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Vinous Table: The Polo Bar, New York, NY
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Nov 2024
The Polo Bar is one of my favorite spots in New York City. I realize that may sound somewhat pretentious, given that reservations are very hard to get. Even so, I love the Polo Bar because it screams of Americana and reminds me of my first trips to New York City as a kid when a few nights in Manhattan were the highlight of our family vacations. Back then, I was mesmerized by the raw energy of the city. I still am. For this article, I combined food and wines from several recent dinners.
Vinous Table: Grouse Club @ Bouchon Racine, London, UK
United Kingdom, Vinous Table
, Oct 2024
The 7th edition of Grouse Club was over. Bouchon Racine continues to serve outstanding Lyonnais-inspired dishes and attracts gourmands from afar.
Vinous Table: Cornus, London, UK
United Kingdom, Vinous Table
, Oct 2024
Cornus has hit the ground running. It was a pleasure to see familiar faces, including co-owner David O’Connor. It is a place for a special meal, though, at the time of writing, a three-course lunch for £55 per person means Cornus does not price itself out of many people’s pockets. The standard of cooking is amongst the best I have encountered this year. The wine list is enticing. Service is impeccable.
Vinous Table: Bar Le Côte, Los Olivos, CA
United States: California, Vinous Table
, Oct 2024
The food scene in Los Olivos has improved dramatically in recent years. I sensed a palpable increase in the quality of local restaurants on my most recent visit this past July. Perhaps the long-awaited re-opening of Mattei’s Tavern was a catalyst. I can’t say for sure. What does seem evident is that visitors today have unparalleled options when it comes to exploring the local dining scene. Bar Le Côte is one of the crown jewels in Santa Barbara wine country.
Vinous Table: La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek, South Africa
South Africa, Vinous Table
, Oct 2024
La Petite Colombe certainly ranks among the best meals of 2024, and it lives up to the billing. It showcases the dazzling array of ingredients around South Africa and neighboring countries, and the execution in the kitchen is quite brilliant.
Vinous Table: Akoko, London, UK
United Kingdom, Vinous Table
, Sep 2024
Overall, I highly recommend Akoko. I absolutely loved the food. I exited its doors, looking forward to a return. I’d love to see the team really get behind South African wines, whose panoply of styles means it could easily cater to all delectations. It would make a statement. If you have never tried West African cuisine before and wish to see the culinary height achievable, then try Akoko.
Vinous Table: Ristorante Langotto, Novello, Italy
Vinous Table, Italy
, Sep 2024
Readers traveling to Piedmont will find a dining scene replete with everything from informal wine bars to starred fine-dining establishments and everything in between. I lean towards the classics, but Langotto has become a favorite on those nights when I want to branch out.
Vinous Table: The Dysart at Petersham, Richmond, UK
United Kingdom, Vinous Table
, Sep 2024
I was extremely impressed by every course at the Dysart. This is Michelin-approved fine dining, as it ought to be. The expertise of the Chef and his team shone through in practically every dish to such a degree that only distance from central London can explain why this restaurant is not more lauded.
Vinous Table: The Crow's Nest, Montauk, NY
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Sep 2024
With its gorgeous setting, relaxed outdoor dining and fabulous menu, the Crow's Nest is one of the best places to eat in the Hamptons. The restaurant is located on a sprawling property on the tranquil shores of Lake Montauk.
Vinous Table: Lumière, Cheltenham, UK
United Kingdom, Vinous Table
, Aug 2024
Lumière is a pertinent reminder that this country has fostered a raft of brilliant chefs in recent years, many out in provincial towns. I wish we had our own Lumière where I live in Guildford! This is haut cuisine at a high level without the pretension one occasionally finds.