Seasonal Food - Regional Focus
Pop's Diner is iconic landmark, Carolina Diner reborn. Sitting at the convergence of five streets known to locals as "5 Points", Pop's is named in honor of owner Kim's father. Closed for only a short time, the diner underwent a pretty comprehensive remodel; new sign outside (see above), painted exterior topped with pink neon, new floor, new light fixtures, new tables & seating, new window treatments, new dishes, new menu and a jukebox! The picture above was taken just … [Read more...]
Fire on the Rock Competition Dining Series kicked off last night with a challenge between last year's winner, Chef Michael Barbato of Timberlake's at Chetola Resort and first-timer, Chef Jessica Grogan of Crave. Interesting to note, Chef Jessica's team consisted of her Mother Marla and Aunt Tonda. They were Fire on the Rock's first all female team. As my companion and I arrived at Crippen's Country Inn and Restaurant, host of the Blowing Rock Dining Series, we spotted the … [Read more...]
Beginning late last year, owners began morphing Scully's into something a little different. Their logo went from "Scully's Signature Dine & Drink" to "Scully's Bar & Grille" They've also got a ". . . new menu and now some new windows on the street." You can see their menu here, but keep in mind it might be a little different at the restaurant. Built on the Walnut Street incline, Scully's has three distinct dining areas. Two are at a lower level: a room full of cozy red … [Read more...]
Hours of operation should be easy to find on restaurant websites. And it's always best if they're correct. Next best is having a phone message that includes current hours. A friend and I decided to meet at The Green Room this past Tuesday at 10:30am, opening time according to their website. But wait - their online Breakfast Menu said they opened at 11:00am. Calling got a phone message something like, "thanks for calling, we're not open now, leave a message." At 10:30am, they were … [Read more...]
It's a given - Charleston has some of the best food in the world. It pretty much defines dining destination. We love visiting Charleston, but this time wanted to go more "local", hunting out spots known mostly to those who live there year-round. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene used to be known only to locals, but since the 90's, they've gotten a lot of national press and now serve folks from all over the world. You'd never know it, though. I'm thinking only a certain percentage of … [Read more...]
I'm probably going a bit over-breadboard with that title, but if Books and Breadboard isn't the best place to get lunch in Asheville, it's certainly one of the best. A bookstore, gift shop, cafe and historic (built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt) building all rolled into one, Books and Breadboard has a main dining area and four more tucked away in various rooms. Some tables are situated perfectly for a private conversation over lunch. Breadboard owners say: "At the Breadboard we … [Read more...]
By Bunny & Himself ~ We decided recently to try the Flat Rock Wood Room for a late lunch. Pleasantly surprised, but glad we went a bit late. I called ahead to see if they closed after 2:30 pm and was told that they are open all day. Each time we pass, the parking lot is full. Heard from another person that they went but there was a 45 minute wait, so they had not been in yet. If you want to beat the evening rush, try after 7:00 pm. Himself ordered a Sampler Extreme: ¼ … [Read more...]
Warren Spahr pushed me over the edge. That's right, he posted a "must go to the new Horse Shoe Cafe" message on my Facebook Wall along with tantalizing Intel. I'd been reluctant - there are so many places on my "short list" already. Thank you, Warren! PIC and I had breakfast at Horse Shoe Cafe this morning. We'll be regulars. Lee R. Sedon calls himself "Head Cook/Owner", which is refreshingly humble considering his past credits. He did his culinary externship at the Biltmore House. … [Read more...]
On a dark island highway, cool wind in my hair Warm smell of surf & turf, rising up through the air Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light . . . Edisto Beach is a favorite vacation spot for families with young children and those wanting something a little quieter than Myrtle Beach. But when the adults want to go out for a nice dinner, there aren’t a whole lot of choices. One of the local favorites is The Old Post Office, outside of Edisto Beach, but on Edisto Island … [Read more...]
Can you say, “Jack Sprat” without the nursery rhyme immediately popping into your head? I can’t. The only connection I see, as an “outsider”, between the rhyme and Jack Sprat Cafe is the rhyme is posted on the wall. Another item posted on their wall is a Sanitation Score of 101.5. Impressive considering the cluttered, college hang-out look of the place. All time-of-day bases are covered at Jack’s: morning coffee/espresso, breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. They have a … [Read more...]
