food Archives

The Top 10 Most Instagrammable Lunch Spots in Los Angeles

August 23, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

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Instagrammable Lunch Spots in Los Angeles

How many times have you taken a photo of a dish that looks more like a work of art than a meal? It’s easy to be drawn to an item on the menu just because of a creative visual presentation that will add an extra touch to your outing. If you’re a foodie grabbing a midday bite, you may want to stop into one of these Instagrammable lunch spots in Los Angeles to get that perfect shot.

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Dirt Dog

Dirt Dog in Downtown LA is truly unique in that they make some of the craziest and best-looking hot dogs in the city. Topped with everything from chili cheese fries to elote, there’s something for everybody at this mouth-watering hot dog joint.

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The Butcher, the Baker, the Cappuccino Maker Cafe

This seemingly insignificant neighborhood coffee shop is hiding a delicious and beautiful secret. The Butcher, the Baker, the Cappuccino Maker Cafe in West Hollywood boasts some of the most intricate steamed milk art you’ll ever see. Their tasty creations are sure to impress both your eyes and your tastebuds.

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Corner Joint

Take a trip to the nearby city of Lawndale to try out one of their crazy Micheladas. Along with your tasty drink, you’ll also get a few unique garnishes like hamburger sliders, bacon-wrapped shrimp and sometimes even pizza. The Corner Joint offers a truly Instagrammable experience that you’re sure to enjoy.

Sweet Rolled Tacos

If you have an unrelenting sweet tooth, take a trip to nearby Garden Grove and give Sweet Rolled Tacos a try. They take dessert to the max with a variety of odd flavors such as “Monsters Ink” and “Honey Avocado.” They flatten and roll up your choice of ice cream flavor and drop it into a colorful waffle cone taco shell, sprinkled with a variety of delicious toppings.

Coolhaus

There really is something for everyone when you grab an ice cream sandwich dessert at Coolhaus. Every guest has the opportunity to create their own delectable, ice cream concoction by choosing from a huge selection of flavors and an equally as large choice of cookies to put your ice cream between. There’s no doubt you’ll leave with a cool photo and smile on your face.

Birdies

Fried chicken and donuts may seem like an strange combination for a restaurant, but it works just fine for Birdies. If you’re looking for an extravagant treat, try their 24K gold donuts that come with a hefty price tag. The fried chicken sandwiches also make for a mouth-watering Kodak moment.

Rays and Stark Bar

Located on the grounds of the world famous Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Ray’s and Stark Bar creates their own works of edible art every day. They offer a gold-covered pizza made with quality ingredients that create a great visual and an unbelievable eating experience.

Chomp Eatery

A lot of people may recognize Santa Monica’s Chomp Eatery by name for their Instagram-famous rainbow grilled cheese. If you ever need some comfort food, Chomp Eatery is the place to go for a crazy, colorful and savory grilled cheese that will have your followers chomping at the bit to try it out themselves.

Howlin Rays

Perfectly golden fried chicken atop firm honey-colored buns and a variety of delectable sides is exactly what you can expect from Holwin’ Ray’s. Make sure you come with enough time to wait in line as their menu attracts guests from all over the city looking for a spicy sandwich. Their homemade photo-worthy items will make it all worth the wait.

Shrimp Daddy

If you’re a seafood lover, Shrimp Daddy is an essential addition to your rotation of frequented restaurants. With huge, fresh shrimp cooked or fried to perfection and served in the most Instagrammable arrangements, Shrimp Daddy offers creative seafood options you’re sure to enjoy.

| Read More: 7 Winter Travel Destinations for A Getaway Trip |

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The Top 15 Essential NYC Restaurants

August 23, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Hospitality, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

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Experience NYC Dining

New York City is filled to the brim with quality places to wine and dine. With a diversity of cultures bringing unique flavors to the restaurant landscape, there are a number of options for where to indulge in a satisfying meal during your time in the city. Your cravings will be satisfied as you experience some of the best NYC restaurants.

Olmsted

The fun and fresh menu at Brooklyn neighborhood restaurant Olmsted will make your visit worthwhile with whimsical dishes to enjoy in their back garden for a touch of greenery.

Alta

The airy ambiance of Atla comes from the bright and trendy Noho environment filled with healthy Mexican dishes for a casual yet refined dining experience.

Llama Inn

Head to Llama Inn to take in their quirky design elements fit for the Williamsburg neighborhood as you dine from the Peruvian-inspired menu of delicious and adventurous bites.

I Sodi

For pasta and lasagna that will make your mouth water, I Sodi’s minimalist approach to Italian dining makes the delicious food stand out in this cozy West Village destination.

Oxomoco

The wood-fired oven at Oxomoco adds to the vibrant flavors of their Mexican cuisine served up in the rustic yet modern dining room or the pleasantly intimate front patio.

The Grill

The landmark Seagram Building has gotten an upgrade with The Grill’s menu of chophouse classics drawing in guests for a lively meal amongst the eye-catching interior.

Lilia

A pasta lover’s dream, Lilia is a shining star in Williamsburg for the innovative menu of Italian cuisine in a sophisticated industrial-inspired setting.

Wildair

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming wine bar concept—Wildair delivers a small plates dining menu that will surpass expectations from the memorable tartare to the mouth-watering desserts.

La Vara

Cobble Hill’s La Vara boasts a Michelin-star rating for its Spanish and Jewish influenced cuisine fit for both traditional palates and adventurous tastes.

Flora Bar

After visiting the Met Breuer in the Upper East Side, you’ll have to stop by Flora Bar—a restaurant that oozes cool serving up seafood small plates in an upscale, casual environment.

Win Son

With a selection of Taiwanese dishes with an American twist, Win Son is a lively choice for a restaurant that mixes tradition with innovation in its trendy Brooklyn locale.

Le Coucou

A restaurant inspired by classic elements of French dining, the warmth of Le Coucou can be felt through its stylish yet comforting décor paired with an extravagant selection of tastes.

Aldea

This Michelin-starred destination remains approachable and enjoyable as its Portuguese fare and modern setting impresses guests to return again and again.

Uncle Boons

Head to Uncle Boons for a creative menu of flavorful (and often spicy) Northern Thai cuisine with an eclectic environment inspired by vintage Thai artistry.

The Pool

The former Four Seasons’ iconic pool dining room has been re-imagined through The Pool—a contemporary spot for lavish seafood plates and an impressive wine list.

| Read More: Top 20 Manhattan Restaurants in New York City |

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Essential New Los Angeles Restaurants to Try in 2022

August 23, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Hospitality, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

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Explore these Essential New Los Angeles Restaurants

While the restaurant industry has had its ups and downs over the past few years, Los Angeles has held tight to its cultural spirit with a variety of new restaurant openings adding to the landscape. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese plates, Italian cuisine, or classic diner fare, the city’s best and newest additions are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Take a look at these essential, new Los Angeles restaurants offering delicious dining experiences in the City of Angels.

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KATEEN

This hot spot on the ground floor of Tommie Hollywood is a garden escape perfect for a night on the town. Guests dine in the outdoor space surrounded by lush greenery and a tropical design. KA’TEEN’s menu of regional Yucatan cuisine delivers fresh flavors to your plate in an alluring atmosphere.

| Read More: Experience a Stylish Hotel Stay at Tommie Hollywood |

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Soko

This hidden gem is located in the lobby of Fairmont Santa Monica. Snag a seat at the unassuming sushi hideaway for seasonal, Japanese dishes created by talented Chef Masa Shimakawa. With only eight seats at the bar and limited tables, guests get an exclusive experience tasting cuisine inspired by traditional sushi techniques.

Photo: Soko

Bar Lis

While this lounge may not present itself as a restaurant, the dining menu at Bar Lis makes it a noteworthy destination for hungry patrons. Rise to the top floor of Thompson Hollywood to dish on elevated canapés like shishito peppers, oysters and caviar while you take in the sprawling view of Hollywood.

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Belles Beach House

From the owners of Westside favorite Elephante, Belles Beach House is a notable new destination to escape into a tiki paradise. The Japanese-inspired menu merges with Hawaiian influences bringing a highly coveted dining experience to Venice’s historic Windward Avenue.

Photo: Belles Beach House – Laura Huertas Photography

Grandmaster Recorders

This expansive LA restaurant brings a dash of fun to the Hollywood fine dining landscape in a 15,000 square foot space. Inspired by music, and run by the same owners as West Hollywood’s E.P. & L.P., this three-story venue serves delicious eats, cocktails and rooftop views of the city.

Sparrow

Downtown LA’s Hotel Figueroa recently opened Sparrow, an upscale Italian eatery that is sure to satiate the tastes of any lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. The indoor-outdoor space lets in a breeze with a view overlooking the hotel’s signature coffin-shaped pool.

Mother Wolf

One of the best new LA restaurants in Hollywood, Mother Wolf is a destination for soulful eats brought on by Chef Evan Funke. As an homage to ‘la cucina Roma,’ this Italian hot spot aims to bring pastoral, traditional flavors to the bustling city with dishes like wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta.

Clark Street Diner

Formerly the beloved 101 Coffee Shop, the owners of Clark Street Bread expanded their reach to reinvigorate the space with a fresh, new spin. The menu of classic diner food brings simplicity to the table with pancakes, waffles, french toast, and a diversity of other brunch favorites.

Horses

One of the most buzzworthy new LA restaurants, Horses offers European-inspired fare on Sunset Boulevard. The artistic interior surrounds guests in a modern bistro atmosphere as a welcomed departure from its historical roots in the space of Ye Coach & Horses.

Kinn

This fine dining restaurant in Koreatown invites guests to experience modern Korean fare in a minimalist environment. With a focus on thoughtfully crafted plates, the approachable, five-course prix fixe menu aims to open up the world of elevated Korean cuisine to LA diners.

| Read More: 20 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles |

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The Best Restaurants for a Hangover Brunch in Los Angeles

August 23, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

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Enjoy your Hangover Brunch at these Best Restaurants in LA

After a night of drinking at Los Angeles’ many nightlife hot spots, one of the best hangover cures is a hearty brunch to bring yourself back to life. There’s no one hangover meal that can solve all your problems, but there are a range of options for you to choose from throughout the city. Enjoy satisfying dishes, strong coffee, and maybe even a hair-of-the-dog cocktail at these ideal spots for a hangover brunch in Los Angeles.

best restaurants for a hangover brunch in los angeles food spread

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The Bungalow Kitchen Belmont Shore

This hot spot in Long Beach draws in a trendy crowd to enjoy sunset dinners, but also offers a solid selection of brunch options perfect for morning recovery. Dish on their Sweet Potato Pancakes or PCH Breakfast Sandwich while the ocean breeze delivers a breath of fresh air on their patio.

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The Bungalow kitchen belmont shore brunch food items

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Millies Café

This iconic hangover brunch locale in Silver Lake has been serving up hearty meals to hungry patrons since 1926. If you want to get the true Millie’s experience, you’ll have to order the Devil’s Mess–a spicy, scrambled eggs dish that’s sure to provide a zap of energy to your sluggish, post-party morning.

Huckleberry Café

This Santa Monica bakery is a popular brunch destination thanks to its menu of deliciously healthy fare. Whether you order a Breakfast Burrito, Fried Egg Sandwich or a Vegetarian Wheat Wrap, the thoughtfully crafted cuisine will be sure to revive you from your boozy night of fun.

huckleberry cafe santa monica pastry case jakob layman

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huckleberry cafe santa monica dining room jakob layman

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Kitchen 24

This local favorite in West Hollywood is well known for weekend late night dining, as well as their menu of all-day breakfast. The extensive list of selections includes everything from breakfast burritos to waffles to burgers. No matter what you choose, you’ll get to enjoy a plate of comfort food in the heart of WeHo.

The Rose Café

You won’t regret a hangover brunch in Los Angeles at The Rose Café, a favorite for indoor-outdoor eats on the Westside. Treat yourself to a Maine Lobster Roll or go for a classic Huevos Rancheros in the vibrant setting for sustenance. Don’t forget to order a to-go coffee and a few pastries for the road from their mouth-watering bakery.

Bacari W. 3rd

Dine in this tucked away restaurant in West Hollywood to come back to life after a night on the town. Head through the unassuming alley to an eye-catching outdoor patio with overhead greenery and a rustic feel. The Tofu Scramble, Smoked Salmon Pita, or Chef’s French Toast are all great options to revitalize your morning.

Pho 87

Pho is known to be one of the best hangover foods, and Pho 87 in Chinatown will satisfy your craving for warmth and healing. No matter which broth you order, the spicy and bold flavors of their authentic Vietnamese dishes will have you back to your old self in no time.

Sapp Coffee Shop

This restaurant in Thai Town doesn’t actually serve cups of brew on the menu. Instead it’s one of the best places for a hangover brunch in Los Angeles due to its enticing selection of Thai food. Head to this hidden gem for boat noodle soup, coconut soup and of course a classic Pad Thai to jumpstart your hangover recovery.

Blu Jam Café

With a number of locations throughout LA, including Hollywood, Downtown and Sherman Oaks, Blu Jam is a popular destination for brunch on any day of the week. Breakfast options are served well into the afternoon so that you can indulge in a Blu Jam Benedict as soon as you wake up from a groggy slumber.

Wexlers Deli

This classic LA institution is known for its fresh bagels and delectable deli sandwiches. Head to their Downtown or Santa Monica locations for a hangover meal to resurrect you from your exhaustion. The Bagel with Lox is sure to satisfy, or try their appetizing Reuben for a go-to brunch staple.

| Read More: 15 of the Best Brunch Spots in Los Angeles |

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The Top 10 New Food Trends for 2022

August 22, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

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Top 10 New Food Trends 2022

With every new year comes a wave of new trends projected to gain popularity in the world of food products, dining and hospitality. These top new food trends for 2022 will likely start to pop up on grocery store shelves and restaurant menus as the months go by. Add some variety to your diet this year by tasting some of the front runners that should be soon coming to a table near you.

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Pinsa

This century-old, Italian style of cooking pizza makes for a fluffier dough by using soy and rice flours, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. The trend is already common in Italy but is now expected to make its way to the US.

Ghost Kitchens

With delivery apps increasingly making up a larger portion of dining out, sometimes a brick and mortar restaurant isn’t even necessary. Delivery-only ghost kitchens are expected to become more common, even offering a variety of cuisines or brands all made in a single private kitchen.

Alcoholic Kombucha

Consumers have embraced kombucha in past years, and will moving towards integrating booze to enjoy it as a health-conscious, alcoholic beverage. The product has already become popular along the coasts and will soon find its way across the country as a food trend in 2020.

Cauliflower

Those following vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or keto diet plans have given cauliflower its time in the spotlight in recent years. This vegetable will continue to be seen as an alternative to starches like potatoes and gluten products like bread.

Wood-Fire Cooking

While many are used to seeing pizzas cooked in a wood-fired method, 2020 will bring new creativity with chefs using open hearths to make different kinds of food. Guests love to see their food being prepared in real time, and this cooking style is expected to deliver a show along with your meal in 2020.

Mocktails

Non-alcoholic cocktails will have a moment in 2020, with dry happy hours and zero-proof beverages piquing the interest of consumers. Thoughtfully-made elixirs with fresh juice blends are sure to keep guests interested in these healthier alternative drinks.

Oat Milk & Milk Alternatives

With cow’s milk slowly but surely phasing its way out of fridges across America, non-animal based alternatives are being adopted as necessities for consumers. With soy and almond milk being a favorite, soon oat milk will be added to the group as a go-to alternative.

Seafood Snacks

Stores and restaurants will be taking Japan’s lead in embracing seafood, including vegetables, as a snack food. Roasted seaweed and salmon skins will gain more traction along with innovative items like kelp jerky.

Hummus

There’s no secret that hummus is a go-to snack for many people, but this year it’ll be used differently than consumers have seen in the past. Adventurous flavors will come about along with menus integrating hummus into desserts, making for a unique and healthy treat.

Probiotics

Many people have integrated probiotics into their diet for digestive health, but this year the trend will also include dry items that can be stored in your pantry. Things like cereal, granola, nut butters and nutrition bars will be made to be shelf-stable for long term storage.

Vegan Meat Snacks

Veggie versions of popular dishes have made their way onto menus all over the world and will continue to do so throughout 2020. Consumers will also see vegan meat snacks line the shelves of your local grocery store with options like soy jerky and mushroom bacon chips.

Celtuce

Kale and romaine are on their way out with celtuce, a lettuce cultivar, moving in as an alternative. The health benefits to this versatile, Chinese lettuce makes it worth adding to any meal as a side dish or even as an ingredient in juices and smoothies.

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The Best Vegan Restaurants in New York City

August 22, 2022/0 Comments/in Experiences, Food, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

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Vegan Restaurants in New York City

For many, being vegan requires a bit of planning when it comes time to explore a new city. Luckily, the recent rise in people adopting a vegan lifestyle means there are more and more restaurants opening across the country that cater to a meatless menu. If you’re looking for a bite to eat in the Big Apple, stop by one of these spots to enjoy some of the best vegan restaurants in New York City.

Ladybird

This eatery in the East Village offers up comfort food options that make for a great meal after a buzzed night out. With things like deep-fried mac and cheese balls, fried avocado croquettes, and an artichoke-chardonnay fondue platter, Ladybird takes “drunk food” to a new level making it a must try on your night out.

The Cinnamon Snail

This food truck owned and operated by Adam Sobel is locally known for continually dishing out delicious vegan food options. Menu items like Korean barbeque seitan and crème brulee doughnuts are a huge hit at this Midtown West destination.

Avant Garden

Avant Garden’s locations in the East Village and Brooklyn boast menus of dishes that are both sophisticated and delicate. The atmosphere says chic tiki bar while the East Village location gives the feel of a rustic wine bar. Stop in to enjoy an elegant menu of plant-based dishes for a dinner to remember.

Blossom

Blossom in Chelsea is known for its impressive faux-meat dishes, along with egg-free pasta and desserts. The health-conscious brand has also expanded to include two Manhattan locations to satisfy even more plant-based cravings in NYC.

Candle Cafe

The menu at Candle Cafe in Lenox Hill is like a training manual for newly-converted vegans. Sandwiches with faux meat and grilled seitan skewers will make you think you’re eating the real thing. Stop into Candle Cafe for the perfect place to ease the transition into a vegan diet.

Peacefood Cafe

This Upper West Side gem is one of the few vegan restaurants in the area that truly rises above the competition. Great tasting and healthy dishes like fresh salads and cashew-based ‘goat-cheese’ are exceptional bites to try when you’re in the neighborhood.

Le Botaniste

Parent restaurant Le Pain Quotidien decided to open a vegan, gluten-free restaurant in New York after finding success in Belgium. At Le Botaniste in Lenox Hill, you can try their signature dishes or customize your own to satisfy your tastes. The dark, rustic atmosphere pairs perfectly with the menu that includes many raw recipes and low-temperature cooking techniques.

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Enjoy a Santa Monica Dining Experience at FIG Restaurant

August 22, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Hospitality, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

fig restaurant atrium at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica

Photo: FIG Restaurant

Experience Fig Restaurant

People travel from all over the world to experience Santa Monica’s sunny weather and waterfront attractions. FIG Restaurant is a beachside restaurant that encapsulates the Santa Monica lifestyle with outdoor, poolside seating and a menu of indulgent dishes. During your stay in Los Angeles, book a reservation at this inviting venue to wine and dine in style on the Westside.

FIG restaurant private dining Potting Shed at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica

Photo: FIG Restaurant

Location

FIG Restaurant is located in the stunning Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in the heart of Santa Monica’s Downtown area. Just minutes from the Santa Monica Pier, and steps away from the bustling 3rd Street Promenade, FIG offers a prime location for beginning a day of exploring or starting off a night on the town. Popular neighborhood bar The Bungalow is right next door, giving FIG guests an ideal destination to mix and mingle after dinner. FIG is a favorite for those looking to enjoy a fine dining experience with a California coastal ambiance.

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Atmosphere

Walk through the lobby of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows to check in for your reservation at FIG Restaurant. Enter to find a welcoming atmosphere of rustic furnishings with modern touches. Greenery hangs from above as you dine in the inviting bright and airy dining room. An indoor-outdoor feel is created through floor-to-ceiling windows that open into an unparalleled patio space. Take in the ocean breeze with a seat on the terrace overlooking The Fairmont Miramar’s sparkling swimming pool, surrounded by the classic California backdrop of palm trees and sunny skies.

FIG Restaurant front entry at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica

Photo: FIG Restaurant

The star of FIG Restaurant is a menu of thoughtfully crafted, seasonal cuisine guests can enjoy during breakfast, brunch or dinner. Ingredients come from locally-sourced farmer’s markets and handpicked speciality foragers throughout Southern California. This means FIG dishes may change depending on ingredient availability, placing the quality of the final product as a top priority. The modern style of cooking comes from French-trained Executive Chef Jason Prendergast, who champions his relationships with local farmers to maintain access to the best harvests.

Start your morning with an enticing Smoked Salmon Benedict or Mexican-style Chilaquiles Rojo, or try out more traditional breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles. Get in the Santa Monica brunch spirit by visiting midday to enjoy their fresh Market Oysters, signature Maine Lobster, or delicious Foraged Mushroom pizza. Dinner will be unforgettable when you feast upon their selection of appetizers like Wagyu Beef Tartare, pastas like the Cacio e Pepe or Maine Lobster Rigatoni, and entrees like the California Halibut or Mary’s Half Roasted Chicken. Top your night off with a scoop of Housemade Sorbet or Ice Cream for a sweet and satisfying dessert.

fig restaurant food at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica

Photo: FIG Restaurant

Poolside Cinema

During the summer, FIG Restaurant adds to the already impressive dining experience to include a Poolside Cinema program. Buy tickets to watch classic, family movie favorites screened around the Fairmont Miramar’s swimming pool. Your ticket is credited towards your meal at FIG and includes complimentary popcorn, with guests of the hotel receiving the extra perk of a complimentary cinema ticket. Enjoy dinner and a movie in a unique way by reserving your spot for this fun, summer experience.

Private Dining Room in The Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica, CA

Photo: FIG Potting Shed

FIG Restaurant wood burning oven at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica

Photo: FIG Restaurant

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Best Spots for Summer Brunch in Chicago

August 22, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Hospitality, Restaurants /by Razi Shadmehry

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Explore the Best Brunch Spots for Summer

Chicago is well-known for its incredible food scene, and summer in the Windy City means sunny skyline views, cooling off at the lake, and, of course, starting your day with brunch. From bottomless bellinis to fire-roasted seafood towers, there’s never a wrong way to enjoy brunch in Chicago. Take a look at our favorite spots to find your new summer brunch go-to, regardless of what brings you to the table.

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─ For Upscale Dining ─

Tzuco

A newer addition to Chicago’s charming Gold Coast neighborhood, Tzuco boasts innovative twists on favorites like ceviche and chilaquiles. The first Mexican chef to earn a Michelin star, Chef Carlos Gaytán aims to tell a story with every meal.

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Maple & Ash

Perfect for bigger groups looking to indulge, the brunch menu at Maple and Ash features champagne carts and filet mignon for the table. The cocktail menu is extensive and every seafood tower is finished with garlic butter and chili oil.

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Adorn Bar & Restaurant

On the 7th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is Adorn Bar & Restaurant led by James Beard award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer. From lemon ricotta pancakes to breakfast bolognese, everything on the menu pairs well with sweeping views of the Magnificent Mile.

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─ For the Best Instagram Posts ─

Beatnik on the River

Beatnik on the River has earned a spot in the hall of fame when it comes to brunch in Chicago for its impeccable bohemian design and eccentric yet tasteful decor. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is perfect for ordering dishes to share, but don’t forget to snap a few photos between courses.

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3 Arts Club

Located in the Grand Central Garden Courtyard of Restoration Hardware Chicago, there’s no doubt that 3 Arts Club is one of the most beautiful places to brunch in the city. It’s your one-stop-shop to enjoy truffle fries, lobster rolls, trickling fountains and sparkling chandeliers alike.

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Upstairs at the Gwen

It wouldn’t be a roundup of the best brunch in Chicago without a rooftop option. Situated on top of one of Chicago’s favorite Luxury Collection hotels, Upstairs at the Gwen is open for brunch from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., so you could even catch a Chicago sunrise with your coffee.

brunch spots in chicago breakfast sandwich

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─ For the Most Fun ─

Hampton Social

Hampton Social offers two lively locations for brunch in Chicago, both offering coastal-inspired fare like grilled octopus and Frosé. Enjoy a bright atmosphere and live music at the flagship River North location or take advantage of the covered outdoor terrace in Streeterville.

Boqueria

If you’re in the mood to break some brunch traditions, consider this Spanish tapas bar. Boqueria offers their full tapas menu during brunch hours as well as bottomless margaritas, mimosas, sangria and more for the table or just for you.

Summer House Santa Monica

With everything from fresh salads to raspberry scones, Summer House is a taste of the California coast while you enjoy brunch in Chicago. Summer House even offers tropical-inspired cocktails to-go so the party never has to end.

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Don’t let summer in Chicago pass without having your ideal brunch in the city!

For more information on making reservations at any of these restaurants or planning the rest of your Chicago weekend, please contact [email protected] or inquire in the chat box below.

The 10 Best Restaurants for Fine Dining in Las Vegas

August 22, 2022/0 Comments/in Experiences, Food, Luxury, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

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Viva Las Vegas

While the ever-popular nightlife scene in Las Vegas will always be what the city is known for, those with a refined appetite will have a blast dining at the city’s selection of extravagant restaurants. From lavish French cuisine to sophisticated steakhouses, there are a variety of ways to splurge on an experience at these luxury fine dining restaurants in Las Vegas. Make a reservation to wine and dine at these hot spots and indulge in a palate-pleasing meal in Sin City.

Joël Robuchon

This elaborate destination is the picture of opulence with a space where renowned “chef of the century” Joël Robuchon presents the best of French cuisine. The many elegant fine dining rooms create an aesthetic of 1930s Paris as guests are spoiled by Chef Robuchon’s culinary works of art.

SW Steakhouse

The Wynn is home to Chef David Walzog’s restaurant for unparalleled American steakhouse dishes. The terrace overlooking the Lake of Dreams gives guests a spectacular view as they dine on seasonal and sometimes exotic ingredients brought to life through the Chef’s decadent menu.

Yui Adomae

For an upscale sushi experience to remember, Yui Adomae is a fine dining destination with a modest setting but offers fresh seafood flown in directly from Japan. The omakase meal takes a minimalist perspective to ensure you savor each flavor of the specially-crafted menu.

Picasso

Inspired by the artist himself, this two-Michelin star French and Spanish menu by Executive Chef Julian Serrano will give you the once-in-a-lifetime experience of dining surrounded by Pablo Picasso’s original artwork. The patio view of the Bellagio’s fountain will be the cherry on top when you make a reservation for this innovative Vegas destination.

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

One of the best steakhouses in the city, CUT offers up a variety of menu options that are sure to please your palate. From American and Japanese Wagyu to prime corn-fed steaks, there’s something for everyone at this Wolfgang Puck hot spot.

Twist

Three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire brings his talents to Las Vegas to take classical French dining and give it a modern “twist.” Overlooking the Strip from the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, the stunning space filled with floor-to-ceiling windows serves innovative dishes made with seasonal ingredients that are sure to impress.

é by José Andrés

This ultra exclusive eight-seat fine dining experience inside Jaleo will have you buzzing with delight at the rotating menu of delicately-crafted dishes. The library-themed space boasts a tasting menu of whimsical Spanish plates bursting with vibrant flavors.

Restaurant Guy Savoy

A reflection of its Parisian sister location, Restaurant Guy Savoy brings French tastes to Vegas through delectable, traditional cuisine made for any true food enthusiast to enjoy. The sophisticated style and rich flavors surpass expectations while offering guests beautiful views of the Las Vegas Strip in a luxurious, modern space.

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés

Bazaar Meat isn’t your ordinary steakhouse with its lavish setting and José Andrés’ signature innovation in breaking the mold of Spanish dining. From ceviche and tartares to foie gras and real Kobe beef, any meat lover will be right at home at this SLS Las Vegas hot spot.

Le Cirque

Take a trip to “the circus” for French fine dining in Las Vegas from Chef Wilfried Bergerhausen. The inventive plates of both classic and modern French fare are served in a playfully sophisticated space themed like a colorful circus that overlooks the Bellagio fountain.

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The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in South Africa

August 20, 2022/0 Comments/in Food, Hospitality, Luxury, Restaurants /by Zocha Group

Photo: Zocha Group – Best Fine Dining Restaurants in South Africa

Fine Dining in South Africa

South Africa is a country full of culture that goes back nearly to the beginning of recorded time. If you’re not busy hiking beautiful waterfalls or snorkeling off the coast, you’ll want to taste the variety of dishes served at the historic country’s fine dining locales. Their unique location provides a variety of ingredients that are used to put fresh new spins on classic favorites or create new dishes altogether. Take a bite of some top picks for the best fine dining restaurants in South Africa for the next time you head to Mzansi.

Photo: Zocha Group – The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in South Africa

The Restaurant at Waterkloof

Situated on top of Schapenberg mountain, The Restaurant at Waterkloof is an internationally-renowned and multiple award-winning eatery that turns a meal into a whole experience. Revered chef Gregory Czarnecki has gained global recognition for his gift of creating elegance and luxury in simplistic but artistic ways.

The Test Kitchen

An elaborate and extraordinary menu, along with world-class service, has put The Test Kitchen on the map for fine dining. Owner and head chef Luke Dale-Roberts knows how to surprise and excite diners with some of the most inventive and creative food in the country.

La Colombe

La Colombe serves as one of South Africa’s most recognizable names in the fine dining circuit and continually ends up near the top of every list of the world’s best restaurants. Located on the grounds of the picturesque Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, La Colombe serves a mix of classical French and Asian cuisine that pairs perfectly with anything off of the wine menu and the breathtaking views.

Restaurant Mosaic

Restaurant Mosaic, inside the famous Orient hotel, has quickly risen to fame along with its head chef. Chantal Dartnell, who recently won the award for ‘Best Female Chef in the World.’ She crafts an ever-changing but always top-tier menu that leaves guests’ jaws on the floor. From your first arrival to final departure, not a single detail is missed.

Wolfgat

Wolfgat rests inside an unpretentious, white-washed fisherman’s cottage that only seats 20, making it tough to get reservations during peak travel months. Chef Kobus van der Merwe works miracles in the kitchen, creating ethereal dishes from ingredients that can be found right outside the restaurant. Some of the dishes at Wolfgat take months to prepare, which shows the dedication to perfection that comes from van der Merwe and his team.

The Camphors at Vergelegen

This South African signature restaurant takes its name from the ancient giant Camphor trees planted in 1700 that sit at the front of the property. The restaurant’s seating overlooks these beautiful trees and the rest of the expansive lawn, adding something special to your dining experience. Their seasonal menu is crafted around their signature wine list in order to complement the wine, and not the other way around like you may be used to seeing. Although The Camphors is quite a highly-awarded eatery, the experience is genuine and the staff does a wonderful job at educating their guests about the wines and foods offered.

Greenhouse

Discover the complexities of South African cuisine in this modern conservatory that offers breathtaking views of the historic Cellars-Hohenort Hotel. Chef Farrel Hirsch serves up high-end but playful dishes that complement the local ingredients of South Africa like none before him.