<p>momsdream - Why why why did you start this just when I’m going on Weight Watchers (lol)? And apparently, I spawned it.</p>
<p>SF/Berkeley: Chez Panisse, upstairs and down. Still the best.
Zuni Cafe-California/Southwest flair. Chocolate pot de creme is unforgettable. </p>
<p>Our S often reminds us that we are at fault that he is a “foodie” and enjoys when we take him to all the great places. He and I discovered, however, great hole-in-the-wall Taqueria on Mission (near24th St). in SF. Melting pot of customers (Fin. District suits, constr workers, folks on college tours…) meets barely English speaking slew of cooks behind the counter for melt-in-your-mouth taco/burrito/quesadilla…</p>
<p>Suggestion to make this thread most useful to everyone - boldface the city before you list the restaurant(s). Easier to spot a place of interest.</p>
<p>Did you ever eat at “Versailles” (pronounced in Spanish, vare-sigh-yes) in LA? There are a few but the original one is in Culver City. Very casual. They have great Cuban food. Roast chicken, plantains, beans & rice… delicious!</p>
<p>I think one restaurant I will always remember fondly is Nepenthe in Big Sur, California. My H and I ate there many years ago before we had children, while on a driving tour through California. It’s set up on a cliff overlooking the Pacific and if you’re lucky enough to have a day with no fog, the views are breathtaking. Back in those days it was somewhat of a hippy commune type place. That was the aura it had anyway. Many years later we returned, with kids in tow. How things had changed. It had turned into the very hip, tony type of establishment which sold expensive trinkets and clothes, in addition to being a restaurant. The food was delicious but somehow, I preferred it in its hippy days. I would love to visit again someday. Anyone ever been there?</p>
<p>When we visit my brother on the Upper Westside, I always have to grab a bite at Cafe Con Lech on Amsterdam around 90th St which is a cheap eat with great Cuban food. I do not like Mexican fare but love classical Spanish and Cuban food. My very favorite restaraunt in the US is Tio Pepe in Baltimore. My mouth is watering as I think about their chicken and lobster dish and their pine nut roll desert. That roll is always a hot auction item in some big deal fundraiser, and I have even bid on it–worth every penny. I can never get my fill of it cuz I eat too much of the meal to do justice to the desert there.</p>
<p>alwaysamom, what kind of food do they serve? I haven’t been there. I have done “the drive” from LA to Sonoma… and wished for time to visit Big Sur along the way- but the grapes were calling my name. </p>
<p>I know what you mean about yummy places that are so good that they make it big and suddenly think a gift shop and brand items are a good idea. Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s Tamirand in the BVI come to mind. Is nothing sacred? :)</p>
<p>Jamimon, making note of Tio Pepe and the pine nut roll. I am not a big fan of sweets. But, certain sweets appeal to me…and that sounds like it might.</p>
<p>OMG in NYC-- now I remember a truly deliciuous place, from when I lived there in the 80’s. May still be there? It was an Ethiopian restaurant and it was pretty close to Columbia at about 110th and CPW or close to this area…</p>
<p>A little bit of a dive; maybe 10-12 tables, incredible food, you ate with your hands-- and all the waitresses looked like runway models. Does anyone know this place? I can’t remember the name of it. But I will never forget the food!</p>
<p>Do you think, on average, posters on this thread may weigh more than others at CC? ;)</p>
<p>I, for one, am not heavy, but if I don’t watch it these days, I will be. I am getting a food fixation like I have never had. I always could eat what I wanted without packing on the pounds, but my poor H gains just looking at the stuff, so I have been careful at home. Also D tended to be heavy–got his genes, I guess, but the rest of us can eat what we want. But I did not eat out much up until now, and am finding the most wonderful little eateries, all on my own, and that lunch has put some pounds on me that I have to shed. We also at well when S did all of those auditions. I really think it is the eating out that does it. I don’t generally eat much during the day, and just have dinner with the family, but now I am eating out a couple of days a week for lunch, and, well, the pants were a bit tight this winter. But I do so love good food.</p>
<p>momsdream!! well done! I bet this is it, Amsterdam sounds right. It would have been on the West side of the street on Amsterdam if it is what I remember. If you ever recall the name I would love to know it.</p>
<p>SB, just made a call to my GF from that area - is it “Awash”? We get our girls together once a year for the Radio City Christmas show - and I recall her pointing this place out a couple of years back. She’s Ethiopian.</p>
<p>Thanks, I bet that is it! I don’t know how much I ever focused on the name… It was in the neighborhood of a good friend’s apt so we’d just walk over from his place and I don’t think you even needed reservations… Not sure I ever even knew the name!</p>
<p>The small roadside restaraunt across the street from the lighthouse in Negril is the best jerk chicken and lobster I’ve ever had. There’s no substitute for the real thing! ;)</p>
<p>Technoexperts - is there an efficient way to save these recs? As I’m not counting on this thread still being here if I happen to shuffle off to … wherever ina couple of years. I guess I can cut-and-paste, etc. but just wondering what others are doing.</p>
<p>In France, I found we couldn’t go wrong at anything rated in Michelin, no need to count the stars. Biggest mistake we made, going to a 1* and a 2* on same day. Can you spell overindulgence?</p>
<p>alwaysmom- Definitely remember Nepenthe from its hippy days ( and the hippy handmade vest I bought there -can’t let it go, it’s “art” to me). Haven’t been since non-hippy.</p>
<p>Also at Big Sur and just across the road - Ventana Inn. Spectacular views from terrace (kirmum,are you listening?), which is great place for lunch/drinks. Unbelievable food in restaurant (at least a few years back, hope it hasn’t changed). Inn is also fabulous, a little rustic, but still pricey.</p>
<p>Nice Ventana Inn story: Went to the terrace on a half-day driving trip with MIL and FIL when S was only 4 months old. S a bit fussy and a woman came up to me and asked if she could hold him/walk him for me so I could relax and enjoy a few moments. She proceeded to do just that, within my eyesight whole time. People are wonderful.</p>
<p>You bring back memories jmmom. Years ago when I was pregnant my than huband took me to the Vantana Inn for the weekend. It was a major splurge for us back then. We went to the beautiful restaurant and I ordered a huge meal. By the time it arrived my nightime morning sickness had kicked in and I couldn’t eat a bite!</p>
<p>The hotel in Big Sur I love these days is the Post Ranch. Wow!! But obnoxiously expensive.</p>
Many years later we returned, with kids in tow. How things had changed. It had turned into the very hip, tony type of establishment which sold expensive trinkets and clothes, in addition to being a restaurant. The food was delicious but somehow, I preferred it in its hippy days. I would love to visit again someday. Anyone ever been there?</p>