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About the only thing black here is the fashion – it seems to be the colour of choice among the guests at this temple to slick, all-white minimalism (and of course, that black would be Prada). Inside, acclaimed chef Paul Kahan creates contemporary American cuisine that has won national awards and kept Blackbird at the forefront of the city’s fickle cuisine scene for years. Specialities include sautéed Maryland soft shell crabs, asparagus 'noodles’ and Vidalia onions and crispy suckling pig with red grapes.
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'Charlie Trotter’s is the best restaurant in America – discuss.’ If it’s not at the top, it’s unquestionably among a handful of the country’s most lauded dining destinations. The atmosphere here is surprisingly laid back – servers are genuine and friendly, and there’s no pressure to decide what to order, since chef Trotter offers only two, multi-course prixe fixe menu choices. Both change daily but always focus on fresh, seasonal fare and innovative techniques.
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This cosy neighbourhood favourite draws both a hip, artistic crowd and a sophisticated older set for chef Dirk Flanigan’s take on contemporary American cuisine. The emphasis here is on the Pacific Northwest region, especially seafood. Yet it’s impossible to go wrong with the nightly wild game selection like elk or bison. The all-American wine list is compact but strong, featuring selections from smaller vineyards in California, Oregon and Washington.
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The too-perfect dining room décor is a monument to the brand that is Ralph Lauren, or is it the menu that’s the monument? Either way, this is the place to dine by classic American design, including thick sirloin steaks from Lauren’s private ranch, stiff martinis, ice-cold oysters, and tableside preparations of bananas Foster and crepe Suzette. Just be sure you pronounce the [name] correctly when you go – it’s Lor-en, not Loren.
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