Portobello Mushroom and Feta Lasagna
This recipe features the meaty texture of the Portobello mushrooms and the tanginess of feta cheese. Perhaps best of all, this dish is simple to make and very, very easy to enjoy. [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Malaga Tapas & Bar
Malaga managed to feel chic but not smug, established but not old, relaxed but not lazy. True to Austin form, Malaga has created an excellent outdoor patio for dining, in addition to the very European interior. [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Texas Boil
Rule number one? Get some crab boil seasoning, preferably Old Bay. Oh, and a really, really big stockpot. [Lauren Westerfield]
Outerlands
San Francisco's Outerlands is the Nick Drake of restaurants. Not famously known and artistry one must actively seek out in order to add to their collection and enjoy. [KayJay]
Terroni:
Toronto, ON
The customer-is-always-right knee jerk response is predictable and undoubtedly responsible for the scattered trash reviews of Terroni's service. [Brady Baker]
Red Pepper, Corn and Potato Chowder
Although chowders are traditionally prepared with either some variety of pork or seafood, definitions are fast and loose these days. [Nathan Kamal]
Cocktail: Mulled Wine
This is a fine and glorious thing, since few tipples are more fitting on a cold winter's night than a warm, steaming and preferably brandy-spiked mug of the wine lover's answer to apple cider. [Lauren Westerfield]
District:
San Francisco, CA
District is the type of place where everyone is talking animatedly to one another about some extremely salient topic while simultaneously eying each other's designer footwear. [Jessica Bari]
Burger Lounge
San Diego, CA
Burger Lounge doesn't belabor the point, but they're certified green and obsessed with being organic, biodegradable, and all those other wonderful things that the cynical and ignorant write off as annoying, trendy buzzwords. [Danny Djeljosevic]
Péché
Austin, TX
Austin finally gains a cocktail bar. [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Vegetarian Greek Lasagna with Lemon-Tomato Sauce
The lemon sauce, kalamata olives and feta cheese in particular set this lasagna apart from other veggie varieties, adding a tangy zing to the dish that fans of Mediterranean fare will love. Slice it big, serve it hot, and enjoy with a flavorful cabernet or zinfandel. [Lauren Westerfield]
Living Room Cafe:
San Diego, CA
The vibe of the place is very college cafe, albeit with a fancier decor which includes furniture that looks like it was scored at consignment shops to make it look like -- guess what -- a living room. The ultimate effect is that some college hipsters took over a quaint Southern restaurant. [Danny Djeljosevic]
Orange Bread
This venerable recipe is good in the summer and the winter. If you love the sweetness of citrus fruit, try making this comfort food. [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Mike's Chili Parlor:
Seattle, WA
If you're the kind of person who's made it this far in my review of a place that serves chili on top of spaghetti, you're exactly the kind of person who'll appreciate Mike's. [Chris Middleman]
Spicy Garlic Lentils
It seems like everyone has their own favorite way of preparing the hearty and versatile lentil, but we think this recipe works really well with the texture of the bean. [Benjamin Bernstein]
Pies & Pints:
Seattle, WA
Just like the name itself, the fare at Pies and Pints is simple and unadorned. The menu essentially consists of the aforementioned pies and pints, with a few staple comfort foods thrown in for good measure. [Nicola Fairhead]
COCKTAIL: The Old-Fashioned
One of the oldest American cocktails is the Old-Fashioned. Perhaps because it seems so simple-it's essential whiskey cut with sugar and water-people seem to want to muck with it. [Lukas Sherman]
Captain Black's:
Seattle, WA
Long waits, loud customers and a big gaffe for Seattle's rainy months. The chicken and waffles are divine, however. [Nicola Fairhead]
BBQ Pork Shoulder
Barbecues are one of the great rituals of summer, but a long season of them can easily lead to a case of grilling fatigue. You can only eat so many burgers/hot dogs/sausages before the magic is lost. But there are other things you can do with a charcoal grill. [Jesse Cataldo]
Romeo's:
Austin, TX
It seems there are some things harder to find in Austin than a Republican. How about decent Italian food? [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Black and Green Olive Tapenade
We welcome you into the wonderful world of olives, if you have yet to visit. To celebrate, let's make some tapenade. [Aimee Herman]
Le Café Crepe:
Austin, TX
A corner café that will make you believe in the little pancake that could. [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Pascal's Manale:
New Orleans, LA
Situated in the lush Garden District and a 20 minute trolley ride along St. Charles Street from the French Quarter, Pascal's Manale is the creator of the New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
Pousse Cafe
Want to know what a Beatle drank? [Jane Hruska]
Devil's Den:
Philadelphia, PA
Devil's Den is extremely cool. In a literal sense, it's relatively dark and den-like, exactly what I wanted after my walk as the rest of Philly jostled for tables at outdoor cafes. Figuratively, it's a haven for local hipsters, often jam-packed on weekend nights and during happy hours. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
Tandoori Chicken - Middleman Style
Anyone who's had good Indian food becomes a life-long convert; there's some kind of alchemy at play in the fresh-ground spices used in dishes like Saag or Vindaloo. [Chris Middleman]
Baked Feta
Using the freshest ingredients possible will bring out the low-key vibrancy of this summery staple that simply screams Mediterranean. [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Podnah's Pit Barbecue
Portland, OR
See, I've heard almost hyperbolically good things about Podnah's (pronounced like an old Texan slurring "partner") and had a deep fear that their famed pork short ribs would be sold out. [Nathan Kamal]
Tequila-Lime Marinade
This tasty marinade that takes just a few minutes to prepare and delivers fantastic flavor to any meat, poultry or fish you desire. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
El Modelo:
Albuquerque, NM
To say that El Modelo is a New Mexican institution is to minimize its value -- the Modelo is a national treasure, an historic landmark. [Jane Hruska]
Oddfellows Cafe & Bar:
Seattle, WA
On a sunny afternoon, Oddfellows is at its picturesque peak, bright and brimming with stylish clientele. This is the sort of place filled raucous lunch parties, quiet couples and lone diners casually flipping through profound works of fiction. [Nicola Fairhead]
Spicy Italian Sausage Casserole
Serve it in front a black and white TV, '50s style, or out in the garden with a glass of mild Chianti. Either way, it's a casserole and it's delicious. [Nathan Kamal]
Mercato:
Philadelphia, PA
Mercato is a cozy cash-only BYOB that cranks out tasty, upscale Italian dishes in a space that could just as easily be in New York's East Village. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
Peach Dump Cake
If consumed past its expiration date it also just might wreak havoc on your bowels. It's called dump cake for a few reasons, you see. [Eric Dennis]
Anchovies:
Boston, MA
With the look and feel of a dark, seedy tavern, Anchovies serves up homey pastas, tasty pizzas and other Italian-American dishes rather than the standard pub fare. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
Balsamic Marinated Strawberries
This is an easy, no-cooking dessert that can either serve as its own dish or as an ingredient. It's simple, quick and makes you seem way classier than you are. And remember, just like any wine, the better the vinegar, the better the dish. [Nathan Kamal]
Pickled Red Onions with Bay and Oregano
Garnishes get a bad rap. Too often the parsley is dumped on the side of the plate, the orange blossoms are thrown away and the multitude of flavors that such overtly visual ingredients add are dismissed. But a garnish can be more than a punctuation mark on a dish. [Nathan Kamal]
Three Pizzerias:
Brooklyn, NY
The classic New York slice may have been born in Manhattan, but Brooklyn is where it retired. That's not surprising. Like all the boroughs, Brooklyn is equally overrun with these kind of shoddy impersonators, but its size and profusion of isolated corners has allowed some old standards to survive unchanged for years. [Jesse Cataldo]
Holy Mole: El Rey de las Salsas
This rich, spicy, brown sauce is said to have at least five different origins, some including nuns. Nutty, unctuous and smoky, mole's intense flavor is the result of hours of simmering over low heat. [Evan LeRoy]
Crif Dogs and PDT:
New York, NY
NBC television recently promoted a contest asking viewers to vote for the best hot dog in NYC. Crif was victorious because of their no nonsense, take no prisoners approach to creating the red-hot of red hots, the pinnacle of puppies, the first in franks. [Jane Hruska]
Gnocchi in Sage Brown Butter
So good restaurant quality gnocchi is only something that Italian grandmothers and chefs with tall hats can make, right? Wrongidy wrong wrong. [Evan LeRoy]
Hill Country BBQ:
New York, NY
The deliciously marbled moist brisket at Hill Country melts on the tongue and leaves patrons drooling for more. This is how barbecue should taste. [Evan LeRoy]
Cocktail of the Week: Michelada
We know what you're thinking, "Ice in my beer? Are you a terrorist or something?" We were skeptical too, but that soon disappeared. [Lukas Sherman]
Shortbread Biscuits
Traditional British fare that is a bit too dry and crumbly to be enjoyed on its own, but perfect for all dunking purposes. [Nicola Fairhead]
C.I. Shenanigans:
Tacoma, WA
C.I. Shenanigans: the food was excellent, the service impeccable, and the prices couldn't be beat. [Andrew Cray]
Curra's Grill:
Austin, TX
Famous in this writer's heart for the avocado margarita. But just what the hell is Interior Mexican Cuisine? [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Chili Thai:
Puyallup, WA
Chili Thai is a quaint little restaurant located in the South Hill district of Puyallup, Washington only a lob wedge away from the center of downtown Tacoma. [Andrew Cray]
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Originally known as Mexican Wedding Cakes and Sugar Cookies, these little confectioneries are closely related to Russian Tea Cakes, but have a sophisticated and ancient global history. [Jane Hruska]
Noodle Cafe:
Newport, OR
The Noodle Café is the best of both worlds. After moving from Atlanta, owners Lisa and Han Cheng serve the Chinese food I grew up with but with only a modicum of the grease that accompanies it. But to call the Noodle Café a Chinese restaurant is doing the place a great disservice; pan-Asian is the most fitting description. [David Harris]
Silence-Heart-Nest
Seattle, WA
Vegetarianism is an ever-growing trend in Seattle and for some has become quite a status symbol- bonus indie cool points for veganism! Not that it's about cool points, obviously. But Silence-Heart-Nest definitely isn't concerned with any ongoing trend. [Nicola Fairhead]
Lemon, Lime and Bitters
A refreshing citrus drink via Australia that can be served with or without alcohol. [Mary Holland]
Brigid's:
Philadelphia, PA
Brigid's is known for its stellar beer selection, and the bartenders are more than happy to pass samples your way if you're unsure which suds are for you. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
Melograno
Philadelphia, PA
Though its new digs are much bigger than the former location, getting a table at the no-reservations Melograno can be a challenge. The kitchen closes at 9:45 pm and the stream of prospective diners is seemingly never-ending; getting there any later than around 8:00 pm means that there's a good chance you'll be wandering around Center City with your bottle of wine in search of another BYOB. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
Cupcake:
Minneapolis, MN
Cupcakes are the new fad and this Minneapolis eatery sure knows how to make them. [Mary Holland]
Thai Tom:
Seattle, WA
The service is quick, impersonal and standoffish. But, damn, that food is good! [Nicola Fairhead]
Dim Sum (Shiu Mai)
Tried and true recipe from the daughter of a road warrior, these dumplings are a tasty facsimile of those you love in the restaurant. [Aimee Herman]
Beso:
Los Angeles, CA
Beso means kiss in Spanish and is the perfect description of our experience. I felt like I had been kissed by each morsel of food, each cocktail sip and by the warm and luxurious service. [Meg Galli]
Junior's:
Brooklyn, NY
Our writer has a love affair with a slice of cheesecake. Does it end happily ever after? [Aimee Herman]
FARMiCiA:
Philadelphia, PA
Despite super slow service and just fair entrees, the ambiance, apps and dessert make up for it. [Tara Pierson Hoey]
Manhattan
Though often overshadowed by its more popular and iconic cousin, the Martini, the Manhattan is older and just as regal. If not the king of cocktails, it has a rightful claim to be the prince. [Lukas Sherman]
Guero's Taco Bar:
Austin, TX
A South Austin hot spot, which claims to be worth the struggle for parking on South Congress. [Phyllis Anastasia Gasper]
Provecho Restaurant:
Los Angeles, CA
Are the drinks so strong here to cover up the taste of the food? Our writer explores this new Los Angeles eatery and returns with some sad results. [Meg Galli]
Chicken Riggies
This dish indigenous to upstate New York is anything but healthy. But it's hearty, delicious and quite easy to make. Move over, Vodka sauce! [Jory Spadea]
Udupi Bhavan:
Middletown, CT
Despite the cuisine and lack of meat, Udupi oddly fits into the middle-America landscape just as much as the liquor store next door. [Benjamin Bernstein]
Bolognese Sauce
Classically speaking, a Bolognese is a rich meat sauce, usually served over pasta - it typically includes a soffrito but has as many variations as there are cooks. Here's ours. [Nathan Kamal]
Tee & Cakes:
Boulder, CO
Skip the sandwiches and stay for dessert in this tiny cafe that caters to the ever-growing boutique industry cake craze: the cupcake. [Aimee Herman]
Hollywood Burger Bar:
Portland, OR
An old fashioned meal in an old fashioned setting, the Hollywood Burger Bar is the last of a dying breed. Saddle up to the counter for a taste of history. [Nathan Kamal]
Gimlet
There are several recipes for the gimlet and it is easily adaptable to individual tastes. But please ignore the egregious ones that pollute it with vodka. Gin needs to reclaim its rightful place as cocktail royalty. [Lukas Sherman]
Animal:
Los Angeles, CA
It's meat, meat and more meat on the menu at this Los Angeles eatery. Give in to your inner carnivore and check it out....if you can find it! [Meg Galli]
Cream of Squash Soup
This easy soup is a good way for vegetarians, and non-vegetarians, to stay warm in the remaining months of winter's chill. [Jane Hruska]
Perfect Crepes
Passed down from Quebec, these crepes are, well, perfect! [Jane Hruska]
Kenny and Zuke's:
Portland, OR
Though the food is rather excellent, the hefty price tag may keep this writer from returning to Kenny and Zuke's over and over. [David Harris]
Brandy Milk Punch
Here is a quick, simple recipe to help you get rip-roaring drunk on Fat Tuesday. [Jane Hruska]
Gitlo's Dim Sum Bakery:
Allston, MA
Forget the traditional carts that rove around the room, keeping old food hot. At Gitlo's, the dim sum are made to order and fresh as hell. [Benjamin Bernstein]
Thai Fried Rice
This easy recipe is a good use for that extra, leftover rice we always have to throw out after bringing in Chinese takeout. [Benjamin Bernstein]
Vegan Pancakes
For those of you feeling guilty about eating too much over the holidays, this healthy pancake should alleviate any lingering bad feelings. [Lisa Bahr]
Center Cut:
New York, NY
It is often difficult to find a restaurant that has sophistication, the food to stand up to it and the staff to provide the warmth, but Center Cut scores on all three. [Jane Hruska]
Shepherd's Pie
A warm dish for the winter months, Shepherd's Pie gets a makeover into something much more than meat and potatoes. [Nathan Kamal]
Pomagrita Punch
Some strong punch to get you through the holiday blues. Merry Christmas, bitches. [Lukas Sherman]
Spud Bros.:
Boulder, CO
Grease, grease, grease! We love grease here at Spectrum Culture like no one's business. But what about all those svelte Boulderites? Dig in, people! [Aimee Herman]
Pumpkin Pie
It's the crust that makes the pie. Try this killer recipe that has been passed down from generations before. [Ian Lasell]
Bin 71:
New York, NY
Try this hot, hip little place if you like tight rooms where you can meet new people...if you can get in. [Jane Hruska]
Hipster Thanksgiving
A late opportunity to save some money and make some food. Hey- we eat stuffing at Christmas too, right? [Caren Scott]
Hopvine Pub
Seattle, WA
The $43 for two sandwiches and four beers would have been easier to stomach if the food was actually good. [Chris Middleman]
Ya Hala
Portland, OR
This Lebanese eatery on the outskirts of Portland offers all the usual Middle Eastern favorites and more. [Michael Lawrence]
Coq au Vin
This piquant, savory dish is delicious and also quite easy to prepare. [Nathan Kamal}
Delicatessen
New York, NY
Delicatessen is a beautiful restaurant for beautiful people. But is the food any good? [Jane Hruska]
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