dscott

I'm always wary to recommend places that I have not been to myself but... since you'll be going to Atkins, on your way back into town you might want to try the Moan and Dove (in a small shopping ctr. on the eastern side of 116) for a good beer. From those who have been, it sounds like a wonderful place for a beer lover. Apparently the owner is quite enthusiastic about good brew. It's quickly risen to the top of my where-to-go-with-a-designated-driver list.

I'd be happy with clean (i.e., most of the "slime" removed from the mop). Don't care if it remains stained.

On several occasions I've successfully used a BBQ mop to make some phenomenal chicken on the grill. Here's the problem, how do you clean the friggin mop after use? Any great solutions out there in EG land? FYI: The offending sauce on the mop has oil, vinegar, egg & spices which seems to create the perfectly uncleanable mess. The mop is a small rag mop in the shape of a ball, skewered on a piece of wood. Best method so far: Soak forever in a soap and water mix, squeezing out and putting in a clean solution several times, then putting through the top rack of the dishwasher. This worked o.k. (not great) but took forever. Worst method: Top rack of dishwasher-didn't touch the mess on the mop

When I used to live in Richmond I didn't want DC-ers finding out about Kuba Kuba. Too small to share the secret with out of towners. Now that I no longer live there, I think everyone in DC should give it a shot. It's a gem in Richmond. If you're looking for more Richmond ideas, check out the Southeast board. There's a bunch of suggestions there.

Excellent thread. I figured that there must be some decent taquerias w/ the growth in the NC latino population. I was just going to ask the Southeast board where I could find good tacos near I-85 for my July/August roadtrip. I'm a little familiar w/ Durham (used to live in Chapel Hill), am I correct to assume that any of the 3 places on Roxboro are <10 mins from the highway? Pardon the silly question but do any of these 3 places have some shade in their parking lots, since I'll be traveling with 2 Labradors in the middle of summer heat? I'll probably just sit on my hood and slurp a couple of tacos down, but still it's nicer for the dogs if they're not stuck in a hot car while I get my BBQ & taco fixes as I travel through NC. Since detlefchef and phlawless seem to know something about tacos, any other little stands or taquerias that you know near I-85 anywhere between Petersburg, VA and Atlanta? Muchas gracias

I've heard good things about Amherst Chinese. Unfortunately, for those of us on the west side of the river, it's not close enough for take-out but maybe we'll try dining in the next time we're in Amherst (unless we try Black Sheep, which serveral folks also give good reviews). We've only tried Judie's in Amherst so far, which we liked. We go to Atkins Farm fairly regularly so I'll just have to make the effort to head into town. I totally spaced on the Chinese front. We had really good take-out from Great Wall in Florence (even though I think that I ordered very poorly). Will definitely try it again next time we're at Look Park.

I've been in the Valley for 6 months now and feel I should report back on a few experiences (mostly excellent). Unfortunately, having a toddler makes eating out a lot less frequent than we'd prefer but here are a few thoughts. Tell me what I am missing (especially on the cheaper side of things)? One time experiences: Best food and dining experience (BY FAR): TJ Buckley's in Brattleboro. In one word: wow. Lovely atmosphere. Service was impeccable. The action in the kitchen was so perfectly orchestrated it was more like watching a ballet than a retail kitchen. And the food, oh the food, AND the presentation. I don't remember everything we ate (a few weeks ago, sorry) but the highlights were the pate appetizer, a delicious filet (which I rarely order since it's usually so blah, this was anything but blah), salmon, and a delicious trout appetizer. This is so worth the trip from Northampton if you haven't tried this place. WARNING: Get reservations. As best I could tell, they could seat about 18 at a time. $75/each (pre-tip) for 3 course meal + coffee + 2 bottles wine amg 6 of us. Even though it was a major splurge it was well worth every penny. Also, the Metropolis wine bar in Brattleboro was really cute for a pre-dinner drink. Green Street - Very good food and a lovely atmosphere (cellist playing on the lower level, which was beautiful). Food highlights: house-cured salmon app, goat cheese & asparagus tart, bouillabaise, & the rhubarb compote dessert. $50/each (post-tip) for 3 apps, 4 entrees, 3 desserts, coffee and 2 glasses of wine. Blue Heron - Good, not great. Osaka - good sushi but I've only been once (not on the same cost/food level as the 2 places mentioned above) More frequent experiences: Cha Cha Cha - Taken over by owners of India Hse and I love the food here now (liked it before too). Maybe a bit more expensive than before but the food it better in my opinion. I love the Indian-inspired items (try the Kathi Rolls). If you haven't been since they've taken over, I'd recommend going, and have a mango lassi while you're there. Woodstar Cafe - Most reliably good lunch that I've found. Love their bread and my favorite sandwiches are: North End (salami, prosciutto....), Thunderbolt (Roast beef...) and Henry's Garden (hummus wrap). Sylvester's - The good breakfast place that all college towns need (but not as good as Elmo's in Carrboro, NC [for any UNC grads out there]) Speaking of roast beef... Serio's - yummy Veracruzana - Good mexican food (esp. the fish tacos). Herrell's - hmm, ice cream. Get the micro-chip if it's on the menu. India House - I've only had take-out (remember the toddler) but it's been excellent. My favorite dish is probably their Bagaan Bharta (pardon the horrible spelling). Average: Spoleto's Express - overpriced, underwhelming food. Makes me wonder if it's worth going to Spoleto proper. Absolutely, horrifically horrific (redundancy intended): Casa de Nana in Springfield (near Eastside Mall) - Don't know why we went, won't be back. Here's how bad it was, the guacomole and tortilla chips were terrible. You get better guac out of a vacuum pack from Costco. Still have to try: Circa (it was closed for a private party when we had a baby sitter, will try again when we have the sitter lined up) Table 9 Paradiso (still looking for great pizza) In addition to pizza, I still need help finding good bagels/bialys & chinese food. Special interest - BBQ- I've tried Holy Smokes (several times), Smokin Lil's (several times) and Bub's (once). Having spent a bunch of years in NC, I'm most interested in pulled pork. In my opinion, Holy Smokes is the best of the 3 in this category, probably b/c their sauce lets the flavor of the meat come through the best. Lil's and Bub's are certainly passable though. I'm pleasantly surprised by the bbq options up here.

How long should the 2 cumulative boilings be? I boiled 1 time for 5 minutes (with dark water duly noted upon draining) and they had a great texture.

Had my first ever fiddleheads last night. I picked them up at Atkins Farm in Amherst, MA. Prepared as they suggested. Boil for 5 mins, drain, butter, lemon juice. Seriously yummy.

Have only had them at Lenny & Joe's in CT so I'm hardly an authority, but they are usually great. (Like any popular place, you can hit L&J on a bad night but I've probably only had 1 average lobster roll out of a dozen or more.) Unfortunately, b/c of the cost, I usually eat the scrod or clams instead. I'll be sure to try a Maine (or Mass.) roll when I get the chance.

Never had a warm/hot lobster roll?!?!?! It's not just about the lobster meat. It's about the warm buttery, lobster flavor that the toasted warm bun absorbs. The bun itself is enough to start my mouth watering. Really, you ought to try one before you throw stones.

What I'd suggest is to schedule the itinerary for a lunch stop at one of the great places in NC and then dinner at Sweatman's in South Carolina (See HollyEats and other discussions here on Sweatmans). Same great pork, much different sauces. I think Sweatman's is only open on Fri and Sat. [edited for sloppiness]

In the realm of not-exactly-fast food chain joints, I'm not sure that a D'Angelo's steak & cheese is surpassed. I can't say anything about their pita pockets but their steak & cheese's are a very occasional guilty indulgence.

LOL Hope to be back in early spring to try some new places.

Thanks Viva. We hit Roaring Fork, Cowboy Ciao, Sea Saw and Arcadia Farms. See the "anything new..." thread for my report.

Just got back from trip to Scottsdale. Here's where we ate: Cowboy Ciao: once for late night and once for lunch. Excellent both times. Tasted the buffalo carpaccio (good), Ahi antipasto (v. good), smoked duck & brie sandwich (excellent-duck itself was phenomenal) and mushroom pan-fry (excellent also). Very nice atmosphere. Would definitely go back. Roaring Fork: dinner. Had tortilla soup (excellent), short ribs (good), and chocolate malted milk shake (good). Would go back but would choose Cowboy Ciao over RF. Sea Saw: dinner. We ate too many things to mention all that was good in the meal. The biggest highlights were the yellowtail with avocado & grapefruit in a great sauce, the cod and the lamb as well as a superb dessert that included a phenomenal goat cheese cheesecake. Everything was excellent. This is a must have meal IF you have an adventurous side. It's not so much that the dishes were exotic. Rather, the entire experience was (for the lack of a better word) transforming. However (!), if you're with solely meat-and-potatoes folks (or non-fish eaters), do not waste your time. One complaint: it's a phenomenally long wine list and we had a server who knew nothing about it to guide us. Arcadia Farms: lunch. Other than being practically the only man in the restaurant, it was very good and a nice atmosphere. Had a great mushroom, spinach, goat cheese tart. Definitely would go back. In summary, I'd go back to all of these restaurants again. I'd say RF for major carnivores, Cowboy Ciao for a great all around meal, Sea Saw for adventure and Arcadia Farms for a ladies' lunch, uh, oops I meant light lunch.

Heading out to Scottsdale in a couple of weeks and need suggestions for good business lunches and dinners (and maybe breakfast too). We're set at LON's at the Hermosa for one dinner. Need a bunch more suggestions. Middle-upper to to upscale preferred and, here's the key, needs to be fairly quiet (without being empty). Looking at existing posts, I'm looking towards the following places but I cannot tell if they're really loud. Help appreciated. Roaring Fork, Cowboy Ciao & Barrio Cafe if it's worth the ride to Phoenix with clients. Mosaic seems as though it may be a bit too stuffy.

Excellent help. Actually, as a newbie here in the Valley, this info is valuable far beyond this weekend. I don't get over to Amherst too much (Rte. 9, ugh) but I've been wanting to try the Black Sheep. Next time I venture to Atkins Farm I'll try to hit Black Sheep too. I had no idea that Springfield's South End was so full of stuff. I was down there a couple of week's ago at the emergency animal hospital and had some time to spend. I could have done some damage (to my waistline) at all of those places. Is the seafood market any good down there? Whole Foods (or "Whole Wallet" as vivremanger called it) seems to have a pretty good seafood selection but I like supporting the local fishmonger/butcher/baker etc to the extent possible. Which gets me to Serio's, where I think that I will try to get a r.b. sandwich for lunch today. Thanks again for the great suggestions. EDITED THURS 12/16: Had Serio's Rst Beef Sandwich yesterday. Fantastic. Excellent recommendation. Thanks.

What's the best place in the Valley for sliced meats for a salumi platter (prosciutto, salami, etc.)? Anywhere better than Table and Vine in NoHo? Any good Italian delis? As a reference, I found Whole Foods selection to be quite poor. Not much time for running around so Northampton or Holyoke are the preferred locations. Say no further than Amherst to the East, Deerfield to the North and Springfield south. Grazie

Interesting point about the neighborhood. As a (former) Richmond resident, I felt comfortable in Oregon Hill. Not sit-on-my-car-hood-and-hang-out comfortable but certainly fine walking to and from my car relatively late at night. However, I lived in the City my whole time in Richmond, worked at VCU and was comfortable with the scene around the Fan/VCU. How does this relate to this thread? I don't know if I'd point a complete stranger to the Oregon Hill area for dinner. Not because of safety but because it's just a run-down area and I don't particularly want visitors having that as their one image of the City. Richmond takes a lot of undeserved hits from people who don't know the city. We felt comfortable taking lot's of out-of-town friends there but we could give them context ("we're going to eat at this great place in a pretty tired working class neighborhood"). I can't give that context as convincingly to a stranger. Having said all of that, Comfort is HARDLY in a beautiful area. It's on a semi-desolate strip of Broad St that VCU hasn't gentrified yet and finding parking stinks (compared with Mamma Zu where I've always found a spot w/in 2 blocks). fchrisgrimm seems like a pretty savvy traveler, however, and I bet he'd be willing to try either place. You're not going to go wrong with the food at either place.

I think that Comfort would be a good choice. If you're travelling, it's relatively easy to get to from the Boulevard exit off of 64/95. I'd pick Mamma 'Zu over Comfort but Comfort is certainly more southern and the service & decor are better than at MZ. Unfortunately, from that list that you post, Kitchen Table fell victim to the horrible T.S. Gaston flooding in Shockoe Bottom. We only had one opportunity to eat there and it was phenomenal. I hope that the chef/owner finds a way to re-open but it didn't sound good from the newspaper reports. Never did try Flemings but, as I intimated, large seating, chain restaurants are usually not particularly pleasant in my opinion, even if the food can be good on occasion. I don't know the Flemings in La Jolla but we usually eat in San Diego when we're out there. However, I do want to try Rappongi on my next visit. BTW, Richmond is a great city to drive through and have one meal per year. Inexpensive, relatively easy to navigate and a surprisingly good array of food for a city of its size.

Thanks everyone. Will report back.

Thanks for the offer ghostrider. Directions would be appreciated. I'll be heading north on the Pike, towards the GW Bridge.

I'll be travelling through Jersey on the T-Pike this Saturday with my two hounds, who make stopping for a "real" meal rather difficult. However, they give me a good excuse to stop and eat grub. What are some good joints for hot dogs (or other grub) near the Pike? Holly's list on hollyeats is great but I don't know where these towns are. When I mapquest them, seems like most aren't close to the Pike. Doesn't have to be hot dogs. Burgers, grinders, etc. will do just fine also.