Where To Eat Pre-Flight

[thinkxingu]

Holla!

Saturday evening is the Emerson scenic flight I booked for my brother and me. Arrival time is 6:45 at the Gilford airport, so we'll be eating at ~5.

We're non-poofy, big-eating steak and seafood and pizza and wings people, so what would your choice of where to eat on that side be?

Go!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Holla!

Saturday evening is the Emerson scenic flight I booked for my brother and me. Arrival time is 6:45 at the Gilford airport, so we'll be eating at ~5.

We're non-poofy, big-eating steak and seafood and pizza and wings people, so what would your choice of where to eat on that side be?

Go!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Patrick’s or Ellacoya Barn and Grille. I’d say Lyon’s Den, but I don’t want you to take my table.


Sent from my iPad using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Slickcraft]

Yes either Patrick's or Ellacoya. And you will fly right over Patrick's either taking off or landing. Based on the wind forecast, probably landing.

[thinkxingu]

I've not been to Patrick's in long enough to forget what they had—would they be more wings and pizza or steak and seafood?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I've not been to Patrick's in long enough to forget what they had—would they be more wings and pizza or steak and seafood?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

More wings, ribs burgers. Pub type


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by joey2665

More wings, ribs burgers. Pub type


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

What would be the best non-poofy steak & seafood place in that area?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[mcdude]

Non-poofy? The Union Diner comes to mind

[Descant]

Schuster's Tavern features steaks and the Lodge at Smith Point has been good. Unfortunately, both are not currently open. I agree with the others, Ellacoya or Patrick's.

[CowTimes]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

What would be the best non-poofy steak & seafood place in that area?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

O’s in Laconia, but not sure if that is too poofy for what you’re looking for. Food is always great (particularly lobster Mac n’ cheese). Ellacoya also has good steaks and a surprising amount of seafood dishes. The prices at the two are fairly comparable, actually.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by CowTimes

O’s in Laconia, but not sure if that is too poofy for what you’re looking for. Food is always great (particularly lobster Mac n’ cheese). Ellacoya also has good steaks and a surprising amount of seafood dishes. The prices at the two are fairly comparable, actually.

Tell me about O, since I've never been. Clean t-shirt and shorts appropriate? I'm not worried about price (within reason), but I don't want to be in a tiny-steak-served-in-the-middle-with-sprigs-of-garn-taking-up-real-estate-that-could-be-filled-with-more-steak kinda place, ya dig?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Tell me about O, since I've never been. Clean t-shirt and shorts appropriate? I'm not worried about price (within reason), but I don't want to be in a tiny-steak-served-in-the-middle-with-sprigs-of-garn-taking-up-real-estate-that-could-be-filled-with-more-steak kinda place, ya dig?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Shorts are fine I would wear something a little nicer than a clean tee but I have seen many with clean tees. Steak sizes are excellent here’s the current menu. They usually have steak specials also




Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Heaven]

Eat after, not before

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Heaven

Eat after, not before

This has been proposed (behind the scenes), but it'll be too late—the flight is at 7 and is 1.5 hours.

We've done a few things like this—mostly helicopters—so we have some experience!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Diana]

Heaven is right. Depending on turbulence you might want to eat light before.

[Descant]

I've never figured this out. A guy in a tee shirt is a slob and a woman in a tee shirt is chic. If a guy wants to go "casual" he should at least wear a collared ("polo") shirt.

[thinkxingu]

Looks like we'll be hitting Ellacoya up—bro likes the barn building. Hopefully, they take reservations!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[thinkxingu]

Hold the phone, people. It occurred to me that I've never tried the prime rib everyone raves about at Dockside, and it's only 20 minutes from the airport AND they take reservations, sooo...we'll be going there later today!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[LoveLakeLife]

Report back Think!


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

Report back Think!


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Alright, while I'm waiting to board for our sunset flight, here goes:

Mozzarella sticks and Hot and Honey wings for appetizers = rockin'.

I NEEDED to have both seafood and steak, so we ended up ordering a Live Free or Fry (because they wouldn't/couldn't do a three-way combo and I was looking for clams, shrimps, and scallops) for us to share and 12 oz. prime ribs for each of us.

The prime ribs were excellent—awesome cuts, tasty, fresh. The mashed and veggies were just ok.

The seafood was disappointing. Clams and scallops were undercooked and only two shrimp and three scallops, even though I "traded" the crab cakes for more other stuff.

Overall, good but not anywhere near the experiences we had the first few times. Interestingly enough, I checked out current reviews and a fair amount say similar—that things have changed.

I gotta say, given the last two experiences at Dockside, I'm not sure we'll be back. Pop's—as consistent in price and quality as it gets—being across the street will make it difficult to return.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[8gv]

I hope the Cessna had operable wing root vents...

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by 8gv

I hope the Cessna had operable wing root vents...

No idea, but good thing there was a window for me to spill out of—talk about TIGHT quarters!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[LoveLakeLife]

I don’t like any seafood but it seems beyond dispute that Pop’s is tops. I get the chicken there and it’s excellent. I’m glad the prime rib at Dockside passed muster. I’ll have to try the mozzarella sticks.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

I don’t like any seafood but it seems beyond dispute that Pop’s is tops. I get the chicken there and it’s excellent. I’m glad the prime rib at Dockside passed muster. I’ll have to try the mozzarella sticks.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Yeah, I think my overall feeling about dockside would've been different if we just had the prime rib—it was very good. In addition to the seafood being undercooked, I felt burned that for $34 I got two shrimp and scallops...and that was asking for more to replace the crab cakes I didn't get. In fact, on further reflection, I'm going to email them.

Wait, am I turning into a Karen?!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[betterthanbacon]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I've not been to Patrick's in long enough to forget what they had—would they be more wings and pizza or steak and seafood?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I’ve had the steak tips at Patrick’s several times. Haven’t been disappointed yet. There is also T-bones in Lakeport

[8gv]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Yeah, I think my overall feeling about dockside would've been different if we just had the prime rib—it was very good. In addition to the seafood being undercooked, I felt burned that for $34 I got two shrimp and scallops...and that was asking for more to replace the crab cakes I didn't get. In fact, on further reflection, I'm going to email them.

Wait, am I turning into a Karen?!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Not a Karen, maybe an Amelia?

[camp guy]

My wife and I ate at Dockside several months ago and felt the experience didn't measure up in terms of quantity/quality/ price, but I read so many favorable reports on this Forum that I stayed quiet, but, with thinks review I must say I feel Dockside is over-hyped for the experience.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by camp guy

My wife and I ate at Dockside several months ago and felt the experience didn't measure up in terms of quantity/quality/ price, but I read so many favorable reports on this Forum that I stayed quiet, but, with thinks review I must say I feel Dockside is over-hyped for the experience.

I can't tell if we had three or four extraordinary experiences or if what we're seeing these last times is more the norm.

I've emailed and, frankly, I'm interested to see how it is received (if at all).

Update: heard back. Will report the outcome.

My father drilled into me that no business is perfect—how they remedy the imperfection, however, is the key.

One last thing: I was really bummed because 1. I hate when great things go away and 2. It was my bro's birthday gift, and I'd pumped it up for him.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[ITD]

How was the flight? I flew Saturday morning, it was a nice day to fly.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by ITD

How was the flight? I flew Saturday morning, it was a nice day to fly.

It was great! There was a fast-moving weather system that came through while we were eating and that Emerson was keeping an eye on, but it moved along and we had clear weather. A bit overcast, though, so the sunset aspect wasn't awesome, but it was calm other than when getting close to the mountains. It was nice to just be up in the air for a bit.

I do think I like helicopters better, though. I'll be trying to set one of those up to see!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[ITD]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

It was great! There was a fast-moving weather system that came through while we were eating and that Emerson was keeping an eye on, but it moved along and we had clear weather. A bit overcast, though, so the sunset aspect wasn't awesome, but it was calm other than when getting close to the mountains. It was nice to just be up in the air for a bit.

I do think I like helicopters better, though. I'll be trying to set one of those up to see!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Helicopters are infernal machines that shouldn't be able to fly, but do.

JK, sort of, but I do like riding in one, been a long time.

I was thinking as I posted that a quick, heavy rain shower came through Saturday evening. Glad you got to go.

[Descant]

You asked for advice on steak and potatoes, not too pricey, not too poofy. Everybody here agreed on the Ellecoya Barn & Grill or Patrick's Pub. So you changed you mind to Prime Rib and seafood and you were disappointed in a place that nobody recommended for your criteria.
So, it really doesn't matter if you were disappointed: Did your brother have a good meal? He's the only one that matters on his birthday. Overall, it sounds like it was a great evening.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Descant

You asked for advice on steak and potatoes, not too pricey, not too poofy. Everybody here agreed on the Ellecoya Barn & Grill or Patrick's Pub. So you changed you mind to Prime Rib and seafood and you were disappointed in a place that nobody recommended for your criteria.
So, it really doesn't matter if you were disappointed: Did your brother have a good meal? He's the only one that matters on his birthday. Overall, it sounds like it was a great evening.

Ellacoya only takes reservations for groups of 6+, and I was confident it would be too busy to just drop in on a tight schedule. Turned out to be a good decision—when we drove by, place was jammed.

In any case, my brother very much enjoyed the evening—he'd spent the first half of the day fishing with my son on his new boat (my brother's). I think in another life with different circumstances, my brother would have become a pilot.

As for his meal, he enjoyed it but was also surprised to find only two shrimps...especially since it's the only seafood he eats!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

As for his meal, he enjoyed it but was also surprised to find only two shrimps...especially since it's the only seafood he eats!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I resisted the first time, but since you mention again, I just gotta know, about those two shrimps...

Is chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, half a seafood dinner, 12 oz of prime rib, baked potato and a vegetable enough for a Think Brother?

Unless you guys are 17 year-old power lifters, I'm in awe

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I resisted the first time, but since you mention again, I just gotta know, about those two shrimps...

Is chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, half a seafood dinner, 12 oz of prime rib, baked potato and a vegetable enough for a Think Brother?

Unless you guys are 17 year-old power lifters, I'm in awe

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I resisted the first time, but since you mention again, I just gotta know, about those two shrimps...

Is chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, half a seafood dinner, 12 oz of prime rib, baked potato and a vegetable enough for a Think Brother?

Unless you guys are 17 year-old power lifters, I'm in awe

Y'all remember the pilot called me back to let me know 3 think bros was too much?!

I totes forgot to mention—and I'm totally serious here—that we got off the ground a bit late Saturday because...the pilot was in the air burning off fuel to get within weight range to accommodate us!

In terms of shape, my wife's mother's first question when she met my 23-year-old gym-rat self was "where's his neck?"

Seriously, though, we had leftovers. Just wasn't jazzed about $34 for two shrimps.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[ITD]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Y'all remember the pilot called me back to let me know 3 think bros was too much?!

I totes forgot to mention—and I'm totally serious here—that we got off the ground a bit late Saturday because...the pilot was in the air burning off fuel to get within weight range to accommodate us!

In terms of shape, my wife's mother's first question when she met my 23-year-old gym-rat self was "where's his neck?"

Seriously, though, we had leftovers. Just wasn't jazzed about $34 for two shrimps.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

That was a good pilot.

[thinkxingu]

Update: Dockside got back to me—loved having a chat with them and look forward to another try.

In the meantime, hit up Pop's on the first Saturday of Bike Week and it was, as always, stupid good.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app