7 miles from The Strip tucked in a neighborhood by the railroad tracks is John Mull’s Meats. Funky, fantastic, awesome place with some of the best BBQ I have ever had. Now they are primarily a butcher shop but they are cooking up some amazing food at great prices. I had the Hot Links with Potato Salad and Collard Greens. It was so good I got up and turned to the people next to me and keep telling them how good it was. I think they thought I was a little nuts. It’s worth the trip!
I love small towns. Whenever I am in one I head to Main St and check it out. When in Cedar City, Utah you should check out Grind Coffee house. It is more than just good coffee. It’s a library, they have live music, lots of comfy chairs to sit in and some pretty tasty short order food. I went for breakfast and had the Firecraker which is egg, sausage, cheese and this killer spicy sauce that makes the whole sandwich. Really really good! It’s worth a visit if you are cruising on Interstate 15 through Utah.
Since Hot Doug’s closed, it left a big hole in the hot dog world on Chicago’s North Side. People loved this place. And people in Chi-Town love their hotdogs. The good news is a couple of the cooks opened up Hot “G” Dog and it has all the great dogs the Hot Doug did. I personally like the char dog with all the Chicago Style fixings: Pickle, tomato, onions, bright green relish, Vienna Sport Peppers, mustard and Celery Salt. And NO KETCHUP! Delicious.
One of the tastiest and chillest places to get a beer in Asheville is Wedge Brewing Co. Their beer is fantastic. It’s in an old warehouse down by the railroad tracks and the river. Most of the seating is outside and there is a different food truck parked there everyday serving up tasty food. Great spot.
I am told Charlotte has some good food and I started off right by going to 300 East in the Dilworth Neighborhood. It’s a breakfast, lunch and dinner spot. It’s super casual and super fresh. Really good. I had the Grilled Shrimp BLT Panini with Heritage Farms Bacon, Pepper Cheese, Arugula, Tomato Aioli on Sourdough. So good! I will be going back.
Asheville has so much good food. One of the best known restaurants is Curate. It’s excellent and the chef/owner has just opened another joint called Nightbell. It’s vintage-chic, innovative with new American small plates, entrees & craft cocktails. The menu is designed to share as most items are tapas style. We had a lot. Below is the Deviled Egg.
Warm corn sabayon, sunburst smoked trout gravlax + trout roe in an egg cup. Ridiculous. Steak Tartare. Feuille de brick cones, hand cut brasstown beef ny strip with smoked horseradish cream. Double ridiculous. And also get the grilled cheese with tomato soup. They have amazing drinks as well. I always love a proper Manhattan. Definitely a great date joint and the bar area is super cool.
Asheville, NC is a food and microbrew mecca and being someone that loves a good burger, I am always on the hunt. Universal Joint is by far the best I have had here. I had the Steinbeck Burger. Pimiento cheese, bacon, jalapeños. Ridiculous. So good I went back a second time. They also have a rotating, tasty craft beer selection. I had the Lone Rider Hefeweizan. Went great with my beer. Even better is this joint is open till 1am. Love this place!
Sarasota, Florida is a beautiful city on the Gulf Coast, but it used to be boring when eat came to restaurants and bars. But over the last 10 years that has changed. One of my favorites is Social Eatery & Bar. Love this place. Excellent craft cocktails and locally-sourced Italian meals in a cool, casual setting with a killer patio. And in the back is an outdoor bar with couches. I enjoyed a White Manhattan. High West Silver Oat Bourbon, Dolin Vermouth De Chambery Blanc with a dash of angostura bitters and orange zest creates Social’s unique yet classic approach to a Manhattan. Tasty. And Chicken Parmesan meatballs. Fabulous!
One of my favorite joints in Durango, Colorado is Zia Taqueria. It’s my go to in Durango. I go every time I am there. It’s short order, setup like a Chipolte, but it is local and super fresh and delicious. I really love this place! I had the Shrimp Ceviche Taco and Chicken Burrito.
Eolus Bar & Dining is the go to fine dining joint in Durango, Colorado. And they have a killer roof top deck so in the summer head up there. In addition to the great food they are serious about their craft cocktails. One habit I have when eating at a fancy place is to get the burger because they are usually damn good. I didn’t do this here but my friend did! The lobster burger and it is pictured here. I wish I did order it:).
