Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Barbara Kasser
Sundy House
106 S. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Cuisine Type: American, Caribbean, Eclectic

A world of wonder exists behind the gates of Sundy House in Delray Beach.
The restaurant is located in the former home of Delray Beach’s first mayor and his large family and both the Victorian mansion and surrounding grounds have been painstakingly restored. The gardens are elegant, with beautiful tropical plants placed near waterfalls, brick pathways and gazebos. Outdoor tables overlook the charming scene while indoor dining rooms are filled with antiques and Victorian bric-a-brac. The Sunday brunch offers an electric mix of foods, with a hot carving station, Mediterranean treats such as couscous, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and spanokopita and traditional dishes like made-to-order omelets and waffles. Reservations are a must.

by Jake Kulju

MURRAY’S
26 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

While the slogan “Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak” might not make much sense to you at first, when you come out of this place it will be the only thing on your mind. Murray’s hides itself in Minneapolis’s bustling downtown skyline, and serves up steak so tender you can cut it with a spoon. If you like steak, you’ll love Murray’s.

by Paul A. Greenburg

Court of Two Sisters
613 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Only at Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter is buffet brunch served daily. The buffet is the most extensive and lavish in the city. The restaurant boasts well over a century of experience in feeding the masses. Egg dishes, seafood, carved meats, fresh bakery items, salads and fruits populate the mouthwatering spread. Still, it is the home-churned vanilla ice cream with praline sauce that goes down so easily with the Dixieland jazz as background music. Find a seat in the aged courtyard, and plan to return for dinner, if only to sample the bacon-wrapped oysters en brochette.

by Daniel Rosenstein

AZUL
500 Brickell Key Dr Miami, FL 33131
(305) 913-8254

One of my favorite chefs is Chef Clay Conley. He definitely knows how to cook up a feast with a blend of Mediterranean flavors with Asian influences. I love their scallops. There is a huge white marble open kitchen and raw bar vie for your attention with the floor to ceiling windows that showcase the picturesque bay views. Their wine list features more than 700 world-class wines. The award-winning wine list encompasses a mix of current releases, to classic vintages from the finest producers, with the latest boutique wineries worldwide.

The experience of this restaurant is definitely unforgettable. The atmosphere and service will get your spirits in an exciting mood. Though I do highly advise to check on dress requirements unless you know you are dressed appropriately.

by Lottie Tagupa
ROY’S - KO OLINA
92-1220 Aliinui Drive
Kapolei , HI 96707

The newest of Roy Yamaguchi’s multitude of restaurants, Roy ’s Ko’Olina continues the tradition of exciting upscale eateries across the nation. This restaurant is located in the resort area of Ko’Olina on the 18th hole of the Ko’Olina Golf Club. The décor has an open air contemporary flair that takes advantage of the wonderful golf course and resort views. The style is Hawaii Regional Cuisine and the flavors are fresh, innovative and bold. Fresh fish and island ingredients are the basis of a flavor menu. Popular choices include Roy ’s Original Hawaiian Blackened Island Ahi Spicy Soy Mustard Butter or Roy ’s Classic Roasted Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi Lobster Butter Sauce. Reservations recommended.

by Nicholas Gill 

The Refectory
1092 Bethel Road
Columbus, Ohio 43220
Northwest
614-451-9774

Longtime Chef Richard Blondin and The Refectory has been on the Columbus Dispatch’s Top Ten List every year since 1982. Its exquisite décor and food are matched by a manner that isn’t at all stuffy and they even encourage walk-ins. Their collection, which features more than 20,000 bottles of wine, have lead to a Wine Spectator Grand Award and a Best Award, as well as Four Diamonds from AAA. Blondin is a native of Lyon, France, and studied under chefs Pierre Orsi and Paul Bocuse. The classical French restaurant is set in an 1800’s church, with the main dining room being set amidst the beams and arched ceiling where congregations once were held. Dining here is almost a spiritual experience.

by Amy Cynkar
TIO PEPE
10 East Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Pepe’s intimate Spanish basement setting works extremely well with the restaurant’s regional Spanish cuisine, making it one the most popular, and on weekends, one of the most crowded spots in the city. Start off with a glass or two of their famous red or white fruit-infused sangria, followed shortly by the very flavorful Seafood Bisque. You won’t be disappointed with the tasty Paella a la Valenciana, a saffron-seasoned Spanish rice dish with chicken, veal, lobster, chorizo, shrimp, clams and mussels, followed by the popular pinenut cake roll for dessert. Tio Pepe is a great place to go when someone else is picking up the bill, and is often dubbed one of the best “special occasion” restaurants in Baltimore.