As you drive down Main street in Harrisonburg's Historic downtown, you'll notice a new face on the corner of Water street, a new restaurant called Fuzionz. Formerly Cuchi Guido's, Fuzionz takes the merging of flavors to a new level, giving exotic favorites such as Blue Nile and Taste of Thai a run for their money.
On first walking in, my sister and I weren't sure if the restaurant was even open yet, considering that the first floor was deserted except for a lonely waiter staring at a t.v. As soon as we walked in, he snapped to attention and invited us to choose either downstairs of upstairs for dinner. Since the first floor is all of three booths, and part of the kitchen, we decided to try our luck upstairs. Similarly to Dave's, Fuzionz has a problematic, winding, severely vertical staircase that makes you feel as if your climbing a jungle-gym. This poses a threat to older patrons and sadly limits them from the stylish, contemporary upstairs dining room. (I think it might actually be impossible to climb the stairs if you are above the age of 65)
As we emerge from the staircase I notice the trendy black and deep red decor. We choose a comfy leather black booth, just a few feet from the cocktail lounge. My sister noticed that the dining room reminders her of a New York City restaurant. Relatively small , divided by walls with large open windows, a brick wall on one side and funky light fixtures. To our left was a very small stage with tall tables and bar stools. Behind it was a projector screen. In the background we are serenaded by the tunes of Katy Perry, MGMT, Taylor Swift and Fergie as we decide on what to eat. The only complaint we have is that half the room is flooded by fluorescent lighting, the other half of the room gave such a relaxed feeling from the small lamps scattered around.
After scoping out the menu, I decide that the focus is a combo of Indian and Asian dishes. We immediately chose Fuzionz MoMoz for an appetizer which are pretty much just steamed dumplings with a "secret sauce". You can choose between chicken and beef so we decided to split it into 3 chicken and 3 beef. The appetizers came pretty quick and were surprised that the beef was much more flavorful than the chicken.
Deciding on a main course was a different story, everything sounded amazing; all filled with exotic and alluring spices. My sister chose the Traditional Curry right away but I took longer to decide on my Basil and Ginger dish. Each main course comes with a choice of Vegetarian (8.95) Chicken (9.95) Beef (10.95) and Shrimp (11.95). You also get the choice of mild, medium or hot, for which we both chose medium.
Just a short while later, I could smell our dishes coming. Our table became immersed in the intoxicating aroma of curry and ginger. As our plates were put in front of us I couldn't help but to admire the palette of colors in the dish. This admiration didn't last long as I couldn't stop myself from digging in right away.
In my opinion, the test of a truly delicious meal is determined within the first few minutes. You and your companion may exchange a few words like "This looks great!" as your meal is presented, but as you take your first bites there is silence. You concentrate on the mixture of flavors and with an Asian/Indian fusion such as this, you make sure it isn't too spicy. Tonight, both of our dishes had a zing to it but weren't too spicy (actually, I probably should have gone for "hot"!)
In the end, we decided that the meal was terrific. It is a perfect place to go if you aren't a really adventurous eater, as it is a good introduction to Asian and Indian food.
Basic Info:
Address: 95 South Main Street Harrisonburg Virginia 22801
Phone Number: (540) 432-3896
Cuisine: Asian/Indian Fusion
Website: No website yet!
Price: $$ (Our bill came to $17.00 each with tax and tip)
Specials: Happy Hour Specials Vary
Category: Date Night, Event, Parents
3.5 Stars
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Shank's Bakery
On October 16th I sprung out of bed like it was Christmas morning. It was the day of my 20th birthday which just happens to also fall on JMU Homecoming (which, if you think about it, equates to Christmas). As I made preparations for a day and night full of fun, I got a call from an unknown number. When I answered it was the joyful voice of a baker from Shank's Bakery telling me that I had a birthday package waiting for me, from my parents.
Located in the heart of Harrisonburg's Historic Downtown area, Shank's is a small bakery hidden near the Water street parking deck. I remembered seeing Shank's stand at the Harrisonburg Farmer's market and had been wondering what it was like for quite some time.
As we waiting for the baker's to put the finishing touches on my "birthday surprise" my roommate and I enjoyed an outstanding iced coffee. Shank's combines regular iced coffee with a small amount of an espresso like coffee base to put a sweet, creative spin on this favorite.
During the four minute ride home (which felt more like 30 minutes) I couldn't contain my excitement. I could smell a mixture of spice and sweetness and knew there was something pumpkin flavored waiting for me. When we got the three huge white boxes home, I uncovered a carrot cake, a huge pumpkin roll and 20 cupcakes (all for under 30 dollars my parents divulged later). Basically I could have fed an army, and given them all cavities. The carrot cake was average, (I seem to have every high standards for this dessert because it is my favorite) but the pumpkin roll stole the show. The Shanks specialty has soft pumpkin cake on the outside and decadent cream cheese filling with walnuts on the inside, rolled up into a perfect package. The special pastry is exactly how you would expect autumn to taste. One roll can be split into 12 heaping servings (perfect to bring to an event or dinner party).
When you look at these birthday dessert options, it seems that cupcakes can unfortunately fall to the waste side, but don't overlook them. These cupcakes are superior to most with their moist cake and delicious and are not to be missed (be sure to get the ones with strawberry icing!)
If you just need a quick fix for your sweet tooth I recommend succumbing the power of the "Monster cookie". Filled with chocolate chips, coconut, peanut butter (and pretty much anything else you can fit into a cookie) this is one nonsensical (and surprisingly) fabulous dessert.
Shank's interior is small but trendy. When you walk in through the front door you will most likely be pulled into a dessert hypnosis, and find yourself drooling over the large glass case, guarding the delicious treats. After you come out of your dessert heaven trance, look to your right for a table. To the left there is a wall of bread, making Shank's the homemade, superior counterpart to Panera.
If you walk forward a few steps, the thin room with tables for two, opens up into a slightly bigger room that is lively enough to chat with a friend yet quiet enough to read or study.
One great aspect of Shank's is that every visit is different. The menu is never exactly the same as the bakers are constantly experimenting with new pastries, muffins and deserts so you always have the opportunity to try something new.
Basic Info:
Address: 49-A West Water Street, Harrisonburg Va 22801
Hours: Closed Sunday. Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm Saturday: 7am-3pm. (Monday is mostly reserved for baking so they only have a limited menu for most of the day, your visit is better spend on Tuesday-Saturday)
Cuisine: Comfort food/ Bakery: breads, muffins, pastries, cakes and cafe.
Price: $ (Although depending on what you get, Shank's charges bake sale prices; small pastries are around one dollar!)
Must Have: Monster cookie and a slice of pumpkin roll (if you don't want to buy the entire roll, they are sold by the slice)
Classification: Parents, Saturday morning/afternoon post brunch coffee fix, quick bite, birthday cakes.
How to get there if you don't have a car: The downtown area is about a 10 minute walk from the quad. If you don't want to walk you can take the route 3 bus.
Directions: Drive straight down Main street (the heart of downtown) and turn left onto water street and park in the parking deck. Shanks is to the right next to Downtown Books.
3 Stars
Located in the heart of Harrisonburg's Historic Downtown area, Shank's is a small bakery hidden near the Water street parking deck. I remembered seeing Shank's stand at the Harrisonburg Farmer's market and had been wondering what it was like for quite some time.
As we waiting for the baker's to put the finishing touches on my "birthday surprise" my roommate and I enjoyed an outstanding iced coffee. Shank's combines regular iced coffee with a small amount of an espresso like coffee base to put a sweet, creative spin on this favorite.
During the four minute ride home (which felt more like 30 minutes) I couldn't contain my excitement. I could smell a mixture of spice and sweetness and knew there was something pumpkin flavored waiting for me. When we got the three huge white boxes home, I uncovered a carrot cake, a huge pumpkin roll and 20 cupcakes (all for under 30 dollars my parents divulged later). Basically I could have fed an army, and given them all cavities. The carrot cake was average, (I seem to have every high standards for this dessert because it is my favorite) but the pumpkin roll stole the show. The Shanks specialty has soft pumpkin cake on the outside and decadent cream cheese filling with walnuts on the inside, rolled up into a perfect package. The special pastry is exactly how you would expect autumn to taste. One roll can be split into 12 heaping servings (perfect to bring to an event or dinner party).
When you look at these birthday dessert options, it seems that cupcakes can unfortunately fall to the waste side, but don't overlook them. These cupcakes are superior to most with their moist cake and delicious and are not to be missed (be sure to get the ones with strawberry icing!)
If you just need a quick fix for your sweet tooth I recommend succumbing the power of the "Monster cookie". Filled with chocolate chips, coconut, peanut butter (and pretty much anything else you can fit into a cookie) this is one nonsensical (and surprisingly) fabulous dessert.
Shank's interior is small but trendy. When you walk in through the front door you will most likely be pulled into a dessert hypnosis, and find yourself drooling over the large glass case, guarding the delicious treats. After you come out of your dessert heaven trance, look to your right for a table. To the left there is a wall of bread, making Shank's the homemade, superior counterpart to Panera.
If you walk forward a few steps, the thin room with tables for two, opens up into a slightly bigger room that is lively enough to chat with a friend yet quiet enough to read or study.
One great aspect of Shank's is that every visit is different. The menu is never exactly the same as the bakers are constantly experimenting with new pastries, muffins and deserts so you always have the opportunity to try something new.
Basic Info:
Address: 49-A West Water Street, Harrisonburg Va 22801
Hours: Closed Sunday. Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm Saturday: 7am-3pm. (Monday is mostly reserved for baking so they only have a limited menu for most of the day, your visit is better spend on Tuesday-Saturday)
Cuisine: Comfort food/ Bakery: breads, muffins, pastries, cakes and cafe.
Price: $ (Although depending on what you get, Shank's charges bake sale prices; small pastries are around one dollar!)
Must Have: Monster cookie and a slice of pumpkin roll (if you don't want to buy the entire roll, they are sold by the slice)
Classification: Parents, Saturday morning/afternoon post brunch coffee fix, quick bite, birthday cakes.
How to get there if you don't have a car: The downtown area is about a 10 minute walk from the quad. If you don't want to walk you can take the route 3 bus.
Directions: Drive straight down Main street (the heart of downtown) and turn left onto water street and park in the parking deck. Shanks is to the right next to Downtown Books.
3 Stars
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Dave's Taverna
Every college town needs the quintessential college town restaurant. Located decently close to campus, you'll find a lively atmosphere where you will most likely run into someone you know, but more importantly, has tasty food at a price that doesn't break the student's budget.
For JMU, this college town restaurant is Dave's Taverna. Located in downtown Harrisonburg, it is without a doubt the most popular restaurant for students in Harrisonburg. If you ask any student to name their restaurants in the downtown area, their list will most likely begin with this Greek influenced eatery.
Walking into Dave's on a Friday or Saturday is like walking into a party. You are immediately welcomed by the teal and hardwood decor and lively sounds of patrons chatting, plates clanking, and t.v in the background, all straddling the line of rowdy. On a busy weekend night you may have a short wait, but the four dining room space usually accommodates the students that come in droves on weekend nights. A winding, difficult staircase leads us vertically to the second floor where the waitress shows us to our table. If there is room, and the weather is nice, there is nothing more enjoyable that sitting outside at the Tarasta, on the rooftop. Usually a late at night hotpot, there is a bar on both the first floor and the Tarasta that overlooks historic downtown. To sit on the rooftop you sacrifice the wide range of choices on the menu ( a limited menu is served outside).
The menu is filled with Greek fast food dishes such as gyro's, souvalaki, and pita sandwiches. You will also spot American favorites with a Greek spin, such as chicken, pork chops and tuna along with four different types of linguine dishes. When you do order, be sure to get a side salad. Dave's House salad is loaded with veggies and a dressing is not to be missed. Off the regular menu, you can order whatever your in the mood for, and know that you won't be disappointed. I'm partial towards the Greek favorites such as the souvalaki or the veggie pita. Dave's has a fabulous mikro menu full allegedly small dishes (yet are big enough to fill you up) to have while hanging out at the bar or simply not ravenous. I recommend the roasted vegetable pasta or the pita quesadilla.
The service is full of well trained employees (a majority are students) that are attentive and friendly. Be sure to come hungry because your food will come very quick.
Dave's is a great place to come for a group outing on the weekends or a good place to bring your parents to get a feel for the JMU/Harrisonburg Community.
On the weekend the atmosphere may be a little too much to bring a date, but a weekday is a different story.
You should still expect great service, good food served quick on a weekday, but the entire restaurant is transformed into a friendly, calmer atmosphere. The rooms aren't jam packed with students and the waiters have more time to chat with you. Be sure to come on a night when your favorite football team is playing because on the first floor near the bar, a large projector screen is lowered to make you feel like your literally on the sideline while enjoying your meal. Wednesday is jazz night and Tuesday is open mic night.
Dave's has become so popular in recent years that the owners have opened another location, Dave's Express, on Port Republic road (pretty much the epicenter of student off campus housing). With the needs and desires of students in mind, Dave's Express is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 am and delivers. The menu takes the most popular dishes from the full service restaurant, and the mini eatery even offers Beer Delivery.
Dave's probably won't win any culinary awards but concentrates on fulfilling the needs of this demanding demographic. The Dave's experience is one that all JMU students have have again and again.
Basic Info:
Address: 121 South Main street Harrisonburg Virginia 22801
Phone Number: (540) 561-1487
Cuisine: American with Greek specialties
Hours: Dave's Taverna: 11:00am-1:00am Dave's Express: 11:00am-4:00am
Price: $/$$
Budget Friendly Dish: All of the meals in the sandwich and salad sections are less than $10.00
Vegetarian: There are lots to choose from but the Veggie pita and linguine with pesto are fantastic!
Classification: Weekend: Good for groups, Events, Parents
Weekday: Date night, Parents, Sport events
How to get there if you don't have a car: From the quad, the walk to Dave's is about 10 minutes. If you don't want to walk, you can take the route 3 bus.
3.5 Stars
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