Norwood's Restaurant & Wine Shop

I recently went back to Norwoods to check out their International Food Festival. We went during the Greek portion. Beginning with the house salad, it was very fresh and the vinaigrette was delicious.  I tried one of the featured Greek entrees, the grilled Hog Snapper with a small rustic Greek salad and mashed potatoes. The fish was white and delicate and perfectly cooked. My husband tried Admiral's platter, which consisted of broiled fish, a lobster tail and a scampi of shrimp and scallops. My daughter had the seafood pot pie, which was full of seafood and would probably knock you out for the night, after eating that entire thing.

If you are in New Smyrna and want to have a delicious seafood meal, make sure to try Norwoods. Even if you don't like seafood, you should be able to find something you like from their extensive menu and wine list.

400 E 2nd Ave
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

(386) 428-4621

www.norwoods.com

Hattie's

We stopped here on a weeknight and arrived when it opened, so there was no waiting. There were a few people outside and a little drama. One woman, a local I presume, walked up and started to open the door, another lady in line shouted, " Get to the back of the line, bitch!". She ended up leaving and laughing about the situation by saying, "You don't know me."

Once in we were seated in the dining area, not in the back on the Patio. We were served a basket of cornbread and small biscuits, to start things off. I ordered  the gazpacho, which was fresh, and very flavorful. A perfect summer soup. I had to try the Throwdown winning fried chicken, as my entree. I chose cucumber salad and smashed potatoes, as my sides. For an extra 2.00 I requested all white meat. It came with 2 breasts and two wings served on top of the sides. I took a doggie bag, for some of the chicken. The chicken was crispy, flavorful and moist. Some of the best I have ever had. I dabbed a little of their signature hot sauce on some of the meat, but I have to say it tasted a lot like Tabasco, so it was not worth a purchase as a  souvenir.

Overall it was delicious and well worth trying.

Capriccio Saratoga

We stopped here for a light lunch and a couple of glasses of wine. We tried the wood-roasted mushroom salad, caprese and mixed summer salads. All were delicious, fresh and a perfect light lunch. The atmosphere was elegant, but not stuffy. The service was attentive. The Chef/owner came by to welcome us and make sure everything was fine. If you are in the area, definitely stop by. The pizza smelled great, but we already had planned where we were eating dinner, so we didn't try any.

26 Henry St
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

(518) 587-9463

www.capricciosaratoga.com/

Espresso Station

We stopped in here to get a caffeine fix, before hitting the road. I like the fact that the area is getting a few hipster-looking places to offset the GMO-laden farmland. I got the iced mocha, my daughter got the hazelnut coffee and my husband got a coffee. We all enjoyed ours. The prices were in line with other coffee shops, so I don't understand the complaints.

215 Washington Ave
Colonial Beach, VA 22443

(804) 224-0045

SeaSide Thai & French

Who would have thought that Colonial Beach would have such a delicious, French-Thai place? The owner greeted us and was very friendly and helpful. We started off with and order of spring rolls and an order of fresh garden rolls, which have shrimp in them. Both were delicious appetizers which were accompanied by generous portions of each sauce.
I had the drunken noodles with veggies. They were awesome. Some of the best Thai I have had. My husband had the beef  bourguignon , off of the French menu, which he said was delicious and flavorful. It looked good, if you are into beef, which I am not. My daughters had Pad Thai. One with veggies and one with seafood. This is a hidden treasure in the area, that definitely matches up with any other Thai place.

201 Wilder Ave
Colonial Beach, VA 22443

(804) 224-2410

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

We stopped in Syracuse for the evening, and decided to try a couple of the famous spots from Man v Food. I ordered the Rajin' Cajun chicken sandwich, which was marinated in mojo seasoning, according to the waitress and menu. I really didn't taste the flavor of the mojo, and it was actually the most disappointing part of my meal. The sides, on the other hand, are the standouts. I chose the mac 'n cheese, which was a creamy, cheesy, cajun tasting delight and the french fries, which were crispy and decent. Nothing spectacular. The cole slaw was good and vinegary. The collards were smokey tasting, thanks to cooking in turkey necks. This is definitely a place for carnivores, although they do have the old standby-portobello mushroom sandwich. It came with a delicious orange sauce, according to my daughter. Their hot sauce is actually hot and has a great flavor.

246 W Willow St
Syracuse, NY 13202

(315) 476-4937

www.dinosaurbarbque.com

Mother's Cupboard Fish Fry & Diner

We tried Mothers because we saw it on Man V Food. None of us could even think of trying the fritatta challenge, although it looked like a teen boy behind us tried half of it and took the rest home. I had the veggie omelette and tried some homefries off of my husband's plate. The portions are huge, cheap and delicious. I couldn't finish it all. We went during the week, so there was no wait. The owner came over and asked if we saw the show. He said he hung up on them at first, when they originally called. Don't forget to use the bathroom, to get the full tour of the place. You have to be pretty limber to use it. If you are close and in need of breakfast, check it out.

3709 James St
Syracuse, NY 13206

(315) 432-0942