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I tend to fade in and out of participating in these discussions, depending on how busy it is at work. I do try to respond to any inquiry concerning Savannah and am sorry if this post comes too late to be helpful. There is a new restaurant called Cha Bella on East Broad Street at the Southeast corner of Broughton Street (formerly Suzabelle's). I haven't been yet, but local buzz is favorable. The owners also have a place called Tango on Tybee Island, which is one of my favorites. The advantage of Cha Bella is that it's within walking distance of the Marriott. The menu is heavy on, but not exclusively, seafood. I'm sure it would be friendly to the younger ones in the group (Tango certainly is), especially earlier in the evening. Prices seem moderate for a good restaurant. This would be my first recommendation based on the criteria mentioned. Some of the other places mentioned would be good as well; Savannah has quite a few upscale restaurants considering its relatively small size.

Are Scuppernong and Muscadine the same grape? If so, and depending how long it's been since you've been in Savannah, you might not know that there's a relatively new winery in Statesboro. Their web site is at www.meinhardtvineyards.com, and it appears they concentrate on Muscadine wines. I can't comment on their wine one way or the other, I just remember reading about them when they opened and being surprised someone would start a winery in the 'boro. Throw in some BBQ and stew from Vandy's, and you've got a pretty good road trip going.

I have nothing against Buford Highway; what I meant to say was don't just tell me "go to Buford Highway and pick a place- you can't go wrong."

I would have expected you to receive much expert advice on this, but since you're leaving soon and have no replies, I'll throw in my attempt. Virginia Beach is big (geographically) and either touristy (on the beach) or middle class suburbs (everywhere else). There's no downtown. If you want the latest place or finer dining, I'm sure you can get current advice from someone who lives there, but my recollection is that most of that occurs in the neighboring (and originally larger) City of Norfolk. Growing up on the beach proper (a long time ago and with no money), my favorites were Zero's for subs (there are several, it's a local chain) and Worrell Brothers for steamed shrimp (it's more bar than restaurant, but it is on the strip). On return trips more recently, I've liked a place called The Lucky Star (sort of a bistro place, away from the strip, with good crab cakes). If you want to try Virginia-style BBQ (chopped, cooked in a vinegar-based sauce, and served on a hamburger bun with cole slaw on the sandwich), get in the car and drive to Doumar's on Monticello Street in downtown Norfolk (about 30 min from the strip). The place is old (they still have curb service, if you're so inclined) and somewhat of a local institution. Since you mentioned ice cream, Doumar's comes with the added bonus of being the inventor of the ice cream cone (or at least they say so). They still use an antique, functioning monstrosity of a waffle cone maker that I'm sure would send an industrial safety engineer into shock. The ice cream itself is really nothing special, but the cones and the other old-fashioned fountain creations make it quite interesting. Traveling down I-95, I'll recommend two BBQ places in each of NC, SC and GA. In each case, one is right off the interstate and is good, the other is further off the interstate but, at least in my opinion, better. North Carolina: Close- Moore's in Kenly. Within a mile East of I-95 on the right. Good NC meat, good side veggies. Served with hush puppies. Great- Wilbur's in Goldsboro. NC people take their 'que seriously, and I'm not trying to start a fight, but it's the best I've had in Carolina. I say it's well worth getting 30 min. off the interstate; when traveling, my family does not necessarily agree. South Carolina: Close- Maurice’s in Santee. Look for the lighted sign of a giant pork sandwich just South of the Santee exit. I don’t think the restaurant name is even on the sign. Maurice’s is actually based in Columbia, but this remote outpost serves good SC-style meat (bright yellow sweet mustard sauce) and hash (a vegetable-meat puree served over white rice). Some people object to Maurice’s pro-Southern politics (he ran for SC governor a long time ago). I personally ignore the Confederate “gift shop” in the tiny lobby and just eat the food, but if you prefer not be associated with such stuff, consider yourself forewarned. Great-Sweatmans in Hilly Hill. My favorite SC-style. It’s buffet, but you only get one trip through the line, so pile it high. Last I knew, only open Thurs-Sat. Strangely, I seem able to convince my family this is worth the 30 min. (each way) diversion, even though I personally think Wilbur’s is better. Georgia: Close- The GA Pig near Brunswick. Just East of I-95 on US 82 South of Brunswick; look for a shack on the left after the last gas station. Smoky, meaty sandwiches on toasted buns run through a sandwich press (common technique in Southeast Georgia). Unimaginative sides, but great sandwich. Take a couple with you. Don’t drink the (sulfur) water. No kidding, the meat is really good. Great- Vandy’s in Statesboro. This is an hour East of I-95, and perhaps not worth the travel if you have no other reason to head that way. Nonetheless, I’ll say that I am a fan of Brunswick stew, and I think theirs is the best I’ve had, anywhere. The meat and sauce are good, too, as is the coconut pie (they don’t make it, but a local bakery does). Coffee is 10¢. Should you go, find the one downtown on Vine Street, not the second location at the mall. After sampling the style of four states (I’m not sure Florida has its own BBQ style), you can let us know which you think is best and start a real impassioned discussion.

I'll save time and state up front I don't know that much about wine, except that I prefer it red and, except for the occasional splurge, inexpensive. Despite my cheap nature, one of my better ideas occurred a couple years ago when I bought a mixed case of bordeaux for the years my daughters were born ('93 and '98), including some of the first growth stuff that I've seldom experienced. The idea is to pull it out on the 21st birthday, graduation, engagement, etc., and hopefully it will be a fun experience. I've recently thought maybe another case would be in order (after all, I'll have to share), and your comment on the staying qualities of burgundy has me thinking that perhaps this would be a good choice for that eventual wedding wine (no need to rush these things). So here's the (neophyte) question- what burgundies would you recommend for, say, 20 years from now? Where can I find them in '98 and '93 vintages?

OK, where can I get "real" Mexican in Atlanta (and don't just say Buford Highway, which is the answer to all ethnic restaurant questions)? My perception of "real" (I've never set foot in Mexico) is mole or pipian sauces, but I'm not authentic enough to eat tripe. I also speak no Spanish (save, perhaps, cerveza, if I'm even spelling that correctly), but I'm willing to go by smile and point if they're willing to serve it that way. I just returned from a trip out west, where I assumed I would expreience the real stuff. Sad to say, my efforts in both California and Arizona produced food quite similar to what I've encountered in Georgia- Taco Bell on a white ("don't touch hot") plate. How can I attempt to make mole when the only example I've tasted came from a jar at Kroger?

Thanks for all the suggestions. I leave bright and early Saturday morning and have made some changes to our routes to take advantage of the great advice, adding some travel on the coast to catch the cheese factory but heading back East in time to eat hungarian food. I wouldn't have associated Oregon with burgers and cinnamon rolls, but I'm sure there's much about the State I don't know. Having a clue where to eat improves travel dramatically, and I appreciate everyone's time.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I leave bright and early Saturday morning and have adjusted our routes to take advantage of your advice.

These are all great suggestions, and I'm looking forward to more. Blackberry milkshake sounds fantastic, as does Pine Cone Diner. I am also looking forward to West Coast oysters, and oyster roasts are a great communal meal. I notice you didn't mention fried oysters; don't you do that out West? ludja, Tres Amigos sounds great- just the kind of food we can't get at home. Speaking of different from home, I gotta say rocks on the beach is a foreign conecpt, and your suggestion for a little tidepool cruising seems like a good idea. Thanks, everyone, I'm getting really excited about this trip.

Jaymes, we'll pass West of Walla Walla (although it's tempting to go just for the cool name). Burgerville looks good; I had heard that the Portland area is big on burgers.

Thanks for the great suggestions, including In-N-Out, which now that you mention it I have heard of. Too bad about Cracker Barrel; I think they’re pretty good, especially for breakfast. To be more specific about our trip, it begins in Savannah, GA. It’ll be mom + 2 until Billings, where dad flies in. The next two weeks pass through Yellowstone, Idaho (Craters of the Moon), Boise, Eastern Oregon up to Penedleton, West through Columbia River Gorge, Portland, Salem, Eugene, Crater Lake, and Crescent City. That’s where the California part picks up. The plan is to follow US 101 South (the Eureka stop will be timely), with detours at Redwood National Park and around Miranda for what I understand are some big trees. We’ll stay on 101 until Leggett, forking right on Cal. 1 until San Francisco. One day there, then Big Basin (more trees), Gilroy, Merced, Mariposa and Yosemite (that’s right, trees). From there it’s South to (you guessed it) Sequioa, then further South to Red Rock Canyon (never seen a Joshua Tree, but I hear they’ve got ‘em). We pick up I-10 in Mojave and head for the Grand Canyon with a small detour on part of old Route 66. Then it’s South through Phoenix to Tucson (cacti are kinda like trees), where dad flies back. The remainder of the trip passes through Carlsbad Caverns, El Paso, Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, Tallahassee, and back to Savannah. Billings to Tucson happens in two weeks, so there will obviously be much time in the car (making meals an important diversion). I know you can argue that at this pace we’ll get nothing but a superficial glance at places meriting deeper exploration, but for this trip that’s the concept we’re following. I could happily spend the whole time any one of the parks, but then the kids might never see all the other places. If we get behind or (less likely) ahead, we’ll have to adjust the route accordingly. So there’s much more than you wanted to know, but you were nice, or foolish, enough to ask. Gus_tatory, I’m a fan of the Roadfood website (my kind of places), but I agree that the interaction you get on eGullett can’t be beat. ludja, I have looked through some of the other posts, and will be looking at more, but many times it’s hard to match a topic title to geography when you’re so far from home.

Mom, dad, and daughters 12 and 7 will be road-tripping from Crescent City down 101 and 1 through the Bay Area to Big Basin, over to Yosemite and Sequoia (we like big trees), to Red Rock Canyon and then East. Any suggestions for avoiding chain food along the way will be appreciated. The kids are reasonably well-mannered and will eat most anything, so ethnic foods would be welcome (where we’re from, a fish taco is exotic). Anything requiring a coat and tie is out; this is vacation and we’re not packing that stuff. I particularly enjoy the iconic places that have been around forever, have some signature food, and are showing their age a little (a/k/a dives). I know it’s a broad request (and a big State), but we’ll be driving lots of miles, and I’d rather not try to post this city-by-city.

Mom, dad, and daughters 12 and 7 will be road-tripping from Yellowstone through Boise, up I-84 to the Columbia River Gorge through Portland, down I-5 through Salem and Eugene over to Crater Lake, then across to Crescent City (and down to San Francisco, if this forum’s territory extends in that direction). Any suggestions for interesting (i.e, not chain) food will be appreciated. The kids are reasonably well-mannered and will eat most anything, so ethnic foods would be welcome. Anything requiring a coat and tie is out; this is vacation and we’re not packing that stuff. I particularly enjoy the iconic places that have been around forever, have some signature food, and are showing their age a little (a/k/a dives). What about Huber’s in Portland, not from the standpoint of a jaded local but for someone who wants to see what’s unique about the Pacific Northwest (but not to the point of eating microwaved food that happens to be served in an old building- we can do that at home). I know it’s a broad request, but we’ll be driving lots of miles, and I’d rather not try to post this city-by-city.

Harold's BBQ is not that far from Turner Field. I personally think the place is overrated, with the exception of the cracklin' cornbread, but it's better than anything you'll find at the ballpark.

The music at Jazz'd varies and is sometimes too loud, but if so you can usually get the table in back that's walled on 3 sides, almost a separate room. They have a Sinatra cover guy that draws a regular crowd, but I'm not sure what night he's there (also don't know if you would find that appealing or repulsive, but the guy does have his fans). La Boheme is real new and seems to be inconsistent in its hours. They claim to be a cafe and bar, but there doesn't appear to be much in the way a a full menu there yet. Probably a good place for a glass of wine, but not dinner.

I would add to any list of best BBQ in Atlanta Aleck's on MLK. Especially the sauce.

Sounds like you've done the usual suspects. I think Toucan is good and fun; the same people also own nearby Sweet Potatoes, which emphasizes Southern comfort food as opposed to Caribbean. These are probably the two best choices for Southside/Midtown. In the category of new, the recently opened Mansion on Forsyth Park (the former Fox & Weeks) houses a restaurant billing itself as top notch. I believe it's called 700 Drayton. I haven't made it yet, but have sampled some of their fare at Taste of Savannah. I fear, however, it may be a budget buster. I couldn't find a menu on their web site. Also on the new side, Paula Deen's brother opened a seafood place in the former Snapper's on Wilmington Island, Uncle Bubba's Oyster House. The food's OK (there's only so much you can do with fried shrimp), and many people enjoy the Deen connection because they've seen her on TV. At least the line isn't as long as it is at her downtown restaurant. Downtown, I like Jazz'd, the tapas bar in the basement of the old Kress building. I'm sure there are better tapas establishments elsewhere, but I like many of the dishes (the grouper wrapped in swiss chard is a favorite). It's fun for a group, as you can share. Also, the tapas for two for $45 is a good deal, and the wine list is reasonable, if limited.

I think Walls is somewhat of a disappointment. When you find the rundown shack on an unpaved lane (don't call them alleys in Savannah) you're convinced it will be some secret treasure. As you sit in one of the two orange formica booths waiting for your food, having ordered que w/ enticing sides such as red beans & rice, you just know the place couldn't have survived so long unless the food were great. Then...the food comes. Don't get me wrong, it's OK, and there aren't many places left that will serve you RC Cola, but it's real average at best. The meat is nothing special, the sauce is forgettable, there's no brunswick stew and the beans are canned kidney beans on white rice w/ a ring or two of cheap smoked sausage on top. My advice for Walls is skip the BBQ, going with deviled crab, Savannah red rice (I don't want to hear that it's no different from other red rice you may have experienced) and collard greens. If you like sweet stuff, the red velvet cake is about the same sugary mess I remember my mom making. On the plus side, it's the only barbeque within walking distance of downtown, and it scores high on ambience (by having a serious lack thereof).

Sweatman's is perhaps the best example of SC yellow sauce I've had. Remember, however, when they issue your styrofoam plate- you only get one trip through the line. It's fun to watch the regulars use the ribs and fried skins to form an upper tier upon which even more food can be piled.

Savannah has more choices than you might think, especially in the upper tier. What it doesn't have much of is ethnic food, but you can probably get that at home. Do you have any particular ideas? Many people come to the South seeking regional food. Truth be told, we don't eat shrimp and grits or collards with fatback every day, but if that's what you have in mind there are two ways to go: upscale or meat-and three (ignoring breakfast for the time being). On the upscale side, I think the best in town is 45 South, There's some game (quail, rabbit) on the menu, and a nice wine list. It's also formal, perhaps even a little stuffy. Elizabeth's receives constant glowing reviews, and they do a good job of forcing Southern ingredients into their dishes (think grit cake in an iron skillet w/ country ham and collard greens topped with red eye gravy). There are others: Bistro Savannah, Olde Pink House (great basement bar), Il Pasticcio, Gottliebs and Sapphire Grill all turn out a good meal. I'm sorry to say we don't do as well as we should on the meat-and three category. The Lady & Sons is good, but the constant line keeps most locals away. As mentioned in Mr. Fenton's post, Ms. Wilkes (a somewhat faded Savannah institution) is also good. The best part there is eating family style, with bowls you pass aroung the table. I once sat next to a gentleman from California who could not identify most of the vegetables on the table, but he showed us by loudly proclaiming that we had probably never heard of artichokes. Here's a strange thing about the South: it's not as close to dueling banjos as you may imagine. Depending on your adventure level, here's my recommendation if you want to try Southern lunch food: The United House of Prayer for all People. They run a cafeteria out of the church kitchen during the week with traditional food. They serve the foods (especially vegetables) that most Southerners grew up on. They won't try to change your religion (to my delight, they leave you alone), but you are eating in a church cafeteria, so no alcohol (by the way, plan ahead, Georgia law prohibits off premises sales on Sunday). If you want barbeque (as you should), try Sweet Leaf (not a BBQ dive, much too upscale) or the Rib Hut (only during daylight) or, if you really want barbeque, drive an hour to Statesboro and find Vandy's downtown. Best Brunswick stew, ever. If you are going further south on I-95, I can also suggest some places near Brunswick. Another Southern institution is Love's catfish barn about 20 miles SW of town. Popular with the church crowd on Sunday afternons, but good any time. For breakfast, the Breakfast Club on Tybee Island is the only choice. Should you find yourself on Tybee at night, check out Doc's Bar, a great dive bar and a trip in a time machine. Don't miss the bumper pool or neglect to play the communal bongoes with the house musician.

It may be too late for you to care, but Pierce's Pitt (yes, 2 p's) BBQ on the I-64 access road West of Williamsburg (near the Lightfoot exit) is worth a stop, especially if BBQ is part of your name.

Not just candy- it seems unusual to find someone who is a good baker and a good cook (in the non-baking sense) as well. I think it has to do with measuring and willingness to follow directions, which are essential to baking but not other types of cooking.

We ate it growing up and always understood you had to cook it once, dump the water and cook it again. This obviously means there will be no texture to it once you're done, but that was the way all vegetables were eaten- anything with a crunch was not done. I like greens but think poke salad (or salat) is too strong. On the other hand, there was little wild escarole in our back yard. As an added bonus, in late summer you could pull handsful of berries off the plants and throw them at each other, leaving unremovable stains on your friend's clothes (not to mention your hands). Thus, while we knew of poke salad, we generally referred to the plants by their more utilitarian (for us) name: ink berry plants.

The only thing I recommend to precede such a meal (which is by its nature intended to be complete) would be an oyster roast.

I'm not good at exit numbers, but if you were near Santee on I-95 that is indeed one of Maurice Bessinger's places, complete with a small display near the front door selling literature espousing his pro-Southern views. I don't think the sign even gives the restaurant name; it's a giant, lighted BBQ sandwich. If you have not experienced the sweet, bright yellow mustard sauce unique to South Carolina, Maurice is the standard. If you are uncomfortable with the Confederacy, venture a little farther from I-95 to Sweatman's in Holly Hill, which I think is the best in the State.