g_camper

Just to update some facts - John's is closed (soon to be a chain restaurant). There are three BBQ places in the area now - Dickey's (a chain I believe), BBQ Shak that is on route 1, and the Pik 'n Pig which is worth the drive from Pinehurst to Carthage. - Go on Saturday, but order your ribs in advance. Good eats in some other local establishments - Ashten's, Rhett's, Wolcott's (all in Southern Pines) and some fun bars are around too - Maxie's, Bell Tree, etc.

Headed to the Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival in Blowing Rock, NC and was wondering about restaurants in the area. Any ideas?

How about Coca-Cola Cake or "Better than sex" Cake (which it isn't).

Katy, You weren't there when I was a few weeks ago, and I have to say (except for one thing) that I was very, very pleased. Great Scallops, excellent braised beef, phenomenal fries. Wonderful service. Open windows brought in flies, and the red wine was almost 75 degrees (i.e. summer room temperature). I will go back, but they need to chill the red wines to allow for lack of a/c in "moderate weather." I will look for you next time. Glenn

Not the greatest, but very good - Tir Na Nog. Have had good Tuna with soba noodles as well as good Shepard's Pie. Toasties are great for a snack and the bartenders are friendly. Only problem is finding a seat with the Comcast construction going on.

I had lunch at AMADA today and had the pleasure of Katie's company. The lamb albondigas were excellent as was everything else, including Katie's wine selections. I am only sorry that I missed the event - What a Babe!

Took a friend to lunch who knows little of Spanish tapas, and he was pleasantly surprised with everything. I particularly liked the Melon y jamon with the caramelized touch to the melon. The tuna was exceptional as well. My friend seemed to like the chorizo and tortilla espanola particularly well. We both loved everything - truth be known. Particularly, Katie's kind service, and her knowledge. Great job, and since my first visit in early December, it has, if possible, gotten even better. Garrotxa, carbrales, and manchego were wonderful with their accompaniments. Thanks Katie, and we will be back. CKP and STH next though (on your recommendation) Glenn

My wife and I went in last night (in preparation for a birthday Pig Roast right after Christmas). We had tapas and a glass each of sangria (one white, one red). I felt both sangrias lacked punch and flavor. Both seemed a bit insipid as compared to the Sangria I have made or enjoyed in Spain (perhaps it was the cold evening that put us off it). I went on to have a "Bad Education" which was delicious - congrats to Katie on that one. The tapas were superb for the most part. Patatas Bravas were excellent mounthfuls of potato with smoked paprika and spicy sauce; Flat Bread with short ribs (a special last night) was also superb. The tortilla espanola was perfectly prepared and served warm - not usually warm in Spain, but delicious with a alioli sauce. The octopus was overly paprika'd but was tender. I closed out with the chocolate 5 ways, and it should not be shared - delicious. We sat at the kitchen bar and had a delightful discussion with the pastry chef during our meal. We are officially looking forward to our return visit.

Katie, I am bringing family and friends on December 26 for Roast Pig. We will be six. I haven't been on the site for a while and booked it without even knowing you were there. Looking forward to some good pig and sides. Also some Manzanilla. Lived for a while very near Sanlucar de Barameda and go back every chance I get.

I obviously missed it, I had done a search before. Thanks for th update - However, IMOH it is now better than 2 bells.

We went night before last. I went for the offal meal - foie gras and sweetbreads - both were absolutely outsanding. Others in my group had "milder" fare - Steak Frites, Crab, etc. The desserts were also outstanding. Several had the Banana Cream Pie (always great) and I opted for the flan - also outstanding. I note that LaBan has always ignored this place, which is a godsend. You can still get a reservation here. It is also nice that they added themselves to Open Table. Still it is one of my faves here.

Another option would be Brassarie Perrier - get a nice quiet table in the back - Not too bad. I second Lacroix - the Fountain is never bad.

We have given up on the Media location as well. We find the food and service much better at Granite Run. In the past, when we have eaten in Media (before the recent refurbishment) the service has been extremely poor, and slow as well. Whereas at Granite Run, it has been much better. The quality of the Japanese menu in both places has been pretty good in my experience, but I haven't had Sushi in Media for at least a year. Neither is as good as a number of other Sushi restaurants that I know. The Chinese menu in Granite Run is generally very good; however, they should have more specials.

I can't help in the area to which you are headed, and I certainly cannot comment on the choices of vserna or bux. One of my very favorite meals is Sanlucar de Barrameda at Bajo de Guia. Sitting out, next to the beach and eating almost anything, but having tortillas de camarones at some point. Brings me a smile thinking about it - not fine cuisine, but fine food.