I first had Call Your Mother bagels at a charity I volunteer at, as they regularly donate bags of bagels. Their bagels were quite distinctive, so I made a mental note to eat at one of their locations. As good as their bagels are, fresh from the oven they are even better.
Last summer while driving in Silver Spring MD I noticed a new restaurant that was absolutely hopping. I made a mental note to try it out. When I did, I found a very welcoming restaurant with terrific atmosphere and great food.
I had a meeting with friends in the Mt Vernon Triangle area of Washington DC, and we were looking for a quick bite to eat beforehand. We found a wonderful little coffee shop that was exactly what we were looking for.
I have been meaning to try Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Company,located in Alexandria Virginia, for a couple of years now. But every time I was in town it always had long lines and I went elsewhere. On an unusually warm President's Day, I decided to endure the wait and try their ice cream. It was worth it.
While there are plenty of Hispanic restaurants in the Washington DC metropolitan area, I have never encountered one that serves Colombian cuisine. Until now. In Silver Spring, Md there is a place that has been doing so for 5 years: Arepas Pues .. !
Salvadoran restaurants used to be a mainstay in Columbia Heights. But the area has gentrified. You can still find some in the area. One of the best is Gloria's Pupuseria, which has been serving Salvadoran food for for more than a dozen years.
An Italian restaurant with exquisite food and scenic views can be found in south towns of Buffalo, right on the shores of Lake Erie. I know of people who go there every week for their Sunday brunch. I was not there on a Sunday, but I did enjoy a good evening meal at Lucia on the Lake.
On Route 15 in the middle of Pennsylvania, just past the intersection with Route 11 at the northern tip of Shamokin Dam, lies a majestic site. On a bluff above the banks of the Susquehanna River is a BBQ place. Skeeter's Pit BBQ has terrific view. And the barbecue is first rate as well.
Whenever I asked friends for restaurant recommendations in Annapolis, Maryland, Jalapeños was always on the list. They serve a combination of Spanish and Mexican food, and that includes tapas. Because of the tapas I held off going there until I had a group, in order to get a good sample. I have finally done so.
Jim's Dining Guides 