It’s Friday, and neither you nor your other half feels like cooking. What to do? Dining out is the obvious choice, but with so many options, figuring out where to eat can be a daunting task — there are plenty of Hollywood restaurants vying for your reservation.
Here are our five favourite choices for when we don’t feel like doing dishes:
Monkitail at Diplomat Beach Resort
At Monkitail, notable Philadelphia chef Michael Schulson has developed a modern take on Japanese dining. The dimly lit restaurant evokes a sense of romance that’s perfect for a memorable meal with your partner. This is in part thanks to the concept’s approach to shareable plates. You can’t “not cosy” up with your beloved and enjoy some creative sushi rolls, sashimi and robata-grilled meats.
Fair warning: The menu is huge, and if you’re new to this type of cuisine, it can be a little overwhelming. Our recommendation is going all out: The $65 chef’s tasting menu includes 10 selections and one dessert, so you can have a little bit of everything. Throw in a bottle of sake and wine, and you have yourself quite the evening. Best of all, the night doesn’t have to end with your meal. There’s a karaoke bar tucked in the back of the main dining room that’s the perfect spot for honing your singing chops.
Kuro
Since we’re on the topic of Japanese food, it’s impossible not to mention the other heavy hitter in town: Kuro. Located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, this monstrous 9,500-square-foot open-theatre designed restaurant makes an unforgettable first impression. Here, too, you’ll find an emphasis on shareable plates that range from chilled dishes like seared salmon sashimi and oysters to tempura items like lobster and crispy white fish.
Prefer to have your own plate? Mains are plentiful as well and include the likes of Chilean seabass miso, chicken amadare and Koji lamb. It’s near impossible to not find something that you like here; the menu is so vast. The cocktails deserve just as much attention. At Kuro, the speciality cocktails are divided into the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, umami, salty and bitter. If you’re not feeling that adventurous, an expansive wine selection will keep you company. Don’t sleep on dessert either: the apple tobanyaki with roasted pecans, whiskey ice cream and soy caramel is a must.
GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
Nothing says romance like a view. A dinner at GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill comes with, well, a waterfront view. And unlike a lot of other places we’ve come across on the water, the food doesn’t take a backseat to your surroundings. You can tell that GG’s takes its seafood offerings seriously with just one taste of the raw bar. Super-fresh stone crab, Maine lobster and poke are just a few of the selections that are ideal for enjoying outside, especially now that the weather is cooling down.
Meals can get a little pricey if you choose to eat with your eyes rather than your stomach, though; that’s why we suggest making a meal out of starters like the Pow! Pow! Shrimp, local burrata and Thai fried oysters. You still get that GG’s experience without breaking the bank. Then again, if budget isn’t an issue, go crazy with twin lobster tails, ahi tuna and GG’s whole fish selection – you won’t be disappointed.
Brunch is also a good time to visit. The mid-day meal includes a complimentary mimosa or champagne flute, made-to-order omelettes, kinds of pasta, waffles, meats, seafood and basically the kitchen sink. Plus, two words: DESSERT BUFFET.
Sardelli Italian Steakhouse
Meat-eaters have reason to rejoice: Sardelli Italian Steakhouse pulls out all the stops for you and your partner. It’s easy to walk by the place and think it’s a residence – it’s not; the four-story location looks more like someone’s fancy house rather than a restaurant. But that’s the image the owners want to convey: They want you to feel right at home throughout the course of your meal.
Since this is an Italian steakhouse, the eatery focuses on two main items: plates of pasta and meats. The butternut squash mezzaluna with brown butter and sage is divine, as is the black pepper pappardelle lamb ragu – you can’t go wrong with either. Aside from the filet mignon, New York strip and other familiar cuts of meat, there are options like the Colorado lamb chops and Barolo-braised short ribs.
Those who prefer seafood have a few options, too, including debone deep-fried fried yellowtail along with sweet and spicy Maine lobster. Honestly, though, this is a place that caters more to carnivores. If you feel like eating fish, then any of the other options is probably more your style. Otherwise, get a table here and dig into some juicy steak.
Written by:
Gean Biffulco
idea180.com