That is something we think people should consider when planning a vacation. Don't just look at the room. Look at the restaurants. Look at what the property offers for kids. Look at the experiences happening while you are there. Sometimes your hotel ends up becoming a much bigger part of the vacation than you expected.

Once again, Oak & Reel delivered sheer perfection with its Fall Menu. This was our first time experiencing this menu, so naturally we overordered and ate as much as we humanly could.

We absolutely loved our experience at Echelon. The Chef’s Counter, the wood fire, the focus on Michigan ingredients and the progression of the menu all made for such a wonderful evening.

We knew our visit to Counter in Charlotte, NC would be a unique experience. Counter is part restaurant, part concert, part theater, part art and a completely immersive sensory experience. And somehow, through all of that, the food never gets lost.

Omakase Experience by Prime Fish is led by Chef Robin Anthony, a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. Chef Robin has built something pretty remarkable in Charlotte.

So happy we learned about Customshop while in Charlotte. From the moment we walked in, there was just something about the restaurant that felt like community. Lively, welcoming and the kind of neighborhood place you immediately understand why people keep coming back to.

Detroit’s dining scene is exploding, and we have loved having a front-row seat to watch it happen. Even more exciting has been the increase in chef collaborations around the city.

So, SheWolf vs. Medusa? We’re not picking. And thankfully, we don’t think we have to.

Our dining destinations usually focus on New York City, Chicago, Dubai and Florida. After this meal, we can officially add New Orleans to that list because we will absolutely be coming back to eat at Emeril’s. We knew Emeril’s would be good. We were not prepared for just how good.

There are restaurants you visit because of the food, and then there are restaurants you visit because they are part of the story of a city. Commander’s Palace is unquestionably part of the story of New Orleans.

Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant has been part of New Orleans since 2000. Herbsaint also earned Chef Donald Link the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South in 2007.

A trip to Miami always includes a trip to Ariete. It has become one of those restaurants we recommend without hesitation to anyone who wants to experience a side of Miami dining that is ambitious and highly technical, but still warm, comfortable, and genuinely hospitable.

Since spending more time in Miami, we have also been making a point to find out where the locals eat. We kept hearing that Macchialina is where you go for rustic, authentic Italian food, and we have to say, the locals were right.

The restaurant itself is beautiful. While L’Atelier upstairs is darker and more dramatic, Le Jardinier feels bright, open, and distinctly Miami, think emeralds and gilded gold. There is also a lush outdoor garden area that fits naturally into the Design District setting.

Stubborn Seed puts up some seriously beautiful food and it is delicious. We have been a few times when visiting Miami, and you know you are off to a good start when your server says, “Chef recommends using your hands.”

We knew going into Naoe that this was going to be an experience. With only five seats, an omakase menu, and a reputation as one of Miami’s most exclusive dining experiences, you know we had to secure a reservation.

Ghee is welcoming, fun, and upbeat without trying too hard, and the staff was incredibly attentive throughout the evening. But as much as we enjoyed the atmosphere, the food took the experience to an entirely different level.

There is an energy to Atera that we absolutely loved. It is sophisticated without feeling overly formal, and while the cooking is incredibly serious, the experience itself remains warm and engaging.

Unfortunately, Francie was one of the most disappointing dining experiences we've had in a while. When you have to ask whether you actually have a server, you probably have a good indication of where the evening is going.

We think Corima is a fantastic restaurant to bring children, particularly children who are already adventurous eaters or families looking to introduce them to tasting menus. The atmosphere is relaxed and approachable, which removes some of the intimidation that can come with fine dining, while the menu provides an opportunity to experience ingredients, techniques, and even history they may not encounter elsewhere.