Dasarang Korean Restaurant - Greensboro, NC

There is a small Asian-town in Greensboro, not too far off I-40. We first bumped into this area when there was a Korean wing's place - which has unfortunately long since closed. However, on our way back from Western NC, we were hungry for some Korean food, and found this little gem. 

When you walk in the door, and are the only non-Koreans, you know that you've found the right place. While the decor was clean and simple, there was nothing special - definitely not a place for ambiance. Thankfully, the menu was printed nice and large on the wall, with pictures. Prices were very reasonable, and they included the normal small dishes from Korean restaurants.

Dasarang Restaurant

4929 W Market St
Greensboro, NC 27407

(336) 235-2150

Lola - Seattle, WA

Now that the foodie craze has gone mainstream, one struggles to identify restaurants that are truly original, unique and not-over commercialized. On this recent trip to Seattle, I discovered that multiple restaurants promoted on the "Best of" from the Food Network were from the exact same owner (Tom Douglas), and from within a few blocks of each other. I am not certain how one should feel about this - could it be that the Food Network is simply self promoting?


Disappointed, I did still try the fresh made doughnuts (more like beignets) from Lola's. Though delicious... I think the ones from Rue Cler back home were just as good... if not better. 

Lola (of the Tom Douglas Restaurants)
2000 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 441-1430

Din Tai Fung - Seattle, WA

Sometimes, picture are enough. For those who know - you probably already know that Seattle and LA have the only US stores. For those who don't - just try them...

xiaolongbao (the reason this place is famous)

Sorry, for these precious gems, eating was way ahead of picture taking...  

Coyote Kitchen - Boone, NC

After having had the incredible fish tacos in Charlotte, I was not anticipating to have an opportunity to have any good tex/mex type meals anytime soon. Imagine my pleasant surprise to find a great restaurant in Boone?! Boone is generally a great destination for those headed out to Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway or Tweetsie Railroad (Theme park with railroad).

We decided to eat at a restaurant along the main drag called Coyote Kitchen - the restaurant's logo/artwork seemed to have had multiple variations and multiple artists, but thankfully that was the only disappointment at this place. 

We ordered a burrito and the yucatan boat, both pictured below. The burrito was a surprising mix of flavors - with only thin threads from a tex/mex heritage, but yet with clear influences from other western areas.  The Yucatan Boat was sort of a western equivalent of a sheperd's pie, but with the meat on top; maybe you could think of it as a burrito bowl variant, but that description really does not due it justice. Both were delicious, as were the homemade salsas. I was disappointed that we didn't have more stomach to try all the other sauces, and even an appetizer... but we will be back. 

The Coyote Kitchen

200 Southgate Drive
Boone, NC 28607-6250
(828) 265-4041

Note to self: Place to try in the Triangle

Notes to self: Food bucket list

Any suggestions?

Note to Self: Places to try in Asheville

Asheville:

Corner Kitchen
12 bones smokehouse (Obama, long lunch line)