Comments on: Richard Blais’ Home: The nicest restaurant in America

By: A terribly sad thing I never want to hear again « Korr Values

A terribly sad thing I never want to hear again « Korr Values — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:08:48 +0000

[...] shows up in my writing primarily as purposeful homage, like using the word “tummies” in this post.) And I’m really, really sad that he’s [...]

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:53:52 +0000

Josh,
This is great! It takes being a nice person to meet nice people.

From your totally unbiased aunt.

Next time please bring back some assorted samples, Home sounds really wonderful.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:52:53 +0000

Hey Josh this is Stacy (the one from Berkeley) that you met at the SPJ conference. Great post and now I’m even more jealous that I didn’t get to go with you guys to Home. Maybe we’ll all converge in the ATL again someday.

By: jim w.

jim w. — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:35:51 +0000

whoa. did you get in under the wire there or what?

nevertheless, i am jealous that you got the chef to comment on your post. i’ve done like 50 restaurants and the chef has never commented. there was one i thought it might happen, but it didn’t.

By: jim w.

jim w. — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:17:46 +0000

i think as much as the food, the mark of a really good upscale restaurant is precisely the feeling that you are need NOT be intimidated to be there. i have been to fancy restaurants where i felt more than a little awkward or out of place. yet i have also been to four restaurants considered to be among the best in the world, and was made to feel like i TOTALLY belonged at each one, and was welcomed, and was appreciated.

i suspect i will be in atlanta sometime in the next few months, and i already had a hit list there, but home may move to the top. richard was one of my fave TC contestants, which was funny, because after the first episode or two, i really didn’t like him at all. but he really grew on me. and it was because he seemed to really know what he was doing, and seemed very genuine. which are pretty much the two qualities that all of my favorite TC contestants have shared. harold, leanne, sam, casey, tre and stephanie. that is probably not the complete list, but it works as one off the top of my head.

By: Josh Korr

Josh Korr — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:32:22 +0000

Tammi — I’ll have to try Cakes & Ale on my next trip down there!

Melanie — I certainly didn’t know! That she-crab butter must really be powerful stuff.

Richard — Guess I’ll be checking the calendar to plan for that dinner!

(So many exclamation points!!!)

By: Tammi

Tammi — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:43:17 +0000

Nice recap Josh! I felt completely comfortable at Home, not out of place at all. But you know how us “Loudoun” folks are and I also didn’t have all the backstory you did, just went in for great food.

Which completely delivered.

It was really fun playing *tourist* and taking a few photos. (Will get those to you asap.) Think about making this a regular feature in your blog!

The hostess actually offered a tour when she caught me looking wistfully at the comfy spaces and couches in the bar. And yes, that private dining room was outstanding with the muted lights, long table, textured walls…

Funny thing is, Blais’ name came up Friday night at Cakes & Ale in Decatur. (http://ww w.cakesandalerestaurant.com/ — AMAZING fresh vegetable dishes, risotto, and “Phatty Cakes!”) A server mentioned that Blais had just been in recently! Small world…

By: Melanie

Melanie — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:20:02 +0000

What’s really special is that this blog will make every reader feel what you felt, even thought they didn’t get to eat your meal or meet these wonderful people. You’re keeping the spirit alive and passing it along. Who knew shrimp ‘n’ grits could be so transformative?

By: Richard Blais

Richard Blais — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:17:44 +0000

It was great meeting you !

It’s an interesting topic and your words here are inspiring. Too often there is
a format for being hospitable.

The format should be to not have a format, just like our food…

Romantic dinner for 2 next !