gebair's Profile
Weekend in Savannah
I am flying to Savannah for a weekend in March to meet my high school buddie and his wife. Occasion is his 60th birthday. We are looking for great food and wine; nothing touristy. Will mainly be a dinner on Friday night. Local food a plus. Also, any suggestions on breakfast and places to stay in historic Savannah would be appreciated.
New Hope mid-week
My wife and I are spending a night this week, Wed., in the New Hope/Lambertville area for our anniversary getaway. Nice dinner recommendation? Our innkeeper has suggested Hamilton Grill Room, Zoubi's, and Marsha Brown. What do the chowhounds think? We love seafood, good wine, vegetarian, Thai, and the like (but do not eat meat). Thanks.
New Hope mid-week
My wife and I are spending one night, this Wed., in the New Hope area. Our anniversary get away, so we are looking for a nice dinner. We love fresh seafood, also Thai, and something a little quirky, if possible. Any thoughts? Our innkeeper mentioned the Hamilton Grill Room, Zoubi's, and Marsha Brown. Any chowhound help would be appreciated.
Summer trip
My wife and I, both foodies from DC, are coming to N.O. for a long weekend (actually June 30 to July 4). We love the heat. Have not been since 2003. We want to volunteer somewhere, for part of the time, to help rebuild, so any suggestions there would be appreciated. We will be staying Uptown, and will have a car. But where to eat? We love seafood, love the out of the way places. Went to Jacques Imo's and Brigstens the last time we were there. Should we go back? What other places should we try? Thanks!
Weekend Review of Phoenix Area
Yes, we loved the Hermosa Inn, and its location. We didn't really appreciate how spread out things are in the area until we drove on Sunday morning out to the race, and it took a good hour, without any traffic.
Weekend Review of Phoenix Area
We lucked out and had a great weekend, warmer than usual for this time of year. Escaping the East Coast snow and ice, and just barely getting out of DC last Thursday, we left for a long weekend of sun and the Lost Dutchman's Half Marathon. But we also came to eat our way through the greater Phoenix area.
We stayed at the Hermosa Inn, which was great. Very central location, near the airport (which was convenient for a late night arrival on Thursday and early morning departure on Monday). Just in the shadow of Camelback Mountain, in Pleasant Valley, just outside of Scottsdale. Also convenient is the fact that Lon's is located there, which was the site of our last meal.
Lunch on Friday was at a traditional Mexican place, the Ranch Market at 16th and Roosevelt (near downtown). The queso fundido was excellent, sort of a cheesy, but spicy and gooey pleasure. Very nice with a Corona and Sol. The camarones rancheros and spinach and mushroom enchilladas were tasty as well. A nice introduction to Phoenix dining.
Dinner was only so-so. We met some friends in Cave Creek for dinner at the Tonto Bar and Grill. I know it is supposed to be scenic, but it was after sundown, so we couldn't see a whole lot. We had a mediocre appetizer of some sort of tuna tempura something or other. The salmon was smothered in some kind of overpowering sauce. The dessert was nothing much to write about either. Maybe others have had better meals there.
Lunch on Saturday was a lot of fun. We went to Tempe, to the House of Tricks, for an outdoor leisurely lunch. Tempe is a nice change from the stuffiness of upper Scottsdale, being much more eclectic, student, ethnic, hippie, etc. The sun was out, it was warming up to 80 or so, and it's always nice to have a glass of wine with lunch while on vacation. We even got a free second glass because our order was mixed up at the salad course (mixed green instead of caesar). The leek and potato soup was good, too. I guess everything tastes better with wine, outside, and on vacation.
Dinner on Saturday night was also al fresco. This time at the Zinc Bistro in Scottsdale. I had seen alot of postings for this place, so it was a must. Again, the atmosphere in Scottsdale is not our ideal, but it was a great place to eat. The oysters on the half shell were fantastic. The grilled asparagus was out of this world. But my favorite was the crab and truffle omelette. It was heavenly...to call it a mere omelette does not do it justice. My wife had a mackerel dish that was also quite good, but a bit salty for my taste. The sancerre and chablis went well with the oysters, and the portions were generous (seemed like two glasses for the price of one to me). The chocolate souffle was also most enjoyable.
The next morning, we were off to Apache Junction to run the half marathon. As you can see from my posting, I am more of an eater than a runner. I finished the race, but you won't find me in the winner's circle. A friend of ours from Baltimore, however, did place first in her age group! Now she is a serious athlete (and did not join us for any of our eating and drinking excursions).
There's nothing like a 13.1 mile run to work up an appetite. It also permits fairly guiltless eating and drinking. I was kind of worn out, and didn't want to drive too far, however. At the hotel pool, someone had mentioned a wine bar kind of place nearby. So we ventured out to the Sportsmen's Wine and Spirits place, which was at 32nd St. and Camelback Road (about five minutes away from the Hermosa). Very nice place. Of course, hundreds of wines by the glass or half-glass. We took a recommendation on a New Zealand sauvignon blanc that was cheap and excellent. We both had a "Grown up grilled cheese", which was two kinds of cheese, carmelized onions, mustard, whole grain bread, etc. It was quite yummy.
For our final night, we walked over to Lon's for dinner. This is a fun place. Great cowboy atmosphere. It's worth a trip, both for the meal and to see the Hermosa/Lon's set up. The food was quite good. A nice ahi tuna appetizer on some type of mushrooms and oil. One of the best seared tuna appetizers I've every eaten. The mussels in tomato broth were excellent as well. My wife had pork and I had monkfish, both of which were great. The coffee/expresso brulee was also very soothing. The bottle of pinot noir went with everything as well.
I hope this helps the next out of towners, or Phonecian natives too for that matter. Hope to return for some good food and warm weather soon.
Long Weekend in Phoenix area
East Coast chowhounds heading for Phoenix, Feb. 15-19 for Lost Dutchman Half-Marathon. But we love to eat and drink, so not all that health conscious. Arrive Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. and need a recommendation for a late dinner that night. We'll be driving from the airport to Gold Canyon Golf Resort (Gold Canyon). On Friday, we'll be coming into Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale for lunch and dinner. Likewise, Saturday, we're open to suggestions within driving range for all three meals. The race is on Sunday, so we may just eat at the Resort (unless we shouldn't!). We leave early Monday am.
We love Mexican, seafood, sushi, Italian, vegetarian, eclectic, unique, and the like. Price is not too much of an object, but we do like to get good value, i.e., not be ripped off by the "ambiance" or hipness factor. Thank you AZ chowhounds for your advice.
Weekend in Las Vegas
We will not have a car, but are willing to take a cab to a dinner destination.
Weekend in Las Vegas
Have been reading with interest Las Vegas posts and am overwhelmed...first time visit, staying at Signature at MGM Grand...Friday through Sunday in early Dec. Help! My wife and I love food, wine, good value, no hype necessary; turned off by overpaying; more interested in great food than atmosphere, but want something of a Vegas experience too. Are we asking too much? We are willing to pay, but want something great in return. Seafood, sushi, thai, gourmet vegetarian are high on the list for us. Coming from DC/Balto area. Thanks for your help.
