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Vienna and Wachau (Danube) Report
I'm going to pass the movie/Damoa idea on to my daughter. Thank you!
Vienna and Wachau (Danube) Report
Thanks Sturmi for your comments- I'll pass the coffee tip on to my daughter. Of course Starbucks in the US have horrible pastries and I imagine Austrian Starbucks pastries are equally poor?
I thought of you at the Hilton. After we ate the mediocre meal, we walked outside the hotel to find an ATM and I saw Damoa! I thought "darn! I think Sturmi had recommended that place- if only we had known it was steps away!" I was also confused about Damoa vs Gmoa because my Time Out guidebook listed Gmoa Keller in the 3rd district. So I thought I was mixed up- that you hadn't recommended an Asian near the Hilton :)
Vienna and Wachau (Danube) Report
Here's my report from early April 2012 starting with the Wachau (Danube Valley 1 hr N of Vienna). We had many fine meals and only a few disappointments:
Weingut Nigl was the star of the trip to Austria! I recommend this casual/rustic yet elegant restaurant/inn/winery to any foodie. The food and wine pairings were delicious. Prices were reasonable: e.g. wiener schnitzel 16.5 E (and superior to Meierei’s wiener schnitzel), soups 4.5, lachsforelle 19.5. Extensive menu with prix fixe or ala carte options. We were surprised that even their Pinot Noir was wonderful since the area is noted for its whites. Normally, I'm not too keen on dessert wines but we had to bring home a divine 2006 Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling and some jams (bubble wrapped for us). The other diners we spoke to were German Bavarians who have vacationed there previously and said their breakfasts (and rooms) were fantastic. Nigl is located about 20 mins N of Krems in the village of Senftenberg. At night the castle ruins above the winery are illuminated-breathtaking! You would need a car if staying there.
Breakfast at the inn Raffelsberger Hof in the little village of Weissenkirchen was also good and the inn very cozy and nice but if we return, I'd stay at Nigl. Unfortunately, we didn't get to Landhaus Bacher.
Restaurant Heinzle outside of Weissenkirchen- outstanding fish, wine selection, views and good service.
Restaurant Hotel Alte Post in Krems was one of the culinary highlights of our trip-(trip advisor recommendation) delicious Austrian food and a cozy atmosphere- my son loved the Tafelspitz (boiled beef). I thought the cheese spatzle was divine.
Krems fish vendor at the riverfront smoking fish over an open wood fire- tasty!
Our one disappointing meal in the Wachau was in Durnstein- unable to immediately find Sanger Blondel or another trip advisor recommended spot, the kids insisted we go to a restaurant on the main drag full of German speaking diners- it was dreadful! (Austrian cuisine)- not sure of the name.
Restaurant Jamek near Weissenkirchen is unfortunately closed on wkends.
Marcus Weiser shops that are all over the Wachau have good prepared stuff for gifts but look for homemade apricot jam -available in many villages- which are even better. Visiting this area during apricot season or the grape harvest would be amazing.
Vienna:
Asian: Patara Thai- delicious food and packed with locals even on a weeknight- reservations needed -many were turned away. We would return here.
Indochine 21- had a good but heavy lunch here- “homemade ramen noodles” with a choice of sauces: Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese. My only criticism was that the noodle dish was so rich, could have easily been split between 3 diners. Also, since the chef is Vietnamese(?) we should have ordered the Vietnamese sauce (although Thai and Indonesian were good).
Italian: Cantinetta Antinori was a bit of a disappointment but had a convenient location adjacent to our hotel. Beautiful atmosphere and good service. Warm octopus salad did not taste fresh. Risotto with lamb was odd and risotto undercooked. Seafood linguine, wine selection and bread were excellent.
Restaurant Da Capo- fabulous pizzas and pretty good salads. Great, cozy atmosphere. The American Bar is almost next door. We would gladly return to Da Capo.
Wein & Co: lively atmosphere and tasty Italian sandwiches.
Austrian: Meierei im Stadtpark (top floor is the famous Steierereck) – wonderful, peaceful setting in the park overlooking the river- especially nice on a sunny, warm day if outdoor tables available. Service was extremely slow (it took almost an hr just to get a menu!) Allow 3 hrs for lunch. Excellent food but a bit pricey for lunch – we spent over $50 pp.
Hotel am Stephansplatz breakfast- excellent.
Hilton Vienna- left early so couldn’t sample breakfast. Dinner was quite poor- we were too tired to go out so ate at the hotel. Delicious Mediterranean style salads but entrees were very poor. Tafelspitz (boiled beef) was mediocre. Asian vegetable and rice entrée had to be sent back- too salty. Not a good location/district for foodies but convenient 24 hr Sixt car rental location. Next time we’ll return to Hotel am Stephansplatz or Hotel von Ungarn- both in the historic district.
Viennese Coffee shops: great atmosphere and not to be missed but Starbucks generally has better coffee!
Café Sperl in 6th district: warm apple strudel with vanilla cream sauce was outstanding but my daughter claims she’s had better!
Hotel Imperial Café: apple strudel not nearly as good as the Sperl’s. Formal but friendly atmosphere.
Overall, a great trip. Thanks everyone for your help.
Vienna: Need help choosing restaurant - Calling Strumi!
Great! Thanks so much for all the tips. Our daughter will be living in Vienna next yr so I'll pass this along to her- she'll especially appreciate the affordable ones.
Vienna: Need help choosing restaurant - Calling Strumi!
Thanks again Sturmi. I'll pass along the nightlife ideas and check into the Austrian places.
One kid has been in living in Austria for the past yr and is sort of starved for ethnic food/more variety but she's also been traumatized by her parents dragging her to hole in the wall Asian places and now prefers upscale Asian.
The other lives in San Francisco and considers himself a foodie.
As a veg/fish eater, i have to admit waves of nausea just thinking about some typical Austrian dishes. I figure we'll be eating Austrian in Wachau but you might be right- I'll check out the other Viennese ideas. Thank you! :)
Vienna: Need help choosing restaurant - Calling Strumi!
Thanks so much Sturmi for your reply about Heinzle- the GM review looks excellent- have you eaten there?
We'll be staying at Hotel am Stephansplatz. Here's my Vienna list so far (trying to avoid offal meats, too much smoke and mean waiters):
Cantinetta Antinori, Patara Thai. Still stumped about Fri night following the Spanish Riding School performance- had thought about Da Capo. I'll be joined by my 22 and 26 y/o kids. Do you know of a lively night spot that twenty year olds would enjoy? Rather than Da Capo, we could splurge on Motto am Fluss.
I see in the Time Out Guide that Christian Petz is endorsing Livingstone's and Planter's Club for drinks.
Easter Monday thinking about Meirei. Do you have a lunch or dinner recommendation for that day? We will be going to some museums or Schonbrunn in the afternoon.
Thank you to Sturmi and anyone else with opinions!
Favorite, Memorable Lunch Spot in Dordogne and Provence?
I wish we'd seen the real dining room- sounds very cool. Martel was very charming- we actually preferred it over Sarlat which was overrun with tourists but I'm sure Sarlat is kind of like Venice or Montepulciano- fabulous late at night or early in the morning.
Forgot to mention some more memorable lunches: St Cirque Lapopie- Le Gourmet Quercynois. Delicious salad and incredible atmosphere. Should've splurged on the truffle omelet that some French couples were eating. Never pass up truffles is my new motto.
Bonnieux in Provence was exceptionally charming and the pizza at La Flambee (as recommended by Boredough) was delicious. Also had perfect weather and loved sitting outside on the top floor/roof.
Farmers market in Lourmarin also wonderful- grazed on delicious items while looking/shopping.
Thanks to Chow Hounds for all your help- all our meals ranged from tasty to fantastic!
I'd be tempted to think all food in France is good but some friends rented a gite in Dordogne and were disappointed with their restaurant choices. Research and cross reference! Thanks again.
Favorite, Memorable Lunch Spot in Dordogne and Provence?
Just a quick report on our Oct trip: Martel was an attractive little town and we succeeded in getting a tour of the Martel walnut factory but the restaurant wasn't serving at the day/time we were there. The elderly owners (90ish?) were darling but didn't speak a word of English- fortunately, another couple arrived who helped interpret. The grinding area was dimly lit but worthwhile since we picked up a fab bottle of oil to bring home. I peeked at the dining area- school cafeteria-like but many windows. Our innkeeper kept phoning the farm to check on hours- difficult to reach them. A fun side trip but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to arrange again.
All of our meals and wines in France were delicious! Manoir de Malagorse employed a local young woman- graduate of the culinary school in Souillac- her meals were outstanding and they were so kind to cater to my fish/veg preferences. Breakfasts were astonishing- although skimpy on protein but we requested cheese a few mornings and they would probably make eggs on request.
Riboto de Taven- also divine meals here but I would not recommend the troglodyte (cave) suites- very damp and dark. The main house was wonderful though.
We adored our one meal at Bistro du Paradou- wow! the cheese plate and walnut pie were amazing. Best cheese plate of our trip- usually I don't get very excited about cheese plates but the Paradou's was very special- room temperature- help yourself concept.
The only really memorable lunch I can recall was the outdoor cafe at Glanum (Roman ruins outside of St Remy). We split a vegetarian ancient Rome themed lunch entree- delicious and unusual- sort of Middle Easternish.
Loved the atmosphere and service at Chez Emile in Toulouse but some of the dishes were hit and miss.
I regretted not picking up more walnut candy at the convenience store in Rocamadour. Lovely outdoor setting for lunch at Hotel Beau Site (?) in Rocamadour- food quite tasty.
Vienna: Need help choosing restaurant - Calling Strumi!
Hi Sturmi- have you eaten at Heinzle in Weissenkirchen? How does it compare with the Kirchenwirt? We'll be staying at the Raffelsbergerhof and want one night of simpler but good food close to our inn. Thanks so much for your opinion!
Wachau Austria Restaurant Recommendations- How is Weinhaus Nigl?
Hi Chowhounds- We'll be staying in Weissenkirchen Easter wkend. Restaurant Jamek is closed on Sat and Sun. We'll eat at fish restaurant Heinzle on the Danube at least once but would also like to check out some wineries with excellent restaurants.
Has anyone eaten at Weinhaus Nigl outside of Krems in Senftenberg?
How about Loibernerhof Familie Knoll Restaurant in Unterloiben outside of Durnstein? Nigl gets better Gault Millau reviews and their website/Trip Advisor reviews look fantastic but we don't want anything too fancy/experimental.
Any opinions or suggestions most appreciated! Two carnivores and one fish eater in the group.
Favorite, Memorable Lunch Spot in Dordogne and Provence?
Thanks so much boredough, Parigi and ChefJune for your replies.
Parigi- if you've been to both the walnut farm in Martel (Le Moulin a Hulle de Noix) and the one in Bougayrou, Lacave- which did you prefer? They are roughly equal distance from our inn.
Boredough- thanks for the Provencal recommendations - will report back.
ChefJune- glad to get your endorsement about Riboto de Taven.
I'm in the process of looking back at old postings and taking notes. Thanks again everyone!
Any more recommendations- especially for non French food -would be greatly appreciated!
Favorite, Memorable Lunch Spot in Dordogne and Provence?
What is your best, most memorable lunch in Dordogne and Provence? We'll be eating wonderful (hopefully) dinners every night at our inns: Manoir de Malagorse outside of Souillac in the Lot and Riboto de Taven in Les Baux-De-Provence.
We're planning lots of day trips from both locations so distance is not an issue. Recommendations for the Luberon also appreciated.
In addition to a special lunch recommendation, can anyone suggest some simple, Chowish cafes serving anything BUT French e.g., Asian/Vietnamese, Italian, African etc.?
Thank you Chowhounds!
Boone NC and Surrounding Area
We were just in the area last w/e- Bistro Roco's trout was fantastic- the second best I've ever had- crispy skin separated (lifted off during cooking) from the rest of the fish on a bed of polenta.
Wonderful atmosphere, relaxed yet comfortable - everyone loved their entrees. Service was friendly but slightly odd- we ordered more food than they were willing to provide (we wanted big appetizer salads and the waiter instead gave us the tiny side salads that came with the meal on the same plate without checking with us). Difficult to find- do not program into your GPS or you will end up in a residential area miles away. Bistro Roco is only a few blocks from downtown.
Also in Blowing Rock, we always enjoy brunch or lunch at the Village Cafe (down a path from Kilwin's on Main- not visible from Main St).
Gamekeepers at Yonahlossee Resort- atmosphere was great- esp sitting on the deck at sunset-looking out over the mtns and valley. Our group liked the mixed grilled meat appetizer (snake, ostrich etc). My trout was OK but not nearly as good as Bistro Roco's- had an herbed bread crumb topping that wasn't very crispy- kind of soft and bland/salty/herby.. but we would eat there again. Others really liked the roasted chicken..Excellent service. Best fruit crisp we've ever had- a huge blueberry/blackberry thing (not too sweet just perfect) with vanilla ice cream. Valet parking yet a relaxed vibe.
The BBQ at the Citgo in Foscoe was judged by my BBQ experts to not be very good- kind of Western/red- reported to be "mushy with catsup added"? Not at all typical NC BBQ.
Too bad Kersh's Old World Bakery in Foscoe which later became Johnson's (?)is closed- best pecan sticky buns in the universe.
Sandwiches at the Ham Shoppe in Valle Crucis are OK for picnics/hiking.
North Carolina seafood restaurants - which ones source locally?
The Saturday farmers market at N Hills Shopping Center (open til noon)
has someone selling fish and shellfish that supposedly comes from day boats- they sell to better restaurants in the area. So far we've just tried what we were told was red snapper and it was excellent. The market also has vendors selling organic vegetables- much needed in Raleigh- it's not the Carrboro Farmers Market but it's a start. I hear fresh flowers are offered on Thurs. at N Hills farmers market.
College visit rd trip VA, NC
Sharon, if you go back to Richmond, there aren't many good restaurants but Mekong and Edo's Squid are excellent. Mom's Siam in Carytown is also tasty. There's a health food grocery store in Carytown-Ellwood Thompson- with good prepared food- makes a nice gift certificate for UR students. Comfort is tasty but quite far downtown and not a UR scene but we did see quite a few UR families at Edo's in May for graduation w/e. Full Kee Chinese is close by and authentic but pretty funky. Their soups are perfect for the ailing. Good luck with your student's college decisions...
Asheville's Best Restaurants
Just came back from a stay in Weaverville (10 mins outside of Asheville) at the Secret Garden Inn and Spa. The inn provides breakfast coupons- we walked to the Well Bred Bakery- excellent and also really enjoyed North Point Diner for breakfast (same owners as Early Girl Eatery). Unfortunately, I was disappointed the next night at Early Girl with my farm raised "red" trout- very very mediocre. It made me wonder if the Market Place's would've been any better (they use the same vendor). It had little trout flavor and seemed like a generic broiled piece of barely OK fish. Early Girl's veg sides etc were tasty but nothing to rave about.
Also had a disappointing fish experience at Curras Dom- the waiter raved about the $26? "whole vermillion snapper" and it was awful- not fresh at all- I should have sent it back. Next time I would order the vegetarian tamales or try the shrimp. My husband enjoyed his duck but not the accompanying blackberry mole, however, the mole was on the side and could be avoided.
Soup and salad were delicious- if we lived in Asheville I would try Curras again but would not rush back there as a tourist with limited time.
Best meal was a Saturday lunch at Fig. Divine gruyeres/mushroom quiche and good burger. Excellent service and a very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Outside seating is also available. Fig is a very small place- maybe 8 tables inside?
Next time will head to Fig and the Market Place where we've always had good meals in the past.
Meadows of Dan, Va
Has anyone eaten at Primland Resort? We have a friend who was there recently and raved about the place. We aren't golfers but the cabin rates are very reasonable. The lodge is under construction. The chef will customize the menu for you apparently. Currently there is only one informal dining room which suits us fine. But they will also bring breakfast to your cabin for 15 pp! Rates are kind of steep for dinner however.
Cabins come with full kitchens but I don't think we want to cook...
Crozet, Va- outside of Charlottesville
Thanks everyone for the comments- we might try to stay closer to Charlottesville since food is, unfortunately, a very high priority! :)
Crozet, Va- outside of Charlottesville
I've been looking at a B and B out in the country/foothills NW of Crozet, Va (Inn at Sugar Hollow)- gets excellent reviews but I'm concerned about dining options since they only serve breakfast. The owner emailed me a list of Crozet restaurants: Three Notch'd Grill, Fardowners, La Cocina del Sol. We'd love to eat at the C & O but think the drive (30 mins)- is a little too far in the winter months.
Is anyone familiar with any of the above Crozet restaurants? Thanks Hounds!
Too Much Tuscan Food
Oops- forgot to mention Il Bucchero in Chiusi at 32 Via Bonci ph 0578 222092.
One person we spoke to dismissed this town as just a rail stop but we loved it.
We didn't see any tourists in the town or at the restaurant. Il Bucchero was wonderful and full of locals. We ate under the grape arbor with grapes hanging off the vines.
The food was excellent- sl funky spot and we requested some of the grapes for dessert which were cut down and given to us in a big bowl of water. Excellent food and atmosphere.
Wish we had known about the Etruscan Museum while in Chiusi.
Panzano in Chianti- we stayed at Villa Le Barone and had wonderful meals every evening for an incredibly low cost with their half board plan- around 15 E per person per
night.
Overall, we thought prices in Italy were quite reasonablecompared to some other European countries. Chianti was gorgeous and surprisingly low on tourists.
Restorante Lamole was one of the best meals of our trip but be forewarned- it takes about 45 to drive 5 miles on the twisty, hilly roads. You could make a day of it by stopping at Villa Vignamaggio for a winery tour.
The fresh porcini mushrooms were pricey and out of this world. Also had a divine pasta dish with fresh truffles shaved on top. Popular- I would make advance reservations.
Osteria Alla Piazza between Castellina and Panzano was just OK- atmosphere was nice... service quite slow and we may have ordered the wrong things but if I was in the area for a long stay would try again.
Some fellow guests raved about Coltibuono up in the hills- we did not get there.
Butcher of Panzano- sampling: a giant bowl of lardo flecked with herbs and some meatloaf. Husband bought some cooked pork which he said was delicious but not quite as good as Asian market pork- too many herbs on the outside.
Thanks for the suggestion about Lent- sounds like a great idea and for all the Florence ideas. One of our kids might do study abroad in Florence next yr and if so, I'll bring your suggestions with us if we visit again. We went to Florence on a short day trip- traffic and crowds were overwhelming but I'm sure it would be a blast for the college aged. Had a delicious spinach and fresh mozzarela panini.
Wish America had sandwich shops like those in Italy.
One of the best sandwiches I had was two yrs ago at the Venice airport and unfortunately, saw nothing similar on this trip. It was packed with fat grams- seemed to consist of thick white stuff like mayonnaise and maybe some whipped cheese and black olives. Incredible! Does anyone know what I'm referring to?
Thank you Hounds!
Too Much Tuscan Food
I forgot to mention that we did not eat at Buca Sant Antonio in Lucca- reviews too mixed. But if we return would try it along with Da Leo.
Montepulciano:
I already mentioned Ristorante Le Logge Del Vignole at 6 via delle Erbe phone 39 0578 717290- this was an excellent,white table cloth,upscale place with cooing, romantic young Italian honeymooners. Yes, there really was Small Donkey on the menu-the owner/maitre d spoke excellent English and the rest of the translation of the menu seemed correct. I had lake fish here which was quite good.
Godimento DiVino Restorante Enoteca at 3 via Delle Stamperia ph 0578 71 61 83 was also very good- husband loved his grilled rabbit and I had my first ever pici with pesto. The Tuscan bean dishes were very good- we were surprised to get black eye peas!
Vineria Bistrot Spazio Arte at Piazza San Francesco (the highest piazza in town just after the Piazza Grande) had delcious appetizers in a beautiful, arty yet relaxed and casual atmosphere.
We stayed at their locanda which was great. The weather had turned cool on our arrival and the steaming bowls of garbanzo bean and canneli soup were good.
The wine bar was recently written up in Food and Wine- the views from the piazza and the locanda make the trek up the steep hill worthwhile.
Caffe Poliziano was actually quite mediocre but the views from the terrace were lovely and as I said before, I enjoyed their more diverse menu and the omelette.
Driving in and out of vertical and confusing Montepulciano was an ordeal and may have contributed to my negative first post.
Hong Kong in Montep was a nice change but it was not Chinese food as we know it. I felt very sorry for them actually- there seem to be few Asians in Italy and no access to Asian foods or markets (?). I had my Marling Menu Master with me but they seemed unfamiliar with any of the veggies I inquired about including spinach!
I think the mixed vegetables we ordered were sauteed in olive oil!
Montepulciano was overrun with tourists esp Americans. Pienza was also a zoo.
I knew about Rosellini but could not find it easily so we decided to go for Trattoria Latte Di Luna which everyone raves about. We had a tasty but sort of average meal here and can't understand what all the excitement is about. In addition, the owner or maitre d was quite mean and turned away many customers with a sour expression and wave of the hand. He did reserve one special outside table for a small group of Americans which he apparently knew and liked- this was the only time we saw him smile.
Next posting Panzano in Chianti.
Too Much Tuscan Food
I love Chowhound! Thanks for all the replies. Here's my report as promised:
We got a second wind right after the first desperation post on Asian food.
Food in Lucca was quite disappointing:
Trattoria Da Giulio- great atmosphere and reasonable prices but food kind of mediocre. Husband thought the brick flattened (?) chicken was pretty good.
Hotel Noblesse- we were too tired to look for a restaurant and ate at our hotel the first night- wonderful service but mediocre food except for a few good dishes such as a regional quiche-like appetizer and good Pecorino cheese plate.
Osteria via S Georgio (AKA Osteria Pesce) located at 26 via S Georgio was our best meal. The polenta with smoked octopus was delicious. Their phone # is 0583 953233.
We also went to a forgettable pizzeria that had been recommended on slowtrav.
We drove 30 mins to Viareggio, a somewhat seedy beach town but interesting and tried several restaurants a Hound had recommended but it was a Wed I think and they were closed. Fortuitously, we stumbled on an incredible place, Ilpuntodivino located at 229 via Miazzini, phone 0584 31046.
I had the most amazing pasta dish I have ever eaten. OMG. It was made with special Morelli brand pasta (contains wheat germ according to a google search). The shelled clams- no grit or sand- just perfect and squid atop the pasta were sublime. It was so rich and flavorful. My husband asked how they made it and we were surprised to find out it didn't contain any butter- just olive oil and some concentrated stock from the seafood and maybe some garlic and fresh sage (can't remember the herbs now). Everything at ilpuntodivino was of the highest quality- the best olive oil of our trip on the table, best bread, fabulous dessert etc etc. They get a fork and spoon on Michelin and I think they have a website. Definitely worth a detour. Will continue with base #2 Montepulciano.
Too Much Tuscan Food
Thanks everyone... we finally have had some excellent meals... strangely up til now everything was sort of mediocre and yesterday I was longing for a grilled cheese sandwich...something simple and American...also they dont seem to be into vegetables in Tuscany except for the ubiquitous Mixed Salad. Osteria Teatro in Cortona was outstanding -my husband the carnivore said best beef he has ever had- a filet with grape sauce and bacon. Last night another fabulous meal at Ristorante Le Logge del Vignola in Montepulciano- husband says best rack of lamb he has ever had.
Next we plan to check out Il Bucchero in Chiusi- we ran into some Americans who raved about it.
Lunch today in Montep at Caffe Poliziano was a nice change.. I was able to get an omelette... they called it a frittata which it was not.. the view and ambiance were wonderful and food was OK. I have to confess I am a fish vegetarian so the Tuscan meals are not as ideal for me...very meat heavy and some strange things like horsemeat tartare in Lucca and last night I swear to God they had "small donkey" on the menu at Le Logge.
I will give a complete report when we get back. Feeling heavenly about Tuscany now... I think we were having an off day when I posted. Thanks Hounds!!
Too Much Tuscan Food
Thanks everyone- especially David. Hong Kong in Montepulicano was OK and a nice change. The Tuscan menus seem to all be the same. We had lunch in Pienza at Luna which was very tasty but just too many days of eating the same type of food over and over. At home we mix it up so maybe we are spending too many days in Tuscany.
We will try to get to Rosellini which I had also heard was excellent. PPork- I think we drove past the dessert place and it did look wonderful- will go tomorrow after Siena. Montepulciano is very beautiful and we are enjoying our stay here.
Previously we were in Lucca. We did have one sensational meal so far in Viaregeggio which I will report on when we get back.
Maybe tomorrow in Siena we can find some more Asian food !!
Thanks Hounds!
Too Much Tuscan Food
It is only Day 5 and we are ready for a break. We saw a Chinese restaurant outside of Montepulciano and will go there tonight. Next stop is Panzano in Chianti with a day trip to Florence. Any chowhound recs for Montepulciano, Siena (day trip), Chianti or Florence next 8 days? Could be Asian, Greek or anything other than Tuscan! Thank you!
Athens Report
Five and Ten- had another superb meal there last month with excellent service and quick delivery of food despite it being very busy.
Unfortunately, I must report my daughter returned there the next wk with a few friends to celebrate her 18th birthday and had poor, slow service. This really shocked and disappointed me especially since they had an early seating and the restaurant was not busy. Discrimination by the waiter against undergrads? I don't know.
Grit-all vegetarians will love and appreciate this place but I would hesitate to bring carniovores here. Healthy food but slightly off and strange. I don't think my salad dressing had a speck of oil in it.
Bischero-this was disappointing. I would go back but only to try the pizza which looked good. It's a good thing Chef Ramsey wasn't sampling the risotto- way too spicy as if it had a tablespoon of cayenne powder in it.
The pasta dishes were actually tasty but gargantuan in size- one would have been sufficient as a main entree for 4 people (and we are not dainty eaters). We also made the mistake of ordering pasta as main dishes rather than primi- is that the term? The other main dishes did not sound that appealing. The waitress was awful- I think she had attention deficit disorder. I hate this trend of restaurant owners/mgrs expecting the wait staff to remember what the customer ordered instead of writing it down. Very few wait people are up to the task and what does it prove? As a customer it makes me anxious since invariably they get it wrong.
Big City Bread- I can see why people are enthusiastic about the egg biscuits. The biscuit appeared to have been made with part whole wheat pastry flour and was scone like- slightly sweet.
When I called to ask about their hrs I got a baker on the phone who said the cafe is cutting the original bakers out of the business and trying to make some things on their own. He said I could phone him directly to place orders bypassing the cafe altogether. But where is the bakery?
The storefront next to it? I saw some commercial bake equipment but it looked like it was blocking the entrance to the bakery door. They should put up some signs and notices directing customers if they really are looking for business.
Daughter discovered a good hole in the wall Mexican place near Milledge? Sorry I don't have the name.
Richmond new restaurants?
We were in Richmond over Memorial Day weekend 2007.
JULEP'S- the best part of our experience there was the wildly enthusiastic parking valet- age 50s/60 who sprinted to the lot to retrieve our car.
Food- those who got the hanger steak said it was tasty. My vegetarian entree was very bizarre: here's the recipe-open a can of black beans (or boil some yourself), drain, place a cup or two of lukewarm blackbeans in a pasta bowl and top with some other stuff like some chopped raw veggies- Taco Bell is better.
Waiter was kind of arrogant and unfriendly.
Portions were miniscule- World's Smallest Caesar Salad- about 2 level tablespoons.
The bread was tasty but we had to ask for it- never offered to us and we were begrudgingly offered one piece per person.
Very expensive -would probably not go back but if you live in Richmond and are desperate for dining spots might try it another time...
CAN-CAN- since we were still hungry after dining at Julep's we headed over to Can-Can and got a cheese plate- hate to complain but did not care for any of the cheese selection although the bread and olives were good.
MEKONG- this was the highlight of our trip- we loved everything although the decor/ambiance is pretty funky. Will check out Dalat and Comfort next time.
Athens Report
Thanks for the reminder about Bischero's. We'll be back in Athens in Aug and Oct and will try it then. Is the Last Resort good? We were told it was a local "classic."
Five and Ten was so good I could picture trying to eat all our meals there for short stays.
