GAYOT's Blog

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by Sophie Gayot

A few weeks ago, I headed to Nic’s Restaurant & Martini Lounge (aka Nic’s Beverly Hills) for a special dinner in which each course was paired with cocktails made exclusively with Grey Goose vodka, which graces our Top 10 vodka list. That was the perfect place to host the event, as Nic’s Beverly Hills is the only restaurant west of Las Vegas that has what chef/owner Larry Nicola and his son Luke, creative director, like to call the “VodBox,” a walk-in freezer filled with some of the best boutique vodkas in the world.

Continue reading “Grey Goose Vodka at Nic’s Beverly Hills” »

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by Tiffany Maleshefski

Since it first opened its doors on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, Epic Roasthouse has hosted one of the city’s BEST happy hours. For three and a half generous hours, the restaurant’s upstairs lounge, Quiver Bar, slings $5 cocktails, $5 wines by the glass, and $3 beers. And did we mention the unobstructed views of the San Francisco Bay and the sweet selection of snacks for $3? It’s awesome and usually draws a wide range of people, many of whom consider the full-service restaurant below to be way out of their price range.

Well, that coveted happy hour just got even better.

For starters, there’s a revamped cocktail menu. All-star bartender Camber Lay, who was responsible for getting Epic’s popular happy hour off the ground, parted ways with Epic late last year. Now, the collective bar staff is pitching in to keep the cocktail menu lively and updated.

Continue reading “Epic Happy Hour Deals” »

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by Meryl Pearlstein 

The Irish have had their turn to celebrate this month, and now it’s time for the Belgians. Celebrate the new A Taste of Belgium Restaurant Week with Belgian goodies and beer and a chance for a free vacation. From March 23-30, authentic Belgian dishes and specials will be offered at the following restaurants: 

B. Café East  

An authentic Belgian café, B. Café East serves up favorites like moules frites, cooked six different ways, and an exceptional variety of cocktails and brews. During this special week they will feature boulets liégeoise with sauce chasseur with Belgian fries, salad and applesauce. In addition, diners will have a choice of Palm or Stella Artois, perfectly poured, to accent the distinct flavors sampled in this menu. 

Continue reading “From Belgium to the Big Apple” »

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by Sophie Gayot

Bubbles of Perrier-Jouët Champagne were floating in glasses during the 4th Annual Women in Film pre-Oscar reception hosted by Academy Award® Winners Halle Berry and Cathy Schulman. The star-studded event was held at the Soho House’s garden rooftop in West Hollywood on Friday, February 25th.

The few men who attended the party, including Halle’s new flame Olivier Martinez, were happy to mingle with Amy Adams, Kate Walsh, Gillian Jacobs, Melissa Leo, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Jennifer Morrison, Hailee Steinfeld and Malika Sherawat, among others.

WIF President Cathy Schulman reiterated the night’s theme when she said, “This organization is about women supporting women.” Halle also briefly greeted the crowd, speaking about how, as women, it is important to support each other and lift each other up.

Continue reading “Women in Film & Champagne” »

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by: Sophie Gayot

A trip to the Vodbox at Nic’s Beverly Hills restaurant is a dream for vodka lovers. But there are some rules to follow before entering the 28-degree freezer: you must wear a fur coat, (faux, waiting for you right there); and don’t think you will be able to drive away right after your 15-minute tour. Luke Nicola, restaurateur Larry Nicola’s son, will guide you through 80 of the best boutique vodkas available from over 20 different countries, while never leaving 90210.

Continue reading “Touring the Freezer in 90210” »

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by Jennifer Olvera

You’ve got to love a place that’s been open mere months and closes for a mini-facelift, New York-based culinary research and menu revamp, all the while riding on rave reviews. But that’s Ria for you. Celebrate its reopening early on January 22 with a luxurious wine dinner highlighting six boutique California producers: Failla Wines, Anomaly Vineyards, Realm Cellars, D.R. Stevens, Chase Family Cellars and Fischer Vineyards.

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. in the Elysian hotel’s grand ballroom with passed hors d’oeuvres and an informal wine tasting. Come 6 p.m., the soirée moves into Ria’s dining room for a six-course meal comprised of dishes from the yet-to-be-unveiled winter menu and, naturally, more specialty sips. Producers will be seated among diners and will elaborate on pours between courses and stay to talk post-dessert with those so inclined.

Participants for the tasting only may reserve advance tickets for $50, while the entire evening costs $250 per person, in addition to tax and service. Ria, 11 E. Walton St., 3rd Fl., 312-880-4400.

Keep coming back to GAYOT.com for the latest Chicago Restaurant News, Restaurant Reviews, Culinary Events and Chicago Wine Dinners.

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by Tiffany Maleshefski

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying holiday spirits. The bar and lounge at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco has added a number of very cool holiday-themed cocktails to its menu.

More innovative choices include the Pumpkin Pie Martini, which shakes up brandy, Frangelico, and pumpkin purée with a pumpkin pie spiced rim. Admittedly, it looks a little odd on paper, but fear not. The brandy is mild and the drink is actually on the sweeter end of the spectrum; it’s not unlike a Cosmopolitan.

Of course, the best parts of a holiday-themed cocktail menu are the beverages served hot. Given the unending rain in San Francisco, the Wassail, a yummy hot cider drink spiked with spiced rum and garnished with a clove-studded lemon twist, is a godsend. It’s tempting to order one to-go and pour it in a thermos for mobile imbibing.

Continue reading “Cocktails Keep the Holidays Alive” »

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by Jeff Hoyt

While you’re still working your way through Thanksgiving leftovers, we’re hard at work making the next set of holidays easier for you. Shopping? Check out our Top 10 Holiday Gifts, including a new book for foodies: Avec Eric: A Culinary Journey with Eric Ripert. Need a break from shopping? Unwind with one of our Top 10 Holiday Movies: some will steal your heart, while others depict stealing groundhogs. Going to a holiday party? Pick up one of our Top 10 Holiday Wines, which covers white, red, dessert, and sparkling. But for the best in sparkling wines, consult our Top 10 Prestige Cuvées, our selections of the top Champagnes available.

All of these lists and more can be found in our latest The Food Paper newsletter, published today. It’s easy to subscribe to our free newsletters, including our recently published Hotel Issue and our Annual Restaurant Issue coming out in January. Keep coming back to GAYOT.com for reviews of the newest restaurants and hotels.

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by Sophie Gayot

Join me at Church & State on Sunday, November 7th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the fourth edition of the cocktail competition Raising the Bar. Along with Church & State owner Yassmin Sarmadi, chef/owner of Joe’s Restaurant and Bar Pintxo Joe Miller, Comme Ca General Manager Christopher Hennessy, and newcomer The Raymond Restaurant General Manager Chris Mangandi, I will be judging cocktails created on the spot.

Four mixologists, Mat Greis (Church & State), Jennifer Zerboni (Joe’s Restaurant), Eugene Shaw or Tim Loden (Comme Ca) and Lacey Murillo (The Raymond Restaurant) will have to create three different cocktails: a classic, another made with Starr African Rum, and one freestyle. Audience members will also enjoy a choice of special menus from chef Jeremy Berlin. Ask for details, including pricing, when making your reservation at 213-405-1434. Continue reading “Raising the Bar #4” »

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