THE ALGONQUIN, New York City USA

In addition to its reputation for good food The Algonquin possessed a unique personality in George the most urbane maitre d’hotel who ever collected first editions. George could tell you anything from the correct way to pronounce Alcibiades to the precise amount of Allium with which to kineticise a salad. (Tribal Tales). More latterly, April 2006, I can recommended Breakfast at this noted inn – from their healthy Granola, fresh berry and yoghurt parfait, to hearty Canadian bacon and eggs, and that ever popular heart stopper, Eggs Benedict, it's all cooked to order, with very fresh ingredients plus drinkable American coffee by way of a novel change!
By New York Standards
Prices are reasonable $12 – 30 (US)
Address 59 W 44th St, between 5th and 6th Avenues
Rating ***

CANLIS RESTAURANT, Seattle USA

A Seattle classic serving quintesessential North American cuisine for over 55 years in a stunning position perched above the beautiful lake Union. The hospitable Canlis family and staff (who stay with them for decades) offer an haute-moderne cuisine with menu specialities such as Canlis Prawns, Or King Salmon Gravlax and Caviar, with Riesling and Granny Smith Apple Gelee or rare Pan Fried Tuna with delicate Ginger Sauce. To compliment any meal there is a wine list featuring 1,500 selections. Like all good things there is a price tag plus tip to consider:
Prices range from $32 -65 (US)
Address: Queen Anne,
2576 Aurora Ave.N. at Sixth Aven. N.
Rating ***

WHITE DOG CAFÉ, Philadelphia USA

This amiable inner city restaurant is handy to know about if you find yourself in Philly sometime. Owned by Julie Wicks, described by my hosts as a ‘do gooder’/networker in food and urban issues, and a bit of a mystic, it’s conservatively casual in its style and menu choices which obviously suits the clientele many of whom are attached to the University. I tried their Thai style soup – thickish in consistency with a touch of bite and many veg. Whilst it was tasty it certainly bore no relationship to the traditional Thai soups of the Asian region. Their local fish baked Plaky St Peters had a crust of crab,shrimp and toasted almonds. Firm of flesh and positive in flavour it went well with a local light red wine.
Prices ranged from $12 – 35 (US)
Address 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Rating ***

OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM, Seattle USA

Is part of a Minneapolis based seafood chain which offers a daily changing selection of the freshest seafood around.
The restaurant has a décor inspired by a 1930’s oceanliner and offers 30 different types of seafood. Portions are large but foodwise everything is shipshape. Try the large, steaming and favourably pink steamed crabs served with melted butter if you don’t mind using hands as culinary aids and napkins as bibs. For more refined eaters there are chopped fresh crab cocktails and delicious crab cakes. Indulge in Chef Davis’ Grand Shellfish Platter and icy dome of oysters on the half shell, Dungeness and king crab, mussels and shrimps, with relevant dipping sauces!
Prices: $16.95 -$74.95 (US)
Address: Downtown, 1700 Seventh Ave. at Olive, Seattle
Rating***