I found Husk to be very good and found McCrady's to be outstanding, though more expensive. I'd still try to sneak Husk in if you get the chance.

FIG and Grocery are both great as well--definitely would choose over SNOB.

As for some quick snacks/sandwiches, I'd check out Two Boroughs Larder and Butcher/Bee if you can.

Just to clarify: I had no problem with the prices for the food quality. I had a problem with the prices compared to the service. I agree Taibe has two of the top 10, if not top five, restaurants in the county.

Maybe I'm just being overly harsh, but I thought the service could be better (I mean some of the entrees are $36).

I'll try to write up a quick review:

Overall the food was great--the seafood very fresh. The service needs to improve, especially at these high prices.

I started with some oysters which were very fresh, then moved onto Soft-shell crab with fried rice which was really fantastic. The crab was great and the ham in the fried rice was a good touch.

I also tried a salad of escarole, blue cheese, beets and pig ears which had a really nice vinaigrette. The Lobster main was outstanding I thought.

Some of the dishes I tried fell flat for me, though I only had a couple bites--the halibut was just boring though cooked nicely, while the jonah crab claws had a kind of weird texture and a so-so dipping sauce.

Desserts were too boring for me--they need to improve these.

The service could have been far better. Even before the reservation they grilled me about being 7 people and could only squeeze us into one table. Then said I had to either take a 5pm or 9pm reservation, though others were still available. They then said they needed a credit card and we had to be out in 2 hours, which I find rude and ridiculous.

When we got to the restaurant, the waiter was nice, knowledgeable enough, though he seemed to disappear after our appetizers and then again after our entrees.

All in all, I think the Whelk serves the best seafood in Fairfield County and they are using some really interesting ingredients. I would like to see them get more creative as well, especially with desserts. Lastly, the service needs to improve at these prices--7 people came out to $350 without alcohol or tip. That's not a cheap meal for service I can get across the street at Rizzuto's

Anyone been? I'm pretty good at knowing what restaurants are good simply by looking at the website and menu, and if it's my guess, this one looks to be among the best in the Triad.

Would like to hear some early reports, though I'll be making my way over there soon.

http://springhousenc.com/

I agree the guys at Frej and Ignacio at Isa would both be up there. (I don't know much about Angelo).

Some others I'd add (I lean a bit Nordic):

Matt Lightner, Atera (too famous?)
Mads Redsfund, Acme
Jernmark, Aquavit

I also think, despite 2 Michelin stars, Masato Nishihara is vastly underrated.

Any updates on The Whelk? I've got a reservation for next weekend.

Any must-orders?

Great, would love to hear a report back!

So Plotnicki sucks but the photos of Atera look good.

I think I'm gonna like this place. Any reviews from people who have eaten there yet?

http://www.opinionatedaboutdining.com...

Yes of course. I missed that part of your original post.

I just found too many people mentioning run-of-the-mill cafes and the sort, so wanted to flesh out the *best*

the comments link it to Romera, but I think Atera has huge potential.

Yes a bit pricey, but not outrageous for the # of courses. Lightner is an established chef in the U.S. as well.

I agree this thread has been unintentionally "hijacked". This is not a what are some quality restaurants in New England thread.

A destination restaurant has to be one that you will travel 2+ hours to get to. Maybe it's in a city, maybe it's not. Either way it should be one of the top restaurants in its category. It should be the best pizza in the state or the best lobster roll or best overall dinner. Just my opinion...

I actually thought this review was much more straight forward, less long-winded, and flowed just a whole lot better.

I had kinda been indifferent about going back to Per Se but this review certainly changes my thinking.

I think the public is being misled by Walmart's push to be sustainable or environmentally friendly.

For Walmart, it's all part of a marketing ploy. Their organic and free-range stuff means very little when it comes to helping the environment.

I would throw Community Table in Washington, CT.

Best meal I've had in CT? No, but definitely very good. Also out of the way which makes it "a destination" restaurant.

I mean I had the burger at Husk in Charleston and the meat was pink in the middle. No way it was 155 degrees. That was a real good burger and not like the ones I've had in NC

Okay thanks for the recs and the info. Didn't know there was a law on the books.

I do like Milners food actually. Just thought I've had better burgers. WIll have to try some more places

Make me #3. I like Napa and Co. Don't get me wrong it's got above average food for the area.

But a burger at $26?!! You're charging the same price that Minetta Tavern does--a burger many people call the best in the country (I haven't had Minetta's). But Napa's isn't worth that kind of money.

I mean Painted Hills Filet Mignon at $48?? Painted Hills is not exactly some small farm selling beef at a rather high price. It's not worth some huge upcharge because it's Painted Hills.

I agree totally. I haven't yet been asked how I want my burger cooked, which is automatically a bad sign. I think this reports on the culinary scene in general. I've tried just about every restaurant in Winston at least and I haven't come away impressed by any of them.

In Gboro, Table 16 impressed me most. I had their beef (not a burger) and it was nicely cooked. Print Works burger wasn't memorable for me.

I thought Milners, Noble's and Willow's were decent, but nothing I'm dying to go back for. And for promoting "local and sustainable" food they use a lot of meat from factory farms. I simply don't like that false advertising.

Am I wrong, or is there a place in Winston I am missing?

I don't know when it's going to open, but I'm eager to try Elm in New Canaan as soon as it opens.

Yeah I gotcha. Just wanted to get your opinion on that.

Appreciate the help.

I checked out Oceana's pre-theater menu and it looks...well...boring and uninspired, like they just put the usual grilled fish and grilled beef on the menu.

Should I be worried? I'll stick with fish if I go there...but I hate to see dumbed down price-fixe menus, you know?

totally agree.

Balduccis is the biggest load of overpriced, average prepared food crap. It's outrageously expensive for poor quality food (they do have decent cheeses, chocolates, etc but all can be had at Fairway or Whole Foods for less).

I stick to Fairway, Whole Foods and local stores. Agree that Penzey's is good, though you might not need to go there

I am going to see Book of Mormon at 7pm (in theater district on West 49th between 7th and 8th). I know there are several posts on pre-theater dining options for Book of Mormon, BUT wanted some new opinions.

I wanted to go to somewhere interesting like:

Seasonal
Aquavit
Esca

I noticed Oceana has pre-theater menu: what time should I reserve for? When does this menu start?

Do I have too little time to eat at these before a 7pm show? If I have too little time, can someone suggest something that does have early hours and would be equal or better in quality to these four?

Thanks.

I have the 4-copy subscription. Anyone else that has subscribed get their 2nd issue yet?

I personally have no problem with people taking no-flash photography, but in a previous meal, my fellow diner was annoyed when a couple of people with SLRs kept clicking away at the waiter carrying dishes, unveiling dishes, pouring sauces etc.

I could see how people could be annoyed when there's all that clicking and winding from the focus/lens (which can be heard on SLRs if close enough). Of course plenty of things are often more annoying--ie the drunk wife, the guy on his cell phone, etc.

Hope this gets to you in time.

Here's my point: eat at McCrady's. I have no doubt this was better than many Michelin-starred meals I've had before. It's delicious and creative and not over salted or really underportioned for the $ value (although I'm used to NYC prices)

I'd also try Husk for lunch or brunch if you get a chance. It's just very very good southern food.

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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401

this is dumb. Ppl don't just decide in a flash to go eat at Masa. You automatically drop a $1000 there for 2.

You can't not recommend a place if you didn't eat there. You have one point...they made you wait 20 minutes. Big deal

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Masa
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

Both good options. I think Milner's is pretty solid, not too expensive. It's not as family friendly as the two you mentioned but I saw families there when I last ate there.

Maybe somewhere like Hutch and Harris?

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Hutch and Harris
424 W 4th St, Winston Salem, NC 27101

what does he do for a living anyway? Involved in food industry at all (doubtful)?

Red Barn is still open and in no way is it fine dining.

Go in there and you'll mostly see 70+ year old diners snacking on grilled cheese and tomato soup

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Red Barn
292 Wilton Rd, Westport, CT 06880