shellie's Profile
Harris Wine Cellars in NW Portland? looking for old menu/recipes
HI foodies -
In the early 80's I lived in Portland and worked in the NW industrial area. A group of us would often go over to a place at NW 23rd & Thurman called Harris Wine Cellars that had a wine shop in front and a great open lunchroom in the back. It was simple food but very good. I was recently in Portland and returned to this area and found that the historic brick building that used to house this restaurant is now a branch of the Multnomah County Library. I have done some online research and can't find any info. I would REALLY like to get my hands on an old MENU from the old Harris Wine Cellar lunchroom or at least some of the recipes. They served sandwiches, soups, and desserts. I remember the Peanut Butter Pie, and an Egg Salad Sandwich on rye that was a bit unusual. Can anyone help? Thanks!
Shelly
Paso Robles Wineries to avoid
An interesting post! I was most surprised about the rumors about Justin from Justin Winery! Since we belong to the wine club...I'm really surprised and curious! anyway we LOVE Justin Isosolicies when we can get it..older vintages are better yet. We recently had a half case of 2005 delivered to our local wine shop (they can't deliver to private homes in Montana - dumb) and were the envy to the entire staff. We're headed back there next week.....wonder what vintages were destroyed in the fire?? Are the legal charges true?
ANYWAY - back to the topic of the post - I think that it depends on what you'all want from your wine tasting trip - are you hunting for some good wine to purchase and take home? Then go for taste. But if you're like us and are just vacationing and looking for some FUN in your-tasting trip, then go for the WHOLE EXPERIENCE. The way we look at it, we can always get a good glass of wine at home or in a fine restaurant, but when can you chat with someone about HOW the wine is made, tour through the facilities, see the vineyards, and enjoy a lovely setting. That's why we like to go. For the EXPERIENCE. (and yes, part of that is how you're treated while there).
That said, the Vino Robles facility on the east side just off Hwy 46 is beautiful! I didn't love their wines, but loves the gorgeous setting.
I love a good tour. Who else shows you around in PR?? (If you're ever up in Napa, go to Jarvis's tour - so amazing. call ahead for reservations.)
wineries and biking through Paso
This was a very helpful post to read! We're heading in that direction next week and one of our sons is a serious roadie and coming from SF to meet us. He's bringing his bike and wants to ride a bit and suggested that my husband and I rent bikes to join him. Now I know of a place to check out to rent (although it sounds too hard!) I don't think we'll try to combine the riding and drinking though. Perhaps we'll bike in the morning and taste in the afternoon.
Paso Robles/Cambria Trip - Recs Please!
I can see that I'm too late to help this person out...but I enjoyed reading anyway. We're heading back to PR and SLO for our annual trip (take son back to CP) and spend a few days in the area. We've been to Artisan and McPhee's Grill twice and LOVE both so much! We got the original recommedations from a server at EOS winery. McPhee's Grill is so unique - gourmet food in this little old-fashioned general store setting. We always have to get the oak-grilled artichoke for an appetizer - so good! So is the house wine blended by the winemaker of Chateau Margene. For additional wineries I would add Justin Winery - they're a bit snobby but it's a beautiful place and the wine exceptional (we're in the wine society club and get a bit of special treatment). I'm glad that Halter Ranch was mentioned - the place is so quaint and off the beaten path. Relaxed atmosphere - just wish the wine was better!
juniors restaurant in Times Square
WE had breakfast there one morning because of convenience as we were staying next door at Marriott Marquis. It was TERRIBLE! The worst food I've had in five visits to NYC in the last five years. Our breakfast food was poor quality and greasy and tasted awful! The only "good" thing was that they gave you lots of it - which we left on the plate. Won't go back.
The New Food Network Shows for This Year
My husband and I LOVE Jame at Home show. It is the best! We Tivo it and replay them. It makes us want to cook.....
I'm looking forward to Anne Burrell's show. I've watched her competency on Iron Chef with Mario and just ate at her restaurant in NYC - Centro Vinoteca.
Celebration trip to NYC. Recs please.
You've received some good suggestions. I'd just add that going to Magnolia Bakery for the EXPERIENCE is worth it. I finally went after four other NYC visits and was happy even though cupcakes were marginal. I had a better (red velvet) cupcake at Sugar Sweet Sunshine in the East Village (may not still be there).
If you go to Tabla (I've been) I would suggest sitting the the bar area downstairs. My friend and I were up stairs near the railing and looked down to see people having more 'fun" in the lower level! Interesting gourmet twist on Indian food. Have you been to Balthazzar in Soho? You might like it for lunch or dinner. I also like Mercer Kitchen in Soho. (I'd choose those over Craft)
Dinner for 8 in 2 Weeks!
I would recommend Hundred Acres - new in Greenwich Village. REasonably priced, good food, nice design/interior. (ask for table in back room - pretty!)
You'd probably like Clinton St. Baking Co for lunch.
Fun, good and "moderate" dinner for celebrating
I disagree with Clinton Street - it is not "special" for celebrating.
Your price point is a little low for lots of places - unless you forego appetizers and first courses or desserts. If you share a first course, order one drink and one entree each you could probably do it for $40-50, but I don't know about tips.
I would suggest Bar Americain - it feels special and has a lot of choices to order. Not over-priced either. Bobby Flay's place on 57th.
Itinerary Coming Together--Comments?
I like your list too. I would give a thumbs up to Balthazzar - its great late at night especially. A scene - a great room to be in and people-watch. good french bistro food.
For the theatre district, I would maybe suggest Bar Americain (Bobby Flay's) on 57th? We've walked from there to theaters on the north end of the area. It's a great menu - fun, wonderful impressive room, and good service.
YOu should be able to get in Gramarcy Tavern before 10? Did you call of just use open table? I'd call or go somewhere else. The bar there doesn't take res and is more casual.
Greenwich Village Restaurants
Carrie - you might want to read my post "trip report" above. We just returned and I love Greenwich Village. I think you would like Centro Vinoteca and Hundred Acres in Greenwich Village.
Trip report - restaurants only
Hi chowhounds -
Just returned a week ago from our 5th trip to NYC. This time we were with three other couples which made it a bit of a challenge to plan - we each took care of one day.
Dining highlights include:
Lupa - my husband and I selected this place as one of our choices because we've been twice before and loved it. This time not so much. There's always a bit of pressure when you've brought along friends. Six of us that night. Terrible table in the corner (even though we'd reserved 3 weeks before) and worst was the service - we were ignored and then the waiter had an attitude as well! So disappointing! The pasta was wonderful as always, but our meats were overcooked. Other people would bring the food out and the waiter never came back to check on how it was. He was too busy talking with friends over at the bar. Annoying as hell! I don't think our friends cared for it at all.
Hundred Acres - I read an article about this in NY Times right before we left on our trip. We took the group there one evening and had a simply lovely time! On MacDougal street (have to hunt for it) in a corner of Greewich Village - cute interior, they open up the front on nice days, pleasant wait staff and bartender, casual but great food. Small menu - but carefully prepared and yummy, fresh organic food. The chicken was great! (Fries too!) I would recommend it! If I lived in this neighborhood, I would be there regularly.
Centro Vinoteca - Greenwich Village. This new place had just been open a few weeks - we happened upon it and I recognized it from a photo in the NY Times. Really cool refurbished brick triangle-shaped building. The hub and I went in for a glass of wine in the middle of the afternoon. We really liked the interior - pretty and sophisticated. The staff was friendly and helpful. We liked the little carafes that came with the generous glasses of wine. We ordered a couple of small plates too and the presentation was very nice. We would have liked to come back to try for dinner but were already booked up for the rest of our time there with our friends. Really nice Italian wine list. A lovely space to take a break from the crowds of Greenwich Village. And best surprise - the chef, Anne Burrell (Mario Batali's right-hand sous chef for years, came down the stairs and took a photo with us! Try it out - very nice!
Clinton St. Baking Co. - a hole in the wall, but the food is great. I wish they had more space so that you can...move your arm to eat! Six of us went in and had to split up to be seated. Some of us ordered breakfast and some lunch (me!). I spotted the lobster BLT on the menu and really loved it! Fun menu with lots of comfort foods - they need to knock out a wall and make space to breathe!
David Burke & Donatella - one couple selected this for the nice dinner out. Upper eastside. Totally hyped up and totally a dining scene. Lots of locals (we may have been the only tourists in the place). When we arrived, I was very UNimpressed with the front door and concerned with the cleanliness (people - tidy up your front door and wall would you? - It's messy and needs painting!). But we were ushered in to the tiny space in front, then past the bar, and into the back room which was huge, tall-ceilings and lovely! All ivory and red colors - and large bouquets. When we were seated early there was only one other table, but the room quickly filled up (and became noisy) by the time we left it was packed! The service is very attentive - the menu interesting, upscale, a bit trendy. they do offer a reasonably-priced prix fix menu. I loved the lobster lemongrass bisque which was thin and quite light, but hated my short ribs - very fatty (almost couldn't eat them). I ordered the wrong thing for my entre. The rest of our group thought it was all wonderful and good, though pricey. We were dressed nicely, but not "dressy" and I felt under-dressed as everyone else in the room (ALL the men had on suits and ties!) were in business attire. An intresting experience, but I probably won't go back.
Is Spruce worth it?
Hi chowhounds - Visiting my son in SF in a week and he has chosen several places to take us to while we're there - mostly casual, fun spots that are his favorites. We were thinking of doing one more nice, upscale evening - what do you think of Spruce? I've checked out the website - is it worth the price or over-hyped?
Thanks!
Tried-and-True, Casual, Institutions
I would like to add Fog City Diner to the suggestions. When we were there last fall, we went there and really loved it - fun, casual but nice, good food. good area.
Specialties to look for this time of year ....
Robert's list was good - I would just add ramps, sorel, and mussels.
Wine country question - I really did search first!
My husband and I spent a week there two years ago. Sipped and dined a LOT. Based on your preferences, I would suggest the wineries: Jarvis (not advertised but a gorgeous cave tour off the beaten path - worth it. call for reservation), Sterling just for the gondola ride and view from the patio on top of the mountain, and the one with the art gallery on the southwest end of the Napa Valley (sorry, can't think of the name!).
Restaurants - we LOVED Market on Main St. in downtown Helena. SO fun, great atmosphere, and yummy interesting food. We love gourmet but don't like over-hyped snobby restaurants. I hope Market is still there.
And actually - if you're flying all that way - I would recommend going to Paso Robles area south of SF instead (or in addition). Wine-tasting there is fun and adventurous without the crowds of the Napa Valley (aka freeway) - there are 170 wineries in Paso Robles now and much cheaper to stay (hotels) and some fabulous restaurants too. We're going back again next week!
Favorite Restaurants in the Mission
Beretta (Buretta?) is also a favorite of my son who lives in the Mission. He and his friends go there regularly as well as Maverick, Universal Cafe, Pizzeria Delfina, Range, and Luna. I don't think I've seen Beretta and Luna mentioned yet.
Belvin Lane?
I'm going soon to SF for a quick visit and someone told me to check out the restaurants on "Belvin Lane". I've searched using Google and can't find anything...... Am I spelling it wrong? They said it was an area around an alley downtown with a lot of great restaurants.
Can you solve the mystery? Are you familiar with any of these restaurants and WHERE it is? Thanks for the help
5 Days in Vegas - Report
Well - the LOCATION is so strange. Not the best strip mall in town... right outside seemed kind of dirty.
Las Vegas eating for family, does not have to be on strip
You should read this board for a lot of good recommendations. There are a LOT of chain places that are kid-friendly near the strip - like CheeseCake Factory, PF Changs, and mexican. For the special place - look on the strip at some of the celeb chef places.
Lupa's booked...now what?
Thanks for the help, guys. We'll call now and see if we can get a reservation. If not, I'll check out Crispo for sure.
Restaurants/bars with a skyline view?
I would add the rooftop plaza at the Met - it was the best kept secret that I discovered. The husband and I went up there and at the time they only had water bottles - didn't matter - because the view of Central Park was GREAT!
I also think that Stone Rose Lounge in the Columbia Center has nice views of Central Park in the other corner (southwest).
Lupa's booked...now what?
I am bummed! Two months ago I tried to book Lupa for our "casual pre-theater dinner night" for group of six. Open Table said "can't book til 30 days ahead." Now I went back and it's booked up the entire time we're there (in three weeks). The husband and I LOVE this place and looked forward to our friends visiting with us.
What else would be comparable that I might still be able to get in for a 5:30? (We already have our fancy dining places booked.....)
Mission impossible - Grad dinner with family
Hhhmmmm....perhaps Bar Americain? Big variety on the menu and the room is kind of impressive to first-timers.
Dinner recommendation for visiting San Fran relatives
I would think they would enjoy at place like Union Square Cafe or Balthazzar. I am similar to their description and my husband and I enjoyed those. If you want more adventure, perhaps Lupa or Tabla.
Vegas Dinner for 8
Thanks all - I posted up above, but we did end up going to Daniel Boulud's Brasserie in the WYnn and thought it was really lovely. Like it a lot - good food and service, nice presentation, nice setting, lovely table settings. It fit the bill perfectly. We were not pushed to order more than we wanted. Oh! And the bathrooms are really pretty!
5 Days in Vegas - Report
Since I asked so many questions here, and have now returned from our Vegas trip with friends - thought I should share the wealth here.
Basically our only really "special" meal was my 50th Bday dinner for 10. I chose Daniel Boulud's Brasserie in the Wynn....and it did NOT disappoint. Everything was very nice - the setting is lovely....the wait staff great.......the food very good. They did not rush us at all. Our waiter was Paco (with a strong Spanish accent!) and he took care of us well. It was very pricey - $1000 with tip for 10 people. 1 glass of wine each, no desserts, appetizers to share. But very special. The only problem was that the outside patio was closed because of windy conditions. We could still see outside (the water show thingy) but couldn't go out. It did look a bit hokey anyway and the patio was really small. We had a large table with one side a curved banquet and the other side chairs. White linens, soft lighting, candlelight. I would RECOMMEND it for a special meal. They handled the group well.
Two of the couples went to Rosemary's for lunch before the others arrived. I have to say it is so off the beaten path - northwest of the strip (and we were staying out at Lake Las Vegas) that we ALMOST didn't go, but one of our group was determined to get there. When you drive up and see the strip mall, you almost want to drive away. I felt very leary. But we walked in and they have created a lovely space.......the service was impeccable...and the menu was really interesting. We all had the Prix Fix Lunch menu (3 courses with lots of choices) for $28 and that's a great deal...and a lot of food. Everyone was very pleased with their food. I had a special salad...don't remember the name, and the shrimp and grits for entree (which I really liked) and then the coconut bread pudding for dessert which I did NOT care for, but chalked it up to ordering the wrong thing. Very nice place - but if I was on the strip, or staying on the east side I would probably not make the trip over there. Frankly there are a LOT of other lovely places that are easier to get to and perhaps better atmosphere. Just being honest on that one.....
most of the other meals we went casual (or ate at the vacation house) because of others in our group not being foodies and caring. (crazy, I know!). I would have really liked to go to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill one night - but we went to a crap mexican place instead (group consensus), and I would have liked to eat somewhere in Palazzo or Venetian, but that didn't happen either. Our group wanted to eat at Cheesecake Factory and PF Changs (which I actually do like) and so we did - there are two new ones that are nice right off of highway 515 coming from Lake LAs Vegas (Henderson) into the strip. Just off of the Green Parkway exit.
That's all folks, until next time. Thanks for your help. Because of Chowhound recommends I chose BD BRasserie and was happy with it.
Wyoming & Colorado - close to Interstate 80
Good luck in Wyoming......it's scary. If you were going through Montana on Interstate 90 there would be a lot of good choices that I could offer you.....especially off of the Bozeman and Billings exits......but Wyoming? notta. Colorado on the other hand....Denver area is great....everything else is not.
Steaks in Vegas w/the Boys!
Interesting, guys. I was talking TASTE actually. I saw a special by Gourmet magazine (their show on PBS) recently about grass fed vs. grain fed beef and they were talking like the taste of grass fed was SO much better. i want to try it myself and taste what the buzz is about.......but after searching in our city found there is not any available in our grocery stores.....since we'll be in Vegas in a week, I thought maybe I could try it there.
