While I was in Walla Walla, Washington staying at the ever-so-quaint Fat Duck Inn, the proprietor (Alexa) invited to take me to this up-and-coming little town about 20 miles north called, Waitsburg. Founded in 1859, Waitsburg is a cute town that seems to be reemerging as a hip destination with some quality restaurants, including the jimgermanbar, which is where we dined.
All the buildings in town appear to be of the period and have (or are) undergone a wonderful restoration process to reflect their nineteenth century roots while creating a tasteful modern esthetic. Each building has its own eclectic feel—you immediately get a sense that this is a community attracting the creative and the artistic.
The menu at jimgermanbar is handwritten on these long sheets of construction paper. The food is Italian infused American served tapas style with a mad selection of inspired cocktails. The atmosphere is casual and almost reminiscent of a sophisticated beatnik club, which may actually be an oxymoron. I don’t even know why that description came to mind as the 60s were way before my time.
Here are the items we enjoyed:
Claire’s Cornucopia Antipasto – House cured duck breast prosciutto, Fra Mani salami, a selection of cheeses, bocarones, Mama Lil’s peppers, crostini and crackers made by Colville St. Patisserie.
Cumin roasted potatoes with lemon aioli
Braised tenderloin with roasted asparagus
I can’t recall the name of the cocktails we enjoyed, but they were some sort of lemon-drop martini…very refreshing.
After dinner, something told me it was time to get back on the road…there was a very loud siren that went off in the middle of town—I’m sure it could be heard from miles away (see end of video).
If you’ve ever been to jimgermanbar in Waitsburg, WA before, please leave a comment below and let my readers and me know what you think.
While I was in Bozeman, Montana I invited my friends Sean and Libby to join me at the Gallatin River Lodge for a fine dining experience at their restaurant (Gallatin River Grill). The Lodge is located just west of town and is situated on 350 acres. The restaurant portion of the lodge is divided into two areas…we chose to sit in the “Patio Room,” which is only open during the summer months. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide fantastic views of the ranch and the wildlife that enjoy the nearby pond.
We began our evening by selecting a glass of wine from their extensive list, which was enhanced by an appetizer of sautéed wild mushrooms. I don’t ordinarily go out of my way for mushrooms, but it seemed of interest to my friends, so I just went with it—and, I’m so glad I did…they were outstanding.
For our next course we each ordered a salad, I had the “Farm Salad” with candied walnuts, fresh apples and chevre. Sean had the Caesar that was adorned with whole slivered anchovies…. and Libby opted for the house salad.
For our entrées we decided we’d each get something different…I chose the Blackened Rainbow Trout with corn pico and yellow split pea sauté…it was fabulous. Libby opted for the Grilled Sirloin with roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Sean had the special, which was Grilled Elk Sirloin accompanied with a morel mushroom cream sauce and blue cheese onion fritter. I don’t think I had ever tried Elk before…all three of us rhapsodized over the dish—it was so tender and full of flavor that Libby and I almost wanted to exchange entrées with Sean. It’s always exciting trying new things…the next time I see Elk on a menu, I’ll be very apt to order it.
“We strive to use local ingredients here at the Gallatin River Grill, while at the same time keeping each season in mind. Specials often include fresh seafood, bison and duckling,” says Craig Seguin, Executive Chef, who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
The Grill has a creative mix of palate-cleansing desserts to choose from, so we decided we’d each get something different and share (it’s so nice dining with close friends for this reason alone). I ordered the Vanilla Bean Crème Brule with fresh berries (which is a house specialty)…absolutely heavenly. Libby ordered a trio of unique and colorful flavored sorbet, and Sean had the huckleberry ice cream with cinnamon waffle and fresh fruit. All the desserts were marvelous.
As the setting sun concluded the day, so did our lovely evening at the Gallatin River Lodge and Grill. Note of interest: the Gallatin River is where the 1992 Robert Redford movie, “A River Runs Through It” starring Brad Pitt was filmed.
If you live in Bozeman, or are traveling to the area looking for a fine-dining excursion, make sure to stop by. If you’ve eaten at the lodge before, please leave a comment below and let my readers and I know what you thought. You can click the following link to see more pictures from the Gallatin River Grill.
I just visited a Five Guys Burgers & Fries for the first time (in Spokane, WA) and have to say, it does not live up to the hype. The burgers are good, but the fries and overall experience fall short.
There are two reasons for the hype around Five Guys…first In-N-Out Burger does not franchise. Second, Five Guys has a good P/R person. Allow me to explain…Five Guys seems to have copied the In-N-Out business model to a tee. The difference between the two…In-N-Out is family-owned and therefore their growth is slower and concentrated to the western part of the county (limiting its media coverage, especially on a national level). Five Guys on the other hand has chosen to franchise its concept, which has allowed it to grow at a much faster pace—and, throughout the nation.
The second part of the “hype” equation is public relations…Five Guys clearly has an experienced P/R person driving the media to talk about its company—it reminds me of how Cold Stone Creamery generated coverage back in its heyday.
Like I said, the burgers at Five Guys are certainly good, but the fries are cut too large, which gives them a “doughy (too much potato)” consistency. In-N-Out fries are thinner, crispier and far superior. I would say for taste, the Five Guys burger might just edge out In-N-Out, but when you consider the price is at least double that of In-N-Out, In-N-Out wins again. As far as service…every time I’ve been to an In-N-Out there seems to be a level of excitement when you enter—their people appear well-trained and are very friendly. I’ve only been to Five Guys a single time at a single location, so my opinion is based solely on that initial impression, therefore I realize this may be an unfair comparison.
Categories: Winner:
Burger Five Guys
Fries In-N-Out
Service In-N-Out
Experience Toss Up
Value In-N-Out
Tip: If you go to Five Guys, order the Little Burger and Regular fries…NO human should consume as much food in one sitting as is served with the regular burger and large fry. It amazes me that a restaurant would consider serving so much food to a person for a single meal—looking at many of the patrons, you’ll see the evidence of such a practice.
Bottom Line: In the fast food burger wars, the top two contenders are without question Five Guys and In-N-Out…the overall winner however is In-N-Out.
What say you? I’d like to hear your opinion…please post a comment below. If you found this post interesting, please hit the “like” button!
I spent more than seven months on the road in 2010 and had some amazing experiences that I wanted to share in a classic “Best Of” list. There were a lot of worthy contenders. While I’m sorry some did not make it, I’m confident I’ve chosen the best-of-the-best. Click on any of the links below to be taken to posts, pictures and/or video of my experiences.
To all the “winners,” congratulations! Your dedication and commitment to excellence have caught the eye of this discerning travel writer. If you have not been contacted, please email me for your “Mike’s Road Trip “Best of’” icon to display on your website and social media profiles.
LODGING CATEGORY
Best HotelWinner:The Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane, Washington. This wonderfully restored hotel will make you feel like you’re in another era, but with all the modern refinements.
Best Hotel ViewWinner:The Ocean Lodge in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Literally on the beach, with views of the famed “Haystack” rock(s).
Best Overall Bed & BreakfastWinner(s): Tie…Colette’s Bed and Breakfast in Port Angeles, WA and Brewery Gulch Inn in Mendocino, CA. These two B&B’s fire on all cylinders…great accommodations, food, views…they have it all.
Best Bed & Breakfast Property/LandscapeWinner: Colette’s Bed and Breakfast in Port Angeles, WA. The outstanding gardens at Colette’s have been featured in a number of magazines.
Best Bed & Breakfast for Romance & Privacy Winner:WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, OR. Private cabins, open-air hot tub overlooking the ocean, trails through the property for intimate strolls…nourishment for the soul.
Best B&B Breakfast Winner: The Lady Macdonald bed and breakfast in Canmore, Alberta – Canada. Tammy (one of the innkeepers) is a scholastically trained chief…breakfast is a culinary treat.
Best Lavish LodgeWinner: Glacier Mountain Lodge in Columbia Falls, MT. Spectacular furnishings, architecture, construction materials and accommodations make this place truly “Lavish!”
DINING CATEGORY
Best Dining ExperienceWinner:EVOO Cooking School Dinner Show in Cannon Beach, OR. This was one of the best meals of my life and such a great and unique experience to boot.
Best Restaurant with a ViewWinner: RedFish in Port Orford, OR (southern coast). In addition to an outstanding view, RedFish has equally great food and service.
Best Fish and ChipsWinner:Point Loma Seafood Company in San Diego, CA. I’m a big fish & chips fan…The Spud in Seattle held this position for most of my life, that was until Point Loma Seafood Co. entered the picture.
Best Fast Food BurgerWinner:In-N-Out Burger. Simple menu, quality ingredients, great service, AND, low prices makes In-N-Out…the BEST!
Best Small Town Coffee ShopWinner: The Coffee Pot in Bozeman, MT.
Best Drive through a National ParkWinner:Going to the Sun in Glacier National Park. As you make your way past fast-flowing blue/grey glacial rivers you begin the steep assent through precipitous overhangs for which this road is known.
Best Rest StopWinner:Anaconda, MT just west of I-90 on state route #1. This rest area has great architecture, views and private (very clean) stalls.
Best Road Trip AppWinner: The WHERE app. So many to choose from, but WHERE is a great all-in-one app.
Best Firework ShowWinner:Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada. Only during the summer and only on Saturday evenings, this firework show is absolutely stunning and unique.
I’m a fairly seasoned culinary aficionado, so when I go out to eat I can be quite critical. I often pay close attention to the detail of the dining experience…from the ingredients used, to how the meal is prepared and plated to the atmosphere of the establishment. Food is the very essence of life and while it is used for sustenance, if grown and prepared properly, food can be an engaging artistic experience.
I get extremely excited about food and have such an appreciation for those who can create memorable experiences with it. While I was in Cannon Beach, Oregon I was fortunate to have enjoyed a truly unique dining experience at the EVOO Cooking School(EVOO stands for extra virgin olive oil, a key ingredient here). EVOO is not just a “cooking school,” but rather a place to experience culinary delight. In addition to more formal cooking classes, EVOO puts on a “Dinner Show” five nights a week for intimate groups of 20 or so (Note: book early as it can be tough to get a reservation during peak times). The dinner show at EVOO is really something not to be missed…it combines a spectacular four-course meal paired perfectly with local wines, entertainment and culinary tips—all in a dinner party-like atmosphere.
Bob and Lenora Neroni are the proprietors/chefs of EVOO…the passion and excitement they exude in their cooking and presentation are simply contagious. They masterfully combined flavors and local ingredients into a whirlwind of palate-exciting delight. The atmosphere will make you feel like you’re on the set of a cooking show with all your friends. It is without a doubt an evening you and your taste buds will not soon forget. Let me give you an idea of what I’m talking about…the menu for the evening I was at EVOO included:
Crab cakes with salad of avocado, cucumber, mango, mustard micro salad and radish slow, this was paired with HIP 2008 Chardonnay.
Next up was Brined pan-seared duck with French cassolulet beans with tarragon and spicy pumpkin sauce. This was paired with a L’Ecole #41 Recess Red 2008.
The final entree included an Andalusian beef tenderloin with chive & bacon duchessee potatoes along with a brussel sprout & cauliflower in mustard caper sauce. This dish was paired with a 2006 Highway 12 Syrah.
Finally, for dessert we had an apple-date tart with allspice sugar topping, accompanied by frozen vanilla cream custard and coca nib brittle. This was enjoyed by a cup of decaf Caffe Umbria coffee, which too was outstanding.
Our bodies perform best when nourishing them with lots of fresh, non-processed foods. The ingredients at EVOO are largely local, organic and in-season and this is all part of the educational experience, whether you’re taking one of the cooking classes or enjoying the dinner show at EVOO.
In addition to cooking classes and the dinner show, EVOO also has a retail component where they sell premium cooking utensils, local wines and other accoutrements. If that wasn’t enough, they also offer catering…for more information and for class schedules, visit: www.evoo.biz or call: 503-436-8555.
Cannon Beach, OR is the perfect setting for EVOO, so if you go and need a place to stay, check out The Ocean Lodge just down the street. Or, check out the following links for other nearby lodging: B&B’s in Seaside, Oregon.
Today’s restaurant landscape is made up of a sea of franchise concepts, which might be great for consistency, but not for creative uniqueness. I will admit, there are a number of franchise eateries I enjoy out there, but there just isn’t anything more enjoyable than a first-rate local restaurant.
While in Bozeman, MT I had the tremendous pleasure of dining at WeeBee’s Café, an establishment that encompasses all aspects of a quality dining experience. The enormous, attention-grabbing architectural building will beckon your curiosity. Once inside, you’re greeted with contemporary delight—the décor is modern with a casual and comfortable feel.
The menu at WeeBee’s is creative and fresh, with an international flair—one of the dishes we thoroughly enjoyed was the Indian Spinach Curry. All menu items are made from scratch using as much locally grown and farmed raised goods they can find. Each dish is artistically arranged and presented, which will induce a mouth-watering reaction.
There are three dining areas, the main floor, the second floor and the upper deck(s)/patio, which I imagine offer amazing views of the valley during the more temperate periods of the year (I was there in the winter).
The wine list is extensive, as is the large variety of imported and tap beers. I particularly enjoy the “flights,” available in both wine and beer—the beer flight is made up of all local breweries.
The desserts at WeeBee’s will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth, especially the homemade Gelato. We also tried the chocolate platter which allows you to sample a variety of goodies, including chocolate covered bacon…which I have to say I was not a fan of. The Apple Blitz was also outstanding, although it was a bit meager.
Overall, WeeBee’s Café is very impressive and fires on all cylinders…my only slight critique would be that our server was a bit ill prepared with his knowledge of the menu and the various ingredients…all-in-all it was an outstanding experience.
It’s always exciting in life when your expectations are exceeded…that’s what I found when I was in Bozeman, MT and discovered WeeBee’s Cafe. Click the following link for more of my pictures from WeeBee’s Cafe in Bozeman, Montana.
If you’re not already convinced to visit WeeBee’s…check out their commercials below…
Last night we enjoyed a spectacular meal at the Palm Court, which is the restaurant located inside the Davenport Hotel. The first course was a delicious fresh berry and mixed green salad (substituted blue cheese for goat) with a poppy-seed dressing. I couldn’t believe how full of flavor the berries were for this time of year.
Next up was the main course…a tenderloin with King Crab legs…oh my! Our meal was enjoyed with a nice glass of Malbec. To finish things off…a warm apple crisp strudel with rich creamy vanilla ice cream.
The atmosphere, quality of craftsmanship, service, value and of course, the food make the Palm Court Restaurant a Mike’s Road Trip “Best Pick.”
Like most American’s, I LOVE good pizza—not the deep-dish Chicago style or the New York pie, but a good gourmet fufu-type pizza with thin crust. I like my pizza unique and non-traditional. So, here is my top-10 list of the best gourmet pizzerias…in no particular order…
Pizzaria Bianco Margherita Pizza
1) Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix, AZ) – This place will make every single top-10 pizza list; and, for good reason. It’s amazingly good pizza in the most simple and traditional Italian style. The dough and Chris Bianco’s special blend of cheeses are heavenly. I used to work in downtown Phoenix and would often visit Pizzeria Bianco, but once they earned international fame, the wait just wasn’t worth it anymore. If however you don’t mind waiting an hour or two for spectacular pizza, you simple must indulge. Note: Mr. Bianco is unwilling to compromise the integrity of his pizza, so there’s no takeout allowed. PizzeriaBianco.com; 602-258-8300
2) Lombardo’s (Vancouver, B.C.) – For a city that celebrates its culinary prowess, Vancouver seems to lack any decent pizza places, that is however except for Lombardo’s. The beautiful wood-fired oven turns out classic Napoli crusts that will excite the taste busts. Note: You go to Lombardo’s for the pizza, not the service or atmosphere, which leaves just a bit to be desired. 604 251-2240
3) Metro Pizza (Las Vegas, NV) – While the menu at this gourmet pizzeria has many of your standard pizza toppings, most are worthy of the “gourmet” title…from grilled gulf shrimp to BBQ chicken, there’s something for everybody. You’ll also enjoy the atmosphere and friendly wait staff. MetroPizza.com; 702-736-1955
Spago Lox and Caviar Pizza
4) Spago (Beverly Hills, CA) – These days I think a lot of critics forget about the innovator of the “Gourmet Pizza…” Wolfgang Puck. Even after all these years, Spago is still an L.A. hotspot. If you’re lucky enough to snag dinner reservations, you won’t be disappointed. Spago; 310-385-0880
Roasted Corn Pizza at La Grande Orange
5) La Grande Orange Pizzeria (Phoenix, AZ) – This place has some of the best pizza crust I’ve ever had…I don’t know how to describe it other than, d’lish! The pizzas at La Grande Orange are fairly simple with limited ingredients, but absolutely full of flavor. The roasted corn pizza topped with goat cheese, roasted tomatoes and basil is one of my favorites. LaGrandeOrangePizzeria.com; 602- 840-7777
Serious Pie Pizza in Seattle, WA
6) Serious Pie (Seattle, WA) - Seattle is a city with a flair for culinary delight, and with many great pizza joints to choose from, Serious Pie nudges out the competition as they take “gourmet pizza” to a new level. Cozy and dark, this upscale pizzeria offers sophisticated toppings with a nice selection of wines to complement any pie. Rectangle in shape, these individual pizzas are crispy on the outside and mouthwatering on the inside. SeriousPie.com; 206-838-7388
7) Artichoke Basille’s Pizzeria (New York City) – I would be remiss and perhaps stoned (with rocks) if I didn’t mention at least one NY or Chicago pizzeria on this list…Artichoke Basille’s is an absolute worthy inclusion. Unlike many of the other top pizza joints on this list, the pies at Artichoke’s are large and you can order just a slice…which is more reminiscent of a true NY pizzeria. As their namesake implies, the “artichoke” pie is their most popular, with the crab pizza a close second. Recent articles in the NY Times and other popular publications have increased the hype surrounding Artichoke Basille, so be prepared for a line. ArtichokePizza.com; 212- 228-2004
Pizza Antica's Fig Pizza
8. Pizza Antica (Santa Monica, CA) – Pizza Antica gives the term “gourmet pizza,” all new meaning. How about…black mission fig, gorgonzola, fontina and proscuitto de parma? Can you say, “Yum!” I have to tell you, fig on a pizza may sound odd, but it works! PizzaAntica.com; 310-394-4080
Pear and Arugula pizza at Pizzeria Dolce Vita
9) Pizzeria Dolce Vita (Houston, TX) – When in Texas and thinking of food, Italian or “gourmet pizza” is probably not the first thing to come to mind. Pizzeria Dolce Vita however will put all your preconceived notions to rest, this place does gourmet pizza as well as anyone. With unique topping ingredients that include; pears, arugula, truffle oil, butternut squash, robiola and leeks…this place epitomizes eclectic and “gourmet.” PizzeriaDolceVita; 713-520-8222
10) Pizzeria Basta (Boulder, CO) – Sometimes the simpler things are, the better…this is certainly the case at Pizzeria Basta in Boulder, Colorado. When you use the best ingredients available, prepared by skilled chefs…the result can be masterful. The pizza at Pizzeria Basta is true southern Italian style—very basic, but big on flavor and texture. PizzeriaBasta.com; 303-997-8775
One of the common themes with all of the wonderful pizzeria’s listed here is that they cook their pizza using a wood-burning oven at extreme heat, 700-900 degrees. In addition, they all use high quality, fresh ingredients. The video below from Pizzeria Basta beautifully illustrates how good pizza is prepared.
I realize there are countless wonderful gourmet pizza places around the country and the world, so please leave your comments and suggestions of other outstanding pizzerias and I may include them below as runner-ups.
The decor at Lemongrass Thai restaurant in Bozeman, MT has a modern flair while paying reverence to its Thai traditions. Its atmosphere is both cozy, while being open and airy, much like a lounge rather than the traditional restaurant layout.
I have a lot of experience eating Thai food as it’s one of my favorite ethnic dishes—and, I’ve even been to Thailand, so I know what the traditional Thai fair is like. Lemongrass Thai takes the traditional and adds a subtle nouveau presentation (which includes not offering chopsticks). I’ve only been to Lemongrass a single time, so it’s tough to say too much either way, however I did enjoy a very nice meal there. It wasn’t the best Thai food I’ve ever had, but was certainly good.
The service was adequate, however my server was not all that personable. It was not very busy during the time I was there, which can often be an indication, however in fairness it was lunchtime and there is a bit of competition in the area for the lunch crowd. It could also be their marketing, I could not find a website for Lemongrass, instead they seem to be relying on a Facebook page to market themselves online.
I would give Lemongrass Thai 3.5 out of 5 stars and would definitely recommend checking them out if you live and/or are passing through the Bozeman area.
I often have people suggest places for me to try and/or visit—I love it because the suggestions are almost always spot-on. The Coffee Pot and Mountain Arts Pottery in Bozeman were no exception.
Conveniently located right off the main highway on your way to/from West Yellowstone, The Coffee Pot is a great place for a light lunch, wonderful coffee & teas, and the most scrumptious pastries you’ll ever enjoy (as good as Grandma makes).
I had a slice of Quiche Lorain…let me tell you, this wasn’t your Costco variety, this was home-made with quality ingredients you can taste. I then had to try one of their pastries for dessert…I opted for a peach turnover—the crust was flaky and so full of peaches I could hardly contain my excitement.
The Coffee Pot/Mountain Arts Pottery are housed at the same location, which makes for more than just a place to tantalize your taste buds…it’s an experience. You’ll find yourself enamored with the variety of handthrown pottery…from platters, mugs, dishes to canister sets—all in wonderful glazes. The two business are run by a lovely couple, Dave and Jennie Lockie.
The “Mountain Arts Pottery” studio is located in the back of The Coffee Pot, where Dave and his small team collaborate and produce everything you see in the store. It’s really quite an operation with very humble beginnings as Dave tells it. I had a wonderful time meeting Dave and Jennie and I’m sure you will too.
I have found Bozeman to be a place filled with wonderful surprises, unique and eclectic places abound. If you’re in the Bozeman area, you simple must stop by The Coffee Pot/Mountain Arts Pottery.
While I was in Walla Walla, Washington staying at the ever-so-quaint Fat Duck Inn, the proprietor (Alexa) invited to take me to this up-and-coming little town about 20 miles north called, Waitsburg. Founded in 1859, Waitsburg is a cute town that seems to be reemerging as a hip destination with some quality restaurants, including the jimgermanbar, which is where we dined.
prosciutto, Fra Mani salami, a selection of cheeses, bocarones, Mama Lil’s peppers, crostini and crackers made by Colville St. Patisserie.
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