The Savored Blog

As January has crept towards its end, we’ve made sure to end the first month of the year with a bang – in the past two weeks alone, we’ve added 18 restaurants to our stellar list nationwide offering that beloved 30% discount. Some of our favorite highlights from the group of newbies include:

In New York, 5 Ninth - This Meatpacking spot is nestled in an unassuming townhouse, with a cozy yet energetic vibe to match. Updated American classics are to be found on the menu here, with vibrant bar scenes on two of the three floors, and a more relaxed dining room in between. With something for everyone, 5 Ninth is sure to be a hit for any occasion.

A savory dish from 5 Ninth

In Chicago, Epic Restaurant - Earning the title ‘Best New Restaurant’ by Esquire Magazine, this River North gem is known for its chic atmosphere and deliciously creative American cuisine. With a kitchen helmed by Executive Chef Mark Pollard, the food at Epic is sure to surprise and delight the taste buds, while an exquisite wine list offers the perfect complement.

Epic's chic dining room

In Miami, Terrazza at the Shore Club – Right in the heart of South Beach, this Italian eatery in the posh Shore Club is truly something special. Here, acclaimed Head Chef Stefano Riccioletti, of New York City’s Domenico and Cipriani fame, provides honestly authentic Italian specialties, providing a cultural oasis in bustling Miami.

A poolside glimpse of Terrazza's patio

In San Francisco, Rocketfish - Japanese-style tapas and fresh sushi designed by masterful Chef Kenichi Kawashima, of the legendary Blowfish Sushi, are served in this lively Potrero Hill spot. Family-friendly yet surprisingly upscale, Rocketfish has a chameleon-like ability to appeal to diners of any age.

Rocketfish's vibrant atmosphere

Not to be overlooked, these new additions certainly deserve a visit, as well:

Miami

660 at The Anglers

Chicago

Due Lire

Marigold

New York

TriBeCa Tap House

Building on Bond

YN Bar

La Palapa

Marco Polo Ristorante

Il Cortile

Kafana

Brasserie

La Fonda del Sol

Indigo Indian Bistro

Basera

Savored, we’re proud to say, is constantly improving. Today, committed to keeping up the momentum as 2012 chugs along, we’re launching one of our most exciting initiatives yet. Coming off the blazing success in New York, we’re proud to announce that we are expanding our ‘Signature’ offers south to Washington, DC. And in true Savored style, we’re starting strong, with five insanely delicious programs to try. You can thank us later!

Pastry Chef Matthew Petersen

Five-Course Dessert Tasting with Drink Pairings by Top Chef Contestant Matthew Petersen 

Earning national acclaim as a competitive contender on BravoTV’s Top Chef: Just Desserts, Matthew Petersen has been delighting lucky DC-area diners with his masterful pastries from the CityZen kitchen. Now, Savored members can get a taste of all Petersen’s beautiful desserts have to offer with this five-course tasting menu, complete with beverage pairings to complement every bite.

A Hearty Hill-Country Feast with Brisket, Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs and Beer

Paying homage to the idea that everything really is bigger in Texas, this downtown DC barbecue joint serves up big flavors. A deal not to be missed, our Hill Country signature now offers you the chance to taste the authentically smokey flavors of brisket, chicken and pork spare ribs; and, to top it all off, you get a refreshing draft of Shiner beer to wash your hefty meal down. We can’t imagine how it would get much better.

Chef Aaron Silverman

Exclusive Five-Course Tasting Menu with Chef Aaron Silverman at Lost Society

With an extensive career history at the most impressive of kitchens, Chef Aaron Silverman has earned his stripes in the culinary world. This one-time event – available to Savored members only – features Chef Silverman whipping up some of his masterful dishes at Lost Society in the U-Street Corridor. Included with every ticket is five-courses of mouthwatering fare, each paired with a unique cocktail designed by Lost Society’s in-house mixologist, promising an unforgettable evening of bites and sips.

Chef’s Table Experience with Chef Jaime Montes de Oca Jr. at ZENTAN

Sit front-and-center to watch Chef Jaime Montes de Oca Jr. work his magic with this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Get up close and personal with the chef, and marvel as he creates his culinary masterpieces before trying each delightful bite. Not to worry, we wouldn’t let you go thirsty – this Signature event also offers hand-picked drink pairings to complement each dish.

Five-Course “El Bulli” Tasting Menu by Chef Orlando Amaro 

The “World’s Best Restaurant” may have shut its doors, but thanks to Station 4 Chef Orlando Amaro, it’s not too late to get a taste of the El Bulli kitchen. On February 25th, Savored has the hook-up – don’t miss the chance to be a part of this legendary tasting menu, complete with complementary wine pairings, designed to highlight the unique culinary style of the famed Spanish dining destination.

Station 4's Beautiful Dining Room

Stunning Interior Decor

When dining in a neighborhood packed to the brim with top-notch eateries, sorting through all of the options can at times be overwhelming. Fear not loyal foodies, as I’m here to give some insight into one of my newfound favorites.

With an inherent apology for the obvious play on words, let me say, my evening at Good Restaurant lived up to its name (and then some).

While I’d like to think I don’t quite fall under the high-maintenance umbrella (wouldn’t we all?), I, admittedly, have the highest of standards for restaurant experiences – and this pleasant oasis on the edge of the West Village was a delight on all fronts.

First, I’ll set the scene. Walking that nearly impossible line between cheerful and chic, Good’s beautiful décor transitions seamlessly from daytime to nighttime. With dark wooden furniture set against beige banquettes and muted silver accents, Good’s dining room represents both the energetic bustle of the neighborhood and the romantic vibe of the Village’s tree-lined streets. Outside, their sidewalk seating has a minimalist feel, allowing people-watching of eccentric passers-by to hold the lion’s share of any diner’s attention. Combine this ambience with the attentive service, and you’re well on your way to a special evening before you even place an order.

Now on to the fun stuff– the food itself.  Being a loyal follower of the ‘let’s get lots of plates and share it all,’ mindset, I always arrive at a restaurant with multiple menu items in mind to order. Armed with personal recommendations and a thorough knowledge of the menu itself (thanks in large part to my habitual act of reading and re-reading the menu in the days leading up to any meal), my friend and I quickly selected three dishes to split.

To start, we tried the savory baked goat cheese and tomato cazuela. Served warm, this creamy dish featured the perfect balance of goat cheese swimming in a pool of tangy tomato flavors. With each bite of this decadent mixture – spread generously over freshly grilled country bread and devoured in seconds – we had little to say beyond ‘wow.’ Gone as quickly as it had arrived, this perfectly portioned appetizer left us anxiously awaiting the dishes to come.

Next came the harvest salad. This healthy serving incorporated mixed lettuces, aged cheddar, roasted pear and pecans, all dressed in a flavorful apple cider vinaigrette. With extra points for that flare of the unique found in the dressing, the harvest salad was exactly what we needed – something familiar yet exciting – and whet our appetites even more for the main event.

Delightful Harvest Salad

As soon as this seafood masterpiece was put down on the table, we could smell the treat we were in for. Cooked to a silky medium-rare, the salmon was covered in a crispy skin that was precisely salted and resting delicately over a combination of sautéed potatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Dressed further with a subtle paprika aioli, this dish was perhaps the highlight of an already impressive meal.

Overall, Good accomplished something many restaurants overshoot – leaving us feeling perfectly full without being uncomfortably stuffed, complete with smiles on our faces. I’d recommend this Greenwich Avenue gem to any friend – just as long as I was invited to go along.