restaurants - A Great Place For Family Fun

2008-09-25T02:22:00.002-07:00

Have you considered a Lake Mary and Seminole County Florida Mexican restaurant when you are planning a night out with your family? It is an ideal location for good food, and great atmosphere. Mexican food is a particular favorite among kids and they will be thrilled with your choice of restaurant.

When you are planning a night out with the family it is always a good idea to plan in advance. This eliminates any unnecessary waiting and the chance that you won't be able to do exactly what you planned. Get out your yellow pages and look at the variety of restaurants in your area. Find the Lake Mary and Seminole County Mexican restaurants and give them a quick call. You should find out if they prefer reservations or if a diner can typically get in right away. If they accept reservations make some for your family.

If your children have never experienced real Mexican food they are in for a treat. Once you arrive at the restaurant let the kids check out the menu. Answer all of their questions about what this is or what that is. If you are unsure of any of the items feel free to ask your waitperson. They will be able to answer any questions about the food. It's probably a good idea to have the children order something that is not too spicy. Let your waitperson know that you are doing this and they will probably be able to make some recommendations.

Traditional Mexican food is flavorful and delicious. Your kids will love it. If you have all ordered something different make it a point to sample each other's dishes. This is a great idea for getting a complete taste of a variety of Mexican dishes.

Sit back and enjoy the atmosphere of a Mexican restaurant with your family. Your children will be happy for the experience and you will enjoy the night away from the house and the chore of cooking.

Once you complete the meal take a moment or two to savor the moment. You can now go on with the rest of your family night out. You can now head on over to the movie theater or the bowling alley for some more family fun. Be sure to take note of what your children enjoyed while they were eating dinner. It will help you know what to order the next time you choose a Lake Mary and Seminole County Mexican restaurant for dinner.

Now you know, a Mexican restaurant is an ideal location to bring your children and enjoy a fun filled family night out. You can be assured that the next time you are planning your night out that Mexican food will be high on your children's list of favorite restaurants. It's always a good idea to expose your children to new and different foods and cultures. Your night out at the Mexican restaurant has accomplished that goal.

Lake Mary, FL Chinese Food - Finding A Great Buffet At A Chinese Restaurant

2008-09-25T02:22:00.001-07:00

If you've ever been to a Chinese restaurant buffet in Lake Mary and Seminole County, FL then you know how great they are. The only thing you will need to fully enjoy the buffet is your appetite. Usually, you only have to pay a single cost for unlimited trips to the buffet line. You will almost always find your favorite Chinese dishes in the buffet offerings and maybe a few things you always wanted to try but were afraid to.

The buffet is a great place to take a family with children. They will typically have items that only a kid would love. You will find French fries and pizza as well as green jello and ice cream that are all geared toward the littlest diners. A parent will find this option a dream come true for taking their little darlings out for an evening meal. Usually a child has a difficult time selecting something from a standard menu in a restaurant, but at a Chinese buffet they don't have to make a choice. They can have a little of everything they like.

The same can be true for the adults in the party. Sometimes you just want a little taste of something and not an entire dish centered on the one particular item. In a Chinese buffet you can take tiny amounts of everything they have to offer and not feel a bit guilty about it. Sample away. Take this opportunity to take a taste of everything you've always wanted to try.

A big draw for a Chinese buffet is the offering. You will usually find some peel and eat shrimp as well as crab legs. If this is something you enjoy then you can't go wrong with the price of a Chinese buffet. Load your plate up on this much-coveted items and enjoy. Some restaurants may put a restriction on these items, but you will still get a considerably good deal with all the other items that are offered.

Make sure you save room for dessert. It may be very hard to do with the amount of great foods available for your meal, but it is a part of the whole experience. They will generally have some ice cream and pudding for the kids as well as cakes and other delectable treats. The kids will especially like this aspect of the buffet. Let them know that they shouldn't take items that they will not eat, unless they are trying something for the first time and discover they don't like it. You should make sure you eat everything you take if you are taking a large amount. It's just good manners. They should also know that they shouldn't have room for dessert if they don't have room for everything on their plate.

If you live here or are just visiting for a great night out consider the benefits of a buffet at one of our local Chinese restaurants. Our next article will feature the best Chinese restaurants in Lake Mary and Seminole County, Fl.

Sushi - Lake Mary, FL - Discover Sushi At Your Local Sushi Restaurant

2008-09-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about trying Sushi in Lake Mary and Seminole County? For a great many people the only thought they have about sushi is that it is raw. Many people are turned off by the thought of uncooked fish served to them in a pretty and artistic way. But the truth of the matter is that once you try sushi you may discover that you really enjoy the taste.

The actual meaning of sushi in Japan is the rice that accompanies the fish. Many people believe that sushi refers to the raw fish that is served. Actually the literal translation of the word sushi in Japanese means 'it's sour'. Once you understand that sushi is not just raw fish you will realize that there are many other elements in the preparing of sushi.

Sushi does not have to contain any raw fish at all. You can get different varieties of sushi at your local Japanese restaurant. Try a caterpillar roll for some great tasting sushi. This particular recipe includes unagi, which is a Japanese eel prepared together with avocado and carrot greens. For people who like their fish cooked you can try spider roll. This delectable dish has fried soft shell crab along with avocado, cucumbers, sprouts and a spicy mayonnaise.

Sushi can be quite spicy. The sauces that are used are designed to enhance the flavor of the main ingredients. Sauces like wasabi is typically used in the preparation of sushi.

Sushi restaurants have become quite popular among the very trendiest people. You will generally find that the sushi restaurant is usually very upscale and caters to a trendy and refined clientele. You don't have to be in this class of clientele to enjoy sushi. It has become very mainstream. Some buffet restaurants offer sushi in their buffet. This is a great opportunity to give it a try. Of course, the best place to find exquisitely prepared sushi is in a restaurant that specializes in sushi.

Open up the world of sushi to your children and take them to a sushi restaurant. It is great to expose children to a wide variety of foods and cultures. It might be wise to not let them in on the fact that the fish might be raw. Order them an item that doesn't contain any raw fish and you should not have problems. They might have a bit of a problem with the spicy nature of the food, but let them give it a try. The only way you will know if they like it is to let them try. Taking your children to a sushi restaurant and other types of restaurants is a good way to encourage them to not be afraid to try new things. Many children are very picky eaters. By giving them the opportunity to try new kinds of foods you are opening them up to the remarkable variety of food items that they can enjoy.

Don't be afraid to try a sushi restaurant. Check out a sushi restaurant in Lake Mary and Seminole County Fl to discover if sushi is for you. It might be a great experience and you might open yourself up to a world of food you never had before.

Our next article will give you our recommendations for the best Sushi restaurants in Lake Mary and Seminole County.

Chef Daniel Finger, New Chef Tourant For Harborview Hotel & Resort On Martha's Vineyard

2008-09-23T03:13:00.001-07:00

As a published co-author of Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel and Cooking Secrets, the Why and How... I was thrilled to discover the culinary creativity of Danny, (Daniel Dye Finger).

Danny's skills are difficult to describe... he is extremely multi-dimensional. He can whip us all up an international-fusion (European and Asian influenced) 4-course meal in no time, with whatever ingredients are on hand.

I have interviewed over 100 chefs, worldwide, for my books and articles. Danny has the one essential ingredient that sets him apart...PASSION.

Well, since I know his Grandmother, Mother and Father, why should this be a surprise, (artists, writers, world travelers, and much more)?

Dan's mother, Marguerite Jill Dye, told me how much Dan loves cooking, and that is exactly what it takes... L O V E... I know, because my Vermont daughter, Robin, is a chef because of the love she felt when she made her first grilled cheese sandwich at the age of 3 years old.

Every morsel that Danny concocted, whether a simple ruby red, ripe, local tomato topped with Buffalo Mozzarella...and a drizzle of EVO, or an elaborate feast of seared, fresh, pink, juicy duck breast, was prepared with skill and passion.

Danny is one of the chefs I plan to feature in our book in progress, Our Affairs Continue...

Best of all, he paired the perfect wine with the unusual flavors of his innovative inventions.

It is important to note that Danny has been trained in Switzerland, the Culinary Capital for many of the best chefs in the world. I was lucky enough to live in Switzerland, and have been longing for a new Swiss-trained chef in our Sarasota area.

Jamavar, For Royal Indian Cuisine

2008-09-23T03:12:00.000-07:00

What you see - Drive into the palatial pink hotel, The Leela and you cannot evade the royal feel. The mustachioed durbaan, the high ceilings, the trail of long cars and the scores of foreigners around you...you see all of that from the time you enter The Leela and walk into Jamavar, their Indian specialty restaurant on your right.

What you see at the restaurant is a touch of tradition. The huge wooden chairs, the silver cutlery and an urli with petals at the center of each table, make the décor of this restaurant. Dine outside and you also get to enjoy the greenery that adorns this hotel. Jamavar also has live classical music being played while you dine.

What you get - Jamavar serves Indian cuisine including recipes from the south and the north. So while you have kebabs and biryanis, you can also sample some fish and rice made in the traditional Kerala style. Better still, you can wash it down with liquor from international brands.

We started with a daiquiri (cocktail made with rum, lime and sugar). The salt rimmed glass with the dry flavors of the cocktail did leave a good impression on us. We moved on to some starters. Do try the Palak Firdausi (Rs. 260) here. The soft textured kebabs that break with the slightest push of the fork, melt in your mouth. But if you prefer something spicy, you could give Pomfret Tikka (Rs. 760) a try.

Move on to the main course by sampling Bikaneri Paratha and Mili Jhuli Sabzi (mixed vegetable). Mild flavored, these could go down well with most of the international crowd. Journey down south when it comes to rice by ordering for Alleppey Fish Curry and Saada Chawal (Plain Rice). End the ritual with an ice cream of your choice, for there isn't great variety to choose from when it comes to desserts here.

Our verdict - The food tastes good and is charged at luxury hotel price. Portions are sufficient. The ambiance is impressive though you have to be careful about sitting outside and not letting dust settle on your cutlery. Our advice actually to the restaurant staff would be to avoid laying out the table beforehand. After all, no guest would like to use dust-laden silverware. Service is prompt. Parking is not a cause of concern as valet parking is available at The Leela. Do check out Leela Galleria while you are here to shop for some books, bags, clothes and more.

Thai Food - Lake Mary, FL - Take A Date To Your Local Thai Restaurant

2008-09-23T03:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are several Thai restaurants in Lake Mary and Seminole County Fl? Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary for that special person in your life. If you are really looking for something unique and will be guaranteed to impress then you can't go wrong with a Thai restaurant.

The foods of Thailand are a unique delicacy that should be enjoyed by anyone that tries it. Thai food can be quite spicy so it is probably a good idea to find out how your date feels about spicy foods. How badly will your date go if you find out after the fact that he or she simply cannot tolerate spicy? It can set the tone for the whole evening. If your date is not opposed to spicy foods then by all means bring them to a Thai restaurant. If your date has never had Thai food it will be interesting for you to see how this person reacts to something a bit out of the ordinary. Do you really want to continue dating someone who is not willing to try new things? Of course you don't.

A Thai restaurant is not your typical fare and you will be going a long way to impressing your date with your diverse tastes. Just as you are interested in a person who is up for new things you can show your date that you are willing to try new things as well. And isn't that the purpose of a date, to show the person what you are like and to learn what they are like.

Take your time in a Thai restaurant to enjoy each others company and have a great time trying new dishes that you have never tried before. It can be quite fun for a couple to sample each other's dishes and see what the other likes and does not like. It might be that you both don't like Thai food, or that you both do. Or maybe there is a difference of opinion on Thai food. Whatever the outcome of your experience you will be going a long way to finding out how your date reacts to different situations, how they react to a difference of opinion and overall how you both like Thai food!

Taking a date to an unusual restaurant is a risky move. You are actually learning a great deal about the person you are interested in. Use this experience to decide if you want to continue dating or not. If all goes well you will have your experience in a Thai restaurant as a fond memory that you will both look back on fondly. Hopefully, you will both enjoy the food and each other's company and come away from your date having had a wonderful experience.