As we start the New Year, reflecting on the past 12 months and thinking about the next 12, most of us have that familiar feeling. We enjoyed the holidays — eating, drinking and being merry with family, friends and colleagues. Sure, it was fun — why shouldn’t it be? It is the holiday season, after all. But inevitability we feel a sense of guilt about our gluttony; and as the calendar turns, we vow to cut back on our embellishments and resolve to start the year eating better, drinking less and losing a few of those added pounds.
I have a different perspective. If one starts with the premise that all things are best enjoyed in moderation, then that should apply to the holidays as well as the New Year. In other words, just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean you need to cut back. Continue to enjoy your favorite meals, desserts and beverages!
I make this recommendation because we are approaching one of the more enjoyable times of the year: Restaurant Week. Here in Philadelphia, over 120 restaurants offer some of their best entrées at a prix-fixe price, significantly lower than their normal price. It is a fantastic way to sample the restaurant’s cuisine and not dig deep into the pocket. One of my favorites here in Philadelphia is Bistro La Minette.
It is a cozy French bistro that offers classic French cuisine in a relaxed, informal setting. Some of my favorite dishes are, for starters, the delicious Escargots à la Bourguignonne – nine Burgundy snails, garlic herb butter, croutons — or the Oeuf du Pecheur — Fisherman’s-style poached egg, toast, mussels and tarragon cream. For the main course I’ve enjoyed all of their dishes, but two of my favorites are the Lapin Roti à la Moutarde — mustard-braised rabbit, house-made taglietelle, rabbit jus — and the Truite Meuniere — Miller-style trout, haricots verts, fingerling potatoes, toasted almonds, lemon brown butter. Naturally, all the desserts are heavenly. While nothing can compare to being in France, Bistro La Minette reminds you of your last time in Paris, enjoying authentic and delicious fare and wine. It’s definitely worth checking out during Restaurant Week.
As you may know, Restaurant Week is not just happening here in Philadelphia. It is also taking place in the coming weeks in major cities throughout the U.S. – New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and many more. Other locations such as Miami take place in the summer. Again, it is a great opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine and wine in your city’s restaurants at a fraction of the normal price. Check your local listings and be sure to book it through Open Table to earn additional points.
So as we start the New Year, here is a different type of resolution: Don’t cut back. Take the opposite approach and enjoy yourself with delicious meals, fine drinks and good company. I guarantee you will start the year off with a smile.
— Steven Bright, account executive
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis