Barnaby’s Cafe

A modern corner bistro with floor to ceiling windows, with a view of Market Square Park. It’s a lively, sit anywhere atmosphere. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and attentive. Casual attire, great lunch spot. 

Hickory BBQ Burger
A beautiful handmade patty, topped with two seared slices of ham, cheddar cheese, diced red onion and BBQ sauce. The bun maintained integrity to the last bite, a sure indication of quality. A heaping pile of french cut fries filled the plate, with a ramekin of BBQ sauce.

801 Congress St • Houston, TX
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Endo Sushi

Brightly light, full daylight sushi restaurant in the heart of Arlington is definitely the go-to place for sushi, when you’re having the craving. The friendly staff greets you arriving and departing. The light wood fixtures and tasteful decor gives this place a timelessness and appeal that is comfortable and unpretentious. The house specials make every visit a new culinary adventure.

Spicy Lobster Tempura Roll
Lobster, avocado, puchi-puchi, seaweed roll with a light, crunchy tempura, topped with shredded lettuce and spicy sauce. Delicious! We had to order a second one, just to be sure.

Maryland Roll
When one is so close to the ocean, and in Maryland, soft shell crab is a must. This roll comes with soft shell crab tempura, vegetables, fish roe, and sweet sauce. A great fusion of a local flavor with Japanese artistry.

Arlington • VA
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The Mission

The Mission restaurant in Scottsdale. A luxurious, romantic setting with dark wood and rustic furnishings with glittering chandeliers and glass fixtures. It’s a beautiful atmosphere. Any pretension evaporates with the warm greetings and friendliness of the staff. Expect to spend the time to enjoy your experience. And in case you can’t get enough, the chef has two other restaurants in Scottsdale, Zinc Bistro and The House Brasserie.

Tableside Guacamole
Chunky haas avocado, jalapeño red onion, fresh garlic, sea salt, lime, tomatoes, chipotle puree, cilantro, cotija & roasted pepitas

Duck Carnitas Empanada 
Duck confit, foie gras, orange habanero glaze, oregano, mushroom & queso Oaxaca

Roast Corn Gordita
Roasted corn, squash, zucchini, mushroom, gordita & huitlacoche crema

Chorizo Porchetta
Pork shoulder, house made chorizo, rosemary, cotija, white bean puree & sweet garlic crema

Poblano Grits
Tennessee grits, poblano & horseradish

Pumpkin Bread Pudding 
Pumpkin bread pudding, scotch, pepitas & pomegranate

Guatamelan Chocolate Pastilla 
XO tequila, fig and guajillo glaze, tres leches ice cream & spicy cocoa nibs

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The Spot

Cozy and just right on the commercial middle of Johnson St. It’s a small local joint, with big booths that scream “comfort”. The staff is friendly and personable. This is an easy place to go for an impulsive night out, or a regular go-to Spot.

Grilled Salmon
Delicious sweet bourbon glazed salmon, cooked to perfection.

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Whatever you do, stay for dessert and order anything off the menu.

827 E Johnson St • Madison, WI
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Café du Monde- Vieux Carré

The original location, on the banks of the river, across Deçateur from Jackson Square, is your first stop when visiting the Quarter. If there’s a line, go around to the back side, there’s a break in the fence to get in. It’s a dog-eat-dog seat yourself, so be assertive and grab the first open table, clean or used. I try to sit near the middle, in case it rains. One of the waitstaff will come to your table, clean it off and take your order. When your food arrives, be ready with cash. They wait for no one. This place runs like a well oiled machine. It is the thing of beauty, history and deliciousness. One custom is to wear black to show the powdered sugar, not required or expected. It is a blessed oasis from the stimulation overload of the Quarter.

Order café au lait and beignet. Beignets come three to a plate, loaded with powered sugar. 2 plates are enough to share among three people. The au lait is amazing, perfect and something I dream about. A straight up order comes with the small. $5 and change.

Cash only.