Laura's Picks
I find excuses to make the two hour trip up to LA to eat at Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen. It's that amazing. Chef Evan Funke's seasonal menus take advantage of current harvests and bring together a perfect compilation of southern California comfort food that is infused with love and a passion for sustainability.
Menu highlights include crispy squash blossoms with goat cheese and mint, sweet corn agnolotti, and root vegetable shepherds pie. Rustic's pastries, the creation of Zoe Nathan, are equally incredible, especially the blueberry cornmeal cake with creme fraiche whipped cream and the hot cinnamon sugar doughnuts served with vahirona hot chocolate. The wine list focuses on boutique wineries and offers twenty options by the glass that are rotated on a regular basis.
The decor is perfectly in sync with the restaurant's philosophy of sustainability and the ambiance is that of a perfect little neighborhood restaurant and wine bar where you can gather with friends to share an amazing meal and bottle of wine together. I can't think of a more perfect evening than that.
Sybil's Pick
When I want to peel off my light cotton day dresses and slip on some Loubs and a shiny lucite necklace…I head straight to Metis to dine with my girlfriends or hang with my husband.
Set in the middle of terracing rice paddies and dining under the stars is the best way to spend a warm Bali evening. Chances are you run into friends, acquaintances and everyone else here all glammed up after a creative week of work. Additionally a patisserie, private wine cellar and boutique finish off Metis to make it an all around dining destination.
And the food…did I forget to mention a hot and cold foie gras menu, escargot and one of my favorites: Home Made Potato Gnocchi, White Truffle Brown Butter, Walnuts and Sage.
Surprisingly, one of the best places spots here is the floor to ceiling Carrera marble air-conditioned bathroom to cool off and refresh from the humidity.
Bon Appétit!
Leslie's Pick
Since brunch is a religion here in NYC I had to go with my favorite afternoon Bloody Mary local. The Spotted Pig is owned by famed chef Mario Batali, restaurateur Kevin Friedman, and a handful of high-profile celebs like Jay-z and Bono. There is a private room upstairs for their high-brow clientele like the Clinton's but for us regular folks there is plenty of adequate seating on the main floors.
This gastropub, as it's called, offers food with a British flair but not a British taste. Gastropub is defined as a public house which specializes in serving high-quality food. That pretty much sums it up.
Stop in for the best burger you've ever had or indulge their Gnudies with brown butter and sage, which are like a Gnocci but even better. You can't miss the deviled eggs, they are spectacular.
Happy Eating!
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