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10 of the UK’s best hotels for foodies

OpenTable October 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

Fancy a weekend break, preferably somewhere with fabulous food? We’ve rounded up ten of the UK’s best hotels for a gourmet getaway.

Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
Swap the bustle of the city for a few days of rest, relaxation, and incredible food at this stunning country house hotel. Restaurant Hywel Jones offers an unforgettable fine dining experience with flavour combinations that will surprise and delight. If you’re celebrating, the seasonal tasting menu is guaranteed to impress.

The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath
Situated in Bath’s historic Royal Crescent, this five-star hotel is the perfect place to escape for a few days of luxury. You can unwind in the spa, take a stroll through their beautiful gardens, or head into town for some retail therapy. The Dower House Restaurant holds three AA Rosettes and offers an elegant modern European dining experience overlooking the hotel’s gardens.

Gilpin Hotel, Windermere
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Lake District at this country house hotel in Windermere. The family-run hotel has 25 cosy-yet-contemporary rooms, two restaurants, a Champagne bar, a croquet lawn, and some fluffy resident llamas. Guests can enjoy pan-Asian dishes at Gilpin Spice or dine in style at the multi-award-winning HRiSHi, where chef Hrishikesh Desai uses Lake District produce to create modern British dishes with a twist.

Coworth Park, Ascot
Chef Adam Smith is the creative force in the kitchen at Coworth Park. His modern British menu showcases local ingredients – some from the hotel grounds – in dishes like stuffed rabbit saddle with crayfish and Cornish turbot with mussels and lemon verbena. Guests can also enjoy hearty British comfort food in The Barn and afternoon tea in the Drawing Room.

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire
Discover English country living at its finest at this restored Georgian manor set in 500 acres of picturesque parkland. Whether you fancy horse riding, a relaxing spa treatment, or a countryside walk, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. The hotel’s restaurant, Wild Carrot, serves seasonal British dishes like Dingley Dell pork belly and Dover sole meunière.

Careys Manor, New Forest
If you fancy a weekend away exploring the New Forest, this charming spa hotel is the ideal place to stay. You’ll find English wines and locally sourced ingredients on the menu at Cambium, where chef Alistair Craig gives British classics an international twist. Expect dishes like crab cakes with miso mayo, tandoori spiced spatchcock chicken, and smoked venison haunch with beetroot and blackberries.

The Pig at Bridge Place
Situated just outside Canterbury, the newest addition to The Pig Hotel family is the perfect place to get cosy this autumn. Expect roaring fires, bedrooms decked out in country chic, nooks and snugs for reading, and a kitchen garden to potter in. The menu leans towards Kentish comfort food – game pie, slow-roast ham hock, and the like.

The Club Hotel & Spa, Jersey
Head to St. Helier, Jersey’s seaside capital, for first-class food, bracing beach walks, and lazy spa days at The Club Hotel. In the multi-award-winning restaurant, Bohemia, chef Steve Smith uses the finest local ingredients in his ambitious tasting menus.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
If a rural getaway isn’t your thing, why not splash out on a stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge? It’s home to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal where diners can try inventive dishes inspired by British gastronomic history. For something more relaxed, book a table at Bar Boulud – a Franco-American bistro famous for its homemade charcuterie and signature burgers.

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire
There are few better places for a gastronomic getaway than this magnificent manor house in the Oxfordshire countryside. Overseen by legendary chef Raymond Blanc, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience for guests from all over the world. You can even brush up your own kitchen skills in the on-site cookery school.

10 of the best gastropubs in Melbourne

OpenTable October 15, 2019 Leave a Comment

Melbourne’s culinary scene is buzzing and if you happen to be in this beautiful Australian city, why not give one of their gastropubs a try? You’ll feel right at home, we promise.

The Espy Kitchen
If you’re into a bit of live cooking, The Espy should definitely be on your radar. The focal point of this gastropub is its large open show kitchen that invites guests to see how their food is being prepared. The menu offers something for everyone, whether you fancy steak, seafood, or a wood-fired pizza. The casual yet stylish dining area is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner with friends.

Lamaro’s Hotel
Lamaro’s Hotel, an iconic gastropub located in leafy South Melbourne, is run by acclaimed local chef Geoff Lindsay. His modern Australian menu will take you on a culinary journey – don’t miss the signature red duck curry. After your meal, why not head to Albert Park for a stroll by the lake?

Garden State Hotel
Set in the heart of trendy Flinders Lane, the Garden State Hotel’s public bar and beer garden is where you’ll find your favourite pub classics. We recommend their Wagyu cheeseburger and the comforting chicken parmigiana. Their enclosed and heated beer garden is popular all year round – it’s the ideal place for after-work beers or a low-key dinner.

L’Hotel Gitan
L’Hotel Gitan, situated in the heart of Prahran, is known for its French-inspired pub grub. Paying homage to the gypsy travellers of Europe, many dishes on the menu have European influences. Seared tiger prawns followed by chicken ballotine, anyone? There are specials throughout the week, such as Steak Night on Tuesdays and a daily Aperitif Hour where oysters are $2 each!

The Local Taphouse
Fancy trying a new beer? Then The Local Taphouse is the place for you. This gastropub offers an impressive selection of craft beers and the knowledgeable staff are happy to help you find the one to make your taste buds sing. Of course, this award-winning pub also serves up great food, from steaks and burgers to one of the best chicken parmas in town.

Healesville Hotel
Healesville Hotel charms guests with its old-world charm and country hospitality. Located in Yarra Valley, the gastropub sits in a stunning Edwardian building and specialises in rustic pub fare. The menu changes weekly and diners can look forward to dishes like gnocchi with pea and lemon pesto and confit pork belly with apple sauce and pickled fennel.

Hotel Sorrento
Perched on the Sorrento clifftops overlooking Port Philip Bay, Hotel Sorrento is an iconic venue that dates back to the mid-1800s. The gastropub prides itself on sourcing their produce locally so guests will know exactly where their meat, fish, wine and veggies come from. Promising ‘confident coastal cooking’, the menu features wood-fired steaks, seafood linguine, and fish tacos with chilli slaw.

The Railway Club
The Railway Club has been a Melbourne favourite for over 40 years and continues to attract tourists and locals alike. Here, you can choose your own meat from the pub’s display fridge and see it cooked to perfection in the open kitchen. Of course, there are also plenty of meat-free options and the restaurant’s offering of seafood dishes are just as tempting.

Melbourne Public
If you fancy dancing the night away after a good meal, Melbourne Public will tick all your boxes. The South Wharf gastropub not only serves everything from oysters to chicken parmigiana, there’s also live music and resident DJs at the weekends.

Alphington Social
For comfort and cosiness with a modern twist, The Alphington Social is the place to be. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza or some of their outstanding cheese and charcuterie boards along with Australian wines and relax the Melbourne way. You’ll never want to leave!

Visit OpenTable to discover more restaurants in Melbourne.

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.

Get cosy: Where to find the best comfort food in Edinburgh

OpenTable October 11, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Scottish capital knows the way to a foodie’s heart for sure! If you’re on the hunt for cosy comfort food on a cold autumn day, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of Edinburgh restaurants serving delicious, hearty dishes guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Mashed potato is an absolute comfort food classic. You’ll be amazed at what a simple potato can turn into at Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, a restaurant specialising in gourmet mashed potato. Embrace Scottish tradition and try their haggis with whisky cream sauce and your choice of mash –Cheddar and chive, perhaps? Or wholegrain mustard mash? If you’re not into haggis, we can recommend their award-winning wild boar sausages.

The Stockbridge Restaurant
Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most charming districts, with cobbled lanes and The Water of Leith running through it. Here you’ll find this cosy, family-run restaurant where head chef Jason, his partner Jane and their team offer fresh and creative dishes, hand-picked wines, and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Save room for desserts like rhubarb crumble and banana tart tatin.

Burgers & Beers
Burgers & Beers is a must for anyone looking for a great burger in the heart of Edinburgh. On a sunny autumn day, you can even sit outside and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile. Come hungry and tuck into fully loaded burgers like the Dirty South and the Frying Scotsman, topped with a haggis fritter! Kids will love their milkshakes, while grown-ups can enjoy cocktails and craft beers.

Meltmongers
Who knew that a grilled cheese toastie could be all you’ve ever wanted for your main meal? Meltmongers, located in Bruntsfield, creates fantastic flavour combinations and offers an array of tasty cheese toasties that will make you come back for more.

Woodland Creatures
Everything about Woodland Creatures screams comfort. Situated in trendy Leith, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends over a good meal and a cocktail or two. Try the indulgent mac ’n’ cheese flight and get cosy with your fellow foodies. From burgers and flatbreads to hearty Sunday roasts, your comfort food needs will be met and quite possibly exceeded, too.

Spatch
You’ll find Spatch in the city’s historic Old Town, right beside The Royal Mile. After exploring Edinburgh’s sights, why not take a break in this cosy restaurant serving all things chicken? Take your pick from charcoal fired spatchcock chicken, crispy wings, steaks, ribs and more.

The Ivy on the Square
Who said that eating comfort food has to be a casual affair? If you are up for dressing up, then look no further than The Ivy brasserie on St. Andrew’s Square. After hitting the shops on Princes Street, a visit to this brasserie will make you feel like you’ve taken a short trip to Paris. We recommend trying their famous shepherd’s pie and the melting chocolate bombe with hot salted caramel sauce.

Mums Great Comfort Food
Mums promises gourmet comfort food that isn’t ‘poncey’ or ‘pricey’, but simply mouth-wateringly delicious. Expect familiar favourites like sausage and mash, steak and ale pie, and fish and chips. The team proudly sources their ingredients locally and is very generous with their portion-sizing. If you’re hungry and looking for great service in the city’s student district, this is the place to be.

Coro the Chocolate Café
The name gives it away: this quirky café makes chocolate lovers’ dreams come true! Foodies with a sweet tooth can try their chocolate in buttery crepes, ice-cream sundaes, and drizzled onto fluffy waffles. For the ultimate treat, order their famous chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, marshmallows or cake for dunking.

The Queens Arms
Sometimes all you need is a good Sunday lunch and at The Queen’s Arms, often voted the best Sunday roast in Edinburgh, you’ll find exactly that. Enjoy their Scottish classics with a modern twist and soak up the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. If you are up for sharing, try The Queen’s Arms pie – it’s big enough for two and served with creamy mash, seasonal veg, and homemade gravy.

@pizza
Pizza is another comfort food classic originating from our Italian neighbours. At @pizza, you can channel your inner Italian and customise your very own pizza. There’s also a range of locally brewed beers, Italian wines and craft sodas to try, so you’re in for a great night out.

En Fuego! 10 hot Chicago restaurants to try now

OpenTable September 23, 2019

If you’re travelling to Chicago, there are smokin’ restaurants aplenty to keep your dining game lit. From modern Korean spots to a unique in-store dining experience, check out these hot Chicago restaurants and book your tables while you can.

Kumiko
From the team that brought you Oriole, meet Kumiko, your new fave for cocktails mixed with carefully selected spirits — and “spiritless” creations, too. Partner and creative director Julia Momose joined forces with Lara and Noah Sandoval, whose aforementioned eatery consistently appears on OpenTable’s annual 100 Best Restaurants in America lists. The a la carte drink menu features both cocktails and spirit-frees, and each drink is served in a specially chosen vessel that enhances the experience, many of which were found during Momose’s recent visits to Japan. We recommend the gin-based Seaflower cocktail and chef Sandoval’s singularly delicious Japanese milk bread.

Rave restaurant review: “Unexpected once-in-a-lifetime experience marrying exotic cocktails and delicious bites.”

PERILLA
This is next-gen Korean-American fine dining with a global influence from chefs Andrew Lim and Thomas Oh. Located in the River West/Fulton Market neighbourhood, there are traditional dishes aplenty, including pancakes and k.f.c. (Korean fried chicken) alongside offerings that have a decidedly international flare, such as Brussels sprouts with brown butter, Parmesan, and walnuts, and cheese corn with chipotle peppers, cotija cheese, and herbs. For meat lovers, there is an array of marinated and non-marinated grilled meats in choice cuts, including a prime short rib and rib eye as well as an American Wagyu New York strip from Lone Mountain Ranch.

Rave restaurant review: “First time having Korean food, great experience! Friendly staff and the food was amazing! There was so much food with the Feast package, and it was a great value! I will definitely return and highly recommend Perilla.”

Elske
Did you ever wish you had a Scandinavian friend with a super-stylish home and award-winning cooking chops and you could just invite yourself over for dinner whenever you wished? Consider your wish granted, courtesy of chefs David and Anna Posey and their passion project, Elske. The restaurant, whose name means love in Danish, is inspired by their travels through and shared love of Denmark (he oversees the savoury and she handles sweets). There is an a la carte menu and a very reasonable $95 tasting experience (currently clocking in at nine courses, including their signature duck liver tart with salted ramp and buckwheat). Don’t miss the inviting patio and fireplace, perfect for getting hygge with it with a digestif, alcoholic or spirit-free, after a deeply satisfying Danish-American meal.

Rave restaurant review: “Everything was perfect! Service was impeccable. Extremely well-chosen wine list matched the menu. We did the tasting menu. Top to bottom, every course was spot on and a well-planned progression. A classic.”

Brass Heart
Chef-partner Matt Kerney invites vegans and omnivores alike on a seasonal tasting experience that is progressive yet approachable and highlights the finest local and global ingredients. Reserve a table at this 22-seater jewel for an intimate journey of six, nine, or 12 courses in Chicago’s historic Uptown neighbourhood where the food redefines fine, but the vibe is relaxed with a side of swank. Kick things off with a selection from the tableside cocktail cart and then put yourself in Kerney’s capable hands for a date night to remember that includes a Bloody Mary sorbet and a take on rice and beans that is a game-changer.

Rave restaurant review: “Great dining experience. Warm and professional service. Elegant and comfortable space. Each course was beautifully presented. Delicious flavors. Talented chefs. They deserve Michelin stars. Chicago should be proud for having this calibre of restaurant. Highly recommended.”

Jeong
Believe the hype. From the team behind Hanbun, the beloved suburban food stall specialising in casual Korean cuisine by day and fine-dining supper club by night, comes Jeong, arguably one of Chicago’s hottest newcomers. Chef Dave Park and general manager Jennifer Tran paired up romantically in culinary school and professionally at Hanbun, and now are taking their vision to the next level with this sophisticated spot serving traditional Korean ingredients married with modern techniques. Ingredients are sourced from local purveyors and Korean producers, and many of the base ingredients are prepared in-house, such as the silken tofu and kimchi. Expect the unexpected when it comes to textures and flavors, all of which are combined and executed with unerring precision. There are a la carte options, but the seven-course tasting menu, which includes salmon tartare with dwenjang yuza gastrique, bubu arare, and crème fraîche, is the way to go; tack on the wine pairings to experience the full expression of Park’s unique vision.

Rave restaurant review: “My second time there, got the tasting menu, and every dish was on point. My date also got the tasting menu, and on the fly requested dairy-free, which they accommodated without hesitation. Still salivating over the salmon, the really freaking big (and delicious) scallop, and that steak. Cannot wait to return.”

DMK Burger Bar
Call it a quest. David Morton and Michael Kornick spent a year travelling across America in search of the best burgers. Their expedition yielded DMK Burger Bar and its well-respected 100% grass-fed patties, bison, and natural turkey burgers (there’s a terrific veggie burger, too) served on artisan buns. Their creations have earned them numerous accolades from local and national media, including The Food Network, Chicago Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and Fox News, which selected their burgers as one of the 10 best in America. They’ve got salads galore, including a very Elaine-like “Big Salad,” satisfying sides like mac n’ cheese, and, of course, 15 bespoke burgers from which to choose, but our go-to is the roasted hatch green chile with a fried farm egg, Sonoma jack, and smoked bacon. Quench your thirst with an impressive selection of craft beer and cocktails and raise a glass to DMK’s charitable side, which includes monthly support of local charities benefiting hunger, wellness, children, and the environment through donations.

Rave restaurant review: “Terrific burgers in a relaxed atmosphere. Lots of great variety and good options for our vegetarians and gluten-free friends. Definitely return here.”

Blue Door Farm Stand
The team at Blue Door Farm Stand will make you a believer — in their philosophy around food, community, and hospitality. That may sound lofty, but they deliver, giving diners the chance to eat the best of the Midwest’s homegrown ingredients in a welcoming space among friendly faces. Their emphasis on hyper-seasonality means that whatever you’re eating is harvested at its peak and delivers the best flavors in every bite. With a menu from chef Fernando Osorio that gently emphasises vegetables (think carrot hummus and sumptuous salads), you can still satisfy carnivores with the Amish chicken, a New York strip, or the farmstand burger, which gets gussied up with cheddar and caramelised onions and the optional egg and bacon. The brunch here is a hit with Lincoln Parkers with classics served alongside nifty upgrades, like the City Ham Benedict, which arrives on a black pepper and honey biscuit with arugula and herbed hollandaise.

Rave restaurant review: “LOVE The Blue Door! It’s a favorite of my weekly dining group of women!! We all look forward to going!!”

The Table at Crate
Do you believe in form and function when it comes to dining? Check out this elegant collab (pictured at top) between Crate and Barrel and Cornerstone Restaurant Group and James Beard-nominated chef Bill Kim (of Urban Belly and Belly Q fame). Switching things up cuisine-wise, Kim will serve a plant-centric menu that celebrates Midwestern seasonality and lighter, brighter fare that is layered in herbaceous flavor. The menu is divided into shareable Bites, Garden, Greens, Tartines, Bowls, and Mains, with many ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. Like the food, the cocktails will take cues from the seasons, with a dedication to housemade syrups and juices. The space will delight design aficionados and foodies alike. Bonus: You can shop while you eat; the stoneware, glassware, and flatware on which you’re served are available for purchase. Bigger bonus: You can have a cocktail while you shop, which is something we’ve only done while online at home from our sofas.

Rave restaurant review: “Great menu, service, and exceptionally good food. Pick your favourite or share with friends. Light meals with a great variety. You can shop before, during, or after. Eat at the restaurant inside or out, stop at the cafe in the lounge upstairs. If you’re a Crate fan or not, you will enjoy the experience. Don’t miss the dessert either!”

Piccolo Sogno
Sometimes a dream is a wish your appetite makes. Making it come true is easy at Piccolo Sogno, whose name means little dream. Specialising in rustic Italian fare that pairs perfectly with one of their 400+ Italian wine selections, Piccolo Sogno is chef Tony Priolo and wine expert Ciro Longobardo’s vision of bringing the spirit of eating and drinking in Italy to life in Chicago realised. This is a menu that inspires leisurely dining — eat your way through all the courses, from the insalate and pastas to the pizzas and the secondi. The wines are astoundingly affordable, so this River West spot is the place to engage staff to help you find a bottle or two to complement your meal.

Rave restaurant review: “Have loved Piccolo Sogno for years — dine there as often as I can obtain a reservation!!”

Cabra
Top Chef’s Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat fame has yet another hit on her hands with Cabra (which means, naturally, goat in Spanish). A Peruvian-inspired cevicheria atop the Hoxton Hotel, Cabra is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, with sweeping city views and a menu that delivers flavour-bomb food. Start with one of the clever ceviches or tiraditos (duck ceviche, ftw!), and then dive into some cold and hot shared plates with your dining companions, such as the yuca fries and goat (of course!) empanadas, and round things out with an order of skirt steak. With a lively vibe, Cabra is the place to go when you’re hungry for fun.

Rave restaurant review: “The food, service, and atmosphere were phenomenal! The waiter was very helpful when making the food selections. The food was very flavorful and presented well. The city view was great. It was a very pleasant dining experience.”

Visit OpenTable to discover more great restaurants in Chicago.

Photo credits: Sammy Faze (Kumiko); Anthony Tahlier (Cabra); Galdones Photography (Piccolo Sogno); all photos courtesy of the featured restaurants.