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Winter getaways: 5 sun-soaked destinations for food lovers

OpenTable January 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

The British climate means natural Vitamin D is harder to come by at the start of the year. For the price of a plane ticket, here’s where to find some sunshine – plus plenty of good food and R&R along the way.

Cancún
Cancún is Mexico’s choice for partying, luxury resorts, azure waters and bleach-white sands – the type you rarely see outside holiday brochures. Oh, and an underwater art museum. ‘Luxury’ is certainly the operative word for the dining options here too – there’s Japanese seafood on the waterfront at Tora; Mediterranean fine dining at Fantino; and award-winning modern Mexican dishes at Le Chique. For something more relaxed, head to La Destileria for tacos and tequila overlooking the lagoon.

Bangkok
Almost every year in recent memory, Bangkok was named the most visited city in the world. Why? It has a cuisine among the richest, and a thriving nightlife culture, while popularity among backpackers means it’s used to looking after travellers on a tight budget. Dining options include Sra Bua’s Thai-inspired haute cuisine; top notch Japanese-Korean cuisine Akira Back; and traditional Thai dishes in elegant surroundings at Thara Thong. Diners with a head for heights can enjoy dinner with a view at Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar, Thailand’s highest restaurant.

Hawaii
Welcome to the Rainbow State. Here they have active volcanoes, all the ways to put your feet up, but also some of the best hiking known to man. Here, poke is not a mere ‘food trend’, it’s a local favourite, as Hawaii natives will tell you. Pay a visit to Merriman’s (Honololu) for farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine or Lahaina Gill for the best New American cooking in Maui. For fresh fish and ocean views, there’s Mama’s Fish House, a family-run restaurant on Maui’s north shore.

Florida Keys
Florida Keys is a 125-mile long archipelago off the Florida coast, where the waters are ripe for fishing, watersports, and sealife-spotting. If you’re visiting Key West, grab a table at Seven Fish for locally caught fish dishes like their house specialty, Thai curry snapper. Seafood (grouper, blue crab, swordfish) is also a must-order at Café Marquesa, but Latitudes on the aptly-named Sunset Key has the better views. Otherwise, try Nine One Five for excellent seafood but also meatier options like filet au poivre and pappardelle with kobe beef Bolognese.

Dominican Republic
Haiti’s neighbour, with numerous national parks for a small country, is certainly proud of its nature. Santo Domingo, the capital, has lots of history (clue: pirates), while a Brit can consider it hot all year round. And – this being the Caribbean – expect beaches, beaches, and yet more beautiful beaches. Dining-wise, Bahata Rosa is the place to be, with a stunning terrace on Punta Cana village’s main drag. La Yola, down the road, is influenced by the waters it overlooks, as are the beach dinners at Jellyfish. Over in Santo Domingo is La Cassina, a popular Mediterranean restaurant and club, and Bottega Fratelli, an Italian joint that’s been family-run for three generations and counting.

Got a different winter sun destination in mind? Download the OpenTable app and discover restaurants when you travel.

This is a guest post from freelance food journalist Hugh Thomas. He’s contributed to Foodism, Time Out, Great British Chefs, and is part of British Street Food’s small team of vigilant writers. Find him on twitter @hughwrites.

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15 London restaurant offers to banish the January blues

OpenTable January 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

Banish the back-to-work blues with free wine and wallet-friendly set menus at some of London’s top restaurants. We’ve rounded up 15 of the best deals in town so you can dine out for less this January.

Pho & Bun – If you’re craving fresh flavours after all the festive feasting, this popular Vietnamese restaurant will definitely hit the spot. Book with OpenTable and get 25% off your food bill.

Hawksmoor – Book a table at your favourite Hawksmoor this month and enjoy two courses for £30 or three for £35, including a cocktail or a booze-free spritz. Be sure to leave room for their famous sticky toffee sundae.

Aqua Kyoto – Escape the bustle of Oxford Street and refuel with lunch or an early supper at this stylish Japanese restaurant. A main course, maki roll, and miso soup will set you back just £19.

L’Escargot – Dine in style at one of London’s oldest and best-loved French restaurants. Throughout January, they’re offering two courses for £22 or £32 with a glass of Champagne.

D&D London – There are set menus starting at £20 per head, including a glass of wine, at D&D restaurants across London. Enjoy an Italian feast at Fiume, fresh seafood at Fish Market, or a rooftop supper at Madison, to name a few!

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants – Throughout January, enjoy two courses for two people for £30 at Ramsay-owned restaurants like Maze Grill, York & Albany, and Heddon Street Kitchen.

Temper – Fall off the Dry January bandwagon with a free carafe of wine when you spend £25 on food at Temper. (Available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Temper Soho, Covent Garden, and City).

PF Chang’s Asian Table – This pan-Asian restaurant near Leicester Square is giving us a reason to smile on Blue Monday – order one main course, get one free! (20th January only.)

28-50 Covent Garden – Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine, chosen by in-house sommeliers, at the newly opened 28-50 Wine Bar & Kitchen in St Martin’s Courtyard.

Smith & Wollensky – This West End steakhouse is offering a 250g sirloin, unlimited fries, and a cocktail for just £22.50.

LINO – Get 30% off your food bill throughout January at this all-day restaurant near Smithfield Market. Their barrel aged Negroni is guaranteed to improve your mood.

St Pancras Brasserie – There’s a healthy set menu on offer at this buzzy brasserie – two courses for £19.50 or three for £25. Choose from dishes like beetroot-cured salmon, grilled chicken with lemon and garlic couscous, and homemade sorbet.

The Summerhouse – Enjoy 30% off food at this canalside restaurant in Little Venice. Their popcorn shrimp is a must try!

Hammer & Tongs – Round up your meat-loving mates for a South African braai experience at Hammer & Tongs. They’re offering 50% off food all month long so you can splash out on an extra drink or two.

Farzi Café – Spice things up at this modern Indian restaurant near Trafalgar Square where you can enjoy two courses for £20 or three for £25, including a Champagne cocktail or mocktail.

Visit OpenTable to discover more special offers at restaurants in London.

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7 of the best restaurants for meat lovers in Edinburgh

OpenTable December 31, 2019

Looking for serious steaks, sticky ribs, or the best burgers in town? We’ve rounded up Edinburgh’s best restaurants for meat lovers – guaranteed to satisfy your carnivorous cravings.

Hawksmoor
Housed in the former National Bank of Scotland Banking Hall, Hawksmoor is a bucket list restaurant for anyone who’s serious about their steaks. Whether you fancy rib-eye, rump, or Chateaubriand, their dry-aged British beef never fails to impress. Don’t skip over the rest of the menu, though – the Old Spot belly ribs and potted beef with Yorkshire puddings make excellent starters.

Chop House
At Chop House, British beef is butchered and dry-aged in house and cooked over charcoal for maximum flavour. Choose your favourite cut and pair it with indulgent sides and sauces for the ultimate meat-lover’s feast. They also serve some of the best roast beef in town every Sunday – reservations recommended.

Burgers & Beers Grillhouse
If it’s a burger you’re after, you can’t beat this laid-back burger joint on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. Their Angus beef patties come topped with everything from deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese to haggis fritters, so you won’t leave hungry. Throw in a few craft beers and some beer-battered onion rings and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great night out.

Kyloe Restaurant & Grill
At Kyloe, you can enjoy traditional cuts of Aberdeen Angus beef alongside fine wines, decadent desserts, and views of Edinburgh Castle. Why not treat yourself to a dry-aged rib eye or share the Chateaubriand with a fellow carnivore? It’s a top spot for Sunday feasting, too – book ahead to enjoy one of their award-winning roasts.

Gaucho
At this stylish steakhouse just off St Andrew Square, you can sample prime cuts of Argentina’s finest free-range Black Angus beef. Try the delicately marbled rib eye or the slow-grilled tira de ancho, served with their punchy chimichurri sauce.

Fazenda
Inspired by the steakhouses of South America, Fazenda offers a traditional rodizio dining experience. Enjoy sizzling skewers of grilled meat carved tableside by the passadores (meat chefs), plus fresh salads, cured meats, and cheeses from the salad bar. Come hungry and enjoy flavour-packed picanha (rump cap), lamb cutlets, spicy chorizo, and more.

Bubba Q
Founded by two friends with a passion for barbecue, this Old Town restaurant specialises in smoked, grilled, and slow-smoked meats. Take your hungriest friends along and tackle the Pit Boss Feast – a meaty mountain of brisket burnt ends, pulled pork, baby ribs, spicy pork sausages, chicken wings and pulled beef.

Visit OpenTable to discover more restaurants in Edinburgh.

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7 of the most festive afternoon teas to try in London

OpenTable December 19, 2019

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so why not treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea in the capital? Sip on a glass of Champagne, enjoy a pot of tea, and tuck into home-made scones while you take a break from present hunting. We’ve selected some of the best spots for a festive afternoon tea in London so you can be swept away by the Christmas spirit.

Scoff & Banter, Kensington
After ice-skating at the Natural History Museum, why not warm yourselves up with a Christmassy afternoon tea at Scoff & Banter? Sweet treats include a lemon and white chocolate meringue and raspberry and vanilla choux crumble. Of course, you can also get stuck into freshly made sandwiches and warm scones.

Available until 23^rd February. £30 per person or £36 with a glass of prosecco.

The Goring, Belgravia
Fancy something stronger than tea? How about a glass of Bollinger Rosé Champagne with your scones? The Goring are serving a festive afternoon tea in the hotel’s elegant Dining Room, where you can enjoy seasonal sweets created by executive chef Richard Galli and his team. There’s a coconut roche with white chocolate and lime, a chestnut cheesecake with mulled wine jelly, and ginger shortbread inspired by the classic yule log. Be sure to save room for the snowman dome – a dainty bergamot curd tart topped with meringue.

Available throughout December from £80 per person.

The Chesterfield Mayfair
The Chesterfield Mayfair has created a winter wonderland afternoon tea which will make you feel like you are in Santa’s very own living room. Treat yourselves to a warming glass of mulled wine before sampling their Christmas tea blend which is full of aromatic spices. The sweet bites are inspired by traditional Christmas flavours so expect gingerbread man cupcakes, chocolate yule logs, and clementine macarons.

Available until 5^th January. £47.50 per person, £56.50 with Champagne, and £25 per child.

The Lanesborough, Knightsbridge
The ultimate Christmas treat can be found at The Lanesborough, which has won numerous awards for their afternoon tea delights. Enjoy Santa and Rudolph-inspired pastries and delicious savouries accompanied by festive tunes on the piano (weekends only). If you’re looking for first class food and service, then The Lanesborough is the place for you.

Available until 7^th January from £60 per person.

The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
If you’re celebrating the festive season with little foodies, then The Rosebery is an excellent choice. This winter, children can enjoy a Festive Harrods Afternoon Tea which includes chocolate penguins, reindeer swiss rolls, and a Harrods Joshua Bear to take home. There are plenty of treats for grown-ups, too – teriyaki salmon sandwiches, mince pies, and a pineapple-coconut Christmas tart, for example.

Available until 5^th January. £62 per adult, £44 per child.

The Waldorf Hilton, Covent Garden
Fans of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker are in for a treat this winter. The Waldorf Hilton is charming its guests with a Sugar Plum Fairy tea featuring scones with homemade sugar plum jam and ballerina biscuits by the award-winning Biscuiteers. Tuck into vanilla choux crowned cakes and lemon-raspberry bonbons and feel the magic of the famous Christmas ballet come alive.

Available until 15^th January from £39 per person.

Ting at The Shard
Tired of running around busy London streets during Christmas time? Then take the bird’s eye view and treat yourselves to a relaxing afternoon tea with fantastic views across the capital. Of course, there’ll be plenty of freshly made sandwiches, scones and Christmas-inspired treats to feed your foodie desires, too.

Available until 5^th January from £68 per person.

This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.

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