Welcome to the second part of our popular “Best Places To Eat and Drink When You’re Exhibiting” feature.
Part one focused on Europe, and this time round we give you the low-down on some of our favourite places to go in North America…
Houston – Pappa Duex
The best steak that side of the Atlantic! Which is a pretty big statement.
Las Vegas – STK @ Cosmopolitan
The wine list here is to die for and the food menu is simply amazing. This restaurant has appeared in books and magazines all over the world, not just for its food, but its design and architecture too. An all-rounder in the city of sin!
Chicago – Cheesecake Factory
Okay, so we admit this restaurant is a bit cheesy (mind the pun), but the menu will please everyone. It’s one of those places where you wished you had ordered four starters rather than a starter and a main.
And yes the name gives it away, the cheesecake is phenomenal.
New York (well, Brooklyn!) – River Café
The locals say that the best thing about Brooklyn is the view.
And with the whole of Manhattan in your eye line here, your food really could be forgotten about if it wasn’t so good. It’s a bit pricey, but this is a popular place, and therefore a must-book!
Salt Lake City – Valters
This Italian osteria is directly opposite the Salt Palace Convention Centre, and here you get true cuisine like Valter Nassi’s mama used to make.
Valter is the classic example of the tender owning the shop. He’s always around, and he makes the place what it is.
An antipasti, pasta and contorni menu; we loved the gnocci boscaiola (fresh homemade potato dumplings served in a mixed mushrooms cream sauce) after starting with insalata ai quattro formaggi (romaine salad, with a homemade four cheese dressing and black pepper).
You can eat outside, you can savour the atmosphere inside, and you can take advantage of a full bar. One of the best Italian places you’ll find.
Atlanta – Poor Calvin’s
Found on Piedmont Avenue NE, and described as Thai fusion with southern influences, Poor Calvin’s is pretty unique.
We gave the Deviled Eggs a go – Korean BBQ beef and caviar in a lychee glaze; before devouring the Crispy Beef in a sweet soy glaze and coconut brown rice. We were blown away by the presentation, freshness and the taste of these dishes.
San Francisco – Lolo
An innovative and fresh take on Mexican food. It’s almost tapas but not quite…but it comes with all the colours and energy of Mexico.
We’d recommend booking ahead for this brilliant place, with great service, great atmosphere and fantastic décor.
The Pork Belly Salad and the Diabla Shrimp come highly recommended, and they knock up so wonderful drinks to quench your thirst.
San Diego – Barleymash
A big bar, with screens showing everything, and gastro food that you can’t get enough of.
Whatever you do, try the San Diego Loaded Fries from here. You won’t forget them for your entire stay.
We were also mightily impressed with the Brick Oven Chicken. A great place if there’s a few of you who want to fill your stomachs, have a beer, and catch up on a few sports.
New Orleans – Compère Lapin
We asked our Uber driver to take us somewhere fantastic for food, and he drooled as he talked about this place. Two hours later, we knew why.
Trying out a well-presented combination of smoked pigs ears to start, followed by a Trio of Pork, Golden Beets and Sour Cherry Jus; there was a simplicity on the plate, but a whirlwind in the mouth.
A really pleasing place on the eye too.
Miami – Cleavlander South Beach
Situated on Ocean Drive, this is a great place for fantastic drinks and cocktails, and a spot of bar food too if that takes your fancy.
We like it, because it serves up a fantastic “Daisy” cocktail – which you have to try – but the main draw is sitting and watching the classic cars go by.
It’s regularly got a party going on here; and if you’re still full of energy after a day in the hall, you’d be a fool not to give this place a go!
Orlando – Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Two words: Tomahawk Ribeye. This steak is 40-ounces of USDA Prime bone-in Ribeye broiled to perfection and hand-cut tableside.
This place is a gift to steak, chop and seafood lovers, and although you might be paying a little bit more here, it’s money well spent. There’s a nice bar here too.
Washington – We The Pizza
Sometimes you just need pizza! And we promise you that this place, just out of the capital via a quick walk, is worth the jaunt.
By the slice, or by the whole, there’s a pizza for every taste, with a substantial topping. Then wash it down with an authentic Italian soda…you’ll soon be banging on about your trip here to all your friends, social media accounts, and probably strangers too!
Colletti’s Notorious BBQ Pie was the pizza we went for. Slow Roasted Pulled Pork with Colletti’s BBQ Sauce, Cheddar & Crispy Onions…we just wish they delivered to Leeds!
Our third and final part of the best places to eat and drink will cover the rest of the world, and will be coming soon!