AdamErace's Profile
Charleston & Kiawah... Am I on the right track?
Probably about 50/50... We'll probably do one morning and afternoon in Charleston, then go back on a different night for dinner. Also going right from the airport to the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival in Mt. Pleasant on Sunday. Judging from your username, ySue, ou live in Mt. Pleasant? Would you recommend the festival?
Charleston & Kiawah... Am I on the right track?
Chowhounders
I will be staying on Kiawah Island in September for 4 days, 3 nights, and through research I've come up with a tentative schedule that needs your approval/editing/filling the blanks. Here are the definites:
Dinner:
Bowen's Island Restaurant
Lunch:
Jestine's
Breakfast:
Hominy Grill
Debating for the second dinner between Red Sky, McCraddy's and Figs... HELP! Also, any general information on the Kiawah dining scene would be helpful.
Thanks!
Solo in South Beach
Hello
I'm heading down to Mustique in May and am staying a night in Miami between connections. I'm staying on South Beach at the Sanctuary and am looking for somewhere within walking distance (it can be a long walk--that's fine) where I could sit at the bar, grab a beer or glass of wine, and enjoy some really solid food. Any cuisine, price point works. Just need somewhere that's good for solo dining. Local clientele/friendly bartenders a plus. Also, it's Mother's Day when I'll be in town, so not somewhere that would have a MD promo going on or anything. Somewhere like Michael's Genuine is what I'm thinking... I'd go there but don't feel like cabbing it all the way to the DD.
Thanks!
Savannah/Bluffton/Hilton Head recs
Just got back from a great trip to the Savannah area... Beautiful town, great food. I wound up eating at Jim N Nick's (Bluffton), the Pink Pig (Levy), Lady & Sons (Savannah), Express Bakery (Savannah), River House (in the Inn at Palmetto Bluff), and Local 11 Ten (Savannah). Pictures attached.
Savannah/Bluffton/Hilton Head recs
I'll be down in the area in April from Philly, staying at the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton. Looking for some recommendations for local hidden gems and trendy spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in all three areas. Help, locals! Thanks!
Globe, Au Pied de Cochon, Anise, Reservoir
Actually, I hadn't planned to go to Atwater at all, just was in that area and popped over. I meant to get to Jean-Talon, believe me, I just didn't have enough time. That's why a return visit to Montreal is a must.
As for bagels, I had the St-Viateur with the eggplant pesto sandwich at the cafe, and Fairmount's by themselves. I took home a dozen plain, cinnamon-raisin, and pumpernickel, but I think I like St-Viateur's better. A little less sweet, a little chewier. Sorry if I stared a controversy!
Globe, Au Pied de Cochon, Anise, Reservoir
Hey guys
Just got back from Montreal and wanted to give you a report on my three dinners.
Bazaar: grilled octopus with red lentils and fried shallots, spiced lamb confit samosas, braised veal cheeks in garlic yogurt, curried game hen, pot de chocolate, mini cones of guava, passionfruit, and blackberry sorbet .... I loved Laurier Avenue and its lively strips of bistros and boutiques. The food here was earthy and elegant, loved the Middle Eastern inflections with French technique. Hummus was unreal.
Club Chasse et Peche: scallops with lemon and fennel confit, suckling pig risotto with melted foie, chasse et peche (American Kobe, short rib ravioli, butter-poached lobster tail and claw), bison sirloin, maple biscuit with caramel, chocolate macadamia cake ... CCEP felt like a secret underground lair or a members-only club, which made it feel that much more special. Food was really excellent in both flavor and execution. Steaks were perfectly--I mean, PERFECTLY--cooked.
Au Pied de Cochon: foie gras with buckwheat pancake and maple, salted codfish fritters, griddled codfish-potato brandade, fried nuggets with liquid foie inside (there's a French name for it I'm not sure of), pot au feu, roasted strawberry tart, maple pie ... The food here was honest, rustic, and full-flavored, which isn't to say it wasn't elegant and sophisticated, because it was both of those as well. The pot au feu was so simple but so tasty. But what I liked best (especially from my seat at the bar) was the view. With the chefs working in that tiny open kitchen in perfect unison was a show in itself. I could have reached out and plucked a frite from one of the paper cones as it passed through service. The whole place was so livey and bustling. There was such energy. My waiter from Chasse et Peche was even there!
I also ate at Olive + Gourmando (great pastries), Le Cartet (ehh, brunch was ok but service was sucky), Chez Claudette (poutine while Eddie Money played on the sound system--GREAT!), chocolate from Maison Kakao and Studio 88, L'Express (steak frites and rillettes), Atwater Market, and had bagels from both Fairmount and St. Viateur.
Montreal is truly a fantastic food city, and I can't wait to visit again. Thank you guys for all the recommendations. If any of you are planning a trip to Philly, I'll be happy to return the favor.
Michy's or Talula?
Ok, guys I'll do Michael's and Michy's, and report back.
I'd welcome recommendations for hole in the wall ethnic joints as well for lunches. I'm guessing a lot of great Cuban?
Michy's or Talula?
Hey guys
I'll be in Miami this Monday and Tuesday and need dinner advice. Is Michy's or Talula a better bet? I would do both, but they're both closed on Mondays. For Monday night, I was thinking Sardinia.. thoughts? I'm staying at the Shore Club, on GoogleMaps it appears to be walking distance. Is it?
Thanks!
Globe, Au Pied de Cochon, Anise, Reservoir
For my upcoming trip to Montreal, I think I'm going with Globe, APDC, and Anise for dinner, and brunch at Reservoir per the glowing reports here. What do you guys think of this dinner itinerary? Good mix? Good places? Thanks!
3 nights in Montreal in September
I'll be in Montreal for business for 3 nights in September, staying in the Gault in Old Montreal, and want to maximize the eating experience. I've heard Montreal is a fantastic city for food, so where are you guys eating? I need breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recommendations. Any cuisine. Any price point (though a mix of high and low would be good). Definitely need a brunch recommendation for a Sunday. Nothing toursity, please. If your friend or family member who'd never been to Montreal were coming up, what menu of restaurants would you put together for them? Thanks!
Margate, Ventnor, Longport recs??
Longport doesn't have much of a restaurant scene, though Fai's has above-average Chinese and Ozzie's is great (but expensive) for breakfast. In Margate, Sofia, Tomatoe's, and Steve & Cookie's are all good choices, but of the three towns Ventnor has the most diverse restaurants. Try newcomer Manna at Ventnor & Frederickburg Avenues for reasonable French-American cuisine like flank steak with potato gratin, sweet and tart tomato and crab risotto, and a killer roast chicken. Closer to AC, Yama around Atlantic & Surrey Avenues is peerless for sushi and cooked Japanese items like himachi kama, broiled yellowtail collar. There's a little ceviche dive down the block I haven't tried yet. Nostalgia Room across the street is good and inexpensive, and Sage next door (from Lisa Savage of Savaradio) has a great buzz going this season.
New places
Haven't been to Clementine's yet, though I've heard good things. Nido, however, I've been to a few times, and it's really excellent. The building has a for sale sign up, though, but I'm not sure if just the building is for sale, or the restaurant as well, so I'd call first. Langostino on Front & Moore-ish is a reliable BYOB that's been around a while, and Macoljete Mixto on 8th & Christian is a good choice if you're in the mood for Mex.
Capogiro Gelato
Went to the new location last night after dinner at Tinto. The blood orange gelato is a fierce fuschia color and nice 'n' tart. Fior di latte was sweet and mellow. The Thai coconut milk--a favorite--was in attendance, but also want to try the chrysanthemum tea gelato.
Family Trip to Philly
NO! For the love of God, no Starbucks.
Reading Terminal actually started Sunday hours a few months ago, though not all the businesses are open. Check readingterminal.org for specific hours. Flying Monkey has delicious cuspcakes, Metropolitan and Le Bus great breakfast pastries.
For probably the best coffee you'll have in Philly, you've gotta go to La Colombe, on 18th & Walnut, right off Rittenhouse Square. You can pick up bags of beans at the Rittenhouse Square cafe, and many restaurants brew LC.
For a quick breakfast, I'd also suggest Bonte, for gooey sugary chewy Belgian street waffles. There's one on 13th & Walnut, about a block from your hotel.
The Parkway (where the Franklin Institute is) is sort of no-man's-land for restaurants. Aya's Cafe (Egyptian), Cherry Street Tavern (pub food), and Mexican Post (Mexican) are all relatively close.
Everywhere in Philly is nonsmoking thanks to the ban that was passed in the summer, so no worries for you there. Here are a few places that are close to your hotel:
Aqua (7th & Chestnut) - Malaysian/Thai with plenty of "normal" food in a bright modern space with a waterfall, great value.
Jones (7th & Chestnut) - "comfort food," meatloaf, mac n cheese, all with upscale twists, great for families
Restaurant M (8th & Locust) - contemporary Euro, in the historic Morris House Hotel, great if you're looking for one upscale dinner. Don't know when you're planning your trip, but once the spring hits, they'll have dinner in their outdoor garden.
Not so close:
Cafe Apamate (16th & South) - BYOB, Northern Spanish tapas, really inexpensive (2 people can eat well for under $50), your son will love the churros and hot chocolate
Monk's (15th & Spruce) - Philly's signature Belgian bar, tons of beers, great moules frites and burgers
Nan is great for Thai, but over in West Philly and out of your way. Django they say isn't as good as it used to be. Alma de Cuba is good, but you'd be better off at Pasion! for inventive ceviche. Loie isn't particularly kid-friendly. And Pietro's... well, hop in a cab to South Philly for infinitely better Italian food at Cucina Forte, Mezza Luna, Ralph's, Pesto, Nido, L'angolo, Paradiso, Villa di Roma, Mr. Martino's.
Have a great trip!
my Philly foodie weekend
Friday: Definitely hit Reading Terminal. For a ceviche appetizer, try Pasion instead of Alma de Cuba, since both Alma and Buddakan (where you're going for dinner) are both Stephen Starr joints. I had a bay scallop and smoked Haitan-spiced eggplant ceviche at Pasion not too long ago that was just amazing.
Saturday: Italian Market is a great call, though it's gonna be busy on a Saturday morning. Not sure about Cucina Forte's hours, but their gnocchi are outrageous. Sabrina's Cafe is the quintessential Bella Vista brunch spot. Be prepared to wait a half-hour (at least), but the stuffed french toast is worth it, and there's plenty of diversions up 9th Street to pass the time waiting for your table. Stay in South Philly Saturday night and go to Ansill for retro avant-garde American tapas. Sit at the bar and get the purple wild boar prosciutto, whatever the ceviche du jour is, urchin and bone marrow crostini, and fingerling potatoes with bacon, herbs, and butter. Or try newcomer James in the Italian Market for strict seasonal cooking in a hip atmo.
Sunday: Hands-down, no-questions, go all out for brunch at Lacroix at the Rittenhouse. It's $52 per person, but the spread of 100+ small plates and a buffet that stretches into the kitchen is really worth the splurge.
Enjoy Philly!
San Juan: 3 Nights, 3 Dinners, Help.
Philadelphia foodie here. I'll be in San Juan (first time) for three days next week. Staying at The Water Club one night and the El San Juan the other two, both on Isla Verde. Food wise, I want to make the most of this short jaunt. I was thinking of Tangerine in the Water Club for the first night. I'm wondering how good it is, as hotel restaurants tend to not be all that great. I was also thinking Aquaviva in Old San Juan one night. Any personal experiences at either? Need a recommendation for another dinner. Also, any authentic Puerto Rican coffee shops or cafes to grab breakfast on Isla Verde near either hotel? Thanks!
Chiarella's? (Philly)
I hear ya. Sounds like everything we've seen before; thanks for the info, Buckethead.
Anyone know where to get fresh, raw nuts in Center City
Try Wricley Nut Products Co. in the food distribution center on 4th & Pattison Avenue. A little out of the way, but buying direct makes equals really great prices. My grandfather goes faithfully for Christmas every year for pistachios and chestnuts. 215-467-1106
Chiarella's? (Philly)
Buckethead, can you give us any details? What did you try? How's the place look?
Any new info on Tre Scalini?
The other Italian place on the south side of the fountain is Chiarella's, a Wildwood transplant. Did some snooping in the windows; looks good, hope the menu follows. Some more info on my blog:
http://blogalicious-adam.blogspot.com/2007/01/at-risk-of-blogalicious-becoming.html
I'm not sure if the old Tre Scalini is for sale or rent. It looks like there's space for 2 separate restaurants in there. I've got my fingers crossed for a desperately needed Indian or sushi place on Passyunk.
Any new info on Tre Scalini?
According to a sign in their old window I saw a few weeks ago, the new Tre Scalini should be up and running by now. The new location is in the old Trattoria Lucca, on Passyunk between McKean and Mifflin. Always a solid reccomendation, hope the squid ink pasta is still on the menu.
Besides Buddakan
I've never been for food, but Alfa below the Walnut Room has a cool drink menu with lots of interesting ingredients: elderflower, ginger, pomegranate, cucumber, honey, cinnamon, passion fruit, and lychee.
www.alfa-bar.com
Brunch at Lacroix
Hardart's right; definitely get the hot buffet in the kitchen. It's a no brainer. Had brunch at Lacroix three weeks ago, some highlights: charred scallion, truffle, and maitake salad; mulled pomegranate gelee with lemongrass foam; the oysters; fat shrimp cocktail; sweetbread gratin; pork belly with orange marmalade; and those strawberry-wasabi shooters... sweet and spicy, yum. I blogged about it after brunch; check it out:
http://blogalicious-adam.blogspot.com/2007/01/now-that-birds-are-kablooey-youll-need.html
Best Burrito??
Not in CC, but just west in University City, you'll find the best burrito in town in my opinion. MexiCali's mashed sweet potato burrito with beans, rice, queso, sour cream, and choptle-tomato salsa is the reason Penn kids line up for at lunchtime and regularly run late for Econ. The ingredients are wrapped in a tortilla that's griddled until crisp and blistered, the stuffed inside sweet and steamy--it's huge and only $3! Make sure to hit the car, right on Spruce Street after you cross 36th Street, not the restaurant on 40th, which charges around double.
Rae in the Cira Center
Haven't been yet, but here's a link to their site on MenuPages:
http://philadelphia.menupages.com/restaurants.asp?headersearch=yes&txtHeaderSearch=rae
Seven Fishes in Philadelphia for Xmas Eve?
I think Paradiso on East Passyunk is doing 7 Fishes
Vetri for Birtrhday
There are bottles in the $40-$50 range. Yeah, they're probably $15 in the liquor store, but what are ya gonna do? Definitely get: the chestnut fettuccine with wild boar ragu, the sweet onion crepe (not really a crepe), the spit-roasted goat over creamy golden polenta, chocolate souffle. The only thing I had there that wasn't so hot was a skate Milanese, boring. The cheese selection is nice too. Have a great time.
24 Hours in Philly
I'll second the recommendation on Bonte. Anytime I'm in town I make it a point to stop there for a waffle. 3 locations: 9th & Walnut, Juniper & Walnut (next to Naked Chocolate, also worth checking out), and 17th & Sansom. Sabrina's, however, is one of my favorites. The stuffed french toast is worth the walk/cab ride, and if you're going to be here on a weekday, there will be no wait at all.
