http://www.chow.com/boards/13 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:43:45 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/376950#2348569 Whether you're new to Chowhound or a longtime poster, please be sure you've seen our Posting Etiquette at http://www.chowhound.com/topics/367605 -- it is also linked from the footer of each page. Thank you! Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:43:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/376950#2348569 http://www.chow.com/topics/467667#4184736 Closed all day Sunday. Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday 11 to 2 Dinner Monday-Thursday 5 to 9, Friday and Saturday 5 to 9:30 They do not take reservations, so get there early. :) Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:23:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/467667#4184736 http://www.chow.com/topics/571783#4184698 Thanks vermont gourmet, and rcianci (for the link). Several Vermont cheesemakers won awards at the World Cheese Awards. Vermont Butter & cheese in Websterville won several awards. Cabot’s Silver award is noted below, as is Grafton’s. Vermon'ts winners in this and other contests listed here: http://www.travel-vermont.net/2008/11/award-winning-vermont-cheeses/ A complete list of the U.S. winners at the Wolrd Cheese Awards is found here: http://www.usdec.org/files/PressReleases/WCA%20_Release.pdf Here are the categories of Cheddar at the World Cheese Awards – a pull-down menu leads you to the winners of each: 29. Mature traditional cheddar made after 01/09/07 ***This is the category where the Cabot Clothbound Cheddar by Cabot Creamery won a Silver. 30. Mature block creamery cheddar made after 01/09/07 31. Mature block farmhouse cheddar made after 01/09/07 35. Medium traditional Cheddar made after 31/03/08 36. Medium block creamery Cheddar made after 31/03/08 37. Medium block farmhouse Cheddar made after 31/03/08 38. Extra Mature traditional Cheddar made after 01/09/07 39. Extra Mature creamery Cheddar made after 01/09/07 ***Grafton Classic Reserve Cheddar won a Silver in this category. Made by Grafton Village Cheese Co. in Grafton, VT 40. Extra mature block farmhouse Cheddar made after 01/09/07 41. Mild Cheddar made after 31/05/07 42. Vintage Farmhouse Cheddar made before 31/05/07 43.Vintage creamery Cheddar made before 31/05/07 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:05:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571783#4184698 http://www.chow.com/topics/572936#4184576 mill's tavern is great but is only open for dinner Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:12:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572936#4184576 http://www.chow.com/topics/572404#4184564 Back to the OP's question . . . I went to Fleming's in WH Center in late July. The food was excellent and the service was good, with a few minor missteps. Normally when I'm paying as much as I did, the glitches would have really bothered me, but I chalked them up to the fact that it had only been open for a month. If they were to happen again now that it's been six months, however . . . The only reason I haven't yet returned is because for that price it truly becomes more of a "special occasion" meal for us (the check was higher than a comparable meal at Max's Oyster Bar), and I don't generally gravitate towards steak for a meal out, but I'm sure we'll be back at some point. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:09:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572404#4184564 http://www.chow.com/topics/573376#4184371 based on the economy we are scaling back our off -site holiday party. we're bringing it inside -- making it a luncheon vs evening event. we need a really great caterer and entertainment ideas. i'm considering billy grant's bg catgering. any other thoughts? the event is in east hartford in december. people are used to things on quite a grand scale, so we'd like to make it special, but affordable. perhaps a two piece band? any recommendations? help! Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:53:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573376#4184371 http://www.chow.com/topics/553669#4184256 Thank you for the review, I also gave Varano's a good rating from last year its nice to see that they are still serving a good meal. I recommend them quite often. And I also think that the Maine Diner is Just That (A Diner) and not any kind of a gourmet delight,as a lot of people think it is. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:14:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/553669#4184256 http://www.chow.com/topics/572568#4184223 Right on, thanks very much. This also then builds in a great excuse for a microbrew pint and mushroom burger at Plan B. Most excellent! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:57:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572568#4184223 http://www.chow.com/topics/510019#4184222 For what it's worth, I grew up partly in New England but now live in L.A. (where outside of the super Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock and slices at the relatively new Vito's in West Hollywood. we are severely pie challenged - Pizzeria Mozza, although great, serves another animal entirely). Casserta's traditional pie in Providence has been consistently good over the years and their buttery crust is unique. Boston's Santarpio's is also a favorite and I always get the salsiccia side order. Have always equally liked Pepe's and Sally's Apizza in CT until Pepe's fell off some years back and, in my opinion, improved during the last 5 years - however they can still char the bottom of the crust too much. The Pepe's in Fairfield is similar to the original but standing in line in the rain a year ago I had to agree with another customer who opined "Y'know, I think a lot of us come here more out of loyalty than anything." Didn't like the crust at Modern. These days when in Westport, CT I pick up my clam pie (or any other) at the embarassingly-named Nauti Dolphin at the Fairfield train station. These may be a notch under the two New Haven giants on Wooster but proximity, consistency and no extended waits won me over. BTW still like John's in NYC and that tiny pizza place on Avenue J in Brooklyn but haven't had Lombardi's white cheese with Kalamata olives for some years. Did NOT like Otto's in NYC when I tried it a year or so ago. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:57:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/510019#4184222 http://www.chow.com/topics/545768#4184180 Try Val's in Holden MA for a heaping pile of the best clams around. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:40:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/545768#4184180 http://www.chow.com/topics/475007#4184143 The ambience is second to none. Unfortunately all that shellfish (some delicioso scallops with pesto) and cappucino makes for crappucino. Nothing like squeezing out a stinker with live Jazz meandering into the stall. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:25:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/475007#4184143 http://www.chow.com/topics/572277#4184114 In Rockland, Maine: Brass Compass for breakfast or lunch, or Moody's Diner, about 20 minutes south in Waldoboro. In Bethel (near Andover) Crossroads Diner, 5:30 a.m.to 8 p.m. dail; Barbecue Bob's at the Good Food Store; Sud's Pub, downstairs in the Sudbury Inn--if you're there on a Thursday, go for hoot night, running for more than 20 years. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:16:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572277#4184114 http://www.chow.com/topics/572880#4183966 For wood-fired pizza in Providence, go to Via Via off of Thayer. I know it looks like an awful chain restaurant, but they actually make a terrific slice. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:57:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572880#4183966 http://www.chow.com/topics/541142#4183863 too bad, we enjoyed it (but awhile ago) - have you been to Consuelo's Taquria on Amhurst St. - we went when they first opened and loved it, loved it again the other night - fantastic chix tortilla soup, excellent quesadilla - but hubby got the best dish of assorted taquaria's. You pick your spice too (help yourself to 3 types). Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:26:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/541142#4183863 http://www.chow.com/topics/572229#4183853 There are several Indian Grocery stores on the Meriden end of the Berlin Turnpike. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:25:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572229#4183853 http://www.chow.com/topics/573287#4183706 I'd second Dot's, no matter the age of your son! Especially for breakfast/brunch food, it's the best in the area. Poncho's Wreck (also downtown Wilmington) has tolerable Tex-Mex that I certainly enjoyed when I was a less serious eater (i.e., teenager). Avoid the Old Red Mill Inn unless you like generic, overpriced buffet food. If your son is older, there is a brewpub right in Wilmington that I am forgetting the name of, but it has good beer and tolerable pub grub. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:45:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573287#4183706 http://www.chow.com/topics/552081#4183662 wow - that is so funny that you say that because my friend and I commented on the loud level of noise and I am remembering a very "awkward" couple that looked like they didn't belong together...I couldn't quite place it but after your explanation, it seems to make more sense. Sadly, I never received a response from JA. I won't be returning either but look forward to always being back in the Berkshires. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:33:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/552081#4183662 http://www.chow.com/topics/569376#4183558 Went there last Friday with some friends for happy hour. Although we didn't try the food, I was happy that the place was jumping! Glad to see that new places are opening in Elmwood and are attracting people. I'm looking forward to eating there one day! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:06:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/569376#4183558 http://www.chow.com/topics/573278#4183356 10 PM on the Travel Channel. I know Andrew and his dad who lives in Maine go to Hugo's for a meal, as well as a death match with local chefs out in casco bay. Should be good exposure for Portland. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:11:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573278#4183356 http://www.chow.com/topics/573017#4183230 It certainly would be. And don't foo-foo the Teppan cooking tables. Ginza probably does the best job of all the recently opened ones. The food is excellent at Ginza as well as Feng. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:41:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573017#4183230 http://www.chow.com/topics/572966#4183222 Hartford has a lot to offer depending on how much you want to spend. For higher end, I LOVE Feng. There's also Hot Tomato's and Dish that I find similar as far as food goes. There's always Max's and TK as well. For middle range prices, Black eyes Sally's and Agave are my two favorites. For Cheap Eats, Rosco's Big Dog and Tinker's on Main. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:39:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572966#4183222 http://www.chow.com/topics/467724#4183009 So, 6 of us went to Bin 100 on a Sunday night to celebrate my best friends b-day! We had a great experience!!! The staff was warm and welcoming as soon as we step foot in the door. We came for CT Restaurant Week in which they had a super great special!! (I think it runs through Friday 11/21 only so hurry!!) Our meal was delicious, delightful and just the right portion. Everything was soo good that we each tried eachothers food just to get a taste of everything. The ladies enjoyed yummy pomegranate & apple martinis. The waiter was awesome and best of all, they served this amazing butter infused with sundried tomatoes. Not to mention the place itself was gorgeous and we loved the sophisticated/hip/urbane/chic feel. Personally I had the Roasted Pork Loin which was sausage stuffed pork loin topped with a perreronata and served over cheese polenta and for dessert I had a Tres Leches sponge cake bathed in "three milks", topped with carmelized bananas and coconut rum sauce. The Birthday Boy had a Pumpkin Creme Brulee which was also amazing! Everyone took great care of us. Anyhow, based on our experience we all agreed that we would go again! Hopefully soon!! =) Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:29:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/467724#4183009 http://www.chow.com/topics/567411#4182906 A followup: went there again, for lunch. The 2nd time I've attempted this. Both times, simple straightforward lunch orders took up well over an hour door-door. A large part of this was due to server inattention (even though there were only 5 tables in operation this time.) Very frustrating: the lunches were ok, but didn't justify the wait. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:54:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/567411#4182906 http://www.chow.com/topics/572993#4182857 I totally agree! We've even gone there for take-out. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:39:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572993#4182857 http://www.chow.com/topics/546925#4182661 If there is an owner present, I do expect him/her to ask how I enjoyed my meal or the service as I leave. I'm amazed to hear that you don't. It wasn't THAT busy at L'Orcio on Friday night. And, if it was, they should have prepared for that and had more waitstaff. Sorry, but I don't give them a "bye" because it was restaurant week. The veal saltimboca was not on the menu published on the internet, but it was VEAL. It just wasn't very good veal saltimboca. I'm thinking that they should be shining during restaurant week, if they want you to come back!! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:37:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/546925#4182661 http://www.chow.com/topics/571802#4182610 I've already been to Stella Blu twice, the owners Greg and Jim are much more pleasant than the pervious owner, even meet the chef Bill on my second visit. the selection of tapas was very good (spanish, italian,asian and american) and the food was excellent., as was the service - noticed some familiar faces from some of the better eateries in the area behind the bar and in the restaurant area serving food. I'm not much of a cocktail guy, so i can't comment on that, but the beer and wine selections are great. A very nice place to hang out with friends and enjoy some good music on weekends. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:19:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571802#4182610 http://www.chow.com/topics/525988#4182597 I have been excited about trying Joyce's since it opened and thought I'd have my chance this week. A group I'm a part of was planning a luncheon for a Monday or Tuesday and needed a dining space for approx 22 people. The planner inquired about Joyce's upstairs and was told there was a $100 room charge. The planner asked if the charge could be waived given the time of week and day and the number of people guaranteed. The answer was no from the manager and no from Joyce herself. Being a new restaurant, I would think they would want as many people coming through the as possible--especially on a Monday or Tuesday. This group plan many lunchtime meetings and ended up booking at Slates. No room charge there! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:13:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/525988#4182597 http://www.chow.com/topics/572930#4182472 Here in VT we buy most of our kidneys, etc. from local producers. Imagine our surprise when a Wal-Mart Super Center opened in nearby Woodsville, NH - the meat department carries a dependable supply of beef tongue! Given the amout of product there we may be the only customers, but at least we can enjoy our braised tongue and the several days of sandwiches that follow... Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:21:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572930#4182472 http://www.chow.com/topics/485625#4182084 Friends of ours ate there this past summer and said it was very exepnsive and the food wasn't that good;"not much food for a long dollar spent" was their comment. They said the atmosphere was stiff ,cold,and haughty and they said they would never go back again. We thought they were overcritical of the place so we ate there in late summer and we felt that everything they said about the place was correct. Try the Chanticleer for outstanding food in a frienly warm atmosphere. Even Mulligans's and Sirloin Saloon are better places to eat than the Panther. Check with their Chamber of Commerce for other dining options on a Tuesday night. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:09:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/485625#4182084 http://www.chow.com/topics/573145#4182019 hello this is my second post and have only gotten one response so far, so here goes again! i will be travelling from mid-coast maine up to the western mtns., then crossing into new hampshire and vermont later this week and need some help. i have never travelled these states before, but am looking for some awesome grub and especially some good beer! as of yet, i do not have a specific route, but my destination is southern new york (white plains to be exact). i am on a student budget, so please keep this in mind, and i eat just about anything. i would like to have pizza at the waitsfield american flatbread friday, but other than that, i need some recs...also, i am curious as to whether there is anything worth stopping for in maine between rockland and bethel?? btw, this is only a 2 night max excursion unfortunately, so no mediocrity please...thanks in advance! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:18:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573145#4182019 http://www.chow.com/topics/571160#4181893 i have heard good things about curtis's daughter's restaurant, too, but haven't been up there. and i know that curtis's has its drawbacks, but i have generally enjoyed the food there. and my daughter is very fond of the chicken stuffed baked potatoes, so there ya go. and i don't think i'm too much of a bbq-dullard, but i had good experiences at smokin' lils in its old location. was only there 2-3 times, but still...i think this highlights the inconsistency of restaurants in this area, and also the variable expectations of diners. opinions are always subjective, so mileage will almost always vary. but i do dig reading about local food, even when i don;t agree about the place. it always makes me think -- hey, maybe i should try it again. a good excuse, that's all i need! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:19:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571160#4181893 http://www.chow.com/topics/573077#4181840 Any other suggestions along that same line - good, inexpensive noodle place? Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:57:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573077#4181840 http://www.chow.com/topics/572579#4181499 She's actually selling bread out of the space--stop by, she's a great talker. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:38:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572579#4181499 http://www.chow.com/topics/157642#4181292 My mother-in-law lives just north of Manchester, and we visit with the kids a few times a year, so we've been to many of the places in and around Manchester. It's been a while since we've been to Bistro Henry's - when we did go, the food was great, the service was OK, and the prices were just short of stratospheric. For breakfast, we really like the Little Rooster, but it's small, so go early or be prepared to wait. Everyone else in our family likes Up for Breakfast, and the food is usually pretty good, in my experience, if a little uneven, and I think a touch expensive for what you get. Had some really nice, expensive dinners at Mistral's, but it's been years. Same with the Wilburton Inn, just south of Manchester- pricey, but tremendous views. Garlic John's, Mulligan's,Zoey's,Sirloin Saloon, etc., etc.- meh. Candeleros is OK, but only for addicts who need their fix. I've suffered through many dinners at The Barrows House while my father-in-law was alive, have not been back in the past couple of years; I think "colorless" describes both the food and service there pretty well.. We really like Johnny Seesaw's. up by Bromley Mountain; it's really a more meat-and -potatoes place, though. A couple of other places I haven't seen mentioned- the Southern Vermont Art Center occasionally serves a nice lunch- check the schedule to see if they are open. We also are partial to The Barn up in Pawlet, but that's a bit of a drive from Manchester. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:43:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/157642#4181292 http://www.chow.com/topics/572258#4181282 I do not, particularly. I love paella, but it wasn't up to the same standard as the small plates. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:42:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572258#4181282 http://www.chow.com/topics/573073#4181276 Based on past recommendations from this board, I finally got myself across town to Tacos Parilla Mexicana, located at 138 Millbury St, in the Green Island area. Wow. This is by far the most authentic Mexican food I've had in the Central MA area. Wanting to sample a few things, I ordered a quesadilla with chorizo; a burrito al pastor; chilaquiles with carne asada; and some frijoles refritos, all to go. I then took a seat while the nice lady behind the counter carefully prepared the order -- this is not fast food. The bag was heavy, the price was very reasonable ($21, I think), and the smells made the drive home tantalizing. It was all wonderful, and even though it was a bit too much food for 2 people, we ate every bite. Every bite, in turn, was right on target, with that authetic taste I usually only experience when visiting border states. The burrito al pastor was a good lesson in what a simple and wonderful thing a real burrito can be. The chorizo quesadilla also helped remind me what that often-abused snack is all about. Each dish was served with fresh, clean salsas. The green chile sauce in the chilaquiles had a lovely kick. The beans were smooth, runny even, and full of flavor (mmm, lard). Looking back I see there hasn't been a post about this place in quite a while, so I decided to start a new topic. I went there on a Friday night at 6:00 and I was the only customer, so don't be scared away by the prospect of crowds. There are a bunch of tables for eating there, but my guess is they do more take-away than eat-in business. Either way, it's a winner. I wish I hadn't waited so long to check it out, and I *will* return soon. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:40:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573073#4181276 http://www.chow.com/topics/573058#4181254 At the Enfield, NH Shaker Museum in December: Cookie Fair Select from 100 different varieties of homemade cookies – festively arranged for the season! Sold by the pound. hdb Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:33:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573058#4181254 http://www.chow.com/topics/572544#4181082 It's pretty absurd for me to try to answer this question with very little knowledge of the Northampton scene but I've been to Green St Cafe a few times and LOVE it. I also recall seeing that they have a private room available, which could be nice. THe food is absolutely terrific, and although I've heard the owner can be a jerk, he's never been anything but sweet to me. Idiosyncratic and sweet. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:35:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572544#4181082 http://www.chow.com/topics/572616#4180862 In Lyndonville there is White's Market (I believe that is the name), they have two locations on the main drag. Also, in East Burke, the general store (Bailey & Burke) and the gas station market across the street, the gas station actually has some fresh produce etc. in there, it may work in a pinch. West Burke is a little isolated from stores, which is nice, until you need one. Steve Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:33:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572616#4180862 http://www.chow.com/topics/573029#4180800 So I checked out the Red Barn a while back when they first opened and decided their prices were high and I would not shop there. Then The Loft opened so I thought I'd check it out. On Halloween I got pizza. Crust was good. Sauce was okay. But since most pizza in Nashua sucks, this is some of the best around. Went back today for lunch. What a disappointment. The kid behind the counter had no customer service skills and seemed miserable. I ordered the steap tip lunch and was told they had no small salads. So I ordered the ceasar salad with steak tips instead. I got lettuce, kraft parm cheese (the kind in the jar you shake), and tips. No croutons, no quality cheese. The tips themselves were good. The kid then handed me the salad with the dressing balanced on top and didn't offer a bag. I was carrying an infant in his carseat. A bag would have been nice. Needless to say, I dropped the dressing. I won't be going back. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:17:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573029#4180800 http://www.chow.com/topics/571879#4180750 I recommend either Local 121 or Blakes, depending on what you're looking for. Blake's has good beer on tap and decent pub fare (although I have to disagree with the description of a "dive bar". It's not high-end, but hardly a dive. It's pretty much a straight-up sports bar). Across the street is Local 121 which has a beautiful bar with well-poured drinks. The food is spotty though. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:03:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571879#4180750 http://www.chow.com/topics/158442#4180397 I ate at Havana twice this fall (October - see my post about it), and loved it. Both the food and service were top notch...it was hands down the best dining experience of our vacation. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:24:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/158442#4180397 http://www.chow.com/topics/565966#4180105 Had lunch there...buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans. The fried chicken was a fried chicken *breast*. Very tender, quite hot, with a good crispy coating, which needed salt IMO (which really enhanced it). The mashed potatoes were extremely rich and creamy, lukewarn. The green beans were rather undercooked. Overpriced for the size, but delicious undoubtedly. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:55:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/565966#4180105 http://www.chow.com/topics/446155#4179978 First off...it's the staff that does a great job, not Domenic. Domenic and his family make absolutely the greatest domestic fresh mozz and ricotta. Second, they don't sell the top end cheese any more because the Lou and Chris are not there any more. You can't have people with no passion or knowledge selling a blue chees that cost $30/lb. Brooklyn Vinny can't do it and neither can anyone else in that place. When you lose key people in your business, don't blame the economy, look at what's going on within. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:19:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/446155#4179978 http://www.chow.com/topics/572929#4179882 After sitting at Billy's Chowder House over a couple drinks, we decided on Joshua's for our anniversary dinner. We'd actually called from the house the day before and got an playback message saying that they were closed for their autumn time off but would be reopeing on the 14th. Whew. Swung by and went in to inquire... only to be told that there were only two times left for a reservation! One at 5 ( way too early ) and the other at 8:30 ( getting too late ). We chose the latter.. hmm, pretty well booked up for being only open one day. Joshua's is located in an early garrison colonial. It was built by a Samuel Curtis in the late 1700s, but this old lady isn't your Nana's Wayside Inn. They have kept the ambiance of chair rails, fireplaces (not working), King's pine floorboards, etc. It also had a very contemporary feel; interesting track lighting on the ceilings, bamboo shades, red is a predominant color. The decor has definite Asian overtones and it works well with the old. Am into historic preservation and the work they had done in the house was very impressive. On to the food and service: We had a late lunch, so we chose an appetizer of crabcakes. Wow, were they ever good! They were brought out on 2 plates (thoughtful). Small rounds with what tasted like a pumpernickle crust and a side of lemon dill aioli. I decided on the pork tenderloin for dinner, which was tender and moist. It was prepared with a barbeque sauce and had some heat to it. It was served with plum reduction chutney, a nice paring, it offset the spicy sauce. The other dinner was a Statler style chicken breast stuffed with with proscuitto, provolone, basil and lemon zest. The skin on the outside was cooked to prefection, nice and crispy. Each dinner came with buttery mashed potatoes and a fall medley of brocolli, cauliflower, carrots and brussle sprouts. They were done just right, still bright green but not raw. We washed it all down with a bottle of Willamette Valley Cristom Pinot Noir. We had no room for dessert unfortunately. I did overhear that there was a pear sorbet on the list. It had been made with the pears grown by the owner's Dad. He and his wife are the couple that meet and greet diners. It is their son, Joshua (and the restaurant's nakesake) who is the head chef. Our server was pleasant and knowlegeable. She knew her stuff and had no issues or problems answering our questions about wine choices or food. Joshua's was very pleasant experience and wasn't over the top expensive. We'll be going back the next time we're up in the area. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:43:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572929#4179882 http://www.chow.com/topics/418364#4179854 They've definitely turned a corner for the better, but there were quite a few negatives when this spot opened. I'm glad they've worked out the kinks; I'm a fan. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:35:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/418364#4179854 http://www.chow.com/topics/572196#4179539 My 11 year old fancies herself to be a foodie and we've tried some places around Aquidneck Island. These are all in Middletown. Blue Plate Diner-great breakfasts etc. but the portabello fries are killer. Gold's Wood Fired Grill-I had a tasty Portuguese stew but my daughter's baked orzo with 4 cheeses was incredible http://www.projo.com/yourlife/menus/golds/pages/1_gif.htm The Grape Room-We just had lunch there but the tenderloin and meatloaf sandwiches were very good as was the lobster chili and shrimp fondue. http://www.thegraperoomri.com/ Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:32:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572196#4179539 http://www.chow.com/topics/572593#4179403 Hi Ray Mc I saw your Scottish food post on the front page and as a fellow Scot, now in London thought i'd have a look! I highly recommend Skurlie - a scottish oatmeal stuffing which I always make at Xmas - as was tradition in my family! Its really tasty and a little goes a long way as its very filling! I also recommend tattie soup, with oatcakes of course! Also white pudding, although I've never made it - its a gorgeous kind of oatmeal sausage! Theres recipes for all at www.scottishrecipes.com - althoug we never use butter for skurlie, tending to use lard (is that dripping in the US?). If you like sweet things, Tablet is a very traditional scottish item and I found some yesterday while shopping in London - be warned it is very, VERY sweet! Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:36:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572593#4179403 http://www.chow.com/topics/571621#4179319 I'm sorry to have to break the news, but it doesn't exist. There is a place in Somersworth that sells some Latino foodstuffs, but their selections are limited: Lucky Supermarket Main St #1 Somersworth Plaza Somersworth, NH 03878 (307) 783-5930‎ Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:41:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571621#4179319 http://www.chow.com/topics/507812#4179036 Went to Angkor for the first time this weekend and it was really incredible. Our table got a good sampling of the menu because there were a few of us, plus a Cambodian friend of ours that made some great recommendations. The table ordered the Green Curry, Red Curry, Chicken Ramvong and the Deep Fried Tamarind Fish. The Green and Red curries were excellent and our server told us that their curries were the restaurants specialty, and it really showed. The Chicken Ramvong was similar to the curry dishes except I believe the addition was the lemon grass which really came out in the flavor. The Tamarind Deep Fried fish was really special though. It was a full portion of crispy fish, deep fried to perfection and the tamarind sauce was tangy and delicious. Luckily I am in Providence often so this will be a regular on the rotation. It is a must try for anyone who not only enjoys Cambodian cuisine but good food in general. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:22:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/507812#4179036