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San Francisco’s New Restaurants, Global Fusion, and Bold Flavors

Publisher — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:34:10 +0000

San Francisco’s dining scene is breaking new ground this season with bold flavors, inventive fusion, and a fresh wave of culinary creativity across the city. Here’s what’s new — and next — on San Francisco’s table.

Global Fusion & Cultural Crossroads

Opened in April, Meski delivers an avant-garde diasporic concept, reimagining contemporary Afro-Latin cuisine through an Ethiopian lens. Co-founded by NBA Champion Draymond Green, restaurateur Guma Fassil, and Top Chef’s Nelson German, the restaurant offers an elevated yet soulful take on diasporic cuisine. Meski features lush interiors inspired by Black Girls Green House and a cocktail program as adventurous as the menu.

Modí is a new inventive Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant, where “the Mediterranean Sea meets the Caribbean Sea, the forest meets the Tropical Jungle, and the intriguing flavors of Mexico meet the classic ones of Italy.”

Morella, San Francisco’s first Argentinian-Italian restaurant, celebrates the gastronomic influences that immigrants from European countries, particularly Spain and Italy, had on Argentinian cuisine in the decades following the mass migrations at the turn of the 20th century. Morella features traditional empanadas, wood-smoked meats, pastas and internationally inspired drinks — all meant to be enjoyed in the bright, convivial space.

Outta Sight Pizza II from Mister Jiu’s alumni Peter Dorrance and Eric Ehler serves classics and fusion by the slice in its new Chinatown location. Toppings range from Peking duck to tandoori butter masala on crisp, chewy granny or crisp standard slices.

Bombay Brasserie takes diners on a journey through India’s culinary landscape, from the aromatic spices of the North to the coastal flavors of the South, all meticulously crafted with a French twist under Executive Chef Thomas George

Newcomers & Fan Favorites

After 14 memorable years on Sacramento Street, Chef Tyler Florence’s first Bay Area restaurant, the iconic Wayfare Tavern, relocated to a larger two-story building in the Financial District this April. The upgraded space features a reimagined design inspired by the splendor of San Francisco’s rich culinary history and retains the restaurant’s Barbary Coast character.

There’s an OG Chef Cast at Foreign Cinema, a Mission District icon itself. The restaurant is hosting a five-night guest chef series saluting icons of San Francisco’s culinary history. Upcoming events feature legendary chefs Bruce Hill (Bix, Zero Zero) on May 8, Jeremiah Tower (Stars) on September 25, and Cowgirl Creamery on October 16. The series showcases collaborative menus, curated cocktails and wines and the chefs’ cookbooks.

A new entry to the Mission’s dining and drinking scene is Bar Brucato, from Brucato Amaro’s founders James and Sierra Clark. The venue—housing a distillery, tasting room, and restaurant– features Brucato Amaro’s complete line of liqueurs and a menu of California-Mediterranean cuisine. Distillery tours can be booked on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as feature tastings of upcoming releases of Brucato’s modern amaros and liqueurs native to California.

Merchant Roots moved from a small location to one with five times the space (4,500 square feet) last year, yet it still serves only 12 people per seating. Chef/owner Ryan Shelton remains true to his vision of intimate, fully immersive conceptual meals. Four quarterly-changing menus feature meticulously curated food and beverage pairings and music, lighting, and décor to match. His summer experiential tasting features a 14-course savory and sweet menu themed “Sleepover – Bedtime Stories and Nursery Rhymes.”

Big Finish, a new laidback wine tavern in the Mission District, is pouring 48 taps from around the world and serving elevated bar food. Glasses of wine are priced from $9 to $12.

Altamirano by Chef Carlos Altamirano celebrates the rich Peruvian culture while incorporating local California produce for a contemporary twist, bold flavors and unique preparations. The restaurant is in NOPA (north of the Panhandle) and features an outdoor dining courtyard with a fire pit, ample seating, and a bar.

Chef Bradley Kilgore opened his first San Francisco restaurants, Café Sebastian and Mad Lab Gelato & Kakigori, at the historic Transamerica Redwood Park. Next up at the Transamerica Pyramid Center is Kilgore’s fine-dining Ama.

Longtime Dogpatch favorite Piccino opened a second location in the Presidio at the Letterman Digital Arts Center. The seasonally driven menu includes antipasti, hand-tossed pizza, homemade pasta, and a selection of entrees, craft cocktails and wine—ingredients sourced from Piccino’s Healdsburg farm and the Organic Garden at Skywalker Ranch.

Miguel Escobedo, the chef and founder of Al Pastor Papi, opened a pop-up location in April in San Francisco’s historic Union Square. Known for its authentic Mexico City-style al pastor, Al Pastor Papi has garnered a devoted following since its inception in 2018.

Top Chef’s Tu David Phu debuted GiGi’s, a Vietnamese wine bar featuring a menu that includes standout banh mi and wagyu hot dogs.

Fifty Vara, a neighborhood kitchen and bar serving creative takes on San Francisco cuisine, opened in the Outer Sunset. Complementing the creative menu is a rotating selection of house-brewed beers enjoyed in a fresh, coastal atmosphere that reflects the neighborhood’s connection to nature.

French is more than the flavor of the month in San Francisco. Michelin-starred chef Bruno Chemel opened Le Parc Bistrobar in the Galleria Park Hotel near Union Square, bringing a taste of Paris to the city. Other French venues that recently opened include Caché in the Inner Sunset, whose chef hails from a two-star Michelin restaurant in Bordeaux; Michael and Lindsay Tusk’s chic Verjus, styled as a cave à manger; and Galinette, a beach bistro in the Outer Sunset.

The second location of Little Original Joe’s in the Marina has drawn crowds since its opening in 2024. The restaurant and bar serve elevated casual Italian American food.

Cheezy’s Artisan Pizza opened at food hall Saluhall, marking award-winning U.S. Pizza Team member David Jacobson’s first independent restaurant project. The concept features a five-day, slow-fermented sourdough base for three distinct styles: Neo-Neapolitan, Grandma Style, and Gluten-Free options. Smish Smash also opened in the food hall, bringing the ultimate smashed burger patties and specialty sauces.

Club Fugazi announced the lineup for the 2025 Chef’s Series at Dear San Francisco, the critically acclaimed intimate, immersive circus experience created by Bay Area natives and The 7 Fingers co-founders Shana Carroll and Gypsy Snider. Each month, guests will have the opportunity to savor signature dishes from a different restaurant, expertly curated and presented in the vibrant ambiance of Club Fugazi.

Revived Icons

Izzy’s Steaks & Chops reopened in the Marina District this year following a six-month restoration and renovation. The nearly 40-year-old family-owned restaurant with Barbary Coast saloon roots is known for its comforting cuisine, classic cocktails, and warm hospitality.

Seal Rock Inn Restaurant has been revived by its new owner. Chef and chocolatier Alfred Schilling serves a menu reflecting his French heritage. Located two blocks from the historic Cliff House and Sutro Baths, the half-century-old dining room and its stunning views remain the same.

Turtle Tower, the renowned pho and Northern Vietnamese restaurant, made its comeback downtown this year, opening on California Street.

North Beach neighborhood icons, Park Tavern on Washington Square and North Beach Restaurant, have reopened. Park Tavern is under the culinary direction of American chef and partner Jonathan Waxman.

Magnolia Brewing in Haight Ashbury has reopened with new, local owners. The refreshed venue features a 17-tap system and brews beer using its seven-barrel brewing system, producing favorites like Kalifornia Kolsch and Proving Ground IPA.

On the Embarcadero

The team behind Michelin-starred Sorrel (Chef Alex Hong and Director of Operations Joel Wilkerson) will debut Parachute Bakery and Arquet Restaurant in the San Francisco Ferry Building. Slated to open in June, Parachute will offer a morning-through-afternoon bakery and café experience, plus a retail area filled with house-made packaged products. Next, Arquet will open as a full-service restaurant, lounge, and bar. Helmed by a Michelin-starred culinary and service team, the restaurant will highlight locally sourced ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and seasonal vegetables.

Parachute and Arquet join a thriving variety of venues in the Ferry Building Marketplace. Nopa Fish is also slated to debut there this year, and recent openings include Lunette Cambodia, Ocean Malasada, and Palmvy.

Downtown’s waterfront Embarcadero, which the Ferry Building anchors, is becoming a buzzy culinary destination. New restaurants like Alora (serving modern Mediterranean cuisine) and Bon Délire (a chic, creative take on a Parisian bistro) have joined stalwarts such as Epic Steak, Waterbar and La Mar.

Culinary Corridors on the Rise

The corridor between SoMa’s waterfront Oracle Park (home to the San Francisco Giants) and Mission Bay’s Chase Center (home to the Golden State Warriors) has seen a surge of fan-favorite openings.

Mission Rock, the new 28-acre mixed-use development in Mission Bay, welcomed Flour + Water Pizza Shop. The shop serves the team’s signature 13-inch pizzas, “Big Slice” squares, and fan-favorite antipasti in a casual setting steps away from China Basin Park and McCovey Cove.

Arsicault Bakery opened on the ground floor of Verde in Mission Rock, joining nearby Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. Next up are Quik Dog and a new restaurant by the Che Fico team.

Surrounding Chase Center, the 11-acre Thrive Center recently welcomed the Bay Area’s favorite Filipino fusion spot, Señor Sisig, along with Kayah by Burma Love, Taco Primo, and Splash at Thrive City, a state-of-the-art, 30,000 square foot sports bar and restaurant. Splash encompasses two levels and features three bars, over 75 televisions, an elevated menu, and multiple indoor and pet-friendly outdoor entertainment areas.

New and existing outlets such as Che Fico Pizzeria, Cupcakin’ Bake Shop, Dumpling Time, Gott’s Roadside, Harmonic Brewing, Miller & Lux, GluGlu, and Philz Coffee will be joined by Fikscue Craft BBQ.

The Yerba Buena neighborhood, the city’s premier arts and convention district, will welcome eight new businesses in 2025, adding to the 18 that opened in 2024. Shoji, a Japanese-style café and cocktail lounge from The Shota crew, opened in April. It joins Golden Eye Social, Sextant Coffee Roasters, Hungry Table, West Coast Sourdough, El Dorado, Hey Tea and Dabao Singapore.

Coming Soon

Opening this summer is The Happy Crane, a contemporary Chinese restaurant. Chef James Yeun Leong Parry’s debut restaurant will pay homage to the authenticity of Chinese cuisine whilst reimagining it in a fun and inviting atmosphere. James brings culinary credentials, having worked in internationally acclaimed restaurants, including Bo Innovation and Ta Vie in Hong Kong and Nihonryori RyuGin in Tokyo. In 2017, he moved to the Bay Area to work at Chef Corey Lee’s celebrated three-Michelin-star Benu, before becoming the head chef of Palette Teahouse and then launching The Happy Crane as a pop-up in 2023.

JouJou, the next restaurant from Michelin-starred Lazy Bear chef David Barzelay and True Laurel‘s Colleen Booth, is slated to open soon in SoMA. Inspired equally by great restaurants and louche lounges, JouJou will bring French food to the table through the California lens of Chef David Barzelay.

Founders Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich will bring Rikki’s, the Bay’s first bar prioritizing women’s sports, to 2223 Market St. The owners aim to open the women’s sports bar in time for the Valkyries’ first WNBA season.

SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL

San Francisco Travel is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. The city is one of the top tourism and meetings destinations in the U.S., attracting over 23 million visitors annually. In 2024, total visitor-related spending contributed $9.26 billion into the San Francisco economy and supported nearly 62,000 jobs.

For information on reservations, activities and more in San Francisco, visit www.sftravel.com.

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Boricua Bites – A Personal Culinary Journey Through Puerto Rico

Publisher — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:38:20 +0000

As my husband and I touched down in Puerto Rico, I could feel the excitement building once again like it had for the first time when I visited in 2018. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was another chance to explore the heart and soul of his culture through the vibrant tapestry of Puerto Rican cuisine. In my husband’s hometown of Dorado, just forty-five minutes west of Old San Juan, we embarked on another culinary adventure and immersed ourselves in the flavors that defined his childhood.
Cafecito Craze
Every morning starts with “cafe con leche”. We grab ours at our favorite coffee shop in Dorado, Cuatro Sombras, which means “four shades”. The name was inspired by the Hacienda trees that protected and shaded the original harvests.
The Hacienda Santa Clara has produced Puerto Rico’s coffee beans since 1846, as well as Cuatro Sombras’ since 2011. When the doors opened to the cafe, we inhaled the dancing aroma of freshly ground Boricua coffee beans. The authenticity, richness, and smokey notes of the Hacienda coffee bean is reflected in the flavor of their exquisite espresso. Each sip filled with a bold, decadent delight that has been kissed by the tropical flavor and heritage of the island. If you cannot make it to Dorado for a Cuatro Sombras coffee, they also have another stunning location in Old San Juan!
Passion for Panaderia
After our quick trip to the cafe, we accompanied my in-laws, and made our way to one of the well renowned bakeries in San Juan, “Panadería España”. When you open the doors to the bakery, the lingering smell of freshly baked “sobao” and “pan de agua” fills the air.
My husband took the lead and ordered my favorite breakfast sandwich on the island -the sandwich de jamon, queso y huevo. For those of you who know Spanish, it’s not just any ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. The sabao bread is the star of the show – Every carbo-o-holic’s dream! As you bite in, the sweet bread melts in your mouth followed by the velvety cheese and juicy ham. I never knew a sandwich so simple could spark so many flavors on my taste buds!
Empanadillas
As we finished up our breakfast strolling through the vibrant streets of old San Juan, we made a stop at an old friend’s empanadilla stand. Empanadillas El Gordo Mal Hablao has any filling you can think of! From pizza to seafood, all the options are deep fried to perfection. These empanadillas created a great savory snack on the go so we could take in the vast beauty of the ocean view located right outside our friend’s shop.
Vamo Pa La Playa
No visit back to Puerto Rico and its cuisine is complete without mentioning the delectable Kikita Beach House in Dorado. This trendy, but timeless restaurant has been a local favorite of my family’s for several years and has never disappointed!
We are always greeted by familiar faces at the valet entrance of Kikita. As I head up the winding steps reaching the top floor, I become intrigued by the symphony of scents. First, the ocean breeze wafts past from the balcony overlooking the rocky coast, followed by the searing of lobster and the decadent scent of rich, creamy risotto.
I knew what I had just inhaled was going to be the exact thing I ordered at dinner. Kikita prides itself on their fresh and locally caught lobster.
After many well-made drinks flowing through our party of twelve, the plates of langosta fresca (lobster), mofongo (traditional green plantain dish), and Risotto con mariscos (seafood risotto) sat before us.
After the sounds of silverware clanking against our plates began to fade, the brother of the owner stopped by our table to ask how the food was. Our smiles and plates were enough evidence that they had put our taste buds in a coma!
The Final Course
In my seven years of culinary adventure on this gorgeous island of Puerto Rico, I have tried to encapsulate the gems of where the locals love to dine. There are so many combinations of delicacies on the island that are the perfect addition to anyone’s itinerary.
From the warm lattes passed down through generations to a perfect meal overlooking the rocky coast at Kikita Beach House, this specific experience is unmatched. The flavors are bold, the aromas intoxicating, and the experience unforgettable.
Puerto Rican cuisine is not just about food; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the joyous moments shared around the table.
So, if you ever find yourself on the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, be sure to add these to your itinerary if you wish to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a profound appreciation to eat like a local!

Written by Sydney Roberson

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The Common Good Launches at the Benson Hotel

Publisher — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:55:36 +0000

The Common Good is the dynamic restaurant at The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club in Aurora, the new hospitality center located at the nationally recognized University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Celebrating the pioneering spirit of the West, The Common Good will serve as a welcoming destination for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The hotel and The Common Good were designed in collaboration between Tryba Architects and Avenue Interior Design.
Beautiful Features…
The 100-seat restaurant features an open kitchen, generous booth seating, expansive wall-to-wall windows, and a wraparound outdoor terrace for alfresco dining.
It was designed to serve as a community gathering space in a fast-changing city that has evolved into Colorado’s biotech hub and a health and life sciences research center.
A separate Lounge is designed with warm mahogany wood and brass accents, surrounded by rich teal paneled walls.
Seasonal-Driven Food
The Common Good features seasonally-driven comfort food using locally-sourced ingredients and is helmed by Executive Chef Donovan Davis.
Discovering his love of cooking as a teenager, Chef Davis began working in restaurants in his early 20s, where he “fell in love with the atmosphere of the kitchen.”
His career took off in earnest at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club before he moved on to Denver Castle Pines Country Club.
He went on to hone his skills during his years at Four Seasons Hotel Austin and Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
“I joined The Benson Hotel pre-opening and started the ground-up process, developing menus and concepts,” said Chef Davis.
“It’s been an exciting process of discovery, and we’re excited to be open for the community now. We’re offering an approachable, communal environment with shared small plate options and a place where friends, colleagues, and the community can gather.”
Locally-Sourced
Chef Davis is going as local as possible and will work with producers within a 10-mile radius, emphasizing high-quality Colorado ingredients, anti-inflammatory products, Superfoods, and healthy eating.
As for the menu, Chef Davis said the approach is “global cuisine but thinking outside the lines.” The cooking offers a range of flavors that tap into Morocco, Thailand, Japan, and American Southwest cuisines.
Delectable Dishes
Chef Davis is excited about dishes like his Short Rib with Plum Sauce braised for 24 hours, which he describes as “a ‘wow’ piece when it comes out of the kitchen.” There are items like beets roasted with vanilla and served with goat cheese smoked in-house.
All pastas are made on-site, and he has an array of vegan dishes on the menu, like the Vegan Thai Green Curry that relies on the so-called “Charleston ice cream method” to wash the starch off French Red Rice and leave it al dente.
“We’ve created vegan dishes that somebody will want to order, not simply because they are vegan,” said Chef Davis. To keep it as fresh as possible, he says that “the menu will change monthly with the seasons.”
The handsome Lounge area is outfitted with TV screens for watching sports while dining on bites such as Gin Olives and Mushroom Sliders, Burgers, Mac & Cheese, and irresistible Pistachio Parmesan Fries.
Contact Them
The restaurant is now open seven days a week, from 7 am to 9 pm, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit The Common Good for full menus and other details at eatatthecommongood.com

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Miami’s Culinary Scene: A Mecca for Drinking and Dining

Publisher — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 13:24:41 +0000

Dining and drinking in Miami is as exciting as ever. Locals are always looking for the next new hot spot, so here’s a preview of the recently added names to the food scene that will be on everyone’s list.
Amalia: Amalia is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located inside Miami Beach luxury boutique hotel, The Lennox Hotel. At the helm is Executive Chef Hernan Griccini, an Argentine native with nearly two decades of culinary experience.
At Amalia, the chef will focus on a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu that melds Mediterranean cuisine with the flavors of Latin America. Inventive libations and an extensive wine menu will complement the fare.
Ogawa: Art dealer & restaurateur Alvaro Perez Miranda opened the newest addition to his growing portfolio of Japanese restaurants in January 2022 in the Little River community.
Ogawa, which translates to Little River, will be rooted in the exquisite simplicity of traditional Japanese Omakase. Ogawa promises to be Miami’s newest, highly coveted dining experience.
The 12-seat intimate restaurant offers an epicurean experience crafted by Master Chef Masayuki Komatsu.
Smorgasburg: The largest open-air food market in America with locations in N.Y. and L.A. launched in Wynwood this March. A play on the Swedish “smorgasbord” meaning a wide array of foods, the concept began in 2011 in Williamsburg.
Staying true to its values, the market will be “By Miami, For Miami,” and the bulk of vendors will be local with a smattering of some beloved concepts hatched in Brooklyn and L.A.
Open every Saturday, vendors include Ted’s Burgers, Drinking Pig BBQ, Sandwiches from Eleventh Street Pizza, The Sister Yard, El Diner Latino by the team behind La Natural, The Maiz Project, and Bona Bona Ice Cream from N.Y.
Kin Patty’s at Time Out Market Miami: From croquetas and Cubanos to arepas and tacos, Miami’s landscape of on-the-go eats is vast and varied, King Patty’s takes iconic street food to new heights with a range of fillings you won’t find anywhere else.
Off Site: American cuisine meets microbrewery in this Little River industrial space opened by local restaurateurs behind some of Miami’s most popular eateries.
Osteria Morini: This Italian outpost of an East Coast favorite, Osteria Morini delivers one of the best brunches in Miami Beach.
Shoma Bazaar: This quirky new food hall features globally-inspired flavors in Doral. Bringing international flare to Miami’s dining scene.
Tropezón Miami: Brought to you by the team responsible for one of Downtown Miami’s favorite bars, Lost Boy Dry Goods, this Spanish-themed hangout on Espanola Way features tapas and gin cocktails not to miss.
Tipsy Flamingo: A sensory shock of eclectic pink will awaken the senses at this new cocktail bar, which vibes well with their menu of speciality drinks in Downtown Miami.
Zitz Sum: This 2022 James Beard Award Finalist brings Japanese and Chinese traditions together with a little Miami twist to the dumplings and small plates in the heart of Coral Gables.
Sexy Fish: Located in the heart of Brickell, offering high-end glamour, surrealist décor, and opulent culinary majesty inspired by the oceans of Asia. Sexy Fish offers an all-day to late-night experience, allowing guests to enjoy incredible entertainment, as well as food and drink options, until the early hours.

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New Orleans: A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Publisher — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 14:24:30 +0000

At the end of February, I spent a long weekend in New Orleans with my travel buddies. We stayed at the Astor Crown Plaza Hotel, positioned at the gateway to Bourbon Street, it is a luxurious oasis for travelers. It offers the convenience of easy access to French Quarter night life along with a luxurious, upscale sanctuary to sleep away the morning.

Grand chandeliers, lavish crown molding and polished floors enhance the French style lobby and provide a stunning welcome. Beautifully decorated guest rooms and the most comfy hotel bed I’ve ever slept in made it easy to relax and rejuvenate after exploring the plethora of delicious restaurants and lively bars lining Bourbon Street.

Life’s a Parade

While in town, I enjoyed a tour of Mardi Gras World and learned about the history of New Orleans Parades and parade krewes (who help put on the lavish parades that are the signature events of Mardi Gras). I even got to try on a few parade costumes and make my own mask.

The foodie in me had a blast on the walking food tour where we all enjoyed a sample of authentic local cooking at each stop and learned about the various influences that helped create Cajun cuisine.

People Rocked

From the hotel to the tours, my recent trip to New Orleans was quite the experience however, my favorite part of visiting New Orleans was its people.

Whether locals, transplants or tourist, everyone seems happy to walk the streets of the city and strike up a conversation with a stranger, hung a new best friend or laugh at a shared joke…and maybe even throw some beads!

courtesy of: KJ Feder

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Casual Dining in Arlington, Texas

Publisher — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:28:45 +0000

Located 15 minutes from Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport, Arlington offers down home, real “mom and pop” places. We speak the international language of food, and this is flavor at its best. Leading the state with the most diverse and eclectic mix of restaurant choices in Dallas/ Fort Worth, Arlington is a notch above the rest. Here are 3 can’t miss places to try in the American Dream City.
Damian’s Cajun Soul Café
“A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.” – Thomas Keller Thomas Keller must have eaten at Damian’s Cajun Soul Café, because no other chef we know has put as much love and happiness into making sure his soul food touched ours. His cooking skills are Cajun real.
Here, in the middle of Arlington, Texas is where you will find a whole lot of true and authentic Louisiana flavor. A man with a brilliant smile, Damian Placide, Sr. learned everything he knows about the art of cooking serious Cajun food from his mom, who still owns a restaurant in New Iberia, Louisiana. “Everything I cook is from my heart, we don’t use recipes here,” he says.
Named after his son, his restaurant sits in a shopping center right off the highway, and it is a mom and pop stop at its best. The place is homey and quaint, and it is wise to get there early. When the food is gone for the day, it’s gone. The restaurant closes. Because of this, the lunch crowd line often stretches out the door. Rising every morning at 3 am to start the day, he cooks up everything from seafood etouffee (with a quite impressive roux, we might add!) to some of the best smothered pork chops you’ve ever tasted, from scratch. The pork chops are so tender that they literally fall off the bone with the mere touch of the fork.
There are other dishes that get your mouth watering, including fried catfish, fried chicken, sweet hush puppies, jambalaya and warm, spicy but tender shrimp, chicken and sausage gumbo that makes your heart sing. And, if you are a dessert fan, the pound cake is an absolute must. We promised not to share his secret, but let’s just say that a cake that takes 4 hours to perfect each and every day is worth standing in line for.
Taste of Europe
Irina and Mikhail Frumkin are the chefs and owners of this unique and one of a kind gem in the middle of the city. Known for its perfect eclectic mix of Russian gifts and warm and welcoming atmosphere, well known American TV shows like Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives have perused the isles and enjoyed the food. The owners are like diamonds themselves. Friendly and outgoing, they genuinely enjoy and love their customers, and you can feel it from the moment you arrive.
Taste of Europe welcomes you visually with a large Russian-inspired mural painted on the building, and once inside, you won’t know whether to visit the store or eat at the restaurant first. The smell of Belarussian kolduny, a potato pancake stuffed with a layer of ground meat (half beef, half chicken) will invite your appetite, and your wallet will be teased by the beautiful and vibrant colors of the amber jewelry, Russian nesting dolls and many, many other gift items invite you to shop for exclusive international gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.
And for an honorable mention, the hot beet borsht is slowly stewed, producing a sweet yet tangy flavor that is gently amplified by the coolness of the sour cream on the side. It is a must try. Fairly priced and authentic, the dishes served here don’t disappoint.

Chop House Burgers
We wouldn’t be true Texans if we didn’t include Texas beef. Nine times out of ten, when you go where the locals go, you will never be let down. That’s definitely the case for locally-owned burger joint Chop House Burgers. The man behind the burger, chef Kenny Mills, famously takes brisket and ground beef and creates a mouth-watering masterpiece unlike any other. The star of the show and namesake, “The Chop House Burger” is a celebrity in its own right, with glistening melted cheddar cheese, tangy house made steak sauce and aromatic apple wood smoked bacon served on a toasty buttery bun. It’s bliss! For some, bleu cheese is an acquired taste.
Not when you try the “Blacken Bleu Burger.” Flatter than the rest of the menu, the patty is thinned down, blackened and introduced to bleu cheese. Those who normally turn their nose at bleu cheese save a special place on their taste buds for this deliciously melty concoction, transcending existing qualms and devouring it in 1-2-3.
As an added bonus, once you’ve made your order, you’re given the name of a well-known celebrity, character or public figure. Instead of a name or a number, the waitress will be yelling out “Beyonce!” And, not to be forgotten, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike love “The Veggie Burger.” It blends together quinoa, cremini mushrooms, pinto and black beans with Cajun seasoning and topped with a to-die-for spicy chipotle mayonnaise. We’re leaving right now to go devour one.
Hope to see you there one day! For more on these and other great places, visit our website at: arlington.org.

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