Fine Dining Off The Beaten Path

Zagat, a company that rates restaurants across the county released their list of the most exciting food cities across America for 2017, with Los Angeles taking the top spot.

No big surprise, the other nine locations were in major U.S. cities, too. Therefore, we set out to find the best of the best in fine dining, not just in major U.S. cities, but off the beaten path. Why not point your Entegra Coach in the direction of one of these locations and enjoy the flavor of fine.

Arethusa al Tavolo, Bantam Connecticut
Located in quaint Bantam (CT) in the scenic county of Litchfield, Arethusa al Tavolo offers an innovative farm-to-table menu that celebrates the products of the Arethusa Dairy Farm. Chef Dan Magill’s cuisine is modern and comfortable; it features daily-chosen farm ingredients and the freshest and most select products.

Arethusa al Tavolo offers a progressive dining experience to the Northwest Connecticut dining scene.

Make your reservation today

Bida Manda Restaurant and Bar, Raleigh, North Carolina
Right in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Bida Manda is a thoughtful and sharp gathering place celebrating the diverse food and culture of Laos. Bida Manda is one of the very first Laotian restaurants in the U.S. Sanskrit for father and mother, we named the restaurant Bida Manda as our way of honoring our parents in Laos, who taught us everything we know about food, hospitality, and the power it has in bringing people together.

Our parents' recipes are the inspiration for our menu. Every dish on our menu is exactly what we grew up eating. They are the kind of dishes you might find on the street corners of Luang Prabang and at a Laotian home.

Come in and go away with us on a sensational culinary journey to Laos.

Make your reservation today


Café Monarch, Scottsdale, Arizona
Café Monarch, in Old Town Scottsdale, is a family-owned and operated restaurant offering an ultra-romantic setting for your birthday, anniversary, special occasion, or extravagant night out. The four-course menu is altered weekly and features local, organic, sustainable and premium ingredients.

In addition to the consistent quality of food and service, Café Monarch continuously evolves the menu, dining room, and service standards. All with the objective of maintaining a vibrant and beloved guest experience. All servers are trained through the Court of Master Sommeliers program, all having extensive food and wine knowledge.

Make your reservation today


Geronimo, Santa Fe, New Mexico
In its celebrated 26 years, Geronimo has established a reputation as the place to dine in Santa Fe. Tradition and innovation merge at this Canyon Road legend, where simplicity and understatement reign. New Mexico's only Mobil four-star and AAA four-diamond rated restaurant. Warm and inviting, the elegant "Borrego House" was built by Geronimo Lopez in 1756.  Thick adobe walls, kiva fireplaces and wood beams surround.  

Executive Chef Sllin Cruz creates the "Global Eclectic" menu that changes seasonally.

Make your reservation today


The Grill - The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida
A popular venue for sophisticated dining, The Grill features award-winning steaks, cocktails and impeccable service that sets the standard for a five-star experience.

The Grill is the perfect setting for an intimate dinner that slips into the late hours, with menu selections including dry-aged beef, fresh seafood, seasonal favorites and a collection of international award-winning wines.

Make your reservation today


L'Auberge Chez Francois, Great Falls, Virginia
Welcome to L'Auberge Chez François, our French country inn a short distance from the nation's capital that has captivated visitors for over 60 years. L'Auberge Chez François is the ideal spot to celebrate special moments, private parties, luncheons, weddings and cooking demonstrations. Our menu is extensive and full of the flavors of Alsace and traditional French cuisine. Excellent food and service, attention to detail and a casually elegant atmosphere are hallmarks that have made L'Auberge Chez François a Washington favorite! We hope that you will enjoy your visit with us.

Make your reservation today


PRESS, St. Helena, California
PRESS is the perfect wine country dining experience. PRESS features prime dry-aged beef, whole roasted chicken, grass fed Sonoma lamb, and fresh fish prepared on a custom wood burning grill and rotisserie. The modern farmhouse style blends with the neighboring vineyards to create a truly modern steakhouse. An award winning largely Napa Valley wine list completes the PRESS experience.

Make your reservation today


Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar, Galveston, Texas
When visiting Galveston Island, you simply can't miss the Island's most unique dining experience, Rudy & Paco. Voted Open Table Top 100 Restaurants in American and Open Table Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. Rudy & Paco features grilled seafood and steak with a South and Central American sabor. Relax and unwind with your favorite cocktail while enjoying delicious Antojitos.
Rudy & Paco is located next door to The Grand 1894 Opera House and is a great choice for pre-show dinner specials.

Make your reservation today


The Saddle River Inn, Saddle River, New Jersey
Classic French cuisine with a contemporary flair is featured in a romantic, rustic barn along the banks of the Saddle River. Established in 1981, the Saddle River Inn is part of the William Packard Estate, now known as Barnstable Court. As early as 1840, The Inn was operating as a sawmill and basket weaving factory. Hans and Imelda Egg opened the Saddle River Inn in 1981 and set a standard in fine dining French. In January of 2013, Jamie Knott and Peter Lioia bought the business and continue the tradition.

Chef Jamie Knott uses only prime dry-aged beef, the freshest line-caught, sustainable seafood, and local organic produce, whenever possible. The menu changes twice seasonally and utilizes ingredients at the peak of their freshness.

Make your reservation today


Orchids at Palm Court, Cincinnati, Ohio
Orchids at Palm Court is a fine dining restaurant located in the National Historic Landmark Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Dine in a breathtaking 1930s French Art Deco setting with two-story Romanesque murals, Brazilian rosewood, German silver-nickel sconces & an original Rookwood pottery fountain.

Orchids features French-Inspired modern American cuisine highlighting the freshest seasonal offerings. The menu is based on availability of the highest-quality ingredients using local and organic products, including a rooftop beehive and an herb garden.

Make your reservations today


Here is the link to the Zagat list, if you are still hungry for more after this post. Enjoy the ride!