Busy Traveler

Scenes from Istanbul

Everywhere we looked, there were fascinating scenes of life and history in Istanbul.

Emily took this photo that I love because of the Turkish Delight shop, the old man playing the sar (?), and one of the street dogs of Istanbul.

The Istiklal Caddesi is a bustling shopping area of beautiful European-style buildings, a reminder that Istanbul is the city where Europe meets Asia.

             

There were areas that looked just like San Francisco!

These women make the Turkish version of crepes, which are then filled with delicious combinations of cheese, spinach, cheese, meat, more cheese, veggies, and/or cheese.

And Doner meat (like we see at gyro stands here) rules the day in Turkey.

At first, I thought the reason the bazaars were so clean is because they’re for tourists. That may be so, but there were many locals shopping at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. I enjoyed picking out teas and spices from a man who was obviously very proud of his high-quality goods.

We loved walking around Istanbul!

 

Vince Young Steakhouse, Austin, TX

We've wanted to check this place out, but it's super expensive. So, to celebrate our anniversary (and the start of the football season) we decided to splurge.

The decor is very interesting, contrasting a dark, clubby atmosphere with UT bling.

We had superb steaks, outstanding sides, and a Mt. Veeder cab that I liked a lot, but Steve wasn't so enthusiastic about. Guess that's why I drank most of it!

Our waiter brought us a fabulous dessert on the house.

All in all, a great indulgence!

Can we get eight friends interested in booking the Room of Ten?

We have to agree to spend $1000. That's only $100 each. Easy to do in this place!

Vince Young Steakhouse
301 San Jacinto
Austin, TX

 

Lovely Napa, Part 3

Thanks to input from friends and family, we knew that the wine train was a must-do. We decided on the lunch jaunt to make sure we had enough sunlight to enjoy the views. The food was a disappointment after the luscious dinner the night before, but the views were wonderful.

 

The leisurely ride took us up the valley from Napa to St. Helena. At that point, the engine switches to a bypass rail and moves to the other end of the train to take us back to Napa.

 


The décor was perfect for old-fashioned train riding and the wine tasting bar was raucous with vacationers. This was a fun way to get an overview of the southern end of the valley (and to drink more wine!).

 

During the train ride, we enjoyed the quaint look of St. Helena and decided to go back and look around. There were many precious, expensive shops. We tasted the olive oils at Olivier and admired the chocolates displayed as jewels at Woodhouse.

 

Next, we ventured up-valley to the Culinary Institute. This huge stone building was built in 1889 as Greystone Cellars and, later, Christian Brothers. The Culinary Institute of America purchased the property in 1990.

 

 

Several well-curated displays explain the history of this fabulous place. Steve really liked the corkscrew collection that Brother Timothy amassed. In fact, the labels for today’s Greystone wines feature corkscrews from the collection.

Unfortunately, it was the end of the day and we didn’t get to experience the flavor bar, but are planning that for the next trip! Either the happy hour special of 5 bites + glass of wine for $10 or the olive oil tasting or the chocolate tasting or the dessert sampler…hmmm, maybe all of these!

Links

Napa Valley Wine Train: winetrain.com

Olivier: www.oliviernapavalley.com

Woodhouse Chocolate: www.woodhousechocolate.com

Culinary Institute at Greystone: www.ciachef.edu/california

Greystone Cellars Wines: www.terlatowines.com/wines/california/greystone

 

Lovely Napa, Part 2

Our second day in Napa Valley was sunny and warm, so we took advantage and went hiking in the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. We climbed and climbed through Douglas firs and the easternmost stand of redwoods in California. Beautiful.

After picking up our friends, we went to a tasting at Hess Collection Winery. Entering through the lovely garden, we toured the high-profile modern art collection (which we didn’t understand) and sipped some delicious wines (which we did understand).

Our splurge of the day was dinner at L’Etoile, the restaurant at the Domain Chandon winery. The grounds were gorgeous (of course) and we marveled at the beautiful flowering plants that grow well in that climate.

We visited with the maitre d' and discovered that he owns a B&B in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (Las Terrazas San Miguel). We'll have to check it out! 

This was my first meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Of course, we started with a bottle of the Domain Chandon bubbly. The menu is limited and pricey, as you can imagine, but it was a real culinary experience. The Dungeness crab salad (90% crab, a bit of vinaigrette) was artfully served with an olive oil and Oregon truffle drizzle. The scallops and veal chops that followed were amazing. (By this point, I stopped taking notes and just enjoyed the experience, so the details are forgotten.) For dessert, we shared a dense molten-chocolate cake and a pastry filled with caramelized pear and crème brulee. Just as we were groaning that we’d never eat again, out came a plate of handmade chocolate truffles, caramels, and rose-infused marshmallows. Gilding the lily, indeed!

Links

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=477

Hess Collection: www.hesscollection.com/experience/visit.html

L’Etoile: www.chandon.com/etoile-restaurant.html

Las Terrazas San Miguel: www.terrazassanmiguel.com

 

Lovely Napa, Part 1

Although we were prepared for wet and cool weather in the latter part of April, we enjoyed gorgeous sunny days in Napa Valley.

First on our agenda was a gourmet lunch at the lovely Auberge du Soleil. The views over Napa Valley were breathtaking.

To celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the luxury inn, they offered a two-course prix fixe lunch menu for $30 that I couldn’t resist. First up was a cream of (very fresh) asparagus soup served over crème fraiche and Parmesan. Definitely the best I’ve ever had. Next up was a perfectly cooked halibut fillet over braised fennel (not normally my favorite, but amazing here) topped with a tiny quail egg.  Needless to say, I was swooning. Lest you think Steve was left out, he enjoyed a salad of huge lobster claw meat, hearts of palm, almonds, avocado, and luscious “Moroccan vinaigrette” over greens. We imbibed delicious De Sante Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2008. I never had old vine sauvignon blanc before – it was smooth and perfect for rich seafood. A most fabulous splurge!

We drove the Silverado Trail up to Calistoga and walked some of the lunch off. The town was pretty quiet and we didn’t linger.

We checked into the Westin Verasa Napa, a wonderful place close to downtown Napa and across the street from the wine train station. Our room had a sitting area and large kitchenette, where we enjoyed goodies we bought at Oakville Grocery: local cheese, sourdough bread, Napa mustard, chocolate, and great wine (of course!). They offer a wine tasting in the beautiful lobby every evening (and on the patio when the weather is nice). Due to construction around the train station, we got an excellent deal on our rooms but heard very little construction noise.

All this on the first day!

Links

Auberge du Soleil: www.aubergedusoleil.com

Silverado Trail: www.silveradotrail.com

Calistoga visitor site: www.calistogavisitors.com

Westin Verasa Napa: www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1997

Oakville Grocery: www.oakvillegrocery.com

 

 

Article on Spicewood, Texas

Check out my article on Spicewood in the November issue of austinwoman Magazine!
http://www.austinwomanmagazine.com/Articles/2010/11_NOV/74_Weekend.html

Santa Monica: October, 2010

The day after the conference, Michelle and I were the usual zombies. After getting boxes shipped, we headed to Santa Monica.

 

I was disappointed to find out that one of the best places to grab some grub in SM is the food court at the “top of the mall” (Santa Monica Place). They’re kidding, right?

Well, I should have known that this is a food court, SoCal style. Gourmet casual food, from excellent tacos to sushi to Persian specialties are cooked fresh to order. After getting your food, you settle in at the Dining Deck, a lavishly furnished outdoor space.

 
The view of the beach is beautiful and it is a primo place to catch a sunset, often with live music playing. This was exactly what we needed after an exhausting week.

http://santamonicaplace.com/

Trip to Ft. Worth, Sept. 2010

To celebrate my birthday, Julie and I went to the Stampin’ Up regional convention for the weekend…a perfect place for us, wouldn’t you say? Here are a couple of places we explored.

West, Texas (a little north of Waco)

Most of us only know about this little Czech town because we stop for kolaches on the way north. But we decided to get off the Interstate and check out Main Street. There was a very nice looking restored railroad station and a line of shops and offices…not much else from what we could tell.

We ate at the Czech-American Restaurant, a real hole-in-the-wall. Our food was fabulous! We had the sausage-and-sauerkraut special: excellent mild sausage and amazing homemade sauerkraut. I even got a side of tasty black-eyed peas. Dessert was mixed—the apple strudel was very good, but the pecan pie was average (they were out of the coconut cream pie, my first choice).

Near West, we found a real gem: Style Station. You’ve got to see this place to believe it. It’s a converted gas station crammed full of vintage clothing and accessories and ruled by a crazy old guy who will talk your ear off about politics (liberal yellow-dog Democrat version). I scored some cowboy fashion boots from the 70s and looked longingly at the squaw/squaredance dresses. Next time! Check out the photos on their website to see how crammed full of treasures this place is.

Czech-American Restaurant: http://preview.tinyurl.com/23c7l3u

www.stylestationonline.com

Fort Worth

We spent most of our time in the convention center and at our nice hotel (Hyatt Place in Hurst). But we did walk through the Water Gardens. It’s an oasis in the midst of concrete. We agreed we’d spend a lot of time here if we worked downtown.

The Mexican food at Abuelo’s was forgettable, but we had a nice indulgent steak dinner at Bob’s Chop House. Beware! The portions are huge. Julie had the Champagne and Brie soup special and loved it. I enjoyed the Chop House Salad which had the usual salad ingredients plus bacon and hearts of palm. We split a 12-oz ribeye and it was plenty. The steak wasn’t anything special, but the smashed potatoes were out of this world!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth_Water_Gardens

www.abuelos.com

www.bobs-steakandchop.com

Restaurant Review: Dixie House Café, Fort Worth, Texas

“Eagle Eyes” Michelle spotted this outpost of a local chain as we were looking for a good place for breakfast close to DFW airport. Okay, it was noon and maybe we slept in a bit!

Anyway, we missed breakfast here, so had to console ourselves with several cups of excellent coffee and the day’s special: chicken fried steak. The steaks and gravy were huge, delicious, and made from scratch. I got my CFS in a sandwich with a side of, I kid you not, the best homemade onion rings I ever put in my mouth! I still dream about them. Michelle got the CFS plate with real mashed potatoes. We were in heaven.

How stuffed was I? I could hardly choke down one bite of the heavenly smelling yeast roll that came with M’s plate. And I passed on pie! That’s serious.

This is obviously a locals’ place and the wait staff were friendly but not overbearing. I intend to eat here every time I’m in Ft. Worth and you should, too.

2051 Airport Freeway
Euless, TX‎
817.354.5900‎
dixiehousecafe.com

Restaurant Review: Schoepf’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Belton, Texas

Just a block off I-35 is a fabulous family run barbecue joint you WANT to stop at on your next trip north of Austin. Schoepf’s is as popular with locals as with highway travelers—and for good reason.

The huge grills are a lot like Cooper’s in Llano (one of my all-time favs). You enter a small room with the “holding grills” and try to decide which meats you must have. We went with brisket, venison sausage, and medium-spicy pork sausage. It was hard to pass up the huge pork chops they are known for, but we had to leave room for the sides!

The brisket was fall-apart tender, but without the char that Michelle prefers. The venison sausage had a great texture, but the pork sausage was more flavorful. And, oh the sauce! It was the type we both like: deep red, thin, tangy.

As for the sides: I am not usually a potato salad fan…I prefer a light vinaigrette to the typical mayo-mustard affair. Schoepf’s version was very tasty--light on the mayo with the tang of pickle juice and lots of black pepper. The green beans were cooked to death with salt pork…just like Pa used to make.

We were so stuffed that we took our pie slices to go. They were the perfect medicine later when we were stuck on I-35 due to construction/associated fender bender. The buttermilk was good, but the pecan was sublime! And, since that’s my own personal criteria for a good Southern/Texas restaurant, Schoepf’s gets 5 stars!

Do yourself a favor and stop in. If you’re fortunate to be there on Saturday nights, they have live music and a dance floor under the trees. 

Dad, are you ready to go?

702 E. Central
Belton, TX
www.schoepfsbbq.com

Restaurant Review: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Syracuse, NY

The twenty minutes we waited early on a Tuesday evening was nothing compared to the usual hour-or-two ordeal to get in. This Syracuse institution was started by three bikers who traveled the south to perfect their barbecue chops. By the looks of the Antone’s posters all over the bar, they spent considerable time in Austin.

In the name of familial harmony, this Austinite was willing to test this so-called barbecue served in, of all places, New York. (Sounds like a salsa ad, doesn’t it?)

I decided that you can’t beat Texas beef brisket, so I sampled the pork: a ribs-and-pork brisket combo plate. First the ribs: smoky, succulent, messy--altogether a high-quality rib experience. Next up was the pork (what’s a pork brisket anyway?).

I have to hang my head…it was some of the best barbecue I’ve ever tasted! I mean I was shoveling it in and moaning at the same time. I am not generally a big meat eater, but I barely touched my sides and cornbread. I ATE MEAT AND MORE MEAT!

To justify my heresy, I figure these guys studied at the feet of the Texas masters (and maybe a little Memphis, too) and spread the gospel to Upstate New York. If you find yourself up that way and are homesick for great barbecue, run--don't walk--to the Dinosaur!

246 W. Willow Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-476-4937
www.dinosaurbarbque.com

Day in the Finger Lakes Area, Part 1: Culinary Mecca

We had one day to play, so Melissa, Joan, and I headed out to hit a few highlights around the Finger Lakes. 

(image from explorethefingerlakes.com)

 The scenery was the epitome of spring: fruit trees dripping with blooms, chartreuse leaves budding everywhere, geese honking as they settled in for the season, happy cows and horses. I wanted to photograph everything, but we wouldn’t have gotten very far! It’s not a National Geographic “Drive of a Lifetime” for nothing!

Luckily, Melissa had a destination in mind: The New York Wine & Culinary Center (www.nywcc.com). This is a foodie/wino’s paradise. The classroom and amphitheater were amazing. Sign me up!

 

 

The wine tasting room was upscale-rustic and featured New York wines at very reasonable prices. In fact, everything at this center was value priced (as my receipt from the gift shop shows!). If it hadn’t been so early, I would’ve done a flight tasting, instead of just one glass with lunch.

 

Who’s going to join me in the private dining room for a multi-course experience?

We had a luscious lunch with a beautiful view of Canandaigua Lake.

Melissa and I had the Long Island duck BLT with cranberry mayonnaise and a green apple-fennel slaw. Joan was very happy with her pork loin panini with carrot-cilantro slaw. Melissa had a glass of the Shalestone Cabernet Franc 2007 and it was so good that we bought a bottle to take with us. I enjoyed the Pinot Noir and Joan the Dry Riesling, a specialty of the Finger Lakes region. We happily licked our fingers and headed to the next stop.

Coming tomorrow: Glass Masterpieces

Copyright 2010 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Freddie’s Place, Austin, TX

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Everyone in town was trying to park and walk to the Zilker Kite Festival. We bagged that idea and, since Mister was with us, headed to Freddie’s Place.

Ah! South Austin. There were grannies and babies and freaks and rednecks, all happily eating and drinking with their dogs under the huge oaks.

Mister couldn’t wait to get into the dog party:

Wish I’d thought to take advantage of the make-your-own Bloody Mary/Maria bar while we were waiting! (aka “Make yo’ mama proud!”)

But the short wait was worth it! We had burgers that were very good, but the scene-stealer was the homemade onion rings. That might be all I order next time.

From the menu:

freddie's burger patties are 100% natural black angus beef, fresh never frozen.

    * step 1: choose your basic

          1/2 lb velveeta burger

          grilled chicken & swiss

          veggie & jack burger

          grilled provolone portabella

    * step 2: choose your toasted bun

          White, whole wheat, jalapeño cheese, texas toast

    * step 3: substitute cheese (if you must)

          Cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, velveeta, provolone, bleu, pepper jack, white American, queso

    * step 4: customize yours...add:

          bbq sauce, grilled onions, banana peppers, jalapeños, ranch, another cheese, refried beans, salsa, hummus, hot wing sauce, sprouts, bacon, avocado, guacamole, grilled mushrooms, pineapple, red pepper, queso

        There are 1,610,612,724 possible combinations!

 

The dogs were having a great time because their owners can buy them a large doggie burger for $2. Mister had to content himself with begging from the owners of Max the Malamute and my leftovers.

The live music was decent and it looked like they were having lots of non-SXSW-sanctioned music this week.

We waddled out, vowing to take all our dog-loving, out-of-town visitors here.

 

1703 S 1st St

Austin, TX

512.445.9197

www.freddiesplaceaustin.com

 

Spicewood Vineyards, Spicewood, TX

If you are a good navigator, check out this laid-back Central Texas winery. It lies off Highway 71 W on County Road 409. When I visited, the signage was almost non-existent, so make sure you check the website for directions.

Bring a picnic lunch (and the family/canines) and enjoy the scenery from the shaded pavilion. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere idyllic. It gets even more idyllic when you realize you can taste seven of their wines for $2. They are known primarily for their Chardonnays, but you be the judge.

They've recently added a beautiful event center where they host concerts. It looks to me like it would be a wonderful place to hear a concert. The line-up is primarily classical and acoustic. It is available for weddings and other get-togethers and would be a perfect gathering spot for a group.

 

1419 Burnet County Road 409
Spicewood Texas 78669
830.693.5328
http://www.spicewoodvineyards.com/

Happy Hour: 219 West, Austin, TX

Because this place is consistently voted “Best Happy Hour in Austin” we decided to check it out. The menus are built around alcoholic beverages, which seems pretty weird, but we were up for the challenge.

We ordered the mini-cheeseburgers from the Beer Menu, the Artichoke-Spinach Quesadilla from the Martini Menu, and (if I remember correctly) the Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wrap from the Wine Menu. We also tried a happy hour wine flight for $12 and enjoyed the tasting.

Everything was tasty and the bill was reasonable. We were definitely older and less fashionably dressed than the other patrons, but didn’t care!

Thanks to Pat for reminding me about this place. We need to return!

Deals on appetizers and drinks: 5pm-9pm weekdays and 5pm-8pm Saturdays.

219 W. 4th Street Austin, TX 512.474.2194

http://www.219west.com/

Ilsa’s Kitchen, Spicewood, TX

This Bavarian restaurant opened in an ill-fated location in December. So far, it doesn’t seem to be doing much of a dinner business and that’s a shame. Everything we ordered was fantastic, including the German potato salad, the sauerkraut, and even the side of veggies. The star was Kaese Spaetzle, a huge helping of egg noodles, cheese, and onions (bacon optional)—basically German macaroni and cheese.

I’ve heard the weekend brunch selection is out of this world and I plan to check it out very soon. If you’re on the way to the lake or other recreation in the area, please stop by and keep this gem in business!

 

20700 State Highway 71 W
Spicewood, TX 78669
512.494.4270

http://www.ilsaskitchen.com/

Cooperstown, NY

If your male friend is dying to go to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, sigh and tell him that you’ll sacrifice your day for him. Drop him off and then go have fun!
www.baseballhall.org

Cooperstown has done a wonderful job for those of us who would rather do other things. In fact, you first stop should be the Chamber of Commerce to pick up the “Ladies Guide to Cooperstown.”
www.cooperstownchamber.org
www.visitingcooperstown.com

The restored buildings, landscaping, and cute shops make it a pleasant town to stroll in. 

Make plans for breakfast or lunch at the Cooperstown Diner. This tiny gem is a local favorite, so there might be a wait during peak times. But it’s worth it! They are justifiably known for their burgers, which are huge and delicious. I really liked my breakfast plate of eggs, bacon, and an amazing grilled corn muffin. Everything that came out of the tiny kitchen looked and smelled fantastic.

136 1/2 Main Street
607.547.9201
www.cooperstowndiner.com 

Fenimore Art Museum

James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Deerslayer and The Last of the Mohicans, came from an influential family in…Cooperstown! The museum is located in a 1930s neo-Georgian mansion on the site of Cooper's early 19th century farmhouse. This beautiful building houses a world-class collection of American paintings, folk art, historical artifacts, furnishings, and Native American art.

The grounds are lovely and overlook Lake Ostego, the famous Glimmerglass of James Fenimore Cooper’s writings.

Highly recommended!
5798 State Highway 80
www.fenimoreartmuseum.org

The kids would love the Farmers’ Museum where they can bob for apples, feed the animals, and watch blacksmiths at work.
www.farmersmuseum.org

We enjoyed the Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard. It was apple season—yummy! The apple cider doughnuts will drive you wild!
www.flycreekcidermill.com

Our favorite places to shop were Schneider’s Bakery (fantastic cookies) and the Savor New York store (food, soap, linens, and dog goodies from the Empire State).

www.savor-newyork.com

Meet up with your baseball fan at the Ommegang Brewery and discuss your day. Only you can decide how much enthusiasm about Cooperstown you’ll let show after sacrificing your day!
www.ommegang.com

Copyright 2009, Beth Schrader

Autumn Lake Area, Vol. 2

Wherever you drive in this area, you get to enjoy rolling farmland, old barns and silos, and pretty little towns. I’d love to stop every 100 yards and take another photo.

Pulaski

Pulaski (pu-LAS-sky) seems to be the center of the fishing action in the area. We ate at one of the most popular restaurants in town, Eddy’s Place. These are seriously friendly people here and they dish up large portions of delicious comfort food. We sampled the beef tips special and the broiled fresh scallops and waddled out happy.
3866 State Route 13 (Rome Rd)
315.298.7538
www.eddysplacerestaurant.com

The Colosse Cheese Store carries a beautiful selection of New York cheeses. You might like to pick up some cheese curds and make your own poutine, a local specialty of French fries covered with cheese curds and brown gravy. Sounds disgusting, looks disgusting, tastes great.

4759 Salina St
315.298.2141‎
www.pulaskinychamber.com

Syracuse

We didn’t get to explore Syracuse much, but we did eat at two pubs.

Kitty Hoynes bills itself as a “Traditional Irish Pub & Restaurant” and it felt like it. The waitstaff has Irish accents (natural or faked, I can’t tell) and the place is filled with bonhomie, especially during a Bills football game. We enjoyed outstanding Buffalo wings and fish and chips. Our dining companions loved their meal, and everything that went by looked delish.
301 West Fayette Street
315.424.1974
www.kittyhoynes.com

It was a quiet Tuesday night when we visited Syracuse Suds. Obviously a sports-oriented establishment, the bar is replete with TVs for your viewing pleasure. We found the beer and Buffalo wings to be so-so, but the burger was outstanding with a tasty large beef patty. They were out of the pale ale and the honey light ale. We tried the black cherry lambic and found it to be very sweet.
320 S. Clinton St.
315.471.2253
www.sudsfactory.com

Coming next: Niagara Falls!

Autumn Lake Area, Vol. 1

My knowledge of upstate New York geography was pretty much zilch. I’ve been to Rochester and Albany on business, but they were strictly in-and-out trips. Imagine how excited we were to learn that Autumn Lake is within a couple of hours of several gorgeous areas and sights:

• Niagara Falls
• The Finger Lakes
• The Adirondacks
• The Thousand Islands Region
• Cooperstown
• Erie Canal
• Lake Placid
• Wine and culinary trails
• Historical sites, especially from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812
• Beaches

Later, I will post notes and photos from the places on this list that we explored. However, today and tomorrow I am concentrating on the immediate vicinity of Autumn Lake (Tug Hill Region).

Salmon River

If you like to fish, get yourself to the Salmon River! The fish caught here are consistently rated the largest in New York. I’ve never seen so many people (mostly men) in hip waders! The Salmon River Fish Hatchery is one source of this bounty. We were lucky enough to be there during the fall salmon run and couldn’t believe the density of very large salmon swimming up the ladders to spawn. See the change in the stream’s color on the left of the photo? The dark area on the right is solid salmon.

Before you start fishing, make sure you consult the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website for rules and regulations. This area is awash in bait and tackle shops, fish cleaning stations, fish smoking services, and any kind of gear you can imagine. My favorite bait and tackle shop is Fat Nancy’s in Pulaski. I was hoping to meet the woman nicknamed Fat Nancy, but it turns out that it’s the name of a huge sturgeon in Lake Ontario that has eluded anglers for years.

www.dec.ny.gov
www.seagrant.sunysb.edu

Lake Ontario: Selkirk Shores

Just minutes away from Autumn Lake, Selkirk Shores is a lovely beach on Lake Ontario. Swimming, fishing, and walking the trails were the main activities when we visited. The Lake is on the direct migration route for many bird species. In the winter, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers enjoy the trails.

nysparks.state.ny.us/parks

Sackets Harbor

Sackets Harbor, only 30 miles across Lake Ontario from Canada, was the site of a pivotal naval battle in the War of 1812. Because it was the headquarters of the US Military for the northern frontier and had a large shipbuilding facility, this strategic location was attacked by the British and Upper Canada forces in 1813. The attack was defeated after a lengthy battle. See www.sacketsharborbattlefield.org for details.

The town of Sackets Harbor is lovely. Beautiful old buildings and hidden gardens present perfect excuses for strolling.

We enjoyed an excellent dinner at Tin Pan Galley on their romantic patio. The dishes were fresh, luscious, and presented beautifully.

www.tinpangalley.com

Coming next: Autumn Lake area, vol. 2

Notes: Portland and Eugene, OR

Portland

We stayed our first night at the aloft Hotel near the Portland airport. We weren’t nearly cool enough for the place, but it was interesting. The lobby is a fun hangout place, but the rooms are small with vintage-y IKEA-ish furnishings. I think Paul hit the closest when he said it looks like what the average American thinks a European hostel looks like. Good description, but it was much nicer than any hostel I’ve stayed in! www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels

We had a fun dinner with the Tveites at the Rogue Distillery & Public House. Probably the best known of Oregon’s microbreweries, this is a popular place, and usually has a wait for tables. No problem, sit in the bar and enjoy one of the 38 beers on tap. I loved the Pale Ale and next time want to try the Chipotle Ale. Our fish and chips were very good and Emily Rose’s salmon melt looked great.
1339 NW Flanders St.
503.222.5910
www.rogue.com

Eugene

We found a lovely spot to eat in Eugene: the Fifth Street Public Market. Besides Marche', which is supposed to have a fabulous Sunday brunch (doesn’t start until 11AM), upstairs is a nice food court and a lovely place to sit and eat.

Plenty of nice shops here, also, including a great kitchen and wine shop (Marche' Provisions).
Corner of Fifth and High
www.5stmarket.com

Notes: Bend, OR

The economy hasn’t been kind to Bend. Big-spending tourists are scarce this year.

But it’s still the center of what’s happening in Central Oregon.

 

Reviews of the places we visited:

Blacksmith Restaurant

I read excellent reviews of this restaurant, whose chef is from Texas. We must have made a mistake going on Sunday night—the chef wasn’t cooking, he was hosting his family for a dinner. The building, a historic blacksmith shop, is dark and cozy. Many people were enjoying the bar and the restaurant hosts live jazz a few nights a week.

The beer and wine selection was good, but my ceviche was mediocre (the chef is supposedly well known for the ceviche of the day). Steve enjoyed his fish, but we’re not impressed, especially for the prices.

211 NW Greenwood Avenue
www.bendblacksmith.com

Deschutes Brewery and Public House

This place was hopping! It seems like it is pretty busy most of the time.We had the Black Butte Porter and the Cascade Ale. Two thumbs up! But the star of the show was the Oregon Salad I got: “Grilled Oregon Chicken Breast served over Fresh Field Greens. Served with Chopped Hazelnuts, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese Crumbles and our Oregon Berry Vinaigrette Dressing on the side.” I highly recommend it and the pub atmosphere here.

1044 Bond Street
www.deschutesbrewery.com/brewery/brew-pubs/bend-pub/default.aspx

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Yet another McMenamins project. You can stay in the converted 1936 Catholic school, go to the movie theater here, and/or eat, which we did. I got the summer beer, the Ruby, and it was delish! I got the seared tuna appetizer and Steve got a burger. They were very well done.

However, like the McMenamins Brewpub we visited in Portland, the atmosphere is flat. Not my favorite by a long shot.

700 NW Bond Street
www.mcmenamins.com

Silver Moon Brewing Co.

This is probably a great bar to hear live music, but in the middle of the afternoon, it was flat. The smell of bacon was overpowering and the atmosphere was unwelcoming.

24 NW Greenwood Avenue
www.silvermoonbrewing.com

Strictly Organic Coffee Co.

Lovely place to hang out. In the summer, you can get a grilled lunch on the patio.

Free wifi, great coffee. I loved the “Nut and Fruity”: wedges of apple and roasted hazelnuts drizzled with honey, with hazelnut butter for dipping.

Two locations: 6 SW Bond, 450 SW Powerhouse Dr., Suite 400
http://www.strictlyorganic.com/

The Wine Shop

I enjoyed a beautiful glass of Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir while hanging out and reading. The owner was friendly and a couple of her friends were also hanging out and visiting.

“Wine, port, sake and champagne by the taste and glass” (and the bottle, of course).

55 NW Minnesota Avenue
http://thewineshopbend.com/

Bend, OR: Restaurant and Museum

Victorian Café

This café is consistently voted “Best Breakfast” by locals and I see why! My Crab Benedict was amazing and the home fries were way above average. The café is only open 6AM to 2PM, but they serve breakfast the whole time and add lunch around 11. It’s an old funky house, very Austin-y vibe, with a pretty little outdoor patio shaded by huge trees. I intend to work my way through their menu and I suggest you do the same when in Bend!

1404 NW Galveston Ave
(541) 382-6411

High Desert Museum

This well-regarded museum just south of Bend consists of several halls and a few outdoor areas. In some of the halls are Native American art, tools, and clothing.

 

Other halls present dioramas of pioneer life, a spooky dark mine, and the kids’ favorite: a teepee.

Can you believe the Forest Service used these in the ‘30s to fight wildfires?

 

The outdoor nature trail passes by an otter pool and a birds of prey exhibit. Because I was there during the heat of the day, the critters were comatose.

I HIGHLY recommended this museum for school-age children! The pre-schoolers seemed bored, except for the teepee and the animals.

www.highdesertmuseum.org

 

Review: High Tea at the Four Seasons, Austin

Joan and I spent a wonderful afternoon in the Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons. Tea is from 1:30 to 3:30 every day and you must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

The staff treated us like the queens we are and showed us to a lovely table next to a window and balcony. The first major task is to select your tea. Joan went with a lovely Tea de Provence and I enjoyed the standard Organic English Breakfast. All teas are Mighty Tealeaf brand, available at Whole Foods. Yes, those are rose petals on the table!

The first plate consisted of four tea sandwiches. Our selection was:

• Ham, tomato, Bibb lettuce, Swiss, and honey mustard on sourdough
• Smoked salmon and arugula on marble rye
• Grilled portobello mushroom and sundried tomato pesto on nine-grain       
• Shrimp salad on toasted brioche

All was fabulous and I’m not sure we can pick a favorite.

Next we chose our second course tea. I couldn’t resist a rose-infused green tea and Joan tried the luscious chocolate mint truffle that was a complete meal when cream was added!

An auxiliary table had to be brought over for the sweets. Three kinds of scones, still warm from the oven, were served with clotted cream and lemon curd. At the top of the dessert tower were chocolate covered strawberries, jellies, chocolates, and tea cookies. And that wasn’t all! We each got a plate with a small serving of dense chocolate cake, ricotta crème cake, and hazelnut torte. Each bite was better than the last.

 

Needless to say, we were blissed out two hours later when we left, and we hadn’t even gotten any of the Roederer champagne that is an option with the tea. This is a special celebration place and I cannot wait to do it again! Happy birthday, Joan!

Happy Hour Eats: Volume 2

Here are some more of my favorite Austin happy hour deals. With the faltering economy, there are more deals than ever!

Billy’s on Burnet

This is the place to go if you’re starting your happy hour early! But the specials are complicated. Monday through Friday, beginning at 2PM, domestic draughts are $2 per pint. “Mid-range” draughts are $3.25/pt and premiums are $4.00/pint. During Happiest Hour (4 to 5PM), these prices are further reduced to $1.50/$2.00/$2.75.  Food is decent pub grub and this is definitely an Austin-y scene. Bring your dog!

Mon-Fri, 2 to 7PM: Draught specials

Mon-Fri, 4 to 5 PM: Extra reduction for draughts

All night Monday: Domestic pints $1.75, pitchers $6.75

All night Tuesday: Lone Star pints $1.75, pitchers $6.75

www.billysonburnet.com

Cover 3 Sports Bar

If you like sports bars, try this happy hour. The beef tenderloin sliders, fried oyster and shrimp plate, and triple queso are tasty. Enjoy them at $3 off during happy hour, as well as $3 off domestic draft beer.
Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM
www.cover-3.com

Cru (in the Domain)

The fried brie with honey is heavenly and the baked crab is a substantial portion of deviled crab server with pita bread. We had the Portobello pizza after those two appetizers and couldn’t even eat half of it! The wine was yummy. Steve tried the Chardonnay flight and we discovered some new labels that we liked.

Mon-Fri, 3 to 6PM: Half-price appetizers and pizzas

Thurs all day: Half-price champagne

Sun all day: 1/3 off all bottles of wine

www.cruawinebar.com

El Chile(update)

One of my favs for meals or for happy hour! The north location isn’t usually crowded. You MUST try the Chilango margarita (spicy orange frozen marg). It is out of this world and $5.95 during happy hour. Dos Equis beer is $4.50 for 20 oz., $1 off for other drinks. And the half-price appetizers! Get one per person at the table and share. The salsa is fabulous, so eat lots of chips. An order of fresh guacamole, Nachos Especiales, and Queso Flameado (fab tortillas!) filled up four of us.

Mon-Thurs, 4 to 7PM
Fri, 4 to 6PM
www.elchilecafe.com

Fonda San Miguel

I can’t think of another place I’d rather be sitting than in the lovely bar here. They have perfectly reproduced a Mexico City atmosphere. We wound up enjoying the special on margaritas, then having a full meal, so I’ll have to get back to you about which appetizers are on happy hour special.

Mon and Tues, 5 to 7:30PM: half-price some appetizers, $1 off margaritas

www.fondasanmiguel.com

Iron Cactus (downtown and NW)

I’m not impressed with the happy hour here. They have drink deals every weeknight and other specials every late night. The appetizers are very blandly average.

Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM

Mon-Sat, 9PM to close

Sunday, 7PM to close

www.ironcactus.com

Kenobi

Great happy hour in the bar and the outdoor area. Every appetizer and roll we tried was fantastic, especially the lobster dumplings and rib-eye maki. This is a little pricier than other happy hours, but offers very fresh seafood and fancy surroundings.

Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM and Sunday all day: $5 appetizers and rolls, $1 off drinks

Tuesday, 4PM to close: $5 martinis

www.kenobiaustin.com

Roaring Fork

We checked out the new Northwest location on a Sunday evening. In the bar, the French doors were open to a cooling breeze on the deck that overlooks the quarry lake and is well-shaded. The service was abysmal when we arrived and seated ourselves in the bar, but the waiter and the manager apologized profusely, gave us plenty of attention, and a free dessert. The food was so good that we forgave them. We started with a house margarita and white sangria, both on happy hour special and very tasty. The daily appetizer special was a superb soft-shell crab topped with pico de gallo and avocado. We also tried the made-to-order guacamole and pronounced it perfect. We split a “Big Ass Burger” from the dinner menu and then polished off the piece de resistance: Hot Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, a molten chocolate cake with peanuts, caramel, and peanut butter ice cream. As we waddled out, we marveled at the fabulous meal we consumed for a modest price and planned the next trip to try the lamb chops with fondue and the green chile pork stew.

Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM, Sunday and Monday all evening: $5 martinis, mojitos, and wine; $3.50 well drinks; $3 beers. Soups, salads and appetizers are discounted. Rotating specials.

www.eddiev.com

Trip Notes: Central Oregon

I am now a huge fan of Central Oregon! Many visits are required to investigate this beautiful, varied slice of nirvana.

East from Portland, over the Cascades, lies the high desert of Central Oregon. Because of its location, the area enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Bend is the most famous city in the area, but Redmond and Sisters are well-known to lovers of outdoor sports.

In the winter, it’s best to fly from Portland to the Redmond/Bend airport and avoid the icy and (possibly closed) passes. But in warmer weather, scenic drives over the Cascades include:

• From Eugene, drive along the McKenzieRiver on 126 and enjoy scenic orchards, springs, and waterfalls. Stay at Belnap Springs in the DeschutesNational Forest . Next day, check out Proxy Falls then go over McKenzie Pass. Hike in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area and/or Black Butte. Drive into Sisters.

• Cascade Lakes Highway with great hiking along the high mountain lakes.

The Cascades provide skiing and snowshoeing runs in the winter and abundant hiking trails in the summer. Many rivers run through the area, with perfect kayaking and canoeing conditions.

Bend

Bend is the center for tourism, with fantastic restaurants and interesting shops.

We ate at Pine Tavern (pinetavern.com) and enjoyed a delicious (though pricey) dinner and a view of the Deschutes River, which meanders through town. This establishment has been in business since 1919, serving food and drink to the local loggers, millers, and schoolteachers. The seared ahi appetizer and the trout with a black-bean-chickpea ragout (that night’s special) were fabulous but, for real decadence, you must have the hazelnut brie fritter and the sky high mud pie! Ooh la la! You’ll need a long walk to work that off.

Blacksmith Restaurant (www.bendblacksmith.com) has enjoyed a lot of foodie press and it probably the successor to the late lamented Merenda. It is really a 1923 smithy, beautifully renovated. Also try Vola Restaurant (http://volobend.com/). The first Friday of the month is wine and art in Bend.

The McMenamins Old St. Francis School looks like a great place to stay (www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=98). It’s a Catholic schoolhouse that’s been converted into a hotel, a theater, a restaurant, and two pubs.

The High Desert Museum (www.highdesertmuseum.org) is considered one of the outstanding natural history museums in the nation.

Check out Pilot Butte, a cinder cone with fantastic views of the area (http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_42.php).

Also, Sunriver Observatory (www.sunrivernaturecenter.org).

Redmond

In Central Oregon, you can usually ski through April. Because this is high desert, the powder is phenomenal.

The most popular ski resort in the area is Mount Bachelor (www.mtbachelor.com). Those of us whose knees can’t take downhill skiing anymore can take a sled dog ride, ride a big tube down a hill, or take a snowshoe hike with a naturalist.

The sentimental favorite is Hoodoo ski area (www.hoodoo.com). Smaller than Mt. Bachelor , less crowded, and cheaper to boot, you can have a fabulous day of skiing with minimum hassle. Besides the alpine trails, you can enjoy Nordic (cross-country) trails at the top of the mountain. I want to try snowbiking: you sit down and “ride” the bike, with small skis attached to your feet. No trauma to the knees!

Smith Rock dominates the landscape in Redmond. We hiked the easy River Trail at the State Park, partly because in February it was still icy on the upper trails and partly because it was the first time we’d hiked in a while and weren’t in great shape. The Crooked River runs along the monolith, providing a place to cool off. We watched four river otters cavorting on the beautiful sunny day. The Cascadia Fault that runs through the area makes for dramatic landscapes, but also threatens an eventual earthquake.

Sisters

Sisters was my favorite town. It’s like an old Western movie set. I loved the Stitching Post quilt shop and hope I can go to the huge quilt show in July.

On the drive from Bend to Sisters, check out the statues of galloping horses. Although the reindeer farm between Redmond and Sisters has seen better days, it’s still fun to watch these animals we rarely see.

Try Pleiades restaurant (pleiadesatfivepine.com) and The Gallery Restaurant.

To check out during future trips

• Crater Lake!

• Lake Billychinook, where three rivers feed into this gorgeous lake.

• Metolius River hike near Wizard Falls, stay in vintage Metolius River Lodges

• Warm Springs
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Eagle Crest Resort, inn, biking, golf course
• Elk ranches and llama ranches
• Lava tubes
• Obsidian Trail in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument

• Tumalo Falls

• Breitenbush Hot Springs

Copyright 2009, Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Thyme and Dough, Dripping Springs, TX

 

This cute little place is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch on your way to the Hill Country. It’s located a block west of the intersection of Highways 12 and 290.

Order at the counter and eat on the shaded porch while surveying the attached plant nursery.

Our food was fabulous:

• The Texas two-step chicken sandwich is a special on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
• The fruit and chicken tango is a chicken salad with fruit, pecans, and cilantro. Get it as a salad or a sandwich.
• The tuna salad was fresh and tasty.

 

www.thymeanddough.com

 

Restaurant Review: Petite Provence, Portland, OR

 

We figured this place must be good since it was super crowded Sunday at noon. The place entices you in with breads and pastries on display.

Tables are crowded together, and the day we were there the cooks had partied a bit too much the night before (according to our waiter) and it took a while to get the food. So just sit back, enjoy the French roast coffee and fresh raspberry juice and pretend you are actually in Provence. We had sandwiches (BLT with a fried egg, classic Monte Cristo, and pork sandwich) and they were delicious. Customers around us were enjoying the salmon hash and berry French toast the place is known for. We were too stuffed to try the pastries, but hope to return to check them out.

www.provence-portland.com

Another place for cheap eats in NYC

Thanks to Sheila Scarborough (http://perceptivetravel.com/blog/) for the heads up! 'Wichcraft in Bryant Park: http://www.wichcraftnyc.com/

Travel Notes: New York City

We’ve enjoyed every visit to NYC and want to go again and again. Here are some notes from our travels. I might dig out my photos sometime and post them.

Best time to go

The week between Christmas and New Year’s. The city is beautifully decorated for the holidays and it’s a magical time to walk the streets of Manhattan. The store window displays are impressive, the huge Christmas tree looks over the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, the tourists are all happy to be there, there might be a dusting of snow that makes everything look light and beautiful.

Fun things to do

Broadway shows, of course!

This Budget Travel article discusses several ways to get discount tickets:

www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2007/12/26/AR2007122601308.html?wpisrc=newsletter

Also try playbill.com and theatermania.com so that you don’t have to spend an hour or more waiting at the TKTS booth for same-day tickets.

Explore Central Park

Run or bike the trails, go ice skating or rowing on the lake, depending on the weather. Take a horse and carriage ride, visit the zoo, eat at Tavern on the Green. It’s easy to spend an entire day here.
www.centralparknyc.org
www.tavernonthegreen.com

Staten Island Ferry

This is THE way to see fantastic views of the NY skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Best of all, it’s free! www.siferry.com

Museums

We haven’t begun to see all the museums, but I could spend all day in the Metropolitan (get there early in the day before it gets really crowded). www.metmuseum.org/

The Museum of Modern Art was remodeled a few years ago and I hear it’s fantastic. www.moma.org And the Guggenheim is a must. www.guggenheim.org/new-york

The American Museum of Natural History is fun and is surrounded by large grounds. Relax on a bench and do some people and dog watching. www.amnh.org

ESPN Zone

This is a major sports bar. It’s a great place for the non-shoppers to hang out while the others indulge in some retail therapy. www.espnzone.com/newyork

Shopping!

Of course, every designer you’ve ever heard of, and many you haven’t, has a store on Fifth Avenue. It’s fun to just meander and look in the windows. However, there are some reasonable places to shop around Manhattan.

·         For cheap, trendy clothing: H&M, 5^th Ave at 18^th St

·         Top-drawer and top-price kitchenware and takeout: Zabar’s, Broadway at 80^th St

·         For toys: FAO Schwartz, of course, 5^th Ave at 58^th St

·         For French books and stationery: Librairie de France, in Rockefeller Center

·         For paper goods: Kate’s Paperie, various locations

I wish I knew where the best designer outlets are…they are usually located around the Garment District. Let me know if you find one!

New York Public Library

Libraries are some of my favorite places and this one is impressive, from the lions guarding the entrance to the magnificent woodwork and chandeliers in the reading rooms.
www.nypl.org.

Good places to eat

For breakfast/brunch:

·         Morning Star Restaurant, 879 9^th Ave.
newyork.citysearch.com/profile/37758230

·         Sarabeth’s, multiple locations
www.sarabeth.com

·         Balthazar, 80 Spring Street between Broadway and Crosby. My personal favorite, plus an excuse to explore Soho. Don’t miss the brioche French toast and the (pricey, but worth it) bread and pastry basket.
www.balthazarny.com/

For lunch:

·         Go to the food market at Grand Central station and get picnic goodies to munch on in a park or back at the room. grandcentralterminal.com, select Food> Grand Central Market.
Or eat at Metrazur on the balcony overlooking the main room and watch the hustle and bustle. We liked the salads.
www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/Metrazur/

·         Lombardi’s Pizza, 32 Spring Street. A NY institution!
http://www.firstpizza.com/newyork.html

·         Nougatine in the Trump Tower, 1 Central Park West. This is the more casual eatery in the tower. Go at lunch to splurge on the divine food of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at a much cheaper price than at dinner. The menu changes often.
www.jean-georges.com

For lunch or dinner:

·         Il Corallo Trattoria, 172 Prince St between Sullivan and Thompson. Everything is delicious and inexpensive (for Manhattan). The $9.95 lunch specials are a great deal.
If you go for dinner, get there early. They don’t take reservations and try to turn over the tables quickly. Be prepared for NY attitude and you’ll be fine. The Fettucine Pescatore is like bouillabaisse over pasta. The Farfalle della Mare is loaded with shrimp, butter, garlic, and tomatoes. Beware the canned peas in some of the dishes! The portions are so large, you’ll want to share them or take leftovers with you.

www.igougo.com/dining-reviews-b121426-New_York-Il_Corallo_Trattoria.html

·         Brooklyn Diner, 155 West 43^rd St or 212 West 57^th (the one we went to). Very cozy on a cold evening. Something for everyone and fantastic milk shakes. Hillary loved the mac and cheese.

www.brooklyndiner.com

·         Mars2112, Broadway at 51^st. This is a fun one if you have elementary-age children, or possibly boys that are a bit older. It begins like a theme park, with an elevator ride set up like a space launch. The dining room is huge and looks like, you guessed it, Mars. Aliens roam the area and the food is kid-friendly. We had teenage girls with us who found it silly, but I know some younger kids who loved it.
www.mars2112.com

·    {Wish I could remember the name of the outstanding Greek place Dennis took us to!}

Good places to stay

·         We’ve stayed at Park Central Suites. Very convenient, though pricey. Extremely slow elevator. www.parkcentralny.com

·         I’m dying to stay at the Library Hotel: www.libraryhotel.com

·         The Doubletree at Times Square has suites that can accommodate 6, so you can probably save money vs. two rooms, and there is a fridge and microwave so you can eat one meal a day in the room and save lots of money.

Since hotels are so expensive, especially in convenient locations, your best bet will probably be to book an airfare-plus-hotel package. Get on the travel forums and see what previous visitors say about the hotel you’re about to book. Some are real hovels.

How to get around

·         Subway fares are going up, up, up--so if you have three or more people, take a cab.

·         We used First Class Air cars from JFK to Manhattan and were impressed with them. They have a fleet of Range Rovers and Lincoln Town Cars and were much more polite than the NY cabbies and a comparable price.

(212) 304-1111 or go to the curb outside your terminal and they will hail you!

Things we want to try next time

Em and I would like to do a Project Runway-type tour including:

·         Parsons School of Design www.newschool.edu/inBrief.aspx#parsons

·         Bryant Park www.bryantpark.org

·      Mood Fabrics moodfabrics.com

·      M&J Trimming nymag.com/listings/stores/mandj_trimming

·         Tender Buttons nymag.com/listings/stores/tender_buttons/

·         Tinsel Trading and The Store Across the Street www.tinseltrading.com

·         Metalliferous www.metalliferous.com

Adventures

·         Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, meet up with my cousin Dennis, eat pizza at Grimaldi’s, and dessert at Jacques Torres Chocolates.

·         The Cloisters, an overlooked outpost of the Metropolitan Museum, in Fort Tryon Park.www.metmuseum.org/cloisters/

·         The Met Museum on a Friday when a $35 ticket gets you entrance to the museum and a concert, and access to the Trustees Dining Room for dinner. Also check out the rooftop sculpture garden.

·         Go to a NY Philharmonic rehearsal. http://nyphil.org/.

Shopping

·         East 7^th and East 9^th between 2^nd Ave and Ave A for vintage.

Food/restaurants/bars to try

·         The Oak Bar at the Plaza Hotel. It was undergoing renovation last time we tried to drop in. http://www.fairmont.com/ThePlaza

·         Frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity3 on 60^th St

·         Dylan’s Candy Bar. Of course, there’s one at the Houston Galleria now, but we want to go to the original.

·         Rainbow Grill or Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center

Copyright 2009 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Castaways, Port Aransas, TX

This restaurant is a long-time standby for tasty seafood in casual surroundings. If you’re there during oyster season, go for the fried oysters…in a platter or a po’boy. Go ahead and make it a fried dinner with the crispy onion rings and you’re in seafood heaven.

The fish of the day is very fresh and I like to opt for one of the species from the Gulf, not a farm-raised variety that you can get anywhere. Last time, I had the red snapper grilled with the “chef’s combination” seasoning. The seasoning was light and perfectly set off the freshness of the fish.

The salad bar is pedestrian and service is laid-back, but the entrees make it a good night out at the beach.
320 N. Alister
361.749.5394
www.castawaysporta.com/

Copyright 2009 Beth Schrader