Greenville to Asheville--where to eat along the way? Plus Asheville itinerary help.

A quick note to report back about our trip.
Flat Rock Bakery was a GREAT recommendation. We had a salad and one of the pizzas. It was more than enough for two to share. The town was also great--we stopped in a few shops. The drive from GSP airport to Flat Rock was scenic.
We had dinner at Curate and Cucina24. Both of which I could highly recommend. Curate was as others have said on this board. The only flat note was dessert. Cucina gets mixed reviews on this board, but we had a great time. The wine list is all Italian and a bit expensive. Service was a bit casual (our waiter kept saying "boom!") but attentive. We liked all our courses and found Wall St nice to visit.
We tried to go to LAB, but some how ended up next door at Southern. By the time we realized the mistake, we had already ordered beers. Would not recommend Southern.
Sunny Pointe, as expected, probably was our favorite meal. Only had to wait about 15 minutes for 2 on a busy Sat morning. Had lunch at Corner Kitchen on the way to Biltmore and it was just okay. Brunch at The Grove Park Inn was decadent, if a bit expensive.
Thanks again for all the great recommendation.

SaraPA in Southeast

Brunch in Asheville

Looking for Sunday brunch with a disabled family member who is gluten free. She lives near the Grove Park Inn. To make everything easier, I'm looking for a place that will be easy to get in with a wheelchair and with close parking. Buffets (ie the Grove Park Inn) would be difficult. Prefer reservations.

I was thinking of Stoney Knob. Or Honey Tupelo South (reservations), but it's a little out of our way.

Any other place we should consider?

Sara

SaraPA in Southeast

Brunch UES or Midtown East plus Itinerary help

Thanks for all the great replies! Some are a little too far south for this trip, but definitely next time.

Anyone have experience with Grant Park Grille? Or Cipriani Dolci in GCC? A friend mentioned these but I can't tell from reviews if okay for brunch. I think my Mom would like the atmosphere of both.

SaraPA in Manhattan

Brunch UES or Midtown East plus Itinerary help

We are heading to NYC first weekend of June. Mom has never been to NYC. She isn't super fancy, but always loves it when we take her out to fancier places when she visits with us.

My big hurdle right now is Sunday brunch. I always like to have a reservation from brunch--I find the waits to be interminable in Manhattan at this time. My plan was Sara Beth CP, but they are already booked for brunch. We are staying near Penn Station and plan to visit Grand Central Station, NYC Library, Rockefeller, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Central Park on Sunday. (Or at least as much as our legs will carry us). My plan was to start from GC and work north, but I suppose we could start at CP and go south. So looking at UES and MidTown Eastish. Any advice for a brunch that won't break the bank (ie Norma's is too expensive)? AND takes reservations? I looked at Marseille, but it's a little too far west.

We are also planning on Toloache for dinner before seeing Wicked. And Chinatown Brasserie one night. My mom has never had dim sum and figured this would be an "easy" entry. A friend recommended Buddakan, but it seemed a bit trendy for my Mom.

Thanks.
Sara

SaraPA in Manhattan

Greenville to Asheville--where to eat along the way? Plus Asheville itinerary help.

Thanks for all the good advice! Not sure if I should start a whole new subject, or just stick with the thread...

Here's the plan so far, plus some more questions.
Thurs: Flat Rock Village Bakers and Dupont State Forest.
Fri: Tupelo Honey (?) and Lexing Ave Brew?.
Sat--Sunny Pointe, Cucina 24
Sun--Brunch at Stoney Knob.

Now, still a few questions....
--Is Tupelo south okay? It fits our schedule and I like that they have reservations. But would hate to have a mediocre experience.
--Best Brewpub/bar food downtown? We will be finishing a Segway tour and will be looking for brews and bar food. burgers, snacks etc and casual. LAB seems to have a good reputation. Wedge and Pigasah seem to be more beer, less food.
--Can't get a good read on Cucina 24 on Chowhound. The menu intrigued me.
--On Sunday brunch, we will be taking a disabled family member. Stoney Knob seemed well reviewed.

SaraPA in Southeast

Greenville to Asheville--where to eat along the way? Plus Asheville itinerary help.

We're spending a long weekend in Asheville, via Greenville airport. I think we are going to stop at Chimney Rock on the way up. Is there a place to stop along the way for a lunch? We like Bistro or brew pub type of places. But really, any place that is tasty is fine with us.

So far, we plan on visiting the Asheville Brewing Co, Curate, and French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Still researching other choices.

We are staying in West Asheville. Other than Sunny Point Cafe, not finding a whole lot of options. Any good places for a late beer/nightcap?

Thanks.
Sara

SaraPA in Southeast

Brunch and Itinerary help for weekend in March

Just a quick update on our trip. Thanks again for all the great advice.
Sat: Lunch at Stanley's. I see why there was controversy on this spot. We weren't overly impressed. It was convenient for us, but just so-so. We had breakfast and wonder if the lunch items would've been better. Seemed more like a shake and burger kind of place. Dinner at Mr's B's. Boy--I can see why it is so highly recommended on CH. The airline lost my luggage, so I called ahead to make sure jeans, sweater and sneakers were okay. (It's what I travelled in). I was told no problem and didn't really feel out of place. All manner of dress (However, I would've preferred my luggage and planned dinner clothing). We were seated right away (I called in Jan for a Sat reservation) and had EXCELLENT service. The highlights of the meal were the shrimp and grits and, of course, the BBQ shrimp. Both were unique and delicious. I can also vouch for the pecan pie.
Sun: Brunch, Cafe Amelie. Again, very convenient to our hotel. LOVED the outside dining. Brunch was yummy and what I expected. Service was very good. Dinner was Domenica, by far our favorite dinner. Some have talked about mediocre service, but we didn't have that experience. Initially we were nervous about our waiter, who seemed a little young. But he was very knowledgable and helpful with the all Italian wine list and brought a perfect bottle (in my price range and very close to what I described I liked). We started with Pate on Crostini with caper berries. OMG. It was to die for. Every bite was delicious. We then shared a cheese plate and a pizza. We were plenty full and the food bill was under $50. Very reasonable.
Sun: Went to Crescent City Brewing. For whatever reason, we wanted a beer and burger kind of joint vs Muriels. The beer was so-so but my Shrimp P0Boy was great. I liked sitting outside and people watching. Then Cafe Du Monde was close for coffee and dessert :-)
Heartily recommend Croissant D'or, which was across from our hotel. Coffee was a little weak, but the pastries were fresh and delicious. We ate there each morning.
Our favorite bar was Laffitte's. Good service, good people watching. The best hurricane (not sickening sweet).
We also hit DBA and Spotted Cat on Frenchman St. I liked DBA best b/c of the *great* beer/liquor selection, but the music at Spotted Cat was more accessible (I easier to just sit and listen). We also enjoyed Fritzel's on Bourbon St. The one bar on Bourbon St proper that didn't have awful music.

SaraPA in New Orleans

Small Plates (MSG/ESB area), NYC weekend itinerary

I'm surprising my Mom with a trip to NYC. We are staying at Affinia Manhattan (7th b/w 30th and 31st).
My Mom is not the most worldy person, and she loves to eat different food other than "meat and potato" when we are together. I like to bridge my chowhoundy world with hers and meet somewhere in the middle. Not awful for me, not too adventurous for her. For instance, once place I've decided on is Toloache. (She loves "Mexican.")

Looking for recs for a Sat dinner, MSG/ESB area. I'm not opposed to travel, just nice to be near home.

She *loves* small plates. Think American Tapas, or Americanized Spanish tapas. But not too trendy, not too "weird", and not "too" fancy. And not bar menus. (Despite all this, she really is a cool Mom!)

Thought about Chinatown Brasserie, but it's a bit to travel. And their dim sum can get quite pricey.

As always, my thanks.
Sara

SaraPA in Manhattan

Brunch and Itinerary help for weekend in March

Oops, I meant Sat, Sun, Mon. (What an odd typo!). I'm hesitant about brunch on Sun at Muriel's as we will be dressed very casually to go on a bike tour--not sure if we'd have time to change beforehand.

SaraPA in New Orleans

Brunch and Itinerary help for weekend in March

Thanks, TaTee. Why such hatred of Stanley's? LOL, looks like we'll hit Muriels instead.

SaraPA in New Orleans

Brunch and Itinerary help for weekend in March

We are spending a long weekend in New Orleans in March. This is our first trip to the city. While we enjoy fine dining, we want to avoid the fancier places this trip (Commander's, Emerils, Galatoires)

Sunday, we are taking a bike tour at 130. We are staying at Hotel Villa Convento, which is on the lower (?) end of FQ, near Esplanade. Our bike tour is in Marigny, new Washington Square. Is there a place for Sunday brunch within walking distance where we can where jeans and a polo?

So far, here's a *tentative* itinerary:
Sat: Lunch at American Sector and WWII museum. Dinner at Mr. B's (the BBQ shrimp intrigues me)
San: Brunch? Dinner at Domenica (I'm a Besh fan, also seems a little more casual).
Sun: Stanley *or* Muriels.

Any rec's for a good drink/beer near our hotel? I think one night we will wander up to Frenchman St for music and will definitely hit Cafe Du Monde.

Thanks.
Sara

SaraPA in New Orleans

Ogunquit area in winter

Just wanted to update about our trip. I don't know why I was so worried--there were still many restaurants open and plenty to do. We had dinner at the Old Village Inn and went up to the piano bar at Front Porch for an after dinner drink. We thought dinner was great--nice woodpanel atmosphere and classic comfort food (Prime rib, stuffed shrimp and stuffed haddock). The clam chowder and lobster bisque were excellent. The Front Porch was a lot of fun (although a bit warm). I was most impressed by the service. And the singing :-) For breakfast we hit Amore Breakfast (although MC Perkins Cove was a close second and our waiter from dinner recommended Bintliff's--apparently they have bacon vodka in the bloody mary's). We would definitely go back again. I had the Lobster Eggs Benedict with homemade potatoes. Yum!
Thanks for all the great suggestions. I could definitely recommend visiting Ogunquit during this time of year. Plenty to eat and see.

SaraPA in Northern New England

Ogunquit area in winter

Thanks again, everyone. We are looking forward to our trip! We'll be staying at the Admiral's Inn. Many places still had minimum night stay, Admiral's Inn did not and looked like our kind of place.

I think we'll have brunch (Sun) at MC Perkins. I imagine the view can best be appreciated during the day when it's not dark! For dinner (Sat), I was thinking of either Jonathan's or the Old Village Inn. Any opinions? Any suggestions on where one can get a beer/nighcap after dinner? We prefer to stay in town and walking distance (don't want to drink and drive!)
Sara

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Admiral's Inn
87 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907

Old Village Inn
30 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907

SaraPA in Northern New England

Help for Portland lunch on Thanksgiving

We are visiting family in S. Portland and will arrive in the AM on Thanksgiving day. Last time we came home for Thanksgiving, we almost starved to death waiting for dinner. (I love my family, but they forget we need to eat when traveling all morning).

Last time we drove up Broadway to MillCreek and the only thing open was a Rite-Aid (?). I'm thinking of staying in Portland this year.

Any idea where a hungry traveller can get some lunch on Thanksgiving?

Sara
PS I initially posted this in "Southern NE". I always forget that not everyone considers Portland "the south". :-)

SaraPA in Northern New England

Ogunquit area in winter

Thanks for all the great advice. I feel comfortable booking my flight, pricelining a hotel room for Portland and starting to look into one for Ogunquit. I'll be sure to report back.

SaraPA in Northern New England

Ogunquit area in winter

We will be visiting family in Portland for Thanksgiving. We like to get away for one night (Sat the 26th) and will probably leave out of Portland Sun eve. I've never been to Ogunquit. In the past we have spent the night in Portland (which I know quite well) or Boston (flying out of Logan). Looking for something new this trip. During the summer we love Peak's Island, Bar Harbor and Camden.
We are hoping for a quiet, good nights sleep. A nice dinner, maybe brunch on Sun. A place to have a few drinks Sat night, without having to drive. Scenery. Cold and snow don't scare us (I was raised in ME and live in MI).
I'm nervous about going off season. Will there be restaurants/inns that meet our need? Any other suggestion within a reasonable drive of Portland to spend the night (We leave Sun eve out of Portland).
I'll get down to the nitty gritty as we get closer to the trip, but need to book hotels/flights etc soon. Just trying to decide if it's miserable in these coastal towns in the winter and better to spend the night in Portland or Boston.

Sara

SaraPA in Northern New England

One night in Back Bay

Just wanted to report back. We ended up at Legal Seafood (Prudential), Bukowski's for beer, and La Voile for lunch.
I don't get what the big deal is with Legal Seafood. (This wasn't my choice--the group decided for me.) I thought it was overpriced and sort of bland. Nothing I couldn't get in any other city. The clam chowder, however, was excellent and lived up to it's reputation. I was impressed by the wine list, which was very reasonable ($40 for Sonoma-Cutrer chardonnay). I had the surf and turf. The steak was grainy and did not have that delicious high heat crust. The shrimp was nothing spectacular. My Dad had the grilled scallops, which were better, but again, nothing great.
Bukowski's is the bomb. The exact place we were looking for and just across the road from the hotel. We stumbled into an Irish bar just around the corner (on Boylston) and immediately left when a bell started ringing, shots were poured and people started screaming. Bukowki's was quiet, seats at the bar and appropriately dark. Wide range of beers on tap.
We absolutely LOVED La Voile for lunch. As someone mentioned it was a perfect location after visiting the library and Trinity Church. Liked sitting outside and people watching. It is very French--slightly surly service with cramped tables. Perfect! The wine list wasn't very balanced--tended towards the expensive side. We had a bottle of champagne, and shared a delicious haricort verts/blue cheese salad, 3 cheeses and pate/terrine. Great way to end our trip.
Had a great trip to Boston. Even got a foul ball at Fenway! Thanks for all the advise.

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La Voile
261 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

Bukowski's
50 Dalton St Ste 4, Boston, MA 02115

SaraPA in Greater Boston Area

One night in Back Bay

We could always go to the hotel and change. But really want to be able to stick with nice shorts/polo shirts for dinner. Thanks for the advice, opinionatedchef. I know Sonsie is popular on CH, but we are looking for seafood heavy on Sat ngiht.

SaraPA in Greater Boston Area

One night in Back Bay

Heading to a Sox game on Sunday afternoon and spending the night at the Sheraton on Dalton St. We want to stay within walking distance.

Prefer fish and *casual* Sat night (after the ballgame) followed by a casual, but calm (not full of screaming yahoos) place to have a beer.

Monday our flight leaves Logan at 430. Would like to walk a bit (maybe the Library/Trinity Church) and have a French bistro type of lunch (ie cheese/pate, Croque monsieurs). Preferably with outdoor seating (if the weather holds out).

We thought Atlantic Fish Co for dinner. Not sure where best for beer. Then either La Voile or Brasserie JO for lunch. Which do folks prefer?

Does this itinerary sound okay?

Sara

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Atlantic Fish Co
761 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

La Voile
261 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

Brasserie JO
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

SaraPA in Greater Boston Area

Trip itinerary help

Just returned from SD and had a great trip. Thanks again for the recs. We followed most of them and, in one case, wish we did.

Our best dinners were at Neighborhood and Cowboy Star. Neighborhood is cool, funky and a great place to have appetizers to share—they are quite large. We had the corn dogs (with GREAT presentation), sweet potato fries with blue cheese and deviled eggs and it was more than enough for the both of us. Cowboy Star is expensive, but worth every penny. I was most impressed by the service and steaks, but found the wine list overpriced and uninspired.

I was not impressed by Cucina Urbana. Initial impressions were great—good service, appetizers tasty (cheese plate and squash blossoms). I liked that the wine seemed to be at cost, with a $7 corkage fee. At this point we lost our server. Our appetizer plates sat on the table for the whole main course. And when she finally checked in after we finished, she left the main course AND appetizer plates sitting on the table. I thought the food was over-hyped and with too many elements on the plate that didn’t really all work together.

We hit Mission for breakfast before the zoo—great recommendation. Everyone was right about Brockton Villa in La Jolla. Superb view, mediocre food. The Coast Toast was too mushy for my taste (more like custard). But the view was almost worth it. Café Chloe was as tasty as everyone said—we went for brunch, sat outside and watched everyone walk by on the way to the game. Also had a delicious breakfast at the Grant Hotel. We didn’t have time before leaving to drive anywhere. It was a bit expensive (so maybe only for expense accounts), but really was one of my favorite meals. Very elegant AND tasty at the same time.

Lastly, we also hit Basic for pizza. Great pizza, cool space, but maybe a little “funky” for some. We walked to a Noble Experiment after lucking out with a last minute res b/c of a cancellation. The. Coolest. Ever. And cheap! $12 for a personalized cocktail.

We accidently drove through the Gaslamp district proper one night. What an awful looking place. So many drunk, yelling people stumbling around. Anyone looking at this thread, hoping for a good place to eat in the Gaslamp should avoid it. Most of these places are just outside the gaslamp, with a quick easy drive and easy parking.

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Brockton Villa Restaurant
1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

SaraPA in San Diego

Trip itinerary help

Thanks for the great advice! I think we'll take the ferry over to Coronado our first night, as some have suggested. We'll have dinner at Cowboy Star Fri night (reservation) and brunch on Sunday at Cafe Chloe. That was a great idea! Cucina Urbana instead of Costa Brava. Probably skip Hash House and reconsider the Brockton Villa. Although sometimes I think mediocre breakfast food is accepabtable in exchange for a great view. Not so into the sea lion smell, though! I'll report back on our trip.

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Costa Brava
1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Cafe Chloe
721 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Brockton Villa Restaurant
1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

SaraPA in San Diego

Trip itinerary help

We'll be visiting San Diego in early April and staying in the GasLamp District (Westin Gaslamp). We prefer more casual restaurants (nice jeans and sweater/blouse). We will have a car. I prefer not to drive too much after dinner (wine with dinner).

Thurs:
In N Out burgers for lunch. (*grin*)
We are usually pretty tired and jet-lagged after traveling all day. Thinking of spending some time on Coronado with dinner at the Coronado brewpub or Karl Strauss Brewery closer to home. Looking for some place with good beer and bar food and not fancy.

Fri: Spending the day at the zoo.
Breakfast at Hash House agogo? or maybe Broken Yolk or Cafe 222.
Drinks at Noble Experiment (I'll make a reservation) or US Grant and dinner either at Cafe Chloe or Cowboy Star. While Cafe Chloe seems more like our type of place, I'm nervous about no reservations at Cafe Chloe. How bad is the wait on a Friday night around 7 or 730?

Sat: Torrey Pines and PB area
Breakfast at Brockton Villa for the view? Or is the food just too awful?
Beers at Pacific beach Ale House or Green Flash.
Dinner at Costa Brava (looks nearby) or Cucina Urbana.

Sun: USS MIdway and Harbor boat tour
Breakfast at Broken Yolk or Cafe 222.
Dinner at Basic. We are usually tuckered out by this point in our trips and want "simpler" food.

Any thoughts? Recommendations? Does anything NOT work on this itinerary? Or does some work better? Any bad or awful choices?

Thanks. Can't wait to visit!

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Costa Brava
1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Cafe Chloe
721 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Cafe 222
222 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop
640 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Brockton Villa Restaurant
1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Basic
San Diego, CA, San Diego, CA

Karl Strauss Brewery & Restaurants
1157 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

Hash House A-Gogo
3628 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Broken Yolk
355 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Green Flash
701 Thomas Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Pacific Beach Ale House
721 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

CUCINA urbana
505 Laurel Street, San Diego, CA 92101

SaraPA in San Diego

Toronto recs

Just a follow-up.
We LOVED Beerbistro. Seated right away with a reservation. Service was a little off-putting at first, but once our server figured out we loved beer, he was great. Lots of good recs to go with our food. Had the bacon wrapped shrimp, mussels and crab quesadilla. The crab quesadilla got a little soggy, but great flavor.
We ended up going to Boiler House for brunch, mainly b/c that's where our friends wanted to go. I thought it served our purpose just fine. A cool space and the jazz combo was a nice touch. It is a buffet, which I don't mind. Had a nice variety and everything was replenished quickly. The drinks were outrageous--$10 for a tiny mimosa.
Parliament house was too packed. W burger bar was just okay. The boozy shake was a highlight. The onion rings are unique--covered with Panko with herbs. The beef burger itself seemed dry to me.
One of my favorite meals was at the Mill St. Brewery and SOMA for chocolate after. We frequent beer pubs when we travel and this one was unique with fresh tasting food. I had the lobster grilled cheese. Great whole wheat bread, lots of lobster and with brie and cheddar. Yum! Had the ESB and IPA.
Thanks for all the help.

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Beer Bistro
18 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1C4, CA

Mill Street Brew Pub
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A, CA

Boiler House
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A3C4, CA

SaraPA in Ontario (including Toronto)

Toronto recs

Show is at 2P. I looked at Le Petit Dejeuner as I know it's a CH favorite, but I was nervous about no reservations. How bad is the wait usually. There's nothing I hate more than being totally stressed out about time during a good brunch.

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Le Petit Dejeuner
191 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A1J5, CA

SaraPA in Ontario (including Toronto)

Toronto recs

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Here's what we're thinking of doing:
Sat night at Beerbistro. Could use a suggestion for a drink before/after. Not too fancy.

Sun brunch at Boiler House (looks like an easy drive/cab ride to the Sony theatre). After theater beer at Irish Embassy. Dinner at W Burger (near where we are staying).
Mon lunch at Mill St Brewery.
Let you know how it turns out!

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Irish Embassy
49 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E, CA

Boiler House
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A3C4, CA

SaraPA in Ontario (including Toronto)

Toronto recs

Thanks for Mercatto rec--unfortunately they are closed on Sundays, when we'll be going to the ballet and looking for brunch. :-(

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Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

SaraPA in Ontario (including Toronto)

Toronto recs

We'll be in Toronto Sat 3/5-Mon 3/7. Staying in Cabbagetown and going to see the ballet at the Sony Centre Sunday afternoon. Will spend Monday in the Distillery District. Will also likely try to check out the CN tower, Whistle Stop Brewery tour and St. Lawrence Market.

Looking for dinner recs. Nothing too fancy--we prefer casual ie jeans and sweater. Cost isn't too much of an issue. Like french bistro and eclectic Canadian/American. Not too keen on ethnic, but like Chinese, Italian etc. Dinner within walking distance in Cabbagetown would be great.

Also a brunch rec near the Sony Centre for Sunday. Prefer to be able to make reservations for brunch because time will be an issue.

Thanks!
Sara

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Distillery District
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A, CA

St. Lawrence Market
92 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E, CA

SaraPA in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dinner and lunch recommendation in downtown detroit?

I'm a big fan of the Detroit Beer Company, which is on Broadway and quite close to your hotel. Good, casual bar food and microbrewed beer. Angelina's is a nice Italian place next door. A little more $$, but I've had a nice dinner of appetisers. Same for Small Plates, one of my favorites. It is not a CH favorite in general, though, b/c some of the dishes are pricey for what you get.

SaraPA in Great Lakes

Brunch in Saugatuck area

Thanks SonyBob. We did end up at the Elbo Room. Pretty standard food, NO alcohol. *But*, the service was fabulous and great views. Still work the trip, just no Mimosa ;-)
But I can't rave highly enough about SOTE. Best brunch ever.

SaraPA in Great Lakes