View Full Version : Reviews- Restaurants, foodie shops, bars, etc.
Divemaster
08-16-2014, 03:22
If this topic is of interest, I propose we post positive reviews. Meaning, let's tell of places we would recommend our fellow members visit for food and drink. I bet most of us know of at least a few places worthy of mention. I'll try to get the ball rolling in the next post.
Divemaster
08-16-2014, 03:34
No visit to Wisconsin is complete without sampling the state’s famous cheeses. When you’re in Madison, the capital of the cheese capital, the best place to do just that is Fromagination. Located on Capitol Square facing the huge state capitol building, Fromagination is perfectly situated to make its presence felt. A natural gathering place, the square is also home to the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producers’ only farmers’ market in the United States, bringing in thousands of visitors.
The 1200 square foot shop features about 90 percent Wisconsin cheeses and about 10 percent imported. And every cheese is available to sample. And boy did we sample. The melt in your mouth Ewe Calf to be Kidding Blue is the best blue cheese we’ve ever eaten. It’s a mixed milk cheese, made from cow, sheep and goat milk and produced by Hook’s Cheese Company in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. It placed second in its category in this year’s World Cheese Championship, but it’s first in my book. At Fromagination, all cheese is cut to order and we walked out with a generous slab of this one, plus smaller portions of a couple others.
Owner Ken Monteleone also offers a wine and specialty bottled beer selection that, thanks to Madison’s relaxed liquor laws, lets shops like this serve in the store. Customers can often be seen shopping with a glass in hand, lending a relaxed feel to the store. Every beer I saw on the shelves was brewed in Wisconsin. And don’t forget the sandwiches. Their signature sandwich is smoked turkey with Nueske’s bacon (you guessed it, Wisconsin made) and the shop’s private label cranberry relish made by Quince and Apple.
Many visitors come to Madison to see the largest state capitol building in the country. But after just one visit, there’s no doubt that Fromagination is a destination of its own.
Fromagination
12 South Carroll
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Ph: 608.255. 2430
www.fromagination.com
Good idea!
There are a ridiculous amount of excellent restaurants in Chicago, something for everyone. Many folks ask me for recommendations for a good Italian place. Considering my maternal grandmother and grandfather come from Sicily I rarely eat Italian food out, but one of the best is Rosebud's. There are now several locations...but THE location to hit is the original located in the "old neighborhood" (Little Italy) on Taylor St. My dad grew up the neighborhood...thus the "old neighborhood" reference. :D The food is excellent, almost as good as Grandma's!
At the end of the block where my dad grew up is one of the best stores around, Fontano's on Polk St and Carpenter. My dad and Red (the owner) were best friends, so we went there a lot! It is an "Italian store" in the front and a deli in the back. It is THE place to go for an Italian sammich that will make you want to slap your momma. :p I can remember as a little girl walking in to the store and it just smelled like home. The aromas surrounded you, you could almost taste the cheeses and salami, the "gravy" cooking in the back room...ahhhh the memories! There are several suburban locations which are rather generic but the original in the "old neighborhood" is the best.
Right across the street is the best Italian Ice in the city!
Just for fun, one other thing I remember is the "chi-chi" man, an old Italian man that would come down the street every day with his cart filled with various hot nuts, pistachios, cashews etc. We'd start yelling "chi-chi" and run down the stairs of my grandma's house for our favorite treat!
Wisconsin is not only known for it's dairy products it is also known for it's Friday Night Fish Fry's and it's Supper Clubs. About 35 miles Northwest of Madison, WI. is the Casino Supper Club. Like a lot of Wisconsin Supper Clubs this one sits out in the middle of nowhere. The Casino is located just West of Fall River, WI. They have a great fish fry and also are known for their Brandy Old Fashions which is a Wisconsin staple sort of like beer, perhaps not quite as popular but close. There is even a guide book available regarding the Supper Clubs.
28679 28680
...so has anyone tried the "All-American Burger" at the SmokeBomb Grille yet?
...so has anyone tried the "All-American Burger" at the SmokeBomb Grille yet?
Probably made with organically grown transvestite beef (known to cause cancer by the State of California).
mark46th
08-20-2014, 22:00
Hey! We here in California may have cornered the market on left wing lunatics and illegal immigrants but we did start In 'n' Out burgers...
Hey! We here in California may have cornered the market on left wing lunatics and illegal immigrants but we did start In 'n' Out burgers...
While true, I've eaten a few and don't get the enthusiasm about them. Do I have to order from the secret menu to experience what everyone loves about In-N-Out? :confused: I found the burgers rather bland and the fries soggy.
ETA though, Mark, remember Pioneer Chicken?
Pat
Hey! We here in California may have cornered the market on left wing lunatics and illegal immigrants but we did start In 'n' Out burgers...
I am completely disarmed by your response.
In-and-Out Burger is the Krispy Kreme donut of the hamburger world.
...I surrender to your states superior grasp of fast food hamburger skill.
Well played sir.
Remington Raidr
08-21-2014, 03:13
In and Out is a gastro-intestinal description. Gotta get to the midwest for da white castle sliders. Just sayin'.:D
mark46th
08-21-2014, 09:28
I am originally from a small town in Ohio near Columbus. I have been known to eat of bagful of White Castles. Actually, Costco and Sam's Club carry them, so I get them every now and then.
And yes, Pioneer Chicken was great! My wife and dad liked Pioneer for the gizzards... I also liked them because Elgin Baylor was one of the original owners...
I dont know what it is like these days, but in San Antonio in the early 1990's, Bill Millers BBQ was like little bit of Heaven (if heaven tasted like chicken).
El Pollo Loco was also a great place for some decent Tex Mex.
If you are around El Paso, the State Line and The American Land and Cattle Company can put some pretty good dead cow on the table for you.
The Reaper
08-21-2014, 10:54
I dont know what it is like these days, but in San Antonio in the early 1990's, Bill Millers BBQ was like little bit of Heaven (if heaven tasted like chicken).
El Pollo Loco was also a great place for some decent Tex Mex.
If you are around El Paso, the State Line and The American Land and Cattle Company can put some pretty good dead cow on the table for you.
I can attest to the State Line BBQ.
Also, Peter Lugar's in NYC and Bern's in Tampa.
Best view ever was the old Cannon Club on Diamond Head in Hawaii.
Best ribs I have had are at the Pik n Pig at the Carthage, NC airport. An Apache landed there last week when we were eating, and the crew came in to eat.
Worst place for overeating was Chason's in Lumber Bridge, NC.
TR
These come from our RVing travels:
Bubba's BBQ and Steakhouse Ennis, TX. We've stopped there several and have tried several different meals and they have been very good. The recent Yelp reviews have not been kind, though, so I don't know if there has been a change of ownership in the last couple of years. We always had to wait in line and, once, it looked like the whole police force was in there for lunch.
Big Boy's BBQ Sweetwater, TX. We TRY to stop here on every trip to Texas, but they are only open 3 days a week and never seem to match up with our itinerary. The three times we have stopped before, though, it was some of the best BBQ pork I've had.
Pepper Pot, Hatch, NM. Well, it's the chile pepper capital of North America, so it's probably hard to get a bad meal here, but this is the place we stop at. Unfortunately, it's never at mealtime so it's always take-out and the chips and tacos never survive but everything else, especially the chile rellenos, have been excellent.
Pat
I have had ribs from sea to shining sea, every place will claim that their ribs are the best. I have probably had more poor ribs than good ribs. I have paid anywhere from $15.95 to $27.95 for a full rack, I do not mind paying a little more for really good ribs and I prefer the wet ribs to the dry rub. I also do not like ribs that are swimming in sauce, good BBQ does not require much sauce, it's all a matter of taste.
Corky's BBQ in Memphis and Mark's Feed Store Middletown, KY near Louisville.
28699 Corky's
28700 Mark's
Worst place for overeating was Chason's in Lumber Bridge, NC.
That place rocked!! Well, at least the Lumber Bridge location did. I used to ride my scooter out there all the time and eat till i couldn't stand it.
After it burned down....not so much. the newer place sucked.
Concur on berns however. Great - pricey...but great.
mark46th
08-21-2014, 17:00
Interstate BBQ outside of Memphis is owned by the Neely family. If you are ever in the lovely city of Gardena, California, relatives of the Neely family have a restaurant called, "JB's House of Fine Barbecue". It is right off the Harbor (110) Fwy at the Redondo Blvd off-ramp where San Pedro St merges into Avalon Blvd. Well worth the visit.
DIYPatriot
08-21-2014, 17:53
If you're ever in Decatur, AL or (as I just discovered recently) Monroe, NC, you have to try Big Bob Gibson's BBQ (http://www.bigbobgibson.com/). I love their white sauce with smoked chicken (http://bigbobgibson.com/original-white-sauce-1-16-oz-bottle/). That combination is off the chain! Speaking of chicken, if you're ever in Memphis, you've gotta try Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (http://gusfriedchicken.com/). They've been featured on the Travel Channel (http://www.travelchannel.com/video/get-juicy-and-spicy-for-lunch)and made GQ's top 25 list a while back for being one of the best unknown places to eat, or something to that effect. As far as ribs go, I think Charles Vergos'Rendezvous (http://hogsfly.com/)is overrated, but the place is always packed and mostly with out of towners just looking to cut their teeth on the historic legend that is Memphis style BBQ. Personally, I prefer Neely's Interstate BBQ (http://interstatebarbecue.com/). It's in a sketchy part of town, but that pretty much includes all of Memphis. Arcade (http://arcaderestaurant.com/), at South Main and G.E. Patterson is a famous spot in Memphis. Aside from its cameo appearances in several movies and being used as a backdrop in SI's swimsuit issues, it's a great place to eat breakfast and recover from the many hangovers I've received from partying right across the street at Ernestine and Hazel's (http://earnestineandhazelsjukejoint.com/) - where you're guaranteed plenty of terrible food, cold beer and hot women.
Guthries Chicken (http://guthrieschicken.com/) in Auburn, AL is some pretty good eatin', too. They definitely know how to pluck and serve up a bird. Moving along, through the South, we loved eating Southern Soul BBQ (http://southernsoulbbq.com/) whenever we visited my family at St. Simon's Island, GA. Some of the best crawfish etouffee I've ever had was at Mother's Restaurant (http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/)in the garden district of New Orleans. Most people congregate there for breakfast, and that's a great place to eat b'fast, but I loved their etouffee. While you're in the crescent city, if you get a chance to spend a little more time and money with your significant other then I recommend Bayona (http://www.bayona.com/#!). It's a great atmosphere and chef Susan Spicer has done a fantastic job with her menu. Her sausage stuffed rabbit roulade and schnitzel w/toasted barley, braised carrot and apple-belgian ale sauce is out of this world.
Whenever we're in Key West, we love eating at El Siboney (http://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com/) - a tiny Cuban restaurant that's simply amazing and the family that owns it are sincere, kind and welcoming. They even let my wife and I cook with them, after hours, and learn a few new things while we were there. Seven Fish (http://7fish.com/?page_id=1)is another place we enjoy eating. It's small so arrive early because space is definitely limited.
By the way, if anyone is ever in my AO feel free to hit me up. While I'm not from here, I've been here long enough to know where to unfold my napkin or ask for another round.
DIYPatriot
08-21-2014, 17:54
Interstate BBQ outside of Memphis is owned by the Neely family. If you are ever in the lovely city of Gardena, California, relatives of the Neely family have a restaurant called, "JB's House of Fine Barbecue". It is right off the Harbor (110) Fwy at the Redondo Blvd off-ramp where San Pedro St merges into Avalon Blvd. Well worth the visit.
I was editing my post when you entered yours - great call on Neely's! They're good people, too.
mark46th
08-21-2014, 18:45
PSM- Next time you order fries at In'n'Out, order "Wellies", they will make them extra crispy for you...
PSM- Next time you order fries at In'n'Out, order "Wellies", they will make them extra crispy for you...
Roger! Anthony Bourdain also said to get the burger "animal style". Is there a secret handshake, too. :D I only lived there 35 years and now I'm learning all the secrets. ;)
Pat
mark46th
08-21-2014, 21:30
Animal Style is with everything, on the grill. I don't eat mustard on burgers so I don't order that item. Another not on the menu is the "4X4". 4 patties, 4 slices of cheese. If you want to be seen as an In'n'Out regular, order a 4X4, Animal style with Wellies Animal style (covered in cheese, dressing, pickles and grilled onions)...
Animal Style is with everything, on the grill. I don't eat mustard on burgers so I don't order that item. Another not on the menu is the "4X4". 4 patties, 4 slices of cheese. If you want to be seen as an In'n'Out regular, order a 4X4, Animal style with Wellies Animal style (covered in cheese, dressing, pickles and grilled onions)...
AND from IN & Out~ Order a Burger with everything, Vegetarian.
It is all of what you want flavor wise, without the Meat!:D Delicious from the Encinitas, CA In & Out. (IIRC) It has been a while.;)
As far as real Restaurant reviews...
If a QP ever finds himself in Oklahoma, go for some serious pizza at Joe Mamas in Downtown Tulsa. Incredible handmade crust and sauce, but the best part about the place is the site itself. It is located in an old historic building, has nice dim lights, and is perfect for a late, late night meal.:cool:
Holly
Roger! Is there a secret handshake, too. :D
Pat
Shhhh. :D
Mmmm I loves me an In-N-Out burger, yes...animal style. :lifter
Shhhh. :D
Mmmm I loves me an In-N-Out burger, yes...animal style.
Well, I told my life-long LA resident, redheaded, wife about these In-N-Out posts. She'd never heard of this secret menu either. And...she kind of let her red hair, now grey, down! :eek: She called it elitism on par with the Sunset Strip clubs*, when she was young and still single, that only let in a select few while everyone else waited outside in the cold, damp, air. I have to cut this short because she is still ranting. :D
Pat
*For you younger folks, the Sunset Strip is a geographical location on Sunset Blvd., not where girls take off their clothes for money...usually. ;)
To rerail this thread (apologies, Divemaster): La Nueva Casita Cafe, Las Cruces, NM. I like the Tacos Estrellas (From their menu: A combination special seasoned pork and beef, served on 3 soft corn tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo) with borracho beans. But, I like the corn tortillas to spend a few seconds in hot oil rather than soft. The refried beans are very good, too. They offer fideos as well, but I've never tried them.
I liked their borracho beans so much, that I started making them myself.
Pat
Remington Raidr
08-23-2014, 06:29
Well, I told my life-long LA resident, redheaded, wife about these In-N-Out posts. She'd never heard of this secret menu either. And...she kind of let her red hair, now grey, down! :eek: She called it elitism on par with the Sunset Strip clubs*, when she was young and still single, that only let in a select few while everyone else waited outside in the cold, damp, air. I have to cut this short because she is still ranting. :D
Pat
You CAN'T let this go. You gotta DISCIPLINE her. Saddle UP!.:D
mark46th
08-23-2014, 07:57
"You CAN'T let this go. You gotta DISCIPLINE her. Saddle UP!."
Hey! She's a Redhead! Stand off a safe distance until things die down!
Hey! She's a Redhead! Stand off a safe distance until things die down!
Oh, after 32 years together, I know the drill. ;)
Pat
The Cowboy Dinner Tree just outside of Silver Lake, Oregon. Only open on the weekends, chicken or steak, no electricity so no credit cards or soda machines. You have to call to make reservations as they only cook for the folks coming to eat. It's out there a ways, but if you're ever headed through central Oregon it's well worth the stop even if you have to get a hotel room or stay in one of their cabins for the night.
http://www.cowboydinnertree.net
Camp 18, at milepost 18 on HWY26 on the way to Seaside, Oregon. Excellent food all the way around and large portions. Get your fill with whatever you want from the chicken fried steak to pan fried trout. Then get yourself a cinnamon roll to go for later in the day or the next morning.
http://www.camp18restaurant.com
Habu-MFFI 175
08-30-2014, 18:25
Chason's was a fine place to eat and eat and eat and eat some more.:D
Roguish Lawyer
08-31-2014, 10:55
I'll play.
Los Angeles -- Roscoe's Chicken n Waffles (soul food), The Hat (Pastrami Dip), Tito's (tacos)
Philadelphia -- Lots of good steak places, let's not fight about it, but how about Jim's on South Street.
Chicago -- Giordano's (pizza), Union (best Japanese in the US, seriously)
NY -- Spoonbread (soul food), Sarge's (deli)
Montreal -- Schwartz's (smoked meat sandwich)
Valdosta, GA -- Mama June's (soul food)
Birmingham -- Niki's West (soul food)
Jacksonville -- Metro Diner (get the PBJ burger, you won't be sorry)
Atlanta -- Bones (steak and 23 y/o Pappy's), South City Kitchen (modern soul food)
(1VB)compforce
08-31-2014, 20:15
Atlanta places - There are a lot of chains here, these are not them.
Pampas - Brazilian Steak House. Pricey, but one of the very best steak houses in the city. About $40 a plate, but can range up quite a bit for the prime steaks. http://www.pampassteakhouse.com/
Namh Thai - http://nahmthaicuisine.com/ Best Thai in the city now that Royal Thai was sold
Bistro Niko - Modern French Bistro. Great for something that is modern but based on classical french cuisine http://buckheadrestaurants.com/bistro-niko/
Kosmo - Gastro Pub. A different special every day (Forget getting in the door on Wednesday, you have a 2 hour wait for seating) If you get nothing else off the menu, the poutine is the thing. Braised beef over french fries with brown gravy and monterey jack cheese. You can't get it at lunch because they slow braise it all day. Also, they have one of the best mac and cheeses I've ever had. http://www.kozmogastropub.com/
Chicago -- Giordano's (pizza),
Personally I'm not a fan but I know folks like it.
Next time you are here get over to Salerno's in Oak Park. (about 20 minutes west of the city) Or if you can't get there try Gino's East in the city.
A few unpretentious places off the beaten path that have provided me with some good food - if only once a year or so.
http://www.jonahsfish.com (Thomasville, GA)
http://www.ipswichma.com/ipswichma/clambox/ (Ipswich, MA)
http://www.sideberns.com/Dining (Tampa, FL)
Divemaster
09-06-2014, 00:07
Okay y'all, anyone can list places to visit. Can you write a mouth watering review that will make the rest of us put your favorite place our bucket list? Sell us on the spot. Tell us why we would be idiots for not going there when we visit that city. Pictures will help make your case.
Lots of great posts in this thread; I'm just waiting for someone to offer up a decent place to eat in that corrupt shithole known as Afghanistan.
Surely these goat fuckers have a decent place to eat that doesn't have a hand washing station and plastic forks...........
Lots of great posts in this thread; I'm just waiting for someone to offer up a decent place to eat in that corrupt shithole known as Afghanistan.
Surely these goat fuckers have a decent place to eat that doesn't have a hand washing station and plastic forks...........
There's a place in Kabul that's owned by some expats that has a chilli's/Applebee's style to it. Blooming onion and all. Inside a gated compound, pretty nice place on the inside, best bar and booze selection I've ran across in that country.
There's a place in Kabul that's owned by some expats that has a chilli's/Applebee's style to it. Blooming onion and all. Inside a gated compound, pretty nice place on the inside, best bar and booze selection I've ran across in that country.
So help a brother out...
...10 digit grid?
The best I have found in Kabul is a shop that sells awesome shwarmas.