We were in Asheville a few weekends ago and dined at Cucina 24 - we found the food the best of all the restaurants we dined at, but the service was lamentable. Shockingly so in consideration of the really fine cooking. We had considered Sugo but at the last minute changed our mind; and now I understand the restaurant has closed. As much as I enjoyed the food at Cucina 24, I don 't know that I would return there.

My ratio is more like 15 lemons per 750 ml vodka. I also let the mixture rest for at least 4 weeks before straining off the zest. Sometimes I split and scrape a vanilla bean before dropping the whole business into the mixture.

I have read this entire post and have a question of my own. We are meeting friends from NYC in Asheville in early October for a long weekend. We love dining out BUT!!! we will be traveling with our 8 year old daughter. We don't want to be limited to Doc Chey's or another chain, but there are lots of fine restaurants these days that have a decent selection of options for kids. Of all of the tantalizing restaurants mentioned here can anyone tell me which among them will be able to appeal to my daughter while challenging the adult palates at the same time?

We just got back, and I thought I would report. We ate at Louis's twice, and frankly, did not think that the kitchen had gone off it's game at all. Service can always be dicey, but we had no issues this time around.
We also ate at Divine Fish House for the first time - perfectly lovely views but really only adequate dining for the money.
We looked for the Chive Blossom, but were not able to find it. We have a 7 year old, and so far have not been able to make either the Rice Paddy or Austin's. we don't know any baby sitters in the area, and I think the meal would be compromised if we tried to force the issue.
We, of course, ate a Frank's Outback. The food was great, although I thought the entrees were a little over sauced this time.
We also made our usual pilgrimage to McCabe's BBQ in Manning SC on our way back to Atlanta. Very tasty - I recommend highly to anyone happening to route that way.
Thanks for all the help!

Crab Trap or Frederica House if you need a kids menu. Have not eaten at either in years, so this is only a starting place.

This is an irrestible post! So much however will depend on where your friend is. I live in town near Decatur and hate Buckhead - so all my recommndations will be within that radius... Your friend has not asked about Barbeque I notice. That is a question that can get some emotions high!

Mexican: I am from Texas and have not found much that I readlly like. I think that much of the mexican food in Atlanta is really heavy on cheese and one note sauces. I am not a Nuevo Laredo fan for this reason although lots of people enjoy it... I like Taqueria del Sol although one certainly is not allowed to linger there. The owner makes certain the tables turn very quickly.

Pizza: Thin or thick crust? We like thin so Everybodys and Osteria have some nice pies.
Sushi: MF Sushibar

Deli: Bagel Palace at Toco Hills gets my vote. Not the best atmosphere by any means.
Breakfast: Thumbs Up on the border of Inman Park and cabbage Town. Flying Biscuit used to be good but not any more.
Coffee: San Francisco Coffee has several locations in town and Aurora Coffee is good as well (though parking can be an issue)
Desserts. Alon's is fabulous and has eliminated the need to ever bake at all again for many Atlantans If you are on the Westside Star Provisions has incredible baked goods. Don't go out for desserts much so my insight is limited.

Burgers: I am (somewhat) embarressed to say that I like Five Guys best. Vortex is very smoky (and pround of it!) so does not get my vote.

Damn!!! Frank's - even Out Back - doesn't have the same level of casual comfort combined with great food that we found at Fish Camp... although the food is fabulous at Franks. I guess I need to start asking for recommendations... Maybe Murrells Beach... we have a 7 year old and she's not going to tolerate fancy.

Headed to Pawleys this weekend and I am concerned by the buzz that Louis's has gone sharply downhill since the new restaurant opened in Las Vegas. Can anyone give me an on-the-street opinion? We usually eat there at least 3 times in the week we stay on the island and always love it...

I agree with the chorus of Rathbun's votes. I have enjoyed both Woodfire and Rathbun's, but have had a more consistent experience at Rahthbun's. Sadly, have had on occasion an only so-so experience at Woodfire. I would not recommend Rathbun's Steak restaurant if that is being considered (may want to confirm it is regular old Rathbun's) - service can be spotty and they have a heavy hand with salt there.