dmctexas's Profile
PHX - Family-Friendly Restaurants?
We'll be visiting Phoenix beginning next Saturday and are looking for family-friendly restaurants to enjoy with our toddler son. We'd like to explore local options - no chain restaurants, please.
We'll be staying in the Chandler area but are willing to travel for good food. We'll be eating out all meals so breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner places, are welcome.
One more thing - no seafood restaurants. Thanks so much for your help!
MA - Mi Tierra or Autentica?
We'll be visiting the Amherst area this weekend and are looking for a restaurant for lunch. I think I've narrowed it down to Mi Tierra in Hadley or Autentica in South Hadley. Which one would you recommend?
I have a funny background in terms of Mexican/New Mexican food - I grew up both in Texas and New Mexico and spent a summer in central Mexico in college. So, I've been exposed to (and love!) Tex-Mex, Mexican and Southwestern food. I don't have a preference for this weekend (although blue corn enchiladas sound awfully good right now!), so I'll take all recomendations. Thanks!
Great food in Bristol, CT?
Others may disagree, but I think great food and Bristol just don't go together. It's home to ESPN and some other companies, but other than that it's a bit of a sleepy town. There are some options close by (The Cottage in Plainville, lots of options in West Hartford) if you're willing to travel. Can you give me a bit more information about your location, price range and what types of food you're looking for? I'd be happy to help as much as I can.
There is a great small supermarket called The Super Natural (http://www.supernaturalmarket.com/index.htm) in Bristol. It has a deli counter with lots of hot lunch options, sandwiches and desserts. There are some tables there to eat in, but lots of people grab the food to go.
New England/Upstate NY BBQ Reviews
As a Texas girl living in Connecticut who very much misses good brisket, I totally appreciate your search for good BBQ in New England. I've found The Cookhouse (we go to one in East Hartford) to be good (not great), but inconsistent. It really has been hit or miss.
I'm not sure if they'll have local restaurants or just traveling teams, but you may want to check out Harpoon Brewery's BBQ competition in July (http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/index.cfm/page/Harpoon-Championships-of-New-England-BBQ/cdid/112866/pid/28549) in Windsor, VT. Maybe there will be a caterer there or someone will have a lead for you. If nothing else, perhaps you can get some great BBQ. I haven't been before, but we're hoping to get there next month.
Best wishes on your upcoming marriage!
Thanksgiving Dining Out Suggestions (Central CT)
The restaurant we were planning to go to for Thanksgiving this year isn't offering Thanksgiving dinner (new chef, decided to discontinue), so we need suggestions for Thanksgiving lunch, dinner or brunch at a restaurant in Central Connecticut (Hartford area) or the South Central/Southeast shoreline (Madison east to Stonington). Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
Westerly, RI
I definitely second The Up River Cafe (http://www.theuprivercafe.net/). They have a great bar with a large window overlooking the river. Their food is great, and the service is always attentive. Make sure to ask about their specials (if they don't mention them ... although they always do!) We've always found their specials to be wonderful.
Taco Dia in Newington, CT - Where'd it go?
Taco Dia has been closed for a while (since at least April), so I think it is closed for good. I don't know what happened. The couple who owned it was so wonderfully nice, and their food was great. I, too, will miss it.
Vermont Suggestions
We love the restaurant at Simon Pearce - a glass blowing factory in Quechee (http://www.simonpearce.com/CSTM_restaurantsQuechee1.aspx). It overlooks the river, and the view is stunning. We actually drive there from Connecticut a couple of times a year just to have lunch! Their food is always excellent, and they use their glassware at the restaurant. You could then go to Quechee Gorge - the "Grand Canyon" of Vermont.
Early Saturday Supper in Canton CT
A group of us went to Simmer a few months ago - only one person enjoyed her dinner (and she got the most expensive steak on the menu!)
Instead, I would recommend Buon Appetito (860-693-2211) in Canton. It's in a small location in a strip shopping center on the south side of 44 (look carefully for it), but don't let that scare you off. It has some of the best Italian food around with huge portions. We took my boss there for her birthday and everyone enjoyed their meal. She even wants to go there again for her next birthday! It is BYOB, and it's probably best to make a reservation. I think they open at 4 p.m. and you may want to get there at 4:30 - dinner sometimes can take a while. Have fun!
