dining

Greensboro’s Machete a semifinalist for a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant | Dining

Robert C. Williams 5 months ago

Machete, a restaurant that opened just at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, is among the nationwide semifinalists for a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.

The James Beard Foundation, which runs the award, announced its semifinalists in that and many other categories on Feb. 23.

Machete, at 600-C Battleground Ave. in Greensboro, is among two N.C. restaurants in the 30 semifinalists for Best New Restaurant. The other is Nani’s Piri Piri Chicken in Asheville.

Other N.C. semifinalists in other categories are Chai Pani in Asheville for Outstanding Restaurant, Curate in Asheville for Outstanding Hospitality, Cleophus Hethington of Benne on Eagle in Asheville for Emerging Chef, Susannah Gebhart of Old World Levain (OWL) Bakery in Asheville for Outstanding Baker and Alley Twenty Six in Durham for Outstanding Bar Program.

In addition, nine N.C. chefs were among the 20 semifinalists for Best Chef Southeast. Two of those are in Winston-Salem:

… Read More

Restaurant review: At Branch + Daughter you might just find your ‘new favorite pizza’ | Dining reviews

Robert C. Williams 6 months ago

Branch + Daughter Quality Meats and Market, which opened in late July in Windsor, makes a compelling case for driving 10 miles north of Madison to get pizza.

Judson and Monique Branch opened a butcher shop and specialty store that also serves creative pizzas and sandwiches. There’s no seating inside, just outdoor patios, front and back, in warmer weather.




Branch + Daughter counter

Branch + Daughter offers online ordering for its pizzas, but not for its lunchtime sandwiches.



Samara Kalk Derby | Wisconsin State Journal



When I brought the Salted Pig ($20) pizza to a friend’s house, she declared it her “new favorite pizza.” It was unlike any other pizza I’ve had, a winning combination of sweet and savory with local bacon, marinated figs, port wine candied onions, arugula, plenty of mozzarella, pecorino Romano cheese and pistachio pesto.

Another friend, who is more traditional about his pizza, tried it, but didn’t care for

… Read More

Restaurant review: Jamaican gem a surprise at West Towne Mall | Dining reviews

Robert C. Williams 6 months ago

The food court at West Towne Mall might not be the optimal location for Taste of Jamaica, because lots of shoppers are looking for a meal costing half as much.

But owner Sanya Anderson, who opened the business Oct. 20, said her mall presence is a stepping stone to one day establishing a restaurant. She’s doing it mainly for the exposure, she said.



Taste of Jamaica counter

Meals at Taste of Jamaica range from $13 to $17 for enormous portions that can easily be shared by two people. 



Samara Kalk Derby | Wisconsin State Journal



While meals range from $13 to $16, they’re enormous portions in huge, heavy boxes that can be shared by two people.

Both the jerk chicken ($15) and curry chicken ($13) came with a large serving of grated, steamed cabbage and carrots with Jamaican spices that were positively delicious.

“It’s my secret concoction that I make,” Anderson said. “I

… Read More

Waterfront dining, bars in Daytona Beach, Port Orange, NSB and more

Robert C. Williams 7 months ago

DAYTONA BEACH – Volusia County is known for offering locals and visitors a large and diverse restaurant scene with spots along its coastal communities for those looking to spend time by the ocean.

It’s no wonder that places with ocean or riverfront dining and drinking are plenty, perhaps making it harder to choose one place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Florida in photos:Local photographers share 7 of the most photogenic places in Volusia and Flagler counties

From Bay Street Dawgs to Riley’s Coney House:Five places to go for a hot dog in Volusia County

Wild Florida:Your guide to 9 great kayaking spots in Volusia County’s rivers & springs

Here are five waterfront restaurant and bars in Volusia County:

1. Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar

Ocean Deck restaurant and bar

This decades-old spot is an iconic place in Daytona Beach. Visitors can catch a view of the Atlantic Ocean on the

… Read More