Restaurant Reviews
Where will you dine tonight?
Small Barrels visits fine restaurants all over the globe. Whether they feature world-renowned chefs or local legends, stunning locations or cozy corners, local acclaim or Michelin stars—we spotlight the dining experiences worth finding. Our in-depth meal descriptions and photos are sure to excite your senses—and have you looking forward to your next culinary adventure.
Review of Mesa Grill – Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
Looking for amazing, premium margaritas and delicious Southwestern fare? You must check out Mesa Grill in Caesar’s Palace. Owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Mesa Grill is a definite bright…
Review of Delmonico Steakhouse – Venetian, Las Vegas
Delmonico Steakhouse is a longtime fixture of the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, and just a short and pleasant walk away from the Wynn where we stayed this time. While…
Review of Lakeside Seafood Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas
We dined at Lakeside Seafood at the Wynn on the first night of our trip (December 9, 2018). We had originally reserved a table for 9:30pm. However, travel and check…
Lunch at the Post Hotel Dining Room – Review, October 2018
When it’s time for lunch (or a late breakfast/brunch meal), and you want something quiet, leisurely, and just a bit more refined than something ‘grab-and-go’, the Post Hotel Dining Room…
A Stellar Sine Qua Non and a Fine Meal at the Post Hotel – Lake Louise, Alberta
The Post Hotel Dining Room offers a tempting and ever-changing Tasting Menu daily. We knew that during our four day stay we’d go there at least once or twice. But…
Review of 1888 Chop House – Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The 1888 Chop House is the principal fine dining option at the Banff Springs Hotel. Located in the space of the former Banffshire Club, this iteration of fine dining skews…
Vermillion Room – Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Vermillion Room Bar and Brasserie in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is the latest restaurant iteration in this space overlooking the Bow Valley. At one time, it was the…
Grapes (Charcuterie Bar Cellar) at the Fairmont Banff Springs
We’ve been staying at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for almost twenty years. This small, tucked-away room had always intrigued me. Formerly, in the hotel’s heyday, the space served…
Balkan Restaurant – Banff, Alberta
We’ve walked by Balkan Restaurant many times over the years while strolling up and down Banff Avenue. It’s always looked inviting, and the menu seemed delicious, but for one reason or…
Keens Steakhouse – New York, NY
I think this photo of the Prime Rib of Beef (King’s Cut) says just about everything you need to know about Keens Steakhouse. This place is seriously old school, with…
Per Se, New York City, NY
Our evening at Per Se, French Laundry’s Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant, may be one of the finest dining experiences we’ve ever had. (A brief glance at the menu below…
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer – New York, NY
If you’ve got a hankering for a tasty burger and have the time and inclination to line up outside (we were told an hour, but hung out in line for…