tennisboy's Profile
Out of These Four in Vienna for Dinner?
An old boss and I are going to have dinner. We want to avoid heavy Austrian food, and we like to eat well. We also want a place that is not so noisy. Which is your favorite out of these four, Chowhounds?
(Old Style (but not greasy/heavy Austrian) Plachutta: http://www.plachutta.at/index.php?id=25&L=1
(Super modern/trendy Austrian) Oesterreicher im Mak: http://www.oesterreicherimmak.at/english/Menu-List-2012-01-and-02.pdf
(Cool views) Palais Coburg Basteigarten Restaurant: http://www.palais-coburg.com/index.php?page=weinbistro (menu) http://www.palais-coburg.com/downloads/pdf/BASTEIGARTEN%20SPEISEKARTE%2026%2002%202012.pdf
(A great standby) Café Landtmann -
Anywhere good for lunch off I-90 close to Worcester?
Meeting someone "in the middle" between Holoyoke and Cambridge. Any good spots to eat off I-90? Guessing around Worcester? Thanks.
Shave Ice on Oahu
Finely shaved ice fan here.
Been to Ailana and thought it was OK, not the best. Going to try Aliana and Mountain Magic this winter - will report back. I wonder if anything will be better than the shopping center guy in Kauai (it's just 1 guy in a parking lot - very finely shaved ice..the best I've ever had).
Lunch between Bethesda and Tysons/Falls Church
OK. EVO is closed for lunch on Saturday. We don't want Turkish, but Tachibana sounds good perhaps. We'll be doing a late lunch around 2ish and they close at 2:30 though.
Lunch between Bethesda and Tysons/Falls Church
I have to meet someone for lunch and we need to meet between Bethesda and Tysons/Falls Church. Ideally closer to the latter. Any suggestions? Open to cuisine except no indian or persian.
Thanks
North End!!!
While I love everything baked and I'll go there if I have to, Antico Forno is mediocre at best.
-----
Antico Forno
93 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113
Need Help for Palmas del Mar / Humacao, PR?
This board is full of San Juan reccs but really looking for Palmas del Mar / Humacao area. I did hear about El Tenedor in Juncos but I was wondering if there are other good restaurants around.
Thanks!
Palmas del Mar / Humacao, PR?
Looking for great places near Palmas del Mar / Humacao...thanks
Hawaii...Big Island
(1) Island Lava Java - Exceeded expectations. Excellent view, and very, very good mahi-mahi sandwich. Also the best (i.e strongest/smoothest) coffee on the island. We were pleasantly surprised!
(2) Big Island Grill - Great local place! I had the loco moco which was super heavy but good. My wife's Teriyaki Beef was the best we'd ever had. The mud pie dessert was just OK.
(3) Huli Sue's in Waimea - went for lunch, got the mixed combo plate. Was huge and very good. Was disappointed that the corn pudding wasn't served at lunch.
(4) Monstera -- very good, but a little overpriced. Probably wouldn't go back, but I thought the food was good.
(5) Rapanui Island Cafe - excellent "thunder steak" though the pineapple green curry was a little bland. The coconut rice was good, and the coconut cream pie was EXCELLENT.
(6) Scandinavian Shave Ice - HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. Need I say more? Nothing redeeming about it. (We went to Itsu's on a Saturday and it was closed!!)
(7) Anuenue for shave ice - Excellent! Finally, a good shave ice on the Big Island.
(8) Tex Drive In - just had the malasadas and the coffee--excellent Bavarian cream filled. Yum.
(9) Kailua Kona Farmers Market - Perfect for the fruit we wanted for the week
(10) Hilo Market - great fruit and samples, neat place. Wish we spent more time in Hilo generally, but we were off to the Volcanos that day. The coffee at the red caboose/shack place was pretty bad.
(11) Tropical Dreams in Hawi - pretty good, but not as great as people described. I'd go again.
-----
Tex Drive In & Restaurant
45-690 Pakalana St, Honokaa, HI 96727
Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Island Lava Java
75-5799 Alii Dr Ste A1, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Huli Sue's
, Kamuela, HI 96743
Monstera
Shops At Mauna Lani, Waikaloa, HI 96743-9704
Going to Big Island - Review My Picks and Help w/Beachside Dining Location!
Hey everyone,
Decided to do a quick trip report. We just returned from the Hilton WV which was very nice, but our primary gripe was that even in the 80 degree weather, the pools were virtually unswimmable because they were too cold. It was pretty insane, and enough to have us not return. Our other gripe with the hotel was that though we like big hotels and the HHV in Honolulu, the HWV lacked the tiki torches and "hang out" outdoor space that all big resorts in Hawai'i should have (the Fairmont's was very nice). We just thought it was a bit of a lost opportunity, though the service at the hotel overall was excellent and the $10/certs as a Hilton HHonors Gold were very generous and perfect for a quick (if not bland) coffee at Kimo Bean in the morning. Now, onto the food:
(1) Island Lava Java - Exceeded expectations. Excellent view, and very, very good mahi-mahi sandwich. Also the best (i.e strongest/smoothest) coffee on the island. We were pleasantly surprised!
(2) Big Island Grill - Great local place! I had the loco moco which was super heavy but good. My wife's Teriyaki Beef was the best we'd ever had. The mud pie dessert was just OK.
(3) Huli Sue's in Waimea - went for lunch, got the mixed combo plate. Was huge and very good. Was disappointed that the corn pudding wasn't served at lunch.
(4) Monstera -- very good, but a little overpriced. Probably wouldn't go back, but I thought the food was good.
(5) Rapanui Island Cafe - excellent "thunder steak" though the pineapple green curry was a little bland. The coconut rice was good, and the coconut cream pie was EXCELLENT.
(6) Scandinavian Shave Ice - HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. Need I say more? Nothing redeeming about it. (We went to Itsu's on a Saturday and it was closed!!)
(7) Anuenue for shave ice - Excellent! Finally, a good shave ice on the Big Island.
(8) Tex Drive In - just had the malasadas and the coffee--excellent Bavarian cream filled. Yum.
(9) Kailua Kona Farmers Market - Perfect for the fruit we wanted for the week
(10) Hilo Market - great fruit and samples, neat place. Wish we spent more time in Hilo generally, but we were off to the Volcanos that day. The coffee at the red caboose/shack place was pretty bad.
(11) Tropical Dreams in Hawi - pretty good, but not as great as people described. I'd go again.
I think that was it. We ended up not going to any super nice place (other than Monstera which was $200 for 3 people, no alcohol) because for our final night we did a last minute jaunt to Honolulu. There, we ate at Eggs N Things - which was LOVED (Pineapple nut pancakes, excellent house omelet), and Duke's, which is a favorite of ours because of the atmosphere, iced tea, and Hula Pie! The Sheraton Waikiki looked like a dream, but we ended up staying for free w/points at the Courtyard, which actually impressed us (and we could swim in the heated pool - had it to ourselves).
Overall, we liked the Big Island but would put Kauai and Maui and Oahu over it. We drove over 700 miles in 7 days, really saw the whole island. While many places were gorgeous, we just didn't get the same feel as we did in, say, Kauai. Waikiki beach, though we wouldn't spend more than a few days in a row there, sort of lifted our spirits at the end and was a great cap to a nice trip.
Thanks to everyone for the help!
-----
Tex Drive In & Restaurant
45-690 Pakalana St, Honokaa, HI 96727
Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Island Lava Java
75-5799 Alii Dr Ste A1, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Huli Sue's
, Kamuela, HI 96743
Monstera
Shops At Mauna Lani, Waikaloa, HI 96743-9704
Going to Big Island - Review My Picks and Help w/Beachside Dining Location!
Would you suggest Pahui'a over Merimmans? We'll only have 1 high end dinner. We do like great atmospheres so maybe...?
Going to Big Island - Review My Picks and Help w/Beachside Dining Location!
Nothing, anyone??
Going to Big Island - Review My Picks and Help w/Beachside Dining Location!
Hey everyone,
The missus and I are going to the Big Island next week and I've done extensive research on here about where we should eat. (We'll be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village). Also, we would like a nice place by the water -- unsure if I want it to be upscale (like the FS) or more like Duke's (which I know doesn't exist on the BI but you get the picture). What about anything at the Fairmont (Hale Kai Restaurant )? I am tempted to just go to the LAVA LOUNGE at the FS for a ligher dinner w/drinks (on a day we have a big lunch) to avoid the seemingly high prices at Pahu i`a. Thoughts? Is Canoe House worth it perhaps?
Here's what I have it down to, comments appreciated:
DEFINITES:
Big Island Grill
Huli Sue's BBQ and Grill
Holuakoa Cafe
Ceviche Dave's
Rapanui Island Cafe
Merriman's (our fancy dinner)
Coffee Shack
Kona Joe Coffee
Tex Drive In
Scandinavian Shaved Ice
Daniel Thiebaut (Sunday brunch)
Island Lava Java
South Kona Fruit Stand
ITSU's shave ice
Hawaiian Style Cafe
Hilo Market
MAYBES:
Teshima's Restaurant
Aloha Theatre
What's Shakin
Lava Lounge at FS for atmosphere
Canoe House?
Fairmont/Hale Kai Restaurant for atmosphere?
Thanks!
-----
Tex Drive In & Restaurant
45-690 Pakalana St, Honokaa, HI 96727
Daniel Thiebaut
65-1259 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743-8406
Holuakoa Cafe
76-5901 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725
Scandinavian Shaved Ice
75-5699 Alii Dr, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Hawaiian Style Cafe
65-1290 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743
What's Shakin
27-999 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papaikou, HI 96781
Island Lava Java
75-5799 Alii Dr Ste A1, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Aloha Theatre
, Keauhou, HI 96739
Ceviche Dave's
73-4976 Kamanu St Ste 100, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Huli Sue's
, Kamuela, HI 96743
Teshima's Restaurant
79-7251 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Hilton Waikoloa Village
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI 96738
Critique my 2-3 day NOLA Eating Plans (short)
Thanks. We may just go with your plan. Galatoire's, in my quick search here, does not get uniform rave reviews (but what does?) but does seem like a classic New Orleans experience. Thanks!
-----
Galatoire's Restaurant
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Critique my 2-3 day NOLA Eating Plans (short)
Thanks. Now considering Galatoire's...
Is the bbq shrimp at the bar at Mr. B's the same price and portion as in the main dining room?
I can eat a lot but my main worry is that by Saturday I am going to be completely stuffed from all of the sit down dining and thus my experiences will be less enjoyable..
As for Brennan's, I was there in 2001 and loved it for breakfast, and this will be my wife's first time in NOLA so I sort of figure that that this is required...
-----
Galatoire's Restaurant
209 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Critique my 2-3 day NOLA Eating Plans (short)
Just a quick note to see what all you hounds think of this food itinerary:
Friday breakfast at Brennan’s
Friday dinner at Mr. B’s bistro for bbq shrimp
Saturday – (can't do breakfast out that day)
Lunch: Johnny’s Po Boys* and then Cafe du Monde for coffee/beignets
Dinner at Emeril’s New Orleans (8:15pm)
Sunday: Brunch at Commander’s Palace – take trolley there, walk around that area and walk back before early evening flight
* Is there seating at Johnny's? What is a good Plan B for lunch on Saturday that isn't too expensive and won't killer our appetite for dinner?
Thanks1
-----
Emeril's Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130
Pantheon
I found Armando del Pantheon to be a little over-rated. Enoteca Corsi is a gem.
Rome for groups of 10 on a budget?
Any great recommendations in Rome for a group of 10 on a budget? Lunch or dinner.
I'm looking at the Slow Travel site which also has some good suggestions. Wanted to see what you chowhounds had to offer!
Anti-Biotic Free Meat Places in Rome?
We'll be traveling with a group and some of our co-travelers must eat meat free of any antibiotics/additives. Any places in Rome that can accommodate?
Best Breakfast/Brunch near Inman?
Neighborhood is extremely greasy. Yes they have gigantic portions and they have stale coffee and last night's cake outside while you wait in the cold for 1 hr for your table, but their food is not good!
Where are the great sit-down breakfast (not brunch) spots in Cambridge!?
It's been a while since I posted, but I now have some experience with breakfast issues!
(1) S & S is actually pretty good, esp their egg dishes
(2) Neighborhood Bakery, while I really want to love it, is overly greasy and makes me feel sick for about 1-2 days after eating there. I've been there 4 times, thinking I'd give it "one extra chance." Never again.
(3) Henrietta's Table is a surprisingly good value on the weekdays, and one of the only decent places with outdoor seating.
(4) Sofra is always crowded!!!
New Info on WEEKDAY Afternoon Tea in Boston
Yes
Clotted
Raisins/Currants
$19.95 for it all, $15 for scones w/treats, $10 just scones
From a NYer: Craigie on Main is FABULOUS.
Thanks! The mocktails, again, were out of this world! Here's what I remember (sorry, I was in a daze from the scents, so I don't remember it all):
1) blood orange w/cinnamon
2) a "Tom-Tom" with meyer lemon, bitters, and probably 4 other ingredients
3) Avocado w/thyme, rosemary, lime (my favorite)
4) Something else with cardomam
5) non-alc champagne with homemade bitters
Sorry, that's all I remember!
Oh, and Sofra was sort of disappointing, even if the spinach-potato-chickpea flatbread was excellence (who designed the seating and queue plans?!)
From a NYer: Craigie on Main is FABULOUS.
I'm picky about food. And judging by my other whiny posts here (i.e. regarding the lack of a good weekday brunch in Cambridge, or the lack of excellent delivery in Boston/Cambridge, etc.)., I give Bostonians a hard time about food. Especially since my old hood in Manhattan (West Village) had some of the most exquisite neighborhood establishments in the world (I'm speaking of Westville, The Little Owl, Markt Table, and Jane for their divine Sunday french toast).
For my 30th, we went to Craigie on Main (finally! others we've been meaning to try are Hungry Mother and Oleana).
I'm late to Sofra Bakery with a friend now, so I have to cut this review shorter than I would like, but all I can say is that this place was near PERFECT. We had the 6 course tasting menu which was more like a 10-course when all was said and done. We had each course paired with Mocktails since we don't drink, and we were expecting the usual "cranberry with a twist of lime and peligrino" sort of thing. No way. Tom, the indefatigable bartender, dazzled us with concoctions of avocado, rosemary, thyme, lime and homemade bitters, or freshly squeezed blood orange juice with cinnamon and cardamom, or pineapple crush with fermented mint acid and meyer lemons.
OK, onto the food. Remarkable. Monk fish cheek, trout belly sashimi with oroblanco, duck two ways, spanish octopus with chorizo (I would never order this dish, for example, but Tony Maws created something I was smitten with), (about 3 other savory dishes that escape me now), jasmine-tea infused panna cotta, a beautiful, amazing chocolate 5-ways plate, and finally their signature ancho chile hot chocolate.
The service was perfect, and if my only criticism is that the butter portions on the plate could have been bigger than the triangle provided to accompany the blissful bread, then you know this place is a winner.
New Info on WEEKDAY Afternoon Tea in Boston
So we went to the Boston Public Library.
In the more formal part of the dining room, where we were, there were only 3 other ladies there, and our server was very kind and accommodated our request to turn the table around so we had a better view of the beautiful courtyard. It's really a gorgeous building.
Having had afternoon tea all over the world (the best being The Old Parsonage Hotel in Oxford, England, and The Empress in Victoria, Vancouver Island), we are pretty picky when it comes to tea. The actual tea (Earl Grey) was very good, and the scones and accompaniments (cream, excellent raspberry jam, and lemon curd - in most places usually get cream or curd, so having both was a bonus) were excellent!
The sandwiches, sadly, were underwhelming (since when is a slice of cucumber with a mozzarella ball considered a sandwich?) and the sweets were not good (the tiny piece of chocolate cake was OK, though). There were many strawberry slices scattered around in the trays which was nice, however.
I would go back to have the tea and scones only. It has a beautiful atmosphere, and the service was also excellent.
Maia?!? Whats Happening Over There?
Maia has gone down recently, sadly. It earns a 2 out of 10 in my book. Nectar isn't bad, though.
Horrible Experience at Maia
I hate to say it - especially because I know Patrick Feury personally and am a pretty big fan of Nectar -- but Maya has really gone down hill. The other night I went there with a few friends, around 9pm on a weeknight. We were the only ones sitting and eating (there were a few people at the bar).
Everything was awful. My friend's steak was tough and tasteless; my pastrami sliders were inedible, and my other friend's chicken tasted "chickeny." The food came 1.5 hours after we ordered it, and though they offered an amuse of tuna tartare and goat cheese (which was bad), we were unimpressed. Yes, it snowed lightly, and they said that they did not have all of their staff there, but this was no excuse.
I had brunch there a month ago and it was also mediocre. Late entrees, cold food, and they got our orders wrong. I was really hoping this was just a fluke, but, unfortunately, it wasn't.
It's sad, because I know Feury is a top chef, and I know his other restaurants are pretty good. Maya is too ambitious and falls very short.
New Info on WEEKDAY Afternoon Tea in Boston
Yes, Swans Cafe at the PP. Heard it is also mediocre. Unless we hear strong objections here, I think we'll try Novel.
New Info on WEEKDAY Afternoon Tea in Boston
MO looks interesting, but it also looks like a lobby lounge, unfortunately. A bit too modern for what I'm looking for though. I think I'll check out the Novel.
New Info on WEEKDAY Afternoon Tea in Boston
Trying to get a decent afternoon tea service for a birthday this Friday. Much of what has been posted on this topic before looks out of date. Here's what I do know:
-The Taj only starts serving afternoon tea on Friday's in March (currently only Sat and Sun).
-The Four Seasons serves it, but I am not impressed by their use of stainless steel teapots; food looks mediocre.
-Metropolitan at the Langham (not Fleuri) serves a modernized tea that looks unimpressive.
-Boston Harbor Hotel is not serving tea until April due to renovations.
-L'Espalier only serves their French version of tea on weekends, like the Taj.
-You must know someone to get into Athenaeum.
-Haven't been too impressed with reviews at Swans At Park Plaza.
At this point I am thinking that Novel in the Boston Public Library looks like the best overall for nice ambience and great tea (and china!).
Thoughts? What am I missing?
