Thanks. We will be there Mon-Wed, so brunch isn't an option, but do you also recomment the restaurant for lunch or dinner?

Hi - Boston hound here, visiting Tampa with my sister and two nieces (9 and 2) in order to celebrate my great-grandmother's 98th birthday. She's still mobile and spunky, so we don't need to worry so much about accessibility, so long as I can drop her off near to the door before parking. I was thinking maybe either Berns or Oystercatchers, but figured I'd check in with locals to see what else might be out there and what you think about my two suggestions. I'm looking for something that will make her feel as special as she is, but will also allow us to converse without yelling, and is accepting of an energetic 2 year old (the 9 year old is very well behaved in restaurants - she's been dining with me at some of Boston's finest since she was a toddler). High quality food is the key - doesn't so much matter what type of food - we eat it all! Thanks!

One more question - do either Providence or Red Medicine have a dining bar? We prefer to eat at the bar over a table (and it's common in Boston to do so) but I know it's less common in some cities...

Thanks for the list of options Porthos! I've seen a lot about Providence on this board, so maybe that's worth checking out. Red Medicine sounds great too - and I love the fried heads.

I'll be in LA May 12-14 and again on the 31st on way way through from Boston to Asia. A few years back, I had raw spotted prawns at a sushi bar in LA, and a grilled version of them in Santa Barbara (I don't remember the names of either restaurant). They were remarkably delicious in both forms, and we don't see them in Boston, so I've been dreaming of having them again during this visit. I was wondering if they are in season in mid-late May, and if so, where is the best place to get them? Preparation/ethnicity doesn't matter, neither does class/price of the restaurant. Basic preps may have the upper hand for me, since I'd like the flavor of the prawns to shine, but I'm open to all styles of food. Thanks!

Hi - I'm from Boston but in Denver staying with friends who have two kids under the age of two (in other words no social life whatsoever.) They just moved here in March and haven't gone out at all, so haven't been able to provide recs.The Mountain State board doesn't seem very active, so I thought I'd have better luck posting here. I'm looking for a place where it's not too awkward to eat at the bar alone - something along the lines of Craigie, Neptune, Butcher Shop etc where you see often solo diners and people are friendly. Food style not terribly important although I don't want brew pub food which seems to be rampant here. Also looking for a good cocktail or wine bar - same deal. Kinda low key enough to be solo at the bar (no dance clubs/college bars). Any ideas?

I'm heading to Central Florida (town named Leesburg) this weekend to visit family. I noticed the Florida board doesn't seem to have a lot of posting activity, so while I posted a request for recs there, I figured I'd try here, too, given that the Boston board is pretty active, and most of us have escaped NE weather by travelling to Florida now and again (or at least to head to Disney). I'm not expecting to find a Craigie equivalent, but eating a nice dinner at something other than a chain restaurant would be great. Any suggestions for brunch/lunch/diner style places? Also, if anyone has a recommendation for a unique, not to be missed kind of place - those would be much appreciated, too!

I'm a Boston foodie visiting family in Leesburg this weekend, and other than going to Disney as a kid, I haven't been back, so I'm in desperate need of some recommendations! Especially appreciative of suggestions for anything unique to the area. I'm definitely a very adventurous eater, but not all my dining companions will be, so please send recomendations for both the unusual and the more mainstream (or at least places that have something simple on the menu for a picky eater). A sampling of breakfast/lunch/diner type places, some higher end dinner places, and any "not to be missed" specialities would be most appreciated!!! 40 min seems like a long way to drive for good food for me, since I'm used to taking the subway/walking to places in the city, but my family assures me that it's not out of the norm to drive a while to find a good place in Central Florida. Please - no chains unless it's just a small local chain. Thanks is advance for your help!

Just ate lunch at Zare - had the fish of the day special, which was scallops with french lentils and a tomato saffron sauce. It was lovely, very healthy and perfectly portioned. I wish I had had more time (by the time I walked there, I only had 45 min to eat) to sample a few more courses, but based on my experience, I'd say Zare was a great recommendation. Also loved the space - very cute. Thanks!

Regarding the feel for the kitchen - I meant can you experience the full menu, rather than an abbreviated bar bites type menu. While seeing the kitchen can be fun, I don't consider it a requirement for dining at the bar.

Thanks for the recommendations! Chezchristine: thanks for the heads up on improper terminology... good to know.

re: Bourbon & branch - I really do want to venture there - it seems so unique! but I was concerned about the whole making a "reservation for one" thing. The website mentioned you could stop in w/o reservations on Wed-Sat for cocktails only, so I was thinking I should dine elsewhere Wed night and head over for a drink after. Thoughts? Otherwise - Can you reserve a seat at the bar?

Piperade and Slanted Door: I had heard great things about both. Chezchristine, are these places where you can experience the kitchen at the bar, or do they fall into the not being able to get a true sense of the kitchen category?

Hey San Fran hounds -

I'm here on business until Thursday and I'm travelling alone, so I need recommendations for places that offer great food at the bar, since I hate sitting at tables alone. Also recommendations for great cocktails welcome! For reference, in Boston I frequent Drink, Persephone, Eastern Standard, Craigie (both the original "Street and "on Main"), Green St, etc. etc.

Thanks for your help!