Finding Favorite Places One Unique Restaurant at a Time!

Finding Favorite Places One Unique Restaurant at a Time!

Some restaurants you know what you're going to get coast to coast.  Ruby this, Olive that, the menu, the decor, everything evokes consistency.  But the true gems aren't found in some mass produced, franchised conglomerate governed enterprise. 

The diamonds are the mom and pop places doing what they do best.  The Triple D category as Guy calls them. They're often not much to look at, in fact you might be inclined to drive on by if you weren't feeling adventurous or someone hadn't tipped you off to the secret.

We've traveled a decent amount over the years, and we've got our own collection of favorites! 

Heading to the Emerald Isle in North Carolina?  A visit to the Big Oak Drive-in in Salter Path.  Blink and you'll drive by the entrance.  The usually full to the gills parking lot and the line waiting to order?  That's the sign you've found the right place.  Sandwiches we can't get back home, shrimpburgers, scallopburgers, clamstrip burgers, oyster burgers, NC style Q, they've got that and more.  Now you may ask WHAT is a shrimpburger?  LOTS of shrimp, coleslaw, tartar sauce and ketchup on a bun.  Pretty tasty!

If I'm in Buffalo, I'm disappointed if I can't get by Charlie the Butcher's for a Beef on Weck.  Some of the best roast beef I've ever had, a pretzel salted bun, some horseradish to open up your sinuses....good stuff!  And another place looking at from the outside you might drive on by.

In Salt Lake City love the Mexican food at Red Iguana.  There's just one MAJOR problem!  Analysis paralysis....they have SO many great sounding things on their menu that it's tough to make a pick!  But the good news?  You can't go wrong!

In Old Mystic, CT there's a little place called Kitchen Little.  Breakfast food, sit out back next to the water on picnic tables and just enjoy the food and the environment.

In New Orleans, or Nawlins, or The Big Easy, you need to visit the Central Grocery Company, order a muffeletta sandwich and wander over to Jackson Square, park on a bench and just soak in the sun.  It's been 30 years since that day and I still want to go back!

Locally we're blessed with similar places to enjoy.  The Wildflower Cafe, Aponte's Pizza, Sichaun Bistro, The Village Ice Cream Parlor and plenty more.  The key is bypassing all those national chains and finding those small business owners in YOUR backyard.  And when you travel, skip the Golden Arches and the like, there's great stuff to be discovered!  You might want to check out www.RoadFood.com to help find some of those special places.

Serving Warren County's residential real estate needs,
Liz and Bill aka BLiz

P.S.  Just like these restaurants, sometimes you can't judge a home solely by it's cover.  Sometimes there are some real gems just past the door.  Give them a chance.  If you're considering  buying or selling an area home, please give The Liz Spear Team of RE/MAX Elite a call for a no hassle, no pressure consultation.