MatthewDavid's Profile
Which Dexter's should I go to?
Is the Dexter's in Winter Park on par with the on in the city proper of Orlando? Which location has more interesting things to do in the area?
Ohio in Florida - Coneys and Chili
Hiya Hounds!
A buddy of mine is from Ohio and looking for Ohio-style chili somewhere in Florida, preferably in the Tampa area.
I have never had it, but he described it to me as he has had it on Coneys (hot dogs) and also in spaghetti.
He also said he has had Ohio style chili with chocolate or cinammon.
Yeah.
Anyhoo, if anyone knows where he can find Ohio style chili in some form---or maybe just a really, really good chili dog---please let me know.
Thanks!
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Tampa FL to Savannah GA (maybe Jacksonville)
These are the Urban Spoon areas associated with Jacksonville. Which one is closest to Hyde Park?
West Side? Orange Park?
Jacksonville
* Arlington (266)
* Callahan (25)
* Glen St Mary (3)
* Hilliard (11)
* Macclenny (39)
* Northside (89)
* Riverside (57)
* Southside (472)
* Urban Core (272)
* Westside (212)
Greater Jacksonville
* Atlantic Beach (56)
* Baldwin (7)
* Fernandina Beach (91)
* Green Cove Springs (28)
* Jacksonville Beach (134)
* Lawtey (4)
* Mayport Ns (6)
* Middleburg (35)
* NW St Johns (48)
* Neptune Beach (25)
* Orange Park (245)
* Ponte Vedra Beach (45)
Specialty olives in Little Italy as seen on food network
Hiya Hounds!
I met someone today who mentioned he had once seen a food network special that featured a restaurant/cafe in Little Italy that brought in different olives from Europe. Anyone know what the name of this place is?
Thanks!
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Tampa FL to Savannah GA (maybe Jacksonville)
Got the address for El Amigo, but no phone # to confirm it will be open...
Tampa FL to Savannah GA (maybe Jacksonville)
AIX looks good, though I wonder if it will be too nice for us in our travel schlocky clothes...
Tampa FL to Savannah GA (maybe Jacksonville)
Hiya Hounds!
My wife and I are traveling from Tampa FL to Savannah GA next week.
We will probably take I-75 north to US-301 north, to I-10 east, to I-295 north, to I-95 north, to GA-204 east.
Monday will be in the evening, maybe late evening, and I am guessing we will want to stop for dinner in or near Jacksonville. We of course would like to eat at a non-chain, but preferably one that does not take us too off route.
Wednesday, on our way back, we have a little more flexibility, but still would prefer something somewhat close to our route. It will be for lunch in the afternoon.
Suggestions? All genres of food welcome. Cheaper is better, but good food takes precendence. =)
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
May 09 - long post - Anna Maria Island, Brandon, Gainesville, High Springs, Longboat Key, Pinellas Park, Siesta Key, St. Petersburg, Sun City, Tampa
Finally tried the "spicy" guacamole at Singual a couple of weeks ago, and it was a strong medium. The server said if I truly wanted it hot, I could ask, but I was content with the medium, it was just enough to make my nose start to run after 1/2 of it was consumed. =)
Boar's Head at Publix in Brandon
Hiya Hounds!
Today I was at Publix getting groceries at the location in Brandon:
Lake Brandon Plaza - 11255 Causeway Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511-2903, (813) 655-8911
Boar's Head had a tent/stand there. Get a hot dog or sausage, plus a soda pop for $2. I grabbed a "spicy" smoked sausage with deli mustard, sweet relish, and a "spicy" horseradish-pickle spread.
http://www.boarshead.com/recipe.php?recipeID=59&from=category&fromID=1
Overall only a little bit of a kick, but the mild spice clashed with the sweet relish nicely. The sausage itself was not as lean as I would like, but it was better than decent, and certainly worth the price. Choices of pop are Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite.
They will be there again tomorrow from 11am until evening (whenever they run out). The guy running the stand said they will probably be there until the fireworks begin.
Not sure if they will be at any other Public locations, but if you want to know, try calling them:
http://store.publix.com/publix/
Cheers,
~Matthew
Thai in Tampa Area
Ploy Thai
1941 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, (813) 684-5007
http://www.ploythairestaurant.com/
Anyone tried this place? How does it compare to Jasmine?
In search of vegetable dumplings
Hiya Hounds!
We love TC Choy's for dim sum, but they do not do vegetable dumplings, nor does China Yuan. Does anyone know of any restaurants that do Asian veggie dumplings in the greater Tampa area? Or anywhere in Florida for that matter?
On a related subject, what is the best Thai restaurant in Brandon/Tampa/Riverview?
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
May 09 - long post - Anna Maria Island, Brandon, Gainesville, High Springs, Longboat Key, Pinellas Park, Siesta Key, St. Petersburg, Sun City, Tampa
I like the sauces at Taco Bus as well, especially the Green chile. I took Toni there and we had tacos, which I have to say were not nearly as good as the burritos, probably because they are able to pack so much more veggies in the burrito. I went one more time, last Sunday morning. Their website said they open at 7am I think, but it said 7.30am when I got there at 6.40am. So I asked them what time they opened, and they replied that they had chorizo ready, so I had a chorizo breakfast burrito. It was good, but wouldn't stay together, so I had to open it up and eat it with a fork before I could re-wrap it. Nice of them to serve early! =)
Thanks for the extra endorsement of CT, I will be sure to go back there when I can to eat a proper entree.
May 09 - long post - Anna Maria Island, Brandon, Gainesville, High Springs, Longboat Key, Pinellas Park, Siesta Key, St. Petersburg, Sun City, Tampa
Hiya Hounds!
Below are my May adventures, but first two from April I never posted.
Saturday, April 18th, 2009 (Siesta Key)
Breakfast at the Broken Egg---www.thebrokenegg.com ---was good. My wife Toni had the waffle with Strawberries and we shared scrambled eggs. I had the stuffed french toast with bananas and walnuts which was not quite as good as I thought it would be, but still worth trying. This is a good cafe to go to if you are in the area, but not worth a detour.
[Sometime in April, 2009] (Tampa)
Ate with Toni and my mom at CDB's Southside Italian Restaurant & Bar---www.CDBsSouthside.com . We shared Spinach Lasagne, Spinach Manicotti, and pizza with pepperoni and spinach (my fave combo). All was very good and service was excellent. For me pizza is all about the sauce, and CDBs came through.
Friday, May 15th, 2009 (Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key)
First time eating dinner at the Rod and Reel on Anna Maria island---875 N Shore Dr ---which I assumed was popular primarily for its ambiance, being right on the water, and you are allowed to bring your fishing pole. But the food was decent. I had blackened shrimp and Toni had fried shrimp. My side of yellow rice was decent as well. Afterwards we drove to Longboat Key and picked up dessert from Euphemia Haye---www.euphemiahaye.com . There was a piano player and great balcony seating, so we will definitely be back, but not just for the atmosphere. The dessert was exceptional. I had their signature dessert apple walnut crumble, but even better was the key lime pie that Toni got and let me try. I had thought that no place could hold a candle to the Blonde Giraffe in Key West, but this key lime pie was just as light and just as good, if not better.
Saturday, May 16th, 2009 (Brandon)
Afternoon snack, picked up Sicilian Pepperoni Rolls from Old Chicago in Brandon---www.oldchicago.com ---, always tasty. For dinner went to O'Toole's Irish pub---www.otoolesirishbar.com/ . Appetizer was "Irish Egg Roll - Three crispy rolls filled with savory cabbage, corned beef and Swiss with Russian dipping sauce;" the sauce was really just thousand island, probably with horse radish. Dinner for me was "Drunken Pork Shanks - Braised in Smithwick's Irish Ale and drizzled in mushroom gravy" accompanied by mashed potatoes and green beens. The pork was tender and somewhat lean. Toni had Brie Baked Salmon and my mother had the best meal with Shepherd’s pie. They split apple pie for dessert and told me it was not that good. They had karaoke starting at 9.30pm, but we had to leave. =(
Sunday, May 17th, 2009 (Sun City)
Out running errands, Toni and I stopped by Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q---www.sonnysbbq.com --- in Sun City. I had never had ribs there so I got the Rib Sampler, their St. Louis ribs and their baby back ribs, with a side of corn nuggets (corn and cheese fried...I am surely going to die soon=). The St. Louis ribs were decent, with the "sizzlin/sweet" sauce, but I preferred the baby back ribs, especially since I had never had baby back ribs before, so they were a novelty. Nothing compared to D & R BBQ in Sarasota, but good enough, and we have always had good service at Sonny's.
Monday, May 18th, 2009 (Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg)
Lunch was La Teresita---7101 66th St, Pinellas Park. I grabbed their Monday special, Masitas de Puerco, which was "Pork Chunks marinated Cuban style fried with onions" with yellow rice and fried plantains. All I can say is Yum! Be sure to ask for your bread without butter beforehand, if you do not want butter. For dinner went with my brothers to Chi-Town Dogs---www.chi-towndogs.com . We shared 3 polish sausages. One regular polish grilled with onions and mustard. One regular polish deep fried with hot peppers, neon green relish and onions. And one spicy hot polish/firedog (not really spicy though) with hot peppers and neon green relish. Everything was Vienna Beef brand, including the relish and buns. As a matter of fact, they have a host of Vienna Beef products you can order if you want to cook the stuff yourself, which I am definitely going to take them up on. Their prices seem pretty reasonable, compared to what I used to pay when I lived in Chicago and would drive down Damen and pick the stuff up directly from the Vienna Beef building. Overall, a better than decent dining experience, especially since they will cook everything exactly the way you want it.
Thursday, May 20th, 2009 (High Springs)
There is a new restaurant that replaced Floyds a few months ago that I went to with my in-laws called Fleetwood Diner---http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090520/ARTICLES/905201005 . This is a new location from the Fleetwood Diner in Ann Arbor MI. The food was okay, I stuck with the Greek specialties. The Saganaki was okay, they did do the actual Opa! + flame at the table which is always fun, and the gyro was decent especially the sauce. Also had some sweet potato fries, also okay.
Friday, May 21st (Gainesville)
Went to Sisters for the first time with Toni, her sister and her sister's husband---www.oliveyoueatwell.com . Still in the mood for Greek, I had the Meze Breakfast Plate which was okay, but not worth the price. If I go back I will get the Challah Bread French Toast, stuffed with Sauteed Apples and Applewood Smoked Bacon, which Toni's sister had, and was yum. Toni enjoyed her Huevos Rancheros. Afterwards we went to the Village Market---www.villagemarketathaile.com . I had a strawberry/mango fruit bar which was not bad. A little later I stopped by Mi Apa Latin Cafe---112 SW 34th St---and grabbed a freshly made Mango juice, very good! The four of us wanted to go to Steamers for dinner, but it was closed, so we went to their sister restaurant Buddha Belly---www.buddhabelly.us . We tried a number of things, very few of which we were able to finish! The big surprise was the Sweet Romaine salad, with goat cheese, walnuts, craisins, cherry tomatoes and their homemade raspberry vinaigrette. The shrimp fried rice was of course good. The Ocean Monk sandwich was good for me, especially with some of their spicy vegetarian sauce they brought over. We tried all of the tantric fries, which were all okay, but not must-tries.
Friday, May 22nd, 2009 (Brandon)
Met Toni for lunch at Singual---www.sinigualrestaurants.com . It appears as though this is only one of two locations, the other in NYC. It was pretty good, though maybe not worth the prices. The highlight was the fresh guacamole, which they made for us right at the table, a first for me. Toni does not do spicy, so we got it mild, but you have the option of spicy, which I am definitely going to go back and try. Toni had a shrimp enchilada which was not bad, and I had the Chile Relleno, which I liked. The nice thing was that it was also good leftover, just popped it in the toaster oven for 5 minutes.
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 (Tampa)
Dim Sum at TC Choys, good as usual. Afterwards we went to Schakolad, but it was closed. We drove to SideBerns---www.sideberns.com , also closed. But inside the building was Bern's Fine Wine & Spirits---www.bernsfinewines.com . The fellow behind the counter recommended Pane Rustica---www.panerusticabakery.com ---, so we went there. I had swiss chocolate gelato, my mom had a coconut almond square, and my sister had peanut butter cup gelato. The best was my brother in law's choice, mango gelato. They have just started serving sourdough bread, and so we took some home. I had a bite last night, it was delish.
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 (Tampa)
Stopped by California Tacos---1450 Skipper Rd---for a snack. We got Tijuana Street tacos, 3 for $3, and only slighly spicy, so Toni could eat them, and we both liked them. Supposedly their fish tacos are the best, according to the owner/manager. Later we grabbed some Swedish meatballs and lingonberry sauce at the new IKEA in Tampa, which were good, but not as good as when we make them at home. That night we made the mistake of going to CDBs on Fowler, forgot the CDBs that is good is on West Shore Blvd. We had spinach lasagna which was too cheesy and somewhat bland. =(
Thursday, May 28th, 2009 (Tampa)
First time visiting the Taco Bus---www.tampatacobus.com . The woman who took my order told me the bus had been around for 5 or 6 years, and had been in this location in 1 or 2 years. I had a Burrito Prenado with Cochinita Pibil and loved it. The green sauce on the table made it even better, I am guessing it was a green chile sauce that was just a little bit spicy, though a little too salty. Washed it down with delicious Jarritos brand sodas---www.mexgrocer.com/brand-jarritos.html --- only slightly carbonated and manufactured in El Paso; the Mango was good, but I think I preferred the Mandarin Orange. The Tamarind tasted a bit too much like apple juice.
Cheers,
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Best BBQ in Tampa area
Trust Me BBQ
8624 US Highway 301 S
Riverview, FL 33578
(813) 374-2284
Run out of a gas station and pretty tasty, though I have not been to First Choice. If you are up for a drive, and want amazing ribs, go to:
D & R BBQ, 2719 18th St - Sarasota, 941-951-0632
(only open on Saturdays)
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and a whole lot of Florida (really long post)
PS---My other PA favorites:
Smiley's
www.smileysdowntownexpress.com
Amato's Pizza
(for a good cheesesteak in Central PA)
10 Linda Ln, Selinsgrove - (570) 374-8895
Clem's BBQ
www.clemsfire.com
Yocco's "The Hot Dog King"
www.yoccos.com
Barrel 135 (for salads)
www.billtownlive.com/barrel135
Tony Luke's
www.tonylukes.com
Frank's
www.franksspaghetti.com
Franklin Fountain
www.franklinfountain.com
Ariana Restaurant
www.restaurantariana.com
Primanti Brothers
www.primantibrothers.com
(just found out there are two Florida locations, yeah!)
Wilson's Bar-BQ
700 N Taylor Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 322-7427
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and a whole lot of Florida (really long post)
[Couldn't bear to break this post up, so I will post it on all the appropriate boards.]
Hiya Hounds!
Recently moved from Williamsport PA to Apollo Beach FL. As a friend of mine put it, I ate my way from PA to FL, but you be the judge. =)
PENNSYLVANIA
Saturday, April 25th (Williamsport PA)
Regrettably only my first time at Joanna's Italian Bakery on Market Street, I got a fresh loaf of hot chili and cheese bread. Apparently they serve soups and sandwiches during the week, wish I had tried them.
Sunday, April 26th (Hughesville PA)
Ate with friends at my favorite breakfast place in the area: Butler's Eatery on Main Street. I think I had steak and scrambled eggs with a blueberry pancake. Sara had an omelet I think, and Mike had pancakes with a side of scrapple. I usually detest scrapple, but theirs was not bad.
Monday, April 27th (Williamsport PA)
Lunch with friends at Jasmine Thai on Washington Blvd, which I prefer to Joy Thai, especially since they know how to create real heat when you want it. The last time I was there I had pad thai so spicy I was sweating and crying! =) This time we just ordered 3 different types of Thai dumplings (shrimp, pork, and sho mai) and steamed rice. Yum! That night stopped by Long Island Pizza---www.longislandpizza.net ---for a slice. This is my favorite pizza place in the area. Venice's pizza is slightly better, but LIP's owner Curt is a great guy with a huge personality, plus he has an upright piano he lets me play anytime I want. For you Cheesecake Factory fans, he does carry their cheesecake.
Tuesday, April 28th (Williamsport PA)
Supposed to get on the road to Philly at 6pm, but turn out to have last minute work stuff and packing stuff, so I take a dinner break and grab one last root beer at the Bullfrog---www.bullfrogbrewery.com ---they brew their own!---and then, I am ashamed to say, my first bison burger at Smokey Joe's on 3rd Street. Both were terrific! Left Williamsport the next morning with a jug of Bullfrog rootbeer (which they will sell you for $12, and you can refill for $6), and a loaf of challah from Wegmans:---https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&productId=373873&catalogId=10002&krypto=QJrbAudPd0vzXUGByeatog%3D%3D&ddkey=http:ProductListView
Wednesday, April 29th (Philadelphia PA)
Stopped by Jim's Steaks---www.jimssteaks.com ---on South Streetn for cheese steak with whiz, which I prefer over Geno's/Pat's. It is not 24/7, but they are open late, I think until 3am most nights. Ate the steaks with my cousins and my buddy Colby who had flown in to drive me down, and washed it down with Fanta Raspberry birch beer, mmmm. I actually prefer Tony Luke's to Jims, but they do not do whiz.
MARYLAND
Wednesday, April 29th (Baltimore MD)
Colby and I made it to B'more and stopped by Hollins Market just as it was closing. He grabbed a crab cake, not amazing, but better than most of what he has had in Chicago. I got a beef polish burnt to hell by the Hot Dog King, decent meat but tasty grill. =) Then it was off to Isabella's---www.isabellasbrickoven.net ---where we picked up the best olives I have ever eaten. Red spanish, green, and spicy green, Yum!
VIRGINIA
Wednesday, April 29th (Richmond VA)
Stopped at a place called Nanking---www.nankingrestaurant.com ---I hoped was going to be Korean BBQ, but was Chinese. No worries, just ordered several appetizers, sort of a simulated late night dim sum. Had shrimp rolls, egg rolls, summer rolls, and steamed dumplings. Only bad thing was the steamed dumplings, not fresh. =( Finally made it to my cousins' place in Greensboro at 3am.
NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA
Thursday, April 29th (Greensboro NC)
No food, too full from the day before and the girl scout cookies my cousins had. We did however pick up a bottle of cherry coke and diet cherry coke, local NC brand called Cheerwine---www.cheerwinecorp.com . Diet tasted like cough syrup, but regular was great!
Thursday, April 29th (Charleston SC)
Per my NC cousin's friend's recommendation, we went to Shem Creek Oyster Bar---www.shemcreekbarandgrill.com ---in Mount Pleasant. Food was decent and atmosphere very nice, right on a little inlet of water, and some friendly/hungry stray cats to keep us company. Had fried oysters as an appetizer, my first oysters ever! Glad I tried them? Yes. Try oysters again? Not likely. Just for good measure, I scraped off the fried breading off of one of them and tried it, not my fave. Then we hopped down the road to go to Mama Brown's BBQ on Ben Sawyer Blvd. Unfortunately no ribs, they only do ribs once per week. So we got some vinegar pulled pork to go. Would've gotten mustard too, but did not think I would have the appetite anytime soon.
GEORGIA
Thursday, April 29th (Savannah GA)
After checking into hotel (got the Hyatt Regency in historic Savannah through Priceline for $80 out-the-door!), we walked around and stumbled on Lulu's dessert cafe, which may have been the highlight of the trip---www.luluschocolatebar.net . Colby had some dessert wine and I had Strawberry suspension cake. It was a chocolate cake sporting a dark chocolate gnoche outer layer, and stuffed with fresh strawberries and mascarponi. Apparently, mascarponi is an Italian cream cheese, the same as what is used in tiramasu. I am not a fan of tiramasu, but loved this!
Friday, April 30th (Savanna GA)
Tired and hungry, I wrapped the still uneaten BBQ in its tinfoil and ran it under hot water in the hotel sink, which worked. We cracked open the Wegmans challah and improvised sandwiches, which were as good as I remember. I started regretting not also getting some mustard bbq. =)
FLORIDA
Friday, April 30th (Gainesville FL)
I am going to skip over the part where we stopped on the side of the road to get boiled peanuts because they were awful, though Colby did end up buying a walking stick for the guy. We drove out of our way a little to go to Gainesville: Steamers!---www.buddhabelly.us . Love places like this, eclectic, small, cheap, huge portions. Colby stated we are not allowed to "split" anything, only couples split; men "half" things. =) So we halfed a shrimp twister, medium spicy, and some pork fried rice. For you vegetarians, try the ??? They cook everything in big woks, and it is terrific, for sure one of my faves in Gainesville if not my favorite.
Friday, April 30th (Apollo Beach FL)
We were going to stop in Orlando to pick up key lime cake for my pregnant wife Toni, but my car was having trouble, so we went straight to Apollo Beach, only stopping to grab some chow from Christine's Carribean Cafe---www. christinescaribbeancuisine.com . Meat pies are always good, as was the steamed cabbage/carrots, rice and beans, and Colby liked the jerk chicken. Unfortunately she was out of Calypso punch which is to die for, but she makes it to order and they were about to close.
Saturday, May 1st (Sarasota FL)
We started the day at C'est La Vie on Main Street, my favorite breakfast place in this area. I forget what kind of sandwich I had, but I remember there were spanish olives and goat cheese, and it had a strong after taste. Delicious croissants and fruity baked goods as appetizers, and the others ordered omelets and crepes. Lunch was at D & R BBQ (2719 18th St, 941-951-0632), amazing ribs and finger-licking-good spicy BBQ sauce! They only do BBQ on Saturdays out of this parking lot stand. No trip to Sarasota would be complete without a trip to SweetBerries in Bradenton---www.sweetberries.com ---for sure in the top 5 of best ice cream I have ever had. I had a strawberry milkshake and my Toni had a "concrete" SweetBerries Sunset. (BTW, SweetBerries now has a location in Sarasota.)
Sunday, May 2nd
My first day of teaching at Springfield College. Lunch was at Tijuana Flats---www.tijuanaflats.com ---a decent Mexican chain that I am happy to say now serves whole wheat tortillas. Dinner was at Jai Ho Indian Cuisine---www.jaihofoods.com . The nan was packed with a thin layer of potato was some kind of spicy that offers a little heat. Entree was a spicy beef and rice dish (lost the menu, can't remember the name). Just got off the phone with the place, they say their website will be up soon, maybe as early as this Monday. Also stay tuned, they are going to start offering breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays!
Monday, May 3rd (Tampa FL)
Just stopped for a quick lunch at Chipotle, which I only go to if there is no Tijuana Flats or Moe's around. It was okay, just had some Carnitas.
Monday, May 3rd (Jacksonville FL)
Went to Jax for a concert. Playing? Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer!
http://www.floridatheatre.com/DesktopModules/EventsCalendar/Popup.aspx?ItemID=124&Mid=512&PortalID=0&TabID=62&selecteddate=20090504&culture=en-US
Beforehand, Toni and I met up with some family to Picasso's Pizzeria---www.picassospizzeria.net ---which was not bad. Started with Bruschetta and Mac & Cheese Fry. Pizza was one meat pie and one white pizza white spinach. Not worth a special trip, but great if you live in the area.
Wednesday, May 5th (Orlando FL)
At the Florida Library Association conference. For lunch went to the Millers/Kirman Ale House---www.millersalehouse.com ---it was that or TGIF). Got the "Pasta Orleans," quite forgettable.. That evening grabbed quiche (cheddar/spinach) and a slice of amazingly good key lime cake from the Dessert Lady---www.dessertlady.com . Okay, the cake was for Toni, but she let me have a bite. =)
Thursday, May 6th (Orlando FL)
Conference day two. Went to Mama Nems---www.mamanemssoulfood.com ---a decent soul food restaurant. Spicy sausage, corn bread, baked beans, fried green tomatoes, and apple cobbler. Sounds good I know, and it was okay, especially the FGT. Cobbler too sugary, only could eat a couple of bites.
Friday, May 7th (Orlando/Windermere FL)
On my way out of town, I went out of my way to go to Yellow Dog Eats---www.yellowdogeats.com . The owner, Fish Morgan, is a riot, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and has put together a tasty cafe. I had the Retriever's Roast which "is a beef sandwich layered with Creole mustard and greens on herb onion bread." It was a fun lunch with excellent service, despite how busy they were.
Sunday, May 9th (Tampa FL)
Went to the new Star Trek movie with Toni (awesome). Beforehand, we dined at Morae's Cafe---www.moraescafe.com . Our first time at a self-described Persian restaurant. We started with some of the best hummus we have ever had! My entree was Gormeh Sabzi, terrific! Toni had Chelo Kabob Koobideh. I will probably try the lamb next time. Washed it down with two really refreshing bottles of mango juice, not quite as thick as an Indian lassi, but close.
Monday, May 10th (Tampa FL)
Friends visiting from PA, and I took them to Queen of Sheeba Ethiopian---www.ethiopianrestauranttampa.com . We started with Vegetarian Sambussa and a choice of two dipping sauces. Then we ordered a platter for 3---should have ordered for two! There was lamb (really tender), chopped beef, sauteed beef, yellow split peas, collard greens, potatoes, lentils, and my favorite steamed cabbage. Check their website for "A Taste of Ethiopia" on May 23rd. For those of you who eat here, in case you do not know, they do a buffet from 11am to 2pm M-F.
Tuesday, May 11th (Tampa FL)
Took my friends to have dim sum (their first time) at TC Choys---www.tcchoysbistro.com . This place is almost as good as what I have had in Canada and NYC. We scarfed up lots of dumplings (shrimp, pork, ginger pork, spinach), some egg rolls, and steamed pork buns. Afterwards we stopped at a chocolate shop I think called Schakolad---http://www.schakolad.com/Chocolate/Tampa/SoHo-District/ . They got various milk chocolate and said was quite good.
After all of this I am quite fat, and quite broke, with lots of leftovers in my freezer, so I may not be going out for a while, but will try to post when I do. =)
Cheers,
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and a whole lot of Florida (really long post)
[Couldn't bear to break this post up, so I will post it on all the appropriate boards.]
Hiya Hounds!
Recently moved from Williamsport PA to Apollo Beach FL. As a friend of mine put it, I ate my way from PA to FL, but you be the judge. =)
PENNSYLVANIA
Saturday, April 25th (Williamsport PA)
Regrettably only my first time at Joanna's Italian Bakery on Market Street, I got a fresh loaf of hot chili and cheese bread. Apparently they serve soups and sandwiches during the week, wish I had tried them.
Sunday, April 26th (Hughesville PA)
Ate with friends at my favorite breakfast place in the area: Butler's Eatery on Main Street. I think I had steak and scrambled eggs with a blueberry pancake. Sara had an omelet I think, and Mike had pancakes with a side of scrapple. I usually detest scrapple, but theirs was not bad.
Monday, April 27th (Williamsport PA)
Lunch with friends at Jasmine Thai on Washington Blvd, which I prefer to Joy Thai, especially since they know how to create real heat when you want it. The last time I was there I had pad thai so spicy I was sweating and crying! =) This time we just ordered 3 different types of Thai dumplings (shrimp, pork, and sho mai) and steamed rice. Yum! That night stopped by Long Island Pizza---www.longislandpizza.net ---for a slice. This is my favorite pizza place in the area. Venice's pizza is slightly better, but LIP's owner Curt is a great guy with a huge personality, plus he has an upright piano he lets me play anytime I want. For you Cheesecake Factory fans, he does carry their cheesecake.
Tuesday, April 28th (Williamsport PA)
Supposed to get on the road to Philly at 6pm, but turn out to have last minute work stuff and packing stuff, so I take a dinner break and grab one last root beer at the Bullfrog---www.bullfrogbrewery.com ---they brew their own!---and then, I am ashamed to say, my first bison burger at Smokey Joe's on 3rd Street. Both were terrific! Left Williamsport the next morning with a jug of Bullfrog rootbeer (which they will sell you for $12, and you can refill for $6), and a loaf of challah from Wegmans:---https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&productId=373873&catalogId=10002&krypto=QJrbAudPd0vzXUGByeatog%3D%3D&ddkey=http:ProductListView
Wednesday, April 29th (Philadelphia PA)
Stopped by Jim's Steaks---www.jimssteaks.com ---on South Streetn for cheese steak with whiz, which I prefer over Geno's/Pat's. It is not 24/7, but they are open late, I think until 3am most nights. Ate the steaks with my cousins and my buddy Colby who had flown in to drive me down, and washed it down with Fanta Raspberry birch beer, mmmm. I actually prefer Tony Luke's to Jims, but they do not do whiz.
MARYLAND
Wednesday, April 29th (Baltimore MD)
Colby and I made it to B'more and stopped by Hollins Market just as it was closing. He grabbed a crab cake, not amazing, but better than most of what he has had in Chicago. I got a beef polish burnt to hell by the Hot Dog King, decent meat but tasty grill. =) Then it was off to Isabella's---www.isabellasbrickoven.net ---where we picked up the best olives I have ever eaten. Red spanish, green, and spicy green, Yum!
VIRGINIA
Wednesday, April 29th (Richmond VA)
Stopped at a place called Nanking---www.nankingrestaurant.com ---I hoped was going to be Korean BBQ, but was Chinese. No worries, just ordered several appetizers, sort of a simulated late night dim sum. Had shrimp rolls, egg rolls, summer rolls, and steamed dumplings. Only bad thing was the steamed dumplings, not fresh. =( Finally made it to my cousins' place in Greensboro at 3am.
NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA
Thursday, April 29th (Greensboro NC)
No food, too full from the day before and the girl scout cookies my cousins had. We did however pick up a bottle of cherry coke and diet cherry coke, local NC brand called Cheerwine---www.cheerwinecorp.com . Diet tasted like cough syrup, but regular was great!
Thursday, April 29th (Charleston SC)
Per my NC cousin's friend's recommendation, we went to Shem Creek Oyster Bar---www.shemcreekbarandgrill.com ---in Mount Pleasant. Food was decent and atmosphere very nice, right on a little inlet of water, and some friendly/hungry stray cats to keep us company. Had fried oysters as an appetizer, my first oysters ever! Glad I tried them? Yes. Try oysters again? Not likely. Just for good measure, I scraped off the fried breading off of one of them and tried it, not my fave. Then we hopped down the road to go to Mama Brown's BBQ on Ben Sawyer Blvd. Unfortunately no ribs, they only do ribs once per week. So we got some vinegar pulled pork to go. Would've gotten mustard too, but did not think I would have the appetite anytime soon.
GEORGIA
Thursday, April 29th (Savannah GA)
After checking into hotel (got the Hyatt Regency in historic Savannah through Priceline for $80 out-the-door!), we walked around and stumbled on Lulu's dessert cafe, which may have been the highlight of the trip---www.luluschocolatebar.net . Colby had some dessert wine and I had Strawberry suspension cake. It was a chocolate cake sporting a dark chocolate gnoche outer layer, and stuffed with fresh strawberries and mascarponi. Apparently, mascarponi is an Italian cream cheese, the same as what is used in tiramasu. I am not a fan of tiramasu, but loved this!
Friday, April 30th (Savanna GA)
Tired and hungry, I wrapped the still uneaten BBQ in its tinfoil and ran it under hot water in the hotel sink, which worked. We cracked open the Wegmans challah and improvised sandwiches, which were as good as I remember. I started regretting not also getting some mustard bbq. =)
FLORIDA
Friday, April 30th (Gainesville FL)
I am going to skip over the part where we stopped on the side of the road to get boiled peanuts because they were awful, though Colby did end up buying a walking stick for the guy. We drove out of our way a little to go to Gainesville: Steamers!---www.buddhabelly.us . Love places like this, eclectic, small, cheap, huge portions. Colby stated we are not allowed to "split" anything, only couples split; men "half" things. =) So we halfed a shrimp twister, medium spicy, and some pork fried rice. For you vegetarians, try the ??? They cook everything in big woks, and it is terrific, for sure one of my faves in Gainesville if not my favorite.
Friday, April 30th (Apollo Beach FL)
We were going to stop in Orlando to pick up key lime cake for my pregnant wife Toni, but my car was having trouble, so we went straight to Apollo Beach, only stopping to grab some chow from Christine's Carribean Cafe---www. christinescaribbeancuisine.com . Meat pies are always good, as was the steamed cabbage/carrots, rice and beans, and Colby liked the jerk chicken. Unfortunately she was out of Calypso punch which is to die for, but she makes it to order and they were about to close.
Saturday, May 1st (Sarasota FL)
We started the day at C'est La Vie on Main Street, my favorite breakfast place in this area. I forget what kind of sandwich I had, but I remember there were spanish olives and goat cheese, and it had a strong after taste. Delicious croissants and fruity baked goods as appetizers, and the others ordered omelets and crepes. Lunch was at D & R BBQ (2719 18th St, 941-951-0632), amazing ribs and finger-licking-good spicy BBQ sauce! They only do BBQ on Saturdays out of this parking lot stand. No trip to Sarasota would be complete without a trip to SweetBerries in Bradenton---www.sweetberries.com ---for sure in the top 5 of best ice cream I have ever had. I had a strawberry milkshake and my Toni had a "concrete" SweetBerries Sunset. (BTW, SweetBerries now has a location in Sarasota.)
Sunday, May 2nd
My first day of teaching at Springfield College. Lunch was at Tijuana Flats---www.tijuanaflats.com ---a decent Mexican chain that I am happy to say now serves whole wheat tortillas. Dinner was at Jai Ho Indian Cuisine---www.jaihofoods.com . The nan was packed with a thin layer of potato was some kind of spicy that offers a little heat. Entree was a spicy beef and rice dish (lost the menu, can't remember the name). Just got off the phone with the place, they say their website will be up soon, maybe as early as this Monday. Also stay tuned, they are going to start offering breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays!
Monday, May 3rd (Tampa FL)
Just stopped for a quick lunch at Chipotle, which I only go to if there is no Tijuana Flats or Moe's around. It was okay, just had some Carnitas.
Monday, May 3rd (Jacksonville FL)
Went to Jax for a concert. Playing? Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer!
http://www.floridatheatre.com/DesktopModules/EventsCalendar/Popup.aspx?ItemID=124&Mid=512&PortalID=0&TabID=62&selecteddate=20090504&culture=en-US
Beforehand, Toni and I met up with some family to Picasso's Pizzeria---www.picassospizzeria.net ---which was not bad. Started with Bruschetta and Mac & Cheese Fry. Pizza was one meat pie and one white pizza white spinach. Not worth a special trip, but great if you live in the area.
Wednesday, May 5th (Orlando FL)
At the Florida Library Association conference. For lunch went to the Millers/Kirman Ale House---www.millersalehouse.com ---it was that or TGIF). Got the "Pasta Orleans," quite forgettable.. That evening grabbed quiche (cheddar/spinach) and a slice of amazingly good key lime cake from the Dessert Lady---www.dessertlady.com . Okay, the cake was for Toni, but she let me have a bite. =)
Thursday, May 6th (Orlando FL)
Conference day two. Went to Mama Nems---www.mamanemssoulfood.com ---a decent soul food restaurant. Spicy sausage, corn bread, baked beans, fried green tomatoes, and apple cobbler. Sounds good I know, and it was okay, especially the FGT. Cobbler too sugary, only could eat a couple of bites.
Friday, May 7th (Orlando/Windermere FL)
On my way out of town, I went out of my way to go to Yellow Dog Eats---www.yellowdogeats.com . The owner, Fish Morgan, is a riot, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and has put together a tasty cafe. I had the Retriever's Roast which "is a beef sandwich layered with Creole mustard and greens on herb onion bread." It was a fun lunch with excellent service, despite how busy they were.
Sunday, May 9th (Tampa FL)
Went to the new Star Trek movie with Toni (awesome). Beforehand, we dined at Morae's Cafe---www.moraescafe.com . Our first time at a self-described Persian restaurant. We started with some of the best hummus we have ever had! My entree was Gormeh Sabzi, terrific! Toni had Chelo Kabob Koobideh. I will probably try the lamb next time. Washed it down with two really refreshing bottles of mango juice, not quite as thick as an Indian lassi, but close.
Monday, May 10th (Tampa FL)
Friends visiting from PA, and I took them to Queen of Sheeba Ethiopian---www.ethiopianrestauranttampa.com . We started with Vegetarian Sambussa and a choice of two dipping sauces. Then we ordered a platter for 3---should have ordered for two! There was lamb (really tender), chopped beef, sauteed beef, yellow split peas, collard greens, potatoes, lentils, and my favorite steamed cabbage. Check their website for "A Taste of Ethiopia" on May 23rd. For those of you who eat here, in case you do not know, they do a buffet from 11am to 2pm M-F.
Tuesday, May 11th (Tampa FL)
Took my friends to have dim sum (their first time) at TC Choys---www.tcchoysbistro.com . This place is almost as good as what I have had in Canada and NYC. We scarfed up lots of dumplings (shrimp, pork, ginger pork, spinach), some egg rolls, and steamed pork buns. Afterwards we stopped at a chocolate shop I think called Schakolad---http://www.schakolad.com/Chocolate/Tampa/SoHo-District/ . They got various milk chocolate and said was quite good.
After all of this I am quite fat, and quite broke, with lots of leftovers in my freezer, so I may not be going out for a while, but will try to post when I do. =)
Cheers,
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and a whole lot of Florida (really long post)
[Couldn't bear to break this post up, so I will post it on all the appropriate boards.]
Hiya Hounds!
Recently moved from Williamsport PA to Apollo Beach FL. As a friend of mine put it, I ate my way from PA to FL, but you be the judge. =)
PENNSYLVANIA
Saturday, April 25th (Williamsport PA)
Regrettably only my first time at Joanna's Italian Bakery on Market Street, I got a fresh loaf of hot chili and cheese bread. Apparently they serve soups and sandwiches during the week, wish I had tried them.
Sunday, April 26th (Hughesville PA)
Ate with friends at my favorite breakfast place in the area: Butler's Eatery on Main Street. I think I had steak and scrambled eggs with a blueberry pancake. Sara had an omelet I think, and Mike had pancakes with a side of scrapple. I usually detest scrapple, but theirs was not bad.
Monday, April 27th (Williamsport PA)
Lunch with friends at Jasmine Thai on Washington Blvd, which I prefer to Joy Thai, especially since they know how to create real heat when you want it. The last time I was there I had pad thai so spicy I was sweating and crying! =) This time we just ordered 3 different types of Thai dumplings (shrimp, pork, and sho mai) and steamed rice. Yum! That night stopped by Long Island Pizza---www.longislandpizza.net ---for a slice. This is my favorite pizza place in the area. Venice's pizza is slightly better, but LIP's owner Curt is a great guy with a huge personality, plus he has an upright piano he lets me play anytime I want. For you Cheesecake Factory fans, he does carry their cheesecake.
Tuesday, April 28th (Williamsport PA)
Supposed to get on the road to Philly at 6pm, but turn out to have last minute work stuff and packing stuff, so I take a dinner break and grab one last root beer at the Bullfrog---www.bullfrogbrewery.com ---they brew their own!---and then, I am ashamed to say, my first bison burger at Smokey Joe's on 3rd Street. Both were terrific! Left Williamsport the next morning with a jug of Bullfrog rootbeer (which they will sell you for $12, and you can refill for $6), and a loaf of challah from Wegmans:---https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&productId=373873&catalogId=10002&krypto=QJrbAudPd0vzXUGByeatog%3D%3D&ddkey=http:ProductListView
Wednesday, April 29th (Philadelphia PA)
Stopped by Jim's Steaks---www.jimssteaks.com ---on South Streetn for cheese steak with whiz, which I prefer over Geno's/Pat's. It is not 24/7, but they are open late, I think until 3am most nights. Ate the steaks with my cousins and my buddy Colby who had flown in to drive me down, and washed it down with Fanta Raspberry birch beer, mmmm. I actually prefer Tony Luke's to Jims, but they do not do whiz.
MARYLAND
Wednesday, April 29th (Baltimore MD)
Colby and I made it to B'more and stopped by Hollins Market just as it was closing. He grabbed a crab cake, not amazing, but better than most of what he has had in Chicago. I got a beef polish burnt to hell by the Hot Dog King, decent meat but tasty grill. =) Then it was off to Isabella's---www.isabellasbrickoven.net ---where we picked up the best olives I have ever eaten. Red spanish, green, and spicy green, Yum!
VIRGINIA
Wednesday, April 29th (Richmond VA)
Stopped at a place called Nanking---www.nankingrestaurant.com ---I hoped was going to be Korean BBQ, but was Chinese. No worries, just ordered several appetizers, sort of a simulated late night dim sum. Had shrimp rolls, egg rolls, summer rolls, and steamed dumplings. Only bad thing was the steamed dumplings, not fresh. =( Finally made it to my cousins' place in Greensboro at 3am.
NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA
Thursday, April 29th (Greensboro NC)
No food, too full from the day before and the girl scout cookies my cousins had. We did however pick up a bottle of cherry coke and diet cherry coke, local NC brand called Cheerwine---www.cheerwinecorp.com . Diet tasted like cough syrup, but regular was great!
Thursday, April 29th (Charleston SC)
Per my NC cousin's friend's recommendation, we went to Shem Creek Oyster Bar---www.shemcreekbarandgrill.com ---in Mount Pleasant. Food was decent and atmosphere very nice, right on a little inlet of water, and some friendly/hungry stray cats to keep us company. Had fried oysters as an appetizer, my first oysters ever! Glad I tried them? Yes. Try oysters again? Not likely. Just for good measure, I scraped off the fried breading off of one of them and tried it, not my fave. Then we hopped down the road to go to Mama Brown's BBQ on Ben Sawyer Blvd. Unfortunately no ribs, they only do ribs once per week. So we got some vinegar pulled pork to go. Would've gotten mustard too, but did not think I would have the appetite anytime soon.
GEORGIA
Thursday, April 29th (Savannah GA)
After checking into hotel (got the Hyatt Regency in historic Savannah through Priceline for $80 out-the-door!), we walked around and stumbled on Lulu's dessert cafe, which may have been the highlight of the trip---www.luluschocolatebar.net . Colby had some dessert wine and I had Strawberry suspension cake. It was a chocolate cake sporting a dark chocolate gnoche outer layer, and stuffed with fresh strawberries and mascarponi. Apparently, mascarponi is an Italian cream cheese, the same as what is used in tiramasu. I am not a fan of tiramasu, but loved this!
Friday, April 30th (Savanna GA)
Tired and hungry, I wrapped the still uneaten BBQ in its tinfoil and ran it under hot water in the hotel sink, which worked. We cracked open the Wegmans challah and improvised sandwiches, which were as good as I remember. I started regretting not also getting some mustard bbq. =)
FLORIDA
Friday, April 30th (Gainesville FL)
I am going to skip over the part where we stopped on the side of the road to get boiled peanuts because they were awful, though Colby did end up buying a walking stick for the guy. We drove out of our way a little to go to Gainesville: Steamers!---www.buddhabelly.us . Love places like this, eclectic, small, cheap, huge portions. Colby stated we are not allowed to "split" anything, only couples split; men "half" things. =) So we halfed a shrimp twister, medium spicy, and some pork fried rice. For you vegetarians, try the ??? They cook everything in big woks, and it is terrific, for sure one of my faves in Gainesville if not my favorite.
Friday, April 30th (Apollo Beach FL)
We were going to stop in Orlando to pick up key lime cake for my pregnant wife Toni, but my car was having trouble, so we went straight to Apollo Beach, only stopping to grab some chow from Christine's Carribean Cafe---www. christinescaribbeancuisine.com . Meat pies are always good, as was the steamed cabbage/carrots, rice and beans, and Colby liked the jerk chicken. Unfortunately she was out of Calypso punch which is to die for, but she makes it to order and they were about to close.
Saturday, May 1st (Sarasota FL)
We started the day at C'est La Vie on Main Street, my favorite breakfast place in this area. I forget what kind of sandwich I had, but I remember there were spanish olives and goat cheese, and it had a strong after taste. Delicious croissants and fruity baked goods as appetizers, and the others ordered omelets and crepes. Lunch was at D & R BBQ (2719 18th St, 941-951-0632), amazing ribs and finger-licking-good spicy BBQ sauce! They only do BBQ on Saturdays out of this parking lot stand. No trip to Sarasota would be complete without a trip to SweetBerries in Bradenton---www.sweetberries.com ---for sure in the top 5 of best ice cream I have ever had. I had a strawberry milkshake and my Toni had a "concrete" SweetBerries Sunset. (BTW, SweetBerries now has a location in Sarasota.)
Sunday, May 2nd
My first day of teaching at Springfield College. Lunch was at Tijuana Flats---www.tijuanaflats.com ---a decent Mexican chain that I am happy to say now serves whole wheat tortillas. Dinner was at Jai Ho Indian Cuisine---www.jaihofoods.com . The nan was packed with a thin layer of potato was some kind of spicy that offers a little heat. Entree was a spicy beef and rice dish (lost the menu, can't remember the name). Just got off the phone with the place, they say their website will be up soon, maybe as early as this Monday. Also stay tuned, they are going to start offering breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays!
Monday, May 3rd (Tampa FL)
Just stopped for a quick lunch at Chipotle, which I only go to if there is no Tijuana Flats or Moe's around. It was okay, just had some Carnitas.
Monday, May 3rd (Jacksonville FL)
Went to Jax for a concert. Playing? Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer!
http://www.floridatheatre.com/DesktopModules/EventsCalendar/Popup.aspx?ItemID=124&Mid=512&PortalID=0&TabID=62&selecteddate=20090504&culture=en-US
Beforehand, Toni and I met up with some family to Picasso's Pizzeria---www.picassospizzeria.net ---which was not bad. Started with Bruschetta and Mac & Cheese Fry. Pizza was one meat pie and one white pizza white spinach. Not worth a special trip, but great if you live in the area.
Wednesday, May 5th (Orlando FL)
At the Florida Library Association conference. For lunch went to the Millers/Kirman Ale House---www.millersalehouse.com ---it was that or TGIF). Got the "Pasta Orleans," quite forgettable.. That evening grabbed quiche (cheddar/spinach) and a slice of amazingly good key lime cake from the Dessert Lady---www.dessertlady.com . Okay, the cake was for Toni, but she let me have a bite. =)
Thursday, May 6th (Orlando FL)
Conference day two. Went to Mama Nems---www.mamanemssoulfood.com ---a decent soul food restaurant. Spicy sausage, corn bread, baked beans, fried green tomatoes, and apple cobbler. Sounds good I know, and it was okay, especially the FGT. Cobbler too sugary, only could eat a couple of bites.
Friday, May 7th (Orlando/Windermere FL)
On my way out of town, I went out of my way to go to Yellow Dog Eats---www.yellowdogeats.com . The owner, Fish Morgan, is a riot, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and has put together a tasty cafe. I had the Retriever's Roast which "is a beef sandwich layered with Creole mustard and greens on herb onion bread." It was a fun lunch with excellent service, despite how busy they were.
Sunday, May 9th (Tampa FL)
Went to the new Star Trek movie with Toni (awesome). Beforehand, we dined at Morae's Cafe---www.moraescafe.com . Our first time at a self-described Persian restaurant. We started with some of the best hummus we have ever had! My entree was Gormeh Sabzi, terrific! Toni had Chelo Kabob Koobideh. I will probably try the lamb next time. Washed it down with two really refreshing bottles of mango juice, not quite as thick as an Indian lassi, but close.
Monday, May 10th (Tampa FL)
Friends visiting from PA, and I took them to Queen of Sheeba Ethiopian---www.ethiopianrestauranttampa.com . We started with Vegetarian Sambussa and a choice of two dipping sauces. Then we ordered a platter for 3---should have ordered for two! There was lamb (really tender), chopped beef, sauteed beef, yellow split peas, collard greens, potatoes, lentils, and my favorite steamed cabbage. Check their website for "A Taste of Ethiopia" on May 23rd. For those of you who eat here, in case you do not know, they do a buffet from 11am to 2pm M-F.
Tuesday, May 11th (Tampa FL)
Took my friends to have dim sum (their first time) at TC Choys---www.tcchoysbistro.com . This place is almost as good as what I have had in Canada and NYC. We scarfed up lots of dumplings (shrimp, pork, ginger pork, spinach), some egg rolls, and steamed pork buns. Afterwards we stopped at a chocolate shop I think called Schakolad---http://www.schakolad.com/Chocolate/Tampa/SoHo-District/ . They got various milk chocolate and said was quite good.
After all of this I am quite fat, and quite broke, with lots of leftovers in my freezer, so I may not be going out for a while, but will try to post when I do. =)
Cheers,
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and a whole lot of Florida (really long post)
[Couldn't bear to break this post up, so I will post it on all the appropriate boards.]
Hiya Hounds!
Recently moved from Williamsport PA to Apollo Beach FL. As a friend of mine put it, I ate my way from PA to FL, but you be the judge. =)
PENNSYLVANIA
Saturday, April 25th (Williamsport PA)
Regrettably only my first time at Joanna's Italian Bakery on Market Street, I got a fresh loaf of hot chili and cheese bread. Apparently they serve soups and sandwiches during the week, wish I had tried them.
Sunday, April 26th (Hughesville PA)
Ate with friends at my favorite breakfast place in the area: Butler's Eatery on Main Street. I think I had steak and scrambled eggs with a blueberry pancake. Sara had an omelet I think, and Mike had pancakes with a side of scrapple. I usually detest scrapple, but theirs was not bad.
Monday, April 27th (Williamsport PA)
Lunch with friends at Jasmine Thai on Washington Blvd, which I prefer to Joy Thai, especially since they know how to create real heat when you want it. The last time I was there I had pad thai so spicy I was sweating and crying! =) This time we just ordered 3 different types of Thai dumplings (shrimp, pork, and sho mai) and steamed rice. Yum! That night stopped by Long Island Pizza---www.longislandpizza.net ---for a slice. This is my favorite pizza place in the area. Venice's pizza is slightly better, but LIP's owner Curt is a great guy with a huge personality, plus he has an upright piano he lets me play anytime I want. For you Cheesecake Factory fans, he does carry their cheesecake.
Tuesday, April 28th (Williamsport PA)
Supposed to get on the road to Philly at 6pm, but turn out to have last minute work stuff and packing stuff, so I take a dinner break and grab one last root beer at the Bullfrog---www.bullfrogbrewery.com ---they brew their own!---and then, I am ashamed to say, my first bison burger at Smokey Joe's on 3rd Street. Both were terrific! Left Williamsport the next morning with a jug of Bullfrog rootbeer (which they will sell you for $12, and you can refill for $6), and a loaf of challah from Wegmans:---https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&productId=373873&catalogId=10002&krypto=QJrbAudPd0vzXUGByeatog%3D%3D&ddkey=http:ProductListView
Wednesday, April 29th (Philadelphia PA)
Stopped by Jim's Steaks---www.jimssteaks.com ---on South Streetn for cheese steak with whiz, which I prefer over Geno's/Pat's. It is not 24/7, but they are open late, I think until 3am most nights. Ate the steaks with my cousins and my buddy Colby who had flown in to drive me down, and washed it down with Fanta Raspberry birch beer, mmmm. I actually prefer Tony Luke's to Jims, but they do not do whiz.
MARYLAND
Wednesday, April 29th (Baltimore MD)
Colby and I made it to B'more and stopped by Hollins Market just as it was closing. He grabbed a crab cake, not amazing, but better than most of what he has had in Chicago. I got a beef polish burnt to hell by the Hot Dog King, decent meat but tasty grill. =) Then it was off to Isabella's---www.isabellasbrickoven.net ---where we picked up the best olives I have ever eaten. Red spanish, green, and spicy green, Yum!
VIRGINIA
Wednesday, April 29th (Richmond VA)
Stopped at a place called Nanking---www.nankingrestaurant.com ---I hoped was going to be Korean BBQ, but was Chinese. No worries, just ordered several appetizers, sort of a simulated late night dim sum. Had shrimp rolls, egg rolls, summer rolls, and steamed dumplings. Only bad thing was the steamed dumplings, not fresh. =( Finally made it to my cousins' place in Greensboro at 3am.
NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA
Thursday, April 29th (Greensboro NC)
No food, too full from the day before and the girl scout cookies my cousins had. We did however pick up a bottle of cherry coke and diet cherry coke, local NC brand called Cheerwine---www.cheerwinecorp.com . Diet tasted like cough syrup, but regular was great!
Thursday, April 29th (Charleston SC)
Per my NC cousin's friend's recommendation, we went to Shem Creek Oyster Bar---www.shemcreekbarandgrill.com ---in Mount Pleasant. Food was decent and atmosphere very nice, right on a little inlet of water, and some friendly/hungry stray cats to keep us company. Had fried oysters as an appetizer, my first oysters ever! Glad I tried them? Yes. Try oysters again? Not likely. Just for good measure, I scraped off the fried breading off of one of them and tried it, not my fave. Then we hopped down the road to go to Mama Brown's BBQ on Ben Sawyer Blvd. Unfortunately no ribs, they only do ribs once per week. So we got some vinegar pulled pork to go. Would've gotten mustard too, but did not think I would have the appetite anytime soon.
GEORGIA
Thursday, April 29th (Savannah GA)
After checking into hotel (got the Hyatt Regency in historic Savannah through Priceline for $80 out-the-door!), we walked around and stumbled on Lulu's dessert cafe, which may have been the highlight of the trip---www.luluschocolatebar.net . Colby had some dessert wine and I had Strawberry suspension cake. It was a chocolate cake sporting a dark chocolate gnoche outer layer, and stuffed with fresh strawberries and mascarponi. Apparently, mascarponi is an Italian cream cheese, the same as what is used in tiramasu. I am not a fan of tiramasu, but loved this!
Friday, April 30th (Savanna GA)
Tired and hungry, I wrapped the still uneaten BBQ in its tinfoil and ran it under hot water in the hotel sink, which worked. We cracked open the Wegmans challah and improvised sandwiches, which were as good as I remember. I started regretting not also getting some mustard bbq. =)
FLORIDA
Friday, April 30th (Gainesville FL)
I am going to skip over the part where we stopped on the side of the road to get boiled peanuts because they were awful, though Colby did end up buying a walking stick for the guy. We drove out of our way a little to go to Gainesville: Steamers!---www.buddhabelly.us . Love places like this, eclectic, small, cheap, huge portions. Colby stated we are not allowed to "split" anything, only couples split; men "half" things. =) So we halfed a shrimp twister, medium spicy, and some pork fried rice. For you vegetarians, try the ??? They cook everything in big woks, and it is terrific, for sure one of my faves in Gainesville if not my favorite.
Friday, April 30th (Apollo Beach FL)
We were going to stop in Orlando to pick up key lime cake for my pregnant wife Toni, but my car was having trouble, so we went straight to Apollo Beach, only stopping to grab some chow from Christine's Carribean Cafe---www. christinescaribbeancuisine.com . Meat pies are always good, as was the steamed cabbage/carrots, rice and beans, and Colby liked the jerk chicken. Unfortunately she was out of Calypso punch which is to die for, but she makes it to order and they were about to close.
Saturday, May 1st (Sarasota FL)
We started the day at C'est La Vie on Main Street, my favorite breakfast place in this area. I forget what kind of sandwich I had, but I remember there were spanish olives and goat cheese, and it had a strong after taste. Delicious croissants and fruity baked goods as appetizers, and the others ordered omelets and crepes. Lunch was at D & R BBQ (2719 18th St, 941-951-0632), amazing ribs and finger-licking-good spicy BBQ sauce! They only do BBQ on Saturdays out of this parking lot stand. No trip to Sarasota would be complete without a trip to SweetBerries in Bradenton---www.sweetberries.com ---for sure in the top 5 of best ice cream I have ever had. I had a strawberry milkshake and my Toni had a "concrete" SweetBerries Sunset. (BTW, SweetBerries now has a location in Sarasota.)
Sunday, May 2nd
My first day of teaching at Springfield College. Lunch was at Tijuana Flats---www.tijuanaflats.com ---a decent Mexican chain that I am happy to say now serves whole wheat tortillas. Dinner was at Jai Ho Indian Cuisine---www.jaihofoods.com . The nan was packed with a thin layer of potato was some kind of spicy that offers a little heat. Entree was a spicy beef and rice dish (lost the menu, can't remember the name). Just got off the phone with the place, they say their website will be up soon, maybe as early as this Monday. Also stay tuned, they are going to start offering breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays!
Monday, May 3rd (Tampa FL)
Just stopped for a quick lunch at Chipotle, which I only go to if there is no Tijuana Flats or Moe's around. It was okay, just had some Carnitas.
Monday, May 3rd (Jacksonville FL)
Went to Jax for a concert. Playing? Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer!
http://www.floridatheatre.com/DesktopModules/EventsCalendar/Popup.aspx?ItemID=124&Mid=512&PortalID=0&TabID=62&selecteddate=20090504&culture=en-US
Beforehand, Toni and I met up with some family to Picasso's Pizzeria---www.picassospizzeria.net ---which was not bad. Started with Bruschetta and Mac & Cheese Fry. Pizza was one meat pie and one white pizza white spinach. Not worth a special trip, but great if you live in the area.
Wednesday, May 5th (Orlando FL)
At the Florida Library Association conference. For lunch went to the Millers/Kirman Ale House---www.millersalehouse.com ---it was that or TGIF). Got the "Pasta Orleans," quite forgettable.. That evening grabbed quiche (cheddar/spinach) and a slice of amazingly good key lime cake from the Dessert Lady---www.dessertlady.com . Okay, the cake was for Toni, but she let me have a bite. =)
Thursday, May 6th (Orlando FL)
Conference day two. Went to Mama Nems---www.mamanemssoulfood.com ---a decent soul food restaurant. Spicy sausage, corn bread, baked beans, fried green tomatoes, and apple cobbler. Sounds good I know, and it was okay, especially the FGT. Cobbler too sugary, only could eat a couple of bites.
Friday, May 7th (Orlando/Windermere FL)
On my way out of town, I went out of my way to go to Yellow Dog Eats---www.yellowdogeats.com . The owner, Fish Morgan, is a riot, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and has put together a tasty cafe. I had the Retriever's Roast which "is a beef sandwich layered with Creole mustard and greens on herb onion bread." It was a fun lunch with excellent service, despite how busy they were.
Sunday, May 9th (Tampa FL)
Went to the new Star Trek movie with Toni (awesome). Beforehand, we dined at Morae's Cafe---www.moraescafe.com . Our first time at a self-described Persian restaurant. We started with some of the best hummus we have ever had! My entree was Gormeh Sabzi, terrific! Toni had Chelo Kabob Koobideh. I will probably try the lamb next time. Washed it down with two really refreshing bottles of mango juice, not quite as thick as an Indian lassi, but close.
Monday, May 10th (Tampa FL)
Friends visiting from PA, and I took them to Queen of Sheeba Ethiopian---www.ethiopianrestauranttampa.com . We started with Vegetarian Sambussa and a choice of two dipping sauces. Then we ordered a platter for 3---should have ordered for two! There was lamb (really tender), chopped beef, sauteed beef, yellow split peas, collard greens, potatoes, lentils, and my favorite steamed cabbage. Check their website for "A Taste of Ethiopia" on May 23rd. For those of you who eat here, in case you do not know, they do a buffet from 11am to 2pm M-F.
Tuesday, May 11th (Tampa FL)
Took my friends to have dim sum (their first time) at TC Choys---www.tcchoysbistro.com . This place is almost as good as what I have had in Canada and NYC. We scarfed up lots of dumplings (shrimp, pork, ginger pork, spinach), some egg rolls, and steamed pork buns. Afterwards we stopped at a chocolate shop I think called Schakolad---http://www.schakolad.com/Chocolate/Tampa/SoHo-District/ . They got various milk chocolate and said was quite good.
After all of this I am quite fat, and quite broke, with lots of leftovers in my freezer, so I may not be going out for a while, but will try to post when I do. =)
Cheers,
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Birmingham AL to Baltimore MD to Williamsport PA
Sorry I missed this, hope you found something good. I like Jasmine for Thai, Johnsons in Montoursville for general American (and a good Cheesesteak), and Long Island Pizza for pizza and cheesecake. No good chinese that I have found, Orlando's is probably the best Italian, and Mexican is only decent at Abrana Marie's and Ozzie and Mae's. I would suggest Smiley's as a great dive, but they do not seat 15.
Wappingers Falls tomorrow night!
Hiya Hounds!
My friends and I are staying in Wappingers Falls for one night. We will probably get there tomorrow night around 11pm or Midnight.
The following morning we will probably stop for breakfast at:
84 Diner, 853 Route 52, Fishkill, NY 12524, (845) 896-6537
Please let me know if there is 24 hour chow in the area for late Friday night, and if we should go elsewhere for breakfast Saturday morning. Any genre of food is fine so long as it is good tasting! Any price range is fine, but we prefer cheaper.
Cheers!
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Reno next week
Hiya Hounds!
Friends of mine are coming out to Tahoe City, San Diego and Reno next week. (I will post the first two cities on the CA board.)
My friends have asked me to find "something different" for them. Here in Williamsport, all we really have is decent Italian and Pizza, crappy Chinese/Thai/Mexican, and good sandwiches. We used to have Greek place, but it went under. Needless to say, they would very much appreciate something ethnic and/or unique, preferably local, and preferably cheap (though they will pay for good stuff). Unusual is good, and romantic is good, but hole-in-the-wall is good too.
Any top recs?
Thx!
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
Tahoe City and Reno
Looks like they will be going to San Diego too.
This is what my cousin who lives in San Diego recommended to me for SD:
Urban Solace, http://www.urbansolace.net/
Mama's Bakery & Deli, http://mamasbakery.net/
Eclipse Chocolat, http://www.eclipsechocolat.com/
Thoughts?
Tahoe City and Reno
Hiya Hounds!
Friends of mine are coming out to Tahoe City and Reno next week. (I will post Reno on the SW board.)
This is what I found on Chowhound for Tahoe City:
-Christy Hill, www.christyhill.com (American/Mexican)
-Wolfdale's Cuisine Unique, www.wolfdales.com (American)
-Sawtooth Ridge Café (breakfast)
-Bacchi's Inn (Italian)
My friends have asked me to find "something different" for them. Here in Williamsport, all we really have is decent Italian and Pizza, crappy Chinese/Thai/Mexican, and good sandwiches. We used to have Greek place, but it went under. Needless to say, they would very much appreciate something ethnic and/or unique, preferably local, and preferably cheap (though they will pay for good stuff). Unusual is good, and romantic is good, but hole-in-the-wall is good too.
Any votes on the above or other top recs?
Thx!
~Matthew
matthew.david@mac.com
24 hour near BWI ??? (for this Tues night/Wed morn)
Thanks! I had called the bakery last night, did not realize there was a restaurant as well. I will hit it on the way back.
http://www.amphoragroup.com/
This morning, at 4am, I went to Ye Chon in Annandale:
http://www.yechonrestaurant.com/
It was a feast fit for a king, though I barely made it through 1/3 of my entrees. The kimche was not the best I have had, but good. Overall I should have asked the food to be spicier; I asked for spicy, but maybe they thought I couldn't take it. =) The food came out almost all at once. Appetizer #1 was Gyoza (fried dumpling) and was good, and I am pretty sure all vegetable. Appetizer #2 was shrimp tempura, which was a little better than average, but it became a little too much fried for the morning, so only ate one and a half. Korean BBQ was Daeji Bul Gogi (marinated pork in "spicy" sauce, but again not spicy enough). Wrapped it in a lettuce with rice and the sauce and gobbled up.
Overall a great way to start the morning! I will try Amphora on the way back on the evening of January 5th.
24 hour near BWI ??? (for this Tues night/Wed morn)
DULLES AIRPORT TONIGHT!! - Probably need to get to the Dulles airport by 5am tomorrow morning, so looking for something open 24 hours, preferably near Dulles.
I doubt I will get a response right away, but I am taking the same route back. I am coming back Monday night, January 5th around 10pm. I will drive into DC if I have to for something amazing.
This is the route Mapquest is taking me:
10: Merge onto US-15 S via EXIT 5B toward GETTYSBURG (Crossing into MARYLAND). 68.4 mi
11: Take the US-15 S/ US-340 W exit toward LEESBURG/ CHARLES TOWN. 0.1 mi
12: Merge onto US-15 S/ US-340 W. 4.6 mi
13: Merge onto US-15 S via the exit on the LEFT toward LEESBURG (Crossing into VIRGINIA). 17.2 mi
14: Stay STRAIGHT to go onto US-15 BYP S/ LEESBURG BYP. 3.6 mi
15: Merge onto VA-267 E/ DULLES GREENWAY toward DULLES AIRPORT/ WASHINGTON (Portions toll). 12.4 mi
16: Merge onto VA-28 S/ SULLY RD via EXIT 9A toward DULLES AIRPORT/ CENTREVILLE. 1.2 mi
Famous Cookie figures
Oh...and Santa Claus, duh! He may not make 'em, but he sure does eat 'em. (I may be Jewish but I at least know that much.=)
Famous Cookie figures
Hi there! I am looking for well known cookie people/figures/characters.
Here is what I have so far:
Cookie Monster
Famous Amos
Mrs. Fields
Keebler elves
Any other suggestions?
