winedine's Profile
Chefs John and Karen Shields leaving Town House (Chilhowie, VA)
We have been there twice - once in April of '10 and again last summer in August. We stayed at the Riverstead house in the summer as well. While the stay in the house, the chauffeuring to and from and service were wonderful the food was not as memorable as our first visit. We got to go in the kitchen after and talk to the kitchen staff. I brought up the noticeable change in their veg minestrone soup (the one that went national in photos etc) as it all tasted the same and at our earlier visit was absolutely remarkable with each little veg piece being distinct in flavor. He commented that they changed the way the made it to speed up prep. I sensed a bit of lack of inspiration while Karen was out on maternity as the menu was all a slight variation on the same theme. Most memorable was the dessert Purple Hills. While in the kitchen I asked about the Anti Griddle that chills items super fast on a flat surface. That was used to make Purple Hills but they haven't used it too much since. While there this summer we were one of a handful of tables on a Saturday night. Will be interesting to see what happens next.
Roadtrippin through the Southeast
New Orleans - best meal of my life was Restaurant August. Stellas is also very good, Herbsaint, Couchon also rank up there.
Savannah - just had dinner at Circa 1875 - French style bistro. They offer an informal bar or white tablecloth dining area. I would go with bar side.
Myrtle Beach - have heard great things about The Library but have not been.
Raleigh/Durham - Poole's is enjoyable in Raleigh. Love Watt's Grocery in Durham. For money is no object Heron's at the Umstead. Also if needing a good bread fix go to La Farm in Cary, lunch dinner as well cafe style, but the hand rolled baguette is good.
Charleston - you could spend a week here and still not hit all the great restaurants. Hottest one right now is Sean Brock's 'Husk" - also excellent Bourbon selection, also The Fig, Magnolia's, and lots of seafood places in downtown and on the out laying islands.
You can be reading reviews and websites for months with all the info that is out there. Good Luck! and have a great time!
Another good resource for the south is Garden and Gun, which is a magazine, but also has a wonderful website.
Flour + Water Winedinners
We are planning our first trip to San Fran and I came across Flour + Water's monthly winemaker dinners in the Dough Room. We will be in town for the Friday night July 29 Italian Volcanic Terrior wine dinner. Has anyone ever been to one of these? Either 6pm or 9:15 pm seating, max of 12 guests per seating, $200 all inclusive per person.
We are in the trade, adventuresome palates, and hate touristy restaurants.
Thanks!
Asian restaurants in Cary
C & T Wok in Morrisville off Morrisville Carpenter Rd. (Chinese & Thai is what the restaurant name is based on) I would suggest starting with the Greg Cox review in the N&O (might have been 1.5 yrs ago) We had lunch there yesterday - homemade silken tofu ($2.50- available sweet or savory - we did savory - chili oil on top, ginger, and other seasonings) Cold Szech Noodles - my tongue was actually numb from the peppercorns) and beef with leeks, chiles, black bean.
Another favorite is the Bamboo Shoot salad.
The menu is broken down by 'expected' Chinese, Thai and 'real' Chinese - pork intestines, jelly fish, beef tendon, preserved cabbage, etc.
Small interior, mostly Asian clientele, far from fancy, but very good food. The staff is very happy to discuss the menu with you as well. Highly recommend!
Farm To Fork 2011 in NC
I just received an email from Farm to Fork that clarifies things quite a bit; about tickets, parking, time frame, what is in what tents, what to bring, etc. So excited to be going!
Farm To Fork 2011 in NC
We are so excited to be going this year! I seem to recall a comment about bringing your own chairs? I can not find any postings about this. Any suggestions, comments people have to make our afternoon there more enjoyable are greatly appreciated!
Very poor service - pre-cooked food
I really don't see the difference allergy wise if black pepper is in the food prep - which most seasonings including flour mixtures that will be used on the line (where food is prepared) would already have vs being sprinkled on top of food. Once you say 'allergy' to a restaurant all sorts of red flags will go up. Liability is a HUGE issue. You also need to consider that you were in unannounced until ordering, so any variances that could have been made prep wise were discovered too late. I would suggest calling days ahead of time and discussing your dietary restrictions with someone who can assist you and work with the kitchen so they can better accommodate you. To title your post 'pre made food' is a disservice to the restaurant. Many items are probably cooked to order but already prepped and ready 'to fire' when ordered. At that point it is too late to adjust seasonings.
Seafood and BBQ near Oak Island, NC?
the soft shells are in at Clem's! Also Haag & Sons is the best place to get local seafood. There have been some restrictions on fishing in the area but many are lifted starting May 1 so a lot more options should be available. The local tuna and snowy grouper have been wonderful.
As far as restaurants I am so delighted that Fishy Fishy has turned their act around. The past four visits have been much better than anticipated. They are featuring local seafood when possible, service has improved by leap and bounds, the atmosphere is awesome - lots of outside seats by the marina and gallons of new paint. Very much worth a visit. Recently a pilot for an ABC (?) show was filmed there too. - Revengers?
A new sandwich/deli place across from Hot Peppers on Moore? street is also serving up decent sandwiches - Boar's head meats. Not so quick though.
The Brickhouse - across from Live Oak Cafe/ Logo Joe's is AWFUL on Howe street. Really beyond words.
Chagall's closed on the island and is moving to where the Maritine Museum was on Howe street across from Mr P's. I know it will be French, but not sure what it will be called or if the menu is the same or not. Work is being done on the former Chagall's location by another restauranteur.
The 19th Hole, right after the bridge to the island (long beach rd) has closed but there has been work there by someone else?
Island Brew on Howe Street is re opening (again) but not sure if same name/concept etc.
The Local's has opened where Fuzzy Mae's/Surfers was on Howe street.
If anyone else has any rec's on good places to go, besides Josef's at the marina at Fish Factory rd PLEASE post as we end up cooking for ourselves all the time!
A.B. Vannoy Hams, West Jefferson, NC
Please check out the article on Johnson County Hams and Rufus Brown in the current ediblePiedmont. They mention the Ham Store in Smithfield. The focus was on Magalista (sp) pigs that are fed a barley based diet. I think ediblepiedmont has a website, but not sure if the article is on the website. The 'prosciutto' is featured on the cover of the mag.
Israeli Couscous in Triangle
I saw bulk Israeli Cous Cous at Costco in Raleigh last week.
Great Veggie Plate at Watt's
I love rabbit. Sometimes I am able to get them fresh at the Raleigh Farmers Market - upper building where the flavored goat cheese is sold. No rabbit on the menu at Watt's this time around though. It was hard to pass up the fried in duck fat chicken livers with fingerlings. Or the chinese bun stuffed with pork belly.
Great Veggie Plate at Watt's
It seems as though Triangle area chowhounds are always seeking good vegetarian options. While far from a vegetarian myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the veg plate at Watt's last night. Lentil cakes with a tomatilla vinaigrette, turnip greens and baby carrots. Absolutely delicious! $16 - a bit on the pricey side for some, but I am of the mind set that you get what you pay for.
Also enjoyed the fried oyster and pickled okra basket. Hummingbird cake was delicious!
Service was great as well.
Anyone been to Piedmont in Durham since the management changed?
I was just checking and see that the website has been updated with the new menu, wine list, etc. Has anyone been lately? Prices seem to have increased a bit as well.
Great Food Truck Race - Only Burger Durham - I'm Confused!
Here is a link to a News and Observer Blog article about Only Burger and Food Network
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/tv/durhams-only-burger-falls-short-in-food-network-contest
Great Food Truck Race - Only Burger Durham - I'm Confused!
Only Burger was voted in to be in the next Great Food Truck Race I believe. Last night's episode was the finale of the current (and first) season. I recorded it and I believe the small segment at the end featuring Only Burger as being the winner of the voting was not included in what I recorded. Anybody else see the whole thing?
Table 10, Emeril's Restaurant
I would sit at the bar, share a few apps and enjoy a great cocktail. Found entrees to be a bit lacking. Also while sitting at the bar you can watch the kitchen line. If you are into foie gras it is also possible to request a simple preparation for it as the foie is usually listed as a small component of dishes, not a dish on it's own.
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon-very very disappointing tasting menu experience
I also had a very disappointing experience there about two years ago. Much better places to go to. Food was underwhelming, staff was very self assured and arrogant.
"Destination" Restaurants in the Southeast?
Townhouse Grill is certainly worth a trip. Also, we recently enjoyed the Inn at Little Washington. One of the top three meals I have had in a restaurant, and the service is wonderful as well. You could do a road trip with the Inn at Little Washington, Townhouse Grill and finish at The Fearrington House in Pittsboro NC which is also a Relais & Chateau property like the Inn. It has been a few years since we have eaten at Fearrington House. The last time we thought the food had slipped a notch but I think there is a new chef since then. I have high praises for The Chef and The Farmer in Kinston NC. I think that is where I would begin or end my trip. There is not much going on in Kinston, but I am sure you would find a suitable B&B. I think there are few threads on this board with other's reviews.
Grand Asia Market Recs. (Cary, NC)
Amen to the health benefits of lard. Duck fat ranks pretty high up there too. I have never understood the 'benefits' of margarine or imitation fats.
Lunch en route to Inn at Little Washington Sunday, Aug 8
I am willing to follow a route to a restaurant that goes in the general direction between Raleigh/Durham and Little Washington. I was targeting the Charlottesville area, but it appears many of the 'interesting' restaurants are closed on Sunday or only offer brunch. Perhaps I might need to consider a good lunch on the way back on Monday. I am planning on diverting to Polyface farms. A restaurant that emphasis local foods would be ideal. Thanks for your help!
Lunch en route to Inn at Little Washington Sunday, Aug 8
Please give me your suggestions. After many years of on 'The to do list' we are heading from the Raleigh area to dine at the Inn at Little Washington next Sunday, dear hubbies b'day. I am hoping to stop for lunch on the way up from the Raleigh area. I can adjust our travel route to accommodate a great lunch spot. Does anyone have any suggestions? We have late'ish dinner reservations but still want to have a great appetite for the Inn. Thanks!
Need Boone, NC Recs
We were in Boone yesterday and had a late lunch at Hob Nob. I had the Thai Curry grass fed beef burger (4 oz) which was very tasty. Son had the Burrito Royal with mashed potatoes, sausage, black beans, and cheese which was tasty, a bit on the carb overload side though. Service was pleasant and fast. What a change from being in Raleigh at 99 degrees, to sitting outside at 1pm in 82 degree dry air with a breeze :-)
ENOTECA VS. CARNE VINO
That is what we do. Since our flight is usually in the afternoon, we have a long, leisurely lunch at san Marco, certainly finishing with the cheese course, then waddle to the airport. Last week at Carnevino we had the bone in strip. The bone in ribeye cut for two looks amazing though! Great experience all the way around at either one. Have a great time!
Zai jian, Woo
I have been to Woo. I must say the information you have included in your post was nothing like we experienced there. It has been a couple years since our visit, so I am vague on details but the overall impression was miserable. The service was slow and clumsy. The food that we ordered was poorly executed and unmemorable. We decided to leave after appetizers and eat else where. The only positive thing I can recall is that the hostess seemed sincerely upset how disappointed we were.
It is true that the location at the Palazzo is difficult. We stay there a few times a year. Table 10 never seems that busy, but Sushi Samba seems to do okay. The Noodle place that was also up there closed at least a year ago and is still vacant. I now see that Trotter's has closed on the casino level. I think the ultra high price point of the 'fine dining' places will take longer to come around. There do seem to be more people visiting Vegas over the past 6 months than the last couple years.
Steak Tartare recommendations in Las Vegas
Morels at Palazzo does (or did) a pretty good rendition - quail egg, truffle fries. However, the past couple times I have been there the service has been terrible. Brunch and bar service, hopefully the dining room has held up.
summerville SC
We are heading to Summerville this week to help my sister house hunt. Any thoughts on decent interesting restos - brk- lunch and dinner? No chains please. Any cuisine is fine. Nothing too fancy, just good interesting, honest food.
Hoping that soft shells might be available, can anyone recommend a seafood shop that might have live ones? Coming from Raleigh area and will bring cooler.
Also, I am assuming that Charleston is about 20-30 min away?
Thanks!
Chicken and Waffles in Durham or Chapel Hill, NC?
Just go back from Vegas and Bouchon. They do have waffles with with Tahaitan (spelling) butter for $12. The oatmeal is really good too. Like you, the search for chicken and waffles does not end at Bouchon. The roasted chicken aspect sounded weird, so Croque Madame it was. Had my first and only, and the experience that all others will be judged by at Lolo's Chicken and Waffles in Phoenix. Amazing! and I thought I was crazy to order it. Crisp crunchy soft on the inside waffles with great fried chicken nested on top, a scoop of butter and a side of maple syrup. Is that what Blue Mountain serves?
Best local Bottled BBQ sauce in NC?
Bone Sucking Hot is our fav, and the Mustard based Bone Sucking is tasty as well.
King Cake near Durham NC?
La Farm in Cary has made them in the past. Pretty close to New Orleans style and I thnk you can order them with a baby in it. Pretty close to Durham. Rue Cler might be worth a phone call too.
Retail Oysters in the NC Triangle?
Whole foods Raleigh has had blue points in the past. I would give them a call before heading over.
