June is one of the nicest months of the year. The weather is predictable (always good), the spring dresses come out (always great), the beach is on the agenda (always fun) and a summer trip is always planned. Have you noticed that no one ever complains about anything the entire month 😊? I have! I try to do a few more outdoor activities in June as I know the weather will always be great. It is said that June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, the goddess of marriage and the wife of Jupiter. In ancient Rome, the month of June was considered auspicious for marriage, which is interesting because I am remarrying Juliane on June 20th the 5-year anniversary of the day we met.
The trip to Portland and Seattle is now sold out. Our next trip will be either Charleston / Savanah or San Francisco and Napa, most likely in early October. If interested, please let me know. Some people have continued to express an interest in Cuba again for New Years. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested. I have also been in the final stages of planning a Culinary Trip to Israel. If this is something you are interested in, please let me know as well.
We continue the month of May with 2 events. On May 21th, join us as we head back to the amazing French dinner in midtown, PANAME. One of the most underrated and most experienced Chef’s in NYC and one of the nicest that I have ever met, Chef Bernard will be in the kitchen cooking for us this Sunday. The final event of the month before some of us head to Portland, is on Monday, May 22nd and is a SUNSETT BOAT TOUR. The boat tour has very limited space left so please RSVP soon. This is a sail boat, not a cruise ship. We sail aboard the first yacht of the Classic Harbor Line Fleet: Schooner Adirondack! Join us for drinks and a tour on this 80-foot beauty. We are meeting at Chelsea Piers (Pier 62) at W. 22nd and Hudson River, look for the Classic Harbor Line next to “witchcraft sandwich.”
Our June starts off June 3rd at one of the higher rated restaurants in the area, DEGRAZIA. We have dined at this ristorante in the past, and the meal was so good that it is one of the most requested I have had to return to. The following weekend, June 11th, we have a tour of the Manhattan Arts and Antiques Center, and then head for brunch at PANAME. This starts off at noon with a tour of a gallery that many don’t know exists right in the heart of Midtown East. Those who love antiques will think they are in heaven, and those who love food, will feel the same as we head to brunch just down the street. The following week, Thursday, June 15th we have a Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour. I have done a lot of food tours in the past, but this will be a first. We stroll around these two neighborhoods for about 3 hours sampling and tasting food while hearing interesting history. That weekend, Saturday, June 17th, join us in Williamsburg for a tour of the Museum of Food and Drink and their exhibit, “Chow- The Making of a Chinese Restaurant” as well as lunch at the delicious and well-known WILD GINGER. We sample some Chinese food at the Museum on their tour and then head over on short walk to Wild Ginger. From there we take a short walk through Williamsburg to the famous weekly Food Smorgasburg. Here you will be left to wander, sample and purchase from over 100 food vendors set up weekly and overlooking the skyline of NYC. That same weekend, Sunday June 18th, we head to CHOUCHOU, a newly opened restaurant in the East Village featuring incredible Moroccan dishes in an intimate restaurant. Recently opened by the same owners as the wildly successful, “Pardon My French,” we are sure to have an amazing meal. On Sunday, June 25th, we head to another new restaurant in NYC, LA CONTRADA. After dining here recently I knew it was going to be perfect for the group. With French doors opening out to the sidewalks, mosaic tile floors and light brick walls, La Contrada is an airy bistro that exudes friendliness, comfort, and rustic charm. The market-fresh driven menu seeks to satisfy with high quality ingredients and attention to detail, including desserts made in-house daily. Located in the heart of the East Village, La Contrada offers an exceptional Southern Italian menu, in a European-chic dining room.
The following May events are still available for Single Gourmet Members and their guests:
Paname- 1068 2nd Avenue (56th and 57th) SUNDAY, May 21st, 5:45 pm optional drinks; 6:30 pm Dinner $76 3-course French, gl of wine, coffee, tax / tip.
Sunset Sail on the Schooner Adirondack- Chelsea Pier @ 22nd. Monday, May 22nd, 6:30pm sailing for 2-hours, $71 includes drinks and sailing. Please come early, sailing is 6:30pm
DeGrazia
231 East 50th Street, between 2nd/3rd
Saturday, June 3rd
7:15pm optional drinks, 8pm dinner
$81 3-course dinner, gl of wine, tax/tip
A top-rated regional Italian old timer since 1987, Zagat 24 for both food and service, “this East Midtowner is a model of old-world elegance, offering first-rate Italian food, expert service and a civilized milieu where one can actually talk….it’s worth it for special occasions” and according to Zagat is “definitely a “sleeper hit, a hidden jewel below street level.” Our fantastic 3-course meal includes a homemade pasta or salad to start, and choices of pollo ripieno- filled with prosciutto, fontina cheese, spinach and wild mushrooms, salmone alla senape- salmon with baby shrimp and veal scallopine alla salvia- with prosciutto, fontina cheese and spinach. The Chef has studied in multiple provinces of Italy for the best recipes and fine wines. Hidden below street level, in a land-marked townhouse, Degrazia aesthetically evokes a forgotten time when a romantic private dinner was a real treat. The entire menu, from the pasta to the bread to the dessert, is made fresh in house daily, just how it is done in Italy. The cocktail bar is a service bar, please bring cash for the cocktails. Please RE-RSVP if you were on the original list in March.
Paname lunch w/Art and Antiques Center Tour
1050 2nd Ave @ the Art Center
(Paname is @ 1068 2nd Ave)
Sunday, June 11th
12:00 for tour of Art Center then brunch
$64 3- course lunch, glass of wine, coffee.tt
Celebrating over 43 years, (founded in 1974), the Manhattan Art & Antiques Center in Midtown Manhattan, is the nation’s largest with 100 galleries representing America’s top dealers in every category of arts and antiques. The Manhattan Art & Antiques Center is a veritable treasure trove of all that is beautiful, fascinating and unique for sale. Boasting three floors of antiques, fine art, decoration, silver, jewelry, European, Asian African art, and antiquities–this is a “must visit” for antique and art lovers, collectors and interior decorators. We start here for a quick tour of the center then head to our first lunch ever at Paname. This is where we have had many fabulous dinners including one last month. Paname is the brainchild of French Chef/Baker Bernard Ros formerly of Le Deauville and Meli Melo with over 45 years’ of experience as a NYC chef. Chef Ros knows his way around a kitchen!! Paname is a classic, neighborhood style French bistro and has received 4 stars on Yelp and 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor. The décor of Paname is French simplicity and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Chef/Owner Ros personally shops for every menu ingredient and is the pastry chef for the restaurant.
China Town and Little Italy Food Tour
195 Grand Street- Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Thursday, June 15th
10:30am- 1:30pm
$55 Walking history tour and food tour
Experience Chinatown and Little Italy through flavor, culture, and history, as we are led through the maze of the streets that make up these two ethnic NYC neighborhoods. Our guide will entertain us with fascinating historical stories and fill our stomachs with delicious tastings. The three-hour walking tour of the city’s Chinatown and Little Italy stops at unique “mom and pop” shops and ethnic eateries offering delicious tastings of Chinese dumplings and traditional dim sum, along with Italian pastries, cheeses and meats. This is a delicious way to discover secrets of the city, historic parks, and exquisite NYC architecture. All food tastings should be enough for lunch. Note: this is a different tour company than the Bronx Little Italy Tour. Typical tastings for this tour: Fresh homemade mozzarella and prosciutto, delicious imported Italian cheeses and olives, an authentic Sicilian pastry, a cannoli, a tasty Italian surprise, sit-down dim sum, an authentic Chinese dumpling and traditional Chinese pastries. This tour company and this tour has an incredible 5- star rating on TripAdvisor.
Museum of Food and Drink Chow: Making the Chinese American Restaurant
Lunch at Wild Ginger Vegan Pan Asian
Then head to Williamsburg Smorgasburg
Meet @Citbank in Union Square with MetroCard
Saturday, June 17th, 11:30 am
$50 Includes Museum, tasting and lunch. No wine.
We will meet in Union Square and take the L-train to Williamsburg. From there it is a 10-minute walk to The Museum of Food and Drink for their current exhibit, “Chow: Making the Chinese American Restaurant.” This exhibit celebrates the birth and evolution of Chinese American restaurants, tracing their nearly 170-year history and sparking conversation about food, culture and immigration. Immerse yourself in a stunning timeline of Chinese American restaurant menus dating back to 1910 as these artifacts show the evolution of the cuisine, decade by decade. Enjoy a tasting created by the country’s most talented Chinese chefs. Take in the aroma of freshly baked cookies as you watch and taste from a fortune cookie machine in action. After this tour of the museum and the tasting, the group will walk 7-minutes to WILD GINGER PAN ASIAN VEGAN CUISINE for a great casual Asian inspired lunch. This restaurant has been a staple in Williamsburg for a dozen years and recently relocated to a larger location. I have eaten here many times and the food is delicious. Afterwards, we will walk through Williamsburg and head to the famous food Smorgasburg on the waterfront facing NYC. Smorgasburg happens every Saturday at East River State Park, featuring packaged and prepared foods, purveyors from New York City and across the region for a total of 100 vendors. This includes admission to MOFAD, the tour with tasting, lunch and a walk to the waterfront Smorgasburg. RSVP early for this.
CHOUCHOU Moroccan- 5 Stars Yelp
215 East 4th Street (Avenue A and B)
Sunday, June 18th
5:15 pm Meet @ Nobody is Perfect AT THE BAR
235 East 4th St, dinner at 6:15 @ 215 East 4th St.
$74 3-courses, gl wine, Moroccan tea, tax & tip.
Founders Antonin Brune and New York Restaurateur, Mario Carta, have worked in the industry for over 20 years opening local favorites; Chazal, Lea, Casimir, Pardon My French, and most recently Nobody is Perfect. Today, they are proud to introduce you to Chouchou, (an affectionate French nickname given to a person who is special to you), their new Moroccan jewel inspired by that country’s vibrant culture. Located in the East Village, Chouchou brings a taste of exotic Morocco to the eclectic neighborhood. Executive Chef David Pegoli brings with him extensive experience in international cuisine, having previously worked with notable New York restaurants; Pardon My French, Django, Alto and Luksus. Pegoli along with Moroccan born, Chef de Cuisine, Meryem Michra, developed the unique menu to surprise and delight diners with conceptual twists on traditional dishes. Featuring stone walls and romantic candlelit seating, Chouchou boasts an elegant and intimate feel. We will be meeting on the same street at the bar of their other new restaurant- NOBODY IS PERFECT. Our Menu includes appetizers /dessert and choices of chicken tagine, lamb tagine, vegetarian tagine, chicken couscous, merguez couscous and lamb meatballs couscous. CHOUCHOU currently has all 5-stars on YELP, a phenomenal testament to how good their food it.
La Contrada- Italian American Cuisine
67 2nd Avenue (4th Street)
Sunday, June 25th
5:15pm optional drinks, 6:15 pm dinner
$73 3-course dinner, gl of wine, tax/tip
This newly opened restaurant is highly rated with 4 stars on Yelp and it is the type where the owner casually sits at the bar looking over the staff, the kitchen and the patrons making sure everything is running smoothly and then comes over to great you and ask if you need anything. Inspired by traditional Neapolitan recipes and featuring some incredible Campania signature dishes, this East Village Italian is sure to be a hit. Juliane and I dined here on a Sunday night recently and after speaking with Frank, the owner, we knew I had to bring the group. La Contrada is derived from the old Italian word meaning “neighborhood” and this is inspired after a local Italian neighborhood ristorante.
To reserve at any or all the events please go to our website or call us at (646-825-0268), email us at [email protected] or mail checks to: The Single Gourmet, c/o Aaron Lefkowitz, 69 west 9th Street Apt #6A, New York, NY 10011.
PLEASE NOTE: Our Cancelation Policy– If you cancel before 7 days of a DINNER or Brunch- there is a full refund. If you cancel between 3 days and 7 days before a dinner then credit will be given towards a future event and if you cancel within 72 hours of a diner event there are no refunds. Restaurants MUST do a lot of planning for large dinner events and I guarantee and am held to guarantees within 3 days of our meal. Ticketed events (tours, shows, ANY non-dinner event) are non-refundable within 7 days before the event as tickets are purchased and held for you and are non-refundable to me.
May 24th to May 31st
($4350, 7 nights, airfare, tours, taxes, 4-star hotel and included meals)
(Deduct $450 if flying on own and $450 pp if sharing a room)
We will be visiting Portland and Seattle May 24-31st with 4 nights and 3 full days in Portland and 3 nights and 3 days in Seattle. The trip includes 2 meals a day except on day of arrival and day of departure.
Airfare is not booked yet and we could fly from any 1 of the 3 NYC airports including Newark. The hotel in Portland is still be negotiated but I am holding a 4 star downtown hotel at the moment. In Seattle, we are staying in the centrally located, beautiful 4-star boutique Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle. This hotel was voted, “The Best Hotel in Washington 2017” by Travel + Leisure, “The Best City Hotels in the Continental US, 2016” Travel + Leisure, “Best Hotels in Washington” by U.S. World & News, Conde Nast Travel in 2015 listed it in their “Readers Choice Top 20 Hotels.” The hotel is a AAA Four Diamond Award Winner for the last 2 years. There is also a daily hosted wine hour!
Portland has always been known as a quirky, fun, foodie and music town with a somewhat “Austin” feel to it. In fact, Portland has the same motto as Austin- “Keep Portland Weird.” With its vibrant Downtown and eclectic neighborhoods, Portland promises an abundance of activities for almost any traveler. Foodies flock to the artisanal eateries, shoppers find plenty of design-savvy boutiques stocked with everything from designer goodies to outdoor apparel and nature lovers appreciate the wide ranging outdoor environment.
Portland, also known as The City of Roses or Stumptown, is Oregon’s most populous city, and the third largest city in the Pacific Northwest. Whether in the Cultural District Downtown or a transfigured warehouse in the trendy Pearl District, it is easy to see why Lonely Planet in 2017 named Portland the 10th best city to travel to IN THE WORLD. Portland is known for its large number of microbreweries, enthusiasm for coffee and as one of the most interesting cities in the nation. The New York Times named Portland, “The West Coast Capital of Urban Cool.” Travel + Leisure deemed Portland’s Waterfront Loop one of America’s Coolest Riverwalks in the World.” Food & Wine put Portland on the “U.S. and Canada’s Best Places to Eat” list.
Some top things on our Portland itinerary we are working on visiting: Portland’s International “Rose Test Garden” which is the oldest, continuously operated public rose garden in the Unites States with over 10,000 roses; Downtown Portland farmers market- considered one of the world’s finest Farmers Markets; Portland’s Saturday Market-the nation’s largest open-air arts and crafts market; Portland’s Japanese Garden- proclaimed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, with five separate gardens and an authentic Japanese Tea House; Powell’s City of Books- the largest independent bookstore on the planet; the Lan Su Chinese Garden- an authentically built Ming Dynasty style garden with bridges, pavilions and an idyllic lake; Portlandia- America’s second largest copper hammered statue (second to the Statue of Liberty); and finally Portland is currently experiencing a food cart revolution as U.S. News & World Report voted Portland’s street food scene and sidewalk chefs #1 in their Top 10 List of World’s Best Street Food.
Restaurants are the last thing I work on when planning trips, but rest assured they will be the top restaurants in both Portland and Seattle. Besides top restaurants, I am planning activities such as food tours, walking tours, bus tours, waterfall tours, winery tours, boat/ferry tours and sites to see, do and visit. As usual, I will keep you busy during the days and fill you up with great food along the way! I will give you free time in the 2 cities to explore on your own and we will be staying in centrally located, 4-star accommodations.
Note: Itinerary and timeline subject to changes as it is not complete. We first take a bus tour through the various parts of the city from downtown Portland to the Pearl District to Nob Hill, and several neighborhoods. Visit all the must-see attractions including the sites of Pioneer Square and learn about the great diversity found in Portland’s downtown area, the historical importance it has played in the state’s history and the fast-growing culture that exists in the City of Portland. We will learn about many prominent and notable citizens of Oregon. Experience sights of Portland famous Food Carts. Next, we visit the Pittock Mansion, a meticulously preserved architectural landmark that symbolizes Portland’s transformation from a small lumber town into a bustling city. We then head over to the International Rose Gardens inside the lush and beautiful Washington Park, featuring some of the most amazing cascade mountain views around. Our last stop is the Lan Su Chinese Garden one of Portland’s greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, the sister city in China’s Jiangsu province that’s famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou and is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China.
May in Oregon is wine month and the week leading into Memorial Day is a big celebration in wine country! We will be here during one of the region’s longest-running events where more than 150 wineries and tasting rooms will host special events, capping off the state-wide celebration of Oregon Wine Month. Taste new wines from your favorite labels, sample from the barrel with winemakers, or savor specialty food pairings and live music. This week is a chance to visit some of the region’s smallest producers that are rarely open to the public. Therefore, we will head out of town a wine and waterfall tour, exploring the amazing wineries found in this part of the country during this time of celebration. We start the morning in Oregon’s largest state park, Silver Falls. Breathe in the piney scent of an evergreen tree, pick salmonberries, and get gently misted by one of the Park’s glistening falls. We spend the afternoon tasting fine wines in the intimate settings of three boutique wineries as we take in the rolling hillsides and serene vineyards of the Willamette Valley.
To spice up history tours and to create many more stops, I like to sometimes add a food history tour into my trips when possible. This walking tour of downtown Portland begins and ends with us stopping at some of the most popular restaurants and famous food trucks in the neighborhood showing us the wide range of Portland’s culinary scene, from upscale eateries to casual classics to sweet shops. In between stops, we pass by local attractions and hear about the area’s history, how the Pearl District evolved from a warehouse quarter to one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to how Portland got its name. Total walking distance on this tour is 1.2 miles over 3 hours on flat terrain.
Memorial Weekend launches The Portland Rose Festival. Since 1907 Portland has been celebrating this festival with live music, fireworks and of course Roses. We will have an optional Friday night to watch the fireworks and concert.
I am happy to announce that we are currently booked at ANDINA the #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor of 3446 restaurants, in Portland. This restaurant is #2 on Zagat Best Restaurant in Portland list with a 4.7 rating for food. Zagat says, “This lively Pearl District standby remains a favorite, offering a big selection of impeccable, exotic Peruvian dishes including small plates like ceviche to die for and amazing tapas with a knowledgeable staff to help navigate it all; regular live music make for a space that’s always hopping, yet even those who find it a bit spendy insist it’s totally worth it.” The website “USA today 10best.com” says, “One restaurant that appears on everybody’s best-of Portland list is Andina. Andina has taken traditional South American cuisine to the level of fine art. Located in the heart of Portland’s Pearl District, the neighborhood is comprised of boutique shops, art galleries and old industrial building converted into high-end lofts. Andina has a formal dining room and a more casual bar featuring live, Latin-influenced music every night of the week.” Zagat goes onto say, “Though Andina is one of the most expensive restaurants in Portland, most diners agree that the food and attentive service is well worth the cost.” Andina is also listed in the essential 38 Portland restaurants. Zagat also lists Andina in Portland’s “Best Restaurant Décor,” list.
We are also currently booked at- HIGGINS RESTURANT- A James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef in Northwest, Chef Greg Higgins has traveled worldwide to share his passion for northwest regional cooking. His recipes and writing have been published in numerous periodicals & books as well as his many television appearances. Chef Higgins brings Farm to Table dining to life. Listed in Portland’s Eater- “Best Restaurants to Eat 2017”, Listed in Zagat, “Best Restaurants in Downtown Portland,” Zagat says, “ This “farm-to-table downtown landmark exudes a professional air from its high-quality menu of sustainably sourced Pacific NW cuisine to the knowledgeable staffers; though it can be pricey, patrons feel it’s worth it for the pride in preparation and care for the ingredients.” And TripAdvisor ranks Higgins # 8 of 3446. Oregon Live lists it in their list of best restaurants in 2016 and they say, “One of the Pacific Northwest’s most influential restaurants, Higgins is the eponymous home of chef Greg Higgins, who left a celebrated stint at The Heathman 20 years ago, moved just up the hill, and along the way helped push Portland’s farm-to-table movement into the 21st century.” Higggins is listed #7 on 38 Portlands Essential Restaurants, “One of Portland’s pioneering chefs, Greg Higgins was cultivating relationships between local chefs and farmers long before winning the James Beard Best Chef Northwest award. But today, Higgins is one of downtown’s best spots and the service is as close to fine dining as it gets in laid-back Portland. For a more relaxed but still old-school vibe”.
Other restaurants to be booked shortly.
Seattle is the USA 4th fastest growing city, Washington State’s largest city and home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area. The futuristic Space Needle, a 1962 World’s Fair legacy, is its most iconic landmark. Seattle is a world-class city with many wonderful attractions. The Seattle Center, location of the 1962 World’s Fair, has become a premier destination for arts, entertainment and leisure activities. The 74-acre campus is home to The Experience Music Project, The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, and the Space Needle. Downtown Seattle hosts the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Symphony, and Pike Place Market. Historic Pioneer Square is the destination for the Seattle Underground Tour, and is adjacent to Century Link Stadium and Safeco Field. Surrounded by mountains and water, filled with lakes and parks, Seattle’s romantic soul is evident from the moment you step foot in the city. Beyond romance, the variety of sights and activities, restaurants and nightspots, shopping venues and attractions are enough of a draw. You can spend your days wandering the streets of Capitol Hill or Pioneer Square, browsing at the original Nordstrom or through the artisan stalls at Pike Place Market, sipping lattes and espressos at any one of the thousands or so coffee carts in the city, while taking in the music scene by night. After all, the city that spawned Nordstrom, grunge music, Microsoft and Starbucks has to have something special going for it!
Travel + Leisure Magazine recently ranked Seattle as being among the “Top Best Cities for Foodies.” Seattle’s epic climb to national food fame has been broadcast globally with being the host city for Top Chef Season 10, featured on The Layover with Anthony Bourdain, and Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern. With Seattle’s unique geographical surroundings of pristine cold waters and hot desert-like climate, it makes for ideal conditions for fresh seafood, incredible wine grapes, and bountiful fresh produce.
As we always try to do with TSG trips, when we visit a city is we will have a bus tour of Seattle with an overview of its unique neighborhoods. We will visit Downtown Seattle and the Seattle waterfront and see sites such as Pioneer Square, Chinatown, the International District, the Seattle Center, Pike Place Market, Olympic & Cascade mountain views, Historic Pioneer Square, the Waterfall Garden Park, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Lake Washington, the I-90 Floating Bridge, Mercer Island, Puget Sound and much more!
We have a guided food tour with tastings of the world-famous Pike Place Market and we explore the back alleys, narrow corridors, and tiny storefronts in search of the best eats of the market. We will meet the Market’s lively characters and hear their memorable stories, see fish fly, cheese being made, and the “original” Starbucks store. By the end, you will know the best places to eat at Pike Place Market!
I have hired Savor Seattle for a few of our food tours. Savor Seattle Food Tours is the #1 food tour in America on TripAdvisor and Yelp! Having been featured in national and international publications and news outlets, including bon appétit, the Travel Channel, and USA Today. They run the the #1 tour in Seattle (out of 143) which is a lively progressive four-course meal exploring four of Seattle’s top chefs’ restaurants, including several James Beard Award honorees. Each location corresponds to a course – two appetizers, a main, and a dessert. These four chefs haPlve come together to create delicious and unique dishes just for us. The menu for this tour is seafood-centric and each course includes a wine or cocktail pairing. In addition to savoring delectable dishes and drinks, we will also learn about Seattle’s rich food history and the local ingredients and expert preparations in each chef’s innovative dish. We will also learn about each chef’s background, as well as their influences on Seattle’s dynamic restaurant culture, and get a sneak peek inside what it takes to operate these high-stakes kitchens and secrets to success! Our tour is led by the foodiest of all of food tour guides having extensive cooking experience and intimately familiar with the latest happenings in the Seattle food scene. Join us for a fun and delicious evening and learn how Seattle has become one of the country’s top dining destinations.
Destinations on the #1 tour in Seattle the Dinner Soiree include-Loulay Restaurant & Bar- Named for Seattle Celebrity Chef Thierry Rautureau’s hometown of Saint Hilaire de Loulay in France, Loulay Kitchen & Bar marries the French influence of his upbringing with modern twist and sensibility to provide an accessible dining experience for everyone. Winner of Seattle Met’s 2014 Restaurant of the Year; Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, D.K. Kodama – Named one of “America’s Best Sushi Bars” by Bon Appétit , Blueacre Seafood- Chef Kevin Davis – James Beard Semi-Finalist Zagat- 4.5, they say, “Kevin Davis has done it again with this Downtown surf ‘n’ turf spot, putting out delectable fare and expect a sleek, expansive space, professional service and bills that many find a little pricey, but worth it for the quality” TanakaSan- Iron Chef Tom Douglas’s Asian-American hot spot for dessert. These stops are subject to change but are the current tour stops as of writing this.
Our 3 hour gourmet lunch tour has sit down stops at ORFEO Restaurant for Slow-roasted wild boar with grilled polenta & Rosé pairing, Serious Pie- Roasted mushroom truffle cheese pizza & margherita pizza, Cutters Crabhouse- Crab-stuffed prawn & Sauvignon Blanc pairing, Chan Spicy Korean pork slider, braised short rib, & rice beer pairing, La Buona Tavola Truffle Cafe- Truffle oil and salt, balsamic vinegar & gourmet treats, Steelhead Diner -Razor clam chowder with truffle oil & Viognier pairing, Von’s Gusto bistro- Wild salmon sour dough pasta & sparkling wine pairing, Fran’s Chocolates- President Obama and First Lady’s favorite chocolates. These stops are subject to change but are the current tour stops as of writing this.
Please note: Dinner is not including May 24th our arrival day and I am planning on Amtrak to take us from Portland to Seattle that arrives in Seattle at noon on Sunday May 28th.
