We tasted cakes at three bakeries when my son was getting married. Konditor Meister was at the bottom. We went with Dreamworks in Norwood. The cake was beautiful - ask about the chocolate butterflies-- and so delicious that guest were coming back for seconds! Also the tasting experience was so wonderful at Dreamworks and not so much at Konditor because ultimately it is a "cake factorY. I don't think it deserves its reputation.

Thanks for the Dover recommendations. I have been to the Chop Shop & Christopher's and have been quite satisfied. Chop shop used to have a carrot cake to die for, but it wasn't on the menu on my last visit (Sept. 2011) and the meal wasn't as good as previously. I seem to remember a meal at Cartelli's a few years back. I'm particularly interested in your ideas for Asian & other "ethnic" cuisines. Considering how deep in the woods we are Dover doesn't seem too far. We are closer to Rochester (about 20 min.) but I have never heard a word about restaurants there. What about Dante's in Barrington? I appreciate the thoroughness of your posting!

Thanks for the tips. We live on the far side of Parker Mountain right on the Belknap County line so we forget about what's on the other side! I suspect it will be closer to a 45 min. drive from here, but that puts the Portsmouth area into the "reasonable distance" group. Seafood places will work if they offer some meat choices.

We've just moved from Boston to Strafford, NH. I have been studying the northern NH boards and my expectations are pretty low about restaurant choices in my area. It appears the Nashua/Manchester areas have the most interesting choices but at 1 to 1 1/2 hour driving times, we won't be visiting that area often. Our closest towns are Barnstead, Barrington, Dover, Rochester & Pittsfield. We're 45 east of Concord and expect to be there once or twice a week. We're not big burger/pizza fans and I'm allergic to seafood. We have been visiting this area for over 30 years and generally we have found that in NH that price is a pretty good indicator of quality and we'd rather pay up for quality. Our tastes are very eclectic, we'll try anything but are turned off by bland. One of the WORST meals of my lifetime was at a very inexpensive & apparently popular restaurant at Epsom Circle. We're not expecting to be wowed, but we would like to be satisfied. HELP!!!!!

I'm going to be in NM, specifically Albuquerque, Santa Fe & Taos in mid October for my annual visit. I grew up in Old Town during the 60's & 70's but have lived with my gringo spouse in Boston for over 30 years. I have developed a hankering for some really good traditional style -- lean pork, red chili in masa steamed in corn husks -- tamales. Where do I find the best in or near any of the above locations? I like some heat in my chili-- but I can't take the "nuclear" stuff any more. I guess I'm best described as a "medium-hot lover. Great sides are a plus! Thanks in advance for your suggestions --

I just wanted to add that Girona has a fascinating & beautiful "old town" with great museums, historic houses and a great walk along the town wall. I would encourage all everyone who thinks of it as a "day trip" from Barcelona to eat at Can Roca to consider staying over to visit. It's worth every moment. We found some of the best casual eating a short walk across the bridge in a large plaza in the "modern town" although we stayed in a great modern restoration of a historic bldg. small hotel in the historic district.

We ate at Can Roca last May and it was fantastic. I think it's the perfect choice for a special meal. I don't eat fish or shellfish, and we let them know when we made the reservation, so my husband and I often had different dishes for our tasting menu. That was double the fun for him as he sampled my plates. The food was universally terrific - the setting & service wonderful.

When we were in San Sebastian some years ago I had the best meal of my life at a Sunday lunch at Akelare. The views on that bright August afternoon were astounding, the food -perfection and the service beyond impeccable. I judge all other meals against it and Celler Can Roca comes close.

We had one of our favorite meals at Atrio in Caceres. I discovered there that the proper pairing of wine & food can blow any all preconceived notions of what I loved/hated in a wine, It was a few years ago and it was not an inexpensive lunch (a tasting menu with wine pairing). The staff spoke only Spanish and French. I speak English and very poor Spanish, but we communicated very well. The food was terrific & I don't remember it being particularly "porky". Restaurants at this level can accommodate special requests. So if you're looking for someplace special look no further