hburgnews.com

Comment from Bubby
Time: February 1, 2008, 11:15 am

Well, those Stauntonians have the best Southwest restaurant - Baja Bean. I don’t call it Mexican, because they do the Cali style fresh stuff that makes for the finest desert soulfood.

Here in hburg, I can’t get enough of the burritos from the enterprising dude in the green truck on Main Street. I loves that taco truck food!

Comment from Laura
Time: February 1, 2008, 11:20 am

I was surprised about the ‘worst service’ award for Dave’s. Yes, the wait staff up on the trattoria often seemed a bit stressed out (I would be too if I had to continuously climb all those stairs), but inside the service is pretty good. The worst we’ve encountered is a strange, reoccurring, extra-salad-we-didn’t-order-brought-to-the-table phenomenon.

Comment from finnegan
Time: February 1, 2008, 11:34 am

Ditto Bubby’s taco truck remark. El Sol on Elizabeth ain’t bad, either.

However, I can’t say I’m surprised that the worst service award goes to Dave’s. I’m pleasantly surprised when my food at Dave’s is exactly how I ordered it. Once, our hurried waiter delivered my plate of pasta noodles with nothing but a spoon to eat it with. Ever tried eating linguine alfredo with a spoon? By the time I got my fork, the pasta was cold.

I recall another time (a few months ago) when I was sitting upstairs at Dave’s, eating lunch with Lowell and Kai while workers were power-washing the roof. I noticed a few drips coming through, and I told the waitress that they should probably tell the workers to wait until after the busy lunch hour. The workers continued. About 10 minutes later, the ceiling sprung a leak, dumping dirty roof water all over our table.

No manager came out to apologize. We moved to another table. In the end, the waitress brought us our bill. Nothing was comped.

Comment from Emmy
Time: February 1, 2008, 11:43 am

I’m not shocked about Dave’s either. I’ve never had good service there and they rarely get my order right. The food is really good though, but I don’t order from them often because of the service.

Comment from finnegan
Time: February 1, 2008, 12:05 pm

You know how Luigi’s has those t-shirts that say something like “Good food, good service, wobbly tables.” I was thinking Dave’s could do something similar, like “Good food, bad service, mediocre bands” or “We’ve got great food, but we won’t seat you until your entire party has arrived.”

Comment from Don
Time: February 1, 2008, 12:30 pm

Here I thought I was the only one who got bad service at Dave’s. My order has been wrong three of the last four times. Once this summer it took three trys to get it right. That time they did comp it though. But the food is good so I keep going back. Probably not as often as I would if I could count on getting what I ordered.

Comment from Gxeremio
Time: February 1, 2008, 12:33 pm

Well at least they have a pleasant and spacious area to wait for the rest of your party. I love being squeezed around in the small hallway in front of the hostess podium while being gawked at from all sides, including through the window to the kitchen!

Not that I’m bitter.

Thai Flavor only appeared under “Better food than atmosphere” which is true, but I bet it’ll get some more props next year. It and A&T’s Chicken are the best deals in town.

Comment from eso
Time: February 1, 2008, 1:09 pm

I really liked the Blue Nile ( Ethiopian food ). The owner was determined that they would be opened at least one day in 2007 for tax purposes, but it didn’t happen.

Cafe Jako is a good light food. I like the buffet at the Saigon Cafe, but I’m not really confidant ordering from the menu there.

I like the food at Bravo’s and the service is attentive, but the last couple times I’ve gone during lunch it was slow, slow, slow. Well over 20 minutes to get a salad out, ~50 minutes for visit with salad and pasta, including long waits for the bill to be presented. I realize it isn’t fast food, but that is silly. I’ve stopped going unless I want something specifically from there and I lots of time, which is seldom.

Comment from TM
Time: February 1, 2008, 1:23 pm

The write up about Cally’s reminded me how much I miss Yankee Nachos. The first time I went back and with dismay noticed they weren’t on the menu, the waitress was nice enough to ask the chef’s to whip up a plate anyway. I haven’t asked since, but I have taken to making them at home. Cally’s is also one of the few places I don’t ask to sub fries for chips.
I’m hungry… isn’t about time for another hburgnews meet-up?

Comment from Barnabas
Time: February 1, 2008, 1:24 pm

I have learned to use Waiter management, no matter where I’m eating.
I order a second drink and ask for my bill the first time they come by to ask if everything is alright.
This tends to work pretty well.
If the purpose of the trip is to just hang out and have drinks I may hold up on the tab for a bit.
One good indicatoer of the quality of your waiter is if they know the specials when you ask. If you sense you have a bad waiter you may want to ask to be seated somewhere else, for a BS reason.
Another thing to keep in mind is that during most student breaks the staff at many establisments in town are down to a skeleton crew that is working back to back to back shifts.

Comment from danno
Time: February 1, 2008, 1:38 pm

I would say that Shank’s Bakery has the best coffee, although the atmosphere at the Artful Dodger is better for it.

I have also had silverware issues with Dave’s, but I still haven’t had bad enough of service to pass on their steak and cheese on a pita.

Comment from Justin C
Time: February 1, 2008, 2:17 pm

I have to echo Danno’s comment. The coffee at Shank’s is far and away the best in downtown. That’s not to say you can’t get good coffee at the many other spots downtown.

I was sad to see how little attention Indian American Cafe got. I know they don’t do much publicity and the service there can be anywhere from great to awful, but for price and quality you can’t find a better lunch downtown.

Comment from Bryan
Time: February 1, 2008, 2:44 pm

Indian American Cafe anyone?

Comment from JW
Time: February 1, 2008, 2:46 pm

Dave’s service is bad.
Between that and the constantly escalating menu prices, I hardly go there anymore.

Comment from incognito
Time: February 1, 2008, 3:31 pm

Let’s not forget the new Clementine’s, which we will see tonight at Speed Dating! *hint* *hint* for a story :)

Comment from Joey Groah
Time: February 1, 2008, 4:50 pm

Our office has become a huge fan of El Sol. It’s a hard Tuesday-Wednesday stretch when they’re not open sometimes… if you haven’t tried them stop in Thursday-Monday. It’s hard to break from the tacos and quesadillas.

Comment from ammc
Time: February 1, 2008, 8:06 pm

Glad to hear some news on the taco truck…I’ve passed by with avid curiosity several times! My other mexi-food recommendation is la casita in Dayton…haven’t found much else on the east coast that touches that place as far as authentic mexi. Looks like I’ll have to give el sol a spin as well.

Comment from Tina
Time: February 2, 2008, 12:50 pm

I guess I’ve been lucky - I’ve never had the bad experiences that others seem to have had at Dave’s.

Now, there are a couple of other places downtown I’d comment on… not naming any names, but one “cozy” place that I avoid because the service is so darn slow; another where the servers are mostly icy and unfriendly.

Comment from Emmy
Time: February 2, 2008, 1:14 pm

I’m pretty sure I know which place you are talking about Tina and I agree. I love the food, but I don’t go there unless I have a lot of time.

I did want to mention what a wonderful chef the new owner of L&S Diner is. My boss had him cater a luncheon for us and it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. It was very clear that he knew what he was doing and he even explained the origin of his recipes.

Comment from Thanh
Time: February 2, 2008, 2:42 pm

Do visit the “taco truck” (Tacos El Primo). The food there really is delicious. Its rumored that the staff from El Charro go there for lunch (I’ve never seen that myself). For those who are in a hurry, I believe, Tacos El Primo has a number that you a call to order food ahead of time for fast pick up.

I just recently discovered El Sol, and its delicious as well.

eso, here are some recommended dishes to try at Saigon Cafe (I like a lot of the food on the menu, but I tried my best to pick a select few for you):
-Cha gio (eggrolls)
- Gio cuon (spring rolls with delicious peanut sauce.)
- Pho Tai (you can’t go wrong with this Vietnamese noodle soup, do ask them for the hoisen and red chili sauces)
- Canh Chua (this generally isn’t a meal in and of itself, but it would be a nice soup to share with a dish that came with rice)
- Thit Bo Nuong (do pour the fish sauce on top of it)
- Mi Xao Don
- Ga Curry

And if you are a coffee drinker, ask to try “Ca Phe Sua Da” (French style black drip filter coffee with ice and condensed milk.)” My fiance and I are having Saigon Cafe cater the majority of our wedding this May. The family who owns the place is really pleasant and super friendly.

Also, Pho Ha, located at the corner of Port Republic Rd and Neff Ave also has good Vietnamese food.

Comment from MAW
Time: February 2, 2008, 11:16 pm

I really must get out more often. I haven’t heard of half the places you guys are talking about. I have seen the Taco Truck. I wasn’t sure how sanitary it would be, but now , I think I’ll try it.

I’m pretty much stuck on Asia Inn and Golden China. Asia Inn has a Pad Thai that is awesome!

And I guess since I work there, I should also put in a plug for The Village Inn. If you’re looking for a good buffet on the south end of town, you should give them a try.

Comment from eso
Time: February 3, 2008, 1:25 am

Where’s the Shank’s Bakery that has the good coffee?

Thahn: I’ve had that coffee at Saigon Caffee and like :) Thanks for the suggestions for ordering from the menu.

I like the Romano’s in the newer shopping center across from McGaheysville fire house. Italian pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. Sort of like Bravo’s but a little less formal and less emphasis on wine. And pretty fast.

The Thomas House in Dayton. They have Buffet lunch line and serve dinner. The times I’ve been there it didn’t have a set menu, you choose from several specials that changed daily. Very simple, but good food.

I really do miss the Blue Nile ….

Comment from Laura
Time: February 3, 2008, 7:58 am

Where else in town has good Chinese?

We mostly go to Golden China, with occasional carryout from Sun Hunan, but neither are nearly as good as the great Chinese places I used to frequent in Northern VA.

Comment from danno
Time: February 3, 2008, 9:53 am

Eso - Shank’s is on Water Street right next to the parking deck. Pick up some pastries while you’re there, you won’t be disappointed.

Comment from Barnabas
Time: February 3, 2008, 10:17 am

I usualy go to Golden China when in Harrsionburg and Ming Garden when in Waynesboro (Now that they are back to code). But the best Chinese food is China City in the Food Lion shopping center in Verona. And for Mexican food, Dona Rosa still gets my vote for number one in Harrisonburg.

Pingback from hburgnews.com » Super Sunday in the ‘Burg
Time: February 3, 2008, 1:42 pm

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Comment from David Troyer
Time: February 3, 2008, 4:19 pm

What about Xenia’s? I don’t go there often because of the location, but their pitas can’t be beat. Café Jako fits a similar bill: I like it a lot, but I don’t go often because of the location, maybe that is why I like it so much.

Also, the Papusa truck that is sometimes on North 11. Those are some tasty eats.

Comment from Christa Gitchell
Time: February 3, 2008, 5:29 pm

Where exactly is this Taco truck you guys have been talking about? I swear, I don’t think I have ever seen it!

Comment from Josh
Time: February 3, 2008, 8:11 pm

Christa: The teal colored Taco Truck parks behind the check cashing place near El Charro’s and Bombay/Bayou Courtyard on Main St (right below Hensley Paint & Wall Covering).

P.S. I posted a photo of tacos from the truck in the hburgnews group flickr pool a few weeks back:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbaugher/2193434273/in/pool-hburgnews

Comment from Emmy
Time: February 3, 2008, 8:46 pm

I’m sure its amazing food, but something about buying food out of a truck scares me. But I guess its probably not any scarier that the food I buy anywhere else.

Comment from Barb
Time: February 3, 2008, 9:48 pm

Love Xenia and Cafe Jako, especially the sushi bar. About Dave’s, I never had problems eating inside, but late last summer met a friend for lunch up on the roof. The waitress was truly awful, the service abismally slow. What a turn-off. That same day we had been turned away from Mrs. Whatsis Tearoom. Empty tables all over, but all were “reserved” as we were abruptly told. Won’t go back there. We have a lot of good places to go in the burg, so why bother with poor service? Why should any restaurant owner bother to change if the public excuses crummy service and keeps coming back for more. Service isn’t speedy at Xenia, but given the fact they will make things not listed on the menu, I will be patient. They make mistakes, but the portions are generous and they have a good attitude about correcting errors. I think their business took off faster than they expected. We needed a good Greek restaurant in town and now have it.

Comment from JohnLL
Time: February 3, 2008, 10:35 pm

Has anyone been to this new Woodfire Grill (?? I’m guessing on the name) next to the movie theaters? Every time I drive past, the place is packed.

Comment from David Troyer
Time: February 3, 2008, 10:57 pm

John,

I haven’t been to Woodfire but from what I understand it is a sysco-driven all-you-can-eat buffet. So basically golden corral with a new facade, that is why it is so popular.

Comment from eso
Time: February 4, 2008, 6:04 am

I, also, have been hesitant about the Taco Truck.

Comment from JohnLL
Time: February 4, 2008, 7:05 am

David: yuck. Thanks for the info- I’ll pass.

Comment from JW
Time: February 4, 2008, 12:15 pm

Taco Truck has the best tacos in town, by far. $1 a piece.

If you’ve ever traveled to the SW, or to anywhere in Latin America, it’s a very common sight to see taco trucks everywhere. It’s a full kitchen crammed into a truck.

The adobada tacos are heavenly. On par or better than La Casita’s!

Comment from Laura
Time: February 4, 2008, 12:57 pm

I’ve been to the Woodfired Grill for Technology Council meetings and it is surprisingly good. Same idea as Golden Corral but much higher quality food and nice servers. I usually dislike the all-you-can-eat places like that (a friend of mine calls them “squat and gobble”) but I’ll go back to Woodfired Grill. The biggest drawback is that it’s usually quite busy and crowded.

Comment from Barnabas
Time: February 4, 2008, 1:14 pm

I only went to Woodfired Grill once and that was enough for me. I went at dinner time and the beef was cold, the pork was dry and the seafood was rubbery. I know other people that love it, but my first experience took it off my dining list.

Comment from TM
Time: February 4, 2008, 1:30 pm

I can’t believe Xenia wasn’t in that tie for Rookie of the Year, but I guess they opened in time for last year’s poll? Delicious hummus and the baklava is amazing.
I could eat anywhere in that corner of HC. I love Franco’s buffalo chicken pizza, pepperoni bites, chicken ranch pizza, and chicken/pepp rolls.
And I know people have been clamoring about the authentic Mexican in the area, but for a chain Qdoba is one of my favorites in the area.
I must also take this time to sing the praises of the taco truck. It actually used to be parked near my old apartment on Reservoir before the house the owner lived in caught fire. I think Chicken is my favorite, but the spicy pork is good too.

Comment from Seth
Time: February 4, 2008, 2:09 pm

applebee’s?

Comment from JohnLL
Time: February 4, 2008, 3:01 pm

My daughters roll their eyes, but I love Qdoba! We also love Taste of Thai… but it’s a bit pricey.

Comment from dctova
Time: February 4, 2008, 4:55 pm

It is so strange to hear negative comments about Dave’s. My family goes at least once/week. We’ve had celebrations there, large groups, picky eaters and vegans - always with no problem. There menu is so much better than the “best french fries” award. Gyros, pastitio (I think that’s how you spell it) and Greek Salad are always perfect. I don’t mean to bring the conversation back to Dave’s, but i’m truly in shock. I’m not usually someone who signs in for these kind of things (blogs, comments & stuff) but just couldn’t leave it at that.

Comment from Tina
Time: February 4, 2008, 6:10 pm

There’s not much food that I don’t like (!), but my favorites are probably the Little Grill and Indian American. Taste of Thai is great, but I”m afraid their prices have made them for “special occasions” only. And I’ll admit that I find myself at Qdoba more often than I care to admit.

I like Bravo’s too (except for location), but I never hear much about them - good or bad. What do other people think of it?

Comment from Emmy
Time: February 4, 2008, 6:17 pm

I LOVE Bravo. It’s one of my favorite places to eat. I haven’t been there in a while, so thanks for reminding me that it is time for a visit!

Comment from MAW
Time: February 4, 2008, 7:50 pm

I just had my first experience at Dona Rosa’s. It was great! Everything was so fresh tasting. It wasn’t like the other Mexican places where you feel like your food is microwaved because it comes out so fast and the plates are too hot to touch. The burrito was huge and full of meat. I also liked how I could order it just the way I like it, rice on the side, no beans and the server understood what I was saying.

The chips and salsa were both warm. The atmosphere was great also. We will definitely be going again.

Comment from Draegn88
Time: February 4, 2008, 8:08 pm

Bravo is nice unless it’s a Friday night when it’s filled with our oh so wonderful students.

Comment from Barb
Time: February 4, 2008, 10:04 pm

Harrisonburg is really coming along, foodwise. It wasn’t that long ago when none of the places mentioned existed. Every time I read an entry I think, “another place I meant to mention.” All the mention of Mexican food makes me wish I enjoyed it. Sounds great.

I steer clear of the chains and support the independents. It is too bad that places are getting pricey, but their costs are going through the roof. The restaurant business is a tough one. I hope all the local places can hang in there.

Comment from JW
Time: February 5, 2008, 1:49 pm

I’m not alone in my Taco Truck yearnings…

http://tacohunt.blogspot.com/

http://www.lostacotrucks.com/seattle/

Comment from eso
Time: February 5, 2008, 3:20 pm

Emmy: I like Bravo’s a lot, too. The last couple of times I’d been there for lunch was slow, slow, but Barnabas reminded me that it was probably during winter break and their student staff was away.

Comment from Restless Wanderer
Time: February 5, 2008, 6:46 pm

Saigon Cafe, Little Grill are the best in Harrisonburg, and drive a little way to Hank’s and they are top-notch. Otherwise, it’s amazing how utterly underwhelming the eateries are in this city. Dave’s Taverna has the rudest staff I’ve ever encountered. Sorry, but I object to giving my money to people who treat me like I’m annoying them (while I’m paying their rent).

Comment from larsen
Time: February 6, 2008, 3:08 pm

After being a Dave’s fan for years, I no longer go there. I went one time last year around 5 pm on a weeknight when the upper room was totally empty, and we asked for the round table in the corner for our party of four really tall people. The waiter was definitely snarky. He told us, snarkily, that we couldn’t have that table unless we had more people in our party. So we sat at at a little, crowded table in the empty room for the entire meal. I haven’t been back and that was several months ago. It’s a shame, because they have great food - but stupid rules and bad attitudes ruin my appetite.

Comment from ammc
Time: February 6, 2008, 3:11 pm

As far as Bravo’s goes, I used to enjoy them much more than I have my last few meals there. Still a nice place to go on a warm evening and eat outside. (If you can use your imagination and get over the parking lot scenery).
A friend and I braved Port Road the other night to try Tutti Gusti. My pasta was better than good and I almost forgot I was on Port Road (not overrun by students). The owners came by to check on us after our meal and were friendly. Definitely worth checking out if you haven’t!

Comment from Emmy
Time: February 6, 2008, 3:14 pm

My friend is a waitress at Tutti Gusti….make sure you tip well ;)

Comment from finnegan
Time: February 6, 2008, 3:19 pm

I’ll have to check it out sometime.

I don’t know why, but the name “Tutti Gusti” conjures images in my mind of large people sitting around a table, eating pizza and breaking wind.

Comment from TM
Time: February 6, 2008, 3:39 pm

We got Tutti Gusti take-out while the students were on Winter Break. I like Franco’s buffalo chicken pizza better, but TG is definitely worth a try. Can’t wait to go back and try some other menu items like the calzone or a panini and maybe spend some time at the nice bar they have set up in the back (it was empty when we went to check it out while waiting for our order).
I agree about the name though. It’s unique but it sounds too much like Tooty Fruity.
It’s another chain, but Jimmy John’s next door has pretty good sandwiches, though I felt I wasn’t getting much my money.

Comment from Josh
Time: February 6, 2008, 3:56 pm

FYI Tutti Gusti’s chef used to work at Bravo’s.

Comment from charles chenault
Time: February 6, 2008, 4:56 pm

Brent - as a large person, I question the accuracy of your comment. I have never eaten pizza at Tutti Gusti. The remainder may be somewhat accurate.
Thanks I think - Charlie

Comment from Christa
Time: February 6, 2008, 5:21 pm

I’m still a huge fan of the Blue Stone Inn. Best food in Rockingham Co. and worth the little bit of a drive. Great seafood and great steaks.

Comment from finnegan
Time: February 6, 2008, 6:18 pm

Charlie,

I stand corrected.

I wonder if they need a mascot…

;)

Comment from Lowell Fulk
Time: February 6, 2008, 6:23 pm

Charlie,
You are one of my favorite people.

Comment from MAW
Time: February 6, 2008, 6:52 pm

I’m surprised that no one has mentioned Bar-B-Que Ranch. I have a niece who works there. She makes awesome tips! I just recently went to eat there, basically to give her a hard time. The food was really good. It’s basically (seems to be my word for the day) fast food, but it’s good. I loved being able to have funnel cake in the middle of winter!

I didn’t like that they allow smoking in such a small place and it’s really cold in there. I had to eat with my coat on.

I just thought for sure someone would have mentioned it by now.

Comment from eso
Time: February 8, 2008, 5:17 am

How is Kyoto’s (sp?) “Japanese steakhouse” now?

Many years ago I wasn’t that impressed with them, but I hear they have changed hands?

Comment from Seth
Time: February 8, 2008, 12:43 pm

while i do appreciate the classic places in town, i don’t think i’d go so far as to say that the food at the barbeque ranch is ‘really good.’ perhaps if you really like fried food. the atmosphere is what makes it a gem. catch it when the antique car shows roll through in the summertime. if you’re looking for a great barbeque joint that stakes its reputation on the food (you will have to live without the archetypal red and white checked table cloths), go check out the smoking pig.

Comment from David Troyer
Time: February 8, 2008, 1:36 pm

Seth,

I would second that. I wouldn’t consider Barbeque Ranch that great… unless you had a serious hankering for fried anything.

Comment from Laura
Time: February 10, 2008, 5:01 pm

Gxeremio - Great tip on A&T’s Chicken! I’d never had it before but stopped by for some carryout today. Wonderful. Thanks!

Comment from Frank J Witt
Time: February 11, 2008, 11:20 am

A great pizza place is The Galley. Wonderful big subs that are actually full of meat. Plus, they are opening another location where Wood Fired Oven Pizza was. That location is next to Sign Pro, in front of Lowe’s. Jimmy does a great job of making sure the food is always good.

Comment from Dave Briggman
Time: February 11, 2008, 1:40 pm

Anybody know where you can get a great Gyro locally?

Comment from Frank J Witt
Time: February 11, 2008, 2:10 pm

Dave, The Galley has a Gyro but I have to be honest I have NEVER had a bad one so I think theirs is good…obviously.

Comment from johnmarr
Time: February 11, 2008, 3:41 pm

Dave,

Try Xenia’s Kabob Grille. They have awesome food including gyros.

Comment from TM
Time: February 18, 2008, 1:52 pm

Noticed what I think is a new Taco Truck on Reservoir St. on my way into work today. It’s a white truck parked in front of the business across the street from Harrisonburg Health-Rehab Center.

Comment from fuzzwell
Time: February 18, 2008, 2:41 pm

I agree with the comments on Dave’s not being a good place to eat because of long service times and incorrect orders.

Do the owners of Dave’s know how people feel about their restaurant?

Comment from JGFitzgerald
Time: February 18, 2008, 2:49 pm

My fries were tepid once at Dave’s. Once. Other than that ..,. are we talking about the same restaurant?

Comment from Frank J. Witt
Time: February 18, 2008, 4:17 pm

Fuzz ~ if he did know about the complaints of his restaurant, I doubt he cares. He has nothing to lose with the college kids and cheap beer prices. After the stiff way he treated Barb and I when we met at a US FOODS foodshow, I refuse to give him 1 single dollar. That and to have his help smoking on the sidewalk just outside his door is rude. But that’s just my humble opinion.

Comment from David Troyer
Time: February 18, 2008, 9:20 pm

TM said:

Noticed what I think is a new Taco Truck on Reservoir St. on my way into work today. It’s a white truck parked in front of the business across the street from Harrisonburg Health-Rehab Center.

That could quite possibly be the El Salvadorian Pupusaria truck. I have seen it around town at other places. It is quite tasty, Pupusas are these tasty little fried corn tortillas stuffed with corn/pork/cheese/bean.

Comment from Josh
Time: February 20, 2008, 12:41 pm

White truck report - it’s a taco truck. I had lunch there today. Good… but I think I prefer Tacos El Primo.

So where does the pupusaria truck park? I’d love to try their pupusas sometime.

Comment from TM
Time: February 20, 2008, 2:58 pm

Awesome, Josh. Thanks for the info. The location might make up for the lower quality for me, it’s right on my way to work. Tacos El Primo is out of the way for me. BTW, I think I saw a sign on the truck that said “Rico’s Tacos”
Also, I hadn’t heard of them before today, but a pupusaria sounds great!

Comment from Frank J. Witt
Time: February 20, 2008, 3:26 pm

Has anyone else been to “Napoli” yet…in the ool Luigi’s spot on 42?

Bar and I got home from eating there and I will tell you it was VERY GOOD! Nicely decorated with pleasant colors, new floor, and outstanding Italinao dishes. I had the Chicken Marsala, comes with a side slad and fresh, hot seasoned rolls…Lunch $6.95 portion was more than enough for me…served with spaghetti noodles covered in the creamy Marsala wine sauce.

Barb ordered the Tortellini Alla Crema, which features tortilleni with Bacon and parmesan cheese in a white cream sauce. Wonderful and served with salad and roll as well. $4.95 off the luch menu (lunch menu until 3 PM then dinner till 10 PM daily with slightly higher prices and portions)
Dr. Pepper for me $1.50 w/ 1 free refill and Barb had a C/Light for $2.50

Really impressed that someone else knows how to make fresh tasteful Italiano dishes…I can only hope you decide to try them out.

I have not found their menu online yet but if I can scan it properly I will save links to it here.

Comment from Emmy
Time: February 20, 2008, 4:05 pm

I wondered how that place was Frank. Glad to hear it is good!

Comment from David Troyer
Time: February 20, 2008, 4:10 pm

The Pupusa truck is often on North 11 on the West side of the road immediately South of the Citgo station in the parking lot of what used to be a car wash. It can be hit or miss. Don’t expect any english, but that is part of the fun :-)

Comment from Frank J. Witt
Time: March 3, 2008, 2:33 pm

I think I am diggin’ this whole “nothing to do all day” thing that I am working on. I just today ordered a Steak and Cheese sub with Mush & Onions from Little Italy Pizza (1469 S. Main) right next to Wilco Conv. store. $6.16 for the approx 8″ sub. It was obviously made with a Steak-Umm style meat instead of a more classic Beef Breakway but overall it had some nice flavors. No side included although a sign in the lot said if you orded a sub, you would get FREE fries…oh well. Nice inside, and they were busy for lunch. GoLookOn.com has their menu. I think they have been open for about one year so things might be doing OK for them.
I heard over the weekend that Little Grill has S L O W service…but I have never been therebecuase of tales of hygiene issues…just what I hear…if this is not the case, please advise and I will get there sometime this week. Any suggestions…nothing vegan PLEASE !

Comment from finnegan
Time: March 3, 2008, 2:42 pm

The Little Grill’s service is anything but slow.

And everyone I know of that has ever made claims of uncleanliness or questioned the Grill’s hygiene also regularly eats burgers from fast food joints with proven levels of fecal chloroform in them, so I call shenanigans on that.

Go there on Tuesday night for Mexi Night or Friday for Down Home Night.

Comment from Frank J Witt
Time: March 3, 2008, 11:15 pm

OK, tomorrow night for Mexi Night…any suggestions? I am looking forward to this!

Comment from JW
Time: March 4, 2008, 9:42 am

Mexi-night is an all-you can eat vegetarian mexican plate.
generally comes with:
brown rice
black or pinto beans, which need a bit of salt
2 bean tacos (with thicker than normal shells, tasty) topped with shredded cabbage, onions and cilantro
a “potato roll-up” which is similar to an enchilada
and a “cheese rag” which is small thin tortilla, spiced and filled with melted cheese.
Bid dollop of sour cream, and you can ask for more or less cilantro or jalepeno..
oh, and a generous sprinkle of parmesean cheese.

it is decidedly NOT along the line of what you will find at El Charro
different, and not bad for $6.95 for all you can eat.

Little Grill has good food, and may shock some people’s sensibilities of what a modern “restaurant” should be.. but it’s as clean (or cleaner) than L&S diner, or any Waffle House. The cooks in the kitchen aren’t hiding, and it’s definitely got character.

Try it for breakfast on the weekend. Get there at 9 to beat the rush. Lines out the door by 9:30 or 10 AM. Their breakfasts are better than most, my favorites:
Brickers Son- two eggs, done toad-in-a-hole style in wheat toast, smothered in veggie chili, and cheese melted on top. Side of spicy potatoes (cubed style hash browns)

or
Breakfast grinder.. on a roll. Yum.

Comment from Frank J Witt
Time: March 9, 2008, 9:25 am

WOW ~ what a week of disappointments for food and service as well. I know this is supposed to be about H-Burg however, I want to share so no one else wastes their time and MONEY on bad food/service. first off, to Kathy’s in Staunton. How they are still in business with miserable waitresses and poorly made seafood is beyond me. Unless they have the town fooled, the food is well below standard fare. Next up a trip to Mrs. Rowes also in Staunton. Also a place that has been open for quite some time and must have a huge following to be able to charge what they do for the quality of poorly cooked food. Turkey that was dry as sand,and a re-heated gravy that was chunky/lumpy and somehow “wrong”. I have read many positive reviews and I must be missing something. And lastly and most shockingly is the NEW Shenandoah Grill on 340 just outside town of Shenandoah…new wide open space with space heaters trying to take a chill out of the air and the waitresses attitude. Not so much as as smile from her and a “Here’s your menus” welcome. At first glance the menu had great prices. Ordered the Turkey Club and got just that with day old bacon. It is to point out that the turkey was real turkey. We also ordered the Grilled Chicken Sub…ad got JUST that. Bun and one small breast that may have been pre-cooked and a sub roll, nothing else. We asked for lettuce tomato and mayo and we got that as well as the core of the tomato still in tact and the heart of day or two old lettuce. The steak fires seemed to be baked instead of fried which was nice but not nice enough to ever try again.

Either we have too high expectations of what quality food is or most people just decided that “good enough” is good enough.

Comment from Frank J Witt
Time: March 9, 2008, 9:41 am

BTW ~ Emmy and Joshua, thank you for very delicious recipes…both were superb. I prefer the chunky peanut butter but both were great. Thanks again ! !

Comment from MAW
Time: March 12, 2008, 8:19 pm

Just had my very first visit to Wright’s Dairy Rite. Awful. No reason to return. Can’t figure out what all the hype is about at that place.

Comment from Emmy
Time: March 12, 2008, 8:48 pm

Sad to hear that about Rowe’s. I used to go there often for breakfast. In fact I used to wake up craving it. They had some amazing sausage gravy. Mrs. Rowe was still alive then; maybe that’s the difference.

Glad you liked the pie recipe.

Comment from Josh
Time: April 7, 2008, 10:14 am

Does anyone know anything about the new pupuseria on Country Club Rd?

Comment from Josh
Time: April 7, 2008, 2:01 pm

I also heard rumors about a new indian place going in where Kitchen Classics was located!

Comment from Emmy
Time: April 7, 2008, 2:11 pm

I saw a sign the other day for the new place Josh.

Comment from Frank J Witt
Time: April 7, 2008, 2:50 pm

The owner of Taste of India, the place opening where we were, has some big ideas. He hopes to have a $4.99 lunch buffet for starters but he tells me the other dishes he makes are the reason everyone will be coming back. I hope he does well and doesn’t experience the same hassles we had…but…I wish he well.

He didn’t give me a timeline but I know he starts paying rent the 1st of May so the clock is ticking.

Comment from Gxeremio
Time: April 29, 2008, 9:11 pm

“Does anyone know anything about the new pupuseria on Country Club Rd?”

We ate there the other night. Pretty simple place, but we liked the pupusas. We tried the cheese and the cheese and pork pupusas. Both were good. For four it’s about $6. Not surprisingly, it’s a predominantly Spanish-language environment, though there was a waitress who spoke English quite well. Give it a try if you have a chance and support local business.

We also got to check out McAlister’s, the new restaurant near the movie theater. Good prices (like around $5-$8 for an entree). I had a meatloaf parmesan sandwich which was tasty, and the wife had a stuffed potato (huge portion on that one) which is kind of a signature item there. Really nice environment, a wifi bar with electrical outlets (!), people who come around to get you refills and stuff. I think it will be very successful. It opens today.

Comment from Frank J Witt
Time: May 1, 2008, 9:01 pm

It’s a pretty simple menu but we put it together with some great prices…try it sometimes please…http://americanlegionpost188.blogspot.com/

Comment from finnegan
Time: August 12, 2008, 8:32 am

Nine restaurants and cafes downtown are running meal and drink specials today, tomorrow and Thursday.

Here’s a list.

Comment from Frank J. Witt
Time: November 8, 2008, 1:25 pm

Been a while since I last found someplace “new” to eat (for me anyway) but I had the pleasure of eating at “The Hungry Farmer” today. It is located inside the Shenandoah Farmers Market on South 11. It is owned and operated by the same people that had Daily Grind. They sold all but the Valley Mall store and opened on May1. The food is all homemade and wonderful. Saturday they have a buffet with some fantastic items like BBQ Chicken, Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin, fresh steamed veggies, Sweet Potatoe Casserole, and a delicious Strawberry/Blackberry/Blueberry dessert ove Home Made Pound Cake. They do have menu items and she said the Angus Beef Burgers are a huge success. Please, if you have some time and a little cash ($20.12 for 2 people w/drink) give it a try.

Comment from Josh
Time: November 26, 2008, 2:46 pm

Pho Ha changed ownership a few months ago and is now named “Vietopia.” The menu has expanded to include things like banh mi sandwiches, che thai dessert, etc. Everything was tasty and very reasonably priced (e.g. sandwich was $3.50, cheaper than subway, plus they have a buy 5 get 1 free deal). I highly recommend checking it out!

Comment from Thanh
Time: November 26, 2008, 4:07 pm

Thanks Josh for reminding me about Vietopia! I haven’t tried it yet, but have been very excited to learn that they have banh mi. I hope they’re like the ones I am familiar with - I grew up in Northern Virginia, which has a decently sized Vietnamese community up there. I haven’t had a sandwich in this style in a very long time!

For those who enjoy day hikes or need to pack some food for road trips, this banh mi is VERY packable, like a Mr J’s bagel sandwiches. They don’t get grossly squished in your back pack. My family used to, and still does, pack these when we go on trips together.

Comment from Josh
Time: November 26, 2008, 4:55 pm

My sandwich was an 8″ toasted french roll with french ham jamon(sp?), pork loaf, pate of some sort, vietnamese mayo, cilantro, marinated carrots, jalapenos.

My friend and I split two desserts: one was this cold soup of sorts with jackfruit, durian, jelly things; the other was various sweet beans and ice and I don’t really know how to describe.

Needless to say: unlike anything I’ve had in Hburg.

The damage: $22 for one order of pho, a banh mi, a spring roll type thing of some sort, a young coconut drink and the two desserts.

Comment from Josh
Time: December 21, 2008, 6:51 am

FYI The Smoking Pig by the mall is closing at the end of the month. Their downtown and new Grottoes locations are doing fine and will remain open.

Pingback from hburgnews.com » HburgNews - 2008 in Review
Time: January 2, 2009, 6:46 am

[...] of Clementine and Franklin’s, and the re-opening of Blue Nile as a new downtown hotspot. The Artful Dodger was voted the best Coffee shop in town by eightyone magazine readers, and Cally’s (which we’re finally used to not calling [...]