ljero's Profile
best vineyards in wa?
Traveling to seattle in march. Love wine, esp reds...pinots, syrah, cabs. We have spent a lot of time in wine country in california and oregon but never wa like walla walla and yakima. First, are these the best areas for great wine? Looking for some cult wines that are high end with great tasting rooms. What are considered the best and which do you all like the best? Would also love a local favorite for dinner. Thank you.
Best Iowa City Resturant for Chitown Foodies for tonight?
We will be staying tonight at Hotel Vetro. We are looking for the best restaurant in Iowa City. Preferably non american, not french, and no sushi. anything interesting with great food...something cozy would be great since it is icy and cold out (at least in Chicago), but open to all suggestions--thank you!
Chicago Foodie needs help for upscale foodie HOU restaurant....please help!
Thanks for the help. we love bbq and roast our own full pigs in our caja china. I think we'll have to do Beavers for lunch on sunday. woudl that be your top rec for great bbq and a fun atmosphere? what are must-orders there as far as the cue and sides?
For Saturday night, Reef looks great if I wanted seafood...not sure my husband will be into that...I thoguht Hugos loked great...I looked at the webiste and I think we were there last time! we really liked it, but want to try something new. any other thoughts? Can be expensive/upscale I just want either an upbeat ambience or somehting with candles/etc...anything but stuffy, really. Nothing too minimalist, either. thanks
Chicago Foodie needs help for upscale foodie HOU restaurant....please help!
So, my husband and I are traveling to Houston for the upcomnig weekend, a combination work/anniversary/visiting friends trip. We are having dinner with friends who recommended the following two restaurants: Mark's and RDG. Neither seem to fit the bill. Both have basic American /Steakhouse menus, the typical one duck, one steak, one salmon, with app of foie gras, etc. I would prefer something that has a more interesting menu....nothing French or American (although contemporary American with a twist is ok)....we love spanish/tapas, Japanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, etc.
We'd also love a great ambience, pretty venue/lighting upscale in feel or soemthing different, just nothing boring and stuffy. any price point ok, but not into $40 entrees of steak, duck, lamb and salmon. any help is greatly appreciated!
Need some suggestions for a chow-worthy dinner in scottsdale?
Staying at Four Seasons for bi-annual trip. Past favorites include: Roka Akor, The Barrio Cafe, Posh, Elements, Mosaic, Binkleys, Talavera, ....
Looking for a restaurant with great food and fun ambience, as well....specifically looking for: Mexican (anything other than Barrio and Los Sombreros--anything Mexican in Northern Scottsdale, Troon area)?
Or tapas?
No Steakhouses, French or American (which is why we have stayed away from Noca), as we have so many in Chicago.....adventurous diners....need some good chow options! Thank you!
Best place to eat in Santa Monica? Will travel for great food!
My husband and I will be spending two nights in LA (last trip pre-first baby) at Casa Del Mar. We are huge foodies from Chicago. We are looking for excellent food, either : Japanese, Spanish, Vietnamese (no Italian French orAmerican, please). Also looking for excellent ambeince...maybe something outdoors or romantic or jsut plain cool. Last time in town (years ago) we went to Crustacean and Les Deux. We were thinking about The Bazaar...any thoughts? We are adventurous...want something upscale but not stuffy! thanks so much!
Best Bar with fun Austin vibe to watch the Longhorns/Spartans game?
We will be in town for the holidays, and I want to send my father and husband (big basketball fans) somewhere fun to have beers/drinks, maybe order food and sit in a fun Austin scene...Dad has never been to Austin before...Shoal Creek probably too cold and no TVs outside? Dog and Duck? Want something mroe unique to Austin, if possible. Thank you!
Also: Still looking for some holiday recommendations for drinks and dining. Lalas is definitely on the list...need somewhere for Christmas Eve as most spots are closed!
finally, is Snow's really worth the drive for the brisket? Otherwise, we are pretty happy at Smittys.
Thank you! Happy holidays to all!
Best Loop Restaurant Before Seeing Nutcracker at Auditorium Theatre?
Thanks,Nsxtasy. I really wanted to do Everest, but they do not open until 5:30p.m. Have you been to CH since Shawn McClain left? I was wondering if it was as god as before.
If only we had a 7:30pm time, like the opera start time...that extra half an hour would realy help! Anything else around for a great dessert thereafter?
Best Loop Restaurant Before Seeing Nutcracker at Auditorium Theatre?
We are headed to a festive night on the town to see the Nutcracker, and would like an upscale early dinner beforehand.Any recommendations for something close by? We used to go to Rhapsody, but it has not been sogood in recenttimes. We'd prefer a Nahaorsomething of that nature, but I think we'd be in a time crunch to go there after work, and then get to AT for a 7pm show...any other ideas? The Gage is too loud; would prefer something more refined for a nice night out. Thanks!
Annual Trip (at the holidays) please vet my list!
Thanks...would it be open xmas eve? what is ambience there like and what do you enjjoy eating there?
Peninsula v. Four Seasons for Afternoon Tea?
I have benn yo The Peninsula for afternoon tea quite a few times, but never the four seasons. Has anyone been to both? I want to compare the tea/sandwiches, ambience/holiday decor, location in hotel, and presence of carolers? Thank you!
Annual Trip (at the holidays) please vet my list!
Tom in Austin: I was hoping that you'd reply, as I always appreciate your insight and recommendations. What do you think for xmas eve and xmas? We have tentative 4:30pm brunch reservations at Trio for Christmas...how isthe food? For xmas eve, I was thinking Vespaio, with a walk down SoCoSt/xmas eve walk to Zilker Tree, lights on 37th etc. Better options for either? What about a holiday drink at Lala's for the festive ambience?
We will definiitely try the Mighty Cone. Which is your favorite cone there? I, too, dislike Hey Cupcake. Others to try? I am so disappointed that Flip Happy is closed the whole week. What about Lula B's?
We are doing Uchi, of course, and with the holidays, does not leave time for many fun, quirky eats. But, I want my parents to get all the local flair where possible for their first time visit and not all high end restaurants...looking like xmas eve, xmas, night after at Uchi will all be expensive and need a low-key option...food quality not to be sacrificed...
Re: Fonda, you are right. We have never been, but unsure we want to do another expensive brunch. I was thinking either the Taco Trailer Park or maria's jsut for the gospel brunch. But, we could do fonda Sun and then do something else for xmas than Trio buffet...just do not want too many fancy buffets...thoughts? I am worried amny places will be closed for xmas eve and xmas?
Also: considering Snows for brisket..is it worth the drive? Weweredisappointed by Louies'and also Opie's....love Lockhart 'cue. Any other fun day trips with good local food stops or wine?
Thanks, as always for all the information. Happy Holidays!
Annual Trip (at the holidays) please vet my list!
Thanks for the recommendations. I have always wanted to try Snow's. We drove to Louie Mueller's last time and were unimpressed; I thought Lockhart was better.
Are there any fun holiday spots or recommendations for a festive christmas Eve or christmas dinner? It is also my father's birthday. Thank you!
Annual Trip (at the holidays) please vet my list!
Well, we are holding to our annual trip in Austin, only this year, over Christmas for one week (at Barton Creek Resort) as always. Are there any holiday can't miss spots for a fun festive cocktail or even Xmas dinner (and my dad's birthday)? Places with great xmas decorations? Fabulous food and ambience is a must. Ambience can be any type from hoel in the wall to more formal.
Re: BBQ. We always go to Lockhart. Once we went to Cooper's and were not very impressed. Always go to Salt Lick in Hill COuntry for the ambience. Anything have better brisket than Lockhart for a fun day trip?
Re: Mexican: Are there any really good Mexican places with good ambience? We have done Trudy's (migas), Chuy's (loved the chips and salas and margs), Guerros, Polvos (it was pretty dirty on the last trip there), Curra, Angies on 7th, Vivo, Maria's Taco Xpress(sunday brunch)...all were ok...any with better food or new places? We really liked El Chile but on last visit, was just ok. We are alwyas looking for fun, new, great Mex and BBQ spots. Never can have enough.
Re: food carts: We love Flip Happy. Any others new that we should try?
Re: higher end: We love Uchi. It is our one must dine spots. Any others in this list? Just nothing French or American, as we have great American at home in Chicago and prefer something more unusual. We really liked the casual side of Vespaio. Esp. for Xmas, maybe Trio? Is that the best? Prefer not stuffy, though, and no game.
We also would love some fun festive bar spots with the family for the holiday, fun day trips with good food/wine stops, and great brunch or breakfast spots (liked west end). All recs are greatly appreciated. We love the holidays and cannot wait to hit the town..for everything! thank you, thank you!
Best Pecan Pie? What about Carrot Cake?
I need dessert help for both of the above.
For Thanksgiving, I would like to BUY a pecan pie. We have tried Hoosier Mama and Goddess & Grocer's pecan pies, but neither were very good. They both had way too may nuts, almost through to the bottom and not enough of the filling. Does anyone know of one that has a lot of filling with less nuts (as in maybe jsut on the top)? A good crust and taste is a must, of course. We are purists, so no chocolate or bourbon, please!
For this weekend, I'd like to buy a carrot cake. The cake must be really moist and have great flavor (some can be kind of hard and pretty bland), and good icing is a must with some sweetness. I have to say, I like Smith & Wolensky's a lot as the cake is fabulous, but they do not sell whole cakes, and if they did, I do not think I could afford it.
Thanks for the help! My stomach thanks you!
Help for Tonight/Tomorrow in Scottsdale/Troon, please! Vet our list and we'd love new recs, too!
Thanks for the email! Funny you should say that, I was just looking at that place online, as I have heard about it forever...sushi wuold be good for tonight. How is the ambience? I thought it was more about their Robata grill? The only sushi place we've been to out here is Pure, which was ok.
Help for Tonight/Tomorrow in Scottsdale/Troon, please! Vet our list and we'd love new recs, too!
We are staying at the Four Seasons in Troon, and stay here a few times a year (although I have not been in a year or so). We are looking for two spots for dinner, one more casual,and one more upscale for the next two nights. We love everything, esp,Mexican, Asian/sushi, and prefer no steak houses, American or french spots. I loved the ambience at The Mission, but we had a horrible experience there, from spoiled and cold food to bad service (but I loved the outdoor dining). and, of course, we always love Greasewood.
We are huge foodies, so great food is a must, as is a good ambience (either rustic, charming hole in the wall, pretty outdoor dining, etc). We have been to Barrio Cafe, and love it, and have already been this trip. We went to Talavera last night, so we need some good spots.
We usually enjoy and return to: T. Cooks (although had an average meal last time; I love the ambience here), Binkley's, used to really enjoy Elements, Mosaic (which is closed). Not huge fans of Cowboy Ciao (although loved the Japanese spot around the corner that closed).
Looking for some new, fun spots to try...any thoughts? trying to be as detailed as I can to give you guys an idea of what we like. In the radar: Noca (although not really in the mod for American), Posh (also kind of far away), and Ocean Club for the upscale night...thoughts?
Tonight we really want low-key as we are having Mexican in Cave Creek for lunch.
Thank you so much for all the help!
Chitown Foodies need vetting of list for special dinner tonight!
Husband and I tried to get into Momofuku Ko last week for dinner tonight, of no avail. WE need an upscale but not stuufy restaurant with a great ambience, i.e. candle light, or small interesting space, just no huge spaces or spaces too minimalist, please. We love sushi and any Asian food....staying in soho but will take cab. What they told us at the hotel: 15 East, Jean Gorgoes (too touristy in a hotel so prob not for us but love the menu), Kyo Ya, JEwel Bako (bad now that chef went to 15 East?), Elettaria and Ssam.
Please help--open to new suggestions, too! No Italain or French, though, please!
Best lunch spot in SoHo?
Thank you for such great recs....they all sound wonderful.
So, now I need help choosing one for a lunch and one for dinner, both on Monday. I had previously thought Aurora for dinner, but you have so many great recs...which would be best for dinner and which for lunch? For both, we'd like an upscale, or rustic, or open air (i.e. windows opening to stret for people watching)....HUGE foodies, so great food is a must...LOVe Italian, Spanish, Sushi, and Mexican, and you had some of each, so I definitely need help!
Thank you so much!
Best lunch spot in SoHo?
My husband and I are Chi-town foodies looking for a great lunch spot in Soho...walking from 60 Thompson....all types of food welcome, but French...just want great food and non-sterile ambience?
Thank you!
Portsmouth RI/Newport RI vineyard and restaurant suggestions?
Okay, so we are finally arriving tomorrow night. we need dinner options for Friday night, after coming into PVD. We'd love a place with a great ambience/charm, on the waterfront in Newport potentially?, but also with great food--nothing fancy for our first night.
I have narrowed it down to: Back Eddy, Boat House, The Mororing, 22 Bowens (more for location, but not really in the mood for a steak..would prfer seafood or Italian), Quito's..any thoguths between these or for a better rec?
Thank you!
In Soho for one night..best dining options?
We are staying at 60 Thompson now. Are there any great walking restaurants in the area? Great food is a must, and either alfresco, or pretty (not too minimalist) dining space is also impt. we'd prefer: Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc. If we have to take a short cab for some great upscale (but casual) dining, we will! Last time, we had a great meal at babbo.
thanks for the help!
Best upscale rest. with best food in MePa?
My husband and I are foodies in town in MePa for one night on a Monday--looking for best food and ambiance....love Italian, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, anything really but French, please. something with pretty alfresco dining or pretty/unique decor--thank you! I was thinking Momofuku Ko, but really would rather just take a fun walk somewhere...
Chi-town foodie needs dinner help!
Sounds great! I have nto chosen a hotel yet, so am starting to think that I should pick a restaurant first, and then possibly walk somewhere for dinner.
I was thinking about Degustation or Momofuku Ko, but not sure about ambience at either, and think my sister in law may not go for either...they both sounds geat to me!
We really love any Asian, Spanish, etc.
Not really interested in Italian, but trying to see if something really stands out, i.e. homemade pastas, etc, in great ambience for double date--did not love ambience at convivo...hmmm.
thanks for the help!
Chi-town foodie needs dinner help!
If we stayed in MPD, what would be the best options?
Chi-town foodie needs dinner help!
My husband and I will be staying in NYC (not sure of the area yet as we are still working on the hotel). I rarely get to NYC as h's fmaily is in Greenwich, CT. Once in a while we come down with them, and go somewhere higher end, been to Le Bernadin, Babbo, Nobu and Per Se. We also spend a lot of time in Roberto's, too, and my in-laws love it. In facy, they are trying to convince us to go back there, but I;d like to try something else with so many great choices.
I want something much less formal than Le B or Per Se. I almost considered going straight back to Babbo! My husband would prefer something less expensive, where locals go. Great food and ambience are key (candles even better--al fresco dining if weather permits)?
I was thinking Momofuku (decor not what I want, but love Asian). So, I need two choices., Once if family does not join us, and we love any type of Asian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian, tapas, etc--just no French or main stream American.
If the family does come, they really prefer Italian..Gemma perhaps?
All recs are greatly appreciated!
Wrigley Area Rec for Apps and cocktails for pre-Elton John concert?
I am looking for an upscale restaurant for appetizers and cocktails for a group of 12 prior to the Elton John/Billy Joel concert at Wrigley Field. Some place that has great food, and good size list of apps, with fun, lively atmosphere (possibly outdoors?)
I am unfamiliar with Wrigley, as I stay close to home in bucktown....any thougths are greatly apprecited. Short cab ride ok. Thank you!
Portsmouth RI/Newport RI vineyard and restaurant suggestions?
I will be traveling to visit my in-laws in Portsmouth, RI (Carneige Abby) for a long weekend July 24-27. they are leaving it up to me to find some great restaurants, vineyards, etc. My husband and I are big foodies in chicago.
We usually eat at Mamma Louisa's here, which is pretty good. Our favorites in NYC are Babbo and for more casual but great homemade pastas, roberto's. they love Italian and do not venture out much past that, or american. We love unique dining experiences, such as dining outside at farms, vineyards, etc. such as outstanding in the fields (a roving suppoer club which holds dinners at farms, vineyards, etc focusing on local produce/etc. We also love hole in the walls that have some charm with great food, or something upscale is ok, too, but nothing formal/frency/fancy.
I would love to visit some vineyards--which are the best in the area? we love sauvignon blanc/pinot gris (crisp whites) or any reds. Dessert wine good, too. A vineyard that has a rustic charm would be great.
Thanks so much for the help!
Quick thoughts for best Mexican dinner in Marco tonight?
i have my last night in Marco island tonight, and after two nights of Italian at Campiello's followed by Davinci, we are in the mood for some great Mexican! where is the best place to go (with a bit of ambience be it upbeat or hole in the wall) for some queso fundido (con rajas would be awesome), fish tacos, chili rellenos or other Mexican food of this nature...is Nacho Mama's the best? Please let us know! thanks!
Chitown foodies need great food in Marco and Naples
Thank you for the recommendations. I think we'll go to Campiello's in Naples. We still have three nights in Marco and need some upscale dining options, but something more modern than Marco Polo.
How is The Little Bar in Goodland?
