Wineman's Profile
Cashiers, NC
We recently stayed at the Inn at Millstone. (See web site) They serve dinner Thurs - Sunday. It is very nice but limited seating. Reservations a must. Or head up the mountain to Highlands. It is not that far. I like On the Veranda the best. I've also enjoyed the Old Edwards Inn.
Heading to St. Petersburg football game
I would suggest the Parkshore Grill. It is downtown on Beach Drive. Sit outside and enjoy the weather.
http://www.parkshoregrill.com/
Chris Sherman's new blog
I see that Chris Sherman, former critic at the Times, is on a new blog.
b21blog.com
His content will be cooking, wine and a little spirits.
Best Restaurants for a Serious Foodie in Charleston, SC
I would add Mercato on Market Street to your list. Also The Fat Hen out on John's Island.
Clinton BBQ
You right, my bad. In Gray, Ga.
Thanks for the info.
Someone was telling me they had Eastern Carolina sauce but I thought it might have been the tomato base vinegar sauce. Big difference. I just can't imagine Eastern Carolina in Georgia.
2 1/2 days in Charleston - what are the must-visit places?!
You say close to hotel, but will you have a car? You can walk to downtown but a cab or car would really help.
The closest BBQ to you is Jim and Nick's on King. Not exactly awesome SC BBQ . More Alabama I would guess. Sticky Fingers on Meeting is ok but it is Memphis style.
If you can get over the James Island connector (bridge) to Melvin's on Folly Road, you will get more the S. Carolina Style BBQ (mustard base sauce). It if very good (see web site). They are also in Mt. Pleasant but I think James Island is easier to get to. There are others around but Melvins is my favorite.
The Hominy Grill is close to you. And most of their dishes are under $20. Not pure low country but really good "interpretations". I really like their Shrimp and Grits. They get a lot of press and you should find reviews. They also have a web site.
I know I will be criticized for this but I like Jestine's Kitchen. It is right on Meeting Street.
A real homey place if a little touristy (but you are tourist!). Very reasonable. A great place to experience meat and 2 with out wandering around in some isolated location.
I saw the following on line. http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=346
Enjoy
Clinton BBQ
O.k
How's this. Clinton Barbecue House, Clinton, Ga.
I have heard mixed things about Clinton Barbecue House in Clinton, Georgia. . Any reviews out there? What type of sauce do they use?
thanks
Clinton BBQ
I have heard mixed things about Clinton's. Any reviews out there? What type of sauce do they use?
How About A New What Are You Drinking ?
Laurel Glen Reds.
Delicious & spicy. A zinfandel, carignane and petite syrah blend . I just drank it with a bowl of cioppino. A steal at $7.99
Charleston, SC
For bbq, I enjoy Melvin's. They have locations in James Island and Mt. Pleasant. The James Island location is only about 10 or 15 min. from downtown.
But if you want to experience one of the best in the South, take a trip out to Sweatman's. They are opened only on Fri. and Sat. Google it for directions. It is about an hour's drive.
BYOB in Charleston?
I live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and most restaurants allow you to bring your own wine. There almost always is a corkage fee of $10 to $25 per bottle. Many smaller places, that don't serve alcohol, won't even charge a corkage. We visit Charleston regularly and I have seen people bring in their own wine. I can't recall where. Just call ahead.
Charleston - best birthday dinner for 2? ($100)
I would forget Pane e Vino. I ate there about a month ago, and although the food was just ok,(I had the pappardelle al' antica - one of their specialties) the service was terrible. We were a party of four, sitting on the patio, and we might as well have been sitting in the street for all the attention that was paid us. With all the choices in Charleston, you can do a lot better
If you are thinking Italian, I would recommend the Mecado on Market
http://www.mercatocharleston.com/
Excellent food with outstanding service.
Both Fig and Cru Cafe would be good choices.
As for BYOB, I've never asked about corkage in any restaurant in Charleston.They do have strange liquor laws in S. Carolina. Just call and ask.
your favorite Canadian wine and ice wine?
Inniskillin Cab Franc Ice Wine is one of the best desert wines I have ever had, Canadian or otherwise.
Long Island for a quick bite
We will by flying out of Islip on Monday and will be staying near the airport on Sunday night. Where are a few can't miss places? We have a 1 1/2 year old. We are open to just about anything. We do have a car.
Where'd my Pinellas Park BBQ place go?
I can't be sure because, as Ribdog says, the location you describe is a little vague. But it was probably Roger's BBQ located on 66th st. just off Park Blvd (Not street). And they are closed. It was the same format as Sonny's. Bench seating, sliced pork, ribs, bbq beans (I always thought that their beans were better than Sonny's), etc. I have heard that they were loosely associated some how. Friends, maybe.
Ben Thanh-Pinellas Park
I am so glad they are back. I've been dying to get in.
Several of my friends have been there and I hear nothing but good things.
I, too can't wait to try the bun bo hue. My favorite.
Best Florida Road Food
There are many potential spots in and around St. Pete but I think Ted Peters in South Pasadena would be my choice if I had to pick one. Smoked fish, great burgers, cold beer. Served with an attitude in the open air about 20 feet from the road.
Best Florida Road Food
Actually, Hawthorne is to the East of G-ville. It is 10 miles from Cross Creek to Micanopy and 15 miles to Hawthorne. Nothing in Hawthone except the annual Hog Festival. Micanopy is an old, historic Florida town that offers some good antique hunting. No matter - - - back to The Yearling. It is located adjacent to the old MKR home and is worth the visit. Not great, but worth the visit. A great old "Road House" with a low, wood (hearts of pine?) celing that serves some old Florida cracker specialties including gator tail, frog legs and venison. Its a heavy dose of fried food, but what the heck. Good chowder, too. I have never had the steaks but I hear they are prime meat.
On my visit this past summer, there was live entertainment. An elderly, black, blues singer. Again, worth the trip.
Albala Don PX Gran Reserva 1971
Figs, prunes in the aromas and on the palate. rich -- syrup-like. Raisin puree, thick as molasses. Almost like liquid prunes..Very long finish. What a way to end the meal!!
An amazing wine and fantastic value.
Question - Is this considered a Sherry? I know it is made in Jerez with one of the grapes of Sherry but it is vintage dated. Can it be sherry if not made in the solara method?
Best wine you've had under $15
I agree, under $15 is too difficult for me. Allmost everything I drink is under $15.
How about under $10?
I work in a wine store and I think that the best value in the store is the Garnacha de Fluego. It is Spanish, from the Bodegas Zabrin in Calatayud. From old vines, it is loaded with raspberry and cherry fruit a with loamy soil and spice nose. It sells for $5.99.
Any Standouts in Sanibel Island?
The only must eat place that we have always enjoyed is the Lighthouse Cafe on Sanibel. Good breakfast. They have a web site to check out menu.
Best wine you've had under $15
Three of favorites, too.
Add to that -
Marrietta Old Vine
Montes Alpha Cabernet
Montes Alpha Syrah
Mt. Dora Update
We will be in Mt. Dora, staying at the Lakeside Inn. Are there any "don''t miss" places for breakfast and lunch?
Cheap Eats in Tampa
Sunset Grill is gone? When?
Or do you mean Sunshine City Grill on 4th St?
Cuban Sandwich: Philosophy
I couldn't agree more.
Buttered Cuban bread. Good ham, thin sliced, but not too much. Roasted pork, Cuban-style (mojo). Salami is optional. Swiss cheese, dill pickles and mustard. I like Gulden's but I guess yellow is more widely used. Then pressed.
Defining "Comfort Food"
Chicken and dumplings, German Chocolate cake for my birthday, Peanut butter cookies. OMG - I think we grew up in the same house!
I'll drink Merlot and you'll like it!! Top CA MR's.
Those that I have had lately (not being a big merlot fan) are:
Murphy-Goode - Alexander Valley (02 I think) and Robert Young Vineyard. I thought the RY was fabulous.
Arrowood Duckhorn Rombauer all three quite good.
I think my favorite has been the 2001 Rutherford Hill Merlot Napa Valley. It drinks more like a Cab. Fruit, cedar, chocolate. Very nice.
What Florida fish are best to eat?,the best way to cook each?
My favorites:
Dolphin - very versatile but a nice light saute with lemon butter is good.
Snapper - Red when you can get it. But again it is versatile. Look for a snapper Veracruz or a whole snapper on the grill with or without salsa. Also sauteed with lemon butter (or olive oil) and maybe some garlic and white wine
Grouper - which can be fixed much like snapper.
Pompano - Sauteed or grilled. With salsa.
Flounder - light white meat. Poached in white wine.
It is also great to take these nice light, firm fish and make a cheviche. Lime, onions, peppers.
I'm not a fan of the stronger, oiler fish like king or mackeral but when smoked they are delicious.
