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...]

Saturday was our “Date Night” and we wanted a special experience. It had been a while since we dined at Carmello’s and we chose that restaurant. Would it be as good as it   always has been? Yes. The secret to the long-term success of any restaurant is consistency. It must be good every time. One bad experience and you go elsewhere. There are simply too many good restaurants to … [Read more...]

Nancy and I were married on March 3. There are 2 problems with that date. First, when you go on anniversary trips anywhere near Virginia (including the SC and NC beaches) it is cold and most everything is shut down. Second, if you go on a cruise or to the tropics, you are joined by legions of college kids on spring break. So, never get married on March 3. But we did and found ourselves in … [Read more...]

Mardi Gras Day is coming soon, this year on March 4. Hey, let’s head for Bourbon Street and the French Quarter in New Orleans and celebrate.  No? Then maybe we can celebrate here in Charlottesville with a visit to Roux Street Café in the Woodbrook  Shopping Center. The new restaurant serves authentic Cajun Cuisine made to satisfy spice lovers everywhere with entrees like Cheesy Etouffee, … [Read more...]

  Nancy had been up since O-Dark-Thirty getting our daughter to the airport for an early morning flight, and it was nearing breakfast time on a Sunday morning. I usually fix a big breakfast on Sunday mornings, but Nancy suggested we eatout, so we did. We drove up to the Woodbrook Shopping Center and found a table in Sam’s Kitchen and had a breakfast worthy of royalty. Nancy likes … [Read more...]

My last two dining out experiences were disappointing. Both the Bonefish and Timberwood Grill trips were not up to stuff. In the middle of a hectic week, Nancy and I decided to visit the Texas Roadhouse – our go to place for last minute dining. We pulled up two stools at the bar, ordered and this time we were not disappointed. Texas Roadhouse, once again, came through with flying colors. Since … [Read more...]

There are Chicken Fingers and then there are Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and the two are miles apart. Raising Cane’s Chicken is in such demand that traffic comes to a standstill at 5 pm on Rt. 29 as folks wait in line to pull into the parking lot at Cane’s and place their orders. Fortunately, Cane’s has since opened two lanes and there is much less congestion for their … [Read more...]