Top 5

Awhile ago, Mark and I were eating at one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston, Hominy Grill, and we started talking about the other good restaurants we have eaten at. These are restuarants that aren't necessarily fancy smancy, just places you have gone and always had a good time. It took awhile, but I finally came up with my top 5 picks. So here they are, in no particular order, my top 5 restaurants (and by the way, there are actually 6 on my list)

Hominy Grill, Charleston, SC. We decided to try this one after seeing it on $40 a day. So glad we did. The food is creative and yummy and they specialize in local ingredients. It is out of the way from the main tourist areas, so it has a nice character to it. Skip all those other restaurants in Charleston (Magnolia, SNOB, etc) and go to the Hominy Grill. Downside: they have really cut back on their dinner hours, the don't take reservations, and the wine list leaves a lot to be desired.

Sullivan's, Anderson, SC. I don't want to knock the restaurants in Clemson. Calhoun Corners and Pixie and Bill's are very good. But there is just something missing from those restaurants, and Sullivan's has it. Maybe it is the professional wait staff, or maybe the wine cellar, but Sullivan's always impresses me. I have only been their twice though...maybe I should go back. Downside: it is way down there, all the way to downtown Anderson.

The Waterfront, Maui, HI. Those of you who are going on your honeymoon to Maui are probably going to kill me. I had Mama's Fish House on my list, but kept thinking about this one. It was a last minute switch. Mama's is good, very good, but everyone knows it. The Waterfront is still a small and intimate restaurant with great food. The wait staff was so nice and they had the best caesar salad I have ever had...even better than my own. Downside: it is hard to find and the location isn't all that great.

Mr. B's Bistro, New Orleans, LA. This might be unamerican of me to say, but Mark and I were never that impressed with New Orleans. It was nice and all, but very touristy. The restaurants are good, but everyone always goes to the same places. Plus, they do this weird team-style service. This restaurant wasn't one that everyone talks about. It is owned by the famous Brennan family, who also owns, go figure, Brennan's, and most people go there. This was a nice restaurant, but still felt comfortable. The BBQ shrimp is out of this world. Downside: Like most restaurants in New Orleans, it is inconsistent.

Jorg's Cafe Vienna, Plano, TX. Every time someone was in town to visit, we took them here. Why? It was casual and affordable, but the food was great. They have lots of wursts to choose from, but I was always a fan of the schnitzels. Yum, yum! Downside: they don't take reservations for parties less than 6 and I wouldn't go there if you are on a diet.

Amici's, Carrollton, TX. Mark and I would always go to Amici's for special occasions. I always seemed to have an injury on our anniversary, but I would still clomp up the stairs in my walking cast and nice dress to go here. The menu is impressive enough, but then there are loads of interesting specials. It is BYOB, which it actually fun. You look around at this nice restaurant and can see all the coolers that people brought. Downside: none come to mind!

What restaurants are in your top 5 (or 6, or 3)?