jme90's Profile
The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs (Episode 1: "Primal: Heat and Meat) [SPOILERS]
Nailed that one. Both of them are just awful!!
I need a little help picking two Harrisburg restaurants
The earlier post about the Confit rumors proved to be on mark. That restaurant also has been sold and the bakery closed, too.
I need a little help picking two Harrisburg restaurants
I wholeheartedly agree with this post, but in a sad turn of events, Char had to shut down her restaurant following the recent flood that hit our area and that neighborhood, in particular. Her building was devastated. She's opening a new place, though. However, it won't be ready for another six months. Too bad, Char had a fine establishment and a great staff that will be sorely missed. Can you tell I was a huge fan?
State College--never found a good restaurant!!!
Sorry...had a weird/rude/awkward encounter with one of the owners of Herwigs when I was trying to buy a gift card, nothing else. Heard from others that the brash behavior of the employees is part of the charm. Not so in my book. Wouldn't go back and wouldn't recommend. Just saying...
Hidden lunch gems?
Both look like really delicious options. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hidden lunch gems?
Will be visiting NYC in October. Arriving on a Saturday and need some guidance. Can anyone tip me off to a few hidden, nontouristy lunch gems near the Chelsea Market? Have already done the market and would like to venture beyond it, foodwise. We're adventurous eaters and are open to any type of experience. No hipster places, please. :)
Has anyone tried Volt for Brunch?
Everyone here is absolutely on target with their assessments of Volt. Have had lunch twice there now and while both experiences were pleasant enough, I walked away with a nagging feeling and now I know what it is: This place is seriously lacking warmth and graciousness. The servers are SOOOO stiff and SOOO serious -- a reflection of the chef, his marching orders, and possibly the work environment? This is mere speculation on my part, but something needs to change.
As far as the food goes, I have some genuine and memorable highlights -- the cavatelli, the halibut, the goat cheesecake. But the foam, as an earlier poster pointed out, needs to go. We also were sent home with a coffee cake -- a complimentary parting gift -- that was stale and dry. Maybe my expectations were too high going in, but it seems as if the restaurant is resting on its famous laurels rather than truly aspiring to be a place worth returning to. I wonder if the chef reads these boards? He should and should take this constructive criticism to heart. Volt is good but it could be so much better.
On a side note: We have upcoming reservations for Table 21 but I'm rethinking them. Don't want to be disappointed...and I'm afraid I will be.
Special spots in Williamsburg?
Looking for some solid recommendations for a 20th anniversary dinner? Got any?
Fat Canary, Opus 9 Steakhouse, Regent's Room all being considered. However, should I look elsewhere?
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Fat Canary
410 Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Opus 9 Steakhouse
5143 Main St, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Regent's Room, Colonial Williamsburg: What's the scoop?
Will be returning to the Williamsburg Inn, where we honeymooned 20 years ago and ate at the Regent's Room as a pair of poor newlyweds. For nostalgia's sake, I was thinking of making reservations there again, but have heard mixed things. And since this meal would require a considerable investment...I'm not so sure. Can anyone out give me the true lowdown on the Regent's Room and/or offer other possibilities?
Since this is a special occasion -- you only celebrate your 20th anniversary once! -- money isn't much of an object. However, I want to be certain that the experience is satisfying, not disappointing. Memorable food and wine are a must. No tourist traps, please.
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Williamsburg Inn
136 E Francis St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Colonial Williamsburg
427 Franklin St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Pomona in Biglerville closing?
Heard there was a "For Sale" sign in front...anyone know the story? Is it closing or just moving?
Pomona in Biglerville closing?
Heard there was a "For Sale" sign in front...anyone know the story? Is it closing or just moving?
Michael Ruhlman: Expert in Residence!
Way more over the top than the first time around. Sure they're all skilled, but was very surprised by the lack of big name chefs. And the chairman certainly is dramatic -- annoyingly so. He should take it down a few notches.
And while we're on the subject, what the heck was Knowlton's problem with Aaron Sanchez during your season? Seemed a bit personal.
Michael Ruhlman: Expert in Residence!
Sorry to veer off topic, but any thoughts on the new season of Iron Chef? Miss you on the panel.
In search of a better guacamole
I agree with cocktailhour on the recipe. These are the ingredients I use and everyone raves about my guac. Three things I think are key: lime juice and plenty of it; jalapeno -- it needs that kick; and salt -- coarse sea salt adds a little crunch. Often, I leave out the cilantro and am just as happy with the results.
Of course, all of this comes down to personal taste and preferences -- some like garlic, some don't. I happen to prefer it over onion. Anyway, I don't think it's your avocado so much as your recipe. Add some jalapeno and some cumin and I think you'll be happier.
Pennsylvania Foods
Let's not forget Martin's potato rolls and Gibble's chips -- both from Franklin County. Way back in the day (almost 40 years ago -- yikes!), Martin's used to have a restaurant in Chambersburg. They would serve skinny burgers on those buns and it was pure heaven!
You Know You've Watched Too Much Top Chef When...
Cute, cute story. For me, I keep trying to foist Tony Bourdain on my 4 -year-old with a "Come on, honey, he's really funny," but Sponge Bob wins every time.
Best lunch in Frederick, Md.?
We found our way to this place, too, but only after we had eaten elsewhere. Another one to add to my list. Did leave with some delicious homemade cannoli and mozarella, though.
Best lunch in Frederick, Md.?
Trust me, even after the delicious lunch at the Tasting Room, I still want to give Volt a try. Love Top Chef, but after seeing the express lunch menu for the lounge -- pick three for $14 -- I'm even more intrigued.
Best lunch in Frederick, Md.?
Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. We eventually wound up at the Tasting Room, where we had a delicious lunch and some fine wine at the bar. I tackled the yummy lobster chowder and experienced a severe case of order envy when my husband's veal cutlets arrived. After tasting this layered concoction of saffron risotto, breaded veal, and arugula salad, I swore then and there that we'll return to the Tasting Room -- soon.
Best lunch in Frederick, Md.?
I'm intrigued by Volt and the Top Chef connection -- too hard to get a table these days?
What are your thoughts on Cacique, the Tasting Room, Isabella's, and La Paz?
dining in the gettysburg area
Certainly, I would agree that the dress of the patrons runs toward the informal -- maybe a topic for another discussion -- but the interior of the restaurant certainly doesn't. Didn't you notice the blue silk wallpaper in the main dining room?
And to clarify my comments about the portion size...if I'm paying $12 for an appetizer and what I get is a single scallop surrounded by some thinly sliced chorizo in a puddle of cauliflower puree, then, yes, I'm going to be offended. I'm not a bring-on-the-buffet, strap-on-the-feedbag kind of person by any means, but please give me some bang for my buck. I pay the same prices at Char's Bella Mundo in Harrisburg and walk away feeling completely satisfied. That's my benchmark, and the Sheppard Mansion doesn't reach the bar. In fact, the chefs at Char's are just as talented and don't get half the recognition. It's a shame.
Also, there seems to be a bit of snobbery going on here with comments about "locals." Do locals -- because they live in a rural area -- know nothing about food? Please...
Best lunch in Frederick, Md.?
Headed there on Saturday and since we will only be there for one meal -- lunch -- I'm looking for recommendations near the shops on Market Street. What place shouldn't we miss? And, by the same token, what should we avoid? Open to all cuisines.
dining in the gettysburg area
Some things you should know about the Sheppard Mansion:
1) It's very formal.
2) The appetizers (1st and 2nd courses on the menu) are uneven at best. Therefore, if you go, choose wisely or not at all. I've been disappointed both times I've been there.
4) The portions tend to be small and borderline offensive for the price.
3) The entrees live up to the restaurant's fine dining reputation and the homemade rolls are heavenly -- definitely get the pretzel roll.
I'm not picky and I know this place has gotten quite good word of mouth -- that's why I went there, too -- but frankly I just don't get its ga-ga appeal. Mind you, it's been compared to the French Laundry. It's good, but not that good. You have to ask yourself: Do I want to stay an extra night and then spend an additional $200 on top of that to have an uneven experience?
To be frank, I left there mightly disappointed after my last visit and realized that consistency is an important factor when I'm spending that kind of money on a meal. Yes, the entrees are delicious, the servers are pleasant and knowledgeable, but the rest (including the coffee -- served cold on one visit) is hit or miss. I haven't gone back since and don't plan to. My opinion; others may disagree and I'm sure they will.
A new Jazzy Breakfast Place in the Harrisburg Area??
OK, well you're not going to find anything like that in Carlisle. It's eggs, pancakes, and meat -- not that there's anything wrong with that. I, for one, love the Hamilton. However, if you're looking for something a little different, head over to Mangia Qui in Harrisburg. Haven't tried it myself but have heard good things about the brunch. Here's a link, http://www.mangiaqui.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=27. Report back with your experience. I'd be interested in hearing how things go.
Gettysburg, PA
This has been on my list of new restaurants to try...what's the price range? Have heard many good things about the food -- I know the bread is to die for. Can you give me an idea of the menu selections?
Lancaster - Gusto
Well, if you do intend to go to the Sheppard Mansion, please realize that the chef does many things right: The bread is homemade, with the true star being the pretzel rolls -- I get hungry just thinking about them. Also, the entrees have been absolutely delicious -- salmon one time, veal another and both were perfection.
Be warned, though: The appetizers are hit or miss. I've been twice and was disappointed each time. So please be careful when ordering from this part of the menu. Unfortunately, since the menu changes often, I can't suggest what to order and what to stay away from. Maybe your server can give you some tips.
This place has gotten a lot of recognition, and deservedly so. But if the owners are striving for high-end dining, akin to the Inn at Little Washington and the French Laundry, which this restaurant has been compared to, then everything better be darn near flawless. It's not quite there yet -- almost, but not quite. Chef, if you're on Chow, please work on those appetizers.
Harrisburg Brunch?
Just curious...what's the menu like and how are the prices at Pomona's? I'm intrigued since it's a BYOB.
Help with dinner in New Hope/Lambertville!
I second the recommendation for the Sergeantsville Inn. Someone on this board recommended it to us last summer and we loved it. Nice atmosphere without the pretentiousness you may encounter elsewhere.
For the record: I've been to No. 9 twice -- the first time, it was great; the second, not so much. The signature dish is the braised shortribs, and I was really looking forward to them the second time around. They had one order left, so I let my husband have it. The funny thing about this was, it was 6 p.m. on a Wednesday night. There were only two other tables seated. -- how do you run out of your specialty? Strike one. So I ordered a stuffed mushroom appetizer, which came drenched in a funky, and I do mean, funky cheese. My stomach wasn't the same for two days. Strike two.
Seems to me, based on the other posts, this place is just too inconsistent to consider, and since you only have limited dining opportunities, don't waste your time. Go with one of the other recommendations here, or take a nice drive out to Sergeantsville. That should make you happy. We had dinner at the bar and it was the nicest experience of our trip.
State College, Chopstick Express
No, I haven't, but after checking out the menu, it sounds like my kind of place, too. What have yu heard and what do you know about the chef?
State College, Chopstick Express
No, I haven't, but after checking out the menu, it sounds like my kind of place, too. What have you heard about it and what do you know about Paul Kendeffy?
