Wine Pairing

It’s Friday night in New York City. Your best friend’s, sister’s, coworker’s, roommate’s ex-boyfriend just liked you on Hinge. You offer to pick the first date spot. Power moves only.

In a city so big, the world is your oyster.

Pro Tip: order oysters. It’s an immediate aphrodisiac.

See also: Ease Back Into In-Person Dating at Intersect By Lexus-NYC

We sat down with Lindsey Metselaar, creator of popular We Met At Acme podcast, centered around the do’s and don’ts of millennial dating. Below are her favorite date night spots in NYC from east to west.

Soho

Ear Inn

Cool and understated, Ear Inn on the corner of Spring and Washington is a perfect spot to grab drinks with the man of your dreams. The vibes at this bar and grill are super casual and grunge, which will show your date you’re the ‘chill girl who drinks beer’ type. This popular joint is right by the water, so take a stroll with your date and hopefully he’ll lean in for that first kiss!

Cafe Select

According to Lindsey, a French restaurant is always a safe bet because of the naturally romantic setting. The European rail-station-restaurant vibe will definitely spark conversation with your date. Don’t forget to check out the hidden fondue room in the back of this quaint Lafayette Street hub.

Raoul’s

Keeping with the French theme, Raoul’s is a great spot for a dimly-lit evening. Described as having a “bustling Parisian atmosphere,” this classic bistro is delicious and has a good vibe. Although Raoul’s has been a Soho landmark since the 70’s, it definitely still has game. Hopefully your date does, too.

Balthazar

The pressure is on when trying to plan a big anniversary. If the night isn’t picture-perfect, then the relationship is destined to fail (sarcasm, people). Balthazar is an iconic French brasserie very well suited for a special occasion. You and your significant other should split the famous steak frites. It’s like you’re in Paris together, but different.

Flatiron

Cosme

If you’re not into the whole French thing, Mexican is a great cuisine for a night out with your guy. It’s a little on the pricier side, so maybe don’t suggest this for the first date. Both the food and drinks are great, so you really can’t go wrong here. Plus, it’s always fun to have a few margs and spill your feelings about each other.

Cote Korean Steakhouse

Cote is New York City’s first Korean Steakhouse, and by far the best. With one Michelin Star and four dollar signs, this upscale Korean barbeque restaurant should be reserved for a very special occasion. Places where they cook the food in front of you is always a fun experience to share with somebody special.

Rezdôra

Handmade pasta and delicious red wine, what could possibly go wrong? Rezdôra’s intimate setting makes for a great third or fourth date. It’s romantic, but not too romantic, you know? If you and your date want to indulge in the food together, try the $90 Regional Pasta Tasting with a $55 optional wine pairing.

Chelsea

Raines Law Room

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again, Raines Law Room in Chelsea is the chicest spot for drinks downtown. The semi-secret entrance gives off an aura of mystery you didn’t know you needed. This plush lounge serves prohibition-era cocktails, which will surely impress your date. Hopefully he’s nicer to you than Tom Buchanan was to Daisy.

Momoya

Consistency is key. Go to Momoya ten times in a row, and it will never disappoint. Sushi can sometimes be a gamble on a first date, but the most eligible bachelors are well-versed in toro and hamachi crudo. Split the spicy tuna crispy rice, and you are guaranteed to fall in love. Hopefully twice!

Sushi Seki

Three words. Spicy Scallop Handroll. If your date is a sushi lover, you absolutely must take him to Sushi Seki. Once again, this place is on the more expensive side, so we wouldn’t recommend for date number one. Order a lot of rolls for the table, because nothing is more attractive than girls who can eat.

West Village

Little Branch

Little Branch basically invented the speakeasy. Described as an “underground den of mixology,” Little Branch is the coolest spot to be. The best part about this underground gem is that the bartender will make you whatever drink you want. You can order your go-to gin and tonic, but we highly encourage you to experiment! The coolest girls aren’t afraid to take risks.

Dante

This West Village establishment is the best of both worlds. Dante is great for both casual drinks and a longer dinner, so you have the luxury of playing the night by ear. Order the famous Dante Martini at 6:00, and stay until the place closes if you’re having a great time! The spicy lamb flatbread is love at first sight.

Anton’s

Characterized as a “nostalgic New York cafe,” this West Village establishment is sure to bring on all the feels. Anton’s entire menu is inspired by old family recipes, which makes the food significantly better than trendy Italian places. The cozy old-school feel will make you want to get cozy with your date at the end of the evening.

East Village

Joy Face

This subdued throw-back bar is a great setting for a chill first date. The 1970’s themed bar has a type of cozy charm you don’t see very much anymore. Good vibes, good drinks, good music, and most importantly, good company. We love a place with a disco ball. It’s cute and kitschy, and perfect for your crush.

Yellow Rose

If Cosme is your fourth date, Yellow Rose should be your first. This San Antonio-style joint is great for tacos and tequila. It’s atmosphere is super unpretentious, which is perfect when you’re meeting somebody in person for the first time. If your date brings a yellow rose to this spot, run the other way.

Momofuku Ko

It’s fitting that this multi-course Asian-accented eatery is on Extra Place, because it really is extra. But in the best, most salivating way possible. Momofuku Ko is notoriously hard to get into, so put your Resy notifications on in advance and impress your love! There is no better way to celebrate a milestone than with David Chang’s $255 tasting menu.

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Visiting Singapore one might choose to explore its heritage walking trails or a drive along to view the wonderful architectural sights around the island. With modern day Singapore one might forget that Singapore was (and still is) a bustling sea port and the best way to view the city is by her coastlines. 

One of Singapore’s secret attraction includes The Royal Albatross, the ship sails around the Sentosa coastline where visitors will get to dine and bask in the beauty of the port, passing ships from all over the world and the picturesque reflections of the buildings from Singapore’s Central Business District at night. The choice of meals served on board are periodically changed and critically acclaimed by local travel sites and magazines; there is a choice to upgrade the standard 3-course menu all the way to a 6-course with wine pairing for a modest fee, so guests will be prepared to have their taste buds tickled and stomachs filled for the 2.5-hour sail.

The Royal Albatross is a premium luxury dining cruise experience on an open deck, surrounded by over 200 ropes that operate 22 large sails on 4 towering masts. Take pride in knowing that guests will be visiting one of less than 80 working tall ships in the World and that the Royal Albatross hosted multiple well renowned stars like Sir. David Foster, Mel C from the Spice Girls and even Princess Anne. With a little-known movie trivia, that the Royal Albatross; Asia’s only Luxury Tall Ship prior to its current luxury configuration was the same ship that was in the show the Dark Knight in the scene where the Russian Ballet was absconded. Also not forgetting that the wood used on board the ship is from vintage hard wood meticulously crafted by hand to create the lovely wood motifs on board.

The unique product offerings by the Royal Albatross includes a Rediscovery Breakfast Sail, a beautifully crafted Sunday Lunch, and their ever-popular Sunset Sail and City Lights Dinner Cruises that are often booked a month in advance for special occasions, weddings, proposals, birthdays, celebrations, romantic dates or just a night alone to enjoy the sea breeze and its awe inspiring and memorable sights. There are also activities that guests can partake on board the ship, such as an adrenalin pumping mast climb to work up that appetite or take the helm with the captain and see the modern technologies that go behind keeping our visitors safe while they enjoy the modern luxuries of the Royal Albatross.

The dinner sail experience won multiple awards over the years from TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice to Singapore Airlines naming it as most romantic dinner cruise. Rightly so since the ship is renowned as the place to plan the perfect proposal under the stars at sea or just celebrate that special event in an outdoor alfresco style venue.

Extra steps have been taken to ensure that the Royal Albatross is ultra clean for all her visitors as it’s mandatory for all attractions in Singapore to have an SGClean Certificate. Visitors will get to enjoy the fresh sea breezes as the ship sails along the coastline with the open decks of the tall ship providing optimum ventilation for everyone on board.

The entire 2.5hr sail will give guests plenty of time to enjoy the sights and also plan in a full day of shopping. Just like recreating a private scene in Crazy Rich Asians. Want to find out more about Asia’s only luxury tall ship in Singapore? Visit tallship.com.sg to find out more.

Media Contact
Company Name: Royal Albatross | Tall Ship Adventures
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Phone: +65 9350 7475
Address:Royal Albatross Home Berth 8 Sentosa Gateway
State: Singapore, 098269
Country: Singapore
Website: https://www.tallship.com.sg

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A gourmet food services company that specializes in bringing high-end culinary experiences to people’s homes and venues has rejoined the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce.

Chef Michael Pentasuglia is the owner of Michael’s Gourmet Food Services in Dover. Potential clients call his company and they set up a one-hour free consultation.

During that consultation, the type and extent of the service, date and time, menu choices, allergens, where specific work will occur and payment options are discussed.

Within three days, clients are presented with an estimated bill.

Depending on the event, a semi-formal contract may be required, according to the company’s website.

On their Facebook page, people can get a sense of who Pentasuglia and his team have worked with.

In 2019, they were working with Tuscan Market before they closed their site on Lafayette Road in Portsmouth to move to the center of Market Square.

Pentasuglia has been focusing on targeting personal clients. On-site specialized gourmet dinners for the family or special dates include a full menu and service.

High-end dinners can be created for up to eight friends or business associates.

Michael’s holds cooking classes and wine pairing classes in host’s homes for up to eight people altogether.

The company can also cater house parties of up to 20 people on any day except Sundays. If people want to have their food on Sunday, they can provide all the service and food set-up on Saturday.

“We strive to make an excellent meal of your choice in your home with as much or as little customer interaction as desired,” Pentasuglia said in a statement issued by the Chamber.

During an interview on Wednesday afternoon, Pentasuglia said he is hoping people will allow him to give them the full gourmet experience with all of the elegance that goes along with it.

“Getting into the personal chef business is something I’ve always wanted to do and I really want to chart my own course at this time,” Pentasuglia said.

For more information, contact Pentasuglia directly at mpentasuglia@comcast.net or by phone at 603-988-9048.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com.

KEEP READING: Here are 6 foods from your cookout that could harm your dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The new must-watch show of the summer is starting tonight as Britain’s favourite celebrities battle it out to go from zero to hero in the kitchen – whipping up tantalising dishes that will leave viewers at home drooling and ready to re-create the recipes, cooking like a pro chef at home! 

Cancel your plans for this evening and clear your diary for Tuesday nights because you won’t want to miss a single episode of Cooking With The Stars, which begins at 9pm on ITV.

Hosted by double act Tom Allen and Emma Willis (set to be TV gold), the series will see some of the UK’s top stars in an epic battle of the frying pans as they fight to be crowned the first ever Cooking With The Stars champion. 

Expect gripping scenes – and the occasional injury – as amateur chefs like Johnny Vegas and AJ Odudu take to the kitchen. But will they be able to handle the heat and make it through to the next round, or will they face the chop in the dreaded blind taste test? 

Presenter Tom Allen revealed: ‘It’s a feel-good cookery competition featuring some very well-known celebrities alongside some of the nation’s best chefs. It’s got glitz and glamour and is as competitive as it gets!’  

Wannabe top chefs will be dying to put their own skills to the test at home to see if they can perform better than their favourite celebrities! ALL ingredients on Cooking With The Stars will be available at M&S Foodhalls. So viewers can show the stars a thing or two in the kitchen and re-create all the pro-chef’s recipes at home for their families!

Find exclusive Cooking With The Stars free collectable recipe cards and the freshest ingredients from each show at your local M&S store. All recipe cards also include the perfect wine pairing from M&S wine expert and everyone’s favourite maître d’hôtel, Fred Sirieix. Cheers! Keep reading for a sneak peak of the recipes appearing on the first episode at 9pm tonight!

Cancel your plans for this evening and clear your diary for Tuesday nights this summer because you won’t want to miss a single episode of Cooking With the Stars, which begins at 9pm on ITV (pictured: Presenting double-act Emma Willis and Tom Allen)

(pictured, Denise van Outen, Naughty Boy, Catherine Tyldesley, Harry Judd, Johnny Vegas, Shirley Ballas, AJ Odudu and Griff Rhys Jones) Those stars who fail to make the cut in the first round will face elimination, with a sudden death dish that would leave even the most confident cook quaking in their apron

The show will see legendary chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager coaching Johnny Vegas, while Shirley Ballas swaps her dancing shoes for an apron as she’s mentored by culinary expert and regular chef on This Morning, Joseph Denison-Carey. 

Meanwhile actress Catherine Tyldesley will also be looking to renowned chef Tristan Welch for inspiration in the kitchen as she joins the fray. 

The stars will be cooking up mouthwatering recipes which YOU can re-create at home, including Korean food expert and TV chef Judy Joo’s delicious pan fried scallops and spring pea puree, and food writer and chef (owner of the famous Mowgli Indian street food restaurants) Nisha Katona’s fragrant gingerbread lamb chops 

Under the watchful eye of their mentor, the celebs will whip up a restaurant worthy dish before facing the judgement of the professional chefs.

Expect gripping scenes, and the occasional injury, as amateur chefs like Johnny Vegas and AJ Odudu take to the kitchen – but will they be able to handle the heat and make it through to the next round or will they be sent into the dreaded blind taste test?

Must-watch: The perfect pairing? Celeb and chef pairings on the show include the likes of legendary British chef Rosemary Shrager coaching comedian Johnny Vegas 

Meanwhile Shirley Ballas swaps her dancing shoes for an apron as she’s mentored by Joseph Denison-Carey (left) while Harry Judd’s coach Nisha Katona will be trying to spare the musician from too many injuries (right) 

Emma Willis said viewers can expect fierce battles and rivalries between celebs, and their mentors, as they try to get their hands on the Golden Frying Pan trophy. 

She explained: ‘The chefs wanted to win! There’s no messing with that. But they also wanted the celebrities to have fun and enjoy it.’ 

Meanwhile she teased that some of stars even add their own flair to the recipes, saying: ‘You can follow a recipe, and you can try and remember all the things they’ve taught you, but you have to go with your instincts. 

‘AJ was amazing with that. She was like “it only says this much salt but I’m just going to put a bit more in”, and she would just freestyle.’ 

Actress Catherine Tyldesley will be looking to Tristan Welch for inspiration in the kitchen as she joins the fray

And even injuries won’t get in the way of the competitive spirit in the kitchen, with Emma joking Harry Judd ‘barely had any fingers left’ by the end of the competition. 

She added: ‘He just kept cutting himself…The medic was on camera more than we were on that first day!’ 

The bottom two who fail to make the cut will then face the elimination round, with a sudden death dish that would leave even the most confident cook quaking in their apron.  Proper edge of the seat stuff!

They will be tasked with whipping up a meal without any guidance from their mentor before the judging panel decide who goes home in a blind taste test. 

Percy Pig fans Rejoice! Cuddly toy which sent M&S fans wild is BACK – and this time he’s a chef 

Now, an exclusive Cooking with the Stars chef Percy Pig is available in M&S Foodhalls across the UK for £16

VIP news… Very Important Percy News! From today an exclusive Cooking with the Stars chef Percy Pig is available in M&S Foodhalls across the UK and online for £16.

There was Percy Pig mania when M&S launched Percy soft toys for Christmas and Easter… and now he’s had what could be his BEST makeover yet. 

The loveable cuddly toy will be dressed in a Cooking with the Stars apron and chef hat, and is bound to be an instant hit with Percy mega fans. We can’t think of a better sous chef!  

Think you can do better than your favourite celebrity? 

Viewers can head straight to their local M&S and pick up exclusive free collectable Cooking With The Stars recipe cards, along with the freshest ingredients featured in the series, from pasta flour to top quality fish and seafood, and show the celebs a thing or two in the kitchen! 

After watching the Cooking With the Stars, you’ll be desperate for Extra Helpings! 

Tune into incredible spin-off programme Extra Helpings on the M&S Youtube channel every Tuesday at 10pm. 

The show is hosted by social media royalty, Woody and Kleiny, who have over 10million followers across social media (and a quarter of a billion views on YouTube)! 

This hilarious double-act will host exit interviews with your favourite stars after their elimination, as well as sharing exclusive backstage gossip – how serious WAS that rivalry? – and even stage backstage pranks – from electric chairs to chilli eating challenges! 

What’s more, M&S wine expert, Fred Sirieix will join Woody & Kleiny in an M&S store each week, providing his top picks for the recipes – which customers can re-create at home – and getting up to some serious fun, including blindfolded tastings!  

Be sure not to miss an episode by clicking subscribe.

Don’t forget to follow @official_percyig to see what he gets up to behind the scenes on Extra Helpings with Woody & Kleiny and the contestants too! 

And you can keep up with Percy’s escapades on TikTok @mandsfood too!

M&S Select Farms 21 day aged British fillet steak is perfect for making Rosemary’s delicious dish, while the M&S Select Farms British lamb is ideal for anyone who wants to try their hand at Nisha’s gingerbread delicacy. 

And there’s something for vegetarians too! Cheese fans will be drooling over the creamily indulgent M&S Burrata.  

M&S spices including dried birdseye chillies, garam masala, juniper berries, mace and chilli powder will add the perfect kick to any dish, while the M&S edible viola flowers are sure to wow friends and family. 

Tom revealed: ‘What’s great about the show is that we are encouraging people to follow the celebrities’ lead and cook at home. 

‘It’s interactive in that sense, and giving the viewers the chance to pick up the same invaluable cooking tips as the celebrities.’ 

He added: ‘By following the same recipes and making something to share with their family, they are going through the same experiences the celebrities go through.’ 

Those who are inspired by the stunning set can even revamp their own kitchen with M&S homeware – picking up the very same whisks and pans the celebs are using.  

You can learn even more about Cooking With The Stars and find the recipes to recreate the meals at home for your family at M&S online. (don’t forget the collectable recipe cards are available in M&S Foodhalls too!) 

Still desperate to find out more? Find your local store on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and updates from the friendly faces at an M&S near you… and watch as they bring Cooking With The Stars to life in stores!

The first episode of Cooking With The Stars airs on ITV tonight at 9pm. The aftershow Extra Helpings will air at 10pm on YouTube. 

Here’s a sneak peak of the first episode’s recipes. All ingredients on the show are available at M&S Foodhalls. These are available as collectable recipe cards at M&S Foodhalls from tomorrow or you can find the recipes online at marksandspencer.com …

Korean food expert Judi Joo’s delicious pan fried scallops and spring pea puree is perfectly paired with a Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 

Nisha Katona’s gingerbread lamb chops is just another recipe that M&S customers will be able to pick up in store 

Meanwhile British chef and presenter Rosemary Shrager’s fillet steak recipe is perfect with a bottle of Rioja Reserva 

The recipe for Joseph Denison-Carey’s tasty butter-poached chicken with braised leeks and creamy mash will also be available at M&S stores this week 

 

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The Toronto symphony is still on pause as places like restaurants and even some smaller venues reopen indoors, but two musician friends found a new way to perform during their long months on hiatus.

While indoor dining is poised to reopen within the month, some Toronto Symphony Orchestra dates have still been rescheduled to next year for the third time. 

Clare Semes and Kelly Zimba weren’t about to let a little pandemic stop them from performing, and they found a way to safely nurture their talents and bring the magic of music to people in Toronto.

Sonority Sisters is their violin and flute duo which started out headlining at parks and since then has been performing at intimate, distanced picnics, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings as well as virtual wine pairing events and holiday parties.

Principal Flute for the TSO Zimba is originally from Pittsburgh and has performed worlwide. Violinist Semes originally hails from Philadelphia, graduated with a Bachelor and Master’s degree from Juilliard, and has appeared as a soloist with multiple orchestras.

The friends met when they were training to become orchestral musicians as fellows at New World Symphony in Miami Beach, and they both won positions at the TSO in 2017.

“During the initial shut down of March 2020, we really missed playing music together and connecting with audiences,” Semes tells blogTO.

By the time warmer weather rolled around the following year and restrictions still weren’t lifting, they had decided to hit the parks. This summer, they’ve been doing it all over again.

“Like everyone in Ontario, we’re so excited that the weather is finally nice enough to get outdoors again, and that gathering limits are increasing,” says Semes.

“As musicians, our success is largely measured by the impact we have on our community.  In times like these when live music is scarce, we are grateful to have this outlet for musical expression and connection.”

In addition to all the kinds of events they’ve already played before, they’re open to any other kind of custom events, and you can get in touch with them through their website to book.

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Winetasting events are back, with Livermore Valley wineries offering their popular Taste Our Terroir food and wine affair from July 22-25.

The wineries are presenting 11 events including winemaker dinners, an electric bike tour, a winemaker concert, a blind tasting seminar and two virtual tastings.

The food and wine pairing competition that traditionally kicks off the Taste Our Terroir weekend is planned to return in 2022. But this year, in-person events are planned as well as a couple of virtual events.

Thursday, July 22

* New Paths in Livermore Valley (virtual event). 5-6:30 p.m. Wine critic and writer Mary Orlin will moderate this virtual wine tasting and panel discussion of winemakers exploring diversity within the world of Livermore Valley wine. Each ticket includes two bottles of wine. $65

* West Side Wineries Winemaker Dinner at Las Positas Vineyards. 6-9 p.m. An intimate, four-course dinner featuring beautiful wines paired with a delectable meal. $149

* Fire and Folklore at McGrail Vineyards. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Gather around firepits for a fun night of wine, s’mores, acoustic music and winemaker tales. $49

Friday, July 23

* Femmes of Franc at Rosa Fierro Cellars. Noon-2 p.m. Three winemakers will lead guests through six Cabernet Francs of Livermore Valley from the barrel to the bottle. Small bites will be included. $60

* Major Mixes: The secret world of wine blending and beyond (virtual event). 5-6:30 p.m. Learn all about the magic of mixing up incredible wines. $65

* Winemaker Dinner at Murrieta’s Well. 6-8:30 p.m. Uncork an extraordinary evening of wine and food in the historic barrel room for insights into the viticulture and growing season. $175

Saturday, July 24

* Bike the Vines & Wine All You Want! 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Tour Livermore Valley Wine Country on an electric Pedego bike, to include wine and honey tasting, snacks and a picnic lunch, finishing with wine tastings and dessert pairings. $199

Sunday, July 25

* Yoga & Wine Tasting at Bent Creek Winery. 10 a.m.-noon. An hour of relaxing yoga breathing and stretches outdoors, followed by a tasting of five wines as guests gaze into the beautiful vineyard. $25

* Curds & Wine at Las Positas Vineyards. Session 1: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Session 2: 2:30-4 p.m. This pairing experience will feature wines made from estate-grown grapes and cheeses from the best local creameries in California, guided through each perfect pairing. $75

* Brunch Bites & Flight Pairing at Garre Winery. Noon-1:30 p.m. Enjoy four award-winning wines with a beautifully paired brunch, curated by Executive Chef Abe from Garre Cafe. $55

* Secrets of a Sommelier at Omega Road Winery. Noon-2 p.m. Learn to taste like a pro, find the right words to describe the taste, and create the perfect pairing or pick the best bottle for any occasion. Guests will explore the idea of terroir and learn about grape-specific characteristics. $75.

For more details or to buy tickets, visit www.LVwine.org.

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Tourists love Devon and it is fair to say we enjoy seeing them – and the money they spend boosting the economy each year.

Of course, the past 18 months have been difficult for everyone and many businesses have struggled without their seasonal guests.

But we have all learned to adapt and our hotels, restaurants and attractions have learned to live with restrictions. Many challenges remain but with the great unlocking approaching it is interesting to see what people are really thinking.

Read more: Landmark circular tower bought by hotel boss Keith Richardson

To give a snapshot of opinions, we’ve picked a range of venues and places across Devon. In each one, we’ve selected a venue from Tripadvisor ranging from a luxury hotel, a mid-range hotel, a holiday park, a restaurant and a tourist attraction.

In each, we’ve selected three recent reviews. Given the fact this is Tripadvisor and sometimes deliberately negative reviews are included, the reviews we’ve selected, which are all since tourism reopened on May 17, may exclude ones where the owner has disputed the claims made in the review.

Here’s what those visiting Devon currently think of their experience.

North and Mid Devon

Luxury Hotel: Watersmeet Hotel Luxury Hotel: Watersmeet Hotel, Woolacombe

(Image: Booking.com)

Located on the quiet edge of Woolacombe rooms at the Watersmeet Hotel boast spectacular sea views to Lundy Island and Baggy Point.

The seaward side of the four-star hotel offers one long, uninterrupted panorama of the sea and rolling surf.

“Quite delightful stay”

Joyce H wrote: “Just home from a wonderful break at this lovely hotel. All very relaxed, lovely staff, all Covid regs quietly and efficiently dealt with, no fuss. Clean bedroom with everything we needed, maybe a bit small but great views of the cove below and Lundy Island. Quite delightful stay – even had the pool to ourselves! Thanks to everyone who helped us to have a much needed break.”

“Delicious Afternoon Tea”

Globetrottingboo wrote: Excellent Afternoon Tea. “Hotel is far better on the inside than it looks from the outside! Beautiful sea view from the lounge. Superb afternoon tea, warm scones, light cakes & finger sandwiches but one would be adequate for two people as it’s extremely substantial. Highly recommend.”

“Beautiful weekend away – impeccable decor, service and food”

Polo09 wrote: “I took a short weekend away to Woolacombe and the Watersmeet Hotel is certainly somewhere I would recommend to any traveller. The attentive, professional service coupled with excellent food and wine pairing was fantastic. The rooms are luxurious and views overlooking the sea are beautiful. All precautions are taken to ensure your safety and well-being with regards to covid and I would have no hesitation in taking a visit back to this beautiful location.”

Mid-range hotel: The Hartnoll Hotel, Bolham

The Hartnoll Hotel in Bolham, near Tiverton
(Image: Google)

The award-winning hotel is nestled on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, in the delightful Exe Valley in Devon. It is the perfect place to relax with friends and family or meet with colleagues.

“We’ll be back”

Dawn O wrote: “Booked a double room at short notice, the room was utterly gorgeous, spotlessly clean, excellent facilities throughout. We had dinner in the evening and I have to say the food was up there with some of the best restaurants I’ve visited – 1st class menu. The young staff were so accommodating and the bar manager was particularly helpful. Cream tea on Sunday was also fabulous. The grounds are lovely to walk around and I understand they are building a spa, so I can’t wait to see that! I really cannot say enough lovely things about this place and we will definitely be back.”

“Extremely accommodating”

Simon M wrote: “Excellent service ally he staff couldn’t have done more for us were so welcoming and accommodating and our dog was appreciated as much as we were if not more and he is a huge German shepherd. They are wonderful hosts we highly recommend this hotel for comfort and food and appreciation of their guests both human and animal.”

“Weekend Break”

Booked five rooms for family celebration – 70th Birthdays. Party of 11. Excellent service, accommodation and food. Staff and host were efficient and friendly. 3rd visit for food/stay will certainly return.

Holiday Park: Tarka Holiday Park, Barnstaple

Tarka Holiday Park, Barnstaple

Surrounded by stunning countryside and with no facilities, it’s the perfect base for relaxation and ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

“Top class holiday camp”

Tony H wrote: “It is a quiet park but in a ideal location for visiting the surrounding area. Our accommodation was spotless as is the whole camp site. Thanks to Olivia, Julie and Terry who give you a warm welcome and are there to answer any questions. Martyn and his team work hard keeping the site in top class condition. The bus service stops at the camp, so you can sit back and enjoy the local area. We will definitely be going back.”

“Long weekend away”

Peter G wrote: “We stayed in a Gold Level Holiday home very comfortable and spotlessly clean. Had all the necessary bits you needed for eating, drinking etc. Covid safe check in and all safety measures seemed to be in place and working. All the staff we meet were very friendly and helpful A quiet site,. ]Handyfor Barnstaple and the North Devon coast.”

“Box ticked!”

Kev R wrote: “We are just back from a 4 night stay at Tarka which I must say ticked all the right box’s for us. We booked a gold plus caravan which exceeded our expectations with a lovely wrap around balcony. The site itself is perfect if you are looking for a relaxing stay as there are no facilities such as clubhouse , shop and kids park which we were all for dispite begin on a busy main carriageway it was lovely and quiet where we were situated. The site and caravan was spotless and a great base to explore . The only slight downside was the lighting on the dog walking area was not working at night . Would we stay again? Definitely!!”

Restaurant: The Boathouse, Beach Bar and Restaurant, Instow

Beach-bar and restaurant, blessed with one of the best views in North Devon. Serving fresh fish, pub classics and seasonally inspired dishes prepared by its creative kitchen team.

“Lovely relaxing Saturday lunch”

Brum1967 wrote: “Lovely relaxing Saturday lunch for our party of 7 seated on the upstairs outside terrace. Staff very friendly and helpful. Excellent views. The food was very good, mussels in particular were fresh with a tasty sauce. Really enjoyable and would recommend and return. Thanks!”

“Delicious fresh fish”

mangetoutbein wrote: “Friendly welcome. Service a bit slow but food, especially the fresh fish, was truly delicious. When there was an error with our order it was quickly and courteously remedied. Looking forward to returning.”

“Perfect Spot”

TheAndrewNott wrote: “We popped in late one afternoon just for drinks. The meet and greet was very professional and our table had the most stunning views over the estuary and out toward the sea. It’s a great venue just to sit and enjoy the view, however, the food did look good to.”

Attraction: Grand Western Canal, Tiverton

Looking along the Grand Western Canal in Tiverton.

Meandering through 11 1/4 miles of beautiful mid-Devon countryside between Tiverton and Lowdwells (near the Somerset border). Declared a Country Park in 1971 and a Local Nature Reserve in 2005, the canal is a wonderfully relaxing place for a peaceful walk or cycle ride along the towpath, or even take a ride onboard the much-loved horse-drawn barge that has been taking passengers for trips along the canal since 1974.

“Great walks”

Will J wrote: “Great walk along the canal towpath, fantastic to see the horse drawn barge too! The surrounding tea rooms are always a good bet and very accessible from Tiverton Town centre.”

“Beautiful canal”

Susannah P wrote: “Beautiful canal running over 11 miles. Perfect for walks, cycling, running or even paddle boarding. As you gradually walk away from Tiverton, the tow path becomes quieter and more the scenery is stunning. Views change with the light and time of day, and by season to season. Kingfishers can be seen, swans, ducks and geese.”

“Leash”

“There are many pets without leash. The information center is closed. It is full of menacing pets. Not good for youngsters.”

South and West Devon

Luxury Hotel: Gidleigh Park, Chagford

(Image: TripAdvisor)

Gidleigh Park enjoys an exquisite location on the very edge of Dartmoor National Park. Famed for its culinary credentials, Gidleigh Park offers an air of tranquillity and romance within a Tudor-style country house, and set within 107 acres of mature grounds.

“A very British summer holiday”

Sophie P wrote: “We had a lovely few days at Gidleigh Park. The house is well maintained, our bedroom was very comfortable and the grounds were spectacular. However, for us, the real selling point was the impeccable service from every member of staff who went to out of their way to ensure that we had a fabulous stay. Marek provided particularly standout service although everyone was great. Would highly recommend the restaurant and the hotel provides a great base for a number of interesting walks.”

“Post lockdown celebrations”

Sharon B wrote: “Gidleigh is our favourite country house hotel. We have been repeat guests for approx 8 years now and have visited during each easing of lockdown over the last 18 months. This latest visit was to celebrate anniversary and birthday and we were beautifully looked after yet again. The staff deliver superbly professional friendly service, the food is superb and the setting is stunning. We relax and forget about the outside world as soon as we turn into the long drive. Cant wait for our next visit.”

“Wedding anniversary”

Tony S wrote: “We had fine afternoon tea at Gidleigh Park Hotel. All staff were friendly, welcoming and polite. Food was good but not excellent. Carrot cake was extremely sweet and stodgy, could taste only sugar, same issue with chocolate mouse. Mini sandwiches were tasty, bread bit dry. Overall in general experience was ok but could be better.”

Mid-range Hotel: Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish

View of the Sea and Lawns from Verandah at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Devon

The Langstone Cliff Hotel is situated in 19 acres of wooded grounds overlooking the Sea and Exe Estuary just a few minutes drive from Exeter. The Hotel offers extensive secluded grounds, expansive lounges and public rooms and can cater for events for up to 400 People in the Washington Suite.

“Great service and location”

charliemorris44 wrote: “A great hotel for older guests but I wouldn’t recommend it for families. Service and location were brilliant but hotel itself is dated, although very clean. Great choice of food but was also very average so not quite up to the price bracket for us.”

“5 night holiday dinner, bed, breakfast”

gmatt2017 wrote: “2nd time here. Couple with elderly parents both with limited mobility. Mobility aids required according to guest needs as hotel set on hill. We used wheelchair inside. Rooms excellent, reception very understanding and helpful when booking. Restaurant is fantastic. 5 course evening meal. Great facilities which is a bonus if the weather is rubbish. Gardens lovely to sit and enjoy the view. All staff are lovely and welcoming.”

“A Little Gem”

geoff201 wrote: “A little diamond. Almost on the coast with plenty of parking and only five minutes from Dawlish Warren town. Yet staffed by people who really seem to care. With as large grounds mainly laid mainly to lawn.”

Holiday Park: Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Otterton

Ladram Bay holiday park

Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities. Be sure to check out a popular Otterton crab restaurant such as The Kings Arms, which is a short distance from Ladram Bay Holiday Park.

“Fantastic holiday”

Nikki badger wrote: Such an amazing place, we stayed in the front Rowe the caravan was very clean, amazing views, ,great food, good price, everyone is so friendly ,swimming pool is very well organised with covid restriction will be back again soon , got home feeling very relaxing and chilled thank you.”

“Returning from Ladram Bay Holiday Park.”

anitaandy2018: “Having recently visited this holiday park just wanted to put forward our experience. Due to COVID cancellation we waited 18 months for a long awaited holiday. Booked a luxury lodge as a special treat for a special birthday. Very much looked forward to our break. Will start with the good points. Views have the WOW factor. Absolutely stunning. Very clean site. Good COVID measures in place. Well stocked and reasonably priced shop. Wonderful walks. Not such good points. Prior to arrival felt hassled with telephone calls on more than one occasion to move to other accommodation. Arriving at lodge discovered a fault with one of the doors. Could not be opened. Reported this to reception straight away. Told somebody from maintenance would have a look. Nothing happened. Twice more…”

“Finally a break away to Ladram Bay”

Mandyq22 wrote: “Fabulous place to spend a relaxing family holiday. The Sunday roast is the best!! Perfectly cooked beef and tender turkey with plenty of veg and wonderful homemade gravy. Thank You Ladram for always keeping the service and food to such a high standard.”

Restaurant: Number 7 Fish Bistro, Torquay

Number 7 Fish Bistro

Situated overlooking Torquay’s harbourside. No. 7 describes itself as Torbay’s only seafood restaurant. Since 1993 the Stacey Family have been running this Bistro style restaurant providing the best fresh fish and shellfish from Brixham.

“Just Book It!”

DavidNash08 wrote: “We tried, and failed, then we were able to get a table in the Wine Bar, which has the best views compared to the downstairs eatery. Go for the flights of wine and take note of the Bar Manager who runs upstairs. great chap and very knowledgeable. Food is sublime. Book well in advance, as they didn’t have a thing until October, but they do get cancellations. I must stop pushing people off cliffs just to eat and experience a great place….”

“Helpful”

Natalie L wrote: “Simple restaurant but by god the fish is good! So fresh and well cooked. Highly recommend. Helpful and friendly staff who will talk you through the menu if required.

“Fabulous Fish and more”

kevandcatt wrote: “We visited No 7 whilst on a mini break to Torquay. We were after a really nice fish restaurant and that’s what No 7 is . We booked pre drinks in the wine bar we had a window table , with great views of Marina . When our table was ready for dinner we were taken down and seated . The menu is extensive, so much choice it was hard to decide. All the food we had was fabulous. Service was great . It’s a real delight.”

Attraction: Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

Meet the animals at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm
(Image: Steven Haywood)

This family-owned attraction is small enough to provide a friendly and personal service, with enough to keep visitors happy all day. What sets Totnes Rare Breeds apart is the opportunity to be within hugging range of all the animals.

“A Small Place with a BIG Heart.”

JW-R wrote: “This is a small but perfectly wonderful attraction. Entry is very affordable and the animals are very well looked after with space to roam. The cafe has a good selection at reasonable prices and the staff are amazing, especially Pete and a younger chap, who both took the time speak. The owner is equally pleasant. This is not a big, flashy attraction. It is down to earth and all about the animals. A perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon.”

“Perfect morning out”

jobear75 wrote: “Had a lovely morning here with our two grandchildren . It’s not huge by any means but there was enough to keep us occupied for the morning. The kids loved going into the enclosure with the goats and being able to feed them was all part of the fun. There are plenty of spaces outside for you to picnic. There is a small cafe but we only ordered drinks There are adequate hand washing facilities around the site and there was a one way system in place. We would definitely go again.”

“Beautiful”

Jodieleigh H wrote: “My husband and I had a great afternoon out here today. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Be prepared to walk, as it’s quite a trek from the car park, but to be fair it was worth it.”

What tourism destination do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

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Read more stories from Devon:

Plymouth man slams Exeter after horrible day out

Salcombe ‘headless body’ murder accused appears in court

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Originally Appeared Here

Over the summer, few things go together like grilling and beer. Now, the spice company Spiceology has fused that warm weather pair together for a new line of seasonings created with New Belgium Brewing.

© Provided by Food & Wine
Spiceology New Belgium Beer Blends

According to Spiceology, these six new products were created with “bold summer-inspired flavors” in mind, ready to be used “as a dry rub or in marinades as the perfect flavor partner for meat, seafood, veggies, and more.” And fans of New Belgium may be intrigued to find out that each spice is linked to a specific beer from the Colorado brewery.

© Provided by Food & Wine
Spiceology

The Citrus Ginger Seasoning is infused with the flavor of Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA which adds to “notes of juniper berry, orange peel, rose petals, ginger, hibiscus, and apricot.” The Habanero Grapefruit Seasoning features “warm notes of cinnamon and cardamom” with the aid of Voodoo Ranger IPA. The Hot Honey Seasoning is “sweet, floral and pungent … with notes of sweet vanilla and pepper” buoyed by an infusion of New Belgium’s Honey Orange Tripel. The Moroccan Tagine Seasoning includes the flavors of Dominga Mimosa Sour for a blend “reminiscent of a Ras el Hanout with high citrus notes and warm spices.” The Summer BBQ Seasoning uses an infusion from New Belgium’s flagship beer and craft brewing classic Fat Tire for “a tasty balance of onion, brown sugar, garlic, and celery salt with mild heat.” And finally, the Sweet & Sour Seasoning works with the flavors of the brewery’s Sour IPA along with “notes of honey, peach and lemongrass.”

© Provided by Food & Wine
Spiceology

“We’re always evolving at New Belgium and looking for partnerships that support our goal of being a force for good. Collaborating with Spiceology gives us the opportunity to pair our world-class beers with custom-blended rubs while working with a company that shares our values,” Shaun Belongie, VP of marketing at New Belgium Brewing, stated. “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year and look ahead to the future, we remain committed to partnering with brands like Spiceology who give us the opportunity to experiment in ways we haven’t before.”

© Provided by Food & Wine
Spiceology

And speaking of experiments, how do they get the beer flavor in there? “The process is pretty simple honestly!” Tony Reed, chef and director of innovations and partnerships at Spiceology, told me via email. “We use a dry beer extract that is mild in hops flavor so it doesn’t totally take over the other flavors of the blend, but still allows the blend to pair well with beers from New Belgium. For example, the Habanero Grapefruit blend was designed specifically to pair with Voodoo Ranger, and Summer BBQ to pair well with Fat Tire. We added different percentages of the extract to each blend to create different flavor profiles.”

© Provided by Food & Wine
Pairing the right brew with your favorite grilled foods is easy with these beer-infused spice blends.

Individual 12.9-ounce jars cost $13.95 or the “New Belgium Brewing 6-Pack Flight” of mini jars (between 1.1 and 1.6 ounces) sells for $42 — all of which can be found at spiceology.com.

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Originally Appeared Here

More than 10,000 years ago, according to archaeologists, Healdsburg in Sonoma County was a busy place. Southern Pomo and Wappo Tribes lived here, fishing and hunting amid the rolling hills and lush valleys that still draw visitors today.

That was until 1841, when sea captain Henry Fitch established Rancho Sotoyome, stretching along what we know as the Russian River and Alexander Valley. Fitch hired fur trapper Cyrus Alexander—whose namesake would later identify the nearby wine-rich valley—and later, Fitch’s wife would take over, eventually selling parts of the Rancho to pay her taxes. One of those buyers, Ohio native Harmon Heald, would end up with most of the property, and by 1857, he’d laid out much of his own namesake, Healdsburg.

I thought of Heald’s careful city planning and early beginnings as I hiked across Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, with panoramic views to the surrounding picture-perfect vineyards, and generous miles of woodlands, oak groves, forest, grassland, wetlands, vernal pools and rocky chapparal, not to mention a secluded pond with lily pads.

I took my time on the double-loop trail there one sunny spring afternoon before the pandemic began, gaping at the Russian River, Fitch Mountain, the Mayacamas Mountains and even, faintly, the coastal range. I was thankful that local leaders in 2008 had had the wisdom to protect this quiet 161-acre parkland at the northern edge of Healdsburg.

I had been to the town once before with a fellow who was, let’s say, a devotee of the wine gods. Fair enough; that’s certainly for many the greatest pull to this once rather sleepy agricultural town that now is arguably one of Sonoma County’s favorite new destinations for everyone from foodies to art enthusiasts. On that first visit, I remember strolling around Healdsburg Plaza, and the chic boutiques and leafy streets streaming outward filled with Victorian beauties and Queen Anne cottages.

Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

That visit was in 2014. Three years later, much of Sonoma County would explode into flames as wildfires blazed across Northern California’s beloved wine country. Forty-four people would die, nearly 200 were hospitalized, and the region could count some $15 billion in losses. Residents in the thousands would permanently pull up stakes. But many stayed on to rebuild. I was curious to see what had prevailed, and what Healdsburg now had to offer visitors.

One afternoon during my visit, I picked up a map for a self-guided architectural tour at the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. Listing 12 properties scattered around eight blocks, the slim guide noted that when Harmon Heald laid out the town in 1857, he donated land for the plaza, clearing away the native oak and madrone to be later replaced with roses, palms and citrus trees. He would be just as generous in setting aside land for a school, cemetery and churches. Other lots were sold for a mere $15 each. Today, most of the homes built on that land could of course not be bought for such a song, but never mind—they are so pleasing to the eye, with their admirable craftsmanship and gorgeous gardens, with façades peaking beyond blankets of wisteria and cherry blossoms standing sentinel along the sidewalks.

I first walked over to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 209 Matheson St. and stood before the unassuming white clapboard façade. According to my guide, St. Paul’s Gothic Revival style is common among small-town churches, but its crenelated porch roof and side buttresses resemble European stone houses of worship. I liked its simplicity, and also the lovely stained-glass windows.

Among the first homes I came across was the asymmetrical George Alexander House built in 1905 by the successful banker on Tucker Street. The classy edifice held my gaze with its quatrefoil windows and tower, painted shades of tan, lime and maroon, and an attractive balustrade and inviting porch bedecked with a matching white wicker love seat and rocking chairs. Just a few steps over, by comparison, stands the James Thompson house, utterly modest by comparison but striking, too, in its subdued design—most especially, I should add, in reading that the farmhouse, erected in 1864, and today exuding cheer with its bright yellow door frame, was built to house the Thompson family’s nine children.

Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza

I eventually reached Fitch Street, which brought me to the Carnegie Library—one of more than 2,500 around the world made possible by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and built between 1883 and 1929. Healdsburg got its own in 1911, and today the library still has a commanding classic presence but ceased to function as a library in the 1980s. It’s a museum now but, sadly, during my visit it was closed.

I myself would have my own comfortable digs in Healdsburg as a guest at the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza. Part of the Four Sisters Inn collection, Healdsburg Inn sits at the south side of the plaza and is built into the town’s only Victorian commercial building; all others like it that once stood here succumbed to the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco.

The building underwent seismic retrofitting in 2004, but it still exudes its historical roots, with exposed interior brick walls crafted by Italian stonemasons and the original staircase. My spacious room, one among the inn’s 12, was on the second floor and had bay windows that framed fluttering tree branches and had a perfect view of the plaza. I turned up the gas fireplace as I unpacked and nibbled on the home-baked chocolate chip cookies placed in my room ahead of my arrival. Later, I sank into the giant bathtub and also a Willa Cather novel set in the same period as Healdsburg’s pioneer era. In the morning, I sat in the inn’s pleasant breakfast lounge looking onto the plaza while awaiting a pesto and vegetable omelet with a blueberry-sour cream scone, a perfect start to the day ahead.

I had planned to hike this day but decided to put that off until the afternoon so I could explore more of Healdsburg’s plaza. You can’t get physically lost in the small square, but you can get lost in thought in a place like Aerena Gallery, across the plaza from the inn.

George Alexander House

The gallery is actually one of four in the wine country; the other three are in Napa, St. Helena and Yountville. All are dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art by both local artists and those farther afield. At the Healdsburg gallery, I was mostly pleased with depictions of—what felt to be familiar—landscapes, of vineyards and sunflower fields and thick groves of birch trees. Afterward, I strolled around the plaza, eventually slipping into the Hand Fan Museum.

In the course of my travels, I’ve grown fond of fans, particularly in the occasional absence—or simply instead—of air conditioning. You could say I became a fan of fans, collecting them from Spain and Portugal, later Austria, Cuba, Japan and Vietnam. And so to see this stamp-size mecca honoring these both practical and flirtatious objects thrilled me. “Art, culture, geography and history,” reads the museum’s brochure, “all in the palm of your hand.”

The first museum in the country to be exclusively dedicated to hand fans, the exhibit opened in 2002 and rotates its astonishing inventory of 3,000 fans every few months. A visit here is like traveling the world: I learned about the legacy of a 7th century Japanese monk who supposedly invented the folding fan upon observing how a bat flutters its wings. I stood transfixed before a Chinese fan made around 1850 for export to Europe, with Mother of Pearl sticks and dozens of characters intricately gracing the leaves, their garments crafted from silk fabric painstakingly glued onto the fan.

Williamson Wines

I managed to pull myself away from the plaza and headed down the street to Williamson Wines, where I was scheduled for a wine pairing. Chaperoned by tasting room managers Marc DeCoulode and Mike Mahoney, I sank into a plush armchair to first talk with them about their business since the fires, particularly since Williamson does not sell its wines in stores. The men explained that after 35 years, Williamson had developed a loyal membership base—“in the thousands,” Mahoney noted—across the United States.

This impressed me in light of the fact that Williamson does not distribute. Ninety percent of the wines go to its wine club and the rest is sold in its tasting rooms. But with more than 40 wines drawing varietals from 15 vineyards across Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake and Napa counties, the French-inspired Australian winemakers Bill and Dawn Williamson seemed to have found a flavor for every palate—yet another accolade, considering the couple had spent their careers in software development. I later thumbed through “Way Beyond Wines: The Williamson Wines Story,” (which includes a chapter cleverly titled “The Much Maligned Merlot” in affectionate reference to the film “Sideways”), learning about the couple’s painstaking education in microclimates and grapevine root systems and thoughtful efforts to spare their chardonnay grapes from California’s legendary heat.

As I waited for the tasting to begin, DeCoulode shared with me his story of visiting the Sonoma Valley and finding Williamson Wines nearly 20 years ago when he was working as a police officer at UC Berkeley. Upon retiring, he got to know the Williamsons through the wine club and they offered him a position. He’s now pleased to be sharing his enthusiasm for his favorite wines. Lobster feeds, pig roasts, a cooking channel and European cruises for Williamson’s wine club members also make the winery an easy sell.

Shops and restaurants in Healdsburg Plaza

We started out with a pleasantly, surprisingly dry and light gewurztraminer, paired with poached prawns in a Thai curry with pickled peppers and chili. The wine neutralized the spice—I probably couldn’t have handled it otherwise—leaving a sublime aftertaste. Next up was eggplant parmesan paired with a cabernet-merlot blend, not to be outdone by braised short rib with celery root puree, balsamic garlic and herb jam, together with Williamson’s Elate Grange Cuvee. The smorgasbord concluded with bread pudding, roasted mushrooms and truffles alongside Williamson’s Rapture pinot noir and its hint of raspberry, mushrooms, truffles as well as grenache originating in the Russian River Valley.

And it was there I returned later during my hike in the hills overlooking Healdsburg. I had deviated from the main trail to have a rest and snack at the Russian River Overlook, leafing through my journal notes chronicling vineyards and fires, describing Native American life and pioneers, among them an Ohio settler, and proud Victorians and modest farmhouses. Afterward I strolled under blue oaks and madrones, ending up at the Serpentine Overlook, where I could see the Mayacamas Mountains, and snow atop them, more vineyards and oak clusters, a ravishing vista, all of it. As I made my way back to my car, I reflected on the many residents who had fled the fires, many for good, which made my short stay all the more worthwhile and worth yet another visit, both for a feast for the stomach as for the eyes.

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Originally Appeared Here

Pop-ups are in full swing around D.C., and this curated guide includes everything longer-term pop-ups and one-off events.

© Mita [official]
Watermelon tiradito from the vegan Mita pop-up in La Cosecha

Casa Kantuta

The Deal: Sibling duo Carla and Juan Sanchez bring their Bolivian heritage to Adams Morgan with a month-long speakeasy situated in the lower level of vegan restaurant/skate shop sPACEYcLOUD. D.C. bar vet and Roy Boys beverage director Luis Aliaga, who is half Bolivian, makes six opening cocktails that fold in lots of Rujero Singani — the South American country’s popular small-batch brandy. The “Pachamama,” named for the Inca fertility goddess, features earthy notes from cinnamon bark syrup. Imported decor from their native Bolivia’s capital La Paz include ekekos, small mustached ceramic figurines that represent prosperity, bowler hats, and gold accents as a nod to Bolivian mines. Sunday brunch stars salteñas — a broth-filled hand pie similar to empanadas — from Bolivian-born Maria Helena of D.C.’s Saya Salteñas. A private outdoor patio pays homage to the siblings’ nana and her love for roses.

Where: Casa Kantuta (entrance under sPACEYcLOUD); 2309 18th Street NW

Dates: Starting Thursday, July 8 with bar service Thursdays to Sundays from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), a pop-up shop sells wares from local artisans, vintage shops, and small business owners from the BIPOC community.

Birria Tacos at The Haymaker Bar

The Deal: Josefina Birria, the latest venture in town to capitalize on the widespread success of cheesy beef birria tacos, makes its pop-up debut with a one-night residency at H Street dive Haymaker Bar. The traditional tacos, which have recently rose to fame in America, are accompanied by a bowl of hot consommé.

Where: Haymaker Bar; 1015 H Street NE

Dates: Friday, July 9, from 5 p.m. until sellout

Gravitas Guest Chef Takeover: Paolo Dungca

The Deal: Chef Paolo Dungca (Pogiboy) takes over the kitchen at Ivy City’s Michelin-starred Gravitas with a five-course tasting menu inspired by the flavors of the Philippines. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefits HWAO (Helping Women and Others), a foundation dedicated to providing accessible and affordable healthcare to women in the Philippines.

Where: Gravitas; 1401 Okie Street NE

Dates: Sunday, July 11; seatings start at 5 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $125

Replay at Gaylord National Resort’s Pose Rooftop

The Deal: An ’80s-themed pop-up bar just landed atop the Gaylord National Resort, which reopened this month following a $64 million renovation. The neon-lit rooftop bar located on the 19th floor features soaring views of the Potomac River, retro arcade games, decadent milkshakes, colorful cocktails, and DJs playing the best of the decade. Each night at sunset, a bartender reenacts a famous scene from Tom Cruise flick Cocktail.

Where: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Md.

Dates: Starting Thursday, July 1

Mita

The Deal: Chefs Miguel Guerra (El Cielo) and Tatiana Mora (Serenata) just moved their vegan pop-up inside a glass-enclosed cube at La Cosecha, the Latin market around the corner from Union Market. Dishes made in an open kitchen include watermelon crudo; white ceviche with coconut, huacatay leaves, and pineapple; a burger with heirloom tomato, root vegetables, and aioli; creamy rice with maitake mushrooms, artichokes, and fava beans; and panna cotta with Amazonian copoazu, milk chocolate, and puffed rice.

Where: Mita (located behind Las Gemelas Cocina Mexicana’s bar); 1280 4th Street NE

Cost: Dishes run $9 to $22

Heist Summer Series

The Deal: Dupont Circle nightclub Heist hosts a rooftop pop-up at the Kennedy Center with DJs, bottle service, and 60 VIP tables every Saturday night through the summer. Heist’s parent company Versus (Castas Rum Bar, Morris American Bar) hired Emmy-nominated producer Robert Pullen to liven up the iconic perch with high-tech lighting and artistic projections.

Where: The Kennedy Center’s rooftop; 2700 F Street NW

Dates: Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (weather permitting). Ticket sales are currently live for tables on July 10 and 17.

Cost: Ticket tiers start at $240 for a Moët & Chandon table for six, and soar to a $1,000 minimum spend for an “Ultra VIP Cabana” for 10, with prime real estate next to the stage, private elevator access, dessert plates, and Red Bull packages.

Pescao

The Deal: Vienna’s Blend 111 rolls out a Latin-leaning seafood tapas series on Mondays starting this month. Executive chef Andrés-Julian Zuluaga’s weekly dinner lineup includes oysters, Maryland crab and trout caviar arepas; pickled Spanish mackerel with fresh tomato, adobo aioli and grilled bread; and hot options like gulf shrimp with achiote-infused olive oil, garlic, and brandy.

Where: Blend 111; 111 Church Street NW, Suite 101, Vienna, Va.

Dates: Every Monday starting July 12 to September 6, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Flight Night Wine Dinner at Uptown Market

The Deal: Upper Northwest’s gourmet grocer, restaurant, and coffee bar hosts a five-course dinner featuring five Spanish wines curated and poured by sommelier Aurelio Cabestrero (Grapes of Spain) to go along with dishes like Beluga caviar and Colorado lamb.

Where: Uptown Market, 4465 Connecticut Avenue NW

Dates: Friday, July 30, with seatings starting at 6 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $80

Lucky’s Crab House

The Deal: Lucky Buns chef Alex McCoy’s annual Chesapeake crab pop-up at Union Market will soon be a regular happening this summer. AYCE feasts return this month across Union Market’s sprawling outdoor patio, running Fridays to Sundays through early fall.

Where: Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE

Dates: Starting Friday, June 18

Cost: Reservations for two-hour time slots are available via Resy, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with the last seating at 9 p.m.

Summer House at Gateway Park

The Deal: National Landing BID sets up an alfresco office space that doubles as a happy hour spot this summer, complete with summer cocktails and bites, yard games, and beach-themed seating areas. To cater to remote workers, there’s WiFi, cold brew, and standing desks.

Where: Gateway Park, 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington, Va.

Dates: Starting Wednesday, June 16

Pizza Pop-Up at Victura Park

The Deal: The sprawling setup the Kennedy Center’s outdoor Reach complex hosts a weekend pizza pop-up led by pastry chef Rebekka Baltzell and ABC Pony’s Erik Bruner-Yang. Personal-size square pizzas made on-site include a cheese and pepperoni option and rotating special.

Where: Victura Park, 2700 F Street NW

Dates: Available every Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Cliché at Scarlet Oak

The Deal: Navy Yard’s Scarlet Oak expands its pop-up game with first-ever weekday lunch service out of its side door. Cliché’s menu centers around “trendy” orders like smash burgers, fries (with the option to add Old Bay), avocado toast, various lettuce wraps, and Brussels sprouts Caesar salads. Bottled cocktails for lunch include a summery mule and blood orange bourbon. The expanding menu will also include personal-sized, Detroit-style pies from its popular Side Door Pizza pop-up that’s still going strong since its debut last fall. Co-owner Brian Schram is behind both pop-ups.

Where: Scarlet Oak, 909 New Jersey Avenue SE

Dates: Wednesdays to Fridays starting Wednesday, May 5, for takeout or patio service

Cost: Dishes are $4-$12 and cocktails are $12

Fainting Goat’s Picnics at Logan Circle

The Deal: The Fainting Goat launched a new picnic pop-up delivering snack packs, s’mores kits, adult juice boxes, frozen pina coladas, and baskets of fried chicken and chocolate ganache cheesecake to nearby Logan Circle via blue bicycle. The restaurant is even selling picnic blankets and branded flasks.

Where: Logan Circle and Fainting Goat at 1330 U Street NW

Dates: Starting Friday, April 2, available for delivery every Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (pick up from the restaurant and get 10% off).

Cost: Starting at $30 per person; order via QR code or the website

© Photo: Clarissa Villondo
Fainting Goat’s new picnic pop-up via bicycle

Kennedy Street Tacos

The Deal: Chef Jaren Morrow’s taco Tuesday residency at neighborhood dive Jackie Lee’s features a menu of crunch wraps, quesadillas, burritos, taco salads, and pick-your-own proteins.

Where: Jackie Lee’s, 116 Kennedy Street NW

Dates: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday

Cost: Tacos and dishes are $6-$10 and sides (tostones, beans, rice) are $3 each

Desert Oasis at Hook Hall

The Deal: Park View’s Hook Hall transforms into a desert oasis for the summer, complete with private indoor or outdoor cabanas for rent and a Mediterranean menu filled out by falafel chips, dips, and merguez pizza. Every first and third Wednesday at 7 p.m., Crystal Edge hosts drag bingo with free drinks and free shots.

Where: Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Avenue NW

Cost: Curtained cabanas (2.5-hour limit for $125) includes a bottle of bubbly and special drink menu.

Camp Anthem

The District Pier at The Wharf revives its pop-up waterfront bar and restaurant for lunch and dinner (Fridays to Sundays). Each waterfront cabana seats up to six for two hours; reserve here.

SANdwich LORENZO

The Deal: San Lorenzo chef Massimo Fabbri debuts a lunchtime pop-up showcasing the sandwiches his mom used to make him in Tuscany. On the savory side, a 10-inch baguette comes with mortadella and caprese. Another option has 18-month prosciutto di Parma ham, burrata mousse, crushed tomato, and 12-year-old Balsamic. A “sweet” section served on a round brioche bun include Nutella ricotta with strawberries and hazelnuts and “Vegano” with fresh figs, mint, and fig jam. The menu will also feature four salads and a soup of the day.

Where: San Lorenzo Ristorante + Bar, 1316 9th Street NW

Dates: Starting Monday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Cost: Sandwiches run $10-$14. Orders will be available through DC to GoGo, Doordash, Grubhub, Uber Eats or via pickup at San Lorenzo via phone (202-588-8954).

Fedmobile

The Deal: D.C.’s acclaimed barbecue outfit Federalist Pig debuts a weekend mobile kitchen in Hyattsville while waiting for its brick-and-mortar location to open on the same lot. Offerings include dry rubbed and slow-smoked turkey breast and pulled pork, jalapeno cheese sausage links, meaty “sammiches” and family-style meats and sides.

Where: 5504 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, Md.; order ahead for pickup from the food truck here.

Dates: Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.

Man vs Fries

The Deal: Man vs Fries, the Bay Area-born, Black-owned business that’s expanded nationwide to Portland, Seattle, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, and Miami, makes its D.C. area debut out of new food trucks in Arlington and D.C. Fries are the star here, making their way into big burritos (NorCal style with carne asada or pollo asado, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and secret sauce) or SoCal style with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The indulgent menu also includes asada-topped nachos or curly fries; a “Hella-Dilla” quesadilla stuffed with Flamin’ Hot Doritos or Cheetos; and fried cheesecake, battered Oreos, and cookie dough bites.

Where: Arlington, Virginia (2636 Wilson Boulevard) and downtown D.C. (631 P Street NW); pickup and delivery through third-party apps

© Man vs Fries/official photo
A CBR burrito (chicken, bacon, ranch) at Man vs Fries.

District Fried Chicken & Co.

The Deal: Clyde’s Restaurant Group expands its pandemic-era portfolio of ghost kitchens with the addition of District Fried Chicken & Co. Choose from traditional fried chicken, bone-in wings, hand-breaded chicken tenders, buttermilk-brined fried chicken breast sandwiches, crispy fried shrimp, and sides, plus an assortment of dry rubs, sauces, and dips. Other pop-ups under the Clyde’s Restaurant Group umbrella include District MeltHouse, for towering grilled cheese sandwiches to go with mac and cheese, and DC Sushi Fast (sashimi and signature rolls).

Where: Order online for delivery via third-party apps

Cost: Fried chicken sandwiches start at $9.50

Rita’s Tacos at Roy Boy’s

The Deal: The fried chicken-and-bloody mary bar in Shaw enters the pop-up game with a new Mexican menu available for pickup. Along with taco fillings like chicken, carnitas, lamb, and al pastor, a Nashville hot variety features its fried chicken, mac and cheese, and hot sauce. Any order can be dunked in a cup of rich consomé for $3.

Where: Order online for pickup at Roy Boys (2108 8th Street NW)

Cost: Tacos range from $3.50-$4.50; elote corn is $6

Ampersandwich

© Samantha Giordano Kim/Shilling
The “McReid” stars smoked and slow cooked St. Louis ribs and chopped pork shoulder, topped with dill pickles and BBQ sauce on a house-made bun.

The Deal: Shilling Canning Company chef Reid Shilling enters the ghost kitchen game with a sandwich-centric menu filled with nostalgic favorites like an elevated “McReid” spin on the McDonald’s McRib. The “E. Lombard Street Corned Beef” piles hot corned beef and mustard on house Jewish rye. Chivito — the national dish of Uruguay and now a D.C. favorite — features wood-fired beef, Virginia ham, applewood smoked bacon, egg, roasted red peppers, chimichurri, garlic aioli, onion, and more on a house bun.

Where: Delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub and UberEats; also available on-site at Shilling during happy hour (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Wednesdays and Thursdays. 360 Water Street SE

Dates: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: Sandwiches start at $14

Little Prince Pizza

The Deal: Schlow Restaurant Group expands its pandemic-era pizza pivot in Northwest with a bigger comfort foods selection. The rebooted ghost kitchen, now dubbed Little Prince Pizza, adds hot wings slathered in four flavors like D.C.’s famous mumbo sauce, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and desserts by chef Alex Levin, plus beer and White Claw. Pies include chef Hamilton Johnson’s eponymous “The Hamilton” (shredded short rib, ricotta, truffle honey, fresh herbs) and “The American” that’s billed as a double bacon cheeseburger deluxe pizza.

Where: Upper Georgetown (2505 Wisconsin Ave NW) and Mt. Vernon Triangle (465 K St NW)

Dates: Open daily for pickup and delivery, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cakes by Cut

© Cut/official photo
Cut’s executive pastry chef Kieu-Linh Nguyen debuted a new cake-centric ghost kitchen at the Rosewood hotel restaurant.

The Deal: Kieu-Linh Nguyen, the executive pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Cut steakhouse in Georgetown, has rolled out a cakes service with a price tag befitting special occasions. The Marcel’s alum carves out space at the upscale restaurant to make elegant 6- and 8-inch confections like a chocolate praline cake; strawberries and cream vanilla sponge cake with Grand Marnier; and spiced carrot cake with muscovado sugar and cream cheese icing.

Where: Orders can be placed on Tock three days in advance of pickup at Cut (1050 31st Street NW)

Cost: Circular creations serve six to 14 each and run $85 to $120

One Night in Tokyo at barmini

The Deal: Modernist cocktail lounge barmini by José Andrés offers diners a taste of Tokyo via a multi-course menu from chef Ruben Mosquero. Dishes include breakfast in Hokkaido — goat milk aerated ice cream, hay-infused goat milk sauce, and puffed wild Japanese rice with makrut lime powder, hay caramel, and fennel flowers — and a bright green matcha doughnut made with matcha ice cream and matcha powdered sugar.

Dates: Starting Wednesday, February 3

Cost: $70 per ticket, or add $75 for a wine pairing selected by Master Sommelier Andy Myers. Barmini’s beloved cocktails are available a la carte.

Sandibuns

The Deal: Team Service Bar debuted a new to-go burger bar with beef patties from 7 Hills Farm or Impossible Meat joined by caramelized onions, dill pickles, and special sauce on a potato bun. A “Puff Puff Smash” is a smoked bleu cheese burger with thick cut bacon and a “Sandi’s Spice Bomb” is a Nashville hot burger with spice bomb, pimento peppers, cooper cheese, and apple butter. The takeout-only menu also includes a “Talk Birdy to Me” chicken thigh sandwich with Buffalo sauce, salads, and sides like “F***ing Hot Fries” and gooey mac and cheese with béchamel and breadcrumbs. The pop-up could spark the debut of lunchtime service at Service Bar, the team tells Eater.

Where: Service Bar, 926 U Street NW

Dates: Starting Thursday, January 21 at 4 p.m.

Cost: Sandwiches start at $9 and sides start at $4

Gonzo

The Deal: Pineapple & Pearls alum Nicholas Olivas draws from his upbringing in San Gabriel Valley, California, with a new weekend residency at Dupont Circle’s Astoria. The SoCal-inspired carryout menu includes Baja shrimp tacos, pork pozole, guacamole tostadas, and a burnt cinnamon tres leches cake. Drinks include Tecates, Miceladas, and a baked apple toddy.

Where: 1521 17th Street NW

Dates: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Fridays to Sundays

Cost: Dishes are $3-$17 and cocktails are $15; order online

HalfSmoke

The Deal: Shaw sausage bar HalfSmoke added a trio of virtual kitchens during the pandemic: Butter Me Up (breakfast sandwiches, coffee, tea, and cocktails); Morning After Next (brunch bites like Cinnamon Toast Crunch pancakes, seafood hash, and grilled half smoke sausages and gravy); and a new D.C. style of square pan pizza at Get Social.

Where: 651 Florida Avenue NW; available for carryout and delivery seven days a week.

© HalfSmoke/official photo
Roasted veggie hash at HalfSmoke’s Morning After Next (tofu scramble, Beyond Meat sausage, butter and sweet potato hash, arugula, pickled carrots, cucumber and beets).

Pizzeria Pop-Up at Anafre

The Deal: Prolific restaurateur and chef Alfredo Solis decided his seafood restaurant Anafre doesn’t lend itself easily to takeout-focused pandemic times, so he’s flipping the Columbia Heights spot into a Mexican-inspired pizzeria pop-up. That means pies like a Chile Relleno pizza topped with blistered jalapeño, Oaxaca cheese, and sour cream, or a pizza starring grilled chicken and mole poblano. Besides the nine pizzas, familiar menu items are still available for Anafre fans too (like the popular seafood nachos).

“I love our concept at Anafre and we had so much great momentum before the pandemic, but it just isn’t as sustainable as our other restaurant concepts,” Solis said in a press release. “In trying to see the brighter side of things, I’ve been wanting to spread my wings more and showcase some of the skills I’ve picked up along my chef journey. I’m proud to be a Mexican chef but that doesn’t mean I can only make Mexican food.”

Where: Anafre; 3704 14th Street NW

Dates: Anafre’s pizza pop-up will be open throughout the duration of the pandemic. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday from and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday. Order takeout online and indoor and outdoor seating are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Cost: Pizzas are $10 to $14

Etta Faye’s Chicken Shack

The Deal: Smokecraft Modern Barbecue offers a variety of fried chicken sandwiches on buttermilk biscuits. Options swing from a fried green tomato BLT to a fried chicken sandwich with harissa hot sauce on a potato bun. There are also salads and sides like spiced tater tots with smoked garlic sauce and mac and cheese.

Where: 1051 N Highland Street, Arlington, Virginia. Orders will be available for delivery on UberEats and DoorDash, or order online for pickup during brunch on weekends.

Cost: A la carte, and a “chuck it bucket” for four ($26) comes with fried chicken, two sides, slaw, biscuits, and fries.

Pho Joint at Duke’s Grocery

The Deal: Duke’s Grocery in Foggy Bottom debuts a pop-up centered around the beloved Vietnamese soup. Pho Joint fills bowls with protein options like brisket, eye round, meatballs, chicken, or a combo of the above. “The Duke’s family all enjoys pho regularly, so a few weeks ago we took a stab at it ourselves using a family recipe,” says managing partner Daniel Kramer, in a statement.

Where: Duke’s Grocery (Foggy Bottom): Pho Joint & Toddy Bar; 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Dates: Pho is available for dine-in, takeout and delivery via UberEats, Caviar, GrubHub and Doordash.

Cost: Pho bowls are $12-$14 and cocktails are $11-$12

© Duke’s Grocery/official photo
Pho at Duke’s Grocery Foggy Bottom.

Fiola 2.0

The Deal: Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s new pop-up dinner series stars produce and meats sourced from Rappahannock County’s Chancellors Rock Farm. The three-course menu at the Michelin-rated Italian restaurant rotates frequently, depending what’s in season. Customers can choose from two savory dishes and dessert, or opt for the chef’s personally curated menu.

Where: Fiola, 678 Indiana Ave NW

Cost: $125 per person; reserve via Tock

Officina x Via Umbria

The Deal: Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s three-level Italian complex on the Wharf teams up with Via Umbria, Georgetown’s go-to market for Italian goods. The pop-up adds Officina’s breads, wines, and preserves to the mix, along with hot prepared foods, fresh pastas, butcher products, and specialty meats and cheeses. It’s available for takeout or delivery, or customers can book a timed shopping slot to maintain social distance.

Where: Via Umbria; 1525 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Dates: Starting Wednesday, June 10; Wednesday to Friday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Cost: The pop-up also features nightly two-course meals for two ($70) with rotating mains like lasagna bolognese and braised beef short rib.

© Officina/official photo
Officina eats at Via Umbria.

Pop-Up Wine Shop at Lulu’s Winegarden

The Deal: Lulu’s, the months-old replacement to Vinoteca, is back with pickup, delivery, and limited patio service full of Southwestern dishes from chef-partner Cable Smith. A new pop-up wine shop inside sells more than 45 labels repping small producers. And an on-site market slings ready-to-drink bottled cocktails and pantry staples like its barbecue aioli and everything spice, along with fridge fillers like pickled shallots.

Where: Lulu’s Winegarden; 1940 11th Street NW (contactless pick-up via GoTab or delivery via Caviar)

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