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The Diner Reviews Are In: OpenTable Reveals the 100 Best Restaurants in America

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SAN FRANCISCO (FNN NEWS) — From impeccable service to one-of-a-kind dining experiences, OpenTable, the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations and part of The Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN), today reveals its 100 Best Restaurants in America list for 2017. The list of the 100 Best Restaurants in America reflects the combined opinions of more than 12 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 26,000 restaurants in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

From restaurants with world-renowned chefs to breakthrough newcomers, the complete list showcases a diverse group of restaurants in 24 states and Washington, D.C. California and New York are tied at the top of the list, each boasting 19 winning restaurants, followed by Illinois and Pennsylvania with eight, Washington D.C. with seven and Texas with five. Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, and South Carolina all boast three winners while Hawaii, New Jersey, North Carolinaand Virginia each have two. Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Washington are also represented.

While American, French, and Italian cuisine proved to be the most popular, there is a growing presence of globally inspired cuisines on the list, including Mediterranean, Japanese, Indian and Middle Eastern. The range of cuisines highlighted points to diners’ growing appetites for more exotic flavors and destination-driven offerings.

“While the winning restaurants this year are each distinctive, they all consistently deliver exceptional dishes, impeccable hospitality, and a meal to remember,” says Caroline Potter, OpenTable Chief Dining Officer. “This year’s honorees have risen to the challenge of providing outstanding experiences time and again to a nation of discerning guests.”

The list is generated solely from diner reviews collected between November 1, 2016, and October 31, 2017. All restaurants with a minimum “overall” score and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Qualifying restaurants were then sorted according to a score calculated from each restaurant’s average rating in the “overall” category.

Based on this methodology, the following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, comprise the 100 Best Restaurants in America for 2017 according to OpenTable diners. The complete list may also be viewed at https://www.opentable.com/m/best-restaurants-in-america-for-2017/.

2017 100 Best Restaurants in America

1770 HouseEast Hampton, New York
Arethusa al TavoloBantam, Connecticut
Atera New York, New York
Barclay PrimePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Barrique VeniceVenice, California
Bavette’s Chicago, Illinois
Benu San Francisco, California
Bida Manda Restaurant and BarRaleigh, North Carolina
BonesAtlanta, Georgia
BONDSTNew York, New York
BuccanPalm Beach, Florida
Café MonarchScottsdale, Arizona
Cafe ProvencePrairie Village, Kansas
CharlestonBaltimore, Maryland
Charleston GrillCharleston, South Carolina
Chez Billy SudWashington, D.C.
chi SPACCALos Angeles, California
Coppa Boston, Massachusetts
CRUSTMiami, Florida
DanielNew York, New York
Del PostoNew York, New York
Double KnotPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Fishing With DynamiteManhattan Beach, California
FrancesSan Francisco, California
Gabriel KreutherNew York, New York
GeronimoSanta Fe, New Mexico
Girl & the GoatChicago, Illinois
Giulia RestaurantCambridge, Massachusetts
Gramercy TavernNew York, New York
The Grill – The Ritz-Carlton, NaplesNaples, Florida
Halls ChophouseCharleston, South Carolina
Harold BlackWashington, D.C.
Heirloom CafeSan Francisco, California
Hersh’sBaltimore, Maryland
Highlands Bar & GrillBirmingham, Alabama
The Inn at Little WashingtonWashington, Virginia
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab – Multiple Locations
JUNGSIKNew York, New York
KinshipWashington, D.C.
KoiWest Hollywood, California
Kokkari EstiatorioSan Francisco, California
L’Auberge Chez FrancoisGreat Falls, Virginia
La GrottaAtlanta, Georgia
Lahaina GrillLahaina, Hawaii
L’ArtusiNew York, New York
Le Bilboquet – DallasDallas, Texas
Le CoucouNew York, New York
Le DiplomateWashington, D.C.
Le VallaurisPalm Springs, California
LinwoodsOwings Mills, Maryland
Mama’s Fish HousePaia, Hawaii
Marc ForgioneNew York, New York
Marcel’s by Robert WiedmaierWashington, D.C.
MareaNew York, New York
Market Restaurant and BarDel Mar, California
Mistral – Sherman OaksSherman Oaks, California
The Modern – Bar Room and Dining RoomNew York, New York
Momofuku KoNew York, New York
Neighborhood Services on Lovers LaneDallas, Texas
Orchids at Palm CourtCincinnati, Ohio
Oriole Chicago, Illinois
Parc Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Per SeNew York, New York
The Polo Bar New York, New York
Polo Lounge @ The Beverly Hills HotelBeverly Hills, California
PRESSSt. Helena, California
QuinceSan Francisco, California
Raoul’s New York, New York
RasikaWashington, D.C.
Restaurant LCincinnati, Ohio
Riccardo EnotecaChicago, Illinois
Rich TableSan Francisco, California
RL RestaurantChicago, Illinois
RPM Restaurants – Locations
Rudy & Paco Restaurant & BarGalveston, Texas
Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Baton RougeBaton Rouge, Louisiana
The Saddle River InnSaddle River, New Jersey
Saint Jacques French CuisineRaleigh, North Carolina
Shinsei RestaurantDallas, Texas
SHU – Sushi House Unico – Bel AirBel Air, California
SottoCincinnati, Ohio
Spinasse Seattle, Washington
St. Francis Winery & VineyardsSanta Rosa, California
Steve & Cookie’s By the BayMargate, New Jersey
Stonehouse at San Ysidro RanchSanta Barbara, California
Sushi Nakazawa – Sushi BarNew York, New York
The Table at Season To TasteCambridge, Massachusetts
Talula’s GardenPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
The Metro Wine Bar & BistroOklahoma City, Oklahoma
ToscanaLos Angeles, California
TownsendPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
True Food Kitchen – ChicagoChicago, Illinois
Uchi – DallasDallas, Texas
UMIAtlanta, Georgia
UplandNew York, New York
Vernick Food & DrinkPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Vetri CucinaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Yvonne’sBoston, Massachusetts
ZahavPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Zero Restaurant + BarCharleston, South Carolina

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Central Florida News

Loggerhead Distillery’s Cocktail Crawl returns to Historic Downtown Sanford this November

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SANFORD, Fla. (October 18, 2022)-If you’re a fan of Loggerhead Distillery and its delicious small batch craft spirits, November is your favorite month of the year.
The Loggerhead Cocktail Crawl is back for a fourth year in a row, challenging bartenders of the top 15 bars and restaurants in Historic Downtown Sanford to create the best cocktail using Loggerhead’s craft spirits. And yes, Loggerhead Distillery gets to participate this year.
On November 1st residents can pick up their “drink card” at Loggerhead Distillery or any participating business and begin their tastings. Through November, customers can try each cocktail featuring Loggerhead spirits and have the bartender punch their card.
“We’re so excited to be holding this event again,” said Colby Theisen, co-owner of Loggerhead Distillery. “We’re proud watching our favorite businesses participate, and love that our customers get to try some amazing drinks.”
If guests visit at least 5 participating bars and restaurants and turn their card in at Loggerhead before the end of the month, they can get 15% off any product. Visit 10, and they get 15% off and a Cocktail Crawl ’22 shirt. Get the signature cocktail at all 15, and they get 15% off, the shirt, and they will be entered into the drawing for a prize basket featuring Loggerhead products, including spirits, tasting glasses, swag, mixers, and more.
Participating Bars and Restaurants include:
  • Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe
  • Tuffy’s Music Box
  • The Basin
  • Executive Cigar Shop & Lounge
  • The District Eatery, Tap & Barrel
  • The Old Jailhouse
  • The Station Bar & Grub
  • The Yardery
  • El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant
  • The Wet Spot
  • Celery City Craft
  • West End Trading Company
  • Throwbacks Retro Bar
  • The Imperial at Washburn Imports
  • Loggerhead Distillery
“Before, we would host the event and give out the punch cards and collect for the prize, but with our new bar and the recent Florida law, we are able to participate and serve a cocktail in the crawl for the first time, it’s very cool!” said Chris Schmitt, co-owner of Loggerhead Distillery.
Thanks to SB 46, Loggerhead can craft and serve tasty drinks with the liquor they make, and the distillery is planning to expand their existing tasting bar to create the perfect spot to sit and enjoy.
Plus, guests can share their pictures with the hashtags #historicdowntownsanford and #drinkloggerhead for a chance to be featured on Loggerhead’s socials.
For more information on Loggerhead Distillery’s Cocktail Crawl, click here.

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Food & Drink

Juan Valdez Coffee Store opens at ICON Park

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ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Entertainment District can now enjoy the best quality Colombian coffee. Juan Valdez® has opened its first amusement park store in Orlando at ICON Park.
Juan Valdez is an international coffee brand that’s committed and cares deeply about Colombian coffee growers. It’s owned by more than 540,000 coffee-growing families that harvest the best, 100-percent Arabica premium coffee in Colombia. Its purpose is to serve the world and its people with excellent quality coffee, while providing the coffee growers with social programs and giving their labor and efforts global visibility.
There are over 500 Juan Valdez Coffee Stores globally and the brand is just beginning its expansion in the United States through its franchisee, Best Coffee Franchise Company. There are currently stores in Miami, Windermere, and Ocoee.
Now Juan Valdez is proud to open at ICON Park and is aiming to become the area’s favorite coffee shop and destination, giving the Orlando Entertainment District high-quality, 100-percent premium Colombian coffee from the growers to your cup. The initial plan is to open over 100 more stores in Florida, helping to provide stable and meaningful employment to the state’s population, and ICON Park is the third in the Central Florida area.
The Juan Valdez Coffee Store at ICON Park is located inside The Wheelhouse, the center of energy at the entertainment destination.
ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. With free parking and conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment complex is easy to access for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.
To learn more about Juan Valdez, visit https://www.juanvaldezcafeflorida.com. To learn more about ICON Park, visit https://iconparkorlando.com.

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FNN Good News & Reviews

FNN Good News & Reviews: Mandola’s Italian Kitchen Opens Third Florida Location in Oldsmar

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Mandola's Italian Kitchen opened its third Florida location in Oldsmar. Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News,
Mandola's Italian Kitchen opened its third location in Oldsmar, in the Tampa Bay area. Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News

Modeled after an Italian marketplace, Mandola’s Italian Kitchen brings its quick service concept to Oldsmar. Named after famed restaurateur Damian Mandola, who founded Carrabba’s with his nephew Johnny Carrabba, the restaurant’s third Florida location is also co-owned by Paul Avery, the former Chief Operating Officer of Outback Steakhouse.

“While in New York or in the North End of Boston or Providence, Rhode Island, I would go to the Italian areas,” Mandola said. “You have the bakery or you have the gelateria or the cafe, or the deli with all the food products and the cheeses and olive oil and things like that.”

Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.

Mandola, who admits his passion lies in the cooking process and fresh ingredients, while Avery is the business mastermind, felt the need to put all of those Italian staples under one roof, so he and his wife opened their first Mandola’s in Austin, TX in 2006. The concept grew rapidly and quickly moved into Florida with its first location in Riverview in 2001 and Carrollwood shortly thereafter.

Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.

Guests enter Mandola’s and walk right up to the counter to order where they are greeted by friendly staff who are ready to take them on a culinary journey their taste buds won’t forget. Food is cooked fresh in an open kitchen using the best ingredients and pasta al dente just like Mama Mandola would have prepared it.

The vibrant dining room adorned with red and green chairs, flags from the ceiling, and walls adorned with family photos is a welcome calling. Moments after we were seated, fresh focaccia bread with olive oil and spices for dipping arrived at the table.

Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.

Our table ordered the fried mozzarella for the antipasti course. Golden brown triangles with oodles of gooey mozzarella and the best tomato sauce I’ve ever had.

Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.

For dinner, we feasted on traditional favorites: eggplant parmigiana with spaghetti and marinara sauce and chicken parmesan served with fettuccine Alfredo. Equally delicious and the portion size left us with barely any room for dessert!

Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.

“A lot of these are Mama Mandola’s recipes,” he said. “Chicken parmesan is our favorite and our biggest seller. For me, my favorite is my mom’s spaghetti and meatballs. It reminds me of Sundays at my mom’s and we had all the family together.”

No matter what you are in the mood for, the menu features a plethora of salads (with homemade dressing) antipasti, pizza, pasta, and chicken dishes like chicken marsala with a wine reduction from the Lombardi Family in Sicily, as well as daily specials like linguine with clam sauce, and brasato, beef short rib, slow-braised with red wine, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.

Thirsty? No worries. In addition to traditional Italian sodas, sparkling waters, and soft drinks, Mandola’s also offers beer, wine on tap, and specialty drinks such as sangria, bellinis, frose, mimosas, and spritz from the bar.

If we could offer one very valuable piece of advice, it is to save room for dessert! The bakery is a can’t-miss at Mandola’s, with fresh pastries made daily including Italian cookies like lemon ricotta, famous cannolis, specialty cakes, tiramisu, and who could forget sorbetto and gelato?

My guest and I couldn’t decide on one flavor each, so we went with a combo of lemon and raspberry, and almond with cookies and cream. Let’s just say we both agreed it was as good as the ones we enjoyed in Italy.

Mandola’s Italian Kitchen is located at 3138 Tampa Rd, Oldsmar, FL, and is open for lunch and dinner and plans to open future locations in nearby Odessa, Orlando, and Jacksonville as well.

The restaurant is perfect for a family dinner, or date night, or if you want to stop in and grab a coffee and dessert that’s an excellent idea as well!

 

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