All articles tagged with #dining
Restaurant pros say the biggest mistake diners make before ordering is sticking to familiar favorites; instead ask what the restaurant is known for or what the server would order that night, and share your mood, dietary needs, and drink preferences so the server can tailor recommendations and guide you to the best experience rather than the most expensive dish.
Experts say diners should start a two-way chat with their server to tailor recommendations, focusing on what the restaurant is known for or what they’d order that night to catch what's freshest, rather than simply asking for a personal favorite. By discussing mood, dietary needs, and preferences, guests help servers guide them to dishes that fit their desires, making the experience about quality and fit rather than pushing the priciest item. The piece emphasizes mutual dialogue where the server learns what the guest wants and the guest learns about the menu, with a brief nod to tipping discussions and the need for automatic gratuity disclosures before ordering.
LA-area restaurants and industry figures dominated the 2026 James Beard Awards in Chicago: Dave Beran of Seline in Santa Monica won Best Chef in California; Kato (DTLA) claimed Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages; Providence (Melrose) won Outstanding Hospitality; Silver Spoon (Inglewood) earned America’s Classics; Nancy Silverton received a Lifetime Achievement Award; and No Us Without You was named Humanitarian of the Year, highlighting the local food scene’s reach and the LAist’s continued independent reporting.
Pittsburgh's pizza scene expands outward with four new spots—Muns Pizza in Brighton Heights, Penn Avenue Pizza & Steaks on the Bloomfield/Lawrenceville border, A Slice of New York Squared on the South Side, and Burghers Highline—showcasing elevated ingredients, longer fermentation, and inventive takes on the classic slice while keeping prices approachable.
A Defector writer recounts a favorite coffee shop lunch that ends with a shockingly itemized bill—extra charges for poached eggs, fruit substitutions, and small add-ons, plus a mandatory tip—illustrating how modern eateries upsell and inflate the bill.
Norwegian Cruise Line tightened its formal-dining dress rules for upscale restaurants, prohibiting shorts, tank tops, caps, distressed jeans and flip-flops—a move away from its casual “freestyle cruising” vibe. The policy shift prompted online outrage from some longtime passengers who felt the change undermines vacation comfort, while others defended it as improving the dining experience. Norwegian still promotes a laid-back vibe with some guidelines, and kids under 12 can wear shorts. The shipper expects about 3 million guests across 34 ships in 2025 and has recently seen leadership changes with a new appointee after Harry Sommer’s departure; the outlet notes the cruise line did not immediately comment.
Norwegian Cruise Line tightened its formal-dining dress code for upscale restaurants, banning shorts, tank tops, baseball caps, distressed jeans and flip-flops in a move away from its casual 'freestyle cruising' ethos, triggering online backlash from some cruisers while others defend the change; the article also notes 2026 leadership changes at the company (Harry Sommer’s departure, John Chidsey’s appointment).
Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its dining dress code for main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, banning items like tank tops, hoodies, robes, shorts, jeans with holes or tears, and hats in upscale venues, while shorts remain allowed in casual areas. The shift marks a move away from the casual “Freestyle Cruising” ethos and aligns with a broader brand refresh promoting more formal dining, a change that drew criticism from some customers on social media. The policy varies by restaurant, and kids 12 and under can wear shorts in all dining venues.
A Boston Globe columnist and her husband—who share a January birthday—reveal five favorite Boston-area restaurants they celebrate with each year, balancing his meat-loving palate with her love of sushi and rich dips while braving winter plans.
The article highlights the best hole-in-the-wall breakfast spots across all 50 U.S. states, showcasing local favorites known for their classic and unique breakfast offerings in unassuming settings.
LooksMapping is an AI-powered website that rates the attractiveness of restaurant diners in major US cities, creating a heat map that shows how 'hot' the crowds are at various eateries, rather than focusing on food quality.
Portland International Airport has been named the best airport in America due to its stunning design, including live trees, skylights, and wooden ceilings, along with excellent local dining options and a popular airport beer bar.
Celebrity chef José Andrés has opened a new dining destination at Reagan National Airport, offering travelers a unique culinary experience.
Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas cruise ship features a unique dining experience called Royal Railway Utopia Station, where passengers can enjoy a meal on a virtual train ride with simulated scenery and live shows. The experience costs extra and is not included in the cruise fare.
The New York Times highlights the 25 best restaurants in Chicago, featuring a diverse range of dining experiences. Akahoshi Ramen, known for its meticulously prepared ramen dishes, and Al Bawadi Grill, offering generous portions of grilled meats and traditional Middle Eastern fare, are among the top recommendations. The list aims to showcase the city's vibrant food scene and will be updated as new gems are discovered.