Restaurant Review Archives - There Goes Connie

South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country – Spotlight on Aiken, SC.

10/28/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Last week I had the pleasure of exploring one of South Carolina’s 11 tourism regions. With the title of Thoroughbred Country, this one comprises four counties: Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell, and it is located very near the Georgia state line outside of Augusta. I learned very quickly why the tourism representatives have added the tag “WAY MORE THAN HORSES.” Even though this is indeed horse country which hosts equestrian events of an impressive variety — polo matches, steeplechase, harness races, just to name a few — there is far more to the region than might first be visible.

Attractive souvenirs found in the Aiken County Historical Museum

Today I’ll draw a few attractions to your attention. The Willcox, an historic hotel with an impressive list of past guests, the Aiken County Historical Museum “Banksia” and Malia’s Restaurant.

THE WILLCOX

Frederick Sugden Willcox came to America from England in 1891 and first served as a caterer for the Old Highland Park Hotel in Aiken. When it burned to the ground in 1898, he was encouraged by his friends to open a hotel of his own. The Willcox registered its first guests in 1900. The hotel’s commitment to excellence and impeccable attention to details lured many guests and forced it to expand from its original size on several occasions. Such notables as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Arden and Harold Vanderbilt have stayed at The Willcox. Both Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler have included it on their lists of the best hotels in the WORLD.

I loved the two-room Astor Suite that I was assigned. Such luxury and comfort! After coming in from dinner, I found the turn-down service with a fresh pitcher of ice water, soft music playing and a delicious chocolate treat on my bed. Breakfast the following morning involved a number of continental items as well as cooked-to-order dishes. I recommend that you consider this elegant lodging option when you visit Aiken, but don’t expect to stay there during Masters Week in Augusta. One year they even had to turn down the Duke of Windsor because every room had been booked. Wow.

AIKEN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The landscape of Aiken is dotted with some fabulous homes, dubbed “cottages,” that were built by Winter Colonists, rich and famous people who came to Aiken from the northern states to escape the harsh winters and to participate in the many horse-related festivities, races and contests. The Aiken County Historical Museum is housed in one of these cottages that was nicknamed “Banksia” by the family who lived there. An Aiken cottage was said to have “at least 22 rooms.” Banksia has 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms and a large ballroom.

“Banksia” an Aiken cottage, now the Historical Museum.

This is the place to go to understand the beginnings of Aiken and all that has led to the present. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice. This museum has free admission and is open every day except Monday.

MALIA’S RESTAURANT

Malia’s, at 120 Laurens Street, is an upscale, white tablecloth, aesthetically-pleasing restaurant that serves great food. It has been in business for almost 30 years and is the passion of owner, chef and namesake, Malia Koelker.

I heard rave reviews about the braised short ribs, so that’s what I chose, along with the Asian deviled eggs for an appetizer. My friends and I sampled several of the delectable desserts. This is a wonderful place for a fantastic dinner, but remember that it is closed on Sunday and Monday and only serves lunch on Tuesday.

P.S. I would also recommend that you check out the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum on Park Avenue or a narrated tour of the town, such as Tailored Tours of Aiken.

Grumpy’s, Sun Cafe and Bentley’s at the Outhouse

10/07/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

In the span of just a couple of days, I tried three new eateries in Cullman, Huntsville and Hartselle that I’d never sampled before, all with positive results. In case you haven’t found these yet, I thought you might want to see some photos and read my thoughts.

Grumpy’s Italian Grill — 402 5th Street SW, Cullman, AL 35055

Grumpy’s Italian Grill is less than two blocks off of what I would call “the main drag” through downtown Cullman. As you’re traveling down Highway 31 from Hartselle, you’ll come to First Baptist Church on one side and the Cullman County Courthouse on the other. Turn beside the church and drive down the hill about a block and a half.

Grumpy’s is open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. I guess they would be overrun with church folks if they decided to open on Sunday. Or, perhaps they want to go to church themselves — which would be even better. The original owner was a granddaddy whose grands called him “Grumpy.” He sold the business to a young couple not long ago, but they decided to keep the catchy name.

Salads, pastas and pizzas are all very good if the aromas in Grumpy’s are accurate. Steve tried the spaghetti lunch special which comes with a salad. I tried the spaghetti bake, and it was delicious. I brought my leftovers home and enjoyed them again the next day. Homemade desserts are on tempting display, in case you have a sweet craving.

Apparently, Grumpy’s does a booming call-in and pick-up window business, so keep that in mind.

Sun Cafe — 930 Old Monrovia Road NW #3, Huntsville, AL 35806

In case that address doesn’t sound familiar, let me just say that it’s about two blocks from Highway 72 on the other side of the road from Best Buy, and you can see the fences of Top Golf from the front door.

Sun Cafe no doubt considers itself mostly “a sushi place,” and sushi is what my friends and I were looking for when we decided to have lunch together recently. I tasted eel sushi for the very first time and found it to be surprisingly good. REALLY.

Since I’m a big-time scallops lover, I chose the teriyaki scallops lunch for my meal, and it came with a choice of soup or salad and a side of rice. Very tasty.

Sun Cafe is clean and attractive. The service is attentive, and the prices are reasonable. Check it out when you’re craving Asian cuisine.

Bentley’s at the Outhouse – 200 Main Street W, Hartselle, AL 35640

Bentley’s at the Outhouse is on a busy corner in the center of town in Hartselle. The building is a large former furniture store where I had the privilege of buying furniture through the years and knowing the original owners, Sam and Lurline Minor. Great folks. It seems very fitting to have the vintage “Minor Furniture” sign as part of the wall decor, but I’m pretty sure Mrs. Lurline would not have liked the very prominent bar at the back of the main dining room. She was a gracious lady, a long-time member and organist at First Baptist Hartselle, and I enjoyed playing piano/organ duets with her for a number of years.

But, back to Bentley’s. I’m not exactly sure why they added “at the Outhouse” to the name, so I need to talk to the owner to find out. This is primarily a sports bar type of place with 15 large, flatscreen TVs located within easy viewing of every table and seating for up to 240 people. One corner is set up to host live musicians who are scheduled regularly — especially on weekends.

Basic burger and onion rings at Bentley’s.

The main thing you need to know about Bentley’s is that they serve amazing hamburgers. The basic burger is great, but they have elevated the choices to the next level. Consider a bacon/mac and cheese burger, a peanut butter burger with a side of jelly or a pizza burger, to name a few. Other sandwiches are offered, along with three different salads and a kids menu. THEN, there’s the matter of dessert. Oh my. How about banana pudding, a 7-layer cheesecake or a chocolate peanut butter cake? So far, I’ve resisted, but there WILL come a time or an occasion when I’ll have to sample one or more of these. The price of a burger may be double that of a Big Mac, but believe me, the taste and quality are at least three times better.

Bentley’s is closed on Sundays and Mondays but is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

5 Foodie Finds in Downtown Cartersville, Georgia

09/30/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

When you arrive in Cartersville, a parking spot near the depot will have you within easy walking distance of the Bartow History Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville’s Photo Fence, Friendship Plaza and Fence of Fame and a lovely specialty shop called Olive Tree and Vine. But, even better, you will be near five exceptional restaurants that would love to serve you.

TABLE 20 – 20 North Wall Street

Executive Chef Chris Lyons is responsible for a dish (Georgia trout) included in “100 Plates Locals Love” posted by Georgia Eats, plus he and his staff make up a successful team that led to a 2018 People’s Choice Award.

I personally tried a couple of great appetizers there — the beer cheese dip and pretzel, plus the deviled eggs. Both were very good. You’ll also find at least one pasta dish, steak, seafood and pork as dinner entrees. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is attentive. Their hours are Tuesday – Thursday from 11:00 to 9:00 and on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 10:00.

MAINE STREET COASTAL CUISINE — 24 W. Main Street

The spelling of this restaurant’s name is very clever. It IS on Main Street, but the menu and the inside decor suggest the State of Maine. Lots of fresh seafood is available for the folks in this land-locked town.

For many details, read the review I wrote in TheYums.com.

Maine Street Coastal Cuisine is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

APPALACHIAN GRILL – 14 E. Church Street

The menu here reflects the expected dishes of North Georgia with upscale twists. I particularly enjoyed the fried calamari and the smoked salmon spread served with garlic toast points for appetizers. And the Smoky Mountain Trout I had for my entree was wonderful. The portion size could have been shareable.

Desserts looked amazing. I restrained myself but will definitely try one on a return visit. Plan accordingly.

Appalachian Grill is under the overpass (or, they say under the bridge). It is closed Sundays and Mondays but is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. You might have to wait for a table since they don’t take reservations. But, don’t worry. It’s worth it.

BRIDGEHOUSE CAFE — 10 E. Church Street

BridgeHouse, also located “under the bridge,” is actually both a cafe AND a home interiors/gift shop. Serving delectable soups, salads, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas for lunch from 11:00 to 3:00, they also offer a shareables menu from 3:00 until they close at 5:00. BridgeHouse Interiors stays open until 6:00 p.m. and opens an hour before the cafe.

You’ll love looking at the beautiful displays in the front and then walk to the back to place your order at the counter. A server will bring your food to your table when it’s ready. It’s a perfect place for ladies to meet for lunch with lots of shopping to do downtown before and after lunch.

THE CITY CELLAR & LOFT – 110 N. Museum Drive

I am not always a fan of live music while I’m trying to enjoy a meal — mainly because I am a huge fan of lively conversations around a table. But, the night I had dinner at The City Cellar, the musician was exceptionally good and had an extensive repertoire. I suspect they are in the habit of lining up quality musicians.

The City Cellar is located right beside the railroad tracks and directly across from the World’s First Outdoor Coca-Cola Wall Sign. You can’t miss it. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday but closed on Sunday. The menu offers a good variety, but I’d say that the steaks are exceptional.

I’ve written a number of posts recently about the attractions, eateries and lodging options in Cartersville. Scroll back through and read them. Then, plan a trip soon. It will be gorgeous when the leaves start changing.

Curry’s: Great for a Girlfriend Lunch, Decatur AL

08/26/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

If you’re not careful, you’ll miss it. Turn into the parking lot off of Johnston Street, and you will be able to see the Decatur Farmers Market and the railroad tracks in the distance. The building was originally built in 1890 and served as the Cotaco Opera House. Curry’s on Johnston Street (the restaurant) actually resides in the basement.

Diners may choose to sit indoors surrounded by quirky art or “outside” in the glass-enclosed porch surrounded by nature. If you just don’t have time to linger, carry-out orders are prepared frequently.

This is not a frou-frou place, meaning you won’t find china, silver or crystal, and you’ll need to go to the counter to place your order and pay. But then, once you’re seated, someone will gladly bring your order to you and check on you from time to time. The casual atmosphere adds to Curry’s charm, it seems, and makes it a great spot to meet a friend for lunch.

The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but that basically means lunch, if you’re dining in, or hours before and after for picking up orders to carry-out. A special bonus is that you can also purchase a frozen entree to take home for dinner if your day has been crazy busy and there’s no time to cook.

The menu basically consists of a wide variety of salads and sandwiches, and they have a daily hot lunch special. The Spring Roll Salad, the Fried Oyster Salad and the Fried Scallop Salad may be the most unusual menu items, but they are very delicious — so light and flavorful. Chicken salad and strawberry pretzel salad are possibly the most popular sellers. I don’t know how they manage to always have perfect strawberry pretzel salad — firm and fruity on top, sweet, creamy center and crunchy crust on the bottom. When I make it at home, my crust invariably gets soggy. Thus the need for places like Curry’s, right?

I recently took a chicken salad plate home and put it on one of my china plates. Voila! A great meal without lifting a finger. 🙂

Chicken salad, strawberry pretzel salad, a banana bread sandwich and a pickle.

Once, when I was “between houses” and needed to host Thanksgiving, I enjoyed Curry’s great holiday catering service and ordered a fabulous meal — turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, sides, dessert — without having to buy any groceries or get my own kitchen dirty. It was worth every penny.

Curry’s does a great job — consistently and at a reasonable price. I recommend it.

Carolina Beach, NC: 6 Foodie Finds

08/05/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

In last Monday’s post, I gave you 5 reasons to visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Review it here. One of those reasons, of course, is the food. Oh my, the food! Warning: This post will stimulate your appetite, make you drool and cause you to start planning a trip to Carolina Beach.

An insider tip — Straws will only be given when they are requested, and most of them are the non-plastic, biodegradable type. Considering the location and the emphasis on preserving the environment and protecting the marine life, this is certainly understandable.

JACK MACKEREL’S ISLAND GRILL

Technically, Jack Mackerel’s has a Kure Beach address, but in this part of the Atlantic, one beach tends to blend right into the next. The place is colorful, lively, bustling and noisy. Seafood reigns supreme, but non-seafood-lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well.

Calabash platters can be fried or broiled and consist of a choice of shrimp, flounder, oysters, scallops or all four.

2. STOKED RESTAURANT

Stoked recently opened in a great location on Canal Drive with views of boats outside and within an easy walk of the Boardwalk. Everything is sleek and fresh inside, and the service is friendly. Food is flavorful, and the prices are reasonable.

My friends and I went for lunch, but I want to try it for dinner when I return. Stoked now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and opens at 6:00 a.m. seven days a week.

Quesadillas or deviled eggs, anyone?

3. MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Michael’s, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, is a Carolina Beach tradition. The chowder is so famous that it has won numerous awards and is shipped worldwide! You could make it your whole meal it’s so thick and rich. But, if you’re hungrier, then a large selection of menu items are available. As a special bonus, Michael’s offers a shuttle service during dinner hours and will actually pick you up at your house or condo and take you back home. Wow! Parking can be a challenge because of the restaurant’s popularity.

4. HAVANA’S

Although the dress code is always “island casual,” Havana’s has an upscale feel to it. That could be due to the vintage atmosphere of the building itself, which was a private home built in 1916. Fresh ingredients and chef-prepared meals are the order of the day, and Havana’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with brunch on Sunday. In addition to the wonderful seafood, you’ll find plenty of chicken, steaks, pork chops and even crispy duck.

5. THE DECK HOUSE

The Deck House resides in the former Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, which you will readily guess by its exterior appearance. No reservations are accepted, so you can expect to wait. But, there are plenty of places to wait comfortably. Baby back ribs and hand-cut steaks are featured menu items along with the ever-present seafood.

Tip: try to get a table by a window on Thursday nights, so you can enjoy the fireworks from the Boardwalk while you savor your delicious meal.

6. KATE’S PANCAKE HOUSE

What’s a beach trip without a hearty breakfast, right? And, the island choice for locals and visitors is Kate’s Pancake House. It’s only open until 1:00 p.m., so they are serious about focusing on their hungry breakfast guests. Plentiful portions, great prices and very friendly service will impress you in this casual island tradition.

Lucy Buffett and Her Famous Fried Green Tomatoes

07/08/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

A few months ago, I was invited by USA Today’s 10Best.com to contribute a story about fried green tomatoes, specifically as they apply to Alabama. And it was strongly recommended that I try to interview Lucy Buffett since her green tomatoes, after all, were voted by readers to be the best in the state. (Scroll to the bottom to find a link to the story).

Naturally, I was thrilled to have the opportunity, but I was a little nervous about trying to talk to Lucy Buffett. Her flagship restaurant in Gulf Shores — Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s — is phenomenally popular, even in the off season. Thousands of people wait in line for a table during peak summer months to get the freshest possible seafood, hear some great music, and, of course, sample her top-rated appetizer with WOW Sauce on the side. The parking lot is huge, and while visitors wait, they can browse the gift shop, stroll among gorgeous yachts and boats or let the kids play in the arcade and try their hand on the ropes course. It has become more than a restaurant. It’s a destination in itself. (If you’re going to be in Gulf Shores this summer and want to visit, I suggest you click here when you arrive in town and get your name on the list for the day you want to eat at LuLu’s).

Lucy Buffett’s Fried Green Tomatoes, voted best in Alabama. Photo used with permission from LuLu’s.

In recent years, Ms. Buffett has added two more restaurants — Destin, FL and North Myrtle Beach, SC.

How was I going to be able to actually TALK to someone so successful? Hallelujah for the help I was given by the great tourism folks at GulfShores.com, especially Mary Sargeant and Kay Maghan. They graciously agreed to get in touch with Ms. Buffett’s personal assistant, and an interview time was established. I started reading everything I could find about her and realized she has led an extremely interesting life. She’s worked very hard for her well-deserved success.

From the first “hello,” I felt as though I were talking to a long-time friend. Lucy was friendly, funny, forthcoming, helpful and oh-so-genuine. What I expected to last 10 minutes, went on for 30. It was delightful to learn that we have several things in common.

She, too, is a grandmother. Her twin granddaughters are deeply loved and immensely enjoyed.
We both play a musical instrument. In her case, it’s the ukelele! 🙂 She’s teaching herself to play and is insisting that her granddaughters learn an instrument of their choosing.

Lucy and her husband, as of about 10 years ago, no longer drink alcohol — not a drop. She does, however, enjoy an occasional, non-alcoholic, ginger beer. And, the pimento cheese she serves uses a little bit of honey ale brewed by Back 40 Brewing in Gadsden, but she’s never tasted the ale “straight.”

The recipe that sets her fried green tomatoes apart is found in her cookbook Gumbo Love and is NOT for someone who wants to whip them up right quick. The flour mixture alone has 10 ingredients, and the WOW Sauce she serves to accompany them adds another 5. But, believe me, her extra touches are what set them apart.

So, here’s my story. I’d love to read your thoughts.

https://www.10best.com/interests/food-culture/everything-you-want-to-know-about-fried-green-tomatoes/

Foodie Finds Near Disney World

05/06/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Of COURSE, there are hundreds of places to eat when you are inside the theme parks of Central Florida, but what about if you stay outside the parks and choose to drive in from several miles away? Well, don’t worry. Between historic downtown Kissimmee (which has 26 eateries), the outskirts of Kissimmee, the charming community of Celebration and the huge Disney Springs complex, you will NOT go hungry.

Allow me to mention just a few that I got to sample personally during a recent visit to the area.

CELEBRATION

Such a pretty town. You can definitely tell it is a “Disney-planned community.” Featuring a large lake, there are shops and restaurants radiating from it. I had lunch at Imperium Food and Wine at 606 Market Street. Large, mouthwatering entrees are served for dinner, while at lunch time, you can find tempting fresh salads, wraps and sandwiches. Check out the huge hunks of beef in my steak salad!!

Afterwards, as I wandered the quaint streets, I noticed several other attractive options, along with a macaron shop (yummy sweets) and even a doggy bakery. 🙂

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN KISSIMMEE

I was surprised to learn that Kissimmee has strong cowboy/cattle-ranching roots. From the horseshoe at the Visitors Center to the colorful statues and figurines around town and even to the street signs, with each block having a different Wild West-type of symbol, you’ll see how the town organizers have woven that theme into the town’s decor.

Even though there are 26 different eateries, representing a surprisingly broad range of cultures, I was not there at meal time. I did, however, pop into to a colorful new ice cream shop — LimbHelados (“helado” is the Spanish word for ice cream)– and enjoyed some delicious samples of fruity, handmade sorbets, sherbets and ice creams.

ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF KISSIMMEE

A huge Margaritaville Resort Orlando is under construction at 8000 Finns Up Circle in Kissimmee. Inside the resort will be what is billed as “the most technologically-advanced water park in the world!” Wow! That’s a mighty bold claim!

Directly across from one of the main entrances to this resort, you’ll find Formosa Gardens, and, in turn, Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens. The gift shop is filled with wonderful decor/food/jewelry items. The bistro here is a great place for a salad, sandwich, charcuterie, baked treat or what proved to be MY favorite — baked brie. So good.

DISNEY SPRINGS

I had a fabulous dinner at the newly-opened Jaleo by Jose Andres in Disney Springs. You’ll read my full story about Jaleo very soon. In the meantime, here’s a photo of the seafood paella, just to tease you. 🙂

ALL EYES ON AUBURN — Eat at Lucy’s

04/15/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Less than a year old, Lucy’s is definitely the new “it” restaurant in Tiger Town, and it got a huge boost by being featured in the March/April issue of ALABAMA Magazine. This sleek, attractive, upscale restaurant is owned by Austin Singleton (of Singleton Marine) and Lisa van der Reijden (owner/operator of VDR Designs). Lisa is not a native of Auburn but has lived in the town for over 15 years.

Lisa dreamed of transforming the space she passed every day on her way to work and jumped at it when the previous tenants vacated the building. She lives in the neighborhood and had a vision of sophistication and simplicity where modern American cuisine would be served. The whole decor is tasteful and attractive, and the service is attentive and helpful. The entire staff appeared to be working in concert on the night Steve and I visited.

The Executive Chef is Brian Paolina, from Southern California. With him, he brings great training from well-known chefs, a degree from the Art Institute of California and lots of southwestern flavors and flair. His signature dishes are probably the short ribs and the juicy Lucy burger. I can personally attest that his short ribs are delectable.

The name of the restaurant is a reference to the nickname van der Reijden’s late father gave her, and the eatery’s mantra “Good Vibes Only!” applies the moment you walk through the door.

We started our meal with our all-time favorite appetizer — raw oysters.

Steve chose the salmon over stewed lentils and sweet potatoes.

My short ribs were served with garlic mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and “frizzled” onions.

Lucy’s — located at 2300 Moores Mill Road — is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a great addition to Auburn’s culinary scene.

ALL EYES ON AUBURN — Eat at The Depot

04/08/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Auburn Men’s Basketball did something last week that no other team in the state has even done — it advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA Basketball Tournament, the official culmination of March Madness. Read all the glorious details here. Auburn students and townspeople gathered rolls of toilet paper and headed to Toomer’s Corner, site of every significant Auburn celebration, to proclaim their jubilation and cover everything they could find in a blanket of soft white.

Steve and I were in Auburn just a few days after that same basketball team won this year’s SEC Basketball Tournament, hefted the impressive trophy and cut down the net. We were in the area to celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary and wanted to return to the scene of our first year of wedded bliss. It was extra-special that the whole town was lively (students freshly back from Spring Break) and in a happy mood. For me, a celebration ALWAYS includes great food. For lunch, we headed to The Depot, right beside the railroad tracks and within walking distance of Toomer’s Corner and the AU campus.

The Depot, owned by Matt and Jana Poirier (who also own The Hound a few blocks away), opened in the fall of 2015. They perceived a need for an upscale seafood and steakhouse and set about to fill the need in the historic building dating from 1904. The decor, as described by the chef, “combines the look and feel of the Second Industrial Revolution with American Victorianism.”

Tiled floors, high ceilings, painted brick walls, navy blue upholstered booths, eye-catching light fixtures.

Reminiscent of train travel decades ago.

The Poiriers chose Scott Simpson to be their chef and co-owner, and he has brought extensive experience and training to what he calls an “American seafood brasserie.” Chef Scott is from Southern California and trained in Italy and at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, CA. Before coming to Auburn, he spent ten years in Asia, the Caribbean and South America. He definitely brings an elevated cuisine to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

The Depot is open for lunch Tuesday through Thursday, for brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

As I mentioned, Steve and I were there for lunch. I chose the Plat du Jour (plate of the day) which consisted of Shrimp, Chicken and Andouille Jambalaya with Poblano Rice and buttered toast. It was only $10 — which, no doubt, adds to The Depot’s popularity among students and business people. Steve chose an oyster po’boy without the bread (carb-conscious), and it was only $12.

Oyster po’boy without the bread. So much yummyness.

Their most popular dessert is Bananas Foster Creme Brulee French Toast Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Spiced Rum Caramel. Can you imagine just how wonderful that is?? Also, often requested are their Grilled Oysters Rockefeller and the daily fresh catch. A ready list of “please call me” folks come running when Triggerfish, Wolffish or Crispy Friend Cobia Wings are being served. If seafood isn’t for you, then consider the wood-fire grilled Prime New York Strip Steak, handcut in house. And, make plans to arrive in time for Happy Hour on Thursdays when oysters are $1 each (“Buck a Shuck”).

If you enjoy the B & B experience, make a reservation at Crenshaw Guest House B & B, which is a half block from The Depot. I wrote about it here. The owners are delightful, and the location is great.

P.S. Auburn lost its game to Virginia by one point after being ahead by 2 with 1.5 seconds left. Oh the heartbreak!! But, the future for next season is blindingly bright. War Eagle!

Good Eats in Athens, GA

03/11/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

5 & 10

Five and Ten, at 1073 S. Milledge Avenue in Athens, is possibly the most upscale restaurant in the city. Owner and Executive Chef Hugh Acheson won the James Beard award for Best Chef in the Southeast in 2012 and has recently been nominated for Outstanding Restauranteur in 2019. Diners walk in the door of 5 & 10 expecting an exceptional experience, and much care is given to meeting that expectation.

The name of the restaurant stems from its former location at the corner of Highway 5 and Highway 10, but several years ago it moved to its present spot at the end of Fraternity and Sorority Row for University of Georgia students. The building is a large home built in 1913 by architect Fred Orr who placed his distinctive “O” in the roof line right over the front door.

Steve and I shared the Duck Liver Mousse appetizer and the Grilled Trout entree. Both were outstanding, beautifully presented and delicious. Service was discreet but attentive.

Duck Liver Mousse with sweet potato and apple chips.

I would strongly recommend calling to make a reservation. Parking is provided in the back.

LAST RESORT GRILL

The colorful mural of vegetables painted on the side of the building will assure you that you’ve found the right spot. Last Resort Grill is vintage is every sense of the word. It began as a music/entertainment venue in 1966, seeing such notable performers as Doc Watson, Jimmy Buffett and Steve Martin during the 1960’s and 70’s. It was closed and vacant throughout most of the 80’s before being reopened as a restaurant in 1992.

Last Resort Grill, at the corner of Clayton Street and Hull Street, is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. It prides itself on fresh, local produce, homemade dressings and trout straight from the streams of North Georgia.

Steve and I shared a flavorful veggie bowl and a thick burger.

The many flavors of cheesecakes and triple-layer cakes are made by nearby Blackbird Bakery and are said to be worth the calories in every mouthful.

Go for the good food, the beautiful local artwork lining the walls, and the vibe of history.

STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM PIE

At least 30 years ago, Steve and I attended a veterinary conference on the campus of the University of Georgia and stayed at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel. We enjoyed a dessert during that visit that was good enough to remain in our minds ever since. During this recent visit, we wanted to know if that pie still existed.

Yes, it does. Inside the Magnolia Room at the Georgia Center, you’ll find their famous Strawberry Ice Cream Pie that has been served since the building opened for guests in 1956. The crust is made of crushed almonds and coconut. The filling is vanilla ice cream infused with strawberries and sweetened whipped cream. The pie is topped with a strawberry coulis and garnished with fresh strawberry slices. Hopefully, this pie will stay on the menu for years to come.

By the way, their celestial chicken is also an iconic dish that has been served since 1956. If you find yourself on the UGA campus, I would highly recommend seeking out the Georgia Center for a delicious meal.

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