GNVgal's Profile
Gainesville recommendations?
Manuel's on Main Street just south of University Avenue is one of my favorites--great Italian food, gnocchi like my grandmother makes. Good wine list, great specials, always friendly service. very small place but cozy.
The Top is always great. good burger too.
Chopstix opened a second branch into a Bistro out in Thornebrook Village next to Mario's. Was not too impressed with Mario's, it was okay.
Fan of Satchel's, the Jones, Northwest Grille (owned by Steak and Pasta Works people) is a good reliable place for seafood.
Paramount Grill is outstanding and Ti Amo is a very good place for small plates and tasty food (both downtown).
Summer weekend in Boston
I currently live in Florida but grew up in the Berkshires, so I've been to Boston numerous times for shopping, travel, conferences, etc. My Florida-born husband has never been to Boston, but as a fan of cool cities and history, I am confident that he will love it. We'll be there July 31-August 3 weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights) staying at the Nine Zero hotel at 90 Tremont St. We are comfortable taking the T and cabs wherever around town.
For Friday night, I want to eat my favorite meal of all time: steamed lobster and clams. Relatively boring for you Bostonians perhaps, but this is what I dream of and don't really get in Florida (those Florida lobsters are NOT the same!). I am fine with Legal Seafoods as a tried and true, but am willing to venture elsewhere upon recommendation.
For Saturday and Sunday, I am interested in a good Italian place in the North End and then one more place for a special occasion (hey, it's MY birthday) but am open to a different theme. Then again, I can eat more lobster at any point and be happy. For the North End, keeping the tab under $100 for 2 is probably about right, and I am open to more pricey for the other suggestion. We are big meat eaters and a great steak is always welcome.
If there are any festivals taking place that weekend, let me know. I saw that there are a lot of them throughout the summer but wasn't able to confirm one for that weekend.
