came with the bill – Five Cowboys Way, Frisco, TX, 75034
The Dallas Cowboys Football Team built a large facility to practice north of Dallas, in the town of Frisco. Besides the practice fields, weight room, ect. there are offices and some are leased by our financial team who are members of the dining room at The Star. The only way you can eat there is to be a member or the guest of a member, but I thought you’d be interested in the place either way. No photos of the practice area are allowed, but I got a few of the room and our lunches. It’s a large place with a bar area and lots of couch seating too. Bottles of wine are used to form walls for some of the more private dining rooms. Service was excellent and the place is bright and attractive. The food was fine but no football players or other celebrities were spotted, other than Frankie of course. Continue reading →
Update – I read in the local paper that they have now closed. I’m sorry I didn’t get there earlier but am publishing the write-up to encourage all to visit one of a kind places today and watch to see where these folks land.
Mixtitos Kitchen is a large place in East Dallas run by Chef Jose Luis Rodriguez who was honored by Telemundo 39 for his tacos. It is a fusion restaurant combining flavors of Mexico, Japan, France and Italy. They are open daily for lunch and dinner. Opening in the summer of 2023 Chef and his wife Harumi have struggled for business but continue to get accolades in the press and on the Nextdoor Neighbor app, so I thought it was time to try it. Indeed, Chef Rodriguez greeted us at the door and then went into the kitchen to make our lunches. My dining companion and I both ordered specials of the day and that was a great choice. It doesn’t have the standard options that are on a Tex-Mex menu and the location is not the best but it’s worth going to cause the food is really good and it’s the kind of place I wish we’d see more of – independent and chef driven. Go and let me know what you think. Continue reading →
Little’s Oyster Bar is in the Montrose area of Houston. It is a chef-driven restaurant from the Pappas Restaurant Group. Chef Jason Ryczek highlights Gulf Coast seafoods along with selected caviar, lobster and seasonally changing items. Opening in the location of the Little Pappas Seafood House it’s anything but little. A long marble topped bar runs the length of the room which is mirrored with an outdoor patio room. There is a good sized parking lot adjacent to the building. Inside you’ll find loud music with fairly bright lighting complementing the wood and brick walls and partial carpeted areas on the floor. We were there with family and as the place filled I’d swear they turned up the music. Service was good but not great but the food was mostly good, fresh and pricey. If you want seafood it’s a good place to go but expect variable flavor. Continue reading →
part of the main house – 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
The dining room is divided into 2 rooms. One has a dramatic coved ceiling, some booth seating along one wall, and a lot of lights. The adjacent room was where we were always served and it is a reclaimed porch. Windows to the grounds make up one wall and it is ended by windows to some of the wine cellar on one end and the other by a large stone fireplace. The lighting is much lower here and the room more cozy. Both have music in the background, wood floors, lovely linens, and fresh flowers on the good sized marble topped tables. One thing I wondered about was would the wine and spirit options be from the “low shelf” since they were included in your stay. They were not. The alcohol options for cocktails were many and varied as was the wine that was mostly by the glass. We did have a bottle at the Twigs dinner but otherwise we let the sommelier pick based on what we were having and it was all good. If you didn’t like something they were happy to pour you a glass of something else. A premium list is available at an extra charge but I encourage you to put your selection into their hands. Continue reading →
part of main house- 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
Twin Farms lunch can be had in the main dining room or ordered as a picnic brought to many places throughout the 300-acre grounds. Some of the sites are set up with campfires. You can also have the food delivered to the place you’re staying in. The facility provides a number of indoor and outdoor activities including hikes, yoga, puzzles and games, cooking classes, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, some downhill skiing, ice skating, fishing, and biking. They gave us information on flora and fauna of the area but as it was rainy and cold we didn’t get out on the grounds much and instead enjoyed some downtime in front of the fire, in our room and in the main buildings. We did enjoy a guided art tour of some of the pieces in the main building. The staff were all super friendly and helpful and really seemed to want to make your stay what you wanted it to be. The food varied but it was all easily edible, some being quite good. Continue reading →
looking through the window- 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
Twiggs is in a separate building that used to be a game room and pub named for the founder Thurston Twigg-Smith. For the first 30 years Twin Farms operated it had just one dining room, which remains their signature venue. Twiggs opened in the fall of 2022 to offer guests a more casual, rustic option. It has a seasonal menu that is all a la carte and features an Argentinian wood-fired grill. A large portion of the high-ceiling wood-beamed room is taken up by a bar with seats for dining and/or drinking. A couple semicircular booths are along the opposite wall and a large fireplace is at the end of the room with nearby couches and stuffed chairs for pre or post dinner seating. Music was in the background and lots of lights keep it brighter than the average dining room. With the wood floor and unclothed tables it felt like it might be noisy when filled but we were there off season and noise was not a problem. Service was great and even the chef that evening came out to visit after our meal. Most of the stays at Twin Farms have a 3 night minimum so I would encourage you to pick this for one of your dinners. The food was good and much simpler. Continue reading →
Frankie looked out at the patio – 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
Breakfast at Twin Farms was in the main house’s dining area. The porch addition was used the 2 days we went to breakfast. It had been re-done last year whereas the barn-looking dining room was re-done in 1993. This porch room had windows on 2 sides that looked out on the patio and grounds. A fireplace was at one end and the stone tables were set with heavy stuffed chairs. Fresh flowers were always on the tables. After you select your order the staff brought a pastry of the day for you to snack on while you await your food. Coffee, juice and alcoholic drinks were available in this lowered ceiling room with art on the walls. Continue reading →
main house –452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
Twin Farms was originally owned by author Sinclair Lewis who bought it for journalist Dorothy Thompson. She promised to marry him if he bought her a farm in Vermont, so he found this wonderful 1795-era farmhouse on 300 acres and purchased it for $10,000 in 1928. Their parties were legendary but after Dorothy passed away in 1961 the property changed hands several times. Thurston Twigg-Smith brought the property as a second home for his family in 1974. By the late 1980s he was limited in how often he could visit the place so decided to re-create it as a resort and hired interior designer Jed Johnson and landscape architect Dan Kiley to transform it into “the number one small hotel in North America.” With their talents and access to Twigg’s outstanding art collection, they created the Twin Farms of today. Nine rooms opened in fall 1993 and the number of accommodations grew to 20 over the next 12 years. Here you can stay in large suites in the main house or various cottages and tree houses. The current owners have added a second dining venue, Twiggs and expanded outdoor dining options and added 8 more options to stay in. The place is a fixed price that includes 3 meals a day, snacks, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and offers a variety of included activities. We were fortunate to enjoy the facility and the next several posts will cover our dining experiences while there. It is on the pricy side but it is all inclusive. The staff were fabulous and if you have the chance I know you’d enjoy a trip there. Continue reading →
The Swag has several areas to eat dinner. The first night we were on the covered open air porch. The lighting was low and the breeze was quite nippy. We asked to eat inside the next night as a number of the guests did and so we sat in the great room. There is also dining in a smaller windowed room adjacent to the porch which is enclosed and we had breakfast in there both days. The main room has a large fireplace with a bear skin over it and a stuffed bear climbing on one of the rafters. A large chandelier made of antlers as well as small table lights make it much easier for photos in there. Some deer mounts are also in the room which has a jigsaw puzzle set up during the day and feeds into the bar area. My understanding is that you can reserve a dinner here and not be staying in one of the 18 rooms, suites and villas. However, be warned that it’s not a driveway you want to navigate in the dark. Most of the rooms have their own fireplace and they stock the room with wood. I know you would enjoy a trip here. Continue reading →
side view of main lodge – 2300 Swag Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785
At Swag you pick your dinner and lunch selections at the beginning of the day. Breakfast is ordered when you go. There are also snacks during the cocktail hour before dinner, which is at 7:00, snacks in your room, cookies in the afternoon and ice cream in the freezer outside all day. You won’t go hungry. They have changing Experts in Residence and these folks are there to visit or dine with you and bring expertise in everything from nature, wildlife, plants, photography, to painting. Some lead hikes and others on the staff offer classes in wine, cooking, cocktails, etc. – all included in your stay. When you arrive you stop at the welcome house where they greet you with a beverage, for us champagne, and give you details about your upcoming stay. They park your car and take your bags to your room while you are driven to your cabin. Everyone is super friendly and willing to help. The Chef hosts a picnic lunch twice a week and other days lunches can be packed as a picnic. The food is not cutting edge but made with good ingredients and care for a nice finished product. Continue reading →
main Swag house – 2300 Swag Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785
The Swag Resort is almost a mile above sea level at the summit of the Great Smoky Mountains. They offer a variety of private cabins or rooms in the main lodge to stay in with all meals included in your stay. Built in the 1970s by Dan and Deener Matthews, it was a potato farm when they bought the spot at the top of the bald mountain. No road accessed the property as the farmers had hiked to harvest the potatoes that were rolled down the hill. They fell in love with the view of all the mountains from the hilltop and simply hiked up and camped there when they first bought the property. They began to buy old log buildings and after building a road began to use these reclaimed logs to craft the buildings on their property. It was a private residence until the 1982 World’s Fair came to Knoxville and the organizers asked if they could use the place as a hotel. Guests liked it so much that they wanted to come back and thus the inn was created. It’s called the Swag as that’s the name of the dip between the mountain ranges. In 2018 the Matthews sold the property to Annie and David Colquitt, who spent their honeymoon on the property. It joined Relais & Châteaux in 2020. We were able to stay a couple nights and the next 3 posts will cover our meals there. It’s a beautiful place and the staff are superb so visit if you can. Continue reading →
The Morning Fork is the product of husband and wife team, Chef Keith Swiryn and “self-proclaimed Waitress Extraordinaire” Jennifer Swiryn. They are both from Sacramento with lots of years in the restaurant industry. Their dream was to open a breakfast lunch spot and in 2019 this retro diner style place is just the thing, in the place where The Lucky Café had been. They are open daily from 8am – 2pm. It’s a long place with a counter and stools running the length of it. Booths line the other wall and picnic tables are outside for waiting as they are known to have a line especially on weekends. Art is on the walls and there’s a stiking piece made from forks on the back wall by the kitchen. Music is in the background, the lighting is bright and the service is helpful, friendly and efficient. The server helped me craft the plate I wanted. The food is fine so if you need breakfast or early lunch in this area put this on your radar. Continue reading →
Allora offers a four course prix fixe dining experience with optional wine pairings available seven nights a week. With each of the courses there are a number of choices some of which are only available with a supplemental fee. You also could add a caviar course and/or cheese course. Opening in Feb. 2018 they call themselves a modern Italian seafood and wine bar highlighting fresh handmade pastas and locally sourced ingredients. The 22-foot tall glass enclosed wine cellar was a focal point in the dining room. They did offer the options for seating outdoors, the counter around the bar, high top or standard size tables. Lots of windows to the outside made up a couple of walls while the bar counter served as a divider of the room. We sat to one side of the bar which also had the open window into the kitchen. Service was first rate and the pacing and portion control of the meal was good. I would definitely go again if in town.Continue reading →
The Waterboy has been serving the cuisine of northern Italy and southern France since 1996. A native Sacramento Chef Rick Mahan was inspired by a trip he took to France and now creates European style food with local California ingredients. It’s a good sized place with an open ceiling two-story room decorated with lots of plants. Windows were on 2 sides, the back of the space was filled with a semi-circular bench seat, music was in the background, the small tables were covered with white cloths and a bar with stools faces a painted wall. There were also some tables outside on the patio. The menu was supplemented by a list of daily specials and breads that were made in house. The wine list had reasonable prices and the food servings on the large size. Service was friendly and efficient. The food was good and I hope you’ll give it a try when in Sacramento. Continue reading →
building – 915 Broadway #100, Sacramento, CA 95818
The Kitchen was opened in 1991 by the Selland Group and around 2014 Chef Kelly McCown, who had worked in numerous highly regarded kitchens took the helm. Here he assembled a fine team that continues to gather awards from many sites. The restaurant offers a tasting menu (with several types of optional wine pairings) Wed to Sun. with a twist – you can participate in the meal’s preparation and ask for seconds. The venue is large and the 80 people in attendance are seated at a variety of tables and some around the low counter, where you can participate in the action without having to leave your seat. Everyone is invited to be seated at the same time so when you approach expect a line at the door. After they take you to your assigned seat (ask for the counter) they take drink orders and invite you to start milling around and sampling from the many trays of snacks scattered throughout the room. It’s supposed to mimic a dinner party feel but to me it was a bit chaotic and the flow of the setting did not work great for milling. Take that with a grain of salt, as I’ve dined around more than most and have been invited into many kitchens so for some this would be quite thrilling. I don’t enjoy cooking but for some helping prepare the plates or torching the fish would be exciting. The concept would work better for me with a much smaller group but I can appreciate the novelty of the concept. I was fine to stay in my seat at the counter and interact with chefs in front of me and the folks beside me while enjoying some very tasty food. One other critique I would level though was the lack of texture in the dishes. When you prepare that many covers it’s hard to keep the crisp or heat in a dish. Nevertheless I appreciate the changing menu format (tonight’s theme was apples), the fine service, the show with dinner and would give the place a thumbs up to visit. We were there on Halloween, so many of the staff and patrons were in costume. Continue reading →
Mulvaney’s Building & Loan gets its name from the movie It’s a Wonderful Life where George Bailey learns that his business actually holds the community together. Owners Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney wanted to honor the community that has been good to them and so chose that name. They serve New American cuisine in a farm-to-table restaurant whose menu changes with the seasons and local availability. The restaurant is in 1893 firehouse with the original brick walls and open ceilings and exposed ductwork. It’s a medium sized room but next door is a larger room, that can be rented and a patio joins the two. White cloths are on the tables, music is in the background, art is on the walls and there are lots of windows(the old firehouse doors being repurposed as such). Staff was super friendly but a bit slow. However, the food was interesting and worth waiting for. Hope you’ll give it a try. Continue reading →
Localis serves a global cuisine that changes every five weeks. They offer a twelve-course tasting menu using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Two levels of wine pairings are available as well as a wine list, bar and non-alcoholic beverages. They have been awarded one Michelin star. When the theme of the menu changes, the entire menu changes except for the 2 first snacks. On our visit it was an Argentina theme but they have also used Portugal, Thailand or ‘something like Middle Earth’. The counter has 2 seatings every night at 5pm and 8:15pm while table times are staggered. I’d call it medium-sized and the dining room tables are irregularly cut pieces of wood that are attractive in a window-sided room that felt like an enclosed porch. The background music was fairly loud and parking is on the street as you can find it. Opening about 9 years ago, Chef Chris Barnum-Dann also serves as sommelier. Service was friendly and helpful and portion control was good, as it’s a long menu. The menu at your table is marked with your name and it has great descriptions of the food, if you don’t write fast, which is nice. The courses varied in their success but overall it was a very positive experience, so I encourage you to give it a try when you are in Sacramento. Continue reading →
Frank Fat opened his namesake restaurant in 1939 calling it “Frank’s 806” (which you can see at the end of the awning). Today, it’s Frank Fat’s and the oldest Sacramento restaurant exclusively owned by one family. When Frank Fat began, he was very interested in feeding people quality food with great service and that has allowed him to open several other places with varying cuisine. In 2013 he received a James Beard Foundation Classics Award, given to locally owned and operated restaurants. It has a reputation as a place where influential California politicians come to drink, dine and negotiate, which makes sense as its location is a short walk from the capital building. Every California governor has been a customer since the restaurant opened. It is a large place that runs several rooms deep, all with beautiful Chinese decorations. The first room had stools around a bar counter and bench seating along the wall. Further in bare dark brown wood tables appear. They serve a large menu of old-school Chinese food and have specials for lunch, which are smaller versions of some of their more popular dishes. The food was quite good and the service was friendly and efficient. I would put this on your list, especially after taking a free tour of the California State Capital building. Continue reading →
building – The Henson, 39 Goshen Rd, Hensonville, NY 12439
Matilda is the restaurant in the newly re-opened Henson Hotel. It was much busier the second night we visited and we sat in a different part of the room which allowed us both to watch over all the evening’s activities. We had a curved corner booth in the darkened room where you mostly heard conversations of other guests and the music bleeding in from the bar. It was my understanding that the kitchen was training in some folks on stations new to them or maybe it was the bigger crowd but service was way slower than the previous evening. The server felt the delay and brought us extra items to make it up to us but I laughed when we marked two and a half hours there and the reservation system had reminded us that our time slot allocated us one and a half hours. The staff were all so nice and the food was so good, you couldn’t get mad. All that said, this is a place I can easily recommend you stay and enjoy dinner and drinks too. A lovely a la carte breakfast is also included with your room.
Day June Lunchonette is a small local restaurant serving American classics for breakfast and lunch. The present owners, Ely and Danielle Franco, have been the owners for about a year and a half, but it’s been a restaurant space for some time. The name is a take on lunch in French dejeuner. Inside are a variety of table sizes and an L-shaped counter with stools. Windows to the street, a new wood floor and art on the walls are complimented by music in the background. Breakfast is served all day and service was super friendly. The menu isn’t huge but is well chosen to highlight foods you want to try. If I get back to the area, I certainly would go again and hope you will to when you visit the Catskills. Continue reading →
The Henson – The Henson Hotel, 39 Goshen Rd, Hensonville, NY 12439
Matilda is the restaurant in The Henson hotel, a 16 room hotel recently bought and refurbished by Ely and Danielle Franko. They partnered with Chefs Fabián von Hauske Valtierra and Jeremiah Stone, from NYC to bring fine dining to this small town in the Catskill Mountains. They opened just after Memorial Day, transforming what was Hammo’s Lodge (2015-2021) into a lovely boutique hotel, bar and restaurant. The 150 year old space has been transformed with art, furniture and personal details. The dining room had small bare wood tables and some bench seating around the perimeter. Music was in the background and there was a large window looking into the kitchen on one end of the L-shaped room. Art was on the walls and the lights were lowered. Service was excellent in the dining room and at the bar in a different room. This bar had a much larger counter and very friendly staff but there were also stuffed chairs if you didn’t want to sit at the counter. There were French doors leading to the patio and the gardens but it was a bit on the chilly side to eat outside. The hotel is a lovely place to stay and the dining room has wonderful inventive cuisine so I encourage you to head to the Catskills and give it a try. Continue reading →
Peggy’s Sweet and Savory was a bakery cafe that started as Back in the Kitchen in 2010. Peggy cooked and everyone seemed to call it Peggy’s so the name was changed in 2021, especially since she wanted to further explore the sweeter side of cooking. There were about 13 seats in this small ground-floor cafe. The bathroom was on the second floor, which was otherwise unoccupied. The third floor houses a local artist. In the restaurant, the kitchen radio provided the background music and the menu was on a chalkboard. You order and pay at the counter and they bring it out to you. Most of the business seemed to be to go. Windows provided plenty of light and the walls were filled with photos of local townspeople and Peggy’s family photos. An old wood floor and other decorations gave it a wonderfully cozy feel. The servers were friendly and helpful. The food was simple and well-made. Stop in when you’re in the area, you won’t be disappointed. Continue reading →
The Troutbeck’s dining room is on the first floor and is a long room divided by stone structures and booth backs. The small bar, with about 6 stools is in the hallway where you check in. A couple fireplaces are in the dining room and some bench seating is along the walls. Lighting is way lowered and no music was in the background one night and on the next. The bare wood tables were small and in some instances quite close. Many of the guests are staying at the lodge but just as many come from surrounding towns, likely to celebrate a special occasion. They have added on to the original structure and now have a large event space at one end of the building but also have firepits outside so that one night they had a large dinner party outside. The portion sizes varied but the staff was able to help steer the ordering process. Unfortunately they didn’t know that much about the food but still were very pleasant. The menu likes to feature locally produced items and changes little night to night but rather monthly. We repeated the duck from the previous night, it was that good but had to pass on dessert because we were too full. I would encourage you to book a room and give it a try. Continue reading →
Breakfast is offered in the same room as dinner at the Troutbeck. In the morning the room is much brighter and music was in the background. The room has a dark wood floor, art on the walls and small tables to accompany the bench seating around the perimeter. Breakfast is not included in your stay and overall was a bit pricey for what you got. Dinner is what you want to get here but you can’t challenge the convenience of eating on the property. The food and service were both fine but it might be better to get a pastry from their pantry or head to town for coffee and whatever. It’s a short meal so I’ve included a couple photos of the other rooms in the lodge where you can relax and enjoy your $5 drip coffee. Continue reading →
Troutbeck been around since the 1700s as an inn, private estate and tavern. It was originally owned by the Benton family who frequently hosted people like Thoreau and Emerson. The Spingarn family then owned it from 1875-1939 while Colonel Spingarn was head of the Comparative Literature Dept. at Columbia University, and hosted folks like Sinclair Lewis, Thurgood Marshall and Theodore Roosevelt. The Spingarns were active in the civil right movement and hosted early meetings of the NAACP at Troutbeck. In 1917 the original house burned and the Spingarns built the stone manor in 1919, which stands today. After some years of neglect it was bought in the 1970s and extensively renovated in 2016, reopening its doors to the public in 2017. We were fortunate to be able to get a reservation to stay there for two nights during the lovely fall season. It has multiple rooms in the main lodge but also many surrounding cottages. You don’t have to stay there to eat in their restaurant but it is the most fun way to go. There is a small bar for before-dinner drinks or you can order them and enjoy them in any number of cozy rooms with lots of fireplaces and stuffed furniture. Meals are all a la carte. It’s a lovely place and some of the food is outstanding. Continue reading →
There are only about 10 tables in the main dining room and another half dozen on the porch. Breakfast meals, which are included with your room, were divided between both room but lunch seemed mainly served on the porch. There is also an option to have your food delivered to your room or to somewhere on the property. They really aim to please and will customize your experience as you’d like it to be. Reservations must be made for meals and only people staying on the property can partake of them. It’s lightly dressy for dinner with the lights dimmed and such but very casual at the earlier meals and with all the windows, sunlight fills both dining rooms. Being there in a cooler time of year fires were going in the fireplaces. Service was super friendly and delivered by young and enthusiastic people. In between meals there are several walks outlined in the material and graded for difficulty and mileage. Golf carts are free for the asking and available to use on paved and graveled paths, of which there are miles. Even though it was a really popular time of year to be at the place we rarely saw anyone else on the various paths. Within the buildings there is a lot of art and sculptures are located on the grounds. If you need a snack there is a popcorn machine, self serve ice cream bar as well as chocolate chip cookies. I hope you’ll get an opportunity to enjoy a bit of time here. Continue reading →
Big House – 1000 Glendorn Drive, Bradford, PA., 16701
The Big House was built of redwood as the property Dorn bought had been previously clear-cut and redwood would cut the risk of fire. The logs were from California and shipped via the Panama Canal to the building where they were left rounded on the outside and planed smooth for the interior. Meals and the bar are located the Big House, along with several rooms/suites. Also on the property is a spa, workout room, and play room that had a self serve ice cream bar and fresh popcorn to go with games and such. The property has numerous fishing lakes for fly fishing only and they have gear for you to use. There is also skeet shooting, biking and golf carts to supplement the numerous hiking trails. We got fish food from the staff that we could toss to the growing fish and boy did the fish go crazy for it. On Friday and Saturday nights they have live music at dinner. On Fridays it’s a guitar/singer and on Saturday it’s a pianist. It was a lovely accompaniment to dinner. They also had a buffet set up outside the cocktail room with boiled shrimp and cheese in the foyer. Each night the menu changes some of the selections and the quality of all varies but is overall quite nice, however many of the service staff are fairly young and inexperienced. Continue reading →
The Lodge at Glendorn dates back to 1927 when C.G. Bondieu purchased 1,250 acres as a retreat for his growing family. He built a “Big House” and some cottages in the American Arts and Crafts style. They continued to add buildings to the property over the next 80 years, opening it to the public in 1995. One of the families that frequented it, fell in love with it and bought it when it was auctioned off in 2009, after most of the family no longer resided in the area. Cliff Forrest and family then made Glendorn their home and set about preserving the history and natural surroundings while doing restorations, improvements and expanding to 1,500 acres. Today, many of the furnishings and artworks were original to the home when the Dorn’s owned it. We were lucky to snag a room at this Relais & Châteaux for 2 nights during Fall leaves. Breakfast is included with your stay and I’ll cover that and lunch in a separate post. Dinner is in a 4-course tasting format where you choose between multiple options. You can also choose to have just 3 courses, pick more than one from each category, or add additional at a la carte prices. They will customize it however you want. Prior to dinner, they served snacks in another room with a bar, pool table and roaring fire. I’ll talk more about the place in the upcoming posts but it is a beautiful spot and the staff could not be more welcoming or helpful. The food is locally based and good but marvelously enhanced by the stunning yet cozy 2 story dining room. If you can get there I know you will enjoy your visit. Continue reading →
Kennedy’s Cafe was a small town cafe on the main street of Somerset. Mike Kappers and his family bought it from the Parnell family in 2018 and renamed it for his then second-grade daughter. The small building has been a cafe for years. The first floor had a few stool seats at a counter, a few booths (with red-topped tables) and a couple of center wood-topped tables. There was additional seating upstairs but I didn’t visit, nor did I visit the basement where the men’s bathroom was – the ladies was on the ground floor. No music was in the background but the place was packed so conversation filled the air. It had lots of lights as well as windows to the street and the walls were covered with some photos and tons of funny-saying signs. Service was super friendly but a bit slow (probably due to the crowd). A cozy little place that serves only breakfast and lunch. It was fun to visit but the food was mostly bland. Continue reading →
Primo Restaurant is a chef-owned place by Melissa Kelly who was the 2013 James Beard Foundation Award winner of the American Express Best Chef, Northeast. She also won this award in 1999 making her the first 2 time winner of the same award. It started as a small venture with one greenhouse and one acre of gardens to 2 greenhouses, 60 staff and 3 acres of gardens as well as chickens and pigs. It is a huge place with a 2 story house being the main eating area with a roaming parking lot to the side that goes up by other buildings and gardens. It was dark and rainy the night we went so it was hard to tell what was what. There were tables on the porch around the large house but the weather did not allow these to be seated. Some rooms had white tablecloths and others bare wood. We were seated in a small room upstairs with old wood floors and bench seating around the walls and small tables. Art for sale was on the walls and I saw 2 bars upstairs. The server told us the place was named for the chef’s grandfather when he had a brief moment to chat. The menu changes daily and yet specials were verbally delivered by the server. The food was good, the ambiance a bit hectic and my overall impression was once was enough. Continue reading →
Home Kitchen Cafe opened in early 2009 in a former gas station location. In 2013 they renovated to expand the kitchen and add a second floor deck. Offering breakfast and lunch all day they want you to “remember, when you’re hungry, come home.” They have their own bakery but also try and make most dishes in-house and use local ingredients. There are parking places around the building but also street parking. Benches outside served as a waiting area and the line moved quickly. Inside there were tables in one part and the other part was just a lower L-shaped counter seating and a cabinet with items for sale. There was music in the background and service was friendly and efficient. If you need breakfast or lunch in the area this would be a fine place to get it, but come hungry. Continue reading →
18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill looks over Rockport Harbor and is owned by Chef Patrick Duffy and his wife Jessica. The couple moved to Rockport from Boston in 2011 to run the Shepherd’s Pie restaurant, which closed in mid-2016. With a first run at the property, they decided to open their own raw bar and restaurant in that location. After several months of renovations, they launched the new venture. It’s a good-sized place with patio seating, overlooking the harbor. The first part of the space is the bar and raw bar and a partially open kitchen fills the rest. The floors are old wood matching the tin ceiling above. The walls are wood and brick while art, historic photos and boat sails hang as decorative touches. The lighting is quite low and there was no music in the background. The tables were well-spaced yet small and service was fine after a slow start. The menu responds to seasonal products and the food was quite good. This place is worth a visit when you’re in the area. Continue reading →
line up to order – 315 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858
McLoon’s started in 2012 as a family-owned Maine lobster shack on the tip of Spruce Head Island across from the area’s oldest working lobster wharf. It’s what a city would call a food truck except it doesn’t move. You line up at the order window, order and pay and then another person calls out your name when it’s ready and they bring it to your table. There was a tent over many large picnic tables next to the building but also an assortment of tables, some with umbrellas around the basic area. Some have wonderful views of the harbor and many enjoyed full sun, if that’s your thing. There were also wooden chairs that just faced the harbor without having to be seated at a table. There was a line waiting for it to open and the line continued throughout our lunch. It moved quickly and it didn’t take long to get your food. They had a service stand by the tent which supplied salt, pepper, wipes, toothpicks and a container and cups for water. Also for sale were several Whoopie pies which they touted at the Maine dessert but they also had pies and cookies. We passed on that. The food we had was fabulous, fresh and I’d go back any time I am in the area and it’s open, as it does operate only seasonally. Continue reading →
Long Grain opened around 2010 serving “honest food” which was mostly Thai based but also made use of other Asian cultures. A husband and wife team owns it, Ravin Nakjaroen and Paula Palakawong, both from Bangkok with he being a self-trained cook. In 2014 he was a semifinalist for the Best Chef Northeast James Beard Award. Located in downtown Camden parking is as you can find it but there was a small public lot across the street. Over the years the place has expanded in size, which helps as it’s pretty popular. Large windows look out to the street and inside it’s divided into 2 rooms by an open bookcase with things for sale. A few seats are also available at the counter in the back. There’s lots of light in addition to the windows with the addition of skylights and there is music in the background. The servers were very friendly but service was slow, I think due to being overwhelmed by customers. They do take reservations and serve lunch and dinner Tues through Sat. The food was worth waiting for – everything we had was excellent. Put this one on your list for your Maine vacation. Continue reading →
Nīna June is the nickname of Chef Sara Jenkins, who was born in Camden, Maine but raised in the Mediterranean. She uses the background of both places to highlight the products of Maine’s farms and ocean coastal waters with a regularly changing menu. She is the author of 2 cookbooks and previously cooked for kitchens in NYC. This is a long place with the back patio seats overlooking the Rockport Harbor. The open kitchen was on one side and the chef was there to greet the customers and show them to their table. The walls had bench seating with lots of pillows which matched up with small closely placed small wooden tables that were set with paper placemats and cloth napkins. Music was in the background, the lights were fairly dim and art was on the walls. It was a cozy feel and it easily facilitated conversations with your neighbors. The menu was very intriguing and thus we ordered way more than we could eat but we wanted to try so many things. As you’d guess, some items were better than others and appealed differently to esch of us. I’m not sure if any would get a “lick the bowl” rating but I certainly would recommend this place and go back if I’m in the area. The food is very fresh and well done without dots, smears or added micro-greens and really focused on local. Let me know what you think when you visit! Continue reading →
Market Steer Steakhouse was started in 2018 at the St. Francis Hotel by Chef Kathleen Crook and Kristina Goode. You can see Frankie’s visit to the old location here but this trip it had relocated last July to a new 4,500 sq. ft. building with a separate bar area and extensive sound proofing in the main dining room. They did 4 months of remodeling to the structure before moving in and so were able to address the noise level of the older location. Adding a bar allowed them to offer craft cocktails and have a place to display the equestrian and rodeo roots of the Chef. The 60-seat dining room is adorned with a 600 piece hand blown amber glass chandelier and wall sconces made of horse hair ties. The bench seating along the walls was well padded and matched with closely set 2-top white cloth-covered tables. Larger tables were in the center on the old wood floor with music in the background. The ceiling was lined with wood beams and much of the art on the walls was from local galleries with the price list on the back of the wine list. It was a room of soft tones with friendly and excellent service. The food was quite good, so if you are ready for a steak dinner put this on your list. Continue reading →
Geronimo has long been a standout place to eat in Santa Fe. It’s in the “Borrego House” that was built by Geronimo Lopez in 1756. Frankie visited and wrote it up on 11/19 and again on 9/23, which you can click on if you want to see more photos of the place. Located on the busy Canyon Rd where there are tons of art galleries, they do have valet parking if you aren’t close enough to walk. It’s a quiet and elegant place with music in the background, white cloth-covered tables and art on the walls. There are seating options outside, at the bar and in a number of interior rooms. Reservations are a necessity. Service is friendly yet polished and professional. Our fine server, Jay has been working here 25 years or as he put it, “he came with the building.” We passed on dessert but I got a photo of the menu for you. The place has never let me down and I know it won’t disappoint you either. Put it on your list. Continue reading →
Joseph’s Culinary Pub was the creation of Chef Joseph Wrede, Food & Wine‘s Best New Chef 2000 and winner of several AAA Four Diamond awards as well as being featured on The Food Network’s Triple D. The restaurant started in Taos in 1995 and moved once more before settling in the present location about 10 years ago. The place had multiple rooms as well as outdoor seating and a bar counter. The room we were in had bench seating around the perimeter and free-standing tables in the middle. Several windows contributed natural light to the electric lights which were well dimmed. Antique copper pots hung decoratively along one wall and other art was on the walls as was a chalkboard with a drawing of the fish featured in the daily special. Service was super friendly and the food was innovative and tasty. Our two main plates had too many ingredients but they all blended into successful flavors. There are daily specials and changes to the menu with the seasons but some items have been on the menu for 25+ years. This place is worth a visit. Continue reading →
La Choza was located in the old adobe headquarters of Mercer Ranch with a large adjacent parking lot. The name means “the shed” which is the name of their sister restaurant in the historic square. Frankie has visited both but prefers La Choza. You can read about a past visit here. They do not take reservations so go into the building to get your name on the list as soon as you park your car. There are options to sit at tables inside or outside as well as seating at two bars. (I even heard someone request a patio seat where they could have their dog with them). The place has multiple indoor rooms all enhanced with colorful decorations. We were meeting friends there so I got to take photos of some other plates and everyone agreed the food was quite good with generous portions. The red sauce is supposed to be the spicier of the two but both had a good bit of heat, at least initially. I found as you ate the hot portion rounded off into simply lots of flavor. The heat aspect varies with the chilies used that day. Service was great and I’d easily recommend this place to anyone for lunch or dinner. Continue reading →
We visited McRae’s in March of this year and were anxious to get back and try more of their foods. Our reservations were on a Sat. night and they were very busy, enough so that we went around the back to park. That also allowed us to check out the patio but it was not getting much use till later in the evening – it’s pretty hot outside in Dallas now. Inside people were enjoying cocktails and conversations while music played in the background. Service was good and efficient but when it’s busy, order your drinks right away as the bar gets backed up. Our server was quite savvy though, and encouraged us to order drinks and appetizers while we looked over the menu. The tables are on the small side but it worked and the close seating offered the chance to chat with your neighbors and check out other menu items. It was great fun, good food and fine service – you can’t ask for more than that. We went again 2 weeks later and tried some different items and also found some new additions and deletions to the menu. Hope you’ll give it a try when you’re in Dallas. Continue reading →
We visited the Mexican Restaurant in Point Arena in Nov. of 2023 and had a fine meal so we popped in for a snack. I noticed it’s now “My” Mexican Restaurant but you’ll know it when you see the “Uneda Meat Market” sign on the building. The place hasn’t changed except that in addition to the radio on the TV was also playing and unmuted. It’s a small place with little staff -one in front and one in the kitchen. Things are made to order and are of good quality. I will gladly stop by them again when in need of a Mexican food fix.
Prior to this visit we dined at Harbor House last May 2024 and Nov. 2023 but many other times as you’ll find if you search for it on this site. We would go more often if we were a bit closer – it’s definitely at the top of our list of favorites. The staff are all very welcoming and the meal truly deserves its 2 Michelin Star rating. They also achieved a Green Star for their protection of the environment and no-waste ethic. Chef Matt Kammerer and his team have created a jewel for this beautiful coastal setting which serves locally sourced proteins and ingredients harvested from their ranches. They put great effort into creating new items for your second night but will repeat some of your favorites too. Their wine list continues to evolve nicely under Kelly Eckel and we trusted him to select for us and he finds some wonderful choices. The restaurant changes a few things every time we visit and this visit found carpet in the main dining room. Another means to buffer the perfect noise level but I’m not sure I liked covering the gorgeous wood floor. Now that most amazing staff can whiz by and you won’t even notice. I must also mention that one of their fabulous captains, Jaclyn Bisantz won the young server competition and will now represent the U.S. in the international competition! Quite an honor but you couldn’t find someone more deserving. Great staff are a huge component of a restaurant’s success and I look forward to seeing every one of them again soon. Hope I’ll see you there too! Continue reading →
dining room – 2740 Pacific Ave, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
When you stay at the Stephanie Inn breakfast is included. It alone is worth staying there for. It’s in the same room as dinner and on the kitchen side they set up the hot buffet with a variation on eggs, potatoes, meats and hot cereal. In front of that they have fruits, granola, Greek yogurt and sauces. On the other side of the room they have muffins, bagels, toast, scones along with butter and jams. After you’re seated they take your drink order and then you serve yourself as you choose. A menu in your napkin details what is on the buffet and also items you can have cooked to order. Their fruits were all fabulous, being well ripened and full of flavor. The scone flavor changed daily and they were all very good with a nice crisp exterior. The muffins also varied daily and some I liked better than others but all were fine. The toast was the same bread they serve at night. We also tried several of their order options as well as crafting our own order one morning. The coffee was French press and they offered fresh juices but I never tried any of them. The menu also offered alcoholic drinks but I didn’t try those either. It was all wonderful and gave a fantastic start to the day. Plus they serve from 8 – 10:30, so it works whatever time zone you’re coming from. Continue reading →
back of the inn – 2740 Pacific Ave, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
The Stephanie Inn’s dining room holds about 17 cloth-covered tables in the second-floor round room on the mountain side of the hotel. A wooden domed ceiling is over the front half of the room and a lower flat ceiling is over the back darker portion of the room. With the tablecloths, padded chairs, table spacing and carpet on the floor the noise level was wonderful. You could easily hold a private conversation but with light music in the background, you could still enjoy the hum of the other people. Children under 12 are not permitted in the dining room. Service was excellent all the nights we were there with good attention to detail, particularly special requests. They start each evening by offering to get you a cocktail from the bar and take your other beverage requests. An amuse bouche is served and then some bread before the first course hits your table. At this point, Chef Jeff Slemaker took the floor to discuss the upcoming meal. He was to the point and invited all to continue eating as he talked. He was a delightful host and came around to talk with the guests. For our last meal, Chef Johanna led the kitchen team. Portioning at the tastings was wonderful – there was plenty to taste but not too much to make you feel stuffed. They brought additional bread if you needed filler. Each meal was fairly different so it was fine to eat there multiple nights. The staff were all fabulous, friendly and helpful. I can’t wait to go back and hope to see you there too! Continue reading →
exterior – 2740 Pacific Ave, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
The Stephanie Inn was a 3 story hotel on the Oregon coast owned by Ryan and Stephanie Snyder. We visited two years ago and enjoyed it enough that we decided to come back and stay here 4 nights. Rather than making five posts I’ll group two of the dinners in separate posts and do some comments on the breakfast in another post. The first change you noticed was that the place had been painted blue. According to one of the bellmen the place closed for 4 months for an extensive re-do of the facility. On one side of the hotel are beautiful flowers, people’s homes and views of the mountains and on the other side is the beach and rolling ocean. Guests and townpeople alike can also enjoy their 4-course tasting menu at dinner. Chef Aaron Bedard showcases the flavors of Oregon with a daily changing menu. They also highlight many items from their own 40-acre Public Coast Farm, which we saw midway to Portland. Three of the courses are set but there was a choice on the entree course. Wine pairings were available but there was a good list of bottles and wines by the glass to choose from as well as a bar that made good cocktails. In the summer there are 2 seatings, 5:30 and 8:00 but in winter they only offer 5:30. Those staying at the hotel have priority for reservations and there’s plenty of free parking around the hotel. Chef Bedard left his most capable Executive Sous Chef Jeff Slemaker in charge of our first 3 meals. This is a definite recommendation for dinner if you are in the area or have the opportunity to plan a trip here. Continue reading →
cafe exterior – 495 NW Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
The Meating Place first opened in 1974 and was in business until 1998. It re-opened in 2011 as a small custom meat shop and within a few years expanded into a 20,000 sq. ft. store offering smoking, curing and sausage making along with a separate cafe. Now with their own herd and ability to process other small rancher’s meat, they are working to reduce the carbon footprint of meat packing and slaughterhouse processes. Their beef goes “straight from our farm to the Meating Place where it’s cut and wrapped for customers without ever hitting a piece of plastic.” The huge meat market was in a separate building just down a small hill from the good-sized café. It offered plenty of indoor and outdoor dining spots and also did a healthy take-out business. It takes a while to get your order so many have learned to call ahead or order online. Music was in the background and a huge mural filled one wall. The kitchen was next to the long order counter and mostly walled off from view. The smells were fantastic as you entered and Frankie enjoyed all the pig decorations. They are open Tues through Sunday for breakfast and lunch from 9 to 3. A special sandwich is offered some days and many are available in a half size. The sandwiches and burgers come with a bag of chips and a pickle spear. If I lived nearby I’m sure I’d shop at their market because I admire what they’re doing. Not so sure about their sandwiches but it’d be worth it to try a burger and if you do please let me know how it was. Continue reading →
Tipico’s Mexican Food was in a former Pizza Hut building with a large very busy parking lot outside. Booth seating lined the perimeter and various sizes of tables are in the middle. Windows with shades were above the booth seats. They are open daily from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm and offer no-frills Mexican fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They did have beer on the menu but I saw no bar for other drinks. You seat yourself and when you’re through, note your table number and your check is at the register by the door. It’s very near to Love Field airport but it also seemed frequented by many of the workers in the neighborhood. Fast service, good prices and giant portions are part of the draw but the food has more soul than fast food flavor. There are daily specials which are very reasonable but many Tex-Mex favorites are on the menu. (If you can read the tiny print on the menu). It was not a particularly convenient place to where I live but I’m glad I went and wouldn’t be against going again if I’m in the area. Continue reading →
building – 52450 Wisconsin Ave, Drummond, WI 54832
KD’s Bear Den was in the heart of downtown Drummond in a building that has housed numerous other places over the years. They are open Wed. through Sat with the kitchen closing before the bar some days and accept only cash. It was a medium sized interior with seats at the bar for food and/or drinks as well as seating on the patio. Carpet was on the floor, artificial flowers hung from the ceiling, there was a good sized parking lot outside, the TVs were on but muted, no music was in the background, the walls were covered with signs and decorations and they had air conditioning. Service was friendly and very effecient and the drinks were on the weak side. Wednesday was the chicken dinner special and Friday was fish fry but hamburgers and pizza were also available. We were there for fish fry and it was an early crowd and there was a short wait for a table. The owner Katie seems to double as cook and came out to visit with some of the folks. It was a good enough I might go back and try the chicken dinner. Continue reading →
building – 50 N. Knowles Ave. New Richmond, WI., 54017
Not Justa Cafe has 4 locations with a variety of owners, two of which also include Not Justa Bar and/or catering service. According to our server they all vary slightly on the menus and ambiance. The New Richmond location serves breakfast and lunch everyday with a small counter area and it does offer drinks. It was a large place spread over several rooms and offered daily specials as well as being open to customizing your order. Country music was in the background and they had a variety of tables, counter stools and booths for seating. At the entry where you wait to be seated was a round glass case of dessert options and items for sale. In the seating areas kitschy signs decorated the walls and carpet was on the floor. There were uncovered window to the outside and plenty of parking our front. Service was terrific, friendly and efficient and the food was mostly good. Continue reading →
exterior – 2 W Munroe Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Denny’s Diner has been owned by the Van Schoyck family since 1980. Named for Molly Van Schoyck’s husband Denny, it serves breakfast and lunch every day 6:30 am to 2:00 pm. Filled with toys and collectables they are noteworthy for their daily baked cinnamon rolls. Most importantly they are not in anyway affiliated with the national Denny’s chain restaurant. Seating is in a number of booths next to the windows to the street and tables that can be re-arranged to accomodate groups of many sizes. There is also seating at the counter. After you’ve looked over the large menu you can entertain yourself with the 50s-60s music in the background as well as watching a toy train go round overhead or visit Superman in the old phone booth. It’s a visual feast of items. My advice is go for a drink and cinnamon roll of any variation and skip the rest of the food. Please note that it is cash or check only. Continue reading →
exterior – 800 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Del-Bar has been in business since 1943 when Jim and Alice Wimmer took the plunge and bought an existing roadside restaurant known for its char-broiled steaks. The restaurant had its 75th anniversary in 2018 when the third generation (two grand-daughters) of the Wimmers took control. This large place is about tradition and the supper club experience with several bars where you can enjoy a cocktail before dinner in the many dining rooms. It’s a more elegant scene with table clothes and tasteful decorations. The building was Prairie-style architecture and was actually designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright protégé, James Dresser. Carpet was on the floor and no music in the background which made conversation easy. There was a combination of booth and table seating in the dining room as well as patio if you wanted outdoor dining. I really liked the look of the place and the service was professional and friendly but the food was mixed. Continue reading →
street entrance – 434 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
The Courtyard Cafe has had the current owners for 3 months. The Lohr’s bring with them 30 years of local restaurant experience and you’ll find their parents, kids and sibling all there helping. They serve breakfast and lunch in a large high ceiling room next to the Wizard Quest courtyard. At one entrance they also have an ice cream counter and advertise specialty coffee drinks. Beer and wine are available as were a few cocktails. We sat at the counter but there were numerous tables of many sizes in the dining room. We were there in a transition time so both the breakfast and lunch menus were in play. Currently you cannot get served in the patio but you can pick up to go and eat there. It was refreshing to see a less cluttered interior and anticipate straightforward food. I would recommend this place, especially the onion strings or anything with the jalapeno popper spread.
Set-Up
courtyard entranceinteriorinteriorinteriorFrankie pointed out their hoursspecials menumenubreakfast menubreakfast menulunch menulunch menu
Food
I had to start with an order of the Mini Donuts that are billed to be “just like at the fair.” They came out with the cinnamon sugar on them and it was a generous serving. They were not hot but still plenty soft and tasty.
mini donuts
As an appetizer we shared an order of the Haystack Onion Rings which are served wtih housemade ranch dressing on the side. They were hot and crisp with well cooked onions inside. The coating adhered nicely to the onion. They were delicious with or without the dressing.
onion strings
The Ultimate Turkey Club contained turkey, bacon, lettuce, cheddar and mayo on white toast. Some of the toast pieces were overly toasted and the bacon could have been crisper. Removing the middle piece of bread helped but it’s still a mildly flavored sandwich. Pickle slices were a mild dill.
Ultimate Turkey Club
The Grilled Ham and Cheese was made with cheddar and smoky salty ham. I made it ‘Gregg’ style by adding their famous jalapeno popper spread for $2. This was a key to making this one sing. The server suggested it was his favorite way to eat it and it did add a good amount of spice as well as creaminess to the interior. It was a generous mound of thin sliced ham and well melted cheese on perfectly toasted bread. It was very good.
above entry – S2011 Ishnala Rd, Lake Delton, WI 53940
Ishnala Supper Club is named for a Winnebago Indian word meaning “by itself alone.” It overlooks Mirror Lake in the middle of Mirror Lake State Park. Settlers bought the lands from the tribe in 1826 and constructed a log cabin trading post. The Coleman family bought it in 1909 and made it into their dream home but it changed hands in 1953 when the Hoffman Brothers bought it and created the Ishnala Supper Club, as it is today. Robert Prosser, who started work there as a busboy in 1973, bought it in 1993 . When we went he was at the door greeting guests. It’s a huge place with an extended driveway to the grounds and parking lots, but if they fill there is parking where you turn in and a shuttle to get you to the restaurant and its 4 bars. You check in and will be given an estimate on how long your wait is as they take no reservations. The bars open at 3:30 and the restaurant at 4:00 but the line starts forming by 3:00. We got there at 3:00 and were happy that they started letting people in about 10 minutes early. When we left, the reception person said the wait was 2.5 hours. It’s a machine. There were chairs everywhere on porches and in the various bars located on many levels. Continue reading →
building – 101 Provence View Lane, Sequim, WA 98382
Nourish is a farm-to-table place open for dinner Thurs – Sun. They operate a dedicated gluten-free kitchen with house made dishes using local ingredients. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining with parking on both sides of the building. The menu changes weekly and is a 3-course fixed price with several choices for each course. The wine list was better than most and they also offer cocktails and beer. The indoor space had carpet on the floor with metal and unstained wood for the walls with lots of windows. The metal tables were unclothed, the ceiling was open and there was a large amount of space overall. The food was really good with clean straightfoward flavors. I love the idea that the menu changes that frequently, it would make me go often if I lived nearby. Service was super friendly, efficient and helpful. Hope you’ll try it and let me know what you think. Continue reading →
Dungeness Valley Creamery is owned by Ryan and Sarah McCarthey. They produce whole raw milk from about 70 Jersey cows that produce around 350 gallons of milk per day. Sarah grew up on this farm that was run by her parents. She and her husband took over in 2012. Now their 2 sons are learning the business and you could see them working around the farm. There are cows of all ages and the place used to have tours but now it’s walk through as you wish and they are happy to answer questions. We wanted to try their ice cream which was made by Lopez Island and is sold by the scoop or pints. Lopez supplies many Northwest area restaurants, etc. The friendly scooper told us the cows all love petting and invited us to look around which we did. Each cow had their name on an ear tag and had quite different personalities. Meanwhile the ice cream was dense and lovely. I would have preferred simpler flavors but it and the farm are worth a stop during your visit to the Olympic Peninsula. Continue reading →
Alder Wood Bistro was in a house-like building with several rooms open for dining and a large patio and a good amount of parking around the building. A few booths and lots of tables made up the seating that had music in the background, sound absorbing panels on the ceiling, art for sale on the walls, lots of windows to the outside and decorations scattered about. There was a full bar and a nice wine selection. The food was billed as “the finest local, organic and sustainable produced ingredients”. They have a wood fired oven for pizzas and offer a gluten-free cauliflower crust as well as noting what other menu items are vegan or gluten-free. Their menu also had a number of nightly specials as well as drink specials. I would go back, it was pretty good, and the service was super. Continue reading →
Dupuis’ Restaurant was a large place that was established in 1920 by Joe Dupuis as a tavern with beer, wine and a dance floor. He pumped gas out front (which is the entrance today). He started serving food so he could sober up customers who had imbibed too much During its 100+ year history it has gone through a number of owners with Toni Rieger taking charge in 1998. Through the years the various owners have loved to collect things and many have remained with the restaurant so take time to appreciate all the nostalgic and quirky things. The booths and bar were in the oldest section which had the original furnishings. Now a wrap-around porch area is being added or maybe it started when Covid was upon us. Famous people have visited the place like Barbra Streisand and husband Brolin as well as Tommy Lee Jones and Princess Margaretha of Belgium. The many rooms are different with the entrance room wood covered with lots of knicknacks. The room we dined in had a fire place, curtains covered the windows, tables were covered with white cloths and chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Music was in the background, carpet was on the floor and it was lovely to be able to chat with my husband and hear his response. The food was quite good and I would put this place on your list to visit when you are in the area. Continue reading →
Owners Tracie Millett and Lavon Gomes opened Salty Girls Seafood Company in 2018 but were constantly asked about fish and chips which they did not have room to fry in the kitchen. So they added a location a block away to serve just that. Right now the original shellfish bar is in the heart of downtown Sequim and the FnChips is in an old Episcopal church a block away, but the plan is to move the shellfish bar closer and add a music area in the future. For now it’s a short walk between and worth it to visit both of these places. Both have indoor as well as outdoor dining options and the Salty Girls had a full bar where as FnChips had beer and wine. Inside was a long bench matched with bare wood tables across from coolers with a variety of drinks. Salty Girls has a long bar where the fresh oysters are iced and some high top tables. Both places had super friendly people with a few more interesting decorations at the Salty Girls. I don’t think you could go wrong with anything on the menu at either of these places and hope you’ll try them when you’re in the Olympic Peninsula. Continue reading →
entrance – 4514 Travis St Suite 132, Dallas, TX 75205
Georgie was the third restaurant for Stephan Courseau in Dallas opening in 2019 as a partnership with celebrity chef Curtis Stone and a mostly steakhouse theme. It was known for high prices and low creativity. Enter a change when Stone parted ways and Courseau brought in RJ Yoakum as Executive Chef in January 2023 after three and a half years at the French Laundry in CA. Creativity now abounds and I can’t remember being as excited about a Dallas restaurant since we found the now closed Cry Wolf restaurant. We totally enjoyed a really exquisite dinner last night with service and style reminiscent of a Michelin starred place. Music was in the background for diners seated at double white cloth covered tables on an array of plush velvet couches matched with chairs. A coved ceiling was lined with absorptive material that made conversation possible at your table. A valet is out front but you can park yourself for free at a large lot underneath the building. They offer a seasonal a la carte menu but also a tasting menu with optional wine pairings. With advance notice Chef Yoakum will vary the tasting but we didn’t give that notice thinking we would have what was offered. As it sometimes happens Frankie or I are recognized and so Chef put our tasting on steroids and just wow, this man has what it takes. We often got different dishes so we could try more but with the lower lights and fast descriptions the photos and I won’t be able to do the food justice. You’ll have to trust me that everything that came to our table was amazing and I don’t say that lightly. This was an exquisite meal with a flavor profile off the charts. I may have to stay in town so I can get there again soon hope you will too! Continue reading →
Frankie rode the cart – 115 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream was brought to Washington State by Lillie and Jacob from New Zealand, where she learned the art of combining a scoop of ice cream with real fruit. Starting with a trailer in July 2021 they have now opened a storefront in the Port Angeles Wharf since June 2022. Welly comes from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand where she worked for 3 months. They combine ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery with local fruits from Washington farms. They had 4 single berry flavors or a mixed berry to blend with Sweet Cream ice cream or many flavors of ice cream if you didn’t want the blend. They have a machine at the counter where they place the dip of ice cream and the frozen berries of your choice. A corkscrew like mixer blends it in a funnel container that squeezes the end result out the bottom. One problem I saw with that was the mixer does not get washed in between so all mixes have a bit of the mixed berry effect. However some did come out much darker. We chose strawberry which came out fairly light in color. It is a smooth lightly flavored product that is fun and worth a try. There’s a video that tells it all. Continue reading →
Kokopelli Grill is owned by Texans Chef Michael and Candy McQuay who opened it in Dec. 2009. He produces a Southwest style cuisine using local seafoods, steaks and produce for this, the more upscale side of their two places. (The other half is Hook & Line Pub nextdoor, serving lots of fish and chips.) It’s a large 2-story place with the entry room having a high ceiling, some booths along the walls and a staircase at the back wall. Upstairs the two rooms had lower ceilings and bare wood tables and chairs with a bar counter in one of them. A couple lucky tables had a view of the harbor in the bar room but most had a view of the downtown street. Music was throughout and older wood made up the floors. A television screen was behind the bar but it was muted. The place felt jumbled and service matched the feel, but in the server’s defense he was new. However apologies can only work on one snafu, after several it starts to affect your experience. We had to wait a good 20 minutes for our drink order to be taken. When we ordered I asked to please not bring it all out at once but sure enough our salads came before the raw oyster and then the entreé came before I even had a forkful of salad. Rolls never appeared. The food was probably better than I write it up but it was such a mess it was hard to look beyond. Continue reading →
Outpost Sandwiches is open weekdays in downtown Tacoma and offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and also pizza but only on Fridays. It’s a hole in the wall place that’s underground near the courthouse. Parking is on the street as you can find it. Once you enter you’ll find the menu on a large sign and a window to order. Some wooden benches and tables are in front if you want to eat inside with as many eating there as taking orders to go. Music was in the background and the folks at the window will give you a code if you want to use the bathroom down the hall. It was quite busy but if you find yourself in town and need a quick snack I highly recommend the chicken melt and fresh baked cookies. Continue reading →
exterior – 9850 Walnut Hill Ln #305, Dallas, TX 75238
Goldie’s opened in March 2024 and serves dinner Tues – Sun in the Lake Highlands area. It serves upscale American fare with craft cocktails. Owner couple Brandon Hays and Brittany Grignon collaborated with Brittni Clayton (who used to manage Sister) to bring an old-school diner feel into the 1500 sq.ft. space that previously housed RM 12:20 Bistro. They have used the gold theme in decorating the space with gold wallpaper, pictures of Goldie Hawn, the Golden Gate bridge and on like that. You enter into the smaller of the two rooms, with dark walls, red velvet booths along the side, a couple 2 person booths in the middle and the bar on the opposite side. There is a doorway to the patio area that is covered and climate controlled, but visually it is a less striking room. Music was in the background and as the room filled it could have been turned down to make conversation easier, even with a lowered ceiling and lots of sound absorptive surfaces. We split a number of dishes which the server was happy to course out for us. Service was attentive and helpful and the food was very good. I may have to add this to our regular rotation for eating out. Hope you’ll let me know what you think if you try it. Continue reading →
building – 3219 Knox St Suite 170, Dallas, TX 75205
Mister Charles is in the location that the Highland Park Soda Fountain had occupied for 106 years. Opening in July 2023, it is operated by the Chas Martin and Duro Hospitality who are also responsible for The Charles and Sister, written up here earlier. This venue offers French and Italian dishes 7 days a week for dinner. The large space has basically 2 rooms one light with a high ceiling which soars to 36 feet with chandeliers and a long bar the other much darker room has tables covered with fine white cloths, booths and one wall opening into the kitchen. It is a statement restaurant in a landmarked building in a very affluent neighborhood. Parking on the street is competitively available but they also have valet parking which is at no charge if validated at the restaurant. We were in the darker room, which according to the hostess is an option you can express a preference for when making your reservation. It had a terrazzo style tile floor, mirrors on the walls, music in the background, a lower ceiling with sound panels and an assortment of chair and table set ups. The many windows facing the street were covered with blinds except for the exit door which allowed in a bright patch of annoying light for a bit. Small booths were along 2 walls and bench seating lined the window wall. A second small bar was also in this room. Continue reading →
The Tavern at White Stag Farm bills itself as “serving delicious food, prepared from scratch daily, using only the freshest ingredients, including produce grown on our own farm.” However this is not a traditional Wisc. supper club. You do enter through a separate bar area but they encouraged us to have our cocktail at the dinner table and there was no relish tray nor ice cream after dinner drinks. Owner Michele DeYoung and her husband Jeff purchased the property that had been Club 77 in the fall of 2018 as part of their dream to create a destination for visitors that includes the restaurant as well as an inn (McCormick House), a farm, an orchard and a dairy barn. They hope to utilize these resources to provide a changing seasonal menu. The dining room seats up to 60 on an eclectic grouping of chairs and tables. Some are covered with white clothes topped with black and white checked cloths and others are smaller bare marble tables. A couple couches are on one wall and match up with the small marble tables and their chairs, which also vary at tables. Pillows and faux fur pelts add to the decor which has lots of art on the walls and wide planked old wood floors underneath. The ceiling felt lower, music was in the background and lots of large windows looks outside. The wine list was more ambitious than at some places, including some pricey cabernets supplemented by lower price wines. While their service was friendly and assured us this was fine dining, there were some not fine-dining touches. I applaud what they are doing but don’t think I’ll be one of their regulars. Continue reading →
order area – 207 Wilson Ave., Bayfield, WI., 54814
Hoops Fish Market has two retail shops (second one opening in 2019) operated by Craig Hoopman Fisheries. The Hoopman family has had 6 generatons of commercial fishing from Lake Superior with the primary catch being whitefish. The family went all in to open Hoops Dockside this year which is a short walk down the driveway next to their retail store. They are open during the summer and have live music on weekends from 6:30 – 10:30. The music line up is on their Facebook page. They have built a lovely seating area with stools along the sides facing Lake Superior. You can watch the boats go by to the marina next door as the band plays and you munch on whitefish caught that morning. It’s a simple menu of fried whitefish, fries and slaw in a basket. He cooks the fish and his wife and son were taking payments and selling drinks. It is truly a family operation. They have wine by the glass, beer and soft drinks. As you enter the booth is on your right and you make your order, pick up drinks and pay. They call you when your fish is ready. The band that night was not my particular favorite but what a stunning backdrop for a fun, casual dinner. Coming from the heat of Texas it was particularly lovely to be able to sit and enjoy the outdoors. I thoroughly recommend you check it out. Continue reading →
We visited Irma’s Place in January of this year and nothing has really changed in the physical space but they are now open every day except Wed for breakfast and lunch. There’s plenty of parking in the lot in front and a side covered patio was there for outdoor dining but the sign said no service was available on the patio. I noticed some of the art and photographs on the wall were for sale and they offered some cold coffee beverages, probably because it’s summer. There were still baked goods to order or for sale. Service was friendly and efficient with lots of refills on coffee. It’s a place I’ll gladly visit again but now have a little more insight on what to order. Their Mexican influenced options are well prepared. Continue reading →
house – 1839 Armview Terrace, Halifax, NS B3H 4H3, Canada
Halifax is a lovely city in Canada with beautiful coastlines and cooler temperatures for the summer. I’ve enjoyed sharing our restaurants with you but also wanted to give you the name of a fabulous B & B where you could stay on your visit. The Pebble is in a residential neighborhood and has 3- 4 rooms run by Elizabeth O’Carroll, a super friendly Irish host. The name of the place comes from a pebble that was a token of love taken from the River Feale in Ireland, given to O’Carroll and later made into a pendant by a jeweler. It reminded me of a similar story of a small rock we took from the place where we got engaged and later was turned into a pendant that I still have. The rooms were nice sized and well supplied. Breakfast was made by Elizabeth or her husband David. I know this is a blog on restaurants but in order to eat at other places you’ll need a place to stay and if we happen to find some place that’s wonderful, I want to share it with my readers. H ope if you go you’ll tell them Frankie sent you (and no I get no commission). Here are some photos of the place and a couple of our breakfasts. Continue reading →
Highwayman is a small place with about 40 seats in an historic building. Opening in 2016 the relaxed atmosphere goes with the menu of Spanish inspired shared plates – tapas and pintxos. Along with an ambitious cocktail menu they try to serve ingredients from Nova Scotia. The long interior has bench seating along one wall and the opposite wall is the bar with backed high chairs. Mirrors, plants and art decorate the space with that has the kitchen in the back, paper napkins and music in the background. A couple high-top tables are in the window and when you make a reservation you indicate your seating preference. We had reserved one of the high tops as that was the only available but luckily we were offered a table which was way more comfortable. We started with a cocktail and then moved to a bottle of wine. The service was friendly and helpful, especially as we wanted to try a number of their things but not get too overwhelmed. The food was good but mixed in flavor content but it was good enough that I’d recommend the place to you, if you find yourself in Halifax. Continue reading →
The Canteen was in downtown Dartmouth in a cheery light space. Chef/owner Renee Lavallee brings in lots of local items with a little European influence. It was a large space with a second smaller room and a patio. Windows to the street added extra light and the full bar had backed seats for additional diners. Closed on Sun and Mon, the other days they serve brunch, lunch and dinner. The walls hold lots of decorations and plants. Some of the wall seating is on benches with the bare wood tables. Some dividers make the space more cozy and approachable. No music was in the background just a lot of happy people’s conversations, dampened by sound panels on the ceiling. They offered one special and the soup changes daily. Service was efficient and friendly. We came to try one of their signature dishes, the Crobster Roll and I’d easily go again. I really wanted to order the carrot cake dessert. You could smell it baking when we came in but I knew a big dinner was coming so passed but still got a photo of the dessert options for you.
building – 22 Wentworth St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2S6, Canada
Oxalis Restaurant was opened in Nov. 2021 by Sophia Gruber and her husband Chef Andy Preuss in a 2-story building that was a residential home. The interior can only accommodate 37 people so in June 2023 they opened an outdoor dining area that added 45 more seats when weather allows. It’s a farm-to-table concept trying to highlight local products. They offer an a la carte menu as well as a Chef’s tasting, with wine pairings available. The menu and food reflect his roots in Germany and hers from Austria. They met working at a resort in Austria but had an opportunity to move to Nova Scotia and work at Trout Point Lodge which afforded them more time to travel. We sat on the first floor which had only 4 tables that are across from the large window to the kitchen. Bench seating was on the long wall opposite the kitchen and and lights were lowered. The walls had some well placed mirrors but otherwise there were few decorations but music was in the background. Most seemed to want to sit outside but we wanted to be able to see all the dishes coming out of the kitchen. Service was good and it was overall a fine meal. The kitchen has creativity and is worth a visit if you are in the area. Continue reading →
building – 154 Peggys Point Rd, Peggys Cove, NS B3Z 3S2, Canada
Tom’s Lobster Shack was a small building on the corner of the parking lot for the very popular lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove. They are open daily but do close in the winter. The seating was on picnic tables on the deck around their building. There was one window to place your order and another to pick it up. Birds knew the place and the signs asked you to not feed them Sandwiches came with chips and bread and butter pickles. They served a number of items but are known for their lobster rolls, which are prepared several ways. All are served on a toasted bun and we chose a Classic and a Naked. The Classic had lobster mixed with mayo, celery, parsley, shallot, lettuce and green onions while the Naked was lobster with butter, herbs, secret seasoning and lettuce. Both sandwiches were stuffed with lobster meat but this time I preferred the Classic sandwich over the buttered one. The mix looks heavy on the mayo but it did not taste that way. It blended and accented the sweet lobster meat better to me. But the best way to do it is to get one of each and swap bites. The chips were chips but the pickles were quite good too. Continue reading →
building – 2733 Agricola St, Halifax, NS B3K 4E2, Canada
Bar Kismet was a small family owned restaurant and bar serving fresh seafood and handmade pastas. Founded by Annie Brace-Lavoie and partner Jenner Cormier about 7 years ago, it is also known for its inventive cocktail menu. Inside you’ll find small concrete tables set with chairs by the windows to the street or with bench seating along one wall. A U-shaped bar with stools takes up the center of the space and plants are everywhere. Otherwise there are framed mirrors on the walls, a wide plank wood floor and music in the background for the continuous casual crowd decending on the place. Reservations are a must if you want a table and service can be slow to get started with so many coming and going, but once you get started it moves right along. Plates are in varying sizes and are meant to be shared which means you can try lots of things and that’s best here cause there are lots of great options on the menu and you won’t want to miss any of them. Hope you’ll stop by when you’re in Nova Scotia. Continue reading →
Goodwins opened in May 2024 in the space previously occupied by a Mexican restaurant (Blue Goose Cantina) for almost 40 years. A trio of local business partners, Austin Rodgers (Alamo Club), Jeff Bekavac and David Cash are behind the concept that wants to provide an upscale neighborhood restaurant and named it for the corner where it’s located – Goodwin and Greenville. It’s a large space divided by a massive long bar and set with lots of cozy booths and tables. The plan is to open an even darker cocktail bar next door (Goose Bar), which looks to be another fun space based on my preview. Presently it’s only open for dinner every day but they hope to add lunch by mid-summer. The interiors are all new but well done with wide plank wood floors and dark beams overhead. There are a few windows to the street but otherwise the lighting is lowered, art is on the walls and music is in the background. The open kitchen makes up the back wall in the room without the bar. There is valet parking in the lot behind the place. It was crazy busy but not so much you couldn’t talk to your dining companion. Service was first rate – friendly and efficient – and I can’t wait to go back and I suggest you put it on your list when in Dallas. Continue reading →
front entrance – 7801 S Main St, Pine Plains, NY 12567
Stissing House dates back to 1782 when the building was a tavern that also had beds for travelers and America’s first domed ballroom. It fell into disrepair after WW1 when the railroad tracks that brought people to town had been torn up to make ammunition. In the 1990s Christian Eisenbeiss saved it from demolition and along with Dale Mitchell it underwent a 2 year renovation. They repaired the old-growth floors and restored the domed ballroom and in 1995 opened Stissing House as a French restaurant. In 2022 Clare de Boer took over as chef/proprietor. (She rose to notoriety through her work at King, her French/Italian restaurant in SoHo, NY.) The 6,000 sq. foot building divides diners into multiple smaller rooms including the second floor. They no longer have sleeping rooms but the dome is available for rental. As you walk on the wide plank old wood floors on the way to the table you pass by a kitchen with wood fired ovens which are a part of their cooking process. Candles light the tables as well as the numerous windows to the outside and a few electric fixtures on the walls. The small tables are covered with white cloths but then topped with paper and little art is on the walls. Music was in the background and for some time was just country music which then turned into old rock and roll. It was a good meal but had a few issues. Continue reading →
The Inn at Kenmore Hall is a luxurious inn dating from 1792 in the wonderful landscape of the Berkshire Hills. Lovingly restored by owners Frank Muytjens and Scott Edward Cole it is a fabulous place to stay in this area filled with pieces of history. Normally this is a blog for restaurants but I include this inn as with your stay you get to enjoy a fantastic breakfast each morning you’re there. There is a handsome dining room but what we really loved was the screened porch which looks out onto the lush grounds and garden with the birds chirping while we were pampered with fabulous freshly made food. There was a daily menu with several choices and we got to try a number of things along with fresh juice and coffee. The only way you get to try these options is to stay there. I know it’s a little stretch from the usual restaurant posts but sometimes I am privileged to find a little hidden gem and I wanted to share that with my readers. I’m including some photos of the rooms in this stunningly restored historic home and a few images from our breakfasts. Check out their website, <https://www.theinnatkenmorehall.com> and you might want to include it in your vacation plans.
building – 134 Hartsville-New Marlboro Road, New Marlborough, MA 01230
The Old Inn On The Green was built in 1760 as a stagecoach/mail stop and now offers a fine dining restaurant by candle light and authentically restored guest rooms. There is also al fresco dining on the canopied garden terrace off the taproom. Chef/Owner Peter Platt is partnered with Meredith Kennard to bring the diner the combination of contemporary cuisine in an historic setting. The large building has multiple rooms for dining, many with fireplaces. We went early on a summer evening so there was still light coming in the windows but otherwise all the light is provided by candles on the tables and walls. No music was in the background and the good sized tables were draped with white cloths. Interesting decorations were on the walls and the restaurant did a very good business. Parking was on the circle drive out front and I’m not sure where it goes when that gets full. It was a fixed price menu of $85 for 3 courses for which the menu offered a number of choices with a couple options for a $5 supplement. Service was excellent – helpful and friendly with good pacing for the meal. There was a very good wine list and a sommelier to assist you with a choice. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and I’d highly recommend it to you if you find yourself traveling through the Berkshire area. Continue reading →
Jack’s Hot Dog Stand was opened in 1917 by Jaffros “Jack” Levanos and is still family run and owned. Jack’s son John and his wife Lucille took over and were followed by their son Jeff and his wife Mary Lou. They have a son, so who knows how long this can go on. It’s a small place with only stools facing the counter. Along the wall behind them, stand those waiting for a seat or their to-go order. This place has history and people have been coming for generations. The prices are low and the staff seemed to know many of the patrons. The service is ultra fast and we got ours to-go and ate on the bench outside. Hot dog buns were kept in the steamer and so are very soft and the hot dogs are sizzling on the side griddle. Fries are fresh, peeled and fried in house daily. They could have benefitted from a 2 step frying process and been crisper but the thought is there. The small hot dog was covered with an average chili and a thin slice of cheese that disappeared. It was quite soft overall but you go here for history and tradition, so you should try it if you find yourself nearby. Continue reading →
front of building – 757 Columbia St, Hudson, NY 12534
Cafe Mutton was created by chef/owner Shaina Loew-Banayan and was mostly a brunch spot with hours of 10 to 3 Wed to Sun. But on Friday they change and open for dinner from 5 to 9 and they now take reservations. Opening around May 2021 it was named as one of the 10 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit and by New York Times in the “50 places in America we’re most excited about now.” It was in a corner building with lots of windows to the street on two sides. Small bare wood tables filled the room that had the kitchen on one end and music in the background. The wine list was small but fairly well done with a special offered on one bottle. The staff is friendly and the vibe was low key and casual. The menu for dinner changes weekly, often with the menu posted on their Facebook page. Chef tries to focus on local products, especially the cuts of meat not traditionally coveted. The combinations were interesting but success was mixed. I loved the choices but a depth of flavor was not evident in some of the dishes we tried, however many did have nice temperature variations. I would however, go for brunch if I had the chance. Continue reading →
back entrance – 2524 Lake Shore Dr W, Ashland, WI 54806
Sandy Shores Cafe took over the building that used to house the Lake Shore Cafe and although the new owner, Sandy Marsland and her partner Bob Truchon have made changes you’ll easily recognize it. Even some of the staff are still working there, which is a good thing when you know how welcome Priscilla makes all the guests feel. A coworker suggested that Marsland could name a restaurant Sandy Shores should she ever open one and in July 2021 she and Truchon did just that. They’ve tried to keep the prices low and portions generous but it’s a difficult challenge, however whatever they’re doing it seems to be working by the number of folks patronizing the place. They’ve kept the menu similar to before and offer daily specials which they publicize on their Facebook page. They have a combination of seating options with counter stools, free standing tables and booths. Along the window wall is a direct view of Lake Superior. It’s comfortable with lots of parking available around the outside of the building. The food is good, simple and plentiful and along with the great service you can bet I’ll be back. Hope you try it if you are in the area.
building – 1506 County Road C, Saint Germain, WI, 54558
McGregor’s Blink Bonnie Supper Club was started by Jack andJudy McGregor in 1971. More of a steakhouse than a traditional supper club it has been wildly popular with locals and tourists. Now owned by the third generation of McGregors – James and his two sons. The name Blink Bonnie is Scottish in origin roughly translated to “welcome warmly”. They open at 4:00 pm and the line can start as early as 3:30. The dining room has just 11 tables so the first wave fills it and if you’re not in that you are looking at a couple hours wait. However the room you enter in is a bar with stools at the counter and a few tables. No food is served in here but drinks are strong and reasonably priced. The walls in the bar are covered with mounted animals whereas the dining room had more fish mounts and equipment. The dark wood bare tables are all the same size but a couple of them had fold outs to accommodate tables of 6. No music was in the background but there were a lot of windows to the outside. Steaks come on a sizzling platter which is their trademark and it doesn’t take long for a haze to fill the room even with a ‘smoke eater’ machine but it is a wonderful smell and conducive to an appetite. This place is mentioned in many lists of supper clubs but there is no relish tray and dessert choices are limited. It was a fun experience, since I’ve heard about it for some time but I’m not rushing back. Maybe if I lived closer I’d feel differently. Continue reading →
Country Skillet is a medium sized place that serves all day breakfast and lunch everyday except Wed (when it’s closed) and offers dinner on Thursday and Friday till 8 pm. They do have daily specials and lots of baked goods. The main room has a few tables but mostly has counter seating and the service area. A second room had more tables and the corridor to the bathrooms. New owners took over in 2023 and have worked to update the place, food and staff. They did pretty well in my opinion. Service was a bit slow but it was pretty crowded and only one server seemed to be taking orders, delivering food and cleaning tables – so with that in mind service was good. She was very pleasant and efficient. The walls have lots of signs with cute sayings and one TV was above the bar but it was muted. The food was good enough that I look forward to going back and trying more options and maybe a baked item. Let me know what you think if you get there. Continue reading →
Good Bones was in a turn of the century roadhouse, the Casper Pub House(and music venue) and is currently only open for lunch Friday to Sunday. They plan to open for dinner soon and bring live music to their stage area too. Owner Miles McCreary has a background in cooking (as well as ceramics) and his crusty sourdough is for sale also as a loaf. The large place opened last May after a series of pop-ups. I loved that a large martini glass still was stenciled on the top of the roof. A long bar with stools leads to the open room in back which has the stage area and a raised area that seemed to be for kids. Various sized bare wood tables were available for you to chose from and art was on the walls. A couple tables did have some of McCreary’s vases on them. It’s definitely an out-of the way location but it’s worth the trip. We both got a half-sandwich with soup, which does up the price to $18 if you want the pork sandwich. The place had good honest food and the bread was outstanding. It is a wonderful and tasty lunch spot. Continue reading →
Harbor House Restaurant was last visited here in Nov. 2023 but there are many other write ups if you search in my posts and with good reason – it’s a fabulous place to eat and stay. We were lucky to be able to eat in the small dining room 2 nights this trip and enjoy the spectacular cuisine prepared by Chef Matthew Kammerer and his all star staff. From the moment you check in you are pampered with first rate service that more importantly feels like friendship with everyone there. The facility and kitchen continue to make additions which you’ll also see in the expanding wine list. While they offer wine pairings for the tasting menu Sommeliers Kelly Eckel and Jason Chin will assist you in selecting a wonderful wine in your price range. They’ve also added electric shades to the dining room which allow you to still enjoy the fabulous view without the glare of the sun. Chef Kammerer works to make differences in the tastings if you spend 2 consecutive nights but some items need repeating. Rather than repeating I’ll post the photo from the first night and then post the different options only from the second meal. I urge you, if you get the opportunity to go! Do it! Continue reading →
entrance – 32096 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Princess Seafood also has a market shop about 100 yards away but we were interested in eating not taking seafood home to fix. The restaurant had a window to place your order and then 2 large tented open areas to sit in. The seating areas looked right out onto the water where we had a very fun show of gulls, seals and sea otters. After you place your order and pay they give you a number and will bring your food out to you. It took a fairly long time to arrive but the wild life show gave us plenty to focus on while waiting. They have lots of beers as well as non-alcholic drinks and a few specials of the day. Primarily a seafood spot, they also have burgers and Philly sandwiches. It was founded in 2018 by best friends Wendy Holloway and Heather Sears who shared a passion for seafood. Heather, who had a commercial fishing background, purchased the Princess named boat in Canada in 2009 and couldn’t change the name due to nautical superstition. A small replica of it is out in front of the entrance. Continue reading →
Ledford House was visited in July of 2022. The basic set up hasn’t changed much except that the large sign out front by the road blew down in recent storms and hasn’t been replaced. That visit we ordered a la carte but this time we tried their Bistro Special menu which is a 3-course meal for just $35 that changes daily. The same couple, Tony and Lisa Geer run the place and she was in the kitchen while he welcomed us and showed us to a lovely window table. However, he is the breadmaker. The wine list features many local wines at a moderate price point and there is a full bar. The view from every white cloth covered table is lovely with the Pacific Ocean rippling over the many rocks and providing the place with a good breeze. They are open Wed – Sun and if you find yourself anywhere near Mendocino I’d make a reservation to dine here. Continue reading →
Dear Irene is the creation of Chef Jonny Becklund and his wife Irene. Opening in July 2023, Jonny moved to Bend from San Francisco where he owned a 12 seat tasting menu restaurant. He likes to change the menu here as he did there based on what he can find at the market. Their wine list was not particularly great but they do have a huge selection of bourbons. It was a long space with brick walls, tile floor, a high wood ceiling, music in the background and draping on the lights over the long bar. There was a second dining area through a window which was about a third of the length and then the kitchen. Art was on the walls and there was lots of color in the decorating scheme. Small tables were along the walls with one side utilizing bench seating. The place could have noise issues but the food was good enough to put up with it. Continue reading →
Summer’s Market and Deli was an “old-fashioned neighborhood market.” They sold a variety of snacks and drinks as well as sandwiches and wraps, coffees and ice cream. The day we went they also had smoked sandwiches but had already sold out of some meats. It was a large place with a number of tables to eat at and some interesting decorations. Brightly lit, it was helped by a wall of windows across the front. Friendly staff took the order and prepared our selections quickly. The bread on both was quite soft and a tad floury. The crunch roll was supposed to be topped with crunchy stuff but it was just as soft. The bread overall was too much in proportion to the fillings. They had quality ingredients but none of them stood out on the flavor scale. It felt like a healthy quick snack but not a place I’d frequent regularly. Maybe with different choices I could have left with a better impression. Let me know if you go and have other reactions. Continue reading →
exterior at night – 1005 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703
BOSA owned and operated by chefs Bill Dockter and Nate King, offers regional Italian and French specialties including housemade pasta. They opened in August of 2021 in the historic Bakery Building, just before Covid hit. The restaurant is named for a town in the Sardinia region of Italy that the owners felt resembled Bend. It’s a long space with counter seating running the length of the place divided by a low wall with the table area. The open ceiling is decorated with cloth ‘flowers’ probably for sound absorption as the rest of it is hard surfaces. Opposite the counter seating are numerous windows that offer views of the street. The other walls have mirrors or art. The noise level was significant as it was packed with tables changing out regularly, but it did get better when one large group left and was replaced with 2 or 4 person groups. The plates are served family style and meant to be shared. Our server wanted our entire order in at one time and said he would course it out. He did, it was well paced and the small table did not get overwhelmed. It was really tasty food and I would recommend this place be on your schedule when you visit. Continue reading →
street entrance – 920 NW Bond St #108, Bend, OR 97703
Bonta Gelato had one of their locations very close to our hotel so we stopped in to try it. Owners Jeff and Julie Labbhart have traveled to find different flavors to incorporate into their handcrafted gelato. The small batch gelato is made with techniques they learned working with Italian gelato masters. They make their gelato with Oregon milk, desert lavender and mountain hazelnuts or whatever local ingredients they can source. They scoop into cups or a variety of cones as well as have pints and quarts to go. They also offer non-dairy sorbets and have seasonal flavors. The gelato had marvelous texture and well developed flavor. If you see their product I encourage you to indulge. Continue reading →
That Guy’s Bistro has 3 locations, one of which is in Redmond. It started as a food truck in 2018 and now has a brick and mortar location, where we ate, in addition to the 2 food trucks. They serve salads, pizzas, burger and Philly sandwiches – which are offered with a variety of fillings. In addition to the large menu they also have a variety of liquors. It was a medium sized place in a shopping center that felt to me a little like a “bubba bar”. Several large TV screens were on each of the walls, mercifully silent, playing a variety of sports and a life guard show that seemed to focus on bikini clad women. It got a good crowd of working men. The counter people were very friendly. We wanted to try the basic TG Burger which was a 1/4 pound beef patty with American cheese, onions, tomato, lettuce, pickle and TG sauce on a grilled brioche bun. The burger comes with fries or mac salad. We chose fries and they were a fun curled variety that were dusted with seasoning and nicely crisped. The burger was cooked to ‘pink’ and loaded with other ingredients. The bun was nicely toasted and tasty but too big for the patty. They gave you extra sauce which did have a nice spice to it. A fine burger, but next time I’ll try one of the Philly options. Continue reading →
Farmer’s Deli is a breakfast or lunch spot brought to you by Chef/owner Justin Halvorsen. Opening in summer 2023 it is the result of 24 years of cooking in various capacities for others and now he has his own gig. The place highlights locally sourced food and ingredients. It is a food truck behind Bar Rio and next to the restaurant Dear Irene. There are no tables right next to it but there are tables by a coffee shop 30 feet away where you are welcome to sit and enjoy your food but many seemed to take it to go. Halvorsen was raised in Vermont so there are numerous East coast inspired items on the menu. It’s a small menu but the ingredients are quality indeed, even bread from Sparrow Bakery. Both sandwiches we tried were generous portions and could have easily been split. They each came with a nice pickle spear. A fun off-the-beaten-track place to grab a quick bite to eat. Continue reading →
exterior – 2748 NW Crossing Dr #110, Bend, OR 97701
The Sparrow Bakery opened in 2006 on Scott Street then moved to the present location in Bend in 2014 where they had more seating room. They now have a second location in Portland. It’s a large place with high ceilings and lots of windows. Merchandise is on a long table guiding you to the counter where you order. They call out your name when your order is ready to come pick up. A separate station had napkins and flatware. They sell bakery items, coffee, breads and sandwiches and next door was another spot where you could just get to go items. We got some Americana coffees and tried a few of their baked items. The coffee was average. Their baked goods had a similarity of dough. None seemed as flakey as I expected but the Ocean Roll was worth going for. It’s unique and delicious. Continue reading →
Ariana was in an older Craftsman bungalow and run by Chefs Andres and Ariana Fernandez. Their regionally inspired cuisine was offered as a seasonal chef 6-course tasting that changes weekly as well as an a la carte menu on Wed through Sat evenings. In 2004 Ariana’s Italian parents were excited about the culinary marriage she had with Colombia native Andres and offered the start up money for a restaurant of their own. It turned out that they both attended the Cascade Culinary Institute and her father had experience in the wine industry so he started as their beverage manager. With Ariana’s mother helping work the front of the house, the family restaurant was born. I’d call it medium sized with some seating available on the porch area and a couple seats in front of the bar. The main room had lots of windows, bench seating along one wall, lowered lighting, art on the walls and a unused fireplace. It is the “special occasion” restaurant in Bend. Both of the Fernandez still cook but she will also work any position in the front of the house, even tend bar, when needed. We went with their tasting to get the best representation of their cooking but in retrospect I’d suggest ordering a la carte. It was a good place but the tasting went downward toward the end. Continue reading →
Americana food truck is in The Podski Lot, a small lot with several food trucks and one brick and mortar place where you can buy drinks or grab a glass of water. A bunch of colorful picnic tables are on a combination of artificial grass and concrete for a place to eat. Parking is tricky as it’s just what you can find on the street, but most have a 2-hour free parking zones. Owner Joe Franco wanted to offer an affordable burger where anybody could come out and eat and opened this venture in 2020 then moved to the Podski in Nov. 2022. The basic OG Burger is only $8 and includes caramelized onions, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato and secret sauce and is served on a toasted brioche bun. Each burger includes two 2-ounce patties which are only cooked on one side to form a crust on the bottom of the patty yet keep the beef moist. For the vegetarians he offers a grilled cheese and for burger lovers there are variations including BBQ or jalapenos. It made a great lunch. Continue reading →
exterior – 10 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France
Now Closed
L’Aube was the creation of Chef Thibault Nizard who trained as a saucier and in October 2023 won the sixth edition of the World Championship of Hare á la Royale competition. We got to sit right next to his large trophy and one regular guest had called ahead to get that dish prepared for him that night, even though it is not in season. Opening in early April of 2023 Chef’s wife and restaurant partner Elinor runs the front of the house as well as doing floor cooking. The medium-sized place was set with large white cloth-covered well-spaced round tables. There were windows to the street in addition to lowered lighting and an open kitchen. Faint music was in the background of this modern and stylish place, that was equipped with purse stools.. Chef was either in or in front of the kitchen unless he broke to speak with guests. They offered a small menu of a la carte in addition to 3 or 7-course tasting menus. We chose the 7-course tasting and that evening they were substituting crepes for the listed dessert. They also offered to substitute beef for the lamb which we declined. Wine pairings were available, but we chose our own bottle to follow a glass of champagne. L’aube is a term in French for the beginning, a dawn or birth and this is a new beginning for traditional cooking at its best now done in a modern fashion. This is one to add to your list. Continue reading →
exterior – 25 Rue des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris, France
Oktobre was in the space previously occupied by Kitchen Galerie Bis (KGB) but it went out of business. However its former co-chef Martin Maumet has taken over the space making it his own place. The ‘k’ in the name is a homage to KGB. Chef/owner re-did the space by making 2 parallel rooms with mirrors between and the walls lined with striped banquettes set with small 2-top bare wood tables. Music was in the background, lights were lowered and tile accents break up the fibered walls. It looks new, and it is, but it is well coordinated. The tables were fairly close and when the place filled the noise level became a bit of a problem. Service was mixed but they were completely full. They offer an a la carte menu as well as a 5 course tasting with optional wine pairings. It did seem that the mixed crowd of people were mostly having the tasting menu but we had eaten heavily all week and so were ready to make this a quick small meal and thus picked our own plates and skipped dessert. Continue reading →
exterior – 41 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris, France
Le Sergent Recruteur has been under the direction of Chef Alain Pégouret since 2019, who brings with him years of experience with chefs like Joël Robuchon. From an average restaurant Pégouret has evolved it into fine cuisine, earning the place one Michelin star. The prior atmosphere was dark and medieval which has been transformed into contemporary space with stone walls, music in the background, polished wood tables, mirrors and art on the walls and windows to the street in one of which the suit of armor still stands. It’s a long space with the kichen in the rear where you can see chef and others making great food for the guests. At lunch they offered tasting menus with optional pairings from a menu printed with your name and the date. From the menu you could also pick a la carte selections which we chose to do. Either way you go, do plan to go as the food and ambiance are wonderful. Continue reading →
La Scène Thélème was opened in 2016 by Jean-Marie Gurné, hoping to make it a refuge for the lovers of pleasure as homage to the Abbey of Thélème. The Scène comes in as a reference to the dual nature of the venue with the intimate theatre attached to the restaurant. Chef Yoshitaka Takayanagi runs the kitchen that tries to merge Japanese and French influences. The large place ambled through a number of rooms and our room held the small stage adorned with natural art. Bench seating was along some walls that faced the small white cloth covered tables. Being in the room with the stage our ceiling was dark with carpet on the floor whereas other rooms had lighter paint and wooden floors. Art of straw hung from the ceilings and music was in the background. At dinner they offer tastings of 5, 6, or 7 courses and wine pairings are available. A caviar supplement was offered and we declined. I’d call it a mixed meal. They have one Michelin star. Continue reading →
Restaurant Alliance was visited by Frankie in March 2017 and again in April 2019, both fantastic meals. It was good to see Chef Toshitaka Omiya and Shawn Joyeux who together started this restaurant in 2015. The small room holds just 8 large white clothed tables that all have a view of the kitchen in the back of the room. Music was in the background that adds to the soothing colors of the interior and the comfy stuffed chairs. The staff are welcoming and it was fun to try the place at lunch this visit. Lunch offers a shorter 3 or 4 course menu but the 6 or 9 course menus from dinner are also available. A cheese course is additional and optional. We tried the lunch menu for which they offer pairings but Joyeux was able to pick a couple of wines by the glass to accompany our 4 course meal. Omiya and Joyeux have also opened other ventures but this place is their soul – the heart of their alliance. Continue reading →
exterior – 41 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
NHome is under the direction of Chef Matan Zaken who offers a 9 course blind tasting menu which fluctuates with the season. His concept is to have diners sit around a single large table with a relaxed and festive atmosphere. He did just that by setting up adjoining tables to accommodate about 20 people in a vaulted cellar in a building opposite Palais Royal. It opened in Sept 2022 and you can see the chef’s in the kitchen from a street window but upon entering are ushered to the back stone walled room. The lights are lowered, mirrors are on the ceiling and music was in the background. Diners do have different start times but there is some cross talk with the casual crowd seated around the tables. The tasting had 2 possible supplements including a cheese course. We didn’t opt to add the cheese course and were told by several diners we had made a huge mistake. Cocktail as well as wine pairings are available. They have a one Michelin star rating. Staff were enthusiastic and super friendly and will make you welcome while serving you a fine meal. Continue reading →
Vaisseau is the creation of Chef Adrien Cachot who appeared on French TV’s Top Chef 2020. It’s a medium-sized monochromatic place with black walls, shaded windows to the street, gray-blue carpet, black ceiling and black clothed staff. A few decorative lights are on the walls and an open kitchen is in the back of the space which is filled with 10 nice-sized tables. At lunch you can choose between a 3 or 7 course surprise menu and wine pairings are available. Many of the courses came out in several different dishes and at the end I was able to get a copy of the menu. Their gimmick is that they serve the dish without telling you what it is until they clear the plate. Continue reading →
exterior – 15 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France
Tracé is a small place right across the street from the previously written up L’Aube. In 2020 chef Clément Vergeat re-imagined the place and it opened in Sept 2023. The name had to do with the lines brought by all the people working there, that came together to form the place. There are about 20 seats with a couple counter seats and otherwise tiny marble or wood tables to service the guests. The marble ones looked particularly uncomfortable with their large pyramid-shaped legs leaving little room for the human ones underneath. Some bench seating lines the walls but it often doesn’t match the chair height on the other side of the table. The open kitchen is surrounded by concrete walls and floor with faint music in the background. Chef Vergeat came out to introduce himself and check about allergies but otherwise remains in the back. There are only tasting menus and you sign up for what you want when you make the reservation with wine pairings available. The meal had good pacing but still took about 3 hours and the portions were on the small side. The staff were great at being able to answer questions regarding the food but it was a mixed meal. Continue reading →
exterior – 10 Rue du Grand Prieuré, 75011 Paris, France
Le Rigmarole was opened in 2018 by Jessica Yang and Robert Compagnon, received a Michelin star, then the couple decided to have 2 children and finally the pandemic occurred. They gave up the starred option and began making quality pizzas. In the fall of 2023 they decided to once again offer their tasting menu, now as a lunch option Wed. through Friday while keeping the pizza option on Sat. through Mon. dinner. The couple met while working at Guy Savoy and they are a dynamic pair with both cooking but she also providing drink service, including lots of natural wines. With just 30 seats and most of them at the counter, it’s a fairly intimate setting. There is no set menu, Robert simply asks what you like, don’t like and if there are particular things you want to eat. The two prices on the menu are mostly about the ingredients you want to have not the quantity. With a small amount of conversation, they devise a menu suited for your tastes and hunger level – so your neighbor may get something completely different than you or the same preparation with a different main ingredient. As Robert handed out the courses Jessica would choose a different wine to try with the next set. Much the cooking is on a binchotan grill. Unique and fun, but most importantly the food was very good. As lunch went on we found ourselves visiting with others at the counter as well as the chefs. Another restaurant blogger Mel went there recently and has even more photos but certainly put this lunch on your bucket list.Continue reading →
hotel exterior – 42 Av. Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France
Le Gabriel is the signature restaurant in La Réserve Paris Hotel under the direction of chef Jérôme Banctel. He invites guests to take a culinary journey with him without leaving Paris, through 3 different tasting menus. The “Escale” is a 4 course menu that is only offered at lunch, while “Virée” and “Périple” are offered as 7 or 9-course menus at dinner. The only supplement was the addition of a cheese course and 2 levels of wine pairings were available. La Réserve was once a private mansion built in 1854 for Napoleon III’s half brother. The restaurant opened in 2015 quickly earned 2 stars and in 2024 it was elevated to a 3 Michelin star rating. At the hotel door the staff will lead you through the bar and other dining rooms to the small room with just 9 well spaced white cloth covered tables. The elegant room has an elaborate ceiling and windows to the outside along 2 walls. The stuffed chairs all come equipped with a slide out purse holder that is hidden in the seat of the chair. The staff were friendly, efficient and helpful while keeping the meal at a comfortable pace. I was excited to see that Gaëtan Lacoste from Le Clarence had joined the team as Chef Sommelier. Continue reading →
Hémicycle, opened in August 2023 as a new restaurant from owner Stéphane Manigold under the direction of Chef Flavio Lucarini and Pastry Chef Aurora Storari. It only took four months to earn a one Michelin star rating in addition to Storari winning the Passion Dessert Award. The small place offered a 3, 4 or 6 course lunch menus with pairings as well as an a la carte menu. The 3 course lunch was made from what’s fresh at the market where as the others are composed of a la carte items. We chose the 3 course with the pairings (the bottle is with matching course). One corner of the place was the open kitchen that was packed with people. In the dining area were nicely spaced round marble tables and wood rectangular tables all without cloths. Music in the background, some art was on the walls as well as wood accents and the floor was stone. Interesting light fixtures added more visual interest to the room. The food here was mostly unattractive yet well flavored but also lacking texture. This one I’d call interesting but I won’t be going back. Continue reading →
Le Cornichon was a small bistro under the direction of Chef Sébastien Dagoneau since January 2020. It was able to seat 45 with a combination of bench and table seating at small bare wood tables. The building was on a corner so windows to the street added extra light to the number of hanging light fixtures in the room. The Chef was there greeting guests as they arrived and then came to take your order. The menu was a la carte style with prices based on the number of courses you order. The same menu was offered at lunch as at night with prices slightly higher at night. Some options did incur supplemental charges. Art was on the wall with one giant wood piece that looked like an unassembled whiskey barrel. The neighborhood feel was nice and the good was good. It’s the kind of place I’d go to often if I lived nearby. Continue reading →
exterior – 1203 N Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19806
Goober’s Diner was a classic retro stainless steel diner on 2 levels that seats 80 people. It arrived on flatbed trucks from Atlanta after being assembled there and then broken apart for shipping. The construction took about 2 years and it opened in late 2020. It was put in place next to Goober’s Garage where owner Vance Kershner keeps his car collection. Co-owner Tom Hannum has many years of restaurant experience so you can stop in for a meal and then roam around a huge collection of classic cars. They created some outdoor seating in the parking lot in front of both so parking is as you can find it on the street. Inside you’ll find stools at a counter, red booths, some free-standing tables and lots of red tiles and light fixtures. They have an elevator as well as stairs to the second floor so I also snapped a photo up there. Lots of stainless steel and the curved ceiling give it an old diner feel. Two bakery cases were at the entry as this diner has a pastry chef. Open daily, they serve all-day breakfast as well as lunch and dinner (Wed-Sat) but only after 11:00 am. The food was fine and the service was fast but I think I liked roaming through the cars as much as breakfast. Continue reading →
Bardea Food and Drink was opened over 5 years ago by Scott Stein and Chef Antimo DiMeo in the historic section of downtown. It has an Italian base but the menu is all over the place. The large place was not to be confused with the Bardea Steak next door or the new concept across the street, but they all are under the same ownership. Chef DiMeo was a semifinalist for the Best Chef Mid-Atlantic James Beard Award in 2019 and featured on the Today Show and Vogue magazine. The large place was hopping on Friday night but died out by 8:30. You enter into a large bar area where people were also eating. The main dining room next to it had tightly packed tables, so tight that we had to wait for another table as the first one had chairs that couldn’t move away from the table to allow seating due to crowded conditions. The 2-tops seemed to ring around the edge of the room with 4-tops in the middle. Music was in the background but the crowd already provided plenty of background noise. An open kitchen was opposite the wall of windows looking out onto the street. Fun art was on the walls and there was some wonderful little tilework on the floors. Service was friendly but very slow with long periods of absence – possibly too many people and too few workers – that made it less than a wonderful evening. Some of the food was good while others plates stayed in the average range. The timing was so slow that we were happy to skip dessert just to get out of the place. It was popular but I would avoid it on a weekend night. Continue reading →
Kozy Korner was opened in 1922 by John Vouras who passed it on to his son Nicholas in 1964. He ran the business for 20 more years and then the building it was in was torn down to make way for a high-rise hotel. In 1992 Nicholas restarted the business with his son John in a new location where it is today. The restaurant has won the “Best Breakfast in Delaware” hosted by Delaware Today Media at least 6 times and been recognized by the Food Network as the top Delaware Diner. On their 100th anniversary, they were featured on the Cosmos Philly News. It’s a small place with booths and small round tables. As you enter the cooking area was on your right and a bench for waiting was on the left. Large pink and green linoleum tiles were on the floor and the dividers between the booths seemed to be leftovers from the Covid pandemic. The menu includes breakfast and lunch items and was cash only. Service was friendly and efficient and the food was tasty. Another piece of history you shouldn’t miss in this area that abounds with historic offerings. Continue reading →
La Fia was in the historic area of downtown in a corner building. Owned by Bryan and Andrea Sikora, it opened in 2013 with Bryan as chef. You enter into the area that has some goods for sale and you can look into the long kitchen. The main dining room seats around 35 people with closely set small bare wood tables. From the high tin ceiling hang ducts and a variety of light fixtures. Windows to the street are on 2 sides of the room and music was in the background. A few higher seats face the bar and the front windows and there was a second smaller dining room. The current Executive Chef Dwain Kalup, focused on local and sustainable ingredients with a seasonally based menu. On Wed. night they have a 3-course $40 menu with some optional supplements. As we were there on Thurs. we made our own tasting menu. There were no specials offered, as supplements to the menu. It was only a minute’s walk from our hotel but it would be worth driving to as the food was quite good. Continue reading →
Angelo’s Luncheonette was started by the Muzzi family in 1967. August Muzzi, who started there at age 17 still works the grill at the old-school luncheonette that is in a 1894 building. He doesn’t like change and not much has changed at this cute cozy place. His son, daugther and son-in-law all work in the place named for August’s father Angelo. The Biden family are regular patrons and an election poster from his days in the Senate hangs next to a letter to Muzzi from Biden. Someone in the family was a huge Elvis fan as there are a ton of memorabilia and photos decorating the place. The small place had counter stools in front of the cooking and prep areas and a few small booths on the opposite wall. They serve only breakfast and lunch and are cash only (they do have a debit machine on-site). The staff were all very friendly and helpful and the food was quite good. It’s a funky one-of-a-kind place that I hope all will get to visit while it’s still in business. Continue reading →
exterior – 1601 Concord Pike Suite 77-79, Wilmington, DE 19803
Snuff Mill Restaurant, opened in July 2021, was a small place tucked into a large U-shaped shopping center. They advertised themselves as “farm-to-table” and they did reference where each of the meats were locally sourced. Butchering was done on-site and a counter at the entrance did have items for sale. Many other ingredients are also locally sourced. The small tables were closely packed and had paper on top of the cloth. Along one wall were raised tables with bench seating and there were about 4 seats at the counter in front of the bar where people also ate. Even on a Wed. night they were doing a brisk business and when you make the reservation you are told you have the table for no more than 2 hours. Faint music was in the background and art was on the walls. Service was good, friendly and fairly quick. There were a number of specials in addition to the menu. We had a wonderful meal and I would easily recommend going there but check their website to see who becomes the next driving culinary voice. Chef/partner Robert Lhulier parted with co-owner Bill Irvin and left the place the day after we were there. Continue reading →
exterior – 2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
Charcoal Pit has been serving burgers and ice cream creations since 1956. It has long been a favorite of President Joe Biden, according to Food and Wine magazine and was listed in a Road Food book by Michael Stern as a place to find mid-century Americana. Opening with just 4 tables it was so successful the founder had to expand to a space with room for 115 customers. Now there is also a second location but we went to the original “Big Pit” which was being re-modeled inside. According to our server, the remodeling has been going on for some time but they have not shut down one day for it. Booths are small and slightly larger varieties and hug the walls while tables fill in the rest. On one end were openings into the kitchen and on one side of it was the round to-go waiting area. Another portion of the interior was the ice cream counter which looked to usually have seating but today the counter was being resurfaced. Large squares of linoleum are on the floor and the booth seats are bright red. Small individual jukeboxes are at each table with free choices but all choices are added to the queue played on the overhead speakers. The menu offered lots of choices and specials for seniors which seemed very popular. Our server didn’t flinch at any customizations of the burger order. Continue reading →
grounds – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
The day you check out you still get breakfast if you want, as check out is not till noon. They also offered to let us come for lunch or pack one to go which we declined. However, when picking up our car they had 2 box lunches for us. I failed to photograph the contents but the rental car person was more than happy to make use of them. I did get a photo of the content menu for your interest. The Farm offers lots of activities included hiking guided or self-done, fly fishing, clay target shooting, horseback rides, wine/liquor tastings, a range of spa and wellness treatments/classes, farm animals tour, farm tour, cooking classes. All provided for an additional fee and added gratuity and tax. The staff are all exceptionally nice and happy to help and the facility and grounds are immaculately maintained. There is also a gift shop and a bar (noon-10pm) in the Main House, but make sure to bring your platinum credit card – just kidding a gold one would probably do. Continue reading →
event space across from The Barn – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
This evening we didn’t have to wait in the bar and again were seated in the windowed room, not in the main barn. It was brighter and quieter but more sterile. It was a chilly night so we had the car pick us up and drop us at The Barn. They alert the driver when you are served dessert so they are ready when you depart. On the menu only the soup changed all else was the same and the dessert menu was exactly as it was yesterday. It seemed to me that since they require you to stay at least 3 days they should change more of the items, particularly since some of them repeat even more days. Service tonight was a little quicker and that did help but the look in the wine cellar was not offered again and Chef Cassidee Dabney did not make contact with any of the guests that I saw but she was in the kitchen every night She’s the one at the front wearing glasses. All the servers were friendly and happy. This place has been responsible for many fine chefs who move on to their own restaurants, J C Holdway comes to mind but no photos of their past chefs were on the wall nor mention of them anywhere seemed odd. It is a beautiful setting and the food is way superior in the Barn than the Dogwood but it’s a food-filled vacation. Continue reading →
grounds – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
The Dogwood Restaurant was in the Main House at Blackberry Farm. On the 4200 acres are livestock, crops, fishing area and on and on. It’s always fun to see the animals grazing but the crops were pretty dormant yet. The cooler temperatures moved all of the people indoors for eating today vs. yesterday. The staff seemed to work in pairs and everybody is happy and pleasant. They seemed to be willing to customize a fair amount on your order which was nice but overall the larger portions at the Dogwood are less exciting flavor experiences. If you had to choose where to have dinner, this would be the place for less adventurous people and all the children, as persons under 10 are not allowed in The Barn. Continue reading →
The Barn – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
Do be aware that Blackberry Mountain is owned by the same company but a different location and dining at The Barn is only for people staying the the Farm. The Barn was a large place with lowered lighting. There was a reception/check-in room where they take your coats and take you to the bar to wait for your table. On the way you pass by the open dessert kitchen and then the large open main kitchen and finally the bar. If those seats are taken there’s another room with what looked like a demonstration kitchen (due to the long counter and screens mounted above) with tables, couches and a large fireplace. In the main seating area there are both booths and tables of various sizes and then on the other side of the non-functioning fireplace are more tables in what appeared to be a converted porch. The walls here were all windows as opposed to the old wood and high ceiling of the main room. Carpet ran throughout and there was music in the background. White cloths cover and tables which are also set with an exquisite napkin elaborately embroidered with “BF”. One large chandelier hangs in the barn with small lamps and other fixtures adding a bit more light. Servers are everywhere and all anxious to make sure you enjoy your meal. The menu changes many items every other day. Continue reading →
main house – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
When you stay at Blackberry Farm 3 meals a day are included in your room charge. Dinner can be at The Barn with reservations otherwise meals are served at The Dogwood restaurant in the Main House. Room service or carry out meals are also available for a fee. At the Dogwood you just show up between the hours given you at check-in and they will take you to a table in one of several room. First you pass through the bar area then there is a large dining room, another smaller dining room beyond and outdoor tables. The tables are various sizes and some have banquettes as part of the setup. There are no table clothes but plenty of extra pillows it you need them. Art was on the walls and no music was in the background. Lots of windows to the outside made everywhere a brightly lit table. Each table was always set with salt and pepper grinders and at breakfast butter and dark jam. Flatware was in the napkin at lunch and on the tabletop at breakfast. A large fireplace was at one end of the room that was also open in the room on the other side. At breakfast the Chef’s Selection, griddle cakes and sweet roll change daily but otherwise it stays the same. On weekends they offer different items. At lunch there were some repeats but lots of new items each day. We didn’t have dinner but a separate dessert menu is available at lunch and dinner. The bar is also available for drinks and both meals we had had separate drink menus. Continue reading →
The Barn – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
Blackberry Farm covers 4200 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, in Tennessee. For over 80 years it has been the resort offering “decadent cuisine and pleasurable pastimes.” When Florida and Dave Lasier discovered the setting for their dream home, she snagged her stocking on a blackberry bush and thus the name of the Farm. In 1976 Kreis and Sandy Beall set about protecting and preserving the land with three other local families. The Beall family wanted to share the area and opened a 6 room country inn which their son Sam took to another level in 2000, greatly expanding the footprint. He expanded the wine cellar and opened The Barn and Dogwood restaurants for culinary experiences. The Barn has become renowned for food, much of it grown on the property, and the only way to experience it is to stay in one of the many rooms or cottages. I understood that some of the people who own property nearby are allowed to dine there, so maybe that would be your preferred choice, either way you have to have a reservation. The menu changes every other day and there are vegetarian options. A huge wine list is available, but many of the selections date back several years, and a full bar is in the barn. The menu is 4 courses, including dessert and there are at least 4 choices for each course. The Barn is a huge red building that is too far to walk to so they provide car service or you can drive yourself in a golf cart. Continue reading →
Mike McRae opened McRae’s American Bistro in August 2023 in his hometown of Dallas. He has been in the hospitality business for 50 years and he wanted to create a welcoming place for folks to dine, drink and relax and he found the perfect spot close to where he grew up. Inside you’ll find a long bar opposite tables and bench seating. Another room off the end was slightly elevated but filled with happy people. The walls were covered with an eclectic mix of memorabilia, the lights (many chandeliers) are dampened and music was in the background. It was a small menu and no specials were offered but there was a full bar and limited wine list. They are open daily for dinner and add brunch on Sat and Sun. It’s the type of establishment needed in the area – a place where you can get good food and drink at a reasonable price but don’t need to wear “all the jewelry you own”. The bill came in on old Golden Book, which brought me right back to my childhood. I very much enjoyed our first visit and look forward to trying more on the menu. Hope you will give it a try to when you’re in Dallas. Continue reading →
exterior – Kleine Bockenheimer Str. 14, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Bidlabu Bistro was in the middle of downtown hidden down a back alley. It’s a fairly small place packed with small wooden tables. When weather permits there is patio dining. They offer only a tasting menu with meat or vegetarian and optional wine pairings. There are 2 seatings and you are told when you make your reservation that you just have the table for 2 hours. Bathrooms are downstairs and women are marked with cats and men with dogs – Frankie approved. The kitchen is run by André Rickert and Patrick Löhl. Service was friendly and the tasting did not lag. Portion control was also good. They have received one Michelin Star. Continue reading →
building – 1 Auf dem Eichelfeld, 54518 Dreis, Germany
Waldhotel Sonnora opened in 1978 under Chef Helmut Thieltges who achieved 3 Michelin stars for the restaurant. Clemens Rambichler joined the kitchen in 2011 and worked for years with Thieltges as sous chef. When Thieltges died in 2017 it was a natural progression for Magdalena and Clemens Rambichler to take over and now run the place with she managing the front of the house and he manning the kitchen. They have retained their 3 Michelin star rating as well as renovated the hotel it is in, to be a delightful place to stay while enjoying a fabulous meal there. Less than an hour’s drive to Luxembourg it was easily our favorite dining experience, including the breakfast that came with the room. The classic French restaurant offers a 7-8 course tasting menu or a la carte service. They offered wine pairings as well as one possible supplement. We declined supplements and chose our own wine. The dining room had well spaced large tables with windows overlooking the small town of Dreis. Music was in the background, lots of flowers graced the various rooms, and art and mirrors decorated the walls. Service was truly exceptional and pacing and portion control were first rate. It was a fabulous experience and I hope that all will find a way to get there and try it. You won’t be sorry. Continue reading →
hotel – Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Kadettenstraße, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
Restaurant Vendôme is a 2 star Michelin restaurant under the direction of Joachim Wissler in the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg since 2000. This grand castle hotel is very close to the city of Cologne. Chef Wissler received his first star one year after opening and the second one in 2002. It had a 3 stars a year later but recently went back to a 2-star rating. The hotel is huge and it actually took us a bit to locate how to get to the restaurant. It turned out that the easiest way was to walk outside and use the entrance used by those not staying in the hotel. Still, it is a short pleasant walk depending on where your room is located. The large dining room had some dividers between some of the tables, lowered lighting, music in the background, stone walls and floors, acoustic tile on the ceiling and the longest rolled-up napkin at your place. They offered a 6 or 8 course tasting with a couple possible supplements, a vegetarian option and wine pairings. We chose the 8-course tasting and added one supplement to share along with our own bottle of wine. Continue reading →
exterior – Mainzer Str. 95, 66121 Saarbrücken, Germany
GästeHaus Klaus Erfort opened in 2003 and by 2008 it had achieved a 3 Michelin Star rating, but 2023 found it downgraded to 2 Stars. Located in a large house, the elegant dining room had good-sized widely spaced double-white cloth-covered tables with heavily starched napkins, art on the walls, a lovely wood floor, dropped white acoustic ceiling and spot lighting on the tables. They offered a tasting menu only of 4, 5 or 7 courses and wine pairings were available. There were several rooms for seating some of which had larger tables and others set to accommodate larger parties. Service began with a champagne cart and then the snacks started to arrive quickly. No supplements were offered and we chose to have the “Complete” menu and order our own bottle of wine. The pacing of the meal was variable with some fairly long pauses in the latter parts of the tasting but portion control was good. It was a nice meal and the place was pretty but I’m not rushing back. Continue reading →
Victor’s Fine Dining has had Chef Christian Bau in charge of the kitchen since 1998, when it was called Victor’s Gourmet Restaurant Schloss Berg. It was awarded a Michelin star that first year and 7 years later he became Germany’s youngest 3-Michelin star chef. Bau studied French cuisine but after trips to Asia combined in some Japanese influences. The restaurant is located in the Schloss Berg castle which is part of Victor’s Residenz-Hotel Schloss Berg. The Renaissance castle was bombed in WWII but later rebuilt into a 5-star hotel with the restaurant on the first floor. A more modern hotel is next door, just a short walk, and they have a lot more rooms available. The small elegant dining room had 9 large round tables widely spaced and draped with fine white linens. The ornate wood ceiling was opposite wide a floor of wide wood planks and stone. A good-sized wine and liquor display cabinet is in the center of the room. They serve a tasting menu only but you can opt to have no cheese course as well as the crab course, the evening we were there. If you want more there were a number of supplemental courses you could add to the menu, some needing to be ordered by everyone and some individual. We chose the “Full Experience” and declined additional courses as well as selected our own wines rather than pairings. This was a wonderful dinner, but I think I would prefer to try his cooking without the Asian influence. Continue reading →
Schanz Restaurant received a 3 Michelin star rating in 2022. Chef Thomas Schanz opened his restaurant next to the hotel owned by his parents in 2011. He received his first star in one year and the second in 2015. Chef Schanz previously worked in other 3-star restaurants before opening his place in this small town. Piesport was a picturesque little town in the Mosel area, where his parents have been winemakers for years. It is an ideal setup to have the attached hotel where you can walk inside to the restaurant and stay in a modern, comfortable room. His father checked us in and his mother greeted guests at the restaurant – a real family operation. Breakfast was included with the room. The French-inspired menu is available in a 4 – 6 course tastings or a la carte. The small room was well lit with faint music in the background. A variety of tables filled the room, some with booth seating, which had one wall made up of windows to the outside. At one point they offered outdoor seating but humidity had brought everyone inside. The well-spaced tables were on a dark wood floor with minimal art and decorations. It was very comfortable and I highly recommend it as a place to try and visit. Chef Schanz was in the kitchen but came out toward the end of service to meet his guests as they departed. The entire meal was 4.5 – 5 hours, so get a room if you can. Continue reading →
exterior – St. Martinstraße 45, 54498 Piesport, Germany
Sabine’s Manufaktur and Kochschule was a small place with one table for about 8. She is a self-taught cook who decided she wanted to explore vegetarian and vegan cooking. She now runs a school but also offers lunch. There is no real menu just what she has cooked that day and English is limited. The ambiance is cozy and it feels more like you are eating in her home. She was most welcoming and the food was quite good. No reservations are needed. She offered a choice of tofu sausage or lentil dahl and rice. We chose the latter. It was a large portion of rice surrounded by the flavorful lentil dish and dotted with a non-dairy sour cream like substance. I would recommend the place if you find yourself in the area. Continue reading →
Green Point Seafood and Oyster Bar opened in the fall of 2023. It was named for a South African beachside neighborhood with familial ties to owners, brothers Greg and Nik Katz. Greg was also the force behind Beverley’s in Dallas. Nik had most recently been the general manager of food and beverage at the Adolphus hotel in Dallas. They wanted to work together for a long time and now have this place which is open daily for lunch and dinner. It’s a large space with a U-shaped bar dividing the rows of booths and tables. Art was on the walls and lots of large flower arrangements give it an elegant yet comfortable feel. It’s in a crowded area but they do have complimentary valet parking at the end of the block. Be sure to get your ticket validated when you’re in but there are lots of free spots just a lot of cars competing for them. Service was first-rate and super friendly and the food was quite good. I was meeting a friend for lunch so we didn’t try nearly enough things but I bet I’ll be back to try more. It was good. Continue reading →
exterior – 14385 County Highway H, Delta, WI 54856
The Delta Diner has been visited by Frankie several times and today she found some new items on the menu to try. Our last visit was about burgers and before that, the Tap Shack but today was the main Diner where they serve breakfast and lunch all day. Owner Todd Bucher was back at the front grill and it was fun to visit with him as well as see all the merchandise options now available – so you can take a little Diner with you. Frankie particularly liked the coffee bar where the new blends being roasted on-site are all available for you to try. You simply take your mug up there and pour which you want and I will say there was quite a bit of difference in the flavor profiles. Seating is either in one of the booths or at the counter and you can designate your preference when you sign in. I’m usually ‘first available’ which is probably the counter. There you get to chat with other guests as well as watch the cooking action. It’s also a good opportunity to see other dishes and decide what to order for your next visit. It is out in nowhere but if you find yourself anywhere nearby you should visit. Check their website <deltadiner.com> for their hours as these change with the seasons and staffing. Just a heads – up, they’ll have live music this summer at the Tap Shack which may not have breakfast items but it does have beer and some fun grilled items. Continue reading →
entrance – 1320 E 7th St #126, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hayato is the Japanese restaurant of Chef Brandon Hayato Go, where 7 lucky diners are served at a counter 5 nights a week. The Kaiseki meal of seafood and vegetables was served by Chef himself with a couple of helpers. The light wood counter faces the cooking area which has a number of options for finishing the dishes. Well lit with no music it is a peaceful, calm place offering much interaction with the chef. The menu is a surprise as Chef shops for unique ingredients with impeccable quality to craft the evening’s dinner. “Less is more” could be a description because you won’t find fancy sauces and decorations here. Instead, the ingredients are so pristine that they stand on their own with elegance. Those who follow me know I’m a flavor junky but this place moves flavor to a different dimension. Time passed quickly, as there was no lag in service and conversations flowed easily between guests and the chef. The meal does take 2.5-3 hours and you receive a beautiful menu at the end written in Japanese and English on elegant parchment. Service was fabulous and it’s easy to see why Michelin has awarded the restaurant 2 stars. The price is steep for some at $350 per person but if you can get a reservation I urge you to go. Be aware that these reservations are in such demand that they are being re-sold but that’s a scam, just be persistent and and try and try again when reservations are released on the first of the month. It’s a fabulous experience. Continue reading →
exterior – 10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
John O’Groats Restaurant was opened in 1982 by Angelica and Robert Jacoby, with he as cook and she as waitress for a 20-seat counter place. They served only breakfast and lunch so they could still have dinner at home with their 2 sons. After 2 years they moved to a different location while son Paul Tyler was studying restaurant administration. He joined the business after college worked his way up to managing partner by 1994 and created some of the dishes served there today. Under Paul’s leadership, the restaurant expanded in 1995 and again in 2000 adding more square footage. Paul was there the day we visited and greeted many customers by name. His brother Carl has also rejoined the team. You can feel the vibe of a family-run place with so many repeat customers and super friendly staff. While Robert has passed on Angelica and Paul’s family are often on-site. The place is spread over a number of rooms with one still offering counter service. Blue checkered cloths cover the tables set with flowers and music in the background. The food used quality ingredients that were prepared with care. I hope I get to go back for another great meal there and that you also have the opportunity. Continue reading →
building – 777 S Alameda St Building 1, Suite 114, Los Angeles, CA
Kato offered only a tasting menu focused on seasonality and innovation in the main dining room and a collection of classic dishes in the Bar Tasting Menu. Chef Jon Yao, who won Food and Wine’s Best New Chef in 2018, was at the helm. His Taiwanese menu earned a one Michelin Star rating at the reopening of the place in Feb 2022. It previously was at a strip mall. The L-shaped place was in some converted warehouse buildings with a large open kitchen. Blond wood tables were under an open ceiling with wood beams, metal supports and some acoustic tiles. Windows made up 2 walls, the lights were lowered and music was in the background. The tasting menu has optional wine pairings and as part of the Lunar New Year celebration they were offering a pairing of cocktails made by some bartenders from the area. They also had a supplemental course you could add that was Japanese A5 Waygu beef and then you could also add a supplemental wine to go with it. We opted for a bottle of champagne to go with dinner and a half bottle of red for the meat course. The food was good but the service pacing was way too slow. It was 30 minutes before we got our bottle or food started being served. As the meal progressed more time elapsed between courses until those that arrived an hour after us caught up to our course. Other service issues were our wine glasses were constantly empty and servers had to be reminded to pour and they picked up the napkin when you went to the bathroom but failed to replace it, but this was later in the meal but still un-Michelin. It’s a restaurant worth eating at because the food is good but go relaxed and prepared to spend 3-4 hours. Continue reading →
République was in a historic building that dates to 1929 and built by Charlie Chaplin. Later it became La Brea Bakery and Campanile Restaurant. République is owned by Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke who have tried to build on this history and offer a casual cafe, bar and a formal dining area in the rear. In 2023 Chef Margarita won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef for her work at the restaurant. The couple have worked with a number of well known restaurants and now have 16 Wildflour Bakeries in the Philippines. They open mornings for breakfast entrees and counter service and offer French-style dinners Tues through Sat. It was a large airy space spread over multiple rooms with an open kitchen and an open bakery area on each side of one of the rooms. As you entered there were several counters of baked goods but no greeter so it was a tad confusing, but we found menus and then after asking learned that you placed your order at the counter, got a number and they’d bring the food to your table. A server located us and brought our coffee pot and a container of water. There were tables with utensils and napkins which I grabbed but I’m not sure if the server was supposed to bring those too. The menu had a number of creative items and the baked goods looked inviting. The food was good but I don’t think we got the best of what they do, It was quite popular so they’re doing something right. Give it a try and be sure to get the Morning’s Bread, the baguette was first-rate. Continue reading →
entrance – 905 E 2nd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Baroo, which opened in Sept 2023, was the result of a collaboration between Chef Kwang Uh and his wife Mina Park. The pair had previous small places starting in 2018 and after much evolution opened this concept featuring a Korean fusion. Presently they serve only one tasting menu but hope to offer vegetarian options in the future. Their price point is on the low end of tasting menus in LA at $110 and they also offer wine pairings. They offer Korean beverage pairings but they were not available that night. After hearing about the options we ordered our own bottle of wine and a glass of red for the meat course, which is the only course you have a choice on. The menu offered pork collar but beef short rib could be substituted for $12. We opted to have one of each. It was a medium-sized place with small bare wood tables and low lighting. The fairly spartan interior goes well with the re-developed warehouse district it was in. The Uber driver drove right past it and dropped us off at the end of the building but it was not hard to find from there. The friendly staff were willing to answer questions and the pacing of the meal was pretty rapid with no long pauses, almost feeling rushed at times. However, the food was wonderful and full of flavor. I understand their earlier ventures were even better but this one is plenty good enough to add to your go-to list. If you want to read another blogger’s fine accounting of their meal here, check out melhuang1972. Continue reading →
exterior – 46 Lexington St, London W1F 0LP, United Kingdom
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant was established in 1985 in ‘old Soho.’ In an 18th century townhouse they offer a relaxed seasonal menu for lunch and dinner. Unfortunately in 2022 art dealer and restaurateur Andrew Edmunds passed away at the age of 79 after a short illness. The restaurant had developed a following of journalists and bohemians in this romantic dining place. Known for high quality and simple, seasonal food, his wife Bryony pledged to keep the place running. The very small place was packed with paper covered tiny tables and had a handwritten copied menu. The wine list was amazing for a place this size. The lights are lowered, no music was in the background but conversations filled the air. The service was friendly and efficient and it did have a wonderful atmosphere. The food was good but not remarkable – it was homestyle and reasonably priced. Having heard about it for years, I’m glad we chose to spend one evening here. Continue reading →
building – 8 Patriot Square, London E2 9NF, United Kingdom
Da Terra means of the Earth and is a sleek modern restaurant under Chef Rafael Cagali in the Town Hall Hotel building in Bethnal Green. Two rooms have large round tables covered with elasticated tablecloths with art on the walls. Music was in the background, sound panels are on the ceiling and a finishing kitchen is on the end of one room (main kitchen downstairs). Decorations vary but you’ll see lots of Mutant Ninja Turtle characters, one of which shares a name with the chef. According to our server chef was teased about his chubby cheeks as a child in São Paulo and nicknamed ‘turtle’. Then the Turtle characters came out and a friend sent him a Rafael and it took off from there. He opened Da Terra in 2019 and within 8 months it had its first Michelin star. They were awarded the Second Star in 2021. The restaurant offers a blind tasting for which you will receive a menu at the end. At lunch, they offer a slightly shorter tasting and we chose that avenue. It was a lovely meal with fantastic, welcoming service and very artful beautiful food. Chef Cagali was there and brought out several courses, explaining the culinary connections to his upbringing in Brazil adapted for Britain. Continue reading →
exterior –54 Frith St, London W1D 4SJ, United Kingdom
Humble Chicken is a 18-seat tasting counter with a changing menu from Angelo Sato and John Paul. Chef Angelo Sato is inspired by his Japanese and European roots. He moved to London at 17 and 10 years later in 2021 he opened a Yakitori bar. It was so popular that in 2023 he elevated the concept to a tasting menu only and named it the Humble Chicken. Well paired is Aidan Monk, Restaurant and Beverage Manager, who runs the counter operations and selects the pairings. While young Chef Sato is personable, Monk made the evening a special event. Seatings are staggered at 6, 7:30 and 8:45 and the timing didn’t lag to make everyone finish together. Instead people were coming and going at the L-shaped granite counter while music pulsed in the background and soft globe lights illuminated the food nicely. The front of the place is all windows to the street which I’m sure attracts some visitors. The menu was on the counter but you do receive a clean copy with a tea bag at the end of the meal. This place had good food, some great, and shows much potential in the composition so I’d recommend you try it. Relax on the comfy seats and you’ll have a wonderful evening. They have one Michelin star. (Note – they were awarded two Michelin Stars in the 2025 guide)Continue reading →
building – 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA, United Kingdom
Ikoyi combines spices of the sub-Saharan West Africa and British beef, fish and produce. The very modern dining room has about 9 round tables and one separate party room for up to 6 guests. Overhead are metal blinds that curve down the side of the room opposite the open kitchen. The rich woods and soft lighting are what you’d expect from this 2 Michelin star restaurant. Soft music was in the background as the show in the kitchen took place. One thing you’ll notice is that the heat lamps are missing – food is made and delivered quickly to the table. Service was impeccable in the very comfortable room. They serve only a tasting menu and usually at lunch it’s a shorter menu but on Friday everyone gets the full dinner tasting. It’s a surprise with a menu given to you at the end of the meal. It was a fantastic tasting but be ready to be there several hours and it is on the pricey side. If you can swing it, put this one on your list. Continue reading →
exterior – 92-94 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA, United Kingdom
The Quality Chop House celebrated 150 years in 2019 and now also have a butcher shop next door. Long been a ‘meaty’ restaurant they have worked to make the menu contemporary while using the best suppliers in the British Isles they can find. The room you enter has the famous booths with their straight backs that are reminiscent of church pews and the second room has conventional small tables. The dark wood and happily talking guests made it feel very pub-like. An old linoleum floor sits below the high-painted tin ceiling. Windows to the street add a little to the low lighting as do candles on the tables and mirrors on the walls. The second floor must be where the private dining room is. Service was super friendly and the menu changes with availability. It was a great evening and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants very good food prepared simply and traditionally. One snafu we had were some scent sticks located directly behind our table but they were happy to move them. Continue reading →
exterior – 70 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE, United Kingdom
A. Wong, short for Andrew Wong, is named for the chef/anthropologist. With a 2 Michelin star rating, they serve dim sum at lunch Wed. – Sat and “Taste of China” dinner Tues. – Sat. According to their website, it is the first and only Chinese restaurant outside of Asia with 2 stars. The place is spread around an L-shaped counter with tables on either end and some outside tables available when weather permits. The large wood tables are well spaced and we were the recipient of their one table that is embossed with 2 Michelin stars. This is a real source of pride to them as you’ll find Michelin men statues placed around, even in the bathrooms. There are tons of people working here but the service felt hovering. The dim sum menu is on the table when you sit down and they ask you to submit your whole order, although you can add later so that was strange. The items are charged per piece, except the Peking Duck which was to be shared. Overall the food was very decorative but not special enough to merit the pricing. I thought they would have more individual sauces to go with items but instead, you have the container of hot sauce and some mild fish sauce which you can use on everything. The Char fun did come with a sauce that we elected to keep and use on other items. It was a disappointment in that I thought it might be more unique. Continue reading →
exterior – 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ, United Kingdom
Evelyn’s Table is in the former beer cellar (or basement) of a 3 story building. The street level is the Blue Posts pub and the top level is a wine bar with snacks. Evelyn’s does 2 seatings for a tasting menu every night but Sunday and you have priority seating, with reservation, at the wine bar before or after your tasting. We got a spot an hour before our late tasting and the bar supplied us with nuts and olives to eat with drinks. The staircase is narrow leading down to the 12 seat counter, led by Chef James Goodyear. Chef’s French training is integrated into British produce and Japanese techniques in the evolving menu. They have a one Michelin star rating and provide you with a menu for the evening. I found the seating uncomfortable and the diners were a wild mix. Yes, we were the seniors there but one member of a young couple never removed their hoodie and the unaccompanied woman next to me kept her phone close to her face all night. The 3 chefs gave nice explanations to the food but the rest of the interaction was with the girls who cleared and served. While the food was not bad I would not call it great either. I hope the weirdness of the evening didn’t affect my impression but I can’t really recommend this place. Continue reading →
exterior – 66 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6BP, United Kingdom
Bouchon Racine is the restaurant above the Three Compasses pub and was inspired to be a French-style bistro. It’s a small place that offers menus created by Henry Harris with seasonal daily offerings. Opening about a year ago it got Harris back into cooking after his restaurant ‘Racine’ closed in 2015, It serves hearty fare that wasn’t prepared with tweezers. Harris had done Michelin-style cooking and wanted to present French classics with’ indecent amounts of butter and cream’. The place has 2 rooms, one the inner portion and the other the conservatory overlooking the street below. The menu is on a moveable chalkboard and the tables are covered with white cloths. Pictures are on the walls and music is in the background. Dinner reservations are super hard to get but lunch is a little easier, so try for a lunch there. Staff are helpful and friendly and the food is terrific. Continue reading →
exterior – 49 Dean St, London W1D 5BG, United Kingdom
The French House was a restaurant on the second level above the pub with the same name. It has a long history dating to 1891 when it was opened as “York Minster” and has always been popular with artists and writers, like Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas, to name a couple. In 1984 the name was changed to “The French House” and today it only has about 7 tables and 2 seats at the counter. Reservations are a must and the handwritten menu changes daily and there were a few chalkboard specials that are limited in number. The small room was fairly bright with windows that overlooked the street below. The walls are covered with photos and the tiny tables are set with white clothes and napkins, The staff were super friendly and the food was outstanding. I’d put this place on your list to visit. Continue reading →
hotel – 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom
The Ritz Restaurant was located in the Ritz Hotel which dates to 1906 and was built to be the most luxurious hotel in the land. No expense was spared on its opulent interiors and furnishings and royalty and celebrities have dined there. You can read more about their history if you want, it’s star-studded. The elegant dining room was under Executive Chef John Williams who loves to highlight seasonal British ingredients. The floor-to-ceiling windows shine light on the marble columns and widely spaced, floor-draped large tables while the formally dressed staff meticulously attend to the diners. At lunch they offer a 3, 5 or 7 course tasting with wine pairing available and you specify your preference when you make the reservation. We opted for the longest and were happy with our choice but know that it will take 3.5 – 4 hours. Also beware that they have a rigid dress code that is enforced. We had read the fine print, so knew about the rules but this place really takes it seriously. The doorman at the front didn’t even want to let some people in due to their attire. They do not allow jeans or tennis shoes and require ties and jackets for men. It’s the sort of requirement I’ve seen from other places and then you get there and you see plenty of jeans and sneakers. This place takes formality to heart so know that before you go and you won’t get hassled. We had a lovely afternoon and the staff were all super friendly; it didn’t feel stuffy or pretentious. Most importantly the food was fabulous and beautiful. They do have a one Michelin star rating. (Note – they were awarded two Michelin Stars in the 2025 guide)Continue reading →
exterior – 2 Greek St, London W1D 4NB, United Kingdom
Noble Rot was a restaurant by the people behind the wine magazine of the same name. There are 3 different locations all serving slightly different food. We went to the one in Soho which serves modern European food and wines and opened in 2020. We were on the first floor but there is a second level about half its small size and a private dining room on the third level. It was fairly dark lit by ball globe lights on the walls and had no music in the background. Art was on one wall of the long space and the opposite one had mirrors. A series of bench seats are along the wall with small marble-topped tables matching them. The ceiling was low and carpet was on the floor which kept the noise level pretty good considering it was packed and turning tables on a Monday night. We were there to try their roast chicken and the server pointed out that it takes about an hour to prepare so we ordered that immediately and then settled in to pick some starters to fill the gap. It was a fabulous evening of seriously good food served in a cozy environment. Continue reading →
Exterior – 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL, United Kingdom
Kiln was a medium size place serving spicy Thai dishes cooked over coals. As you enter there was a long counter, the first part of it faces the bar and the second part looks at the cooking area. Downstairs were additional tables and the bathrooms. If you go with 2 or fewer people, sit at the bar as downstairs was rather spartan. However, conversation for 4 is tough at a counter. Diners line up to await the opening and it is popular. The coals were heated to red hot and then placed in various-sized metal containers and the cooking pot/pan was placed on top. It was a fun show but also fairly warm, which was nice for a cool London day. Music was in the background and the place was pretty bright at lunch. Staff were friendly and helpful but the stools were close together and it’s not the most comfortable place to sit. The food came out quickly and your counter space is limited so you can expect a quick lunch if you want. It seemed like more of a beer place than wine or cocktails but they have full bar available. The food was spicy, the server can advise you on which dishes will suit your palate. They used as many products from Britain as they can source. We ordered more than we could eat but wanted to try a good sampling of their dishes. While I loved the full flavor of the dishes this place will not be for everyone. Continue reading →
entrance – 2130 Commerce St 2nd Floor, Dallas, TX 75201
We visited Brass Ram in Dec. 2022 after they’d just opened. Since then they’ve resolved many of the issues I had with the place. First and foremost the noise level was much better and the valet parkers knew the way into the building. Small things, but it sets a tone. There were several specials off the menu and I appreciate the way the servers tell you the prices after they describe the dish (this is a habit in all the Nick Badovinus restaurants we’ve been to). Service is first class here – they are attentive but not intrusive and make you feel welcome. Know that it’s a meat-heavy menu, but they do offer seafood, for those not wanting beef. We were back to try their prime rib again, as it’s become a quest in our search of supper clubs in northern Wisc. They serve it every night and offer a Wagyu reserve on Fri and Sat. It is a place I’ll look forward to going back to. Continue reading →
Irma’s Place opened in Oct. 2023. The owners are two sisters, Stacy and Sasha Rondeau who named the place after their grandmother Irma. They serve breakfast and lunch Tues through Sunday. The day we were there, several groups were eating together at the medium-sized place. Exposed duct work, wood walls, high ceilings, and a combination of booths and tables made up the building that was decorated with memorabilia on a high shelf and art for sale on the main walls. It’s right on the highway so a perfect stop on our way to our house up north. It’s simple food but I’ll be back to try some of the breakfast options and maybe more of their freshly made baked goods. The friendly server was also efficient and explained the darkened parts of the menu were the most popular. Continue reading →
building – 127 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Zasu is the creation of chef/owner Sue Zemanick, who knew early on that she wanted to be a chef. After graduating at the top of her class for the Culinary Institute of America in NY she moved to New Orleans and in 2005 was named Executive Chef at Gautreau’s where she won the Best Chef South by the James Beard Foundation in 2013. In addition to other awards she has served as a judge on several seasons of Top Chef Masters. It’s a small-medium size place in an older home with a few outdoor tables in addition to 2 rows of small bare wood tables running the length of the place and a row of booths on the other side. Three large paintings cover much of the walls and are the same hue as the walls. According to our server they are art as well as sound dampening in function. Interesting plant-like chandeliers hang from the sound-paneled ceiling opposite the wide plank wood floors. It’s comfortable but minimal environment with wonderful intensely flavored food. I highly recommend it.
Set- Up
interiorFrankie exploredmenucocktail menudessert menuwine frontwine backFrankie found some art
Food
We enjoyed a sazerac cocktail while waiting for our food. It feels like a New Orleans requirement to have at least one of these when you visit.
Frankie enjoyed a sazarac cocktail
We split the wild mushroom and mascarpone agnolotti. It was seasoned with cherry wood bacon, mustard greens and marsala. The tender pastas had a strong mushroom flavor and were rolled thin enough that the sides didn’t get tough from being too thick. The filling was a bit runny and so it bled into the broth. The bacon was nicely crisp and very good.
wild mushroom and mascarpone agnolotti (half order)closer
We also split the Korean Chile Glazed pork cheeks that were on bibb lettuce with pickled carrot, turnip, radish, cilantro and puffed rice. The pork was very tender and fried to a crisp exterior and blended great with the pickled carrot. The puffed rice added a fun crunch. There was a sweet sticky sauce and a hint of pepper in the mix. You were to wrap up the ingredients in the lettuce and eat. Delicious with tons of flavor.
Korean Chile Glazed pork cheeks (half order)
Braised beef short ribs were with baby spinach, pickled shallot, crispy fingerling potatoes, herb butter and demi-glace. These were very tender and well browned. The potatoes were nearly perfect in their preparation with a good crisp to the edge. This was a great plate of food and not too rich.
Braised beef short ribs (full order)closer
Tonight they offered peppermint ice cream and this version was delicious. Some chewy crisp pieces of peppermint punctuated the creamy ice cream. Excellent.
peppermint ice cream
Brown butter cardamom pear cake was with whipped mascarpone with spiced pear sticky toffee. The sweet pears were wonderful and worked into a rich caramel-like cake. Plenty but not too much sweet rates this as excellent also.
Brown butter cardamom pear cakeFrankie checked for extra caramel
Galatoire’s has been a regular stop for us on trips to New Orleans. Earlier this year as well as 2021 and many others if you search this site. The holidays are a particularly fun time to go as people get dressed up and really get into the party atmosphere. It get very noisy and service slows down but it’s fun. Now that they take reservations for downstairs as well as upstairs it’s way more civilized than standing in line to get a place. Located in the heart of the Quarter, it’s a New Orleans standard with wonderful seafood and endless customizing of your order is readily available. We wanted to split a number of things and have them in separate courses, which the kitchen is willing to do for you at no charge or many things are also available in a smaller size. It’s a must go when you visit the city but remember, no shorts anytime and coats are required in the evening.
Set-Up
interiorinteriorFrankie needed to restwine
Food
While you’re still contemplating the menu they deliver hot bread and individual butters to the table. It is so good.
bread and butter
Crabmeat Maison is made up of Louisiana jumbo lump crab, green onions, capers and creole mustard aioli. We split an order and it was wonderful. The very fresh sweet crab meat is deliciously mixed with the light dressing that accents, not hides, the fabulous flavor and texture. This is a winner.
crabmeat maison
Crabmeat sardou is made with a fresh artichoke heart on creamed spinach topped with Louisiana jumbo lump crab and hollandaise. We split an order so this is half. This is incredible. It all blends into a divine melding of flavors and textures. It is rich and decadent and so irresistable.
crabmeat sardouinside
It was taking a bit longer to get the food out than normal and so they gifted us some garlic bread. My understanding is that the serving of this is at the discretion of the staff but I’ve never had them turn me down if I ask. It’s one of their loaves cut in half and coated with an enormous amount of garlic and butter and then toasted. Bliss.
garlic bread
Shrimp au vin was made with Louisiana shirmp, white wine, mushrooms, green onions and rice. This was the first time we’ve ordered this dish and while the shrimp were cooked perfectly and the flavor was good, the sauce was too thick. This was the weakest dish of the visit.
shrimp au vin
Your server can tell you which fish are fresh and available that day and to each you can pick a sauce and garnish. We chose the fried trout with meuniére amandine. This was half an order. The coating on the fish was perfect, crisp and light, with wonderful moist fish inside. The brown butter in the sauce goes perfectly with fish and almonds. This is a killer combo. Normally we’d add crab meat to the top but we went ‘light’ this time. Another favorite.
trout amandine
As we decompressed and loosened our belts we finished with a cup of coffee. Excellent meal.
building – 5831 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Bistro Daisy was in Uptown and named for the daughter of owners Anton and Diane Schulte. It opened in the summer of 2007 and features fresh, seasonal and local ingredients in American bistro style. Housed in a little yellow house inside you’ll find white cloth-covered tables spread over a couple of rooms, lowered lighting, music in the background, dark ceiling, non-functioning fireplaces, and walls decorated with mirrors. The small menu was supplemented by several nightly specials. Friendly service, low noise level and great ambiance made this a winner for us. It’s small so reservations are suggested, but there were empty tables the night we went. Continue reading →
exterior – 6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Parkway Bakery and Tavern opened over 100 years ago and became a part of the ‘poor boy’ sandwich movement. There was a strike of streetcar drivers and motormen in the 1920s and The Martin Brothers Coffee Stand and Restaurant developed a sandwich of french fries topped with a little beef gravy on French bread. The owners would call out “Here comes another poor boy” when one of the strikers approached and they would get a free sandwich. Parkway began selling these sandwiches to the nearby American Can Company workers and added the free sandwich for striking workers. The Great Depression made the workers lose this strike but the invention of the “poor boy” won these places lots of loyal customers. This sandwich was more like the oyster loaves, also seen in San Francisco, than the Italian sub sandwich. A need arose to develop a bread that was squared off at the end to maximize the filling-to-bread ratio. The sandwiches could be filled with any number of things and the name morphed into several variations like po-boy, that we see today. This large place has a bakery as well as offering daily special fillings. Adapting to the Covid pandemic they set up outside tents to eat in which have stayed on. As you enter you can either go through the bar area where you order drinks and food or just the food line where non-alcoholic beverages are available. There is seating inside in addition to music in the background and walls covered with photos and memorabilia. A separate pick-up window looks into part of one kitchen. Sandwiches are small(5 inches) or large(10 inches) size and the small was generous for 2. We tried several smalls and had to feed the trash a lot of leftovers.
Set-Up
menu on the outsideFrankie found some info on the fencedirectionstent seatingdrink sideinteriorkitcheninteriorinteriorinteriormenu
Food
order comes out like
Sandwiches come wrapped in paper. You order them “dressed” if you want lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo included. The oyster po’boy is made with fried Gulf Oysters and only available on Wed and Thurs. These oysters are harvested locally and flash-fried to order. They were excellent oysters both in flavor and in frying preparation. There were so many that they spilled out of the bread as soon as you unwrapped it. It was delicious.
Oyster Po’boy smallopened
The shrimp po’boy also uses wild-caught Gulf shrimp that are flash-fried. Like the oysters, their preparation was superb and they were also spilling out of the bread here. I would have enjoyed a basket of these alone without all the bread and dressing. These are always available.
Shrimp po’boy smallopened
One of the place’s specialties is the beef po’boy made with roast beef and gravy. This uses a slow-roasted beef that is soaked in a savory gravy. While it was tender and well cooked it paled in comparison to the shellfish sandwiches. I found the beef dull and dry, but it didn’t help to be full and have the other 2 options so perfectly done. They are really proud of this product so it may speak to you more if you don’t visit New Orleans for seafood.
beef po’boy smallFrankie pointed out the condiments
exterior – 6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118
We were last at Clancy’s in 2021 and before that in 2017, if you want to compare, but know it remains a favorite spot of ours. On this trip we had to sit in the room behind the bar probably due to all the holiday reservations. We always ask for the downstairs main dining room, but everybody can’t sit there. It was fine for a change. The room had a window to the bar where you could watch some folks eating but mostly drinking. This room was much smaller too, so the noise level was better. In the evening they have a handwritten menu that has some standards but also a few daily options. I haven’t had anything bad there but their seafood is a star. They make good drinks too and have excellent service. It’s on the “old-school” side of things, so expect dressed-up people, but more importantly expect fresh, excellent seafood. After our heavy lunch, we decided to skip appetizers but if you want one, the fried eggplant is good.
Set -Up
back roommenudessert menufun serverFrankie watched the bar
Food
After ordering they brought some warm New Orleans-style bread and butter to your table. It makes a mess with the crust flying everywhere but it is so good. We enjoyed an excellent martini with it.
bread and buttermartini
Clancy’s Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Salad came with a Mandeville sour cream and horseradish dressing. The giant pile of crab meat was on top of lettuce, radish, carrots, hearts of palm, tomatoes and a deviled egg. They rotate the dressing on this salad and this one was great. It was filled with lots of lovely ingredients but mostly it was about all that sweet crabmeat. It’s big but wonderful.
Clancy’s Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Saladturned
Fried rabbit livers came with a rice-grit cake and a Worcestershire bordelaise sauce. If you like chicken livers you’d like this one. They were lightly battered and fried, leaving the livers creamy inside. They were wonderful, but I do like liver. I don’t remember and didn’t write down anything about the other parts, just that the liver was lovely with the sauce and coating.
Fried rabbit livers
Tonight the Fried Gulf Fish with jumbo lump crab and meuniere sauce featured drum fish. It came with haricot verte, Brabant potatoes and cauliflower. The potatoes are a regular style in New Orleans where the diced potatoes are blanched and then fried in butter sauce. These were larger dice than I’ve had and didn’t get the great crispy edge I expected but they had a nice flavor. The fish was perfectly prepared and excellent mixed with the butter sauce and exquisite crab meat. It was an excellent plate.
Fried Gulf Drum Fish with jumbo lump crab
Daily Seafood special was sautéed speckled trout with shrimp, crab and Mirliton dressing in a beurre blanc sauce with cauliflower. It was another excellent plate according to my husband and I affirm from the bite I had.
Speckled trout with shrimp, crab and Mirliton dressing
Bananas Foster bread pudding came with Bananas Foster ice cream and Bananas Foster rum caramel sauce. The pudding was not as moist as some I’ve had but the sauce and ice cream way made up for it. Delicious and sweet.
Bananas Foster bread pudding
Coconut cream pie was dusted with toasted coconut on a graham cracker crust. It was nice but the bread pudding smoked it.
building – 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Dooky Chase opened as a restaurant in 1941 and before that, it was a sandwich and lottery ticket store. Founded by Emily and Dooky Chase Sr, whose pictures are in the entry room, it remains family-owned and run. Their son Edgar became a musician and activist for the civil rights movement and helped organize and host strategic sessions along with dialogue that included giants like Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr. In 1946 Edgar married Leah Lange who grew the sandwich shop to a sit-down restaurant. Leah Chase became known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine and was shepherded in as one of the first African American fine dining restaurants in America. Continuously running since, except for a 2-year hiatus due to Hurricane Katrina, these 2 are now gone but their son, a retired lawyer, was there to greet and welcome guests. The large number of dining rooms have fed many dignitaries such as Beyoncé, Barack Obama and George W Bush, to name just a few. The large corner location has rooms on two floors with art on the walls and no music in the background. There were a couple of large parties meeting there during the lunch we visited and that may have been the cause of very slow service. We arrived a bit before our reservation but would not be seated until just after our appointed time even though there were many empty tables. Then it took 15-20 minutes before we got a menu, yet drink orders were still not ready to be taken. Don’t know if it was our server or general overload. Parts of the meal were excellent and others average but it’s such a historic place it feels like a place you should visit. Continue reading →
building – 2001 W Morehead St D, Charlotte, NC 28208
Counter- was a “full sensory experience featuring themed tasting menus” created by Chef/Owner Sam Hart. He used music, flavor and presentation to tell a story about the theme, which was ‘Time’ the night we were there. The Time theme worked to present an experience of the stages of aging. The tasting menu also offers wine and non-alcoholic pairings, as well as a list of bottles for purchase and they had a truffle upgrade available. The theme changes every 3 months and no dishes or themes are repeated for the 18 guests at the U-shaped counter. Chef Hart, who was a semifinalist for the 2023 James Beard Best Chef: Southwest award, says that Counter will only run for 12 years with six planned evolutions. Opening in 2020, it is currently on its second iteration. At present the meal starts with a few bites served in the lobby of the building then moves to the counter dining room. After the main courses you have a walk through the kitchen and then final bites are at large communal tables at the other end of the original room. At the end of the meal, we were given a copy of the menu and a roll to take with us. My one criticism would be the noise level, mostly the music. I know chef wanted to immerse us in the mood but I’m more in the “time” when I like to be able to speak with other diners without yelling. For the food portion, I’ve started the description with the course’s name. The entire experience takes about 3 hours and one you should put on your list to try. Continue reading →
Haberdish was a southern kitchen with a craft cocktail bar. The name was a combination of haberdashery with dish meant to bring the “mill town’s history to life through food.” The owners, Jeff Tonidandel and wife Jamie Brown own several other restaurants in town. It was a large place with an equally spacious covered patio on the side. Brick walls, an open ceiling with ductwork, music in the background, and lots of hanging plants surrounded a long wall of bench seating, and dozens of tables and seats at the long bar counter. The table tops were made with wood from the rafters of their building with bar taps being made from reused spindles from a mill. We were there for lunch and it was fairly bright but windows were on the street wall and also to the patio. The food was heavy, but that’s southern, and lacked nuance of flavor. That being said it was reasonably good if it’s the type of food you’re looking for. I’ve been to places that serve southern, heavy food that makes you want to come back again like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah and not sure this place falls in that category. Continue reading →
entrance – 202 Gideon Ridge Rd. Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
On our second night at Gideon Ridge we were seated in a more interior room where we had much better light. We also found out that it was not frowned on to just order two courses for each person. Our server the second night had worked there longer and seemed to be much more laid back. The Chef was on site and did inquire about our meal as we left which was a nice touch. We left with a much better impression of the kitchen tonight but the pea shoots were still crashing most parties. It is rated as a place worth a visit. Continue reading →
Sunrise Grill was in the same building as the office for Sunrise Mountain mini golf. It’s a family owned and run breakfast and lunch spot. You enter the large building and find the coffee bar and some of the larger tables as well as benches for waiting. Through a door was the dining room made up of 3 rows of booths and smaller rooms on either side of that main room with more tables. The server area was at one end with an area selling souvenir merchandise. Art (for sale) and photos decorated the walls as well as a fun chalk mural on one end, also signs for the pancake of the day special. Galvanized metal was the upper portion of the wood walls and older linoleum was on the floor. It was a pleasant room with plenty of light and really friendly servers. Open at 7 am every day except Tuesday they add lunch service after 10:30 and have daily specials. The food and service were good enough that I’d go again. Continue reading →
exterior – 202 Gideon Ridge Rd. Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
The Gideon Ridge Restaurant was in the inn of the same name in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The inn has about 10 rooms which have priority in getting restaurant reservations. The menu changes with the season and a couple courses changed over the 2 nights we were there. It took 2 (1939-1941) years to construct the personal home that later became the Inn in 1982. The Milner family purchased the place and restored the building which also created 10 guest rooms and the restaurant. Originally the restaurant just served the guests but later it opened to the community. A really pretty spot with lots of fireplaces and a full bar, both of which are great for the cooler weather. Great views are from all the windows that surround the dining room but the sun goes down early in winter so we snapped photos in the daytime. The slate floor and stone walls made me think it was probably a porch area at some time. A nice living room area was where the bar was if you wanted to wait in there or have drinks before or after dinner. Music was in the background and the lighting was well lowered. Service was friendly but not worldly. If you want a break from whatever, this is a place I would recommend. The menu is a la carte so it makes it easy to spend a couple nights and vary the menu, which we did. Our server pushed us to order from all 3 sections of the menu, saying the chef scales the portions. Three was too much, especially if you wanted dessert. Continue reading →
Webb Custom Kitchen was in the space previously occupied by the Webb Movie Theatre. Opening in 2016 after a year of renovation, it’s a large space with the second story still intact and movies still playing above the open kitchen. Decorations are old projectors and movie equipment as well as walls covered with names of those who joined the Porterhouse Club by finishing their 40 oz. charbroiled steak. The center of the big downstairs room is a large bar that also has seating. Benches are used for wall seating and tables are in the middle. Parking is available in public lots nearby as it is in the heart of downtown. Music was in the background and the lighting was fairly bright, but we were there at lunch. The dinner menu offered more options to choose from but our lunch was good enough to make me want to go back to try more things. Service was friendly and they were happy to share some of the history of the building with us, even offering to let us walk around upstairs afterwards. Thumbs, or should I say paws, up on this one. Continue reading →
exterior – 71 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris, France
Geosmine Restaurant was in a small townhouse and designed by Chef Maxime Bouttier. The name comes from a chemical compound that gives the characteristic smell to freshly plowed earth. It was a 2-story place with American music playing in the background. We were lucky to get a first floor table (the bathroom is on that level) where there was a glass section that looked down into the wine cellar. The walls were exposed brick which also was on some of the ceilings. Rough wood tables were nicely spaced and set with large beige napkins. Overall it was an attractive interior. They offer 2 tasting menu options or 8 or 11 courses. They opened in April of 2023 and would appear to be on track to receive Michelin noting, so get there now while the price is still good. Service was outstanding, friendly and welcoming as well as happy to answer my endless questions. The food was great. Continue reading →
Pianovins is owned and run by two long time employees of Guy Savoy Restaurant. The kitchen is under Chef Michel Ronciére who worked there for 25 years and the wines and front are managed by Eric Mancio who put in 28 years at Guy Savoy. The location used to house Les Déserteurs Restaurant. It’s a tiny place with only 20 seats so reservations are best. They are open for lunch and dinner Tues through Sat with a 3 (€37), 5 (€58) or 7 (€69) course meal offered. The menu changes weekly. Art is on the walls and bench seating runs along the walls where the small light wood tables are lined up. No music was in the background but windows on either end let in natural light. Service was friendly and you felt as if you were eating in their home. They didn’t bother with the offer of bottled water, they simply brought out a carafe of tap. The lack of pretentiousness was appealing. I strongly recommend this place. Continue reading →
exterior –44 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris, France
FIEF was a small place with 8 seats at the counter where you get only the 10 course tasting menu. The other 30 other places are 4-course menus. The name stands for “Made Here In France”. There was no printed menu and the promised email menu never arrived. In 2022 they received a one Michelin star rating. The long concrete counter and stools became less comfortable as the evening wore on and the purse hooks are so far under the counter the server had to put it there. While you are seated right across from the people making your meal there is little to no interaction. They really pushed cocktails rather than wine which I thought odd. There was a chaos in the kitchen which I found distracting and unpleasant. You didn’t feel stuffed since there was little richness in the food but you didn’t leave hungry. It was a weird vibe and probably my least favorite meal of our trip. Continue reading →
exterior – 11 Rue Raymond Losserand, 75014 Paris, France
MoSuke served a cuisine that combines west and central African dishes with French and Japanese twists. Chef Mory Sacko won France’s first Michelin star for African cuisine at just 28 years of age. That was 2 years ago and since then he has competed on France’s Top Chef TV cooking show during the Covid lockdown. The unassuming exterior does not match the stylized interior. Very modern and tasteful furnishings, down to the toilet in the bathroom, are made with light wood set to curved couch-like seating. Lots of plants, fabric on the ceiling, windows to the garden alongside, modern art decorations and music in the background make up the pleasant ambiance. At lunch, there were 2 tasting menu options, a four and six-course menus with optional wine pairings. We chose the 6 and you had to choose between 2 dessert options, so we got one of each. The meal was paced quickly with good portion control. There were a ton of unfamiliar ingredients so the descriptions are somewhat lacking, but overall it was interesting and fun food with some nice unusual variations. Continue reading →
Pantagruel was named for a gluttonous giant and Chef Jason Gouzy tries to honor gastronomy at his restaurant which received one Michelin Star after just 8 months of being open. Opening in 2020 the menu was done in chapters, each with 3 parts. That is, with each course or chapter the ingredients are presented in 3 different ways, so the diner can experience the food in several forms and textures. The menu was composed of 6 chapters with optional wine pairings offered. There was an optional cheese course, at an additional charge and an upgrade on one of the chapters. We declined the cheese but chose the lobster upgrade over the fish. It was an “L” shaped space with only about 9 tables, most clad with white clothes and set with fresh flowers. Some semi-circle booths were on one end and smaller square tables were toward the back. A larger irregularly shaped table was in front, lower lighting was supplemented with hanging fixtures and windows to the street in the front, and faint music was in the background. It was a pleasant space. Continue reading →
Jacques Faussat was a small place on a quiet street with white tablecloths, American music in the background, fresh flowers, art on the walls, exposed bricks and decorative wood walls. Chef Jacques Faussat who received one Michelin star in 2004 was originally from Gers. He started the restaurant in 2002 and called it La Braisiére. In 2015 he redecorated the space and named it Restaurant Jacques Faussat. He strives to keep it simple with no more than 3 products on the plate and to choose seasonal products to serve. At lunch, they offer a 3-course tasting menu which you can add to or substitute with, all for a price. The price on the side was if you order it by itself and the substitution charge is noted for the various courses. Of course, you can always just order a la carte but it can work out better sometimes with substitution, depending on what you want. Wine pairings are also available. One interesting thing was the rock on the table with a bar code. It held the menu but also you could use it to pay and they gave you the option of splitting the bill. Although this was a smallish place it was not as cozy as many of the others we went to. At lunch, several business meetings seemed to be taking place which made it fairly noisy. It was good but not great. Continue reading →
Pétrelle was a small place that was open for dinner Wed to Sun and lunch on Sat and Sun. They serve only a tasting menu designed by Chef Lucie Boursier-Mougenot that reflects the seasons and her partner Sommelier Luca Danti runs the front of the house. The night we were there an additional course was offered to supplement the 4-course menu and the server suggested we split one, which we did. The place has been around for 18 years and used to be frequented by stars like Madonna to Mick Jagger as well as several French presidents, but this was under the past chef and management. Still, it is a lovely little place filled with candles, white tablecloths, an assortment of tables and chairs, music in the background, lots of dark wood and a blazing fire the cold night we were there, as well as the photo of a flame. With only 9 tables it can be a hard reservation to get but it is well worth your while and a real value for the money. The menu is constantly changing but this team provides you with a wonderful evening and meal. Continue reading →
exterior – 28 Rue des Acacias, 75017 Paris, France
Mallory Gabsi was the restaurant of a semi-finalist in French TV’s Top Chef 2020, Belgian Chef Mallory Gabsi. The very small place was furnished with small marble top tables, stuffed chairs, with music in the background, lots of beautiful light polished wood and mirrors on the wall to make it bigger. The entry room had 2 larger communal dining tables across from the kitchen opening. The menu at lunch offered a la carte options as well as tasting menus of 4 or 7 courses and a special 3-course lunch menu. While they offered wine pairings we opted to order wines by the glass. One problem with the place was the saucing. They seemed to like to present the plate and sauce at the table but often the sauce was not with the server and so there was a lag between served and ready to try. Places were set with a decorative spoon which stayed throughout the meal. It was pretty but I didn’t find any sauces I wanted to use it for. While this place has one Michelin star, it didn’t do it for me, the food was as brown as the decor. It looked elegant but was all eye candy with little flavor. Maybe we hit it on an off-day, so I hope someone else tries it and can report a better meal. Continue reading →
Granite was in the space where Daniel Rose’s Spring Restaurant used to be. Two years ago Chef Tom Meyer started Granite which highlights local French products. Meyer is only 30 years old but already has earned one Michelin Star for this restaurant. On the street level was the open kitchen and some 2-top tables. Downstairs there are more tables, which we visited under its past restaurant but didn’t go down this trip. Ask to sit on the main floor so you can watch the huge number of people it takes to turn out your meal. The place had a Scandinavian modern look of cut-out wooden paneling and gorgeous radial cut round wood tables. Around this was a lowered ceiling, carpet, no music, windows to the street and excellent service. I liked that the menu named the various people who worked there, rather than just the chef. At lunch, they offered a special 3-course menu but also longer tasting of 5, 7, and 8-course tasting menus all with the option of adding a cheese course. We chose the 7-course with a couple of glasses of wine. I freely admit I didn’t get all the ingredients down in my notes and cannot read many of the notes I scribbled but trust me you won’t care either – the flavors are that good. In addition, the presentations were beautiful and felt simple rather than fussy. A great meal. Continue reading →
Perception Restaurant has been in business for about 2 years. It was the result of a collaboration of Chef Sukwon Yong and Barnabé Lahaye to bring a fusion of the cuisine of Korea (where the chef is from) with French gastronomy. It was a small long place with lowered lighting but spots that helped illuminate many of the tables. Some of the stone/brick walls had bench seating to pair with the small bare wood tables and hung with many mirrors. The kitchen was at the back of the place opposite windows to the street on the other end. They offer an al la carté menu as well as 6 and 8-course tasting menus. Both tasting menus had optional wine pairings. Their website did not list what was on the menus but they were explained on the menus on the table. We chose the 8-course menu with the pairings. The pairings were a small pour but the cost was low so that could be expected. It was interesting that they didn’t change out the wine glasses but did change out the flatware between courses. Overall, I’d call this one a mixed meal. Continue reading →
Origines Restaurant was opened four years ago by Chef Julien Boscus, who earned a Michelin star as chef of Les Climats and now tries to highlight seasonal and local ingredients at his own place. Chef did come out to visit with his guests at the end of the service. His menu offers a la carte options as well as a 4 or 6-course tasting with an optional cheese course and/or wine pairings. You pick your courses from the menu with the 4 composed of a starter, fish, meat and dessert and you add 2 more starters for the 6, which was the option we chose. We also took the wine pairings which were exceptionally well done in that they truly enhanced the food. The small place had bare wood tables fitted with well-stuffed seating. The lowered lighting, music in the background and large plank wood floors gave it a cozy feel. There was a window to the kitchen so you could see some action but it was not open so noise was not a factor. We had a wonderful meal here with friendly service and I very much recommend you go if you have a chance. Continue reading →
Parcelles was a little place serving traditional dishes that were well done. The older building held small white cloth-covered tables surrounded by stone walls, a terrazzo floor, a gold ceiling and lowered lighting supplemented by window light at lunch. Great placement of several big mirrors made it feel bigger and wine bottles were used as decorations as well as art while music played in the background. Service was friendly and efficient. This can be a hard reservation to get but it is well worth the effort. Continue reading →
