Thanks to all the readers and subscribers of this blog! Wordpress tells me that there have been 90,352 views of posts in 2023 and I added 175 new posts. We’ve had a good year and look forward to sharing more with you in 2024.
Hope all have had and continue to have a safe and happy holiday season! I wish you the best for 2024!
Helen and Frankie
This small place was right on the highway in an old building that has been pleasantly updated inside. Owner Deb Lehmann has had it 16 years and took it on after having her fill of low-pay-for-too-much work factory jobs. She had no restaurant experience but it sure doesn’t show now. The cozy spot was decorated with lots of newer wood paneling on the walls, old narrow gauge wood flooring, light wood tables and lots of bears from her collection. Three stools are at a low counter and the tables by the windows are booth-style seating. Fresh cookies, muffins and pies are listed on a whiteboard and there was one breakfast special combination. Then there are the homemade caramel and cinnamon rolls that she makes herself every couple of days. These are not to be missed. Service was super friendly and welcoming and when we inquired about the building Deb came out from the kitchen to talk and answer questions. They are open from 7 till 2 daily except for Tues and Thurs but she suggests you check the Facebook page for temporary closures due to staffing difficulties. It’s a place I heartily recommend you try – no tweezer food here just good solid honest food served with a warmth we could all use these days. Give it a try – I’ll be back! Continue reading
Bobbie’s Airway Grill opened last summer in a Preston Hollow shopping center where a huge compounding pharmacy had been for years. The name combined the owner Robert Quick’s mother’s name (Bobbie) with part of the pharmacy (Airway) and ‘grill’ for the kitchen. The large space is quite modern and sleek with a large open kitchen in back of the huge bar which runs the length of the room. The couple levels of the rest of the space are fitted with cozy booths and white cloth covered tables. They do have the annoying custom of covering the nice cloth with a sheet of paper – maybe they take those off at night cause the place is definitely going for upscale. Art was on the walls and carpet on the floor to hopefully help with noise when its full. At lunch the noise was fine for conversation. The menu bills itself as serving American classics and it’s worth a visit if you are in the area. We met some friends there for lunch but I would bet we’ll be back to try their dinner where they have a few more choices, but either way it’s a pretty place with good food, just a tad pricey. Continue reading
Harbor House Restaurant is a favorite of ours, if you haven’t guessed due to the frequency of its write-ups. It’s a bit of an effort to get to but with a direct flight from Dallas to Santa Rosa, CA airport (named for Charles Schultz and decorated with Peanuts characters), then pick up a rental car and it’s a 2 hour drive filled with wonderful scenery including forests, grape vines, grazing animals, coastal vistas and lots of fun twisty roads. When you go, try and arrange to stay at the Harbor House Inn. A lovely historic place, the building sits on the coastline and overlooks the water and some of the restaurant’s gardens. The staff at the Inn and the restaurant are all first-rate and will make you feel like VIPs. The accommodations have great linens and a superb breakfast is included with your stay. Chef Matthew Kammerer has recruited wonderful people to be a part of your experience and the wine list is growing under the tutelage of Wine Director Kelly Eckel (beverage pairings are optional). It’s not inexpensive ($285/pp) but it’s worth every penny to be able to enjoy a 2 Michelin-star meal filled with fresh fabulous flavors without the stuffy atmosphere that so often is part of it. The room is small (just 20 people) so book now. (No, I’m not on the payroll but when I find some magical, I want everyone else to enjoy it too.) Continue reading
Mexican Restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with many parts house made. It was a small place with half dozen tables and doing a healthy take out business They serve no alcoholic beverages and charge an extra fee to pay with a credit card. Service was efficient and friendly. If you find yourself in the Mendocino area and want a tasty Mexican fix, this would be a great choice. Continue reading
Gama calls itself a coastal Izakaya, which is a type of Japanese pub where small plates are served with alcoholic beverages. They have a large sake list as well as beer. The good sized space was divided into two rooms by a short light wood divider. One side has the bar seating and the other has tables. Music was in the background and lots of windows brought in even more light than the already bright house lights. Service tried to be helpful but our server hadn’t worked there long enough to know a lot about the food. I was surprised that they bill themselves as highlighting local products but only one locally caught fish was on the menu. The pair that were behind the opening were seasoned restaurant people with a desire to bring Japanese flavors to the area. I’m not sure if it was having a server new to the place without good experience to guide us or that Japanese cuisine is mild in flavor, but this felt like an off night. I think the place has much more potential than what we saw. Continue reading
Circus Circus was a huge casino not on the main strip and The Steak House was inside. The feel was of a classic steakhouse – dark wood, lowered lighting, meat aging room on display, mesquite charcoal broiler in the center of the room, Frank Sinatra music in the background, red leather upholstery, low ceiling, and formally dressed staff. A full bar was available and they made a decent martini. The place has been there for 40 years this June and was previously a “spa” for VIPs. The service was excellent but somehow I felt I needed a cigarette holder and a beehive hairdo. It’s a vibe you need to be ready for. The steaks are sold as a dinner including breads, vegetable and your choice of black bean soup or house salad. For an extra $9 you could substitute French onion soup or one of the specialty salads. We both chose that option. The food was fine and if you find yourself in Las Vegas this is a nice escape from the hectic strip but just try not to touch anything while you walk through Circus Circus casino to get there. Continue reading
The Western Cafe specializes in American home cooking, serving breakfast and lunch. It is in a building that dates to the 1870s and the place feels like it’s been there a while. There’s most always a line to wait for seating when you enter. A long counter with classic swivel stools is one side of the 2 rooms, with tables filling the rest of it and the smaller second room. Behind the counter is the pie container with fresh pies of the day and beside is the bin for their housemade cinnamon rolls. Parking is on the street, country music played in the background and the wood walls are covered with art, memorabilia and kitsch. They aim for an “old west” ambiance and they capture it. The line moved quickly and we snagged two seats at the counter for a fun and tasty meal. It’s not world-class food or cutting edge, but instead good solid and generous meals that I’d partake of regularly if it was in my town. Continue reading
Campione was a small place that resulted from the partnership of Joshua Adams, Jeffrey Galli and Anthony Sferra and opened in August 2020. It’s in an historic building that was first used to house a mercantile business – groceries and clothing. Later it was filled with a variety of eateries. The space is small with at least half taken up with the counter seating that goes around the kitchen. These stools are available for walk-ins, for which they suggest getting there right when they open as there’s most always a line. We were fortunate to get a reservation, probably because of cancellations due to a threatening snow storm. It’s a stylish place with a high tin ceiling, tile floor, tiny wood tables, music in the background and friendly servers. In addition to the small menu they had a number of specials and we ordered a lot of them. It’s worth checking out if you get to this part of the country. Continue reading
Los Pinos is operated by Cristian Ramirez and his nephew Brian. It’s pretty non-descript and right next to a casino in an old Travel Lodge building, so you might easily pass it by. Inside it’s a medium-sized place with booths, large tables, a long bar, music in the background and windows to the outside that remind you of where you are but inside it’s nice. You also wouldn’t expect to find good Mexican food in Montana but you can find it here. They don’t show it online but they also offer a lunch menu with a lot of the dinner options at a cheaper price. Service was friendly and efficient, as validated by the number of regulars who stopped in for quick and filling lunch. It was a tasty lunch but not as spicy as I’m used to but a good lunch of well-made Mexican food. Continue reading
Feast Raw Bar and Bistro was the result of a collaboration of longtime chef/restauranteurs Steve Kuntz and Caroline Doern. Unfortunately Caroline is no longer on the team but Executive Chef Nikki Dupre does a very fine job. They stress using local ingredients and produce, meat and fish that are harvested in a sustainable manner. The medium sized place, hidden in a shopping center has lowered lighting, music in the background, lots of interesting light fixtures, some windows to the outside (screened for sunlight), bookcases to divide the small tables and an L-shaped bar that sells only beer and wine. This one I would definitely put on your list to visit. Continue reading
Fink’s Delicatessen is a small place serving specialty sandwiches, soups and salads in addition to cured meats and cheeses sold by the pound. Located in an area that has residential and warehouse buildings, it is in the same building as Wild Crumb the artisan bakery that supplies its breads. Wild Crumb was opened by twin sisters Lauren Heemstra and Caroline Schwitzer, who is married to Jonathan Finkenauer who opened Fink’s Deli. Lauren’s sister-in-law is the manager and cheesemonger at Finks – a truly family-owned business. As you wind your way through the building you find the long room that houses Fink’s Two refridgerated cases are at the end, one with pre-made sandwiches and salads and one with cheeses. Bench seating lines one wall and a few small tables are around the various racks of good for sale. Open every day except Sunday, the cold sandwiches are ready at 8 but the warm ones are available at 10. They do make the warm ones while you wait and they are large and delicious. I would be a frequent customer here if I lived closer. I snapped some photos of the bakery but was way too full to try any of the stuff. Continue reading
J. W. Heist Steakhouse was named for the great-grandfather of co-founder Brett Evje, who was a cattle rancher. The other co-founder, Michael Ochsner is a sommelier, who maintains the wine list. Opening Jan. 3, 2023, the place is all about wood fire cooking under Chef John Thayer. It was a fairly large classic steakhouse interior with very low lighting, jazz music in the background, white tableclothes and candles, lots of dark wood, red leather upholstery, brick walls decorated with paintings and animal head mounts. A large U-shaped bar took up much of one room where you could eat and/or drink. Interestingly the 2 animal mounts near us were not native Montana breeds. Service was first rate and the food was pretty good, especially if you’re in a beefy mood. Continue reading
Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro opened in 1999 in downtown Boise. It offers made-to-order breakfast using as many local ingredients as possible and lots of options for customizing your order. With only 56 seats and taking no reservations, there is most always a line, but it moves quickly. We got there early and were seated immediately. There was a second floor with more metal tables and downstairs was a small semi circular bar with seating. A tile floor was opposite the high ceiling on the first level where you could also see into part of the kitchen. Lots of articles decorated the walls along with an interesting light fixture. Parking is on the street and music is played in the background. It served quality foods that were basically well prepared. I would recommend it for breakfast or lunch. Continue reading
Amano is owned by Chef Salvador Alamilla who was inspired to cook from watching his mother. He started as a dishwasher and worked his way up to Executive Chef quickly and also spent time as house manager for several restaurants in Boise. In 2019 he opened Amano in downtown Caldwell, a 30 minute drive from Boise. Since then he has been nominated twice for a James Beard Award. It shows in the popularity of the large place. The room was divided into sections set with small tables and various seating options. The very high “plaster” ceiling was actually made of wood to look like plaster and music was in the background. There was dining on the second floor also and a full bar with seats downstairs. Our server stated that the bar squeezed their own juices so we did try one cocktail. Service was friendly but not particularly efficient. Overall the food was acceptable but not as inspiring as I’d hoped it would be. Continue reading
Ansots was a medium-sized place set below street level. Owned and operated by Dan(husband), Tamara (wife), and Ellie (daughter) Ansotegui. Dan’s maternal grandmother was a seamstress by trade but became very well known for her cooking at the Basque boarding house she ran. Famous folks like Ernest Hemingway and Bing Crosby were known to have eaten there and she has a small cookbook. The evolution now has become Ansots and the inside dining area is supplemented by patio tables and a second room which is also available for rental. Lots of windows, photographs and musical decorations surround the pretty wood tables and chairs to make it feel homey and casual. The food is all made in-house from family recipes and many of the plates are meant to be shared. In addition, several of the plates were offered in half-size so we were able to try a lot of their options. Service was efficient and super friendly as well as helpful. This is a strong recommendation to put on your list to try. Continue reading
KIN was a five course tasting with an optional beverage pairing or drinks from the full bar. Each menu runs about 5 weeks and is unique and changes with the seasons along with being designed to reflect the art on display. This season the art was by Esther Oppenheimer, another Boise resident. The communal seating was at a long line of adjacent 2-top tables and the menu. Due to the set-up they do not accept odd number party reservations. Chef Kris Komori is a fan of the farm-to-table movement and works with the growing seasons of Idaho along with being active in his community. His abilities won him the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain Region in 2023 after being a semi-finalist five times. Next to the dining room was a lounge and a cocktail bar. Various members of the kitchen staff introduced each course including Chef Komori who also came out to greet the diners after the meal. Another member of the staff closed the evening with an acapello song. It was a lovely evening and one you should reserve if you are in Boise. One note was that the beverage pairings were very small pours so you might want to allow time for a drink in the bar first and the noise level made it hard to talk to your partner across the table. Continue reading
Via Triozzi was opened a couple of months ago on lower Greenville by Chef Leigh Hutchinson. It’s named for a street in the small town near Florence where she lived and got inspired by the food and culture. It helped that her grandmother added some Sicilian into her heritage and memories of all-day Sunday dinners at her house. It’s a fairly large place with an upstairs that I understand will someday house a rooftop bar. The beautiful high ceiling is opposite a terrazzo-like floor and surrounded by distressed brick walls and paintings. You can’t help but notice the pasta-making room that first greets you when you enter. Fresh pasta drys in there, but the semi-open kitchen is in the back of the room. A full bar takes up another portion of the room and bench seating lines the long walls. It’s quite stylish and attractive and even with music in the background the noise level was good but I could see where it could get out of hand. It’s pretty new so still finding its stride, but already quite popular. I hope there will be seasonal specials added to the menu. Continue reading
Grove was a medium-sized place that offered a number of dining options. A Tasting for 2 ($125) included bread, 5 courses of your choosing and dessert and is available on Fri. and Sat, A Taste of Grove ($50) was 3 courses and available Tues thru Thursday, and the Grove Experience ($300) serves the table the entire menu. The prices are per table on the first and last option and per person on the middle. The portions are not scaled, though, so the last option is better if you have 4 or more people. We chose the 5 course but were hard pressed to pick the courses, every server had a different opionion. It was a comfortable, modern looking place with larger natural wood tables nicely spaced on wood and tile flooring with a lowered ceiling and lighting. Music was in the background but the designer had made a successful effort to keep the noise level amenable to conversations. A full bar with counter seating took up a portion of the room and there were lots of plants on the walls and placed around. It opened around Feb. 2022 after the Covid shutdown as a new concept with a rennovated interior. Service was friendly and helpful, especially in directing the meal plan. He brought each dish separately so we could enjoy it rather than filling the table with too much at once. It is recommended if you find yourself in GrandRapids. Continue reading
Schnitz Deli seemed to be a local favorite with good sized portions and moderate prices. It’s an old-school deli where you line up along the meat, cheese counter to place your order. They did a steady to go order business also. Lots of sandwich combos are in a numbered format but you can also order it your own way or by the pound. They say the Reuben is the most popular, estimating they go through 300-400 pounds of corned beef and 100 pounds of pastrami a week. The bread is from Schnitz Bakery that is close by. The sandwiches come in half or full size with half sandwiches the same size but with half the meat. Most of the sandwiches charged an extra dollar to go to full – to me that was a no-brainer. Inside are scattered tables with extra condiments at the order counter, as is the drink dispenser. The interior room opens into the “Common Ground Coffee House” space, There were some fun decorations on the walls along with windows that looked out to the street. It wan’t the best deli sandwich I’ve ever had but certainly good enough for me to go again if I’m in the area and I hope you’ll visit too. Continue reading
Cafe Mamo is a small place where the menu changes every week based on what they get from local farmers. The couple that opened it in July 2021 are Chef Michael Goessman and Sommelier Summer Knoop. On a corner lot, the building looks like a drive-through cleaners from the outside but inside is new and cozy. Inside are seats for about 32 people at natural wood tables and chairs with a few seats at the kitchen counter and they added the patio that can house 16 more guests outside. They named the cafe for Goessman’s garden-loving grandmother. Windows look out to the street and patio while music plays indoors. There was a full bar, nice wine selection and the Chef was in the house and managed to speak with all the guests at one time or another. Service was helpful and enthusiastic which made for a delightful experience. If you find yourself in this part of Michigan I would encourage you to try and have a meal here – the food is good and innovative and the menu changes regularly.
We ordered Rolls and butter to go with the Tomato Pumpkin Soup. The rolls, two to an order, are a regular on the menu and served with good butter. They are soft and doughy and presented with softened butter. If you’re looking for crusty bread these won’t fill the bill but if you want a yeasty dough fix this is it. The soup was thick and needed a touch of salt to clarify the flavor. The pumpkin worked fairly well with the tomato but it needed a bit more seasoning to give it zest and depth. It would rate okay.
Spaghetti was dressed with midnight roma pomodoro and pecorino. It was a flat cut spaghetti that was cooked nicely al dente in a good sauce. Some browned breadcrumbs added a nice crunch and the sauce adhered well to the pasta. A tasty pecorino cheese added flavor. My objection to the plate was a price of $25 for what felt like a appetizer portion of food. If I had ordered this as my entree I would have left hungry but as an appetizer it was good and tasty but seemed overpriced.
Half Chicken was served with garlic and baguette. This plate was said to be a regular on their menu and it truly is a star. It reminded me a lot of the Zuni Cafe’s chicken in San Francisco. The skin was perfectly crisped and underneath the chicken was the baguette that had been soaked in the chicken juices. It also absorbed some of the wonderful thicked jus that was plated with the chicken. This was a plate of food to swoon over. It had terrific flavors and textures and made you want to lick up every bit of it.
Porchetta Rosmarino came with a hearty salad and lemon, according to the menu. It was thin slices of pork belly that were well seasoned with rosemary. It was full of flavor and very tender with a tiny crispy layer on the edge. The “hearty” salad was a mix of incredibly fresh greens that were dressed with oil. The lemon on the side was great with them. The plate was one with lots of flavors for the eater to savor.
Dessert was brown sugar Ice Cream with chocolate chunks topped with olive oil. It came in 3 small scoops. It was not a heavy creamy ice cream but still easy to eat and well flavored. The olive oil topping was new to me and turned out to be a nice one.
Choo Choo Grill is a family owned place that has been running for over 60 years and open 6 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Inside is a step back in time with 8-10 seats at the wrap-around counter and 2 booth-like tables. The cooking is on the griddle just in front of the bar and they’re known for their olive burger – a Grand Rapids tradition. Rick Mack bought the place from his father in 1997 but now is tired of the 2 a.m. mornings and the daily grind. So the place was listed for sale and no one knows if a buyer will keep it the same or what. It’s obviously filled with regular customers where much of the talk centered on the possible sale and how that will change life. The tiny place is actually next to the railroad tracks and it’s filled with train photos and replicas. You’d hate to see a place like this change but profit and big rule our world. Meantime you can still hurry in and enjoy a fresh made burger and malt. They do a lot of take out and have parking so I encourage you to grab a stool while they’re still in business. Continue reading
Butcher’s Union is a large gastropub that does not take reservations, it’s strictly first come, first served. They do have an online waitlist that turns on when they are full. When you can add your name to it they will give you an approximate wait time and then text when your table is ready. They are open 7 days a week but close a little earlier on Sunday. They offer a meat heavy menu and a large selection of alcoholic beverages. They try and source their products locally. There are plenty of seating options with the large and long bar, the first thing you see. There was another dining room off to the side and patio tables somewhere outside but we were ushered to a roomy booth across from the bar. The music was loud as was the packed crowd. TVs were hung around the bar but their sound was muted. Parking is as you can find it but there was a public lot across the street which was convenient. Service was helpful and efficient and the food was fine but the noise level would make me not want to visit often. Continue reading
Tony Packo’s is a huge place that’s been in business since 1932. Tony and his wife got a $100 loan during the Depression to open a sandwich shop where he created his signature “Hungarian Hot Dog.” They gradually grew the shop to the size and fame of what it is today. Burt Reynolds was the first to sign a hot dog bun in 1972 and that started a trend that would go for generations. Today, however, the famous put their autograph on a foam replica of the original bun. The walls were lined with cases of these signed buns including the only few original real buns that remain. There are now a number of locations in Ohio but this was the orginal and although the food is average it’s worth going to, to see all these buns. Service was available in the bar area otherwise grab a cafeteria tray at the order counter and pay, and by then your food is ready. A drink station is in the center of the room for self-service. They only offer Steudel or cookies for dessert. Continue reading
Olive and Gourmando is open daily from 9 to 5 for dine in or take out. They are a bakery and a restaurant with breakfast available all day but lunch items only after 11. It’s hugely popular with benches outside for waiting. Inside the medium sized place is a wood floor, exposed ducts, decorated chalkboards on the walls, and small tightly packed wood tables. The music in the background is almost drowned out by the hum of conversation. Some counter seating is available by the windows and the baked goods are in a display case by the register/sign-in area. Lots of plants and decorations finish out the decor. If you’re in need of breakfast or lunch I’d go get in line when you’re in town. Continue reading
Le Mousso is a 30-seat restaurant offering a tasting menu and optional pairings 3 nights a week. They dropped to #41 on the Canada’s 100 Best List. Two backlit murals by Jean-Paul Mousseau decorate the room. He was not only a prominent Quebec artist but also the grandfather of the chef and founder Antonin Mousseau-Rivard. The whole room starts at the same time and there’s one seating that lasts about 3 hours. The chef presents a description of the dish, as each is served, in both English and French. Then another person presented a description for each wine pairing and mercifully it was only in French. The descriptions went on way too long with French taking twice the amount of time as English. I found the setup tedious maybe because the food deteriorated as the evening wore on. So much thought was given to the preparation, that the end result was lost. The color palate was too bland, it was over-priced and the flavor profile was lacking. I applaud what they are doing but I can’t give this one a recommendation. Continue reading
Gia Vin and Grill opened in December and is known for their grilled meats, which unfortunately are only available at night. It’s tucked away below the highway and in the shadow of the adjacent Home Depot. However, once you get inside you’ll forget the location, except when you see the cars going by out the window. Lots of light wood, marble, green tile, exposed ductwork and 60s and 70s music in the background. A long bar also has seating in addition to the small tables. As the name would imply they do have a lot of wines and the helpful servers (Tatianna was great) will guide your selection to go with the dishes you choose. We enjoyed our lunch but I suspect evening offers a better selection of dishes. They ranked #36 on the Best of Canada list. Continue reading
Mastard is owned and run by Chef Simon Mathys and his wife Viki Brisson-Sylvestre. They offer a 5-course tasting menu of local and seasonal items with an array of cocktails and natural wines. Opening in Jan. 2021, it feels like a neighborhood restaurant but can accommodate 54 people. They made #55 on the 100 Best of Canada list. Windows look out onto the street and the lights are lowered. The tin ceiling was opposite the very wide plank wood floor. The bar, which makes many of its own fruit infusions was set with 5 chairs and the long wall opposite had bench seating that was a higher level than the chairs on the opposite side of the marble table. Two of the walls had paintings on the wall and otherwise, the decorations were plants. Chef Mathys was in the house and brought food out to some but not all the tables. Optional pairings are available with the tasting but we chose our own bottle of wine and started with a cocktail. The food was mixed but the service was first-rate. Continue reading
Monarque was a large place in the business district and was really three restaurants in one. The front of the place had a more casual menu and feel and the back was modern and elegant with a set lunch menu. The long bar had 20 stools for lounge dining. Rock music was in the background, the wall had lots of mirrors and a striking tile pattern ran the entire length of the place. An open kitchen was in the middle of the long room. In the back were white clothes and napkins and some semi-circular booths to make up the stylish interior. On Canada’s 100 best list it came in at #16. At lunch there was a 2 course menu with the main plate determining the price or there was the option of ordering beef. With the beef option, the first course is sold separately. Continue reading
Joe Beef opened in 2005, named for Charles McKiernan, a tavern owner who died at 54 due to gluttony and generosity. Joe Beef offers a casual take on French fine dining in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighborhood. The menu changes daily depending on what is fresh and available but oysters seem to be ever-present as are rich, heavy sauces. The menu lists plates of the day, most to be shared and a chalkboard has additional specials. Additionally, they had 3 types of oysters, caviar service and fish (maybe raw?). It won the #24 spot on Canada’s 2023 100 Best list. A couple rooms are closely set with small wood tables and lively music in the background. A full bar is available as is a large wine list and the diners are furnished a towel-sized napkin. Service was great and helpful and the food was wonderful. Continue reading
Toqué was #45 on the most recent list of the 100 Best of Canada. Owners Normand Laprise and Christine Lamarche emphasize the use of local products. It started in 1993 on a much smaller scale until in 2004 they moved it closer to Old Montreal and downtown. It is a tasteful place with an elegant interior, music in the background, white tablecloths and napkins, windows to the street and excellent service. For lunch they offer a 2-course option with the price of your lunch dependent on the main plate and including coffee or tea. Dessert is optional and extra. It was a lovely place to eat with beautiful and tasty food. We had a terrific lunch and I bet dinner would also be good there. Continue reading
Mon Lapin was created by Marc-Olivier Frappier and Vanya Filipovic, a chef and sommelier husband and wife team. Joining the team were Jessica Québécois (chef), Alex Landry (sommelier) and Marc-Antoine Gélinas (front) to move the restaurant to #1 on Canada’s 2023’s 100 Best list. Opening in 2018 in the area called Little Italy, they present an ever-changing menu of seasonal and local ingredients accompanied by natural wines. It started quite tiny but they were able to expand after a couple of years and now have room to accommodate a few walk-ins. The beautiful tile floor is set with small tables of wood or marble under lowered lighting and fairly loud upbeat music. The vibe is energetic and the service is outstanding. The servers know about the food and wines and will help you make a meal plan that works together. For example, after we selected our shared plates the server brought out several wines at different price points, described them and then we chose one. It was a fabulous evening and I would recommend it to anyone who can get there. Continue reading
We last ate at Geronimo in 2019 and as usual, had a fine meal in this 1756 adobe home built by Geronimo Lopez. The menu doesn’t change much here but you can expect an elegant atmosphere, lowered lighting, music in the background, art on the walls, white tableclothes, valet parking and friendly professional service. Everytime I visit I seem to get the foie gras and Elk steak so tonight I went off script and ordered differently as did my husband. It ended up nice but not as satisfying as my usual order. Either way, it’s still a very fine meal and one I’d recommend if you can get there. Continue reading
The Shed is an institution in Santa Fe. Its sister restaurant La Choza (opened in 1983) is frequented more by locals whereas The Shed is on the main Square and has been there since 1953. There are nine rooms within and a patio on the outside. They are known for their blue corn options and red chile as well as margaritas. Very popular, they do take reservations for dinner and otherwise be prepared to wait. The bare wood tables are in rooms filled with paintings, not for sale, and plants. The bar has a large selection of tequila and mescal as well as some wines. Chips are not included in your meal but can be ordered separately. If you get to Santa Fe you must eat here, it’s a great starting point for your journey through New Mexican food. Continue reading
The Trading Post Cafe was an eclectic cafe with a deli offering meats and cheeses by the pound as well as coolers selling produce and other supplies. There were several rooms with the main one having a long bar in front of the grill area. The aroma of cooking burgers greeted you when you walked in. We were there to have a snack and mostly visit with some friends so we didn’t try too many things. I gather it’s only recently opened as they did not yet have a license for beer or wine, but that is in the process. Also when I googled it to get details it sent me to a coffee roasting site and then another linked me to an Italian restaurant. Regardless, if you’re in Taos and looking for a little spot to eat I’d give this one a try. Continue reading
Sazón was started by Chef Fernando Olea in 2015. He originally was from Mexico City and incorporates the indigenous and culinary traditions of Old Mexico into his fabulous foods. He started cooking in 1991 with a green chili cheeseburger at Bert’s Burger Bowl. In 2022 he was the winner of James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest. The many rooms feature the work of some Mexican artists, many of which are for sale, white tablecloths and napkins, Spanish music in the background and lowered lighting. The menu is fairly small but they also offer a Chef’s Degustation Tasting Menu at 5:00 and 7:30 if reserved in advance. They also offer a curated tequila, mezcal and wine pairing or a large menu of wines from Mexico as well as other countries. There is no printed menu for the tasting and some of the courses are not on the menu but I highly recommend it as a way to sample this chef’s excellent cuisine. Olea presents a wonderful depth of flavor to his dishes as well as a healthy dose of spice and richness. I enjoyed it immensely. Continue reading
I’ve published a number of posts on Cry Wolf and was unabashedly fond of the place. The food and staff were first rate, but I regret to tell all that it closed for good yesterday! This was quite sudden and a real loss for Dallas dining. Wanted all to be updated as I recently posted on the place. I’ll keep watch to see where Ross and Mike and Tim land and let you know if I hear. Meanwhile if you get other information please let me know.
Tomasita’s serves New Mexican food in Santa Fe as well as Albuquerque. Named for Tomasita Leyba, the original cook at the place and whose recipes are still served 40 years later. It started as a small café on Hickox Street in 1974 when Georgia Maryol took over the dying restaurant. Together they built a customer base that outgrew the space and in 1979 it moved to the 100-year old red brick building in the Santa Fe Railyard. Georgia’s son now owns the restaurant and opened a branch in Albuquerque in 2017. The railyard location was a large place with rooms scattered around set with bare wooden tables and chairs and a patio. Music was in the background, there was a large adjacent parking lot, art decorated the walls and statues were on the patio. Chips and salsa are not included in the meal. The service was super friendly and efficient but the food was mixed. Continue reading
Cry Wolf has been on this site many times, most recently from our July visit, but each time it’s a little different and I wanted to share photos. (If you search my site you will find numerous write-ups with more info and photos). So this time with little commentary I’ve just got the menu and photos of the food. You need to put this one on your list whenever you are in Dallas. It’s a favorite of ours! Everything was wonderful yet very different. Continue reading
Louie’s has been written up here before but it was time for an update. It’s one of our favorite spots, we probably go weekly. The ambiance is dark and friendly and the martinis are first rate. All the staff know us and that probably helps but the food is good, although there have been some changes since Covid came through. They are now closed Monday and Tuesday as well as most major holidays. You must be over 21 to enter and parties cannot be larger than 6. The school building nearby has remodeled their parking lot but for now seems to be a regular spot where you can still park, as street spots are limited. The pork chop is totally different from before and not as juicy and the baked potato is off the menu. Menus are by icon/link to be viewed on a smartphone rather than printed. They are still fairly busy but now often have a waiting list at the door which helps. We generally eat sandwiches there rather than the pizza and if we eat pizza we ask for it to not be heavily browned on the edge. It’s hard for me to judge how it would seem to a stranger but for newbies or singletons, I’d recommend sitting at the bar. Casey, one of the bartenders will help guide your journey and he’s suggested many new options for us to try, food-wise. All the table servers are friendly and helpful too if you go as a couple. It’s not a great wine spot but they have it. I encourage you to go for the martinis and strike up a conversation with whoever is sitting next to you. I hope you like it as much as I clearly do. Continue reading
R Place Cafe is a small place on the highway in northern Wisconsin. They serve a variety of breakfast options till 1:00 and dinner on Wed and Friday from 4-6. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. It’s a small family-run place with mom cooking in the kitchen and daughter waiting tables. There’s a variety of tables and a few seats at the counter. They bake their own bread as well as biscuits. We’d driven by many times and never stopped but this day we did and we weren’t sorry. The menu is on a chalkboard on the wall and there’s lots of brick-a-brack on the walls and surfaces to look at while you wait for your food. Our server was super friendly and the food was good, honest items made with care. I will go again and hope I’ll see you there. Continue reading
The restaurant at Harbor House has been on this site numerous times (3/23, 11/22, 3/22, 7/22, 7/21, 8/20) but I never get tired of taking photos and writing descriptions of the exquisite food produced in the 2- Michelin-star kitchen of Matthew Kammerer and his team. The Harbor House Inn is situated on a beautiful piece of property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and jutting rocks. The 1916 Craftsman-style house has around 20 ocean view seats for this Coastal-cuisine-focused tasting menu experience that is not to be missed. The place also received a Michelin Green Star for the sustainable nature of its processes. Now there are 2 farms raising produce for the restaurant and local farms and fishermen supply the rest. The staff treat all like royalty and the food is as delicious as it is stunning. With the addition of Sommelier Kelly Eckel, who most recently was at Single Thread, there should be some exciting new additions to their wine list also. I urge you to plan a trip here, stay a couple nights and enjoy the very fine food and ambiance. I know I’ll be back soon and post it again here. Continue reading
The Elk Store is not just a deli but also a grocery and a general store, selling lots of specialty and locally made goods. The old building has a good selection of meats, cheeses and breads some ready made into sandwiches which they will heat for you. Filled with charm and a creaky old floor it is fun to browse around while you’re waiting for your order to be filled. Near the cash register the 2 menu boards hang overhead and the counter on the opposite side holds the ingredients and heating area. Other parts of the store have fresh produce, wines, dry goods, beans, teas and a surprising selection of things. The people were all very friendly and I’d go if you’re in the area. Such a unique little place and the sandwiches have good ingredients. Continue reading
Café Beaujolais is a French style restaurant that opened in 1968 and garnered some fame when Chef Margaret Fox purchased it and started serving breakfast and lunch in 1977. Chef Christopher Kump came on in 1984 and started the dinner service. The Brickery was added in 1990 that sells wood-fired brick oven bread and later pizza. After several other turnovers, in 2016 Peter and Melissa Lopez bought the cafe and set their Michelin trained son, Julian up as Executive Chef. The location is in a house that dates back to 1893 where it served as a shoemaker shop later becoming a maternity home. It has been updated but still holds much of the original charm with music in the background, white tableclothes and black napkins, windows to the outside array of plants and photos on the walls. The wide plank wood floor looks new and the wood ceiling has been painted but it’s obviously an old house. Service was delightful, with our server turning out to be the owner of a farm that supplies much of the produce to the restaurant. It was a lovely meal in a pretty setting and a fine choice for dinner when in Mendocino. Continue reading
Troubadour, in downtown Healdsburg, is owned by Single Thread veterans Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey who bring the quality that their past experience would lead one to expect at a tiny bakery/sandwich shop by day and a French inspired prix fixe menu at night. Founded in 2021, the place is getting lots of press and people for their evening service as well as their ready made sandwiches. Desserts are on display, if you desire that too, as well as a huge array of beverages, stocked mostly for the evening service but available to daytime visitors. It’s a small place with counters facing the windows on 2 sides and one larger middle table. There were also some tables outside that people took their food to eat at. Music is in the background and a large jug of ice water is available with cups. You place your order with the friendly clerks and pay up at the same counter and then it’s time to enjoy some really delicious sandwiches. They were thoughtfully assembled and cut in half. Both were on fabulous breads made in house. This has my highest recommendation as well as me hoping I’ll get back for dinner too! Continue reading
The restaurant at the Inn at Langley was one of the reasons we traveled to Whidbey Island, besides also wanting to escape the Texas heat. Chef Matt Costello started the restaurant in 1989 and now also is co-owner of the Inn. However his cooking duties have been passed to a fellow named Landon and the tasting menu we looked forward to has been dumbed down to a 5-course menu, one of which is your roll. Chef was in house and called it a “transition time”. They also serve an a la carte menu but it is mostly bar snacks now. Thank goodness we found another place to eat one of the 2 nights we hoped to eat there. That said, the breakfast included with your stay at the Inn was very nice and a good assortment of options. The place itself is wonderful and I heartily endorse it as a place to stay but caution you against reserving dinner there until they finish the “transition.” We left hungry and dis-satisfied even though we had a delicious bottle of champagne with the meal and they took off some for the over-cooked salmon. Continue reading
Pickles Deli is in a strip shopping center and open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sunday. You can order in or call ahead and get your order to go. The space has a high ceiling and a variety of pickle decorations as well as souvenirs for sale. Lots of tables of different sizes in addition to a few outside are available. In the entry room the walls are hung with bead-art pictures for sale and music is in the background. The counter was busy filling to-go orders when we arrived and so it took a minute to get our order taken but it gave me time to look around and admire the beautiful cash register as well as the many containers of pickles. They had a 3D hanging sign of a girl riding a pickle that was like the flat one on the wall outside the building. The people were friendly and the order came out pretty quick. After you pay at the counter they bring the food out to your table. The sandwiches were well stuffed with nice flavor so add this to your list when you visit Whidbey Island. My main criticism of the place involves the assembly of the sandwich. It was not evenly done, which is tough if you want to split one but it also changes the balance of the flavors. Continue reading
Savory was opened in 2021 by Ron Rois and Stefen Bosworth. They serve a menu inspired by their family, friends and travel from Tuesday to Saturday 4 – 9pm. The restaurant takes no reservations but you can drop by or call ahead and they will give you a waiting list time estimate. From that they call you and you have 15 minutes to show up or your table is passed on. We simply ate earlier in the day and got in the line by the door that formed at 4:00pm. It’s a small place with some patio tables available but they were able to expand seating when they acquired a space at the front of the building. The desire was to make the diner feel like they’ve entered someone’s home and it does just that with the big stuffed chairs and surrounding art pieces. Service was friendly and you could see partially into the kitchen from our table. It was good but not great.
We started the meal with Greens, a mix of greens topped with crumbled goat cheese, roasted sunflower seed and diced tomato and tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. You can substitute Rogue Creamery Caveman Blue cheese for an additional $4 and we took that option. The fresh greens were nicely dressed and the cheese was flavorful. A classic done well.
Bread was a Baguette with garlic and parmesan spread that is ordered separately. The baguette was from Seabiscuit Bakery and served warm with a good crisp to the crust. The spread was nicely softened with a bit of salt on the top.
Short Ribs were braised boneless beef short ribs intensely flavored with the house blend of Chinese five spice blend (including anise, Szechuan peppercorn and cinnamon), tamarind, fresh garlic, ginger and date molasses along with a broth of aromatic vegetables. They are served over sour cream mashed potatoes which includes butter, heavy cream, sour cream and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. The tender meat chunks were served with a reduction of the braising juices. The recipe for these was inspired by a sticky ribs dish from Korea. I found the meat to have more the texture of pot roast than a short rib cut but either way it was tasty.
For dessert we tried the Hello Dollies whose recipe was inspired by Ron’s mom who sent a tin of them every holiday season. Known by many names like ‘magic cookie bars’ or ‘coconut dream bars’ they are a classic of the 1960’s American south. They are made with layers of graham cracker, chocolate, butterscotch and shredded coconut that are melded together with butter and then cut into squares. They came 4 bars to an order and were dense, buttery and sweet. Call these very nice.
The Chocolate Stout Cake was a rich chocolate cake made with chocolate stout and drizzled with bittersweet chocolate and cognac glaze. The drizzle on the cake was very light and between the 2 desserts, the bars were much better. This one being based on cocoa which did not satisfy my chocolate craving but it did have a nice light texture.
Ikaika Bistro was in the American Foreign Legion building when we visited but you’re in luck because they’ll be in a new location by the time you read this. Stephanie and Chris Balora own the place that serves Polynesian cuisine among other dishes. Opening in Sept. of 2022, Chris named the place Ikaika which means “strong” or “warrior” in his native Hawaiian language. It’s a 2-person operation with Stephanie taking your order and busing tables while Chris does the cooking. They’ve had good success which is why in Sept 2023 they are going to move their restaurant to a food truck in downtown Langley where they’ll have indoor and outdoor seating and be near a coffee shop, which is good as they serve breakfast and lunch. So I won’t describe the AFL building, just include a couple photos, but the move will create a major improvement in the ambiance. The couple are the nicest people and easily make conversation with guests filling them in our their journey to get to this spot. The food was novel, generous and tasty and I hope you’ll give it a try if you are in the area. Continue reading
The Orchard Kitchen was the most farm-to-table place I’ve eaten. The summer dining tasting menu was served behind a barn, housing the kitchen, in between the planted fields that have served as farms since 1914. Chef Vincent Nattress and his wife Tyla own Ebb Tide produce, the farm that surrounded us and produces much of what is served there. They offer one seating at communal tables Thursday through Saturday with an ever-changing menu, depending on what is fresh and available. In the winter they move indoors and also offer cooking classes. Chef Vincent is from Whidbey Island and he and his wife returned there buying this 5-acre farm after operating another restaurant elsewhere and wanting to get back more to basics. Chef starts off the evening with an explanation of what’s to come and acknowledges that the menu is just as new to him as the diners. They offer wine pairings to go with the menu but also have wines by the bottle and glass but no liquor. As the evening went on and people relaxed our table came alive with conversation and bonding over fun food. It helps that they have great weather that can support outdoor dining but regardless it was a wonderful experience filled with fine food and new friends. Go if you can, it’s magical. Continue reading
Owner Jim Goodall opened Langley Kitchen in November 2020 after running a restaurant in Seattle. He thought Langley needed more baked goods, especially cookies and set up shop there during the pandemic. He was ready for portable food with the inside having no tables just the kitchen and items for sale. You line up and order at the counter, then they call your name out a back window where there is a lovely patio to eat on. The metal tables are surrounded by red Japanese maple trees with overhead heaters for when needed. They offer a variety of salads, baked goods and sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch. Their logo features an owl with a quiver holding a spoon and fork, rather than arrows. We tried 2 of their sandwiches a bar cookie and it was all delicious. This place should be on your list if you’re on Whidbey Island. Continue reading
Ultra House opened in 2018 when the owners, Denis and Cheryl Zimmerman were ready for a lifestyle change and Denis wanted to honor his Japanese roots. Already living on Whidbey Island they thought the town was ready for a ramen shop. It’s a tiny shop in Langley Village, where you can’t park in front of it. There are a few counter spots and several large interior tables as well as some tables on the patio. The larger tables can be shared. Shelves line the walls, housing items for sale and some art is scattered about. They have a good selection of beer, sake and wine and a small menu that features variations on ramen and rice bowls. It is very casual but if you need a ramen fix this is the place to go. Continue reading
Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar was opened in July 2017 by Jenn and Sieb Jurriaans, who also operate the nearby Prima Bistro restaurant. They try and source their seafood from Coupeville’s Penn Cove Shellfish except for the lobster which comes from Maine. It’s a fairly small place and they take no reservations so people start lining up before the doors open. Inside are small wood tables (counter seating at the bar and in the middle of the room), music and photos of fish and other nautical items. Some fish nets hanging from the ceiling are decorated with glass fish. The full bar also offers a number of beers on tap. Service was friendly, efficient and helpful. It’s about the only seafood restaurant in town but my reaction to the food was mixed. Dinner offered more choices especially if you don’t want fried seafood. Continue reading
Chez Noir was the result of the husband and wife team collaboration of Jonny and Monique Black. He runs the kitchen and she manages the front of the house, both with lots of fine dining experience. The craftsman house that holds the 36-seat restaurant also houses the couple above it. Out front are enough patio tables for 22 more guests that also can be reserved. Another 8 seats are in front of the small bar in a separate interior room. A small seasonal menu relies on local products but they also offer a “let us cook for you” option. They call it a shareable feast and it is. The whole table must participate and wine pairings are offered. It is a fantastic way to sample much of the menu and I heartily recommend it. It is relatively new on the dining scene of Carmel, opening in Oct. 2022 and already has one well-deserved Michelin Star. Trust me, this is a fabulous place to go if you get the opportunity. Continue reading
Stationæry is a medium-sized (11 indoor tables) place operated by Anthony and Alissa Carnazzo. They offer brunch, dinner, coffee and wines in a casual setting. Also available are tables on the patio that opens to other stores and a couple stools at the tile counter. A bench seat lines the wall set with small wood tables. Many windows add lots of natural light and plants provide the decorations with music in the background which was sometimes hard to hear due to the crowd noise. It was very busy and walk-ins had a long wait. We had reservations luckily and the attentive and friendly staff moved the meal along nicely. One note to service is that there are no refills on coffee – this was just house pour not a specialty cup. The food primarily is sourced from nearby farms and ranches and varies with what’s in season. It was good food, especially the roll which could have been a meal in itself. I encourage you to try it but have a reservation. Continue reading
Aubergine has re-done the dining room since we were there in 2019 (in 2020 we were there but it was during the pandemic and we ate outside) and it looks even better. It has fewer tables but they’ve added some upstairs and dining outside is a regular option for the 5 nights a week they are open. Chef Justin Cogley runs the kitchen with skillful pastry chef Yulanda Santos to offer an ever-changing 8-course tasting menu. (There was an optional Japanese A5 wagyu supplement that night which we took). A huge wine cellar supplements the meal as does the full bar. They have maintained the Michelin Star they earned in 2019. Music is in the background and artistic fish swim around the walls for the 5 tables in the dining room. Gone are the dark beams above but they’ve added a cabinet for glassware and burled wood center fixture topped with candles and flowers. The staff are all friendly and ready to help with any requests. Chefs bring out some of the plates and explain them. It was a wonderful dining experience and I recommend it to anyone who can get there. Continue reading
Dad’s Luncheonette was in a historic train caboose on Highway 1, near a strip shopping center. It was a dream of Chef Scott Clark, who we met when he was Chef de cuisine at a 3-star Michelin restaurant, to open something small and casual that also serves great food. He wanted a lifestyle change after having a child with his partner, Alexis Liu. When she saw this little train car he knew that was it. That was 6 years ago and it’s still a successful business. There are a few seats inside, where you order, and picnic tables outside, but many just eat on the hood of their car or get stuff to go. The cooking is on the upper level of the caboose and bathrooms are in the shopping center. Lo and behold when we entered we found he brought another friend from the close by San Francisco dining scene that we had also dealt with before, Anthony Keels (Eight Tables). The place is surrounded by farms and they make the best use of that supply chain but have a small menu. I didn’t get a photo of the menu but you can see much of it on their website or in the photos. Unfortunately, they were out of the homemade chips today. Continue reading
We were at the Fitzgerald about a year ago (as well as in 2019) but this time we stayed on the second level in the newly re-done large rooms. The view and sounds of Lake Superior are fabulous and with so many hot places, the cool breeze here was refreshing. The staff are super friendly and there’s plenty of parking out front. The restaurant does get full, so reservations are a must. Guests at the hotel have first grab at reservations and I found out they hold the window tables for guests. This visit the fires in Canada were making a haze on the horizon but last time we were at the windows and the sun is so bright I believe I prefer the inner tables. It’s a small place though, so there aren’t any tables without a great view. Another thing I learned is to come early as they have limited quantities of some items and the later in the evening the more they’ve run out of. Unfortunately, they were out of ribs again when we arrived and no ends were available. They did look large and meaty from what I saw on earlier tables. Service is friendly and helpful but their wine list is small, especially compared to the array of whisky that is available. It’s a fun lovely place but the food is mixed. Some of the desserts looked and sounded good but those were all gone by the time we finished. Continue reading
Parkview Lodge and Grilll is a large place in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The lodge has 16 rustic rooms ready to house those enjoying the snowmobile and ATV trails nearby. Attached is a large bar and restaurant open 11 to 9, seven days a week. It was opened in 2005 by two sisters and their husbands, but after 10 years they closed for 2. In the middle of being closed, it was taken over by their brother, Scott Johnson who started doing renovations. The bar and restaurant can hold up to 200 people and one new feature was the addition of some cutout trees dividing the bar and restaurant. They are fabric covered to help with noise. We didn’t have any noise issues as it was empty when we stopped but the middle of the afternoon would be prime time for the explorers to be outside. The bartender took our order, helped with suggestions and was very friendly. I don’t know about staying here but it’s definitely a place I’d recommend for a good burger. Continue reading
We visited The Ranch Supper Club in 2022 and had a great time so decided to go again, but this time we didn’t have a reservation. Not a good plan for a Saturday night. The wait wasn’t as bad as they thought so it was only a half-hour – time for a martini and a look around the bar area. The bar is a hopping place and they turn out a decent cocktail but their wine list is not too exciting, so we stayed with cocktails for the evening. The bar itself has a beautiful inlay of stones and the wood room is decorated with fishing objects and sporting goods. It’s a good meal with nice service. Continue reading
Note: Restaurant now closed
Cry Wolf is a regular on our schedule if you haven’t noticed. The menu like the wine list is ever-changing. Some things work fantastically and others miss the mark slightly, but it’s never dissatisfying as I always leave in a great frame of mind. It’s a vibe some restaurants can achieve but it’s tough to maintain, however, they do and so I’ll keep posting updates to our dinners there. It helps that they know us and this night they brought a couple of dishes to us just to try. It made for a lot of food but what fun. Even though Chef Ross Demers was not in the house, Tim Case was there finding excellent wines to go with our order and Chef Mike Stites sent out terrific dishes. If you’re in Dallas this place is a must for you to go relax and enjoy a fantastic meal. Continue reading
Yolk serves breakfast and lunch in Manzanita, on the coast of Oregon. We visited there about a year ago and had fond memories so we were looking forward to dining there and interestingly found out it had been sold in the last couple of days. The past owners were still there when we went, helping the new owners with the transition, particularly cooking. Even so, a little snafu with the ordering process made it take longer to get the bill and impossible to check on our order. It is still a bright and tasteful interior with music in the background, a patio, a full bar and lots of windows to the outside streaming in the sunshine. The food is good but they don’t take reservations, so get there early or be prepared to wait. It’ll be worth the wait. Continue reading
We visited Neah Kah Nie Bistro last year and it was much better than this year’s visit. They were really short-staffed, meaning one person working the floor and one in the kitchen so any walk-ins were turned away and service was tremendously slow. It’s a small place with some outdoor seating, although the tarp over those seats was gone. I felt for the server but they should have canceled some reservations or notified guests. This was horrible. We didn’t try for a cocktail and instead were thankful to finally get to sit down. We also didn’t try for multiple courses, it took so long to get our wine and then it was the wrong bottle and vintage too. She took it back to try again but finally came back with what we drank and said they’d been delivered it by mistake. (The bill tried to reflect the charge for what we ordered and we waited to have that corrected as this wine was half the price of what we ordered – and was awful). They have a small parking lot but lots of street parking is available. Music was in the background and there was lots of light from the windows in the room to supplement the low lighting. Even so, you could tell the menus were well used and no daily specials were available. I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend this place. Continue reading
Pacific Roots Coffee and Mini Donuts is a food truck off the main street in Nehalem. It is by the water in the same clearing as the Riverside Fish and Chips Truck, both of which we tried last year. The signature mini donuts are made fresh, on the spot when you order them and come with a variety of toppings. You order as many as you wish and they will mix the toppings in an order. These little donuts are made in a remarkable machine and I have found them in a number of places but the flavor and quality do vary. These are good ones, served nicely hot with a perfect amount of cinnamon sugar. Another nice feature is that these are served in a styrofoam container as opposed to the usual paper bag. They are perfect to order, especially while you wait for fried cod from the fish and chips stand. While the fish was nice and the slaw interesting, the mini donuts were the star of this lunch for me. I encourage you to find a stand and try some. Continue reading
Wanda’s Cafe and Bakery is family owned and operated where you can dine in or grab something to go. It’s a small to medium-sized place with additional seating outdoors. They do not take reservations, so expect to have a wait, but while we waited for breakfast they had coffee available. Parking is limited on site but there is free parking in a close city lot. Named for the original owner’s grandmother, there is no Wanda associated with the place now. Music was in the background and the entrance and check-out are filled with goods for sale, both edible and novelty. The servers were efficient and friendly. It’s a place I’d recommend but I’d like to go on a day they make the fresh cinnamon rolls. Continue reading
Offshore Grill and Coffee House is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday and tries to showcase local foods. The Coffee Shop is open all day on those days. They moved from nearby Rockaway to Manzanita during the pandemic when they added the coffee house. It’s a medium-sized place with art for sale on the walls. Polished wood makes up the tables and wood is on the floor as well as the curved bar. Lots of families were diners and there was faint music in the background. A few parking spaces are out front but mostly it’s street parking or walk-in guests. Lowered lighting was supplemented by bright sunlight from the windows. Service was friendly but only would rate okay. All though there is a bar area they serve just wine and beer, no hard alcohol. No specials were offered that evening and the food was mixed. Continue reading
SAISON had been a favorite restaurant of ours for years but had gradually drifted away from yummy so we haven’t been back since 2016. The introduction of a new team lead by Chef Richard Lee sparked our curiosity and so we decided to re-visit and are so glad we did. They still stress open hearth cooking and the use of local products all while expanding their wine list. The space is the same with well-spaced polished wood large tables with music in the background. The walls of brick and piles of wood give it a softer feel than the large open and modern kitchen that takes up one end of the space, which is the show people come to see. The other end is the bar with an abbreviated menu. Chef Richard Lee led a large team of chefs, each with different assigned tasks, and coordinated the serving the same tasting menu to all of the guests. It’s about a 2.5-hour meal and they do turn the tables. Wine pairings are available and a supplemental A5 Wagyu is offered when booking. They were dropped to 2 Michelin Stars a couple of years ago but with the level of service and the quality of the meal, I can see that third star back in their pocket soon. It’s pricey but if you can go it is once again well worth the money. At the end of the meal, you will receive a menu. Continue reading
Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant is the fifth oldest restaurant in the US. It was first listed here in 2015 but I didn’t write up subsequent visits. They credit themselves for helping establish San Francisco as the culinary mecca it is today. They serve local seafood, simply prepared, alongside local vegetables. I thought of it as similar to Tadich Grill but it doesn’t seem to have weathered the pandemic as well. The crowd at lunch was very light and the server was marginal (maybe some language issues here) and tried to sell us on more items when we were ordering plenty. The medium-sized place is full of wood and white tablecloths with some natural light from the windows to the street. The walls are decorated with photos and nature shots. The food was marginal to bad and they charge for bread service. Continue reading
We last visited Acquerello in 2018 and you can read that one here. It is in Nob Hill in a building that had housed many businesses but the main was a chapel which you can recognize by the high peaked ceiling. For 3 decades they have offered Italian-inspired cuisine and have been recognized with 2 Michelin stars. It’s a good-sized room with music in the background and friendly yet very professional service, including purse stools. Executive Chef Suzette Gresham still co-owns the place and runs the kitchen. Co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini was at another of his restaurants that evening but his most capable sommelier son was on site. They offer 2 tasting menus, one seasonal and one where you select 3-5 courses from several choices. We specified the seasonal tasting on our reservation so didn’t even see the other menu but their website has it online. Wine pairings are available as are some supplemental courses of caviar and cheese. We opted for our own wines and no supplements. It is a lovely place but should I go back I’d pick the menu with choices because although the plates were gorgeous they didn’t pack the flavor punch I remembered. Continue reading
Tadich Grill was reviewed here back in 2015, but we visited many times after that and I didn’t write it up. But with the pandemic, it’s been at least 4 years since we were there. It was old school and consistent quality, meaning little changes, but downtown San Francisco has changed with a lot fewer people working in offices and a lower number of tourists. Tadich was ‘started’ by 3 Croatian immigrants in 1849 as a coffee stand that went through numerous moves when in 1871 another Croatian, John Tadich started working there. It became known as The Cold Day Restaurant through a political incident and Tadich took ownership in 1887. He joined with another restauranteur when both needed to recover from the 1906 earthquake, but when their partnership dissolved in 1912 and his partner named his new restaurant The Cold Day. Tadich then named his place Tadich Grill, The Original Cold Day Restaurant. It’s a fairly large place with wood tables and booths set with white clothes and napkins. A long bar with stools runs the length of the place with the kitchen being partially open in the back. Staff are friendly and dressed in long white aprons and white jackets. They have a large menu featuring much local and imported seafood with a few daily specials. The food is fine but nothing to write home about. You no longer seem to need a reservation at lunch, if that’s progress. Continue reading
Note: Restaurant now closed
Cry Wolf has become a regular on our playlist and I swear I am not on their payroll – but the food is just too good not to share with you. The combinations continue to evolve and are different week to week and the atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming. Chef Ross Demers was finishing the plates tonight so we got to chat with him as we had the two “chef’s table” seats adjacent to him. He and Chef Mike Stites share cooking and finishing rolls, which helps the evolution of the menu. Sommelier Tim Case always has some fun and new wines to tell you about and is very mindful of your menu choices in helping you make a selection. In fact we had picked one wine and he came back and said we needed another under consideration based on our menu choices. I was closing the end of a week of birthday celebrations and Tim started our evening with a complimentary glass of champagne. If you haven’t been here, I strongly urge you to put it on your agenda. Maybe Frankie and I will see you there! Continue reading
Louie’s on the Lake was the byproduct of Doris and Louis Muench Sr. moving to Cumberland from Chicago, where he had been a meat cutter. In 1970 they opened Louie’s Finer Meats and from that came the opportunity for family dining featuring Louie’s meats. It’s a small place with booths on the sides of the room and tables in the middle. A few more tables are in the entry room where there is also a counter selling meats. There is a large outdoor patio which the dining room looks out to, as well as the parking lot. The bare wood tables are set with flatware wrapped in a napkin and other condiments for seasoning the food. You can see the lake on an angle from the back windows. Open every day except Tuesday, they serve breakfast and lunch and close earlier on Sunday. Service was friendly but not the most efficient, but then finding workers in small towns is difficult. The food was very acceptable and I’d go again but it’s not worth driving out of your way for. Continue reading
Shokunin is a 50-seat Japanese Izakaya-style (informal place for drinking and snacks) restaurant serving charred yakitori and other small shared plates. On the 100 Best Restaurants of Canada, they ranked at #82. They have a seasonal menu for the room as well as a full bar and lots of bottles of sake. There are 4 seats at the bar in front of the cooking area that are reserved for the Shokunin Yakitori Omakase tasting. It also has optional drink pairings and an additional course of 45-day aged beeswax-wrapped wagyu. It is not A-5 from Japan but rather a Wagyu from Australia. One item on the menu, the chicken ass (tail), is only available to those having the omakase. The place was packed and service was well-paced and friendly. I was surprised by how little interaction there was between the 4 guests and those in the kitchen, but that was affected by plexiglass between us and the grilled area. It felt a bit impersonal with slight explanations of courses and a rushed feel. Some of the food was outstanding and others were just so-so. The tasting was a good way to get to know the place if you’re a one-time visitor. Continue reading
Hankki means one meal in Korean and this meal is modeled after Korean street food. They sell bowls or cupbop, and Korean hot dogs on a stick. The bowls are a stir-fry of different ingredients. Cheap, quick and filling options which are a novelty in the tourist-laden Banff. All the bowls contain Veggie Mandu which is edamame, sweet corn, lettuce, pickled carrot, sesame seeds and egg garnish along with some pan-fried veggie dumplings. They are on a base of rice with sauce and then you pick your level of spiciness. We both chose ‘hot’. The Chee Bop bowl contained Korean-style crispy fried chicken and the Korean B.B.Q bowl contained sweet and savory marinated grilled pork, lettuce. There were basic similarities but the flavoring was fairly different. Both were quite tasty and best when all the stuff was mixed around. Hot was a nice level of heat. If you need a quick snack this is for you. I saw some little kids getting and enjoying the hot dogs which are much less food, but we didn’t try one. Continue reading
River Cafe dates back to 1991 when it started as a full-service café on Calgary’s Prince Island for the summer only. In 1995 they enclosed the space and began operating year-round. The desire was to create a restaurant space that would blend into the Bow River setting and they ranked at #22 on the 2023 100 Best In Canada. Attempting to serve cuisine from local areas was also part of the plan. To this day there is no access to the place except to walk there across the pedestrian bridge and through the friendly geese. It’s a fairly large space with bare wood tables set with towel-shaped napkins, faint music in the background and decorated with a fishing/nautical motif. An open kitchen is part of the rambling room as is a long bar. They are open 7 days a week and serve lunch/brunch as well as dinner. At dinner, they offer a Chef’s Tasting menu as well as an a la carte menu. We chose the tasting and they were willing to give me a copy of the night’s menu, but the dessert listed was not accurate. Service was friendly but the pacing was off and the food was good but not outstanding. It’s such a pretty spot, though I would recommend you try it. Continue reading
Meat and Bread started in Vancouver and now has a number of locations in Canada but this one is in the old grain exchange building and opened in 2017. Stylishly designed and decorated they make everything themselves. They prided themselves on the simplicity of their products – offer just a few things but use the highest quality ingredients and make it yourselves. That simplicity is seen in the efficient layout of the space. You enter and immediately see the porchetta roast and some sandwiches being assembled for to-go orders. The menu is on a blackboard-like surface above the long prep area and the sides and drinks are arranged so you can see and pick. You can watch your sandwich being made as you pay for it and then they’ll call your number when it’s ready. We were there when they first opened, so no line, but my understanding is that it can have long lines however they move quickly. The staff were super friendly and loved showing off a whole roast ready to go to the slicer. This is a wonderful place and I hope I get to eat their sandwiches again. Continue reading
D.O.P. is a small place that merited the number 23 spot on the 2023 list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. In the next few months, around Sept. they are moving a couple blocks away to the Grain Exchange Building because their current building is being demolished. This will allow them to have a bigger kitchen and add about 10 seats. The name roughly translates to “Protected Designation of Origin” meaning that its products are locally grown or made, as much as possible. The narrow place had small tables running the length of the room opposite the bar/counter seating. The end with the entrance had windows to the street and a couple of side-by-side tables and the other end houses the 6′ x 8′ kitchen. The server said they have a room downstairs for some prep work and storage but this was about the smallest kitchen ever. The room’s long wall is decorated with posters and art, has a high ceiling, music in the background and the small bare wood tables are set with cloth napkins. It filled up quickly and was quite noisy, with reservations being a must unless you’re a singleton for the bar seating. Service was friendly and helpful and the food started with a flourish but then fizzled slightly. Continue reading
The Silver Dragon Restaurant is located in the heart of Chinatown in Calgary. They offer over 200 Chinese dishes as well as brunch dim sum cart service daily (till 2:30). It’s a fairly large place on the second floor of the building that has been successful enough to now have a second location in Banff. The tables were well-spaced but not set with pepper oil, soy sauce or vinegar. It’s old-school Chinese food and service was friendly and fast with lots of carts coming to your table at any time. However, if you didn’t see what you wanted on a cart they would get it for you if it was presently being served. If it wasn’t they would only serve it if you had 2 orders of it. That made it tough since there were just the two of us but there was plenty of selection to choose from. They did bring us a tray with a bit of hot oil and some vinegar, but the hot oil was gone quickly. Some items came with sauce and then I saw others asking for soy, etc. and they cut most items when served. I would not call it outstanding but it was perfectly satisfying, just not extraordinary. The only specialty item worth commenting on was the ginger beef – a dish invented in Calgary. It’s a fried strip of beef in a sweet/spicy sauce. Fun to try something new. Continue reading
Major Tom is a restaurant and bar on the 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place in downtown Calgary. It is the only restaurant in Alberta to be ranked in the top 20 of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants for 2023, claiming #13. Opening in the summer of 2021 it offers spectacular views of downtown (and further depending on the weather) with a menu that is heavy on steakhouse fare. While they offer other dining options, the menu highlights their beef selections which are all broiled at 1800º and brushed with Major Tom butter. It’s a large place and very popular, judging by the crowd and reservation options. The attractive interior is nicely lit by the walls of windows on the perimeter. Music is in the background, as well as much conversational noise and a full bar is available. Service is excellent and very friendly, with our great server Raven willing to pace out our meal and offer guidance on how much to order. Fortunately, the food matched the wonderful views and it was a fantastic evening. I recommend you include this one when you visit Calgary. Continue reading
The current owners have run the place for 6 years and offer 6 “seasons” of menu to span the year. We were there for the ‘Stream’ season which features the many trout in the area. We were fortunate to get the same wonderful server both nights and he really made the meal enjoyable. Knowledge and friendliness are important in a great server and Giovanni Costantino has plenty of both. The tasting is offered at 6:30 and 8:00 pm so it moves at a fairly rapid pace. However, we had the later time and were there past 10, so the early seating moves more quickly. Portions are well-modulated. The beautiful landscape outside made a perfect backdrop for a meal of fish, that I didn’t have to catch or clean. I imagine the other seasonal tastings are well-crafted too. I recommend this place. Continue reading
When you stay at the DeBruce breakfast is included the next morning. The sun-filled dining room opened at 9:00am and the menu changed slightly the 2 days we were there. We tried some of the same things and new items the second day. The menu says you are allowed to pick two items per person but I did hear some people customizing there order. This may have worked as the place was not full or maybe they are flexible. It never hurts to ask. Also included was coffee, tea, orange juice and apple juice. The service was not nearly as good in the morning as in the evening. For example, I asked for a coffee refill and the server complied but never offered my husband any. The service was also slower and that was probably due to fewer people working in the kitchen. The food was more mixed at breakfast and it sometimes made me wish they offered a simple omelet. But all that said, it satisfied and readied me for the day ahead. Continue reading
The DeBruce Lodge and Restaurant, built in the 1880s, sits on a ledge overlooking the Willowemoc Vally and river in Catskill Park. There are 12 rooms whose stay includes dinner and breakfast, as well as access to many fishing spots. On Friday the menu is ‘a la carte’ and Saturday is the tasting menu (which will be in a later write-up). They sometimes offer a Carte Blanche menu for Fridays but it was not available the time we were there. Some reservations are taken for diners not staying in the lodge, but reservations are recommended. Downstairs is a club room if you desire additional drinks but upstairs, or the main floor, has the small glass-walled dining rooms that has around 8 tables. A larger table is in the Great Room for bigger groups. Music is in the background with wood walls and wooden benches lining the perimeter of the room. The seats are padded and pelts and horns provide the decorations. Skylights provide additional lighting to the votives on the tables and natural light coming in the 2 walls of windows. Once the sun goes down the room did get much darker. A large opening goes to the kitchen which is kept amazingly dark, which is nice for diners but more challenging for the chefs. Eric Leveillee is the Executive Chef but he spends most of his time in Philadelphia and Chef de Cuisine Robert West runs the kitchen here. It is a lovely spot and if you like fly fishing, pack your bags now. If you’re not a fisherman you can still enjoy this place’s wonderful hiking and food. We enjoyed both types of menus and they are quite different, so stay 2 nights if you can.
For dinner we were told we could order whatever we wanted off the menu. We wanted to try a lot and were willing to share all. The server was most helpful in crafting our meal. Our Sourdough was their bread topped with peas, fiddleheads and ricotta. The thick slice of bread was heavily spread with their housemade ricotta and then decorated with fresh fiddlehead ferns and English peas. It was delicious and a delight to have the ultra-fresh vegetables.
Roasted carrots were mixed with coffee, maple and pistachio. These might have been my husband’s favorite plate of the evening. The beautiful fresh carrots were perfectly cooked and seasoned with the nuts adding a bit more texture to the dish. They were great.
Chilled mussels were mixed with white beans and topped with housemade potato chips. It was described as chilled but it still jolted me to have the cold mussels but they were fun and tasty. The chips gave the texture some crunch and a bit of salt which the beans needed. There was also some briny liquid mixed with the beans underneath. Some of the beans could have been cooked a tad more but better this than turned to mush. The large mussels were great.
Ricotta dumplings were mixed with wild mushrooms and parmesan. The large pasta wrappers were stuffed with the tasty ricotta and then blended with tons of mushrooms and topped with lots of grated cheese and a bit of cream. They were rich, heavy and wonderful.
Mangalitsa pork chop au poivre was served sliced and de-boned on a fabulous sauce. The large fat cap on the meat gave it extra richness and a wonderful depth of flavor. It was slightly chewy, but this one you didn’t mind working on, especially the delectable bone meat.
Beaverkill trout was topped with fiddleheads and smoked roe. It was a boneless fillet but the head and tail were on the plate for a faux whole-fish effect. The cooking and flavor were excellent and the roe made a nice accent seasoning.
Rice pudding was with almond and sea buckthorn. The thick round of rice was underneath a layer of cream and sitting in the sea buckthorn sauce. It was light and yet full of flavor. I love rice pudding and this was a interesting rendition.
Chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet was topped with lime shortbread. A final drizzle of cream finished off the dish. The cookie was buttery and short and the dish had lots of textures. Some herbs were mixed in and sprinkled on the top to add another layer of flavor. It looked goopy but it was nice.
The Smoke Joint moved to the Catskills from downtown Brooklyn. The chef/owners Ben Grossman and Craig Samuel have won accolades for their culinary ventures. The tiny place is on the banks of the Willowemoc River and they are open from spring to fall. Here they offer a variety of sandwiches, barbecue by the pound, fried chicken, hot dogs, a variety of sides and beverages (full liquor license). They have a few tables inside but most of the dining was on the picnic tables right out the door. The tables were set with napkins, flatware and hot and regular sauces. You order and pay at the counter and then your food is brought out to you. There were cans to dispose of your trash when you are through. The people working there were pleasant and helpful and judging by the crowd we decided it was the place to grab a snack. I’m no expert on barbecue as is John Tanner who publishes a restaurant blog you’d enjoy, johntannersbbqblog.com but I think he’d appreciate the flavor of the brisket. Check out John’s blog for not only barbecue but also Washington DC, the eastern USA coast and lots of other places. You’ll enjoy his wit and writing style and add to your list of places to go and eat.
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The Bocuse Restaurant is the French restaurant in the Culinary Institute of America. Named aptly for Paul Bocuse, it is staffed by students at the CIA who learn modern cooking techniques to bring diners classic French cuisine. It’s in a large room at one end of a main building that has a parking garage next to it. Tons of windows added even more light to the fairly bright white room. Modern ceiling fixtures add soft light as does the see-through wine cellar. One end of the room is the open kitchen. Students not only do the cooking but also the service, drinks and wine service. They were all very pleasant but varied in their competency. Bench seating lines the walls with free-standing tables in the middle of the room and music was in the background. The menu is set up as a prix fixe 3-course menu with several choices in each category. They offered a nice wine list as well as many cocktails and mocktails – some made tableside. We were there with family so I got more pictures than I got to eat, but pictures tell a lot. Overall the food was nice but some menu descriptions were off the mark. Continue reading
Garvan’s was opened 6 years ago by Garvan and Leonie McCloskey to bring a bit of Ireland to New Paltz, NY. It is located in an historic home that was built in 1759. The restaurant is spread over 5 spacious rooms in the building that have carpet and lots of windows to the outside. With the addition of drapes and well spaced tables the noise level is quite nice. There were no special that evening but the place does offer a full bar. We were there with family and so my note-writing and picture-taking were limited. The service was friendly but not particularly attentive. Our main server took our orders and then disappeared for long periods of time while others brought the food and drinks. The food was mixed with some plates good while others were quite ordinary. The bar did turn out good cocktails though and as I said the noise level made it easy to talk. We didn’t get dessert but I got a photo of the menu. Continue reading
Nick’s Family Restaurant is a large place, with seats for 120, and famous for its ‘pizzaburger.’ It has been in business for over 50 years and with it being locally owned and family run by the Tyler family since 1979. Windows to the street are on many sides with booths next to them. In the middle of the rooms are tables of various sizes. The first thing you see when you enter is the display case filled with pies and the check-out counter where you pay. They have a large menu that is supplemented with daily specials for lunch and dinner and serve breakfast all-day. Closed on Tuesday, they are open 6 am to 8 pm daily and are even open earlier during the week. They serve wine and beer but no full bar. Service was amazing considering how few were working there and how many people continued to arrive. The food was mixed but edible. It looks like a no-frills place and that’s the food it serves too. Nothing wrong just not calling you back to eat there again. Continue reading
Nook is a tiny 12-seat tasting menu experience. It’s what I continually search for – a relaxed, fun-filled evening filled with wonderful flavors and textures. The restaurant is family owned by Noah and Julie Przybylski and they cook and present the evenings’s meal. Aided by some extra servers in the service, you can’t help but be consumed by their joyous and adventurous spirits. The couple met in Chicago in 2005, where the dream of opening their own restaurant hatched. They married in 2007 and welcomed a son in 2014 (whose artwork you can see downstairs). Now they have brought the dream to life with a restaurant that celebrates all that Wisconsin has to offer. A bargain at $125 per person for a 12-14 course meal. Wine pairings are available, but we ordered our own bottle. The tables each seat 2 and they’re lined up about 3 inches apart from each other. As the evening moves on conversations begin to cross over the small separation. Noah presented and explained each course as it came out with good pacing and portion control. I strongly recommend this fabulous place, if you can get a reservation – they go quickly. Continue reading
Alimentari is basically Italian for food/groceries. This deli is in an 1,800 square foot former laundromat space and sells fresh pasta, sauces, freshly cut meats and cheeses as well as sandwiches and other dry goods. The sandwiches are made to order and there is no place to eat in the store. They also had a gelato counter but we didn’t try it. It looked like a great place to shop for Italian ingredients but for us we wanted a sandwich for the car. Similar to last week, we wanted a snack before we went on a tour of a Frank Lloyd Wright site, but this time is was Taliesin. I must say this sandwich was way better than the last both because of the filling but also the bread. The buns for their sandwiches are made daily by Madison Sourdough. They have a great chew with a crisp crust and a soft interior but it’s not too big that it dwarfs the fillings or hard to get your mouth around. I actually found myself wanting to eat parts of the bread without any filling, it was that good. If you need ingredients or just a snack, I’d head to this place right away. Continue reading
L’Etoile Restaurant was opened by Odessa Piper in 1976. She was an early supporter of the sustainable food or farm-to-table movement. In 2005 she sold the restaurant to her Chef de cuisine, Tory Miller and his sister Traci. They continued the tradition of supporting local farmers and expanded to open a bakery and a casual lunch spot also. Dianne Christensen became a co-owner in 2007 and envisioned a new space for ‘L’Etoile and the addition of a gastropub. Chef Miller was the recipient of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Midwest in 2012. The new space is in the US Bank Plaza building with 3 walls of glass looking out at the dome of the Wisconsin capital building. The widely spaced tables are covered with white cloths, sitting on carpet with a high ceiling overhead and music in the background. Parking is on your own, so allow extra time to make your reservation. They offer a “5” course tasting with 2 levels of optional wine pairings as well as an a la carte menu. The full bar and wine list has a fairly hefty mark-up but it is a good selection. We chose the tasting menu which included multiple extras and chose a half bottle of white and full bottle of red to accompany the meal. The food is excellent as was the service and if you have the chance this is a place I would recommend, but it’s not cheap. Continue reading
The Plaza Tavern and Grill is the home of the “world-famous Plazaburger.” The burger is dressed with a Plaza sauce which is a secret recipe from 1964. The Plazaburger is ordered separately from a regular burger but they also offer a number of other food choices. Inside is a long bar that runs the length of the long room and booths run along the opposite wall. The middle of the room is open but you’ll find various game machines around the room. A number of televisions were around the room and midday they were playing an old animated show. It’s conveniently located by the capital and UW and open Wed to Sat from noon to 2 am. Goggle wrongly said they weren’t open till 3 pm on Wed but that is not the case. They were super friendly and cooked our burgers on the grill right behind the bar. It is a cash only place. Continue reading
Paul’s Pel’meni is a small place near the UW campus serving Russian style dumplings. The owner, Paul Schwoerer, once lived in Alaska and found that Russian cuisine was good for colder climates. While there he learned to make these dumplings from a man who wanted to move back to Russia. Now he and his wife are in their 3rd location having been in business for 18 years. Everyday in the kitchen downstairs he rolls the dough and stuffs it with mashed potatoes or a savory ground beef mixture. Sour cream is the standard accompaniment but they still seemed plain to him. Now he adds a topping of yellow curry, butter, sweet chili sauce with vinegar and cilantro. They are sold in full and half orders of the beef, potato or mix. You order at the counter and they are out quickly. In the next room are tables and a water jug and a room with a bar. Later in the evening they’ll be serving lots of cocktails and draft beer to go with the dumplings. It was a quick and very satisfying lunch for us and I highly recommend you check the place out. Continue reading
The Harvey House is a modern take on a supper club and train travel, located in an historic train depot. The old Baggage Claim House and a train car next door make up the interior spaces. Opened by Shaina and Joe Papach, he runs the kitchen and she provides the design and business development portion. Lots of Wisconsin classic cocktails are served as well as newer craft cocktails, but the wine list is limited. The private car, which we could see out the window in our dining room, is used mostly for private parties according to our server. Even so, it is a large place winding around different floors and rooms with music in the background. A parking lot outside can handle some of the cars but parking can become an issue. There were some area rugs on the hard floor but with all the brick walls and marble-top tables, noise quickly became an issue. The lighting is very lowered which also became difficult as the sun went down. The food was mixed but service was fine. I do love supper clubs, but as much as I admire what the owners bring to the dining scene I probably wouldn’t go back. Continue reading
The Oakcrest Tavern opened in the 1950s and it’s famous for its burger made from “steak trimmings” but they offer a number of things on their menu, including a fish fry on Fridays. It’s a casual place with the bar counter filling half of its space. The cooking area is inside the bar area and a parking lot surrounds the building. There were lots of TVs around the room but the sound was muted and music was playing. Lots of beer paraphernalia decorated the wood walls. The staff was all super friendly and they were quick with the food and you could see it was made to order. We enjoyed Leinenkugel’s beer, which was served nicely cold in a bottle, with our lunch. I suggest you give this place a try if you have a chance but be forewarned – it’s said to get quite busy at some hours. Continue reading
Di Anoia’s is an Italian restaurant run by Chef/Owner Dave Anoia from Lebanon, PA. that opened in 2016 in the Strip District with his wife, Aimee DiAndrea (get how they came up with the name?). They accept reservations 6 weeks in advance but do have a waiting list that actually works. The bar and patio are for walk-ins. It’s a large bustling place serving all ages on closely spaced faux marble tables with red-checked napkins. Windows to the outside are on 2 walls and one looks like it used to be a garage door. They are open for all three meals except for no breakfast on Sunday and closed all day Monday. It’s a deli/cafe by day and a full-service restaurant at night. You enter into the bar/cafe area where there is a pastry case and a full bar. The dining room is to you right. Service was helpful and friendly and the noise level is loud. Continue reading
Groceria Merante is an Italian grocery store selling supplies and sandwiches. It started in the late 1950s and moved to its present location in 1979. The family had seven children and some of them still take part in this family run business. We were on our way to visit Falling Water, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed home about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh. We wanted something we could keep in the car and eat before going in and this was perfect. The little corner store had wonderful products and a deli counter in back. Some sandwiches were ready made and in the cooler. At check out she gave me napkins and mayo for our meal. The sandwiches were well stuffed but did want the mayo for extra moistness. If you need Italian supplies I highly recommend this place and if you want a sandwich to go it’s a fine choice. There is no place to eat at the store. Continue reading
Altius was a combination of fine dining and spectacular views. Located next to the top spot for the Mt. Washington Incline, the 2-story restaurant makes the most of its views with windows on three sides and 2 levels on each floor, so everybody can look around. The comfy seats have adequate-sized tables on carpet with only faint music in the background. Most of the lighting was from the windows and that would have been an issue if we hadn’t been lucky to be located under one of the ceiling spots. Some tables got quite dark as we watched the sun go down and the city’s lights go on. Bridges, stadiums and buildings are all within view as was the Duquesne Indian station and its car. A more casual crowd seemed to be celebrating special occasions among us regular diners. Service was good as was the food but the view was exceptional. Continue reading
Primanti Bros. started in 1933 during the Great Depression. Joe Primanti had a sandwich cart that was successful enough to turn into a storefront feeding shift workers and truck drivers. Their signature is potato fries on the sandwich. The story is that someone came to the restaurant during the winter with a load of potatoes. He was concerned if they were frozen but when cooked on the grill they were fine. As other customers came in they wanted some so Joe put them on the sandwich and it was a hit. It allowed the drivers to eat with one hand while they drove. They now have 40 restaurants in over 6 states. We tried to hit the original location of this Pittsburgh icon. It is definitely worth trying and they are open daily 8 am – 10 pm and even later on Fri and Sat. The interesting thing was their menu had no prices and the drink menu on the table didn’t either. You can order extra meat or cheese on your sandwich but then I heard another patron asking how much and the server had to go to the register to check. On the website, most of the sandwiches are around $9 with $2 for extra meat/cheese. Service was super friendly and the place has murals you could study while you wait a short time for your order. They also had a full bar and several options for draft beer, which is what I tried. Continue reading
Eleven was in a renovated warehouse beside the rail lines and served a seasonal menu with an accompanying large wine list. Opening in 2004 it was named because it was the 11th restaurant opened by the big Burrito Restaurant Group and it has been a launching spot for many of the best Pittsburgh chefs. It’s a striking interior, with a two-story dining area where the second floor is glass-enclosed private rooms (and a patio) and downstairs is filled with curved booths opposite straight booths that are next to the wall separating the open kitchen. The wine cellar is the glassed-in area on the second level above the middle of the space. On the opposite end of the dining area/kitchen was the large bar area that had a separate menu. Music was in the background with lighting lowered and curtains on the windows to the street. The food was quite good but there were a few service glitches that showed a lack of communication among the staff. It was a dressier crowd, many looked like expense account eaters. I would recommend the place based on the food and the lovely setting but with some reservations. Continue reading
Lindey’s is owned by Sue Doody who opened it in 1981 in the German Village neighborhood. Now two of her sons are involved and both have found careers in the restaurant industry. It’s a huge place serving American cuisine in a white tablecloth setting. There are several dining rooms as well as private dining rooms in the 2-story corner building. The 1884 building housed another restaurant prior to but earlier served as a grocery, a saloon, flower shop and hardware store. Doody named the restaurant after the linden trees that used to grow on the property. The small tables are on carpet with the walls covered with drawings and music somewhere in the background. The entrance room had a long bar and tables but we were in the next room with windows to the street adding a bit more light into the room. Service was friendly but jumbled and the food was mixed. Perhaps we should have ordered the daily special. Continue reading
Katalina’s is “The Little Cafe with Lots of Local Goodness.” Housed in a 100-year old gas station it is covered in grafitti art and serves breakfast, lunch and brunch. The small corner building has a couple inside tables and some stools at a counter but most of the seating is outside on the pet-friendly patio. (Someone actually had their leash-trained cat sitting on the planter box next to their table). There are a couple of parking spaces right next to the building and a lot behind it. Music was piped out onto the patio which is where we sat after ordering at the counter inside. The menu hangs on a chalkboard above but they also have printed ones. The food was brought to the table when ready. I was intrigued by a number of things on their menu but the counter person said they are famous for their Pancake Balls which are trademarked and their breakfast tacos, so we got those two things. Super friendly staff and a funky feel make this a place I suggest you try. Who could resist a pancake ball? Continue reading
The Refectory has a long storied past with buildings from the 1840s and 1850s which were combined to make it. The current dining area is in the 1853 church that was sided with walnut and served as the main building for a church, which unfortunately was only 75 yards away from some noisy railroad tracks. When the church bought 2 school buildings 200 yards away the physical church was moved to be adjoined with them around 1918. In 1954 a brick school was added to the structure but by 1969 the congregation was larger than the buildings could accommodate so they moved. In 1971 the original church was turned into The Olde Church-House Restaurant and in 1981 the building became The Refectory Restaurant, which is the name of the dining hall in a convent/monastery. The original schoolhouse became the Lounge and Bistro dining area and the church housed the Dining Room with its original hand-hewn beams and exposed wooden roof structure. Kamal Boulos, the present owner, has worked in the building for almost 50 years. He brought in Chef Richard Blondin from Lyon, France to run the kitchen, which he still does. Over the years they have greatly expanded the wine cellar to over 700 selections. Music was in the background, lights were lowered and the white cloth-covered tables are surrounded by lots of stained glass. They offer a 5-course Chef’s Tasting that also has a vegetarian option in addition to an a la carte menu. We tried the tasting with our own wines and the pacing was fairly quick with good portion control. The food was mixed with too many additions of microgreens, dots and smears of sauces. It is definitely an elegant setting but the flavor profile and repetition made me wonder if the chef really was in the kitchen. Continue reading
Wario’s Beef and Pork was created by Chef Stephan Madias, who wanted to bring a chef-driven sandwich shop to Columbus. He wanted customers to feel like family and to serve them quality food that is responsibly sourced and made from scratch. Their signature semolina roll is baked and delivered to the shop daily from Matija Breads and he makes, cures and smokes the other ingredients in-house. They opened in late fall of 2020 as a little sandwich window that quickly became a new city food spot. Named for a character in Nintendo’s Mario Brothers video game series, they are open Wed. through Sun. and have a few tables inside and a large patio outside. A really friendly spot, we immediately struck up a conversation with one of their regulars and their counter person was also friendly and helpful. The sandwiches are huge and excellent. I would eat there often if I lived nearby. Continue reading
St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in Indianapolis since 1902 when it opened. It is the oldest steakhouse in the city that’s in its original location. The place is huge, covering several floors with lots of different rooms and private dining options. It was founded by Joe Stahr and named for the patron saint of sailors, St. Elmo. Having had several owners over the years it is now run by Stephen Huse and his son Craig. They’ve won awards, have a huge wine cellar, valet parking and professional tuxedoed waitstaff. The large white cloth-covered tables are surrounded by brick walls and lots of photos with lowered lighting. The evening we were there, there were a number of large parties in the private rooms as well as on the floor. It had a very typical steakhouse ambiance that you have to be in the mood for. It was mixed on food but service was outstanding. Continue reading
Bluebeard is an amazing farm to table restaurant open for lunch and dinner. They have a full bar as well as lots of wine. It started as a European-style bakery, as one was not in Indianapolis in 2010. Tom Battista found a 1924 factory building in an historic Italian neighborhood in downtown and started Amelia’s Bakery which now supplies all the bread for Bluebeard. The space was large enough to house more so Tom brought in Chef Abbi Merriss and his son Edward to open a restaurant that would have the same artisanal approach to food, and they did just that in 2012. They named it Bluebeard after a book by Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. Many of the decorations in the place reflect Vonnegut’s books. The winding space moves through numerous cozy rooms packed with fun decorations and happy people. They take no reservations so get there early if you don’t want to wait in line. The food is fantastic as is the service. It will be a memory you won’t forget. We didn’t get dessert but I snapped a photo of the menu for reference. Continue reading
Vida offers innovative cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, when possible. It’s a large building with a bar on one side and the dining room on the other. The bar offers more casual dining and is in the original part of the building. They offer a 6-course Chef’s tasting menu (optional wine pairings available) or a 4-course fixed price menu with several choices for each course. Opening in 2016, it is an elegant space with a super high ceiling that has windows much of the way up. One wall of the dining room had a cushy bench that was mated with medium-sized dark bare wood tables. Carpet was on the floor and lots of wood in the room help keep the noise at a good level even with music in the background. The service was very nice with the team working together. The pacing was good as was portion control. We chose the Chef’s tasting with a dessert substitution for me and our own bottle of wine. Continue reading
The Workingman’s Friend is said to be the “best blue-collar burger place in town.” Founded around 1918 by Louis Stamatkin, an immigrant from Macedonia, who was helped by his fellow Macedonian immigrants to open the place. He served lunch to local railroad workers and other factory workers and called his place Belmont Lunch. Beer and liquor were a big draw for customers. When the workers were on strike he let them run a tab for which the place was given the nickname “The Workingman’s Friend.” When he died at the young age of 46 his sons (Carl and Earl) took over and renamed the place in his honor, but they also added some more expensive items to the menu and live entertainment. Carl’s daughter Becky started working there in 1978 and by 1980 the live music and steaks were gone. The place again focused on burgers and beer, of which the burgers are thin with a crispy edge. The expansion the sons planned never happened but it is still a large place filled with small closely spaced formica-topped tables. There are a number of lots around to park in and they were all pretty much full at 1:30 as was the interior. At one point a line formed waiting for the tables. It took close to an hour to get our food but the wait was worth it. It is a fantastic burger. The service was friendly but the noise level is loud from conversations. Televisions over the long bar were turned off, but a full bar of liquors is available. Continue reading
Coat Check Coffee is open daily in the historic Athenaeum building. They offer pastries and bialy sandwiches in addition to coffee beverages. There are tables in the lobby next to the counter as well as by the first-floor entrance. They are located in what was the coat check area of the old theater. It is a small counter but they are fairly quick. We tried one of their sandwiches and some of their pastries. It was mostly a younger crowd but with a variety of seating options. I also saw groups with their computers possibly having a meeting at the one large table. It is run by the Small Victories hospitality group that operates several other coffee shops in the area. If you are nearby, stop by for a coffee and an almond croissant. Continue reading
Oakley’s Bistro was started in 2002 and continues to be run by Chef Steven Oakley today. His dream was to create “an affordable, everyday destination where every meal is a special occasion.” He started cooking at 16 years of age and has gathered experience from many restaurants and other chefs. Now he and his restaurant have been recognized with many awards and he also donates a portion of the bistro’s sales to an Indianapolis food rescue program as well as opening his kitchen for training and hiring of those who want to go into the restaurant industry. The place is medium-sized with some outdoor tables also available and located in a strip shopping center. They offer an a la carte menu but also have 2 tasting menu time slots on Wed- Sat nights. We opted for that which must be reserved 24 hours in advance. As you enter the dining room you’ll see the curved booth slightly above and next to the kitchen and that is where the tasting is served by the chef himself. The 5 – 6 course tasting can accommodate up to 4 people but if you are a couple it will be just you. At $85 per person it is a good value with wine pairings available. We had a lovely evening there and would recommend the place if you are in the area. Continue reading
Goose the Market offers a daily selection of sandwiches, soups and small plates as well as a deli counter with meats, cheeses, breads, gelato, specialty foods and beer/wine. The market and butcher shop are all about the love of good food and the people who produce it. Housed in a corner building, there are a few stools by a counter at the window to the street and some outside seating. Inside is a long counter where the meats, cheese, and gelato are displayed and you can place your order. Across from that are shelves of specialty items and downstairs is the wine cellar. You could see them slicing and assembling your sandwich while you waited. Different sandwiches are specials daily. It’s a wonderful shop and the sandwiches are quite good. Continue reading
In 1998 the award-winning Chef Chris Ward joined the M Crowd Restaurant Group as Executive Chef of The Mercury. Ward had garnered many honors including “Rising Star Chef” by the James Beard House Foundation. Today he is still in the kitchen at this neighborhood staple and packing a crowd even in the middle of the week. Located in a modest strip shopping center, inside you’ll find the lights lowered, dark wood tables, padded seating, stone and wood walls, shaded windows to the outside, and music in the background. You enter into the large bar area and now next door houses a sushi bar that shares food with this place. Along one wall is the opening to the kitchen where some terrific food is being offered to diners. There was only one special that evening but the menu covers a good range of American classics. The service was outstanding and we truly enjoyed an evening there with some friends. Continue reading
Longoven offers a seasonal 10-13 course tasting menu highlighting local products. Owned by a trio of chefs – Andrew Manning, Patrick Phelan and Megan Fitzroy Phelan – it opened about 5 years ago. The trio united after varying careers to do a series of pop-up dinners for 4 years starting in 2014. They didn’t start out intending to offer fine dining but evolution found them receiving tons of awards as they refined their concept of flavors. Open for dinner Wed through Sat, there are few tables so get your reservation early. Wine pairings are offered and cocktails can be acquired at the Lost Letter which is the bar in the front of the building. The Lost Letter and the patio on the side also serve food made in the same kitchen, just a more casual and a la carte version. Fittingly the name refers to the community ovens of the Civil War period. They do give you copy of the menu at the end of the meal. The space is fairly dark with dark wood tables and carpet and excellent service. It is star for the Richmond dining scene and a bargain at $155/person. Go if you get the opportunity. Continue reading
Garnett’s Cafe is a small neighborhood sandwich/salad shop on the lower floor of a 1908 corner building. Parking is on the street and seating is limited. There are several small tables in addition to seats at the L-shaped counter. Art and other objects decorate the walls. Wine and beer are available and there was a special sandwich of the day on the chalkboard outside. They are open daily for lunch and dinner and also have a selection of desserts from Laura Lee’s. Opening in 2009 they received a local dining award, an Elby, as the city’s Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant in 2014. The place was named for the owner, Kendra Feather’s, grandmother Garnett Beckham, who lived to 103. The staff was friendly and the food was good, with large portions. We were there to catch up with a friend so apologies in advance as my note-taking and photo taking were distracted. Continue reading
L’Opossum offers a quirky take on traditional French cuisine in a very eclectic interior, masterminded by Chef/Owner David Shannon. Opening in 2015 it immediately won the Elby (Richmond-region award) Dining award for Best New Restaurant and in 2017 won the Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year. You can see why it also has claimed fame as the most romantic restaurant with a number of sexual references in the food and art. Inside you’ll find a small darkly lit place with booths on one side of the long room, cut-outs holding statues between tables on the opposite wall and small tables in the middle. The tables are embossed with gold patterns underneath heavy plastic coating that brought Rorschach to mind and the lighting is from dozens of colored balls hanging from the ceiling. The walls are covered with plates, paintings and statues. Service was great – helpful and friendly, offering advice when needed. It may not be the best food I’ve ever had but the place itself is worth a visit and a chance to soak up the vibe. Continue reading
Stella’s serves rustic and modern Greek cuisine. Stella was born in 1942 and emigrated to the U.S. as part of an arranged marriage. Her husband opened an American classic cafe in 1956 and she joined him working there in the 1960s bringing in Greek dishes. In 1983 she opened a restaurant bearing her name a few doors down. Expanding on its success she opened a second place in 1998 offering eclectic cuisine. The current location opened in 2011 and Stella still comes by and the kitchen prepares her old family recipes. The medium-sized place is on a corner and parking is on the street. Windows make up two walls and the large L-shaped bar is opposite, set with stools with backs. A large table is midway to the back and that and the bar are for walk-in seating. Otherwise, it is a bunch of small bare wood tables with some bench seating or larger tables for 4 with chairs. The ceiling is tin, Greek music is in the background and it’s very busy. However, the service didn’t rush you and was glad to bring things out individually so we could split them. The server warned us we ordered too much as the portions were large but agreed to give the kitchen our apologies that we were going to waste some food in order to be able to try lots. If you like Greek food try and get a reservation and otherwise get there early and snag an open seat. Continue reading
Lemaire is the fine dining restaurant in the historic Jefferson Hotel. It is named for President Thomas Jefferson’s maitre d’ Etienne Lemaire who is credited with introducing cooking with wine to America. The menu changes seasonally and is under Chef Patrick Willis, a Virginia native, since 2009 when the place underwent a major renovation. The hotel was lovely and had a nice bar just outside where you could wait for your table. Inside the elegant dining room was one room with elaborate plaster moldings, Italian chandeliers, mirrors, custom draperies and double-clothed large tables. Some windows were on two sides of the room and provided additional light to the small votive on the table. The padded leather chairs, carpet and well-spaced tables make a conversation easy yet private. Service was professional yet friendly and guests varied from those celebrating a special occasion to casual hotel guests. We wanted to split a number of things and they were happy to course it out for us. This place is worth a visit. Continue reading
Perly’s is a Jewish Restaurant and Delicatessen serving “traditional Jewish cuisine with a twist.” In the heart of downtown, they are open Wed. to Sun. from 9:00 am till 3:00 pm. The place originally opened in 1961 and has had 3 owners with the current ones taking over in 2014 and adding the twist. It’s a long place with one side taken up by the long bar that ends in the kitchen space. The area that’s left is divided in two with booths and tables. The marble bar had stools opened and we took that as there was a wait for tables even later in the afternoon. Music was in the background, windows to the street provided additional light to the many fixtures, a black and white movie played silently on the screen above the bar, the ceiling looked like an old tin one and a pair of larger semi-circular booths flanked the doorway. Continue reading
Buck’s Restaurant is in the heart of Old Louisville in the historic Mayflower building. Established in 1992 they wanted to create a “moon garden” and filled the restaurant and bar with white flowers against the dark green walls. The continental menu is served on artfully mismatched china and nightly live piano music adds to the ambiance. The medium-sized place felt very retro with a large bar dividing the 2 rooms. The tables were covered with white clothes and set with black napkins. The lighting was lowered, the bar is decorated with liquor bottles, the crowd was a bit more casual and there is a dedicated parking lot. Service was super friendly but in all honesty we were thrilled to have the young chef from our B & B be our server for the evening. Continue reading
Frank’s Deli also sells meat and produce. They offer a selection of made-from-scratch food choices, with sandwiches made while you wait. Frank has been in business over 40 years. His background was in butchering so he started the store with meat and produce in the late 70s. The corner building offers an array of produce, meats, sauces, chips and snacks – as much locally sourced as possible. Most of the folks in there were in the line to order food to go. There is no seating inside or out but we were fine to eat in the car. The line moved quickly and the person taking my order was nice enough to suggest the spicy mustard instead of regular with the corned beef. The sandwiches were well stuffed and I bet if I lived in town I’d be there all the time getting something to bring home or eat in the car. They do have a good-sized parking lot. Continue reading
610 Magnolia was in a 125-year-old carriage house in Old Louisville – the creation of Chef Edward Lee. In 2003 he wanted a modern take on the Southern Table and so offers a 5-course tasting menu with 2 options on 4 of the courses. Wine pairings are available as well as a full bar. Since there were 2 of us we decided to each order one of the options so we could try the whole menu. The menu focuses on seasonality and locally sourced produce including their own greenhouse and farm. It’s a medium-sized place with rock music in the background. A large bar filled one area but it did not have seats. The nice-sized tables were bare wood set with white cloth napkins and windows to the outside helped with the otherwise dim lighting. They do 2 seatings a night and reservations must be made by calling. We were in the early seating and as such the noise level was good at first but then became difficult as the later crowd arrived and more drink was consumed. The food was mixed but Chef Lee was in the house and did come around to visit with guests. We tried their pairings which were okay and small pours. Continue reading
J. Graham’s Cafe is in the Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville. One of several restaurants in the hotel they are the ‘light and airy’ one. They are famous for the “Hot Brown” which was invented there in 1926 and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NBC’s Today Show and many other media outlets. In the 1920s The Brown Hotel regularly had over 1,200 guests every evening for its dinner dance. As the guests grew tired and hungry they wanted something glamorous to eat and Chef Fred Schmidt created the open-face turkey sandwich he called the Hot Brown. The Cafe is on the first floor of the hotel and if you dine there you are given 2 hours free valet parking, which is nice in the busy downtown. The room had windows looking out to the street which provided much natural light, bare wood tables, carpet, walls decorated with poster art and nicely padded seats and benches. A full bar is available. Service was a tad pushy, trying to upsell a bit and not particularly attentive but there were enough service people you didn’t get forgotten. The sandwich is an icon so I had to try it. Continue reading
Jack Fry’s is celebrating 90 years in business. Jack and Flossie Fry opened in 1933 and the restaurant was mostly a sportsman hangout due to his love of horse racing and boxing. He closed the business in 1972 and then the space served Mexican food until it was re-established as Jack Fry’s in 1982. Susan Seiller bought the restaurant in 1987, the year Jack died. She transformed the restaurant into fine dining and then sold it to Stephanie Meeks in 1996, who started working there in 1996. She further upgraded the dining area and bar as well as adding climate-controlled wine storage. The place has won many awards and is filled with photos of its history, including the photo of Jack with the winning Derby ticket that made it possible to purchase the restaurant. It’s a cozy medium-sized darkly lit place with a small parking lot adjacent to one side. The white tablecloths, tin ceiling and full bar are complimented by the lovely live piano music. Service was friendly and helpful and I would heartily recommend this place if you find yourself in Louisville. Continue reading
One of the aspects of Harbor House Restaurant that I haven’t written much about is its status as a sustainable site. In 2020 they received a Michelin Green Star for their efforts in recycling and local sourcing. Nothing is wasted. For example, they make their candles from recycled fryer oil and beeswax, they repurpose wine corks for mulch and re-use vegetable rinsing water to water growing plants – and that’s a small accounting of their efforts. It’s wonderful to think you can come here and have the elegant and sophisticated experience of a 2 Michelin star restaurant and still not leave a huge carbon footprint as a result. It’s excellent food and the staff is first rate. Frankie enjoyed visiting with a number of the team during our visit. Make your reservation for this tasting menu today! Continue reading
Gualala Seafood Shack is a small place with shared picnic-style tables inside and tables on the outside patio. Located in a one-story shopping center, you order at the counter from the menu hanging above but there are also signs about specials hanging on the window as you walk in. After you order and pay, you get a beeper to buzz you when your order is ready. Afterward, there is a place to stack trays and baskets and throw out the trash. Music is in the background and bathrooms are available inside but this is a no-frills place. They advertise that their seafood is sourced locally and are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Continue reading
Harbor House Restaurant has been written up on this site numerous times and they continue to excel even with the weather challenges California has faced. The most recent rains and wind did real damage to their ranch and all the growing produce but, other than less vegetables on the menu the food there just gets better and better. The wine list also grows and a new beverage director will be in place very soon but in the meantime sommelier Jason is doing a fine job with new additions. The setting is beautiful and I encourage you to stay either in one of the rooms of the Inn or the cottages on the property. Breakfast is another fun treat. We were thrilled to spend 2 nights and enjoy 2 dinners with Chef Matthew Kammerer and the dynamic team working at the place and I’m sure you’ll see more posts about dinners there in the future. Put this one on your list! Continue reading
Note: Restaurant now closed
Frankie took the night off and we slipped into Cry Wolf for a delicious dinner. We were lucky to snag reservations for the Chef’s Counter seats where you are able to see all the dishes get prepared and chat with the talented chefs. What a treat to find owner Ross Demers at the grill. The menu had changed quite a bit in the month since we were there and many exciting choices were available. Also, Sommelier Tim Case had added some fun new wines and Sous Chef Mike Stites was doing the finishing touches before the plates were served. I’ve described this place before but my rule of thumb is to go as often as you can while a place is hot – you never know what the future holds. So, get there now cause this place is on the top of its game. Continue reading
Chez Fonfon was a casual French bistro that opened in 2000. It is under the helm of Chef Frank Stitt but the night we were there it was his wife Pardis Stitt who was on site. (She also is a co-owner of Highlands Bar and Grill). The large place was crowded and busy with a large bar taking up about a third of the room. Music was in the background, lights were lowered, windows looked out to the street and parking, and the good-sized tables were bare wood set with cloth napkins. The vibe was of younger people and lively conversations. We were lucky to get a table in a corner, otherwise, the noise might have made me like the place less. Service was good as was the food, which was first-rate. I’d go back, especially for the dessert. Continue reading
Ranelli’s Deli has been on the southside of Birmingham serving sandwiches, salads and pastas since 1971. It is family owned and operated and has live music some nights. The place was a former gas station so there is parking on 2 sides. Inside you approach the counter and make your order from the sign above and pay. They will call out your name when it’s ready. In the meantime, you can look around at the jam-packed room filled with music memorabilia and other things. In the back of the room is a small stage where live bands can play. There is an assortment of small tables crowded into the room with soft music in the background. Their Italian dinners looked like quite a deal and they were served all day. I’d go back and try those but we just wanted a sandwich midway through the day. We should have split one – they are large and packed with ingredients. Nothing outlandish here, just good solid plain food. Continue reading
Bottega is open for dinner Wed through Sat and now reservations can be made 4 weeks in advance, online and by phone. The formal dining room opened in 1988 in the historic Beaux-Art building. A Café opened next door 2 years later which offers more casual dining. The building originally was an upscale clothing store and later housed some medical care units until it became a restaurant, but it retains the original facade and front windows and tile floor. Chef and Owner Frank Stitt received the James Beard Foundation’s Award for Best Chef Southeast in 2001 as well as many other awards during his time in the industry. Now the good-sized tables are covered with two white cloths, large metal chandeliers provide soft lighting supplemented with votive candles on the tables and some tract lighting in the high ceiling. Currently, they are not using their upstairs seating due to staffing shortages. It has a feel of elegance, the noise level is good and the crowd seemed a bit older. Service was wonderful as was the food. I heartily recommend this place. Continue reading
Johnny’s Restaurant is a blend of Greek and Southern styles of cooking. Chef Timothy Hontzas has Greek heritage, naming the restaurant after his grandfather Johnny who also cooked. Opening in 2012 this place offers a “meat and three” style with Greek specialties as well as traditional dishes like meatloaf. It is located on the second level of a busy shopping center where parking could be an issue. You place your order at the counter with the large chalkboard menu behind the counter but some additional specials were posted on the wall as you walked up. You get a number and the servers find and bring your food out to you. All lunch plates come with a choice of cornbread or yeast roll. Music is in the background, the drink station is in the back and portions are generous. The food is quite good, especially the vegetables. I would love to go back and sample more dishes – hope you’ll get a chance to try it. Continue reading
Helen is a contemporary Southern grill under the helm of Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife Emily. Helen was Rob’s grandmother who cooked on an indoor grill. The large restaurant is in downtown Birmingham in a 2-story 1920s shotgun-style building. Opening in the summer of 2020 they serve diners downstairs with upstairs having private party rooms or it can seat diners as needed. Small bare wood tables sit opposite a wood bench with movable pillow backs. Some larger tables accommodate bigger groups. Windows look out to the street, a small bar has chairs for waiting, pictures are on the walls, valet parking is available out front and a long open kitchen is in the back. The noise level was acceptable but the service could border on pushy. The food was good but once again we encounter “the small table and lots of plates at one time” issue. Continue reading
The Essential is a medium-sized bar and cafe in an historic part of downtown Birmingham that serves contemporary American food. They serve dinner, brunch on weekends and lunch, which is what we had there. They have seating inside at tables and at a long bar or tables on a patio, which did have heaters. Along with a full bar, they offered a nice wine selection. Large windows in the dining area overlook the outside patio and street and music plays in the background. A fun tile floor was opposite a decorative ceiling and one wall had a bench seat that accompanied the small round marble tables. The back end of the room was a large opening into the kitchen. At lunch, they have fewer items to pick from than at dinner but whenever you go you’ll find fine food and service here. This place should be on your list if you visit Birmingham. Continue reading
Pettigru Place Bed and Breakfast is in the historic district of downtown Greenville. The tree-lined street is mostly businesses and other B & Bs in the older large homes. The Federal-style home has 6 guest rooms that come with breakfast every day. They alternate between sweet and savory days but are 2 or 3 courses with very generous portions. They were so lovely I thought I’d include them in this blog. Here are 3 mornings’ indulgences. Sorry, Frankie didn’t make an appearance – she likes to sleep in. Continue reading
Scoundrel was opened in October of 2022 by Greenville native Joe Cash. He wanted to create a French bistro like he’d find in NYC or LA. It’s a good-sized place that’s divided in half by curtains, with the bar and its seating on one side and a long bench seat facing small tables on the other side. Opposite those tables are semi-circle booths with larger tables and padded seating. Music was in the background and lights were lowered, supplemented by spots on some of the tables. Wood floors, exposed ductwork above, and art featuring the ‘scoundrel’ cover the walls. they have 2 unisex bathrooms and one is marked with a warning that it is not ‘family friendly’ due to the provocative photos on the wall. I’m betting the notice was posted after several comments were posted about it on the trip advisor reviews. The full bar offers lots of options but the wine list was mostly uninspired. Noise was not a problem here maybe due to spacing or design but that was nice as was the excellent and friendly service. Continue reading
Hall’s Chophouse was started by the Hall family in 2009 in Charleston. They now have 5 locations in this area of the country with Nashville set as the next to open. They bill themselves as serving the finest steaks money can buy, offering an extensive wine list and serving hearty family-style sides all with great service. The Greenville location is located in the refurbished part of downtown overlooking the water feature. Parking is on the street as well as in several city-owned parking garages. It was a fairly large place with huge windows taking in the view with an equally huge bar available for drinking and dining. At lunch, they had some different menu options but the entire dinner menu is available too. Be advised that portions are large. The nice sized tables were cloth covered but I found the service to be a bit overdone bordering on intrusive and pushy. We were there for a relaxed visit with a longtime friend and the constant picking up of plates we were using to replace them with larger ones, changing out flatware after plates were served and the pushing of extra orders did not endear their service to me. Continue reading
The Anchorage was a small place in the Village of West Greenville serving an eclectic menu. Partnered with Horseshoe Farms the restaurant brings the farm-to-table concept to life by having a variety of vegetable dishes on the menu. Executive Chef/Owner Gregory McPhee opened the restaurant in early 2017 and the place was a semi-finalist for the 2018 Best New Restaurant James Beard Award. Carlos Baez, Chef de Cuisine has cooked in many places but joined the team in August 2020 and was in charge of the kitchen the evening we dined. It’s a small 2-story place with a dining room and partially open kitchen on the first floor and dining and bar area on the second floor. Next door is a tiny wine shop where you actually enter the restaurant, but wines are available for purchase. We were a little confused about where to enter and some of the regular patrons found us wandering and showed us the way in. They were local people who said it was their favorite place and I can see why. Parking was on the street, music was in the background, wood and brick made up the walls, and lighting was lowered with a bench seat lining one wall. The guests were made up of a range of people but it never got too noisy to talk. The service was fabulous. The menu offers 9 plates a la carte but there is a tasting option where you get to try all of the dishes in 3 groupings, with scaled portioning. It is the way to go, which you should – as soon as you can. Continue reading
Comal 864 is the creation of Brownsville, Texas native Dayna Lee Márquez, who wanted to bring South Texas food to this region. It started in July 2019 as a pop-up operation and in Nov. 2022 opened a storefront operation that also offers catering. Chef Márquez was nominated in 2023 for a James Beard Best Chef Southeast Award. The little house has parking on either side and picnic tables out front. Inside a long counter with stools runs in front of the kitchen and order area and the rest is filled with tables and chairs. You order at the counter and they’ll bring it to your table. Chef Márquez was in the kitchen and you could see her preparing plates along with her helpers. For 2:00 in the afternoon, it was surprisingly busy but they are open all day. The counter person was helpful in choosing what to order and the portions are very generous. While the dishes may be novel to this area I found them very lacking in spice, but I admit I am surrounded by and love spicy Tex-Mex. If I were closer I’d try the place again because the ‘bones’ of it were great but for me, the end result missed the mark. Continue reading
Coral was a large place in the West End district of downtown. It’s basically divided into 2 rooms, one bar and one dining. The kitchen is under the helm of Joshua Dill and Addison Stone, both South Carolina natives but it is owned by 3 friends who all were born elsewhere and ended up in the Greenville area. It’s a busy and loud place that stresses the bar and cocktails as well as local seafood. Painted brick walls are lined with booths and small bare wood tables. The lighting is quite low but spots set in the black ceiling shine intensely on the outer ring of tables. The floor was carpeted and there were sound panels on the walls, the only music was in the bar that blended slightly into the background but the crowds made noise an issue for me. Service was friendly and helpful but it’s hard for servers when plates are large and tables are small. The food was mixed but it’s definitely a happening place. Continue reading
Riverstreet Family Restaurant is a fairly large place divided into 2 rooms by a partial wall. The good-sized tables are mostly in one room with the other having the bar facing the service area and opening to the kitchen, Plenty of parking surrounds the building and music from the kitchen radio bleeds into the dining areas. The interior is a combination of wood, brick, shingles, metal and windows to the outside covered with blinds. A couple of deer head mounts and various signs complete the eclectic interior. The large menu features breakfast all day, a lot of burger variations and is supplemented by daily specials. The portions are large and the staff quite efficient and helpful as well as knowledgable of the names and situations of many of the regular customers. Coffee comes as a pot on the table and overall the food was good but regular. In other words, I would go again but not go out of my way to get there. Continue reading
Meridian brings modern Brazilian cuisine to Dallas as prepared by Chef Junior Borges. Opening in 2021, the restaurant celebrates chef’s Brazilian roots in a lively and beautiful setting surrounded by apartments, offices and small businesses. There is valet parking available but there are lots of places if you’re willing to walk. You enter through the large bar area that also has some small booth seating and proceed into the large main dining room with one wall having an opening to the open kitchen. Opposite walls are mostly glass with lights in the trees surrounding the place. Music is in the background and the tables vary in size with some couch-like comfortable seating. Maybe due to the wood floor or lots of plants but even in a very full room, it wasn’t too noisy to talk at the table. Lights are dimmed but it’s not overly dark. In the dining room, they offer a 4 course fixed price menu with several selections in each category or guests can go a la carte in the Bar Room or patio. The fixed price menu also has some additions available as well as supplements and wine pairings. We got the pairings and while it is a way to match the wine in food, the pours are very small and the matchings were not inspired. There is a happy hour also with drink specials and different food items. Open every day but Monday, it’s a fun place to try. Continue reading
FIG opened in 2003 and this was our third visit, the last being in March 2017. More plants are growing on the sign over the front door but you still enter into the bar area and then proceed to the big dining room. The lights were lowered, white cloths covered the large tables, the ceiling dark, floors wood, and walls red with no music in the background. We were privileged to be seated in one of the two red booths in back with really comfy seats. The place was still very popular with tables being turned regularly even on a Thurs. night. We were very happy to get to chat with Chef Jason Stanhope who was recovering from ankle surgery, but stopped by the table at the end of the meal as I requested getting an updated photo of him. The place is named for “Food Is Good” rather than the fruit and it is well-named indeed. When you have the chance I suggest you dine at this fine restaurant. Continue reading
We were excited to return to Chez Nous but slightly dismayed to not see Chef Jill Mathias in the kitchen. This visit we got to sit downstairs and enjoy the jazz music that plays in the background. There is a second fireplace at the base of the stairs to the upper level and the tables are just as small down here. There are also a few stools at the bar counter in front of some of the wines. The decorations in the place are from a local antique store that one of the owners is also involved in. Also found out that the doors to the bathrooms are original to the house. The setup was the same as before, with 2 choices for each of the 3 courses and that really befuddled the neighboring table that wanted French onion soup or any soup (they eventually left). We however were happy with the choices but this trip wanted the same things and split the dessert as we knew a heavy dinner was on the schedule. The food didn’t dazzle me as much as the first visit but I would still plan to visit this place every chance I get because the food is that good and the concept is very refreshing to me. Continue reading
Wild Common promises “bold and inventive cuisine” in several dining spaces. We chose the Chef’s Counter but there is also the indoor dining room or private courtyard. The space is large and also accommodates a couple of event spaces, neither of which were in use nor was Chef Orlando Pagán in the kitchen. You enter the plain building and go down a long hall, thinking you’ve entered the wrong space. When you find the dining area there is also a marble bar that looks into the kitchen and a large changing digital painting that dominates the dining room. Opening in the spring of 2019, you’ll find high ceilings and music in the background. They offer a tasting menu (with supplements) only and have optional wine pairings. The pricing of the menu and supplements was off in that each supplement was as much or more than the whole menu – seemed odd. We chose our own bottle and a cocktail from the bar to go with our tasting menu as printed. The menu had good portioning and very fast pacing. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Continue reading
Chez Nous is a small place in an 1835 2-story home. Around 9 years ago Chef Jill Mathias started serving the cuisine of southern France, northern Italy and northern Spain for lunch and dinner 6 days a week. She serves the same menu of 2 appetizers, 2 entreés and 2 desserts both times of day but changes the menu daily. Chef writes the new menu by hand every day in a very stylized script, with the first line in the language of the area and the second in English. The place just holds 36 guests inside and 20 on the outside patio. Music is in the background, light streams through the many windows, upstairs a bench runs along the long wall with no pillows and tiny tables. Upstairs wide plank old floors are opposite exposed ceiling rafters and the end of the room has a crumbling brick fireplace. It all works to feel like you’ve jumped back in time to enjoy a meal in a friend’s home. Don’t let anything stop you from getting to this place and eating some of her great food. We were so impressed we made a reservation for the next day’s lunch while we sipped coffee. Continue reading
Chasing Sage is a medium-sized place that tries to focus on locally grown produce and locally sourced meat and seafood. They were scheduled to open in March 2020 but due to the pandemic instead sponsored a series of pop-up take-out meals. They officially opened for dinner in June 2021. The Chef, Walter Edward is a graduate of the CIA in Hyde Park, NY and then worked internationally before opening this place. His wife, Cindy Edward runs a farm, that has been in her family and will now supply produce for the restaurant. The space is long with a bar on one side, a long service table in the middle and small tables filling the rest of the space that ends with a window to the kitchen. Faint music is in the background, the lights are fairly low, candles are on the tables, and the walls have decorations of wine bottles, books and such. It’s a cozy feel but the food did not live up to my expectations. The menu is a la carte but they offer a ‘let us pick for you’ option which we tried. The pacing was varied as were the portions. Continue reading
Circa 1886 is the restaurant in the carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion. Guests of the mansion are entitled to one entrée of their choosing for breakfast, however they also serve dinner. We were scheduled to have dinner there but let it go when an opening became available at another place we wanted to try – so many good places to eat in Charleston. We did stay at the Wentworth so we had breakfast there twice but skipped the other 2 days due to planned lunches. After passing through the lovely patio the door opens into the cozy bar room. The main dining room is a small but elegant space with double clothed large tables, well spaced and a few large booths along one wall. Service was great and friendly and the food was good. The pastries were a real surprise, being house-made, probably by Ashley Cardona the pastry chef. It would have been easy to fill up on them. I suspect dinner there would be very nice. Continue reading
The Obstinate Daughter is named for the American victory in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, where a British cartoonist illustrated the defenders of Charleston as “Miss Carolina Sulivan, one of the obstinate daughters of America”. Their website describes the place as a ‘Lowcountry Food Fort.” They have a wood-fired pizza oven as well as a raw bar and relationships with local fishermen and farms. It’s a large place on the second floor of frame house with a patio facing the street and a very small parking lot downstairs. The eclectic menu has influences from Italian and Spanish cuisines and the interior is decorated with a nautical theme. There were 2 main rooms, one with a bar and counter and the other with an open kitchen and an assortment of table types. Music was in the background, lots of windows look to the outside and the staff was all super friendly and helpful. The food was excellent. Continue reading
Vern’s is a small corner place that opened in July 2022 by Daniel “Dano” and Bethany Heinze. Dano previously worked as Chef de Cuisine at McGrady’s where Bethany managed the bar. They also worked in Los Angeles at Animal and Jon & Vinny’s. The restaurant is named for Daniel’s grandfather who is featured on a postcard that’s presented with the bill. Currently, they are open Thurs. to Monday for dinner and brunch on Sat and Sun. Windows to the street are on 2 sides and the kitchen is through an open window behind the limited bar seating, which is first come-first served and serves only wine and beer, no liquor. The bare wood tables are closely set and matched with a variety of chairs and wall benches and set with towel sized napkins. The menu has various-sized dishes that are all meant to be shared. In addition, there were a couple of specials on the chalkboard over the fireplace, one of which ran out and a line was drawn through while we were there. The food was creative and delicious and the vibe was casual and welcoming. Go if you can. Continue reading
Ariete was created by Chef/Owner Michael Beltran to combine his Cuban heritage with French technique. It was awarded one Michelin Star in 2022. They offer 2 tasting menus with optional wine pairing or an a la carte menu. It’s a small place with very low lighting, small tables and a patio. A bar counter is in the main dining room. Music was in the background and the kitchen is open to both dining rooms. Staff was super friendly and helpful. We opted to try one of their signature a la carte dishes rather than the tasting. The duck dinner is for 2 and involves a press brought to the table where parts of the duck are made into a sauce tableside. It’s a fun show with a fabulous result. The order comes with a number of side dishes also. I give this place high recommendations but be prepared for the dim lights. Continue reading
Joe’s Stone Crab was opened as a lunch counter in 1913, before Miami Beach was a city, by Joe Weiss. He moved south from New York due to his asthma and found he could breathe easier in Miami Beach. It started as a lunch stand and by 1918 he and his wife bought a small house and set up tables on the porch, calling it Joe’s Restaurant. For a number of years, they were the only restaurant on the beach and Al Capone was a regular customer (using a different name). Around 1921 a researcher discovered stone crabs, but they were not known to be eaten. Joe gave them a try and they were an instant hit. His son Jesse evolved into running the place and had the personality to attract many celebrities and the well-to-do crowd. The place served food to Will Rogers, Amelia Earhart, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Joe Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover to name a few. The third and fourth-generation family members now run the place with some employees having worked there up to 50 years. It is an institution, to say the least. A huge place, there are several dining rooms, a large bar and a patio all appointed with formally dressed staff and double white clothed tables. Service is fabulous as is the food. An experience not to be missed. Continue reading
Stubborn Seed has Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13’s winner Chef Jeremy Ford in charge of the kitchen. It’s a medium-sized place that serves only a tasting menu in the main dining room and various snacks at the bar. It was very lowly lit, which made photos difficult, had music in the background, got fairly noisy when full, and the small tables were unclothed dark wood. Paintings and mirrors decorate the walls. The menu for the evening is on the table and wine pairings are available as are supplements of Perigord truffles, Ossetra caviar and a course of Chawan Mushi. The server informed the kitchen of our visit and we were gifted several supplements. A kind and generous gesture but that didn’t win me over, the food did. It was wonderful, as was the service. They were justly awarded a Michelin Star in the new Florida guide. Put this one on your list to visit, sorry my photos don’t do justice to this tasty and inventive cuisine. Continue reading
La Rey de las Fritas has been serving Cuban food in Miami for 40 years. They originated and are known for “La original Frita Cubana” – a Cuban-style burger they invented. It is a ground beef patty with sautéed onions that is topped with a mound of shoestring fried potatoes on a fluffy Cuban roll. There are several locations but we visited what we think was the original. Located in a strip shopping center, it was a large place with 2 U-shaped counters with stools facing toward the kitchen and the opposite wall had booth seating. It was bright and a bit sterile, but managed to get a fair number of people both eating in and taking out. Their famous burgers are offered with a number of variations and otherwise they had a large menu of Cuban dishes. They also had shakes and drinks made from lots of different fruits and so we also tried a mango shake or Batidos. The sandwich was interesting but not killer however the shake was lovely. Continue reading
Boia De is a small restaurant in a strip shopping center with closely set small tables and a long bar inside. There is a patio also. In the new Michelin Guide for Florida they were awarded one star. Lights are lowered, windows look out to the patio, the open high ceiling has exposed ductwork and there’s music in the background. The food is definitely American with a strong Italian influence – they make their own pastas. They stress natural wines and the place sells no liquor. The plates are small, meant to be shared and multiple ordered per person. The place is lively and fun with touches of that seen in the decorations and particularly their signature ‘!’, which is in neon outside and on the wallpaper inside. That ‘!’ well describes their food with an amazing amount of flavor and texture in each bite. Couple that with some outrageously friendly and helpful servers and you will have a great dining experience. Get a reservation and go! Continue reading
La Sandwicherie was started in 1988 to bring simple sandwiches at a good price point to Miami Beach. Since then they have expanded to include several Florida cities. The sandwiches are on crisp white or wheat baguettes or soft croissants and all have the signature dressing vinaigrette on the side. All include veggie toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, hot peppers, black olives, red onions, cucumbers, and Cornichons (French pickle). They also offer salads and a variety of fruit drinks, but no alcoholic beverages. There is no interior; it’s simply a counter with a few stools and a space designated for ordering. You can customize your French inspired sandwich in any way you’d like. The counter workers take your order and make your sandwich and music is in the background. They are super friendly and helpful. The sandwiches are wonderful and on great bread. Continue reading
It’s been several months since Frankie officially visited Cry Wolf but she always enjoys her time in this place. Chef Ross Demers was back to finishing out the plates before being served while others enjoyed some vacation time. Since we were sitting at the Chef’s Counter this was a plus. The place was really hopping with returning and new customers all enjoying some heavenly food and the lively atmosphere. The bar turns out some fun-sounding cocktails but I prefer to put us in the capable hands of Sommelier Tim Case. He always has something new and different to try that compliments the food turned out by the kitchen staff. In fact, all the staff seem to enjoy working here and translate that into the fine service delivered to the diners. The menu changes regularly but staff will help you make decisions if you want. Put this one on your list to visit soon. Continue reading
Quarter Acre opened the last day of 2022 in the space that used to house Rapscallion on Greenville Ave. Their intent is to combine upscale dining with Chef Toby Archibald’s New Zealand roots. Chef likes to use seafood, flavors of, and other meats from New Zealand and their wine list has some wines from there. In New Zealand “quarter acre” symbolizes your dream – a quarter acre of land with a house and space for kids to run and grow. This is Archibald’s dream to showcase his cooking. Prior to this he served as Chef de Cuisine at Bullion and Executive Chef at Georgie, here in Dallas. He also has worked in NYC, London and Toronto kitchens. The place is one large room with a bar running the length of it. The middle section is crowned by some huge bamboo/rope fixtures with larger tables underneath and the other long wall is a long bench lined with tiny 2-top tables. The open kitchen is in the back. Lots of plants, fairly loud music, and windows to the street are part of the scene. Service was good but mixed – the same as the food. Portion sizes vary. Continue reading
Dakar is a Sengalese tasting menu highlighting seafood from local waters and produce form Southern Louisiana farmers. Chef Serigne Mbaye presents a menu inspired by his childhood in Senegal, where his mother taught him to cook. He has garnered additional experience in kitchens at Atelier Crenn, Joel Robuchon and Commander’s Palace, to name a few and was a finalist in the James Beard award for Emerging Chef. Many Africans came to Louisiana during slave trade times and his multi-course tasting menu pays homage their traditions while incorporating the flavors of New Orleans cuisine. He operated as a pop-up called Dakar NOLA for a couple of years before opening the permanent location in November 2022. It’s a one-room older home with a tasteful modern decor inside. There are 2 communal tables and several smaller individual ones. You designate a preference when you make your reservation. They have yet to obtain a liquor license so for now it is BYOB, but there are 2 stores close by where we had time to run and get a bottle of wine. The people there were familiar enough with the menu to make recommendations. Lighting is lowered, windows are open to the street scenes outside and before the meal they come around and wash everyone’s hands. It was not only very tasty food, it was a fun evening to visit with other adventurous eaters. Chef Mbaye spoke before the tasting started (a menu is on the table) and after it was over. He is young, charming and very talented. Go if you can! Continue reading
Commander’s Palace has been on this blog several times, but this time we were back for lunch. The menu is smaller and cheaper and they still off 25¢ martinis which come in several variations. No wonder they had a good crowd but it also turned out to be KingsDay, which is the start of Carnival Season and so there were tables of people dressed and ready to start the celebrations. It seemed like private parties were being seated upstairs. There is a limit of 3 on the drinks “cause that’s enough” and it truly is. They also have $5 deals on a couple other cocktails. One caveat is that you do have to purchase an entrée. The food was fine but mostly the ambiance won me over this time. Continue reading
Saint-Germain offers only a 10 course tasting menu that moves between the 2 rooms of the place. They wanted to recreate the feeling of eating at a chef’s home and they certainly did that with their tiny dining room. First to find the place, look for the sign that says “Sugar Park” that marks the spot and reservations are a must. The menu changes regularly and wine pairings are available. The award winning chefs go for a French bistro type of fare and partnered with Drew DeLaughter, their business partner who runs the front of the house, to open in 2018. It’s in an older house that used to house a pizzeria – you can see the marks in the dining room where the oven was pulled out. You start at the bar with the lovely and friendly bartender, Hillary. She like all the staff are lively and engaging and make the evening a delight. Pacing and portion control were spot on and I’d encourage anyone to go there that can, – the food’s terrific. They do give you a copy of the menu at the end of the meal. Continue reading
Saint John is a large long space from Chef/Owner Eric Cook, who has worked at many fine restaurants in New Orleans. His first restaurant was Gris-Gris and this one opened in Oct. 2021. There are several rooms as well as a long bar for seating. Upstairs has balcony seating as well as rooms for rent for private parties. As you walk to the back room, the long open kitchen is on your right but first you pass a huge mural by Deurty Boys that features tributes to deceased local chefs and hospitality leaders. The same artist did pieces of stained glass art for each of the elevated booths across from the kitchen. The space is quite bright, music is in the background and the tables are topped with marble. Service was helpful but there were very few people there. This surprised me as it’s right across from the way popular beignet restaurant. It could be the coldness of the place, the high prices, the average food or the time of year. Take your pick but I don’t recommend this one – it’s not bad but not worth the money. Continue reading
Lengua Madre offers a 5 course tasting menu of traditional Mexican cuisine as seen through the eyes of Chef Ana Castro’s grandmother’s kitchen. This is now combined with her experiences from living in Denmark and now New Orleans. Open about one year, the menu changes seasonally at the small dark place. Outside there is a pink glow in the windows and little signage.The neon glow coats the entrance hallway, but the dining room has more subdued orange hues. Music is in the background, the small bare wood tables sit on large linoleum-like tiles and overhead is a dark ceiling. They offer 5 oz. pours for wine pairings but also have some bottles. In one corner of the room is the open kitchen which is well-viewed by the 6 stools by the counter framing it. Service was friendly and efficient and the tasting was well paced with smallish portions. We chose to drink a sparkler with the meal and a copy of the menu is presented with the bill. Continue reading
Galatoire’s has been written up on this blog numerous times but on our most recent visit we tried a few different items so I thought I’d post pictures and some commentary. I had read that the food had gone downhill following Covid so I also wanted to re-visit. While everything was not spectacular, and some even a little off, overall it was a fine meal. The service there is so adaptable and the crowd too lively, it’s hard not to have a good time. The menu seemed smaller but I learned a new thing – that you can order half sizes of many of the entrees. This allows you to try more things. I still recommend this place for a dose of wonderful seafood cooked nicely with lots of butter. Continue reading
Chat qui Rit opened in 2015 and is close to the Piazza San Marco. However, the logo is from the 1940s when it was a cocktail spot and after-dinner place with a luxury feel that was named Chat Qui Rit or “the laughing cat”. Owner Giovanni Mozzatto decided to maintain the 1948 logo as the logo for this new venture. That thought of merging the old and new is also seen in the kitchen here, with established Venetian Chef Davide Scarpa paired with young Leonardo Bozzato, who also brings in some Asian influences. It is a striking space with outstanding service and food. Spread over several rooms, there is music in the background, lots of windows to the outside, a large bar area, seats outside and good-sized tables set with a beautiful napkin embroidered with the cat logo. Besides a full bar they also have a huge, well-chosen wine list. In addition to the a la carte menu, they have a tasting menu that is well-composed, paced, and portioned. I of course loved the cat logo, but the place lived up to the name and I give it high recommendations to any who have the chance to visit. Continue reading
Al Covo has been written up on this blog numerous times but it’s been several years and on this trip we went for lunch instead of dinner and sat in a different room. It’s been in business since 1987 and is always a favorite stop when we are in town. Chef-owner Cesare Benelli and his wife Diane (who makes all the desserts) are now happy to have their son helping in the kitchen. Diane is from Texas and always welcomes a bit of her old home visiting her current home. A fairly small place, we’ve always been seated in the bigger dining room but this time we were ‘walk-ins’ and got to try out the smaller room to the left as you enter. The small wood tables were fairly close and well-lit by the adjacent windows. There was music in the background, as well as lively conversation and all the family was in the house. In addition to the printed menu, there were a couple of daily specials. We had a thoroughly delightful meal with great service in a very welcoming place. Continue reading
Wistèria was started 4 years ago by Andrea Martin and Max Rossetti, business partners and friends since the 90s. Named for the wisteria that grows around the patio area, the restaurant focuses on products sourced from the Venice water and lands as well as the Adriatic Sea, all with environmental sustainability in mind. The restaurant was damaged by the high tide of Nov. 2019 and had to be closed for a month of repairs and then the Covid pandemic caused another shutdown after March 2020. In Nov. of 2021, their persistence paid off with the awarding of one Michelin star to the restaurant. The generous marble tables are well spaced and set with large white cloth napkins, throughout the several rooms of the place, Music is in the background, wood beams are overhead, lots of windows look outside, and a beautiful stone floor is below your feet. Chef Valerio Dallamano offers only a tasting menu of 6 or 8 courses with optional wine pairings. Service was outstanding with good portion control and pacing. We had planned to get the shorter menu but the server talked us into the longer one – it was a good choice but we ordered our own wine. Continue reading
Al Conte Pescaor serves classic Venetian food with a global wine cellar of more than 1800 bottles. They specialize in seafood from the lagoon, especially what is seasonal and have been in business 93 years, 32 of which have been at their current location. On a corner, their 2 rooms are in an ‘L’ shape and there is a patio. The walls are covered with memorabilia and wine bottles, the small tables have white cloths, their logo of “Al Conte Pescaor” is on everything, music is in the background, the room is well lit, some bench seating lines the walls, the second room has booth seating and the ceiling is wood. It was not busy when we stopped in for lunch, but this is off-season. The service was friendly, helpful, and knew what was in season for ordering purposes. It’s a nice place with good but not great food. One thing for me though, was that they had some of the small seasonal offerings like razor clams and Moeche or soft shell crabs. Don’t go here looking for new and interesting combinations, go here for good preparations of typical Venetian food and you’ll leave happy. Continue reading
Vittoria 1938 is a small family-run business. Giuseppe Rampazzo started it and named it after an amateur football team he had started. After his death his wife, daughter, and now granddaughter took over the establishment. It’s located very near the train station and serves some nightly specials in addition to the regular menu. It was a fairly brightly lit place with small tables. We met up with a friend there and so my notes are poor as we had much to catch up on and the food seemed secondary, for once. The portions were large, the service was relaxed, and they allowed us to keep the table without pushing us out. They have outdoor tables but it was raining that night, so they were not an option. The food was fine but not memorable however it was a lovely evening with a very dear friend, Marisa Convento who is a Venetian artisan of glass beads. Apologies to my readers and the restaurant for the lack of commentary, but the photos will tell the story. Continue reading
Dama opened in Feb. 2022 in a hotel that opened in 2019. Both are lovely and elegant additions to the city. The restaurant has 3 long tables, placed end to end, made from boards recovered from the “briccole” (mooring posts) in the Lagoon. The table ends at the glassed-in kitchen. The walls have black wood and curtains with brick archways lit by dampened overhead fixtures, that light the food well but not overly so. Plants in the middle provide a soft touch as do the plates and glasses made by Venice artisans. Hard to describe but it comes off as elegant yet comfortable. Chef Lorenzo Cogo uses many products from the area, especially those of the lagoon. They offer a la carte ordering as well as 5 or 8 course tasting menus with optional wine pairings. The food incorporates some more unusual ingredients but re-inventing uses for what had been discarded is one of the joys for this chef. This is sustainability in action. Service was professional, efficient, and also warm. We enjoyed the longer tasting and would highly recommend this place to anyone who has the opportunity to go. It is a voyage of discovery for the tastebuds and a delightful evening. Continue reading
Estro – Vino e Cucina was opened in 2014 by brothers Alberto and Dario Spezzamonte with the former leading the kitchen and Dario in the front of the house and wine program. It is a wine bar serving modern-style Venetian cuisine and Cicchetti. Of the 2 rooms in the place, the first is the bar and snack area and the second room has a dozen small tables for seated dining. The walls surround you with wine, the floor is stone, a wood ceiling is above that dangles candles, faint music is in the background, and spotlights illuminate the individual tables. They have an a la carte menu, daily specials and 3 or 4 course tasting menus. We created our own tasting of sorts by splitting a number of dishes. The food is inventive and fun. Continue reading
Ai Mercanti is a family-run business with a large patio in addition to several indoor rooms. It was opened in 1980 by Chef Nadia Locatello and her husband Diego and moved to its present location in 1996. In 2013 their son Simone joined Diego out front and upped the decor as well as adding a French influence to the food. The menu could be described as traditional Venetian dishes with a twist. The interior is softly modern with gold disc light fixtures, bench seating around the perimeter, the wall-mounted CD changer, and a striking black and white bathroom. Service was helpful and efficient, there is a huge wine list, the atmosphere was most pleasant and the food was very good. Continue reading
Osteria da Alberto has been around since the 1920s and serves homestyle Italian food. The small place has 2 rooms with some windows overlooking the canal beside it. The low ceiling is wood beamed with lots of pots hanging from it and also decorating the walls along with photos. The dark wood tables have dampened lighting and paper cloths and napkins. It has a cozy feel with efficient and friendly service. They are known for their seafood and pastas and we took the wise recommendation to order the special of the day. Looking around that is what many of the guests did too. The food here was well made with a good amount of flavor and an inexpensive price point. The kitchen split our pasta dish for us but for the fish we were on our own. Continue reading
Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine is named for the owner’s (Kyle Teas) father, Eugene. Kyle Teas was born and raised in Houston and grew up eating Texas Gulf seafood and wanted to acquaint more people with the cuisine and thus he opened Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood Kitchen in 2007. When the Mockingbird Bistro space became available about a year ago, the restaurant moved and expanded the menu as well as the seating. They stress serving fresh and seasonal fish, many cooked with Cajun influence. The old school large place is in the River Oaks area with plenty of parking. The staff is super friendly and helpful but also very professional and efficient. In addition to their menu, they had nightly specials and discounts for happy hour snacks and drinks. The food was delightful and I would easily recommend this place as one to visit when in Houston. Continue reading
Brass Ram is Chef Nick Badovinus’ ninth and newest restaurant which opened in early November 2022 on the second floor above National Anthem on the edge of downtown. This place is all about prime rib and old-school steakhouse dining. There’s leather, dim lighting, brass, exposed brick walls, cozy spacious booths, a large bar, vintage music in the background, and a private dining room decorated with photos of Marilyn Monroe. Parking is mostly valet but be forewarned – they sent us to the end of the building to climb the open staircase and surprised the hell out of the staff leaning on the door. There is a proper door on the downtown side of the building where you enter and have an elevator or enclosed stairs to take you up to the place. Either way gets you in but the hostess stand is by the preferred door. Staffing has been an issue with the parkers so these people probably really didn’t know how to enter. The service is friendly, relaxed, and excellent in the restaurant but the food did not overwhelm me. I love the look of the place, but as with many of Bodovinus’ places, I wish it were less noisy, and even though he was in the house he did not make it around to many of the tables. Continue reading
Don Chabe opened in August of 2022 in the location that formerly had Mac’s Bar-B-Que. It’s primarily a Mexican steakhouse but they also have breakfast items and salads. Fronted by Oscar Rodriguez, the owners also have street taco and sandwich spots and thus some of that is also available. There are plenty of tables and a dedicated parking lot and the bones of the place still scream Mac’s but they’ve painted the ceiling with fun designs and installed bright tiles around the baseboard. The lights are bright and music is in the background as well as a large TV screen on one wall that was muted when we were there. They were not crowded but our server said they have not put out much advertising as they are still working out the menu. English was not the first language of our server but we were able to get by. They do now have beer($4) and take credit cards. Continue reading
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Back for our second dinner and I can’t believe this place just gets better and better. Check it out on <https://www.theharborhouseinn.com
Harbor House Restaurant has been on this site a number of times but this was our first winter visit. We were lucky to find an opening to stay at their lovely main house for 2 nights and also open reservations for dinners those evenings. This is when you know you should have bought a lottery ticket cause your stars are aligned. There are only 20 seats at this ocean-view dining room on the Pacific coast. Matthew Kammerer is the chef of this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, and other well-deserved honors like Food and Wine‘s Best New Chef of 2019. However, as I’ve said before, a chef alone can not make a restaurant this great, it takes a wonderfully talented staff too. It’s one of those amazing places where you can ask your server pretty technical questions about the food and they know the answers, without having to run to the kitchen. Sommelier John Miller continues to add to the wine selections, especially those from this region. At this point, the whole staff knows me but everyone who goes gets the same caring attention that makes this a magical place to dine. I heartily recommend it, especially now that their ranch is up and running and supplying some fabulous produce that you can enjoy along with the marvelously fresh seafood, also obtained locally. They do stress sustainability and thus will highlight some less common items. Continue reading
