To call this a typical restaurant opening would be like saying American Idol is just a talent show. Both are phenomenon’s that defy description. American Idol garners more votes than a presidential election, and I can’t recall being this excited about a meal since my first dinner at Chez Panisse, 25 years ago. I was visiting [...] read more»

The Willows Lodge is THE place to sleep when your dining at either the Barking Frog, or the Herbfarm, or just tired from a day of wine tasting, or just looking for a romantic getaway. Perfectly situated along the Sammamish River in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country it also borders the scenic Burke Gilman trail [...] read more»

Sip, Eat. Earlier in the week we spent many hours trying to make a most difficult King Solomon-esque decision. Should we make dinner reservations at the legendary Herbfarm, which serves a single-seating nine course dinner featuring seasonal food of the Pacific Northwest with six paired wines, or it’s next door neighbor, the award-winning Barking Frog? At [...] read more»

If you’re looking for some serious theater, seriously good gourmet food, or serious opera, then Teatro Zinzanni isn’t for you…oops-I just remembered, they actually do include a little opera, as well as most everything else in the entertainment field. Teatro ZinZanni is a CRAZY evening of FOOD, FUN and FESTIVITIES, a three-hour extravaganza of international [...] read more»

Manhattan is so full of wonderful little neighborhood restaurants that it’s impossible to find and try them all. When I lived there, I’d wander the cross streets and duck into little 10- or 12-table bistros then wobble out an hour or so later sated and thinking I found my new favorite place … until I [...] read more»

The first thing that strikes you when you enter Café Lurcat in Minneapolis is a wall of noise. When my dining partner and I arrived for our 8 p.m. reservation, the bar/lounge was buzzing with conversation, and I thought, ok…we’re going to have to talk loud. We did…but it was worth it. read more»

Your taste buds will really get down and party at this special event, the New Frontiers of Taste,celebrating the 100th year anniversary of Dr. Kikunae Ikeda’s discovery of *Umami, the 5th taste. This major event is timed to coincide with the International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste (ISOT), and will draw a variety of attendees [...] read more»

I’ve dined at Pizzeria Picco at least six times in the past few months. Each time, I’ve tried a different thin Neopolitan-style pizza and haven’t found one yet that wasn’t absolutely delicious. In fact, the food critic for the SF Chronicle, Michael Bauer, has proudly proclaimed it’s “The best pizza in the Bay Area.” read more»