sundogcat's Profile
Weekend in downtown Phoenix
Thanks for your comments! We are now in PHX and are starving ourselves for dinner tonight. Yum, yum, yum!!!
Weekend in downtown Phoenix
My DH and I are headed to Phoenix this weekend and have reservations at Nobuo and Province. Sadly, omakase is no longer available at Nobuo but they have a 4 course tasting option available. Should we commit to the 4 course option in advance or stick with ordering off the regular menu? Also, any suggestions other than Province? We really would prefer to stay downtown as we are going to "Stand Up Live" later in the evening. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Knife sharpening in Vancouver?
So glad that you're happy with the service at the Sharpening House!!! Be sure to pass on this recommendation so that this little business stays in business!!
Knife sharpening in Vancouver?
For the absolute BEST knife sharpening go see Sean at the "Sharpening House" at 5331 West Boulevard in Vancouver. He takes great pride in sharpening all manner of knives, scissors, etc. He's quick and also very reasonable - (he offers a special of 5 knives for $25!). I've been taking my knives to him for years and am always really happy.
A week in St. Andrews
Had a GREAT dinner at the Grange Inn last night. It's about a 10 minute drive outside of town but has lovely views to the sea. The food was very well prepared and service excellent. We stopped into Anstruther for lunch on our way to St. Andrews. The Anstruther Fish Bar was closed (thankfully, after your comments) and the Waterfront Restaurant was lined-up onto the sidewalk. I stopped one of the local fishermen who said the best F & C could be found down the road a bit further at a place called the "Wee Chippery". We were NOT dissapointed! Very fresh, lightly battered and flavourful...AND were were happy to support a smaller proprietor.
Today we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the Old Course in near 30C degree weather! I'm not entirely certain that I truly am in Scotland. Off to the Rocca Bar & Grill overlooking the Old Course for what will likely be a tremendous sunset!
A week in St. Andrews
Thanks again to all of the posters! My husband and I are now in East Lothian and enjoying ourselves immensely... (helps to have sunny warm weather!). Here for another few days before we head to St.A.... We have a car but will probably taxi for dinner - as we like to have a couple of libations. Will be golfing up a storm but will have lunch opportunities.
Thanks again!
A week in St. Andrews
Sorry for not replying sooner as I've been away the past week. Thank you for such a detailed list of restos. I am sure we will have a great time sampling all of the great spots this town has to offer!
Dog-friendly restaurants in downtown Vancouver
Our friends with two very well behaved small dogs will be visiting us in Vancouver this summer. We plan to stay downtown (near Stanley Park) and were wondering if there are any good "foodie" restos that we could visit - with the dogs. Thankfully it will be in early August so patio we'll likely be opting for patio seating. Any and all suggestions would be gratefully appreciated!
A week in St. Andrews
Thanks! I probably will make a few reservations in advance as this is a pretty busy time of the year. Hmm... didn't know about Zizzi being part of a chain so will avoid.
A week in St. Andrews
This summer my husband & I will be spending a week golfing in St. Andrews. For such a small town there seem to be a decent selection of restaurants. So far we are considering -
Expensive - Peat Inn or the Grange Inn, the Seafood Restaurant (is it worth the hype?), Road Hole Grill Restaurant
Moderate - Vine Leaf, Rocca Grill, Doll's House
Casual - One Under Gastro Pub, Nahm Jim, Zizzi
Any thoughts on "must-dos" or "passes"? Also, would advanced reservations be necessary? Thanks!
What five cookbooks would you keep?
1. How to Cook Everything - Bittman
2. The All New Joy of Cooking - Rombauer
3. The New Best Recipe - "Cooks Illustrated"
4.Moosewood Cookbook - Katzen
5. Barbeque Bible - Raichlen
New Cuisinart Electric pressure cooker... tips and recipes please!!!
FYI - Cuisinart electric pressure cooker: high = 15 psi low = 10 psi (approx). So I've been experiment with a measure of success. Yes, the pc is definitely the way to cook. Through trial and error, I concur with your pressure release comment. The pot roast was indeed fork tender in just 60 minutes but being too anxious to taste the results, I performed a quick release.... which seems to make the roast "seize up" a bit. The ribs were cooked on high were naturally released. Much better texture - though I wonder if this is due to the higher marbling?
Chicken thighs (40 garlic chicken) did not seem to benefit/suffer from quick/natural release. Equally tasty and tender both ways.
Next on the agenda... dried beans, steel cut oatmeal and artichokes - all items that I think will benefit greatly from being cooked in the pc.
New Cuisinart Electric pressure cooker... tips and recipes please!!!
I have just come home from Costco with a Cuisinart Electric pressure cooker and am attempting a 55 min pot roast. While at the store I also several pounds of short ribs - so if the pot roast is successful, next go the ribs. Any thoughts or suggestions for to-die-for short ribs? After being "scarred" by my mother's pressure cooker experiences... I am so excited about trying out this old-school-new-fangled gadget!!!!!
Any and all thoughts are appreciated.
Quick Heritage Turkey Question
Where did you get your heritage turkey from? I bought a couple a few years from a supplier from Enderby but have been unable to locate one.
Chermside, QLD dining options
Not really looking for a stand-out but simply a decent place to entertain (distant) relatives. I called our hotel and they too recommended Bella Cosi so I have made a booking there. Thanks for the input tho!
Chermside, QLD dining options
My husband & I will be meeting relatives the night before we are due to fly out of Brisbane airport. Due to our early morning flight, we will be spending the night in Chermside. Are there any nicer restaurants in the area? We are open to any cuisine. Thanks!
New Years Eve in Christchurch, NZ
We will be arriving in Christchurch from Australia on Dec 30 and were wondering if there is any must do New Years Eve dinner/celebration. We are staying downtown and would love a good foodie/fun experience. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Nautilus Port Douglas
Just had dinner at "On the Inlet" - nothing fancy but good solid food with a GORGEOUS view! Had a reservation for Harrison's but had to cancel due to "excessive sun exposure" - sad but necessary. Loved Port Douglas but I can totally see how a spot like Nautilus could get over-hyped. May you have better meals in your future!
Bellingham restaurants - any great foodie & ambiance recs?
btw, any thoughts on either Anthony's or the Harbourside Bistro?
Bellingham restaurants - any great foodie & ambiance recs?
Terrific! Thanks for your comments. I especially love the idea of Quel Fromage!
Bellingham restaurants - any great foodie & ambiance recs?
Our group of 7 girls will be heading down to the Bellingham area for an annual golf getaway. Any suggestions for restos near the Hotel Bellwether that have both great food & ambiance? We have 2 mid-week evenings open and so far I'm thinking - Tivoli, Giuseppe's, either Anthony's (is one better than the other?) or maybe Pacific Cafe. No real budget issues - thankfully, some where fun and with excellent food. Many thanks for any suggestions!
Kelowna Restaurants
Enjoyed a great meal at Old Vines a few weeks ago. Beautiful setting, great food. I agree with Bouchon as well. If the weather is good, kids will enjoy the atmosphere at Wild Apple. While the food isn't necessarily as great as Bouchon or Old Vines, it's fun to watch the kite surfers in the nearby water. Haven't been myself yet but what about the Cabana Grille (near Manteo Resort)? Have a great time!
48 hours in Vancouver - the quintessential tour?
I'm surprised to hear that Golden Ocean has carts. I've just been for dinner and have never even thought about it for dim sum.
Great report on Bishop's grayelf! After reading it (and salivating over the pictures), I think I'm leaning towards this over Fuel. It's been many years since I've been there so it's time to go back. Also, I find that the interior of Fuel is a bit on the "dark" side. If this great weather keeps up the atmosphere at Bishops may be a bit nicer.
Whenever we go to Vij's we arrive early (around 5 PM). This will be a good night to eat early and see "Julie & Julia", drinks and snacks later. GI is also a good idea as we planned to load up at the market before heading back to Whistler - Go Fish fits right it.
Thanks for all of your comments and tips. Very excited as this is shaping up to be a great couple of days (and many good meals) in Vancouver!
48 hours in Vancouver - the quintessential tour?
hmm... I like the way you're thinking. We were at Fuel about a month ago. It was good but not great for me. Going to West with my husband very soon. Been years since I've been to Bishops, still good? Where are Medina and The Diamond?
48 hours in Vancouver - the quintessential tour?
ok... I'm from here (Whistler) and my friend is visiting from S. Cal. Meeting in late August. So far we are thinking: dimsum, east indian, japanese or vietnamese, West coast. Have a car and will be staying at a downtown hotel, no budget constraints (thankfully) - though I don't want to load up with simply "high end" experiences. I'd like to present a true West coast experience so prefer to to stay away from the usual celeb chef (Boulud, JGV) restos as we do them in NYC and LA. Available meals -
Day 1: possibly lunch but just maybe a snack (Japadog? Go Fish?), dinner (Vij's?)
Day 2: breakfast, lunch, dinner (West or Bishops?),
Day 3: dim sum (Sun Siu Wah? Kirin? somewhere with old school carts?).
She's read a lot of press about Vij's so this was her only definite request. We are prepared to stop in early.
Some of my favorites are: La Quercia, La Buca, Bistro Pastis, Montri's, Dai Tung, Sun Sui Wah and Tojo's. Thanks in advance for helping me with this.
48 hours in Vancouver - the quintessential tour?
I will be meeting a friend who is from California in Vancouver for a 48 hour dining spree. Please help me put together the ultimate dining itinerary. So much good ethnic cuisine but also a West coast p.o.v. too!
Las Vegas Recession Dining Deals Trip Report
Great trip report! I was in Vegas about a month ago and enjoyed the Sunday Supper at Charlie Palmers. We thought we had been pacing ourselves but were totally stuffed by the time the main courses arrived. The added wine pairing was a nice touch and a great deal too! I am headed back again with my parents and sister and will try to work in L'Atelier. Thanks!
ISO eggy brunch this Sunday with beer near UBC (Vancouver)
Definitely go to "Westward Ho" at the University Golf Club. Excellent breakfast/brunch, beer and loads of sports on the tv screens. We've been several times and the brunch items rival any of the more popular spots in Vancouver.
Check out their menu:
http://www.universitygolf.com/dine/weekend-brunch-menu.pdf
Murphy's Pan Fried Chicken in Palm Desert?
The chicken dinner is ok... nothing spectacular. It's a full meal thing so soup, salad and dessert are included but they are really mediocre. Last time we tried the restaurant was about 2 years ago and it was full of patrons who schemed about how they could take home extra chicken and even soup! Nothing chowish about the place. Only redeeming quality is the quantity - if you're into that. So sorry....
