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Charlotte,
North Carolina
Jersey Mikes – This local chain is a favorite among natives and even
non-natives. We heard all about this famous sub-shop up in DC from a former employee,
Blythe McCormack, who currently works for Senator Leahy. Yum, yum delicious! Subway, watch
out here it comes. You can find these sub shops throughout Charlotte. It’s a must try
if you have only experienced the Subway sandwiches.
Charleston, South Carolina
Fish - This restaurant has an innovative approach to seafood from Risotto
encrusted calamari to peppered seared yellowfin tuna with tarragon beurre blanc. It was a
delight to sit out on the patio by the scented flowers sipping sweet tea and eating cool
cucumber mint soup. We discovered the pleasure of sweet tea down in the South and learned
the proper way of brewing a good tea.
This restaurant is nestled among other businesses down where the true charm of Charleston
started one block from the Visitors Center. It was purchased and renovated to its current
state after Hurricane Hugo took the facade and roof off of the building. Most tourists
don’t know about this secret hide away cuisine so check it out.
Carolina Cider Company - Rolling through the low country of South
Carolina on Highway 81, we came across this family owned business located in an old farm
on the side of the road. We walked in and were greeted by that Southern hospitality of a
friendly smile and a warm greeting. The woman without trouble persuaded us into tasting
their homemade peach, cherry, and raspberry ciders, all homemade with only pressed fruit
– no water, no sugar, and no preservatives. Our favorite was the peach, and man could
you taste the fuzz right on that peach! We loved it so much that we bought a few gallons
for our long, hot car trips through Florida.
We also tried their boiled peanuts a popular snack that you can find all over South
Carolina. They’re salty and soft and actually quite tasty. You boil the peanuts in
water with a ton of salt before the peanuts have been roasted when they are still green
and in their shell. This process brings the peanut back to their natural state. It’s
just like eating beans, the magical fruit :)
Miami, Florida
The Rustic Inn – If you like to work for what you eat, you know
… for that self-gratification, then look no more (unless of course you don’t
like crabs). This favorite of Lisa Greenberger’s family is situated just North of the
city in Hollywood right on the water. You get handed a mallet and a bib with a bucket of
crabs. Hack away at those suckers for that mouth-watering meat. It’s well worth the
wait. And if it’s your birthday be sure to tell your waitress for a public
announcement and a musical serenade of the beat to 200 mallets banging on the tables.
Atlanta, Georgia
The Varsity – Goopy gobs of greasy onion rings and fries, chilidogs
and hamburgers fumigate the air at this famous fast food restaurant, the first in America
to claim delicious food fast. You can see the big “V” neon sign for Varsity from
Interstate 85, located right next to Georgia Tech University. Many famous people come here
for that fried food fix, such as President Clinton. The walls are decorated with pictures
of politicians, actors and athletes. It’s a must when in Atlanta, but come prepared
with a bottle of the pink stuff.
Nashville, Tennessee
Wildhorse Saloon – When you step into the Wildhorse Saloon get ready
to party. Even on a Sunday night this place is kickin’ to the sounds of country rock.
Actually, Sunday nights is the best time to go because there is no cover charge to listen
to live music and learn to line dance. And believe me, there is nothing tame about this
place! Your taste buds will learn to two-step with their bold BBQ chicken and ribs. Their
delicious cheese grits went well with these spicy, hot dishes, my personal favorite. Try
the fried pickles too!
Memphis, Tennessee
Alfred’s – Located on Beale Street, the main drag of all local
blues bars in downtown Memphis, claimed to have the best menu in town. Don’t get
fooled by this false advertising. We were unimpressed by the skimpy portions and
unfriendly staff. The only saving grace at this place was a live duo playing cover songs
on the patio, Jim Wilson and Mama’s Lap, which isn’t saying much. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Frontier - This 24 hour restaurant is a
favorite of all who frequent Albuquerque and you can tell when you sit down and watch the
people that come in and out of there, it takes all kind. When we were there at 10 PM
on a Thursday night a fire truck pulled up with a bunch of firemen. They came in to
place their order and before you knew it they were up and running to a recent fire alert.
They didn't even have a chance to enjoy their homemade tortillas and chill!!
What Frontier is know for is their freshly squeezed
orange juice. You can't get a better glass of OJ anywhere in town. What's
great is they serve breakfast 24 hours a day! It's located right across from UNM in
the hip part of town. They got everything there with a New Mexican kick. Try
the cinnamon rolls; they're to die for.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Shed - New Mexican cuisine at it's
finest. This quaint restaurant is hidding on one of the back streets off the plaza
set back from the street. Watch out in the summer afternoons expect to wait and I
mean wait. This is extremely popular. It's decor is old school New Mexican
adobe with blue trim. Inside hung are beautiful paintings by famous local artists.
Time stands still here with the same exquisite menu. Blue corn tortillas and
posole are their specialty. It's not uncommon to ask for a fried egg on top of your
enchiladas. This restaurant is favorite among my family. A trip to Nueve
Mexico just wouldn't be the same without a visit to The Shed.
Harry's Roadhouse - Everytime you pull
into the parking lot, it's full. This man Harry has certainly developed the most
popular restaurant among the natives. Talented children's art line the walls that
are for sale for $40 a painting. The staff is so friendly and happy that you
know they're treated well and boy do they talk up the menu. One bite of your meal
and you'll see why. His creativity and skills make people coming back for more.
He's always got every type of cuisine on the menu or specials from Moroocan to
Thai. And the deserts, his wife comes in everyday at 4PM to make these delicious
deserts that you cannot pass up! |
