Volume 3, No. 10. May 23, 2003
Coaster Con XXVI Preview
Marty's
four-stars
When one even thinks about Marty Moltz in his salmon-colored sport jacket or
fluorescent printed shirts and pants, “good taste” does not come to
mind. However, Moltz, the deputy director of the Illinois State’s Attorneys
Appellate Prosecutor office, champion bridge player and American Coaster Enthusiasts
member since 1980, is highly regarded for his taste in food. At every ACE gathering
some of his friends are fortunate to accompany Moltz to a gem of a restaurant
he has found nearby.
For this Coaster Con XXVI preview, THE LOOP asked Moltz to offer some suggestions
for the enthusiasts visiting eastern Virginia and, not surprisingly, he jumped
at the opportunity.
At the top of his list is the Halfway House, an inn dating from the 1700s on
the road from Richmond to Petersburg (10301 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond,
804-275-1760). “There’s a sign there that says ‘Patrick Henry
ate here and George Washington ate here and Marty Moltz ate here.’ Those
are the big names,” Moltz said. That lawyer’s lie aside, he accurately
describes the rustic dining room and authentic colonial decor, plus it’s
award-winning continental menu. “They could serve terrible food and get
away with it because of their ambiance, but the food is excellent,” Moltz
said.
Colonial Williamsburg offers four historical taverns: Chownings, Christiana
Campbell’s, King’s Arms and Shields (1-800-TAVERNS or 757-229-2141).
While the food is good at these taverns, the atmosphere draws Moltz. “The
taverns are really special, especially at night with the strolling minstrels.”
That would be the costumed balladeers leading diners in colonial sing-alongs.
Moltz also favors the Williamsburg Inn for its upscale menu and elegant decor.
For more modern fare and casual ambiance, Moltz recommended Pierce’s Pit
Bar-B-Que (Interstate 64 West along Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, 757-565-2955).
“It’s one of the most famous barbecue places in the country, classic
Virginia barbecue,” Moltz said. “It’s very good and cheap. That
would be the place if somebody wants to pay $2 for a dinner, for those not into
the Marty Moltz-type dining.”
During the Busch Gardens Williamsburg portion of the convention Moltz also recommends
Busch Gardens Williamsburg itself. “That’s a park that’s always
had exceptional food,” he said, recommending particularly the Italian eatery
and the barbecue restaurant. “Certain parks are a cut above the rest when
it comes to food, like Epcot Center and Indiana Beach, and Busch Gardens is
one of them. The only bad thing is they don’t have cheese on a stick.”
THE LOOP is written and produced by Eric Minton, Minton Enterprises, LLC. To see more examples of Eric Minton's work and Minton Enterprises services, visit www.ericminton.com.
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