mountaincachers's Profile
cooking with a newborn
You are right that it's harder to think of freezable summer meals that sound appealing in 90 degree weather. On the other hand, when you can get delicious produce at the farmer's market, sometimes you can get away with a lot less cooking.
I think it's a great idea to have tomato sauce and pesto ready for some quick meals. Along those lines, you could make pizza dough and freeze. Maybe you could make marinades that you could use for things to cook on the grill (if you live somewhere where you can grill). Also, maybe make other types of sauces (eg Masala) that you could use with shrimp or chicken. I have frozen the spicy turkey burgers recipe from Epicurious (frozen the raw patties, thawed in the fridge, then cooked.) Pulled pork (either BBQ or for tacos) freezes really well too.
I think it would be fine to start making things now, particularly since you will probably eat most of them within the first month or so after having the new baby.
Congratulations on baby #2. Best wishes to you!
Sunday night dinner in Chapel Hill
Veganhater!!! I remember you from discussions of Snowshoe dining options.
Thanks to all of you for your recommendations. So many to choose from...luckily I come down to this area several times a year for work, so I appreciate the information!
Sunday night dinner in Chapel Hill
I used to like Weathervane when I lived in Durham, though that was in it's old location. I'm glad to hear it's still good.
Sunday night dinner in Chapel Hill
Ok, new requirement: I'm meeting someone from Durham for dinner, and she doesn't want to drive to/through Franklin Street, so maybe someplace in between? Also, I lived in Durham for 6 years about a decade ago, so am completely comfortable driving around, but not so familiar with the restaurant scene anymore. I guess the other option is that I could drive to Durham.
Sunday night dinner in Chapel Hill
I am driving to Chapel Hill this Sunday for a meeting on Monday. I will be staying at the Franklin Hotel and will have a car. I am looking for a place for dinner Sunday night, preferably relatively informal and moderately priced. Any type of food ok. Any suggestions?
Cilantro recipes
If you are easing your way into trying to like cilantro, I would look for a dish that has the cilantro cooked in rather than something like a pesto, which might seem overpowering. I think it's milder when cooked, and I know several people who claim to hate cilantro who don't seem to mind it cooked in something. I love the recipe for shrimp and spiced masala with coconut milk on epicurious.
How adventurous are you about trying restaurants sight unseen?
It depends. I live in a small city of 75,000 with a relatively small restaurant scene. If a new, non-chain restaurant opens, I will go before I've heard anything about it just to try something new. Also, that way, if it's good, I can try to generate some buzz and help to keep the new restaurant afloat.
Traveling, I almost always go by Chowhound reviews. If I'm only going to be in a new location for 3-4 days for business, I don't want to waste any dinning opportunities, particularly if there is a cuisine I can't find at home. Also, if it's a great restaurant city and I'm having to narrow down my list of where I can eat, the reviews can be helpful.
Lynchburg, Virginia?
We just went to a new restaurant in Lynchburg called Suzaku Cafe. In one of the least predictable combinations I could imagine, it is a combination sushi and crepe restaurant. Apparently the chef grew up in Hong Kong making sushi but has had a lifelong interest in crepes. So they have sushi rolls, traditional crepes, and sushi crepes (which are a savory crepe filled with sushi toppings). We went today for the first time, and I had the ocean crepe (which is filled with crab, tempura shrimp, eel, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko). It was delicious. We had planned to order some sushi too, but we were full after the sushi crepe, so that will need to wait until next time. Prices were very reasonable (crepes from $4-$7 and sushi combinations with 4 different half rolls for $7.99). Located on Old Forest Rd.
gluten free meal for new mom
I made meatloaf recently using ground up corn chex instead of breadcrumbs...worked great. And much cheaper and easier than finding/buying gf bread.
Need menu ideas for an easy make ahead French bistro meal
Thanks to all for their suggestions. I really had thought I would do Coq au Vin, but with the weather staying so weirdly and persistently warm (80 degrees at the end of March!!! Really?) decided to go with a warm weather menu.
So here's what I'm doing:
Platter with cheese, grapes, and pate out when they arrive. Followed by the chilled asparagus soup recipe featured in this month's BA menu "April near Paris" and Ina Garten's Roasted Salmon Nicoise salad. (Decided on the salmon because yesterday when I went to the fish market and NO TUNA. Anyway, I know everyone in the group likes salmon, so it should be fine). For dessert: honey lavender ice cream.
Thanks to everyone for great ideas!
Are festive....err....alcoholic beverages part of your daily life? [moved from Not About Food]
Oh no! I hadn't realized they had closed. I've only been there once, but what a treat! It makes me sad knowing it's not out there anymore. Pass the wine, please.
Need menu ideas for an easy make ahead French bistro meal
We're not quite that elaborate, and the group is not above carry out (particularly from ethnic restaurants.) I guess it depends how carried away you get, but overall it's been fun. It lets us try cooking and eating things that we haven't had before. It's also rewarding to cook for a group who will enthusiastically try anything.
BBQ Recommendations for Durham NC Roadtrip to Charlottesville VA
If your heart is set on BBQ, you could stop at the Silver Pig in Madison Heights just north of Lynchburg. Otherwise, if you are just interested in Chow worthy food, I agree with cervisian about stopping at Thai Siam.
Another BBQ option in Lynchburg is stopping at Bedford Avenue Meats to pick up either BBQ or ribs which they smoke on site. The food is very good, but the only problem is that you would definitely need to call ahead to reserve.
Need menu ideas for an easy make ahead French bistro meal
Thanks for all of the great ideas. I had considered beef bouguignon, but that had been made at a previous book club., so I probably don't want to do that. Coq au vin is another possibility.
Need menu ideas for an easy make ahead French bistro meal
I'm hosting my book club later this month. There is a group of 8 of us (all relatively adventurous eaters with no allergies or food restrictions) and we often try to pair the meal with the book that we have read. This month's book is The Paris Wife, which is a fictional account of Ernest Hemingway's first marriage while living in 1920's Paris. There aren't really any meals described in the book (though plenty of drinking), but a good amount of time is spent in Paris cafes, so I thought it would be good to do some sort of Paris bistro menu. The other factor is that I will be working that day and hosting about 1 1/2 hours after arriving home from the office. Obviously, I can have the table set, etc before, but I'm trying to think of meals that could be made the day before and reheated. Maybe French onion soup and cassoulet? Anyone have any favorite (and not too complicated) recipes? Thoughts about dessert? Tarte Tatin seems like the obvious one, though I have never made it and am a little concerned about the moment of truth when I flip the pan over. Again, any suggestions for a dessert that can be made ahead?
Trip to Bermuda, staying at Rosewood Tucker's Point
Thanks for the help. We just got back from our trip. The food at the hotel (both The Point and the bar) was excellent. It's priced as I would expect for a resort, but the food was very good, well prepared, and excellent service. We did go to Tom Moore's one night, which I found a little disappointing. We like history, so were excited to go there, but when we arrived at 7 we were the only people there and it smelled very musty, like a basement. The furnishings were rather tacky as well. Some of the food was good, but some of the dishes (mussels) were disappointing and underseasoned. For the price, the Point was much better. We also had lunch at Wahoos, which we enjoyed tremendously. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the water view. We had the wahoo tacos and a rockfish special. Both were very good and the service was friendly.
Lynchburg, Virginia?
Are you looking for any particular part of town?
In terms of breakfast places: I agree that Market on Main (downtown) is a fun place. There is a new bagel shop called Jerry's Bagels on Old Forest Rd. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to go there, but the bagels are good and they have reasonably priced sandwiches. Lorraine bakery in the Farmer's Market downtown is excellent.
Waterstone Pizza serves it's own brews, BUT if you are looking for a huge selection of craft beers, I would head to Rivermont Pizza. They have a huge selection of interesting beers, and I think their pizza is better than Waterstones.
Our favorites for dinner:
Dish (downtown): small plates and wine bar. I believe they also have some pricing specials during the week that can be a pretty good deal.
Bull Branch (also downtown). They have an eclectic menu and a good bar. There is a wide range of prices, from their bar food up to their more expensive (though still reasonable) entrees. The prices here also are good because they include the very high restaurant tax in their prices. Kind of funky vibe and very fun.
Mangia (Italian. Located on Rivermont Ave) Though it is an Italian place, I generally don't order the pasta here, but love the meat and seafood specials. Also, if you are looking for food bargains, their happy hour (before 6 pm) offers amazing $2 apps. Nice outdoor seating if the weather is good.
For lunch:
Blue Marlin seafood. This is counter style dining, but the owner also has The Dalia next door which also has good food and more of a restaurant feel. Both offer high quality, but not fancy, food. The fish tacos are good.
Milan Indian is also good for lunch if you are down on 29 South.
Thai Siam that others have recommended is outstanding, but north of Lynchburg by a little drive.
I would not recommend: Neighbors Place or Main Street Eatery. They aren't bad...just not great.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Trip to Bermuda, staying at Rosewood Tucker's Point
Thanks. Great news about the hotel...I didn't pick it. It just happens to be where the meeting is. How far is it from the city of Hamilton? By driving, I was referring to the scooters. Recently anyone who has heard I'm going to Bermuda starts into their moped driving fiasco. I'm not sure I want to venture out of the mopeds, but we'll see.
Trip to Bermuda, staying at Rosewood Tucker's Point
We will be headed to Bermuda later this month for a meeting and will be staying at Rosewood Tucker's Point. I am just starting to research restaurants for the trip. I suspect that we will be taking a cab to the hotel, and I'm not sure I want to try driving there with the whole "other side" of the road thing. Reading over some of the other threads, I can't really tell what is relatively close to our hotel. So my questions are: Does anyone know how the restaurants are at the hotel? Any recommendations for restaurants that aren't too far away? I would prefer places that feature local seafood. Open to suggestions at all price points...I don't mind splurging but HATE to spend money for mediocre and overpriced food (but I guess that's a definition of a chowhound).
Amelia Island
Thanks for the information. We had very good and casual lunch at Cafe Karibo. We loved Lulu's. The appetizers all looked so good that we ordered 4 and had them brought out one at a time. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. We planned to go to Espana, but had a dinner meeting come up, so didn't make it there. Maybe next time.
By chance, we happened to find the Amelia Liquor store on Sadler. Maybe we have low expectations thanks to our terrible state owned store at home, but they had a great selection of some hard to find bourbon and scotch as well as some nice wines.
Where to eat in Snowshoe village
Taste of Asia has closed, but there is a new sushi place called the Stash next to South Mountain Grille. We haven't tried it yet. It's fairly small, only open for dinner, and they don't take reservations. It was hopping the other night when we went to South Mountain. I have been surprised (in a good way) in the past by some of the seafood they have managed to get in WV. If you go to South Mountain, it may be worth popping in to the Stash to take a look at the sushi counter and see how things look.
Have a great time! There's not as much snow as in years past, but they've done a good job with getting trails open.
Where to eat in Snowshoe village
OK, we were back at Snowshoe this weekend and made it to South Mountain Grille for dinner. It's more fine dining than the other places on the mountain, has a more urban feel (for being in the WV mountains) and the food was good. Serving sizes were huge, and definitely could be split (or taken home).
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #10 - 01/11/12 (Spoilers)
Ty Lor had botched efforts on several episodes, but he definitely didn't rub me the wrong way. Editing always makes it difficult to judge someone's behavior, but I thought he was very gracious when Sarah had her whole overheating/ER episode. He seemed like a team player and a nice guy from what I saw.
Beverly doesn't seem much like a team player. It seems like she worries about her one dish and that's it. Yes, she has been bullied by other chefs, and it's hard to tell which came first. It surprised me that the judges didn't seem to mind that she was the one overcooking the fish, even if her own dish was delicious. Lindsay better be glad the women won, as there is no doubt she would have been the one going home.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #10 - 01/11/12 (Spoilers)
The down side of going second is having to listen to the guys talk about what a nightmare it was...definitely could get yourself freaked out listening to them.
Amelia Island
I'll be traveling to Amelia Island later this month, and this looks to be the most recent post about the area. Is Espana still good? Any other recommendations?
Where to eat in Snowshoe village
We were back up at Snowshoe over Christmas and New Years. We stay off the mountain, so didn't eat any dinners up there, so I can't help you as much as I would like. We had several very good lunches at Sunset Cantina. It's not really Mexican, more Tex Mex inspired, but currently our favorite in the village. Foxfire is also fairly good, though if you eat there, I would recommend the bbq instead of the burgers (which are pre made patties). We ate at Fiddlehead, which was a bit disappointing, both in terms of food and service. They had just opened, so I might be willing to give it another try later. We tried to eat at SouthMountain Grill for brunch, but it was closed when we got there. If you want more upscale dining, I would give that a try for dinner, based on the chef having been good when it was Ember. Technically, it's not in the Village, but you can get there on the shuttle without anyone needing to drive. Unfortunately, there are fairly limited options in the Village. None of them are can't miss, and they are priced as you might expect for being in a touristy spot. If I were planning two lunches and two dinners there, I would probably pick Sunset Cantina and Foxfire for lunch and South mountain, Stash, or Sunset Cantina for the dinners.
Where to eat in Snowshoe village
How long will you be there? Will you be eating out for both lunch and dinner?
Where to eat in Snowshoe village
We were at Snowshoe this weekend and ate at the new Tex-Mex place, Sunset Cantina. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was far better quality than I had expected. Servings were huge, so definitely could be shared. Nice selection of beers. The service was remarkably good given that the restaurant had opened the day before.
The next day we ate at Old Spruce. Some of the things (smoked trout wrap) were very good, some (chicken salad) weren't great.
Where to eat in Snowshoe village
You can see menus for Elk River, South Mountain, Stash (the sushi place, which looks like it's opening this weekend), and Fiddlehead on line or on FB.
Where to eat in Snowshoe village
This is a hard question to answer right now because there has been a lot of turnover of the restaurants at the top of the mountain. I'm not sure that the replacement restaurants are even open yet, so I can't tell you how they are.
I think the best restaurant currently is Elk River, which is not on the mountain, but south on 219 towards Marlinton. Many of the items are local and the food is delicious (though some of it very rich), but it is definitely a drive (probably 15-20 minutes) if you are staying at the top. Have a designated driver to get you on and off the mountain.
At the base of the mountain, there had been a great Mexican place called Huarache Loco which, unfortunately, closed. I heard that the owners of Elk River were planning on opening a sandwich type place there, which I think they were calling Fiddlehead, or something like that. I'm not sure it's even open yet, but I would guess that the food will be good based on our experience at Elk River. Also at the base of the mountain, Woody's BBQ is decent (though not exceptional) barbecue and fairly reasonably priced.
At the top of Snowshoe, the best restaurant had been Ember (located in Soaring Eagle). It also has closed but a new restaurant (South Mountain Grill, or something similar) is going in that spot. Again, I'm not sure if it's open yet. We spoke to the owner about a month ago, and he said that the chef is the same that they had at Ember. The menu is a little more oriented to steak than it had been in the past, but there also were some items that looked familiar from the old Ember menu. They are also opening a sushi place next door. No idea how that will be, but I would be willing to give it a try.
Taste of Asia, another of our old favorites, has closed. A tex-mex restaurant is going in it's place. I would imagine it will be fairly standard tex mex fare.
Foxfire is still there. It has decent food and a wide variety of things to choose from. Cheat mountain Pizza is still there which has decent, though pricey, pizza. Avoid the Junction. The hot dog place, Red Rover, has closed. There is a sandwich shop in its place. I haven't eaten there, but have heard it's ok.
Historically, there haven't been many "can't miss" restaurants at Snowshoe. I think it's also really hard for the restaurants to make it given the very high rent and seasonal nature of the business. If you want a really gourmet meal, your best bet may be to make it yourself in your condo(. Bring your groceries yourself, because the grocery store situation is sad.) Otherwise, Elk River is very good, and I suspect South Mountain will be good too.
