Mushroom's Profile
Helpful (maybe?) tips for a 1st time traveler to ROME
Mbfant: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to expand on my Colline Emiliane remarks. After I posted (of course), I reviewed my notes and saw that Lance and I both had the tagliatelle. My remarks were, "Very Good". I think over time our memory put the whole meal down as "horrible". This is unfair. As far as Baffetto goes, I think we both hit the nail on the head. I can see why tourists like it and locals snub it.
Tuscanlover: I have to respectively disagree. I very much wanted to know how to dress appropriately. I do the same thing here in the States. I think Maureen has also been very clear about stating "if you don't care ~ don't worry about it". As it is, due to a knee injury I will likely be wearing tennis shoes or some ugly-arse orthotic shoes on next years trip. For fashion reasons I'm not happy about it, but would rather be comfortable than hobbled. If anyone says anything, I'll knock them upside the head with my cane. Kidding!
Helpful (maybe?) tips for a 1st time traveler to ROME
(Hopefully) helpful words for the overwhelmed person planning their first trip to Rome:
When I started planning my first trip to Rome (back in June 2009) I was completely overwhelmed. I seriously almost threw in the towel and thought about going to Branson instead (OK ~ that was a bit of an exaggeration). I was using several guidebooks, recommendations from friends & family, and chowhound as my resources. As a first time traveler to a non-English speaking country, all the Italian words and cultural differences and, well, EVERYTHING was too much. About this time I read a travel blog (www.wired2theworld.com) that discussed the author’s March 2008 trip to Rome. After reading the blog, I could actual wrap my mind around the trip and I was off and running.
I am by no means a particularly savvy foodie. I like good food, abhor chains, try to support local farm to table efforts, but will be the first to admit I do not have a sophisticated palate. I was not searching for the Holy Grail of Momma’s Trattoria, but rather a nice, satisfying meal after a long day of exploring the Eternal City.
As my husband and I are returning in March 2013 (along with our two preteens ~ God help us!), I’ve started perusing the Italy Chowhound board. I’ve noticed a great deal of chatter about service and shoe wear. The following is by no means a commentary on any of those dialogues…just our experience.
We made reservations for about half of our meals over our 6 days in Rome. (We also spent 2 lovely days in Orveito) I made the reservations several weeks in advance, but I think we would have been fine waiting until a couple weeks before hand instead. For dinner, I wore either little casual black dresses with a wrap or black/khaki capris with a nice top. My husband wore dress slacks with a button down shirt. Sometimes we were the fanciest people there, sometimes the least fancy….but never did we feel out of place or judged (except for my husband at Al Ceppo which I will touch on in a bit).
We DID engage the server everywhere we went because that’s what we do at every restaurant we go to whether it be in the US, Mexico, or Ireland. We learned a few key Italian phrases and familiarized ourselves with seasonal foods. I always started out the conversation with lamenting how sorry I was that I missed artichoke and puntarelle season. I then always asked the server what he/she liked to eat on the menu. This was not contrived or fake, but genuine questions.
With the exception of Coline Emiliane, we had excellent service everywhere. I found the women servers to be a little friendlier than the men. We ate late, had all three courses, and plenty of wine (usually a bottle over the house wine – for dinner anyway). I would definitely make reservations for your first night at somewhere close to your hotel.
These were some of the places we ate with comments on service:
Armando al Pantheon – 1st night – made reservations – delightful female server – loved the squash flowers.
Coline Emiliane – made reservations -horrible service, horrible food, horrible wine. Obnoxious American tourists (Were we guilty by association?)
Paris – made reservations - Good solid meal with a very fun server. He gave great recs on both food and wine.
Al Ceppo – Sunday lunch after Galleria Borghese. Husband wore shorts with a nice dress shirt as it was a particularly hot day. Some French people at the next table were criticizing him for it (he speaks a titch of French so he got the general bulk/tone of the comments). He approached and apologized to the owner/manager/hostess (?)…she laughed and put him at much ease. The food was incredible and the service more than acceptable.
Our favorite night was the night we went to Cul de Sac for a charcuterie platter of local meats, wandered down to Ciccia Bomba for a primi, and ended the night at Frigaderium with some delicious gelato. We loved this little area over by Piazza Navona. We spent a lot of time on this street and were treated like locals at the establishments we frequented often. We would be waved at and/or greeted when just walking by a place.
Pizza Baffetto – not the best pizza I’ve had, but we had great table mates from Ireland, Italy, Russia, and Germany. We had so much fun! And our server was a delight – he was a big flirt who spent a lot of time with us. It is my understanding this is not the norm.
Ristorante L’Angoletto – Recommended and reservations made (day of) by our hotel, Albergo del Senato. Delicious seafood and an incredibly handsome and helpful server.
We also went to Volpetti’s where they made sandwiches for us (highly recommended). We had a nice little picnic.
I apologize for the length of the post, but when I was planning my FIRST trip this sort of information would have been helpful. I’m anxiously anticipating our next trip in March 2013…and plan to try the artichokes & puntarelle. I also want to try pujata this time.
Our experiences were overwhelmingly positive. We’ve had friends that have gone over sense that have not had our same happy luck. Cin cin!
Romance in KC
Room 39 is lovely ~ charming atmosphere with excellent food that doesn't break the budget.
Sunday lunch near KCI
jdl98 stole all my answers! Ixtapa, Swagat, Tasty Thai, and Malay Cafe are all excellent choices. All also have plenty of vegetable options. Ixtapa's Vegetarian Chile Relleno is one of my favorite things to order. (FYI: It is not the heavily breaded monstrosity you see on most menus.)
Please note that none of these places are very appealing from the outside (save Swagats), but are very warm and inviting once you cross their thresholds.
Report from Rome -- Dining on our Own
Excellent report - just the kind of inspiration I needed! My husband and I were in Rome the summer of 2009. I did extensive meal planning with a few choices left to chance. We only had a couple less than memorable meals...but nothing cringe worthy (besides the horrible service we experienced at Colline Emiliane).
We're returning (hopefully) next March with our two preteens and I've decided to let serendipity rule (to a certain extent). For instance, we will probably make reservations our first and last night. That being said, I'll probably have a list of options for each neighborhood tucked in to my purse (I won't be able to help myself).
Very excited to try the puntarelle salad this trip as it was out of season on our last.
Again...great stuff!
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #7 - 12/14/11 (Spoilers)
Every season, Linda, every season. Sigh.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #7 - 12/14/11 (Spoilers)
I have to admit I was on Team Heather before the season even started as she went to HIgh School in Maryville, MO, with a bunch of my close friends. It didn't even bother me that she wa bossy as I come from a long line of bossy Italian women (especially in the kitchen - where we can wield a mean spoon). However, after last night....I can no longer defend her.
That being said....I find the comments about her size/weight to be equally as mean-spirited.
Squash Blossoms in KC?
Thanks for the tip! We made a trip down to the City Market this morning and found the squash blossoms! (And about 20 other items ~ we looked like Sherpas as we hauled our load back to the car.)
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City Market
20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Calling all Lincoln, NE, hounds
We ended up going for wings at The Watering Hole down on O Street. It's a real dive bar - loved it! We all ordered wings so I can't comment on any of their other food (though I heard their burgers are quite tasty, too).
The wings were great - especially the grilled ones. They also had a very respectable array of beers on tap. They are remodeling in a couple of weeks...not sure if they are completely shutting down for it or not.
Also had my first Runza...perfect for a hangover (which I'm not admitting I had). Tastes a lot like a hoagie verson of a White Castle slider.
Had good reports from fellow wedding guests about Lazlo's Brewery and Green Gateau. But can't comment on them personally.
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Green Gateau
330 S 10th St Ste 110, Lincoln, NE 68508
Watering Hole
1321 O St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Calling all Lincoln, NE, hounds
Hahahaha! I was thinking the same thing! (Gotta love the chowhound "view" of threads.)
As it is, through the grapevine, I've heard the rehearsal dinner is going to be held at Green Gateau (my souce is not the most reliable so it could actually end up being held at a greenhouse). Anyway....don't want to crash the party and my hubbie is making noise about "just ordering pizza". This would be the same husband that said "do some Lincoln restaurant research".
Going to push for Blue Orchad as I've had a hankering for Thai.
God help me...we'll probably end up with Pizza Hut.
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Green Gateau
330 S 10th St Ste 110, Lincoln, NE 68508
Calling all Lincoln, NE, hounds
Cool. We'll only be there for one meal - dinner on Friday and maybe lunch on Saturday (depending on what the rest of the wedding crew is doing).
For what it's worth the following three were recommended to me by my husband's co-worker:
Blue Orchid - Thai
Bison Witches - Pub
Green Gateau - French Bistro
Good luck with your move!
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Green Gateau
330 S 10th St Ste 110, Lincoln, NE 68508
Calling all Lincoln, NE, hounds
I wish there was! I'm heading there in a couple of weeks for a wedding and was hoping for a few recommendations.
Squash Blossoms in KC?
I don't even like strawberries that much but these were outstanding and the growers down there are so helpful. They seemed to be as disappointed as I was that there were no squash blossoms available.
As far as the recipe goes...it serves about 4. I served in martini glasses but only because I don't have any dessert glasses (note to self: ask for dessert glasses for Birthday or Christmas).
1/2 pound fresh ricotta (which I bought at the city market)
4 oz mascarpone
1/3 C. sugar (I used ultra fine baker's sugar)
a splash of brandy (the recipe called for more but as much as I love my liquor ~ I don't like it in my desserts)
Combine those ingredients until blended.
Beat 1/2 C. heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold in to ricotta mixture.
Spoon the mixture evenly between serving dishes and chill to let the flavors meld. (I did about 8+ hours).
An hour or so before serving I mixed about a pint and a half of quartered strawberries with a Tablespoon of powdered sugar and kept refrigerated until it was time to serve.
Right before serving I added a splash of champagne vinegar to the strawberries and topped each portion of the ricotta mousse with an even amount of strawberries.
A garnish of mint would probably look nice on it..but I'm just not that fancy.
Craft Cocktail Recomendations in Kansas City
We always start our meals at Justus with a recommended cocktail...I look forward to it almost as much as the meal.
Squash Blossoms in KC?
Yep! Made an early morning trip to the city market Saturday....AND....discovered I was a month too early. Talked to a couple different growers and think I'll be set this time in June. Still...not a wasted trip...made it home with some incredibly sweet strawberries that were fantastic with the ricotta mousse I made (not being a dessert eater or maker...this may be my go to dessert from now on).
Squash Blossoms in KC?
I would like to surprise my husband with his favorite Roman antipasti ~ Fried Squash Blossoms with Mozzarella & Anchovies. Can I find squash blossoms in KC? If so, where?
[Co. Kerry, Ireland] Recommendations?
Mind you it's been a few years...but for dining...Chart House (a bit more upscale) and Ashe's in Dingle were both lovely.
The Small Bridge Pub In Dingle was absolutely our favorite from Dublin all the way round to Donegal.
Does my raw fish have to be "sushi grade" to make ceviche?
I think she (my ceviche making friend) ended up with halibut or sea bass (?). (Honestly, I wasn't paying much attention when she was telling me as a strangely behaving racoon materialized on my deck and freaked me out just a bit).
She's made it several times before (usually with mahi-mahi) and it's absolutely delicious, but she recently read somewhere that you should use "sushi-grade" fish and was concerned. I told her we'd never been sick before...so why worry? But then she reminded me we had recently been to the borderlands of Mexico the day of a gun battle and didn't get shot...which didn't mean we would be so lucky next time.
Does my raw fish have to be "sushi grade" to make ceviche?
Thanks...that's what I thought...but didn't want my opinion to be the one that caused her family to to get some sort of funky parasite. ;o)
Does my raw fish have to be "sushi grade" to make ceviche?
My friends having a hard time finding sushi grade fish at our local grocery stores. She should be fine using just "regular" fish, right? I don't know...I've never made ceviche.
Family Food Day (KC)
We ended up having a great day! The weather was gorgeous....loved being able to wear a hoodie at the farmer's market!
The Overland Park Farmer's Market was really nice. We let the kids pick out the veggies....lots of peppers, butternut squash and potatoes. One of the vendors gave the kids cucumbers to munch on and it just cracked me up to see them walking around gnawing on them.
Made the short walk up to Penzeys & The Tasteful Olive. I couldn't drag my husband or the kids out of The Tasteful Olive - still amazed we only walked out with two bottles of oil & vinegar. Explored some of the other stores along the street.
Then on to One Bite. We thought it was incredible! My eldest thought the vegetables that came with the Steak Teriyaki were the best she's ever had - given the fact she's a big ol' carbaholic - high praise indeed. In fact, she made us buy a bottle of their teriyaki sauce in order to replicate the dish at home. But the absolute best was my husband's Modan Yaki - I think I could eat it every day and not get sick of it!
Next stop - Glace. They were out of The Fleur de sel Caramel - which was a bit disappointing as it's my favorite. Still...very good...and just lovely to sit outside and enoy it.
Final Destination - Pryde's Westport - which was very busy. My husband claimed he was starting to get a bit claustrophobic - but I think that was just code for "I want to go home and watch college football".
Anyway...a beautiful day. That night we made Beer Butt Chicken with Penzey Spices, fire-roasted peppers and mushrooms w/ vinegar & oil dressing from The Tasteful Olive, bolied potatoes with butter, cream cheese & chives (just because that's what I was in the mood for). The next night I made a curried roasted butternut squash with Moroccan Spiced Leg of Lamb. Wish we could have a weekend like this every weekend!
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Final Destination Bar & Cafe
10660 Saint Charles Rock Rd, Saint Ann, MO 63074
Family Food Day (KC)
I bought some of my Indian Spices at Al Habashi - they are great! I'll have to branch out and try some others. Thanks!
Best Steak near KC Airport
As a Northlander I can honestly say...no good steak places by the airport (not counting our deck ~ my husband is a wickedly awesome griller). We have consistently been unimpressed with the Hereford House. IMHO...I have yet to find a truly great steak place in KC...but my uncle was a cattle farmer so I'm a bit spoiled. You'd be much better off trying our BBQ.
Family Food Day (KC)
We find ourselves in the most unusual position this weekend...no soccer games, no family/friends visiting, no wedding/family reunion to go to, no home repair projects (Is this what freedom feels like?!?).
Anyway...we've decided that Saturday is going to be a "chowhound" day (something that has sorely been lacking in our lives due to the aforementioned activities).
We have a tentative plan of making the long drive South (we're Northlanders) to Overland Park Farmer's Market (10-year old's idea), on to Penzey's to replenish our ever diminishing spice pantry, LUNCH PLANS NEEDED (One Bite?), next stop Christopher Elbow's Glace (9-year old's demand), and final stop at Pryde's Westport to buy kitchen stuff I didn't even know I needed. We will finish the night with a family cooked supper using all of our goodies from the day.
Does anyone have any ideas I'm missing (I was also thinking of a tour of Shatto Milk Farm (wrong direction from OP, I know))...a tasty idea for lunch (we rarely make it down South anymore ~ what have I been missing?)!?!?
Fave summertime treats--KC
I thought the Fleur de sel Caramel & Goat Cheese w/ Honey combo was divine.
My husband loved the Blueberry Cream Cheese.
The kids thought the Fresh Mint Chip was the "BEST EVER"! I'm not a big fan of mint - but I have to admit - it was pretty darn tasty.
Can't wait to try some other flavors - I think I'll be making up some reasons to go to the Plaza.
Birthday dinner Kansas City
Well, my first response is...it's your birthday...go wherever the heck you want!
But it's sweet of you to make him happy, too. I would highly recommend Room 39. We had a lovely anniversary meal there a couple of weeks ago. Everytime I checked the menu (changes daily) they had a ribeye as an entree choice. Might be a good compromise. We were very pleased with our evening.
Le Fou Frog does do an excellent Steak au Poivre...too bad he's a francophobia.
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Room 39
1719 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Le Fou Frog
400 East 5th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
Dinner in Gladstone, MO / North K.C. area.
Unless I'm completely out of the loop (which very well may be), there isn't a Jack's Stack up north of the river.
One of my favorite Mexican places is Ixtapa - on Barry Rd across from Zona Rosa. Great food and I'm seriously addicted to their Ixtapa Martini.
I also enjoy Swagat's - Indian food - in Zona Rosa. Had heard a rumor they closed but called to confirm they are still open - yay!
Tasty Thai at 72nd St. off I-29 is another favorite. Their soups just got me through a nasty bout of bronchitis.
Briarcliff Cafe is a good choice, as well. I haven't been in awhile but I'm always pleased when I do make it there.
For upscale ($$$) in a casual atmosphere - Justus Drugstore in Smithville is outstanding. Michael Bauer of The San Francisco Gate just wrote a nice little blog about it and The American Restaurant.
Unfortunately, there is not an abundance of chow spots in the Northland. But we have a few gems.
If it's nice outside the rooftop deck at O'Dowd's in Zona Rosa is fun. Though I prefer the plaza location. Not a fan of Paddy O'Quigley's.
Have fun and report back!
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Zona Rosa
8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153
Tasty Thai
7104 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64151
Kansas City Restaurant Week
Thanks for the feedback - will take it in to consideration before making my final decision. We've been to The American Restaurant several times over the years. However, besides the La Quercia Dinner, I haven't been back since Chef Gold's return. The food and service the night of that dinner were both outstanding. Hopefully your service miscues were just a fluke.
Kansas City Restaurant Week
KansasTravel,
I'd love to hear a report of your experience at The American Restaurant. We were fortunate enough to be able to attend their La Quercia Dinner back in October (incredible!). We're planning on taking my parents out for a "fancy" dinner this Spring and I'm trying to narrow down my choices. You're input would be valuable to my final decision. (Justus Drugstore & bluestem are the other choices.)
Thanks!
