Nice Fish

Got Catfish? I do. The longer I live here the better I like it. Last night I caught this 23.4 pound citation catfish in Poplar Creek on Lake Gaston. I am told that there are much bigger ones in the creek. The key is finding a deeper hole in deep water. I caught this one in 25 feet of water.

The Rig I use is above. Position your boat with two anchors front and back so it does not move. Cast into the back edge of the hole. The catfish relate to the drop off and wait for food to come to them. The best baits to use are live or 1/2 bream or chicken breast. The old timers on the lake swear by beef tongue.

Make sure your rod is in a holder and your net is big enough. I caught this one on 12 pound test.

Good luck and if you are in the area call me and we can fish.......

Summer is here and the weather is perfect. This is me on my way to the new Poplar Creek Marina. They have great food, Last night I had the Grouper Sandwich. Located on 903 just past Tanglewood Golf course and the public boat ramp. They have great food. Plus plenty of slips so you can park your boat and eat while the staff fills your boat and you top off the cooler with ice. They do not have an ABC license yet but the owner assures me it is in the works. Stop in the next time you are in the area.

Hardware Cafe

Located in a restored 1907 hardware store listed in the National Register. House specialties include sandwiches on homebaked bread and homemade desserts. Daily and nightly specials. I love this place they have the tastiest Shrimp and Grits I have ever had. The food is very good and the desserts are better. This is one of the better food destinations in the area. In fact I have started eating here as often as I travel to Raleigh or Richmond. They have a giant selection of beers and an impressive wine list. The service is top notch due to the atention of the owners.

106S Main StPO Box 929Warrenton, NC 27589
(252)257-2779

Downtown Warrenton across from Courthouse Square on US Hwy 401;
Mon-Wed 9 am-7 pm; Thur-Fri 9 am-9 pm; Sat 9 am-5 pm
Serves Lunch

Vegetarian!

Hello!

This is Maria, Mike's vegetarian daughter. I've decided my dad needs an update to his blog. He has failed to mention the best eggplant parmagiano sandwich! There is a little Italian restaurant called "Little Italy" in Mc Kenney. VA. That is exit 42 off of Interstate 85. The restaurant has really delicious, reasonably priced food. It's just around the corner from a little ice cream place too. But I must recomend the eggplant at Little Italy, my mouth is watering right now thinking about it!!

Little Italy
10805 Rives Ave

Mc Kenney, VA 23872-2041
Local:
804-478-4041

Searching for a great slice.....

Still looking for great pizza. I haven't found that Jersey quality yet. I have certainly ruled out many places. You are on your own for the bad places but I will tell you about the good ones. Mom said if you can't say something nice.........

In Mecklenburg County, VA the best is Pino's on Route 4 near the Kerr Lake Dam. They have good pizza, strombollis and calzones. The entrees are close to home. The prices are reasonable and the service is better than most. The owner is from Brooklyn and knows what he is doing. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Pino's Pizza
6288 Buggs Island Rd

Boydton, VA 23917
(434) 738-6999

I have heard that Roanoke Rapids has a great pie. I will let you know.

Great Ribs

If you are looking for ribs call Watersview restaurant. We go there every Friday night by boat and tear into the ribs. They have a great baked potato. The Ribs are Memphis style served wet. They are slow smoked with hickory and fall off the bone. The price is reasonable considering you also get a priceless view of Lake Gaston with every meal. They have great daily and nightly specials.

Outside Summer Deck. Plenty of room to park your boat, Great friendly service

Dockside Landing at Eatons Ferry
2107 Eaton Ferry Road
Littleton NC

252-586-2814

Day 1

February 14, 2007

First day with the new blog. I am going to use this space as a forum to share ideas on where to eat and where to get great food ingredients in a 50 mile circle around Lake Gaston. I am a retired chef who started a real estate career at age 40. I own my own real estate Company United Country Southern Gateway in Gasburg, VA at Lake Gaston. I still love to cook. Luckily we are close to Raleigh NC and Richmond VA to have easy access to great places to eat and great places to shop. If you know of great places or have questions please post to my site. I am looking forward to hearing and sharing.