The French Corner Bistro in West Palm Beach is small with a warm and friendly atmosphere. My wife and I had a late lunch there last week that was great! She had Saffron Shrimp, a special for the day and I had their Beef Bourguignon and a side of the Ratatouille. All the food was delicious and the service was outstanding! I recommend the French Corner without any reservations, I will go again the next time that we are in West Palm Beach!
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Friday, March 5, 2021
Firefly Restaurant at Sunset Resort
Firefly is a GreatRestaurant with amazing food and great service!
Firefly is perched on a hill overlooking the Sea of Abaco and I do not believe there is any better place to watch the sun set than from their outdoor restaurant and bar!
Firerfly, like the entire island of Elbow Cay, was devastated by Hurricane Dorian in September of 2019 but has been rebuilt and it is once again truly amazing!
The food is outstanding! They use delicious, fresh ingredients, and it shows in the quality of the meals that are served at Firefly.
The bar is a great place to relax either before or after your dinner. Their wine list is second to none in the area although most people are drinking rum drinks or other fun cocktails!
You can arrive at Firefly by boat or by golf cart if you are staying on Elbow Cay. Firefly is located south of Hopetown and north of White Sound.
The resort of which firefly is a part of, is a small intimate place with 5 or 6 cottages you can rent if you need a place to stay.
While we have been enjoying lunches, dinners, and the bar at Firefly for many years, we recently stayed in one of their cottages for a few nights and it was a great experience. I seriously recommend them!
The general manager is Lorenzo, he is an extraordinarily friendly and helpful guy.
While I don't know what Danielle's official title is, she is obviously Lorenzo's right-hand person. She is wonderfully helpful and always ready to help solve whatever may need to be solved.
Back to Firefly, I recommend it and it is one of the two amazing restaurants on Elbow Cay and definitely worth visiting!
Abaco Inn continues to be an amazing place!
The Abaco Inn is a GreatRestauant!
It is located in the White Sound area of Elbow Cay, south of Hopetown in the Abaco portion of the outer Bahamas. You can tie your boat up at their dock or drive to it in your golf cart if you are staying on the island.
The Abaco Inn is a remarkable place. My family and I have been enjoying the Abaco Inn for over 15 years and it continues to be wonderful.
It has recovered since it was battered by Hurricane Dorian in September of 2019 and is back to its pre-hurricane glory.
The food is delicious! The selection is large enough to be interesting but small enough for them to be focused on the individual items. They use fresh ingredients and it shows in the quality of the food.
Tom, who manages the Abaco Inn, is a friendly, incredibly welcoming guy who has a great staff both in the kitchen and out front!
The view from the Abaco Inn is beautiful. Based on where you sit you can look eastward out over the Atlantic Ocean or towards the sunset over the Sea of Abaco.
The wine selection is great for the Abacos and very good for just about anywhere.
You will find an interesting mix of second homeowners and visitors who are friendly and fun to visit with.
The inn is a true inn that has several cottages and rooms where you can stay.
We enjoyed eating at the Abaco Inn several times recently and certainly look forward to returning soon!
I recommend the Abaco Inn and hope that you are able to enjoy it for yourself one day soon!
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Palm Court in St Pete Beach is a GreatRestaurant
We had a delicious dinner at Palm Court. It is a GreatRestaurant!
The food was creative but not pretentious. Five of us shared appetizers that included the Beef Carpaccio and the Bruschetta, they were both wonderful with the Carpaccio taking first place for us.
We tried five different entrees including the Scallops, the Sea Bass, the Grouper, the Veal and the Filet. All were outstanding in both the preparation and the presentation. We were all very impressed with our dishes, they were delicious!
Palm Court has an excellent selection of wines available at reasonable prices.
The team that waited on us, which included Francis, Audra, and Bill provided just the right level of service by being attentive and providing helpful suggestions.
At the end of the night, after we asked that the Chef be told how much we had enjoyed his work, he came out to visit our table. It is always nice to be able to meet a talented Chef and thank him or her personally.
We will go back again!
The food was creative but not pretentious. Five of us shared appetizers that included the Beef Carpaccio and the Bruschetta, they were both wonderful with the Carpaccio taking first place for us.
We tried five different entrees including the Scallops, the Sea Bass, the Grouper, the Veal and the Filet. All were outstanding in both the preparation and the presentation. We were all very impressed with our dishes, they were delicious!
Palm Court has an excellent selection of wines available at reasonable prices.
The team that waited on us, which included Francis, Audra, and Bill provided just the right level of service by being attentive and providing helpful suggestions.
At the end of the night, after we asked that the Chef be told how much we had enjoyed his work, he came out to visit our table. It is always nice to be able to meet a talented Chef and thank him or her personally.
We will go back again!
Friday, August 18, 2017
Sit & Spin located in Fayetteville, Arkansas is an unusual GreatRestaurant!
Sit & Spin is a unique and delicious eatery that shares a building with a laundromat. Not something you see every day especially on a blog for GreatRestaurants. However, as unusual as the location may be, the food is outstanding!
They proclaim that they serve "Arkansas beers, mimosas, sliders of all different varieties, sides, salads, & miniature donuts made fresh to order". I have only had their sliders and an Arkansas beer, but both were so good that I have included Sit & Spin on this blog. I look forward to trying more of the menu on future visits.
I had two of their sliders, a daily special that had brie and a balsamic vinegar drizzle, and their Border Burger. Both were delicious!
Located at 737 N Leveratt Ave just a few blocks from the Inn at Carnall Hall off of Maple Street, it is close to the U of Ark campus.
Give it a try, I don't think yo will be disappointed!
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Ike's Bistro located in the Manchebo Beach Resort in Aruba is a GreatRestaurant.
Aruba is blessed with a number of GreatRestaurants, and my wife and I have had the privilege of dining at several of them this past week, including Ike's Bistro.
Ike's Bistro is a casual restaurant with white tablecloth food and service. Their Chef is talented, the food is outstanding, and the presentation is as well. On top of great food, the staff is friendly, attentive, and above all, professional.
My wife and I dined together at Ike's Bistro last night and returned tonight with our son and four of his friends who we brought to Aruba for their last high school spring break. The staff treated our larger group as special as they had treated just the two of us last night.
There are several dishes worth mentioning, among the are three appetizers, the Ceviche and Avocado, the Osso Bucco Ravioli, and the Shrimp Casserole. Entrees we really enjoyed included the Red Snapper, Shrimp Pasta, Mushroom Ravioli, and the Filet Mignon.
From the Chef and kitchen staff, to our waiters both nights, to the delightful gentleman who delivered our food from the kitchen, including the maitre de who seated us and stayed on top of everything going on, and the restaurant manager who was very gracious, they all did an outstanding job!
Ike's Bistro is a GreatRestaurant!
Ike's Bistro is a casual restaurant with white tablecloth food and service. Their Chef is talented, the food is outstanding, and the presentation is as well. On top of great food, the staff is friendly, attentive, and above all, professional.
My wife and I dined together at Ike's Bistro last night and returned tonight with our son and four of his friends who we brought to Aruba for their last high school spring break. The staff treated our larger group as special as they had treated just the two of us last night.
There are several dishes worth mentioning, among the are three appetizers, the Ceviche and Avocado, the Osso Bucco Ravioli, and the Shrimp Casserole. Entrees we really enjoyed included the Red Snapper, Shrimp Pasta, Mushroom Ravioli, and the Filet Mignon.
From the Chef and kitchen staff, to our waiters both nights, to the delightful gentleman who delivered our food from the kitchen, including the maitre de who seated us and stayed on top of everything going on, and the restaurant manager who was very gracious, they all did an outstanding job!
Ike's Bistro is a GreatRestaurant!
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
The Kitchen Table by White in Aruba
The Kitchen Table is a GreatRestaurant!
As my wife and I arrived, we met a very nice couple from Boston that we had seen leaving our hotel at the same time as us, none of us having any way to know we were all going to end up dining together. The four of us were warmly greeted and introduced to a couple from Rhode Island and their impressive daughter.
As other guests arrived, we were introduced to each other. There was a cute younger couple from the Netherlands, a wonderful couple from Ohio, two guys traveling together who it turned out knew a coworker of the guy from Boston, and another nice couple that I really didn't get to visit with very much. The fifteen of us would be dining companions for the evening.
A very nice sparkling wine was served as we were introduced. As we began to get to know one another, we watched the sun set from a comfortable rooftop terrace. After having time to visit, we moved downstairs into the room where we would dine. It was a comfortable room, tastefully decorated, with chairs in a horseshoe configuration facing a large open work space.
We were introduced to the Chef and staff, and then we were told about the menu and philosophy behind the Kitchen Table and offered the option for a wine pairing with dinner. The dinner was seven courses of small plates that were all incredibly delicious.
The Chef and staff crafted each plate with a mouthwatering assortment of primarily local ingredients combined into each impressive and beautiful dish. Included among the seven courses were dishes centered around the following ingredients: tuna, octopus, shrimp, wahoo, beef, lamb and then dessert.
With each course the Chef gave a brief explanation of what he was serving. Each course was a melody of tastes that were amazing, and with each course a wonderful wine was presented to those who had selected the wine pairing.
Each plate was arranged with an artistic flair so that the presentation was as attractive as the food was delicious. This dinner was among the best I have ever been blessed to enjoy.
The Chef and staff deserve the highest compliments for an outstanding job, they are truly talented.
The Kitchen Table by White is so much more than a restaurant, it is a GreatRestaurant!
As my wife and I arrived, we met a very nice couple from Boston that we had seen leaving our hotel at the same time as us, none of us having any way to know we were all going to end up dining together. The four of us were warmly greeted and introduced to a couple from Rhode Island and their impressive daughter.
As other guests arrived, we were introduced to each other. There was a cute younger couple from the Netherlands, a wonderful couple from Ohio, two guys traveling together who it turned out knew a coworker of the guy from Boston, and another nice couple that I really didn't get to visit with very much. The fifteen of us would be dining companions for the evening.
A very nice sparkling wine was served as we were introduced. As we began to get to know one another, we watched the sun set from a comfortable rooftop terrace. After having time to visit, we moved downstairs into the room where we would dine. It was a comfortable room, tastefully decorated, with chairs in a horseshoe configuration facing a large open work space.
We were introduced to the Chef and staff, and then we were told about the menu and philosophy behind the Kitchen Table and offered the option for a wine pairing with dinner. The dinner was seven courses of small plates that were all incredibly delicious.
The Chef and staff crafted each plate with a mouthwatering assortment of primarily local ingredients combined into each impressive and beautiful dish. Included among the seven courses were dishes centered around the following ingredients: tuna, octopus, shrimp, wahoo, beef, lamb and then dessert.
With each course the Chef gave a brief explanation of what he was serving. Each course was a melody of tastes that were amazing, and with each course a wonderful wine was presented to those who had selected the wine pairing.
Each plate was arranged with an artistic flair so that the presentation was as attractive as the food was delicious. This dinner was among the best I have ever been blessed to enjoy.
The Chef and staff deserve the highest compliments for an outstanding job, they are truly talented.
The Kitchen Table by White is so much more than a restaurant, it is a GreatRestaurant!
Monday, March 13, 2017
Wilhelmina Restauant
A GreatRestaurant located in Oranjestad, Aruba.
Wilhelmina Restaurant is everything a GreatRestaurant should be! The food is creative and delicious without being pretentious.
Our dinner began with two very tasty treats. There was a taste of pumpkin soup which was amoung the best that I have ever had, and an incredibly tasty bite that I believe they called Dutch finger food. This was a fantastic indicator of what was to come.
We selected a bottle of red Zinfandel from a well thought out wine list and then my wife and I shared their Wilhelmina's Ravioli (filled with tender braised beef short rib, foie gras & mushroom)for an appetizer, it was delicious.
For our dinner, my wife selected the Mahi Mahi which was fresh and done very creatively, she definitely enjoyed it. I was tempted to order the Indonesian Roasted Pork which looked very interesting and came highly recommended. Courious about the "traditional Indonesian sauce", I requested a taste of it and they graciously provided me one. It was very interesting, it had a hint of anise which many people love but which I don't care for, so I passed on the pork and went with their Filet au Poivre.
Yes, I know, boring, but I have found that a simple filet is often a good indicator of a restaurant's quality. The steak was cooked exactly as I requested it and served with au Poivre and hollandaise sauce which was a great complement to the filet. It was delicious.
We are not generally dessert people but we decided to try their Chocolate dessert, it went very well with the big red Zinfandel we were drinking.
The staff was wonderful, they were friendly, helpful and attentive without being intrusive and we ended up meeting the Chef at the end of the night. It was nice to be able to complement him and his staff and let him know how much we enjoyed our dinner.
Wilhelmina Restaurant is a GreatRestaurant and we will return to enjoy their wonderful food and service again.
Wilhelmina Restaurant is everything a GreatRestaurant should be! The food is creative and delicious without being pretentious.
Our dinner began with two very tasty treats. There was a taste of pumpkin soup which was amoung the best that I have ever had, and an incredibly tasty bite that I believe they called Dutch finger food. This was a fantastic indicator of what was to come.
We selected a bottle of red Zinfandel from a well thought out wine list and then my wife and I shared their Wilhelmina's Ravioli (filled with tender braised beef short rib, foie gras & mushroom)for an appetizer, it was delicious.
For our dinner, my wife selected the Mahi Mahi which was fresh and done very creatively, she definitely enjoyed it. I was tempted to order the Indonesian Roasted Pork which looked very interesting and came highly recommended. Courious about the "traditional Indonesian sauce", I requested a taste of it and they graciously provided me one. It was very interesting, it had a hint of anise which many people love but which I don't care for, so I passed on the pork and went with their Filet au Poivre.
Yes, I know, boring, but I have found that a simple filet is often a good indicator of a restaurant's quality. The steak was cooked exactly as I requested it and served with au Poivre and hollandaise sauce which was a great complement to the filet. It was delicious.
We are not generally dessert people but we decided to try their Chocolate dessert, it went very well with the big red Zinfandel we were drinking.
The staff was wonderful, they were friendly, helpful and attentive without being intrusive and we ended up meeting the Chef at the end of the night. It was nice to be able to complement him and his staff and let him know how much we enjoyed our dinner.
Wilhelmina Restaurant is a GreatRestaurant and we will return to enjoy their wonderful food and service again.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Hadicurari Restaurant in Aruba
Hadicurari Restaurant is a GreatRestaurant!
My wife and I wandered into Hadicurari today for lunch and had a delicious meal.
The grouper sandwich my wife had was fresh and she enjoyed it. I had the spicy shrimp sandwich and it was outstanding!! The shrimp were cooked to the correct firmness without being over cooked. The sauce was sublime and the French bread on which it was served was fresh and just slightly crusty as good French bread should be.
Add all this to a nice beachside location, and friendly attentive service, and you have a GreatRestaurant worth recommending to your friends. Not to mention, a place worth returning to for dinner!
Oh, and it's in Aruba, up north, between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn, and, did I say earlier, on the beach!
My wife and I wandered into Hadicurari today for lunch and had a delicious meal.
The grouper sandwich my wife had was fresh and she enjoyed it. I had the spicy shrimp sandwich and it was outstanding!! The shrimp were cooked to the correct firmness without being over cooked. The sauce was sublime and the French bread on which it was served was fresh and just slightly crusty as good French bread should be.
Add all this to a nice beachside location, and friendly attentive service, and you have a GreatRestaurant worth recommending to your friends. Not to mention, a place worth returning to for dinner!
Oh, and it's in Aruba, up north, between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn, and, did I say earlier, on the beach!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
1921 Seafood
A GreatRestaurant located on Barrow Street in Houma, Louisiana near the Convention Center.
I had an fantastic late lunch at 1921 last Friday. It consisted of 1 dozen oysters on the half-shell, 1 1/2 dozen Charbroiled oysters on the half-shell, some french bread and a couple of cold beers.
The raw oysters were outstanding, they were sweet and fresh tasting, among the best I have ever eaten. The Charbroiled Oysters were so good that after having a dozen, I had to have another half dozen for dessert. It was a tough choice between the raw and the Charbroiled but the Charbroiled won out for me.
Hugh, a close friend and business associate who was with me, had the same lunch but went with the half dozen raw oysters for his dessert.
Both types of oysters were so good that it was a tough call and we each went our own way.
1921 Seafood is a very casual place in a building that some people might call a shack. Even though 1921 is very casual, it appeared to be very well run and the service was prompt and cheerful. While the music was recorded, they played a great selection of music that we enjoyed.
The restaurant is apparently not normally open for lunch but is going to be open on Friday's during lent. Our waitress said that she thought that they were going to try to start being open several days a week for lunch.
Next time I am back in Houma, I can assure you that I will be going back to 1921 Seafood, a GreatRestaurant.
I had an fantastic late lunch at 1921 last Friday. It consisted of 1 dozen oysters on the half-shell, 1 1/2 dozen Charbroiled oysters on the half-shell, some french bread and a couple of cold beers.
The raw oysters were outstanding, they were sweet and fresh tasting, among the best I have ever eaten. The Charbroiled Oysters were so good that after having a dozen, I had to have another half dozen for dessert. It was a tough choice between the raw and the Charbroiled but the Charbroiled won out for me.
Hugh, a close friend and business associate who was with me, had the same lunch but went with the half dozen raw oysters for his dessert.
Both types of oysters were so good that it was a tough call and we each went our own way.
1921 Seafood is a very casual place in a building that some people might call a shack. Even though 1921 is very casual, it appeared to be very well run and the service was prompt and cheerful. While the music was recorded, they played a great selection of music that we enjoyed.
The restaurant is apparently not normally open for lunch but is going to be open on Friday's during lent. Our waitress said that she thought that they were going to try to start being open several days a week for lunch.
Next time I am back in Houma, I can assure you that I will be going back to 1921 Seafood, a GreatRestaurant.
Two GreatRestaurants have closed
Two GreatRestaurants have closed.
Criallo’s Bistro and Bar near Nashville, TN and Equestria in Germantown, TN have closed over the past few months.
Criallo's was a warm and inviting restaurant where one found great food, music and wonderful wine.
Equestria was a truly special place that combined outstanding food and a great wine list with a friendly and comfortable setting. I always felt at home at Equestria, it was just that kind of place.
I don't really know the details of their closings but I do know that I will miss them both.
Criallo’s Bistro and Bar near Nashville, TN and Equestria in Germantown, TN have closed over the past few months.
Criallo's was a warm and inviting restaurant where one found great food, music and wonderful wine.
Equestria was a truly special place that combined outstanding food and a great wine list with a friendly and comfortable setting. I always felt at home at Equestria, it was just that kind of place.
I don't really know the details of their closings but I do know that I will miss them both.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Juban’s Restaurant
Juban’s Restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in Baton Rouge and I have been there many times since I first reviewed it. I spent three nights in Baton Rouge last week, before going to Florida, and took friends to Juban's two of the three nights.
Jubin's remains a GreatRestaurant where both the food and the service continue to be outstanding. There are only a few, very special, restaurants that I will consider visiting two nights in a row, Jubin's is at the top of the list.
Joining us for dinner one night was the college age son of a friend of mine. He is attending LSU (which is in Baton Rouge for those who aren't from the South) and he graciously accepted an invitation to join us that night. He was a superb guest and truly seemed to enjoy himself. I think he was amazed at how much fun a group of "grown-ups" could have over an extended dinner.
However, the whole point of this story is that we convinced him to try the Hallelujah Crab which I discussed in my original post on Jubin's restaurant. The presentation of the crab was spectacular as ever and it was great to see the expression on the face of my friend's son when it was served. He seemed to really enjoy this delicious dish and actually had room for dessert.
Jubin's continues to be a GreatRestaurant and if you are in Baton Rouge, you should try it.
Jubin's remains a GreatRestaurant where both the food and the service continue to be outstanding. There are only a few, very special, restaurants that I will consider visiting two nights in a row, Jubin's is at the top of the list.
Joining us for dinner one night was the college age son of a friend of mine. He is attending LSU (which is in Baton Rouge for those who aren't from the South) and he graciously accepted an invitation to join us that night. He was a superb guest and truly seemed to enjoy himself. I think he was amazed at how much fun a group of "grown-ups" could have over an extended dinner.
However, the whole point of this story is that we convinced him to try the Hallelujah Crab which I discussed in my original post on Jubin's restaurant. The presentation of the crab was spectacular as ever and it was great to see the expression on the face of my friend's son when it was served. He seemed to really enjoy this delicious dish and actually had room for dessert.
Jubin's continues to be a GreatRestaurant and if you are in Baton Rouge, you should try it.
Restaurant Paradis
Restaurant Paradis continues to be a GreatRestaurant. I was back in the Rosemary, Fl area this last weekend and was able to get a reservation on a busy Saturday night. Despite the fact that they were fully booked for the evening, the service was outstanding and the food was superb. My wife and I enjoyed another wonderful dinner at what has quickly become one of our favorite GreatRestaurants.
I continue to recommend Restaurant Paradis and will be going there again the next time I am in the area.
I continue to recommend Restaurant Paradis and will be going there again the next time I am in the area.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Restaurant Paradis
A GreatRestaurant located in the heart of Rosemary Beach, Florida.
Restaurant Paradis is a GreatRestaurant that delivers outstanding food served by friendly professionals. The atmosphere is comfortable and tasteful with a subtle elegance. It is that rare kind of a place where you can relax and enjoy a wonderful meal without pretense.
The owners are from Louisiana and that influence, with what I can only imagine is a true love for fine food, is subtly present throughout the menu. I believe that their Louisiana heritage also contributes to the warmth and friendliness of the place. Their welcoming nature is found more often in Louisiana than just about anywhere else I travel.
Make no mistake; this is not a Cajun or Creole transplant. Restaurant Paradis and their very talented chef follow in the finest traditions of great Louisiana restaurants in their ample offering of fresh seafood dishes and their creative and flavorful use of herbs and spices.
It is located on the main drag in Rosemary Beach, a planned community on the beach between Destin and Panama City Beach and just a few miles from Seaside.
On our first visit, my wife and I arrived early in order to have time for a drink at the bar. The warm and friendly staff was attentive without being pushy. They were happy to let us visit at the bar until we were ready to go to our table.
We had great dinner that started with Wild Mushroom Bisque, their soup of the day, it was a home run. I then had their Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad that was not only very creative but excellent. We then finished dinner by ordering a couple of appetizers.
I know that every restaurant in the world does crab cakes. Most are average at best and some are terrible. That is absolutely not the case at Restaurant Paradis. Their excellent crab cakes are seared and served over creamed Silver Queen corn with a chipotle oil drizzle. They are fabulous, superb, they are to be had again.
To top everything off, they had one of my favorite wines, the Meeker Handprint Merlot, (see my mention of it in a previous posting) on their wine list at a very reasonable price. We ordered a bottle and it was delicious. They have a very nice selection of wines at very reasonable prices.
On our second visit, the next night, we tried more of their menu and came away completely happy and content. Among the excellent dishes we enjoyed were their scallop appetizer and their Bayou La Batre Shrimp.
These fresh shrimp were stuffed with crabmeat, wrapped with either pancetta or prosciutto, grilled and served with an incredible sauce. They were simply wonderful.
I don't know when I will be back in Rosemary Beach but the next time I am anywhere close, I will be making a reservation at Restaurant Paradis.
It is a Great Restaurant and I enthusiastically encourage you to give it a try because I am confident that you will love it as much as I do.
Restaurant Paradis is a GreatRestaurant that delivers outstanding food served by friendly professionals. The atmosphere is comfortable and tasteful with a subtle elegance. It is that rare kind of a place where you can relax and enjoy a wonderful meal without pretense.
The owners are from Louisiana and that influence, with what I can only imagine is a true love for fine food, is subtly present throughout the menu. I believe that their Louisiana heritage also contributes to the warmth and friendliness of the place. Their welcoming nature is found more often in Louisiana than just about anywhere else I travel.
Make no mistake; this is not a Cajun or Creole transplant. Restaurant Paradis and their very talented chef follow in the finest traditions of great Louisiana restaurants in their ample offering of fresh seafood dishes and their creative and flavorful use of herbs and spices.
It is located on the main drag in Rosemary Beach, a planned community on the beach between Destin and Panama City Beach and just a few miles from Seaside.
On our first visit, my wife and I arrived early in order to have time for a drink at the bar. The warm and friendly staff was attentive without being pushy. They were happy to let us visit at the bar until we were ready to go to our table.
We had great dinner that started with Wild Mushroom Bisque, their soup of the day, it was a home run. I then had their Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad that was not only very creative but excellent. We then finished dinner by ordering a couple of appetizers.
I know that every restaurant in the world does crab cakes. Most are average at best and some are terrible. That is absolutely not the case at Restaurant Paradis. Their excellent crab cakes are seared and served over creamed Silver Queen corn with a chipotle oil drizzle. They are fabulous, superb, they are to be had again.
To top everything off, they had one of my favorite wines, the Meeker Handprint Merlot, (see my mention of it in a previous posting) on their wine list at a very reasonable price. We ordered a bottle and it was delicious. They have a very nice selection of wines at very reasonable prices.
On our second visit, the next night, we tried more of their menu and came away completely happy and content. Among the excellent dishes we enjoyed were their scallop appetizer and their Bayou La Batre Shrimp.
These fresh shrimp were stuffed with crabmeat, wrapped with either pancetta or prosciutto, grilled and served with an incredible sauce. They were simply wonderful.
I don't know when I will be back in Rosemary Beach but the next time I am anywhere close, I will be making a reservation at Restaurant Paradis.
It is a Great Restaurant and I enthusiastically encourage you to give it a try because I am confident that you will love it as much as I do.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Silver Fork is as Great as Ever
I have had diner at the Silver Fork three times in the last week. As I have found it to be for many years, it remains a GreatRestaurant. The skiing and boarding at Solitude and at Brighton have been fantastic this last week and the food at the Silver Fork has been just as fantastic.
We had twelve at dinner one night, six adults and six children, just the six adults another night and my family of four at dinner tonight. Each evening, the Silver Fork out performed itself and made the group very happy.
Their wine list contained a wine from one of my favorite vineyards, a Zinfandel(Red)from Ballentine Vineyards, that was not only very reasonably priced, but wonderful to drink.
Do yourself a real favor, if you are in the Salt Lake City area, take the time to go to the Silver Fork. If you are knowledgeable enough to be staying at Solitude, call them, they will send a shuttle to get you.
By the way, the forecast for the next two days, is for 12 to 24 inches of fresh snow. The skiing should be as great as the food at the Silver Fork.
We had twelve at dinner one night, six adults and six children, just the six adults another night and my family of four at dinner tonight. Each evening, the Silver Fork out performed itself and made the group very happy.
Their wine list contained a wine from one of my favorite vineyards, a Zinfandel(Red)from Ballentine Vineyards, that was not only very reasonably priced, but wonderful to drink.
Do yourself a real favor, if you are in the Salt Lake City area, take the time to go to the Silver Fork. If you are knowledgeable enough to be staying at Solitude, call them, they will send a shuttle to get you.
By the way, the forecast for the next two days, is for 12 to 24 inches of fresh snow. The skiing should be as great as the food at the Silver Fork.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Pelican Club - updated - May 2009
The Pelican club continues to be a GreatRestaurant.
When I was in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to join with a group of friends to enjoy an outstanding dinner at the Pelican Club.
Chef Hughes, as he has many previous times, proved to be both an extraordinary chef and a very gracious host.
We had a fairly large group of about twenty or twenty-two and he, and his staff, were still able to provide our dinner with service that would have been special for a group of four to six.
Richard recommended a delicious wine, Arcturus, a cabernet blend from Astrale e Terra Vineyard. It was outstanding and we truly enjoyed it.
I continue my sincere recommendation that you try The Pelican Club, a GreatRestaurant in New Orleans.
When I was in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to join with a group of friends to enjoy an outstanding dinner at the Pelican Club.
Chef Hughes, as he has many previous times, proved to be both an extraordinary chef and a very gracious host.
We had a fairly large group of about twenty or twenty-two and he, and his staff, were still able to provide our dinner with service that would have been special for a group of four to six.
Richard recommended a delicious wine, Arcturus, a cabernet blend from Astrale e Terra Vineyard. It was outstanding and we truly enjoyed it.
I continue my sincere recommendation that you try The Pelican Club, a GreatRestaurant in New Orleans.
Cafe' Vermilionville
A GreatRestaurant located in the heart of Lafayette, Louisiana.
I have been a huge fan of Cafe' Vermilionville for over fifteen years. It is without a doubt my favorite GreatRestaurant in Lafayette. There have been changes over the years as one would expect and while the menu has changed over time, it remains excellent.
It is located in a historic old inn that has been creatively turned into a world class restaurant. The ambiance is comfortable yet elegant (which is different from elegant yet comfortable) and I always enjoy walking through their doors every time I am lucky enough to be able to return for another visit.
Cafe' Vermilionville's outstanding menu never fails to make my diner selection difficult. Most of their appetizers are superb and and their soups and entrees leave nothing to be desired.
One of my favorite soups is their roasted corn and crab bisque. It has always been extraordinary. It wasn't always on the menu in the old days but when it was, I ordered it, always. It was so good that on several occasions I have had it at night with dinner and then gone back and had it for lunch the next day.
Needless to say I was stunned during dinner at Cafe' Vermilionville a couple of weeks ago when I was served a roasted corn and crab bisque that was not the soup I know and love. It was good, it was more than good, it was excellent and I will order it again. But it was a new recipe and I would like to see them serve the old recipe again sometime.
Dinner that night was as good as ever. I did not have a large group with me, just a couple of friends. It was a Tuesday evening and it was a very slow night. The service was gracious and attentive, and we had a great time and a great dinner.
The wine list at Cafe' Vermilionville has long been very reliable. It is not the largest wine list around but more than ample and they offer a wide selection from very reasonable, nice drinking wines to outstanding knockout wines targeted at the most discerning wine enthusiast.
I look forward to my visits to Lafayette because I know, that if I can make the time to stay for dinner, I won't be disappointed at Cafe' Vermilionville.
It is a Great Restaurant and if you give it a try I am confident that you will love it as much as I do.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Mr. B's Bistro
A GreatRestaurant located on the edge of the French Quarter (at the corner of Iberville and Royal Street) in New Orleans.
Mr. B’s Bistro has been a consistent favorite of mine in New Orleans for many, many years. I have been going there for so long that I can’t even remember my first time. As far back as I can remember; Mr. B’s has been a go-to place for me to have dinner when I am in New Orleans.
Creole inspiration is reflected in a wonderful bistro style menu. My favorite appetizer is their duck spring rolls that are served with the most incredible ginger dipping sauce. (I often find a way to have two servings of the Spring Rolls, they are that good).
My favorite dinner item has long been their Mississippi Rabbit. From time to time I try other things but while I always find them to be excellent, I always come back to the rabbit.
Their fish is always, I mean always, fresh and wonderful. I adore the Pork Osso Buco, and their Shrimp and Grits is among the best I have had. But my first love is their Mississippi Rabbit. Take a chance, forget that it is rabbit, and try it. My guess is that you will love it. (My son recently tried it and thought it was great)
The wine list is well rounded and always offers an interesting selection of outstanding wines. I have been to Mr. B’s just to sit at the bar, order appetizers, and share a bottle of wine or champagne with my wife or a friend.
While there are other New Orleans restaurants that are GreatRestaurants, this year I celebrated my birthday (with my wife and children) at Mr. B’s. It was my children’s first time to Mr. B’s and they loved it. As I mentioned above, my son loved the Rabbit. My daughter thought that the Shrimp and Grits were delicious.
Many restaurants in New Orleans cater to the tourist crowd. Some of them are not very good and only exist due to previous glories or slick marketing. One sure measure of a GreatRestuarant in New Orleans is if the people who live there choose it from among all the superb competition. My friends in New Orleans go to Mr. B’s.
An interesting note about Mr. B’s is that they only take a certain number of reservations each night. They seem to like being able to accommodate walk up patrons. It is always better to call ahead and have a reservation. But it you find yourself in New Orleans on the spur of the moment, try dropping by and seeing if they have a table available.
If you have to wait for a little while, grab a seat at the bar and have a glass of wine, or whatever, until they can seat you.
Mr. B’s Bistro is a GreatRestaurant that you should try the next time you are in New Orleans. You really can’t go wrong at Mr. B’s.
Check them out at http://www.mrbsbistro.com/
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Cracker P's
A GreatRestaurant located on Lubbers Quarters in the Sea of Abaco, Bahamas
Cracker P’s Bar and Grill is an incredible restaurant located on a hillside across the sound, and down a little, from Tahiti Beach. It is an extremely casual, very comfortable, place that you can pretty much get to only by boat. The food is very simple, and very good.
I have only been to Cracker P’s a couple of times and only for lunch. The food is a combination of local dishes and familiar favorites. My favorite side dish, a local dish that is very good and well worth trying, is the “Bahamian Peas 'n' Rice”.
It is advised to call ahead on your VHF radio, every boat has one (everybody monitors Channel 16), and check to see if they have a table open. When you pull up to their dock (its big), you stern anchor your boat and head up the stairs to the restaurant and an incredible view.
Cracker P’s looks east over the Lubbers channel towards Tilloo Cay and Tahiti Beach. You feel like you are in heaven, the view is more than picturesque, it is extraordinary.
The staff is very friendly and accommodating. You are welcome to eat, to drink, and to just hang out and relax.
While I have not been there for dinner, I understand the place can become very lively. They are famous for their “Full Moon Parties”. I am sad to say that I have never been to one of their Full Moon Parties but I have seen the place liven up on just a random weekday afternoon.
There is a reason that I have not had dinner at Cracker P’s, and that I am not likely to do so any time soon. When I am in the Abacos, I stay on a Cay (Key) about 8 or 9 miles north of Lubbers Quarters. I have never wanted to try the run home, by boat, after dark, and after a few toddies or glasses of wine.
On a special note, they make and bottle their own hot sauce. It is excellent. If you like spicy things, you should try it. I like a little on my Peas 'n' Rice. I brought a bottle home with me and whenever I bring it out it brings back very fond memories of Cracker P’s.
Tahiti Beach, mentioned above, is a great place to anchor your boat and hang out to enjoy the sun and water. It is a very popular place where you are likely to run into old friends or meet new ones. Cracker P’s is ideally located when you want to grab lunch or a refreshing beverage.
Cracker P’s is a GreatRestaurant that is very different from any of the GreatRestaurants that I have written about so far. It is a laidback, casual, fun, watering hole and restaurant that I think is a must “go to” if you are hanging around in the Abacos. If you are hanging around in the Abacos, and enjoying yourself, then I can almost guarantee that you will love Cracker P’s.
Check them out at http://www.crackerps.com/
Cracker P’s Bar and Grill is an incredible restaurant located on a hillside across the sound, and down a little, from Tahiti Beach. It is an extremely casual, very comfortable, place that you can pretty much get to only by boat. The food is very simple, and very good.
I have only been to Cracker P’s a couple of times and only for lunch. The food is a combination of local dishes and familiar favorites. My favorite side dish, a local dish that is very good and well worth trying, is the “Bahamian Peas 'n' Rice”.
It is advised to call ahead on your VHF radio, every boat has one (everybody monitors Channel 16), and check to see if they have a table open. When you pull up to their dock (its big), you stern anchor your boat and head up the stairs to the restaurant and an incredible view.
Cracker P’s looks east over the Lubbers channel towards Tilloo Cay and Tahiti Beach. You feel like you are in heaven, the view is more than picturesque, it is extraordinary.
The staff is very friendly and accommodating. You are welcome to eat, to drink, and to just hang out and relax.
While I have not been there for dinner, I understand the place can become very lively. They are famous for their “Full Moon Parties”. I am sad to say that I have never been to one of their Full Moon Parties but I have seen the place liven up on just a random weekday afternoon.
There is a reason that I have not had dinner at Cracker P’s, and that I am not likely to do so any time soon. When I am in the Abacos, I stay on a Cay (Key) about 8 or 9 miles north of Lubbers Quarters. I have never wanted to try the run home, by boat, after dark, and after a few toddies or glasses of wine.
On a special note, they make and bottle their own hot sauce. It is excellent. If you like spicy things, you should try it. I like a little on my Peas 'n' Rice. I brought a bottle home with me and whenever I bring it out it brings back very fond memories of Cracker P’s.
Tahiti Beach, mentioned above, is a great place to anchor your boat and hang out to enjoy the sun and water. It is a very popular place where you are likely to run into old friends or meet new ones. Cracker P’s is ideally located when you want to grab lunch or a refreshing beverage.
Cracker P’s is a GreatRestaurant that is very different from any of the GreatRestaurants that I have written about so far. It is a laidback, casual, fun, watering hole and restaurant that I think is a must “go to” if you are hanging around in the Abacos. If you are hanging around in the Abacos, and enjoying yourself, then I can almost guarantee that you will love Cracker P’s.
Check them out at http://www.crackerps.com/
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Diamond Grill
A GreatRestaurant located in downtown Alexandria, Louisiana.
The food at the Diamond Grill is as spectacular as the décor and the décor is extraordinary. The Diamond Grill opened several years ago and it has been my favorite GreatRestaurant in Alexandria since that time.
The Diamond Grill is both elegant and comfortable. The atmosphere raises your expectations, and the food and service has always exceeded mine. The menu offers a great selection of choices while maintaining a focus that lets you know that every dish is freshly crafted.
The food is creative and delicious. It is what you would have to call upscale Creole-Continental. They offer appetizers ranging from fried green tomato to escargot. The dinners range from seafood (a Louisiana must have) to wonderful steaks. Duck, chicken and pork are also on the dinner menu. I have enjoyed every dish that I have ever tried at the Diamond Grill.
Many, if not all, nights they have off menu specials. I recommend serious consideration of their specials. While the menu is great, they don't call them specials for nothing.
I have had dinners there as both as a couple and as the host of host up to about twenty guests. Whether my group has been small or large, the service has always been extraordinary.
The last time I was there, the waiter who I knew from previous visits, recommended a merlot from Meeker Vineyards, their Handprint Merlot. I explained to him that I didn't drink merlot and asked if he had another recommendation, a syrah or a red zinfandel maybe.
He very politely suggested that I reconsider and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. He said that if I didn't like the Meeker, it would disappear and never show up on my bill. I again told him that I normally don't drink merlot but that if he was that confident in the wine then I would give it a try.
The result was a confirmation that you should always listen to your waiter when you are in a GreatRestaurant. I thanked him. The Meeker Handprint Merlot is wonderful, it is delicious, it isn't like any merlot I've ever had.
Of course in retrospect, I hadn't really tried a merlot since the 1980's when incredibly bad merlot was the fern-bar wine of choice. The wine was so good that I asked where they got it. The next morning I went out and bought a case of it before leaving town.
I have since purchased several more cases of this fantastic wine and enjoy it often. The Handprint Merlot is one of a very interesting selection of wines from Meeker. They only make about 3600 cases of it each year. It is a GreatWine. Thank you, Diamond Grill, for introducing me to it.
The Diamond Grill is a GreatRestaurant that I never miss when I am in Alexandria. You should try it if you are anywhere nearby.
Check them out at http://thediamondgrill.com
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