Aw Shucks! Mayberry Still Alive and Well in Mt. Airy, N.C.

Posted on by
Reply
Share

Cruising Mayberry-style in the Galaxy

Gloria Joyner Johnson had one wish for her birthday. She wanted to go to Mayberry.

So Johnson and her friend Addie Lisby traveled 100 miles north of Charlotte, NC to Mt. Airy, Andy Griffith’s hometown and the inspiration for The Andy Griffith Show. “I have every DVD, but I still watch the reruns,” said Johnson. “The show captures a more peaceful time. Mayberry was a real neighborly place, a place where funny things happened, but there wasn’t ever any cussin’ or real problems. Andy practiced ‘Do Unto Others,’ which is something I believe in.”

The show, which first aired in 1960, inspires a cult following, with a regular stream of pilgrims fueling Mt. Airy tourism. Visitors can take a Mayberry squad car tour in a black and white Galaxy police car, stopping at landmarks like Wally’s Fillin’ Station, Floyds Barber shop, Snappy Lunch and the Griffith’s homestead.

Emmett Forrest, Griffith’s friend since grade school, curates the Andy Griffith Museum, an impressive collection of memorabilia that includes Sheriff Andy Taylor’s original office set, one of Barney Fife’s dandy suits, and the keys to the town jail. In front of the museum, a statue of Andy and his son Opie (played by the young Ron Howard), is a popular place for photo opps.

Lisby and Johnson got lucky and ran into Betty Lynn, the retired actress who played Thelma Lou, Barney Fife’s girlfriend from 1960-1965. Lynn, whose resume includes June Bride with Bette Davis and Cheaper by the Dozen with Myrna Loy, moved to Mt. Airy from Hollywood a few years ago. “I was tired of all the craziness. Here, I have a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I like small town life. Everybody still calls me Betty Lou, but I really don’t mind.”

The birthday girl is all smiles next to "Thelma Lou"

 

 

 

A Taste of Old Hanoi in Auckland

Posted on by
Reply
Share

 

An exciting scene at Cafe Hanoi

The action is nonstop inside Cafe Hanoi, an artsy new VIetnamese restaurant on the corners of Galway and Commerce in downtown Auckland. Situated in a grand old bank building, with bare concrete and brick walls and the glow of oversized paper lanterns, the interior reminds a traveler of the faded opulence of the Old Quarter in Hanoi.

Yet local chef Jason van Dorsten and his team are channeling something quite modern with dishes like cured pork skewers atop romaine leaves served with crunchy sliced of green banana and cucumber and a chili dipping sauce.  Each dish is made ala minute, with the open kitchen in a constant state of motion, garnishing plate after plate with handfuls of frsh mint, squeezes of lime juice and bunches of chopped cilantro.

The flavors are clean and layered with eye popping color and texture.  The pork spare ribs arrived fragrant with five spice and caramelized with a crust of ginger and sesame, just perfect.  A stir fry of morning glory with garlic and sesame seeds was wonderfully fresh, the flash in the pan just long enough to give the tender leaf some bite.

In a city with a vast Asian gastronomy, a reflection of the polyglot that is New Zealand’s cultural make up, Cafe Hanoi brings a luster of culinary sophistication to the table, an excitement and a “scene” that is irresistible. Expect to pay around $100 NZ for dinner for two, especially if you enjoy a fruity glass (or two) of the region’s wonderful Sauvignon blanc.

Cafe Hanoi's open kitchen never stops moving

Whole crispy snapper with lemon grass and chili

Meet Air New Zealand’s Concierge on the Fly

Posted on by
Reply
Share

Jaheb Barnett helps a passenger on the way from LA to Auckland

Traveling to a new place always raises logistical questions, from what’s the best way to get from the airport to the hotel to where to find the tastiest local cuisine.

Fly Air New Zealand, and your questions are answered before you even touch down. Meet Jaheb Barnett, one of a team of 45 International Airline Concierge whose job is to give travelers inside info even at 35,000 feet. A program unique to the airline industry, Air New Zealand’s crackerjack concierge have been answering flyers’ queries since the program kicked off in 2008.

Using the interactive entertainment system, passengers can click on the Concierge icon and noodle around to learn the best place for brunch (Orvieto) and lamb chops (Vinnie’s) in Auckland, where to get the best cuppa’ in Taupo (Steaming Bean) and top choice for a dip in the thermal pools in Rotorua (Polynesian Spa). You can even type in your own question, and at some point during the flight, the concierge will pay you a visit at your seat to help.

Jaheb, a native of Devonport on Auckland’s north shore, trained for an extra two months to prep for the job, and, working with his colleagues, can provide information about cities on most of New Zealand’s long haul routes.  And the advice offered isn’t canned copy, it’s vetted and spoken with the insight of a local expert.

All that talk about friendly Kiwis isn’t just talk – even the skies are friendlier in New Zealand.

Starr’s Dandelion Brings Traditional British Pub to Philly

Posted on by
Reply
Share

 

 

There's even beer in the fish batter at Dandelion.

Union Jack moderne is chef Robert Aikens’ inspiration at The Dandelion, Starr Restaurants’ smart 135-seat bi-level British pub off Rittenhouse Square in Philly.

Aikens, who began his career at Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in London, came to town with quite the pedigree. He most recently cooked with his identical twin brother, Tom Aikens, chef/owner of the Michelin starred restaurant of the same name.

Aikens infuses The Dandelion’s menu with a seasonal and locally sourced take on traditional fare, updated comfort dishes like Cumberland sausages with mashed potato and onion gravy; beer battered fish and chips and rabbit pie with cipollini onions, oyster mushrooms and grain mustard. A food-friendly beer list heavy on U.K. drafts includes three, constantly-rotating cask ales. If there’s a seat, head upstairs to the  doggy-themed bar for a pint, or relax on the main floor in cushy couches by the fireplace. The vibe is cozy, the food is haute comfort and the scene is Starr-worthy, a nice addition to the local pub culture.

 

 

Grand Marlin: Top of the Catch in Pensacola

Posted on by
Reply
Share

 

Grand Marlin's dining room is sleek and sophisticated

Drive along the commercial stretch of beach front real estate the next time you’re hungry in Pensacola, and there are few surprises. Eateries are casual and family friendly, with the emphasis on down-home cuisine and good value. While downtown Pensacola is undergoing a veritable renaissance, driven largely by the opening of sophisticated restaurants and retro entertainment venues, the beach is the place to kick off your shoes and keep it simple.

Of course there’s an exception to every rule.

Welcome to the Grand Marlin, a gorgeous waterfront restaurant boasting pristine seafood so fresh that the menu is printed twice daily. Sleek in design, without a kitschy maritime theme in sight, the Marlin is a collaboration between operating partner Bryan Housley, last of Atlanta’s well regarded Ray’s on the River and executive chef Gregg McCarthy, a CIA grad passionate about Gulf seafood. Chef Gregg sources out the freshest local seafood possible, as well as the best from other regions, in dishes like New Orleans style barbecue Gulf shrimp and a Maryland style lump crabcake made from blue crab that was swimming just a few days before landing on your plate.

The oysters harvested from Apalachicola to the southwest are sweet and slightly briny, served with a housemade cocktail sauce and a red wine mignonette. Tasty medallions of yellow edge grouper from nearby Destin arrive picatta style, crusted with parmesan with accents of crispy capers and brown butter. Try the crispy lobster fingers drizzled with a vanilla infused honey mustard sauce, and the delish salad of slow roasted beets and Alabama goat cheese, topped with a round of pumpkin seed brittle.

A daily menu of fresh fish, all sustainably harvested and wild caught, can be had simply grilled with rice and seasonal veg or served on with a green salad dressed with a tomato basil vinaigrette. Portions are large, with appetizers in the $9.95-$16.50 range, entrees from $18.50 to $25.95 for seafood, $31.95 for a 16-ounce bone-in cow girl rib eye with all the trimmings. The snappy wine list boast fish-friendly whites like Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($35) and a wonderful Willamette Valley Pinto Gris from Lange ($39), along with a tasty array of California-centric reds and a menu of hand crafted cocktails.

So the next time you’re in Pensacola, raise the bar on beachfront dining and land a table at the Grand Marlin. We think you’ll agree that it’s quite a catch.

 

Florida lobster tail is just one fresh option

Authentic Tex-Mex at Los Amigos

Posted on by
Reply
Share

 

 

 

 

 

Los Amigos... still crazy good after all these years....

Los Amigos, a ramshackle three-story restaurant, painted in technicolor shades of violet, hot pink, lime and sunflower, once stood alone at 1926 Atlantic Avenue, just two blocks from the Boardwalk. Since owners Pat Shemeley, Curt and Mimi Taylor renovated the restaurant more than a decade ago, the landscape has changed dramatically.

The Walk, avenues of outlet shopping that connect the Convention Center to Atlantic Avenue, has sprung up all around the earnest little Mexican restaurant that serves the best margaritas in town.

Lunch is the real bargain here, with hearty portions of fresh Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine, prepared by Mexico City native chef Genaro Valdez Castillo, running in the $7.95-$10.95 range. But even at dinner, you can fill up on a combo plate of three tasty tacos and enchiladas for just $14. Ay, caramba!

Vibe: Laid-back fiesta with top rate margaritas and cerveza.

The Crowd: Shoppers in need of a libation, weary shift workers and a loyal collection of locals.

Best Bets: the fish tacos at lunch, made with blackened tuna and salmon ($13.95) and for dinner, the beef burrito grande with pico de gallo $13.95.

Filet South of the Border style at Los Amigos

 

A Classic – White House Subs

Posted on by
Reply
Share

The guys get busy at White House Subs in AC

Maybe it’s the bread, fresh Italian loaves straight out of the oven from Formica Bros. Bakery across the street.

Or maybe it’s the oversized fillings of deli meats and cheeses. Whatever it is – White House, at 2301 Arctic Ave. in AC,  has been a lines-out-the-door sub shop since 1946. Supposedly even Ol’ Blue Eyes had sandwiches delivered to him when he was in town.  The owners are definitely fans of the Chairman – don’t miss the wall of fame shrine that includes photos and even a framed towel used by Francis Albert himself at his last AC appearance. Awesome relic.

Naturally, the subs are HUGE – two-handers – so depending on your hunger, a half ($7 for a turkey sub) will do you. Or go for the gusto, and spring for the $12.60 White House Special, jam-packed with Italian meats and cheeses and dressed with hot peppers, lettuce tomato and onions. With more than 20 million subs sold, they’re doing something right.

Vibe: No frills is giving this place too much credit. But it works.

The Crowd: A real mixed bag, from business types to teens, tourists – the line is always interesting. But don’t wait on it if you’re taking out, elbow through and head to the back to order.

Best Bets: The tuna with provolone is the best.

And for Dessert: if you can possibly save room, go across the street to Formica where the cannollis are piped to order and the filling is thick, sweet ricotta spiked with chocolate chips.

Open (very) wide

 

Tresor Treasures in Winter Park

Posted on by
Reply
Share

 

David Barany in his Tresor Gallery

The shops along tony Park Avenue in Winter Park, just north of Orlando, are the usual mix of high end boutiques, kitschy gift shops and the occasional chain store.

Which makes Tresor Gallery such a gem.

The artsy shop, opened almost a year ago by Hungarian-born David Barany, who along with his wife also owns Winter Park MedSpa, is a bright spot on the Avenue.  Representing more than 100 artists, Tresor – which means treasure in French – includes the work of well known painters like John and Lynn Whipple, Tony Savoie and glass artist Rollin Karg.  There are tons of funky and interesting accessories and fashionable (read well priced) jewelry lines, including Nature Bijoux, a French line inspired by nature, and Alchemy Goods, which repurposes bike tire tubes into fetching belts, bags and wallets. Tresor is a great place to buy unique, and affordable gifts, Judaica and treasures for yourself and your home.

FInding a shop that really manages to stand out from the crowd is such a treat. Tresor is just that kind of place.

Gorgeous detail from Tony Savoie

 

BYO Bonanza in Philly

Posted on by
Reply
Share

 

Mercato chef Mackenzie Hilton

When it comes to a BYOB restaurant scene, Philadelphia is a real corker.

With more than 230 bring your own bottle eateries around town, diners can save big bucks – and drink their favorite vintages without paying a restaurant mark-up. Sticker shocked by the high price of liquor licenses, more chefs, like Ian Moroney, who owns the 28-seat Pumpkin on South Street, opt to do what they do best. “I got into this business to cook, not run a bar. BYOB works for us, and our customers love it.” Moroney, like most BYOB owners, doesn’t charge a corkage fee, another reason to wine and dine, Philadelphia style.

Three to Try …

Mercato: Chef Mackenzie Hilton infuses the slow cooking of Old World Italy with a bold take on new Italian American cuisine at this airy cash only BYOB. Large floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto a lively street scene. 1216 Spruce St, (215) 985.BYOB

 

Mercato in Midtown VIllage

Pumpkin: Artful New American cuisine, locally sourced produce and a great deal on Sundays: five courses for $35, including dishes like seared scallops over lentils spiked with a beet vinaigrette and braised branzino with fennel, preserved lemons and olive tapenade. 1713 South St. (215) 545-4448

 

Kanella: Cyprus meets Greece at Kanella’s table, where chef/owner Konstantinos Pitsillides coaxes wonderful flavors out of slowly braised rabbit with butter beans and the daily whole fish, simply roasted with seasonal greens. Or come for the Cyprus breakfast, eggs fried in olive oil with tangy houlami cheese. 1001 Spruce St. (215) 922-1773

BYOB Bits: Reservation policies vary, so call ahead. Ask in advance about credits cards – cash only is not uncommon. And if you don’t have your favorite Super Tuscan handy, not to worry, here’s an interactive map of the city by neighborhood, complete with the locations of the nearest liquor store.

 

 

 

Vegan Philly – Eat your Vegetables and Like It!

Posted on by
Reply
Share
A morsel from the vegan tasting menu at Meritage

Although vegetarian-friendly menus are common these days, vegans sometimes get a shorter shrift. Not at Meritage where meat free dining rules every Tuesday, with a $35, four course tasting of seasonal delights. Think roasted baby beets with rhubarb, mint, and citrus or a nutty chickpea cake served with olive tapenade, smoky tomato chutney.

In the Reading Terminal Market, Basic Four Vegetarian Snack Bar  bests the “just salad” option with housemade veggie burgers, tofu turkey sandwiches and a faux tuna fish salad that will knock your organic cotton socks off.

Fans of smoky barbecue should head directly to Khyber Pass Pub where the vegan pulled pork is just delish, topped with a zippy vinegar based sauce and a pile of cole slaw.

And for upscale vegan, can’t wait for Vedge to open later this month, a classy spot from Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, last of Horizon, in the old Deux Cheminees spot on Locust.

At Barbuzzo, the delectable modern-Medi in Midtown Village, chef/co-owner Marcie Turney doesn’t just proclaim a locavore bent. A chalkboard is updated daily with specific veg, fruit and dairy sourced from farms in Chester and Lancaster Counties, verdant spots including Green Meadow and Blue Moon Acres. Even carnivores will swoon over the daily farm-fresh vegetable board, which might hold thyme-scented coins of sweet carrot, fig and goat cheese crostini and green beans in a pistachio pesto.

Barbuzzo's Marcie Turney loves her veg