7 Good Things: June 2007

Seven dishes—some unlikely—that we’re coming back to again and again.

Editor's note, May 30: This is a preview of the June 2007 issue—on newsstands by June 8, in subscribers' hands shortly. Subscribe here.

We've tried—and we like—all these dishes. Got a pick to share? E-mail us.

1. At BamBu recently we had a lunch that was so fresh and spicy: Lemongrass beef on vermicelli noodles. Besides the beef, it includes cucumbers, bean sprouts, fresh basil, mint, pickled cabbage and carrots. It comes with a side of fish sauce. ($7.99)

2. The Cooler at Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House is simple: a cucumber sandwich with sour cream and cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion on pumpernickel bread. The name is appropriate. It was less than $6 with chips, and service was super-fast... Great lunch stop.

3. Tuna carpaccio at Haruno. Expensive ($21) but divine.

4. One friend is obsessed with the Jerry Chicken dish at Thai House. She has had it twice in as many weeks. It has grilled chicken and vegetables, a savory peanut sauce and steamed white rice on the side. ($5.99)

5. The orange sauce at Nakato is worth a taste. Did you know it’s sold in pint-size containers you can take home? ($6) Slather it on everything. This stuff is good.

6. Hamburger at Taylor’s Drive-in. Like hitting the Motherload. (Starting at $1.95)

7. Catfish dinner at Paradise Lounge on Commercial Street. Yes. For $5 you get a plate loaded with fried catfish, crisp, piping hot French fries and coleslaw. Owner James Johnson even sets a bottle of house-made hot sauce on every table.