The best romantic restaurants in St. Louis, MO – Part 2

“Meet me in St Louis, Louis” went the opening line of the chorus to the 1904 song written for the St Louis World Fair, which later featured in the famous movie starring Judy Garland. It is the song of a wife calling her husband to join her in St Louis and the romantic nature of the city remains to this day. There are a great many wonderfully romantic restaurants to choose from throughout St Louis but here – in no particular order – are a varied but magnificent seven.

Al’s Restaurant, North 1st Street

Hours: 5-10 Tue-Sat, Closed Sun-Mon

It is advisable when booking this restaurant to ask for a secluded table as some are considerably more secluded than others. The strange thing also is that there are no printed menus and thus no prices advertised. It is always better to check at the time of ordering therefore to avoid a nasty surprise! These aspects should not detract, however, from what is a delightfully laid out, 3rd generation family restaurant. Al’s is famous for its steaks, veal and seafood and classics on the menu include such as New York Strip Steak, Veal Parmigiano and Chilean Sea Bass.

Cunetto’s House of Pasta, Magnolia Avenue

Hours: Lunch: Mon-Fri 11-2, Closed Sat-Sun

Dinner: 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat, Closed Sun

This restaurant has a very open setting and a casual atmosphere and is located “On the Hill,” the famous Italian community area in St Louis. It has a high proportion of regular clientele which is usually a good sign. Popular dishes on the menu include such as Shrimp Sauteed in Spicy Marinara Sauce, Charbroiled Strip Sirloin Steak and Fillet of Sole and Artichoke Hearts in Wine and Butter Sauce.

King Louie’s, Chouteau Avenue

Hours: 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat, Closed Sun

This French restaurant has a very intimate feel to it, with private booths set in the open brick walls, adorned with velvet curtains. The menu is frequently changed and updated but classics usually available include such as the French Onion Soup, the Smoked Salmon Pizza and the Grilled Gulf Shrimp.

Frank Papa’s Ristorante, South Brentwood Boulevard

Hours: 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat, Closed Sun

This gaily decorated restaurant, with white linen tablecloths, even has individual table-lamps for that extra feeling of privacy and intimacy. The specialities are translated in to English on the menu and include Funghi Con Lumache (Mushrooms stuffed with Tomatoes, Snail, Garlic and Fennel), Speciality Cannelloni (Cannelloni filled with Chicken, Beef, Veal and Spinach and

The best seafood restaurants in Gloucester

How does this menu sound if you happen to be a seafood lover?

Cod, Haddock, Striper, Lobsters ? One can only can get the best bounty from the sea when you’re visiting Gloucester. For instance, the Causeway at Essex Ave has everything from cod to barbecued tuna belly with Oriental Sauce. Why? because Gloucester is almost a fishing city where all kinds of sea foods – from fishes to lobsters – can be found in rows of popular and local favorite restaurants near the Gloucester Harbor or Cape Anne.

Ocean Edge Restaurant at the Ocean View Inn and Hotel is a MUST for those who are longing for the best sea food dishes in the planet. Their usual lunch menu includes New England Clam Chowder, Wasabi Infused Crab Cake with Thai Chili Infused Olive Oil, Grilled Atlantic Salmon on a bed of Romaine Lettuce, Seared Atlantic Salmon and Baked Stuffed Fillet of Sole with Crab meat. Now, if that menu isn’t enough to get your appetite for sea food running high, how about the very simple Cesar Salad with Shrimp?

What if you simply want a cozy small nice restaurant which serves the best seafood? Nothing fancy, but great food and cooking? One can try and visit the Village Restaurant at Essex which was selected as “the best of America’s Small-Town Cafe’s” by Epicurus. The Village Restaurant garnered the Epicurus award for the “Best Clam Chowder of 2008″. And my, those who have visited that cozy place have sworn that it is indeed a one of a kind type of Clam Chowder that you can’t find anywhere else in the planet.

Ellen’s Harbor-side is another great delightful place to eat and the ambiance isn’t too intimidating. Neither is the price. They serve clam chowder for less than 5 dollars and they do have “special prices” for children. The house specialty is broiled Sea Scallops and they do serve almost every type of seafood dish.

How about clambake barbecue? Gramps Ultimate Clambake? Lobster rolls anyone? Then the place to go is Woodman’s of Essex which has become an institution since 1914. If you have kids or company that need to make sure that they eat only gluten-free food, this restaurant has a special menu for you. They presently have a 50 percent OFF winter promo for visitors and tourists.

There is also the famous Lobsta Land if you’re into huge juicy lobsters cooked and baked in different ways. Cameron’s Restaurant at Main Street also offers great seafood menus and what they call “cheap eats”. They also make sure that their menu is kid-friendly which makes it a perfectly reasonable place to eat and enjoy with the whole family.

Gloucester is the place when one talks about seafood menu, the best clam chowders in the world and the most gracious locals who are only too willing to tell you where to go for the most extraordinary seafood dishes!

Restaurant reviews: Kyms, Victoria, London, UK

I lived in China for 11 years and loved the food. Unfortunately, since coming back to the UK, it’s been really hard to find a decent Chinese restaurant. Most restaurants cater more to the western taste to the detriment of authenticity and once you’ve had the real thing, it is difficult to put up with the rubbish most Chinese restaurants, including those in China town, come out with. Some will prepare the food as it should be, but you have to ask and ideally look Chinese. This particular restaurant, specialising in spicy Sichuan and Hunan food, is one of the few I’ve been to that serves up genuine dishes.

Location

Address:

70-71 Wilton Road

Victoria

SW1V 1DE

Tel: 0207 828 8931

This is just walking distance from Victoria station – as you walk out of the front of the station, you will find yourself on Wilton Road.

The restaurant is on a fairly busy road, but the owners have cleverly blocked off the space in front of the restaurant from the pavement by a hedge/fence, which gives a feeling of privacy. Right next door is a Chopstix Exchange – don’t go there by mistake. The one time we went, we were served with food of such frightening colours that I was worried I’d become radioactive.

The decor

This is kept simple – plain white tablecloths and wicker chairs – but everything looks clean and fresh and there is a great feeling of space. As you enter the restaurant, both sides of the room are raised, so that the diners are on a higher level than those, for example, coming in to collect takeaways. This is quite strange when sitting outside at ground level, because everyone’s legs inside are at eye level. There is also a room downstairs that can be booked for private parties.

The service

Unless the restaurant is really busy, guests are always met at the entrance with a smile and a warm welcome. Most of the staff are Chinese, all with good English skills, although a couple of waiters are obviously of a different nationality. The staff are polite, helpful and prompt. We ordered a bottle of wine, which they put in a wine cooler, but we never once had to pour a glass ourselves because one of the staff was always on hand despite having several other tables to serve.

The food and drink

I’ve worked my way through most of the menu in my time, but the last time that we were there, we had half an aromatic duck, which is served with pancakes, spring onion, cucumber and delicious plum sauce (it’s all in the sauce); Ma Po beancurd, green beans and minced pork and bamboo shoots

The best romantic restaurants in Monterey, CA

I trust no one will object if I expand the title term Monterey to include not just the city but the county. Great restaurants abound within the city limits; however the qualifier “romantic” persuades me to go to slightly more remote locales in neighboring areas. I promise that no restaurant I mention will be even a half hour’s drive from the center of the city.

Let’s begin in the city at Stoke’s Restaurant & Bar at 500 Hartnell Sttreet. This fine dining locale has run through a few names in recent years. I first dined there in the early 1960s when I was in the army and stationed at what was then referred to as the Army Language School of the Presidio of Monterey. At that time it was called Gallatin’s Restaurant.

What happened to Gallatin’s? I’m so glad you asked. The wonderful adobe structure that housed the restaurant had stood since 1833 but was greatly expanded in 1848. The food and cocktails were elegantly prepared and delectable. Although I never experienced anything this “romantic” (in the sense of Gothic), manager Paul Johnson finally decided to move out of the building because unseen, ghostly forces allegedly trashed the kitchen area nightly after closing hours, and diners complained of being pinched and having their clothing tugged at.

Mr. and Mrs. Gallatin Powers purchased the property as a restaurant site 1n 1950, though locals never stopped referring to the building as Stokes’ Adobe. Dr. james Stokes purchased the small building in 1837 and expanded it to its present size to accommodate his growing family. Many claim to have seen the ghostly apparitions of a man in 19th century garb, presumed to be Dr. Stokes, and a beautiful woman, who stayed in the upstairs area. No doubt, the doctor’s wife.

The Gallatins departed in 1980 and various owner held title to Stokes’ Adobe before it was remodeled in 2001 by the present owners, who dropped the word Adobe from the official name, perhaps hoping that the ghosts would also disappear. I don’t know how successful the exorcism was. You can surely find people today who will claim the place is still haunted.

I have spent so much time on the building’s history that I haven’t much space left for the cuisine and service, which I have always found excellent. Prices are reasonable. This month they are collaborating with a local winemaker for a reception and dinner which, with tax and gratuity, will cost $100 per person. What could be more romantic than dinner in a haunted house?

Another romantic spot just

Take Away Food in London

You’ll find them absolutely everywhere across the capital. Take Away eateries are commonplace in just about every High Street, Parade or Station approach in the outskirts of London. But I know what you’re thinking – they all sell the same greasy food, but under a different name (often a variant of the words ‘Charcoal’, ‘Grill’, ‘Kebab’ or ‘Fish Bar’). And you’re right – a lot of them do serve very average food, simply because the attitude is that the prices are low, it’s fast food, and therefore it doesn’t have to be great quality. An example I like to illustrate with is the salad that they serve at Kebab centres; watery and bland, this is simply to compliment the meat. One could also see it as a half-hearted attempt to spread the balance between meat and the more healthy option of vegetables. One thing IS for sure – contrary to popular belief, you can find a few gems hidden amongst the trash.

The first time I went to Efes,13 Chatterton Road, Bromley I didn’t expect miracles. It looked like quite an ordinary kebab house from the outside, but when I sat down with my large döner and chips and started eating, things took a great turn. I can honestly say, I have never tasted kebab meat like that before. The chilli sauce drizzled over the shish complimented the juicy, succulent strips of lamb perfectly. As for the chips, they were just as I like them – thin, crisp and relatively free of grease. As a consequence of this positive eating experience, I have recommended it to other friends who share a love for quality kebabs.

Next up is the small chain Salisbury’s, who have takeaways in Bromley, Biggin Hill, Clapham and Whyteleafe (Surrey). In a similar sense to Tom Bell’s (another Bromley-based chain), you can be sure that your order of Fish and Chips will be well above the average standard. A lot of Kebab houses have a Fish and Chip option available to customers, but the same quality and traditional taste will not be there. It is often best, if you are looking for a satisfying Chippy, to go to those who specialise in the cuisine – whether you like it or not, there is a certain method to cooking fish and chips that separates the real McCoy from a charlatan (or those who simply couldn’t care less!). On average, a meal from Salisbury’s will set you back £5. A good selection of fish is available on the menu; cod, rock, plaice, skate, scampi and so on.

If you’re looking for more of a ‘sit-down’ Fish and Chips meal within a restaurant setting, I would greatly recommend the chain “Superfish”. With seven fully licensed restaurants (with the exception of the branch in Cheam), each come with ample seating and accept Visa and Mastercards. As a family run business with 30 years experience serving quality fish and chips, this is a great place for those who appreciate deep-fried or grilled fish (grills are available at most branches, offering rainbow trout, swordfish steak and dover sole).

Places Celebrities Eat in London

Imagine the excitement that comes over you when you realise that on the table opposite there is a celebrity digging into their Sunday lunch? Talking from experience its exhilarating and an amazing feeling, but where do you find these celebrities? Surely they don’t just eat anywhere? Read on….

Star of India
The star of India, as the name suggests is an Indian restaurant, but not just any restaurant! The Star of India was founded by top chef Shah Boshir Uddin Ahmed in 1978 who has since retired, but not before teaching everything he knows to his son who is now the executive chef manager.

The Star of India is always busy and is frequented by local and international stars, in order to ensure you get a table make sure you book well in advance. Based on two floors, the restaurant offers a unique private setting for the diners which appeals to the famous.

875 High Road
Leytonstone
London
E11 1HR

Gordon Ramsay – Claridges
Anyone whos anyone has been to this London restaurant. This is mainly due to the owner being a celebrity in his own right! Gordon Ramsey known for being a meticulous perfectionist and ruthless with his staff ensures the food you eat will be fabulous and celebrities know this too and are often spotted at this restaurant.

Brook Street
Mayfair
London
W1K 4HR

Chez Bruce
Small comfortable restaurant by chef-patron Bruce Poole is well known to be frequented by celebrities of all forms. Chez Bruce only seats 70 people in the main dining area, with a further private dining section which will seat only 18 – a feature used often by celebrities.

2 Bellevue Road,
Wandsworth Common,
London,
SW17 7EG

Restaurant reviews: Sole Mio, Pimlico, London, UK

I suddenly realised the other day that I haven’t been to an Italian restaurant recently, despite the fact that there’s one practically opposite where my boyfriend lives. A couple of gentle hints later and he suggested that we went across to try it out. The specialities are pasta, pizza and fish dishes, perfect for a blow-out with a nice bottle of wine.

Location

This restaurant can be found on Belgrave Road, which is parallel to Vauxhall Bridge Road and about five minutes walk from Pimlico underground station and Victoria. It is easier to reach from Pimlico, because you come out of the tube station directly on to Belgrave Road. The contact details are as follows:

35 Belgrave Road

London

SW1V 2BB

Tel: 020 7828 3613

Restaurant lay-out and dcor

I was surprised as we went into the restaurant, because it is actually much larger than it looked. As many London restaurants in old houses are, it is a weird shape, with a small sitting area just inside the door, but as you go in, off to the right and back is a much larger room. The chairs and tables are functional, rather than beautiful, but everything is extremely clean. Because of the larger room at the back, I estimate that there are at least 25 tables of differing sizes. There was certainly a constant stream of guests, some in quite large parties.

The food and drink

There is a wide selection of starters and salads, including the usual parma ham and melon, sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, bruschetta and garlic bread. I had the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, which cost 3.50 pounds and my boyfriend had the garlic bread, that lovely crispy pizza base type, which was 2.70 pounds. However, I half wished that I had tried the Bresaola E Mozzarella, which is sliced cured beef, mozzarella, olive oil and onion, which was the most expensive starter at 7.50 pounds. Someone at the next table had it and it looked delicious. I like mozzarella, but it isn’t something I can ever get excited about.

There was a wide range of pizzas, most of the usual suspects, ranging between 6.90 and 7.50 pounds. They looked good, although I didn’t try one, the thin crust type and quite big.

The pasta varied from 7.10 pounds for Spaghetti and meatballs, Rigatoni with tomato sauce and ricotta and Tagliatelle with pesto to 9.50 pounds for Linguine and seafood. I had Rigatoni Amatriciana (tomato and bacon sauce) and my boyfriend had Spaghetti Alla Carbonara (bacon, cream and cheese). Both were absolutely delicious. Again, most of the usual pasta suspects

The best fish restaurants in San Francisco, California – Part 1

Shhhh!

The best seafood restaurant is on Polk Street, near California. Let all the other idiots go down to Fisherman’s Wharf for canned shrimp and frozen fish. You – pay attention – head to the Polk Gulch and head into Swan Oyster Depot. It’s only been there since 1926. It’s only open for lunch. It only has counter seating – and it takes no reservations.

Enjoy 6-8 types of freshly shucked oysters and clams. Enjoy Tte best clam chowder ever produced. Extremely fresh salmon, trout, lobster, crab, prawn, salads, smoked fish. You get the idea. A nice bottle of Italian white and some oysters sounds really good right now – followed by a long nap. Tip these guys well, they work their tails off to please your sorry ass.

Avoid Aqua and the Wharf. You may as well go to Red Lobster.

The best romantic restaurants in St. Louis, MO – Part 1

Ready to turn on the charm, and take your date to one of the most romantic restaurants in St. Louis? If so, this fabulous city can give you and that special someone a night to remember.

With so many choices in fine dining, all you have to do is decide what you’re in the mood for. So, bring your appetite, and your date, and get ready to set the mood in St. Louis’ finest restaurants.

One of the city’s best romantic restaurants is Al’s Restaurant. This fine dining restaurant has been in business for more than 80 years. Al’s Restaurant has been featured as one of America’s Top Ten Steak Houses, and also serves as the number one Citysearch Audience Winner for Best Steak, Romantic Dining and Special Occasion. The atmosphere sets the perfect ambiance for you and your date to enjoy a romantic dinner together. The dress code is business casual, and reservations are suggested.

Top Of The Riverfront is another one of the best restaurants to take your date. In this fabulous restaurant, you can dine in sky and get a 360 degree magnificent view of the city below. Twenty Eight stories above the beautiful landscape you can enjoy fine dishes, and fabulous cuisine. The restaurant is open from 5pm to 9pm, and 10pm on the weekends. This is a very popular restaurant, so be sure to make your reservations before coming.

The Melting Pot has also been ranked as the number one romantic restaurant in St. Louis. There is an eloquent atmosphere, and dining is absolutely world class. The Melting Pot has become famous for it’s fondue over the years, and has since perfected it. The first Melting Pot opened in 1975, and it’s been on a roll ever since. Now there are more than 141 locations, and the franchise in St. Louis has certainly made it’s mark. This unique restaurant is sure to charm your date to no end, so when you’re in the mood to impress, the Melting Pot won’t let you down.

The Chez Leon is also a top pick for fabulous restaurants to bring that special someone. This romantic bistro has been in operation since 1999, and offers delicious French food, at reasonable prices. The dining room was designed well, with plenty of room, and beautiful wooden floors. You can choose from several delicious food options including sweets breads, and strip steak. No matter what you choose, you’ll be sure to return. However, with this fine restaurant, it is preferred that you make a reservation.

So, if you’ve got a special night planned for that someone you love, these are the best choices in St. Louis. These restaurants will help get your romantic night off to the perfect start.

The best vegetarian restaurants in Dallas, Texas

Being a vegetarian in Dallas can be a little like being fish out of water. All the entrees center around meat. However, with a little cleverness, you can find an incredible cornucopia of vegetarian fare in the city.

Having been a vegetarian myself for nearly fifteen years, I have scoured the whole metroplex for the best vegetarian food it has to offer. Here are some of my picks.

Kalachandji’s

Kalachandji’s is located inside a Hare Krishna Temple on 5430 Gurley Avenue in Dallas, Texas. Kalachandji’s serves food buffet-style in a palatial setting. Their menu is different every day, and typical offerings include dahl, pakora, steamed vegetables, shakh paneer and barbecue tofu. The atmosphere in Kalachandji’s is like a garden paradise. You can sit and relax outside in comfortable booths, surrounded by nature.

The Veggie Garden

This little hole-in-the wall, located on 510 W Arapaho Rd. in Richardson, Texas is deceptively nondescript from the outside. However, when you walk in you are promptly greeted by friendly staff, and impressed by the attractive Chinese decor. But what really stands out is the food. The menu includes various kinds of “veggie meat” as they call it; soy-based imitations of meat-based dishes. Veggie Garden’s soy meats are good enough to fool a die-hard meat addict. They’re always drowned in delectable sauces, and surrounded by extras like vegetables and crispy noodles. Veggie Garden serves up a nice selection of natural sodas, hot teas, and other beverages. My personal favorite was the thai tea, which was made with soy milk.

The Cosmic Cafe

The Cosmic Cafe is one of my all-time favorites. It is on 2912 Oak Lawn in Dallas, Texas, and serves up a wide variety of creative Indian dishes, along with some international selections. Entrees include the Buddha’s Delight, which consists of curried vegetables, dahl, samosa, pappadam, rice and nan. If you’re in the mood for Chinese, you might like to try the Cosmic Stir, which is made from fresh asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, onions, squash, snow peas, ginger and tofu served over basmati rice with a side salad. Or if you’re wanting Mexican, try the Taco Trinity with its three soft tacos filled with onions, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers and cheddar cheese, with black beans, rice and salad on the side. Or if you’ve got to have American, try the No Bull Burger, a black bean burger topped with mushrooms, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, with your choice of cheddar or mozzarella

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