You would not have experienced the best Charlottesville has to offer if you missed dinner at the Clifton Inn during your stay. Housed in a magnificent 18th century building on 100 acres of wooded beauty, the restaurant sits perched above a private lake in a setting sure to set hearts aflutter. The evening should begin in the chic Veranda bar for a sample of its fantastic martini list and then it’s on to dinner in the stylish dining room or the preferred glass enclosed veranda. When the weather is nice, the doors are thrown open and the romantic quotient hits a new high.

Tables were set with white linens topped with grass cloth place mats and sea foam colored frosted glass chargers with a fresh orchid and votive candle. Servers were dressed in white shirts with black aprons and “team” served each course. Snack on some pimento cheese and crackers while you sip one of their creative cocktails. Then try the Shrimp & Grits wit lamb sausage, goat cheese and mint oil. The seared pork tenderloin entree was served with red wine apple butter and pickled mustard. Yum. The bourbon brown butter apple crisp was served with almond cream and we paired it with a wonderful Domaine Bordenave, Cuvee des Dames.

The wine list is a nice mix of French, Italian, California, Spanish and Virginia wines. There are about 14 wines by the glass and about 8 half bottle choices. A favorite cab, Darioush, seldom seen on a wine list was here, and a $49 Louis Latour Chablis was a bargain. You’ll find plenty of good choices here under $60. Hurray!

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Very high, this is what romance is about.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Indeed, the Restaurant at Clifton is among the best dining options in the Charlottesville area, providing an international a la carte menu (main courses $20-$32) as well as fixed-priced tasting dinners (a relative bargain at $65 per person, $90 with paired vintages). You can partake in the main dining room, which overlooks the back yard through a wall of paned windows, or at a table in the kitchen.” Frommer’s

“Dramatic” only begins to describe 2941, a remarkable restaurant located in an unlikely spot, an office park, in Falls Church, Virginia. Picture palettes of rich blues, golds and browns, floor to ceiling windows, 30 ft. ceilings, soaring columns, fireplaces and views of a lake and waterfall. The walls are faux finished and topped with wood paneling and huge slanted mirrors give you a peak at everyone around you. Quite extraordinary.

Be sure to leave some time before dinner for a cocktail. The bar, set to the far left of the dining room, looks out onto a beautiful waterfall and pool. Have one of their specialty martinis and prepare yourself for an amazing evening.

We sat in one of the booths set on a raised platform with a great view of the rest of the dining room and the lake beyond. Our server was smartly dressed in all black; suit, shirt and tie and the service was impeccable.

The setting would be worth the trip alone, but the food is more than a match for the beautiful surroundings. First taste of what is to come is the basket of homemade bread (baked twice daily). Served with sweet butter, these delicious breads include 10 choices with items like garlic and chive, olive rosemary, golden raisin pine nut and more. We started with a blue crab risotto, set in lobster broth with a lemon verbana sauce and the most wonderful and rich roasted wild mushroom soup served with aged sherry. My entree was a spiced Millbrook venison loin with roasted porcinis, sage spaetzle and blackberry vinegar. Jen enjoyed a roasted Japanese sea bass with caramelized shallots and a lobster red wine sauce.

A delightful cheese course (4 types) with more homemade bread and fruit ended a very memorable meal.

The wine list is quite extensive with some outstanding selections. Sadly, there are few wines under $50 and most are over $100

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Amazing views, fireplaces and soaring ceilings make this a very romantic place.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:
AAA Four Diamond Award

Finding this “entrancing” oasis in a Falls Church office park may give your GPS a “good workout”, but the payoff is “creative, beautifully presented” French-American fare served in a “gorgeous” room equipped with a fireplace, high ceilings and huge windows overlooking a lake; it works for everything from a business lunch to a “romantic” rendezvous and is considered “one of the top restaurants in the area.” ZAGAT

45 Bistro was originally built in 1852 and completely renovated in 1992. The restaurant lies in the heart of town adjacent to the Marshall Hotel and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The lively bar is the place to be for Happy Hour and a good start to your evening. Fun bartenders and a place locals frequent. Brick and pale green walls are accented with colorful local art. Tables are set on hardwood floors and adorned with crisp white linens and gleaming tableware.

The menu has a little bit of everything and here’s a sampling; Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp & Grits and Escargot and Wood Fired Pizza as appetizers; North Atlantic Salmon, Duck Two Ways, Wet Aged Rib Eye as entrees, Vanilla Creme Brulee, Flourless Chocolate Tore and George Pecan Dacquoise as desserts.

Decent wine list with very fair pricing.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so much, but it’s fun.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
This “casual yet upscale” bistro adjacent to the Historic District’s Marshall House Hotel is a “constant favorite” say fans of its “reliably delicious” fare offered in a “delightful setting” with plush upholstery and local art on the walls; tabs that can be “a tad pricey” are mitigated by a “very knowledgeable” staff, and a “big bar” with “fun bartenders” dispensing “on-target” cocktails makes for “good times.” ZAGAT

As the story goes, tapas style dining began when an 13th century Spanish king attributed his recovery from illness to eating small bites of food with wine between meals. So convinced was he of the merits of this style of dining that he decreed that no tabernas could serve wine without being accompanied with food.

Today that wonderful tradition is alive and well at Amada, a delightful Old City restaurant created by acclaimed chef, Jose Garces, that serves truly authentic Spanish tapas style food. The look is clean and crisp with hardwood floors and white and partial brick walls. There are two hardwood tables set in loose stones at the front, a raised platform table surrounded by flowing curtains (for 6 or more), red leather banquettes down one side of the room and seating around the open kitchen.

You’ll want to begin your journey here in the intimate bar. It’s a narrow room with dark wood and hardwood floors with a marble topped bar and barrels of sangria behind it. Have a cocktail, we loved the watermelon, basil mojito and the rosemary, lemon martini and then try some charcuteria y quesos (cured meats and cheeses), sliced right in front of you. The Serrano ham and manchego cheese served with a truffled, lavender honey was wonderful.

The fun of tapas is that you get to try a lot of things, not just one meal. Here’s what we tried; clams and chorizo, beef shortribs with horseradish, parmesan and bacon, chicken and beef brochettes served with lemon, garlic and parsley, charred green onions, spicy potatoes (fries with a sauce that tasted like the smell of burning logs, wonderful) and the signature lobster and seafood paella with fava bean salad and piquillo pepper aioli. What a fantastic adventure. Each dish better than the last.

For dessert, a port or sherry paired with a delightful chocolate concoction served 5 ways, a Spanish custard or a selection of artisanal cheeses is the perfect way to end the meal.

The 40 glass/bottle wine list is primarily Spanish and South American with a sprinkling of California, Italy and France. Some very interesting selections and all reasonably priced. The sangria, however, is something you must try. Served either with a spicy red or a crisp white, fresh chunks of seasonal fruit, herbs, orange liquor and Spanish brandy it is light, not too sweet and perfectly balanced.

The food here is so wonderful and the setting so comfortable that I urge you to have one meal here, lunch or late afternoon snack (Friday only) or dinner any weekend night.

If you are lucky, you might even see some Flamingo dancers.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. There is something intimate about sharing food with someone and in this sexy environment it’s even better. The tables in the bar are very intimate, the front tables at the window would be my next choice or if you have a group, there is a raised platform table in the middle of the dining room with a curtain that encloses your table.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Jose Garces’ flagship Spaniard in Old City “never disappoints” with its “fabulous” tapas, “delicious” sangria and a wine list “built to please”, served by a “knowledgeable, courteous” staff; although some report “loud” conditions and caution “your wallet can empty quickly”, most say it’s “worth it for a special occasion.” ZAGAT

Most restaurant owners toiled for others, honing their skills and working on the plan to open their own restaurant. This was true for Angele partners Bettina and Claude Rouas. Bettina started her career as a manager at The French Laundry restaurant and refined her skills as general manager of  Bistro Jeanty and Bistro Don Giovanni.

Claude Rouas opened the legendary French restaurant L’Etoile on Nob Hill in San Francisco. Less than two decades later, he again redefined haute living with world-class Auberge du Soleil, a Relais & Chateaux resort in Rutherford before opening Angele in 2002. He is also a partner of Chef Richard Reddington in the Yountville restaurant Redd.

Angele is a delightful French bistro set on the Napa riverfront in the heart of downtown. The restaurant is located in the historic 1890’s ship chandlery now known as the Hatt Building. The outside patio is one of the most pleasant places to dine in the Valley. Inside exposed beams, hardwood floors and colorful artwork evoke images of a country restaurant in Provence.

The bar is a popular spot for Happy Hour either with friends or alone. If you are by yourself

Angele Restaurant, Napa, California

there’s a rack beside the bar with newspapers and magazines for your reading pleasure. Nice touch.

Start with fried deviled eggs, with a crème fraiche mouse and pickled jalapeno or the pork belly fritters, boquerones and a lemon Champagne aioli. Our main course was a delicious braised half chicken Provencale; with nicoise olives, capers, Yukon gold potatoes and English peas. Paired with a crisp local Chardonnay, it was a particularly satisfying meal.

For dessert we chose a warm apple and walnut bread pudding, almond streusel and bourbon crème Anglaise and paired it with a Chateau Roumieu-Lacoste Sauternes.

The California/French centered wine list has interesting choices and reasonable pricing.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Any meal on the outside terrace beside the river is charming.

WHAT OTHERS SAY
You’ll “feel like you’re in France” at this unique bistro in Napa known for its “terrific” takes on French country classics and “delightful” riverfront setting; add in attentive service and a “wonderful” wine list for a “not-to-be-missed” experience that’s “destination dining for locals and tourists” alike. ZAGAT

Located just off the market, Anson’s is a sexy and romantic restaurant with hardwood floors, dark walls, chandeliers, crisp white table linens and sparkling taand pimento cheese.ware. beloved by locals and tourists alike, it is a must stop for your trip to Charleston

Start with a drink at the handsome oak bar and sample one of their interesting martinis. Downstairs ask for a booth, upstairs a table by the fireplace or overlooking the street.

This is low country cooking at its finest. While not a huge fan of grits, as they say, “when in Rome” so had to try the signature appetizer, shrimp & grits, a delicious concoction of shrimp, roasted tomatoes, bacon, shrimp stock and house ground grits. Gave me a whole new perspective on this southern staple. Also tried the She Crap Soup laced with sherry and the Fried Green tomatoes with bacon jam

For entrees, I some wonderful Southern Fried Chicken with grilled street corn and a fall off the bone Braised Pork Shank with creamy polenta.

There’s a lot to like about this wine list with about 60 white wines, a third under $40 and about 16 by the glass. 16 of 70 reds are priced under $50 with about 10 by the glass. As always we wanted try something new and our server suggested a Albarino, Burgan from Spain, a delicious and crisp white at $34. The list is almost evenly divided between California on the one side and a mix of French, Spanish, Australia and Italian on the other.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT-High in a booth or next to the fireplace.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
For fresh and local, there is no better choice than Charleston’s beloved Anson.” ~Gourmet Magazine Restaurant Guide

“The most romantic restaurant in Charleston … it is also the city’s best example of high class Lowcountry cooking.” ~Wine Spectator Magazine

USA Today – “For dining, the talk of the town is Anson”

Anton’s is located on the main floor of the historic Swan Hotel, just a few blocks from the center of Lambertville. A secluded, comfortable patio (on which you can enjoy cocktails) leads to a dark and cozy two tier bar area. The lower area has intimate tables along the paned window overlooking the patio. Antiques abound, the walls are adorned with oil paintings and collectibles and you feel as if you have been transported to another time. This delightful hideaway is a wonderful choice for a romantic and delicious dinner.

Chef/owner Chris Connor bought the restaurant from its founder Anton Dodel in 2001 after working as the sous chef since 1998. With no formal training, Chris is essentially self-taught, laying the foundation for his unique style in the kitchens of some of the state’s best restaurants; Toto in Summit, Joie de Vivre in Madison, Doris and Ed’s in the Highlands and the Frenchtown Inn.

Monthly menus are developed based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. On a recent visit, I started with the crab cakes with sweet and sour cabbage and tartar sauce. A great combination of flavors and the cakes were chock full of crab. My companion had a Thai themed, grilled shrimp with coconut rice and peanut sauce. Delicious. Have to try and recreate this one at home.

As an entrée, I had the grilled swordfish, with broccoli rabe and lemon and my companion had the rack of lamb, garlic mashed potatoes and red wine sauce. Simple and not terribly creative, but expertly prepared and presented.

The homemade dessert selections change frequently and are presented by long time pastry chef Brian Scott. We passed on dessert, but the ones carried to other tables looked awfully good.

The 100 bottle wine list is excellent in its breadth of choices and value. I applaud Chef Connors for avoiding the trend of wine list gouging. There are about 20 wines by the glass with modest $7-10 prices.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High.
WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Tucked away in Lambertville’s historic Swan Hotel, this romantic New American charmer also earns kudos for chef-owner Chris Connor’s consistently good seasonal menu in the dining room and more casual offerings in the coziest bar around; top-notch service and a pretty patio seal its rep as a special-occasion place.” ZAGAT

The yellow flag on the white clapboard building above two bay windows on Duval means you have found one of the best Italian restaurants in Key West, Antonia’s. Owners Antonio Berto and Phillip Smith (also the chef) have created a comfortable, yet sophisticated restaurant in a candlelit wood paneled room with a cozy bar, creative food and the freshest of ingredients. Everything is made from scratch and the owners travel to Italy every year to seek out new recipes and ingredients.

The menu changes daily but some recurring items are worth a try. All the pastas are freshly made(you can watch them each morning in the front window) and at the very least should be tried as an appetizer. Any veal dish is succulent and perfectly cooked. I’ve had a delicious grilled veal chop and veal marsala. Linguine Cousteau, home-made linguine with shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, yellowtail, fresh tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper and finished with Italian parsley is a delight and the rack of lamb cooked with rosemary was mouthwatering.

The New York Times called Antonia’s Key Lime Pie the best in Key West, quite an accomplishment in a town where everyone makes an attempt. My favorite was a Chocolate Fondant, a melt-in-your mouth delicate chocolate cake served warm with raspberry and mango sauces.

The wine list is extensive and heavy on good Italian choices. Pricing is very reasonable.

After dinner, the bar has a nice selection of after dinner drinks, port, grappa and single malt scotches.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium. Ask for a table in the window, it’s a little more intimate than in the bustling center of the room.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“One of Key West’s all-time favorites is this haute Italian that gets much amore for its heavenly fare, polished service and elegant setting that provides a respite from rowdy Duval Street; it’s been charming locals for over 25 years, and given the praise from all corners, it’ll be a winner for many more…” ZAGAT

The ’05 fire that claimed the main building, its restaurant, bar, wine cellar and wine collection was a blow to all who had enjoyed this magnificent restaurant on the banks of Lake Placid. My wife and I got engaged here just two months before the fire, so it had special meaning to us.

How do you improve on something that was so good to begin with? You design a dining room that is cozier and more intimate than the original, making sure that maximum advantage is taken of the lake and mountain views and you call it Artisans. You add a much larger pub for pre and post dinner cocktails and you build stone terraces with outdoor fireplaces that allow for open air dining through October.

A wonderful environment only takes you so far and fortunately Executive Chef Derek Leinonen’s food takes you the rest of the way. Leinonen makes use of local ingredients, in fact, the restaurant is part of Adirondack Harvest, an organization that helps small farmers find larger local markets, and connects restaurants, grocery stores, and individuals with the fresh local produce, farm products, meat and poultry they want and need.

Here’s a sampling of the delicious menu: appetizers: Artisan’s Lobster Bisque, Maine lobster, creme fraiche foam, tarragon essence, Battenhill cream, Jumbo Lump Crab & Shrimp Cake, white shrimp. smoked tomato jam, wilted leeks, Champagne butter sauce. Entrees: Moulard Duck Breast, Juniper Hills farm sweet potato puree, pomegranate, exotic kale, autumn squash, Maple Lacquered Cedar Planked Halibut, leek risotto, Shisito peppers, pickled mustard seed. Desserts: Apple Tart A La Mode, cinnamon ice cream, maple crumble, cider reduction.

A quite incredible wine list with lots of “big guns” and their accompanying high prices, but there are also a lot of good choices under $100.

Maggie Pub, the more casual of the two restaurants, offers hummus and cheese platters, sandwiches, salads and burgers.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT
Sit outside, overlooking the lake, with a fire going couldn’t be more romantic

Towering ceilings and lots of windows make Avenue seem somewhat cavernous at first glance, but then you notice the warming fireplace, the long stainless bar, the booths in the bar area, a raw bar right out on the floor and of course, the amazing ocean views. The beige palette is soothing, the staff young and attractive and even early on a Sunday evening there’s a kind of buzz here.

The menu is classic French brasserie with daily specials like Coquille St. Jacques, Bouillabaisse and Dover Sole. You’ll find standards like charcuterie and fromage, onion soup, escargot and steak frite on the regular menu. But, you’ll want to start with the excellent raw bar, one of the few around, which is strange for an area by the sea. Fresh East and West Coast oysters, shrimp, King crabs, clams and lobster will satisfy just about anyone’s need for fruits de mer.

My standard for roast chicken has always been Hamersley’s Bistro in Boston cooked by the acclaimed chef Gordon Hamersley, but I have to tell you this was equally as good, with a crisp skin, tender meat, a pommes puree and fava beans. Paired with an excellent Muscadet, it was a terrific meal.

Jen enjoyed a succulent boeuf bourguignon that literally fell off the fork it was so tender. Served with fresh parpadelle, red wine sauce, braised vegetables and lardons, the flavors were rich and savory.

The desserts are sinful, but don’t miss the crème brulee or the flourless chocolate torte served with a fresh raspberry sauce.

The wine list is very good with some excellent choices and I particularly like the presentation where the wine style is described clearly. While I would like to see more, there are ample choices under $50 in just about every category.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Sit outside on a balmy, moonlit night and you just might get a proposal.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
A “sexy”, “French Riviera”–esque vibe draws “lively”, “hip” types to this “swanky” French seafooder in Long Branch’s Pier Village, touted for its “scrumptious” raw bar and “excellent” craft cocktails; “picture-window ocean views” and “terrific eye candy” help distract from the “noisy” decibels and “expensive” price tags. ZAGAT

Avra is a wonderful Greek gem on the East Side and a favorite for fresh Mediterranean seafood. The beautiful space is so cozy and warm you feel transported to a Greek Isle home. Whitewashed walls, limestone floors, fresh flowers everywhere, comfortable couches in the bar area, intimate booths, a bountiful raw bar, rough hewn woodwork and a wonderful outdoor patio on a not very busy street make this a very special place.

What is unique and wonderful about this restaurant is that they specialize in freshly caught fish purchased through select European exporters and with special arrangements with local purveyors at the New York Fulton Market. Fish is grilled on charcoal with fresh lemon-olive oil and herbs in cages whose handles are bent away from each other. This done so that the fish is kept elevated from the fire, therefore cooked evenly with crisp skin. The fish is then cleaned of all the bones and seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano and a light lemon and olive oil sauce. The head and tail are left on.

Many of the fish are species of which you have never heard, like Loup de Mar a white, mild, moist, sweet, fish very popular in Europe especially France & Greece or Rouget: a Mediterranean Red Mullet, very bony but extremely tasty and sweet when pan-fried.

Don’t feel like fish? The grilled organic chicken with oregano fries is to die for.

The wine list is interesting with many Greek choices (ask for help) and very reasonably priced. After dinner there are many single malt scotch, grappa, port and coffee drink specialties.

Weather permitting, ask for a table outside. Inside, ask for a wall booth. This restaurant has it all; ambiance, great food and wonderful value. Don’t miss it. Additional location on the Upper East Side.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium, this is a lively place, not necessarily the most intimate for romance.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
The Mediterranean meets Manhattan at this fabulous upscale East Side Greek seafooder that’s always jammed with seekers of meticulously prepared meze and perfectly grilled fish; look past the noise and Olympian per-pound pricing  just focus on the fresh catch. ZAGAT

Balthazar is my favorite all around restaurant in the City. I have eaten every meal here, breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. When we are New York for the afternoon, we always stop for wine and a cheese platter or some delights from the raw bar. When we want really good bread, we get it from the Balthazar Bakery.

The look is as close to a Parisan bistro as you will find outside of Paris. The space is a converted wearhouse with high ceilings and columns and gold walls covered with antique mirrors. Small bistro tables and chairs sit on black and white tile floors and waist high partisans with brass railings divide the room into intimate sections. Waiters in long aprons scurry about and even after 10 years, there’s still a buzz here. Odds are pretty good you’ll even see a celebrity or two.

The food is classic French bistro. I’ve eaten here so many times that it would be impossible to remember all the meals so I’ll tell you some of my favorite dishes; any croissant in the morning, an omelette with herbs, Gruyere and home fries, brioche french toast, warm goat cheese and carmelized onion tart, steak frites, toasted French ham and Gruyere cheese on country bread, escargot in garlic butter, grilled chicken paillard, and sauteed skate to name just a few.

The wine list, as might be expected, is all French, but surprisingly very affordable French. There are about 17 wines by the glass, and about 18 1/2 bottles, Lots of full bottles under $40 and very little over $100. This is a fun list and an opportunity to try some good French wines without taking out a mortgage.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not in a traditional sense, but there’s something sexy about wasting an afternoon here.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Keith McNally’s “legendary” SoHo brasserie “still delivers the goods” with its “magnifique” French fare (“blissful” breakfast, “oh such wonderful” breads) and atmosphere straight out of “Belle Époque Paris”; it’s “always buzzing” with “locals and tourists alike”, plus a “celebrity or two”, meaning the “tight quarters” can be a “madhouse” – but that’s part of what makes it “a New York classic.” ZAGAT

Bistro Don Giovanni typifies what a Napa Valley restaurant should be; a warm and comfortable place to enjoy good food and wine. Owner Giovanni Scala is the consummate host and his personal touch has made this landmark a favorite of local winemakers, winery owners and anyone who enjoys food and wine. When it is cool outside, the flower filled dining room with a wood burning fireplace takes the chill away. As the days warm, the gorgeous outside terrace (also with a fireplace) sits amid olive trees and vineyards and the air is fragrant with the aromas of the land. This is the perfect place to while away an afternoon or linger over dinner with friends.

I started my meal with a roasted red pepper and tomato soup with mozzarella di bufala. Tomato with a pepper kick and creaminess from the mozzarella. The pasta course was a pappardelle with braised rabbit cacciatore, mushrooms, tomato and parmigiano. Lamb shank with a tuscan bean ragu, natural jus and gremolata was perfect for this chilly day and when paired with a Tenuta di Arceno, Chianti Classico, Toscana, it was a near perfect meal.

Dessert is a treat unto itself. Perhaps a rustic fruit tart or a warm raisin bread pudding? Or maybe just some biscotti paired with a wonderful Antinori, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Toscana dessert wine or a 20 year old Tawny Port or a house made Digestivi?

There are 27 wines by the glass and 20 in half bottles. The full list is diverse and the pricing makes for some exceptional values. Wonderful selection of Italian wines.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: A warm summer’s day out on the patio can be magical.

WHAT OTHERS SAY
A true wine-country experience, this seductive Cal-Italian is quintessential Napa, from its excellent food and lengthy wine list to the lovely setting and lively atmosphere; top-notch service and spectacular views of the vineyards make for destination dining at this escape to perfection.~ ZAGAT

Bouchon is an opportunity to experience Thomas Keller’s cooking without the price tag of a visit to The French Laundry. This charming bistro on Washington Street in Yountville offers the same attention to detail as its upscale counterpart in a more casual, laid back atmosphere.

The brick and burgundy colored wood building is surrounded by planters filled with bright flowers and bushes. When the weather cooperates, dining outside is a delightful option.

Renowned designer Adam D. Tihany created Bouchon’s interior that includes  a French zinc bar, a mosaic floor, antique light fixtures, and a handpainted mural by French artist Paulin Paris. Huge bouquets of flowers, brass topped banquettes and crisp linens complete the bistro look.

Nice list of cocktails and wines by the glass. Try the Tequila Thief, Reposado Tequila, Creme de Cacao, Hibiscus, Lemon, Mezcal Rinse. For wines, you can get a glass, a carafe or a bottle. Vin de Carafe are wines sourced from regions surrounding  the restaurant. These wines are selected in barrel from the cellars of the finest California winemakers and are only available in the restaurant while the barrel lasts. Very cool idea.

The menu changes with the season, although favorites like roast chicken, leg of lamb, and trout amandine are available all year and deservedly so, the roast chicken we had was fantastic.

Start with something from the fresh raw bar, or try the deviled eggs or French onion soup and the escargot comes in an incredible puff pastry from the Bouchon Bakery. Any one on the staples above works well as an entrée, but we also loved the Steak Bouchon, pan-seared eye of the rib & sauce Béarnaise, served with French fries and the Moules au Safran, Maine bouchot mussels, steamed with white wine, Dijon mustard & saffron and served with French fries

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Inside can be noisy, but the outside patio is very intimate.

WHAT OTHERS SAY 
One Michelin star

“Fans of this “delightful” “little sister to the French Laundry” in Yountville find it a “bistro extraordinaire” for “bubbles and oysters” followed by “carefully crafted” French classics and “amazing” wines (both local and from across the pond); the petite dining room “fills up quickly” and diners are packed in “like sardines”, but the “charming” “Parisian feel” and “accommodating” staff add to the “sheer Keller excellence”; P.S. there’s also a “popular bakery next door.” ZAGAT

There’s two reasons locals love Brandl. The first is that the food is awfully good and the second is that everybody likes chef-owner Chris Brandl himself. We’ll talk about the food in a minute.

Brandl is one of those guys who never stops giving of himself and his talent. He’s involved in virtually every local event be it charitable or otherwise. He’s an astute marketer and just an all-around nice guy. As nice as he is though, the restaurant wouldn’t be as popular without great food and that’s why it’s the choice of many for a good evening out.

Located in a strip mall, the space is decorated with bold colors and striking artwork which adds a touch of whimsy to a very serious restaurant.

in late 2019, Brandl re-vamped his menu and transitioned to a steakhouse. He bought a special oven from Spain for cooking the steaks over a charcoal fire. Now, Bone-in NY strip steaks, Filet Mignon, Veal Chops, Lamb Chops and Porterhouse steaks are all cooked in this special oven that produces a delicious crust and juicy, tender interior.

For starters, the crab cakes are a must. My wife who is something of a crab cake aficionado, thinks they’re among the top few she’s had.  The new “escargot” line-up offers the traditional garlic butter sauce, but made with escargot, lobster, shrimp or oysters and they are fabulous.

My wife will take lobster served out of the shell any time she can get it and Brandl’s Lazy Lobster fit the bill. Served with asparagus scallion risotto and orgasmic vanilla bean butter.

Dessert was a pre-ordered raspberry chocolate soufflé that was wonderful.

Excellent food, skillful presentation, wonderful tastes, we left pleasantly full and talked about when we would return to sample more dishes.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: When the weather is nice sit outside on the brick patio, under an umbrella amidst the flowers and twinkling lights.

WHAT OTHERS SAY: “Chef Chris Brandl demonstrates his enormous skill at this unpretentious New American BYO hidden in a Shore strip mall; true, it’s somewhat pricey for Belmar and the downscale decor and not-that-great service could be better, yet most feel this little gem has special occasion written all over it.” ZAGAT

Driving by you’ll almost miss this brick former railroad flop house on East Water Street until you see the C&O Pepsi Cola sign out front. You begin to wonder if this is the right place until you step inside the dark and intimate mezzanine area with its brick walls, hardwood floors and beamed ceilings. With light splashing on the wonderful artwork, the room is cozy and warm and other than the casual Bistro downstairs is my favorite of the five different rooms.

The restaurant has been a favorite of locals and visitors since 1976 and it is easy to understand why. It can be a wonderful special occasion destination in the cozy mezzanine room or a fun spot for a casual meal, a glass of wine or a late night snack in the Bistro. The people are nice, the service is excellent and the food is terrific. It is the restaurant most often mentioned by locals when you ask them for dining recommendations.

The menu changes frequently, but here’s a sampling: Rag Mountain Trout Almandine caramelized lemon, brown butter, toasted almonds and capers, Applewood Smoked Duck Breast with creamy risotto, sauce L’orange, Steak Chinoise, gruyere-thyme smashed potatoes, tamari-ginger pan sauce and scallions

For dessert there’s a wonderful cheese course where you select two cheeses that are served with grapes, apples and bread or try the “Coupe Maison” 3 scoops of vanilla bean with warm Belgian chocolate whipped cream and toasted almonds. So good.

There’s a lot of attention to detail that makes this a very satisfying experience; the breads are homemade and served hot, the drinks are made with freshly squeezed juices, the menus are hand written and much of what is served is sourced from local producers. They don’t just mail it in here.

The wine program is run by Elaine Futhey and it is great list for its quality, depth and very fair pricing. There’s a whimsy to the list that is fun, “wines to charm and intrigue you…” Most wines are under $50 or not far from it which makes it the best place in town to enjoy this many wonderful wines. There’s even a wine from Crete! Where? The restaurant has received the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for many years.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High in the mezzanine area.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“…this unprepossessing brick front might make you think twice, but don’t be deterred, for this unusual setting has been home to acclaimed fare for more than 2 decades. From all appearances, the creaky floors in this charming old building were around in Jefferson’s day. Changing monthly, the menu is basically country French but ranges across the globe — from Thailand to New Mexico and Louisiana — for additional inspiration. Many patrons stop in the downstairs Bistro, a rustic setting of exposed brick and rough-hewn barn wood, while others proceed upstairs to a more formal venue or to the covered garden.” Frommer’s

Warm yellow/gold walls, accented by dark mahogany molding and large mahogany framed mirrors create an inviting atmosphere for Cafe Marquesa, an intimate 50 seat spot about two blocks from Duval. Add wide-paned windows with views to the street, shaded table lamps, crisp linens and you have the makings for a very romantic meal. The open kitchen adds a bit of theater and the buzz in the dining room tips you off that you are in for something special.

Start with a cocktail at the small six seat marble-topped bar and watch the evening unfold. Celia makes a killer dirty martini.

Susan Ferry’s cooking is creative and innovative. Some think it is the best in Key West. My last meal there was fantastic and started with seafood potstickers with a spicy pistachio sauce and kim chee. The potstickers were full of seafood chunks and the sauce had just the right amount of kick to it. As an entrée I enjoyed a green onion crusted yellowtail snapper with a porcini mushroom broth, roasted wild mushrooms, pasta purses and a delicious truffle butter. The onion crust hid a delicate fish and the woodsy flavor of the mushrooms was a great accompaniment.

Loath though I usually am toward dessert, I couldn’t resist sampling one after reading the description; chocolate, pumpkin and almond cheesecake with ginger crème anglaise topped with chocolate granache and an Oreo cookie and almond crust. Quite a mouthful to say and eat. Let me tell you, though, it’s worth the trip just for this dessert. Sinful but I didn’t eat it all.

The wine list is heavily slanted toward California selections with some very good values. International selections are varied and also fairly priced. There are 10 Special Limited Selections including Sassicaia, Caymus, Silver Oak and Plumjack, surprisingly well priced as well.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium. While the overall restaurant is sexy and intimate, individual seating is not. Opt for a window seat, tables #14 or #15, on Simonton Street side for the most privacy.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“For a taste of sophistication Key West-style, this superb 50-seat eatery in the Marquesa Hotel offers beautiful presentations of outstanding New American-seafood fare, a relaxing ambiance and excellent, unfussy service; if you find a few rebels railing against unnerving prices, royalists trumpet this oasis and want to make her a queen.- ZAGAT

Located a block from town, adjacent to the Vineyard Square Inn, Chesca’s is a comfortable restaurant enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is mentioned often by people who live here as one of their favorites.

Start with a cocktail from the bar and sit on the outside porch in a rocking chair and watch the people go by. It’s part of the ritual of dining at Chesca’s.

The interior is very cozy with beamed ceilings, columns, comfy banquettes, small tables, wall sconces, and an open, airy feel. Bottles of colored glass line the window shelves and various artifacts adorn the walls.

Our server was friendly and helpful in describing menu items and brought us wonderful soft and hot oregano bread to start our meal.

The Tuscan white bean soup was delicious as was the Pizzetta Margharita. Loved the Farmhouse Greek salad, the Braised Beef Ribs and the Pappardelle Bolognese.

The wine list is limited, but fairly priced. A Brancaia Super Tuscan at $56 was a good buy.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Fun, but noisy.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
There is truly something for everyone“ at this seasonal Edgartown ”must“ whose ”yummy“ Italian-American menu features a ”nice mix of seafood, chicken and red meat“, which is paired with ”excellent“ wines by a ”polished and professional“ crew; just ”get there early to beat the regulars“, as there are ”no reservations except for parties of six or more”, and the bright dining room with an enclosed porch can fill up fast. ZAGAT

The Candy Store at Clarke Cooke on Bannister Wharf has always been a favorite for cocktails. It’s bright and airy with great drinks and bartenders and when the weather is nice and the back windows are open to the water, it just doesn’t get any better. Still the best Dirty Martini in town.

For some unknown reason, I had never eaten in the restaurant and a recent visit made me realize what I was missing. This delightful spot has it all; atmosphere, food, service and a wonderful wine list.

When the weather is nice, the place to eat is the upstairs Porch. With its tented ceiling and comfortable banquettes strewn with pillows, it is the most elegant and stylish place to be. The harbor views, particularly at sunset are breathtaking. On this visit, on a cold November evening, the cozy Bistro with its beamed ceilings and huge wood burning fireplace was perfect to take the chill off. Linen clad tables with glistening tableware and leather chairs surround a central bar. White paneled walls are adorned with the owner’s collection of America’s Cup prints and other sailing memorabilia.

The kitchen has been run by Chef Ted Gidley for 20 years. Gidley has worked with renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Eric Ripert. Start with something from the raw bar, perhaps the Le Petit which has 6 oysters, 6 littlenecks, 4 shrimp and a half lobster. Always get the fresh swordfish when available or try the braised lamb shank or the wood grilled filet mignon. vinaigrette….just delicious.

If you have room for dessert you won’t want to miss the decadent chocolate fudge layer cake with an espresso creme anglaise or the warm apple and walnut tart served with walnut frangiapan, pate sucree and vanilla ice cream.

The wine list is a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner and deservedly so. U.S., France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and even Rhode Island are represented. There are about 25 1/2 bottle choices which I always like. What is striking about this list is that while there is a good representation of the big guns; the Latours, Lafites, Haut Brions, Silver Oaks and Heitzs, there are lots of really great values like a $65 Amarone, a $50 Barolo and much more. Bravo for such an approachable list.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Wherever you eat, it is conducive to intimate conversation.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“One of the top ten outdoor dining spots…”
– TRAVEL & LEISURE
“Probably the best and most consistent restaurant in town…”
– USA TODAY
“Of all the restaurants in Newport, Clarke Cooke is by far the most enchanting…”
– GAULT MILLAU GUIDE
“The Essence of Newport…”
– ZAGAT BOSTON GUIDE
“By far the most sophisticated restaurant in Newport…”
– FOOD AND WINE

Cole’s is a wonderful steakhouse and is a favorite of locals particularly those who live in the town of Napa. The 100 seat restaurant (plus 12 at the bar and 50 outside) sits in the center of town and occupies a unique stone building circa 1886. Inside, the two tier restaurant has the original open truss ceiling and Douglas fir floors. The golden plaster walls are decorated with antique French advertising posters and the bar is an antique mahogany from the Honduras.

Excellent cocktail  list and this certainly seems the place for Happy Hour drinks. Try the Napa Manhattan – Woodford #1 Reserve Bourbon, Antica Vermouth, Peychaud’s, Port Cherries  or the Prohibition – Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Bourbon, Orange Slice, Port-Soaked Cherry, Sugar & Bitters.

The menu features 21 day dry-aged prime steaks, Midwestern corn-fed Black Angus Beef, formula fed veal, New Zealand lamb and fresh seafood. Their Cole’s ‘Famous’ U.S.D.A. Prime – 21 Day Chicago Dry-Aged New York is exceptional and when paired with creamed spinach and house hashed browns you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven. Finish it off with a flourless dark chocolate cake with raspberries and whipped cream.

As wonderfull as the food is, it is the wine list that draws me here. Recognized as one of “America’s Best Wine-Driven Restaurants – Award of Unique Distinction” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, its concept is one of the most unique we have encountered. First they offer about 14 regular wines by the glass, but then they also offer another 16 ‘ultra premium’ wines poured through the Coravin system in 2 or 3oz pours. You can sample Kistler Vineyards, Chardonnay, Oliver Leflaive Puligny Montrachat, Overature by Opus One, Shafter Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet, Domaine de la Conti La Tache Grand Cru Vosne Romanee, Screaming Eagle and Chateau d’Yquem to name a few.

There’s always a featured wine and they tell you all about it. The rest of the list is excellent and fairly priced. Cabs are organized by appellation and there are great descriptions of the characteristics of each. Keep the steak (well, not really), bring me the wine list!

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so much, but it is lively and fun.

WHAT OTHERS SAY
An “elegant” chophouse that “rivals the best of Chicago and NYC”, this red-meat specialist from Greg Cole (Celadon) located “right in the heart of Napa is where to go when craving a “big, juicy steakand some “delicious sides” to go with that big Cab you brought”; set in a historic stone building, it boasts a full bar for cocktails and “incredible service”, making it a prime, if “pricey”, “pick for any celebration.” ZAGAT

I couldn’t write a better description of Company of the Cauldron than Malcom A. Willson of Cape Cod Times. “This little Nantucket restaurant has charm written all over it — from its dark red, ivy-framed, single-story front, pierced by small-paned windows, to its darkly handsome, romantic-as-a-novel interior.

The inside’s post-and-beam and rough plaster construction seems more like a stage set than interior design. And careful decoration gives Company of the Cauldron one of the prettiest dining rooms around.

Copper pans hang on the walls, along with a full-rigged half model ship. Pie-plate sconces are set with flickering candles, and, overhead, there are pierced antique tin lanterns and large, gracefully curved chandeliers for soft lighting.

Antique ship paintings on the walls and boat models hanging from the ceilings seem secure in their antiquity. Tables are covered with flowered cloths, and there are real candles in brass holders and tea roses in vases.”

We couldn’t have said it any better when we when we first included this quote. It is still an apt description. The restaurant oozes romance and if you can sit in the window booth (stop by during the day after 11:30am to make your reservation and request the window seat) your view of passersby on a tree-lined gas lit street is just wonderful.

In 2017, the restaurant was purchased by Joseph Keller, who at one time was the Sous Chef at the Club Car and then the Chef at Cliffside Beach Club and the Woodbox Inn. He went on to help his brother Thomas open the acclaimed French Laundry and Bouchon in Napa.

Each night a single prix fixe dinner is served, that’s right only one. The restaurant posts its nightly selections a week in advance. A sampling of the ever-changing menu is testament to the creativity of the Chef. This is a wonderful experience, complimented three nights a week by the delightful harp music of Mary Keller.

The service is excellent and the wine list while modest in length is also modest in price. Dress is casual. Credit cards accepted. Check the daily posted menu, pick the night that looks best to you and don’t miss it.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Every meal is an experience” at this pricey, “tucked-away” spot where a “knowledgeable” staff serves a near-“perfect”, “imaginative”, “constantly changing” New American prix fixe menu in two seatings each night; the courses are posted weekly out front and online so you can “check what’s being served before making reservations” – which are “a must”, as the “romantic, very quaint” dining room “sells out quickly”; P.S. closes after the island’s popular Christmas Stroll and reopens in spring. ZAGAT

It’s not often that food, ambiance and service all come together at the same time. But when it does it can be a magical evening. Such was the case when we visited Detente. Tucked into a corner of Nevin Square just off Water Street, this wonderful husband and wife owned delight has it all working.

There’s a small, but bustling wine bar, a main dining room and a cozy outdoor patio. When the weather is nice, the patio is the place to sit. The fenced in courtyard with tiny sparkling lights all around is intimate and quiet and perfect for a romantic escape.

The main dining room has hardwood floors and beige/gold walls accented by wine country pictures and dark wood framed mirrors. The mirror frames match the dark mission chairs surrounding tables set with crisp white linens. Rust colored banquettes add some color to the room, willowy beige curtains grace the windows and wall sconces cast just the right amount of light across the room. The result is casual elegance and comfort.

Kevin Crowell’s food is a blend of American, French and Italian cuisines utilizing fresh island ingredients. While the menu is limited to a half dozen appetizers and a half dozen entrees, you are guaranteed to find something delicious and unusual.

We started with an appetizer portion of the pulled pork bolognese with goat cheese raviolis over a basil puree. It was so good we were tempted to order another. Ric

h and flavorful, yet still light enough for this summer night. Our other appetizer was fresh island peaches, sprinkled with white truffle oil and vergus, covered with warm tallegio cheese served on a bed of peppery arugula. Quite remarkable in texture and flavors.

I could have eaten any of the six entrees available this evening but selected slow roasted rack of lamb over curried white beans with local zucchini, ginger and mint in a lamb jus. Amazing. My guest had a roasted bone-in beef tenderloin set on a fresh corn puree and sauteed spinach with fois gras torchon. A wonderful take on an old standard.

Dessert was a delicious blueberry bread pudding and had I had the room would have sampled some of the unusual artisanal cheeses.

We were served by one of the regular, very competent, black clad wait staff, assisted by Suzanna, one of the owners, so we wanted for nothing. It’s clear that people enjoy working here with the Crowells.

This is a wonderful wine list for many reasons. I love the way it is organized; dry white, aromatic, other great reds and so forth. There are a healthy 13 wines by the glass and 9 1/2 bottle choices. The care with which the list was developed is evident. We enjoyed a delicious Argiolas “Costamalino” Vermentino Di Sardegna and a quite amazing Cline “Ancient Vines” Mourvedre. Couldn’t resist a second glass.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Inside is small and can be noisy, but the patio has fewer tables and is more quiet and intimate.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Exquisitely prepared New American cuisine is the raison d’être of this refined Edgartonian where the menu is built around seasonal, local foods, served in a stylish manner by helpful, engaging staffers and worth the high prices; the romantic, nicely decorated interior has recently expanded to the second floor, but the best seats are in the garden (you need to request it when you make the reservation).” ZAGAT

Domenica, which means “Sunday” in Italian is another John Besh restaurant and is the perfect place for a casual meal and an alternative to the local Cajun and Creole food. High ceilings and communal tables evoke a traditional Sunday supper in a rustic Italian village.

Located in the renovated and historic Roosevelt Hotel, the friendly bar is a lively after work spot and a draw for locals working downtown. Custom brewed beers, an Italian oriented wine list and delicious pizzas and other small plates make it ideal for a quick bite or a light dinner.

Pizza headlines the menu and it is delicious. 17 varieties include traditional margarita, but also spicy lamb meatballs with tomato, ricotta, rapini and mint; wild mushroom with tomato, fontina, bacon, sweet onions and yard egg and duck with porcini, mascarpone, sweet potato and scallions. There is a nice selection of imported and house cured meats, excellent soft and hard cheeses, a nice antipasti selection and nine pasta choices offered in small and large plates. The garganelli with Maine lobster, tomato, burrata and bread crumbs was fantastic. There are a few entrees like wild snapper and wood oven goat and some great desserts like oven roasted peach cake with Louisiana blueberries and salted caramel.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so much.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Housed in the CBD’s “beautiful” Roosevelt Hotel, John Besh’s “casual, cosmopolitan” Italian eatery features “heavenly good”, wood-fired pizzas (toppings range from “simple and delectable” to “foodie fabulous”), plus “house-cured meats and sausages” and other “contemporary Italian” dishes, all crafted by “talented” chef Alon Shaya and served by a “well-trained” team; the chic, “high-energy” establishment is “always packed” and “can get a bit loud”, especially during the “can’t-be-beat” happy hour, but “that’s part of the charm.” ZAGAT

We were big fans of Della Famina and were sorry to see it go, but the East Hampton Grill, opened in 2011, is a wonderful addition to the dining scene in the Hamptons. Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, the restaurant joins the Rutherford Grill in Napa and the Palm Beach Grill in Florida among others. We loved the Rutherford Grill during our visit last year and were so impressed with the East Hampton Grill we ate there twice during one weekend.

The formula is so simple you wonder why others don’t get it; warm and cozy decor, great staff and wonderful food. The bright, white decor of Della Famina has given way to a darker, more intimate patina with dark woods, striking artwork and fresh flower displays. The open floor plan is now smaller with more intimate dining nooks. The lively bar area remains mostly the same.

The menu is not particularly elaborate, but what is there is done exceptionally well. This is good old American comfort food at its best. Start with an order of Heavenly Biscuits with rosemary, butter and honey. Try also the deviled eggs, I had them twice! The pan fried true Dover Sole was lightly breaded, perfectly cooked and fresh out of the water. BBQ ribs fell off the bone and were served with hand-cut french fries and a fantastic coleslaw. Jumbo lump crab cakes were pan fried blue crab with Pommery mustard, french fries and that wonderful coleslaw. Can’t wait to try their prime rib and rotisserie chicken.

Good wine list with some excellent choices, albeit a bit pricey, but hey this is East Hampton.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“A HOT new spot, the East Hampton Grill, which opened in May, is lighting up the summer on the East End. It’s a scene, but with good reason, the food is terrific.”

Owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group, which also runs the Palm Beach Grill in Florida, the East Hampton Grill has taken over the space that was home to the restaurant Della Femina for nearly 20 years. It breaks the light, airy Hamptons mold with an enticing dark, woody look, reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts style.”

There is a stunning floral bouquet at the dining room entrance. Walls are wood-paneled; a room divider with shelves holding books, baskets and pottery breaks up the space. New York Times.

“There’s something for everyone at this happening East Hampton American from the group behind Houston’s, specializing in upscale comfort food heaped in large portions; dark lighting and wood-accented decor are warm to some, un-Hamptons to others, while a few take issue with expensive tabs and service that can be in a rush.”  ZAGAT

Housed in a dramatic turn of the century Greek Revival mansion, Elizabeth on 37th, is the brainchild of Chef Elizabeth Terry with a focus on regional cooking using traditional recipes and making use of local seafood and produce. Decorated with antiques and historic (dark) colors, the dining rooms have fireplaces and are festooned with fresh bouquets of flowers and the tables are set with gleaming crystal, china and silver.

Our meal began with some delicious and warm cheese drop biscuits served with a homemade orange marmalade. A mozzarella and tomato salad was served warm with balsamic and truffle oil and a green salad came with refreshing watermelon slices and goat cheese. A very interesting combination.

A delicate grouper entrée was sesame and almond crusted and served with a tangy peanut sauce and a pork tenderloin was juicy and tender and marinated in orange and ginger. We shared a serving of Elizabeth’s wonderful pecan almond tart, the recipe for which is on her web-site. This is one dessert you don’t want to miss.

The service was excellent has been consistently voted the best in Savannah.

The wine cellar holds some 10,000 bottles with about 250 selections. The wine list is very complete and organized (I like this) by taste; Dry Smooth, Full Bodied, Crisp & Dry, Dry with a Hint of Fruit. Pricing in the $40-$90 is very fair with some good values.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. Ask for the table for two in the front dining room at the window.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Fans agree that Elizabeth Terry’s “impeccable” Southern American set in a circa-1900 Thomas Square mansion is “the gold standard” for Savannah dining, capturing the “essence” of the city for “locals and tourists alike”; few grumble at the “pricey” tabs, touting the “fresh Lowcountry take on classic dishes”, “outstanding” service and “million-dollar” wine cellar as “worth every penny.” ZAGAT

One of my favorite restaurants in New York, is a wonderful Greek/Mediterranean called Avra, which is featured in our New York Profile. Coincidentally, on my visit to Estia, I found that it is owned by the same family. One brother is in NY, the other in Philadelphia. I’m told the brothers are quite competitive, so I won’t get in a discussion of which restaurant is better, they are both delightful.

Architect Yianni Skordas has done a magnificent job in re-creating just what you would imagine a Greek taverna would look like. You can just picture it set on a hillside with its doors wide open and views to the blue Aegean Sea. An impressive display of fresh fish laid out on crushed ice greets you upon entering through iron gates and the open kitchen beyond expels delicious aromas. To the right of the entry is a wonderful sitting area with couches, plump chairs and a fireplace, ideal for a drink or just to wait until your table is ready. Limestone floors in the entryway and bar area give way to wide planked floors covered with rich area rugs. Vaulted ceilings overhead, some with deep blue ceiling tiles, others with exposed beams draped in flowing sailcloth create an open and airy atmosphere. Iron chandeliers and sconces add a rustic touch. Arched doorways separate intimate dining areas with rustic farm tables and white cushioned ladder back chairs. Cozy dining nooks are created with upholstered banquettes. Whitewashed walls are covered with luxurious tapestries and olive trees are strategically placed around the rooms and to lend a kind of courtyard feel.

The menu features obscure fish species from the Mediterranean, sold by the pound and simply charcoal grilled with a lemon, olive oil, salt and fresh herbs like oregano. Servers are very knowledgeable about the fish and will guide you according to your tastes.

Before you get to the entrees though, try the Estia chips, thinly sliced zucchini and eggplant, lightly fried, salted and sprinkled with oregano and served with a cucumber, dill yogurt dipping sauce. Another delicious option; Spanakopita; leeks, scallions, spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo.

If you are not in the mood for fish, the lamb chops, marinated for 3 days in olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs or the roasted organic chicken served over caramelized onion and yogurt orzo with a lemon chicken thyme jus are both terrific.

When in Greece, you must have the Baklava, layered phyllo with almonds and walnuts with a honey syrup. Delicious.

The 300 bottle wine list features mostly Greek choices but also selections from Europe, Israel and Lebanon. Most choices are under $60. There are about 20 wines by the glass priced from $9-$13. I do not have a lot of experience with Greek wines, but our server was very helpful and thoroughly enjoyed her suggestion of a crisp, floral white.

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Excellent value 2 course $17 lunch menu and $30 pre-theatre menu. All credit cards accepted. Dress is upscale casual. Live music on Friday and Saturday.

The downstairs wine room is spectacular and ideal for larger groups.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Grab a booth, sip some wine, enjoy the Mediterranean music and imagine you are on vacation. You’ll find it hard to leave.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
There’s “no plate-throwing” – only “high-end” Greek dining “without the cliches” at this “intimate” destination off the Avenue of the Arts, where the staff makes diners “feel special” while serving “hard-to-find”, “fresh” seafood and lamb shanks “like yaya used to make”; while some quip “each entree comes with a loan application”, others point to the $19 express lunch and $33 pre-theater special. ZAGAT

Ask the locals where their favorite place to eat is and more often than not, the answer will be Fulton Five. Hidden away on a small street off of King, this charming ivy covered trattoria has a big reputation for food, but remains casual and welcoming.

There are only about 15 tables and a small 5 stool bar, but the dark walls, Tuscan art, wall sconces and a sunken dining room make for a very intimate setting. Everyone seems to feel they’ve found Charleston’s best kept secret.

I started my meal with a wonderful pumpkin ravioli cooked with pancetta and sage in a brown butter sauce with pine nuts and shaved Parmesan. I could have eaten two servings it was so delicious. For my entrée I chose the Osso Buco, marinated and slow cooked veal shank that literally fell off the bone. It was accompanied by whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, oven roasted carrots and a saffron-tomato reduction.

The one page wine list is heavily Italian and mostly the in the $40 range. Premium Italian reds were very fairly priced with a delicious Amarone at $75 and a Super Tuscan at $40.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High on the upstairs terrace.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
For “exceptional Italian cuisine” that’s both “innovative and classical”, locals head to this “upscale” King St. Historic District mainstay with an “amazing” wine list and desserts that “will not disappoint”; the “courteous” servers work the “intimate” dining room (reservations recommended) that’s “romantic” but “comfortable.” ZAGAT

Galley Beach is our final night tradition during our stay on the island. It is the best combination of food, ambiance and service on the island. What makes it particularly fun is that everyone seems to know everyone, or you do by the time dinner is over. One night Stiller and Meara sat at one table and worked the room on their way out, only to encounter John O’Hurley (J. Peterman from Seinfeld) at another table.

When we made our reservation we were encouraged to make it for just after sunset and to come early for a drink first. When we arrived we were escorted through the restaurant to a deck out on the sand. With two glasses of champagne, we watched one of the most amazing sunsets we have ever seen, including Key West…which seems to be everyone’s standard for sunsets. The colors in the sky lasted almost an hour after the sun set.

The restaurant has a barrista coffee bar and a fantastic sit-down cocktail bar steps from the sand. The open air dining room has views on three sides of the beach and harbor and if it gets windy, rainy or cool see-through flaps are lowered to protect the diners and radiant heat lamps add warmth. Banquettes line the walls, tables are surrounded by blue and natural wood resin wicker chairs and set with crisp linens. A single red Gerber daisy added a dash of color.

Dinner began with two delicious appetizers; jumbo lump crab cakes and a special lentil soup. The crab cakes had little filler and were served with a cucumber, tomato and mint salad and a lemongrass beurre blanc. Jen, who has crab cakes everywhere we go, thought it was the best she ever had. My lentil soup was delicately seasoned, served with a touch of bacon and perhaps a hint of balsamic.

My entree was an amazing veal chop, simply grilled with mushrooms. Jen’s steamed miso marinated halibut was served with sweet potatoes, tatsoi (also known as rosette bok choy) and a lemongrass vinaigrette. A terrific meal in a wonderful setting.

The 4,000 bottle wine cellar has a French bent and while the pricing is on the high side, we found some good choices under $60. Service was excellent with many of the staff returning year after year. Unusual for a resort restaurant

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: If you find sunsets and rolling waves steps from your table romantic, this is the place.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Breathtaking” sunsets visible from a wall of windows in the dining room or the “wonderful” beach bar (“literally in the sand”) make for “quite the experience” at this “magical” Nantucket place with an “excellent”, “carefully selected” New American menu; service is “attentive without being overbearing”, and while the “expensive” tabs seem to be “only for the one-percenters”, they’re “worth it for a special occasion”; P.S. summer only. ZAGAT

It would be hard to find a more intimate and romantic restaurant than Garibaldi’s Cafe,  located in the heart of the historic district in an 1871 firehouse. Dark woods, curved leather banquettes, a tin ceiling, marble columns, fresh flowers and perfectly set tables set the stage for a memorable dining experience.

A diverse menu with some very interesting choices. Here’s what we enjoyed; Twenty-One Bean Soup with Andouille Sausage, Celery, Assorted Beans, Beef Broth topped with Sour Cream and Applewood Bacon; Poached Pear Salad with Arugula, Toasted Walnuts, Goat Cheese Fritters and Port Vinaigrette; an unusual Denver Lamb Ribs with Sweet Ginger Soy Glaze and Pear Cabbage Relish; Crab Cake Super Lump Crab, Lima Beans, Corn and Sausage; a dish I haven’t had in years, Steak Diane, with Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Brandy and Dijon, Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus; Veal Chop Au Poivre, Pepper Seared, Wild Mushroom Brandy Sauce, Mashed Potatoes and  Haricot Vert.

There were some great looking desserts, but we chose the Almond Berry Basket that was just fantastic. Caramelized Almonds & Benne Seeds, Cinnamon & Vanilla Ice Creams, Fresh Berries and  Chocolate Sauce. Amazing.

Good wine list with an Italian tilt. Fair values and pricing.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. Grab a booth along the wall, enjoy wonderful food and wine.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“There’s something to be said” for this Historic District “favorite” housed in an 1871 firehouse that’s “maintained its popularity for over 30 years” and continues to impress with a “superb” menu of Italian standards and seafood dishes presented with “top-notch” service in a setting that’s “inviting yet grand”; the house specialty crispy flounder in apricot sauce is a particularly “outstanding catch” say fans, while “the bar offers wonderful potables”, and couples find it “the most romantic place” for date night. ZAGAT

Gaslight, Brasserie du Coin is a wonderful reproduction of a classic neighborhood Parisian brasserie. A hand crafted Parisian zinc bar, reclaimed wood floors, mosaic tiles, beamed wood ceilings and antique mirrors create a warm and comfortable setting. Guests can dine at the bar, at cafe tables, at communal tables and in booths and banquettes. When the weather cooperates, there is a delightful outdoor patio.

The menu offers classic brasserie fare; bacon and onion tart, escargot, French onion soup, moules frites, steak frites, Boeuf Bourguignon and more and all are quite good. Wonderful roast chicken with garlic fries, mustard crusted salmon was wonderful and  I love the daily specials  like Tuesday’s Pork Schnitzel, Alsatian potatoes, spring onions & Meyer lemon

The all French wine list has over 20 wines by the glass, ½ carafe and carafe with additional 60 selections on the reserve wine list. All reasonably priced.

Open daily for brunch and dinner and for a Saturday/Sunday prix fixe brunch which is an incredible value at $11.95.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Consistently good fare including a terrific weekend brunch attracts Francophiles to this chic, bohemian South End French staple (and Aquitaine sibling) in a subway tile-lined setting evoking an old-world brasserie; despite being always hopping with a fun buzz, it feels well managed thanks to solid service, with relatively reasonable prices plus quiet courtyard dining and free parking adding to the joie de vivre.” ZAGAT

There may be better steaks in town, but it is tough to beat the vibe at Gibson’s in the heart of the Gold Coast. A favorite of locals for years, it is also a “must stop” for visiting celebrities and sports stars. Seldom will you dine here without seeing someone famous. You just can’t help having a great time.

The decor is classic “steakhouse” with the walls filled with autographed pictures of celebrities, entertainers, athletes and rock stars, hardwood floors, red leather booths and lots of wood trim. There’s a fireplace, a piano bar and an outdoor patio dining in nice weather.

The martinis are huge, the steaks prime, corn fed, 40 day aged Angus beef and the seafood fresh off the boat. The menu is traditional steakhouse with salads like the “wedge”, the usual cuts of beef and delicious sides like creamed spinach and sauteed spinach and mushrooms with garlic. The “local’s favorites” like meatloaf, chopped steak and baby back ribs are particularly good and reasonably priced. Make no mistake this is a serious steakhouse and you won’t be disappointed.

This is an excellent wine list with wonderful choices and about the best wine list pricing I have seen in a top steakhouse. Where can you find 12 Cabs under $60? Even the higher priced wines like Silver Oak, are a bargain at $99.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: It’s loud and fun, not much time for romance.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
A “martini and red meat haven”, this “iconic” Gold Coast “staple” and its suburban offshoots “always come through” with “juicy”, “top-notch” steaks, “excellent” seafood and “rich” sides the “size of your head”, all set down by a “professional” crew; an “old Chicago vibe” and a “vibrant”, “see-and-be-seen” atmosphere are further reasons to “empty those pockets and splurge.” ZAGAT

Hamiltons, located on the Mall is the perfect place for lunch or dinner especially in the warm months when you can sit outside on the patio and people watch. Inside it’s bright and cheerful, decorated in yellows, blues and pinks with hardwood floors, an oak bar, exposed duct work and funky artwork. Floral fabric booths line the walls and make for an intimate diversion from the crowds on the Mall. This is another local favorite in part because everyone seems to like the owners.

The menu changes often and it is not lengthy, but what is there is delicious and perfectly prepared. Some highlights:
Duck Confit Springrolls with Collard Green Kimchiand Apricot-Ginger Sauce, Carolina Jumbo Shrimp, Poached in Chardonnay and Lemon with Woodson’s Mill Creamy Grits, Smoked Roma Tomato Confit and Fresh Arugula,Herb Basted Polyface Farm Chicken Breast with an Herb Risotto, Almond-Currant Tapenade and a Cider Jus

For dessert, opt for the chocolate sampler and the cheese board and pair it with a Virginia dessert wine, Rockbridge V D’or Late Harvest Vidal Blanc

The wine list favors Virginia and California with a touch of France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Oregon. There are about 18 wines by the glass. Because there were so many Virginia choices, we decided to give them a try and were pleasantly surprised. The Blenheim Chardonnay and the Barboursville Merlot were delicious.

Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: This is a lively and fun place….the romance can come later.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Marble-top tables, crisp linen napkins, and fresh flowers let you know you’re in for some high style at this urbane bistro in the Downtown Mall. It’s the kind of place you’d take a special date, but not necessarily propose marriage. The menu changes frequently, but if offered, the pan roasted crab cakes on Jasmine rice and red pepper purée will demonstrate the chef’s prowess. Frommer’s

Make your way to the river end of Coryell Street, turn right at the Blue Raccoon and follow the tree covered alley, first to the Boathouse for cocktails. The Boathouse is open just for cocktails, no food; not even peanuts, but the setting is so comfortable and charming that you wouldn’t want to miss it. Just across the courtyard is the delightful Hamilton’s Grill Room, a small, intimate Mediterranean style bistro with an open kitchen and nestled beside the flowing canal. The food is simply prepared, mostly grilled, presented in natural juices and very delicious. While seafood is their signature, they do equally well with meat and poultry.

At a recent dinner I started with North Atlantic oysters, fresh and sweet and they filled my request for a red wine and shallot vinaigrette. Jen had the sautéed crab cakes with an avocado salad – loaded with crab meat and just crispy on the outside. For my entrée I had a perfectly roasted farm chicken cooked in its own juices with a honey bourbon glaze and Jen had a grilled rack of lamb with a delicious mustard chutney. We skipped desserts, but enjoyed the rest of our wine and coffee as we watched the lights dance across the waters of the flowing canal. What a satisfying experience.

This is a BYOB restaurant and we suggest stopping at Welsh’s Wines on S. Union Street in Lambertville for a bottle of wine. Excellent selection and good values.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. An outside table next to the railing and overlooking the canal is private and romantic. Tiny strung lights add sparkle to the setting. In the colder weather opt for a table in the open kitchen room.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Tucked away” on the canal in “charming”, “arty” Lambertville, this “enduring local favorite” BYO features a “frequently changing menu” of “delicious” Mediterranean dishes, though regulars “stick to the grilled options”; the setting’s “cozy” enough, but an after-dinner drink at the adjacent boathouse makes for a “perfect evening.” ZAGAT

A tip from a local in Stowe, took us to a quite amazing restaurant in Waterbury, about a 15 minute drive from Stowe. Hen of the Wood, is a collaboration of two old friends, both trained at culinary institutes, who talked for years about the place they would someday open.

Using locally raised meats and game, organic produce and artisan cheeses they have created a menu that is both creative and so flavorful you will find yourself savoring every mouthful.

The owners have certainly learned from their experiences because everything from the setting to the food to the wine and the service has been artfully conceived. Set in an old grist mill, the restaurant has retained the charm of the historic building with its huge beams and stone walls and red wall accents, dark wood mission chairs, crisp linens and flickering candles bring elegance to the room. Add a rushing waterfall just outside the window and you have a most romantic ambiance.

The menu changes daily but here is what we enjoyed. I had to try the Hen of Woods mushrooms and they didn’t disappoint. Mixed with garlic, parsley and pancetta and served with grilled red hen bread the flavors were quite delicious. We also had perfectly grilled asparagus, wrapped with proscuitto and served with a mustard crème fraiche.

I am somewhat of a short rib aficionado; it’s one of my favorite dishes. The ones I enjoyed here are among the best I have had. Braised in red wine with roasted shallots, they were perfectly seasoned and fall-off-the-bone tender. Served with garlic mashed potatoes, I was in heaven. Jen’s tender NY strip was accompanied by fingerling potatoes, braised chard and a rich and flavorful cabernet sauce. Wonderful texture and depth of flavor.

Hard for me to pass up a cheese course and I was delighted to find such a wonderful selection of unusual cheeses. I picked two, added a glass of vintage port and that completed one of the best meals I had in quite some time. Jen, who seldom has dessert, had a strawberry rhubarb crisp with house made buttermilk ice cream that she talked about for days.

I love this 60-some bottle wine list for a lot of reasons that many other restaurants just don’t get. Someone really took the time to think about what constitutes a good wine list. There are nearly 20 selections by the glass, about 10 ½ bottle choices, very interesting selections in each category and most importantly reasonable pricing.

DO NOT miss this wonderful gem when you are in the Stowe area.

What Others Say…

“The menus change daily at these laid-back Americans dedicated to serving farm-to-table fare sourced from local Vermont purveyors and paired with a thoughtful wine list. Lots of wood paneling, stone details and cool lighting create a rustic-chic atmosphere.” ZAGAT

High Cotton gets my vote as the best overall restaurant in Charleston. They serve a delicious lunch/brunch on the weekends, have a excellent wine list (Wine Spectator Award of Excellence), a beautiful mahogany bar (where they serve a killer Bloody Mary and Bloody Bull with Low Country Spice Rub on the glass rim) and outstanding comfort and Southern style cooking served in two elegant rooms. Top all that with live jazz every night and at Sunday brunch and you can see why it’s a favorite with locals and tourists.

The menu changes often, but these are some of the things we have enjoyed; Lobster bisque with huge chunks of meat and scallions and a blue crab butter bean soup with sausage, yellow squash and cornmeal crumb topping. A simple Iceberg lettuce salad was made spectacular with blackened bacon, fried green tomatoes and a buttermilk blue cheese dressing.

Pan roasted Carolina trout with a lump crab and spinach casserole, roma tomato confit and a sweet corn vinaigrette was wonderful. For game lovers there’s venison, quail and duck and the Black Angus steaks come with your choice of Henry Bain steak sauce, peppercorn garlic butter, truffle blue cheese, béarnaise, red wine reduction and bourbon bacon sauce. Don’t miss the Vidalia, bacon creamed sweet peas as a side dish.

Lots of interesting desserts including a cheese course, but the Charleston Praline Souffle with chocolate sauce isn’t something you will soon forget.

There nearly 20 wines by the glass, priced $6-$16. These wines are also available by the bottle. Particularly noteworthy is the Darioush Cab@$16 and the Ridge “Three Valleys” Zin at $10. The rest of the list is interesting and very fairly priced. There’s also some real values like an $88 Puligny Montrachet and a $180 Silver Oak. Even the Reserve List, which has some great selections, is very reasonably priced.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium. Ask for table #14 in the window and for waitress Amy Frye if she’s still there. She’s traveled the world and ended up in Charleston. An interesting story.

WHAT OTHERS SAY: A “first-rate” Low country “favorite”, this “elegant” French Quarter mainstay supplies “generous portions” of “excellent” Southern fare sourced from “local ingredients” with a side of “charm and seamless service”; “amazing” cocktails and a “well-rounded wine selection” help keep things “vibrant” (or “noisy”, depending), and with regular live music and a “don’t-miss” Sunday jazz brunch, it’s no surprise fans feel “prices on the high side” are “worth it.” ZAGAT

Built in 1750 as a stone barn, the Inn at Philips Mill was purchased in 1972 by architect Brooks Kaufman and his wife Joyce and meticulously restored as an inn and restaurant. There are three dining rooms, all charming, warm and romantic. The upstairs room is lined with bookshelves and the tables are interspersed with loveseats next to the fireplace. Downstairs my favorite table is in the alcove just before the garden next to the stone archway and door. In nicer weather, the stone wall enclosed patio is magical with its flickering candles and sparkling tableware and the place to eat.

The menu is a refreshing throwback to the more formal French style cooking. It’s been some time since I have seen a menu like this, but it was like running into an old friend. Escargot Bourguignon, Belgian endive salad with blue cheese and walnuts, Steak Diane, rainbow trout with watercress butter and Coquilles St, Jacque were just some of the old favorites. Try the homemade pates with the wonderful warm, baked bread.

BYOB. No credit cards. Dress is upscale casual. Reservations are taken after 10:30am each day.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
The “super-romantic, Euro-style charm” is tough to beat at this long-running French in an 18th-century inn just north of New Hope; “high-quality” cuisine, in a “wide array of choices”, is “appealing to both the eye and the palate” (“maybe not the wallet” some say), and served by an “adept” staff. ZAGAT

Irene’s was a wonderful little find from a local who suggested it after I said I had had my fill of Cajun and Creole food. Tucked away on a back street, it quickly became clear that this was a local’s favorite. Even though they take reservations, you’ll still have to wait, in fact the joke seems to be how long did you have to wait?

Set in an old paper warehouse, it has an odd assortment of dining rooms from a dark, intimate room with stained glass ceilings, to the room lined with wine bottles to the bright, airy front dining room with its eclectic décor. Wherever you sit, the service is great and the small of garlic and herbs intoxicating.

I had a wonderful escargot in mushroom caps and garlic butter as an appetizer (haven’t seen this on a menu in a long time), a chicken rosemarino, a fantastic half chicken roasted with garlic and rosemary as an entrée and one of the best Tiramisu I’ve had for dessert. Other notable items; lamb Provencal and cioppino.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so much, but lively and fun.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Garlic lovers are “unable to pass” by the “delicious” scent “wafting” from this “very special” French Quarter spot without stopping in for some truly “terrific”, “authentic” Italian fare complemented by “world-class” wines; “everyone becomes friends after a few cocktails” in the piano bar, which is an “enjoyable” place to wait for a table (a common occurrence, even with reservations) in the “charming”, “romantic” dining room patrolled by a “wonderful” staff.  ZAGAT

L’Etoile has consistently been rated one of the top restaurants on the island and for over 20 years served wonderful meals from its space in the Charlotte Inn. In 2006, the restaurant moved from the Charlotte Inn to 22 North Water Street. The chef and most of the staff remain the same.

I loved the space at the Charlotte Inn, but this is equally as good and with the addition of a small bar and a delightful outside patio, may be even better. The interior has a small room to the right of the entry and a larger one to the left that overlooks the garden. Colorful china sits on white linens and the crisp tables are accented with copper colored leather chairs and draperies creating an elegant yet comfortable setting.

The food is sensational and a pleasant diversion from the normal items or preparation on most menus. Oysters for example, were served two ways with a cranberry mignonette and a Champagne Limoncello cream. Delicious. Or, a sautéed spice crusted foie gras with a crispy exterior and delicate interior was served on a pumpkin leek puree with pear dice and brioche with Sauternes, leek and verjus glaze. A wonderful taste sensation.

My entree was a grilled, herb rubbed Australian lamb rack with purple potato gnocchi with roasted chestnuts, favas, blistered tomatoes, port, shallot, black pepper, Shiraz and rosemary jus.

I was full by this time, but the Farmstead cheese platter caught my eye and with a glass of port was a great ending to my meal.

I like the wine list for its interesting mix of French and “New World” but prices are high. Wines by the glass are average $15 and you have to look hard to find full bottles under $50. Too bad.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“If you live to eat instead of eating to live”, this “marvelous dining experience” in Edgartown is a “must” with “beautifully thought-out, well-balanced” New French fare from an “amicable” (“without being intrusive”) staff; the “lovely setting” “nestled in a charming house with an inviting porch” and bar is likewise “special”, but “be prepared to spend your monthly dining budget”; P.S. open seasonally. ZAGAT

La Dolce Vita is a delightful oceanfront restaurant in Belmar serving lunch and dinner every day.

Outside is a canopied patio with about 20 tables which can be closed in during inclement weather and is a delightful place to enjoy the beach beyond and people watchand there are sure some characters around! While the inside is very nice, we’ll save that for the cold weather, outside is the place to be.

Inside, a marble bar with redwood wine racks behind it, is separated from the dining room by a ½ wall. The walls are done in a beige patterned wallpaper and the room has marble columns, funky hanging globes in a track lighting arrangement and tile floors. The 14 or so tables in the dining room are elegantly set with white tablecloths and sparkling accessories. Large windows on two sides allow you to take in the scene outside.

I have an old adage, when the bread is warm, good things are to come and that was the case here. The pastas are delicious and could be meals unto themselves. Pappardelle Amatriciana sautéed onions, pancetta, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, San Marzano tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Or the Tortolini ai Funghi Graitinati filled with goat cheese and tossed with wild mushrooms, asiago, proscuitto, scallions and cream.

Entrees, served with roasted potatoes, string beans and carrots, were equally satisfying. I had a wonderful Pollo Savoya, tender chicken breast with sweet peppers, cherry peppers, garlic, rosemary and a balsamic demi-glaze. Jen’s Veal Fiorentina was sautéed in a lemon white wine sauce, topped with spinach and melted mozzarella and sprinkled with roasted tomatoes.

The wine list is small but very fairly priced. Most whites are under $35 and reds under $40. We had a wonderful Gavi at $24 on one trip and a surprisingly well priced Amarone at $48 on another.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Can be a little loud, but an outside table on a comfortable night can be pretty romantic.

I have a soft spot for French bistros and they don’t come more authentic than Le Bouchon, a low-key, relaxed, bistro, which from the outside, looks like a traditional Irish/European pub. Inside, the tiny restaurant is intimate and classically decorated with warm booths, colors of beige and red, wicker baskets, floral arrangements and historical French artwork. Mirrors make the space seem larger than it is, but it is still warm and cozy. While the atmosphere is upscale the mood is anything but pretentious. The tavern style bar sitting alongside the back of the restaurant, added a lot of character and serves as the place to wait for your table.

Located in Bucktown area of Chicago, just southwest of Lincoln Park, the crowd is a mix of neighborhood folks and followers of Chef Jon Claude Poilevey. Originally from France, Poilevey came to the US over 40 years ago to start his restaurant business with friend. He opened Le Bouchon in 1993, and currently has 3 other restaurants throughout the city.

The menu is right out of the Left Bank with classic bistro dishes, wonderfully prepared, like Moules Marinières, teamed mussels with white wine and herbs, Escargots au Beurre d’Ail et Persil, snails in Burgundy wine, Boeuf Bourguignon, beef braised in red wine, Bouillabaisse “Le Bouchon”, fish, clams, mussels and shrimp in a saffron brothand Les Ris de Veau, sautéed veal sweetbreads with a mustard sauce. For dessert, try the tarte of the day.

Interesting cocktail menu, we enjoyed Le Metro, a very refreshing Grey Goose Citron, with Chambord and the Bouche Manhattan, which was served with a twist and absinthe. The wine list has roughly 60 choices, ranging in price from $40 to $250, with a lot of great wines in the $50 price range.

TIP: Have at least one meal at the marvelous restaurant when you are in town. Go very early or very late, and avoid Saturday nights. Even with reservations, you are going to wait.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
As close to a Parisian bistro as you can get in Chicago“, this ”fairly priced“ Bucktown kitchen on ”Rue Damen“ serves ”tasty“, ”traditional“ dishes like escargot and steak frites; tables are a ”bit cramped“ in the ”cozy“ space, but it offers ”real French character.  ZAGAT

Lola 41, The “41” in the name represents the 41st parallel on which Nantucket sits as well as other influences in the kitchen; Spain, Italy, Greece, China and Japan. They call themselves a “global bistro”, I call them just plain fun. This is a “hot” spot on the island, busy every night.

Housed in the building on South Beach Street, a short walk from town, that was formally the Blue Fin, the exterior is typical Nantucket cedar shingled with two prominent bay windows. Inside is sleek and stylish tin ceilings, a handsome marble topped cocktail bar and separate, semi-circular sushi bar surrounded by about a dozen tables. The walls and banquettes are shades of taupe with mirrors and contemporary art adorning the walls. The effect is a sophisticated bistro that would be comfortable in any major city.

Before you even get down to the food, you’ll find the best drink menu on the island. In fact, you could come here and be perfectly happy to indulge in more than one specialty drink and save the food for another time. If at all possible though, call ahead and see if they will make some drunken wings for you, one of the great all time appetizers, marinated and cooked in white wine, garlic and vodka. All the drinks are made with fresh ingredients and since we were a group of 4, I can share a number of experiences; a pear mojito, prosecco and fresh strawberries, a Ruby Red (Absolute Ruby Red, Mathilde Poire Liquor and ruby red grapefruit juice, and a Blueberry Martini (Triple 8 Cranberry Vodka, blueberry syrup and fresh blueberries.

Now if that is not enough, there is a wonderful Sake menu with various grades and tastes that the bartender will happily help you navigate. I said fun didn’t I?

The menu changes every two weeks and it is not lengthy but what is there is delicious. There is a complete sushi menu which my friends tell me is complete and wonderfully fresh. I’ll take their word for, sushi is not my thing.

This year we went on our first night and Jen enjoyed the Gnocchi Bolognese she dreamed about since last summer. I had a wonderful burger with a fois gras dipping sauce and wonderful fries. The menu isn’t lengthy and changes every few weeks, but what is there is very good. Get the Osso Buco if they have it.

The wine list has about three dozen nicely chosen bottles, evenly split between reds and whites. Unusual for Nantucket, half the list is under $50. Yeah!

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so high, but this is a place for fun.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Celebutantes and ordinary young people alike have no reservations bestowing raves upon this contemporary Nantucket hot spot, as everything on the Eclectic menu is unique and tasty, from the excellent burger to the phenomenal sushi; just know that you need reservations to get a seat, plus lots of dough and elbow pads, because it’s pricey and crowded, especially at the hopping, noisy bar.” ZAGAT

Picture white tablecloths, candlelight, tiny lights sparkling in the trees, the soft rush of the water hitting the dock and maybe a full moon and you begin to understand the lure of this perennial outdoor favorite. There is no more romantic setting in Key West. Ask just about anyone and they will tell you that Louie’s is the place to go for a wonderful and romantic dinner.

If ambiance was all it had to offer, it would be worth the trip, but the food is just as exceptional. The menu changes often, but the opportunity for taste sensations remains constant. Last visit I started with whitewater clams steamed with bacon, potatoes, bell peppers and cream as an appetizer and followed that with a salad of Boston lettuce and watercress with Maytag blue cheese, apples and spiced pecans. Imagine all the flavors. My entrée was a delectable veal loin gently sautéed with a parmesan cream, arugula and Jerusalem artichokes. Again, the mix of taste and texture is quite wonderful.

I eschewed dessert on this trip but did have an opportunity to taste the chocolate brownie crème brulee, their own recipe, and it was as wonderfully decadent as it sounded.

The wine list is well stocked with choices from all the major wine areas with a French emphasis. About a dozen are available by the glass and there is a limited selection of 1/2 bottles. Pricing tends to be on the high side.

Make two requests with your reservation; Table #38, a private spot for two along the water and Tommy as your waiter. He’s been there 18 years, is very knowledgeable and great fun.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
It doesn’t get any better than the sea, the sun, the food at this classy, romantic longtime winner in Key West, voted Most Popular in the Keys for its magnificent ocean view, superb Caribbean-American cuisine and informed service; dinner can be a wallet-bust and a few cite snooty treatment, but to its legion of champions there’s just no other place like it; P.S. make reservations well in advance.- ZAGAT

A simple “what’s your favorite restaurant in town”? uncovered Mamma Luisa, a gem I had missed on previous visits. A long time resident somewhat reluctantly revealed this delicious Italian located at the far end of Thames Street in a residential neighborhood.

Opened in 1992 in a former residence, the restaurant has three charming and intimate dining rooms. Although there is no bar, there is an upstairs “waiting” room if your table is not quite ready. The room I dined in was steps down from the entry way and had only 5 tables. Two of them were in small alcoves that looked out onto the street. Gold painted walls adorned with kitchen artifacts and ivy, a single pink rose on the table and crisp linens and tableware created an atmosphere that was at once homey and elegant. With opera playing in the background, candles flickering on the table and wonderful kitchen aromas, the setting is ideal for a special night.

The cooks are all women and most are vegetarians (there’s also a vegetarian menu). As such they understand how to slow roast vegetables and it was evident in my first course, an amazing pasta fagiola, one of the best I have had. Served with hot bread and evoo, it was a great start.

My entree was a grilled veal chop served with a porcini mushroom sauce and rosemary roasted potatoes. The chop, which often comes overdone, was expertly cooked and the mushrooms and rosemary were a delicious and earthy compliment. I skipped dessert, but my server brought some homemade biscotti to enjoy with the rest of my wine.

Speaking of wine, this is a terrific list with mostly Italian choices from the major regions in the country. I enjoyed a delicious Barbera D’Asti “L’Orme” 2003 at only $32. There a few Amarones and Barolos on the list for under $80 which is unusual. Love the Gavis and Orvietos represented and some nice selections from California and Spain.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High

The cuisine at Marigold by Jean-Georges reflects a passionate commitment to fresh, local and organic ingredients. The menu changes often to offer sustainable and seasonal produce that is at its peak – much of it grown at their own nearby farm. Meat, fish and dairy are locally sourced, where possible, from humanely treated, pasture-fed animals free of antibiotics and hormones.

The restaurant features 130 indoor seats, 20 bar seats and 70 outdoor seats. The design is a comfortable textural “rustic chic” with a mix of black and white stone and rustic hardwood floors, a distinctive bar with a fluted tile design, a stone fireplace and exquisite hand-wrought lighting fixtures from L’Observatoire International.

Menu items may include: Black Truffle Pizza, fontina cheese, frisee; Whiskey Poached Lobster,  passionfruit butter, glazed carrots; Peppercorn Crusted Waygu, gnocchi, brussels sprouts, sriracha; Black Forest Bar, chocolate sponge, chocolate mousee, cherries, whipped cream

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Very romantic especially on the Terrace on a beautiful night.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“With its stunning, panoramic views and seasonal Southern fare elevated by French and Asian influences, Marigold is more than a restaurant, it’s an event.” Virginia Living Magazine

Sometimes when I am on the road, I need a break from the upscale restaurants we go to every night and just want to kick back, drink some wine, have a casual meal….and a bill that doesn’t break the bank.

Mas Tapas is just that kind of the neighborhood restaurant we all wish we had. Casual, laid back, a place to meet friends, to linger over a bottle of wine on the patio. Mas was conceived by Chef Tomas Rahal as an opportunity to feature slow cooked, organic, artisinal foods and wines, especially those from Spain.

The tapas here are just amazing and paired with a great selection of Spanish wines makes this a wonderful stop. Here’s a sampling; Yukon Gold potatoes roasted w/ a spicy rub, served w/ our own hand-made aioli, grilled pork terrine served w/ mango chutney, warm artichoke and goat cheese spread w/ brick-oven bread, jamon Serrano, Manchego cheese and aioli on wood-oven bread, roasted spicy chicken wings tossed in mojo verde w/ creamy blue cheese dressing, grilled, marinated chicken tenderloins w/ garlic-yogurt dressing, flatbread, Niman’s Ranch pork shank slow braised w/ sweet onions, juniper berries, and anise served w/ brick oven bread to name just a few.

Wonderful Spanish wine list. Order from the “Very Special Wines” list for the best of Spain, many only $50-$60. There’s a killer cheese plate and a great selection of vintage ports.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so high, but that’s not why you came here.

Oddly for a town with such French influences, there are few French bistros, but Meauxbar is a local’s favorite and its latest incarnation is under the guidance of restaurateur Robert LeBlanc who operated the Poydras Street restaurant Ste. Marie, which has closed. He has brought his entire staff over to Meauxbar including executive chef Kristin Essig.

With its gold hued walls, mirrors, tile floor and wonderful dark wood antique bar, Meauxbar looks like a classic French bistro and turns out delicious bistro food. Arrive early for one of their excellent cocktails like the Pecan Old Fashioned; pecan bourbon, vanilla, toasted orange oil.

Menu fare is classic bistro with an interesting take. We loved the Goat Cheese Tart; pork fat pastry, caramelized onions, niçoise olives and bocquerones and the Foie Gras Torchon; blueberry jam, brioche and walnut crust as appetizers. For entrees we enjoyed the Louisiana Gulf Fish Amandine with rice pilaf and haricots verts and the Hanger Steak au Poivre with parmesan frites. For dessert we choose a decadent Marquise Au Chocolat: caramelized oats, smoked salt, bourbon chantilly and raisin.

The French leaning wine list is compact but with some very good choices like a 2014 Jean Luc Colombo Rosé ‘Cape Bleu’, a 2013 Berthier Coteaux de Giennois Blanc, a 2013 Delas Freres Ventoux and a 2013 Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: More conducive to lively conversation

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Vibrant and effortlessly chic, this sleeper turned hot spot brings you to Paris through creative, high-end French bistro classics with Asian accents that provide an excellent departure from New Orleans standards; the discreet staff’s attention is not compromised even when the small dining room gets crowded, and though it’s kind of pricey, hey, it’s the Quarter. ZAGAT

Keith McNally and his team have a particular genius in creating themed restaurants fashioned after another time or place. Balthazar, Pastis Pravda and Schiller’s to name a few. Excellent food, a casual atmosphere and moderate prices make these restaurants favorites of many New Yorkers. Testament to their popularity is that they are always busy, any day, any time of year. In fact, we never miss stopping at Balthazar when we are in that part of the City and Minetta now joins that group as one of our favorites.

Minetta Tavern was opened in 1937 on MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village. Over the years it became a hang-out for various literary types including Ernest Hemingway and Dylan Thomas. The McNally group took over in 2008 and despite extensive renovations, the restaurant looks like you would imagine it looked in the 30s, mahogany bar, black and white tile floors, wood paneled walls covered with photographs, tin ceilings, red banquettes, crisp white tablecloths and gleaming stemware. Today, the restaurant is one of the most sought after reservations in the City.

Menu highlights include appetizers like classic beef tartare, roasted bone marrow, salt cod, potatoes and summer truffles and entrees like their to-die-for Black Label burger, a selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions and pommes frites, roasted free range chicken with braised chard and pommes aligot and of course the bone-in New York strip which is one of the best steaks I have had in New York. A selection of farmstead cheeses and a glass of port end a truly memorable meal.

About 18 wines by the glass priced in the $15-$22 range and with good selections. The full wine list has good choices but is a bit pricey. Great tap and bottled beer choices like Old Speckled Hen and St-Feuillien Saison and an excellent assortment of spirits, many of which you probably haven’t even heard about like Wray and Nephew rum and Basil Heyden’s bourbon.

WHAT OTHERS SAY...
“Nostalgia trip” meets “trendiness” at Keith McNally’s “energetic” Village “standout” that revives a circa-1937 tavern with “vintage” knickknacks, “snappy” service and “excellent” French fare including a “mind-blowing” Black Label burger (“holy cow!”); the prospect of “famous” faces in the back room keeps it a “tough table”, despite digs “more crowded than the subway.” ZAGAT

“The best steakhouse in the city” Frank Bruni, New York Times

“Another McNally Time and Again Mirage. There’s pleasure in everything we’re eating.”  Gael Greene, The Insatiable Critic

“The setting itself is classic McNally genius and feels as it did 60 years ago.” Mimi Sheraton, former food critic, New York Times.

There are a lot of pioneers in the Napa Valley, on both the food and wine sides and Cindy Pawlcyn, owner of Mustard’s Grill and Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, is one of them. Born in Minneapolis, she received a degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Wisconsin and received further training at Le Cordon Bleu and La Varenne in Paris. Her first job was at the renowned Pump Room in Chicago and in the early 80’s she went on to be the opening chef at Meadowwood. She opened Mustard’s in 1983 and has helped spawn a number of other Bay area restaurants. She is an inductee of Who’s Who of Cooking in America, has also been twice nominated for the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef in California and is the recipient of the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence.

Pawlcyn was one of the first chefs to build  an organic garden where she could draw seasonal inspiration for her dishes, as well as treat her diners to the pure flavors of produce picked fresh just hours before arriving on the plate.

Today, after 30 years, Mustard’s is still a favorite with locals and is a ‘must’ stop for tourists. Its fresh flavors and warm ambiance, have diners returning over and over.

Everything on the menu is good, but try the Dungeness crab cakes, with espelette aioli, garden greens and sherry vinaigrette. From the wood burning grille, the ribs are legendary and I loved the many mustard rabbit, with proscuitto, brussel sprout leaves, sage roasted butternut squash and currants. Don’t leave without enjoying an order of onion rings with a tomato apple ketchup.

This is a place to drink wine. There are about 27 wines by the glass, some interesting flights and an excellent selection of ½ bottles. The general list has selections from all over the world, with some unusual wines/grapes you don’t see very often. See not so common whites and not so common reds. All unbelievably well priced.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: This is such a lively and fun place, you aren’t really thinking about romance

WHAT OTHERS SAY
A must-stop when in Yountville, this longtime favorite from chef-owner Cindy Pawlcyn offers a scrumptious Cal-New American menu (highlighted by a legendary Mongolian pork chop) along with an extensive wine selection; a casual, comfortable setting and accommodating service add to the overall enjoyable feel. ZAGAT

I like anything roasted or grilled over a wood fire and Nick & Toni’s has taken that kind of cooking to a new level. Despite its reputation as a celebrity favorite, there is no pretension here, this restaurant is really about the food.

The décor is crisp and clean, white walls and tablecloths, oak and cane chairs. Color is introduced in the artwork and the flowers. The burning wood oven aroma is intoxicating and a portent of wonderful flavors to come.

Nice pasta selection including a wonderful Hand Cut Tagliatelli with Spring Lamb Ragu, Fava Beans and Percorino Romano. As an entrée, order anything cooked over the natural wood fire like the roasted whole fish or the incredibly satisfying wood roasted free range chicken with roasted potatoes, pancetta, garlic and rosemary. Paired with a Pecorino Fattoria La Valentina, a crisp Italian white, this was a fantastic meal.

There are three comfortable rooms in which to dine, the bar area which centers the restaurant and two side rooms. There is also a delightful patio available in the good weather. Table #10 in the bay window, table #29 in the bar area and table #6 are the most romantic in my view.

There are about a dozen wines by the glass ranging and a nice selection of half bottles. The wine list is excellent with choices from all over the world.  Pricing is a bit on the expensive side, but there are still plenty of choices under $75.

Keep your eyes peeled because you are very likely to see someone famous….or at least someone from Page Six

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“A popular landing pad for celebrities and the see-and-be-seen crowd, this trendy, farmhouse-style East Hampton icon turns out brilliant Italian-Med fare that’s the real star, featuring local produce and top-notch dishes from a wood-burning oven, plus an exceptional wine list; gracious staffers are poised to deliver dishes priced for the rich and famous, provided you get past the reservation desk.” ZAGAT

The summer of 2006 may well become known as the beginning of the food revolution on the North Fork. That’s when the North Fork Table opened and if it is the precursor of what is to come, the area will be a food mecca in no time. How can you go wrong, with a restaurant pedigree of its owners that includes Aureole, River Cafe, Gramercy Tavern and Hearth? In a business with a high failure rate, the odds are stacked for these folks.

The first thing you notice upon arrival is the buzz. People are happy to be here…this is the place to be on a Saturday night., even on the night we were there in the pouring rain. The second thing you notice is the soft elegance of the decor, a bit of a Gramercy Tavern feel, which is understandable. Pale blue walls, white wainscoting, thin plank pine floors, beamed ceilings, Andrew Wyeth like artwork, a black slate bar and an antique white armoire. Tables are dressed with crisp linens and comfortably spaced. There are a number of intimate nooks like table #31 for two or a table for six toward the back of the bar room.

Chef Stephan Bogardus makes use of local resources for a menu with a French flair. He likes to subtly blend flavors by braising and roasting. As evidence, a wonderful braised pancetta crusted rabbit loin and a grilled aged sirloin with a red wine braised short rib on the menu and enjoyed the night we visited. Delicious ragouts and caramelized vegetables complemented these terrific entrees.

Desserts from Claudia Fleming, formally the pastry chef at Gramercy are amazing marriages of scents and tastes, warm sugar and spice donuts with hot buttered rum and an upside down caramelized apple tart with cider sorbet and creme fraiche to name just two.

The wine list starts with about 15 wines by the glass, each with compelling tasting notes. They are available in a 3oz. taster or a 6oz. glass. While you are seeing this more often today, it is still somewhat unique and a wonderful way to try a number of wines.

An interesting wine list with about a third  from local Long Island wineries and representations from the other major wine regions. Best of all the prices are incredibly reasonable. Bravo for not getting caught up in the wine gouging frenzy.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: It can get a little noisy when full (which is usually) but pick a table like #31 and you’ll feel like it’s just the two of you.

WHAT OTHERS SAY….
“Always a pleasure”, this Southold “gem” of chefs Gerry Hayden and Claudia Fleming is “everything an East End restaurant should be”, rated Long Island’s No.1 for Food and Service while offering “the freshest locally sourced ingredients” “from farm to sea” transformed into “awesome, savory” New American prix fixe menus with desserts that double as “works of art”, all accompanied by a “superlative” staff; the “simple but elegant” setting lends added appeal, completing an experience devotees declare “the best around” and “well worth the price”; P.S. the adjacent Lunch Truck is “the bomb.” ZAGAT

North Pond offers one of the most delightful settings in the City, nestled in Lincoln Park overlooking a Pond. When the weather is nice, dining outside is a treat and even in the winter, inside beside the fireplace it’s warm and cozy. The interior is decorated in light woods, with hardwood floors, high ceilings and lots of windows. Crisp linens and gleaming tableware grace the tables.

Longtime chef Bruce Sherman stepped down in 2019 and turned the reins over to his chef de cuisine Tim Vidrio. Vidrio, 34, has been with North Pond since 2011 after working in kitchens including Le Francais, Moto and NoMi at the Park Hyatt Hotel. Sherman remains a partner.

Some menu highlights: appetizers: warm watercress-potato soup, goat cheese custard, smoked bacon-parmesan palmier, cress and ash-crusted monkfish loin medallion, maple-braised leek bâton, arugula pesto, crisp shallots, pine nuts, herbs; entrees: roasted Alaskan halibut, baby artichokes, butterball potato smoked brandade, sausage, tomato confit, barigoule broth and marrow-crusted charred flatiron steak, rutabaga-langue cake, rainbow chard, horseradish butter, glazed beets; desserts: banana, pineapple, caramelized pineapple, warm banana cake, Szechuan ice cream, tapioca pearls, macadamias and 80% dark chocolate mousse, Meyer Lemon, seville and moro orange, satsuma sorbet, ancho caramel, “cake”.

The wine list has about 17 wines by the glass ranging from $14-$19. The full list is not lengthy, but has lots of good choices in the $50 range. Nice selection of ports, sherries, Madeira and dessert wines. Excellent collection of craft beers.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT:
On a warm summer night under the stars, the City seems miles away.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…

A “pastoral” “oasis of fine dining” on a pond inside Lincoln Park, this “top-notch” New American offers “creative”, “locally sourced” fare that’s “artistic on the plate” in a “gorgeous” “Arts and Crafts building” with “jaw-dropping views of the city”; “subtly attentive” service that “makes you feel special” adds to the reasons it’s “worth the splurge”, especially “for a celebration.” ZAGAT

When a steakhouse is done right it’s dark and sexy, with a touch of elegance, has intimate seating and great food and wine. It’s as perfect to close a business deal as it is for a romantic interlude. Not too many get it right these days….but the Oak Steakhouse in Charleston does. I’ve been lamenting the decline of the old steakhouses in New York in favor of sleek, cavernous upstarts, but after my experience here, I am heartened that some people still get it.

Start with the design. Housed in a 150 year old former bank, the space retains much of its old charm; 18 foot ceilings, arched doorways, mahogany paneling and pine floors. There are three floors of dining. The main floor houses the antique bar and wonderful circular leather booths (I’m a booth guy!). The room is dark and intimate with brick walls, antique mirrors, jazz inspired artwork and splashes of light. There’s an exciting vibe here. The second floor and third floors are divided into small, cozy dining rooms, with working fireplaces on the third floor. The best tables look out the huge front windows overlooking Broad Street.

The menu reminds me of The Palm in New York, classic steak with an Italian component. But that’s where the similarity ends. This was the best steakhouse meal I have had in some time. Classic Steak Tartar came with capers, cornichons, parmigiano-reggiano and crostini. For once my steak came out right the first time…just pink…with a crispy crust and Oak’s house made streak sauce. Absolutely perfect. Classic creamed spinach had just the right amount of cream and spices and Parmesan that still allowed the flavor of the spinach to come through. Truffled pomme frites was a perfect accompaniment.  I paired my meal with a delicious Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon at $23 the glass.

Dessert was an utterly decadent, a Creme Fraiche Cheesecake, almond crust, cherry white chocolate macaron, with a goat milk dulce de leche center.

The wine list is solid with some 200 bottles, @ 20 wines by the glass in the $9-$23 range and good representation from the major regions.Would like to see more Cabs under $100.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“A 150-year old former bank has been transformed into a three-level stunner [Oak Steakhouse].” Bon Appetit,

“As much of the local food gossip these days centers on who serves the best beef ” the Oak Steakhouse” The New York Times

This “upscale” Broad Street steakhouse set in a renovated 150-year-old bank building offers “exemplary”, locally sourced beef and “impressive” wines in a “lively environment” that’s “classy yet comfortable”; “attentive” service completes the special-occasion experience, which is priced accordingly, but “worth every cent.” ZAGAT

At the western tip of the island, beneath the Gay Head lighthouse and with sweeping views of the ocean is a very special restaurant. The Outermost Inn, owned by Hugh and Jeanne Taylor (brother of James and Livingston)  offers spectacular sunsets and wonderful food.

While it is 18 miles from Edgartown, the trip takes about 45 minutes each way. With tip, the taxi ride, round trip, is about $80. If you haven’t brought a car over, I suggest renting one for a day or two. You’ll save money going to our favorite restaurant at the western part of the island and there’s plenty to see and do outside of Edgartown. However you get here, it’s worth the trip.

You arrive at the front of the Inn and make your way to the back patio where there is an outside bar. Complimentary snacks are set out for the guests and on this visit included a delicious bluefish dip and crackers. Comfortable Adirondack chairs overlook some 20 acres of open land that drift down to the water.

The look is a clean and crisp country with beamed ceilings, wide plank pine floors, white woodwork, near ceiling to floor windows, ladder back chairs and white tablecloths with green straw placemats. Soft jazz plays in the background, the tables are set with fresh flowers and candles and the mood is set. The start of dinner is delayed a bit as guests rush outside to take

pictures of the amazing sunset.

Chef Christopher Gianfreda helms the kitchen and he brings a solid background having done stints with renowned chefs Jean Georges in NYC, Frank McClelland of L’Espalier in Boston, and most recently Susan Spicer in New Orleans. The restaurant makes use of their own vegetable and herb garden and the menu features locally sourced product.

Start your meal with some fresh Katama Bay oysters, served with mignonette,

cocktail sauce and rose granita. Then try the wonderful Butternut Squash soup with pepitas, bacon, cider and  brown butter. As entrees we had the Halibut with tomato braised beans, spinach, herb crust and rouille and the Beef Tenderloin with a manchego fritter, asparagus, squash, bacon jam,  brown butter hollandaise. For dessert we shared a fantastic Poached Peach with almond cream, tuile and peach sorbet.

Wine and beer is served and the wine list has some interesting choices like a Graham Beck, Brut Rosé, South Africa, Trimbach, Pinot Gris Reserve, France, 2010 and Ridge, “Geyserville”, Zinfandel, Napa, 2012.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. Eat on the porch and sit by one of the windows to get the most of the view.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Come for dinner, stay for the view at this New American whose magical setting perched on the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah earns Martha’s Vineyard’s No. 1 Decor score; sip a drink on the patio during a spectacular sunset before indulging in a fabulous prix fixe meal, which is served by a seasoned staff that aims to please, helping to make the pricey fees seem worth it.” ZAGAT

If Pascal & Sabine were in my neighborhood, I would probably eat there a couple times a week. Wonderful decor (who doesn’t like booths?), excellent bistro food, a very good wine list, a fantastic Sunday brunch with live jazz and a really enjoyable staff makes this a favorite at the Jersey Shore.

Pascal and Sabine are characters from French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse’s signature work, The Red Balloon. In the film, Pascal finds a red balloon with a mind of its own that follows him around the city. You’ll see that red balloon outside the doors of the restaurant.

Inside the French inspired brasserie has a wonderful metal topped bar with small red shaded lamps, huge circular dark leather booths and the stunning artwork of Paolo Ventura. There is also an expresso bar at the front of the restaurant.

The bar offers a wonderful selection of bourbons, whiskeys, single malts, tequila and craft beers. Hand crafted cocktails include items like the Red Rum; pilar vanilla rum, red wine, lemon juice, simple syrup, brandied cherries and Peach Bourbon Ice Tea; Bulleit bourbon, peach purée, honey simple syrup, ice tea, mint. There’s also nearly 50 wines by the glass with some excellent choices.

But ultimately, it is the food you go for and it is richly satisfying at Pascal. You can enjoy classic appetizers like French onion soup, escargot and beef tartare, There’s a wonderful selection of charcuterie and cheese and caviar from around the globe. Bistro fare includes Coq Au Vin: chicken stewed in red wine with mushrooms, pearl onions & bacon, with pommes purée; Roasted Breast of Chicken: asparagus, fried duck egg, jambon de bayonne: Steak Frites: pan-seared snake river farms kobe sirloin flap, au poivre, hand-cut frites; Lobster Bouillabaisse; lobster, scallops, shrimp, mussels, bouillabaisse broth, rouille and Moules Frites; blue bay mussels, white wine, garlic, shallots, thyme & baguette.

If you still have room for dessert the creme brulee and the St. Stephen cheesecake;  hazelnut cookie crust with seasonal berries are excellent.

The wine list, with a decided French bent has a nice mix of higher end wines and bottles under $50.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. Tall , cozy booths envelop the diner and make for intimate conversation.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Small plates and elevated bistro staples are the draw at this French kitchen in Asbury Park, which also serves brunch in stylish digs with a busy bar mixing classic and creative cocktails. ZAGAT

Like Balthazar in NYC, Pierre’s in Bridgehampton is my favorite all-round restaurant in the Hamptons. You can eat any meal here, or just stop in for wine and cheese. The food and atmosphere are wonderful. Pierre’s is like having St. Tropez, St. Barts and the Hamptons all in one restaurant,

A mahogany bar festooned with fresh flowers lines the left side of the room as you enter. The rooms are all decorated in white with burgundy accents (booths and curtains) and colorful artwork. Diners can enjoy a fireplace in the back room or outside dining in warmer weather.

Pierre’s Gourmet Market opens at 7am and is stocked with delightful pastries, tarts, croissants, quiches, sandwiches and more.

Breakfast brings fresh organic smoothies and juices, pastries and croissants from the market, omelets with goat cheeses, and herbs and vegetables, French toast and wonderful special items like Oeufs en Meurette; Poached eggs with caramelized onions, bacon, mushroom, veal stock Served with toasted brioche.

For lunch/brunch add burgers, salads, oysters, lobster, sandwiches like the Croque Monsieur, Tarte flambée Alsacienne aux lardons et oignons; thin crust topped with fromage blanc, onions, and bacon and more.

The dinner menu features a wonderful variety of beef, chicken, shellfish, fish and more. Some highlights; 2 lb Maine lobster fricassée, flambé with Cognac and tarragon. Served with French fries, Grilled tuna steak with an olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Tabouleh salad & shoe string potatoes, Roasted ORGANIC free-range chicken, with ratatouille and potato purée, Aussie Free-Range Natural rack of lamb prepared with mustard and “herbes de Provence” Served with French string beans and gratin Dauphinois and Grilled Pasture raised hanger steak with Béarnaise sauce, watercress and French fries.

The wine list, though heavily French, has representatives from the major wine regions of the world. There are some great choices here, albeit somewhat pricey, but there are also plenty of reasonable choices as well.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“You almost feel Parisian at this posh Bridgehampton bistro say Francophiles high on chef-owner Pierre Weber’s seafood-focused menu, brimming with traditional French fare and outstanding desserts that generate good buzz among the see-and-be-seen crowd; though some contend it’s a bit pricey with spotty service, sidewalk seating and excellent pastries from the adjacent bakery are summer delights that make it hard to ignore.” ZAGAT

One of our favorite authors, Linda Fairstein, writes crime novels based in NYC. Her lead character and friends frequent a number of restaurants in the City and Primola is one of them. She made the Clams Oreganta and the Chicken Parmesan sound so delicious, we had to try it.

Known for its celebrity, politician and mob clientele….and its great food, this iconic upper East Side Italian is always packed and most people appear to be regulars. It is a wonderful clubby atmosphere and very comfortable.

In fact, when we got our menus, there was no Clams Oreganata or Chicken Parmesan on it. Turns out these are items for “regulars” off the menu. When I ordered them, the bartender said, “sure, welcome back”. On another occasion when I ordered the same thing, the owner came over and bought us a drink. Guess it pays to be “in the know”.

This was the best Chicken Parm I have ever had. Perfectly round on the plate, about a 1/2″ think and a little crispy. I dream about it…. Other great items on the menu that we have tried: Filetto Di Vitello Harris, thinly sliced veal with mustard sauce and radicchio;  Costoletta Di Vitello Piemontese, veal chop with black truffles and puric of wild mushrooms; Petto Di Pollo Alba, breast of chicken with truffles and fontina cheese. Prices are surprisingly modest for a NYC restaurant.

Somewhat limited wine list and a little pricey, but we always seem to get some kind of special on a wine.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so much, but it is fun.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
No stranger to “Page Six” mentions, this “clubby” Italian satisfies its “moneyed UES” clientele with “dependable” pastas at “steep prices”; count on service “with a smile” if you’re a regular, a “celebrity” or “wearing dark glasses”, though first-timers may find the “attitude” “intimidating.” ZAGAT

It’s easy to miss Queequeg’s as you walk around town as it is tucked away on a small street, but not if you talk to the local’s. It’s one of the favorites, both for great food and reasonable prices.

Inside, the small, intimate dining room is cozy and comfortable and decorated with faux finished rust colored walls with dark wainscoating and trim. An eclectic art collection adds color and whimsey to the space. Black and white tile floors compliment the dark wood trim and a huge picture window brings light or a views out onto the street. Mahogany tables center the room and booths ( I love booths) surround the floor.

A great little bar sits at one end of the room and judging by the fact that we could never get a seat, it is a hot spot for drinks…..mostly locals, they know what time to come and get a seat. The drink menu is unusual and worth the trip alone….even if you have to stand.

You can eat at the bar, in the dining room, or as we did, on a delightful little deck outside. There were just a few tables, it was quiet and perfect for an intimate conversation. Summer of ’11 introduced a new outside bar which is shared with sister restaurant Town.

The menu has about 8 appetizers, two can also be entrees, and 6 entree choices. My tuna tartare appetizer was served with a wonderful homemade guacamole with tortilla chips. Jen’s lobster and crab cake was filled with meat and served with a cucumber mint slaw and homemade tartar sauce. A Burgundy style braised short rib was cooked to perfection in a red wine sauce and served over sour cream mashed potatoes and Jen’s mushroom and sweet corn risotto was sprinkled with Pecorino cheese and a mushroom cream. Simple but tremendously satisfying.

The wine list is small but has some wonderful selections and may just have the best prices on the island. Oggi Pinot Grigio was priced at $28, a Chateau Vitalis Pouilly Fuisse at $48 and a Castle Rock Pinot Noir at $35 ( I buy this at home for $15, so there is none of the usual gouging here). Even the reserve list, called Captain Ahab’s list has choices under $50. Hats off to the owners!

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Great on the patio or inside in a booth.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Queequeg couldn’t have imagined” Eclectic–New American dishes as “amazing” as those presented at this “Melville-inspired” spot in Nantucket, each of which is served up in a “whale of a portion” for a relatively “reasonable” sum year-round; the “quaint” space is “cozy” (read: “small”), though you can always “harpoon a table outside in the summer.” ZAGAT

In almost every town, there’s a place that people, locals and visitors alike, seem to gravitate. It becomes a favorite for any number of reasons, but mostly because it feels good to be there. Rutherford Grill is just such a place. Owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group who have restaurants all over the country, we became fans when we first visited the East Hampton Grill in New York. Here’s the very simple formula; limited but well done casual menu, a fun vibe, great décor, a warm staff and an excellent wine list. We enjoyed the EHG so much on our last visit, we went back a second night!

Rutherford Grill is right on Rt 29 in the heart of the valley. Anchored by a big island bar and an open kitchen, you can dine inside in cozy booths or outside on the patio. There’s a wonderful energy here and odds are good you’ll sit next to a winemaker from the valley at the bar.

The burgers are delicious, the prime rib outstanding and the ribs are fall off the bone tender. I love the rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes and never miss an order of deviled eggs or the cornbread.

The basic wine list is interesting and varied with virtually nothing over $100. The reserve list has some outstanding wines with prices to match. However, should you decide to bring your own wine, there is no corkage fee.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so much, but it is lively and fun.

WHAT OTHERS SAY
“Delicious and consistent”, this “reasonably priced” Napa Valley “gem” wins fans with its “awesome” Californian cuisine including “to-die-for” cornbread and a “must-try” grilled artichoke delivered by “attentive yet not overbearing” servers amid “mid-20th-century roadhouse” decor; “lovely” outdoor seating and an “extensive” wine list plus “no-cost corkage” are added reasons this “busy” favorite is deemed “absolutely worth the wait.” ZAGAT

Just a short 8 miles from the center of New Hope or Lambertville, an evening at the Sergeantsville Inn is a step back in history.

Rebuilt after a tragic fire, the new Inn has maintained the charm of the historic building while adding in modern conveniences. Stone walls, beamed ceilings, tile or clapboard floors, fireplaces and small intimate dining rooms create a most romantic setting. Crisp linens and gleaming tableware add a touch of elegance.

Arrive a little early for your reservation to enjoy a drink in the cozy pub. There’s a remarkable martini menu, some 13 beers on tap and a nice selection of wines by the glass.

The menu is uber comfort food with a fantastic selection of game like an Elk Rack, Venison London Broil, Seared White Pheasant, Buffalo Hanger Steak and Texas Boar Rack. But you can also enjoy Australian Lamb Shank, Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs, Soy Duckling, Pork Cassoulet, Shrimp Jambalaya and more.

This is a wonderful wine list, both for its variety and pricing. There are about 30 wines by the glass and @ 15 ½ bottles. The main list offers something from most wines regions in the world and the prices are pleasantly reasonable.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Very romantic, sexy lighting, a warming fireplace and intimate rooms.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Dripping with atmosphere, this Colonial-era structure in Sergeantsville features enough fireplaces and stone walls to lend a rustic feel to the swooningly romantic mood; the can’t-go-wrong American menu also includes out-of-the-ordinary game dishes, while the less expensive tavern has neighborhood hangout written all over it.” ZAGAT

When you go for dinner in the middle of the week and the parking lot is full, the bar crowded and all the tables occupied, it’s a pretty good tip-off that the food is going to be good and the Shipwreck doesn’t disappoint.

It’s become kind of the “go to” place for locals, a restaurant that delivers consistently and one where you are likely to run into some friends. Trying new restaurants is fun, but when you want to be guaranteed a delicious meal, you won’t go wrong here.

The feel is casual with a touch of elegance. A soft color palette and exposed ceiling duct work are coupled with linen table cloths and china. The bar, which occupies almost half of the space, is always lively and the bartenders are competent and friendly. There’s an open kitchen and some interesting artifacts on the walls and in display cases from Bill’s salvage dives.

This is the place to enjoy extraordinary seafood from salmon to tuna to lobster and more. Chef Terry is a master at taking a piece of fish and creating a masterpiece of flavors and textures around it. It is the only local place that serves fresh Dover Sole and it is priced below market at $39.

There’s an excellent raw bar with varieties of oysters and clams and fat jumbo shrimp. Try the Ship Wreck Shellfish Sampler. You can get lobsters fresh from their own tanks, a number of different cuts of beef and lamb. The beef is marinated and served with garlic mashed potatoes, onion rings and creamed spinach.

The wine list is about 50 bottles strong with some good choices and excellent values. There are plenty of options under $50.

The bar, the food, the service and the ambiance all combine to make this a must stop when you are at the Jersey Shore.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Not so much. Can be loud.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
TASTE Award winner for:
Outstanding Restaurant: Fine Dining
Outstanding Restaurant: Seafood
Outstanding Restaurant:Cocktail Program
Outstanding Restaurant: Wine Program
Chef of the Year
Surf ‘n’ turf “done at an elevated level” is the lure at this “only-game-in-town” Brielle seafooder with “driftwood”-enhanced decor and “pleasant” service; although it’s “priced like Manhattan” and “noisy” at the bar, distractions include “exceptional views of the boats” sailing on the Manasquan River. ZAGAT

I read an article recently where a New York restaurateur was complaining that restaurants that had been around for a long time get little attention from the press and critics. Everyone, he said, wants to talk about the “new, hot” place and they don’t give any credit to longevity. Such is not the case in Charleston, where despite lots of newcomers to the dining scene, old favorite Slightly North of Broad (SNOB to the locals) still gets the attention it deserves.

I must admit that I had skipped this restaurant on previous trips in favor of the latest dining addition. Now I know what I was missing. SNOB is a favorite of many in Charleston and for good reason. It feels comfortable to be here. You sense the locals view this as “their place”.

The restaurant inhabits a 19th century brick warehouse. A cozy 6 person bar sits to the right of the entrance with a view of the entire dining room. The dining room itself is somewhat narrow but deep, with high ceilings painted dark and exposing stainless duct work. The walls are painted a beige faux finish and adorned with iron sconces and colorful local art. Hardwood floors are strewn with carpet runners. The back wall is brick and frames an open kitchen. Recessed lighting throws just the right amount of light and large pillars break up the room into smaller dining areas. The effect is what you might expect when turning a warehouse into a restaurant…part rustic, part elegance.

Executive Chef Russ Moore makes generous use of fresh, local ingredients and combines that with traditional French techniques and creative use of low country spices and seasonings.

On this night I started with the Steamed Clams, Clammer dave’s clams, parsley, roasted garlic cream and a grilled baguette.

I couldn’t resist the signature BBQ tuna which was really more of a mustard glaze and served with oysters,country ham, green onions and fresh tomatoes. Easy to see why they are known for this dish.

Really nice wine list with some great choices and very, very reasonable prices. About 20 wines by the glass and about 18 half bottle chocies.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Pick a table along the outer wall or in one of the left side corners and you’ll enjoy a decidedly romantic evening.

A “Charleston institution”, this French Quarter classic offers “fine Southern dining”with a “slight touch of elegance” and an “innovative” “taste of the Lowcountry”; “always-on-the-mark” waiters, an “extensive wine list” and a “cozy atmosphere” add to the “top-notch dining experience.” ZAGAT

Straight Wharf is one of the most romantic restaurants on the island and when coupled with its wonderful food, it’s the perfect “special occasion” restaurant. Located right on the wharf overlooking the Harbor, you can dine under the stars in good weather or enjoy the view through large paned windows from inside.

The interior has a kind of rustic elegance about it. Vaulted ceilings are strewn with hanging fabric. Two walls are weathered cedar shingles, two glistening white trimmed paned windows looking out onto the Harbor. Walls are covered with colorful brightly lit abstract art and the tables are set with white linens covered in a brown paper and set with a pot of fresh herbs and hurricane lanterns. Wonderfully romantic and intimate.

The menu changes often, but makes great use of local produce and fish. Amanda Lydon has a wonderful pedigree with stints throughout Europe and Boston and she and partner Gabriel Frasca bring a fresh perspective to this delightful 30 year old restaurant.

On this night in September, we shared a parpardelle Bolognese that someone in the lounge raved about from the bar menu. They were kind enough to make it for us in the dining room and it was magnificent. Rich, flavorful with a hint, I think, of nutmeg.

For entrees, Jen chose a chicken cooked under a brick with farro (a kind of barley), spiced pecans and red grapes. A wonderful combination of flavors and textures. My braised short ribs were served with truffled heirloom grits, maitake (a mushroom) and tiny carrots. The meat fell off the bone and to my surprise the grits were the perfect foil for the rich meat.

Not usually dessert eaters, but a “French toast” with maple walnut ice cream caught our eye and we happily shared it.

A glass of port and we were good to go, the perfect end to our time on the Island.

The wine list is very good, but expensive. As usual, especially here on the Island, I would like to see more choices under $50.

The service was excellent; efficient and crisp. Serving is a team effort with meals served by more than one waiter. This kind of service is somewhat surprising for a seasonal restaurant, but a testament to the training. Two nice touches; we were asked if we were celebrating anything and when we mentioned we had gotten married the week before, they quietly brought us champagne. When the bill came, it was handwritten, not a computer print-out. Just seemed nice to us.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High….. dark and sexy and conducive to intimate conversation.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Locavores and fish lovers” are “never disappointed” by this “unparalleled” Nantucket spot right on the harbor and open only in high season, when “always-fresh”, “delicious” seafood is “simply prepared” using area-sourced ingredients; a “lovely”, “eclectic” dining room and deck are manned by “courteous, professional” servers pouring “wonderful” drinks and selections from the “good wine list.” ZAGAT

For a more casual, less “fancy” dinner, Taste Bistro & Bar at Mirror Lake Inn is a favorite. It’s a cozy, dark little nook, located off the bar area with a wonderful fireplace and great views of the lake and mountains. The basic menu is comfort food personified. Try the Lobster Risotto Fritters. Maine lobster, creamy fontal risotto, panko breading, pickled vegetables, yuzu vinaigrette, their signature Fried Brussels Sprouts with Fresh lemon and sea salt. The burger is very good and the “The House Favorite” Kilcoyne Farms Pot Roast is like Grandma used to make. Pasture-raised local beef, caramelized root vegetables, and local potatoes. Also loved the Chicken Prosciutto-Marsala. FreeBird chicken breast, mushrooms, tomato, garlic, sage and marsala wine, crispy prosciutto, whipped potatoes and green beans

Anything you select can be paired with wines from their wonderful award winning wine list.

Owners Johno Morisano and Chef Mashama Bailey joined together to transform a 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal that had fallen into disrepair into The Grey, the hottest restaurant in Savannah. The designers modernized the property but kept the elements of the historical building that serve as the foundation for its charm.

They describe their cooking as “Port City Southern” which is southern ingredients with European influences. Bailey is largely self-taught (from the women in her family) but her experience extends to Prune in NYC and she was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast award in 2018.

Start with one of their creative cocktails or one of nearly 50 wines by the glass. House (1892 Atlantic Buccaneer, rum, cacvhaca, babana, OJ and milk nectar) and Vintage (New York Sour, bourbon, lemon, sugar and red wine) and a fun selection of Atlantic Trade Flights like a Sloop John, Vintage Plantation Rum from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica. For snacks try the Corn Nuts or the Pickled Egg.

The Diner Bar is open for lunch and offers some wonderful items like Ham and Potato Croquettes, Hot Dogs, Chicken Fried Schnitzel Sandwich and amazing Beignets for dessert.

For dinner the diverse menu includes these favorites;  Shrimp Boil with watermelon, tomato and  basil; Whole Ro

asted Trout with fresh sweet onion relish, tomato and habanero; Chicken Country Captain with curry, almonds and currants. For dessert try the Beignets (again!) or the Frozen Chocolate Souffle with espresso almond crumble and benne seeds.

Nearly 50 wines by the glass with most priced in the $8-$16 range. Some interesting choices including Port, Sherry and Madiera.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
In a renovated Greyhound bus depot from the 1930s on MLK Boulevard, chef Mashama Bailey (a vet of NYC’s Prune who grew up in Savannah) offers contemporary Southern dishes with Italian influences, along with a slate of raw oysters. The land marked space has a skylight, preserved art deco features and an outdoor area, as well as a refurbished ticket booth that now stars as an open kitchen. ZAGAT

About 30-45 minutes south of Stowe on Rt. 100 is the picturesque little village of Warren, Vermont, just outside the Sugarbush ski area. A little bit of a trip, but I assure you it is worth the drive.

I think there must be a “perfect storm” for dinners when everything comes together to create an amazing evening. Such was the case when we went to the Pitcher Inn in Warren.

We were visiting friends whose vacation home is outside of Middlebury about a 30 minute drive over the mountains. It was one of those softly snowy nights in March, no wind, with a kind of hush over the small village we got to over a quintessential Vermont covered bridge.

Tray ceiling lighting and two large stone fireplaces cast a warm golden glow over the two dining rooms. Wide plank pine floors and gold and green painted walls adorned with striking oil paintings were set against crisp white trim, doors and green Windsor chairs. Fireplace flames flickered in crystal stemware and flower filled vases. Both dining rooms overlook a brook rushing to a small waterfall.

With Sinatra in the background we were ready for what the evening had to offer…and it was quite spectacular.

Our server was a young woman whose extensive knowledge of both the menu and wine list helped us navigate the waters and resulted in some great selections. She even had us taste an open bottle of the wine we selected to be sure we would like it.

The menu changes often dictated by the availability of fresh local products. On this night we started with truffled potato ravioli with fall-off-the-bone braised short ribs, butter poached lobster with a warm vanilla sweet potato salad and seared foie gras with a caramelized apple-sweet potato gratin, pistachio brittle and Calvados sauce. Each so good we were reluctant to share.

For entrees we selected a pan roasted duck breast with leeks served with roasted sweet potatoes, pistachios and a cipollini onion jus; braised lamb shanks with a Flageolet bean ragout; parmesan gnocchi with baby carrots, mushrooms, spinach and roasted peppers and a grilled Vermont grass fed beef tenderloin with Colcannon potatoes and a blue cheese fritter.

We ended with a delightful Vermont cheese course, a decadent chocolate pot, an apple tart and a maple crème caramel.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT

High, particularly on the outside patio beside the rushing falls.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…

Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Award

Maggie Maloney describes in the San Francisco Chronicle;  the Pitcher Inn as “a cozy and charming retreat perfect for a romantic escape”

The Prime Rib, with outposts in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, is rated the #1 steakhouse by Zagat in each of those cities, quite an accomplishment when the competition includes the Capital Grille, Ruth’s Chris and Morton’s.

But the Prime Rib is the perfect blend of excellent food, wine, service and ambiance. The atmosphere harkens back to another age when supper clubs were all the rage and dining out was an event. It’s more casual today, but the feel is the same. Dark walls and soft lighting lend an intimacy to the rooms and live piano music injects just the right amount of gaiety. Leather banquettes and leopard print carpeting complete the clubby décor.

Happy Hour is popular here and during our visit the bar was packed. Why not, when there’s $5 Stoli martinis and a $6 bites menu with deviled eggs, prime rib minis and Kobe pigs in a blanket. Great way to end the day and start the evening.

The menu is classic steakhouse with the usual cuts of beef, chops and seafood, but the prime rib was so perfectly cooked and so delicious that I have been dreaming of my return. Lamb chops were meaty and tender, Maine lobster bisque was thick and loaded with pieces of lobster and the mashed potatoes were creamy and smooth. All in all, when you need your beef fix this is the place to go.

The wine list is not particularly extensive by steakhouse standards, but has some good choices, a section of 30 wines under $50 (yeah!) and sections of underappreciated reds and whites. On the night of our visit, all wines under $200 were half price. We enjoyed a delicious Mettler Petit Syrah, priced at $63 for only $30.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT:
Dark and sexy, this is a place for romance.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Dean and Frank would dig” this Rittenhouse Square “carnivores’ heaven”, “a step back in time” with a “retro dinner-club feel”, where “impeccable” servers bring out an array of “fabulous” steaks “big enough for three meals” while live piano plays in the background; you may need a “corporate expense account” for the bill, but “you get what you pay for”, plus there are “bargains” to be found at happy hour or on the prix fixe menu. ZAGAT

Few restaurants can offer both the feel and the food of the Tuscan countryside as well as Toscano on Beacon Hill. Century-old walnut floors, Italian stone walls, hand-carved doors, and masterfully painted chandeliers create a warm and inviting atmosphere that transport you to the hills of Tuscany. In the warmer months the restaurant spills out onto historic Charles Street.

When I think of Tuscany I think of lemons and olive oil and olives . I think of fresh seafood, Florentine steak, of cheeses and prosciutto handmade in Parma and of the wonderful Sangiovese based Italian wines of the region. Toscano embodies these wonderful characteristics in their traditional Tuscany dishes with handmade pastas, fine local and imported cheeses, house made sausages, wild mushrooms, and fresh vine-ripened tomatoes. Pizzas are crisped to perfection in a stone oven and game and fish cooked alla griglia are enhanced with oak, hickory, and maple.

What to have? Anything grilled like the seasoned wood-grilled shrimp or the wood-grilled Atlantic swordfish loin or the Marcho Farm veal rib chop. The pastas are amazing and the Brianzola Risotto; homemade ground sausage with saffron and tomato is incredible. Leave room for the cheese course and get the one with truffle honey.

Wines by the glass are served in the Quartino format (third of a bottle) which we love and there are nearly 25 wines of them. The full bottle list is rich in Tuscan wines and very fairly priced.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Still a vibrant, excellent choice, this old-style Italian bistro in Beacon Hill has been putting out delectable Tuscan classics since 1983, but the reliably excellent experience extends to its newish Harvard Square sibling too; it’s no wonder both quaint, romantic branches are busy all the time, packed with well-trained servers, repeat customers and, at the Cambridge locale, tipplers downing generous pours of wine from the fun bar.” ZAGAT

We never miss Trattoria La Festa when we are in Stowe. It’s not fancy or upscale, but the owners always seem to be genuinely happy to see you and everyone is having fun.

Picture barn wood and red walls, checkered tablecloths, wine bottles with candles, wonderful music, the aromas of Tuscany and you can imagine Trattoria La Festa. Not romantic in the sense of our other choices, but equally worth the trip. Chef owned by Antonio and Giancarlo DeVito and Patty Hammer, this wonderful spot with homemade breads and salad dressings, old family recipes and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is like coming home to your big Italian family. It is rumored that “Mama” still rules the roost in the kitchen.

There are so many good things to eat here. Try the bruschetta, homemade crusty bread with a number of different toppings. Worth it for the bread alone. Then get an appetizer portion of Ravioli di Pollo – Raviolis filled with grilled chicken and smoked mozzarella in a delicate rose sauce with peas. The penne Bolognese is also a great appetizer choice. For an entrée, I like Mama’s chicken, a 1/2 chicken that has been marinated in herbs and then cooked over a wood fire. I also like the veal marsala, with just the right amount of sweetness from the wine.

Finally for dessert, I can never resist the cannollis, filled with fresh ricotta and chocolate chips and flavored with sambuca.

In nice weather sit out on the porch overlooking the mountains. In colder weather, the side room (you have to go through the kitchen to get there) is more private and has its own fireplace.

The wine list is outstanding, understandably focused on Italian wines, and lovingly assembled. While there are wonderful choices at the high end, there are many reasonably priced wines under $50.

Appetizer $6-$13, entrée $15-$20. Dress is casual. All credit cards accepted.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium, can be noisy, but this is a fun place.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“Like in the movie The Big Night, everybody is clinking glasses of Chianti and having fun. Dark barn-board walls are decorated with celebrity photos. Passion and care arrives with every plate. A fine meal can be assembled just with the many appetizers but do not miss the entrees or dessert. The DeVito brothers’ exceptional entrees and desserts are inspired by regional home cooked specialties from all over Italy. These are the kind of dishes you might have eaten as a child if you had an Italian grandmother. An award winning wine list will accompany every meal, Antonio, Giancarlo, and Patricia will always be there to greet you. Buon Appetito” Gourmet Magazine