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Eight Great Outdoor Dining Spots for Summer
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Ta Dichtia Fish TavernPerivolos Beach, Santorini, GreeceAddress: Beach Perivolos Santorini, Cyclades Islands 84702 Greece Neighborhood: |
Contact Information:
Phone: +30 2286 0828 18
Web Site: www.hellasislands.gr E-mail: info@tadichtia.com |
| Geography:
Europe
Greece
Mykonos/Santorini
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| Description:
Make like a Santorinian and head to the locals’ favorite beach—Perivolos. The place to have lunch there is Ta Dichita, a super casual seafood restaurant with blue chairs and blue and white table cloths. It’s pure Santorini in style, and the menu is tasty and varied; go for the fava spread, fried tomato balls and fresh fish. I recommend having a taxi pick you up for the 30-minute scenic ride back to Oia. |
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JY’sColmar, Alsace, FranceAddress: 17 Quai de la Poissoniere Colmar, Alsace 68000 France Neighborhood: |
Contact Information:
Phone: +33 03 89 21 53 60
Web Site: www.jean-yves-schillinger.com |
| Geography:
Europe
France
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| Description:
Oenophiles exploring the Alsatian wine route this summer should not miss Colmar, a historic town with lovely cathedrals, museums and twee, pastel-colored homes trimmed with flower boxes. It was there that our editor Chantal happened upon the gourmet restaurant JY’s as she strolled along a sleepy canal in the neighborhood aptly called Little Venice. Housed in a 17th-century home with stylish contemporary interiors, JY’s was opened in 2002 by the charming chef Jean-Yves Schillinger, who returned to his hometown after seven years in New York, where he helmed two well-regarded but now closed eateries, Destinée and Olica. It soon garnered a Michelin star. During warmer months, chic locals and clued-in travelers fill the outdoor patio overlooking the canal, and enjoy leisurely meals while watching the occasional barge float by. Evenings there are quite romantic, even if the owner’s big white dog keeps paying visits. You won’t find Alsatian staples like tarte flambée or spaetzle on the menu. While the cuisine is predominantly French, such as foie gras three ways and Bressan chicken, many dishes pay homage to the international smorgasbord Schillinger sampled during his time in New York. There are Spanish tapas, sushi and other Japanese inspired fare, and the crab cocktail—served in a martini glass—contains guacamole and tortilla chips. The cheeseburger is topped with foie gras; pigeon is served with bok choy and Chinese-style string beans; and the monkfish is garnished with curry sauce. But this is Alsace, after all, so you should ask the sommelier to recommend a local wine to go with whatever you order.
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Villa VerdePiazzetta di Capri, Capri, ItalyAddress: 6 Vico Sella Orta Capri 80073 Italy Neighborhood: |
Contact Information:
Phone: +39 08 1837 7024
Web Site: www.villaverde-capri.com |
| Geography:
Europe
Italy
Capri
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| Description:
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Piazzetta, this traditional Mediterranean eatery is a favorite of the celebrities who holiday on Capri. The simple but gorgeously arranged seafood dishes are best enjoyed slowly in the large garden courtyard, surrounded with foliage and Roman statues. The menu focuses on Mediterranean staples and the chefs work wonders with garlic, basil and olive oil. You can watch the chefs in action as they deftly twirl pizzas and toss them into the outdoor wood burning stove. Be sure to order a beautiful plate of the island’s signature insalata caprese—sliced plum tomatoes with basil and fresh mozzarella. Pair your meal with a full-bodied regional wine from the extensive list. |
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The BeaconSag Harbor, New York, United StatesAddress: 8 West Water Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963 United States Neighborhood: |
Contact Information:
Phone: +1 631 725 7088
Web Site: www.beaconsagharbor.com |
| Geography:
United States
New York
Hamptons
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| Description:
If a movie director had to film a Sag Harbor Cove sunset, she would undoubtedly send her cinematographer here. Parties of up to four people can dine on the second floor veranda. Everything from the decor to the service to the cuisine is relaxed and understated. The palate pleasing menu features summery cuisine with an Asian twist. Try the Beacon-style steamed muscles; guava baby back ribs with grilled asparagus and potato hash; or sautéed local flounder with Yukon mashed potatoes. |
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Roof Garden at Peninsula Beverly HillsBeverly Hills, California, United StatesAddress: 9882 Santa Monica Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90212 United States Neighborhood: |
Contact Information:
Phone: +1 310 551 2888
Web Site: www.peninsula.com |
| Geography:
United States
California
Los Angeles
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| Description:
Los Angeles has no shortage of happening outdoor dining spots, but one of my favorites has just been given a gorgeous overhaul—the rooftop pool deck at the always impeccable Peninsula Beverly Hills. Breezy and tranquil, the Roof Garden patio still offers sweeping views of the city and the iconic “Hollywood” sign, but it’s now landscaped with fragrant jasmine and wisteria plants, and, of course, plenty of palm trees, and it has new teak and aluminum tables and gray loom chairs with coral cushions from JANUS et Cie. Oversized white umbrellas provide shade for the industry types who go there for Cobb salads. The revamped menu features healthy Californian cuisine with Mexican and Asian influences, and in a nod to the adjacent spa, it includes a range of nourishing smoothies and herbal teas. Also new is the outdoor grill with a chef on hand to prepare steak, shrimp and fresh fish to your liking. Evenings attract young professionals who gather around the teak bar or sit on cushioned chairs and couches by the fire-pit. For a more private dinner party, groups of up to fourteen can reserve the dining alcove, and hotel guests can book ahead and dine in one of the poolside cabanas, which now have flat-screen TVs, WiFi, white drapes and ceiling fans.
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Gaucho RichmondRichmond, Surrey, EnglandAddress: The Towpath Richmond Riverside Richmond, Surrey TW10 6UJ England Neighborhood: |
Contact Information:
Phone: +44 (0)20 8948 4030
Web Site: www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk E-mail: richmond@gaucho-grill.com |
| Geography:
Europe
England
Other
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| Description:
For a bucolic day out from central London, head to Surrey’s Richmond Park, which has more than 2,300 acres full of flora and fauna to explore, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, stroll to the riverside restaurant Gaucho for a late lunch. Like the other locations of this trendy Argentine steakhouse chain, the Richmond outpost has a contemporary sleek black and white decor, but what sets it apart is its huge outdoor deck overlooking the Thames. Sit in one of the retro white chairs and mull over the extensive wine list. While the menu is a carnivore’s delight, it also offers tasty salads, pasta and seafood dishes for those looking for something lighter. This is a place to settle in, sip a glass of Malbec and watch the boats drift by.
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The Central Park BoathouseCentral Park, New York, United StatesAddress: East 72nd and Park Drive North Central Park New York, NY Neighborhood: Central Park |
Contact Information:
Phone: +1 212 517 2233
Web Site: www.thecentralparkboathouse.com |
| Geography:
United States
New York
New York City
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| Description:
Don’t assume this place is just for tourists. A true urban oasis, the Central Park Boathouse is beloved by Manhattanites who vie for outdoor tables on the sun-drenched bar terrace on summer afternoons. Go early to score a table there and then while away the afternoon with a bottle of sauvignon blanc and a fruit and cheese plate. There’s great people watching—people tend to be very chatty and you may make some new friends—and you’ll see rowboats and maybe a gondola floating by, as well as turtles, ducks and swans. The restaurant’s more formal dining room is great for couples, families with kids and multi-generational get-togethers, especially for weekend brunch. Try to book a table at the railing of the open air veranda, where kids love to stand and watch the turtles. They don’t take reservations for weekend brunch or lunch, so you’ll have to show up and put your name on the list—it’s worth the wait for the the view alone. Although not innovative, the American and Continental cuisine is reliably good, be it a burger with house made pickles, sautéed Dover sole or fresh soups or salads. A summertime New York classic.
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NoMI GardenChicago, Illinois, United StatesAddress: Park Hyatt Chicago 800 North Michigan Avenue, 7th Floor Chicago, IL 60611 Neighborhood: |
Contact Information:
Phone: +1 312 239 4030
Web Site: www.NoMIrestaurant.com. |
| Geography:
United States
Illinois
Chicago
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| Description:
If anyone doesn’t take alfresco dining for granted, it’s residents of the Windy City. After a long winter, Chicagoans are in dire need of some sun and fresh air, and the chicest spot for that—with the added appeal of top-notch food and amazing views—is NoMI Garden, a landscaped terrace on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt, overlooking posh Michigan Avenue. Serving sushi and innovative French cuisine, NoMI is one of the finest restaurants in town. Chef Christophe David learned his trade at such leading French culinary temples as Taillevant in Paris and La Tour Rose in Lyon. In summer, the Garden is a perfect Michigan Avenue spot for a post-shopping lunch or after-work cocktail. Heather Wells, a designer and principal of Heather G. Wells, Ltd. who has an office nearby, tells us she likes to hit the terrace after work when the sunny weather hits for the unexpected intimacy it offers. "It’s very zen-like," she says. "It has a wood terrace, beautiful umbrellas and really comfortable chairs. It’s right off Michigan Avenue, so it’s really close to downtown, but people tend to forget about it, so you can always get in there, which is nice because it’s up in the sky." Patrons—typically a mix of the hotel’s business travelers and local artsy types—are treated to views of Water Tower Place and some of Chicago’s historic architecture as well as the crowds scurrying about down on street level. As opposed to NoMI’s more formal main dining room, the Garden only serves small plates and sushi, and it has a diverse wine and cocktail list that includes fine French wines, sake and eaux de vie. As the sun sets and the skyline lights up, the elevated garden is a very romantic place to be. |
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Tags: restaurant, outdoor dining, alfresco
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Post Metadata:
Page Title: Eight Great Outdoor Dining Spots for Summer: Alfresco Dining¸ Dining Outdoors¸ Outdoor Dining | Suzanne’s Files Keywords: Suzanne’s Files¸ Suzannes Files¸ Susanne’s Files¸ Susannes Files¸ Spire.com¸ Spire¸ Alfresco Dining¸ Dining Outdoors¸ Outdoor Dining¸ Outdoor Dining Spots¸ seafood restaurant¸ Ta Dichtia Fish Tavern¸ Villa Verde¸ Mediterranean eatery¸ Spanish tapas¸ sushi¸ monkfish¸ bok choy¸ Alsatian wine¸ gourmet restaurant¸ The Beacon Restaurant¸ Peninsula Beverly Hills¸ Central Park Boathouse Description: Top picks in Los Angeles¸ Sag Harbor¸ Surrey England¸ Capri¸ Italy¸ Santorini¸ Greece¸ for places where you can dine outside under the stars |
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