Chuck Griffith

Best wiener schnitzel I’ve had in Berlin. I was warmly greeted at the door, and while you can have a view of all that Schönenberg has to offer, it’s really the food at Elefant you want to be hot for.

Understated and humble, this place has the best Wiener schnitzel I’ve had since Spago in Beverly Hills! They do have a veal option with a small upcharge. They have over ten varieties of schnitzel and as an American in search for the perfect meal, I found it at Elefant. Word of caution, they have great wines by the glass—but my Riesling was lukewarm. Be sure to check to see if they chilled it. This casual restaurant is worth the Euros.

What a treat to eat here on vacation! Normally restaurants within a hotel can be hit or miss, but not La Plazuela. A confident chef here with a tightly curated menu of New Mexican traditional cuisine and awe-inspiring fusion of flavors. I went adventurous with a quail breast appetizer and the lamb chops( a ballet of flavors between the mustard demi-glaze, mint, shallots, and rainbow chard) for the main course—both were mind blowing. My meal here made my trip to Santa Fe, and I would say this place IS A MUST! Definitely pair your wine with the suggestions in the menu; you won’t be disappointed. Bravo, La Plazuela!

I discovered this French comfort food gem a few years ago, and I keep coming back to share La Ripaille with friends. The owner, Alain Laurent, manages every detail from the moment you walk in. His passion for food and life is really the main ingredient here. The escargot is my favorite—it’s prepared in a way I’ve never been able to find anywhere else (Cassolette d’Escargots à Notre Façon). The specials are always amazing. I’ve never opened a menu, I just let Alain make all the decisions and he never disappoints to surprise and delight. This place will always be special and dear to my heart.

Staying at the Nomad was simply one of the best weekends I’ve had in a lifetime. The pool staff is so friendly and welcoming. Every person working here appears to love their job—my experience felt like it was every Nomad’s/Park MGM employee’s priority. The casino is really chill and the non smoking environment just makes this a great place. I could go on and on, but let me point—beds are so comfy, great options for the mini bar, the cleaning staff keeps the rooms impeccable. I’ll be back many many many more times.

Visiting Spectrum in Amsterdam was a culinary experience of the highest order, truly the highlight of my trip. The impeccable service from the moment I walked in set the tone for an extraordinary evening. Chef Sidney Schutte's masterful creations, paired perfectly by Cas, the restaurant operator, showcased the Michelin-starred excellence of this establishment.

The minimalist, white decor created an unassuming canvas that allowed the vibrant, creative, and impressionistic presentations of each dish to truly pop, reminiscent of Dutch masters like Vermeer and Van Gogh, whose brilliance lies in the details and the interplay of light and color.

Every plate was a masterpiece, from the intricate amuse-bouche to the show-stopping desserts that offered a delectable conclusion to the meal. However, the Blue Lobster, despite its vibrant presentation, was a rare miss. The flavors didn't quite come together as expected, and the caviar, which should have been the star, was lost in the mix—a wasted opportunity in an otherwise stellar lineup.

Recognizing my disappointment, the team promptly provided a customized palette cleanser before the next course. The strawberry yuzu sorbet was a delightful interlude, offering a refreshing burst of energy that perfectly prepared my palate for the subsequent duck dish. This thoughtful touch was greatly appreciated and demonstrated their commitment to an exceptional dining experience.

The entire front-of-house team delivered a seamless, coordinated performance. Water glasses were magically refilled, wine was topped off just when it was needed, and they guided me to the restroom, ensuring I returned to a pristine setting. Their attentiveness and precision never faltered, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

In sum, Spectrum is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience in Amsterdam. Chef Sidney Schutte's stunning presentations and sublime flavors, set against a starkly elegant backdrop, make it a standout on any fine dining list. This restaurant should not be missed—it's a testament to culinary artistry and hospitality at its finest.