Established in 1865, Cold Spring Tavern came from a time of stagecoaches. Today, bikers line up for the Bar-B-Q Beef sandwich, one of Cat Cora's favorites. Made with hunks of tri-tip beef, barbecue sauce and spicy salsa, the sandwich satisfies her hankering for the perfect meaty bite.
Locals call it "the Basque," but there’s nothing short about this European cafe's menu. Daily fresh-baked breads are sold whole or used for sandwiches, toast or warm bread pudding. Everyone's favorite is the beehive - an almond praline-topped cake stuffed with custard - perfect anytime.
The Big Kitchen made Rachael a believer in tofu with its flavorful Tofu Rancheros. Nurturing owner Judy Foreman believes in giving diners great food at a great value, vowing, "If I'm taking their money, I'm stuffing them" — a promise she delivers on every piled-high plate.
First Awakenings is starting the day off with a California fusion breakfast. The signature Crepeggs are just what they sound like - a sweet French crepe shacking up with scrambled eggs (think of them like really delicate omelets). Get it like the natives do, with avocado, ham and Jack cheese.
What began as a diner with a $3.50 pancake, egg and sausage special has become a "fine diner" serving lunch and dinner specials with local produce and an extensive wine and beer menu. Tally's keeps with tradition, so you can still save money like Rachael and order the original Special Breakfast.
At afternoon tea at the historic Hamilton-Turner Inn, Rachael said she felt "like a regular Scarlett O'Hara." Innkeeper Sue Strickland bakes the signature Scottish shortbread daily. After eating an elegant feast of treats, Rachael admitted, "That is as close to heaven as I've been in quite a while."
Tuck into breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes from around the world at this cozy diner, which serves fresh seafood, Mexican comfort food and savory Korean pancakes. Rachael called the crispy stuffed flounder "light" and "fresh," and the restaurant atmosphere "relaxed and fun."
Old Town Mexican Cafe is known for using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to make "mouthwatering traditional Mexican dishes." Slow cooking keeps the pork tender; legendary margaritas keep the bar scene vibrant. Thrilled with her carnitas and mango margarita, Rachael raved, "That's killer!"
At this "fisherman's dream" seaside restaurant, choose from over 45 menu options for breakfast and lunch. Rachael started her day with the hearty Portuguese Fisherman's Omelette, a spicy combination of chorizo, peppers, onions and tomatoes, and said "the food doesn't get much better than this."
Escape the afternoon with the classic tradition of afternoon tea. The Tuck Box's private patio - situated next to its storybook house building - pours tea and scones of local legend. Go all-out and get the scone toasted, buttered, and served with cream and the house-made olallieberry jam.
Known best for their signature "flying" biscuits, this casual Southern spot serves comforting breakfast dishes made from scratch all day long. According to Rachael, the fried green tomatoes with cashew-jalapeno relish "rock" and the fluffy biscuits are "almost too good to eat in public."
Rachael Ray stops by the Little Green Grocer, in Portland, ME, a family-owned and organic market on Food Network's $40 a Day.
Rachael Ray pops into Joseph's Restaurant, in Charleston, SC, for some sweet potato pancakes with toasted pecan butter on Food Network's $40 a Day.
For more than 40 years, Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery and Café has been the go-to place for delicious pastries and down-home comfort food in Hilton Head, S.C. When Rachael visited on $40 a Day, she was blown away by Signe Gardo's signature Blackberry French Toast, calling it ''amazing.''
Chattanooga may be known for its trains but on $40 A Day, Rachael discovers The Waffle of Insane Greatness at Aretha Frankensteins. Breakfast lovers beware, they have scarily good deals on shrimp and grits, omelets, breakfast burritos and fat stack pancakes with Maine blueberries.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.