Roland Frasier Marketing Strategies Blog

Roland Frasier Personal Journal

• Roland Frasier On Thyme In the Ranch

  Hey there, Roland Frasier here, and I'm blogging today about a little known charming hideaway of a restaurant called Thyme In the Ranch. This delightful little sandwich shop and bakery is located in Rancho Santa Fe, right in the heart of the village, and serves up freshly baked pastries, pies, soups and sandwiches every day. If you're in San Diego and happen to be looking for North County's best sandwich shop, you definitely should try Thyme. The chili is just okay, especially if you've ever been to the Texas Chili Parlor in Austin, but the Norma Jane sandwich with roasted eggplant, feta and other goodies is not to be missed. Also noteworthy is the grilled chicken and avocado sandwich. I know, I know, it sounds boring, but it's really exceptional. If you're a fan of cakes, you will be delighted to discover that Thyme has its bases well covered on that front too. The yellow cake with chocolate icing is divine, but my personal favorite is an unlikely choice, especially for me, as I am not normally a fan, but, the coconut cake is absolutely to die for! Now, the folks at Thyme say that they are always lusty for the espresso buttercream cake, but I'm such a non-fan of coffees that I have not yet been able to tear myself away from the other more well known choices to try it. In any event, the shop is expensive and they don't take credit cards, so bring $100 for lunch for four, and don't get there after 3pm, as they will be closed for the day. Also closed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as random holidays here and there. Truly a gem in Rancho Santa Fe! - 6 months ago

• What's The Best Chili In Austin? And Maybe the World?

  As you probably already know, I am a big fan of the burger. But, what you may not know is that I am also an avid chili lover. So, naturally my quest for the best burger is but one foodie pursuit, and I am also interested in who makes the tastiest chili. That question was answered when I recently visited Austin, Texas for a real estate investor workshop we were putting on. I ask "What's the Best Chili In Austin?" and the answer was universally... "The Texas Chili Parlor!" Intrigued, I convinced my good friend, Bob Leonetti, to take me there for dinner one night. I was not disappointed! There were many different kinds of chili to choose among, as well as three varying levels of "heat." There was X, XX and XXX, with XXX being the absolute hottest choice. I was advised that one needed to sign a release to sample the XXX, and I happily ordered the three small "taster" plates afforded by the sampler option. One was their classic Red, the other was a White chili and the third was a multi-bean vegetaian chili. I also had an opportunity to try a black bean option. All four of these concoctions were absolutely delectable and the XX heat was just enough to let you know that you were happy you did not go for the XXX! However, always curious, I asked my server for a little taste of the XXX, and she happily complied. She brought 2 small tasting cups of XXX Red and XXX Habenero. They also were amazingly tasty, and I must say VERY hot! So hot in fact that it was clear they only exist to assist men in establishing who is the manliest based on who can finish a bowl of the molten creation! Hats off to the Texas Chili Parlor. Best chili I have had in Austin and maybe the world! - 10 months ago

• Continuing the Quest For The Perfect Burger

  As anyone who knows me is aware, I am continually questing for the perfect burger. I recently returned from Europe, where I had the good fortune of spending the holiday with friends and family, and, as always, I extended my perfect burger finding mission. I was rewarded greatly. In the land of the $60US plus burger, there are, surprisingly, not very many competitors who can equal what one can find for only $6 - $12 in the US. One example was at one of my favorite hotels in Paris, the Four Seasons George V which offers a burger for over $40US that comes completely alone, on a barren plate, and is about the size of a small baseball. The burger is not bad, but far from worthy of its lofty price tag. However, there is a place among the pack that offers a delightful burger, albeit, still highly overpriced. At the Le Meurice Hotel in Paris, you will find a deliciously juicy, perfectly formed, perfectly cooked patty with homemade bun, market fresh condiments and mouthwatering seasonings. If you are in Paris, it's a must try, and it is impossibly conviently located almost next door to the best hot chocolate in all of Paris, and Cafe Angelina. My hat is off to Le Meurice for the burger and Cafe Angelina for dessert! - 10 months ago