The title of this article is a pun, no doubt about it. It was meant to draw a smile across your mouth, because that is what food is about: your mouth. All aspects of it — your lips, tongue, and teeth, they all decide whether you like food or not. Sure, sometimes your nose helps out and maybe even your ears — definitely your eyes — but ultimately, your mouth decides whether you love that first bite (or drink!). Make a point to entertain your mouth this fall, and I promise the rest of you will be happy, too. Here are the Cliff’s Notes to what’s good right now. Order any of these, and you won’t feel like an idiot.
Drinks: The Memory-Makers
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby.
Industry Public House. Tart and perfectly sweet, if you can imagine.
Vampiro Bloody Mary.
Kaya. Tequila and some SPICE!
Copa de Fuego.
Verde. Cardamom and a bit of jalapeno. Seriously?
Cosmopolitan.
Spin. Sweet and a little bit of sour, with lime on the rim. Makes the lips tingle.
Appetizers: Take a Chance
Tartare.
Meat and Potatoes. Salty and melt-in-your-mouth flavors.
PEI Mussels.
Park Bruges. White wine, spicy Creole, or curry — any flavor was meant be sopped up with bread. To die for.
Bacon Night.
Harris Grill. I said Bacon. Night. C’mon, people.
Hummus.
Remedy. Olives, homemade hummus, and fresh veggies. Ooo la la.
Entrees: Show Stoppers
California Lovin’.
BRGR. Turkey burger heaven, with provolone, pesto mayo, avocado, and sprouts.
Carnitas.
Round Corner Cantina. Slow-roasted pork meets cucumber, radish, and cilantro. YO YO YO!
Duck Breast.
Stagioni’s. Kale, pancetta, and beans, oh my!
Black cod with Miso.
Umi. Tastes like butter, but sweeter.
Dessert: Finish Me
Molten Chocolate Cake.
Eleven. Rich chocolate cake with a warm, gooey center.
Sweet Mango with Sticky Rice.
Smiling Banana Leaf. Juicy fruit goodness with a bit of coconut.
Strip District Split.
Klavon’s. Banana Split, the way God intended.
Lavender Citrus Crème Brulee.
Cioppino. Lemon, lavender, and heavy cream. What a dream.