Showing posts with label Restaurants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Restaurants. Show all posts
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Restaurants in Disneyland, California
Disneyland restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines and experiences. The food at Disneyland ranges from quick snacks and burgers to gourmet Disneyland dining and themed restaurants. The kids can dine with princesses and characters and the adults can enjoy a glass of fine Napa Valley wine in the Mendocino Terrace at the California Adventure Park. There is Mexican and Asian food, Cajun cuisine, and California fusion. There are also fine dining venues and steakhouses, and just about everything else you can imagine. For adults who want fine dining and a night out without the children, the Disneyland hotels offer in-room child care.
Disneyland restaurants within the Disneyland Park itself do not serve alcoholic beverages, in keeping with its long-standing family-oriented reputation. However, alcohol is available in many different types of bars and lounges at the California Adventure Park and in the Downtown Disney District, as well as the many hotels and resorts within the parks and in the surrounding Anaheim hotels. The drinking age is 21. There is Disneyland dining at the places serving alcoholic beverages, so you can get everything from appetizers and snacks to light California fusion cuisine.
There are venues for healthy food at Disneyland as well as ice cream shops. There are take away places (some of which can provide you with a gourmet picnic), and table service meals. There are more than 70 different places to get food of some sort, so your choices are wide. Vegetarians will have no problems finding delicious food at Disneyland at just about all of the choices. Meat lovers will find steak houses and gourmet wieners and sausages.
If you’re enjoying family vacations and want your Disneyland dining to thrill the children in your group, seek out the venues that offer character dining. Meet Disney princesses at Ariel’s Grotto in the California Adventure Park. At Disney’s PCH (short for Pacific Coast Highway) Grill, the children will be served by Mickey or one of his character friends, including Goofy and Donald Duck. The PCH Grill is conveniently located in the Paradise Pier Hotel, which offers a princesses and characters theme along with many of the facilities of a resort.
Several Disneyland restaurants take you to an entirely different time and place. Inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at California Adventure is the Blue Bayou, serving Creole and Cajun style cuisine amidst the twinkling of fireflies and the sounds of bayou crickets and frogs. Or you can dine amidst a lush rainforest atmosphere at the Rainforest Café, which also boasts an entire shopping village.
You can enjoy your food at Disneyland as part of vacation packages. Although these vacation packages are available only through the Walt Disney Travel Company, that company does sell through a large international network of travel agents and tour operators. The dining plans that can be included offer the choice of one to fifteen meals per person. These are available at different venues throughout the entire Disney Resort at both the California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park, and includes restaurants located in the resort hotels. Reservations for dinner at many of the more popular restaurants are recommended.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
San Francisco Bed and Breakfasts
The San Francisco bed and breakfasts figure among the most attractive lodging options in one of the country's best cities. Many of the top bed and breakfasts in San Francisco occupy historic homes that are beautiful both inside and out. They also offer an array of modern conveniences that complement the historic appeal. A San Francisco B&B can be an ideal place to stay for couples who are enjoying a romantic getaway, thanks to the usually quaint and romantic rooms, and any other travelers are encouraged to keep them in mind as well. In addition to being more intimate than a standard hotel, bed and breakfasts also tend to offer more personal service.
One of the things that makes the top San Francisco bed and breakfasts so attractive is their architectural appeal. A perfect example is the Union Street Inn (pictured), which is arguably one of the best bed and breakfasts in California. The Union Street Inn is housed within a two-story Edwardian home that was built in 1903. Outside the hotel, the inn enjoys an excellent location in the Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow part of town. The setting is peaceful, and when guests are up for visiting some of the main attractions in town, it only takes minutes to get to places like Fisherman's Wharf or the shopping hot spot of Union Square. The Union Street Inn is one of the more expensive San Francisco bed and breakfasts, and it's worth every penny.
The Washington Square Inn is another excellent San Francisco B&B that is worth keeping in mind. This upscale B&B can be found in the North Beach neighborhood, which is sometimes called the Red Light District. This neighborhood is one of the most exciting in the city, and it offers easy access to a lot of the best San Francisco attractions. Guests who book one of the guest units at the historic Washington Square Inn will enjoy an array of great amenities, including cable TV and soft guest robes. While all of the rooms at the Washington Square Inn are elegant and tasteful, guests might splurge for a room with a view. Some of the rooms also feature Jacuzzi tubs, which can be especially inviting after a walking tour in hilly San Fran.
While staying at an upscale San Francisco B&B is what some travelers will have in mind, others will look to spend less on their B&B lodging. In addition some good upscale bed and breakfasts, San Francisco also offers some tempting mid-price options. These include the Parsonage and the Parker Guest House. Both of these bed and breakfasts in San Francisco have excellent locations, and they provide their guests with some welcoming amenities. The Parsonage can be found near the Civic Center, and it offers five spacious rooms that are more than luxurious enough for most. All of the rooms at the Parsonage would fit right in at an elegant country home, and their marble showers are quite dazzling. Premium linens encourage a good night's sleep, and the free 24-hour Internet access helps to make the fairly high rates agreeable.
As for the Parker Guest House Bed and Breakfast, it caters to gay travelers and can be found in the Castro district. This district is the city's most gay and lesbian oriented. Much like the Parsonage, the Parker Guest House boasts rooms that are relatively luxurious. The more expensive rooms are the most upscale, as one might imagine, and they are also the largest. Regardless of which room travelers choose at the Parker Guest House, they will enjoy an array of amenities, including cable TV, cozy guest robes, Wi-Fi, a phone with voice mail, a down comforter, complimentary chocolates, and signature bath amenities.
The Parsonage and the Parker Guest House are both very attractive San Francisco bed and breakfasts, but since the rates are still relatively high, some travelers will look to some of the city's cheaper options. Some of the best include the Inn San Francisco and the Golden Gate Hotel. The Inn San Francisco isn't the cheapest option, but the rates are fair and more than reasonable. The building that houses this elegant San Francisco B&B dates back to 1872, and it is a fine example of the city's renowned Painted Ladies. The lower end rooms at the Inn San Francisco are very well priced, and for those who want to enjoy some added space and amenities, the more expensive are extra comfortable. The most expensive units feature spa tubs and fireplaces.
The Golden Gate Hotel can be an excellent San Francisco B&B for budget-minded travelers. This affordable inn occupies a charming Edwardian building and can be found in the heart of the city. Old World charm meets modern conveniences at the Golden Gate Hotel, which is true of many bed and breakfasts in San Francisco. The guest rooms are clean, bright, and cheery, and they feature free Wi-Fi, premium mattresses, cable TV, a hair dryer, and an array of other delightful amenities.
These are just some of the bed and breakfasts in San Francisco that deserve mention, and there are others that can make for an excellent base while in town. Whether travelers want to be close to Golden Gate Park and the Haight Ashbury or near SoMa and the Museum of Modern Art, there is an ideal San Francisco B&B for them. Since the San Francisco bed and breakfasts don't offer a lot of rooms, guests tend to enjoy a level of service that is hard to beat. They also enjoy a satisfying breakfast more often than not, which helps to get the day going.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Restaurants in San Francisco, California
The San Francisco restaurants are known for their variety, and they range from upscale eateries to smaller establishments that specialize in quick and cheap. Class isn't the only thing that helps to distinguish the restaurants in San Francisco. Cuisine is another, and visitors can enjoy virtually every kind of cuisine on a visit to this spectacular city. San Francisco dining is renowned for its quality, and there may be no city in the country that is a finer place to enjoy some good food. There are more restaurants per capita in San Francisco than in any other U.S. city, and some of the most talented chefs in the world call the city home.
Many of the best restaurants in San Francisco benefit from the fact that some delicious wine and cheeses are made in Northern California. The area farms also add to the bounty with fresh vegetables and fruits. Because of this and the proximity to the sea, San Francisco restaurants often feature fresh produce and seafood. Enjoying some savory seafood is what many visitors have in mind when it comes to San Francisco dining, and it's hard to top the sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder than can be purchased at Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoying some fresh and steamy clam chowder on the waterfront is just one of the top joys to be had when it comes to dining in San Francisco.
Another treat unique to San Francisco is sampling or purchasing chocolate at Ghirardelli Square. This famous square, which is also home to an upscale housing complex and upscale shops, still features the historic chocolate shop that helped to put San Francisco on the map. Ghirardelli Square is also a good place to enjoy some fine dining in San Francisco, thanks to the fact that it is home to a few upscale eateries. Back across the street at Fisherman's Wharf, some of the shops sell chocolate as well as other goodies that can satisfy a sweet tooth.
For those who are truly interested in exploring the San Francisco dining scene, no visit to the city is complete without a trip to the Ferry Building. In addition to being a transportation hub, the Ferry Building is also home to shops, restaurants, and a great food market. Food enthusiasts or anyone looking for unique and fine foods will enjoy a visit to the Ferry Building Market, as the shops there offer up some of California's tastiest gourmet treats.
Since the best restaurants in San Francisco are extremely popular, it is often necessary to make reservations weeks in advance to secure a table. Some of the city's best San Francisco restaurants can be found at upscale hotels like the St Regis, and while guests will enjoy easy access to these restaurants, they can also be patronized by the public. There are quite a few consistent favorites when it comes to the best restaurants in San Francisco, though finding a good one often comes down to what individual diners have in mind and how padded their budgets are.
All of the main districts in the city boast a healthy selection of restaurants, so you're never far from a good place to eat wherever you find yourself in the city. Visitors might also enjoy side trips to regional destinations like Napa when they're not patronizing the San Francisco restaurants. Planning a visit around a specific festival can also be an option, as many of the San Francisco festivals showcase some good eats.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Bed and Breakfasts in Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs bed and breakfasts are located in many places around the Coachella Valley, and are available in fairly reasonable price ranges. They are not necessarily cheap hotels, ranging from accessible mid-range to fairly expensive. Many of them do not accept children under age thirteen or so, although some are family oriented and offer activities that will appeal to children. A Palm Springs B&B is most ideal for a romantic retreat.
Many of the couples who are seeking Palm Springs bed and breakfasts are doing so to celebrate special events such as weddings and honeymoons. Like many luxury hotels and resorts, these smaller and more intimate properties often have the facilities to cater the entire event, from the rehearsals and wedding dinner to the ceremony itself, and have partnered with local businesses to provide everything from the flowers and wedding photographer to the honeymoon suite. Almost all of them have wedding packages available. The Korakia Pensione, located on lovely grounds above the city, is one that offers wedding, honeymoon, and similar packages.
The entire Coachella Valley is a very gay-friendly travel destination, and several of the Palm Springs B&B inns cater to that market. The Warm Sands Villas, located less than a mile west of the airport in the center of all the action, is one such property. With only 27 rooms in a Spanish-style villa dating to 1933 that has welcomed guests from Shirley Temple to Clark Gable during its Hollywood heyday. This property caters exclusively to gay men.
One thing that a number of Palm Springs-area bed and breakfast inns have in common is the role that they have played in the history of the region. A very large percentage of these date to the 1930s and 1940s when the area became a magnet for the Hollywood glitterati from nearby Los Angeles (only two hours away) as well as US Presidents like Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Some of them were once home to celebrities.
The Korakia is one example, and was built in 1924 as a Mediterranean-style Moroccan villa by Scottish artist Gordon Coutts to recreate his beloved home and studio in Tangier. Later silent film star J.Carol Naish, who lived in the neighboring villa, purchased it. Today the Palm Springs B&B takes up the two historic villas. You can also look for the Caliente Tropics Resort, a wonderful example of the 1960s Polynesian-style hotels. Or try the Casa Cody, the oldest operating hotel in the area. Built by Harriet Cody (cousin to legendary Buffalo Bill) in the 1920s, it boasts wonderful views of the San Jacinto Mountains and is located in the heart of the Village. This property boasts wonderful old adobe architecture and charming rooms (many with fireplaces). It also has an entire secluded 1930s ranch house with two bedrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen. Many Palm Springs area bed and breakfast inns will boast a piece of this romantic, and sometimes racy, history. For some of the most intimate inns, head to Desert Hot Springs.
Some Palm Springs area bed and breakfast inns are perfect for families with children, and are usually located outside the city in areas where there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep children happy and occupied. The Quiet Creek Inn has a secluded location in Idyllwild in the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness (a wonderful hiking and mountain bike destination in the San Jacinto Mountains) about twenty miles west of downtown Palm Springs. The inn itself caters primarily to adults (yes, wedding packages are available), and encourages those on family vacations to book its vacations rentals that are separate cabins and homes in wilderness settings. Other Palm Springs bed and breakfasts will be found in the surrounding communities. For instance, the charming he Inn at Deep Canyon in Palm Desert is both pet and kid friendly, with suites and accommodations that offer fully-equipped kitchens.
Many of the couples who are seeking Palm Springs bed and breakfasts are doing so to celebrate special events such as weddings and honeymoons. Like many luxury hotels and resorts, these smaller and more intimate properties often have the facilities to cater the entire event, from the rehearsals and wedding dinner to the ceremony itself, and have partnered with local businesses to provide everything from the flowers and wedding photographer to the honeymoon suite. Almost all of them have wedding packages available. The Korakia Pensione, located on lovely grounds above the city, is one that offers wedding, honeymoon, and similar packages.
The entire Coachella Valley is a very gay-friendly travel destination, and several of the Palm Springs B&B inns cater to that market. The Warm Sands Villas, located less than a mile west of the airport in the center of all the action, is one such property. With only 27 rooms in a Spanish-style villa dating to 1933 that has welcomed guests from Shirley Temple to Clark Gable during its Hollywood heyday. This property caters exclusively to gay men.
One thing that a number of Palm Springs-area bed and breakfast inns have in common is the role that they have played in the history of the region. A very large percentage of these date to the 1930s and 1940s when the area became a magnet for the Hollywood glitterati from nearby Los Angeles (only two hours away) as well as US Presidents like Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Some of them were once home to celebrities.
The Korakia is one example, and was built in 1924 as a Mediterranean-style Moroccan villa by Scottish artist Gordon Coutts to recreate his beloved home and studio in Tangier. Later silent film star J.Carol Naish, who lived in the neighboring villa, purchased it. Today the Palm Springs B&B takes up the two historic villas. You can also look for the Caliente Tropics Resort, a wonderful example of the 1960s Polynesian-style hotels. Or try the Casa Cody, the oldest operating hotel in the area. Built by Harriet Cody (cousin to legendary Buffalo Bill) in the 1920s, it boasts wonderful views of the San Jacinto Mountains and is located in the heart of the Village. This property boasts wonderful old adobe architecture and charming rooms (many with fireplaces). It also has an entire secluded 1930s ranch house with two bedrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen. Many Palm Springs area bed and breakfast inns will boast a piece of this romantic, and sometimes racy, history. For some of the most intimate inns, head to Desert Hot Springs.
Some Palm Springs area bed and breakfast inns are perfect for families with children, and are usually located outside the city in areas where there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep children happy and occupied. The Quiet Creek Inn has a secluded location in Idyllwild in the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness (a wonderful hiking and mountain bike destination in the San Jacinto Mountains) about twenty miles west of downtown Palm Springs. The inn itself caters primarily to adults (yes, wedding packages are available), and encourages those on family vacations to book its vacations rentals that are separate cabins and homes in wilderness settings. Other Palm Springs bed and breakfasts will be found in the surrounding communities. For instance, the charming he Inn at Deep Canyon in Palm Desert is both pet and kid friendly, with suites and accommodations that offer fully-equipped kitchens.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Restaurants in Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs restaurants are well known for their variety and quality. Of course, you will find plenty of fast food establishments and pizza and hamburger joints, but the area prides itself on an eclectic and original haute cuisine, with some restaurants that can hold their own with the fine dining choices found in Paris or New York City. This has long been a playground for the rich and famous (celebrity tours will even show you many of their homes), and the available dining choices reflect that cachet. Palm Springs dining really does always have the possibility of seating you next to a celebrity, whether it's Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones or Robert Downey, Jr.
Some of the best restaurants in Palm Springs will be found in one of the many resorts in the area. The intimate boutique hotels and spa resorts of Desert Hot Springs often feature healthy gourmet cuisine. The casino properties like the Agua Caliente Casino and the Spa Resort Casino feature fast food options and steak houses. Other Palm Springs restaurants specialize in Chinese or Italian, Pacific Rim seafood, French, or nouveau California cuisine, or just about every other niche you can imagine.
Some of the best restaurants are located near the best nightlife in town as well. Check out El Paseo in Palm Desert or Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. The popular shopping areas in town are also great places to hang out and find some dining options. One of the best is the River Center, which is an outdoor mall that makes a great place for an evening stroll and has a number of both nicer and casual restaurants.
Many of the best restaurants in Palm Springs will be found outdoors by swimming pools. At one time, this area had the largest concentration of swimming pools in the United States, and it is still high on the list. Virtually all hotels—even the cheap hotels—will have at least one. The larger luxury hotels and resorts often have multiple pools. Because this is such an excellent destination for family vacations, many of the resorts have a swimming pool area that is a mini water park, with lazy rivers, water slides, and sandy beaches. Poolside Palm Springs dining at these spots will feature the chicken fingers, burgers, fires, and pizzas that kids love.
Also look for the best restaurants in Palm Springs that feature a theme of romance. This is one of the premier destinations for weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways. The year-round balmy weather encourages plenty of outdoor dining with flickering candles and blazing outdoor fire pits. Even during the summer when daytime temperatures average above 100∞, the evenings cool down enough for comfortable outdoor dining. Look for romantic and intimate Palm Springs restaurants nestled up against the San Jacinto Mountains for fabulous sunset views, or the patio dining areas of golf clubs overlooking green fairways, waving palm trees, and sparkling water features.
The great outdoors is prominently featured among the many things to do in Palm Springs. You can enjoy Palm Springs dining at the top of the famous aerial tramway with views so breathtaking you might not even notice the food. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails in an around the area, including desert and mountain trails. Many tours take you out into this pristine wild country, and include gourmet picnic lunches. If you’ve taken advantage of car rentals and are going to do some independent hiking and exploring, most hotels will pack a gourmet lunch for you with advance notice.
Some of the best restaurants in Palm Springs will be found in one of the many resorts in the area. The intimate boutique hotels and spa resorts of Desert Hot Springs often feature healthy gourmet cuisine. The casino properties like the Agua Caliente Casino and the Spa Resort Casino feature fast food options and steak houses. Other Palm Springs restaurants specialize in Chinese or Italian, Pacific Rim seafood, French, or nouveau California cuisine, or just about every other niche you can imagine.
Some of the best restaurants are located near the best nightlife in town as well. Check out El Paseo in Palm Desert or Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. The popular shopping areas in town are also great places to hang out and find some dining options. One of the best is the River Center, which is an outdoor mall that makes a great place for an evening stroll and has a number of both nicer and casual restaurants.
Many of the best restaurants in Palm Springs will be found outdoors by swimming pools. At one time, this area had the largest concentration of swimming pools in the United States, and it is still high on the list. Virtually all hotels—even the cheap hotels—will have at least one. The larger luxury hotels and resorts often have multiple pools. Because this is such an excellent destination for family vacations, many of the resorts have a swimming pool area that is a mini water park, with lazy rivers, water slides, and sandy beaches. Poolside Palm Springs dining at these spots will feature the chicken fingers, burgers, fires, and pizzas that kids love.
Also look for the best restaurants in Palm Springs that feature a theme of romance. This is one of the premier destinations for weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways. The year-round balmy weather encourages plenty of outdoor dining with flickering candles and blazing outdoor fire pits. Even during the summer when daytime temperatures average above 100∞, the evenings cool down enough for comfortable outdoor dining. Look for romantic and intimate Palm Springs restaurants nestled up against the San Jacinto Mountains for fabulous sunset views, or the patio dining areas of golf clubs overlooking green fairways, waving palm trees, and sparkling water features.
The great outdoors is prominently featured among the many things to do in Palm Springs. You can enjoy Palm Springs dining at the top of the famous aerial tramway with views so breathtaking you might not even notice the food. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails in an around the area, including desert and mountain trails. Many tours take you out into this pristine wild country, and include gourmet picnic lunches. If you’ve taken advantage of car rentals and are going to do some independent hiking and exploring, most hotels will pack a gourmet lunch for you with advance notice.
Bed and Breakfasts in Napa Valley, California
Napa bed and breakfasts provide a cozy beginning and end to any day touring the valley. While some guests arrive to Napa for luxurious spa treatments and fine dining, others are looking for an intimate, privately run inn to provide a resting point at the end of a full day. From winery tours to hot-air balloon rides, from a trip on the wine train to biking between vineyards, visitors to the Napa Valley can be as busy as they want to be. Some visitors are looking for basics in a Napa Valley B&B, which offer an intimate atmosphere and can often help avoid the high prices of neighboring luxury resorts.
From Yountville to Calistoga to St Helena, breakfasts at a Napa Valley B&B are an indulgent way to begin the day. In an area known for its high culinary standards and excellent restaurants, the B&Bs are no exception. Local ingredients are combined to form hearty and tasty breakfasts, preparing visitors for adventurous days outdoors or days full of wine tastings. A Calistoga bed and breakfast, for instance, guarantees the charm of this small town. While options for luxury accommodation in Calistoga do exist, visitors do not need to splurge on pricey accommodations in order to take advantage of the natural hot springs that have been drawing people to the town since the nineteenth century.
While a Calistoga bed and breakfast may not have direct access to the hot springs, there are plenty of options within the town itself to go for a dip, or receive a spa treatment. The Brannan Cottage Inn and the Enchanted Cottage B&B (pictured), for instance, are both excellent options for staying in this charming town. The helpful staff at Napa bed and breakfasts can point you in the direction of an affordable way to experience the medicinal waters.
Staying at a St Helena bed and breakfast could leave a little extra money in your wallet for shopping, antiques, and gourmet dining options, or you can spurge if a luxury vacation is more to your taste. Visitors can stay at lovely B&Bs like the Ink House Bed and Breakfast, or those who are particularly interested in local history and literature might prefer a night at the Ambrose Bierce House, once home to the famous author.
A Napa Valley B&B will of course feature local wines. These first tastes are a great way to figure out what wineries you would like to visit during your stay in wine country. Many privately owned Napa bed and breakfasts are buildings of historical importance as well, often on the main road of a town. Offering close proximity to restaurants and shops, many of these inns have a small number of rooms and fill quickly during peak periods. It is wise to book in advance, especially if you are planning an itinerary staying in different towns throughout the valley and have a less flexible schedule.
Waking up at lovely accommodations such as a Calistoga bed and breakfast, with a day of wine tastings, a hot-air balloon ride, and gourmet meals ahead, the Napa Valley will seem like a vacation dream come true. Staying at luxury hotels in Napa is a bonus to an already spectacular landscape for a memorable vacation, but intimate B&Bs can also provide the perfect touch for the trip. Prepare for locally sourced food, generous glasses of wine, and the special type of hospitality that Northern California has become famous for on your next trip to Napa.
From Yountville to Calistoga to St Helena, breakfasts at a Napa Valley B&B are an indulgent way to begin the day. In an area known for its high culinary standards and excellent restaurants, the B&Bs are no exception. Local ingredients are combined to form hearty and tasty breakfasts, preparing visitors for adventurous days outdoors or days full of wine tastings. A Calistoga bed and breakfast, for instance, guarantees the charm of this small town. While options for luxury accommodation in Calistoga do exist, visitors do not need to splurge on pricey accommodations in order to take advantage of the natural hot springs that have been drawing people to the town since the nineteenth century.
While a Calistoga bed and breakfast may not have direct access to the hot springs, there are plenty of options within the town itself to go for a dip, or receive a spa treatment. The Brannan Cottage Inn and the Enchanted Cottage B&B (pictured), for instance, are both excellent options for staying in this charming town. The helpful staff at Napa bed and breakfasts can point you in the direction of an affordable way to experience the medicinal waters.
Staying at a St Helena bed and breakfast could leave a little extra money in your wallet for shopping, antiques, and gourmet dining options, or you can spurge if a luxury vacation is more to your taste. Visitors can stay at lovely B&Bs like the Ink House Bed and Breakfast, or those who are particularly interested in local history and literature might prefer a night at the Ambrose Bierce House, once home to the famous author.
A Napa Valley B&B will of course feature local wines. These first tastes are a great way to figure out what wineries you would like to visit during your stay in wine country. Many privately owned Napa bed and breakfasts are buildings of historical importance as well, often on the main road of a town. Offering close proximity to restaurants and shops, many of these inns have a small number of rooms and fill quickly during peak periods. It is wise to book in advance, especially if you are planning an itinerary staying in different towns throughout the valley and have a less flexible schedule.
Waking up at lovely accommodations such as a Calistoga bed and breakfast, with a day of wine tastings, a hot-air balloon ride, and gourmet meals ahead, the Napa Valley will seem like a vacation dream come true. Staying at luxury hotels in Napa is a bonus to an already spectacular landscape for a memorable vacation, but intimate B&Bs can also provide the perfect touch for the trip. Prepare for locally sourced food, generous glasses of wine, and the special type of hospitality that Northern California has become famous for on your next trip to Napa.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Food in Napa Valley, California
Napa is a fantastic destination for foodies. From restaurants, farmers markets, and food festivals to culinary schools and food-and-wine pairings, Napa offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy, explore, and celebrate food. No matter what else you have planned on your Napa vacation, you'll want to save room for a little bit of food-related fun.
The Napa Valley is known for hosting an excellent collection of restaurants, both in quality and variety. Whether you want French food in Napa, steakhouses, or sushi restaurants, Napa Valley has them all. Yountville in particular is known as a gourmet destination, with excellent restaurants such as The French Laundry and Bouchon, and there are also plenty of excellent choices in Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga.
If you're trying to decide when to go to Napa, the weather isn't the only consideration, as there are numerous fine Napa food festivals throughout the year. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival, held from late winter through early spring, includes numerous events related to food, wine, entertainment, art, and cultural activities. Another of the popular Napa food festivals is the gourmet A Taste of Yountville festival in mid-March, during which more than 35 local wineries, restaurants, and olive oil and mustard producers offer tastings. In mid-May, the Calistoga Wineries Spring Celebration features barrel tastings, hot food, and live music.
Napa Valley food and wine pairings are found at many Napa Valley restaurants and wineries. Whether it's a recommendation on the menu at a fine French restaurant or a special tasting at a winery that pairs wines and cheeses, you can get expert advice on what foods and wines go well together. Of course, you can always do some experimenting on your own with food in Napa by packing a picnic lunch and a few bottles of local wine.
The Culinary Institute in St Helena is another great place for food in Napa Valley, and the historic hillside property offers a beautiful backdrop to culinary education. This branch of the Culinary Institute of America is a great place to learn about food. Students learn about diverse cultural cooking and baking traditions, sustainability, and nutrition, and visitors can learn new techniques at a cooking demo. The Culinary Institute in St Helena is also home to the excellent Greystone Wine Spectator restaurant, which highlights California cuisine.
The downtown Napa farmers market is a great place to sample great food in Napa. The market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and you'll want to arrive early to enjoy the biggest selection—the first buyers show up at 7:30 am, and the market wraps up at lunchtime. Among the varied products at the market, you'll find fruits, vegetables, olive oil, baked goods, chocolates, jams and preserves, tea, and flowers. The local vendors can suggest the best ways to prepare their products, and this market is a great way to enjoy the variety and quality of local Napa food.
From the Culinary Institute in St Helena to the French Laundry in Yountville, and from the farmers markets to Napa food festivals, the Napa Valley hosts an amazing variety of opportunities for enjoying food. The trouble for visitors is picking which of the many to visit during their vacation, but whatever they choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable meal.
The Napa Valley is known for hosting an excellent collection of restaurants, both in quality and variety. Whether you want French food in Napa, steakhouses, or sushi restaurants, Napa Valley has them all. Yountville in particular is known as a gourmet destination, with excellent restaurants such as The French Laundry and Bouchon, and there are also plenty of excellent choices in Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga.
If you're trying to decide when to go to Napa, the weather isn't the only consideration, as there are numerous fine Napa food festivals throughout the year. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival, held from late winter through early spring, includes numerous events related to food, wine, entertainment, art, and cultural activities. Another of the popular Napa food festivals is the gourmet A Taste of Yountville festival in mid-March, during which more than 35 local wineries, restaurants, and olive oil and mustard producers offer tastings. In mid-May, the Calistoga Wineries Spring Celebration features barrel tastings, hot food, and live music.
Napa Valley food and wine pairings are found at many Napa Valley restaurants and wineries. Whether it's a recommendation on the menu at a fine French restaurant or a special tasting at a winery that pairs wines and cheeses, you can get expert advice on what foods and wines go well together. Of course, you can always do some experimenting on your own with food in Napa by packing a picnic lunch and a few bottles of local wine.
The Culinary Institute in St Helena is another great place for food in Napa Valley, and the historic hillside property offers a beautiful backdrop to culinary education. This branch of the Culinary Institute of America is a great place to learn about food. Students learn about diverse cultural cooking and baking traditions, sustainability, and nutrition, and visitors can learn new techniques at a cooking demo. The Culinary Institute in St Helena is also home to the excellent Greystone Wine Spectator restaurant, which highlights California cuisine.
The downtown Napa farmers market is a great place to sample great food in Napa. The market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and you'll want to arrive early to enjoy the biggest selection—the first buyers show up at 7:30 am, and the market wraps up at lunchtime. Among the varied products at the market, you'll find fruits, vegetables, olive oil, baked goods, chocolates, jams and preserves, tea, and flowers. The local vendors can suggest the best ways to prepare their products, and this market is a great way to enjoy the variety and quality of local Napa food.
From the Culinary Institute in St Helena to the French Laundry in Yountville, and from the farmers markets to Napa food festivals, the Napa Valley hosts an amazing variety of opportunities for enjoying food. The trouble for visitors is picking which of the many to visit during their vacation, but whatever they choose, it’s sure to be an unforgettable meal.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Steakhouse in Napa Valley , California
Napa is a great spot for whiling away leisurely days with winery tours, tastings, and hot-air balloon rides. But, after an afternoon spent sipping on wine and nibbling on small bites, dinner time may very well leave visitors craving a fairly substantial, hearty meal. Luckily, there's no shortage of steak in Napa, so hungry visitors can easily sit down to a juicy steakhouse dinner no matter what part of Napa Valley they end up in at the day's end. Whether your Napa vacation takes you to the city of Napa, Calistoga, or St Helena, there will be a Napa Valley steak restaurant to satisfy your taste.
One popular place to enjoy hand-cut steaks, chops, roasts, and grills paired with Napa Valley wines is the restaurant Press. Located in St Helena, this Napa Valley steak restaurant was opened by Leslie Rudd and offers diners a relaxed, welcoming, and unpretentious atmosphere. The menu features locally sourced, grass-fed, and dry-aged USDA Prime Angus beef; locally raised American Kobe Wagyu beef; and 100% Japanese Kobe Kuroge Wagyu. All these meats are prepared on the restaurant's custom cherry-and-almond wood-burning grill and rotisserie, which is the star of Press' kitchen. To whet the appetite, there are salads, contemporary appetizers, and a raw bar serving oysters. With such a menu, Press is sure to provide a delicious dinner and satisfy a meat craving.
Another choice for a Napa steakhouse is the elegant Flat Iron Grill in Calistoga. With suede-covered booths, artist Lowell Herrero's cow paintings, and glass panels creating semi-private spaces, the dining room is a decidedly warm and inviting place to enjoy a steak in Napa. The menu at this Napa Valley steak restaurant features classic American offerings, from fried calamari and macaroni & cheese for starters to burgers, pastas, steaks, and grilled fish for entrées. If you have room for dessert, you can feast on such tasty treats as vanilla crème brulee and a summer berry crisp.
A third popular place to get a steak in Napa is the Royal Oak at the Silverado Resort (pictured). This classic, upscale Napa steakhouse at one of Napa's luxury hotels is a perfect spot if you've already been enjoying the resort's golf course or spa. The Royal Oak offers beautiful views of the golf course and an overall elegant atmosphere. The award-winning chef serves up a menu of thick-cut Angus beef prime steaks and market-fresh, sustainably caught or grown grilled fish, all prepared in an open kitchen. To quench your thirst, try the martinis or the extensive wine list. For a sweet bite to top off the meal, the organic dessert menu features a range of delicious treats.
From Press in St. Helena, to the Flat Iron Grill in Calistoga, to the Royal Oak at the Silverado Resort, there is a wealth of choices for those Napa visitors craving a thick, juicy steak. With so many culinary delights in the area, it's easy to make much of your Napa vacation revolve around food, and the high standards at the area restaurants ensure that you won't be disappointed. No matter where your visit to Napa may take you, there will be a great Napa steakhouse to enjoy.
One popular place to enjoy hand-cut steaks, chops, roasts, and grills paired with Napa Valley wines is the restaurant Press. Located in St Helena, this Napa Valley steak restaurant was opened by Leslie Rudd and offers diners a relaxed, welcoming, and unpretentious atmosphere. The menu features locally sourced, grass-fed, and dry-aged USDA Prime Angus beef; locally raised American Kobe Wagyu beef; and 100% Japanese Kobe Kuroge Wagyu. All these meats are prepared on the restaurant's custom cherry-and-almond wood-burning grill and rotisserie, which is the star of Press' kitchen. To whet the appetite, there are salads, contemporary appetizers, and a raw bar serving oysters. With such a menu, Press is sure to provide a delicious dinner and satisfy a meat craving.
Another choice for a Napa steakhouse is the elegant Flat Iron Grill in Calistoga. With suede-covered booths, artist Lowell Herrero's cow paintings, and glass panels creating semi-private spaces, the dining room is a decidedly warm and inviting place to enjoy a steak in Napa. The menu at this Napa Valley steak restaurant features classic American offerings, from fried calamari and macaroni & cheese for starters to burgers, pastas, steaks, and grilled fish for entrées. If you have room for dessert, you can feast on such tasty treats as vanilla crème brulee and a summer berry crisp.
A third popular place to get a steak in Napa is the Royal Oak at the Silverado Resort (pictured). This classic, upscale Napa steakhouse at one of Napa's luxury hotels is a perfect spot if you've already been enjoying the resort's golf course or spa. The Royal Oak offers beautiful views of the golf course and an overall elegant atmosphere. The award-winning chef serves up a menu of thick-cut Angus beef prime steaks and market-fresh, sustainably caught or grown grilled fish, all prepared in an open kitchen. To quench your thirst, try the martinis or the extensive wine list. For a sweet bite to top off the meal, the organic dessert menu features a range of delicious treats.
From Press in St. Helena, to the Flat Iron Grill in Calistoga, to the Royal Oak at the Silverado Resort, there is a wealth of choices for those Napa visitors craving a thick, juicy steak. With so many culinary delights in the area, it's easy to make much of your Napa vacation revolve around food, and the high standards at the area restaurants ensure that you won't be disappointed. No matter where your visit to Napa may take you, there will be a great Napa steakhouse to enjoy.
Sushi Restaurants in Napa Valley, California
There are many different kinds of Napa Valley restaurants. For those who can't live without sushi or are just craving it after a day of visiting wineries and other Napa attractions, rest assured that there are a few fine Napa Valley sushi restaurants to enjoy. However, also be aware that the choices for sushi in Napa will be fewer in this cuisine category compared to, say, French restaurants or steakhouses. In short, finding an excellent Napa sushi bar is certainly possible—just keep in mind that the choices are limited.
One of the great Napa Valley sushi restaurants is C.C. Blue Sushi Bar & Restaurant. Located in St Helena, this restaurant is a prime source for sushi in Napa. The restaurant offers contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi in a chic but relaxed environment. The focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients and using new flavor combinations to spice up traditional dishes. If you're looking for a Napa sushi bar, C.C. Blue Sushi Bar & Restaurant has that too, with great sashimi and rolls.
Another option for sushi in Napa Valley is Go Fish, also located in St Helena. Opened in 2006 by Cindy Pawclyn, the restaurant features a full San Francisco-inspired raw bar and a full sushi and sake bar. One more choice for Napa Valley sushi restaurants is Sushi Mambo, in Napa. Even though sushi isn't Napa's main attraction, restaurants such as C.C. Blue Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Go Fish, and Sushi Mambo ensure that sushi fans can get their fix on a Napa Valley vacation.
One of the great Napa Valley sushi restaurants is C.C. Blue Sushi Bar & Restaurant. Located in St Helena, this restaurant is a prime source for sushi in Napa. The restaurant offers contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi in a chic but relaxed environment. The focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients and using new flavor combinations to spice up traditional dishes. If you're looking for a Napa sushi bar, C.C. Blue Sushi Bar & Restaurant has that too, with great sashimi and rolls.
Another option for sushi in Napa Valley is Go Fish, also located in St Helena. Opened in 2006 by Cindy Pawclyn, the restaurant features a full San Francisco-inspired raw bar and a full sushi and sake bar. One more choice for Napa Valley sushi restaurants is Sushi Mambo, in Napa. Even though sushi isn't Napa's main attraction, restaurants such as C.C. Blue Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Go Fish, and Sushi Mambo ensure that sushi fans can get their fix on a Napa Valley vacation.
French Restaurants in Napa Valley , California
Napa Valley is renowned for its wine and fine food, and there are many excellent restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines. However, those with a taste for French cuisine are among the luckier visitors, as the Napa Valley French restaurants are world-class. Many have Michelin stars, and all promise delicious food and a memorable dining experience, resulting in several strong contenders for the title of best French restaurant in Napa.
One of the first Napa Valley restaurants to take note of is The French Laundry. The French Laundry in Napa is undoubtedly many people's pick for the best restaurant in Napa. However, despite its name, the menu is actually contemporary American cuisine with French influences. Two nine-course prix fixe (fixed price) menus are offered daily, a series of small courses in which no ingredient is served more than once. Reservations are extremely difficult to obtain and are accepted two months to the calendar date before the desired meal. The food and service are both exceptional.
One of the popular Napa Valley French restaurants is Bouchon Bistro in Napa. Among the several Napa Valley bistros, Bouchon is rated by some visitors as the best French restaurant in Napa. Bouchon takes its name from a type of neighborhood bistro that originated in nineteenth-century Lyon, serving traditional, simple cuisine in a homey atmosphere. The Bouchon menu features entrees such as steak frites, pan-seared tuna with ratatouille, crispy pork belly, and croque madame; oysters, salads, and cheeses are also on the menu, as are simple desserts such as profiteroles and a lemon tart.
Another of the excellent Napa Valley bistros is Bistro Jeanty. Charming and romantic, this fine French bistro has been awarded one Michelin star. Seasonal menus serve homey French bistro fare, from tomato soup in puff pastry for starters to entrées such as a cassoulet or coq au vin, to crepe suzette for dessert. Both indoor and outdoor patio seating are available.
Anther of the excellent Napa Valley French restaurants is La Toque, in the city of Napa. Ken Frank's La Toque is located in the Westin Verasa Napa and features an elegant, open floor plan with patio seating. The constantly changing menu showcases seasonal ingredients, and wine pairings are suggested for each dish. Foie gras, frogs' legs, and quail might be on the menu, but so might tomato soup, Alaskan halibut, and prime Angus rib-eye, so all kinds of diners will have something to enjoy.
Yet one more choice among the great Napa Valley bistros is the intimate, casually elegant Angele Restaurant, also in the city of Napa. The warm, relaxing, and rustic environment is a perfect setting for enjoying a meal of French country foods and wines. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays.
Beginning or ending a day of wine tasting with a delicious meal is an essential part of any Napa vacation, and the dining options in the area do not disappoint. With so many exceptional restaurants to choose from, its no wonder there's no consensus on what the best French restaurant in Napa Valley is. The solution? Start making reservations and decide for yourself. Bon appetit!
One of the first Napa Valley restaurants to take note of is The French Laundry. The French Laundry in Napa is undoubtedly many people's pick for the best restaurant in Napa. However, despite its name, the menu is actually contemporary American cuisine with French influences. Two nine-course prix fixe (fixed price) menus are offered daily, a series of small courses in which no ingredient is served more than once. Reservations are extremely difficult to obtain and are accepted two months to the calendar date before the desired meal. The food and service are both exceptional.
One of the popular Napa Valley French restaurants is Bouchon Bistro in Napa. Among the several Napa Valley bistros, Bouchon is rated by some visitors as the best French restaurant in Napa. Bouchon takes its name from a type of neighborhood bistro that originated in nineteenth-century Lyon, serving traditional, simple cuisine in a homey atmosphere. The Bouchon menu features entrees such as steak frites, pan-seared tuna with ratatouille, crispy pork belly, and croque madame; oysters, salads, and cheeses are also on the menu, as are simple desserts such as profiteroles and a lemon tart.
Another of the excellent Napa Valley bistros is Bistro Jeanty. Charming and romantic, this fine French bistro has been awarded one Michelin star. Seasonal menus serve homey French bistro fare, from tomato soup in puff pastry for starters to entrées such as a cassoulet or coq au vin, to crepe suzette for dessert. Both indoor and outdoor patio seating are available.
Anther of the excellent Napa Valley French restaurants is La Toque, in the city of Napa. Ken Frank's La Toque is located in the Westin Verasa Napa and features an elegant, open floor plan with patio seating. The constantly changing menu showcases seasonal ingredients, and wine pairings are suggested for each dish. Foie gras, frogs' legs, and quail might be on the menu, but so might tomato soup, Alaskan halibut, and prime Angus rib-eye, so all kinds of diners will have something to enjoy.
Yet one more choice among the great Napa Valley bistros is the intimate, casually elegant Angele Restaurant, also in the city of Napa. The warm, relaxing, and rustic environment is a perfect setting for enjoying a meal of French country foods and wines. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays.
Beginning or ending a day of wine tasting with a delicious meal is an essential part of any Napa vacation, and the dining options in the area do not disappoint. With so many exceptional restaurants to choose from, its no wonder there's no consensus on what the best French restaurant in Napa Valley is. The solution? Start making reservations and decide for yourself. Bon appetit!
Restaurants in Napa Valley , California
Napa Valley is world-renowned for its wine, but it is also a destination for foodies. The valley is thick with award-winning restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisine. Of course, some cuisines are better represented than others, so if you're craving French or contemporary American cuisine, you'll have many choices; if your stomach is dead-set of sushi, the pickings will be a little more slim. Still, rest assured that the options are many and varied, and available in all cities in the valley, so whether lunch or dinnertime finds you in the city of Napa, Calistoga, St Helena, or Yountville, you'll have many options from which to choose.
The most famous of the Napa restaurants is The French Laundry (pictured), an exceptional three-Michelin star restaurant (one of several Yountville restaurants with Michelin stars), and arguably the best Napa Valley restaurant. The French Laundry specializes in contemporary American cuisine with French influences, and offers two nine-course prix fixe (fixed price) menus that serve a series of small courses, never serving an ingredient more than once during the meal. Reservations are very difficult to obtain; you'll have to call two months to the calendar date before the desired reservation to stand a chance.
There are several Napa restaurants serving excellent French food. Bouchon, another of the Yountville restaurants, serves French bistro fare: steak frites, crispy pork belly, oysters, ratatouille, croque madame, and profiteroles. Another of the great Yountville restaurants is the charming and romantic Bistro Jeanty, awarded one Michelin star, which serves seasonal menus of fine French bistro fare. Think tomato soup in puff pastry, cassoulets, coq au vin, and crepe suzette for dessert. Another great French restaurant in Napa Valley is La Toque, in the city of Napa.
If you're looking for a restaurant in Napa Valley that serves a great steak dinner, you'll have many choices. One of the excellent steak restaurants in the area is Press, in St Helena. This relaxed and welcoming steakhouse serves USDA Prime Angus beef, American Kobe Wagyu beef; and 100% Japanese Kobe Kuroge Wagyu, all prepared on a custom cherry-and-almond wood-burning grill and rotisserie. Another great steakhouse is the elegant Flat Iron Grill. This Calistoga restaurant features classic American offerings. A third bet for steak is the classic, upscale Royal Oak at the Silverado Resort., perfect after a day at the resort's golf course or spa.
If the thought of dining al fresco to enjoy the fine Napa weather appeals to you, there are a few different options. Many Napa restaurants have outdoor seating, but many Napa Valley wineries also offer picnic facilities. After enjoying a tasting or wine tour, buy a bottle of wine and relax at the picnic benches. Some wineries sell food, and some allow you to bring your own, so it's worth checking in advance if there's a specific place you'd like to dine.
Whether your Napa trip takes you to Napa, Calistoga, Yountville, or St. Helena, and whether you're in the mood for French cuisine, steakhouse fare, or picnic favorites, you are sure to find a restaurant in Napa Valley or other dining option to suit your tastes. If you'd like your whole day to revolve around food, consider adding a trip to the Culinary Institute of America or a ride on the wine train to your itinerary and then follow it up with dinner at one of the excellent local options.
The most famous of the Napa restaurants is The French Laundry (pictured), an exceptional three-Michelin star restaurant (one of several Yountville restaurants with Michelin stars), and arguably the best Napa Valley restaurant. The French Laundry specializes in contemporary American cuisine with French influences, and offers two nine-course prix fixe (fixed price) menus that serve a series of small courses, never serving an ingredient more than once during the meal. Reservations are very difficult to obtain; you'll have to call two months to the calendar date before the desired reservation to stand a chance.
There are several Napa restaurants serving excellent French food. Bouchon, another of the Yountville restaurants, serves French bistro fare: steak frites, crispy pork belly, oysters, ratatouille, croque madame, and profiteroles. Another of the great Yountville restaurants is the charming and romantic Bistro Jeanty, awarded one Michelin star, which serves seasonal menus of fine French bistro fare. Think tomato soup in puff pastry, cassoulets, coq au vin, and crepe suzette for dessert. Another great French restaurant in Napa Valley is La Toque, in the city of Napa.
If you're looking for a restaurant in Napa Valley that serves a great steak dinner, you'll have many choices. One of the excellent steak restaurants in the area is Press, in St Helena. This relaxed and welcoming steakhouse serves USDA Prime Angus beef, American Kobe Wagyu beef; and 100% Japanese Kobe Kuroge Wagyu, all prepared on a custom cherry-and-almond wood-burning grill and rotisserie. Another great steakhouse is the elegant Flat Iron Grill. This Calistoga restaurant features classic American offerings. A third bet for steak is the classic, upscale Royal Oak at the Silverado Resort., perfect after a day at the resort's golf course or spa.
If the thought of dining al fresco to enjoy the fine Napa weather appeals to you, there are a few different options. Many Napa restaurants have outdoor seating, but many Napa Valley wineries also offer picnic facilities. After enjoying a tasting or wine tour, buy a bottle of wine and relax at the picnic benches. Some wineries sell food, and some allow you to bring your own, so it's worth checking in advance if there's a specific place you'd like to dine.
Whether your Napa trip takes you to Napa, Calistoga, Yountville, or St. Helena, and whether you're in the mood for French cuisine, steakhouse fare, or picnic favorites, you are sure to find a restaurant in Napa Valley or other dining option to suit your tastes. If you'd like your whole day to revolve around food, consider adding a trip to the Culinary Institute of America or a ride on the wine train to your itinerary and then follow it up with dinner at one of the excellent local options.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Brunch Cruise in San Diego
A San Diego brunch cruise, especially on the weekend when things are a little more leisurely, is a a meal to remember. More than 70 miles of coastline along the ocean and harbors wind from the Mexican border up to the cliffs of La Jolla and points north, providing the perfect setting for leisurely cruises and scenic getaways.
You have many choices when you'd like to add brunch cruises in San Diego to your vacation packages. A fleet of modern vessels take passengers on cruises, complete with top-notch kitchens and chic surroundings. Some of the ships can accommodate more than 2,000 people on one excursion, while others offer more intimate surroundings. Sailing schedules vary, so you can find cruises that fit your schedule, no matter when you're ready to go.
After stepping aboard a harbor cruise, you'll be treated to one of the more memorable dining experiences in all of Southern California. Gourmands and hearty appetites will find plenty to their liking. With the interesting menus and attentive service, a San Diego brunch cruise is one of the best things to do in the entire region. Along the way, you'll have the chance to enjoy the iconic views of the city skyline, contrasted by the deep blue waters that seem to stretch on forever. Beautiful and historic Coronado Island separates the harbor from the Pacific Ocean; as you whirl by the island, you can see the historic houses and luxury hotels on island the Navy once used as a base of operations.
After you're done eating, your experience is not over yet. Many times, a San Diego brunch cruise feature live music and dance floors. Other passengers enjoy the chance to go for a stroll and watch the scenery drift by. The city skyline is quite striking, as are the blue waters of the Pacific that seem to stretch on forever. The busy Port of San Diego is quite a site; here you'll find cargo ships bringing in goods for major companies and cruise lines preparing to sail to Mexico and other ports of call.
Many of the companies who offer brunch excursions also offer an option for a dinner cruise in San Diego. When the sun has set, you can enjoy a night filled with fine dining and beautiful views. Add to that life music and dancing under the stars, and you have a wonderful way to end a day.
You have many choices when you'd like to add brunch cruises in San Diego to your vacation packages. A fleet of modern vessels take passengers on cruises, complete with top-notch kitchens and chic surroundings. Some of the ships can accommodate more than 2,000 people on one excursion, while others offer more intimate surroundings. Sailing schedules vary, so you can find cruises that fit your schedule, no matter when you're ready to go.
After stepping aboard a harbor cruise, you'll be treated to one of the more memorable dining experiences in all of Southern California. Gourmands and hearty appetites will find plenty to their liking. With the interesting menus and attentive service, a San Diego brunch cruise is one of the best things to do in the entire region. Along the way, you'll have the chance to enjoy the iconic views of the city skyline, contrasted by the deep blue waters that seem to stretch on forever. Beautiful and historic Coronado Island separates the harbor from the Pacific Ocean; as you whirl by the island, you can see the historic houses and luxury hotels on island the Navy once used as a base of operations.
After you're done eating, your experience is not over yet. Many times, a San Diego brunch cruise feature live music and dance floors. Other passengers enjoy the chance to go for a stroll and watch the scenery drift by. The city skyline is quite striking, as are the blue waters of the Pacific that seem to stretch on forever. The busy Port of San Diego is quite a site; here you'll find cargo ships bringing in goods for major companies and cruise lines preparing to sail to Mexico and other ports of call.
Many of the companies who offer brunch excursions also offer an option for a dinner cruise in San Diego. When the sun has set, you can enjoy a night filled with fine dining and beautiful views. Add to that life music and dancing under the stars, and you have a wonderful way to end a day.
Monday, 11 July 2011
San Diego Restaurants
San Diego restaurants are some of the best in California, and several are fine gourmet dining spots with national reputations. The finest San Diego dining experiences can be found in the most upscale neighborhoods, with La Jolla restaurants at the top of the list. There are fine Michelin star quality restaurants that rival the best from Paris and New York City. This is where you would come if you are craving the best elegant French food and cost is no object.
Just about every type of cuisine you might desire is available somewhere in the city, with Asia fusion high on the list of most popular styles of cooking. You can find great sushi from Japan as well as superb Chinese food. In fact, some of the best restaurants in San Diego are its ethnic ones, and they can also provide you with a taste of the city's history. One of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the city is Little Italy, located just north of the downtown area and next to the attractions found in Balboa Park. This is a vibrant neighborhood that began in the early 1900s when Italian fishermen moved from a devastated San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. Here, they grew the tuna fishing industry into one of the largest in the country. Here, you will find everything from authentic pizza to classic Italian. You will definitely want to check out the Italian San Diego restaurants on historic India Street in Little Italy, which boasts some of the oldlest buildings in the city. You will find more than one classic San Diego dining spot in this area.
If you've come for vacations on the city's famous beaches, you may find yourself staying at the historic Hotel del Coronado. As with many similar beach hotels, this boasts what is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in San Diego for Sunday brunch. This sprawling Victorian hotel has several other spots for San Diego dining in addition to their lavish Sunday brunch served in their famous Crown Room. You will also find great Sunday brunch at the Hard Rock in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Westgate Hotel in the downtown area, and the famous Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla.
Some of the best restaurants in San Diego specialize in seafood in this city that was and still is a major center for commercial, deep sea, and sport fishing. Some of the best of these will be found in the popular Gaslamp Quarter just a couple blocks from the scenic bay. There are also San Diego restaurants that are part of the area's thriving microbrewery industry that is as important to San Diego as wineries are to the Napa Valley in Northern California. The famous Karl Strauss Brewing Company is located here, and was begun by the German immigrant of the same name who founded the microbrewery when he "retired" after 44 years with the Pabst company of Milwaukee. The Strauss Brewery is located in La Jolla, and its lovely gardens are available for weddings and other special events. Other microbrewery eateries are the Coronado Brewing Company, Alesmith, and the upstart Stone Brewing Company. There are more than 30 craft brewing companies in the area, and it's possible to book tours that visit many of them.
Just about every type of cuisine you might desire is available somewhere in the city, with Asia fusion high on the list of most popular styles of cooking. You can find great sushi from Japan as well as superb Chinese food. In fact, some of the best restaurants in San Diego are its ethnic ones, and they can also provide you with a taste of the city's history. One of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the city is Little Italy, located just north of the downtown area and next to the attractions found in Balboa Park. This is a vibrant neighborhood that began in the early 1900s when Italian fishermen moved from a devastated San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. Here, they grew the tuna fishing industry into one of the largest in the country. Here, you will find everything from authentic pizza to classic Italian. You will definitely want to check out the Italian San Diego restaurants on historic India Street in Little Italy, which boasts some of the oldlest buildings in the city. You will find more than one classic San Diego dining spot in this area.
If you've come for vacations on the city's famous beaches, you may find yourself staying at the historic Hotel del Coronado. As with many similar beach hotels, this boasts what is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in San Diego for Sunday brunch. This sprawling Victorian hotel has several other spots for San Diego dining in addition to their lavish Sunday brunch served in their famous Crown Room. You will also find great Sunday brunch at the Hard Rock in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Westgate Hotel in the downtown area, and the famous Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla.
Some of the best restaurants in San Diego specialize in seafood in this city that was and still is a major center for commercial, deep sea, and sport fishing. Some of the best of these will be found in the popular Gaslamp Quarter just a couple blocks from the scenic bay. There are also San Diego restaurants that are part of the area's thriving microbrewery industry that is as important to San Diego as wineries are to the Napa Valley in Northern California. The famous Karl Strauss Brewing Company is located here, and was begun by the German immigrant of the same name who founded the microbrewery when he "retired" after 44 years with the Pabst company of Milwaukee. The Strauss Brewery is located in La Jolla, and its lovely gardens are available for weddings and other special events. Other microbrewery eateries are the Coronado Brewing Company, Alesmith, and the upstart Stone Brewing Company. There are more than 30 craft brewing companies in the area, and it's possible to book tours that visit many of them.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Hog's Breath Restaurant in Carmel, California
So, you've been dining in Carmel and you find that you are getting tired of California cuisine. Is there no hope of finding a restaurant in California for someone who desires a big red bacon cheeseburger and an order of fries? Never fear! The Hogs Breath Carmel is here!
The Hogs Breath, Carmel was once owned by former Carmel Mayor and well-known actor, Clint Eastwood. Although he sold the Hogs Breath Carmel a few years ago, and now owns another restaurant in California, this Carmel by the Sea Restaurant still has a number of items on the menu that bear Mr. Eastwood's signature. For example, beef-eaters will want to check out the Dirty Harry Burger. For dinner, the Hogs Breath Carmel serves up the Dirty Harry Dinner, which features chopped sirloin steak, wild mushrooms, horseradish and whole grain mushroom sauce and garlic mashed potatoes.
Finding a Carmel by the Sea Restaurant that actually serves menu items such as Hog Chops, Beef Chili New York Steak and Prime Ribs may be challenging. However, these items are on the menu at the Hogs Breath Carmel. The Hogs Breath house wine is their proprietary label, and the local beer on tap is called, what else, Hogs Breath Ale.
By now, vegetarians or those who avoid beef may be feeling apprehensive about the Hogs Breath, Carmel. This need not be so. After all, this is Carmel California! Start with the Castroville Artichoke Soup. Then try the Portobello Mushroom Burger, which features a broiled and marinated Portobello served with melted Swiss cheese and beer-battered onion rings. The Vegetable Lasagna is served with a smoked onion port wine marinara sauce. If you wished your friends or family had chosen a Carmel by the Sea restaurant that featured the famous California Cuisine, the Hogs Breath, Carmel will not disappoint. The Roasted Turkey sandwich is served with a cranberry, orange and pecan relish. Nothing says California more than that. For dinner, try the Humongous Fungus, which is a marinated Portobello mushroom served gorgonzola cheese, a Marsala wine sauce and leeks. The Peppered Seared Ahi Tuna coated with black and white Sesame seeds, and the Hazelnut Salmon will surely satisfy.
The Hogs Breath, Carmel has an old west ambience. The patio features a scenic mural. Paintings of Clint Eastwood can be found throughout the restaurant, as well as fireplaces and mounted hog heads. The Hogs Breath is definitely a Carmel by the Sea restaurant that is worth a visit.
The Hogs Breath, Carmel was once owned by former Carmel Mayor and well-known actor, Clint Eastwood. Although he sold the Hogs Breath Carmel a few years ago, and now owns another restaurant in California, this Carmel by the Sea Restaurant still has a number of items on the menu that bear Mr. Eastwood's signature. For example, beef-eaters will want to check out the Dirty Harry Burger. For dinner, the Hogs Breath Carmel serves up the Dirty Harry Dinner, which features chopped sirloin steak, wild mushrooms, horseradish and whole grain mushroom sauce and garlic mashed potatoes.
Finding a Carmel by the Sea Restaurant that actually serves menu items such as Hog Chops, Beef Chili New York Steak and Prime Ribs may be challenging. However, these items are on the menu at the Hogs Breath Carmel. The Hogs Breath house wine is their proprietary label, and the local beer on tap is called, what else, Hogs Breath Ale.
By now, vegetarians or those who avoid beef may be feeling apprehensive about the Hogs Breath, Carmel. This need not be so. After all, this is Carmel California! Start with the Castroville Artichoke Soup. Then try the Portobello Mushroom Burger, which features a broiled and marinated Portobello served with melted Swiss cheese and beer-battered onion rings. The Vegetable Lasagna is served with a smoked onion port wine marinara sauce. If you wished your friends or family had chosen a Carmel by the Sea restaurant that featured the famous California Cuisine, the Hogs Breath, Carmel will not disappoint. The Roasted Turkey sandwich is served with a cranberry, orange and pecan relish. Nothing says California more than that. For dinner, try the Humongous Fungus, which is a marinated Portobello mushroom served gorgonzola cheese, a Marsala wine sauce and leeks. The Peppered Seared Ahi Tuna coated with black and white Sesame seeds, and the Hazelnut Salmon will surely satisfy.
The Hogs Breath, Carmel has an old west ambience. The patio features a scenic mural. Paintings of Clint Eastwood can be found throughout the restaurant, as well as fireplaces and mounted hog heads. The Hogs Breath is definitely a Carmel by the Sea restaurant that is worth a visit.
Anton & Michel Carmel restaurant, California
Have you been searching for the perfect romantic Carmel restaurant? Do you plan to spend any time visiting Carmel-By-The Sea? If so, you must dine at the Anton & Michel Restaurant.
The Anton & Michel Restaurant was established in 1980. Throughout the years, this Carmel restaurant has consistently maintained its award-winning reputation as a top quality fine dining restaurant. The elegant decor of this exquisite Carmel restaurant consists of a medley of warm pastels. The sparkling "Court of the Fountains" harmonizes with the colors, thereby creating a serene and seductively intimate Carmel restaurant. This Monterey Carmel dining venue combines casual elegance with old world charm for a classic Carmel experience.
Proprietor Tony Salameh is a graduate of the Hotel School of Lausanne in Switzerland. He was inducted into the restaurateur Hall of Fame in 2002. With his years of success with Anton & Michel, Salameh has earned an excellent reputation. Perhaps this is why it has maintained its reputation as a premiere Monterey Carmel dining location.
The menu at Anton & Michel offers a unique variety of selections. For example, you can enjoy fresh Monterey Bay seafood, filet mignon, fresh-farmed abalone and house specialties. If you would prefer, rack of lamb and chateaubriand can be carved tableside in the classic European tradition. Given your proximity to the Pacific Ocean, you will simply have to sample California's savory seafood tradition. The Seafood items at Antone and Michel include fresh fish of the day; herb seared local king salmon; Pacific yellowfin tuna with miso broth; California red abalone with caper beurre blanc & ginger salad; lobster & scallops fricassee; as well as Shellfish Paella. Delicious flambe desserts can also be prepared tableside. So Indulge! You can work it off the next day. The Anton & Michel Restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm for lunch, and 5:30 to 9:30 pm for dinner.
This wonderful Carmel By the Sea restaurant is also available for private parties. Your guests will be served in a beautiful setting which is enhanced by the stunning fountains and gardens. Between 10 and 100 people can be accommodated. Anton & Michel is considered a first class Monterey Carmel dining experience. When you visit Carmel by the Sea, be sure to plan a dinner at Anton and Michel Restaurant.
The Anton & Michel Restaurant was established in 1980. Throughout the years, this Carmel restaurant has consistently maintained its award-winning reputation as a top quality fine dining restaurant. The elegant decor of this exquisite Carmel restaurant consists of a medley of warm pastels. The sparkling "Court of the Fountains" harmonizes with the colors, thereby creating a serene and seductively intimate Carmel restaurant. This Monterey Carmel dining venue combines casual elegance with old world charm for a classic Carmel experience.
Proprietor Tony Salameh is a graduate of the Hotel School of Lausanne in Switzerland. He was inducted into the restaurateur Hall of Fame in 2002. With his years of success with Anton & Michel, Salameh has earned an excellent reputation. Perhaps this is why it has maintained its reputation as a premiere Monterey Carmel dining location.
The menu at Anton & Michel offers a unique variety of selections. For example, you can enjoy fresh Monterey Bay seafood, filet mignon, fresh-farmed abalone and house specialties. If you would prefer, rack of lamb and chateaubriand can be carved tableside in the classic European tradition. Given your proximity to the Pacific Ocean, you will simply have to sample California's savory seafood tradition. The Seafood items at Antone and Michel include fresh fish of the day; herb seared local king salmon; Pacific yellowfin tuna with miso broth; California red abalone with caper beurre blanc & ginger salad; lobster & scallops fricassee; as well as Shellfish Paella. Delicious flambe desserts can also be prepared tableside. So Indulge! You can work it off the next day. The Anton & Michel Restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm for lunch, and 5:30 to 9:30 pm for dinner.
This wonderful Carmel By the Sea restaurant is also available for private parties. Your guests will be served in a beautiful setting which is enhanced by the stunning fountains and gardens. Between 10 and 100 people can be accommodated. Anton & Michel is considered a first class Monterey Carmel dining experience. When you visit Carmel by the Sea, be sure to plan a dinner at Anton and Michel Restaurant.
Carmel Restaurants, California
When you eat at restaurants in Carmel, you will no doubt have a chance to experience the famous culinary phenomenon known as "California Cuisine." This form of cuisine was made popular by world famous chefs Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck. Since California is the leading agricultural state in America, they decided to capitalize on the fruits, vegetables and seafood that is available. As a result, Carmel California restaurants are some of the few places in the world where your dining experiences can be described as both delicious and healthy. California cuisine integrates a number of cooking styles and ingredients. Out of reverence for California's healthy traditions, it creates delicious entrees that are fresh and lean as opposed to fatty and fried.
Many restaurants in Carmel will prepare dishes that use locally-grown ingredients, such as artichoke, avocado, mushrooms, citrus fruits, figs, dates, persimmons, pistachios, prunes, lima beans, kiwi fruit, pomegranates, raisins and almonds. Of course, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, you will always find superb seafood selections in Carmel California restaurants. Many Restaurants in Carmel serve sourdough bread to accompany your meal. Of course, fine California wine will always be an essential part of your Carmel dining experience.
The Mexican influence when combined with the traditional style of California Cuisine has been responsible for the Fresh-Mex or Baja-style of Mexican food. This is not your mother's Mexican food! The emphasis in these restaurants is on the use of fresh ingredients and lighter cooking methods.
The Asian population in California has had a significant influence on California's cuisine. As a result, many of the dishes in the restaurants in Carmel are prepared with soy, bok choy, sesame, ginger, tofu and curry. Much of the food served in the Carmel California restaurants is prepared by fast cooking methods such as grilling, steaming and blanching. Fruits and vegetables are often eaten raw. In many Carmel dining venues, rice and pasta replace the typically American corn and potatoes. While wood fired grills are very popular, barbequing, stewing and roasting are far less common.
However, in your Monterey Carmel dining experience, you will probably enjoy the scrumptious simplicity of California's sauces. These often combine the juices that are released with a cooking wine. Butter and other fats are used less frequently. Perhaps this is why Californians look so great. Speaking of looking great, the food at Carmel California restaurants is always prepared with appearance in mind. Entrees, appetizers and deserts are often works of art in themselves. Creative chefs will often design these items in intricate pattern. As a result, they are both feasts for the eyes and feasts for the taste buds.
So what type of feasts should you expect to find when you set out to explore Monterey Carmel dining? Brick-oven pizzas on hand-tossed crusts, mesclun salads with herbs and toasted goat cheese, delicious breads, fresh from the local bakeries, broiled Black Mission figs with locally made honey, sandwiches prepared with sliced avocado and juicy tomatoes and grilled fresh fish and poultry with prepared with a freshly-made piquant citrus salsa. Are you hungry? Let's Go!
Many restaurants in Carmel will prepare dishes that use locally-grown ingredients, such as artichoke, avocado, mushrooms, citrus fruits, figs, dates, persimmons, pistachios, prunes, lima beans, kiwi fruit, pomegranates, raisins and almonds. Of course, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, you will always find superb seafood selections in Carmel California restaurants. Many Restaurants in Carmel serve sourdough bread to accompany your meal. Of course, fine California wine will always be an essential part of your Carmel dining experience.
The Mexican influence when combined with the traditional style of California Cuisine has been responsible for the Fresh-Mex or Baja-style of Mexican food. This is not your mother's Mexican food! The emphasis in these restaurants is on the use of fresh ingredients and lighter cooking methods.
The Asian population in California has had a significant influence on California's cuisine. As a result, many of the dishes in the restaurants in Carmel are prepared with soy, bok choy, sesame, ginger, tofu and curry. Much of the food served in the Carmel California restaurants is prepared by fast cooking methods such as grilling, steaming and blanching. Fruits and vegetables are often eaten raw. In many Carmel dining venues, rice and pasta replace the typically American corn and potatoes. While wood fired grills are very popular, barbequing, stewing and roasting are far less common.
However, in your Monterey Carmel dining experience, you will probably enjoy the scrumptious simplicity of California's sauces. These often combine the juices that are released with a cooking wine. Butter and other fats are used less frequently. Perhaps this is why Californians look so great. Speaking of looking great, the food at Carmel California restaurants is always prepared with appearance in mind. Entrees, appetizers and deserts are often works of art in themselves. Creative chefs will often design these items in intricate pattern. As a result, they are both feasts for the eyes and feasts for the taste buds.
So what type of feasts should you expect to find when you set out to explore Monterey Carmel dining? Brick-oven pizzas on hand-tossed crusts, mesclun salads with herbs and toasted goat cheese, delicious breads, fresh from the local bakeries, broiled Black Mission figs with locally made honey, sandwiches prepared with sliced avocado and juicy tomatoes and grilled fresh fish and poultry with prepared with a freshly-made piquant citrus salsa. Are you hungry? Let's Go!
Los Angeles Restaurants
Los Angeles restaurants are among some of the best in the world, with world-famous names and rivaling the legendary gourmet cuisine of great international cities along the lines of Paris, New York, and Tokyo. In addition to fine food, Los Angeles dining is apt to have you rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, especially in celebrity magnets like Hollywood, Malibu, and Beverly Hills. The best restaurants in Los Angeles depend a great deal on what you're looking for, because you will find just about everything at any time of day or night.
If you are looking for gourmet dining in LA that meets the Michelin standard, you will find many options. There are several restaurants that actually have one or more of the coveted stars. Asenabo is a gourmet sushi restaurant in Studio City near Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the city's most popular attractions. (In fact, four of the eighteen Michelin restaurants are Japanese sushi restaurants.) On the other end of the scale is the historic Saddle Peak Lodge, set in the wilderness hills of Malibu Canyon. Built as a Pony Express station in the late 1800s, it is a rustic mountain lodge with imposing mounted heads of bison, moose, elk, and grizzly bears, and specializes in gourmet game meats from buffalo and quail to hare and venison. A bit more conventional, one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles (two Michelin stars) is Wolfgang Puck's famous Spago Restaurant in Beverly Hills. You might also want to seek out one of the finest of the Los Angeles restaurants serving fine French cuisine—Melisse on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica.
However, good Los Angeles dining doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and leg at a Michelin star spot. This sprawling metropolitan area offers much more. Its diverse ethnic make-up means that Los Angeles dining provides superb regional foods from around the world. The Mexican-American heritage of the city is rich, and there are good Mexican restaurants everywhere. Many ethnic restaurants are found in pockets where emigrants tend to congregate. "Little Ethiopia" is found in the Wilshire "Miracle Mile" district between downtown Los Angeles and Culver City. These are very popular for those who are attending first run films or visiting attractions like the Petersen Automotive Museum.
A bit to the east is Koreatown, with a big cluster of Los Angeles restaurants specializing in Korean barbecue. Founded in the 1880s, the second largest Chinatown in the United States (after San Francisco) is located in downtown Los Angeles near Union Station and the Los Angeles Cathedral. Here is both wonderful Chinese architecture as well as dozens of traditional restaurants. One of the most famous Asian restaurants in the city is the Yamashiro of Hollywood, founded in 1911 and sitting high on a hill behind the famous Magic Castle, it was one of the first "hangouts" for the glitterati of Hollywood. Think of just about any other ethnic cuisine, and you will find it in Los Angeles.
And don't forget about seafood. Check out the restaurants in Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Malibu for some of the freshest catches of the day. Along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) between Santa Monica and Malibu is Gladstone's—one of the highest grossing restaurants in the world. It's a famous seafood spot right on the beautiful Southern California beaches that has been around since 1971. In addition to great seafood and a large oceanfront dining area, the interior has a large collection of wonderful photographs chronicling the history of the area.
Some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles can best be described as "joints." They are historic diners, typical Old World Jewish delis, and various "greasy spoon" holes in the wall. And you are as apt to bump into a celebrity at one of these as at any fine gourmet restaurant. For a touch of history, you can try Langer's Delicatessen on Alvarado Street in West Hollywood that has been in operation since 1947. It serves what is known as the best hot pastrami sandwich in the country. It's in the heart of the theater district and a popular spot for early morning chow downs after enjoying the district's nightlife. There is hardly a more American slice of life than the venerable hot dog, and Pink's Hot Dogs in Hollywood is one of the best in the country. This famous all American hot dog stand was established in a wagon (called a perambulator cart) in 1939. The wagon was traded in for a small, rather garish structure in 1946 and hasn't changed much since. You could start a fight discussing the merits of a Pink's chili dog, and the line to get one stretches for blocks at almost any time of day or night. Another all American fast food institution that can start fights about the best burgers is the venerable In-N-Out Burger, founded in 1948. It's been in the same family ever since, and now has locations all over Los Angeles. It's a traditional drive through burger joint, and the lines of cars waiting to get in any of them often stretches for blocks.
If you are looking for gourmet dining in LA that meets the Michelin standard, you will find many options. There are several restaurants that actually have one or more of the coveted stars. Asenabo is a gourmet sushi restaurant in Studio City near Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the city's most popular attractions. (In fact, four of the eighteen Michelin restaurants are Japanese sushi restaurants.) On the other end of the scale is the historic Saddle Peak Lodge, set in the wilderness hills of Malibu Canyon. Built as a Pony Express station in the late 1800s, it is a rustic mountain lodge with imposing mounted heads of bison, moose, elk, and grizzly bears, and specializes in gourmet game meats from buffalo and quail to hare and venison. A bit more conventional, one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles (two Michelin stars) is Wolfgang Puck's famous Spago Restaurant in Beverly Hills. You might also want to seek out one of the finest of the Los Angeles restaurants serving fine French cuisine—Melisse on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica.
However, good Los Angeles dining doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and leg at a Michelin star spot. This sprawling metropolitan area offers much more. Its diverse ethnic make-up means that Los Angeles dining provides superb regional foods from around the world. The Mexican-American heritage of the city is rich, and there are good Mexican restaurants everywhere. Many ethnic restaurants are found in pockets where emigrants tend to congregate. "Little Ethiopia" is found in the Wilshire "Miracle Mile" district between downtown Los Angeles and Culver City. These are very popular for those who are attending first run films or visiting attractions like the Petersen Automotive Museum.
A bit to the east is Koreatown, with a big cluster of Los Angeles restaurants specializing in Korean barbecue. Founded in the 1880s, the second largest Chinatown in the United States (after San Francisco) is located in downtown Los Angeles near Union Station and the Los Angeles Cathedral. Here is both wonderful Chinese architecture as well as dozens of traditional restaurants. One of the most famous Asian restaurants in the city is the Yamashiro of Hollywood, founded in 1911 and sitting high on a hill behind the famous Magic Castle, it was one of the first "hangouts" for the glitterati of Hollywood. Think of just about any other ethnic cuisine, and you will find it in Los Angeles.
And don't forget about seafood. Check out the restaurants in Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Malibu for some of the freshest catches of the day. Along PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) between Santa Monica and Malibu is Gladstone's—one of the highest grossing restaurants in the world. It's a famous seafood spot right on the beautiful Southern California beaches that has been around since 1971. In addition to great seafood and a large oceanfront dining area, the interior has a large collection of wonderful photographs chronicling the history of the area.
Some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles can best be described as "joints." They are historic diners, typical Old World Jewish delis, and various "greasy spoon" holes in the wall. And you are as apt to bump into a celebrity at one of these as at any fine gourmet restaurant. For a touch of history, you can try Langer's Delicatessen on Alvarado Street in West Hollywood that has been in operation since 1947. It serves what is known as the best hot pastrami sandwich in the country. It's in the heart of the theater district and a popular spot for early morning chow downs after enjoying the district's nightlife. There is hardly a more American slice of life than the venerable hot dog, and Pink's Hot Dogs in Hollywood is one of the best in the country. This famous all American hot dog stand was established in a wagon (called a perambulator cart) in 1939. The wagon was traded in for a small, rather garish structure in 1946 and hasn't changed much since. You could start a fight discussing the merits of a Pink's chili dog, and the line to get one stretches for blocks at almost any time of day or night. Another all American fast food institution that can start fights about the best burgers is the venerable In-N-Out Burger, founded in 1948. It's been in the same family ever since, and now has locations all over Los Angeles. It's a traditional drive through burger joint, and the lines of cars waiting to get in any of them often stretches for blocks.
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