Home > Table Talk > Archives > 2008 > December > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhere Would You Eat — If You Could Eat Anywhere?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WOULD YOU FLY TO PARIS JUST FOR A BOWL OF CHERRIES?
Photo: TONY BERARDI/KRT
My blog a couple of Mondays ago about Lubi’s in JAX got me pondering an old notion of mine: If I had my own jet, where would I go to eat at the drop of a hat?
A spot in Corpus Christi, Texas, called The Old Mexico was my family’s first introduction to real Mexican food. We would visit it every time we were there, which was often, since my mother did a lot of growing up there and my grandparents lived there for many years. The tacos there are ethereally puffy, and filled with beef; beer mugs come round and frosty. I’d go every weekend if I had the chance.
The Berghoff, in Chicago, was a favorite bar of mine when I would skip class at Northwestern and take the L into the city to go to the Art Institute of Chicago and hang out. Fridays were always the day to get a fish sandwich, and back then 19-year-olds could drink. There were rarely even bar stools to sit on, so we ate our sandwiches — a golden-fried fish fillet between buns — standing up.
L’Ardoise, in Paris, offered one the best meals I had there. My daughter and I simply loved it, and have tried to recreate it many times at home with some success. But I’ll never forget the bowl of fresh cherries, soused in brandy and crowned with a perfect quenelle of sorbet, that came for dessert. It was like eating a mouthful of summer.
Where would you eat if you could eat anywhere you wanted?
Permalink | Comments (50) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By Rodney
December 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I’d have to have a personal jet that doubled as a time machine for my pick … Uglesich’s in New Orleans.
Twas nothing short of a shack but the food was fantastic. Day-caught seafood, prepared in a kitchen that looked turn-of-the-century old, by the original owners.
And does my jet come with an unlimited free dinner tab? Cause if so I’d probably head out to The French Laundry a few times each month. :)
By JJ
December 16, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Twisted Fish in Juneau, Alaska.
By augustadog
December 16, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Wow, I used to travel to Corpus Christi in the mid 70’s while on business and went to The Old Mexico every chance I got. You could eat the taco shells alone and enjoy it. It truly was outstanding Mexican food. The folks that ran it were great too.
My grandparents had a house and a cabin outside of Hendersonville NC. I spent a month every summer there growing up. A special treat was when my dad took us to a drive in called the Hasty Tasty. They had the best hamburgers and milk shakes I ever had.
For the best in soul food go to Aunt Kizzy’s back porch in Marina Del Rey outside of LA. Sunday brunch is out of sight.
Mammy’s Shanty in Atlanta used to be a favorite of mine for seafood.
John Lawrence Charleston
By amy
December 16, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I had THE BEST pizza in Santa Margherita, Italy. Can’t remember the name of the place, but it was heavenly.
By Lynn
December 16, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
My husband is South African and we used to go there for Christmas each year. We stayed in a gorgeous, small beach town named Hermanus. One year we were down on the docks and found a restaurant literally inside a cargo container. The seafood was walked over to the kitchen daily, if not hourly.
The calamari, in particular, was out of this world - a taste we’d never experienced anywhere. We had a long lunch filled with Southern Hemisphere sun, several bottles of South African Chardonnay and many jokes about eating in a container.
By For States rights
December 16, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I am afraid my wish is very local…no jet needed. I used to work nights in Atlanta (11 pm to 7pm) and would have my “lunch” at the Majestic on Ponce. Food was diner fare but the local clientele made each meal an adventure. They are closed now but I understand that reopening is a possibility.
By KC
December 16, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Mama’s fish house in Hawaii or Spago’s in L.A.
By Lori
December 16, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Burgoo in Vancouver, BC. Best chicken & corn soup I’ve ever had in my life. Make that the best soup I’ve ever had in my life. It’s been a year and a half since I went there and I still miss it.
By KLK
December 16, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Johnny’s Pastrami in Culver City, CA. They have the best grilled chicken sandwich ever and crinkle fries to match. If you like pastrami, I hear it is the best. It is a hole in the wall, 60s type walk up restaurant, but the food is great. Everytime we go to LA, this is a must stop several times. Another one is Phil’s in Moss Landing, CA. A wonderful seafood place in a fishing village between Monterey and Santa Cruz. We go out there every May and Phil’s and Johnny’s are on the list. Wish I could bring the restaurants home with me.
By Jim
December 16, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
It was surely the time and place buy I have the fondest memorys of The Wolves Den in Raleigh, a bar just across the street from the Bell tower at NCSU. They made the best hamburger. It was family owned and run and now long gone.
By Traveller
December 16, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
1st: The French Laundry - cannot be adequately described.
2nd: Babbo Ristorante - The Fois Gras stuffed ravioli with Balsamic reduction is simply amazing!
3rd: Le Ciro’s Barriere in Deauville - Order the plateau de fruits de mer.
4th (and anytime): any Legal Seafood restaurant. I’ve dined in 4 different locations. Simply the freshest seafood available.
By Mike D
December 16, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t need a jet to eat anywhere. If it was exceptable, I would eat Itialian with red wine in my hot tub. However, if I had to fly, it would be the French Laundry in CA.
By David
December 16, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
The Gold Rush Steakhouse, Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, CA. If you like steak, THIS is the place. So tender you can cut it with a fork and VERY reasonably priced. A favorite of John Wayne and other celebrities as well.
By browserbob
December 16, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
pilgreens in west end in atlanta had best steaks and fried cauliflower. my parents dated there during the 30’s.wait staff was there forever. thanks to rip and staff.
By Santa
December 16, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Red Lion Inn, Boulder Canyon, Boulder, Colorado.
By Jeff
December 16, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
growing up in Pittsburgh, there was nothing quite like Yolanda’s Pizza close to Munhall. It was a family-owned spot that was located in a building that looked abandoned. they closed down about 10 years ago, so I will never have the chance to go there again and enjoy the best pizza ever.
By bill
December 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Nuevo Laredo across from the Pepsi plant on Chattahoochee Ave. I live in Flowery Branch now and I don’t get down there much.
By caz1158
December 16, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
juicest hamburgers that i ever ate came from an old marina just west of gulf shores ala., called pirates cove marina. I mean there was no way you could eat em without the juices spillin on your face and clothes,no matter how well you protected yourself. Oh yeah,the flavor was out of this world!!!! I can taste em as we speak.
By Sallyracer
December 16, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Spago in Las Vegas, where my husband and I dined after getting married. The food and champagne were divine.
By Sallyracer
December 16, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Spago in Las Vegas, where my husband and I dined after getting married. The food and champagne were divine.
By Lissa
December 16, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
The best fettucini alfredo was at a little Italian restaurant in Niteroi, Brazil (near Rio). It was just fabulous with so much cheese..mm… We were there for a week and ate there twice it was so good.
By CB
December 16, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Louies, a Basque restaurant, in Reno, NV. The food is simple, hearty and oh so good. Servved family style with big jugs of red wine. The best Pecan Punch anywhere.
By Peter
December 16, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
I would go to the Nipple Cafe in Nepal. Fabulous!
By Jeff
December 16, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
The Lion’s Tap in Eden Prarie, MN for the best hamburger and onion rings I’ve ever had.
By cuelicious
December 16, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
By MaxieGrrrl
December 16, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
My grandmother’s kitchen table.
By Meridith Ford
December 16, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Hey CB: what’s pecan punch?
By scrappy
December 16, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Best Italian I have ever eaten was in a place next the Westin Hotel in Downtown Taipei, Taiwan. Don’t know the name, but the outside was orange and if I am there again, I will find it.
Best French ever was on the Champs de Eleise (I can’t spell), food was to die for, and so was the wine. Again, don’t know the name, but probably any of the restruants on the street would be just as good.
By debbie
December 16, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
The best place to eat a wonderful steak is close by!! Conestoga Steak House in LaGrange. It’s in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn. You can cut the meat with a fork even when you order it well done. The taste is to dye for. The orginal is in Dothan Al. and it stays packed. This is a must eat at place.
By David
December 16, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
I would have to choose Todai Japanese restaurant in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. Absolutely the best sushi in the world. Great atmosphere in paradise!!
By Michael G.
December 16, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Les Etoiles, the Roof Garden Restaurant on top of the Atlante Star Hotel in Rome, Italy. The food was fantastic and the view was outstanding, you were less than a half mile from Vatican City.
By lovelyliz
December 16, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
London for Indian food. (I haven’t made it to India yet)
Pizza in Rome. Other Italian in Florence.
By Cindy
December 16, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Masa in NYC and French Laundry!
By Surfer Dude
December 16, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
BISHOPS in Panama City Beach, FL.
By Periwinkle
December 16, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Stamps Super Burgers in Jackson, MS - takes a stack of napkins to clean up “the juice” from your hands and Felix’s in New Orleans - best crawfish and raw oysters around!
By bbb
December 16, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
1) El Bulli in Spain 2) French Laundry CA 3)Lugers Steakouse in NYC 4)Five and Ten Athens GA
5) Lumiere in Vancouver 6) Peaches in Athens for lunch
I wish I was rich and calories did not count!
By Texas Pete
December 16, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
If I could eat anywhere, it would be between any hot chicks legs.
By Grant Parker
December 16, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
I remember this little place in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, that served the finest trout, ever. The fish had been wiggling an hour earlier, I am convinced.
And, I excerpt this response: “It was surely the time and place buy I have the fondest memorys of The Wolves Den in Raleigh, a bar just across the street from the Bell tower at NCSU. They made the best hamburger. It was family owned and run and now long gone…”
Hey! I remember that place, too! Just down the street from Mitch’s Tavern, which is still there.
By Sam in New York
December 16, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Paul’s Restaurant-Bar-Sushi in Peachtree Hills. After living in New York for the last eight years, I appreciate more and more the signature dishes my Dad creates. I don’t have a private jet, but I do fly down as often as possible on long weekends.
By Tim
December 16, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
It would be in “Antibe/Juan Les Pin” in the French Riviera. Its a town and there are several tasty and affordable restaurants overlooking the Med.
By corey
December 16, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Old Lahaina Inn Luau in Maui. Best Pork you’ll ever put in your mouth.
By Debbie A
December 16, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
As our old car climbed into the mountains east of Salt Lake City one early, sunny morning, we stopped at a little place near Farley’s Summit and had a fresh, delicious Denver omelette. Maybe it was the beautiful mountain scenery…
It’s nice to read all these peoples’ fond memories.
By dixie chick
December 16, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
By Debra R
December 16, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
La Grenouille in Manhattan. Outstanding in every way. Creme Brulee to die for.
By itsmorenamorena
December 16, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Anthony’s Fish Grotto in San Diego, CA!!
By Beach Bound
December 16, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Well, I’d have to go back in time but….
It’d be Hamilton’s in Panama City Beach, FL.
By Maniac is accurate
December 16, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
T.C.’s Barbecue in Jacksonville, Fla. D.K.’s Barbecue in Waycross Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville Tacos El Reye in Lakeport, Calif. Zack’s hot dogs in Burlington, N.C. Dreamland in Tuscaloosa Gas Light in Lakeport, Calif.
R.I.P. The Pig in Waycross The Dairy Bar in Waycross
All represent everyday fare and its finest.
By Atlanta Hometown
December 16, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Nothing Gourmet on this list, just good food.
By Atlanta Hometown
December 16, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Nothing Gourmet on this list, just good food.
By Kar
December 17, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Who doesn’t look at someone like Anthony Bourdain and envy his experiences? Armchair gourmand but I’d love to try some of the backrooms and private tasting sessions he’s had at El Bulli, French Laundry and other places.
Strangely enough, his trek out to the sahara to have roasted lamb and other bedouin repasts stays up there in my memory.