Tuesday’s Treats #161

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Marlow’s Tavern

Location: Mall of Georgia, Buford, GA

I don’t do many reviews on “franchise” restaurants, but since this place is great, and the Mall of Georgia is a popular location to shop for those who love in the state, I thought I’d make an exception…

The pictures above display their delicious Tavern Salad, fried okra and Shrimp and Grits. Each one of these dishes is amazing! The Shrimp and Grits and fried okra is my “usual” every time we go to a Marlow’s Tavern. That’s how much I love it!

The salad has Baby Artisan, Field Greens, Granny Smith Apples, Jicama, Dried Cranberries, Spiced Toasted Seeds, Citrus Dressing, and it is so tasty! Oh, and those croutons are homemade, too! As you can see, the fried okra is not little pieces fried up. No, it’s the whole pod, or “lady finger,” as some may call it.

Honestly, the first time this was brought to me, I wasn’t so sure I was going to like it! I may be Southern, but I grew up only liking fried okra (pieces), and I didn’t want anything to do with the whole thing! (What if it was slimy on the inside?! 😜)

These are made to perfection. The batter is light but so deliciously adequate for the okra. The okra is firm and not though or slimy in the least bit. The only problem with it is I can never finish it, because they bring you a pile of them on the plate!

Now, let me tell you about the Shrimp and Grits… On the menu, Marlow’s serves the shrimp this way: White Cheddar Grit Cake, Sauteed Spinach, Roma Tomato, Shallot and Roast Tomato Beurre Blanc. This way is yummy; however, I have created a bit of my own dish, because I found that I love the grit cake by itself, as an appetizer or small plate. I love the shrimp served over their jalapeño cheese grits. Oh. My!! These just seem to send the deliciousness right over the top!!

I have friends who love this dish one way or the other, and just a couple like it both ways. I always try to tel people to try both. So, you go ahead and try the dish both ways, and then let me know which you decide to be your favorite!

We have had several of their appetizers. Our faves are the Kettle Chips, the Truffle Fries and the Firecracker Shrimp. A friend of mine absolutely loves the Black & Blue Steak Salad, and as far as other entrees, the Tavern Burger, Chicken Frisco Club and the Chicken Pappardelle Stack are all wonderful. Yet, my husband discovered the French Dip on our last visit, and I do believe, that might become his new favorite!

Now, for dessert!! This is their warm chocolate cake. It is AMAZING! Save a little room; so, you can enjoy its deliciousness!! One of my friend loves their creme brûlée, and, of course, they do have a plethora of wine and adult beverages, if that is your thing. I guess, I’ll just stick with that delicious cake!!

Marlow’s has a ton of locations. Here is their website; so, you can find the best one for you.

*Note: specific plate descriptions come directly from their menu online. I own no rights to these descriptions.

Tuesday’s Treats #160

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Toccoa Riverside Restaurant

Blue Ridge, Ga

You might have to drive a little ways to get here, but it is worth it!! The atmosphere is great, the staff is friendly, and the food is delicious!! (Please, excuse the next picture, as I tried to snap a pic before my husband dove in!😂)

We had steak and pecan crusted chicken with all the sides! The steak was tender, and my husband said, because of the gravy, the taste was almost like a pork tenderloin. The pecan chicken.

For He Is Your Cause

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I see you standing there as you patiently wait for the end of his game.

You have things to do, responsibilities to fulfill; yet, you wait to show you care.

You and he are alone in this world, but you fight to make it a good one for him to grow, to succeed.

You have no promise of another to join you in this cause, but that is no matter.

For he is your cause and your reason for this time.

I see you crying in the shadows as you receive another blow that knocks you to your knees.

You never scream. You never retaliate. You simply take what life might give. You make it the best you can, and you smile…for him.

The love from those who birthed you strengthens your resolve, but this fight is yours alone to consume.

You win it for him, to impress upon his memory the reward of dedication, faith, and love.

For he is your cause and your reason for this time.

I see you resting there in the Father’s arms as you gain purpose for the journey.

You will soon soar with the eagles as he begins to find his wings and fly.

You will soon, once again, charge the enemy and slay the dragons for the victory of your own dreams.

Yet, for now, you patiently wait as his game grows momentum, knowing one day, it will come to a close.

For He is your cause and your reason for this time.

Penned MG 6/4/16

*I wrote this for a friend a few years ago when she was going through a difficult divorce. She became a hero in my book, as I watched her deal with her own pain privately as she fought and clawed for the protection of her child and for the protection of her own sanity through the storm, all the while holding steadfast to the only anchor that holds: Jesus. ❤️

No matter what storm of life you may be walking through, He is the anchor that holds. He is the refuge and solace for your soul. He will walk with you through the fire, and He will hold your hand through the deepest, darkest of nights.

Tuesday’s Treats #159

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Lviv Coffee Manufacturer

Location: Lviv, Ukraine

This place was the coolest! They don’t really “mine” the coffee, as coffee cannot be mined, but the set up and the tour through the “mine” is just the neatest presentation. When we came out of the mine, it opened up into this great big warehouse type room, and they had a concert going on. You just found a seat, and this band, Ukrainian, mind you, was singing English Christmas songs and Golden Oldies, like Elvis renditions and “Johnny B. Good.” I told you, it was the coolest! So, we sat in this coffee house, in the middle of Lviv, at Christmas, sipping our lattes and cappuccinos while listening to these Ukrainian speaking dudes wail on their guitars and drums, singing perfect renditions of “You’re Nothin’ But a Hound Dog,” “Pretty Woman” and many others. It was definitely a night to remember! So cool!! 😎

Not Meant for You

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This might seem a little strange to have as a post for Valentine’s Day, and I almost scheduled for Friday instead of today. Then, as I thought about it, I decided what a great post for such a day as the celebrated “Love Day.” I’ll tell you why…

Sometimes, we have to realize another person’s rejection isn’t because of us, but rather, because of them, Not because of who we are, but rather because of whom they are… Or maybe, whom they cannot be… Because he/she wasn’t meant to be in our future. I saw this image posted one day and thought this one tiny sentence says so much! Someone out there needs to hear this today…

Yes, sometimes, the removal of a person in our lives is because of a stupid action or dumb choice that we have made, and that will be another blog for another day. Right now, I want to take a minute to speak into someone’s life who is hurting, and you’re wondering how in the world it could have come to this. You are wondering how could that person have rejected you after you worked so hard, you loved so deeply, and you gave so much.

You keep rolling the memories back through your mind. You remember the sacrifices you made. You recall the smiles you offered to cheer their rainy days. You recollect the extra miles you walked just so they wouldn’t be alone. You reminisce the hurdles you jumped and the mountains you climbed just to remain faithful and true to the love you believed the two of you shared.

This brokenness you are experiencing, I cannot claim to feel as deeply. This betrayal and rejection that cuts like a knife, I cannot pretend to completely comprehend. I am not there, living in your shoes.

Yet, I can tell you, this season will bring more growth and more wisdom than you could ever imagine. I can share with you, there will come a moment when the breathing doesn’t feel like suffocation within your bones. I can say to you, there will come a day when the sun will shine again.

It may not be today. It may not be tomorrow, or next week, or even six months from now, but if you are able to find the Hope that I have found, His grace can and will be sufficient. He can bring beauty for ashes. He can bring joy for mourning. He can turn your gray skies to a brighter day and work all things for your good…the good, the bad and the ugly!

He can show you that the person who brought all this pain wasn’t rejecting you, he or she just wasn’t meant to be a part of your destiny. They weren’t meant to share the precious love you have to give. They weren’t meant to be there when you accomplish those life long goals. They weren’t meant to be a part of the rejoicing and celebration. They weren’t meant to take part in your eternal joy.

So, let them go.

It is not as much your loss as much as it is theirs.

As they walk away, take a deep breath and realize, your future is brighter without their shadow. 😉

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Go out and celebrate! ❤️

Tuesday’s Treats #158

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Lucullus Nero Authentic Italian Dining

Location: Frankfurt, Germany Airport

The Frankfurt airport didn’t really seem to have a ton of restaurants from which to choose, but it may have just been the terminal we were in. However, we chose to eat at Lucullus, because they had comfortable seating, and I can always go for Italian.

We definitely had a ton of food, and everything was tasty. I wouldn’t say it was amazing, but it was airport food; so, my expectations weren’t too high anyway.

The Chicken Caesar was good. I definitely couldn’t eat it all with the mound of lasagne I received. The lasagna was really good, maybe not my favorite, but it was good. My husband got a steak with potatoes and grilled veggies. Again, it was very tasty. Our sons got burgers and fries, and they both enjoyed their meals.

I couldn’t find a website for this place, but here is the google search address.

Tuesday’s Treats #157

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The Ocean Plaza Food Court

Location: Kiev, Ukraine

I’m sorry that I do not remember the name of this restaurant, but it is upstairs in the Ocean Plaza, just above the aquarium. We were able to sit at a nice table with comfortable chairs and gaze down at the aquarium. Such a fun experience!

I ordered a latte and asked the waitress if I could get vanilla or caramel syrup. She asked if I’d like caramel or chocolate. I said, “Definitely!” Oh, it was so delicious!!

My husband got the salmon with rice, and I ordered the grilled veggies, because I wasn’t terribly hungry. The veggies were a little different twist with the latte, but they were good anyway. My husband said the salmon was really good!

Because I can’t remember the name of the restaurant, I don’t have the website, but I will post the mall website.

Tuesday’s Treats #156

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Pleasantville Bar & Pub

Location: Zhytomyr, Ukraine

This place was amazing! It was so amazing that we are here twice during our travels!Comfortable seating, friendly staff, and delicious food is everything you will find here.

The pickle platter appetizer is delicious! The cucumbers are fresh and marinated with no vinegar; so, the pickles are quite different than American pickles, but they are so yummy. The pickled cabbage doesn’t taste like what you’d think. You’d think it would be sauerkraut, but it’s more like homemade coleslaw. It’s rather tasty.

The steak, chicken and any other meat you choose is grilled to perfection. My favorite were the veggies. Oh my! Delicious! We also tried a little dessert.

They didn’t have our first choice; so, we tried a little mousse cake. Little is the operative word! It was tiny, but it was rather tasty…maybe not my favorite dessert, but it was good. For a little bite, it packs a god punch! Lol!

I also ordered a Mojito (non-alcoholic beverage). It has a mix of lemon, lime, ginger and mint. A creative presentation and very tasty.

Here is their website for more information and menu options.

Be Destiny Minded

/ The WheatandTares

I read this statement today somewhere today and I thought, “Wow. Yes, I receive that.” Sometimes, we just have to let people walk out of our lives and never look back. I’m not talking about your spouse or those in whom you should place investments of time, love and attention. I’m talking about those people who habitually bring pain and drama into your life. Sometimes, you just need to walk or let them do the walking to maintain your own sanity and well being.

Some people are just not meant to be part of your destiny, and you have to allow them to leave; so, you might be able to live. That’s not being mean. It’s not be heartless, and it’s not even being apathetic.

It’s being wise. It’s using common sense. It’s using the brain God have you to make a better life, not only for yourself but for your children, your spouse, and your friends who are close enough to be impacted by the crazy situation you’ve allowed yourself to live under.

Live for your purpose. Focus not only on the present, but focus on your destiny. Realize what and who is beneficial to that dream and to that end result. Recognize who does not impact these things for good. Let them go.

Tuesday’s Treats #155

/ The WheatandTares

Churassco Grill & Wine

Location: Lviv, Ukraine

We ate here the last time we were in Lviv, and because it was so delicious, we had to make a repeat on our most recent trip! The food was just as yummy as before, and I actually got a better picture of that incredible cheese bread I told you about last night! (Here is my previous post.)

We repeated the cheese plate, the cheese bread, the steak and the grilled veggies. Everything was incredible, and the staff was just as helpful as before. This will definitely be a repeat every time we are in Lviv.

Here’s a clip of their menu, but you can find more on their website. It seems there isn’t an official website, but rather, a Facebook and foursquare site; so, these are the links I will share.

*Note: there are two locations, and their description is quite different. One is Grill & Wine and the other is Grill & Beer. We went to the Grill & Wine.

Here is what the front entrance looks like (at night); so, you can tell the difference in the two restaurants. 😉