Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant

While in Manchester, VT, I had the pleasure of dining at the Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant. Situated in the center of Manchester, the Reluctant Panther provides a beautiful backdrop for fine dining and romantic events, with its gorgeous views of the gardens, grounds, and Equinox Mountain. Two of my best friends from Atlanta, Georgia decided to tie the knot on the grounds of the Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant, followed by a delicious meal and festive cocktails. If you ever find yourself in Manchester, Vermont, this place is great for quaint accommodations as well as delicious food. The staff were very attentive, the atmosphere very romantic, which was perfect for such a joyous occasion.

Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant
17-39 West Road
Manchester Village
Vermont 05254-0678
802-362-2568
(800) 822-2331

Café Cluny

Café Cluny - This West Village gem is a must try! The dimly lit restaurant is inviting and ambient, creating a cozy and warm environment. The ingredients – fresh, the service – great! This restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere and ambiance and the food is amazing.








Cuisine: American, American (Traditional), European, French, French (Bistro)
Reservations: Suggested (OpenTable)

284 West 12th Street, New York, NY(212) 255-6900‎

Cafe Cluny

Pleasant. Urban. Neighborly. Quaint. Hip. Simple. Familiar. These words are what I use to describe my experience and ambiance at Cafe Cluny. This faux-American brasserie in the heart of New York's West Village, run by Chef Lynn Wagenknecht, has done a bang-up job with the consistent yet civilized menu. From salad frisée, topped with lardons and a poached egg, to duck confit and, of course, hanger steak, served with healthful portions of Swiss chard and fingerling potatoes, Cafe Cluny is sure to please the average palate. Dessert inside or out (they have an ice cream cart from which they serve homemade ice cream), you'll leave this place wanting to come back for more.

Cafe Cluny
284 W. 12th St.
New York, NY 10014
at 4th St.
212-255-6900

Hours:
Mon, 8am-3pm and 5:30pm-11pm; Tue-Fri, 8am-3pm and 5:30pm-midnight; Sat, 9am-4pm and 5:30pm-midnight; Sun, 9am-4pm and 5:30pm-11pm

Nearby Subway Stops:
A, C, E at 14th St.

Prices:
$17-$38

Check out the Slide Show, from New York Times online (Photo by Shanna Ravindra)

Seattle Eats!!!

I tend to eat my way through most cities I visit. There's nothing better than the tasty local treats when on travel. While attending the SLA 2008 Conference in Seattle, I was able to experience some pretty good eats! Listed are a few places I tried. Others were suggestions. Enjoy my tasty travels!








Le Panier Very French Bakery - Need I say more? Check out my pics on Flickr!!
1902 Pike Pl
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 441-3669











Table 219 - This place was GREAT! Dennis and I went here for breakfast and were able to get a table right outside on the sidewalk. The weather was perfect, the food was OUTSTANDING!!! Definitely worth another trip!!!
219 Broadway Ave E
(between John St & Olive Way)
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 328-4604






BOOM Noodle - The noodles were very tasty and full of flavor. They also serve a signature special mint mojito, which was very good.
1121 E. Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 701-9130
(photo courtesy of Boom Noodle blog/website)

La Spiga Osteria - This place was a great space for the big GLBT dinner. The food was good but the space and atmosphere was amazing.
1429 12th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-8881




Wild Ginger - The dishes here were amazing!!! The space was great, and the desserts were stellar!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant, even the ASPARAGUS!!!!!!
1401 3rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-4450





Seattle Art Museum, TASTE - I had a nice afternoon lunch here at the Seattle Art Museum one afternoon. TASTE is a very chic, trendy restaurant with great menu selections. The croque madame was great! If you stop by the museum, you should certainly have lunch here at TASTE.
1300 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 903-5291



Campagne at Inn at the Market - I didn't eat here, but I stumbled upon this place while walking around. The inn is VERY cute, and the restaurant very nice and private. Next time I'm in Seattle, I'll certainly check into booking a room here, and trying this restaurant out for sure.
86 Pine St 98101
Seattle, WA
(206) 728-2800

Mourayo, Revisited

I continue to go to this restaurant. It's good food, consistent, great service. I always want to eat the same thing, but realise I should try something different (LOVE the beet salad). I went there this week with my friend Bill. I'll continue to be a patron at this place. It rates pretty well on my list.



www.mourayous.com/
1732 Connecticut Ave NW # 100
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-2100
Menus here

Busara Thai Cuisine

Talk about good Thai food!!! This restaurant is consistently FANTASTIC! They have 3 locations in the metro DC area. I've eaten at the Reston location a number of times, and I imagine the other locations are just as good. Definitely at the top of my list of great Thai restaurants in town. The food is reasonable, fast, and flavorful!
They seem to all be consistently GOOD! I haven't been disappointed at this restaurant yet.


BUSARA, DC
2340 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Wasington D.C. 20007
Phone: 202-337-2340
Email: dc@busara.com

BUSARA, TYSONS
8142 Watson Street
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 703-356-2288
Fax: 703-356-0056
tysons@busara.com

BUSARA, RESTON
11964 Market Street
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-435-4188
Fax: 703-435-4008
reston@busara.com
(image courtesy of busara.com)

Blue Duck Tavern

Nestled in a quaint yet open space inside of the Hyatt on M Street, NW, Blue Duck Tavern

"welcomes you with wholesome American fare prepared through simple, time-honored cooking methods such as roasting, braising, preserving and smoking"

Designed by Tony Chi, Blue Duck Tavern gives the look and feel of an open, country yet contemporary kitchen with a wood burning oven, and wood furniture and finishes, including a 29-foot long Windsor bench!!





The menu offers a variety of regional delicasies, made with the freshest ingredients.
The service is great and the food is fantastic (..yes, Frog's legs DO taste like chicken)!

Chef Brian McBride
To contact or to make a reservation
OpenTable.com for reservations online
24 & M Streets, Northwest
1201 24th St. NW
Washington, D.C.
20037
T {202} 419 6755
(directions)

(photos courtesy of blueducktavern.com)