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Breakfast in downtown Indianapolis

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:01:54 GMT

I could also suggest the red Eye Cafe on S Meridian by the railroad overpass/Union Station. Not elegant, but the food's ok and you can get a beer with your breakfast if so inclined.

where to go for good thai in central ill?

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:37:29 GMT

btw, i had the basil chicken, hubby had the garlic chicken and the crab rangoon were great. place was clean, service fast and friendly and the presentation was very artistic. altho parking was tight, i`d give it high marks, can`t wait to go back.

Vietnamese Run down in Minneapolis and St. Paul - Where to go for the best of the best?

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:32:57 GMT

Funny how this old post from 2006 got resurrected. This is such a favorite topic of ours, that we have a new thread on "best Vietnamese" going right now http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/581796 ~TDQ

MSP- MSP Mag Best BBQ

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:27:26 GMT

I completely agree that the sides at Roosters are dismal. You make an elegant case for Roosters BBQ, so thank you for that as I never understood the appeal to its many fans, other than it's incredibly affordable and convenient. Roosters is the kind of place that I wish I could love: small, indy, family-owned (and I love their oddball collection of ceramic Roosters), but I'm afraid I don't love their food. I put it in the category of, not only will I not drive across town for it, I won't even stop if I'm in the neighborhood. If I were going to have fried chicken from a divey restaurant (or bar), I'd much rather go several blocks East on Randolph to Skinner's. I reported on Roosters fried chicken here http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/360794#2194260 I think the molasses-based sauce on Rooster's ribs could appeal to those who crave that kind of sauce, but if I'm craving ribs I'd rather drive a little farther to Lee and Dee's, (also a little hole-in-the-wall family-owned kind of place) on Selby or, much better yet, a little farther still (on Fridays and Saturdays only) to Big Daddy's on University http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/306116#2836619 Oh, and everyone talks about the great GRILLED ribs at 128 Cafe, and one of these days, I'm going to go there. I think Roosters is a particular disappointment if your expectations are high, but if you adjust your expectations down, it's easier to take--I reported on their ribs here http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/360794#2544012 Nevertheless, I drive by frequently and am never tempted to stop in. On the topic of Famous Dave's, I have a fondness for Famous Dave's for sentimental reasons (I think they do a great job catering for a fee of only $25 if you ever need to feed a crowd of non-chowhounds), I know they are a chain, but at least they are a MN-based chain. Their pulled pork sandwich is a decent choice for a chain restaurant and if, say, you find yourself at the MOA and hungry. ~TDQ

Cincinnati Restaurants And Markets

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:54:52 GMT

Hi everyone: Emm: I just found the new Kroger near the Kenwood mall this week. Its really nice and seem to be just about the nicest grocery in town, that I know of. It has a fantastic produce section, a good meat counter and is easy to navigate. And everyone was write about Whole Foods in the area. The one off of 71 is about the same size as most in Cali but the meat counter is terrible and thats a shame. So unforunately Im not going there as much as I would lile to. Restaurants Ive tried within the last couple of weeks...: Nicholsons: close to home and across the street from the theater. A ver y comfortable place to go and they sport a good menu and an excellent beer selection. Hugo: really well done "southern" cooking and a nice room. They also have a pretty fairly priced wine list and I appreiate that so much. Boca: swank room and food to match. Possible the best Ive had in town thus far. Daveeds/ Mt Adams.....the room was a little tired....but the food was killer. I had a wonderful seared scallop salad with frisee lettuce, lobster nuckle with a light vinaigrette dressing. Then I moved on to a seared duck breast with potato puree and I darned near licked the plate. I also really loved their wine list. Lost of choices, good descriptions and fairly priced. I could go here all the time. Now I want to go to Nicolas...............I heard its great and I need to see what its about. Anybody had a good experience there?

Visiting St. Louis after an 8 year absence

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:39:56 GMT

Ditto to Nosh's list. to it, I'd add The Monarch in Maplewood and 1111 in Benton Park for interesting upscale modern american, Acerro(coincidentally also in Maplewood) for new Italian, Bahn Mi So #1, on South Grand for the best Vietnamese in St. Louis. Also,contrary to my usual sentiments about Casino restaurants, the Burger Bar at the Lumiere Place has remarkable burgers and sides.

Great Deli in Des Moines, Iowa

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:45:00 GMT

trza, I just spent an hour or so reading your blog. First, I want to apologize for eating a frozen pizza while reading such a comprehensive tribute to such a wonderous sandwich. That said, while I almost never eat frozen pizza, Palermo's Ham and Pineapple is passable. Circumstances. Thank you for the time and calories you have put into this. I can't believe I haven't found it before. The places I've been so close to, yet didn't see, amaze me. I can't wait for the warm weather to return, and I will hit the road with my new found Bible. You are a God to me. ;-)

Restaurant Wedding in Minneapolis?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:31:10 GMT

I'm not sure how nontraditional it is, but the Nicollet Island Pavillion is an awesome wedding and reception spot (especially if it's nice outside). It has amazing views of the Mpls skyline, a big deck overlooking the water for mingling, and holds a lot of people, from what I remember. You would have to use a caterer.

Cleveland--good Italian restaurant wanted before show at the Grog Shop

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:04:50 GMT

Out of curiosity, what did you wind up doing in Cleveland? I'm always curious how Cleveland presents itself.

First date in Indianapolis

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:27:09 GMT

I've got a first date (dinner) this weekend and have been tasked with picking the restaurant. Ideally I'm looking for something moderately priced, interesting (something with an ethnic tilt would be cool, but doesn't have to be as long as it's not Applebee's fare), not too loud, and in the general vicinity of Broad Ripple. Of course, I'm willing to be flexible if there's something really special outside of those criteria. Also, my date (and I) are very much into art, so if there's a place with an especially cool/arty interior I'd love to hear about it. Thanks in advance!

Milw. - Anything better than Sanford's?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:03:05 GMT

Of course, Adam Siegel of Bacchus & Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro just won a Beard. http://www.onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/siegelwinsjba.html

MSP: Where can I buy short ribs?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:05:56 GMT

While i do sometimes shop kowalski's on grand i find the prices pretty offensive. no clue what they are getting for short ribs but if i had to guess id say you could save a few dollars per person by shopping at Widmers. From the picture in that recipe you linked to it looks like they used english style, which was what i got at Widmers. Hardly definitive but it seems in the picture that on the left hand side you are looking down the length of the single bone with the meat sitting atop it. Good luck witht the dish, and do report back on where you go, what you get and how much you pay.

[MSP] Roat Osha

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:44:53 GMT

Let me begin by saying that for those of you who find things to love about Tum Rup Thai, you most likely will find lots to love about Roat Osha. For those of you who, like me, find Tum Rup Thai to be a very poor reflection of Thai cuisine, then Roat Osha will disappoint you even more. Roat Osha is 'high Thai' or 'Royal Thai' for "tastes delicious," the modern version of which is "Aloi Dee." The food here couldn't possibly be further from the truth. The interior of Roat Osha is very nice and very comfortable. End of happy comments... We started with an order of fish cakes, Tod Mun Plah, which were rubbery and tasteless. Very little curry in them at all, to the point of "why bother with any at all then?" These fish cakes are typically served with a cucumber, sugar, chopped peanut sauce with a little cilantro and shallot thrown in for good measure. None such here. Strangely, we got a very odd-tasting jalepeno goo and another dish of a bright red sweet/sour sauce that tasted bottled and stale. There was a third sauce on the plate as well. We couldn't recognize it and just passed on trying it. We also ordered the spicy sliced beef salad. Again, perplexed by the offering when it arrived, we began to wonder if we had mis-spoken when we ordered. Yam Neua, is made with thinly sliced beef strips, lemongrass, toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime juice, chilis, a little mint, and often, but not always, some crushed, dried red pepper as well, served in a heap on a plate with a wedge of lettuce on the side. We got a huge plate of torn lettuce, with about eight small pieces of beef thrown on top. A salad with the emphasis on the lettuce. We picked the tasteless and dull beef off the top and sighed, chewing morosely. You know you're in for a long day in a Thai restaurant when there are no condiments to be found on the table. Can't even gussy up your plate should you want to. The next item was Tom Yum Gung, a dish that has a long history and, along with Pad Thai, are what most Westerners think of when they think of Thai food. To my wife, Tom Yum is THE benchmark test of a Thai cook. They either get it right, or really really butcher it. To make a comparison that may help illustrate our thinking about this, consider going to a steak house for a minute, and ordering a New York Strip. When your food is brought from the kitchen, you realize it's a rib-eye. Still beef right? Maybe even from the same cow. But, if you're like me, and you were expecting the shape, taste, and texture of the strip steak, you will be disappointed that something else was being offered in its place. Further, if you have a waiter that INSISTS that that rib-eye is actually a new york strip, you might begin to question their sincerity a bit. At least I would. So it went with the Tom Yum Gung. A bright yellow canned chicken broth with a few red pepper flakes, two shrimp (and $14 for it too!!), two peels of lemon grass and some mushrooms. That's it. No lime, no chili paste, no galanga, no chilis. Nada. No nothing resembling Tom Yum in even the slightest most apologetic way. We asked the server if this was what we ordered and she insisted that it was, and that the owner herself had prepared it for us. Ouch. At that point all the remaining questions I had about why things were prepared the way they were became moot. We paid and left. Sadly, Roat Osha is going to be fine. They have a lovely place in a great location and a happy throng of regulars who apparently don't care that they're not eating Thai food. ...if they'd just called the soup chicken soup with shrimp I probably wouldn't get so exercised. But they call it by it's traditional name and really should have the temerity to honor the tradition of that dish and not crap it up so completely. HuaGung

TULSA -- Lunch in Utica Square

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:17:35 GMT

So what would your pick be for best restaurant opening of 2008?

MSP Scandia Bake Shop Closing

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:16:05 GMT

Strib article: http://www.startribune.com/local/37123574.html?elr=KArksUUUU Sad.

Chef's Choice Meats CLE

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:59:03 GMT

The PeeDee ran a nice article about this place in Berea yesterday. Do any CLE hounds have any experience with this shop? I'll be visiting family in CLE in a few months and would love to check it out if it's worth the visit. BTW: My niece sent me a lovely Xmas care package from The Sausage Shoppe which Mrnyc was kind enough to turn me onto a few years ago.

KC:Jersey Shore Bagels Closed?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:45:35 GMT

Thank you for sharing the story. And though I share your dismay at the loss of the place, I am glad to hear that it may not represent a serious personal set back for the owner. May landlords who try to raise rents on good tenants in this economy and at that kind of location get exactly what they deserve.

[MSP] - Cheeky Monkey?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:08:00 GMT

Solo Vino folks say that the new plan is to be open by the end of the Month. It's January. We shall see.

Best Lunch in Downtown Cincinnati?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:41:15 GMT

Had lunch at Jean Ro's today actually. Dependable is accurate. I find that Nada is already lacking in quality. The tortillas on the tacos are rubbery. (Are they always sitting awhile?) I highly recommend the sopes (even the waiter said it was the same dish but better than the short rib tacos - since it's not rubbery) The lamb shoulder is by far the best meal I've had at Nada. The guac is addictive and the bananas foster dessert is great too - my kids ordered it and we shared. It's the best Mexican that Cincinnati has to offer. Regarding Via Vite, it's an excellent restaurant. The menu is smaller but similar to Nicola's and they focus on the pastas more. It's hard to find a table at lunch when the weather is nice. The bartenders are generous, so don't avoid the bar! A great place for lunch that is overlooked is Cumin in Hyde Park. It's lunch is quite fun...Naanwich with curry fries are addictive and turn your fingers yellow. It's not typical Indian food and doesn't even smell like an Indian Restaurant. It's very reliable and Hyde Parkers secret local dinner spot. The Martini's are served with the shaker to refill, so you get at least a drink and a half if not 2 full glasses. Super friendly.

Where can I buy kaffir lime leaves in Cleveland, Oh?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:56:21 GMT

Where did you find your kaffir lime tree on the internet?? I live in Ohio. I bring my basil plant inside for the winter but it doesn't last too long.

Porter & Frye (MPLS)

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:47:23 GMT

F-me these photos are making me hungry! Nice find...and my wife and I just made a date for two weeks from now for this tasting menu...

Il Trullo New Location? - KC

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:39:55 GMT

This is a bit late, but the Il Trullo owner's daughter is assistant manager of the Spin Pizza in Olathe. According to her, they were negotiating on space in the Overland Park area and hoped to be open by Spring 09, but under a different name. Retaining some of the classic favorites, but updating the menu, too.

Cafe Blackbird (Minneapolis) - the front of the house counts, too

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:46:26 GMT

hmm. i guess i never noticed the malt shop before. maybe next time i'm on the street, i'll start with snacks from blackbird, dinner at heidi's, and desert at the malt shop? could be fun.

MSP - Daytime bar stops?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:36:08 GMT

The Muddy Pig isn't too busy at lunch and if you're on a "beer tour" they have an incredible selection, I think over 100 bottled and tap beers. The food is also good, not typical bar fare. With a group that big I would call ahead to make sure they're ready for you. Billy's on Grand is fun and good for a big group. The food is good and they have pool tables, darts etc. if some of the crew is looking for entertainment. Finally the Tavern on Grand. Great Walleye. Would want to call ahead to make sure they set aside some space. By the way, great idea, have an awesome time!

Dining near the Fillmore Detroit

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:29:12 GMT

I like Vicente, but it can be noisy. If you have party of 4-5, try requesting the front/window seating area ... not private, but it should be a lot quieter. My only gripe is their very aggressive busboys. They asked each of our party, "Finished?" Each time the answer was, "No." They took the plate away regardless. We weren't slow diners that were camping at the table. When he grabbed my plate after, "No." I grabbed his wrist ... and asked for the manager. The manager was rather unhappy that I "touched" his busboy. He changed his tune when the Detective Sgt. in our party introduced himself. We will go back, but we will guard our plates.

Ann Arbor--Bello Vino Closing

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:34:48 GMT

A ton should last one good weekend! I will check out Pineridge next time I get out there.... Thx

CSAs - Big boxes of veggies all summer long - MSP

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:19:02 GMT

rick nelson from the star tribune chronicled his experience with a csa this summer (burning river farm) on his online blog. there are a lot of csas to choose from and the minnesorta grown guide is a good resource for them. burning river, featherstone, loon organics, harmony valley are among the best local produce csas. another poster asked about the women's environmental institute-- though i don't know about their csa, their produce is top-notch & it is a good organization. the size share you get is all about how much you like to cook, and eat vegetables. there are also local meat csas!

byob in Madison, WI?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:21:30 GMT

Sleeper, Haven't run across this option in Madison, but I know who to ask. I'll do that shortly and be right back with an answer.

Detroit - Chicken Fried Steak?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:17:37 GMT

Don't know your location, rainsux, but Southern Fires on Detroit's near east side might be the first place you want to try. Wonderful chicken fried steak. http://www.southernfiresrestaurant.com/

Any more Maid Rite Burgers in Missouri?

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:22:30 GMT

We've got a brand new one in Lebanon, IL...just abt 16 miles east of the Loo. (St. Louis)

Sioux Falls - Divey but Fantastic Latin American Restaurant?

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:14:44 GMT

Another great place in Sioux Falls is Mama's Ladas - it's downtown on 11th St. and serves one thing - delicious enchiladas. They don't have a menu, the space isn't very big, and it's kind of hard to find...all things that usually add up to good food! Very authentic and a great meal!

Best Wine Shops in St. Louis

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:12:50 GMT

For a winebar and store, you can't beat 33 wine bar in Lafayette Square. 700+ wines that are carefully selected by the owner, Jake. Plus, there are around 140 hand-picked beers from around the world from which to choose. Affordable prices in a comfortable and helpful setting, and you've got a great place to purchase wine to-go or sit for a glass or two.

MSP- moto-i

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:29:01 GMT

love love LOVE Moto-I. Great addition to the MSP food scene. Chowspouse and I had the same disappointment regarding the spice levels in the food. Our waiter - Minnesota farm boy through and through - made some recommendation for "spicy" food that was, well, not. On the other hand, the yakimono is pretty tasty, and the seared tuna is great. But otherwise, it is a fun place. Sake is great. All local beers on tap. As for the decor - completely new top to bottom. By the way, there's a local sake brewers club that meets there periodically! Fun! Also, according to their web site, they offer an 8-hour seminar on sake making, that includes a book, brewery tour, 20 sake tastings, and lunch. http://www.moto-i.com/#learn_more

MSP: Best Vietnamese?

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:24:11 GMT

I'm a fan of the pho at Pho Ca Dau on University. Very complex broth.

very romantic dining experience in kc

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:10:17 GMT

If budget is no object, the American Restaurant. Alternately, Skies on top of the Hyatt Regency If the meal will not be until Valentine's Day, perhaps the then reopened Raphael Restaurant in the Raphael Hotel.

Sunday roast in metro Detroit?

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:36:47 GMT

My grandparents used to make us Sunday Roast. I lucked out and inherited their "Yorkshire Pudding" pans which are black from use/seasoning. My grandma's trick is to make it very eggy (most recipes call for 2 eggs, she would put in 4 with 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk and some salt). Let the batter come to room temp. Heat the pans in the oven with the drippings to oil them until the oil smokes. Quickly pour in the batter, then keep the oven closed until the puddings have puffed and browned. Anywho - my web searching shows a possible source for this type of food. The Redcoat Tavern in Royal Oak has a number of reviews online suggesting they serve roast prime rib and Yorkshire Pudding. Let us know if you go and how it works out!

Olathe: Where restaurants go to die...

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:25:00 GMT

Big Bubba's was a BBQ at 151st and Mur-Len Road in Olathe. It was there at least 5 years, after moving from a location closer to Olathe South High School. I was in Smokin's Joe's BBQ in Olathe today and heard that Bubba's had closed about a week before Christmas. Joe's was almost empty today. Less than a quarter the number of customers that I usually see there during lunch. I'm afraid we are going to be losing many more restuarants.

Kansas City area restaurant finds/ reviews

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:18:39 GMT

It closed months ago.

Fabu-LESS in KC

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:16:32 GMT

Its at the intersection of Mur-Len Road and 127th Street. I live a half mile from Tea Garden. Love their lunch buffet. The selection isn't huge, but every dish is good and it turns fast enough that the food stays very fresh. Only $7 including beverage and tax. The apetizers are particularly good. My favorite is the garlic chicken wings - which are not on the regular menu.. The atmosphere is good and the owner (Ann) must know a third of the customers by name.

Hot sauce sellers, Columbus OH?

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:51:18 GMT

CaJohn's is a local treasure not many know about. It's locally owned and renowned in the Fiery Foods world. John makes hot sauces, salsas, rubs, seasonings, etc. They are exceptional.

Graduation dinner in or near South Bend

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:51:12 GMT

I would not reccomend Hestons. If you think LaSalle grill is high end, Hestons is the same $$$$. Brewsters is a nice Italian restaurant in New Buffalo. There is also Hannah's (which seems to be very popular among the older generations, if you are taking two grandma's). We were just at Hestons a week ago. It was horrible. The service was bad, the management was inexperienced, portions of the meals came at the wrong time, the drinks we ordered were wrong and the food was cold. OH! And I almost forgot! They charged someone else's meal to our bill. It was a lovely touch. We will never return. For the price, if you want to spend around $150/couple, I would highly suggest Ruth's Chris by University Park Mall. You won't be dissapointed.

Manny's Restaurant of the Year? [MSP]

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:39:22 GMT

Just a brief reminder to keep the focus on the food at Manny's on this board. Thanks!

Great Eats in Milwaukee - a trip report

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:21:38 GMT

Oh, I wish Thief Wine had a branch in Minneapolis! Such a nice place to learn about wine. And now I'm hungry for some fish from the St. Paul Fish, along with a glass of wine. (And a few tidbits from Mekato's as appetizers.) I think it's time for another trip to Milwaukee... Anne

Food on Christmas Day - Madison

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:37:50 GMT

Maza, across the street from Kabul, is run by the same family but for some reason is (in my opinion) a lot better. But then again, I don't think Kabul sucks, I just think it's kind of OK, so maybe our tastes in Afghan differ (or your standards are much higher.) Neither one is as good as, e.g., the Baltimore or Cambridge Helmand.

MSP Mort's Deli revisited

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:02:18 GMT

my thoughts: overall, been there twice. Once I ate there, another time I got takeout. Overall, it was pretty mixed. Better than the competiton out there, but nowhere near as weel as it could be. Positives - Potatoe latkes as good as I have had anywhere, definitely a must-get - Homemade potato chips are outstanding as well, with just the right mix of oil - Deli sandwiches were very good; high quality bread and nice salting on the meat. Negatives: - Service is atrocious; both servers and take-out staff are surly and go out of their way to do nothing. even worse, they were being surly with their manager 2 feet away - They overpickly their pickles. Never seen anyone screw up a pickup. - Outside of sandwiches/deli classics, the food is spotty at best. I will return for sandwiches, latkes, but probably not.

Metro Detroit--Favorite "walk to" places

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:22:43 GMT

Don't skip Elie's. Very good (though limited) Eastern Euro fare.

DTW: Best thing to eat at Slows BBQ

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:03:17 GMT

Just for reference...That Breakfast Stout gets better as it gets warmer. I usually will order it and another beer at the same time so I can give the Stout the time it needs to warm up.

Holly Hotel for anniversary dinner? [Detroit area]

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:43:46 GMT

Thanks for your reply, and your suggestion for ROAST. We'll definitely try both. We ended up going to the French Laundry in Fenton because I was a bit late in posting my request for suggestions. We both loved it, the lamb was great and his steak was also really good. The salads were pretty standard (although way too huge for my appetite when paired with an entree). The drinks list was really expansive and made up for the salad. Thanks again - for our next big meal we'll have to try ROAST.

(IN) Anyone been to Indigo on 17?

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:46:36 GMT

Just to let everyone know, Indigo on 17 is now under new management. The new management is not out to gouge you with ridiculous prices (like the previously mentioned $4.50 a peice shrimps). Chef Chad Coryn works only with fresh and high quality products. Indigo's fresh fish is wild caught an NEVER frozen, and their beef is caught in house to ensure quality. He also works with local farmers whenever possible. The menu is competative, with entree's starting at $18. Servers have been retrained ,giving attentive, knolegable and precise serivice. I assure you, one vist is all it takes to relieve you of that nasty taste previous management may have left in your mouth.