Restaurants Madrid - Mades Warung (recommendable)

Delicious, light thai meal, with a nice combination of flavours. The dishes are presented nicely.

We tried the:

Chicken satay

Crab soup

Nasi Goreng with shrimps

Curry with chicken

The curry had a nice touch due to the fresh flavour of the lemon grass, however the Nasi Goreng was not very adventurous. It is a pretty standard fried rice with palm sugar syrup.

Overall, they try hard with the service. According to a local friend, they are unusually obliging.

The place gets full after 10pm and therefore I would recommend making a reservation. But this is a general rule for Spain. It is always good to reserve. If you however want to eat at 19:00 or 20:00 your problem wont be finding a table but rather and open restaurant (Spanish eat dinner quite late).

33 per person which is reasonable.

Mades Warung

calle Reina 15

Madrid

Tel 915 232 017

www.mades-warung.com

Restaurants Madrid - Arabia (very recommendable)

The most delicious humous I have had (nice and creamy, as well as not too much garlic)!! The entries are really recommendable.

Some of the main dishes (chicken fideos and the lamb) had a little bit too much sugar, but the cinnamon touch was great. 

Be sure not to drop the menu, like our neighbours did ... it will make everyone turn to your table. :-) They are wooden menus which is fun and different.

Service is average.

The place tries to imitate a beduin tent and is dimly lit - it is a nice place to eat with friends.

18 Euros per person which is good value for money.

Arabia

Calle Piamonte 12

Madrid

Tel 91 532 5321

Restaurants Madrid - La Tagliatella

La Tagliatella is located in the financial district of Madrid.

This place has a large choice of freshly made pastas which you can mix and match with numerous sauces.

We had: 

Taliarine with Tartufo e funghi

Pappardekke pepe nero with pesto rosso panna

I found the pasta delicious. I would say above average and could perhaps even compete with the delicious Viennese Italian restaurants, which are known to be quite good. 

We spent 17 Euros per person, which was a bit of a rip off for pasta. Had we known that one can share the pasta dishes, it would have been a reasonable price.

La Tagliatella

General Peron 40

Tel. 91 556 90 46

www.trastevere.es

Restaurants Madrid - Lateral

In the search for great spanish food.... PART 1. I have heard that there are tons of places for great food in Spain. I hope I don't board the plane on Monday singing U2's I still haven't found what I am looking for.

We had the traditional albondigas de ternera (meatballs), shrimp croquettes, patatas. It is a chain in Madrid where service is very fast. The food comes immediately, but is not very warm, which can for some not be as appetizing.

In Spain, bear in mind that there is not much respect for non smokers, so even in restaurants people smoke heavily. Even though the areas are separated it does not really make a difference.

It is minimal, but comes across unoriginal. Dimly lit with candle light. It seems more like a local meeting place which is nice an central, where do not really care about the food.

We spent 15 Euros per person, which I would not spend again and continue my search. 

Lateral

Velazquez 57

28001 Madrid

Tel 91 43 50 604

Restaurants London - Urban Turban (very recommendable)

I think this is one of the best Indian restaurants in London. I like the unique flavours and combinations. A great modern interpretation of Indian food!

The atmosphere is a combination of minimalist with a little bit of an Indian touch due to the colours that are chosen as the decor.

We tried the following dishes:

Tikki chaat: spicy chickpeas, potato cakes and tamarind chutney

Dahi batata papdi: potatoes & crushed papdi laced with sweetened yogurt & chutneys.

Tandoori chicken with makhani sauce

Saag paneer: spinach cooked with paneer tempered with cumin & garlic.

Dessert was a chocolate torte with caramelized nut base and ginger ice cream.

I thought the starters were outstanding, especially the touch of having the pomegranate seeds mixed with the Indian flavours in the Dahi batata papdi! Unlike the average Tandoori, which often dry, this Tandoori was grilled nicely and had an extra makhani sauce which complemented the flavour of the Tandoori chicken nicely. All main dishes were delicious and had a fresh taste. I think none of us thought that the dessert was spectacular, but did not ruin our impression of the place.

I would definitely recommend this place!

Our bill ended up being 25 GBP per person without drinks, which is great value for money.

98 Westbourne Grove

London W2

+44 20 72 434 200

www.urbanturban.uk.com

Restaurants San Francisco - Lori's Diner Ghirardelli

If you are looking for simple burgers with a nice view, this is the place to visit.

Lori's Diner has a beautiful view and simple comfort food at reasonable prices.

We paid $11 per person for a main dish.

Lori's Diner at Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St, SF, CA 94128
(415) 409-1950

www.lorisdiner.com

Restaurants San Francisco - Alioto's

Alioto's is a fish restaurant. One has a stunning view (at the tables upstairs) of the Golden Gate Bridge, good service and the food is fine. It is a bit of a tourist trap, but I must say that the lunch menu is good value for money.

I had shrimps in a spicy (not very spicy) tomato sauce with rice. The taste was not very complex, but just right for a quick lunch.

The main course was $13 per person.

www.aliotos.com

Restaurants San Francisco - Scomas

Scoma is a great seafood restaurant which has a little bit of a touristy ambiance, but one hardly notices the surroundings due to the delicious fresh fish they serve.

The baked filet of petrale topped with mushroom and white wine sauce tasted delicious. The Alaskan Ivory King Salmon on crab ravioli was memorable too.

Certainly worth trying, especially if you like seafood!

The service is good.

$45 per person.

Pier 47 on Al Scoma Way
San Francisco, CA 94133

www.scomas.com

Restaurants Vienna - Plachutta Wollzeile (very recommendable)

If you like beef, this is the place to go. Great selection of numerous beef dishes, as well as the traditional Austrian Tafelspitz.

Tafelspitz - boiled beef with root vegetables, usually served with roasted slices of potato and a mix of minced apples and horseradish or sour cream mix.

If one is not into boiled beef, there are plenty of other great beef dishes to choose from.

This place is loved by locals.

Great value for money. We spent about 23 Euros per person without drinks.

Wollzeile 38
1010 Innere Stadt, Wien, Austria

www.plachutta.at

Restaurants Vienna - Figlmueller (very recommendable)

Deeeelicious Schnitzel! It is certainly touristy, but locals love it too!

There are two Figlmuellers next to each other near the city center (Stephansplatz). Most tourists wait for a long time to get into the crowded one in a small "passage". There is a much bigger one just around the corner with the same food and much more space and therefore no waiting time.

Schnitzel is a thin slice of veal/pork (there they have pork) coated in breadcrumbs and fried. Usually I am not such a fan of pork, but the Figlmueller Schnitzels are so thin and not at all stringy that it tastes delicious.

I also like ordering the natural grape juice with sparkling water (2 Euros).

Simple atmosphere. Service is super quick and good.

Probably the most expensive Schnitzel in town, but I certainly think it is worth it. (12,90 Euros for the Schnitzel). 22 Euros per person.

I have been there again in March 2010 and in my opinion they have become much more touristy. They serve ketch up with the Schnitzel and have long queues. So I would definitely recommend making a reservation.

Baeckerstrasse 6, 1010 Vienna

Tel. 512 17 60

www.filgmueller.at

Restaurants Vienna -Tenmaya (recommendable)

This is a traditional japanese restaurant conveniently located (near the opera and the famous Sacher Hotel - Sacher is the place where you can get the traditional chocolate cake) in the center. It has a Teppanyaki area and if you want to be with your friends in a more private setting, you can also book a private tatami room.

The food is good and always freshly prepared.

I especially enjoyed the Japanese green tea (Gyokuro).

A little pricey. Menus from 32 Euros per person.

Tenmaya Japanisches Restaurant

Krugerstrasse 3

1010 Wien

Tel +43 1 5127 397

www.tenmaya.at

Restaurants Vienna -Unkai (very recommendable)

This is a great Japanese restaurant on the ring (in the Grand Hotel). Usually I am not fond of Hotel restaurants, but this one is very good. They have traditional Japanese dishes from Sashimi to Sukiyaki. The quality and taste varies a lot though due to the chefs changing quite often.

Of course the food is not comparable to food in Japan, but considering it is not easy to get all the ingredients, it is quite authentic. It is my favourite place for Japanese food in Vienna.

The Sukiyaki meat is not as thin as in Japan, but still has a delicious flavour. They also add a wonderful selection of different mushrooms which are very tasty.

The Hamachi is supposed to be fantastic!

My favourite place for Matcha (green tea ice-cream).

40 Euros per person.

Restaurant Unkai

Kaerntner Ring 9

1010 Wien

Tel. +43 1 515 809 110

www.unkai-grandhotel.com

Restaurants Vienna -Danieli (recommendable)

Great Italian food - I particularly like their risotto! Not overcooked, light with a perfect blend of fresh ingredients.

The ambience is exactly how you would imagine an Italian Restaurant. I particularly like the area beneath the glass roof.

Perhaps a tiny bit posh. A lot of people go there for business lunches or dinners.

Good value for money. 30 Euros per person.

Danieli

Himmelpfortgasse 3

1010 Wien

www.danieli.at

NY Restaurants - Fatty Crab

Good food with nice touches. A little on the oily side.

Fun little place with a relaxed atmosphere. But must admit I went in an off-peak time - I can not imagine how it would be when it is full.

Service is fine, but not great.

Found it a little pricey for what it is. $40 per person.

643 Hudson St

Tel (212) 352 3590

www.fattycrab.com

Restaurants in Chicago - Morton's Steakhouse

Very consistent. Delicious steak, maybe not exactly value for money, but if you have a meat craving the portions certainly are satisfying!

Steak house in a little bit old fashioned atmosphere, but warm.

Excellent service.

$60 per person.

1050 N. State St.

Chicago, IL 60610

Tel (312) 266 4820

www.mortons.com

Restaurants in Chicago - Frontera Grill

Reinterpretation of Mexican flavours, but not venturing into fusion or creative combinations. This is not your every day Mexican Joint, so do not expect tacos. They have a great spin on the usual choices. Plus everything is fresh, bold and tastes authentic.

This is not the place for a romantic evening, but great fun for a group.

The Tequilas were good!

$40 per person.

445 North Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60610

Tel. 312 661 1434

www.fronterakitchens.com/restaurants/restaurants.html

Restaurants Chicago - Orange

Food is not consistent.

Last time I had great pancake flights. I wanted to go there again because you can create your own freshly squeezed juice combinations, but the food this time was disappointing. I had the french toast kabob which was very dry and half an egg shell was on the toast. The waiter did not seem to care.

$15 per person.

www.orangerestaurantchicago.com

Restaurants in Chicago - Bongo Room

One of my personal favourites for brunch in Chicago!

The eggs benedict are delicious and the pancakes are a such a tasty treat! The dishes are decadent and certainly not for people who are on a diet. ;-)

No reservations - usually 30-60 minute wait on a Sunday.

1470 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60642-2025
Tel. (773) 489 0690

Restaurants in Chicago - Nookies

Average brunch place with large portions. You will definitely not be leaving hungry!

Reservations are possible, but we still had to wait for 30 minutes.

$15 per person.

1746 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60614-5807
Tel. (312) 337-2454

www.nookiesrestaurants.net

Restaurants Chicago - Sushi Wabi

Good value for money. Not traditional Japanese dishes, but good combinations and consistently delicious.

Certainly not for a romantic date because it is very loud. However fun for a group of friends night out.

$40 per person.

842 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607-2309
(312) 563-1224

www.sushiwabi.com

Restaurants Chicago - Bob San

Good food and comfortable atmosphere with a modern edge.

Service is friendly.

Prices are reasonable. $35 per person.

1805 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel. (773) 235-8888

www.bob-san.com

Restaurants Chicago - Avec (recommendable)

I would describe Avec's dishes as refined comfort food which is consistently good. The dishes are often meant for sharing and the flavours are delicious even for the fussiest eater!

The chorizo stuffed dates in red pepper sauce are fun. The main reason why I love going back there is their yummy foccacia dish!

Not for a romantic date, since it is very loud and one is seated at communal tables with wooden benches. However a nice and lively atmosphere!

The wine list is pretty decent and reasonably priced.

No reservations are taken, so usually at least 30 minutes wait and there is no place to wait.

$40 per person.

615 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 377-2002

www.avecrestaurant.com

Restaurants Chicago - Alinea (very recommendable)

Alinea is another restaurant in the residential area called Lake View. All dishes are eye catching and some of the flavours literally exploded in the mouth. Delicious flavours tempt the imagination. However, for me, it is not necessarily an experience that I want to repeat. I found the flavours were sometimes competing against each other, but perhaps that is personal taste.

Service is pleasant, attentive, and yet not formal.

The menu also suggests wine parings to complete a memorable meal. $225 per person with wine pairing.

1723 N Halsted St

Chicago, IL 60614
Tel. (312) 867-0110

www.alinearestaurant.com

Restaurants Chicago - Charlie Trotter (recommendable)

Charlie Trotter is one of those restaurants that one has to try once in a lifetime. It is a little bit further away from the centre in a residential area called Lake View.

We had a long dinner with many small dishes:

• oyster with celery root & tomato ice
  
• poached cockles with brioche dust, serrano ham and roasted peppers
  
• scallop with braised kombu, sea beans & creamed lemon
  
• roasted duck with bitter melon confit & infused duck consomme
  
• lamb with curry spices
  
• sour cream sorbet with beets
• buttermilk with white pepper, milk ice cream & nutmeg
• venezuelan chocolate with spicy chorizo

An outstanding experience. The oysters, scallop and the venezuelan chocolate are certainly worth mentioning. The combination of chocolate with meat was delicious and inventive. Each dish had original combinations of flavours and complimented each other well.

For even more exotic combinations and for people who want to be more adventurous - Alinea is more daring and present the food in a very creative manner.

The wine list was outstanding.

Highly-trained staff, but not charming. Formal atmosphere.

Expensive but well worth it for a special occasion and living in Chicago one should have tried it once!

816 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614-4308
(773) 248-6228

www.charlietrotters.com

Restaurants Chicago - Cafe Spiaggia (recommendable)

Cafe Spiaggia is located conveniently at the end of of Michigan avenue - the main shopping area in Chicago.

Great classic Italian dishes. It is not cheap, but the waiters are very friendly and attentive. Charming setting!

The Wood roasted mushrooms with yellow polenta were delicious. The butternut squash filled pasta with brown butter, sage and Parmigiano is also worth trying - a nice blend of light flavours. The Arctic Char with braised lentils - maybe it is a matter of taste, but in our opinion the lentils did not fit so well with the fish.

They have an extensive wine list. Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut - light, dry, approachable and good value for money in a Restaurant.

Our overall impression was great.

Approximately $45 per person excluding wine.

2nd Floor
980 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-2750

www.cafespiaggia.com