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Bistro St. Tropez - Philadelphia, PA

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:14:12 GMT

I get to travel so much for work that sometimes all the nice meals make me jaded. Lucky for me, my first foray back on the road after a while lead me to Bistro St. Tropez. (cautionary note... this was a work lunch so there aren't as many photos but I snuck in one!)

This jewel of a cafe on an upper floor in Philly's design center is a "place to be" at lunch. It was packed so call ahead! The decor is light and airy and the menu offers a great variety of French Mediterranean inspired dishes. There are omelets, salads, and entrees to tempt you. The waitress was informed I am gluten-intollerant, and checked with the kitchen on every dish to make sure I was safe. I didn't win with everything, but I was not disappointed.

The dishes I tried were stuffed squid and the Belle Mer salad. For the squid, they were filled with sausage and topped with roasted peppers. Usually I can't have anything stuffed, so this was a wonderfully spicy treat.

The Belle Mer salad was loaded with seafood and the tarragon vinaigrette offered zing without being over bearing. When I asked for steamed milk as dessert - I love steamed milk by the way - our waitress didn't blink an eye. Out it came all frothy and foamy and wonderful.

I can't wait to go back for an omelet next time!

Urban Stack - Chattanooga, TN

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 21:41:00 GMT

Ok. Now that they hype has calmed down, let me just say, I still love Urban Stack. I know this sounds odd coming from a woman that does not eat cow. Don't let that limit you. This place has turkey burgers and chicken to add to it's CAB and Kobe burgers (If the cow was raised in the US of Japanese decent, does that make it Kobe-American? I want to be politically correct to the cow). And for those of you that are gluten-intolerant, they offer the lettuce wrap. Let me warn you though, they use bibb lettuce, which is small and gets messy when trying to eat with your hands. I suggest cutting the burger into pieces and making lettuce wraps slider-style.

Actually, if you aren't into sloppy burgers, get your sauces on the side. The kitchen runs heavy handed in this department. See the above turkey burger. Here's a naked Italian to show you the difference.

Anyway.... I digress. More things to love are Urban Stack's pickles. Yes, they are better than my mom's and that's saying a lot!!! Their potato skins rock. They saved me in between tornadoes when Urban Stack still had power. And my bestie is in love with their hot pimento cheese and homemade potato chips. Yumola!

On the adult beverage side, even though it isn't gluten free, please bring on the bourbon! Manly? Yes they do have jumbo cubes to keep your shots from getting watered down so I guess that feels a bit manly. Since I'm a girl, I particularly love the Orange Crush with St. Germain and the High Tea. On Tuesdays, a carafe of High Tea is a deal at $7.50. Drinks and burgers add up at this place, so you have to look for the deals.

And that brings me to my one and only negative, well this and that the fries are a little droopy. For a burger and beer, Urban Stack can be a little expensive. The fact that it is so danged good and inventive makes up for it. Honestly, I could stay home and make a burger this good. But why? I love the food and the vibe. My neighbors love it too. When I bring people from out of town, they love it. So go love it already, ok?

R & J Toffees, Northern California

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:37:18 GMT

Good morning from day 2 of the Sunset Celebration Weekend in Menlo Park, CA. I want to give major props to one of the artisan food makers at the event - R & J Toffees. This almond toffee ROCKS. I am particularly thrilled with the dark chocolate almond toffee. It's nutty, buttery, and a tiny touch bitter all at once. A little grenache and this wonderful treat pair beautifully for a late afternoon stress reliever!

I checked R & J's website and they will be at Costco events in the area soon. If you have time, go check them out, purchase at a several CA Whole Foods, or order online through their website here. This yummy treat is so good, it's worth the calories! I even bought the big bag to take to staff meeting. Do I dare share? Of course. I'm nice like that. But I would rather keep it all to myself.

Leoci's Trattoria - Savannah, GA

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:19:00 GMT

Outside dining... I love, love, love it. So recently in Savannah, despite the heat and mosquitos, I wanted al fresco dining. Enter Leoci's Trattoria on Abercorn.

When I was in school in Savannah a - "ahem" - long, long time ago, the neighborhood Leoci's is in was bad. Way bad. So I was super duper excited to see this charming trattoria with an amazing deck and bocci courts welcoming me to enjoy my evening.

Leoci's hit several high notes with me, and a few not so high. One of the biggest positives though is that even though Leoci's is an Italian restaurant, there are lots of gluten-free options. A bone-in pork chop was a special and there are several seafood dishes. The kitchen had no problems substituting shrimp for the hangar steak that usually accompanies the wild mushroom risotto. The menu lists two portion sizes. I would suggest the small... it was substantial!

My companion had the lasagna, which may have been as big as my head. He said it was very, very good. It looked like it had lots of cheese which is a requirement for me! Another highlight was the quality of arugula in my salad. Sometimes, this green gets limp and has no spice. Not the case at Leoci's. The buffalo mozzarella was not the most flavorful I've ever had, but it was nice and better than many restaurants I've been to. So these are all the things I loved.

What I didn't love was a wine list that could be updated with a few higher end vintages and more unique offerings. I didn't understand the abundance of Argentinean and California wines in the mix and like to see things not available at the grocery (Cavit???). To be positive, we did find a great prosecco though so try the Bisol Jeio. It's great and only $30. I was told the bread was dry, and the dipping oil was not very high in quality. The dessert we had, similar to a créme brulée, had a strange, lumpy texture. The server said that ricotta had been added. I liked the rustic quality, but if you are expecting silky smooth custard, steer clear. The true travesty though was the grilled pineapple that accompanied this dessert. It was from a can for sure, but worse, it was grilled where a steak had formerly been. No one likes steak flavored pineapple except maybe on a shish kabob. This was such a shameful way to end what had been a lovely meal thus far!

Still, I loved my festive bubbly, the risotto was great, the service and staff, super helpful, and the whole experience very affordable! I'm sure I will head back again for proscuitto and mozzarella. Or maybe it will be the antipasti platter. Or perhaps the beet salad. And then, there's always that pork chop with my name on it too.

Cafe 37 - Savannah, GA

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Tue, 24 May 2011 01:13:00 GMT

I've always wondered if I were on that Food Network show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate", what would I say? After dining at Cafe 37, I now know. At Cafe 37, neither the staff nor the chef made me feel like I had to apologize for special requests, allergies, or just my own little peculiarities. I think the French-trained chef took them as a personal challenge. And the results of his creations... spectacular.

First, for those who are gluten intolerant, let me inform you that instead of just the usual bread and butter, the servers will thrill you with these amazing amazing smoked olives too. You don't need to sit in hunger as the rest of your friends ooh and aah about the freshly baked bread. How rare!!! Let me also say you won't find the requisite low country shrimp and grits on the menu. For me, dinner consisted of specialties like mussels with foie gras, two items I didn't think would go well together but were amazing, tuna tartar, and duck confit over whipped cauliflower.

All was paired with wonderful wine selections. The list has many bottles from France, which I am not well nuanced in, but the staff knows the offerings and makes great suggestions.

Cafe 37 is an intimate cafe - and by intimate I mean small and cozy - and so it's great for a romantic evening, fun with another couple, or for a lunch with friends. The brunch is amazing! Let them know in advance that you are gluten-free and you might even be able to get something special. For those seeking a truly gourmet meal away from Savannah's touristy locations (I love Paula Deen for her spunk more than her food), the cab drive from the river is quick and worth it. If you have a car, they even have parking (a novelty in this town!). So make a reservation and plan for a wonderful experience.

And the best thing I ever ate is...
Rice flour tempura fried soft shell crabs over bok choy and basil, finished with a light coconut curry sauce and fresh papaya. What a much better way to use the local catch than shrimp and grits!

Saveur Summer BBQ

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:32:00 GMT

As the year ends I have been reflecting on some of the cool things I got to do. One mixed my love of food and my job together. At the Saveur Summer BBQ, I was able to eat food from some of the greatest chefs in America, while demonstrating that SmartStrand Carpet from Mohawk can resist even the signature stains of these great chefs.

Take a look!

Alterra Coffee - Milwaukee, WI

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:04:00 GMT

I travel to Milwaukee every month and love this city. Honestly. If you haven't ever been there, go and visit. Every time I go, I have a morning ritual. I get up, take a walk along the river, and head to the Alterra 5th Ward Foundry over by the Third Ward.

I adore the baked oatmeal. I used to think it was gluten-free, but lately, I believe there to be some cross contamination. It's so good though, it's worth the price of pain... almost. Still, I've got another reason to go, even without the baked oatmeal.

Meeting preparation.

You see, their green tea is named "Iron Goddess of Mercy". What business woman wouldn't want that strong-but-fair wake me up call. I get such a kick out of it that I sometimes demand to be addressed not by my name but as "iron Goddess". Really. Maybe the cold gets to my brain....

Still, supporting local businesses like Alterra is what I'm about. So go grab a cup of Joe, or be your own "Iron Goddess" by having more than just beer in this great city!

Gamekeeper - Blowing Rock, NC

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:37:00 GMT

Fine dining in the NC mountains can be a bit of a bear - no pun intended. There are lots of options but the quality can be mediocre or the lines outrageous in season. For something fine, but mountain casual, you may want to try the Gamekeeper. Urban Spoon lists them as Boone, but they are in between Blowing Rock and Hounds Ear.

What I love about Gamekeeper is their away-from-it-all mountain location. Tucked up in the woods off Shull's Mill Road, I really feel rustic chic and relaxed. The fine libations from the bar also help. I also love the quality of ingredients and inventiveness of preparation. They feature more traditional dishes like a grilled ribeye, but also serve more exciting fare like buffalo, ostrich, and pheasant. Just what a restaurant with a name like Gamekeeper should! I found my buffalo perfectly prepared and in the past have adored the duck.

I also love their slads. They have trendy grilled escarole and a wonderful fried oyster salad where the oysters are done in straight cornmeal.

What I don't love is that with parties of more than 2, the food never comes out on time. 2 or 3 people are served, and then it's another 5 minutes before the rest of the party of 5 or 6 receives food. That means someone is left with a plate in front of them, food getting cold, while they wait to be polite.

For romance or elegant relaxation, give Gamekeeper a try. But if you're a stickler for all the plates being set at once, you may want to pass.

Kick'n Chick'n in Chatt

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 23:51:00 GMT

Some days you just want to stay at home and do nothing, that is, until the phone rings. Today my friend Barry called. He wanted to know if I was going to the Hot Wings Contest down at the Chattanooga Farmer's Market. Now you guys here me write about the market all the time, but it's been a while since I've gone down there. I've been living on frozen pizza. And I digress.

So I thew on some boots and headed to the 6th Annual Kick'n Chick'n Hot Wing Contest to benefit Chattanooga Endeavors. There were a ton of vendors there for us to sample - 8 in all for $7.50. And despite the grey weather, there was a decent crowd. Everything was tasty, and there were lots of varieties to try and various levels of heat. Plus, there was beer so we were happy.

Barry and I got into an argument with our voting. We couldn't remember if we were voting on Buffalo wings, hot wings, or just wings in general. I had to get my ticket out and confirm that yes, it is a HOT wing contest. Still, there was deep conflict, so we decided to go back to our two favorites and have a head-to-head wing-off. That's right. We got seconds to see which wing should take home top prize. We even go the beer guy involved. This is serious business and we couldn't take our right to vote for granted with some flip decision.

With that being said, here are the restaurants that contributed, and who we felt won.

Taco Mac
Market Street Tavern - the best Buffalo style wings
Bud's
Magoo's
Keller's Catering - Best overall. The dry rub has heat, and the home made peach chipotle sauce brings it down. Plus they actually cook the wings on site over charcoal in these neat little contraptions that make turning them easy.
Mom & Pop's Spec Tators
Sing It or Wing It - Best non-hot wings. These are smoked and then grilled. If you like it mild, this is for you!
T-bones

I know Keller's took top prize last year, but honestly, these wings rocked for their smokey taste, subtle heat, and originality in flavor. Here's Barry enjoying his during the wing-off... Notice the intensity and thoughtfulness that went into this process. And yes, there were plenty of wet wipes to go round.

Charleston Grill - Charleston, SC

Lindsey Ann Waldrep — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:01:00 GMT

Please do not let the fact that the Charleston Grill is located inside a hotel deter you. This is truly splendid fine dining. I had the joy of dining there in the spring, as part of a large party. 40 people are no challenge. The food was outstanding. The attention to detail by the kitchen, including gluten intolerance, was impeccable. The wait staff and host were gracious and professional. I would offer you further insight, but it has been a while and the details are fuzzy. Still, I wanted to share.

Please enjoy this pictorial of the Charleston Grill. While these shots do not do the food justice, I hope they wet your appetite for a great meal there.

Risotto with Veggies

Charleston Grill's Famous Crab Cakes... not gluten free

My Fish Entree

Luscious Steak!

Beautiful Chocolate Cake... for those who are GF their Creme Brulee is great!

Ending the Evening with Fancy Coffee!