OK, so based on some recommendations, the night we arrive we're going to keep it casual and check out Cielito. Figured that's a good start, and we'll be able to walk around downtown and check things out.

Scored a reservation for Julienne for the following Friday night, so very excited about that. Not sure if we'll do another high end place on Saturday, but I have plenty of reservations for casual lunch and dinners during the weekdays.

Last question I have is in regards to dress codes. We're originally from Philadelphia and currently live in Orlando, do we're aware that different parts of the country differ greatly in what's acceptable. So for a place like Cielito or Julienne, are they both relatively casual places? Would a nice t-shirt and jeans, and even stylish sneakers be appropriate? Just not sure how trendy or dressy these places are.

Wow, that's a lot of great info. Yeah, I guess I forgot to mention that I'm a huge foodie (I really hate that term), and we both eat pretty much anything. We love all places from hight end to complete dives.

From my preliminary searches and menu look ups, Julienne is the one place that got my attention. We're now both in town for 2 solid weeks, so I'll do some research on the rest of the places you mentioned as well.

I'm coming out to Santa Barbara for a couple weeks with the possibility of moving there permanently. I'm flying my wife out for a few days, and need a recommendation for a great, quintessential Santa Barbara restaurant to help convince her that moving there is a great idea.

We're staying downtown, so that area would be preferable (but not a huge deal if a short ride is worth it).

If such a place exists, please help me out.

Scored reservations for Frontera Grill on that Friday night, so I'm all set. Thanks again for your great recommendations...

This is great information, thanks so much. I didn't realize that Mercat a la Plancha was a Jose Garces restaurant. I'm originally from Philly, so I'm a big fan of his. That helped me make up my mind quickly for my last dinner.

Thursday - Girl & the Goat @ 7:15pm
Friday – Topolobampo or Frontera Grill
Saturday - The Publican @ 8pm
Sunday – Mercat a La Planxa @ 8pm

With regards to Frontera Grill, for their limited reservations, do they take those 3 months in advance as well. Would you recommend FG or Topolobampo?

I'm going to do brunch at North Pond and then check out the Lincoln Park Zoo, so that works out well. I also have Malnati's and Portillo's on the list for lunch as well.

Again, thanks for all the help, this trip and food planning worked out perfectly with one last reservation to grab.

Actually just realized that Yusho was a bit further away from our hotel then I wanted (we're staying at the Hyatt Regency Chicago downtown).

We're definitely going to try for dinner at Topolobampo or Frontera Grill on Friday night, so now I just need something for Sunday relatively close to downtown (no more than a short cab ride).

Thanks.

While I would LOVE to do Alinea, my recent trip to EMP in NYC has left me a little broke, lol. I could go there, but then I'd have to only have cheap eats the rest of the weekend, and I'd much rather experience a bunch of restaurants.

Been reading a ton of posts and have reservations at Girl and the Goat, The Publican, and Yusho. Looking for one more great dinner, preferably something that is truly Chicago that I can't get in any other major city. Only caveat is that they have to take reservations (Fri night over Memorial Day weekend).

I've been considering a Bayless restaurant, but just looking for other advice.

Good advice. Thanks!

The more and more I look at the wine list, the more I think I'll end up with a couple cocktails and a couple bottles of wine. Should I really expect to spend 4 hours eating? Also, should I ask for a tour of the kitchen when we're seated, or after dinner?

Thanks for all the comments...

I'm in NYC every Christmas holiday season, and have been trying for 4 years now go get in to EMP. Well, I finally got a reservation for Saturday, Dec 29th @ 7pm and cannot wait.

Just wondering about a few things. Now that the format is tasting menu only, how much is the wine pairings per person, and is it worth it? And I'm assuming that I won't be overdressed in a suit and tie?

Anything else I should know about or specifically ask for?

Thanks in advance...

Got my reservation at FIG, so itinerary is set!

Thanks for all the comments, very excited for our first trip to Charleston.

Yeah, I do tend to overthink my dining options to the point I can't even discuss them with my wife anymore, lol.

The only thing that has me leaning towards High Cotton for brunch is they have a jazz band playing, and that sounds like a fun time (the menu's are pretty similar, so that's a push).

So I've decided to move my Husk reservation to Sunday night, and eat at FIG on Saturday night (waiting until Aug 2nd to make my reservation).

I'm sticking with Macintosh for Friday night b/c we'll get in late, just want to share a few apps in a festive bar environment. Plus is seems close to other bars we'd like to go to afterwards.

So that leaves me with brunch. I orginally chose Magnolia's b/c I like the menu and saw it on several Cooking Channel shows. However I've been reading a lot of good things about the Sunday brunch at High Cotton.

Any thoughts on Magnolia's vs. High Cotton for brunch, or is there another spot I should be looking at for a memorable, fun brunch?

And thanks again for everyone's inputs and comments. They are very much appreciated.

That's great news, thanks. I think I'm going to keep my reservation at Husk, and swap out SNOB for FIG should I be able to get the time I need.

Yea, that's sounds like a must do.

Well, just checked and FIG is booked Fri and Sat night, so there goes that option.

Thanks for the comments though...

As I've been reading the Charleston posts, I've keep seeing the same thing about Husk. That's disappointing, b/c I really wanted it to be the highlight of my weekend dining, but from the sounds of it, it might not be.

How is Brock's cooking there compare to McCrady's? Would you recommend one over the other?

I've looked at both FIG and Grocery. Would you choose one of those over SNOB?

This will be my first time in Charleston. I have been trying to plan this trip for some time, and am very excited its finally happening. Coming in over Labor Day weekend to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We're getting in late Friday night, and leaving Monday after lunch.

We're staying at the Charleston Mill House. Here's what I have planned so far. Let me know if I'm missing anything or you'd change something...

Friday Night
The Macintosh (good since the kitchen is open late)

Saturday
Lunch – Fleet Landing (wife loves eating by the water, so while the foodie in me doesn't want to go, I have to give in on some things)
Dinner – Husk

Sunday
Brunch - Magnolia
Dinner - SNOB

Monday
Lunch - Hominy Grill

Thanks for that. I think I'm pretty happy with my restaurant selections.

And yes, time willing we will definitely stop in for a bagel. Also going to get some smoked meat, as well as maybe stop at Romados for lunch one day.

Great. I'm leaning towards replacing Le Bremner with Le Filet, as I love the small plates and sharing.

Thanks for the advice, and if you think of anything else I must try, please let me know (Schwartz's Deli is now on my list to check out for lunch).

Thanks for the advice. In looking at the Le Filet menu, based on the pricing it seems they are all appetizer sized portions. Is that the case there (which I love, so that would be a good thing)? CCeP seems to be more the traditional app and entree design.

If you were to pick one of the two, which would you prefer?

My wife and I are going to be in Montreal for 4th of July weekend for 5 days/4 nights. Its our first time in Montreal, and are also going to be able to enjoy the Jazz Festival that week.

I have my dinners picked out, and wanted your thoughts if I’m missing anything. I tried going through all of the other recommendations, but again, having never been there, I’m sure there’s something I left out.

I have dinner reservations for:

Les 400 Coups

Liverpool House

Garde Manger

Le Bremner

Some obvious ones missing from other posts are Joe Beef (I was unable to get a reservation, so I thought that Liverpool House would be a good alternative) and Au Pied de Cochon (haven’t tried making reservations yet, just not sure where I would fit it in). And I know I have two Chuck Hughes restaurants on my list, but I have to go to Garde Manger and the reviews sounds so positive for Le Bremner, I figured why not.

So anyway, are there any places I’m missing or changes you think I should make. Also, are there any uniquely Montreal dining things I should try? I’ve been told to go to La Banquise at least once, but not sure what other specialties to check out.

Thanks in advance for any help…

Prato is great. I've been to the Fogo in Philly and its good as well.

Armando's looks cook, and Tasting Room is just too damn far from me (I live in SE Orlando).

Really haven't heard of anything else.

Been there once. I always go to the Super Oriental Market across from Lac Viet. Just closer, around other things, and always has what I need.

I've dined out everywhere in Orlando, and I agree that Chinese is lacking with the exception of Ming's Bistro for dim sum and Tasty Wok for some noodles. I'd die for a real Szechuan place in Orlando.

I'd also die for a real Jewish Deli in Orlando.

I've been meaning to chime in on this topic. Here's my top 10, in no particular order other than the top 2 picks:

1. Luma on Park
2. Ravenous Pig
3. Prato
4. Lac Viet
5. Ming's Bistro
6. Shin Jung
7. Bosphorus
8. Primo
9. K
10. Pho Hoa

Other honorable mentions are King Cajun, Tasty Wok, Hawkers, Ba Le Bakery (before it closed), Thai Singha, Ashriwad, Hot N' Juicy, and Pio Pio.

Good news. Whole Foods on Turkey Lake now carries Harissa.

It's in the pasta isle of all places, and has a big NEW ITEM sign on it.

My grandparents are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary at the end of April, and being the resident foodie of the family, I've been put in charge of picking the restaurant to celebrate. Most of the people live in Miami Beach, but I'm open to anything in the Miami area really.

The party will be 20-25 people, but the difficult part I'm having is its a large mix of people. We're a Cuban American family, but the ages range from late 20's to early 90's. Some are very adventurouse eaters, but some of the older people in the group can't do anything spicy.

I could do a Cuban restaurant, but that seems to obvious and we eat that kind of food all the time. Also thinking of doing Spanish food like paellas and such, since that will at least be familiar to the older guests.

But really, I'm just looking for some suggestions. Also, a private or semi-private room might be nice, but not required.

Not that much, just the experience really. Make sure to order some roast duck and crispy skin pork too.