Massachusetts - Hingham - Stars (2 photos)

Reason number 1136 to go to church: recommendations from local folks about where to eat. After service I asked three men standing together where to get breakfast and they answered with one voice, Stars. So we went. 30 minutes to get a table. We waited. It is a small building across from the waterside park and harbor in Hingham Center. Once seated we ordered cinnamon french toast, with a side of bacon, eggs, sausage and coffee, of course. Also CJH ordered a muffin and yogurt with fruit - maybe to offset the french toast? Anyway the very best french toast I ever ate was shared with Cindy, along with some eggs and bacon. What an amazing place. Breakfast is a Star for sure. Another person told us all the meals were good at Stars. We were not able to test that theory but if we are back here, well it is breakfast for me again. Stars on Hingham Harbor is the full name but just ask anyone for the best breakfast in town, they will send you here. StarsHingham.com

There are no photos with out cars, if you came at 3Am likely someone is sitting here to be first in line.

Maryland - Frederick - Baltimore Coffee and Tea

Highly recommend this spot in Frederick. We had excellent coffee with free refills, high speed internet and very good sandwiches for lunch. And we were able to get almost four hours of work done. Spacious, clean, airy, and easy parking even if you are pulling a trailer. https://www.baltcoffee.com

Tennessee - Leipers Fork - Country Boy

I don't think I could have taken a poorer photograph. Well, that may not be true but it would have taken some work. And you would not have seen this if the food was not so good and the atmosphere so cool. You absolutely will not know who may be enjoying breakfast (or other meals but I have only been here twice for breakfast) musicians, producers, farmers, writers all haunt this place. Great food, good coffee, and often live music. The tiny town has some excellent art galleries and you will share trying to find parking with tractors and sports cars and everything in between, Fun place - and sorry for the quick iPhoto I only took to recall the name. Poor planning. 

North Carolina - Kinston - Chef and the Farmer

Among very special memorable meals the CIA, Commanders Palace, Burning Tree and Angus Barn are joined by Chef and the Farmer where we were able to enjoy a superb meal with great friends. CJH and I have watched many of the C/F shows on PBS over the last three years but we pale as fans compared to our long time friend who went with us to dinner. She had a ball. Actually we all did. She brought her cookbook that Vivian Howard wrote and several of the staff on duty that evening signed her book. Nice touch. We arrived for our reservation and were seated promptly. The menu was sufficient and unique but not one of those with 10 pages to navigate but we still took a long time with our orders. The staff person taking care of our table was knowledgeable and answered lots of questions. We had three small plates, two salads and three large plates. One of the small plates was flash fried collards, lightly salted. Really good. But the fried green tomatoes - amazing. We all loved those, a lot. We had three different main meals: two of us choose Amber Jack a deep sea fish, bone in pork chop that was huge and a vegetarian risotto style dish with grains, almonds, parsley and while it sounds so-so it was quite delicious. Dessert was a dish of fresh strawberry ice cream and a deconstructed so'more. The Chef and the Farmer is simply a treat from beginning to end. Kinston, NC is not where you would first travel for inventive dinning but you should.

 http://www.vivianhoward.com/chef-the-farmer/

The pork chop

Fried Green Tomato - now I am hungry again

North Carolina - Raleigh - Sassool

I did not even know I liked Mediterranean food until I ate here. Sassool has become one of my favorites and is so close to home that we can stop often. They offer inside seating and take home - I would guess more than half of the folks I see are taking dinner home. The menu is varied and among my favorites are the autumn root salad, tabouli, spicy hummus, green beans and several of the main dishes, like a chicken an rice dish. The kabobs are excellent. CJH loves the Vegetarian Lasagna. Every dish is good, the service is quick and friendly and, the big deal for me is just out of the brick fired oven, pitas. Amazing pitas. Somehow the number that arrive at home is not equal to those I left Sassool with! Go look at the site here, http://www.sassool.com, then call and let us know when to meet you there!

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North Carolina - Julian - Homeland Creamery

Homeland Creamery is always high on any list of ice cream places in NC. We had it one time in Old Salem but never had been to the farm, until last week. It is not too far south of Burlington in a crossroads community called, Julian. The creamery is not showy nor is the area geared to tourists and lots of traffic, both making this a nicer stop. There were some things for kids to do and places under a grove of  trees to sit at tables but why you come here is for fresh ice cream, period. CJH had a wonderful cone of peach that she loved. Mine was a So'more and a bit too full of add-ins for my taste but it was an excellent cone. I tasted the lemon ice cream and, well, must go back!  Check out their site here: http://www.homelandcreamery.com

Nevada - Las Vegas - Peppermill

So, the first time I was in LV my hotel was a block away. I thought I would go for breakfast -not my normal experience! The place was hopping, a woman in a slinky dress offered to get me a cocktail - it was 7:30 in the morning, another came bye to see if I wanted a photo taken and the food, amazing. I want back two more times in three days at different times and the same experience. Always fun to do something completely different and a bonus when the food is better than you ever expected. CJH and I were able to go three years later and the same reality. Maybe this is the norm here but I found it quite fascinating. And great food 24 hours a day. 

North Carolina - Rocky Mount - The Prime Smokehouse

OK, two smokehouse restaurants in a row, but this one is pretty special. You will find here a surprising menu. It has items you would expect, ribs, pulled pork (mine was excellent, not fatty and a generous serving), brisket, and chicken but goes way beyond that with nice salads, burgers, seafood, deep-dish spinach lasagna, and oven roasted turkey to name but a few. And sides, actually really good sides! I had green beens that were excellent, french cut, properly cooked and nicely spiced. Cindy had outstanding Mac & Cheese - I think we had five sides between us and they were all well prepared. They have an extensive bar, nice location and a cool vibe with a jazz theme. The owner/chef's father (Ed Wiley, Jr. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Wiley_Jr.) was a well-known jazz musician and the back story to the restaurant and the memorabilia make a nice backdrop to your meal. Finally, amazing service. Really attentive and everyone was out-of-their-way friendly. Imagine driving 95 headed to wherever needing a place to eat and this gem is only a few minutes off the the interstate past scores of less than desirable places to merely eat. It is worth the extra five minutes, worth seeking out something great instead of the insipid chain food at an exit off 95.

http://primesmokehouse.com

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Virgina - Abingdon - Bone Fire Smokehouse

I was not sure about posting this one. It is not the best restaurant in Abingdon, not in the top few. But it was good. This building was once a hardware store, then a couple of different restaurants and now, Bone Fire. They did not even fix up the front of the building and it remains a mis-mash of the other endeavors here. But the food was good. They smoke meats here and have a lot of choices. The ribs ostensibly won a national contest. We had pulled pork and pork loin, they were good, the loin a very good choice. What I really liked were the sides. Green beans, cornbread, diced spiced apples and more were excellent. Also there were five or six sauces all homemade in a sauce bar that was both fun and different. I really liked the berry and the peach. So, give it a try when in Abingdon if the more expensive choices, The Tavern, Rain, Martha Washington or the Peper Mill are not what you want, you will get a good meal at a great price at Bone Fire. 

Florida - Gotha (Orlando) - Yellow Dog Eats

This is not the front of the restaurant but it is where you park - trust me there is a big house behind all that green stuff. It is a most unusual place with great food. YDE is in an old house, built in 1910. The VW bus is one of the many sitting areas - this one for a very small group. They smoke meats on premises - note the smoke over the VW - (i have had pulled pork and bacon, yum), have excellent bread, substantial portions, and a diverse menu. We loved our two trips to Yellow Dog Eats, I am sure you will too. www.yellowdogeats.com 

California - Disneyland - Carthay Circle

We were not going to eat here. In fact we were advised that none of the restaurants in the theme park were really as good as the ones we were used to at Disney World in Orlando. So we made our plans to eat at counter service places. Then, waiting in line for the park to open, the lady in front of us, who was an experienced Disney patron, said that we really should try this place because the food was great and the atmosphere really nice. Her favorite. So we did, and we were really glad we listened to her advice because it was, excellent and the service impeccable. If you are at Disneyland, do not hesitate. 

Florida - Pensacola - Navel Air Museum -Cubi Bar Cafe (2 photos)

First, this is a spectacular place and you ought to spend a day here. And since you are here for the day, you need lunch, right? This is the place. We enjoyed a decent meal here but the atmosphere is amazing. The rooms of this restaurant were lifted from the facility in the Philippines when the club was closed. It was moved intact and installed here. From the website:

"Opened in 1996, the Cubi Bar Café is not only a restaurant, but a popular Museum exhibit! The Cafe’s decor and layout duplicates the bar area of the famous Cubi Point Officers’ Club that was a major source of enjoyment for Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, ships and units as they passed into the Western Pacific.

For nearly 40 years, the NAS Cubi Point Officers’ Club, in the Republic of the Philippines, was a marvelous mix of American efficiency and Filipino hospitality. The club was especially famous for its Plaque Bar, where transiting squadrons retired old plaques and commissioned new ones to commemorate each WestPac tour. The tradition of placing plaques in the O’ Club bar was started during the Vietnam Conflict and endured until the closing of the base in 1992.

When the original officers’ club was closed in 1992, the thousands of plaques that adorned the walls of the club as tokens of thanks were packed up and sent to the Museum to be placed as they were when the Cubi Club was closed. The legacy of this Cubi Bar brings back many memories to aviators whose squadron plaques decorate the walls.

http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Virginia - Richmond - New York Deli

They claim to be Richmond's oldest restaurant, and may well be, but they are not stuck in the past with their menu which is fresh and well done. I had a burger here for the first time last week and it was very good, even better was the grilled asparagus that accompanied it. Perfect. My friend had a Reuben that looked quite good. The Sailor Sandwich per the sign in the alley, was introduced here in 1943 is still on the menu. I have had very good salads, chicken sandwiches of various kinds and CJH once had a spectacular grilled cheese. So, step into history in Carytown at Richmond's oldest, you will not be disappointed. http://www.ny-d.com

The alley behind the restaurant has this great mural on what appears to be an old loading dock. 

Florida - Fernandina Beach - Timoti's Seafood Shak

The truth Is I don't like restaurants that spell things incorrectly. I won't eat at Kountry Kookiing for example. Just won't. I am glad it did not stop me at Timoti's. There was some history here for the name that I now forget but the food, I still remember. In fact Timoti's is a reason to go back to Fernandina. The beach is nice, the town is lovely, the history there is interesting, the food at Timoti's - outstanding. It has a smallish inside and a much larger outside dinning area. Very pleasant the evening we were there. The fish is wild caught, the food was fresh, inventive, nicely presented and excellent. Highly recommended. http://www.timotis.com

Virginia - Richmond- Crazy Greek

Over 30 years ago we were in a shopping center and looking for lunch. We asked someone there and they said "Go to the Crazy Greek" It was only a short walk. It became one of our favorites. Just before we moved to NC, they lost their lease and we lost track of them. Then in Richmond and needing dinner we found it located about a mile away on Broad Street. Same excellent food, nice portions and very fairly priced. If you ge Greek salad it serves two and if you like onions, well.... I usually get a Souvlaki - chicken but occasionally lamb. As usual your experience and tastes may vary but we have been pleased for years with the Crazy Greek.  

Montana - Saint Mary - Park Cafe

We stayed in the NP campground just off "going to the sun road" near the entrance to the park a few years ago. This restaurant was at the turn and the "Pie" sign called to me. It was, as I recall, a bit expensive but very good. I had Huckleberry, the speciality of the cafe. We did not eat here but were told breakfast was good. Again, a spot expensive but you are a long way from may alternatives. http://www.parkcafe.us

Pennsylvania - Lititz - Tomato Pie Cafe

So I was wrong. I was not hungry and thought we were going to a pizza place so I was not enthused. I should have been. It was not pizza and it was quite good, not the ordinary fare and the coffee, well I will get to that. There were six of us and it was a bit of a wait on Friday just after lunch time. The rambling old place was very busy. The service was very good and the food even better. The tomato pie, which I did not have, was unique and both people who ordered it were delighted. The soup was, according to others because I did not order that either, was excellent. The salad was huge the dressing fresh and not your usual variety. Of course, I did not order that either. Recall here I was not hungry so I ordered a coffee. Not ordinary coffee but a creme brulee latte with caramelized sugar, wow. So very good. CJH had a iced tea honey lavender latte that she loved. So, we are headed back to the area in a few weeks, I will order actual food next time and a large creme brûlée latte. Thanks Carin for the recommendation. http://www.tomatopiecafe.net

I will also get a better photo!

Pennsylvania - Ronks - Dienner’s Country Restaurant

I think there are more venues for dinner and lunch in the area - even though I love their chicken, pork and sauerkraut and buttered noodles - but for price, quality, variety and staff, you simply cannot beat Dienner's for breakfast. The array of food, from scrambled eggs to oatmeal (two kinds) to mush (three kinds) to donuts (way too many kinds) is excellent. They offer sausages, bacon, dried beef, pancakes, well you get the idea and an adult meal is 7.75. The busy waitstaff are always kind and patient and it just feels like a great place to start a day of touring in the area. We have been eating here for over 20 years of visits around Lancaster and have never been disappointed. http://www.dienners.com/index.php

If there is a line, just wait!!

California - Monterey - Old Fisherman's Grotto

We stopped here specifically because our friend Tom, who has spent time in the area, said this place offered the best clam chowder he every had. Well that is a challenge to my wife so she ordered a large bowl. And agreed. She loved it and said it was the best anywhere. And "anywhere" takes in a lot of chowder. So, we will be heading back sometime and maybe do more than a chowder tasting. If it is that good, maybe the whole restaurant is excellent as well. http://www.oldfishermansgrotto.com

Virginia - Richmond - Rostov's Coffee

I have been drinking coffee for a long time and CJH even longer. I can recall two donuts and unlimited coffee for .49 - that is a long time ago. In 1982? or so everything changed when I visited Carytown and had coffee from, at that time, Carytown Coffee. Wow. Coffee. That was my first experience at a small coffee shop. Now they are like fast food restaurants -- everywhere. 1982 was pre-Starbucks invasion. Roasting coffee was for mammoth corporations. Not any more. We made frequent trips to Richmond from Charlottesville and as often as we could those trips included a stop for coffee in store and to take home. Mr. Rostov was unfailingly helpful and patient and a super guide to the bewildering array of coffee. Since those days the shop as moved a few blocks away, sports a new name, Rostov's Coffee and Tea, and is shepherded by his daughter, Tammy. What has not changed is the great coffee. It is still my favorite place to buy coffee. We were there a few weeks ago and the other morning CJH noted the coffee this morning was great, you must have made Rostov's Kenya AA - she was right. So if you value good coffee, want knowledgable people, an interesting vibe, and great perks (ok, groan) try the Amish Walrus, let them chart your purchases for free stuff - try Rostov's. http://rostovs.com

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