dinersaurus's Profile
KoMo KoMo in Cary
Thanks for posting this, it looks promising. From the website, I see that the chef did a stint at 2941, which was one of my favorite restaurants in the DC area.
Tapa bars in Barcelona - Born area
I suspect that you haven't received any replies regarding tapas because that topic has been pretty well covered by other threads on Barcelona. Prior to my trip, I found a wealth of good info on Barcelona with the search function. Anyway, Cal Pep and Euskal Extea (pintxos) are both good and in the Born. However, the Born is a quick walk, so don't feel like you need to limit yourself to that area. The Raval, Sant Pere, Barcelonetta, and the Passeig de Gracia areas are all a short walk or even shorter metro ride away. It's a really easy (and compact) city to get around in. I have no idea regarding pizza. But, if I were you, and if you were looking for something cheap, there are tons of good sandwich places and places that do focaccia like items that might be more interesting than pizza.
Catalan Hot Chocolate
Aaaah. I was using "Catalan" as a search term, not "Spanish." I should have guessed that it might be a pan-Spanish thing and not just Catalan. Thanks.
Mandolin Restaurant - coming soon (Raleigh)
...ahem, y'all probably figured this out, but I meant to say pork belly, not "bellow." Although, that could be interesting.
Catalan Hot Chocolate
On a recent trip to Catalunya we almost OD'd on hot chocolate. There's seems to be different from what I'm used to - it's very thick, eaten with a spoon, and just outrageously good. Since coming back, I haven't been able to figure out what they do to it that made it so good. Does anyone have a recipe for Catalan style hot chocolate? For all I know, other parts of Europe do something similar, although I've not noticed it elsewhere before. I've searched online and on Chowhound to no avail.
Mandolin Restaurant - coming soon (Raleigh)
I'm surprised that I haven't seen any reports from Mandolin yet, so I'll throw in my two cents here from a recent visit. In short, it's really good. It has a great ambiance, very tastefully decorated in a way that balances an upscale feel with some rustic accents (like the wood shelves and pickle jars). Highlights of our meal include a pork bellow with fried clams appetizer, rabbit two ways, and banana bread pudding. We were told that the menu changes almost daily depending on what is in season and available. It appears that they source mostly locally. They have some nice cocktail options and some interesting wines on the list. You can tell that they put some time and thought into putting it together as there are some fairly esoteric options and a lot of small producers. Service was also very good too and polished. While we've just been there once and in my very humble opinion, I think this has the potential to be one of the top tables in the area.
Barcelona Trip Report - Cinc Sentits
I had the same experience. Rationally, Cinq Sentits was a great meal - everything was perfectly cooked (the shooter and the suckling pig were terrific), the wine pairings were spot on, the service was terrific... yet, I did not fall in love with it. Meanwhile, we had a meal at Alkimia that included a few misses, but I loved it. Their sea bass, their gazpacho, their desserts are all still deeply etched in my mind.
Where to stay in Barcelona
This all depends on what you define as touristy as you'll find tourists in most of the areas that you're likely to want to go anyway. But, I'll assume you want to stay out of the areas with the highest concentrations around La Rambla and the Barri Gothic. Personally, I would stay in the Born or somewhere in Eixample within walking distance of the old town, or if you need to be further afield, in Gracia. You can find a large number of good restaurants in all of these areas, but the metro system is great and the city is compact, so it's pretty easy to get around regardless of where you are.
Delicious Asian restaurants in Raleigh
Second Asian Grill. I've also enjoyed Fortune Palace just off of Capital. Their menu has a wide mix of things from the usual Anglo-Chinese suspects to more authentic dishes. Avoid the lunch buffet - you can order off the menu for lunch.
Although, as a Raleigh-ite, I usually go to SuperWork or Taipei 101 in Cary for my Chinese fix.
New Years Eve in Barcelona - dining suggestions?
Just curious, how was everyone's New Year's Eve in Barcelona?
We ended up going to Paca Meralgo that night. The tapas were great (it was their usual menu/tapas list), the service was very helpful, and we enjoyed ourselves, but the experience was a little odd. As others have pointed out, NYE is typically pretty low-key in Barcelona (while we knew this, we didn't realize just how subdued it would be). They seated us in what we dubbed as the American section. The people in front of us, behind us, and most of the people at the bar were all Americans. The restaurant is split in two sides, each with a bar and dining/high top areas. The other side appeared to be mostly Spanish/Catalans. With the exception of the Americans, most people were dressed fairly casually. Prior to midnight, most of the non-Yanks started to filter out the door, I assume to spend the New Year's at home.
At midnight, they passed out grapes and played a recording of a clock striking midnight. We gulped down our grapes. The staff participated and toasted with cava. Shortly after, they started packing things up, so we took the hint and wandered on.
We still enjoyed ourselves and ate well. For us, just being in Barcelona on New Year's was special. But, if I were to do it again, I would have either done a dinner at Gelonch or Hisop or somewhere along those lines or done tapas in a more exciting part of town, probably in the Born. I also would go back to Paco Meralgo, just not that night.
New Years Eve in Barcelona - dining suggestions?
Likewise, I'm still tuning in and appreciate the information. Hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve.
Highly suggest avoiding Weinberg's Deli
I was just thinking that we really need one more thread about this place.
New Years Eve in Barcelona - dining suggestions?
They were not on our radar, so thank you mle17!
New Years Eve in Barcelona - dining suggestions?
We saw the prices at Cinq Sentis and others of that caliber for NYE, so given our dining itinerary the other nights there, I think that we're going to just hunt for tapas that evening. Any recommendations for places that will be open, have good tapas, but won't be completely overrun would be greatly appreciated.
New Years Eve in Barcelona - dining suggestions?
Just curious to know if you found any new options. We're in the same boat - in Barcelona for New Years. After reviewing the options that seem to be left, we're considering bagging plans to do a nice meal that evening. Instead, we're thinking of doing something nice for lunch and then that evening either taking our chances with tapas places or picking up some items and wine, then finding a nice place to hang out.
Elderflower liqueur near Raleigh
I've seen St Germain at the Wake County stores too. Thanks for bringing this up, as we've been meaning to pick up some and keep forgetting. So, thanks for the reminder. It's heavenly. And outrageously underutilized.
raleigh nc - vino restaurant or other italian
Gravy in downtown is a satisfying red sauce joint. Vivace in North Hills is usually pretty good too. They steer more towards northern Italian items. Casalinga in North Raleigh on Capital Blvd might be worth a look. I've had a couple of pretty good pasta dishes there. They do a variety of Italian dishes and some of the Anglo-Italian favorites. Of these, Vivace has the most upscale feel, Casalinga feels more like a mom n pop, and Gravy falls somewhere in between.
Need 2 restaurant picks (Lantern, Glasshalfull, etc.) in the UNC/Chapel Hill area!
Yep, Lantern has to be on the list. The area's best cooking and ideas are coming out of that kitchen. As other's have said, you can also eat very well at Four Square, although I think Nana's has better food, but I like Four Square's atmosphere, being in an old home. One is pretty good too and has a sleeker, more contemporary feel to it. If you like things a bit funkier, then Gulghupf might be an interesting option. I'm not as big on Il Palio, although I had a good meal there recently. But, the ambiance just doesn't click for me, as it seems a bit cold.
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Four Square Restaurant
2701 Chapel Hill Rd., Durham, NC 27707
Romantic Restaurant in Raleigh?
Second that. I also am not impressed with the Mint. Nor am I a big fan of Margeaux's. The atmosphere is not really romantic either, just a little weird.
Of the picks above, I would lean towards Bloomsbury for the food or Second Empire for the ambiance.
Raleigh, NC suggestions for a Garden Group
Within walking distance of the Sheraton, I think your best options are Caffe Luna (Italian), Sitti (Eastern Mediterranian), Buku (mentioned above), Gravy (red-sauce Italian), and maybe Mo's Diner. Note that the other places above would be a taxi ride away (except for Durham/Duke, which would be a pricey taxi ride away).
Bloomsbury Bistro (also in Raleigh) might be worth a taxi as well.
For lunch, you might consider Spize (Thai and Vietnamese style options, including great sandwiches that are sort of like banh mi) and Beasley's Chicken and Honey. Also within walking distance is Coopers BBQ if you would like a taste of Eastern NC que. It's a bit of a dive, but it's dirt cheap and within a couple blocks of the Sheraton.
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Caffe Luna
136 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Sitti
Raleigh, NC, Raleigh, NC
Mo's Diner
306 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Bloomsbury Bistro
509 W Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Spize Cafe
121 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
What is great and near the Raleigh Art Museum?
If you are going to the NC Museum of Art, keep in mind that you're only 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh, North Hills, and much of Cary. As others have pointed out, there's nothing within walking distance of the museum, for some reason, they planted it on a patch of land in the middle of nowhere.
Let us know if there is something in particular that you're craving, and we can give you some more fine-tuned recommendations.
Need rec for breakfast between RDU-Raleigh and/or sandwich place between Raleigh-Durham
I recommend Hereghty's, just inside of 440 off of Glenwood Blvd. Parking is easy as there's a large lot and they have some of the better pastries in town. They also have quiche and some other breakfast items. Cup of Joe and Global Village will require street parking along HIllsboro, which now that school is starting up again will be a pain. Sosta is downtown and downtown parking is hit or miss. I can usually find something but you may have to circle. Helios on Glenwood South is also street parking but a good spot. Other downtown coffee shops that are pretty good include Morning Times and Benelux.
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Sosta Cafe
130 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Morning Times
8 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Cup of Joe
4381 Senator Richard B Russell Sq, Acworth, GA 30101
Zucchini blossoms?
We've also searched high and low for them. A vendor at the Carrboro Farmers' Market had some, so we snapped them up, but this was weeks ago. This has been the only place that we've seen them. Unfortunately, I can't remember which one it was - I didn't take note of the name. But, it might be worth looking around there.
Help Requested For 'Best' Triangle Dining
Fearrington is good and the setting is charming - its located in an old farmhouse on nice plot of land surrounded by fields and gardens and wandering belted cows and goats. But, I don't think that it will give you a feel for this particular area, as it has a menu that could be found at many upscale restaurants, regardless of location. Instead, I would go with Magnolia Grill in Durham, which has more local flavor. I think Poole's is a good suggestion too as it offers southern comfort food with a gourmet twist in a laid back, hipsterish setting in an old diner.
I would skip Herons, not because it's bad at all, but again, it's the type of place and menu that can be found about anywhere in the country.
I enjoy Watts and it's a good spot for a solid meal with local ingredients, but if I were coming from Toronto, I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
To soak up some local culture, you must spend a little time in Chapel Hill/Carrboro. It's not a big town, but has some neat places that highlight one of the things I love about the area - the mix of Southern culture with progressive (if not hippy) funkiness. Neal's Deli is a good place for lunch (but is small, you might end up standing), but I love it. Crooks Corner might be getting a little long in the tooth, but - for me anyway - has a good Chapel Hill vibe. I would consider it for lunch or brunch.
I know Lantern may be similar to what you can find in Toronto, but it's still really good. It may be my favorite place in the area.
Do go to Allen & Sons. You can't visit the area without sampling some pulled pork BBQ. Just be sure to visit the one north of Chapel Hill, not the one in PIttsboro (same name, but different sides of the family and different experiences).
Hope you have a great trip. And, give us an update after your visit.
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Neal's Deli
100 E Main St Ste C, Carrboro, NC 27510
I 85 or I 95 between Raleigh and DC
Your best bets are in Richmond. I can't help you with anything immediately off of I-95, but I've stopped at CanCan (French bistro) a couple times in Carytown and at Kuba Kuba (Cuban). While both are 5-10 mins off of the highway, I think they're worth the detour. You won't get in and out of either very quickly though.
There are a few good threads on Richmond, so be sure to hunt those down. I'm sure they'll have some good ideas for you.
Best gourmet markets in the Triangle?
I have been very impressed with Antonio's meats. We've had some of the best NY strips we've ever had there. The fish has also been very good. The fishmonger and the meat...um...mongers have been very helpful and knowledgeable too.
Craft Cocktails in Raleigh?
That's a good question. I second Foundation as well, but beyond that, it's tough to say. Poole's has some darn good cocktails. I get the sense Fai Thai aspires to the craft cocktail side of the spectrum with their takes on classic 50's style drinks - their resident mixologist/somelier/bar dude certainly seems into the idea. But, I can't think of anyone that really takes it to the next level, like a PX in Alexandria, VA or Gin Joint in Charleston (granted, their execution is a bit off). Looking forward to other responses here. I hope that there's someone else out there.
DC-Atlanta-DC recommendations
You may want to reconsider blowing the wad in Atlanta if you're coming back through Charleston. That city punches way above its weight food-wise. Heck, I would skip Atlanta altogether and just hole up there. Consider spending at least a night. It's a beautiful city and there are so many good places to eat, it's silly. Plus, if you're looking for shrimp and grits, that place is the epicenter for the dish. Mecca. You'll find plenty of threads on Charleston in Chowhound. But, if you're lazy like me and don't want to comb through them all, then you can't go wrong with McCradys, Penninsula Grill, Charleston Grill, SNOB, FIG, Hominy Grill, Magnolia, Lucca, Husk...just scratching the surface here. Haven't even got to the places off the Penninula.
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McCrady's Restaurant
2 Unity Alley, Charleston, SC 29401
Hominy Grill
207 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
Charleston Grill
224 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401
