Trip Coach: September 5, 2006

Jane and Michael Stern: Howdy, and welcome to the Roadfood chat. Jane got called out on an ambulance run (she's an EMT), so it may just be me for the hour. And I have to warn you that I currently have use of only 7-1/2 fingers, as I fell off my horse yesterday and 2-1/2 digits have blown up to resemble an order of Texas hot links. So I may be a little slow. But let's go!

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Roadfood experts Jane and Michael Stern (Todd France) [enlarge photo] BOOK EXCERPT • Two for the Road: Our Love Affair with American Food • Southern Café Stewed Apples • New Haven White Clam Pizza TRENDSPOTTING • Haute Diners SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE • Table of Contents: September 2006 • Australia: The Great Ocean Walk • Germany Castles • Road Trip: Lake Champlain • Trip Coach: Jamaica • 40 Best Vacations

Newark, DE: Me & my husband will be driving "The Crooked Road" in SW Virgina September 12 through the 16th to explore & experience the bluegrass, gospel & country music landmarks. The towns include Floyd, Galax, Bristol, Hiltons, Norton & Clintwood. Any suggestions for great country dining? We are especially fond of breakfast. Thank you! I am a huge fan.

Jane and Michael Stern: It's been a while since we ate our way through Southern Virginia. You'll find great country ham and red-eye gravy for breakfast (and lunch and dinner), that's for sure, but the one must-not-miss specialty of this particular part of the state is Brunswick Stew. I'm not sure if it's still there, but there was a great little cafe in Lawrenceville called Larry's Lunch: Brunswick stew, griddle-fried ham, corn cakes, and delicious rice pudding for dessert.

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Tucson, AZ: Hi, Jane and Michael! My husband and I are taking a road trip into New England during October. While in Vermont we will be traveling the Ethan Allen Highway. We will be traveling in that area on Sunday, October 8th from the Mt. Washington area on our way to Bridgewater Corners. What good road side places, not pricey, could you recommend? Thanks so much! We are very active and young minded seniors but doubt if that makes any difference where we eat!

Jane and Michael Stern: In Woodstock, just east of Bridgewater Corners, there is a little diner named Wasp's. It's where the locals eat, and the menu ranges from blue-plate corned beef hash to such specials as calamari salad with a lime mint soy dressing for the greens and chipolte aioli for the calamari. We like the hamburgers, with pie for dessert. Also, check out Gillingham's hardware: they've got everything (including local edibles).

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Charlotte, NC: I'm flying into Charlotte for a business meeting. I will have lunch hour free. Any suggestions for a good meal?

Jane and Michael Stern: My Charlotte friend assures me Lupie's Cafe cannot be beat, and looking at its website has made it top priority for when we visit Charlotte in October. From past experience we can unreservedly recommend Price's Chicken Coop for some of the southland's best fried chicken.

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Astoria, NY: As vegetarians, we're usually stuck eating salads and grilled cheese when we hit the road. Have you ever come across any great meat-free meals at your favorite roadside haunts? Thanks!