ON THE ROAD

I can't speak much for Route 66 through Missouri. (Although I have traveled it, and it's very nice. There's an interesting museum outside St. Louis if you're into transportation history, etc.)

Route 66 cuts through Kansas in the extreme southeast corner. There's not too much out that way unless you're into free chocolate at the Russell Stover's factory in Iola. I could be wrong, though. Maybe someone has better insight...

Good luck in Wichita.

 

Most of the touristy clubs are on 2nd Ave and Broadway. Even if you aren't keen on the pickin' and grinnin' inside, people watching will be fun with everyone in town for the basketball.

For very good pasta and steak at low, low discount prices, Demo's is located at the corner of 4th and Commerce, next to a parking garage two blocks north of the arena. The chicken rice soup as an appetizer (in lieu of salad) and a juicy steak with brown butter pasta on the side is my favorite meal in the city.

If you like German food, Gerst Haus is across the river, next to Bankrupt Cable Company Coliseum. There is a pedestrian bridge from downtown to the stadium area, but no one will be using it that time of year. Better to drive. Authentic polka on Friday and Saturday nights, take that for what you will.

 

SEATTLE

 

For my b-day dinner tonight, I had my choice of where I wanted to go. After much research, I took Don Shula's steakhouse...and would recommend it to all. A bit pricey, but very nice. Not Shula's 2, but Shula's Steakhouse.

My steak, a 22 oz. ribeye, was as good as I've had in some time...last I had that good was at Morton's. Inside, looked a lot like Morton's too...except for the B&W pictures of Bob Griese, etc.

My favorite part was the menu, which was painted onto one panel of a regulation NFL football. All of the menus were also signed by Shula, and came with a tee so as not to roll around on the table.

The seats we sat in were nicer than anything that's in our apartment. Leather, full-backed seats...made it that much better.

They can be found in or near most large cities east of Chicago, if you're interested.

 

Anyone got a restuarant recomentdation in Greensboro NC

 

You're better off walking up and down the street knocking on doors at supper time.

 

Going to Cleveland for the weekend. Anyone have suggestions for some good eats?

 

In DC -- New Military History exhibit at the Smithsonian (Museum of American History) is well worth the visit

New Orleans -- If not on a diet, the Bananas Foster Up dessert at the Red Fish Grill on Bourbon St. (just off Canal) is pretty damned good. The Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo is good, too.

Philly -- McGillin's Old Ale House, located behind the City Hall Annex (near most Center City hotels) is a fine place for a brew.

 

OK, it's almost time to head to spring training. How about some top places in and around Phoenix, Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota, Jupiter, etc.

A few of my favorites:

-- Zen 32 in the Biltmore Plaza on E. Camelback in Phoenix serves excellent sushi.

-- Julian's on Second Street in St. Petersburg is an excellent steak place. A little pricey.

-- Columbia in Sarasota (I believe they have a restaurant in Tampa, too) serves Latin food.

 

I went there last March and was very pleased. I just stumbled onto the place when out looking for a place to grab a beer and a bite to eat.

 

First-time to the Masters this year ... suggestions in/around AUGUSTA?

 

Congrats, Donnie. Never been so I am not much help.

That's one event I have never covered that I wish I had.

Have fun. Hope you get to play the course on Monday.