Audrey Livingstone

Ask, and you shall receive.”  You asked for it, and here it is: by popular demand, Audball’s fav foods!  For years now, I have been a self-proclaimed “foodie,” as the kids say.  So, I figured in order to go out with a bang from the good ol’ schol journ, I would grace you all with a list of all the best restaurants, and my favorite meals from each.  Here goes nothing!

Carrabba’s

For any of you who may be unaware, Carrabba’s is a lovely Italian restaurant located in Newport News near Patrick Henry Mall.  I don’t believe they serve authentic Italian food (having spent a week in Italy a month ago, I am qualified to make this distinction), but it’s all quite yummy nonetheless.  The atmosphere is relaxed and classy, and the service is great.  I often start off with an order of fried zucchini, which I absolutely love.  If you like zucchini, it’s perfect; it adds a bit of crunch with the fried breading and a bit of tang with the dipping sauce.  Then I take a plate of Pasta Weesie, a creamy seafood pasta dish.  I don’t normally order dessert, mostly because of the bread they serve before the meal, which is always fresh out of the oven and comes with a variety of herbs and olive oil.  Next time you’re near Carrabba’s, give these babies a go!

Outback Steakhouse

Ah, Outback: an escape to the land of the Aussies.  This is definitely one of my all-time favorites.  It’s the perfect place to go for a celebratory steak.  Now, we all know the ages-old debate over whether Outback Steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse is better; my opinion (the only one which matters, really) is clear.  So, once I sidle into a comfortable booth with my family or friends, the first order of business is getting some good old cheese fries.  Who cares that they’re one of the most calorie-filled meals in America?  Live a little!  They’re much too delicious to pass up.  These cheese fries, are, in my opinion, the best variation of fries; they’re topped with both cheese and bacon and served with a spicy ranch.  After the cheese fries are gone, I usually go with a nice sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables, though I have also been known to order the steak focaccia sandwich and fries.  Then the big guns come out.  My friends, if you’ve never had “Thunder from Down Under,” hop in your car and head on over to Outback right this moment.  Thunder from Down Under is a hot, homemade brownie topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and hot fudge sauce.  This is no ordinary brownie sundae; it has a certain … je ne sais pas.  I really can’t explain why it’s so good.  You have to do yourselves a favor and try it.

Bonefish Grill

I gotta say, there’s really only one thing that keeps me coming back to Bonefish.  First is the Bang Bang Shrimp (!!!).  Just a little tip: go on a Wednesday if you’re going to get Bang Bang Shrimp, because you can get it for just $5!  Anyways … this dish is something I crave at least once a week.  It’s small shrimp that’s breaded and fried, so it’s nice and crispy.  Then, it’s tossed in a nice spicy sauce.  As the fine print at the beginning of this article says, these suggestions are for the discerning palette; this dish is not for the weak.  It’s not overly spicy for myself, but it may be for some of you.  Have a glass of water handy.  To complete the experience, eat your Bang Bang Shrimp with chopsticks.  That’s really the only way to do it.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread really is a classic.  This place is perfect especially for young people, I’d say high school and college students, because there’s free wi-fi, and it’s got a nice calm, café feeling to it.  It’s perfect for working on homework by yourself or meeting up with a group to get some studying done.  But enough of that, let’s get on to the good stuff!  I suggest the “You Pick 2” deal, where you can pick two from their menu of soup, salads, and sandwiches.  I normally go for the chicken frontega sandwich and French onion soup.  The chicken frontega has juicy chicken, melted cheese, and the perfect amount of onion and tomato, all slammed onto some bread and thrown onto their well-seasoned Panini press.  The French onion soup is quite classic: just salty enough, with the perfect amount of bread and cheese.  Studying’s not so bad at Panera!

Plaza Azteca

You’re not really a part of the Summit community unless you’ve been to Plaza Azteca.  I personally have a craving for Mexican food that runs through my veins at all times; I’m not quite sure if that’s just me, or if any of you experience it as well.  Either way, let’s give this a go.

I always get one of two things at Plaza: the steak fried rice or the chimichanga dinner.  These are the two best things on the menu; I promise you.  Now, what you choose from these two is completely dependent upon how hungry you are.  If you’re ready to seriously chow down, go for the chimichanga dinner.  There are two chimichangas, which you can order either fried or soft and with either chicken or steak (I personally get them fried and with steak), and they’re then drizzled with a delicious queso sauce.  Then they throw rice and beans in the mix  Whoa!  That’s just a bonus, really.

If you’re thinking that’s too much food, that’s okay.  There’s always the steak fried rice, which hits the spot every single time.  It’s their signature rice and queso mixed with steak, which is pan fried like they do for the fajitas.  Order one of these two babies, and you’ll be a changed man/woman.

Five Guys

Five Guys is the best burger joint in town; it’s my not-so-guilty pleasure.  Sure, it’s greasy, but that’s more than fine every once in a while!  Just a little nugget of info before you head in: a regular burger has two patties and a little burger has one.  I obviously get the regular burger most of the time, and I suggest you do the same.

One of my favorite things in the world to eat is a nice bacon cheeseburger, and Five Guys just gets it right.  The burgers are perfectly juicy; the cheese is perfectly melted; the bacon is perfectly crispy.  Not to mention the Cajun fries are a perfect complement if you’re looking to really round out the meal as a whole.  I’ve gotten this nearly every time, but as a nice graduation pressie (to me, from me) I’m going to be adventurous and try something new; à la Macy Eskew, I’ll get a bacon cheese dog (yes, you read that correctly: a hot dog with bacon and cheese) with jalapenos!

Hayashi

Two words: sushi boat.

Oh no, the sushi boat is no myth.  It’s literally a boat filled with sushi.  What more could you ask for?  Not only is sushi healthy, it’s just really delicious.  Once you get past the idea you’re biting into a little fish, it makes for quite a lovely meal!  The texture of the sashimi is smooth, the beds of rice are perfectly cooked, the crab and shrimp rolls perfectly proportioned … mmm, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Can Can Brasserie

Can Can Brasserie is the loveliest French restaurant in the area.  If you’re ever near Richmond, I insist you stop there.  It’s right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city and on the corner of a cute street with antique shops and old cinemas.  I’ve only been twice, but it was so good both times I went I consider it one of my favorites (that, and I just really love all things French).  The atmosphere really is quite European; it’s not too noisy, and people really take their time during their meals to enjoy what they’re eating.  The only thing about this restaurant that’s American is the portion size (I’m not complaining)!

When I made my first appearance at Can Can Brasserie, I ordered a steak with a red wine sauce and glazed onions, which came with shoestring fries (I can’t remember the exact name of the meal — oops).  The steak was cooked perfectly, and I love red wine*; it was the perfect meal.  I really don’t know what else to tell you; the Can Can Brasserie is not just a restaurant … it’s an experience.

Well, there you have it.  Of course, this only really scratches the surface of my top picks, but I didn’t want to overwhelm any of you.  Have a grand time making a proper culinary tour of Hampton Roads!

*Editor’s Note: Redeeming Pandora does not condone the consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, unless one is having hash for dinner or eating corn on the cob with one’s feet.