First I want to do this for Miss Britt ...
Goodfellas
Fight Club
The Aviator
Sabrina
Roman Holiday
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The Great Escape
Hard Candy
The Departed
The Devil Wears Prada (I hated this movie, but chicks seem to enjoy it.)
Casino Royale (The one with Daniel Craig.)
The Last King of Scotland
The School of Rock
The Aviator
Good Night, and Good Luck
The Queen
Remains of the Day
A Bronx Tale
The Good Shepherd
Munich
Capote
Boogie Nights
Aaaaaaaaand ...
Showgirls. What? That movie belongs with the classics, right?
Yeah, I got tired of the “one suggestion per comment rule.” LOL ;-)
If you don’t know what that was all about you haven’t been reading Miss Britt. And if you haven’t been reading Miss Britt then shame on you!
--
So I watched Ratatouille the other day. I have to say I was a tad disappointed in it. It was funny, but not hilarious. I giggled a couple of times, but I don’t think I really LOL’d at any time. The movie was still pretty good though. The problem is, I don’t watch Disney movies for their “Let’s all be really accepting and tolerant of each other and let’s just all get along” message.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that message. I just think I’ve got now, thanks. (I know, the movie is aimed at kids.)
I watched this movie pretty soon after watching Chef Tim Love, who owns The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in Fort Worth, Texas whip up on Morimoto on Iron Chef America in Battle Chile Peppers.
Now as most of you know by now, I watch my fair share of cooking shows. The Food Network is on most of the time around here. Unless something really awesome like Real World or The Hills is on that is.
I really enjoy Iron Chef America. I LOVED the original Iron Chef too! What I enjoy most about this show is watching the chefs come up with inventive dishes on the fly. Sure, a lot of times they will rely on something that they serve at their restaurant, but other times they have to just wing it. That’s when it gets most interesting.
But, one of things I got to thinking about while watching this is that I’ve only been to one “famous” restaurant ever. That would be Lidia’s in Kansas City. Well, I did eat lunch at Alioto’s in San Francisco way back in the day. That place is supposed to be pretty well known. And I do remember having a really good lunch. I also remember my mother, sister and brother in law not really enjoying theirs. This place did come complete with the snooty matride and we got a table overlooking the harbor, so it wasn’t all bad for them.
Again, anyone who’s been around here a while knows my gripes about most restaurants. Crappy service, poorly prepared food, uncomfortable seating, very average and overpriced wine lists and screaming babies. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to try some of the best known places. Places like Delmonico’s or Charlie Trotter’s or Tavern on the Green. Not to mention other restaurants owned by some of the Food Network Chefs.
Now, a restaurant doesn’t have to be owned by famous TV chef to be a truly great restaurant. And I sat here trying to think of how many truly great places I’ve ever eaten at. How many places were 100% worth the price of the meal.
Now I’m not a food and restaurant snob. Nobody who has eaten at The Waffle House as much as I have in my lifetime can consider himself a food snob. But, unfortunately the answer to the above qestion is not very many. What sucks is that most restaurants can be really hit or miss. You go there one time and they just blow you away and then the next time you start thinking you might had as well just gone to freaking Applebee’s or something equally crappy and full of kids running around bothering everybody while their parents pretend not to know them.
As I thought about this the only restaurant that came to mind was The Huisache in New Braunfels, Texas.
So, what is the best restaurant you’ve ever eaten at? Like I said, it doesn’t have to be really well known or owned by somebody famous. And remember, I’m gonna be writing these down so I’ll have a place to eat at if I’m ever in those towns.
Feb 24, 2008
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51 Cynical Comments:
Great list! I'm especially fond of A Bronx Tale, one of my all time favorite movies.
As for fine dinning, I highly recommend the Golden Touch Diner in East Hanover NJ. Order a Taylor Ham egg and cheese sandwich, and an order of French Fries with Mozzarella cheese, and gravy. You won't be disappointed.
PS Just ignore all the Guido's, they're really loud and use way too much hair gel, but basically are harmless.
THREE Audrey Hepburn movies? Whoo hoo! You forgot Funny Face and Charade. And what about To Catch a Thief? Great actors, great dialogue, Cary Grant and a cameo of Hitchcock. What more could any classic movie lover ask for?
Great restaurants? I can guarantee that the ones I really love are probably gone by now. In Pittsburgh, I really like The Sonoma Grill, The Library, Seviche and Morton's. Yes, Morton's is a chain, but it is truly fantastic steak and a great place to go to check out the famous-in-Pittsburgh. Although the service tends to slip as the famous-to-commoners ratio increases.
I can't get excited over restuarants anymore..
I've watched way to many epsiodes of that gordon ramsey show..he shows chefs just not giving a shit..amd it just looks so dirty..
yuk..
i'll eat my cereal at home
I saw Out of Africa again last night, I so love that movie.
We have a lot of great restaurants here. The Ruth's Cris steakhouse in Woodland Hills has amazing steak...it's a chain so I'm not sure about their other locations. Freds on Ventura Blvd is trendy but they take Spanish food to a gourmet level. La Hacienda in Scottsdale, AZ is the only 4-star rated mexican restaurant in the States, I could eat anything on their menu every day for the rest of my life, it's that good...and the service is top-notch without making you feel self-conscious. They actually have a topless sushi bar on Sunset, but that's a really freaky combination to me :P
Captain Corky: Those were in addition to the ones I left in comments on her blog.
Diner food is great. I will go there someday.
Jenn: Yeah, I actually left a lot off the list. I was just doing that off the top of my head real quick.
Some of the more famous restaurants could actually be called chains. I mean, if they have them in several locations, then it's kind of a chain, right? I think I might have eaten at Morton's in Vegas now that you mention it. I can't really remember.
Cynnie: I haven't watched that show for that very reason.
I like Honey Nut Cheerios and Fruit Loops myself.
Jo: We had a Ruth's Chris in San Antonio, but I never went there for whatever reason.
I'm totally going to that place in Scottsdale. The topless Sushi house that is. Actually now that's starting to bother me a bit. If I think about it too much I would never go there. ;-)
The 4-star Mexican place sounds really great. That's a place I definitely would go to! Good call!
The best restaurant I've eaten at? Hotel Intercontinental's Cafe Opera..THE BEST.
btw Jay come to my blog to check out my famousness LOL!
Keshi.
I live just outside of NYC so I have been to a lot of "famous" resturants. (Rainbow Room - when it was there, Mama Leonies, Nobu, Craft - the Tom Colicchio place, Tao).
But it all honesty, I like the little hole in the wall places better. For resturants owned by Food TV folk - I have been to Bobby Flay's Mesa and Bar American and Mario Batali's Babbo. I also ate at the Emeril's in the MGM in Vegas. None were that awesome.
I have a wedding reception at Tavern on the Green in April. I will give you a review after that.
When you come to NY, we can try others.
Love your movie choices, especially the shout out to "Casino Royale". And, I love "Roman Holiday"!
If you come to Tampa, please check out The Columbia Restaurant. Incredible Cuban food, very authentic - the best deviled crabs, ham croquettes, red snapper en papillote, black beans & rice, and freshly baked Cuban bread with real butter you've ever had. They also do a kick-ass flamenco show that you'll love to watch while you have your cafe con leche. ( :
Keshi: When I visit Sydney someday I'll take you to Cafe Opera. Date? ;-)
Karen: I don't really care for Bobby Flay much, but would like to go to Babbo. I'll take you up on that offer whenever I visit NY!
Also, I love the dives too!
Cynic with Flair: Mmmmm Cuban food and Flamenco dancers. I would be there often if I lived there.
Crap. Man, kids and family are really chasin' into my "bloggie" time. (SHAME ON ME...I am a blessed Gal).
Slightly skimmed and only caught the "ratatoulie" (sp) blurb tonight -- I'm doin'a flash by -- all my FAV blogs.
So, it was really hard explaining the RAT POISON and extra new glue traps in the kids play room tonight -- after they watched the damn mouse cookin' show.
Try bein' a parent (slash germ hater/degerminator) explaining that our traps WON'T CATCH "RAT-a-touie or his dishwashered cleaned family."
THAT, my friend is, HOLLYWOOD, Flippin F'in with the rest of us. Or, maybe most city folk don't see mice like those of us who grow the grain and the cotton from which they make their food and clothing.
Uh-Oh. I found a soap box. "Cute Movie" but made life a little harder here in farm town.
Until, I defined the "GOOD" and the "BAD" mice...rat poison and all...I think they might forgive me now.
I'll read the rest manana (crap, I need that Nya symbol)
Showgirls, I think that's now found in the "Classics" section at your local video store.
All of this food talk has made me hungry.
Farmer*Wife: Oh that stinks. Unfortunate unintended consequences of that movie I guess. But, I'm sure they didn't mean for that to happen.
Fleur de Lisa: I'm hungry now too.
Showgirls is definitely a classic. ;-)
I made her take Goodfellas home and watch it the other night, especially since she loves the Godfather. She fell asleep!
I'm also bringing over Hard Candy to watch in the next week. Some of these are good suggestions.
I'm surprised I didn't see you over for the contest on my blog today.
jo said La Hacienda in Scottsdale, AZ already, Manuels in colo spgs. CO and the scenic cafe duluth MN.
Movie not on your list..? "Always"
Avitable: She fell asleep. During Goodfellas? *shakes head in disbelief* That's just so .... sad. haha
Yeah, I read that post and only saw a couple that I was sure were references to something but I knew I would get blown away by some of your readers. I could have googled every answer and tried to look things up, but that takes too much time.
It was a really cool contest though.
Mr. Bud: "Always?" Yeah, I know it was Audrey's last movie (I think) but it's really just too close to modern romantic comedies for me.
I never saw it and actually forgot all about it until you mentioned it and had to look it up.
I'll add those places to my list of restaurants to hit when I get the chance.
We have this place in town called McDonalds...They serve decent hamburgers. Cheers!!
Living in NY until a few years ago I think I've gone to pretty much all the restaurants on the tourist trap list. I like small hole in the wall places better.
In Brooklyn there are a ton of Mom/Pop type restaurants and diners - if you ever come to NY Jay I'll drive ya around.
I love the decor of Tavern on the Green but we actually left hungry and annoyed and had a better time at a hot dog cart in Central Park. Now that is dining - dirty water dogs and a Fresca!
shhh... I'm kind of tired of the one comment rule too. How the fuck am I going to go through all those?!?!
Your list is very good - and completely qualifies. Thank you! :-)
Any resteraunt named Delmonico's HAS to be good.
The Longhorn by our house makes the BEST steaks, and I've eaten at Ruth Chris before. For awhile we thought it was just Longhorn. But we've eaten at two other locations since and the food was only so-so.
I've eaten at Tavern on the Green several times and it has always been crap. Don't bother. Hands down best place I've been in NYC was One If By Land. Every bite of food I had was amazing and carefully prepared. It was a fantastic dining experience.
Matt-Man: We have a place with that same name. But ours sucks. Weird huh?
Diane: The Mom and Pop type places always serve great comfort food.
Miss Britt: haha .. I hadn't thought of that. You have to reply to them ALLLLLLLLL! LOL ;-)
Doc: I think I would enjoy eating at any of Emeril's restaurants.
Tink: Longhorn Steak House? I think I've heard of that place.
Knight: So many times the really fancy restaurants are actually crummy. And the servings are sooo small!
I'm too damn cheap to go to "really good restaurants" LOL
I'd rather try a little off the wall diner. There's one just a couple miles from my house called "Sharons"
Okay, up to date now. San Antonio, Texas: San Francisco Steak House. They have a piano player and a lady who actually "swings" (all old timey western like) and kicks the bell hanging from the ceiling.
And, any Taqueria Jalisco that serves "Al Pastor." Every Sunday before church we eat at Jalisco and I have: an Al Pastor taco, on home-made corn tortilla with refried beans, pico de gallo (with the jalapeno), smothered with some ranchero sauce and Yucateca Habanero Hot sauce [EVERY Sunday...always the same thing.]
We are really patterned and habitual around my house ;0)
Oh, and "Julio's." It's this little hole in the wall place ran by this fairly young guy. I think he took over from his father. He's saving to expand.
Great food, and great service!! Very limited seating but lots of "take-out."
One of my favorites is Ivar's in Seattle.
Jay! You would love the Lonesome Dove Bistro! LOVE IT! It's the husbands and my favorite restaurant! I can't believe you posted about our leetol famous place here in our Longhorn City!
Now back to finishing the rest of your post. . . .
P.S. if people don't vote for Sharon Agathon from BSG - they're not watching the right show. Best. Show. Ever.
Saddle Ranch Chop House in Hollywood has great atmosphere as well as awesome food.
Gojo - an amazing Japanese hibachi grill in Kansas City - is the best Japanese hibachi grill I've ever been to, and I've been to at least 10.
Bush's Chicken in Waco, Texas or there might be some sprinkled throughout the Austin area. Now this is fast food, but I guarantee that once you put Serendipity Salt in the gravy you won't be able to think of a time when crispy golden fried chicken has tasted better! And to top it off, they have the best sweet tea!
Em
Best "chain" resturant is Carrabba's ...hands down.
Classic movies.....add "Personal Best" to "Showgirls". LOL
Leighann: It's not the prices that bother me so much about those fancy restaurants, it's getting really crappy food for those prices. LOL
Farmers*Wife: Yeah I've been to San Francisco Steak House. The building was kind of a dump and I didn't like area it was located at. LOL ... Food wasn't bad though.
Mexican restaurants are always worth checking out!
Craze: Well, as much as I want to go to Seattle, I will definitely remember to try that place when I visit someday.
Emmeline: Excellent variety of places there! I will be in Kansas City at some point this summer (I hope) and might put that place on my list. If the other people I'm there with will go too!
Blewknight: I actually don't know if I've ever heard of Carrabba's. I'll have to look it up.
And of course "Personal Best!" How could I possibly leave that off? LOL
I've been to Emeril's in New Orleans thrice. Very tasty and very good wine selection.
Sushi A GoGo is way too trendy as I'm a redneck girl from way back, but the food was great!
Awe, Ratatouille? How cute is that!?! Imagine, CB, watching that movie! You are a softie!
I could've sworn I posted on this yesterday. HOwever, all these movies are great!
We just watched "Raging Bull" this past weekend, forgot was a powerful movie that was... I love Scorcesce (I know I spelled that wrong).
So many great movies, so little time.
All of my truly favorite meals have been in restaurants in Charleston. If you're ever ready to head over to Chucktown, SC I'll give you a LIST, complete with stars and entree recommendations!
I went to Tavern on the Green for my 6th birthday. It was my first 'grown up' dinner with my parents and we got to go on a carriage ride through the park after dinner. I thought I was a Princess and the restuarant was a fairy land...don't remember the food though :)
For the best steak of your life, hit Mastros in Los Angeles. I dare someone to find one better. The bread basket and the desserts are killer too.
But my usual faves are mom and pops places - I prefer those anytime.
I haven't been to many "fancy" restaurants in my days... but if you haven't tried out the steak at Texas Roadhouse you should.
I checked on the internet just now (because I'm good like that) and found that there is a Texas Roadhouse restaurant in North Little Rock, Arkansas - which should be close enough to where you are.
Great... now I got me thinking of that steak, and I sure don't have a friggin' Texas Roadhouse anywhere near... hrmph!
i am almost at the bottom of the hot chick list!!!! this has made my Monday even worse. :(
oh and I am on facebook. look me up if you want to play scrabbulous.
i don't know how the thing even works!!!
Best restaurant in Nashville...hmmm well I like a variety of different types of food, so here goes:
best Thai is Siam Cafe
Best pizza is Tony's Picnic Pizza (a real new yorker making it right)
Best Italian - Mama Mia's on Trousdale Lane (not the chain, the little family owned hole in the wall one that you may miss if you blink)
Best Mexican- Los Americanas - Nolensville Pk. again, will miss if you blink
Best Sushi/Japanese - Shintomi mmmmm mmmmmm goooood! try their plum wine
You never made a list for me....(sniff)
I refuse to tell you the best restaurants up here because you are bluffing...you will never come!
J.
CatScratchDiva: Three times? That's good enough for me.
Chelle Y: Yeah, I watch those animated movies all the time. LOL ;-)
Aunt Jackie: Raging Bull was a great movie and Scorsese rocks!
WNG: I would actually love to go to Charleston someday. I don't remember any places from when I was six either.
Ginormous Boobs: I haven't been to LA since I was 10 years old, but for some reason would love to live there.
REH: North Little Rock isn't all that far away. 2.5 hours or so. That's not bad.
Jahooni: You're pretty much in the middle. And the list in alphabetical. Except for Chelle at the top. That's cause the feed on her blog doesn't work so I can't put her in my Google Reader.
I'll look for you on facebook when I get a chance.
Fortune Cookies: Another good variety list. Thanks! I've never been to Nashville, but will go someday I'm sure. I tried to go once, but nobody else in our travel party would go. :-(
Hoosiergirl: You never asked for a list. ;-)
Now if I ever come up there I'll have to either starve or be forced to eat at Waffle House. You'd let that happen??
I have to ask? You said you wanted to do this list for Britt.....
That's okay. See if I care if you show preference to pretty, young blonde girls....
J.
PS. If you actually showed your face in Louisville, Kentucky, I would not let you eat at Waffle House. Or starve. But I would have to actually see you to believe it.
J.
Hoosiergirl: Now don't get your Victoria's Secrets in a bunch here. Britt did ask. She asked over on her blog. I just got tired of playing by her rules. ;-)
If you had asked I certainly would have been more than willing to help you out too!
If I ever do show up in Louisville I will be sure to call you so you can come meet me at a Waffle House for lunch. haha ;-)
A little secret - there is actually a Saddle Ranch Chop House in Kansas City too . . . same as the Hollywood one!
Em
Now don't get your Victoria's Secrets in a bunch here.
Hah! You just love thinking about Victoria's Secret, whether they be in a bunch or not!
If you showed up in Louisville, I would faint!
I want a list. I'm not sure about what, but it's definitely NOT the top Sports Illustrated swimsuit models or anything else "hot babe" related! (grin)
J.
Well, if you are ever in Vegas I can tell you the best Mexican I've ever had. In New York, I know a great hole in the wall Italian and a really fantastic New Orleans style. I don't know their names off the top of my head but those three are my all time favorite finds. And should you head to either place I WILL figure it out for you. Oh, and shame on me, if you are ever in my neck of the woods, Mama Maria's is hands down the best Italian in the world.
Wow, what a great list...i am a fan of A Bronx Tale too...didn't the kid that starred in that movie end up in some kind of trouble?
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