World's Most Romantic Restaurants

ry to what your eighth-grade girlfriend may have told you, romance isn't all about flowers and heart-shaped candies. But the word "romantic" has become so sappy and overmarketed that it's often tough to remember its actual meaning (we prefer the Byronic sense of "remote, adventurous, mysterious"). And sadly, many so-called romantic restaurants rely on the same clichéd formulas whether you're in Mexico or Manhattan: bland decor, food-as-afterthought, stuffy waiters, and the inescapable strolling violinist/guitarist/accordionist (does anyone actually enjoy that?). So this year, we'll help you reclaim romance, one mesmerizing meal at a time. Our 12 restaurant picks from around the world have all the right elements—a seductive view, an unhurried atmosphere, terrific food—but never veer into sentimentality. Because style mixed with subtlety is a more potent aphrodisiac than straight saccharine.

Top 50 Best Restaurants in the World

First published by Restaurant magazine in 2002 and now in its seventh year, The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants is recognized around the world as the most credible indicator of the best places to eat on Earth. It stimulates fervent debate and sometimes controversy, but the excitement it generates amongst those who aspire to make the list, and the massive interest it brings to the restaurant industry in general, have seen it grow into an eagerly anticipated, internationally influential event.

The list is compiled by The Nespresso World’s 50 Best Academy, a group of prominent food writers, critics, publishers and commentators, who each represent a different global region and chair a carefully selected voting panel for that region. This ensures a truly authoritative list and one which is becoming more and more globally representative each year.

Well, despite the fact there is not one single Toronto Restauranton the list, here are the Worlds 50 best from 2007:

The 50 best rankings and a full list of award winners for 2007 are shown below:

1. El Bulli, Montjoi, Roses, Spain (Nr. Barcelona) — World’s Best Restaurant, Best Restaurant in Europe
2. The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire, U.K. (Nr. London) — Chef’s Choice (voted for by last year’s 50 Best)
3. Pierre Gagnaire, Paris, France
4. French Laundry, Yountville, California, USA — Best Restaurant in the Americas
5. Tetsuya’s, Sydney, Australia — Best Restaurant in Australasia
6. Bras, Laguiole, France
7. Mugaritz, Gipuzko, Spain (Nr. San Sebastian)
8. Restaurant Le Louis XV, Monte Carlo, Monaco
9. Per Se, New York, New York, USA
10. Restaurante Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain
11. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
12. Gambero Rosso, San Vincenzo, Livorno, Italy
13. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Paris, France
14. Hof van Cleve, Kruishoutem, Belgium
15. Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark — Highest Climber
16. Le Calandre, Sarmelo di Rubano, Italy
17. Nobu, London, U.K.
18. Jean Georges, New York, New York, USA
19. Hakkasan, London, U.K.
20. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, Paris, France
21. L’Astrance, Paris, France
22. Can Fabes, Barcelona, Saint Celoni, Spain
23. L’Ambroisie, Paris, France
24. Gordon Ramsay, London, U.K. (Royal Hospital Road)
25. La Maison Troisgros, Roanne, France
26. Le Bernardin, New York, New York, USA
27. Martin Berasategui, Gipuzkoa, Spain
28. Le Gavroche, London, U.K.
29. Le Cinq, Paris, France
30. Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago, Illinois, USA
31. Dal Pescatore, Mantova, Italy
32. Daniel, New York, New York, USA
33. Rockpool, Sydney, Australia
34. St. John, London, U.K.
35. Chez Dominique, Helsinki, Finland
36. Alinea, Chicago, Illinois, USA — Highest New Entry
37. Bukhara, New Delhi, India — Best Restaurant in Asia
38. Dom, Sao Paolo, Brazil
39. Oaxen, Holo, Sweden
40. Chez Panisse, Berkeley, California, USA
41. Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence, Italy
42. Cracco Peck, Milan, Italy
43. L’Arpege, Paris, France
44. The River Café, London, U.K.
45. Oud Sluis, Sluis, The Netherlands
46. Combal Zero, Turin, Italy
47. Le Quartier Francais, Franschoek, Western Cape, South Africa — Best Restaurant in the Middle East & Africa
48. Taillevent, Paris, France
49. Bocuse, Collonges-Au-Mont-D’Or, France
50. Les Ambassadeurs, Paris, France

(Restaurant Magazine recently revealed the 50 Best Restaurants in the World for 2007.

Despite the fact that half the 651 voting panel members were new this year, and that twice as many came from Asian voting regions, consensus of opinion as to the world’s best restaurants has changed little since 2006.

With double the voting regions in Asia and thus two times as many eligible voters compared to last year (rules allow for only two of the five votes to be within a home region), it is more than surprising that only one restaurant from that seemingly culinary-wealthy area made it into the top 50. The Best Restaurant in Asia (a new category this year) went to Bukhara, in New Delhi, India.)

Best Restaurants in France:

Pierre Gagnaire, Paris
Bras, Laguiole
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Paris
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, Paris
L’Astrance, Paris
L’Ambroisie, Paris
La Maison Troisgros, Roanne
Le Cinq, Paris
L’Arpege, Paris
Taillevent, Paris
Bocuse, Collonges-Au-Mont-D’Or
Les Ambassadeurs, Paris

Best Restaurants in the United States:

French Laundry, Yountville, California — Best Restaurant in the Americas
Per Se, New York, New York
Jean Georges, New York, New York
Le Bernardin, New York, New York
Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago, Illinois
Daniel, New York, New York
Alinea, Chicago, Illinois - Highest New Entry
Chez Panisse, Berkeley, California

Best Restaurants in the U.K.:

The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire
Nobu, London
Hakkasan, London
Gordon Ramsay, London
Le Gavroche, London
St. John, London
The River Café, London

Best Restaurants in Spain:

El Bulli, Montjoi — World’s Best Restaurant, Best Restaurant in Europe
Mugaritz, San Sebastian
Restaurante Arzak, San Sebastian
El Celler de Can Roca, Gerona
Can Fabes, Barcelona
Martin Berasategui, Lasarte-Oria

Best Restaurants in Italy:

Gambero Rosso, San Vincenzo, Livorno
Le Calandre, Sarmelo di Rubano
Dal Pescatore, Mantova
Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence
Cracco Peck, Milan
Combal Zero, Turin

Additional Award Winners

Reader’s Choice: Pied a’ Terre, London

Chef’s Choice: The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire

Breakthrough Restaurant: Maze, London

Lifetime Achievement Award: Alice Waters, the founder of Chez Panisse, USA

Sal Grosso Reviews

My husband and I went to Sal Grosso on New Year's Eve for my birthday dinner.






What did you order? How was your food?

Sal Grosso is a churrascaria with a prix fixe menu, including salad bar. If you have never been to a churrascaria, they are a fun experience. “Gauchos” in Brazilian dress circulate with a variety of meats, and you get a card with a red side and a green side to signal when you would like more meat - “green light” or when you don’t – “red light.” A server comes around with sides as well, including Cheese-stuffed rolls, fried yucca, and fried bananas.

We have been to two other churrascarias – Fogo de Chao and Fire of Brazil. Sal Grosso measured up well to our favorite one, Fogo de Chao. Sal Grosso’s salad bar has delicious salads and antipasto, but is not quite as visually stunning or well-stocked as Fogo. It was fresh and nice, though.

The meats were on par with Fogo. They were scrumptious! Our favorite was the house specialty, the Picanha, or “rump cover.” The Picanha is sometimes thought to be better than filet mignon. Other meats include leg of lamb, filet mignon, garlic beef, bacon-wrapped beef and chicken, swordfish, pork ribs, pork loin, and chicken sausages. The sides were also as good as at Fogo. We were very pleased overall with the food at Sal Grosso.


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Service was friendly and adequate, although not outstanding. Two servers took care of us, with one much more attentive than the other. We had to wait a little bit for drinks at one point, but there were no major problems. It was also my birthday, and the server remembered, sending over the whole crew to sing “Parabéns pra você” to me, which is the “Happy Birthday” song in Brazilian Portuguese. They also brought us a free chocolate cheesecake slice with a candle, which was rich and wonderful.


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Décor at Sal Grosso is very nice, with sumptuous dark wood and large, leather chairs. The walls are white, and it wasn’t quite as romantic as Fogo de Chao, but it did have an atmosphere of quality and comfort, and makes you feel as if you are in Brazil. There is some sort of animal hide on the floor when you walk in. There are candles at the tables, so it was somewhat romantic.


Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yes, it was cheaper than Fogo de Chao, and it is also closer to us, since it is on Powers Ferry near Windy Hill. This is a fantastic choice for those of us who live on the north side of town outside of the perimeter. It was much easier than driving to Buckhead from Cobb County.

Any other thoughts or comments?

I am really glad we went to Sal Grosso for my birthday. It was nice to try a new churrascaria.

New Atalanta Breakfast Restaurants

Tired of your Cheerios? Wondering if there's a cool place to eat breakfast that you've never heard of?

Well, recently I asked my friends what they think the best breakfast restaurants are in Marietta and Kennesaw. Here is our conversation. Quite a great list! I hope it helps you, kind readers!







Me (Becca) - Hi Guys, my friend Alma and I are trying to think of good places to eat breakfast in Kennesaw & Marietta. So far, we have J. Christopher's, IHOP, Cracker Barrel, Marietta Diner, and Golden Corral. Rio Bravo used to be good, but it's long gone. I've never tried Stilesboro Biscuits. Any more suggestions or comments on those would help a lot! Thanks!

Responses -

Jessica McC. - Derek's on Old Canton (near Burger's Market);
Mountain Biscuit or Louise's on Old 41 (near the mtn.)
My Country Kitchen on Main Street (downtown Kennesaw)
BTW, I haven't been to Mtn Biscuit, but my favorite is Derek's.

Beth S. - Mountain Biscuits and Waffle House. I would say Flying Biscuit, but I think the one in Marietta closed. Oh, and Douceur de France. I've only been there for lunch, but their lunch is good, and so is their bread.

Deborah McL. - I think Old Ephraim's is serving breakfast now. They used to, anyway. I like Panera. Square Bagel?

Aki U. - Douceur.

Jennifer W. - Sugar Cakes on the square also has excellent breakfast.

Shannon A. P. - Is Le Peep still on the square? That place was RAD!

Deborah McL. - Le Peep is long gone. I liked the food especially the pancakes but sometimes the service was awful.

Jeff G. (My Cousin) - What about the classic... Waffle House?

Alma - Thanks for the info! Great help!

Jennifer T. J. - Have you been to Henry's? Its in Acworth but the BEST cajun in town

Me (Becca) - Aha, Henry's does have a brunch at 9 AM on Saturdays. Goldberg's Deli on Johnson Ferry is good, too.

Jennifer T. J. - Skip Goldbergs and go to Bagelicious (also on J. Ferry in the shopping center where the Dunkin Donuts is). You'll thank me. But they only take cash there.

Me (Becca) - Thanks Jennifer! I will try it. :)

Marcos J. - The pancake house!

Patty L. - Sweet Tomatoes, Square Bagel

BARBADOS RESTAURANTS

It is no wonder The Cliff is such a beloved restaurant. It boasts a spectacular setting, located on a cliff that allows every diner to enjoy a view of the calm Caribbean below. Chef Paul Owens and his team take full advantage of all Barbados has to offer, particularly its ocean proximity and warm climate—the fish dishes and the tropical ingredients are of particular note. The food could be described as “high-end continental,” as myriad cuisines effortlessly merge on The Cliff’s menu. Some dishes have roots in Barbadian culture, others take a decidedly Asian bend. Whatever the influence, the results are delicious

BARBADOS RESTAURAJN

Barbados

The Cliff

It is no wonder The Cliff is such a beloved restaurant. It boasts a spectacular setting, located on a cliff that allows every diner to enjoy a view of the calm Caribbean below. Chef Paul Owens and his team take full advantage of all Barbados has to offer, particularly its ocean proximity and warm climate—the fish dishes and the tropical ingredients are of particular note. The food could be described as “high-end continental,” as myriad cuisines effortlessly merge on The Cliff’s menu. Some dishes have roots in Barbadian culture, others take a decidedly Asian bend. Whatever the influence, the results are delicious

London Can be a Great Place to Wash the Third World

A few years ago I rented a spectacular villa in Bali and one of my friends came over for a few days and stayed-- and then checked into the luxurious Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay. "I like it but I'm finished camping out," she told me. We had four full time servants, a private pool and... well, I think she saw a bug one night.

Last night I got to London after three weeks in a riad in Sidi Mimoun, Marrakech. It's not as overtly luxurious-- even sybaritic-- as Bali, but it was no backpacker hotel. Like I said, our next door neighbor was the king of Morocco and the neighborhood is filled with the riads of the big name Europeans, like Yves St Laurent, IMF President Dominique Strauss-Kahn, and French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy. But it's still Morocco

I used to have an office in London and I was here often. Warner Bros would pick up the charges for a suite at the Berkeley in Knightsbridge and it was something like $600 a night, a great deal based on the amount of business the company gave them. A single room tonight would cost £389 ($601.68). To walk anywhere from there I would usually head towards Mayfair and the first place I would come to was a beautiful little jewel of a hotel called theAthenaeum. It always intrigued me when I passed by and I made a mental note that when I left Warner Bros.-- and my open-ended expense account-- this would be a great place to stay. And here I am-- fresh out of Marrakech!

The Athenaeum is every bit as luxurious as the Berkeley, just more relaxed and friendly-- and a bit easier on the wallet. The room I have overlooking Green Park goes for £ 300 ($463.81); same room without the view is £ 250 ($386.48). It's Roland's dream room because the mini-bar is well stocked... and free. He's in heaven. When we first started traveling together Roland would never have even thought about the sheets, let along mentioned things like thread count. Last night he was raving about how luxurious the sheets-- Frette-- are. Ever since getting on the plane yesterday morning-- a short ride that took a whole day-- I had an urge to wash Morocco away. As soon as I got to the room I saw all the bathroom accessories were by REN and the towel warmer groaned with fluffy Floringo towels.

It was so wonderful to take a shower where they've mastered the idea of bright lights and warmth in the bathroom. And the quilted, padded toilet paper-- especially after that rough stuff in Morocco-- beyond imaginging! I understand why my friend called out Bali villa "camping" and why she wanted to be pampered at the Four Seasons. It's not a bad way to travel. And it's a London home for one of Patrick Blanc's vertical gardens. Never heard of them?

Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Gardens are an artistic expression of his scientific practise. He spent decades examining the way that numerous wild plants naturally grow on vertical rock faces and trees. Consequently, he perfected a technique that enables urban plants to grow vertically without the need for soil. A system of slats is used to secure artificial felt and myriads of strategically placed plant roots, with automated watering and fertilisation. It’s nothing short of botanical architecture.

Outside, conditions can't be controlled, but Blanc has found at least 300 different plants that he uses to create the futuristic swirls and arcs of his extraordinary tapestries. His current top star is Iris japonica, which he would never have thought of including had he not seen it hanging off a rock in Japan, looking far happier than it usually does in a garden. It contrasts well with the softer foliage of other favourites such as Fuchsia hatschbachii and F. regia. They are all on the Athenaeum wall. So is the maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) and more surprisingly, the Chilean bromeliad, Fascicularia bicolor. Look up next time you are passing. By Blanc's count, there are more than 250 different plants growing here. That's quite a garden.

For each location, he carefully selects plants according to local climatic conditions and the visual effect he wants to create. Patrick has won many awards for his work and also gives lectures around the world.

To date, he has created over 140 public Vertical Gardens since 1994, as well as many private installations. Those of particular note include:

• The Quai Branly Museum in Paris

• The Marithé & François Girbaud boutique in Manhattan

• Herzog & De Meuron’s Caixa Forum in Madrid

• The Aquarium in Genoa

• The Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok

• The 21st Century of Art in Kanazawa, Japan

And as the hotel puts it, "So why have we installed a colossal Vertical Garden up the side of The Athenaeum? Yes, aesthetically it echoes Green Park, over the road. Yes, it provides an important haven of biodiversity for the capital. But primarily, it’s just fun. We love it."

They also have two huge cedar wood tubs as jacuzzis in the luxuriant spa, next to a fabulous techno gym. I'll be soaking and steaming while Roland works out later. IF... I can get off the free WiFi. WiFi isn't always free in London so it's a good deal-- though not as much as the savings you get by their policy of all kids 12 and under eating all meals for free. I wonder if I can pass Roland off as 12.

Our last night in Marrakech, we broke one of my cardinal rules: always eat the native cuisine. But after 3 weeks of Moroccan food-- and more couscous than anyone was meant to eat, I allowed my friends to talk me into "Indian" food. Mumbai and Delhi and London have great Indian food. Marrakech... not so much. The Sunday Times did a story on the 8 best restaurants in Marrakechand #2 was Les Jardins de Bala just off the Jemaa el Fna at the Les Jardins de la Koutoubia Hotel. They said the views (of the Koutoubia) were stunning, but that would be for the outdoor dining and they claimed that the restaurant served "indulgent Indian: food from bhajis and banana lassis to saags and samosas is available in truly stylish surroundings." The food was actually bland and boring and Roland, Melody and I-- longtime Indian food fans-- were aghast. As soon as we got to London, almost as important as a shower was a real Indian meal. Tamerind was booked up already and we didn't want to go far and the hotel suggested a restaurant I had never tried just down the road at #1 Kensington High Street, Zaika. They got us a reservation and off we went. A curry house it's not. Innovative, sophisticated, absolutely delicious and creative... that's what it is. They put it like this: "[T]he menu incorporates both traditional classic favorites and original new dishes that apply eastern flavors with a western twist. Both of us stared with Nariyal Shorba-- "coconut and wild mushroom soup, tempered with curry leaves and ginger, truffle shavings, mushroom samosa, wild mushroom and truffle oil naan"-- and Les Jardins de Bala was banished from our consciousnesses forever. I had a vegetarian thali-- a selection of garlic and cumin tempered spinach and paneer, stir-fry ‘parval’, black lentils, roasted baby aubergines , saffron rice, baby naan & ‘raita’-- and Roland had a Nuriyal Murg-- "morsels of chicken legs cooked gently with coastal spices, finished with coconut milk flavoured with shallots, green chillies, steamed rice." We were stuffed and happy and ready for a great sleep that wouldn't involve the charming call to prayer from a loudspeaker-enhanced muezzin at 5AM.