Thanks so much for joining us on this episode of Eat It and LIke It. This is a perfect example of an episode we’d been working on for over a year. When we are pitched an idea for a show, most people don’t realize how much thought we put in to the topics we ultimately choose to air on our show. This one clearly required a lot of travel. It was shot over an 18 months period and it was oh so much fun. Here is the list of spots we visited in the order they appeared.
The Dewberry – Charleston. We’ve had the good fortune of staying in some pretty nice hotels during our travels during the research and development or production of this show. Really nice ones. The Dewberry has always stood out to us. Classic and beautiful, we love it because it is ultimately comfortable. Henrietta’s restaurant is outstanding and the living room bar is a cozy spot for a great cocktail. There are some fabulous hotels in Charleston, but The Dewberry is very much worth a visit, whether you choose to stay there or not.
Epicurean – Tampa. OK, talk about a treat. Oh my goodness. We’d heard about Epicurean shortly after it opened some years ago. We always knew we’d get there eventually. Once we did, it was everything we thought it would be. Centrally located in the heart of South Tampa (4-5 blocks away from the gorgeous neighborhood walk along Tampa Bay), Epicurean is a food lovers dream. Everything they do is dedicated to food. Room numbers in the hallways have forks on them. The TVs in the lobby are only allowed to air Food Network or other related programming. The theater is an amazing spot to attend a class or a seminar. We also love the fact that it is so popular with locals. Brunch was outstanding. Bern’s Steakhouse is simply a treasure. True steak lovers probably already know about the legendary spot right across the street from the hotel. Tom Haines, general manager of Epicurean Hotel called it “A food theme park” I think that’s fair. Each room has a different decor. Whether it be dedicated to the Bordeaux region of France, or somewhere in Italy. You would never know it if you drive by, but it is one of the more unique dining experiences you can find.
Every single diner who wants one gets a tour of the kitchen. As such, there are visitors regularly being guided through their crazy busy kitchen. All steaks on display, meat cutting operation and then the wine cellar. The part you get to see is only a fraction of their 500,000 bottle collection, but you get the picture. The dessert room up stairs is a whole other experience. Have you ever heard of a dessert room where reservations are required when you sit down to eat? Click here to read more on that.
The Laughing Boar -Guyton, Georgia The link is to Nick Mueller’s Facebook page. That is how under the radar his operation is. He has a website, but it is currently getting a facelift. Simply put, Nick Mueller is one of the best and most popular caterers in the area. His 5 acre property in Guyton is beautiful for weddings, parties or anything else. The Laughing Boar restaurant is on the property but only opens quarterly. Basically when they are slower on the catering side. When he does open, he is sold out. 35 seats. As we mentioned on the show, he draws from all over the region. Springfield to Richmond Hill and beyond. If you are in the know, then you know how great this is. Now you know.
To watch the episode again, click here.
See you on TV
Jesse
