No, not the Spanish Armada, but Amada, the best Spanish restaurant in town, where we had lunch. It’s a beautiful place, and immediately after passing through the front door, we passed through a lovely plush curtain, a more stylish and unusual way to keep out the cold air than having a second door. Immediately inside was a very Spanish scene: several serrano hams hanging tantalizingly above the bar, lots of dark wood dominating the decor, custom-built wine racks on the walls, and a gorgeous carved marble top on the bar. Some modern design touches to go along with the traditional Spanish feel, such as gauzy white curtains in parts of the room. Very sturdy yet sleekly modern chairs and tables with shiny varnished wood.
Restaurants must have one of highest failure rates of any type of business. As I understand it, it’s about 50%. Those are not odds that I like. From a selfish perspective, I’m glad people are still willing to give it a try anyway – that way, I can eat there, at least until they go out of business. (more…)
On paper the PBS TV show Spain…On the Road Again sounded great to me – I’m a Spain freak, a foodie, and a cinephile. We had just eaten at Mario’s excellent Otto restaurant in New York, and it was so good, we went twice. Gwyneth is a great actress. We have one of Mark Bittman’s cookbooks, and it’s quite useful. (more…)
Redwood Diner: 121 E Manlius St, East Syracuse, (315) 437-5790
Near our neighborhood, we enjoy the friendly people here, and I especially like Jim’s Omelet. A very good traditional diner.
JR Diner: 1208 Wolf St, Syracuse, (315) 472-2267
A very friendly family-run operation. Good food – so good, that at times, you’ll have to wait.
Arctic Island: 210 E Seneca Tpke, Syracuse, (315) 469-1234
A large number of yummy flavors. Given their really tough competition right down the street, Gannon’s, they deserve a lot of credit for their success.
Gannon’s: 1525 Valley Dr, Syracuse, (315) 469-8647
So good! I’ve been going here for many years. They slightly get the nod over Arctic Island, also very good, right up the street.
Columbus Bakery: 502 Pearl St, Syracuse, (315) 422-2913
L V Cafe Sport: 941 N Salina St, Syracuse, (315) 423-0805
Laci’s Cafe at the Palace: 2382 James St, Syracuse, (315) 463-2627
Freedom of Espresso: 424 Pearl Street, Syracuse, (315) 472-0705
Biscotti: 741 N Salina St, Syracuse, (315) 478-9583
Cafe Kubal: 3501 James St, Syracuse, (315) 278-2812.
Coffee roasted by Syracuse’s own Matt Godard – in our opinion the best coffee available in the area.
Regional Market: 2100 Park St, Syracuse, (315) 422-8647.
True, not really a food store, but offers tons of great food, much of it from local farmers.
Liehs and Steigerwald: 1857 Grant Blvd, Syracuse, (315) 474-2171
My garden progress:
