Clos Maggiore London

33 King Street, London, WC2E 8JD - View on a map Telephone: 0871 2238084

What a wonderful evening. The conservatory dining room is exquisite and as romantic as it is billed to be. The taster menu was an absolute triumph as was the wine recommended to us by Michael.

Ladies - soak up the beautiful decor and atmosphere

Chaps - enjoy thumbing through the wine list though don't be afraid to ask!

Negative points - only that the loo was on a different level to the dining room. A pet peeve of mine....

American Food

Having spent the last 25 years driving 4,000,000 miles around America and eating 72,427 meals, this we know for sure: America is a culinary crazy-quilt of unique dishes beloved by locals but little known to outsiders. There is no better way to experience this nation's incredible diversity than to hit the road, drive past the malls stuffed with Outbacks and Applebees, and seek out the local specialties (though we'll kindly skip vinegar-steamed chitlins in southern Virginia, thank you). Here are our secret finds—all prime summer fare—from Maine lobster rolls to New Mexico's green chile cheeseburgers.

Winter Comfort Food

Life is hard in the winter. Food shouldn't be. In this season, we sun-starved, shivering sufferers need food that is not exotic or adventurous, or even clever. We want something warm and friendly. Every region in America has its own comfort-food specialties, from the stalwart hot puddings of New England to the creamy chowders of the Pacific Northwest. Still, the classics like macaroni and cheese, meat loaf with gravy, and chicken pie translate universally. Here are a bellyful of opportunities around the country to vanquish cold-weather blues with a plate of warmth.

Maine restaurants

Lobster is just about as ubiquitous in Maine restaurants as you would expect, showing up on and in everything from toasted rolls and bisques to souffléés and brûlées. To get your lobster fix, skip the fancy trimmings and head for a place such as Phil's Route 27 Lobster Shop—home of some of Maine's best lobster rolls—or even Portland's DiMillo's, a former ferry that overcomes its tourist trappings with just enough kitschy charm. Once you've satisfied your seafood cravings, or at least taken the edge off, you'll discover that Maine restaurants offer a whole lot more than spiny little sea creatures. Portland's chefs are among the state's best-known celebrities, and demonstrate their kitchen prowess at local favorites such as Fore Street and Duckfat, while Primo in Rockland and Arrows in Ogunquit have become synonymous with the seaside towns they call home. Maine restaurants also rival any other spot in the country for a focus on creative, sustainable cuisine. On a summer evening, there's a good chance that your entire meal was harvested locally—and not just from the sea.