Lincoln….. A Great Choice in Washington DC

This is a another long overdue post (you’ll see a theme here!), as I first visited Lincoln during restaurant week last  fall and have been a few times since.  On each visit I’ve been impressed with the menu, which is unique and changes seasonally, as well as with the exceptional service.   My first visit was on a very crowded weekday evening and I sat at a table in the bar; I was by myself.   The waiter was perfect – not too pushy and didn’t make me feel like I needed to rush to finish my meal.  His recommendations were spot and he even came by to chat occasionally; I suspect he was curious about the notes and photos I was taking!

The selection of wines by the glass is a bit limited, however the options they do have are excellent.  One of my favorites was the Beuhler, California Chardonnay.  There is an extensive choice of spirits and some very unique cocktail options, including infusions such as Bacon Bourbon and Serrano gin.

Back to the menu, which is one of the most interesting I’ve seen in a while.  Most ingredients are locally sourced and it includes unique combinations of ingredients.  This is definitely a good place to venture out of your comfort zone;  everything is small plates or tasting portions which provides the perfect opportunity to try several different things.  I found it very hard to decide on only a few things, which is why I’ve gone back on nearly every trip to DC.  Also, since the menu changes each eason I’m always excited to see what is new.  When they are on the menu, I would say the  seasonal mason jars are a must try.  I also loved the Maryland crab tots with Old Bay aioli. One the menu now is a Chef’s Seasonal Tasting; a great option if you want to have someone else decide for you!

For dessert it was Corn Donughts with sweet summer panna cotta and chilled blueberry compote.  YUM!!

This is a very hip space and you must be sure to check out the floor, which is made from pennies.  I’ve read some complaints that it is noisy, which is true, however it is a great bar scene and the noise is worth it when you consider the excellent food!

 

http://lincolnrestaurant-dc.com

 

 

 

Farallon – Coastal Cuisine in San Francisco

Earlier this year, on a trip to San Francisco for work I had the pleasure of dining at Farallon with my family; I grew up in the Bay Area so San Francisco is a frequent meeting spot for us.  If you are a fan of seafood, this is a place that will never disappoint.  The menu is varied and changes seasonally.  The interior of the restaurant has a very whimsical design; an underwater motif with unique glass sea creatures hanging from the hand-painted mosaic ceiling.

You can expect outstanding service from a top-notch waitstaff who will be happy to assist if you need help navigating the menu; all recommendations were spot-on.  As you may have noticed, I’m a fan of sharing food and small plates, as this means I can try more things!  My sister and I decided to create our own tasting menu, which turned out to be fantastic.

We started with Dungeness crab,which is one of my favorites.   This  version is served with lemon aioli and drawn butter, which make perfect compliments.  We then moved on to the heirloom tomato salad and the mushroom risotto.  We finished with the Diver Scallops, which were seared to perfection.

The wine list is extensive, with something for any taste either by the bottle or the glass.

This is truly fine dining and should not be missed if you are in San Francisco!

 

http://www.farallonrestaurant.com

 

 

 

Blackfinn Ameripub – It Really is an Upscale Sports Bar!

This might be the world’s longest overdue post however, since football season has officially begun,  I thought now would be a good time to finish it!

I don’t typically write about chain-type restaurants, however I decided to make an exception in the case of Blackfinn.  Sunday NFL football comes right behind food and wine as one of my favorite things.  I’m a California native and a die-hard 49ers fan, so finding a place to watch the game can be a challenge, even more challenging is finding a place to watch football where I can actually drink decent wine.  Then, along came Blackfinn.

While it is still bar food, it is definitely upscale and really quite good with some unusual twists such as the Southern Nachos with BBQ pulled pork or the Blackened Brie.  I also really like the flatbreads, with the BBQ Chicken being my favorite.  They have a broad selection of entrees and salads as well.

The wine list is very good, with several options of each varietal by the glass and even more by the bottle.  On Wednesday nights they have half price wine; both bottles and glasses are included.

If there is a Bears game on, I’d definitely suggest reservations, which they take in both the bar and the dining room.  They show multiple games at the same time,  which makes me a very happy person!

 

http://blackfinnameripub.com/chicago/

 

Bottlefork – Possibly My Favorite Chicago Restaurant

Bottlefork is a new endeavor by Kevin Hickey, former Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Chicago, and Rockit Ranch Productions.  The focus is on locally sourced ingredients and unique cocktails.  To really be part of the action,  sit at the bar and watch cocktails being made by the highly skilled bartenders, or ask for a seat a bit further down where you can see the kitchen team at work.  The space is really narrow, and can get very crowded, however I think that just adds to the atmosphere.

The menu includes a variety of small and large plates, with some interesting options.  I think the most unusual item might be the homemade spam!  I’m not sure about this one, but would love to hear from someone who has tried it!

We sampled several different dishes – my favorite of the evening was the potato gnocchi with mushrooms and fresh goat cheese.  The flavors were very balanced and the sauce was a nice complement to the dish.

It is hard to go wrong with a lobster po’boy especially when it is topped with crispy oysters!  The seafood was very fresh and perfectly cooked.  We also had the lamb ribs;  lamb is not always one of my favorites however these were very nicely done with a tangy sauce.

And what meal is not complete without tater tots; this high-end version is well worth the calories!

The wine menu has limited selections by the glass, however the options they do have are very good.  There were four choices for white, and of those three were something I would drink.

I went for a second visit and just had cocktails, which definitely did not disappoint!  We had fun watching the bartender make drinks and chatting with him about the different cocktails and what is most popular.  The focus of the bar menu is really their craft cocktails so stop in one night for a drink and try one, or a few.  My favorite so far is the Little Miss Dynamite!

 

http://www.bottlefork.com

 

 

Venturing out again in Washington DC – Range

On a business trip to DC my friend took me to Range in Chevy Chase Pavilion.  According to their website Range “offers modern interpretations using seasonal ingredients from the Mid-Atlantic region prepared through classic and progressive techniques”.  At first I was a little skeptical, as this is a massive space that is located in the middle of a shopping mall, albeit a very high-end shopping mall.  My skepticism was quickly erased when our first starter arrived!  This is a newish venture from Bryan Voltaggio of Top Chef.  We started with the charcuterie board, which was a mix of  fresh-baked, crisp grilled bread, some thinly sliced salami and a delicious pate.

We then moved on to the Hamachi crudo, which was my favorite dish of the evening.  It was ultra-fresh, melt-in-your-mouth tuna.  For an entrée I had the swordfish, which is one of my favorite choices for fish.  While the fish itself was quite good,  I didn’t love the preparation, as it distracted a bit from the nice fresh fish.

Wine by the glass a theme for me.  I’m a big Chardonnay fan, and also often like to switch wines during the meal as the food changes, so I frequently drink wine by the glass, which makes a good selection of by the glass choices especially important to me.  They have a nice selection by the glass and the wait staff was quite knowledgeable in terms of the wine menu.

With so many innovative options on the menu, this is definitely a place where you want to try a variety of dishes to share.  Overall, we had a good experience and I’d recommend checking it out if you are ever in the area.

 

http://www.voltrange.com

Davanti Enoteca – Italian Small Plates on Taylor Street

I’ll start by saying, if you are looking for a traditional Italian restaurant, with spaghetti and meatballs, this is probably not the place you want to go.  However, if you want good Italian food, with some very unusual combinations, I would highly recommend Davanti!  The concept is small plates, meant for sharing, similar to Spainsh Tapas.  If you don’t like to share your food, also not the place you want to go!  The atmosphere is very nice and the the menu is varied, with something for all tastes.  I’d recommend Davanti for anything from a date to a casual group dinner.

The menu is divided into sections – Vasi (mini mason jars with toast), antipasti, boards salads, fromaggi + salumi (cheeses and meats), flatbreads, pizza, pasta, mains and daily specials.  I’d recommend staring with an antipasti, maybe a jar, one of the boards or some meat & cheese selections and a salad, or two.  Then I’d move on to a flatbread and a couple of mains.  How many choices you’ll need to make will depend on the size of the group.  The waitstaff can help you figure out the right amount of food.

We started with the Focaccia di Recco, which is a focaccia bread with soft cow’s milk cheese, be sure to add the local honey as it makes for a delectable starter.

My favorite pasta was the Caramelle di Zucca – butternut squash filled pasta pockets with brown butter, sage and hazel nuts.  It is a bit rich however very creamy with a hint of sweetness.

I’d also recommend the Bistecca on Patate e Cipollini – hanger steak with cipollini onion and fingerling potatoes.  The steak was perfectly cook and we were able to be cut without a knife.  The Capesante e Fregola – seared scallops with chantrelle mushrooms – was also excellent.

The wine list includes a good selection of mostly Italian wines.

Davanti Enoteca is owned by the same group that created the Purple Pig, so if you have been there, you will see some similarities which in my opinion, is a good thing!

http://www.davantichicago.com

Siena Tavern – A Hot Spot with Good Food!

This is definitely a hot spot in town right now, and actually has been for some time!  During happy hour the bar is packed and most nights you’ll likely need a reservation to get a table.  I’ve been several times and while I’ve read some less than stellar reviews, I have not been disappointed by anything I’ve tried, though some things are certainly better than others.

The service is very good; during my second visit one of our dishes was delayed due to a kitchen issue and the manager came over to apologize; we were having a “girls” night out so had not even really noticed.  Without even being asked,  they took the charge for that dish off the bill.  I consider that to be over and above service.  In general, both the wait and bar staff is very attentive, and knows the menu, including the wine list, well.

For an unusual salad I’d recommend the Farro Salad.  The mixture of Farro, marinated calamari, shrimp and vegetables is topped with a  mustard vinaigrette.

They have a good selection of pasta, most with a unique twist.  If you are a mushroom lover, I’d recommend the Pasta in a Jar.  The pizzas are also good and are a nice size for sharing; my favorite so far is the Prosciutto Pear.

I think the most unusual thing on the menu is the Coccoli, which is a combination of crispy dough, Stracchino cheese, prosciutto and truffle honey.  It is absolutely delicious and melts in your mouth.  Just be forewarned, it is very rich!

A tasty side dish is the Sticky Parmesan Potatoes; they taste much more interesting than the menu makes them sound.

While the 6 plus inches of snow and ground definitely mean that patio season has quite obviously ended, they do have a decent patio, which I’ll look forward to visiting again next summer!

http://www.sienatavern.com

Bridge House Tavern – Great Food & a Great View!

Bridge House Tavern opened just over two years ago right down on the Chicago River. It has a fantastic outdoor space great for lazy summer afternoons and evenings. The indoor space is very nice and especially cozy in the wintertime. The menu includes some unique options for appetizers and entrees, including daily specials, and changes seasonally.

This is one of those places you go over and over; the food is always excellent and both the wait and bar staff are extremely customer focused. It’s the ideal place hang out with friends for an afternoon or evening and enjoy the beautiful city view!

They have some very interesting cocktails which are great for summer afternoon drinking; my two favorites are the Pink Lemonade and the St. BHT.  Cocktails come by the glass and by the carafe – the perfect option when you want to stay for a while! They also have a decent wine list, though a better selection by the bottle than by the glass.

I absolutely love popcorn, so the Bacon Jalapeno Popcorn is one of my favorite things on the menu. The spice from the jalapeno is tempered nicely by the sweet from the honey. And who doesn’t like bacon, which gives it that nice salty taste you expect from popcorn.

My other favorite is the Salmon on Toast; smoked salmon is one of those things I have a love/hate relationship with, this one I absolutely love!  The mix of honey smoked salmon, mascarpone and candied onions really almost melts in your mouth.

A couple of my other favorites include the Tavern Chips and the Wild Mushrooms. The chips are smothered in blue cheese, bacon and mushrooms; definitely not healthy but well worth the indulgence!

I could write for a very long time about how fantastic the food is at Bridge House, however that might get boring so I’ll say that honestly, I’ve been there more than a dozen times and I’ve never had anything that I didn’t like or wouldn’t order again.

As the weather gets warmer, boats cruising down the river pull up and dock at Bridge House, which makes for some good people watching.  On Friday and Saturday evenings, the upstairs terrace is open and provides a great spot to sit and relax on the couches. You can have drinks and a limited appetizer menu.

In the summer they also do a $29 mimosa brunch on Sundays, which can make for a very fun afternoon. The brunch menu is just as tasty and creative as the regular menu.

If you’ve not been I highly recommend stopping by to check it out, you won’t be disappointed!

http://www.bridgehousetaven.com

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Derby – A Lincoln Park Beer Garden

I recently had my first dining experience at Derby, which used to be Charlie’s Ale House (it has been Derby since late 2011).   They have a nice secluded patio with ivy covered walls which is set back from the street.  This makes it a good place to hang out and relax on a warm summer afternoon.  The cocktail menu includes some unique options; my drink of choice was the  Afternoon Delight,  a mix of fresh brewed sweet tea, Stoli Strawberry and lemonade – I could drink these all day!!  Just be forewarned, they are stronger than they taste!

Overall the food was good, though not out of this world.  I’d go back again, probably more for the beer garden and the drinks, however two appetizers noted below really stood out and I’d be interested in trying some of the other things on the menu.

I was with a couple of friends so we sampled several different things.  Best dishes we had were Fresh Baked Bavarian Pretzels and the Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes.  We actually like both of these so much that we had a second order of each!

The pretzels were nice and warm, soft on the inside and just a little bit of crunch on the outside – exactly the way a fresh pretzel is meant to be.  The beer cheddar sauce was my favorite of the dipping sauces.

The Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes were delectable; definitely one of my favorite dishes of the summer.  In theory this is a relatively simple dish, a cornbread cake topped with avocado, pico de gallo and a slightly spicy sauce, with salsa verde for a base.  All of these combine for a light and slightly spicy bite that literally melts in your mouth!

Two of my dining companions had the Seared Tuna Salad and said it was good, but nothing special.

The Buffalo Mac & Cheese was made with Gouda, so the mac & cheese part of the dish itself was pretty mild.  That was  nicely offset by spiciness of the buffalo chicken and sharpness of the blue cheese.  I prefer a more traditional mac & cheese so this dish was not particularly to my taste but had good flavors and the rest of the group enjoyed it.

The Hummus was ordinary, a lot like something that you’d get from the grocery store, with no real unique flavors.

While they promote themselves as having Southern food, I consider it more along the lines of  upscale “bar food”.  That said, the food at Derby is far better than average bar food, however if you are looking for Southern comfort food,  I’d suggest The Southern in Bucktown as a better option.

http://www.derbychicago.com

Prasino – One of Chicago’s Best Patios!

Prasino (pronounced Pra-see-no) means green in Greek.  This Wicker Park restaurant opened in August of 2012 and has become a neighborhood favorite, as well as an attraction for foodies from around the city.

They focus on using organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.  The menu is very diverse and includes everything from sushi rolls to flatbreads, and is a combination of small and large plates.

The patio is a huge draw; Division Street is known for its wide sidewalks and all the restaurants take advantage of that – Prasino is no exception.  The beautiful patio runs the length of the restaurant is on nice days there is typically a wait to be seated.  They have a combination of tables and some nice couches, which are a fantastic spot to sit and relax if you are just having drinks or appetizers.

I live in the neighborhood and have  had the pleasure of dining at Prasino at least two dozen times.  I’ve never had anything that disappointed me, so I’ll talk about a few of my favorites in this post.

The have a small selection of maki rolls, my favorite of which is the Polar Bear.  It combines super white tuna with crab and avocado.  It’s a nice combination of flavors in a unique roll.

According to our waiter, the Lobster Stuffed Avocado is one of their signature dishes.  It is very creamy but not too rich.  It goes very nicely with many of their white wine options.

They have five taco options, including the unique combination scallop and pork belly (I have actually not tried this one).  I love the fish tacos;  they have good flavor and come with a slightly spicy salsa.  I actually prefer them without the salsa so I can more of the flavors of the other ingredients.

The four different flatbread options that are all very good.  My favorite is The Farm which is topped with a blend of soft cheeses and truffle honey.  It is a little bit rich but a nice mix of flavors and goes well with any of their salad options, and is also nice with the French Chardonnay they serve by the glass.

Sunday brunch is another big draw at Prasino!  The menu is unique with several very decadent choices including the Lobster Omelette with Hollandaise.

The wine list is very extensive, both by the glass and the bottle, including some unusual selections that are hard to come by on restaurant menus.  My favorite is the ZD Chardonnay, which is a very traditional oakey, buttery California Chardonnay.  According to the staff they are the only restaurant in Chicago to serve this Chardonnay by the glass.

They also have a good selection of specialty cocktails, including some unique mimosas that vary seasonally; and a nice craft beer selection.  They make their own soda which is fizzy and flavorful.  I had them add vodka to the strawberry lemonade which made a great afternoon cocktail!

It is definitely worth a trip to the west side of the city to check out Prasino!

http://www.prasino.com