Author: Ivan Klugman

DBGB, New York, New York

[flickrset id=”72157625254684068″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”large”] We had an amazing lunch at Chef Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Kitchen. It’s a really trendy, upscale, casual dining experience. We enjoyed many items from the menu including the DBGB Dog, a NYC favorite done to perfection. The selection of sausages is crazy, I will have […]

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Tryst, Delray Beach, FLorida, USA

[flickrset id=”72157624481317000″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] We have dined at Tyrst a couple of times. Today we enjoyed a great Happy Hour with 2 for 1 drinks including everything except bottles of wine and a special food menu. We found most of the items to be of high quality and prepared […]

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Ramen Bayashi, Narita, Japan

[flickrset id=”72157623930532116″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] In the town of Narita, Japan conveniently located 5 minutes from Narita Airport. Raman Bayashi is a small traditional noodle shop. I tried it once and was not very excited, nor very disappointed. If you would like a quick bowl of noodles for lunch it’s not […]

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Great Wall, Beijing, China

[flickrset id=”72157624052976459″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] I stopped in for a quick dinner while in Beijing on a 24 hour layover. The Great Wall was just around the corner from the hotel. I tried a few items on the menu and found it to be very disappointing. This is strictly a […]

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Mirepoix, Windsor,California, USA

[flickrset id=”72157623114462732″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] To quote thier website”Located in a charming home in downtown Windsor, Executive Chef Matthew Bousquet creates inspired French cuisine with a distinct twist. General Manager Bryan D. Bousquet’s gracious cordiality influences all aspects of front of the house service and wine program. Together they provide […]

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CASTEL DE TRES GIRARD

[flickrset id=”72157603404247533″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] CASTEL DE TRES GIRARD 7, rue de Très Girard 21220 MOREY SAINT DENIS Tel : +33 (0)3 80 34 33 09 Fax : +33 (0)3 80 51 81 92 www.castel-tres-girard.com We where driving around Burgundy one afternoon when we discovered this magnificent B&B and restaurant. […]

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Buttermilk Falls INN, Milton, NY

[flickrset id=”72157623115284064″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Buttermilk Falls INN, Milton, NY 220 North Road, Milton, New York (NY) 12547 In the car escaping the hurricanes a few years ago, we discovered the ButterMilk Falls Inn and SPA.   As you can tell from the photos we were lucky enough to catch […]

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Trattoria al Vecchio Forno, Tuscany, San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy

[flickrset id=”72157623114839182″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Trattoria al Vecchio Forno, Tuscany, San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy Owned by same owners of the Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico d’Orcia, This charming ristorante feaures truly authentic Tuscan food. Wonderfully simple dishes of tuscan beans teased and pleased our palettes.  Fresh tri-color pasta was […]

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Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici; Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

[flickrset id=”72157622990521013″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici “Italy’s Authentic Flavors in a Magnificent Tuscan Villa Setting” I have been to Italy about 150 times visiting Tuscany many of those, basically I know a good  authentic Tuscan meal when I have one. Unfortunately the most authentic part was it’s name, […]

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La Bucaccia, Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

[flickrset id=”72157622906386322″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] In the Famous hilltop village of Cortona, La Bucaccia is conveniently located near the center of town. The owner and manager, Romano personally greets all of his guest with his unique style of humor. The menu is traditional Tuscan with some excellent specialities of the […]

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Dundee Bistro, Dundee, Oregon , USA

[flickrset id=”72157622789608833″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley this causal bistro owned by the Ponzi wine family offers some creative fare.  The wine list features their own marvelous wines from the Ponzi vineyard (this is Pinot country). The spectacular presentations get your mouth watering for […]

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Biondi Santi, MONTALCINO, ITALY

[flickrset id=”72157603644016049″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] We were honored to have a private tour and tasting at Biondi-Santi the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino. Private tours are the only type available at Biondi-Santi.  I recommend booking well in advance because they are very limited. Our tasting included a 2000 Brunello. This […]

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Osteria Il Tinaio,San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy

[flickrset id=”72157622769111285″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] It was truffle season and how could we resist this small Osteria right down the block from Palazzo del Capitano. I think Lori was fascinated by the whole truffle weighing and slicing procedure. The owner personally came out to slice and weigh this delicacy, all […]

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Franchi, Roma, Italy

[flickrset id=”72157622768358031″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Franchi is not a restaurant but more of a gourmet deli that allows you to enjoy a meal standing up at the counter.  I have not been there lately much as I used to however I always stop in to say hello to  my friends and […]

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The Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York, NY

[flickrset id=”72157622768339821″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Located in Grand Central station this NYC classic has quite an eclectic mix of patrons.   There is a large variety of fresh oysters from around the country. We found the highly touted Panroasts to be disappointing however the oysters are sublime.   This is […]

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Le Soufflé, Paris, France

[fsg_gallery id=”16″] We always stop by to have a souffle at Le Souffle at least once during our visits to Paris. Located at 36,rue du Mont Thabor,it is a little tricky to find and even the taxis have trouble at times. Although some say it’s touristy and the service is […]

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Chez Shea, Seattle, WA

[flickrset id=”72157622891496986″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Located across the street from the Pike’s market Chez Shea is upstairs and a bit difficult to find however it is worth it. The food of Chef Benjamin Knutsen is creative and tastes as good as it looks. There are several menus available at all […]

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Ristorante di Poggio Antico, Tuscany, Italy

[fsg_gallery id=”38″] The Ristorante di Poggio Antico is located on the vineyard Poggio Antico and is run independently by Roberto Minnetti is another true fine dining experience in Tuscany. We enjoyed Lori’s birthday lunch out on the patio so much we returned with Josh and Kelly the next year for […]

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Palazzo del Capitano

[flickrset id=”72157622360159848″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Located in the center of the small Tuscan town of San Quirico d’Orcia is this charming boutique hotel Palazzo dell Capitano. San Quirico is conveniently located near MONTALCINO, PIENZA, MONTEPULCIANO making it a nice hub for wine tasting. The room we stayed  in was rather large […]

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La Cadrega, Milan, Italy

[flickrset id=”72157622207758935″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”] Just around the corner from the Milan Hilton by the Central Stations is this wonderful restaurant.  It is one of the few places that is open all day long which is nice for us time travelers who are in a different time zone.  Every thing […]

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