Boy, I wish we had a Royal Farms here in Charlottesville – not only for inexpensive gasoline, but also for some really delicious Fried Chicken. We first came upon a Royal Farms Gasoline/Convenience Store on the Eastern Shore, not far from Cape Charles. I bought some gas at a great price and went inside for a coke and smelled their chicken frying – and I ordered some and it was spectacular. Last … [Read more...]

Nancy and I were on our way back from a short vacation on the middle Peninsula. It was lunchtime and we had not packed sandwiches. We decided to pull into the next available food outlet, and it happened to be a Burger King. I have always liked Burger King burgers, but then again, I don’t think I’ve ever met a burger I didn’t like. So, we pulled up to the order stand and both decided, as a change … [Read more...]

During out 4-day mini-vacation in the Gloucester/Deltaville area last week, we decided to explore Gloucester Point on the York River. The York is really the forgotten river – the smaller of the big four, including the Potomac, James, and Rappahannock. But it’s a gorgeous river with good fishing and many attractions. I had only fished the York once and remember hooking up with a red drum … [Read more...]

For almost a decade, Michael’s Restaurant at Hollymead has been filling the bellies of many patrons. Now, it’s Tony’s satisfying the same appetites. But it’s really still the same old Michaels. Tony, the owner, bought Michaels about 9 years ago, but left the name the same. Recently, he decided to use his own name on the storefront, so now it’s Tony’s and nothing has changed. My good friend … [Read more...]

Nancy said she wanted Fried Chicken for dinner after a long ride back from Lake Norman, and she likes KFC. I used to, but now, I think it’s overpriced, it’s lower quality and the chicken is poorly cooked. I remember when you could get a bucket (8 pieces) for $3.99, then it crept higher. To me, it was hard to believe someone would pay more than 50c for a piece of chicken and that included 2 … [Read more...]

Staunton is rocking! Once a sleepy little valley town known primarily as the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, Staunton is spreading its wings and bringing in art, fine restaurants, and lots of tourists. One restaurant, the Chop House Tavern, makes the 45-minute drive to Staunton well worthwhile. Our daughter, Laura, treated us to a dinner there in celebration of Nancy’s birthday, and what a dinner … [Read more...]

In 1990, John Kluge – one of the world’s richest men – gave his divorced wife, Patricia, a huge settlement which included the Albemarle County property where she later opened a vineyard and winery. By 2006, Patricia’s attempt at establishing a profitable winery business collapsed and the property went into bankruptcy. The Trump family, recognizing a truly outstanding piece of property, purchased … [Read more...]

Not many choose a restaurant because of their salads and salad dressings, but it doesn’t hurt. Many restaurants have tolerable salads – something to make way for the entrée. But not Texas Roadhouse. Nancy and I find their salads to be - not just good - but outstanding. Texas Roadhouse make their salad dressings in house, from scratch, as do many restaurants. But their dressings are so good that … [Read more...]

When I get in the mood for Fried Chicken, I gotta have some Fried Chicken or it will haunt me until I do. After a busy day this week, Nancy and I decided to let someone else cook dinner. I had a craving for Fried Chicken and headed for Bojangles. I like KFC, but their prices are really on the upswing. I recently ordered for a bucket of all dark-meat chicken, which they once gave a discount for, … [Read more...]

“Where do you want to go out to sat,” asked my wife, Nancy, last Saturday “Riverside,” I thundered. I always “thunder” Riverside because I know Nancy would rather go most anyplace else. Then I mentioned a big basket of Riverside French Fries and she said the Onion Rings were better. Then, believe it or not, she said let’s do go to Riverside. Burgers and grill food are a real treat for us … [Read more...]