Have you ever just plain been in the mood for dumplings and potstickers, with no apparent explanation? Have you ever been in the mood for such, and not wanted to frequent a Chinese restaurant to order the single appetizer item that covered it? Well dumpling and noodle houses have popped up all over, but I have found one in the heart of midtown that I implore you to try. I always wonder how a place whose average price point is about $7 affords space between 5th and 6th Avenues in the world's … [Read more...]

I used to believe that I had found all the good restaurants in New York City, which is a lot like a guy saying he has seen all the pretty girls in the world. The supply is simply infinite. Now, I have been to a lot of unbelievable restaurants in NYC, and every now and then when one branches off into a not well known neighborhood restaurant, the food and/or service may be a bit of a disappointment. Or, it may be Amali. Located on 60th Street just off of Park Avenue, the term "Mediterranean" … [Read more...]

Michael Mina is one of the truly special restauranteurs of our era. His Stonehill Tavern inside the St. Regis Hotel in Monarch Beach is one of the most underrated restaurants in Orange County. He has a handful of different brands in Las Vegas and San Francisco that have all been met with adoring praise. But his namesake restaurant in the financial district of San Francisco I dined at this evening is a special place, and has truly earned its reputation for high quality creative dishes. I … [Read more...]

I want to cover a lot of restaurants on this little blog because I am known to frequent a lot of restaurants. But the truth of the matter is that if I had to pick just three or four restaurants to go to for the rest of my life I could easily do it. Castelli's in Palm Desert, The Ritz in Newport Beach, and San Pietro in Manhattan - I assure you I would be just fine ... But frankly, the list would be enhanced a great deal if we could also add my very favorite restaurant in the Valley of the … [Read more...]

North Italian Farmhouse is the latest spot in the Phoenix valley to demonstrate the growing foodie superiority in the valley of the sun. As is the case with most ideas coming from Sam Fox's restaurant concepts, North is chic, hip, energetic, unique, and most importantly - tasty. . A quaint, impressive setting with a two-sided bar (outdoor on one side; indoor on the other), the restaurant is known for homemade and alluring pasta, with enough chef creativity to keep you coming back for more. … [Read more...]