GroovinGourmet's Profile
Road trip eats in Denver
I'd head for Wynkoop... should be a perfect fit.
http://www.wynkoop.com/
need a few dining recommendations
Definitely obscure and a bit out of the way, but I am a huge fan of Eduardo De San Angel on Commercial in FLL. Gourmet Mex, heavy on the seafood, in a lovely space with top notch service. Beer and wine only, but their agave wine margaritas are an interesting diversion.
Salt Lake City and environs: any interesting culinary destinations?
All kinds of great eats.
Local slow food gems include Tin Angel, Pago, Copper Onion. The Pago folks have recently opened Finca, and the Copper Onion chef has opened Plum Alley. Have not been to either, but the former's menu looks killer and the latter has been getting raves.
Ethnic must-go's are Red Iguana for the best Mex for hundreds of miles and Mazza (9th and 9th location is bigger and groovier) for stunningly good Middle Eastern.
Utah: Good eats for dinner near Arches NP, Moab, SLC Airport?
2nd that emotion for Red Iguana... best eats near the airport, not to mention arguably the best Mex for hundreds of miles. Plenty of veggie-only options, huge menu. If it sounds good to you, it will be.
Looking for a good mix in Prague
2nd that emotion for Zatisi. I blew a whole week's per diem on a tasting menu there, and it was well worth it. Lovely room and my server (Daniel) was terrific.
Eating good overnight in Vegas
2nd that emotion for Peppermill. Food is solid, generous servings. Total old school Vegas with the server getups. Love it!
two foodie girls eating their way through austin...
If you are there on Sunday then brunch at Fonda San Miguel should be at the top of your rezzie list. The space is gorgeous, the food is real deal interior Mex and the spread is outtasite.
Starving Student Couple Needs Advice on One Fancy Meal
2nd that emotion for Brigtsen's. Can't imagine a trip to NO without a visit, especially with a special occasion to celebrate.
Best Places without Reservation During Jazz Fest
2nd that emotion for Drago's. I stayed in West Bank for my 1 trip to the Fest. Walked into Semolina's and had a more than decent meal with no wait.
Of course, none of that is any good depending on where you are staying and your transportation setup.
So... as others have asked, where are you staying and what's your transportation situation?
Need rehearsal dinner venue near Salt Lake City
Check into Rodizio Grill. Brazilian steak house with an all-you-can-eat set up. Plenty of room for a group of your size, and definitely fun and different.
Restaurants to AVOID
2nd on Mulate's for a waste of time and money. One of my worst dining experiences ever. I'm also not a fan of Arnaud's... totally overpriced tourist trap. Fine dining on wooden ice cream parlor chairs? Pass...
Texas Road Trip Report (Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and in between)
Great minds think alike when it comes to Black's brisket. I don't know what it is, but theirs is just on a different plane than any other. Louie Mueller's is a not-so-close second in my book.
A week eating BBQ around IHOP, Kansas City, MO
If you are a BBQ lover and this is your first time in KC I'd strongly recommend you make it your focus. Even this Texas boy will admit that KC is one of the meccas. By all means hit the original Arthur Bryant's... a unique BBQ experience. I just visited last fall, over 15 years since my previous visit, and it's same as it ever was.
Of the places I have enjoyed, LC's is the closest to your locale, and while my experience with their burnt ends didn't leave me as gaga as some other posters, the place definitely has some serious smoke going on. Side dishes are pricy, but the quality is excellent.
I preferred the burnt ends at Smokin' Guns over 2 different visits at LC's. Found them to be much more carefully trimmed and consistently meaty. The wall of ribbons attests to the SG expertise, and the potato casserole is to die for. I snagged the recipe from the website and made it for Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. The furthest drive for you as it is in North KC, and they do not stay open very late, but still worth it if you can make it work.
The one place that I have yet to hit is Oklahoma Joe's, and they get consistent raves around here as being the best in town.
Wherever you wind up, we will look forward to your reports!
Please help me with a wiener!
Perhaps a nice jaegerwurst?
http://www.foodspotting.com/places/29765-diner-brooklyn/items/96800-jaegerwurst-sausage-and-egg
Sunday Brunch/Lunch
Nice! Having Miguel running in the show always makes it extra special.
Upcoming trip...decisions, decisions
If you do head to Oak Cliff, a stop at Lockhart BBQ in the Bishop Arts district is in order, even if it's just for a 1/4-lb of brisket and a small order of smoked jalapeño deviled eggs. Pretty much the equal of the Central TX legends.
roadtrip for valentines day
Don't know if there's a DD&D tie-in, but if I were making that trip I'd do a BBQ crawl through Lockhart and Luling. Some brisket and a sausage ring from Black's, Kreuz, Smitty's and City Market would make for quite a feast, and you can stop in at Chisholm Trail if you need some good side dishes.
Sunday Brunch/Lunch
My 1st choice for brunch will always be Fonda San Miguel. If you've never been, it should be a the top of your list as well.
Major props for Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach
My first time there, and definitely not my last. Great selection of beers on tap, side dishes that are off the charts and way credible BBQ.
Our table split some deviled eggs, some messy fries with cheese and hot sauce and some stewed mushrooms over blue cheese grits that were out of this world.
I went with a brisket/sausage combo with more of the blue cheese grits and their tangy slaw. I asked for the brisket from the wet side and it came out exactly as I desired... succulent and with good smoke.
Can't wait to work my through the menu... hopefully I will be in the area often over the coming year.
Great Seafood & Steak in Vegas for a B-Day Party?
I think The Golden Steer qualifies as both fabulous and funky.
http://goldensteersteakhouselasvegas.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38&Itemid=70
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Golden Steer
308 West Sahra, Las Vegas, NV 89102
The Best Chain(franchise) or fast food hamburger
Arctic Circle is OK, but not as good as In N Out or Smashburger. All 3 chains are present here in SLC, and I definitely prefer Smashburger. There is one in the same mall area as an In N Out and I go to SB probably at a 10-1 ratio.
Help!!!
Don't know about the fun factor, but when it comes to food factor, my first choice in FTL is always Eduardo De San Angel.
Southwest Road Trip - Off-the-beaten-path Chow Suggestions?
Chope's in La Mesa, NM (outside Las Cruces) is possibly my favorite place to eat in the entire state (and there are plenty of places I like quite a bit). Transcendental chile rellenos in a lovable dump of a place.
The Frontier in Albuquerque is another fave, and a place every 'hound should hit at least once. It's open 24 hours, so you have no excuse not to stop in for a bite.
Recs on drive on I-10 from Las Cruces to Long Beach, CA
I'm thinking there's nothing worth considering in Yuma, though I'd love to be proven wrong.
Assuming you do up Poca Cosa right you should be able to make it to the Palm Desert area before you chow down again.
Might want to post on the California board so your last leg can be covered.
Recs on drive on I-10 from Las Cruces to Long Beach, CA
Agreed... I would say that Bianco is on a par with Poca Cosa when it comes to 'houndworthiness. I am remiss...
One for the Hopheads!
I've enjoyed Hop Stupid. I think my favorite Cali DIPA is Firestone's Double Jack. We have some excellent DIPA's brewed right here in SLC... Squatter's Hop Rising and Red Rocks' Elephino. And Epic Brewery does a really nice Imperial IPA.
Recs on drive on I-10 from Las Cruces to Long Beach, CA
See you already checked out Chope's in La Mesa. Worth adjusting your schedule if you are seeking some memorable experiences on your drive. Best dump I ever ate in!
As for day 2, if it were me, and it's not Monday, I would adjust my schedule to be in Tucson for an early lunch and head for Cafe Poca Cosa, which opens at 11. Definitely a more 'houndworthy destination than any place I can think of for lunch in PHX.
From Houston to Long Beach, CA on Interstate 10
I wouldn't recommend doubling back... H&H is damned good, but not transcendental like I think Chope's is.
And that's not a particularly green strategy to say the least.
Unless you have a specific need for being in LC on night one I would recommend staying in EP for the night, hitting H&H when they open for breakfast.
