Ébène was opened in the fall of 2025 by Simon Plantrou and Chef Jihyun Kim who trained at the Bocuse school. They met working at L’Arpege and formed their style from Passard’s influence serving mostly fish and vegetables. It was a tiny place with the open kitchen on one side of the room. At lunch there was a 3 course menu with choices for each course for €45 with some choices incurring a supplement charge. If you want they also offer a 6 course menu with no choices or a la carte, but the lunch is by far the best value. The 16 seats had music in the background, windows to the street, one framed poster on the wall and the small tables draped with nice white clothes and good sized matching napkins. Service was efficient and friendly with good portion control and pacing on the tasting. We were delighted to get a table next the kitchen with Chef Kim and her 2 female assistants but there was no interaction with any of them, which was probably due to language more than personality. As our first meal, straight off the plane and the long cab ride into town, it was lovely. It’s not fancy food but presented on fun different plates with good flavors. Thumbs up here. Continue reading →
building from the parking lot – 1211 N Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75218
Ellen’s is a large place in Casa Linda Plaza. It supposedly has more locations but the downtown one has been closed some time now. This location opened in July 2023 and originally was open for dinner but now they are open daily for lunch and breakfast, 7am till 3pm. It took about 2 years to open the location and I’m not sure how they stay in business as we were the only customers the morning we visited. The restaurant company was founded in 2012 with this location being its third and bills itself as serving Southern comfort food. The elaborate buidling takes up the corner in the shopping center with a lot of parking available. Inside is a full bar and walls decorated with photos. Seating is in booths, benchs, tables and hi-tops by the bar. Music is in the background of the bright space made so by lighting and lots of windows. The butcher block tables are good sized and service was helpful, friendly and efficient. The food however was mediocre, I’m sorry to say. We got some of the servers recommended plates but most of the food was still on the table when we left. I suspect something on the menu could have been better but not sure what that would be. Let me know if you go and find something good. Continue reading →
exterior – 41 George St, Charleston, SC 29401-1464
Legend Deli is in downtown Charleston making sandwiches from local ingredients. Near Charleston College they opened in Spring 2023 by Chaz Wendel and Chef Tyler Hunt, formerly sous chef at Husk. They serve a selection of custom sandwiches and salads. Opening early they also offer breakfast sandwiches, but go for the lunch ones. Their breads come from Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery in West Ashley and their produce from Limehouse. There are a few tables in the space but a lot of the business was to-go. Howerver we were on our way to the airport so stopped to fuel up before that. Inside on one wall is a giant mural with references to lots of Charleston landmarks and the bathroom was full of carticatures with sandwiches. A fun and friendly place with great sandwiches, it’s one I’d highly recommend to you. Continue reading →
We discovered Chez Nous during our Feb 2023 trip and liked it so much we went twice (click here for first visit and here for second visit). The small 2-story place changes the menu daily but you can find it on their Facebook page. They serve the same menu for lunch and dinner and later in the day the Facebook post will have photos of the options. This won’t help you if you have a reservation but it will give you an idea about the variety of offerings and how they turn out. There are no other menu options available but if you go with a dining partner you can each have one of the two options for the 3 course menu and try everything. I love the variation and that you can also opt to just have one or two courses. The service is always friendly and attentive, they have a nice wine list to chose from and the food is well done. This is still a solid recommendation by me when in Charleston. Continue reading →
We visited Claires in 2021 (you can read that by clicking here) It looks very much the same in the century old train station only I think it’s gotten more popular and the town built up more, so there’s less parking. We sat at a high top table which was one of the options you can pick when you make your reservation. The large bar seemed to be a place for solo diners and walk-ins. Claire Lamborne purchased the property in 2005 and was still there but we didn’t see her polishing glassware this time. Service was efficient, friendly and opinionated. We liked it enough to go back so if you need a fun place to eat when you’re in the area put this one on your list. Continue reading →
Sunflower Caffé was in the historic Sonoma Plaza, in the old home of Salvador Vallejo. They are open daily for breakfast and lunch. In addition to food they offer a good selection of wine, beer, cider and coffee drinks. It’s a small place with a few indoor tables and the bulk of the tables are on the patio in back. They do have heaters for cooler days and umbrellas for sunny ones. The food is local, when possible, and organic. We were there when they opened so we were able to get an indoor table and the service was fast, friendly and efficient. The place was very popular with a line starting about 30 minutes after opening, but people came and went frequently. The food was okay and did seem to use great ingredients but the flavor profile was mostly mild. It’s on the pricey side but then it is California. For us it was convenient, open and worked with our flight schedule, but depending on business I don’t think I’d wait an hour to get in. However when you’re there it will make you a quick breakfast. Continue reading →
building – 389 Main Street, Washington, VA., 22747
Patty O’s Cafe and Bakery was under construction when we were last at the Inn on Little Washington in 2021. Built in a former gas station building, it was named for the Inn’s Chef Patrick O’Connell’s nickname ‘Patty O’. It offers visitors an option to the Michelin style fine dining of the Inn by offering lunch and dinner daily except for Wed when they close at 4. The cafe has two interior rooms, one housing the large bar with seating and the other closely set tables, and there is an outdoor patio. It is also connected to the bakery which supplies its and the main restaurant’s bread. The rooms are filled with decorations and art with a beamed ceiling and windows to the street. Service was efficient and willing to make recommendations. It aims for a more casual atmosphere which it achieves with bills coming in little metal boots , a menu of American classics and a large free parking lot out back. Thinking it was mid-week and we didn’t really need a reservation, but we did anyway and that was the right call. The place was packed with tables turning over. Walk-ins were seated at the bar. The food was mixed but the place serves a real need for those in the area. If nothing else, just go for the pecan ice cream with caramel sauce. Continue reading →
Castillo’s Mexican Restaurant is in the historic downtown of Mariposa, CA. It opened in 1955 and serves traditional Mexican fare with tons of combination plates. There are a few outdoor tables as well as ones in the small place with a few dedicated parking spots and otherwise street parking. It serves cocktails, beer and wine for lunch and dinner. Service was quick, friendly even offering to bring more chips and salsa. The walls were filled with decorations with even more added for Halloween. Some of the good sized wood tables were painted with colorful illustrations and windows were open to the street. It was a pleasant place to sit and the food was pretty good. So if you’re in the area stop by for a Mexican fix and then hit the California State Mineral Museum before going to Yosemite. Continue reading →
building (seating behind grate) – 2415 N 1st St, NW Corner of First & Clinton, Fresno, CA 93703-1202
Sam’s Italian Deli and Market was opened in 1980 by Sam and Angela Marzilliano and their son Nick. It’s a popular place as you read online but reality proved it, in that we arrived at 10:10, they open at 10:00 and there was already a line to order food. They offer freshly made deli sandwiches and a huge selection of Italian meats, cheeses, pastas, salads, dry goods and a large selection of wines. There’s a lot of parking on 2 sides of the corner building with a small covered patio and tables next to the entry if you want to eat on site. As you enter the building get your number and then study the huge menu hanging above the deli counter so you can order when your number is called. You can then pay or shop and pay when you name is called and your food is ready. You can also pre-order online and pick it up that way. The sandwiches were cut in two and first rate in quality. I’d go back often if I lived nearby. Check it out on your way to visit Yosemite or if you’re in the Fresno area. Continue reading →
The day we arrived at Twin Farms we were hungry and found lunch was still being served so we partook. They had a set menu some days usually as well as in-room dining options. Mostly lunch was in the windowed ‘porch’ room of the main house but you can request to have a picnic to-go. There are trails around the grounds where you could hike and eat but that’s not really my style so we ate in the dining room. The sommelier will arrange for wine pairings if you want or there is beer or cocktails if you want alcoholic beverages. Lunch can be ordered with smaller portions if you want to try more things but the server warned the kitchen was not good on cutting portions down. I found the ordered portions good since you were paying for 3 meals a day. There are not a lot of snacks sitting around like some places but your room has a basket of treats, both salty and sweet, if you need mid-meal extras. One thing I can assure you is that you won’t go hungry here. This is a post about the lunches we had this visit. If you want to compare to last fall’s selections click here. Continue reading →
main house – 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
We first visited Twin Farms in Nov. of 2024, right before Thanksgiving. It was pretty empty and so we wanted to try it again when it was busier, which we did. We stayed in a huge room in the main house so it was a quick walk to dinner. Over the 3 nights we tried the a la carte and tasting menus in the main house dining room and had one meal at Twiggs which is a separate dining venue across a short bridge, but also on the property. It’s an all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux and we also wanted to compare it to The Point a similar resort that we just visited which you can read about by clicking here. If you want to read last year’s write up of the a la carte dinner you can click here. Twin Farms is a bigger place with room for more guests, It’s bars are staffed with bartenders rather than self serve and tables are all individual rather than any communal settings. They both have snacks with cocktail hour but I found that even with more people the folks didn’t interact as much. Our room at Twin Farms was much bigger with 2 fireplaces and lots of service but you do get a key, where you did not at The Point. The dinner menu has much more flexibility at Twin Farms because you have a menu and not a set meal. Is this a positive, I don’t know. During the day they offer some classes that are of no additional charge as well as have hiking trails, axe throwing, croquet and archery. Stave jigsaw puzzles are everywhere. We enjoyed our stay and took advantage of having a bartender to order some ‘fancy’ cocktails. The food varies, but it’s all good and the Executive Chef Nathan Rich came out to visit numerous times. Continue reading →
main house – 222 Beaverwood Rd, Saranac Lake, NY 12983-3029
We stayed at The Point for 3 days and so this is part 2 of the chronicle of the food we had. (If you missed part 1, click here). I didn’t photograph the passed snacks that were part of the cocktail hour proceeding dinner each night and snacks/foods were available to be sent to your room if you had a craving for something. Various guests attend the dinners in the Great Hall, all of which require coat and tie for men, while some arrange to have dinner in alternate locations. All of the staff couldn’t have been nicer and more accommodating. They wanted you to have a good time and we did. The question is, is it worth the price? I can’t answer that but I will say that a number of the people we met there had been multiple times. It’s hard to get to – we flew into Albany and it was a 2.5 hours drive from there. They are happy for you to check in in time for lunch which one of the other guests told me they always spend the night somewhere nearby and then drive in early so they can enjoy a full day of activities and eating. In the winter they have ice fishing, skating and cross country skiing. In summer they have fishing, boating, water skiing and tube rides. There are plenty of nooks where they’ll set up a picnic lunch and dining in your room is always an option. The selection of liquors was good and the wines adequate with a separate list available if you want to buy an upgraded option. It’s a beautiful property that is well maintained with amenities galore so if an all inclusive place if for you, you should check this one out. Continue reading →
Entrance – 222 Beaverwood Rd, Saranac Lake, NY 12983-3029
The Point was the first named Relais & Châteaux in North America, some 39 years ago. It was built by William A. Rockefeller II (John D’s grandnephew) in 1929 as a retreat in the Adirondacks. It is 75 acres of waterfront property on the Saranac Lake. There are 11 guest rooms, 4 in the main lodge and several log houses including one over the large boat house. All the rooms have stone wood-burning fireplaces and include 3 meals a day, cocktail hour, morning coffee and pastries, snacks and unlimited beverages including wines, spirits, beers, espresso and on and on. Wed and Sat are black tie dinners whereas other dinners in the Great Hall require coat and tie for men with similar fancy dress for women. It’s a beautiful property that is well maintained with a staff ready to make your stay the best it can be. In the large modern kitchen was Executive Chef D’Anthony who was on site every day to prepare the meals. He is from Texas so he got points for that too. The pastry chef (sorry I forgot her name) was also in the kitchen and she did a fabulous job on the morning pastries that come to your room with coffee. We enjoyed the set menus for meals but also appreciate their flexibility if you want something different. The food was all nicely done and beautifully presented. Part of the experience was getting to chat with other like minded people over dinner and cocktails which was very well done. I decided to break my write up into 2 parts as there were a number of meals to report on. Bottom line is that if it works in your budget you should go. It’s a fabulous property and a lovely experience. Continue reading →
Sesuit Harbor Cafe is a family owned business in its 26th season in the Northside Marina on Cape Cod Bay. They serve breakfast and lunch daily from 7 – 2:30. You order inside the building, decorated with boat bumpers, that also has lots of souvenirs for sale and then find a spot at one of the many picnic tables out back. They call your number when your order is ready and bring it out to you. Boats are parked nearby and run through the water beside you. It is a cash only place. It was quite popular with a combination of locals and tourists. The food is prepared quickly and they have a number of non-seafood options if you’re so inclined. We wanted to try their lobster roll as well as their whole belly clams. It seemed like slightly less in the toasted bread than yesterday but lettuce was not mixed in. It was mostly large chunks of meat but the mayo melded in some shreds. The flavor was good. Slaw was lightly dressed and fine and the fries were a coated variety. I’d go again cause it’s a pretty place to sit and the food was nicely fresh and tasty. Continue reading →
The Chatham Pier Fish Market is open daily with the kitchen open 11-7. It is right on the waterfront (historic Chatham Fish Pier) where the boats drive by and/or unload. There are picnic tables nearby but it was raining the day we visited so we ate in the car. You can order at a walk up window or inside at the counter, where most were that day. Inside is also the counter with the fresh fish and shellfish options along with some locally grown produce. It all looked fabulously fresh and delicious. The people at the counter were friendly and efficient. There is a self-serve drink fountain where you can get a free cup of ice water. We were there to get lobster rolls- a taste of New England – but if I lived around here I’d be at this market often to get food to cook at home. We tried both the warm roll with butter as well as the cool one with mayo. Both were full of large chunks of lobster meat on toasted bread. We preferred the one with mayo as the flavor seemed to meld better. Both were mixed with shredded iceberg lettuce which I didn’t care for and would know to ask to leave out if I went back. The fries with both rolls were the coated variety and nicely crisp. The slaw was nicely dressed and slaw. This is a good stop for a lobster roll. Continue reading →
Brentwood Restaurant is in north Dallas in the building that housed the Houston’s Restaurant that closed in the mid 2020s. The Vandelay Hospitality Group bought the property (they operate Hudson House) and re-opened it as Brentwood in fall 2021. You’ll see many similarities to Houston’s interior as well as menu offerings- like spinach artichoke dip, Hawaiian ribeye, double cut pork chop and chicken tenders. They have a wood fired grill for cooking and a full bar with a separate counter. There’s a patio as well. The clubby interior of the dining area has lots of booth like seating surrounded by wood and the same menu is offered at lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Service is attentive and servings are large. The food is very good but nothing cutting edge, just good solid American cusine. We were meeting some business associates there so it’s farther than we usually venture but if it was closer I’d be a regular. Continue reading →
building – 201 Manypenny Ave., Bayfield, WI., 54814
Manypenny Bistro is a family run place that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner along with offering take out options. It touts itself as serving classics as well as inventive combinations, and indeed it does. Lots of pizza options and burgers for later in the day but we were there for breakfast. In addition to the good sized menu they had daily specials. One room is filled with tables and streaming with sunlight from all the windows in a corner building. The second room has the bar and high-topped tables for dining. The menu sounds inviting and I hope to get back to try some of their dinner options, like whitefish livers which are rare to find and exquisite when done well. At breakfast they also offered special of raspberry fritter French toast which also sounds fun to try. The service was attentive and efficient and the portions were large and good. We were not ordering adventuous options so I look forward to getting back and trying more things. Let me know if you get there first and what you try. Continue reading →
You can read the previous write up of Milkweed Inn from 2022 here. It was recently featured in Art Culinaire Magazine so we thought it was time to re-visit and check out any changes. First and foremost the food and hospitality were equally superb and I think this year’s group of guests was even more fun than the last. Chef Regan is transitioning from Iliana to Lane but that seems to only have focused their culinary talents. The hunting lodge in the Hiawatha Forest now offers 4 interior bedrooms to stay in, some glamping tents and the Air Stream is now a Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van. It is definitely off-the-grid and a totally laid back weekend of eating, drinking and chatting with like minded foodies. Regan is still an expert forager as well as gardener and incorporates that into the meals in addition to hunting donations from neighbors. There is also a sauna which you sign up for in pairs and lots of friendly dogs, pigs and soon to be horses on the property. Reservations are through the website <www.milkweedinn.com> and often are made a year in advance. One tip we took advantage of is to watch for vacancies that pop up to re-sell. Since retiring we have that flexibility and can skirt the long wait. Last visit the weather was uncomfortably warm which was not at all usual. This time it was nice and cool with a good breeze. Chef Regan and her partner Eve are absolutely delightful and will make every effort to ensure you have a memorable visit. If you are seriously into food and enjoy very casual surroundings this is an experience you should sign up for. Chef can make some adaptations to the menu for the dozen people in attendance, but check first if you can’t eat some things. There was no printed menu, so all descriptions are what I could jot down. Continue reading →
exterior – 4th Ave & San Carlos St., Carmel, CA 93921
Brophy’s Tavern is a popular neighborhood pub and sports bar located in a corner of The Hotel Carmel. With a separate entrance you’ll find a selection of high-top tables, bar seats and booths to choose from. Music is in the background and TVs are playing without the sound. The walls are filled with sports items and beer parphanlia. One wall with windows to the outsdie is completely covered with beer cans. It’s a festive and friendly place with lots of tap beers in addition to wine and cocktails. We had been in a number of years ago to share some fries with a drink but this time we wanted a little snack to go with a glass of of wine. The food is good and the vibe is great so plan to grab a snack, meal or just a drink and some conversation at this place when you’re in Carmel. Continue reading →
building – 806 Main St. S., Stillwater, MN., 55082
The Oasis Cafe opened in 1957 as The Highway Man. It opened as a service station, diner, and bait shop. Originally it was open 24 hours a day but when Craig and Deb Beemer bought the restaurant in 2008 they moved the daily hours to 8am to 8pm. In 2018 they expanded the restaurant to include the “Bait Shop Bar”, which is now the middle of 3 rooms carved into the hillside. We were lucky to get stools at the counter in the original room, which has also been refurbished by the Beemers and that’s where the open kitchen is too. There was a line to get in and I’m pretty sure there always is but it moves quickly. A combination of seating types are available with counter, booth, table and patio available. Our server Sarah was opinionated and helpful with ordering, when so many options looked appealing. She was a delight and so friendly, as were all that we interacted with there. Actually they try and make your visit fun for example, they have a variety of coffee mugs and like to joke with people about which mug they get. A Packers fan will most likely be given a mug with something about Vikings. If a couple is getting amorous they might place a lit candle on the table to add to the ambiance unless they stay in their seats too long and then it might be suggested it’s time to move on. The amazing efficiency and friendliness in all the staff we met as well as the good and generous portions of food made it a dining experience I look forward to to having again. Hope you’ll find time to visit too! Continue reading →
building – 55 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043-7300
Mike’s All Day Breakfast is a large place that is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Their menu features American classics served in several different rooms. The service seemed slow to seat us – there was a line of folks with a number of empty tables inside, but once they got around to it we all got seated and service was efficient and friendly. The good-sized menu was supplemented by chalkboards with coffee drink options and a couple Benedict specials as well as reminding all they serve Mimosas. The regular coffee they poured was fine by me but they didn’t serve water unless you asked. The simple tables were surrounded by windows and walls decorated with fun signs. A dedicated parking lot was large and there were benches on the front porch for waiting. The porch for eating has been enclosed and is one of the many seating options. I thought the food was generous and good and would easily go again when in the area. Continue reading →
exterior – 18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005-2502
The Palace Diner was re-opened by Greg Mitchell and Chad Conley in 2014, the sixth proprietors of the property. They picked a Pollard Company car built in Lowell, Massachesetts in 1927. It has been in Biddeford, Maine its entire life and is one of only 2 Pollard cars remaining in America. The red and black car has windows on 3 sides on the top half of the walls. Outside the yellow letters spell out their name on the red bottom portion of the car with a “Ladies Invited” sign next to it. Inside green tile is below the windows and a well worn formica counter divides the diners from the stainless steel and wood walls and fixtures. A large pass through window looks into the kitchen that was added in the 1980s. They are open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. They do not take reservations and we were lucky to be seated immediately. The diner next to me said he waited in line 20 minutes for a one of the 15 seats at the counter. It is a cash only place with a few parking spots out front but a large city lot adjacent to it. The place had real atmosphere with welcoming staff and great food. Make sure and check it out when you are in the area. Continue reading →
exterior – 41 Meetinghouse Ln Unit B, Sagamore Beach, MA 02562
Delishh sets out to serve fine specialty sandwiches and prepared foods with fresh ingredients and a creative flair. The small location in a strip shopping center is open every day but Sunday. They did a lot of take out orders so I’m guessing it’s popular to stop and pick up a sandwich to take with you to the beach. Inside there are just a few tables and a TV with the volume up. The counter where you place your order had a few dessert options pre-wrapped and ready to go. Another wall had a small place where you could dump your trash and pick up paper napkins. Very few decorations were on the walls and it took a minute to get someone to take our order. They brought ours out to us since we were eating there. There is a cooler with cold drinks and a couple prepared salads were in another cooler. Overall the sandwiches were quite edible but not as special as they billed them to be. All sandwiches came with housemade chips, which were thick and most were crispy and very lightly salted. Continue reading →
Shell Lake Lunchbox was a small family-run restaurant serving breakfast and lunch daily adding dinner on Friday, in the heart of the tiny town of Shell Lake. It’s a casual place with a combination of tables, booths and counter seats inside as well as a few outdoor tables for dining. Music was in the background and as the name would indicate, lunchboxes filled the walls as decorations. The menu offered a variety of choices, supplemented by daily specials. Appropriately for Wisc, they also offer drinks, beer or wine to accompany your meal. Food was fine, quick and reasonable and service was friendly and efficient. I’d call our meal “nothing to write home about”, but perfectly acceptable even though it’s pretty bland. Continue reading →
entrance – 170 W California St #9237, Jacksonville, OR 97530
Bella Union Restaurant and Saloon is locally owned and operated and open daily for lunch and dinner. We were there to meet a friend from college for lunch which goes back even further than the restaurant’s 37 years. Offering a full bar they are also known for their live music events. The diverse menu had a number of Italian (including pizza) options and was supplemented by a large list of daily specials, which included local fish. The large place was spread over many rooms and a large, very popular covered patio. Some of the rooms were smaller which probably can be secured for small parties. Service was helpful and efficient and most importantly, left us alone so we could catch up. For such a large place I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. My husband really liked his fish and my sandwich was scrumptious. Color my opinion only slightly by the joy of spending time with a long time dear friend. It was a great lunch and one I’d recommend when and if you find yourself in historic Jacksonville. Continue reading →
The Maritime Cafe opened last summer in the spot where Queenie’s Roadhouse was, in the little town of Elk. Rodney Workman and Alexa Newman were both chef’s in upscale Bay Area restaurants before moving to this remote location. They are open Thur to Sun for dinner Thur to Sat and lunch on Sat and Sun. It’s a small place with a small menu serving local produce and seafood. They offer some organically farmed wines. They have patio seating out front, a counter with stools inside and tables inside. Windows in the room afford a view similar to the patio and music was in the background. The room was decorated with some sea articles and the staff was super friendly. The menu appeared to have more choices at dinner but we were there at weekend brunch time and it had plenty of interesting sounding choices. It was good enough that I’ll go back. Continue reading →
Jumbo’s Win Win was a roadside burger spot that opened in August 2024. Scott Baird, a James Beard nominated bartender and his wife Molly moved to the Anderson Valley in 2020, escaping the hectic living of San Francisco. They wanted to offer a limited but well composed menu and interestingly chose the building which is a 120-year old former saloon. The name Jumbo is for the owner’s son, named by his brother who also suggested the name Jumbo’s Win Win. The fairly large spot had a long counter where you placed and picked up your order. Next to that space a large window opened into the kitchen where the food was passed through and your name called out with a microphone. Tables and chairs filled the rest of the room and there was an outside patio if you wanted. Multiple windows added to the already bright room with just a few decorations. Actually, the bathroom had more visuals with custom-made tiles. Music was in the background and the counter person was very helpful. They are open every day from 11-8 in the Anderson Valley. It’s a cute family-run place that serves an okay burger and tasty dessert options. Stop by when you’re on CA Hwy 128 and need to fortify before visiting another winery. Continue reading →
La Vecindad specializes in tacos from Mexico City in a large, very casual space. After attempting to patronize several other spots that had been recommended, where we couldn’t find parking, we ended up here for lunch. This was an open air space with a long counter with stools leading to the order area. Picnic tables were in the front as well as on the sidewalk. The salsa bar (for fixings) was next to a cooler with soft drinks and bottled beer but they also had beer on tap or a full bar. Music was playing in the background and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The good sized menu is supplemented on weekends by a “Secret Menu”. We probably erred by ordering from it but it seemed like a good idea at the time however I’m betting you should stay with tacos if you come here. Our lunch was edible but nothing special. The draft beer was cold and satisfying to drink while we waited. Continue reading →
George’s at the Cove has been in business over 40 years with a location overlooking the ocean. The large place has 3 floors of dining all with scenic views from one side. The top floor has an alfresco rooftop lounge as well as tables for casual dining. The lower floors looked a bit more formal with cloth covered tables. Chef Trey Foshee stresses using local products and sustainably sourced items but I did see non-local options on the menu. Service was friendly and mostly efficient but we were there to enjoy lunch with friends and catch up on not seeing each other for 30 years, and I think the server caught the vibe and gave us space. I snapped photos of the food and got basic comments but this was a meal where we were more focused on friendship than food. It was a lively place with valet parking ($20) out front or street/city garage parking options. If you’re in San Diego go for the view but watch out for the sun. There are lots of places to get fresh, local seafood but this one is mostly about the location. Continue reading →
exterior – 1815 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Duran’s Central Pharmacy founded in 1942 is on historic Rt. 66. The family-owned and operated store has everything from drugs to gifts to a New Mexican Diner. The soda fountain in the place was converted into a diner in the late 1960s and is famous for its red and green chile as well as its many house-made items. Very popular, we lined up with many on Sat. morning to get the first round of seats at the small restaurant within the pharmacy. It looked like they also had a patio for outdoor seating. A tile floor, lower lighting, metal tables and no music set the atmosphere. There are low stools at the counter if you choose not to sit at a table. It felt like a place you’d eat regularly if you lived in town. You should go by and grab a plate of New Mexican food when you’re in town. Continue reading →
Barelas Coffee House is in the Barelas neighborhood which Route 66 passes through. It has been serving New Mexican food for 40+ years, starting in 1978 in a somewhat run-down part of town. Revitalization has since changed that and now the guests include people like Presidents Clinton and Obama to governors and other notables. It’s a large winding place(as it’s been added onto) with a very small parking lot. Street parking is available but a sign on the door cautions you about using a fast food’s parking lot across the street where you’ll be towed. Having incorporated some adjacent buildings they were able to open a central patio for additional seating. As you enter you pass the check-out window piled with more snacks and candies and wait at the sign to be seated. From there you’re quickly seated and your order taken. They only serve breakfast and lunch, with most dishes created from family recipes of the Gonzales (owner) family. Mike Gonzales with his brother opened the place while studying at UNM, on the advice of his father who owned a nearby grocery store. Some of the rooms looked like they hadn’t been modernized but it all adds to the ambiance. Light green walls with lots of plants in our ‘sunroom’ and no music in the background. Service was friendly and super efficient and the food was solid versions of New Mexico specialties. Visit and enjoy some history. Continue reading →
Bratwursthäusle was in the heart of Nuremberg in the middle of a number of historic buildings. A terrace surrounded a couple sides of the old stone building but it was too cold that day for most to be eating outside. As you entered you immediately see the open beech wood fire grilling the Nuremberg Bratwursts. They make the sausages in their own butcher shop from a traditional recipe. Sausages have been sold here since 1312 – it’s the oldest restaurant in Bavaria, Germany – which was what most people were eating. They have menu alternatives but the sausage was what people come here for. The good-sized place had old wood walls with a variety of wood tables set with chairs or benches. Cookware pieces decorated the walls along with older drawings and photos. No music was in the background and the lighting was pleasant, with minimal sun getting through the bullet glass windows. Seating was communal style around the center grill area. They had a good fire going but ventilation kept the smoke odor away. A bar was on your immediate right as you entered with draft beer being a favorite accompaniment to the sausages. Service was fast, efficient and friendly and it was a good starting place for a vacation in Germany. Continue reading →
exterior – C. del Ave María, 8, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Bolboreta, open about a year, was a small place run by a husband and wife team. Chef Aaron Quaife was the only staff in the kitchen while Patricia Grandío was the entire front-of-house. She is Galician and he is an Englishman (Hastings) who met while working in London. The name means butterfly in Galician, which is something his grandmother loved and collected. There were just 7 tables but a menu that changes regularly, some with distinct English touches, that keep it interesting for the owners as well as the diners. The menu had 3 items in each 4 courses of the meal. All are a la carte and she was happy for us to share them all and bring them out one by one. The small bare brown wood tables were in two rooms with art on the walls and jars of their pickled products along one wall. Music was in the background but there were sound panels on the ceiling so noise was not a problem. Both of them spoke good English and were super friendly. They are living their dream and it’s to our benefit. Put this one on your list the next time you’re in Madrid, you won’t be sorry. It’s excellent. Continue reading →
exterior – C. de Augusto Figueroa, 32, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Per se Bistro was opened by Chef Andrés Madrigal’s in Nov. 2023 after working some time in Panama. Thirty-six seats were in the “L” shaped two level dining room. Large white-clothed tables were nicely spaced against the cream-colored walls, stone floors and wood accents. Music was in the background, windows were along one wall facing the street and pottery was highlighted on shelving and in the overhead lighting. The effect was nice. Service was friendly but a number of the staff seemed to be in training, unsure of what to do. They offer a tasting menu and a la carte menus at lunch. We chose the tasting which lists some extra options including, bread, water and coffee, but they did not put in an extra charge for bread or water even though we had it. The meal was portioned well but the food was mixed. Continue reading →
exterior – C. de la Unión, 8, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Desborre was a small place with two rooms for seating, one by the windows to the street and the other a long windowless room that was shut off the day we were there. The small bare tables were set with armless chairs or bench seats, the walls were brick and the floor wood. A large display of pickled and preserved items was in a cabinet by the door, showcasing some of the chef’s passions. The place was opened about a year ago by Chef Lucía Grávalos. She grew up in her grandmother’s kitchen before later working with some of Spain’s great chefs. She has been recognized with numerous awards, especially for her commitment to the sustainable model and organic farming. It was a very pleasant place with friendly and helpful servers, our’s speaking good English. She coursed out our order so we could split everything and create our own tasting. It’s a place you should check out when in Madrid. Continue reading →
exterior – C. del Gral. Oráa, 42, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Ita was a small place named for the nickname of the Chef Mariela Fernández’s grandmother. nickname. The seasonally based menu was a la carte with a couple specials to offer. Her husband, William ran the front of house and also has sommelier training in addition to a Master’s degree in economics. Mariela previously was a chemical engineer but studied at the Basque Culinary Center, as did William. This restaurant was their dream since arriving in Madrid in 2014. The space combined natural stone, copper, painted wood and green terrazzo to make an inviting and cozy atmosphere. The front room held the counter and its seats and the second room was small tables. Jazz music was in the background and both hosts spoke good English and were super friendly. They are the only staff but you never felt unattended. I wish I had a place like this near my house, I would go all the time. It’s not fancy food but it was very tasty with nice sized portions and they were happy to serve things one at a time so we could split everything. It gets a solid thumbs up. Continue reading →
entance – Zona ajardinada, C. de Juan Hurtado de Mendoza, 11, Posterior, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain
It’s been several years since we visited Sacha, here are links to our last visit in Dec. 2016 and before that in March 2015. The interior has not changed much and in fact we had the same server we had 9 years ago (he’s now a manager) and of course Chef Sacha Hormaechea was in the house. Having been before we knew that you can’t drive up to the front door and that the mapping programs put it on the wrong side of the building. There is a sidewalk through greenery, large candle lights and other stores that you take to find their front door. Reservations are still a necessity as it’s small and popular. Light from the wall of windows adds to the lowered lights of the room and no music was in the background, just the hum of conversation. The white cloth-covered tables are mostly filled with Spanish natives and we were lucky to have Jason again as he is fluent in English. The menu is small and doesn’t change, except for the type of fish and that’s because it’s good the way it is. It’s a fine lunch where we split all the items, so plating is only a half portion. Continue reading →
entrance – Cra de S. Jerónimo, 34, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Restaurant CEBO was in the very modern Hotel Urban and has had one Michelin star for the last 3 years. Chefs Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo have upped the game on this restaurant that has been here 9 years. They offer diners two tasting menus, one Classics (160€), 11 courses, and in the evening, Season in Three Acts (220€) with 16 courses. The menu starts in the lounge area where buying a cocktail is optional, but while in Madrid it’s a great time to taste fine Cava which we enjoyed a glass of with a few snacks. Then there was a ‘tour’ of several boxes containing ingredients for the evening’s menu and a snack at the end. Lastly you’re seated in the dining room where spacy music was in the background, the lights are lowered and the large tables are draped with floor length white cloths. Glassed in wine cases separated parts of the room with a shiny black floor. The room was geometric with all the shapes but warm with all the woods. Service was quite nice, they spoke good English and the pacing was rapid but not rushed. The food had a few misses but mostly was quite good. Let me know what you think if you check it out. Continue reading →
exterior – C. de San Lorenzo, 4, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
La LLoreria was a small place run by Chefs Carmen Altri, José Certucha and Jesús Encinas, who all have worked in Michelin starred restaurants like DSTage, where they all worked together. There were stools for 8 diners at the tile counter opposite where they cook your dishes and a couple small tables along the walls. The selection of creative dishes was written on a chalkboard and they are meant to be shared. Most are available in half portions, whole portions and are seasonally changed. You could pick your own selections or after expressing your likes/dislikes, they can pick for you – we chose the latter. They will ask you toward the end if you want more or are ready to quit. All our portions were half size except the oysters and dessert. They had reasonable wine prices with many by the glass and offered tap water in a pitcher. Music was in the background to complete this very relaxed dining experience. Our server spoke great English and so did some of the chefs, who all were super friendly. We had prime seats by the cooking area and they were happy to engage in conversation. This was definitely a place to put on your list. Continue reading →
entrance – 1601 Elm St Suite 110, Dallas, TX 75201
Fond is the creation of husband and wife team, Chefs Jennie Kelley and Brandon Moore, who were part of the group that brought FRANK, an underground restaurant to the Deep Ellum area. Most recently, they ran Better Half Bistro – a pop-up of French-inspired dishes and Detroit-style pizzas. The restaurant is named for “fond” – the savory browned bits in the bottom of the pan, but in addition because they are “fond” of Dallas, each other and their customers. The space is on the first floor of the Santander building in downtown. They are open for lunch Mon. to Fri. and for Aperitivo Tues to Fri. where they offer shared plates. They have wine but it is of the natural variety. Opening in Sept 2023, they now have a tasting menu dinner one Sat. a month, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients and each month features a different theme. The idea is to offer 40 seats split between 2 times at $175 per person and optional wine pairings at $50 or non-alcoholic pairings at $25. What we attended was a tad different with guests being at individual tables for the six-course tasting at $125, same pairing options. Not sure I understand how to tell what you’re going for but a friend had secured a reservation for 3 and we wanted to try it. Parking is in the garage under the building and they will validate for 2 hours. This meal was mixed in success with light portioning but I do love the Beatles and the theme was “The Beatles Love Menu.” Continue reading →
exterior –20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE, United Kingdom
Scott’s has been in business since 1851, serving British fish and shellfish with seasonal favorites in the Mayfair area. Founded by a fishmonger John Scott as an oyster warehouse it evovled into a seafood restaurant. The first 100 years it was on Coventry Street before moving to its present location in 1967. The story goes that Ian Fleming, a regular in the 1950s, conceived of the idea of “shaken not stirred” for the James Bond series here. Many celebrities have dined there including Steven Spielberg, Michael Caine and King Charles and Camilla, to name a few. In 2005 Richard Caring bought the place and did an extensive renovation. It’s a large place with a formal feel although there is no dress code. The space is divided into many section with chairs also available at the long marble and brass bar. Dark wood surrounds the large white cloth-covered tables, some set as banquettes. Frosted glass covers the windows to the street but it is still quite bright. Art is on the walls, no music is in the background and the service is first rate, as is the food. They serve many classic dishes and if you want seafood, it’s the place to go. Continue reading →
exterior – 16-18 Beak St, London W1F 9RD, United Kingdom
Mountain was a medium sized place in Soho by Tomos Parry, with a large open kitchen in back. The bar counter also had seats and there is bar on another floor. Opening in July 2024 it’s a fairly loud place packed with people and loud music with a beat. The small, close light wood tables were below exposed ductwork and a wide plank wood floor. Noise panels were in the ceiling but between the kitchen, people and music it was a struggle to communicate. With the lights dimmed, the vibe is casual with paper napkins and metal columns obstructing the traffic flow. Photos were on the wall, they have one Michelin star and a huge wine list. The service was helpful and friendly and didn’t seem to care that we were older than most of the other patrons. The menu was comprised of various-sized dishes meant to be shared and that is what we did. We started with one of their many cocktails and then moved to wine. The food was mixed. Continue reading →
exterior – 107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT, United Kingdom
Dorian called itself “a bistro for locals”. It was a long place featuring a wood fired grill. There was a long counter with stools and a few small cloth covered tables near the front. The tables are additionally covered with a piece of paper, probably because dishes are meant to be shared, and this makes for a mess. They had a couple of uni-sex bathrooms with crazy tile work, distorted mirrors and “crapper” toilets, so don’t miss those when you go. Exposed duct work and lots of stainless steel in the open kitchen behind the bar provided a show for the counter and the throbbing music kept those of us at the tables entertained. There was a fantastic aroma when you entered the place and friendly, helpful servers gave it a fun vibe. They have one Michelin Star. The menu is composed daily and all a la carte. The beef, which they are known for is a UK hybrid aged 60 days, below the restaurant. There were a couple of specials offered, including a chicken skewer appetizer and suckling pig main. We got the former as we were there to try the beef. The wine list was much better than last nights at SOLA. I would easily recommend this place when you are in London. Continue reading →
entrance – 27c Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9NF, United Kingdom
Cornus opened in August of 2024, independently owned by David O’Connor and Joe Nairne. Executive Chef Gary Foulkes offers a changing menu of British and European seasonal produce. It’s a large place on the 4th floor of a modern building with curtained windows on 3 sides. The high ceiling is lined with black electrical conduits and music is in the background. They have a lovely terrace for dining when the weather permits and a long marble-topped bar in addition to the many white cloth-covered tables. Some bench seating is along a low wall dividing it from the bar area They also have a private dining room available. We were there for lunch when they have an a la carte menu as well as a 3 or 6-course tasting menu. We chose the 6-course menu with our own bottle of wine. It was eerily empty but the server assured us that dinners are more popular. Service was nice but I was surprised at how slowly the food came out, considering we were one of 3 tables – our lunch took almost 3 hours. Portions on the tasting were on the large side but the food was so good you ate it anyway. I recommend this place but go hungry. (Note – they were awarded one Michelin Star in the 2025 guide)Continue reading →
building – 38 Groom Pl, London SW1X 7BA, United Kingdom
Muse is the restaurant where Chef Tom Aikens returned to fine dining in a 23-cover 2 floor Georgian townhouse. Opening in 2020 he was quickly awarded one Michelin star. The menu focuses on memories of his personal life and culinary career with a seasonal emphasis. He primarly serves foods from local and sustainable sources. The building was in a residential looking neighborhood with a lovely reception room, bar and small kitchen on the arrival floor. Upstairs was the small dining room and 6 counter seats facing the kitchen where he actually cooked our lunch. The menu offered 2 tastings and a couple supplemental dishes using Urbani truffles and/or N25 caviar. (The menu has a cute pop-up of the building in the middle.) We chose the shorter tasting, no supplements and our own beverages rather than the available pairings. Another one to put on your list when in London. Continue reading →
exterior – 16 St Anne’s Ct, London W1F 0BF, United Kingdom
Aulis serves only 12 guests per night at a Simon Rogan restaurant in London. The brand also has chef’s tables in Hong Kong, Phuket and Cartmel. Opening in Nov 2017, it was awarded one Michelin star in 2024. Chef Charlie Taylor has been running this kitchen for 4 years and was certainly talented but also quite personable. The restaurant is open Tues through Sat for one dinner seating and offer an additional lunch service on Fri and Sat. In a small 2 room setting the entry room was for pre-dinner drinks and snacks and the second room held the curved Italian slate chef’s counter where dinner is prepared in front of you, with much of the produce coming from Rogan’s organic farm in the Lake District. Music was in the background and art was on the walls. The pre-dinner room had a variety of seating options whereas the counter had comfortable chairs nicely spaced at the deep curving counter. As the evening went on guests begin to talk to their neighbors as well as the chefs to make a convivial atmosphere – helped by the relaxed interaction between the several chefs. It was a wonderful experience with fabulous food, which I would heartily recommend you try. Continue reading →
exterior – 92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN, United Kingdom
Core was last visited by Frankie in 2018, just nine months after they opened. They have made some changes to the interior, especially the bar, since that time and won a 3 Michelin star rating in 2021 as well as numerous other awards. Some of the staff, including Chef Jonny Bone and Restaurant Director Rob Rose, are still there which maintains the excellent level of food and service you receive there. They offer a selection of tasting menus with some supplements and wine pairings available. It’s a bright and airy room which is now adorned with a hand-sewn copper thread on the painted walls that matches what is on the menu and the signage. The unclothed round tables are well-spaced on a wood floor with round rugs and some curved bench seating. Two doorways look out to the large kitchen and the chef’s table directly in front of it. Some cabinets with books and objects are in the periphery and now a large serving table is next to the support column. The changes in the dining room are subtle yet elegant while the bar, Whiskey & Seaweed has seen more substantial re-decorating. It is a lovely space with tremendous food and excellent service – definitely go if you can. Continue reading →
exterior – 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW, United Kingdom
The Devonshire has a pub called the Public House downstairs (known for its perfect pint of Guinness) and then the two floors above feature a wood grill restaurant and seating. Having been in Soho since 1793, they dry age, butcher their Scottish beef on site, and offer locally caught seafood. They are open 7 days a week and the grill is on the second floor. We were in the quieter third-floor room (they do have an elevator) with many small white cloth-covered tables filling the room. Brown paper was on top of the cloth, windows were on two sides letting in the sunshine, curtains cover some of the walls which do have some paintings, no music was in the background and carpet was on the floor. Even filled, the room didn’t have a noise problem. At lunch, they offered a 2 or 3 course set menu as well as a full menu. Wines were available by the glass and bottle and they also have a reserve wine list. It appeared to have a good mix of local people as well as tourists and service was efficient and friendly. It was a good value for London with the set menu having generous portions and additional vegetable sides being reasonably priced. Nothing was bad but nothing blew me away though. It was a perfect first meal when you’re jet-lagged and waiting for your hotel room to open so you can crash a few hours. I’m sorry I didn’t get to try the pub downstairs – it was very lively. Continue reading →
The New Frontier is a casual dining spot in a free-standing building on the highway. They serve breakfast and lunch and in addition to their large menu have posted specials on a whiteboard, including lots of pies and cakes. The simple interior is mostly Coke-related items with Formica tables and red chairs on a black and white floor. The dining areas are 2 rooms on either side of the kitchen and service area. Service was efficient and friendly and delivered by a well run staff. The place was clean and well lit with generous and reasonable portions of food. I will probably go back and try more things in the future and hope you will too and let me know what you tried. I couldn’t find much history about the place but it is a winner. Continue reading →
Los Vaqueros Cafe and Grill serves Tex-Mex food in an old house with a large patio for additional seating. They serve breakfast all day but the large menu offers tons of options. The servers were friendly but spoke limited English. A pair of longtime Kyle residents opened the place in 2017 in the space formerly occupied by El Pueblito. It was modeled after a bar and grill that one of the couples owns in Sequin, TX. Los Vaqueros means “the cowboys” and these 2 couples certainly had courage with only one of them having background in restaurant ownership. They make much in-house and also sell some long-cooked items to go. They are open every day with reasonable prices and acceptable Tex-Mex. We enjoyed a breakfast there with family and you will too.
entrance – 3637 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Lilette was opened in a late 1800’s corner drugstore building in 2001 by Chef/Owner John Harris. He has been a James Beard finalist for Best Chef South four times. While apprenticing in France he stayed with the Mauri family whose matriarch named Lilette gave him much admiration of French cooking. Chef Edward Charles served as Chef de Cuisine for 16 years before becoming a co-owner in 2019. It’s a rectangular-shaped space with windows on two sides, a high painted tin ceiling, music in the background and mirrors are the art on the walls. One long side is the bar counter with seats and opposite it are a few booths with bench seating along the back wall. They offer outdoor seating and serve the same menu at lunch and dinner with a couple specials on a chalkboard. Service was friendly and helpful but not super efficient. Their menu is plastic coated so doesn’t photograph easily but the online pricing is out of date. Continue reading →
Galatoire’s has been written up on this website numerous times, the last one being a year ago, so little introduction is needed. It is an institution at the holidays and Mardi Gras for parties. Always festive with excellent service, sometimes it’s better than others but it seems to call us back for the generous servings of crab and butter. Not at all cutting edge, it is solid old school (still have a dress code and loaner jackets for men in the evening) and I’ll go again to have some of my favorites. They will customize almost any order. For example, we wanted to share a number of things and bring them out one at a time. They were happy to do that and split many of them into two plates in the kitchen for us. Also you can add crab meat to anything. We have too many favorites to have them all every meal – here’s what we chose today. Hope it treats you as well if you visit. Continue reading →
building – 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207
George’s is named for George who represents “the perfect night out; the experience of a restaurant with all the comforts of feeling at home.” It’s the product of Little Rock natives and friends, John Stephens, David Hesselbein and Greg Baber who’ve partnered with Chef Wes Mickel to offer a menu of Italian classics. Opening in August of 2023, it was in the works for 2 years before opening in the 1930s bungalow (previously housing Cafe Prego). Having the capacity for 93, guests are seated in a traditional dining room, casual porch, an outdoor patio or in the hidden speakeasy named “Barnaby.” The main dining room has tables set with white clothes and some bench seating along the walls whereas the porch had bare tables and wicker furniture. It was more lit than the main dining room which also had art on the walls. The service was good and helpful and portions were large. It was a good meal and one I’d recommend you try when in town. Reservations can be difficult but the speakeasy and bar seating are all first come, first served. Continue reading →
building – 1318 S Main St Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72202
Raduno Brick Oven and Barroom serves pizza and an Italian style menu in a long space. One side is the 36-foot bar counter with seating and the opposite wall is a long bench seat fitted with small combinable tables. A couple of large TV screens are above the bar and a mirrored wall covering is above the bench. Some plants and sports memorabilia serve as decorations for the room. There was faint music in the background but you could barely hear it for the loud hum of conversation in the room. There are 20 beers on tap as well as a full bar offering. The modern, casual feel is blended with the reclaimed wooden floors that had previously been 18-wheeler trailer beds and the antique brick bar. The name Raduno translates to “place of gathering” which it seems to be in the SoMa section of Little Rock. The service was slow and constantly disappearing but it was very crowded. However, someone other than our server brought out the pies and they had sat in the back for some time. The food was average at best. Continue reading →
The Root Cafe sources as much as possible from small farms and producers in Arkansas. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner at different times during the day Tues – Sun. Opened in June 2011 in the SoMa district of downtown Little Rock by Jack and Corri Sundell, it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. A second location in Breckenridge Village opened in 2022. The Sundell’s philosophy is to create a more sustainable food system for Arkansas and have even used that principle in the design of the building, landscape and public events they sponsor. It’s a small interior but lots of patios are enclosed in plastic to provide climate control. A large mural of vegetables is on the wall of the building next to the parking lot. Inside the decorations are funky and historic with lots of photos to look at. There is a counter at the entrance where you place your order and a self-serve beverage area in front of it. After you order and pay you receive a token to place on your table and they bring out your food. Each token seemed to describe one of the farms they trade with. The food was well thought out and I like their philosophy but nothing we had sang with flavor. Continue reading →
building – 33 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403-5416
Malagon Mercado y Taperia is a neighborhood spot that offers tapas as well as a market of wines and foods. It was a awarded one Michelin Star in the inaugural 2025 ceremony for the American South. The deep space has tables in front and along the wall for those with reservations and the long counter seats walk-ins. Owned by Chef Juan Cassalett (who is married to the chef at Chez Nous Jill Mathias) and restauranteurs Patrick and Fanny Panella, they’ve been very busy since the recognition. The Spanish restaurant harkens to Cassalett’s origins and offers shared plates from a number of regions with some variations on typical themes. The fun sounding options are available with a good variety of wines by the bottle and glass as well as non-alcholic drinks. The service was attentive and didn’t overload the small table but the food was mixed. Still if you’re craving tapas and located in Charleston this is a great option. Continue reading →
exterior – 1023 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Doe’s Eat Place started in Greenville, Mississippi, where pilot George Eldridge would fly friends and clients to eat steak. He eventually contracted to bring one to Little Rock and maintained the no-frills tradition and fabulous steaks. They achieved even more notoriety when it became known that President Bill Clinton was interviewed by Rolling Stone magazine there and Clinton’s staffers made it their hangout during the 1992 campaign. Eldridge escorted former chef Lucille Robinson to his inaugural ball. Daughter Katherine Eldridge assumed ownership of the restaurant in 2012. Clinton is not the only regular of note with entertainers, sports stars and other professionals eating there on a regular basis. We were in town to see Clinton’s Library so where better to eat than one of his favorites? It is a very down-to-earth place with red checkered oilclothes adhered to the tables, a high open ceiling, a black and white linoleum tile floor, no music, walls covered with photos and memorabilia, flatware distributed in paper bags and very friendly and helpful servers. There’s a back room where “deals are made” by local power people but I didn’t photograph it. You should visit when you’re in town. Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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.
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 – 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 →
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 entrance
interior
interior
interior
Frankie pointed out their hours
specials menu
menu
breakfast menu
breakfast menu
lunch menu
lunch 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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 – 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 →
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 →
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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 – 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 →
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 →
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 – 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 – 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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 – 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 – 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 →
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 – 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 →
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 →
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
interior
interior
Frankie needed to rest
wine
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 sardou
inside
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.
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 outside
Frankie found some info on the fence
directions
tent seating
drink side
interior
kitchen
interior
interior
interior
menu
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 small
opened
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 small
opened
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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 – 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
This small place was right on the highway in an old building that has been pleasantly updated inside. Owner Deb Lehmann has had it 16 years and took it on after having her fill of low-pay-for-too-much work factory jobs. She had no restaurant experience but it sure doesn’t show now. The cozy spot was decorated with lots of newer wood paneling on the walls, old narrow gauge wood flooring, light wood tables and lots of bears from her collection. Three stools are at a low counter and the tables by the windows are booth-style seating. Fresh cookies, muffins and pies are listed on a whiteboard and there was one breakfast special combination. Then there are the homemade caramel and cinnamon rolls that she makes herself every couple of days. These are not to be missed. Service was super friendly and welcoming and when we inquired about the building Deb came out from the kitchen to talk and answer questions. They are open from 7 till 2 daily except for Tues and Thurs but she suggests you check the Facebook page for temporary closures due to staffing difficulties. It’s a place I heartily recommend you try – no tweezer food here just good solid honest food served with a warmth we could all use these days. Give it a try – I’ll be back! Continue reading →
Bobbie’s Airway Grill opened last summer in a Preston Hollow shopping center where a huge compounding pharmacy had been for years. The name combined the owner Robert Quick’s mother’s name (Bobbie) with part of the pharmacy (Airway) and ‘grill’ for the kitchen. The large space is quite modern and sleek with a large open kitchen in back of the huge bar which runs the length of the room. The couple levels of the rest of the space are fitted with cozy booths and white cloth covered tables. They do have the annoying custom of covering the nice cloth with a sheet of paper – maybe they take those off at night cause the place is definitely going for upscale. Art was on the walls and carpet on the floor to hopefully help with noise when its full. At lunch the noise was fine for conversation. The menu bills itself as serving American classics and it’s worth a visit if you are in the area. We met some friends there for lunch but I would bet we’ll be back to try their dinner where they have a few more choices, but either way it’s a pretty place with good food, just a tad pricey. Continue reading →
Mexican Restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with many parts house made. It was a small place with half dozen tables and doing a healthy take out business They serve no alcoholic beverages and charge an extra fee to pay with a credit card. Service was efficient and friendly. If you find yourself in the Mendocino area and want a tasty Mexican fix, this would be a great choice. Continue reading →
The Western Cafe specializes in American home cooking, serving breakfast and lunch. It is in a building that dates to the 1870s and the place feels like it’s been there a while. There’s most always a line to wait for seating when you enter. A long counter with classic swivel stools is one side of the 2 rooms, with tables filling the rest of it and the smaller second room. Behind the counter is the pie container with fresh pies of the day and beside is the bin for their housemade cinnamon rolls. Parking is on the street, country music played in the background and the wood walls are covered with art, memorabilia and kitsch. They aim for an “old west” ambiance and they capture it. The line moved quickly and we snagged two seats at the counter for a fun and tasty meal. It’s not world-class food or cutting edge, but instead good solid and generous meals that I’d partake of regularly if it was in my town. Continue reading →
Los Pinos is operated by Cristian Ramirez and his nephew Brian. It’s pretty non-descript and right next to a casino in an old Travel Lodge building, so you might easily pass it by. Inside it’s a medium-sized place with booths, large tables, a long bar, music in the background and windows to the outside that remind you of where you are but inside it’s nice. You also wouldn’t expect to find good Mexican food in Montana but you can find it here. They don’t show it online but they also offer a lunch menu with a lot of the dinner options at a cheaper price. Service was friendly and efficient, as validated by the number of regulars who stopped in for quick and filling lunch. It was a tasty lunch but not as spicy as I’m used to but a good lunch of well-made Mexican food. Continue reading →
building – 600 N Wallace Ave #4, Bozeman, MT 59715
Fink’s Delicatessen is a small place serving specialty sandwiches, soups and salads in addition to cured meats and cheeses sold by the pound. Located in an area that has residential and warehouse buildings, it is in the same building as Wild Crumb the artisan bakery that supplies its breads. Wild Crumb was opened by twin sisters Lauren Heemstra and Caroline Schwitzer, who is married to Jonathan Finkenauer who opened Fink’s Deli. Lauren’s sister-in-law is the manager and cheesemonger at Finks – a truly family-owned business. As you wind your way through the building you find the long room that houses Fink’s Two refridgerated cases are at the end, one with pre-made sandwiches and salads and one with cheeses. Bench seating lines one wall and a few small tables are around the various racks of good for sale. Open every day except Sunday, the cold sandwiches are ready at 8 but the warm ones are available at 10. They do make the warm ones while you wait and they are large and delicious. I would be a frequent customer here if I lived closer. I snapped some photos of the bakery but was way too full to try any of the stuff. Continue reading →
Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro opened in 1999 in downtown Boise. It offers made-to-order breakfast using as many local ingredients as possible and lots of options for customizing your order. With only 56 seats and taking no reservations, there is most always a line, but it moves quickly. We got there early and were seated immediately. There was a second floor with more metal tables and downstairs was a small semi circular bar with seating. A tile floor was opposite the high ceiling on the first level where you could also see into part of the kitchen. Lots of articles decorated the walls along with an interesting light fixture. Parking is on the street and music is played in the background. It served quality foods that were basically well prepared. I would recommend it for breakfast or lunch. Continue reading →
Ansots was a medium-sized place set below street level. Owned and operated by Dan(husband), Tamara (wife), and Ellie (daughter) Ansotegui. Dan’s maternal grandmother was a seamstress by trade but became very well known for her cooking at the Basque boarding house she ran. Famous folks like Ernest Hemingway and Bing Crosby were known to have eaten there and she has a small cookbook. The evolution now has become Ansots and the inside dining area is supplemented by patio tables and a second room which is also available for rental. Lots of windows, photographs and musical decorations surround the pretty wood tables and chairs to make it feel homey and casual. The food is all made in-house from family recipes and many of the plates are meant to be shared. In addition, several of the plates were offered in half-size so we were able to try a lot of their options. Service was efficient and super friendly as well as helpful. This is a strong recommendation to put on your list to try. Continue reading →
exterior – 1315 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Schnitz Deli seemed to be a local favorite with good sized portions and moderate prices. It’s an old-school deli where you line up along the meat, cheese counter to place your order. They did a steady to go order business also. Lots of sandwich combos are in a numbered format but you can also order it your own way or by the pound. They say the Reuben is the most popular, estimating they go through 300-400 pounds of corned beef and 100 pounds of pastrami a week. The bread is from Schnitz Bakery that is close by. The sandwiches come in half or full size with half sandwiches the same size but with half the meat. Most of the sandwiches charged an extra dollar to go to full – to me that was a no-brainer. Inside are scattered tables with extra condiments at the order counter, as is the drink dispenser. The interior room opens into the “Common Ground Coffee House” space, There were some fun decorations on the walls along with windows that looked out to the street. It wan’t the best deli sandwich I’ve ever had but certainly good enough for me to go again if I’m in the area and I hope you’ll visit too. Continue reading →
exterior – 1209 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Choo Choo Grill is a family owned place that has been running for over 60 years and open 6 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Inside is a step back in time with 8-10 seats at the wrap-around counter and 2 booth-like tables. The cooking is on the griddle just in front of the bar and they’re known for their olive burger – a Grand Rapids tradition. Rick Mack bought the place from his father in 1997 but now is tired of the 2 a.m. mornings and the daily grind. So the place was listed for sale and no one knows if a buyer will keep it the same or what. It’s obviously filled with regular customers where much of the talk centered on the possible sale and how that will change life. The tiny place is actually next to the railroad tracks and it’s filled with train photos and replicas. You’d hate to see a place like this change but profit and big rule our world. Meantime you can still hurry in and enjoy a fresh made burger and malt. They do a lot of take out and have parking so I encourage you to grab a stool while they’re still in business. Continue reading →
Tony Packo’s is a huge place that’s been in business since 1932. Tony and his wife got a $100 loan during the Depression to open a sandwich shop where he created his signature “Hungarian Hot Dog.” They gradually grew the shop to the size and fame of what it is today. Burt Reynolds was the first to sign a hot dog bun in 1972 and that started a trend that would go for generations. Today, however, the famous put their autograph on a foam replica of the original bun. The walls were lined with cases of these signed buns including the only few original real buns that remain. There are now a number of locations in Ohio but this was the orginal and although the food is average it’s worth going to, to see all these buns. Service was available in the bar area otherwise grab a cafeteria tray at the order counter and pay, and by then your food is ready. A drink station is in the center of the room for self-service. They only offer Steudel or cookies for dessert. Continue reading →
Olive and Gourmando is open daily from 9 to 5 for dine in or take out. They are a bakery and a restaurant with breakfast available all day but lunch items only after 11. It’s hugely popular with benches outside for waiting. Inside the medium sized place is a wood floor, exposed ducts, decorated chalkboards on the walls, and small tightly packed wood tables. The music in the background is almost drowned out by the hum of conversation. Some counter seating is available by the windows and the baked goods are in a display case by the register/sign-in area. Lots of plants and decorations finish out the decor. If you’re in need of breakfast or lunch I’d go get in line when you’re in town. Continue reading →
exterior – 1025 Rue Lenoir, Montréal, QC H4C 2Z6, Canada
Gia Vin and Grill opened in December and is known for their grilled meats, which unfortunately are only available at night. It’s tucked away below the highway and in the shadow of the adjacent Home Depot. However, once you get inside you’ll forget the location, except when you see the cars going by out the window. Lots of light wood, marble, green tile, exposed ductwork and 60s and 70s music in the background. A long bar also has seating in addition to the small tables. As the name would imply they do have a lot of wines and the helpful servers (Tatianna was great) will guide your selection to go with the dishes you choose. We enjoyed our lunch but I suspect evening offers a better selection of dishes. They ranked #36 on the Best of Canada list. Continue reading →
exterior – 406 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, QC H2Y 1S1, Canada
Monarque was a large place in the business district and was really three restaurants in one. The front of the place had a more casual menu and feel and the back was modern and elegant with a set lunch menu. The long bar had 20 stools for lounge dining. Rock music was in the background, the wall had lots of mirrors and a striking tile pattern ran the entire length of the place. An open kitchen was in the middle of the long room. In the back were white clothes and napkins and some semi-circular booths to make up the stylish interior. On Canada’s 100 best list it came in at #16. At lunch there was a 2 course menu with the main plate determining the price or there was the option of ordering beef. With the beef option, the first course is sold separately. Continue reading →
exterior – 900 Pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montréal, QC H2Z 2B2, Canada
Toqué was #45 on the most recent list of the 100 Best of Canada. Owners Normand Laprise and Christine Lamarche emphasize the use of local products. It started in 1993 on a much smaller scale until in 2004 they moved it closer to Old Montreal and downtown. It is a tasteful place with an elegant interior, music in the background, white tablecloths and napkins, windows to the street and excellent service. For lunch they offer a 2-course option with the price of your lunch dependent on the main plate and including coffee or tea. Dessert is optional and extra. It was a lovely place to eat with beautiful and tasty food. We had a terrific lunch and I bet dinner would also be good there. Continue reading →
exterior sign – 113 1/2 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
The Shed is an institution in Santa Fe. Its sister restaurant La Choza (opened in 1983) is frequented more by locals whereas The Shed is on the main Square and has been there since 1953. There are nine rooms within and a patio on the outside. They are known for their blue corn options and red chile as well as margaritas. Very popular, they do take reservations for dinner and otherwise be prepared to wait. The bare wood tables are in rooms filled with paintings, not for sale, and plants. The bar has a large selection of tequila and mescal as well as some wines. Chips are not included in your meal but can be ordered separately. If you get to Santa Fe you must eat here, it’s a great starting point for your journey through New Mexican food. Continue reading →
The Trading Post Cafe was an eclectic cafe with a deli offering meats and cheeses by the pound as well as coolers selling produce and other supplies. There were several rooms with the main one having a long bar in front of the grill area. The aroma of cooking burgers greeted you when you walked in. We were there to have a snack and mostly visit with some friends so we didn’t try too many things. I gather it’s only recently opened as they did not yet have a license for beer or wine, but that is in the process. Also when I googled it to get details it sent me to a coffee roasting site and then another linked me to an Italian restaurant. Regardless, if you’re in Taos and looking for a little spot to eat I’d give this one a try. Continue reading →
Tomasita’s serves New Mexican food in Santa Fe as well as Albuquerque. Named for Tomasita Leyba, the original cook at the place and whose recipes are still served 40 years later. It started as a small café on Hickox Street in 1974 when Georgia Maryol took over the dying restaurant. Together they built a customer base that outgrew the space and in 1979 it moved to the 100-year old red brick building in the Santa Fe Railyard. Georgia’s son now owns the restaurant and opened a branch in Albuquerque in 2017. The railyard location was a large place with rooms scattered around set with bare wooden tables and chairs and a patio. Music was in the background, there was a large adjacent parking lot, art decorated the walls and statues were on the patio. Chips and salsa are not included in the meal. The service was super friendly and efficient but the food was mixed. Continue reading →
R Place Cafe is a small place on the highway in northern Wisconsin. They serve a variety of breakfast options till 1:00 and dinner on Wed and Friday from 4-6. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. It’s a small family-run place with mom cooking in the kitchen and daughter waiting tables. There’s a variety of tables and a few seats at the counter. They bake their own bread as well as biscuits. We’d driven by many times and never stopped but this day we did and we weren’t sorry. The menu is on a chalkboard on the wall and there’s lots of brick-a-brack on the walls and surfaces to look at while you wait for your food. Our server was super friendly and the food was good, honest items made with care. I will go again and hope I’ll see you there. Continue reading →
The Elk Store is not just a deli but also a grocery and a general store, selling lots of specialty and locally made goods. The old building has a good selection of meats, cheeses and breads some ready made into sandwiches which they will heat for you. Filled with charm and a creaky old floor it is fun to browse around while you’re waiting for your order to be filled. Near the cash register the 2 menu boards hang overhead and the counter on the opposite side holds the ingredients and heating area. Other parts of the store have fresh produce, wines, dry goods, beans, teas and a surprising selection of things. The people were all very friendly and I’d go if you’re in the area. Such a unique little place and the sandwiches have good ingredients. Continue reading →
Troubadour, in downtown Healdsburg, is owned by Single Thread veterans Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey who bring the quality that their past experience would lead one to expect at a tiny bakery/sandwich shop by day and a French inspired prix fixe menu at night. Founded in 2021, the place is getting lots of press and people for their evening service as well as their ready made sandwiches. Desserts are on display, if you desire that too, as well as a huge array of beverages, stocked mostly for the evening service but available to daytime visitors. It’s a small place with counters facing the windows on 2 sides and one larger middle table. There were also some tables outside that people took their food to eat at. Music is in the background and a large jug of ice water is available with cups. You place your order with the friendly clerks and pay up at the same counter and then it’s time to enjoy some really delicious sandwiches. They were thoughtfully assembled and cut in half. Both were on fabulous breads made in house. This has my highest recommendation as well as me hoping I’ll get back for dinner too! Continue reading →
building – 14096 WA-525, Langley, WA 98260 (soon to move)
Ikaika Bistro was in the American Foreign Legion building when we visited but you’re in luck because they’ll be in a new location by the time you read this. Stephanie and Chris Balora own the place that serves Polynesian cuisine among other dishes. Opening in Sept. of 2022, Chris named the place Ikaika which means “strong” or “warrior” in his native Hawaiian language. It’s a 2-person operation with Stephanie taking your order and busing tables while Chris does the cooking. They’ve had good success which is why in Sept 2023 they are going to move their restaurant to a food truck in downtown Langley where they’ll have indoor and outdoor seating and be near a coffee shop, which is good as they serve breakfast and lunch. So I won’t describe the AFL building, just include a couple photos, but the move will create a major improvement in the ambiance. The couple are the nicest people and easily make conversation with guests filling them in our their journey to get to this spot. The food was novel, generous and tasty and I hope you’ll give it a try if you are in the area. Continue reading →
Owner Jim Goodall opened Langley Kitchen in November 2020 after running a restaurant in Seattle. He thought Langley needed more baked goods, especially cookies and set up shop there during the pandemic. He was ready for portable food with the inside having no tables just the kitchen and items for sale. You line up and order at the counter, then they call your name out a back window where there is a lovely patio to eat on. The metal tables are surrounded by red Japanese maple trees with overhead heaters for when needed. They offer a variety of salads, baked goods and sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch. Their logo features an owl with a quiver holding a spoon and fork, rather than arrows. We tried 2 of their sandwiches a bar cookie and it was all delicious. This place should be on your list if you’re on Whidbey Island. Continue reading →
Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar was opened in July 2017 by Jenn and Sieb Jurriaans, who also operate the nearby Prima Bistro restaurant. They try and source their seafood from Coupeville’s Penn Cove Shellfish except for the lobster which comes from Maine. It’s a fairly small place and they take no reservations so people start lining up before the doors open. Inside are small wood tables (counter seating at the bar and in the middle of the room), music and photos of fish and other nautical items. Some fish nets hanging from the ceiling are decorated with glass fish. The full bar also offers a number of beers on tap. Service was friendly, efficient and helpful. It’s about the only seafood restaurant in town but my reaction to the food was mixed. Dinner offered more choices especially if you don’t want fried seafood. Continue reading →
patio – 5th Ave between Dolores and, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Stationæry is a medium-sized (11 indoor tables) place operated by Anthony and Alissa Carnazzo. They offer brunch, dinner, coffee and wines in a casual setting. Also available are tables on the patio that opens to other stores and a couple stools at the tile counter. A bench seat lines the wall set with small wood tables. Many windows add lots of natural light and plants provide the decorations with music in the background which was sometimes hard to hear due to the crowd noise. It was very busy and walk-ins had a long wait. We had reservations luckily and the attentive and friendly staff moved the meal along nicely. One note to service is that there are no refills on coffee – this was just house pour not a specialty cup. The food primarily is sourced from nearby farms and ranches and varies with what’s in season. It was good food, especially the roll which could have been a meal in itself. I encourage you to try it but have a reservation. Continue reading →
exterior – 225 Cabrillo Highway South at, Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Dad’s Luncheonette was in a historic train caboose on Highway 1, near a strip shopping center. It was a dream of Chef Scott Clark, who we met when he was Chef de cuisine at a 3-star Michelin restaurant, to open something small and casual that also serves great food. He wanted a lifestyle change after having a child with his partner, Alexis Liu. When she saw this little train car he knew that was it. That was 6 years ago and it’s still a successful business. There are a few seats inside, where you order, and picnic tables outside, but many just eat on the hood of their car or get stuff to go. The cooking is on the upper level of the caboose and bathrooms are in the shopping center. Lo and behold when we entered we found he brought another friend from the close by San Francisco dining scene that we had also dealt with before, Anthony Keels (Eight Tables). The place is surrounded by farms and they make the best use of that supply chain but have a small menu. I didn’t get a photo of the menu but you can see much of it on their website or in the photos. Unfortunately, they were out of the homemade chips today. Continue reading →
exterior (when closed) – 503 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130
Yolk serves breakfast and lunch in Manzanita, on the coast of Oregon. We visited there about a year agoand had fond memories so we were looking forward to dining there and interestingly found out it had been sold in the last couple of days. The past owners were still there when we went, helping the new owners with the transition, particularly cooking. Even so, a little snafu with the ordering process made it take longer to get the bill and impossible to check on our order. It is still a bright and tasteful interior with music in the background, a patio, a full bar and lots of windows to the outside streaming in the sunshine. The food is good but they don’t take reservations, so get there early or be prepared to wait. It’ll be worth the wait. Continue reading →
sign on street – 35915 N Hwy 101, Nehalem, OR 97131
Pacific Roots Coffee and Mini Donuts is a food truck off the main street in Nehalem. It is by the water in the same clearing as the Riverside Fish and ChipsTruck, both of which we tried last year. The signature mini donuts are made fresh, on the spot when you order them and come with a variety of toppings. You order as many as you wish and they will mix the toppings in an order. These little donuts are made in a remarkable machine and I have found them in a number of places but the flavor and quality do vary. These are good ones, served nicely hot with a perfect amount of cinnamon sugar. Another nice feature is that these are served in a styrofoam container as opposed to the usual paper bag. They are perfect to order, especially while you wait for fried cod from the fish and chips stand. While the fish was nice and the slaw interesting, the mini donuts were the star of this lunch for me. I encourage you to find a stand and try some. Continue reading →
Wanda’s Cafe and Bakery is family owned and operated where you can dine in or grab something to go. It’s a small to medium-sized place with additional seating outdoors. They do not take reservations, so expect to have a wait, but while we waited for breakfast they had coffee available. Parking is limited on site but there is free parking in a close city lot. Named for the original owner’s grandmother, there is no Wanda associated with the place now. Music was in the background and the entrance and check-out are filled with goods for sale, both edible and novelty. The servers were efficient and friendly. It’s a place I’d recommend but I’d like to go on a day they make the fresh cinnamon rolls. Continue reading →
Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant is the fifth oldest restaurant in the US. It was first listedhere in 2015 but I didn’t write up subsequent visits. They credit themselves for helping establish San Francisco as the culinary mecca it is today. They serve local seafood, simply prepared, alongside local vegetables. I thought of it as similar to Tadich Grill but it doesn’t seem to have weathered the pandemic as well. The crowd at lunch was very light and the server was marginal (maybe some language issues here) and tried to sell us on more items when we were ordering plenty. The medium-sized place is full of wood and white tablecloths with some natural light from the windows to the street. The walls are decorated with photos and nature shots. The food was marginal to bad and they charge for bread service. Continue reading →
exterior – 240 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Tadich Grill was reviewed here back in 2015, but we visited many times after that and I didn’t write it up. But with the pandemic, it’s been at least 4 years since we were there. It was old school and consistent quality, meaning little changes, but downtown San Francisco has changed with a lot fewer people working in offices and a lower number of tourists. Tadich was ‘started’ by 3 Croatian immigrants in 1849 as a coffee stand that went through numerous moves when in 1871 another Croatian, John Tadich started working there. It became known as The Cold Day Restaurant through a political incident and Tadich took ownership in 1887. He joined with another restauranteur when both needed to recover from the 1906 earthquake, but when their partnership dissolved in 1912 and his partner named his new restaurant The Cold Day. Tadich then named his place Tadich Grill, The Original Cold Day Restaurant. It’s a fairly large place with wood tables and booths set with white clothes and napkins. A long bar with stools runs the length of the place with the kitchen being partially open in the back. Staff are friendly and dressed in long white aprons and white jackets. They have a large menu featuring much local and imported seafood with a few daily specials. The food is fine but nothing to write home about. You no longer seem to need a reservation at lunch, if that’s progress. Continue reading →
Louie’s on the Lake was the byproduct of Doris and Louis Muench Sr. moving to Cumberland from Chicago, where he had been a meat cutter. In 1970 they opened Louie’s Finer Meats and from that came the opportunity for family dining featuring Louie’s meats. It’s a small place with booths on the sides of the room and tables in the middle. A few more tables are in the entry room where there is also a counter selling meats. There is a large outdoor patio which the dining room looks out to, as well as the parking lot. The bare wood tables are set with flatware wrapped in a napkin and other condiments for seasoning the food. You can see the lake on an angle from the back windows. Open every day except Tuesday, they serve breakfast and lunch and close earlier on Sunday. Service was friendly but not the most efficient, but then finding workers in small towns is difficult. The food was very acceptable and I’d go again but it’s not worth driving out of your way for. Continue reading →
exterior – 206 Buffalo St, Banff, AB T1L 1E4, Canada
Hankki means one meal in Korean and this meal is modeled after Korean street food. They sell bowls or cupbop, and Korean hot dogs on a stick. The bowls are a stir-fry of different ingredients. Cheap, quick and filling options which are a novelty in the tourist-laden Banff. All the bowls contain Veggie Mandu which is edamame, sweet corn, lettuce, pickled carrot, sesame seeds and egg garnish along with some pan-fried veggie dumplings. They are on a base of rice with sauce and then you pick your level of spiciness. We both chose ‘hot’. The Chee Bop bowl contained Korean-style crispy fried chicken and the Korean B.B.Q bowl contained sweet and savory marinated grilled pork, lettuce. There were basic similarities but the flavoring was fairly different. Both were quite tasty and best when all the stuff was mixed around. Hot was a nice level of heat. If you need a quick snack this is for you. I saw some little kids getting and enjoying the hot dogs which are much less food, but we didn’t try one. Continue reading →
building – Grain Exchange Building, 821 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 7N2, Canada
Meat and Bread started in Vancouver and now has a number of locations in Canada but this one is in the old grain exchange building and opened in 2017. Stylishly designed and decorated they make everything themselves. They prided themselves on the simplicity of their products – offer just a few things but use the highest quality ingredients and make it yourselves. That simplicity is seen in the efficient layout of the space. You enter and immediately see the porchetta roast and some sandwiches being assembled for to-go orders. The menu is on a blackboard-like surface above the long prep area and the sides and drinks are arranged so you can see and pick. You can watch your sandwich being made as you pay for it and then they’ll call your number when it’s ready. We were there when they first opened, so no line, but my understanding is that it can have long lines however they move quickly. The staff were super friendly and loved showing off a whole roast ready to go to the slicer. This is a wonderful place and I hope I get to eat their sandwiches again. Continue reading →
exterior – 106 3 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B6, Canada
The Silver Dragon Restaurant is located in the heart of Chinatown in Calgary. They offer over 200 Chinese dishes as well as brunch dim sum cart service daily (till 2:30). It’s a fairly large place on the second floor of the building that has been successful enough to now have a second location in Banff. The tables were well-spaced but not set with pepper oil, soy sauce or vinegar. It’s old-school Chinese food and service was friendly and fast with lots of carts coming to your table at any time. However, if you didn’t see what you wanted on a cart they would get it for you if it was presently being served. If it wasn’t they would only serve it if you had 2 orders of it. That made it tough since there were just the two of us but there was plenty of selection to choose from. They did bring us a tray with a bit of hot oil and some vinegar, but the hot oil was gone quickly. Some items came with sauce and then I saw others asking for soy, etc. and they cut most items when served. I would not call it outstanding but it was perfectly satisfying, just not extraordinary. The only specialty item worth commenting on was the ginger beef – a dish invented in Calgary. It’s a fried strip of beef in a sweet/spicy sauce. Fun to try something new. Continue reading →
building – 630 Old Rte 17, Livingston Manor, NY 12758
The Smoke Joint moved to the Catskills from downtown Brooklyn. The chef/owners Ben Grossman and Craig Samuel have won accolades for their culinary ventures. The tiny place is on the banks of the Willowemoc River and they are open from spring to fall. Here they offer a variety of sandwiches, barbecue by the pound, fried chicken, hot dogs, a variety of sides and beverages (full liquor license). They have a few tables inside but most of the dining was on the picnic tables right out the door. The tables were set with napkins, flatware and hot and regular sauces. You order and pay at the counter and then your food is brought out to you. There were cans to dispose of your trash when you are through. The people working there were pleasant and helpful and judging by the crowd we decided it was the place to grab a snack. I’m no expert on barbecue as is John Tanner who publishes a restaurant blog you’d enjoy, johntannersbbqblog.com but I think he’d appreciate the flavor of the brisket. Check out John’s blog for not only barbecue but also Washington DC, the eastern USA coast and lots of other places. You’ll enjoy his wit and writing style and add to your list of places to go and eat. Continue reading →
Nick’s Family Restaurant is a large place, with seats for 120, and famous for its ‘pizzaburger.’ It has been in business for over 50 years and with it being locally owned and family run by the Tyler family since 1979. Windows to the street are on many sides with booths next to them. In the middle of the rooms are tables of various sizes. The first thing you see when you enter is the display case filled with pies and the check-out counter where you pay. They have a large menu that is supplemented with daily specials for lunch and dinner and serve breakfast all-day. Closed on Tuesday, they are open 6 am to 8 pm daily and are even open earlier during the week. They serve wine and beer but no full bar. Service was amazing considering how few were working there and how many people continued to arrive. The food was mixed but edible. It looks like a no-frills place and that’s the food it serves too. Nothing wrong just not calling you back to eat there again. Continue reading →
Alimentari is basically Italian for food/groceries. This deli is in an 1,800 square foot former laundromat space and sells fresh pasta, sauces, freshly cut meats and cheeses as well as sandwiches and other dry goods. The sandwiches are made to order and there is no place to eat in the store. They also had a gelato counter but we didn’t try it. It looked like a great place to shop for Italian ingredients but for us we wanted a sandwich for the car. Similar to last week, we wanted a snack before we went on a tour of a Frank Lloyd Wright site, but this time is was Taliesin. I must say this sandwich was way better than the last both because of the filling but also the bread. The buns for their sandwiches are made daily by Madison Sourdough. They have a great chew with a crisp crust and a soft interior but it’s not too big that it dwarfs the fillings or hard to get your mouth around. I actually found myself wanting to eat parts of the bread without any filling, it was that good. If you need ingredients or just a snack, I’d head to this place right away. Continue reading →
The Plaza Tavern and Grill is the home of the “world-famous Plazaburger.” The burger is dressed with a Plaza sauce which is a secret recipe from 1964. The Plazaburger is ordered separately from a regular burger but they also offer a number of other food choices. Inside is a long bar that runs the length of the long room and booths run along the opposite wall. The middle of the room is open but you’ll find various game machines around the room. A number of televisions were around the room and midday they were playing an old animated show. It’s conveniently located by the capital and UW and open Wed to Sat from noon to 2 am. Goggle wrongly said they weren’t open till 3 pm on Wed but that is not the case. They were super friendly and cooked our burgers on the grill right behind the bar. It is a cash only place. Continue reading →
Paul’s Pel’meni is a small place near the UW campus serving Russian style dumplings. The owner, Paul Schwoerer, once lived in Alaska and found that Russian cuisine was good for colder climates. While there he learned to make these dumplings from a man who wanted to move back to Russia. Now he and his wife are in their 3rd location having been in business for 18 years. Everyday in the kitchen downstairs he rolls the dough and stuffs it with mashed potatoes or a savory ground beef mixture. Sour cream is the standard accompaniment but they still seemed plain to him. Now he adds a topping of yellow curry, butter, sweet chili sauce with vinegar and cilantro. They are sold in full and half orders of the beef, potato or mix. You order at the counter and they are out quickly. In the next room are tables and a water jug and a room with a bar. Later in the evening they’ll be serving lots of cocktails and draft beer to go with the dumplings. It was a quick and very satisfying lunch for us and I highly recommend you check the place out. Continue reading →
exterior – 5371 Old Middleton Rd, Madison, WI 53705
The Oakcrest Tavern opened in the 1950s and it’s famous for its burger made from “steak trimmings” but they offer a number of things on their menu, including a fish fry on Fridays. It’s a casual place with the bar counter filling half of its space. The cooking area is inside the bar area and a parking lot surrounds the building. There were lots of TVs around the room but the sound was muted and music was playing. Lots of beer paraphernalia decorated the wood walls. The staff was all super friendly and they were quick with the food and you could see it was made to order. We enjoyed Leinenkugel’s beer, which was served nicely cold in a bottle, with our lunch. I suggest you give this place a try if you have a chance but be forewarned – it’s said to get quite busy at some hours. Continue reading →
Di Anoia’s is an Italian restaurant run by Chef/Owner Dave Anoia from Lebanon, PA. that opened in 2016 in the Strip District with his wife, Aimee DiAndrea (get how they came up with the name?). They accept reservations 6 weeks in advance but do have a waiting list that actually works. The bar and patio are for walk-ins. It’s a large bustling place serving all ages on closely spaced faux marble tables with red-checked napkins. Windows to the outside are on 2 walls and one looks like it used to be a garage door. They are open for all three meals except for no breakfast on Sunday and closed all day Monday. It’s a deli/cafe by day and a full-service restaurant at night. You enter into the bar/cafe area where there is a pastry case and a full bar. The dining room is to you right. Service was helpful and friendly and the noise level is loud. Continue reading →
Groceria Merante is an Italian grocery store selling supplies and sandwiches. It started in the late 1950s and moved to its present location in 1979. The family had seven children and some of them still take part in this family run business. We were on our way to visit Falling Water, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed home about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh. We wanted something we could keep in the car and eat before going in and this was perfect. The little corner store had wonderful products and a deli counter in back. Some sandwiches were ready made and in the cooler. At check out she gave me napkins and mayo for our meal. The sandwiches were well stuffed but did want the mayo for extra moistness. If you need Italian supplies I highly recommend this place and if you want a sandwich to go it’s a fine choice. There is no place to eat at the store.Continue reading →
Primanti Bros. started in 1933 during the Great Depression. Joe Primanti had a sandwich cart that was successful enough to turn into a storefront feeding shift workers and truck drivers. Their signature is potato fries on the sandwich. The story is that someone came to the restaurant during the winter with a load of potatoes. He was concerned if they were frozen but when cooked on the grill they were fine. As other customers came in they wanted some so Joe put them on the sandwich and it was a hit. It allowed the drivers to eat with one hand while they drove. They now have 40 restaurants in over 6 states. We tried to hit the original location of this Pittsburgh icon. It is definitely worth trying and they are open daily 8 am – 10 pm and even later on Fri and Sat. The interesting thing was their menu had no prices and the drink menu on the table didn’t either. You can order extra meat or cheese on your sandwich but then I heard another patron asking how much and the server had to go to the register to check. On the website, most of the sandwiches are around $9 with $2 for extra meat/cheese. Service was super friendly and the place has murals you could study while you wait a short time for your order. They also had a full bar and several options for draft beer, which is what I tried. Continue reading →
Wario’s Beef and Pork was created by Chef Stephan Madias, who wanted to bring a chef-driven sandwich shop to Columbus. He wanted customers to feel like family and to serve them quality food that is responsibly sourced and made from scratch. Their signature semolina roll is baked and delivered to the shop daily from Matija Breads and he makes, cures and smokes the other ingredients in-house. They opened in late fall of 2020 as a little sandwich window that quickly became a new city food spot. Named for a character in Nintendo’s Mario Brothers video game series, they are open Wed. through Sun. and have a few tables inside and a large patio outside. A really friendly spot, we immediately struck up a conversation with one of their regulars and their counter person was also friendly and helpful. The sandwiches are huge and excellent. I would eat there often if I lived nearby. Continue reading →
entrance – 653 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Bluebeard is an amazing farm to table restaurant open for lunch and dinner. They have a full bar as well as lots of wine. It started as a European-style bakery, as one was not in Indianapolis in 2010. Tom Battista found a 1924 factory building in an historic Italian neighborhood in downtown and started Amelia’s Bakery which now supplies all the bread for Bluebeard. The space was large enough to house more so Tom brought in Chef Abbi Merriss and his son Edward to open a restaurant that would have the same artisanal approach to food, and they did just that in 2012. They named it Bluebeard after a book by Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. Many of the decorations in the place reflect Vonnegut’s books. The winding space moves through numerous cozy rooms packed with fun decorations and happy people. They take no reservations so get there early if you don’t want to wait in line. The food is fantastic as is the service. It will be a memory you won’t forget. We didn’t get dessert but I snapped a photo of the menu for reference. Continue reading →
building – 234 N Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222
The Workingman’s Friend is said to be the “best blue-collar burger place in town.” Founded around 1918 by Louis Stamatkin, an immigrant from Macedonia, who was helped by his fellow Macedonian immigrants to open the place. He served lunch to local railroad workers and other factory workers and called his place Belmont Lunch. Beer and liquor were a big draw for customers. When the workers were on strike he let them run a tab for which the place was given the nickname “The Workingman’s Friend.” When he died at the young age of 46 his sons (Carl and Earl) took over and renamed the place in his honor, but they also added some more expensive items to the menu and live entertainment. Carl’s daughter Becky started working there in 1978 and by 1980 the live music and steaks were gone. The place again focused on burgers and beer, of which the burgers are thin with a crispy edge. The expansion the sons planned never happened but it is still a large place filled with small closely spaced formica-topped tables. There are a number of lots around to park in and they were all pretty much full at 1:30 as was the interior. At one point a line formed waiting for the tables. It took close to an hour to get our food but the wait was worth it. It is a fantastic burger. The service was friendly but the noise level is loud from conversations. Televisions over the long bar were turned off, but a full bar of liquors is available. Continue reading →
exterior – 2503 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Goose the Market offers a daily selection of sandwiches, soups and small plates as well as a deli counter with meats, cheeses, breads, gelato, specialty foods and beer/wine. The market and butcher shop are all about the love of good food and the people who produce it. Housed in a corner building, there are a few stools by a counter at the window to the street and some outside seating. Inside is a long counter where the meats, cheese, and gelato are displayed and you can place your order. Across from that are shelves of specialty items and downstairs is the wine cellar. You could see them slicing and assembling your sandwich while you waited. Different sandwiches are specials daily. It’s a wonderful shop and the sandwiches are quite good. Continue reading →
Garnett’s Cafe is a small neighborhood sandwich/salad shop on the lower floor of a 1908 corner building. Parking is on the street and seating is limited. There are several small tables in addition to seats at the L-shaped counter. Art and other objects decorate the walls. Wine and beer are available and there was a special sandwich of the day on the chalkboard outside. They are open daily for lunch and dinner and also have a selection of desserts from Laura Lee’s. Opening in 2009 they received a local dining award, an Elby, as the city’s Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant in 2014. The place was named for the owner, Kendra Feather’s, grandmother Garnett Beckham, who lived to 103. The staff was friendly and the food was good, with large portions. We were there to catch up with a friend so apologies in advance as my note-taking and photo taking were distracted. Continue reading →
Stella’s serves rustic and modern Greek cuisine. Stella was born in 1942 and emigrated to the U.S. as part of an arranged marriage. Her husband opened an American classic cafe in 1956 and she joined him working there in the 1960s bringing in Greek dishes. In 1983 she opened a restaurant bearing her name a few doors down. Expanding on its success she opened a second place in 1998 offering eclectic cuisine. The current location opened in 2011 and Stella still comes by and the kitchen prepares her old family recipes. The medium-sized place is on a corner and parking is on the street. Windows make up two walls and the large L-shaped bar is opposite, set with stools with backs. A large table is midway to the back and that and the bar are for walk-in seating. Otherwise, it is a bunch of small bare wood tables with some bench seating or larger tables for 4 with chairs. The ceiling is tin, Greek music is in the background and it’s very busy. However, the service didn’t rush you and was glad to bring things out individually so we could split them. The server warned us we ordered too much as the portions were large but agreed to give the kitchen our apologies that we were going to waste some food in order to be able to try lots. If you like Greek food try and get a reservation and otherwise get there early and snag an open seat. Continue reading →
Perly’s is a Jewish Restaurant and Delicatessen serving “traditional Jewish cuisine with a twist.” In the heart of downtown, they are open Wed. to Sun. from 9:00 am till 3:00 pm. The place originally opened in 1961 and has had 3 owners with the current ones taking over in 2014 and adding the twist. It’s a long place with one side taken up by the long bar that ends in the kitchen space. The area that’s left is divided in two with booths and tables. The marble bar had stools opened and we took that as there was a wait for tables even later in the afternoon. Music was in the background, windows to the street provided additional light to the many fixtures, a black and white movie played silently on the screen above the bar, the ceiling looked like an old tin one and a pair of larger semi-circular booths flanked the doorway. Continue reading →
Frank’s Deli also sells meat and produce. They offer a selection of made-from-scratch food choices, with sandwiches made while you wait. Frank has been in business over 40 years. His background was in butchering so he started the store with meat and produce in the late 70s. The corner building offers an array of produce, meats, sauces, chips and snacks – as much locally sourced as possible. Most of the folks in there were in the line to order food to go. There is no seating inside or out but we were fine to eat in the car. The line moved quickly and the person taking my order was nice enough to suggest the spicy mustard instead of regular with the corned beef. The sandwiches were well stuffed and I bet if I lived in town I’d be there all the time getting something to bring home or eat in the car. They do have a good-sized parking lot. Continue reading →
entrance to restaurant – The Brown Hotel, 335 West Broadway, Louisville, KY, 40202
J. Graham’s Cafe is in the Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville. One of several restaurants in the hotel they are the ‘light and airy’ one. They are famous for the “Hot Brown” which was invented there in 1926 and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NBC’s Today Show and many other media outlets. In the 1920s The Brown Hotel regularly had over 1,200 guests every evening for its dinner dance. As the guests grew tired and hungry they wanted something glamorous to eat and Chef Fred Schmidt created the open-face turkey sandwich he called the Hot Brown. The Cafe is on the first floor of the hotel and if you dine there you are given 2 hours free valet parking, which is nice in the busy downtown. The room had windows looking out to the street which provided much natural light, bare wood tables, carpet, walls decorated with poster art and nicely padded seats and benches. A full bar is available. Service was a tad pushy, trying to upsell a bit and not particularly attentive but there were enough service people you didn’t get forgotten. The sandwich is an icon so I had to try it. Continue reading →
exterior – 38820 S, CA-1 Unit 104, Gualala, CA 95445
Gualala Seafood Shack is a small place with shared picnic-style tables inside and tables on the outside patio. Located in a one-story shopping center, you order at the counter from the menu hanging above but there are also signs about specials hanging on the window as you walk in. After you order and pay, you get a beeper to buzz you when your order is ready. Afterward, there is a place to stack trays and baskets and throw out the trash. Music is in the background and bathrooms are available inside but this is a no-frills place. They advertise that their seafood is sourced locally and are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Continue reading →
Ranelli’s Deli has been on the southside of Birmingham serving sandwiches, salads and pastas since 1971. It is family owned and operated and has live music some nights. The place was a former gas station so there is parking on 2 sides. Inside you approach the counter and make your order from the sign above and pay. They will call out your name when it’s ready. In the meantime, you can look around at the jam-packed room filled with music memorabilia and other things. In the back of the room is a small stage where live bands can play. There is an assortment of small tables crowded into the room with soft music in the background. Their Italian dinners looked like quite a deal and they were served all day. I’d go back and try those but we just wanted a sandwich midway through the day. We should have split one – they are large and packed with ingredients. Nothing outlandish here, just good solid plain food. Continue reading →
exterior – 2902 18th Street South, Homewood. AL, 35209
Johnny’s Restaurant is a blend of Greek and Southern styles of cooking. Chef Timothy Hontzas has Greek heritage, naming the restaurant after his grandfather Johnny who also cooked. Opening in 2012 this place offers a “meat and three” style with Greek specialties as well as traditional dishes like meatloaf. It is located on the second level of a busy shopping center where parking could be an issue. You place your order at the counter with the large chalkboard menu behind the counter but some additional specials were posted on the wall as you walked up. You get a number and the servers find and bring your food out to you. All lunch plates come with a choice of cornbread or yeast roll. Music is in the background, the drink station is in the back and portions are generous. The food is quite good, especially the vegetables. I would love to go back and sample more dishes – hope you’ll get a chance to try it. Continue reading →
The Essential is a medium-sized bar and cafe in an historic part of downtown Birmingham that serves contemporary American food. They serve dinner, brunch on weekends and lunch, which is what we had there. They have seating inside at tables and at a long bar or tables on a patio, which did have heaters. Along with a full bar, they offered a nice wine selection. Large windows in the dining area overlook the outside patio and street and music plays in the background. A fun tile floor was opposite a decorative ceiling and one wall had a bench seat that accompanied the small round marble tables. The back end of the room was a large opening into the kitchen. At lunch, they have fewer items to pick from than at dinner but whenever you go you’ll find fine food and service here. This place should be on your list if you visit Birmingham. Continue reading →
back entrance – 550 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
Hall’s Chophouse was started by the Hall family in 2009 in Charleston. They now have 5 locations in this area of the country with Nashville set as the next to open. They bill themselves as serving the finest steaks money can buy, offering an extensive wine list and serving hearty family-style sides all with great service. The Greenville location is located in the refurbished part of downtown overlooking the water feature. Parking is on the street as well as in several city-owned parking garages. It was a fairly large place with huge windows taking in the view with an equally huge bar available for drinking and dining. At lunch, they had some different menu options but the entire dinner menu is available too. Be advised that portions are large. The nice sized tables were cloth covered but I found the service to be a bit overdone bordering on intrusive and pushy. We were there for a relaxed visit with a longtime friend and the constant picking up of plates we were using to replace them with larger ones, changing out flatware after plates were served and the pushing of extra orders did not endear their service to me. Continue reading →
Comal 864 is the creation of Brownsville, Texas native Dayna Lee Márquez, who wanted to bring South Texas food to this region. It started in July 2019 as a pop-up operation and in Nov. 2022 opened a storefront operation that also offers catering. Chef Márquez was nominated in 2023 for a James Beard Best Chef Southeast Award. The little house has parking on either side and picnic tables out front. Inside a long counter with stools runs in front of the kitchen and order area and the rest is filled with tables and chairs. You order at the counter and they’ll bring it to your table. Chef Márquez was in the kitchen and you could see her preparing plates along with her helpers. For 2:00 in the afternoon, it was surprisingly busy but they are open all day. The counter person was helpful in choosing what to order and the portions are very generous. While the dishes may be novel to this area I found them very lacking in spice, but I admit I am surrounded by and love spicy Tex-Mex. If I were closer I’d try the place again because the ‘bones’ of it were great but for me, the end result missed the mark. Continue reading →
Riverstreet Family Restaurant is a fairly large place divided into 2 rooms by a partial wall. The good-sized tables are mostly in one room with the other having the bar facing the service area and opening to the kitchen, Plenty of parking surrounds the building and music from the kitchen radio bleeds into the dining areas. The interior is a combination of wood, brick, shingles, metal and windows to the outside covered with blinds. A couple of deer head mounts and various signs complete the eclectic interior. The large menu features breakfast all day, a lot of burger variations and is supplemented by daily specials. The portions are large and the staff quite efficient and helpful as well as knowledgable of the names and situations of many of the regular customers. Coffee comes as a pot on the table and overall the food was good but regular. In other words, I would go again but not go out of my way to get there. Continue reading →
We were excited to return to Chez Nous but slightly dismayed to not see Chef Jill Mathias in the kitchen. This visit we got to sit downstairs and enjoy the jazz music that plays in the background. There is a second fireplace at the base of the stairs to the upper level and the tables are just as small down here. There are also a few stools at the bar counter in front of some of the wines. The decorations in the place are from a local antique store that one of the owners is also involved in. Also found out that the doors to the bathrooms are original to the house. The setup was the same as before, with 2 choices for each of the 3 courses and that really befuddled the neighboring table that wanted French onion soup or any soup (they eventually left). We however were happy with the choices but this trip wanted the same things and split the dessert as we knew a heavy dinner was on the schedule. The food didn’t dazzle me as much as the first visit but I would still plan to visit this place every chance I get because the food is that good and the concept is very refreshing to me. Continue reading →
Chez Nous is a small place in an 1835 2-story home. Around 9 years ago Chef Jill Mathias started serving the cuisine of southern France, northern Italy and northern Spain for lunch and dinner 6 days a week. She serves the same menu of 2 appetizers, 2 entreés and 2 desserts both times of day but changes the menu daily. Chef writes the new menu by hand every day in a very stylized script, with the first line in the language of the area and the second in English. The place just holds 36 guests inside and 20 on the outside patio. Music is in the background, light streams through the many windows, upstairs a bench runs along the long wall with no pillows and tiny tables. Upstairs wide plank old floors are opposite exposed ceiling rafters and the end of the room has a crumbling brick fireplace. It all works to feel like you’ve jumped back in time to enjoy a meal in a friend’s home. Don’t let anything stop you from getting to this place and eating some of her great food. We were so impressed we made a reservation for the next day’s lunch while we sipped coffee. Continue reading →
exterior- 2063 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
The Obstinate Daughter is named for the American victory in the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, where a British cartoonist illustrated the defenders of Charleston as “Miss Carolina Sulivan, one of the obstinate daughters of America”. Their website describes the place as a ‘Lowcountry Food Fort.” They have a wood-fired pizza oven as well as a raw bar and relationships with local fishermen and farms. It’s a large place on the second floor of frame house with a patio facing the street and a very small parking lot downstairs. The eclectic menu has influences from Italian and Spanish cuisines and the interior is decorated with a nautical theme. There were 2 main rooms, one with a bar and counter and the other with an open kitchen and an assortment of table types. Music was in the background, lots of windows look to the outside and the staff was all super friendly and helpful. The food was excellent. Continue reading →
entrance – 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL., 33139
Joe’s Stone Crab was opened as a lunch counter in 1913, before Miami Beach was a city, by Joe Weiss. He moved south from New York due to his asthma and found he could breathe easier in Miami Beach. It started as a lunch stand and by 1918 he and his wife bought a small house and set up tables on the porch, calling it Joe’s Restaurant. For a number of years, they were the only restaurant on the beach and Al Capone was a regular customer (using a different name). Around 1921 a researcher discovered stone crabs, but they were not known to be eaten. Joe gave them a try and they were an instant hit. His son Jesse evolved into running the place and had the personality to attract many celebrities and the well-to-do crowd. The place served food to Will Rogers, Amelia Earhart, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Joe Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover to name a few. The third and fourth-generation family members now run the place with some employees having worked there up to 50 years. It is an institution, to say the least. A huge place, there are several dining rooms, a large bar and a patio all appointed with formally dressed staff and double white clothed tables. Service is fabulous as is the food. An experience not to be missed. Continue reading →
La Rey de las Fritas has been serving Cuban food in Miami for 40 years. They originated and are known for “La original Frita Cubana” – a Cuban-style burger they invented. It is a ground beef patty with sautéed onions that is topped with a mound of shoestring fried potatoes on a fluffy Cuban roll. There are several locations but we visited what we think was the original. Located in a strip shopping center, it was a large place with 2 U-shaped counters with stools facing toward the kitchen and the opposite wall had booth seating. It was bright and a bit sterile, but managed to get a fair number of people both eating in and taking out. Their famous burgers are offered with a number of variations and otherwise they had a large menu of Cuban dishes. They also had shakes and drinks made from lots of different fruits and so we also tried a mango shake or Batidos. The sandwich was interesting but not killer however the shake was lovely. Continue reading →
exterior – 229 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL., 33139
La Sandwicherie was started in 1988 to bring simple sandwiches at a good price point to Miami Beach. Since then they have expanded to include several Florida cities. The sandwiches are on crisp white or wheat baguettes or soft croissants and all have the signature dressing vinaigrette on the side. All include veggie toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, hot peppers, black olives, red onions, cucumbers, and Cornichons (French pickle). They also offer salads and a variety of fruit drinks, but no alcoholic beverages. There is no interior; it’s simply a counter with a few stools and a space designated for ordering. You can customize your French inspired sandwich in any way you’d like. The counter workers take your order and make your sandwich and music is in the background. They are super friendly and helpful. The sandwiches are wonderful and on great bread. Continue reading →
exterior – 1403 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70130
Commander’s Palace has been on this blog several times, but this time we were back for lunch. The menu is smaller and cheaper and they still off 25¢ martinis which come in several variations. No wonder they had a good crowd but it also turned out to be KingsDay, which is the start of Carnival Season and so there were tables of people dressed and ready to start the celebrations. It seemed like private parties were being seated upstairs. There is a limit of 3 on the drinks “cause that’s enough” and it truly is. They also have $5 deals on a couple other cocktails. One caveat is that you do have to purchase an entrée. The food was fine but mostly the ambiance won me over this time. Continue reading →
exterior – 1117 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116
Saint John is a large long space from Chef/Owner Eric Cook, who has worked at many fine restaurants in New Orleans. His first restaurant was Gris-Gris and this one opened in Oct. 2021. There are several rooms as well as a long bar for seating. Upstairs has balcony seating as well as rooms for rent for private parties. As you walk to the back room, the long open kitchen is on your right but first you pass a huge mural by Deurty Boys that features tributes to deceased local chefs and hospitality leaders. The same artist did pieces of stained glass art for each of the elevated booths across from the kitchen. The space is quite bright, music is in the background and the tables are topped with marble. Service was helpful but there were very few people there. This surprised me as it’s right across from the way popular beignet restaurant. It could be the coldness of the place, the high prices, the average food or the time of year. Take your pick but I don’t recommend this one – it’s not bad but not worth the money. Continue reading →
Galatoire’s has been written up on this blog numerous times but on our most recent visit we tried a few different items so I thought I’d post pictures and some commentary. I had read that the food had gone downhill following Covid so I also wanted to re-visit. While everything was not spectacular, and some even a little off, overall it was a fine meal. The service there is so adaptable and the crowd too lively, it’s hard not to have a good time. The menu seemed smaller but I learned a new thing – that you can order half sizes of many of the entrees. This allows you to try more things. I still recommend this place for a dose of wonderful seafood cooked nicely with lots of butter. Continue reading →
