Driving up from Lisbon to Oporto for three weeks.

Thanks to both of you. I'll have to see if I can get the wife past the small pigs. The picture on Sue's website might be too much for her. But we will be in the area so maybe I can spring it on her. The grinning piglet might be too much though.

Tdotfoodguy in Spain/Portugal

Driving up from Lisbon to Oporto for three weeks.

We had just made a reservation at the Hotel Moliceiro in Aveiro. We expect to explore around Obidos if the crowds are too much as well. Thanks for this.

Tdotfoodguy in Spain/Portugal

Driving up from Lisbon to Oporto for three weeks.

I have had a chance to look at the board and think I have Lisbon and Oporto under control...unless there is something new and fantastic to hear about. I am curious about O'Paparico andthe ODE Oporto Wine House in Oporto...haven't seen it mentioned here and wondering if they are Tripadvisor novelty.

I would like to know if there are suggestions for the Sintra area, Obidos, Batahla, Tomar, Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Douro valley. Could be nice lunch or dinner and doesn't have to be fine dining all the time.

It's my wife and I and we enjoy new discoveries or just well executed food preparation. We can spend money but don't feel up to big dinners every night.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Tdotfoodguy in Spain/Portugal

Something Near BAM pre theatre

Thanks, that's helpful.

Tdotfoodguy in Outer Boroughs

Something Near BAM pre theatre

Thanks to both of you. I've made a reservation at Conviium so I'm hoping that works out with our timing. On a not food note, if you have any idea, to get to that area from mid-town is the easiest thing just jump on the subway?

Thanks again.

Tdotfoodguy in Outer Boroughs

Something Near BAM pre theatre

We are attending the BAM to see Jacobi's Lear and wondered if there were any recs for something near there for pre theatre meal. We could do up scale or something funky or just a good solid food bet. Food type is pretty flexible.

Thanks in advance.

Tdotfoodguy in Outer Boroughs

Christmas in London

Yes I think I did but we settled on the Old Bank so that's done. Thanks for the reply. Any suggestions of restaurants in Oxford...maybe interesting off-beat.

Tdotfoodguy in U.K./Ireland

Christmas in London

Just wanted to thank everyone for jumping with ideas and suggestions. We have our flight booked so we are definitely going to be there. Looking more like maybe spending Christmas in Oxford and travelling London on the 26th...assuming there are buses or trains moving that day. We are looking at the Megaro Hotel at 23-27 Euston Road, Bloomsbury. And either the Parsonage or Old Bank in Oxford. Also trying to see if the Old Bathe in Oxford has room if anyone knows anything about it.

Tdotfoodguy in U.K./Ireland

Christmas in London

I am going to be in London with my family and I realize lots of stuff closes down on Dec. 24,25,26, so I would like to get some ideas of where one could eat. I imagine that there are the up-scale expensive venues, and I would like to hear about some of those, but also some alternative places one might try that are a little different or just not so up-scale. Also we will be spending some time in Oxford at that time, too, so if you have any interesting suggestions there that would be great as well. Thanks in advance.

Tdotfoodguy in U.K./Ireland

Late July and Early August...New Zealnd and Melbourne, Sydney...Something new and interesting?

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who commented for our trip. And wanted to give you some feedback.

We had a wonderful time in New Zealand and Australia and we are already talking about our next trip.

In Wellington we ate at Matterhorn and had a great meal despite the fireplace misfiring a little and all of us leaving smelling like mesquite smoke. I had a duck eight ways appetizer that was delicious, the service was great and it's a very friendly space.

In Melbourne we ate at Cumulus and everyone loved it. We shared some soft shell crabs and saffron mussels as well as a couple of other fish dishes. All round it was fun and the food was excellent. We went to Bar Lahourina (sp) and had a fun time at the bar eating and drinking. We didn't venture too far out of the centre. In Sydney we went to Selah and had a great time...the desserts were just stunning. One of us had a kind of custard with a lavender taste that was just amazing.

I can't find my notes right now but just wanted to thank you all for suggestions that I found here or you had posted on other threads.

Tdotfoodguy in Australia/New Zealand

Late July and Early August...New Zealnd and Melbourne, Sydney...Something new and interesting?

Thanks for this. I will look for the mags. We are doing Napier and Martinborough for the wines primarily so will take your suggestions with us.

Tdotfoodguy in Australia/New Zealand

Late July and Early August...New Zealnd and Melbourne, Sydney...Something new and interesting?

We just figured out that we will be a day in Martinborough in NZ and wondered if anyone has had any eperience with restaurans there. Also if you have any suggestions for Napier we are a couple of days there.

Thanks again.

Tdotfoodguy in Australia/New Zealand

Late July and Early August...New Zealnd and Melbourne, Sydney...Something new and interesting?

Thanks to all. It's always good to get a feel for how the local gastronomy develops and sustains. I will take the suggestions and see were life takes us. We just booked at the Quay West Suites in Melbourne in Southbank and the Qauy Grand Suites down by the harbour in Sydney. If anyone can think of a good breakfast and coffee place around them. I know some cities/countries don't do breakfasts like we North Americans but any help would be great.

Thanks again

Tdotfoodguy in Australia/New Zealand

Late July and Early August...New Zealnd and Melbourne, Sydney...Something new and interesting?

I have been going over the boards for a Mid-July to late August trip with my wife. We will be doing the North Island in New Zealand finishing up in Wellington to visit my daughter. And then taking her over to Oz for Melbourne and Sydney.

Lots of good suggestions but when I get to a city I like to also try and find some of the hot young chefs who are opening up their first restaurants or look for something interesting that might not be established but worth the effort.

Anyway if there is anything you can think of that fits that...could be fine dining or casual. We are not averse to ramping up the risk/reward meter.

Thanks in advance from a Toronto food guy.

Tdotfoodguy in Australia/New Zealand

Pittsburgh and Fallingwater

Another question as we get things more settled. We are going to do a self guided walking tour to look at the achitecture downtown so was wondering about a place to have lunch around Mellon Square area on Saturday. Again, we are happy to do something cheaper and delicious or up scale. Thanks again for all the help.

Tdotfoodguy in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and Fallingwater

We do have reservations. We're going to do a Fallingwater morning and then do lunch somewhere and then off to Kentuck Knob in the afternoon. Don't know much about the second but figured if we were that close might as well. Thanks for everything.

Tdotfoodguy in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and Fallingwater

Thanks this is perfect...I appreciate you taking the time.

Tdotfoodguy in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and Fallingwater

That might be an option...thanks for sharing.

Tdotfoodguy in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and Fallingwater

Not sure how we will get there yet but will likely be looking for a lunch between Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob. Possibly a dinner afterward on the way back to Pittsburgh.

THanks for the reply.

Tdotfoodguy in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and Fallingwater

I suspect we will be downtown but haven't booked a place yet. We will also have a car so have some fexibility. We are very open with tastes...less likely to go for steak house. We enjoy classic French, Thai or Asian, Fussion...like I said we are open if it is orginal, fresh and creative

Thanks for replying..

Tdotfoodguy in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and Fallingwater

My wife and I are taking a weekend trip to Pittsburgh mostly to see Fallingwater but I was checking this board and couldn't find anything up to date for Pittsburgh restaurants. We will likely dine in Pittsburgh for Saturday evening and would love either a great fine dining suggestion(s) or something interesting with a twist or new chef...just something where the food is worth savouring and the experience suggests people who love to serve good food. We are fine with paying for a great experience but not stuck on having to spend a fortune to have a good experience.

And if there is something near Fallingwater worth checking out for lunch or dinner on Sunday that would be great, too.

Oh and I hope it isn't raining down there like up here in Toronto...considering taking the trip by arch.

Tdotfoodguy in Pennsylvania

Lunch and...Dinner and...

We are doing a late Friday lunch at the Gramercy Tavern...have put off doing it for a few trips. Then likely something light and fast before seeing the theatre, Impressionism, that night or maybe something afterward. Lunch on Saturday is open but likely we will go to the MET Museum in the morning and then off to a matinee of God of Carnage. Or we might go to the Whitney in the morning...want to see the show, Synthetic, on acrylics. Then we are going to the Four Seasons because my wife is an architecture hound and has been wanting to eat in Phillip Johnson's building for ages...and they have their annaversary menu so it won't cost and arm and leg for old schoolish food. So debating about brunch Sunday and something to do afterward...we don't fly out till 9:00. Was thinking about working in the Armory Art Show...maybe do a fun brunch near Peer 94 and do the show in the afternoon.

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan

Lunch and...Dinner and...

Thanks to all. Great suggestions. And we have done the Neue Galerie and thought it was just great. and then had a coffee and snack in the Cafe. It's a great idea for a brunch on Sunday...if they do. I'll check out you LES tour RGR. I have to check out who's playing at the various clubs. Looks like it is warming up a bit and I just love walking in NYC so really looking forward to it.

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan

Lunch and...Dinner and...

Okay you all have made some great suggestions about food...I have some picks and some reservations but...We've been to NYC a few times and sort of end up doing the same things, the big museums, Broadway theatre, the Park...So I was wondering if you might suggest something Saturday dinner and...or Sunday brunch and...or even an off Broadway show for Saturday...this Saturday...just looking for something NYC that we have overlooked...we're a little old for clubbing but jazz would work...thanks in advance.

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan

Frugal Fridays at Craft?

Thanks..thought that might be the case. Just realized the strength of corporate marketing...too many Kraft dinners in my past I guess.

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan

Frugal Fridays at Craft?

Just wondering if anyone has tried the Friday small plates deal at Kraft (bar)? If you get there early is it easier to get in and is it worth the descriptions of minor chaos?

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan

Weekend food by district

Also while I'm flitting about the internet I have been checking out the Restaurant Week restaurants and was wondering if any of them are worth checking out.

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan

Weekend food by district

That is an interesting idea. I'm old enough to appreciate the Algonquin Round Table. Thanks

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan

Weekend food by district

We would also be interested in a suggestion for a great place to drop in for a martini around the hotel at 43rd and 2nd. Pre dinner or late aftenoon refresher.

Tdotfoodguy in Manhattan