Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Thomas McCabe

Black- Eyed Sally’s
350 Asylum St, Hartford, Ct, 06103
(860)278-7427
Of all the restaurants in Hartford, Ct, Black- Eyed Sally’s certainly is one of the most interesting. Since 1995, Black- Eyed Sally’s has been producing some of the best BBQ and cajun food this side of the Mississippi. Doubling as an authentic blues club, this restaurant features regional and national blues acts several nights each week. Large portraits of blues icons line the walls of this slightly- dark joint, providing just the right atmosphere for enjoying some great down- home, napkin- needing BBQ. Appetizers at Black-Eyed Sally’s include Louisiana gumbo, deep- fried catfish fingers and fried okra and pickle chips. Authentic Po’ Boy and pulled pork sandwiches are stuffed with tasty ingredients. Black- Eyed Sally’s is particularly known for its “fall off the bone” Memphis- style pork ribs. These beautiful specimens, which are expertly cooked and seasoned, are available in various sizes and combinations. When paired with their collard greens and mashed sweet potatoes, their ribs are just one of the finest things a carnivore could hope to eat. Other outstanding entrees at Black- Eyed Sally’s include Jambalaya, blackened salmon and the ‘Piglet Platter’( a delicious sampling of their various pork dishes). Several very good desserts are also served here, try to save room. A very interesting blues- inspired bar area and a seasonal outdoor patio are also featured

by Barbara Kasser & Jay Michaels

CONCA D’ORO
11833 Tyler Street, Hollywood, FL 33021
(954) 927-6704

Garlic lovers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven at Conca D’Oro. The Italian food here is more New York than Florida, and the crowds that show up every day appreciate the distinction. Pizza is a real showstopper, with a perfect sweet sauce, crisp crust and just the right amount of cheese. Linguine with clam sauce, another house specialty, is so good folks have been known to lick the plate! The meat-stuffed hero sandwiches are large enough to be shared by two or three people. The huge portions, relatively low prices and great prices make this Hollywood spot a winner.

by Tracy Rose

THE WHITNEY
4421 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201
(313)832-5700

This spooky mansion serves up a wicked weekend brunch served over four courses. It is the epitome of elegant meals and it begins with juice, fruit, sweet rolls, mini bagels with cream cheese, chicken mouse and more. The second course is a choice of quiche, cream of asparagus soup, an egg popover, English muffin French toast or a Caesar salad. The third course consists of a choice of beef tenderloin, roasted pork sirloin, soy-seared salmon, eggs benedict or angel hair pasta. To complete the meal, the last course is a choice of apple strudel with ice cream, chocolate cake, tiramisu and coffee or tea. The Whitney provides a unique and elegant setting for a delicious and memorable Sunday brunch. Brunch is the cheaper way to go if you want to experience the rumors and history of the haunted Whitney. Reservations are a must.

By Rita Cook

PEKING GARDEN RESTAURANT
1208 S. Bowen Road
Arlington, Texas 76013
(817)274-8284
This is a popular Chinese option in between Dallas and Fort Worth and the place has been serving the metroplex for over 20 years now. The management have been doing it right for so long that they understand what it means when they say “Customer Service.” Favorites for families and business folks alike are the Shrimp Tempura. However, don’t get too hung up on just seafood as the Fried Chicken is also a crowd pleaser for the “non-Chinese” food eater. The atmosphere is pleasing and not overly stuffy, but the traditional Chinese decorations remind you where you are so you can have a good time. Lots of variety on the menu so eat up and enjoy it family-style.

by Rita Cook

Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
829 E. Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, Texas 76011
(817) 265-9174

Having received numerous important awards in the last 15 years of service, Piccolo Mondo offers not only good food, but good atmosphere. All-time favorites are the Eggplant Parmigiana, the Pollo all Griglia and for dessert the cannoli and tiramisu has been pleasing customers for years. The house specialties are also worth a try from the Lasagna alla Bolognese baked with meat sauce, cheese and bechamel sauce to the Gnocchi al Pomodoro with potato dumplings with fresh tomato sauce. Reservations are suggested as this place fills up fast. The lighting is low and makes for great atmosphere and there is a baby grand emitting music that will sooth the senses as you dine.

by Nicholas Gill

Basi Italia
811 Highland St
Columbus, OH 43215

Basi Italia is a small, 26- seat restaurant that once again shows how much an intimate space and fine food can add romance to any evening. Start of with wine on the veranda, which is heated in the wintertime. Then opt for a Roasted Clams or Prosciutto and Melon. Next move to the Risotto a la Frutti de Mare or Salmon Rotolo. Where you go from here is up to you and your date.

by Diane Bobis

SPIAGGIA
980 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 606011

312-280-2750

Expect nothing short of first-class fare and service at this glorious Gold Coast destination helmed by James Beard Best Chef Midwest Tony Mantuano. His menu combines the most elegant Italian culinary traditions with the freshest local products – and it has been honed to perfection. For the ultimate dining experience, favor the chef’s seven-course tasting menu over ordering a la carte. It features such gastronomical delights as Carpaccio all Norcina (thin slices of raw prime aged strip steak with black truffles, trumpet royale mushrooms and Parmigiano Reggiano) and Agnello al Forno con Polenta e Indiva (slow-roasted crisp lamb shoulder with creamy polenta, caramelized endive and rosemary olive oil). Please note there is a dress code: jackets are required for men (ties optional) and jeans and gym shoes are not permitted.

by Amy Cynkar

ALDO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
306 S. High Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 727-0700

Chef/Owner Aldo Vitale delights with this comfortably elegant, family-run restaurant in Little Italy. Constructed from a renovation of two abandoned brownstones that date back to the 1840s, Aldo handcrafted all of the restaurant’s intricate woodwork, including its mahogany bars. Influenced by his Southern Italian roots, Aldo presents simple, but fabulous dishes using natural and organic ingredients, including Tournedos Rossini, grilled filet mignon, seared foie gras and Italian black truffle, served with porcini and wild mushroom sauce with four cheese risotto. The restaurant also offers a number of intimate private dining rooms for parties of four to 40.

by Tom Wrona

ANGELO’S FAIRMOUNT TAVERN
2300 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609 344-2439
When the locals want a great meal without getting dressed up or spending a lot of money Angelo’s, in Atlantic City’s Ducktown neighborhood, has been the place to go since 1935. This is Italian comfort food at its best. The portions are huge and the menu is long (six steaks, nearly 20 pasta dishes, a baker’s dozen of seafood dishes and eighteen desserts). It’s a big, bright and convivial place so save Angelo’s for a date when you want to spend more time feeding each other than giving each other smoldering looks.