CdMRestaurant Review: The Capital Grille

My favorite place to go in Washington D.C. is the Capital Grille. On my first trip to Washington D.C. trying to find a restaurant was a disaster. I made every mistake imaginable from eating in the hotel restaurant late at night to taking a never ending midday bus ride to the edge of town for a restaurant that didn't open until 5! The next time I visited Washington D.C. I decided to plan ahead. That's when I came across the Capital Grille. Appropriately named this restaurant makes you feel like you're on Capital hill. The dark wood and old fashioned paintings give a great ambiance. I'm pretty sure there was a post Congress session dinner going on in the private room the night I was there! I ordered the lobster and potatoes au gratin for a delicious meal. That is probably one of the bet Lobsters I have ever tasted. the friendly wait staff kept my obligatory Shirley temples filled all night. But that's not the end of my time at the Capital grille.

Next I visited the Capital Grille in Las Vegas, Nevada in the Fashion Show Mall. Where I was surprised to see another one of these delicious restaurants I thought were exclusive to Washington D.C., given the name and all. As I sat overlooking the great view from the 2nd story restaurant I enjoyed the delicious signature Capital Grille burger with ground Sirloin. This delicious gourmet burger is now my favorite thing to get from the lunch menu. I also decided to taste their dessert and ordered an impeccable Creme Brulee.

Imagine my surprise when, on my way out of town in Fort Lauderdale, Florida I came across yet another Capital Grille. This time I swore I would look up all the locations when I got home. I ordered my new lunch favorite and tried the calamari appetizer which turned out to be delicious. The waitress noticed that it was our last day in town and gave us each roses when we headed out. The Capital Grille certainly has customer service perfected.

When I got home and looked up the Capital Grille locations I realized there was one right here in California at the South coast Plaza. I couldn't believe it. After all that I thought. I was excited to learn I wouldn't have to travel far next time I wanted that burger though. I have eaten at the South Coast Plaza location several times and tried many delicious menu items. I even celebrated a birthday dinner there where in true Capital Grille style I was served a divine chocolate and cheesecake dessert with Happy Birthday written in chocolate across the plate. So that is the story of how I discovered the Capital Grille. I guess you never know what could be right around he corner. I continue to try and visit Capital Grille locations whenever I find a new one. Have you ever been to the Capital Grille? Or discovered something in your area you never knew was there before? let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to try the candies by the door on the way out next time you visit one, they are very yummy too!

Restaurant Review: Bice New York

If you read the Travel tip Tuesday article on visiting the theatre (if not catch up now and read it here!) you will definitely like this post. If you are planning a night at the theatre for your next outing in New York I have the perfect restaurant for you! Bice a chic Italian restaurant located in the theatre district of NYC is the perfect way to start your night.

Founded in 1926, this happening Zagat rated restaurant is a quintessential New York City experience.

 I headed over before seeing the Broadway production Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. The play was wonderful and I recommend it to anyone who loves Cinderella. You can get tickets through January 3 here. But back to the restaurant, Bice has delicious Italian food for all tastes. I recommend the Frutti de Mer if you're looking for Haute Cuisine and delicious seafood and Pasta. The perfect combination of shrimp, squid, and scallops completes this delicious risotto. But they also have amazing Italian classics that will make you feel right at home including spaghetti and meatballs and spinach ravioli.

 Designed by world renowned Adam Tihany and styled by Italian designer Frederico Delrosso, the quiet jazz music playing in the background and the crisp white tablecloths give this place an elegant urban vibe reminiscent of 1940's Milan. 

Of course I saved the best for last Dessert! I ordered Baked Alaska for the first time here and it was delicious! I couldn't stop thinking about after I ordered it. A great first introduction to Baked Alaska in my opinion. The best part about the whole experience is that along with great food and theatre district ambiance Bice offers a free bottle of wine when you purchase a Broadway ticket for the night of your reservation. So, if you are looking for a great pre-show dining experience I definitely recommend Bice. Find out more info and plan your visit here!

Photos courtesy of www.bicenewyork.com.