U.S. Open at Chambers Bay

36 Hours in Seattle | The New York Times

Seattle is in boom mode, and for visitors that means creative restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene and stunning art. Video by Fritzie Andrade, Max Cantor, Chris Carmichael, Sarah Brady Voll and Aaron Wolfe on Publish Date November 19, 2014. Photo by Chris Carmichael for The New York Times.

ABURI SEARED SUSHI AT MINAMI VANCOUVER

I've received a number of great recommendations about "Minami" Restaurant in Vancouver so I decided to make a visit (thanks @chengsophia). If you're familiar with Vancouver, the restaurant is situated in Yaletown on 1118 Mainland St. (at Helmcken St.). It's one of my favorite neighborhoods in Vancouver as it's stylish, sophisticated, and has a friendly vibe. Minami Restaurant has taken my spoiled palate to the next level with its fresh and innovative concept called "Aburi" or flamed seared sushi which was developed nearly a century ago in Japan. Owner Seigo Nakamura innovated the Aburi concept by creating specialty sauces and using non-traditional Japanese ingredients to complement the unique taste properties of each fish. Seigo’s unconventional concept of ‘sushi without soy and wasabi‘. I was quite surprised when there was no soy sauce and wasabi along with the sushi, but soon realized this was the intention from the chef and it was quite a good one.

Highly recommend the following dishes: Aburi hamachi (yellowtail) with avocado sauce, Aburi hotate (scallop) with cod-roe mayo and Aburi Salmon Oshi Sushi fused with jalapeño. If you're looking for a variety, try the Minami Zen which is served with miso soup, 4 items from the kitchen served in a traditional Japanese hinoki box and house specilty sushi. This comes with the Aburi Tuna (wasabi masatake sauce), Tofu Salad (wonton crisps, umami soy vinaigrette), Ebi Fritter (asian slaw, soy-balsamic reduction), Braised Pork Cheek (kabotcha puree, apple-cabbage kraut), and the Signature Aburi Sushi (5 pieces, chef's choice).

Website: http://minamirestaurant.com

Chef Table Luncheon with Cibo Trattoria

Located in the chic Moda Hotel in the heart of downtown Vancouver’s arts and cultural district, Cibo Trattoria is the ideal destination for an enjoyable dining experience and memorable evening out in the city. True to its trattoria roots, Cibo’s cozy, 50-seat dining room is a perfect spot for any occasion or social gathering — a warm and inviting restaurant where patrons can sample the finest in rustic, locally sourced casual Italian cuisine (with an inventive twist) in a relaxed-yet-vibrant setting. Executive Chef Faizal Kassam is committed to providing a truly unique farmer-driven dining experience, drawing inspiration from Italian market culture and a desire to showcase the freshest local and organic ingredients.

Big Guns Winery Dinner at Araxi

Araxi Wine Director, Samantha Rahn, has assembled another stellar line up of top wines – this year showcasing what iconic French grapes can do in other great ‘terroirs’ around the globe. This six-course feast takes the guest on a culinary journey with Chef James Walt offering the best of the fall harvest paired with this incredible line up of wines to indulge the senses.