The Restaurants
Season Six
Allyson Felix
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Los Angeles, CA | Harold and Belle's Restaurant
Harold and Belle’s opened its doors in September of 1969 by Harold Legaux Sr. and his wife, Mary Belle. It was their dream to have a place reminiscent of New Orleans, their hometown, where friends and family could socialize. The menu started off small, with Po-Boy Sandwiches, Red Beans & Rice, and Filét Gumbo that was only served on Fridays. The menu expanded following the passing of Harold Legaux Sr. Passionate about cooking, Harold Jr. and his wife Denise became the new owners and transitioned the restaurant from a pool-playing atmosphere to one of fine dining with candlelit dinners and linen tablecloths. New menu items included Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Étouffée and Clam Chowder, with Filé Gumbo every day of the week. In 1984, with the addition of new business partners, the restaurant expanded from 12 to 35 tables, and tripled the size of its kitchen. The restaurant underwent changes amidst the 2008 recession, requiring Harold Jr. and Denise to step away from the restaurant. Ryan and Jessica, 3rd generation husband and wife, decided to take ownership after already being heavily involved in the family business. They have since expanded the brand with various business ventures like a Food Trailer, a private dining area, “Harold and Belle’s To-Geaux,” and “Geaux Plant-based,” which is vegan NOLA cuisine. For more information, visit https://haroldandbelles.com or click the button below.
Richard Branson
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New York City, NY | Everdene
Everdene is located on the third floor of Virgin Hotels New York. This signature red Virgin brand restaurant is the place to be with New-American cuisine, curated cocktails, and a breathtaking view of the Big Apple. It is in the heart of Manhattan’s Nomad district, with stunning views of the Empire State Building and overlooking Broadway and 30th Street. A nod to Old New York, its art deco detailing and upscale atmosphere makes it a New York City hotspot. It is an eclectic, multicultural rooftop oasis and entertainment hot-spot for dining, drinking, and dancing. For more information, visit https://virginhotels.com/new-york/eat-drink/everdene or click the button below.
Bozoma Saint John
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Hollywood, CA | Miceli's Italian Restaurant
Miceli’s Italian Restaurant was founded in 1949 by World War II Veteran Carmen Miceli. It is LA’s oldest restaurant. Home to authentic Italian cuisine, the restaurant is also known for its dark yet colorful interior, Chianti bottle-lined ceilings, and singing servers. This pizzeria has attracted many Italian greats, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joe DiMaggio with his wife, Marilyn Monroe, and allegedly three U.S. presidents. The party room, located in the Basement, feels like a blast from the past due to its rustic decorations and dimly-lit atmosphere. For more information, visit https://micelis.restaurant or click the button below.
Ken Burns
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Walpole, NH | The Restaurant at Burdick's
Modeling its classic menu on the “time-honored tradition of the French Bistro,” The Restaurant at Burdick’s has been a staple in Walpole, New Hampshire for over 20 years. An emphasis is placed on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, with classic preparations including French Onion Soup, New England Oysters, Gruyere Omelette, Steak Frites, Quiche & Beef Stew Provençal and many more. The restaurant features a 12-table dining room, banquette seating, and a view overlooking Walpole’s main street. For more information, visit https://www.47mainwalpole.com or click the button below.
Jenni Britton
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Columbus, OH | Akai Hana
Akai Hana is renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine. It began as a modest restaurant with just 40 seats in 1986, and later expanded to a location with 130 seats. The restaurant is known for its fresh sushi, curated by professionally trained sushi chefs, with fish imported from Japan. Akai Hana prides itself on its “super fresh” ingredients, comfortable and elegant atmosphere, and wonderful selection of Japanese favorites. For more information, visit
https://akaihana.japanmarketplace.com or click the button below.
Jewel
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New York City, NY | Tavern on the Green
Tavern on the Green is home to delicious American cuisine in Central Park. It has been owned and operated by Jim Caiola and David Salama since 2014, and is housed in a former sheepfold. Tavern on the Green has been visited by esteemed figures, such as politicians, actors, musicians, and writers. It has also received numerous accolades, including one for best wine menu and best restaurant in the Upper West Side. A film icon, Tavern on the Green has been mentioned or featured in numerous famous films, including: Ghostbusters (1984), It Had To Be You (2000), Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011), and many more. For more information, visit https://www.tavernonthegreen.com or click the button below.
Dr. Henry Louis Gates
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Santa Monica, CA | Caffé Delfini
Caffe’ Delfini opened in 1990 by childhood friends Alessandro Ercoli, Gianpietro Silardi, and Lino Savoia. By 2022, the restaurant is now owned and operated by Alex and Ricardo Menichetti and Alex’s wife, Terri Ercoli, passionate people with a zeal for food and cooking. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of the cobblestone streets of Rome, makes Caffe’ Delfini considered to be synonymous with romance. The menu takes the customer on a journey through Italy, with dishes containing only the finest and freshest ingredients. For more information, visit https://caffedelfini.com or click the button below.
Jenna Kern Lima
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Montecito, CA | Oliver's
Oliver’s is located in Montecito, California and is known for mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian fare. With seamless indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant’s blue-gray interior and french doors overlooking their illuminated patio is the perfect atmosphere to enjoy plant-based cuisine. Oliver’s cocktails, featuring cold-press juice, high-quality liquor, and kombucha, are a customer favorite. Their artichoke “crab cakes” and seasonal flatbreads are also fan favorites. This restaurant is the perfect place for health-conscious foodies!
Update: Oliver’s closed Summer 2024.
Sean Sherman
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New York City, NY | Dhamaka
An “Unapologetically Indian” restaurant, Dhamaka is home to provincial Indian cuisine at the new Essex Market. Created by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, this restaurant has been featured on the New York Times list of America’s Favorite 50 Restaurants of 2021 and New York’s Top 10 New Restaurants of 2021, New York Magazine’s Best Restaurants of 2021, and many others. For more information, visit https://www.dhamaka.nyc or click the button below.
Miguel Garza
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Austin, TX | La Cocina De Consuelo
La Cocina De Consuelo, translated to “The Comfort Kitchen,” is located in Austin, Texas and is home to authentic Mexican cuisine. They are famous for their homemade flour and corn tortillas, and chicken enchiladas. The restaurant officially opened in 2006, but was in its early stages as early as the 1980s with a Church fundraiser that quickly turned into a regular catering event, company, and then restaurant. Connie Rodriguez’s desire to keep the menu fun and innovative with her enchiladas and other Mexican dishes is what keeps customers coming back for more. In 2019, Connie bestowed the restaurant upon Letty Garcia, her niece who has worked tirelessly to keep La Cocina De Consuelo authentic and delicious. For more information, visit https://consueloskitchen.com or click the button below.