Bottega Louie

If you’re looking for a cool atmosphere in downtown LA and some fantastic desserts, I found a place for you.  There are 3 different sections to Bottega Louie Restaurant & Gourmet Market.  There is the bakery counter for you to pick out beautiful looking pastries, an informal cafe seating area, and a more romantic french restaurant dining area.

Unfortunately I only had time to pick out some of the french macaroons and a couple bars of chocolate.  These are the perfect present if you’re going to a house party and you want to pick something up that’s simple but impressive.

French Macaroons in flavours like dark chocolate, coffee, lime, chai, rose, earl grey, etc.  And the bars of chocolate that we tried out were:  Pistachio and Cherry Dark Chocolate, Salted Almond and Raisin Milk Chocolate and Passion Fruit, Hibiscus White Chocolate.  Delicious.  Next time I’m in town I’ll go out of my way to try their Chocolate Souffle.

Location:

700 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 802-1470

www.bottegalouie.com

eleven eleven mississippi

By the same owners as Vin de Set, this is another new favourite in St. Louis.  A Wine Bistro in a restored brick warehouse in Lafayette Square that has a funky but casual atmosphere.

Hearty food with a unique twist of flavours and a great wine selection.  And you must try the Creme Custard Napoleon!

I can’t wait to go back and try out some more menu items.

Location:

1111 Mississippi Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63104
(314) 241-9999

www.1111-m.com

Hemingway’s

If you find yourself in Orlando for (American) Thanksgiving or Christmas, you should also find yourself seated at Hemmingway’s for their holiday brunch.  It is buffet style, but it is definitely more “Style” than “Buffet”.  All of the entrees are cooked to order, and although it is a fixed menu, you can try everything on the menu (if your stomach is big enough).  There is also an incredible raw bar with fresh oysters, shrimp, and huge King crab claws and legs, already shelled for you, so all you need to do is pop large chunks of crab into your mouth.

Brunch comes with unlimited champagne and a delicious dessert bar as well.

Location:

One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Florida, USA 32836

www.hyattregencygrandcypress.com/restaurants

Copperleaf Restaurant

A hidden gem that you would never find unless you knew where it was.  On the Cedarbrook Lodge property, which is the old Washington Mutual corporate resort lodge you have a choice to eat inside in a woodsy lodge environment, or outdoors on their patio – I would definitely recommend the patio if the weather cooperates.

From start to finish the meal was excellent:  Fresh farmer’s cheese plate appetizer, fresh halibut, NY Strip Steak, and a homemade fromage blanc ice cream.

Location:

18525 36th Avenue South

Seattle, WA 98188-4967

Tel: 206.901.9268

www.cedarbrooklodge.com

Japadog

A Vancouver favourite.  This is the perfect combination of traditional street food and Westcoast Japanese flair.

This is a MUST-VISIT in Vancouver and you may see visiting celebrities standing in line beside you.

There are tons of hot dog variations but I’ve heard that the best out of the bunch is the Kurobuta Terimayo Dog (Berkshire Pork dog with teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and seaweed).

Location:

Traditionally a regular hot dog stand in downtown Vancouver, you can find these hot dog carts at Burrard & Smithe, Burrard & Pender, Waterfront Skytrain Station and a new bricks and mortar restaurant on Robson Street.

www.japadog.com

Coastal Kitchen

If you’re looking for a cool place to have breakfast in a cool neighbourhood in Seattle, than look no further.

After rave reviews from a friend, I had to make a stop at Coastal Kitchen.  And wouldn’t you know, being a Saturday morning, of course there was a line up.  But I have to give them credit because everyone was greeted and offered water or coffee.  So despite the wait, you already felt like you were being served.

Every quarter they change their menu to feature different coastal regions regions, which keeps things interesting.  And after tasting the breakfast, I knew why there was a line up.

Smoked salmon scrambler with cajun hashbrowns

Vegetarian scrambler (zucchini, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and feta) with cajun hashbrowns

Location:

429 15th Avenue E
Seattle, WA 98112

206.322.1145

http://www.seattle-eats.com/coastalkitchen/aboutck/

Ivar’s Seafood

I think Ivar’s is a Must-See in Seattle.  I heard many a story about the Famous Clam Chowder and for someone who loves a good bowl of New England Clam Chowder, that’s hard to pass up.

Right in the midst of the harbourfront hubbub and the Pike Market Place frenzy, you can find Ivar’s Acres of Clams.  Sit-down at the restaurant or walk up to the take out counter for clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, dungeness crab salad and as much fried seafood as you can handle.

After 2 bowls of clam chowder (in 2 days) and a plate of huge breaded oysters, I would say I would definitely go back for another taste.

Location:

1001 Alaskan Way (Pier 54)

Seattle, WA

206.624.6852

www.ivars.com