nhconner

Undercurrent - downtown Bistro Sophia - Guilford College area Southern Lights - casual, near downtown Saigon - Asain near coliseum Sushi 101 - Tate street, most decent sushi in GSO. If you are comming in town for ACC get reservations now, places line the Undercurrent fill up weeks out, and one week out on a normal weekend. Saigon does not take reservations and will also be packed that weekend. Let me know specifics and I can reccomend more. Nate Greensboro

When you say clean do you mean wash with water? Are you also saying that most any cut of beef can be cleaned and eaten raw without risk? What about the fat? I ask because I love rare beef and tartare, but am always asked about the safety of it, and all I can say is, I eat it and I am fine. Do the parasites rest on the surface? Is this the same for fish? This all gets into another subject, so if this post needs to be moved I understand. Nate

Thanks all. I appreciate the advice. I have a taxi question. Will I be able to get a taxi to Girona for a late dinner and back if I stay in Roses? Can I get a taxi and back from Mas Pau to El Bulli at 1-3am? I only ask because I am unfamiliar with the region and would only try this going from the lower east side to the upper west at this hour, and were talking towns not neighborhoods. Also what is the fare from Figueres to El Bulli? Thanks, Nate

My wife and I (30 and 32) will be taking a much needed vacation from the tots in September that is inspired by an El Bulli reservation in the middle of the week. We should be flying into Barcelona on Sunday morning and leaving on Saturday or Sunday, 6-7 nights. I figure we will stay in Barcelona the Sunday, Monday? we get there. This leaves four-five nights. My wife's preference is to stay in one or two places total to relax and soak in the sense of place. Checking in and out is stressful to her an ruins her trip, I am sympathetic to this and am beginning to change my new place every day routine. Will this be possible? Should I break the trip up into Roses and somewhere else. I want to eat at El Cellar de Can Rocca if it works out. This trip is all about food and culture in that order. Lying on a beach all day with holidayers is not a desire. We also plan to rent a car so we can make day trips from our destination, however I dont want to drive on the El Bulli or Rocca nights. Taxi? Hired car? Because I figure a few on this board will be doing similar trips, I though I would get the ball rolling. Best direct flights US to Barcelona? Train vs. Car. Hotels. Dining in the area seems to be covered in other threads, but how do you get a reservation at Rafas? What can I say I love the planning stage, and have no idea where to start besides my gut. I am posting on this board becuse all is going to revolve around restaurant and food decisions and I am open to any. Thanks, Nate Conner cant seem to edit my subject. Catalunya, thanks.

Becuase it is lunch, smart casual will be fine, but there will be folks in suits. If possible pack a casual blazer and pair with a nice white shirt. If you cant pack a jacket a sweater will do, but make sure the collar is fine and stands out and the sweater is light and elegant. You will be fine no matter what he wears, but to feel most comfortable stick to simple, stark, elegant clothes. Above all else enjoy, you are going to love what you eat and have a wonderful experinece. Nate

Sorry, but this is a great post.

I add to this having read only half the posts, and I feel the same as many who have posted. Le Bernardin is the only *** spot on the list I have eaten at over the years, so I will speak to that. It is my favorite in NY, but only because I have enjoyed all my meals there and some have been fantastic. I am from Greensboro, NC and do not get the chance to try all the local spots that could outshine what was a great meal. I have had meals at all the other * associates, but know there is so much more out there. Next trip WD-50 etc. I have dined at Arpege, Taillevent, Le Cinq, and Ducasse in Paris, and so on, so I feel I have some light gauge on what a three star is in comparison to NY. While I have not eaten at Per Se, I have dined at at the French Laundry, so the cuisine is familiar to me. New York is not Paris, France, or Europe. It is the finest dining destination in America next to DC, Chicago, and Northern California. Therefore it is worthy of the Worlds most prestigious rating system. I have had highs and lows durring all my meals by design, but the meal, as a whole establishes itself as a work in my mind. Considering this, Le Bernardin is a place that succeeds preparing perfect seafood tasting as is should taste, if you will. The fish is always right and the shellfish is always sweet, and all the food is cooked correctly. Considering this, the menu is creative but not intimidating. The service has evolved, and is constantly evolving into something extraordinary. Does Le Bernardin check up to my favorite three star dining experiences? No, not actually, but on second thought maybe close. Place and quality, yes, there is something there. Does it rank with my best meals, well hmmm, it does kind stand out from my 50 or so high meals in NY over the last few years. I am only 32, and that is not an excuse, but all I really care about is wife, child, food, wine, and here I stand, and I guess a *** review for Le Bernardin is not that out of line for this spot like that in NY. Nate man, Im thinking of so much more..

Glad to see this enthusiastic review of Vin. IMHO this spot rests with my favorite restaurants in NC. Fearington is first for its haute aproach and Vin is equal for satifaction and rises above for their wine list, thanks to Carolina Wine Company. As far as Im concerned if you come to our vast state to eat, come and stay at Fearrington, eat there and go on a second dinner to Vin(35 min drive) and this is the best introduction you can have to what we can offer as far as pleasure. Hmmmm, I and thinking of others as I type, but I stand with what I typed. Nate

I agree. I especially like some of the Vietnamese spots around town, Saigon and Binh Minh and I do enjoy Taste of Thai and the Thai spot out at Guilford College and Rearn Thai is building a new sudo Thai temple looking building across the street from their place I am looking forward to. I just dont fine any top notch really smart uncompromising food being offered in GSO. The Undercurrent is one of my favorites and 223 S Elm, Bisto Sophia, Green Vally Grill, 1619 West Seafood and a hadful of others are doing a good job, but nothing serious is happening here yet. I think thats OK becuse I am not sure what support it would get. In my openion we are comming up on the need for a small chef owned spot that goes to the next level and does not have to worry about filling a big dining room. We will see. As far as Fearringtons menu, they have an la carte as well and Im sure would accomodate you needs if you asked. I too have one little one and one on the way and know how important and necessary these romantic dinners are. Nate

I have had the pleasure of eating at Fearringon House four times in the last 18 months and I am really a fan. For the money you could do better in a DC or New York or Philly, but for me this is the best most romantic place in this area. It is an escape my wife and I really like having living in a haute food challenged city like Greensboro. There is a $95 fixed menu now with about seven courses, and while I dont think of it as a bargain, I do think of it as worth it. Chef Gram Fox knows what he is doing and his meat and game are cooked correctly. Cources are beautiful and served with creativity on simple white china of different shapes. I am going there in a couple weeks and will report, but there are few dishes that are still in my memory. One was sweet breads with pickled vegetables and a sour savory sauce. It had great juxtaposition and was spot on. The other was a Guinea Fowl with Pornchini. The fowl was cooked just right making it a luxury in itself. I had rabbit done four ways there months ago and it remains one of my favorite dishes of all time. These experiences keep me coming back. The courses range from well prepared to memorable with the occasional home run. This keeps my wife and I returning, and the croissants at breakfast are the best I have has on this side of the puddle. Nate

Ok so this is not a market find, but it is inspired by one. I was really craving a Dinics roast pork sandwich, and I am in Greensboro, NC, so what do I do? Well I got a good piece of pork, brined it with an herb and garlic brine, roasted it, tossed some baby spinach with garlic and good EVOO in a pan and put it in a good bun with some age provalone. Result. O my, this is it. For all you Dinics fans, try this it is well worth it. Ingredients are the key here, and the satisfaction rate is high. Nate

Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to check out Caribou Cafe and ask for a booth in the back. Nate

Can any one reccomend a romantic with great food lunch spot that is open on Saturday in the Center City Rittenhouse. I am going to go to the Fountain if I dont get another sugestion, but I have been there a number of times and would like to find something new. Most spots seem to be closed or dinner only. Anything is game and a big meal is not a problem as we are going to Lacroix for a late dinner, I like their portions, but have learned not to come starving. Thanks, Nate

Very true, I just wanted to make the comment considering this was somone from out of town. I did not know about the hours though, I only have gone for lunch and take out after work.

Thanks Therese, I dont know Atlanta that well and last time I was in that area in the early 90s crashing on a floor after a Grateful Dead show, I did see anything like that in that neighborhood. Now it looks hip and a great area to find value. I had a scoop of Kenya AA ice cream after dinner at Jakes. It had flecks of coffee beans in it, and was damn good. Zuma is not Soto by any means, but I had a dozen or so fish selections and they were all fresh. Usually with than many one or two is off. I found it to be a solid sushi bar and worth another visit. I have to admit I am a mackerel fan and I got a complementary course that was mighty fine, so I left very happy. Apparently the sushi chef Sato loves mackerel too so we bonded. The price was also a value for what I got, $24. Great Sake too. Nate

Tonight I went to Zuma Sushi and Sake Bar in the SE part of downtown Atlanta. For starters this part of town used to be a really bad part of town, and is experiencing a renaissance of interest with apartments, restaurants and retail. This was flat out sushi done right. Fresh and correct. I had sashimi over rice that was fantastic. The mackerel was to die for. A really friendly staff and a great sake list. Ill leave it brief and say go there, its fantastic. Nuf said. Nate

Moto I have to agree about the consistany at Binh Minh. I generaly go there for certain lunch specials for $5 and for that is does not dissapoint. Dinner has been hit and miss. While I agree that pakse is good, it is in a rather dangerous part of town at night if you are not confident. I dont say this becuase I dont like it, but there are some serious criminals that frequent this shopping center. My wife was public defender for Guilford County, enough said. Just a warning. Giacomo's, yes yes yes, I cant believe I left this out. This place is the bomb, better than most of the spots Ive been in Brooklyn. Got to go there. Nate

Try Alpat, 1611 East Bessemer Avenue. They have been around for years and can be really good to good. A meat and three kind of place. I have been there as a child and adult and I do go back. Nate

"I recently had his $75 "sushi fest". It did not top a similar meal I had last year at Tojo's in Vancouver, " Glad to hear this is still great, one of my all time Japanese meals. "I suggested he nix several courses and get folks out in 3 hours....max. " I would like to have a choice of two menus, maybe a $60 menu (12 courses) and a $85 (18 courses) Nate

Saigon is one of the better Vietnamese restaurants in North Carolina. It's about a 15 minute drive from the convention center but worth a visit. ← If its the Koury convention center on High Point Rd. you are about a three minute drive. Get the whole flounder, it rocks. Nate

Greensboro just does not have any great BBQ places, but as mentioned Stamey's is very good. They cook on wood and it is near you on High Point Road. For Asian, Saigon also on High Point Rd is a good choice. For cheaper options I enjoy Binh Minh 5211 West Market and Pho Hien Vuong 4109 Spring Garden. Taste of Thai is good Thai if you in that mood. Saffron which is next to Taste of Thai at 1500 Mill St. is hand down the best Indian in town and is really good Indian period. For breakfast there are diners that are somewhat similar, near you I would recommend Herbies at Highpoint Rd and Holden. For a drive through pickup Biscutville is the place, it has a very loyal following and is a local chain. For brunchy breakfast I like Southern Lights Cafe Europa and Green Valley Grille, pretty good dinner too. My favorite two nice spots for dinner right now are 1618 West Seafood Grill and the Undercurrent. You may also want to go Downtown for a drink and dinner many of the spots I recommend are around there. The only carribean place I know is Montego Bay on West Market. Its kind of a Jerk cuban island thing. Let me know if you have any specific requests and I will answer. Nate

They hand out that nights menus and encourage them to come back. I hear weekend book early and is forcing some to try it on weekdays. BTW I had no problem with the portions. Nate

I am not sure why I feel that way. I think Greensboro is a little less hospitable than the RDU area food wise. I guess I feel the reasonable Bistro would not be done right and if it was would be priced to high, and I still hear anti French sentiment to boot. Like many, I long for the place that has $8-12 mains, that are simple, fresh and correct. There are good steak frites here at a Bistro Sophia, but its a sirloin and its $22. The mains here are $15-27 making it more of a once in a while spot to dine. Dont get me wrong I really like Bistro Sophia and think what they are doing is great. In fact they are one of the best spots in GSO, but they are not a Bistro with a no frills hanger steak and fries or a great selection of cold apps for $3-5 each. This format also requires a relatively low overhead and brisk volume to succeed. The hard part is the low priced, simple, good spot that pleases a foodie is very difficult to pull of. It takes a special kind of person and passion to do this and they just dont grow on trees. Most who could pull it of go to work somewhere else. The wind is shifting, but slowly. As far as the great Japanese goes, I would love a Soto (Atlanta) or a Mikotos(DC) or even a great fusion, Morimotos (Philly), but I just dont see it in the cards. Its got to cost and it got to be full all the time. Now we could work on some great Sushi though. The stuff here is good, but marred by inconsistency. Ive had it all multiple times and no one gets it right every time, as shame as its still not cheap. Nate

Im a porn star. This vent is for another thread, but it does piss me off when introductions and identities are based on ones occupations. IMHO asking someone "how can you afford that?" is a bit off-putting humorous or not. Not trying to make a big deal here, just saying what comes out. By the way I ate nice meals in college too and that led me to learn about credit card debt. It was a tasty lesson. I was a NC boy, one hour from NYC and Philly, I could not help myself. To gear up to the thread, Here in Greensboro the food scene has vastly improved since I left for Pennsylvania in 1992 and moved back in 2001. Its the kind of town where with for every opening there is a closing, and that was much needed. I feel the same as many who have posted from the RDU area in that if you take the best five, its pretty darn good compared to any city outside the great food destinations. We lack good casual French/bistro cuisine well priced in a casual setting and great Japanese, but this is to be expected as I feel such places would eventually fail. Folks here go out for interesting innovative cuisine as a special occasion or a big date out, not just dinner, so all the great ingredients in this town are jazzed up, heaped on and priced in the $20-30 range, keeping things the same. Things are changing though and I will pipe back in as folks comment on my comments. Nate

Im not trying to be nasty here, but what difference does it make? BryanZ was gracious enough to answer the question, but I would not have. O, Im a drug dealer, O I have a trust fund, O I forge checks, or O I have a second job, blah blah. Why does it matter? Who really wants to know or cares? I dont know why I am flaming about this as I really dont like flaming online, but it just got to me. As a disclaimer, I hate the way Americans always start the conversation with "So what do you do"? I know this was not meant to cause my reaction challah baker, so please dont take this the wrong way. This is not an attack on you. Im not meaning to offend here, but I was bursting. Nate