Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

By: Emily Bernard

COUP DES TARTES
4626 North 16th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
(602) 212-1082

Small on space but big on charm, Coup Des Tartes epitomizes French romance. The restaurant is a 1930’s farm house reinvented into a quaint French bistro. With only 14 tables and a private party room titled “Rendez-vous,” reservations are recommended up to ten days in advance. Coup Des Tartes uses only the freshest, organic ingredients and the chef-owner changes the menu every few months to reflect the weather and season. The menu can be expansive for such a small place. Bistro favorites such as Filet Mignon and Sea Bass are represented, as well as a delectable mix of appetizers, salads and vegetarian dishes. But with “tartes” in the name, expect decadent desserts, as well. Homemade tartes are made daily and range from a Banana Brulee tarte , bruleed to order, a Mango Marscapone Mousse tarte and a Hot Chocolate tarte. A unique attribute to Coup Des Tartes is the “bring your own booze” philosophy. Guests can bring in their favorite beer, wine or champagne and enjoy with their meal for a small corking fee. Truly a unique and intimate dining experience, Coup Des Tartes could not be a more romantic setting to the perfect dinner.

by Scott Kessman

THREE VILLAGE INN
(631) 751-0555
150 Main St
Stony Brook, NY 11790
The Three Village Inn is a landmark of historic Stony Brook, conveniently perched nearby the quaint shopping village, the Stony Brook Grist Mill and duck pond, and the harbor, all attractions for visitors traveling along Long Island’s scenic roads. One of the oldest inns on Long Island, the Three Village Inn proudly extends the invitation to enjoy brunch within the walls of this uniquely elegant old world establishment, where the décor and the charming, peaceful water view lies somewhere between New England and a traditional estate. The inn offers a country brunch like no other, with homemade soups, a large handful of gourmet appetizers, and a very large selection of main courses, including Maple & Ginger Glazed Loin of Pork, Rock Shrimp & Maryland Lump Crab Cakes, Poached Eggs Benedict with House Cured Salmon, along with delectable side dishes, brunch cocktails, and a dessert and coffee service. A children’s menu is also available. The Three Village Inn country brunch is a great way to experience fine dining for a very reasonable price, and a great way to begin a Sunday stroll in historic Stony Brook.

by Brock Radke

OSTERIA DEL CIRCO
At Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas NV 89109
(702) 693-8150

Dress well and make reservations in advance if you want to dine at one of the Strip’s most elegant restaurants, Italian or otherwise. The Maccioni family’s Tuscan-influenced outpost at the Bellagio, overlooking the spectacular water show at the resort’s huge lake, has managed to maintain its reputation of upscale mood, top flight service and distinct flavors with a decidedly home-cooked touch, such as hot and cold antipasti selections, thin crust pizzas baked in a clay oven, handmade pastas and a peerless rack of lamb.

By Emily Bernard

LON’S AT THE HERMOSA
5532 North Palo Cristi, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
(800) 241-1210

For an authentic southwest dining experience, Lon’s at the Hermosa is the place to go. Once the home and studio for artist Alonzo (Lon) Megargee, Lon’s at the Hermosa is a hand built ranch house and the only remaining hacienda in Arizona. The charm of the landmark is reflected in the award winning American cuisine and the unique twist on Sunday brunch. An ala carte menu including fresh salads, salmon, steak and eggs is offered, in addition to “Lon’s Original Hacienda Brunch.” Instead of buffet style displays as far as the eye can see, each party selects non-alcoholic drinks and will be served a basket of homemade breads, an arrangement of fresh fruit, a platter of wood-grilled breakfast meats, and a choice of one of the brunch entrees. Entrée choices range from buckwheat blueberry pancakes to huevos rancheros, a southwest favorite. All foods are organic and from ecologically sound sources. To top it all off, Lon’s features live jazz music on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Mexican and Spanish architecture, the breathtaking Arizona desert views and the tranquil patio will make this a brunch unlike any others.

by: Scott Kessman

THE BONWIT INN
(631) 499-2068
Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy
Commack, NY 11725

A Long Island landmark for decades. The Bonwit Inn specializes in fine Continental cuisine, and sits proudly on the corner of Motor Parkway and Vanderbilt Parkway in Commack. While the outside décor has been somewhat modernized, the inside is representative of a luxurious mansion, with a comforting, traditional atmosphere. The menu is admirable, and while the Bonwit Inn steers away from anything too creative or impressive, you’ll find security and familiarity with most of the offerings. Moist crab cakes, fried calamari, and mussels in a spicy tomato sauce grace the appetizer section, and for dinner, you’ll find delicious fare such as pan seared Chilean sea bass, Filet mignon, T-Bone steak, butternut squash ravioli, and pecan crusted chicken, among many other gourmet treats to choose from. It can be difficult to make a decision when presented with so many mouth-watering choices. The Bonwit Inn also has a second floor that can be utilized for large gatherings, parties, weddings, and other group events. Reservations at this highly popular restaurant are recommended.

by Scott Kessman

VINTAGE PRIME STEAKHOUSE
(631) 862-6440
433 N. Country Rd
St. James, NY 11780

Long Island has an abundance of steak houses, not to mention the chain eateries where a bevy of oversized yet somewhat bland steaks can often be ordered. But if you’ve got a bit of spare cash and a taste for exquisite, unmatched steaks and other prime cuts of meat, then kindly allow Vintage Prime Steakhouse in St. James to serve you one of the finest meals you’ll ever have. The restaurant sits in what appears to be a medium-sized colonial house, similar to many of the dwellings you’ll see in St. James and neighboring towns. Inside, you’ll find the décor resting comfortably somewhere between a hunting lodge and an upscale wild-west saloon. The staff is especially knowledgeable about the menu, and be sure to ask about the specials. While the prices may appear to be rather high, you’ll find out why when you begin your meal. Portions are large, steaks and chops are done to utter perfection and melt like butter on your tongue. Seafood is fresh, and appetizers and desserts are like forbidden treats. Vintage Prime is well respected among steakhouse aficionados on Long Island, said to be better than popular chain steakhouses like Peter Luger’s and others.

by Marie Richie

The Farm café
10 SE 7th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 736-3276

Tucked inside one of Portland’s old Victorian homes, in an otherwise uninviting neighborhood, is a truly stunning restaurant that serves local, organic ingredients in high style. Traditional American dishes are offered as sumptuous vegetarian fare. Pasta and wild-caught fish entrées are also finely seasoned and presented. The wine list provides the perfect compliment to a meal and is a very good value, to boot. Expect a leisurely meal, best enjoyed with a small course and one of the innovative cocktails offered. It can become crowded after 9pm. A focus on fine food makes The Farm a perfect place for special evenings out.

by Barbara Kasser

The Grille On Congress
5101 Congress Ave
Boca Raton, FL 33487

The Grille is a thrill! During working hours, the business crowd packs the dining room and spills outside to the comfy seating area near the bar. By night, soft lighting and linens give the main dining a more romantic feel. Anytime, the food and service are standouts. Partake of a few complimentary biscuits as you scan the menu. The delicious flaky biscuits have just a hint of sweetness and have been The Grille’s trademark since it opened in 1999. For lunch, huge salads, sandwiches and a few entrees dominate the menu. The dinner menu features American-themed entrees like steak, chicken and fish. Reservations are suggested.