Grape Nut's Profile
Amazing Dinner Options in Santa Cruz, CA?
As an occasional visitor to Santa Cruz, I haven't tried many restaurants, but being a foodie, did some research before going. We thoroughly enjoyed Ristorante Avanti. The wild mushroom pasta special last fall was outstanding. Oswald was good. Next time I go back, I'm going to make a special effort to go to Manresa in Los Gatos. It's a bit more than 20 minutes away, a bit over the top, but sounds like a special experience worth the effort and expense. For lunch, I'd highly recommend Cafe Campesino which serves terrific authentic Mexican food. We returned day after day and loved everything we tried. It's located in a kiosk on Pacific Avenue.
Birthday cake needed in Walla Walla
The Colville Street Patisserie is a wonderful, small bakery with too many temptations. It may just what you are looking for.
http://www.colvillestreetpatisserie.com/index.php
Good eats needed for Oregon coast and Hood River
We recently spent 3 nights in Hood River, giving us a chance to explore several restaurants.
We enjoyed dinner at Celilo very much. The menu and wine list were interesting, the food and service were excellent and the decor is very well done. http://www.celilorestaurant.com/
The next night, we ate at 3 Rivers Grill and were quite disappointed. We were rushed through our meal, with salads/apps served immediately after we ordered (well before our wine) and entrees served before we finished the first course. Some of the food was quite disappointing. They do have one of the best views in town. http://www.celilorestaurant.com/
On a whim, we decided to try Sophie's instead of returning to Celilo and we were so glad that we did. Sophie's was absolutely terrific and in our opinion, served one of the best meals we've had in quite some time. We loved everything about it. http://www.sophieshoodriver.com/
We had great New Haven style pizza for lunch at Double Mountain Brewery http://doublemountainbrewery.com/ and really enjoyed the lattes and mochas at Doppio http://doppiocoffeelounge.com/
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Celilo Restaurant and Bar
16 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031
Walla Walla
Tripper,
We just returned from Walla Walla and had 3 outstanding dinners.
Jimgermanbar in Waitsburg, 20 miles north of Walla Walla, was well the worth drive. The mixed drinks were exceptional and the food, all local, was terrific, as was the service.
http://www.jimgermanbar.com/
Saffron, in Walla Walla, was also exceptional -- interesting menu, great wine list and outstanding service. http://www.saffronmediterraneankitchen.com/
Bethwick's comments about Whitehouse Crawford are still accurate -- again, an interesting menu, great wine list, and knowledgeable, helpful server. http://www.whitehousecrawford.com/
We ate lunch twice at PhoSho, next door to Saffron. One of the daily specials, heirloom tomatoes at their peak of flavor over rice noodles, perfectly seasoned and dressed, was so good we had to go back for more. http://www.phoshowallawalla.com/index.html
Jimgermanbar is small and quite a unique experience. Saffron, also quite small, has a lively, bistro-like atmosphere. WC is in a large room with a slightly more formal feeling.
sumac dressing - detroit
Hour Magazine published the fatoush recipe from the Phoenicia Restaurant in Birmingham.
http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/October-2008/Salad-Days/
A Great Tomato Soup recipe?
Easy and tasty!
http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2008/10/thai-spiced-tomato-soup
Pizza in Alaska
Finn's, located on the Spit in Homer, gets my vote. Wood fired, all organic ingredients, thin crust, not smothered with toppings -- just right. A favorite is the Blue Pear -- sliced pear and gorgonzola, finished with fresh basil and pine nuts. Special pizzas feature the best local ingredients. It is truly one of Homer's hidden gems.
Birmingham, MI Bday Recs for Hubby
I visit the area several times a year and always enjoy Streetside Seafood on Pierce in Birmingham. It's small, casual, usually crowded, and they don't take reservations, however, the wait usually isn't too long. The staff is great, as is the food.
Easy to make vegetarian soup for 20 people
We have made lentil-brown rice soup many times over many years. It is comforting, filling and enjoyed by all who try it. We usually add a small head of cabbage, chopped, and a parmesan rind if we have it. Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/LENTIL-AND-BROWN-RICE-SOUP-11048
Working in Dearborn this week, dining recs?
When traveling to Dearborn, I always look to several meals at Annam, a wonderful Vietnamese restaurant on Michigan Avenue, between Mason and Monroe. It's open for both lunch and dinner and I highly recommend it. Although I've never been (I enjoy Annam too much), the restaurant in the Ritz Carlton, The Grill, gets good reviews.
What's the Best Baking Powder?
Epicurious has a recipe for baking soda - 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part baking soda, sifted together well.
