Food
OXTE – Paris, France
Steps from the Arc de Triomphe, OXTE pairs chef Enrique Casarrubias’ Mexican roots with polished French technique, earning one MICHELIN star and a reputation for vibrant, precise cooking.
Poggio Rosso Puts a Refined, South American–Italian Lens on Tuscan Dining
At this Michelin-starred restaurant, chef Juan Quintero presents South American flavors with Tuscan precision. The tasting menus focus on thoughtful sourcing, striking balance, and high-caliber technique in an elegant setting. A composed service team and disciplined kitchen contribute to an assured dining experience.
Truffe & Vin
Terrae – Truffe & Vin is an intimate restaurant in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where truffles and local wines take center stage. With its refined menu, heartfelt hospitality, and a concept built around the region’s culinary treasures, it delivers a dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and distinctly memorable.
Azumi Houston Delivers Precision-Driven Japanese Cuisine in River Oaks
Located in Houston’s upscale River Oaks District, Azumi serves a tightly executed Japanese menu under the leadership of Chef Timur Fazilov. With a refined sushi program, bold hot kitchen offerings, and a deliberate approach to plating and service, this newcomer reflects technique-forward cooking and a confident presence in a competitive dining scene.
Per Me
Michelin-starred Per Me in Rome, led by Chef Giulio Terrinoni, offers seafood-focused tasting menus with optional wine pairings in an elegant, minimalist setting near Campo de’ Fiori. Expect refined Italian flavors, creative plating, and a personalized dining experience with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients.
Potente: Modern Italian Dining Rooted in Gulf Coast Sensibility
Located steps from Minute Maid Park, Potente offers modern Italian fare with a Gulf Coast touch. Under the leadership of Chef Danny Trace, the kitchen delivers confidently executed dishes that highlight local sourcing, precise technique, and seasonal finesse.
Oaxacan Precision in Downtown Houston: Xochi Delivers Disciplined Mexican Cuisine
Located in Houston’s Marriott Marquis, Xochi offers a technique-driven exploration of Oaxacan flavors under the direction of acclaimed chef Hugo Ortega. A focused mole tasting menu anchors a broader menu rooted in regional tradition, supported by precise service and confident execution in a polished, modern setting.
LMP Restaurant & Bar: A Mediterranean Escape in the Heart of Vegas
A refreshing burst of French Riviera charm has landed at The Cosmopolitan. LMP Restaurant & Bar invites you into a dreamscape of sun-soaked Mediterranean flavors, striking art, and a tasting menu that might rival a summer jaunt along the Côte d’Azur. Chef Ravikanth Avaduta leads the way (or he did until just a few days before we dined, but this was still his menu; no replacement has been named yet) with a stunningly balanced menu that’s equal parts flair and finesse.
The Bootlegger Italian Bistro: A Slice of Classic Vegas Charm
The Bootlegger Italian Bistro is a Vegas legend wrapped in red sauce and Rat Pack nostalgia. This old-school gem serves hearty, authentic Italian fare in a setting that channels mid-century glam, with family history, celebrity lore, and a vibe that never goes out of style.
First & Oak: Solvang’s Cozy Gem of Seasonal Fine Dining
First & Oak inside the charming Mirabelle Inn in Solvang brings a handsomely cozy vibe, stellar service, and a playful five-course tasting menu featuring local wines and seasonal ingredients. Chef Chris Flint’s pedigree shines, and even when a dish misses, the experience overall hits all the right notes.
Coast Range: A Steak & Seafood Spot That Doesn’t Quite Sizzle
Coast Range in Solvang offers a star-studded chef lineup and a wine program curated by Rajat Parr, but the dinner experience didn’t quite live up to its pedigree. While lunch delivered memorable bites, the evening ambiance and uneven flavors left us wanting more.
Zuma Las Vegas: A Showstopper of Japanese Flavors in the Desert
Zuma Las Vegas dazzles with elevated Japanese izakaya-style dining in a setting that screams upscale chic without taking itself too seriously. From an impeccable omakase experience to a sommelier-curated wine list that winks at excellence, Zuma is the kind of place you’ll want to linger a little longer.
