QueenCityHound's Profile
Orlando ChowTour '11
Thanks Yosemite Sam - I will be visiting Orlando next week and will take your recommendations for the trip!
Good NC BBQ in Charlotte, NC
I might get shouted down on this board, but I enjoy Mac's Speed Shop on South Blvd. I like the brisket (okay, so that's not NC barbecue, but it's tasty). It's an attractive spot and fun. But if you're foodies looking for truly great barbecue you'll have to head out of town.
Fresh Fava Beans in Charlotte?
I've seen them vacuum packed & frozen at Middle East Deli on Independence at the corner of Sharon Amity.
Atlanta--Farmer's Markets?
Going to ATL next weekend - just curious what you ended up doing?... Any kid-friendly spots that you discovered and would recommend?
Atlanta--Farmer's Markets?
I have a finicky 4 y.o. but she loves to eat at Taqueria Del Sol - we go to both the downtown Decatur location, not too far from the DeKalb Farmers Mrkt and the Cheshire Bridge location. There are always kids there, and usually my daughter makes friends in the line-up and after she eats her fish tacos. I am crazy about the greens. The food might not be 100% local, but it's tasty, it's kid-and-parent-friendly, and it's inexpensive. Just try to go EARLY for lunch or dinner to avoid the loooooong lines.
Birthday dinner in Greenville, SC
There is a cute, cozy spot - although it's large - with good, homey food, a decor that reminds one of a Southern grandma's sunny living room, and delicious desserts: Brick Street Cafe on Augusta St. I often see large gatherings - call ahead.
First visit to D.C. since college and looking for recommendations
Thank you keithdcil, pam h, and Steve - I had a great trip to DC and had only one mediocre meal (not at a restaurant recommended by any of you!):
Sunday dinner with a friend: Oyamel - Had the tuna ceviche (I could have eaten 3 orders), gaspacho estilo, seared scallops, papas al mole, barbecued pork taco (I wish I had ordered another one), and had the most delicious drink: Oyamel Pomegranate margarita. I found out as we were ordering that my friend has given up red meat for Lent, so I didn't get to try the short ribs... next time!
Sunday night drinks at Central Michel Richard - a beautiful spot, but the service was a bit pushy. Our drinks would be three quarters-full and the waiter would ask if we wanted another. It was slow that night so maybe he was bored?... But I had the best cocktail of my trip, a cucumber + sparkling wine drink that I would like to have all spring/summer.
Dessert at Red Velvet - yummy Morning Call chocolate + espresso cake with mocha buttercream icing. It was the perfect small, sweet way to end the evening.
Monday morning: a visit to Politics and Prose. Asked the employee for directions to Teaism in Dupont Circle. The woman standing in line overheard me and said, "Oh Teaism. That is SO GOOD!" And the bookstore employee completely agreed. I wish the lady in line had given me a ride though, because I got on the bus and it veered off course so I had to jump off and catch another line.... I should have just gotten a cab.
Monday lunch: Teaism - I told the friendly young lady at the counter that Teaism came HIGHLY recommended from Chowhounders and she said, "Yeah, the food is really good here." I ordered the seafood udon noodle soup based on pam h's recommendation (the woman in line behind me copied my order) and the counter person said, "You have to try our chai too." If I lived in DC I would eat at Teaism all the time. I left with 3 2-oz bags of different teas as souvenirs. I was surprised at how empty it was at 11:45am, but at 1pm there was looooong line and all seats were taken. Are DCers late lunch eaters?...
Monday dinner: I was with a young group that was more interested in drinking in Georgetown than eating a nice dinner. So we went to J. Paul's. I started with a dozen raw oysters (the waiter recommended the Blue Points as the freshest) and the house salad (the peppercorn ranch dressing isn't bad) and had pulled chipotle pork with mac & cheese. The menu says it's gouda mac & cheese, but I didn't taste anything but regular, ol' American.
Tuesday started early so I skipped breakfast but had an early lunch at Jaleo, sitting at the bar. I love cured meats so I had the Jamon Iberico Fermin (oh to have that on a sandwich...) and an order of the chorizo with the Pan con tomate - so simple but so delicious, especially with a glass of the sangria. And I loved the little fingerling potato-shaped olive oil crackers. The bartender was super friendly - we chatted about my trip and about where I had already eaten and where I should go next. He recommended Citronelle, but I had read that it was about $150 pp before wine. He said that it was worth it! Maybe on the next trip... I asked about PS 7 and he thought that if I arrived early I should be able to get a table.
Tuesday dinner: I had my heart set on PS 7, but the young people (early twenties) who were born & bred in North Carolina, seemed a little unsure about it. "Chinatown? Really?" They started talking about various steak houses, so I said goodnight, see you tomorrow... I don't mind eating alone if the option is eating at a run-of-the-mill steak place. But my friend who trusted me based upon our delicious dinner at Oyamel told the group that I had done my research and that they should trust me about PS 7. I called and spoke to the manager Alex, who said that they were slow that night and could definitely accommodate a 7-top. He was very nice and said that it wouldn't be a problem that some of us were dressed in jeans. If I had to tell some of these guys - who were going to Fado afterwards - that they had to get back into their coats & ties I know that I would have lost them.
The cab drove by a PACKED Zaytinya... It looks beautiful from the street.
We had a lovely table overlooking the main dining area - surprisingly, the restaurant was only half full at 7:45pm. We started with the mini hot dogs and tuna sliders for the table. The waitress, Christine, brought out a complimentary duck flatbread that was INHALED by the young guys who were hesitant about coming. Now everyone was pretty excited about our meal. I had a "YES WE CAN-ton" cocktail, almost exclusively because of the Obama reference, but I ended up loving it as an apertif. We ordered 3 bottles of an Australian red - don't remember which one - and Christine came back to tell us that they were out, but she made a recommendation for another red that was actually LESS than the one we ordered. When does that ever happen? She was excellent.
I really enjoyed my appetizer of the foie gras dotted short ribs and there was enough to pass around the table for others to sample it. My non-red-meat-eating friend had the scallops and loved them.
I probably should have been more adventurous in my entree order, but I did enjoy the sesame-encrusted tuna and shellfish. The part of the dish that updated it from circa 1997 was the crispy udon cake (I liked the saltiness of it, but I can see how others might not). And the mild red curry broth was delicious.
The man sitting across from me had the mushroom risotto that he inhaled. His wife, and probably 3 others, had the short rib and tenderloin entree and I don't think anyone had even a morsel left. Afterwards they all raved about it (this is the group that wanted to go to the steakhouse so I felt relieved that they were pleased). My friend had the Yuengling cured duck leg and he loved it.
Christine checked in with us just enough throughout dinner and poured wine when glasses were getting low. I can't emphasize enough what a good server she was. When we laughed about the olive and chocolate cake (she said, "You know, it's like the salty and sweet thing - it's REALLY GOOD, like bacon ice cream!") she brought us one on her. I am an adventurous eater and will try anything once, but when I was raising a bite to my mouth there was such a strong smell of fresh olives that I almost hesitated. I popped it in and tasted olives first then dark chocolate. I did not enjoy it.
Wednesday morning: tea-cured salmon, raita and naan at Teaism on 8th. Two cups of the delicious chai.
Wednesday lunch: West Wing mess hall - amazing!!! And not open to the public, but if you know a staffer definitely try to have lunch there.
I missed the ethnic food along U Street, and I didn't have any Ethiopian (even after I talked to an Ethiopian immigrant, who recommended Meskerem over Queen Makeda). I also didn't have breakfast at the Hay Adams or the marshmallow shake at Good Stuff. So I have to make a return trip soon! Thank you Chowhound friends!
First visit to D.C. since college and looking for recommendations
These are all such great recommendations. Thank you, thank you for your sincere replies. I am getting out the map now to plot my route. When I return home I will report back about where I ate/drank and what I thought.
First visit to D.C. since college and looking for recommendations
Hello! It's been about 16 years since I was last in D.C. and at that time I was following the Grateful Dead and eating veggie burritos in the RFK parking lot. Times have changed. I will be visiting Washington from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon of next week and I need to find places to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't want to waste even one meal on mediocrity.
I will be staying at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Ave. I will not have a car. I look forward to utilizing the Metro, but a cab isn't out of the question.
Whenever I travel I like to eat locally - in Philly it's cheesesteaks and Italian food, in NYC I'm going to Chinatown but also to the places that are getting raves in NY Magazine. If I'm in Texas I'm eating at Mexican taquerias. I'm from ATL and eat at all the ethnic places along Buford Hwy AND at the "New South" places that are hopping until 4am. Ideally, there are recommendations for old school, non-chain breakfast and lunch spots near the Mall and maybe more cutting-edge, upscale places with good bar scenes for dinner/drinks.
I'm NOT interested in steakhouses a la Capitol Grille.
And, to make things a bit more complicated, I'm a female traveling alone, so no romantic, date-night places please. I've found that sushi bars are great for single travelers.... Any recommendations? Is the sushi good in D.C.?
I hope there are some D.C.-area Chowhounds who are dying to recommend their favorite spots. I'll gladly return the favor if you are looking for good NC barbecue (I now live in Charlotte). Thanks!
New (?) and Improved Yotto in Charlotte!
Hope sushi hounds saw the last Creative Loafing rave: http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/many_happy_returns_at_mai_japanese_restaurant/Content?oid=578619
New (?) and Improved Yotto in Charlotte!
The name has been changed, "back" to Mai. Hopefully this will help pull in more customers from way back. And I hope Helen Schwab visits soon so they can get some publicity. Dinner the other night - broiled squid appetizer, wasabi pork shumai, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and lots of sushi - could not have been better.
New (?) and Improved Yotto in Charlotte!
Yotto is my favorite sushi place in Charlotte. Mine-san is just about the nicest person you will ever meet, and his standards are impeccable. Everything is super fresh.
I wish he had changed the name, though, just so people wouldn't confuse it with the yucky Yotto, and to capitalize on the popularity of Mai. (Mai was great, but the South Blvd location suffered from the street projects, and the owners decided to move back to Japan.) Hopefully people will find Yotto and support it.
Korean food in Charlotte
I have been wanting to try Korean Restaurant on Albemarle since I read a short write-up in Charlotte Magazine. After reading your post last Thursday I visited on Friday. I arrived a little after 1pm, but there was still a good-sized lunch crowd, including several Koreans. I loved the little dishes of banchan (but could have used more rice; I didn't ask in anticipation of a large lunch). And I really enjoyed my first bimbibap, but hope that next time it will be served hot. Maybe that's something that I'm supposed to specify. The very sweet server didn't seem to speak any English except "Thank you." Next time I'm going to try the barbecue, but I have got to bring along some adventurous eaters with me so that I can sample lots of dishes.
Charlotte, Solo
I can't think of a "local" coffeeshop in Southpark. The closest local spot that comes to mind is Dilworth Coffee on East Blvd in the Dilworth n'hood (nestled in Harris Teeter shopping plaza).
I feel that in-town Charlotte is lacking in good bakeries. I am eager to try Amelie's at 2424 North Davidson because it is the resurrection of a French bakery that was in the same spot until the owner closed rather unexpectedly. And you would have fun nearby if you're interested in checking out the art galleries, Cabo Fish Taco for margaritas and Baja CA food, and live music venues.
I wholeheartedly second/third/fourth the recommendations for Fiamma. It's casual, but the service is good, and the food is outstanding, esp the risotto. The Wine Shop is nearby at 2442 Park Rd, and they might be having a tasting when you're in town. Or, you could pick up a picnic wine for the race!
I also second The Penguin - it's one of those places that I bring out-of-towners to because the hamburgers, onion rings, beer, etc are good, and the "ambiance" of a loud jukebox, tattooed waiters, and the classic diner look is unique. Sonic Death Rabbit is playing Friday night across the street from the Penguin at Snug Harbor. They are weird in a good way. Have fun!
Charlotte NC: Dragon Court vs Dim Sum
I've reviewed a number of postings here re: both Dragon Court on Tryon and Dim Sum on Central. I like Dragon Court (and the little Vietnamese sandwich spot across the hall), but it has been years since I tried Dim Sum. And I'm not sure that I actually had dim sum.... I might have gone for lunch or dinner instead. Anyway, I have a friend coming to visit from out of town and I was thinking that a dim sum Sunday morning would be great after a day and night of drinking (Plaza Midwood "Midwood Maynia" 5/03/08). But where to go? Has anyone done a recent comparison? Which is "better," i.e., has more options, fresher items, etc. If you had one shot for dim sum, which place would be your destination? I look forward to the debate! Thank you! I'll report back after we go.....
Great Sushi/Japanese restaurant in Atlanta, GA?
Did you go to Taka, Global_Eater?
I plan to have dinner there for the first time this Thursday. Soto was my all-time favorite sushi bar - I never experienced bizarro Soto-san behavior, and I'm a little offput by Taka's personal criticisms of Soto's mental health. But if the sushi is top-notch all is forgiven.
Seeking Athens, GA expense account meals
Thanks to everyone who posted their opinions about where to eat (and where I should definitely not eat). I had a lovely 24 hours in Athens.
Before even checking into the hotel I stopped at Mama's Boy - thanks batdown! - for a delicious lunch. It's sunny and bright, modern but warm. I devoured the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast that had a crunchy crust and just enough creamy bacon gravy. I loved the garlicky French green beans - still crunchy, with a little pan char on them. But the best part of the meal was the bread pudding-like apple cobbler a la mode. I wanted to skip the apples just to make sure I could eat all of the cinnamon dusted bready crust. It's a nice touch to proffer a Peppermint Patty with the check.
Dinner at Five & Ten was highly anticipated. Granted it was a Tuesday night, but I expected more diners at 7:30pm. There were a number of open tables - I hope they are doing okay?...Our table started with oysters Casino (fine, perhaps a little pedestrian, but I had to compromise with my guests), sweetbreads (delicious - I could have had this as an entree; served atop a grits custard), a special of roasted beets (again, delicious), and butternut squash soup (I loved the chive foam on top, but the bowl was too rich to finish). Our entrees were the skate special served atop creamy grits (buttery deliciousness), the Berkshire pork porterhouse (a good choice for one of my guests who wasn't an adventurous eater, and there were enough leftovers for two large sandwiches), and roasted wild striped bass (my friend didn't share enough for me to make an opinion, but he loved it). The portions, for such an elegant restaurant, are surprisingly generous. We were too sated for dessert, but I was raring to go by the time breakfast rolled around. In case you're curious, the meal + one bottle of wine + 3 glasses of wine = $300+. The expense account was stretched to its limit.
I intended to visit Bluebird the next morning and try the German pancakes, but they were still closed at 7:30am. I remembered that Mama's Boy served breakfast so I went and had the restaurant pretty much to myself. I had quite a hangover from the night before so the Tofu Scramble seemed the wisest choice to soak up the alcohol. It was served with just-enough-cheese-to-taste-it grits and I asked for a biscuit (the size of a hockey puck, the density of a rich cake) a la carte. It was just what I needed to kick start the day and my drive back to Charlotte. I can't wait for my next visit.
Newbie here, with a question re: Asheville for Vday
I love Table in downtown (see tableasheville.com). While the decor is that minimal, hard surfaces, NYC-circa-1999 look, the menu is sophisticated, and the service is warm yet professional. If I lived in Asheville this would be the place that I would take out-of-towners. The next morning I would go to Early Girl (earlygirleatery.com) for the yummy breakfast.
Seeking Athens, GA expense account meals
Is the chef's tasting something I need to reserve in advance?
Uptown Charlotte, open late, veggie friendly...Anything new?
Plaza Midwood's Lulu is a good recommendation - it's small, warm and lively, with excellent customer service. I would suggest that you call ahead to ask about veg options 704-376-2242. It's just a couple of miles from uptown CLT.
Lost in Charlotte
The two other posters are right - there is little by the airport. If you have time to take exit 33, Billy Graham Pkwy, 8 miles into town, there are good restaurants in the Southpark area. Barrington's (barringtonsrestaurant.com) is one of my favorites in the city. Toscana, across from Southpark Mall, has terrific risotto. Upstream (upstreamseafood.com) is another restaurant where I am perfectly comfortable to eat alone, whether in one of the booths, or at the bar. Good luck!
Seeking Athens, GA expense account meals
Traveling solo to Athens, GA, on a recruiting trip next week. Will be having dinner at Five & 10 - loved it last year. But what to do about breakfast and lunch? In reviewing past posts, there are few recommendations, except for the barbeque and meat-and-three joints (we have plenty of those at home). I love sushi, and the best sushi place in Charlotte, NC, has closed, so I was thinking about Utage. (Saw a post that they closed, but I called and they are open.) Had lunch at Last Resort last year and only liked the desserts. Where would you go if the company is picking up the tab?
