Henrianna : restaurant

Showing posts with label restaurant. Show all posts

9/22/16

Recent Good Eats

While I'm on a roll with posting about food other people made, I figured I may as well write up a recent food adventures post. Another post about something I actually made with my own two hands is forthcoming.

Here goes nothing, I've eaten at...

Boiler Room

Vivian Howard could very well be the best chef Eastern North Carolina has ever seen. If you haven't seen her show on PBS, you really ought to check it out. Boiler Room is Chef Vivian's heavenly oyster bar, serving up exquisite local fare for a great price. The staff was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. They really make you feel like you were in North Carolina...which you are. Nothing beats that kind of hospitality.

If you watch A Chef's Life, you'll know all about the Butterbean Burger and fresh oysters from Cedar Point, both of which I eagerly consumed.

10 minutes until opening for lunch and there is already a line.

Stellar Cedar Point Oysters

Hail to the Butterbean Burger with tobacco onions, smoked gouda and housemade pickles

Not pictured, but enthusiastically consumed: Oysters Boilerfeller, Fried Chicken with Honey

Mussel Bar and Grille

Are you sensing the seafood theme? Mussel Bar and Grille is Chef Robert Wiedmier's casual restaurant with yummy eats and great patio happy hour deals.

$5 cocktails are always a good idea.

L: "Ziggy Stardust" R: "Purple Haze"

The Heirloom Tomato and Stone Fruit salad had the whole delicious and beautiful thing covered.

Not pictured, but definitely enjoyed: White Wine Mussels, Mediterranean Mussels, Classic Frites, Brussels Sprouts

Yona

This little space is DC restaurant titan, Chef Mike Isabella's, Japanese branch. Yona is a little on the pricey side, but many of the offerings are worth a splurge.

Foreground: Stanley Background: Lucky

My old man drinks suit me just fine.

The Kimchi-Brined short rib buns were flavorful, even if the filling:bun ratio was off.

Crispy Gyoza Dumplings are always a joy when done right, and in this case they were a joy. Also, in the corner of this photo sneak a peak at the delicious pickled summer vegetables.

Not pictured and consumed with mixed feelings: crispy ginger beef buns (worth a try) and mountain yam ongiri rice ball (not worth a try)

It's always fun to take a look at what I've eaten over the last few months...even if it does make me hungry.

Any recommendations on where I should eat next?

9/21/16

Manger à Paris

If ever there was a place that is underrated, it's Paris. How could anyone possibly praise this city enough? The feeling of Paris is indescribable. From the Gothic splendor of Sainte-Chapelle, the calm escape of an hour on Bateaux Mouches, to grand views of the city, and the food.

My first visit to Paris was an absolute dream. For the purposes of this blog, I will highlight the eating that took place.

L'As du Fallafel

This little vendor is a must-visit if you are into falafel. The falafel is bite-sized, all wrapped up in a pita swimming in sauces and vegetables to boot. The spicy option is not super hot, so go for it even if you normally wouldn't. Take a break at a nearby park to enjoy this filling meal.

Fromage Anywhere

If you are in Paris do yourself a favor and eat as much cheese as you can. It's a different caliber in France, trust me.

Coffee Anywhere

Again, just enjoy the cafe culture. Relax.

Moevenpick Ice Cream

Ok, so Moevenpick is Swiss, but check out their Paris location and try as many flavors as you can.

Patrick Roger

The best chocolate I have ever had. Full-stop.

Of course, this post does not do justice to the extensive cuisine of Paris. This is due to a failing on my part to take adequate photographs. When you visit Paris don't forget to check out the bread and pastry scene, the authentic Moroccan food, Brazilian food, Korean and Chinese food, and anything else your stomach desires. Go on an adventure and let your taste buds do the exploring.

Bon Appétit!

9/20/16

A Tardy Texas Post

Way on back in May of 2016, a girl flew to meet a childhood friend in Dallas, Texas and together they returned to their native East Coast via automobile. This is just one part of their story. The food journey.

Most importantly, the girls visited Kate Weiser Chocolate in Trinity Groves an up-and-coming restaurant district in Dallas. Kate Weiser's creations are perfect from foot to top. The storefront is bustling, organized and a pleasant place to spend a few moments munching on bonbons.

The chocolates were vibrant, creative and as delicious as they were diverse.

I guess no trip to Texas is complete without a sampling of Torchy's Tacos. Torchy's is the kind of institution that makes you wish you were from Texas. A life without Torchy's street corn is a sad life indeed.

Another fun place to eat a quick meal is Bbbop Seoul Kitchen. It's a cute place to build your own Korean style bowl.

Perhaps the most famous food-truck-town in the world: Austin does not disappoint. You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy falafel on a hot day. Props to Kebabalicious.

So, maybe Austin is actually a little overwhelming. There is too much food to try. Is that possible?

Mighty Cone was a definite food truck highlight. Ah, Mighty Cone, you made me believe in fried avocado.

Texas, you have so much to offer. I wish I could do more than scratch the surface.

9/4/15

Charlotte, NC: I'll Return to You

My first visit to Charlotte, North Carolina was a success as expected. Nothing compares to a road trip. Nothing compares to a road trip in North Carolina. Nothing compares to a road trip in North Carolina with lots of good food and people who love you and you love back.

Not only is there much more to see and eat, there are more memories to be made. I anticipate my return with excitement. I've already got a few more restaurants and pastry shops to visit when I make my way down to the Land of the Pines again. Getting to know a city through its food is like playing a game of telephone, along the way you hear about or see even more irresistible places than you bargained for and definitely more than you can handle in one visit.

I'm looking forward to trying out Bang Bang Burgers, which I found by way of Sunflour Baking Company. Isn't their design awesome? I have high hopes that they are the Elevation Burger of Charlotte. My local loyalties may be put to the test.

At 20 Degrees Chocolates, the chocolatier recommended Renaissance Patisserie as the most authentic French bakery in town. You best believe I'll be stopping by next time I'm near.

Next door to Petit Philippe we found littleSpoon, a breakfast and lunch place that uses locally sourced ingredients and was cute as can be.

Returning to Charlotte will be just as exciting as my first experience, no doubt about it.

9/2/15

Day 2: Charlotte Food Tour 2k15

It's probably obvious that 2 full days are insufficient to fully explore the food a city offers, let a lone the rest of the city itself. However, I certainly did my best with the time I had to vacation in Charlotte and found several great food stops along the way.

As I hinted in Day 1 my friends in Charlotte are the most wonderful people one could ask for as hosts. So naturally, my day began with bacon and eggs at home. Mr. Host is a true fan of America's Test Kitchen and my. oh. my. best scrambled eggs of my life as a result. This tasty breakfast was enjoyed while watching the beautiful birds and butterflies who inhabit the loveliest garden in North Carolina.

After a leisurely breakfast we headed out to try more of the chocolate that Charlotte has to offer. We stopped at The Secret Chocolatier first. This purveyor of sweetness has two locations. The one we visited is where the chocolate is made while the other focuses on baked products and coffee. Chocolate is available at both locations and some of the chocolate coated baked goods are as well. My hosts liked the atmosphere of this place as well as its offerings. The staff was very friendly, working hard and did not rush our decisions or conversation. The chocolates and bonbons were varied and tasty. The chocolatier intern told me about their line of southern favorites like Key Lime Pie, so I added a few of those to my box. What I've tasted so far, their bonbons are a little sweet for me and the chocolate shell is fairly thick and not particularly intense in flavor. They mentioned that they use a couverture from Berlin. Overall, an impressive line of products.

The next stop was my absolute favorite when it comes to the chocolate. 20 Degrees Chocolates is situated inside Petit Philippe, a wine bar in the Myers Park area. The chocolate case had me feeling like a sophisticated adult in a candy shop. Clusters of three accompanied by a tiny sign describing each flavor acted as a guide while the fresh chocolates to purchase were stowed away in little drawers behind the counter. The husband and wife owned establishment is elegant and the staff incredibly passionate about their work. Casey, the chocolatier spoke with me at length about her business with an electric enthusiasm that was certainly contagious. She uses Cocoa Barry - which I truly enjoy, having learned to temper with it - as well as a few other chocolates like Valrhona. We selected 4 chocolates to try and enjoyed every one. I adored the 85% Dark Chocolate Truffle as well as the Steel Magnolia. This little gem is an absolute must.

L to R: Peanut Butter Gianduja, Steel Magnolia Caramel, African Queen 85% Dark, Fleur de Sel Caramel

The cute corner where we enjoyed our morsels

We headed to Sunflour Bakery for a bite to eat and a look around. The atmosphere reminded me of DC bakeries. People were stopping in for lunch, coffee and a pastry and to use the free wifi. A great community feel with an open kitchen and yummy eats. I enjoyed a "Black Friday" sandwich, turkey, cranberry-apple chutney and Brie on house-made multi-grain bread. Definitely a great nook.

After our final food stop we took a stroll around some gorgeous English gardens and admired their offerings in the sunshine.

Dinner was another homemade wonder. We had leftover risotto from Day 1 - recipe to come - as well as pork tenderloin and salad. A delicious finish to a day of good eats and exceptional company.

Charlotte, I'll return to you soon.

9/1/15

Day 1: Charlotte Food Tour 2k15

Two days are insufficient to explore the blossoming food scene in Charlotte, North Carolina. Alas, a working girl may not have unlimited vacation days and I wouldn't want to trespass too long on the unmatched hospitality of my friends here.

I've spent time among the flowers and birds of a well-planned garden, being graciously chauffeured through the baffling streets of Charlotte and enjoyed every moment of my time. Perhaps most wonderful of all I have been able to see a bit of Charlotte through its food.

Monday was a full day of food exploration and enjoyment. We started the day with homemade pancakes similar to these and then hit the roads - which as I mentioned are utterly confusing - for a full day of food.

First stop was Amelie's French Bakery at Carmel Commons. Amelie's is a well-regarded local chain celebrating French pastry and unique design with their community oriented space. Each location has its own kitchen for maximum freshness. The baked goods were varied, beautiful and the atmosphere was modern, whimsical and welcoming.

Next up, Davidson Chocolate Co. in the Dilworth neighborhood. They are a teeny chocolatier with elegant creations. Most of their chocolates were available in both dark and milk chocolate which was a nice option. Among their offerings are truffles, hand-dipped cut ganache pieces as well as molded bonbons. The store was very quiet and I couldn't find out what brand of chocolate they used or other details regarding ingredients. Cute shop, but certainly not top on my list. Worth a try if you need a gift. The Hot Chili and Hazelnut Truffles were both light on flavor and a bit firm for my taste.

Oops! Ate all of these before I got to my camera.

A stroll around Pasta & Provisions was necessary and the aroma of garlic made me incredibly hungry. The grocery portion of the store reminded me of Arlington, VA's own Italian Store. Obviously, that is meant as a great compliment.

On the way home we stopped for lunch at Cajun Yard Dog where my constant craving for deep fried catfish and potato salad was temporarily sated. Thumbs up for taste, service and value.

In the afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting with local chef, Bill Bigham. Chef Bigham works as a personal chef and teacher in the Charlotte area having completed a culinary course at Johnson and Wales. His enthusiasm and insight regarding the Charlotte food culture was both refreshing and encouraging.

We met Chef Bigham at Dean & Deluca, always a lovely experience. I was glad to see their locally sourced pastries front and center.

Finally, day one ended with dinner which I had the privilege of making for my hosts and some of their family members. Roasted asparagus, salmon, risotto, salad and chocolate coated peanut butter cookies were on the menu.

Come back tomorrow for Day 2 which will include my favorite chocolatier in Charlotte and a few more highlights.

7/27/15

Carl's Frozen Custard

If you've ever found yourself in Fredericksburg, Virginia, chances are you've stopped by Carl's.

Carl's is an old standby of a place just up the street from another Fredericksburg food titan, 2400 Diner. Both places dot the avenue with stunning neon signage and hometown vibes.

At Carl's, making a decision is easy. You have limited options and all at a low price. Everything tastes good and everyone is happy. In front of the ice cream counter, little white cement rectangles make a good seat for a child and an old water fountain is there for hydration. Let's be real, ice cream can make one very thirsty.