When winter is in full swing, restaurants are warm and inviting. Here are five of the best restaurants in the U.S. for winter dining.
The Gasthaus Eichler – Winter Park, Colorado
Modeled after traditional European guesthouses, Dezeley’s restaurant at the Gasthaus Eichler offers traditional European cuisine and hospitality. Although Dezeley’s is located in the heart of Colorado ski country, visitors may think they’ve taken a trip to the Swiss Alps. One of the restaurant’s specialties is fondue that is served Wednesday through Sunday during the winter months. The restaurant also has an excellent selection of imported beers, wines and liqueurs.
Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant – New Orleans, Louisiana
This popular Cajun restaurant is housed in a revamped Julia Street building in the city’s historic Warehouse District. In addition to nightly Cajun and Zydeco bands, this happening restaurant serves up catfish, crawfish, alligator, sausage jambalaya and a complete variety of local specialties with a French flair. Mulate’s is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Peohe’s Coronado Island – Coronado, California
This San Diego gem is located right along the water on Coronado Island for spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the city’s skyline. This seaside restaurant is accessible by car or by boat. The restaurant’s ultra-fresh seafood was featured on Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels. Peohe’s fusion menu includes a diverse selection of fresh seafood, steak and sushi. Stop by this winter for seared ahi tuna, Asian-influenced tacos, lobster bisque and fresh seafood.
The Red Rooster at Woodstock Inn – Woodstock, Vermont
Newly reopened, the Red Rooster is a AAA-ranked Four Diamond restaurant that specializes in traditional New England cuisine made with fresh, in-season ingredients that are produced locally. Enjoy New England shellfish, heirloom vegetables and top-quality meats prepared by a team of prestigious chefs. Try oysters Rockefeller, smoked salmon, filet mignon, cranberry apple crisps and classic New England specialties while sitting by a well-stoked fire.
The Beardslee Castle – Little Falls, NY
Constructed in the 1860s, Beardslee Castle is a historic gem and culinary treasure located in snowy upstate New York. This whimsical restaurant is housed in a 19th century replica of a traditional Irish castle. During the winter, this secluded restaurant is only open on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., but it’s well worth the trip. The restaurant serves a large variety of seafood and fish as well as premium meats that are carefully prepared by the chef and owner. Although the restaurant is off the beaten path, the menu includes a number of vegetarian and vegan meals. The management also goes the extra mile to handle all special dietary requests. If that’s not enough to draw in dinner guests, the castle is also rumored to be haunted.
Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to Elliman.com, Hamptons Homes, home improvement and the latest architecture, design, fashion and travel. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.
