JENNA NORTH

JENNA NORTH food, wine & travel
food, wine & travel \| contact me
Restaurant Journeys... California Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen (St. Helena) We booked a large table at the last minute, on a Friday night, and they were able to get us in. I was embarrassed to even ask...but they were very accommodating. It was a fabulous meal (I had the roast quail with figs and arugula), and the wine list was a nice selection from the area and abroad. For those who are into desserts: I am unsure of who the pastry chef is...but the tart was one of the best I have ever had, and the chocolate cupcake with home made pistachio ice cream was fabulous! If your in the area, you cant go wrong here. Thanks to the Greystone at CIA for the recommendation! (they were fully booked) Santa Barbara Farmers Market. Ok, yes, technically not a restaurant, however, some of the best fruit, vegetables, herbs, meat, seafood and other items I have every come across. Its easy to go astray here, and equally easy to find just what you need for a wonderful meal. Well supported by local farmers (many organic) as well as Edible Communities. Year round you can find one every day somewhere in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area. Must try: Ridgeback shrimp from Gorgita Seafoods, honey from San Marcos Farms, and honey dates from DaVall Date Garden. Chicago The Gage Impressive whiskey flights, great views, great menu. Interesting and addictive take on mussels (with curry). The pepper salmon sandwich is awesome and goes well with many of the whites on the glass list. Henri This is located next door to the The Gage their sister restaurant. Chef Dirk Flannigan just returned from doing his first James Beard House dinner – a huge honor and reflection of his talent. There Niçoise salad is one of my favorites (served at lunch). Wine list is phenomenal. DMK Burger Bar This place has the best burgers I have ever had. He has this hatch green chili one (I think its #4) – but only as a special – so if he has it when you are there go for it – awesome. I have had all of the burgers there and there is not a bad one on the menu. I highly recommend this place…the entire menu is delicious. Floss Food Trucks/Meatyballs Mobile If you follow them on Twitter or text you can figure out where they will be. Meatballs galore – and some of the best I have ever had. Avec Mediterranean inspired, as well as a huge selection of small plates. Wine list is mostly French, Italian, and Spanish wines, nice selection. Kith & Kin Love the concept, as well as the menu. You might consider doing brunch here too. Leopold Chicago Belgium inspired food and beer. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the beer or plates here. Bangers & Lace Enormous craft beer selection as well has a nice selection of gastropub small plates. Colorado Silver Grill (Ft. Collins) Again, I could be a little bias (it was started by my husbands grandmother and her family), however, I dare you to go their for breakfast and disagree with me. If I am in Colorado, I go, I don't care how far I have to drive. Must haves (in no special order): veggie benedict, breakfast burrito w/ green chili sauce (ask for extra), and the cinnamon roll French toast. I am sure the lunch there is just as good, but never have had it. If you go on the weekend prepare for a line - but worth the wait. Great service too...everything comes as ordered and fairly quickly. Great coffee as well. Bisetti's (Ft. Collins) Nice classic Italian-American fare. Canton Palace (Loveland) They have the best sesame scallops ever. I can eat the whole platter (assuming I don't have to share). Florida The Grape (Tampa) Ok, lets say you shopped a bit (at International Plaza), then you needed to eat. Perhaps there are some nice shoes at Nordstrom's you want, but your (insert the other person that shares the $ decisions) disagrees with your desire to purchase said shoes and you need to ease the situation. In either scenario, The Grape will fit the bill. Nice, controlled selection (you don't have think too hard but but the staff is on hand to offer assistance) and price points on wine, and presently surprised by the cheese and charcuterie they offer. In the end you can pick up a few bottles to take back to the hotel room too (with the shoes). Montana The Nova Cafe (Bozeman) This is a must for breakfast/brunch! I have never had a bad meal here. If you like fresh OJ, farm fresh eggs, dig the whole farm to table idea, this is where you need to eat. The chalkboard up front lists the selection of local purveyors for the day and what they brought to the table. Once your done you can go down the street to the guy that makes custom belts. Union Grille at The Grand Union (Ft. Benton) Ok, well I am partial to anything Ft. Benton since I spent every summer of my childhood their, however, this restaurant is superior! I have had many meals here, all seasonal, full of surprises, flavor, and imagination. I highly recommend staying at the hotel and having at least 3 meals there. If you like to fish, hunt or camp, Ft. Benton has a lot to offer and the Union is a great place to start and end. NYC Bar Boulud (UWS): Michael Madrigale, Chef Sommelier: If you can attend one of his Saturday Tasting Tables I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed. I have never learned so much about wine in such a short amount of time. Bar Henry Bistro (Greenwich Village) Panko fried oysters, fantastic wine list (selection and price points) - including half bottles. This is a great place to start your night or meet up with a friend. Ciano (Flatiron District): John Slover, Sommelier (also at Bar Henry) has continued his half bottle market program here at Ciano. Suggestions to try: mixed olives (very simple and uncomplicated) and the ricotta cavatelli with duck sausage and Swiss chard. The wine selection is extensive, ask for assistance from the Sommelier if you are unsure how to pair with your meal. They have started serving lunch, which also proves to provide a satisfying dining experience. Ess-A-Bagel (2 locations) I have dreams about these bagels. The guys working the counter are so much fun...and know just what a gal needs after a LATE night out. :) Even great coffee! Locanda Verde (TriBeCa) Lamb sliders...enough said. I would live here if I could (well, just above). Looking forward to his opening of The Dutch, should be just as interesting and satisfying. You can also follow Chef Andrew Carmellini on his website. Motorino Pizza (East Village) This is the best Neapolitan pie I have had outside of Italy. The Brussels sprout and pancetta was to die for. There is a bar about 3 doors down you can have a drink at while you wait for a table. Also a location in Brooklyn, I assume just as good. The Ritz-Carlton - The Star Bar (Central Park) Awesome Bloody Mary's, beautiful interiors, great conversation and people watching. Nebraska Bread & Cup (Lincoln) Great local and seasonal food, interesting wine menu, fantastic FOH team. Worth a stop in. Chef Kevin Shinn does a wonderful job. You can also follow his blog. The Grey Plume (Omaha) This certified GREEN restaurant opened in late 2010 and is the creation of Chef Clayton Chapman and Co-Owner/Managing Partner Michael Howe. Both come from formable culinary training and experience and have brought that along with the concept of seasonal, resourceful, and creative cuisine to Omaha. Sommelier John Laloganes has created a wine list that is well thought out with a nice variety of BTG as well as sustainable selections. Things to try: Duck fat fries, bison burger, and the French press (in house roasted) coffee. Share \|
JENNA NORTH \| Food, Wine & Journeys \| jenna.north@jnorthonline.com All rights reserved. No content may be duplicated.

JENNA NORTH food, wine & travel
food, wine & travel \| contact me
Restaurant Journeys... California Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen (St. Helena) We booked a large table at the last minute, on a Friday night, and they were able to get us in. I was embarrassed to even ask...but they were very accommodating. It was a fabulous meal (I had the roast quail with figs and arugula), and the wine list was a nice selection from the area and abroad. For those who are into desserts: I am unsure of who the pastry chef is...but the tart was one of the best I have ever had, and the chocolate cupcake with home made pistachio ice cream was fabulous! If your in the area, you cant go wrong here. Thanks to the Greystone at CIA for the recommendation! (they were fully booked) Santa Barbara Farmers Market. Ok, yes, technically not a restaurant, however, some of the best fruit, vegetables, herbs, meat, seafood and other items I have every come across. Its easy to go astray here, and equally easy to find just what you need for a wonderful meal. Well supported by local farmers (many organic) as well as Edible Communities. Year round you can find one every day somewhere in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area. Must try: Ridgeback shrimp from Gorgita Seafoods, honey from San Marcos Farms, and honey dates from DaVall Date Garden. Chicago The Gage Impressive whiskey flights, great views, great menu. Interesting and addictive take on mussels (with curry). The pepper salmon sandwich is awesome and goes well with many of the whites on the glass list. Henri This is located next door to the The Gage their sister restaurant. Chef Dirk Flannigan just returned from doing his first James Beard House dinner – a huge honor and reflection of his talent. There Niçoise salad is one of my favorites (served at lunch). Wine list is phenomenal. DMK Burger Bar This place has the best burgers I have ever had. He has this hatch green chili one (I think its #4) – but only as a special – so if he has it when you are there go for it – awesome. I have had all of the burgers there and there is not a bad one on the menu. I highly recommend this place…the entire menu is delicious. Floss Food Trucks/Meatyballs Mobile If you follow them on Twitter or text you can figure out where they will be. Meatballs galore – and some of the best I have ever had. Avec Mediterranean inspired, as well as a huge selection of small plates. Wine list is mostly French, Italian, and Spanish wines, nice selection. Kith & Kin Love the concept, as well as the menu. You might consider doing brunch here too. Leopold Chicago Belgium inspired food and beer. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the beer or plates here. Bangers & Lace Enormous craft beer selection as well has a nice selection of gastropub small plates. Colorado Silver Grill (Ft. Collins) Again, I could be a little bias (it was started by my husbands grandmother and her family), however, I dare you to go their for breakfast and disagree with me. If I am in Colorado, I go, I don't care how far I have to drive. Must haves (in no special order): veggie benedict, breakfast burrito w/ green chili sauce (ask for extra), and the cinnamon roll French toast. I am sure the lunch there is just as good, but never have had it. If you go on the weekend prepare for a line - but worth the wait. Great service too...everything comes as ordered and fairly quickly. Great coffee as well. Bisetti's (Ft. Collins) Nice classic Italian-American fare. Canton Palace (Loveland) They have the best sesame scallops ever. I can eat the whole platter (assuming I don't have to share). Florida The Grape (Tampa) Ok, lets say you shopped a bit (at International Plaza), then you needed to eat. Perhaps there are some nice shoes at Nordstrom's you want, but your (insert the other person that shares the $ decisions) disagrees with your desire to purchase said shoes and you need to ease the situation. In either scenario, The Grape will fit the bill. Nice, controlled selection (you don't have think too hard but but the staff is on hand to offer assistance) and price points on wine, and presently surprised by the cheese and charcuterie they offer. In the end you can pick up a few bottles to take back to the hotel room too (with the shoes). Montana The Nova Cafe (Bozeman) This is a must for breakfast/brunch! I have never had a bad meal here. If you like fresh OJ, farm fresh eggs, dig the whole farm to table idea, this is where you need to eat. The chalkboard up front lists the selection of local purveyors for the day and what they brought to the table. Once your done you can go down the street to the guy that makes custom belts. Union Grille at The Grand Union (Ft. Benton) Ok, well I am partial to anything Ft. Benton since I spent every summer of my childhood their, however, this restaurant is superior! I have had many meals here, all seasonal, full of surprises, flavor, and imagination. I highly recommend staying at the hotel and having at least 3 meals there. If you like to fish, hunt or camp, Ft. Benton has a lot to offer and the Union is a great place to start and end. NYC Bar Boulud (UWS): Michael Madrigale, Chef Sommelier: If you can attend one of his Saturday Tasting Tables I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed. I have never learned so much about wine in such a short amount of time. Bar Henry Bistro (Greenwich Village) Panko fried oysters, fantastic wine list (selection and price points) - including half bottles. This is a great place to start your night or meet up with a friend. Ciano (Flatiron District): John Slover, Sommelier (also at Bar Henry) has continued his half bottle market program here at Ciano. Suggestions to try: mixed olives (very simple and uncomplicated) and the ricotta cavatelli with duck sausage and Swiss chard. The wine selection is extensive, ask for assistance from the Sommelier if you are unsure how to pair with your meal. They have started serving lunch, which also proves to provide a satisfying dining experience. Ess-A-Bagel (2 locations) I have dreams about these bagels. The guys working the counter are so much fun...and know just what a gal needs after a LATE night out. :) Even great coffee! Locanda Verde (TriBeCa) Lamb sliders...enough said. I would live here if I could (well, just above). Looking forward to his opening of The Dutch, should be just as interesting and satisfying. You can also follow Chef Andrew Carmellini on his website. Motorino Pizza (East Village) This is the best Neapolitan pie I have had outside of Italy. The Brussels sprout and pancetta was to die for. There is a bar about 3 doors down you can have a drink at while you wait for a table. Also a location in Brooklyn, I assume just as good. The Ritz-Carlton - The Star Bar (Central Park) Awesome Bloody Mary's, beautiful interiors, great conversation and people watching. Nebraska Bread & Cup (Lincoln) Great local and seasonal food, interesting wine menu, fantastic FOH team. Worth a stop in. Chef Kevin Shinn does a wonderful job. You can also follow his blog. The Grey Plume (Omaha) This certified GREEN restaurant opened in late 2010 and is the creation of Chef Clayton Chapman and Co-Owner/Managing Partner Michael Howe. Both come from formable culinary training and experience and have brought that along with the concept of seasonal, resourceful, and creative cuisine to Omaha. Sommelier John Laloganes has created a wine list that is well thought out with a nice variety of BTG as well as sustainable selections. Things to try: Duck fat fries, bison burger, and the French press (in house roasted) coffee. Share \|
JENNA NORTH \| Food, Wine & Journeys \| jenna.north@jnorthonline.com All rights reserved. No content may be duplicated.