seafood

Tuesday’s Treats #206

/ The WheatandTares / 3 Comments

The Shack (the Waterfront Original)

Location: Fort Walton, Florida

I reviewed this a couple of years ago, but unfortunately, I somehow messed up the actual review, and only half of it got posted…and for whatever reason, WP won’t allow me to go in and fix it! Ugh!

Well, we ate here again the other day; so, now I can give a full review! Yay!

The dockside feel of this restaurant is wonderful! The large windows are latched above from the inside ceiling. The wooden pub style tables and chairs lend themselves to a casual, feel-good atmosphere. The uncovered dock, of course, is the literal “dockside feel” (lol), but we prefer the inside “dockside.”

The day we went, the wind was blowing pretty fiercely, but I just twisted up my hair with a pen, and we rocked it through lunch. It was too good not to enjoy! And if you were sitting on the gulf eating seafood, the wind would probably be worse! The food will fill your belly until you can’t eat anymore, and you’ll want to ask them to roll you to the door.

You can find the wonderful plate pics in my previous review*, as we were starving on this day, and I didn’t even pull out my camera! We ordered the hushpuppies for an appetizer, and let me tell you, if you’re not careful, you’ll fill up on these before your food comes to the table! They are that good! And they’re served with a strawberry butter, which at first thought, sounds like quite an oddity, but oh, it is scrumptious! Also, on the last trip, we had the firecracker shrimp app. Delicious!!

We ordered blackened red fish and blackened mahi mahi, both are served with hush puppies (yeah, we ate more! lol!) and cole slaw. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! Everything was delicious, even the cole slaw, and I’m not usually a fan. Oh, I did order a Caesar salad to start as well. It was a bit too heavy on the dressing, but the flavors were oh, so yummy!

We were going to have dessert, but we had just stuffed ourselves to the brim. So, we opted out, but they have several we wanted to try! I was so wanting their key lime pie! Had it last time, and what I remember was delicious!

We will definitely come again when we’re back in the area.

*Note: it appears that the the review link may not open. However, if you go to the search bar of my blog and search “The Waterfront,” the Tuesday’s Treat #139 will appear! How weird!

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Tuesday’s Treats #205

/ The WheatandTares / 19 Comments

Seasons 52

Location: Buford, Ga

Ok so, if you have followed my Tuesday’s Treats, you know that I don’t usually review franchises because these are pretty common and vary mainly depending upon the managers. However, this particular franchise is not in every season, and before this one, I had never been to once, much less heard of it very often. So, I’m going to make an exception to my “no franchise rule,” and take a moment to tell you about this place. It’s just that good! 😉

Let’s start with the atmosphere. This place is just great. It has lots of different really neat seating arrangements, and because of the various lighting options, you can choose a bright and airy table, a cozy, romantic booth, a cool round booth/table for a larger group, and even a sunny, fun patio setting. (This pic doesn’t do perfect justice, as it was a sunny day outside; so, the booths were a bit bright as well.) But the design team thought of everything, because there’s even a two seater table with “booth-type” chairs that have an armrest to one side. How wonderful is that?

Now, let’s talk about food. Oh. My! I love shrimp and grits, and although this dish has a bit more tomatoes for my liking (I hate tomatoes, just love everything they make!), the grits are deliciously creamy, and the shrimp is scrumptious!
The pepperoni flatbread is incredibly good! It’s not a huge portion; it’s made more as an appetizer, but it is oh, so tasty.

A few pics of which I didn’t get a pic are the salmon, the lobster bisque, and the naked burger. The salmon is served with sautéed green beans (a little crunchy), and marbled potatoes. The burger is served with no bun and a small salad, but we get it with a bun and ask for a side of the marbled potatoes. The lobster bisque is creamy and full of lobster and crab. All of this is SO SO good!!

The other day, I ordered the corn wheels and grits to go along with the salmon. Oh. My. Goodness! I overindulged myself, and it was AMAZING!

Okay, you’ve waited patiently; so, now we will top it of these little beauties. These are mini bites of heaven in a cup! (actually called “Mini Indulgences”…accurately named!) We splurged on this particular day and ordered 7, and we got one free!

From the top, spiraling downward, the options were key lime pie, peanut butter torte, pecan pie (x2), espresso panda cotta, Belgian Chocolate S’mores, strawberry cheesecake, and key lime pie (again). They also have a cookies n’ cream and a raspberry chocolate chip cannoli, but these all suited us just fine! Oh. My. Word!! We are prickly about key lime, but this one has the perfect mixture of tart key lime and rich graham cracker crust, and that caramelized whip cream on top is just delectable! The espresso will be a delight to coffee lovers everywhere. Our boys loved the S’mores and the strawberry cheesecake. Oh, and the pecan pie was a bit too sweet, but the pecans were so good, and the added crust was as if I’d snuck a bit of grandma’s homemade pecan pie.

We left on this particular day needing to be rolled out of the restaurant like a barrel! But we did leave full and very satisfied! 😂

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Tuesday’s Treats #203

/ The WheatandTares / 9 Comments

Well, it’s been a little while again, but let’s see if we can get this started once more…

(Have to acquire the name!)

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

I know it seems funny that I don’t have the name of this restaurant, but as you will see below, I have the picture of the name. I have to get in touch with my Ukrainian friends to get the American spelling! Lol.

This place was so intriguing. We were told it is the setting of the Soviet Union homes back before the USSR fell. I felt like I was walking into a home from the 1960s in America.

I especially loved the bakers area, where they were creating all kinds of delicious goodness! I placed that pic at the beginning because I felt it really captured the essence of this restaurant.

The food was actually similar to what you could find in some diners in America. The menu was several pages long, and the food, although delicious, was not fancy or extravagantly presented. (My apologies for no food pics! We were starving by the time it came!)

The food was really good. We had pickles and veggies as an appetizer. We had roast, chicken fillets and sour cherry dumplings and a chocolate cake for dessert. There were other items ordered in our party; however, my memory is a bit fuzzy from the January trip. *I will get an update here soon!

I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. I almost felt conspicuous in the restaurant, as I was so awe struck by the decor and atmosphere.

The bakery displayed all sorts of delectable pastries and goodies!
If you can decipher Ukrainian (or maybe a bit of Russian) , you might be able to read this!
The atmosphere was actually very quaint and cozy. I felt as if I was eating in someone’s home, enjoying conversation in their living room.
This was the table in which we sat. The bench was soft and inviting. The bookcase behind simply decorated with a few plants and vases, and a warm lamp glow just beyond.
The stairs going to the downstairs of the restaurant was filled with old books I’d like to sit and read and a vintage lunchbox that made me wonder who owned it, where he has worked and if his home had been a bit like this one in years past.
The napkins and toothpicks were all neatly displayed in little red and white checked jars.

I have never appreciated Russian fare nor the Russian way of life, as I have read so much destruction and so much heartache that they have brought to their world. Yet, when eating here in this restaurant, I can see why there are some in Kyiv who almost want to believe Russia doesn’t want to bring harm but good. (Yet, watching their invasion of Crimea, I do hope they are never deceived… another story for another day… 😉)

*I will need to acquire the name and the website; so, you can visit one day while you’re in Kyiv!

Tuesday’s Treats #201

/ The WheatandTares / 6 Comments

Capital Grill

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

This place was amazing. We went for Valentine’s Day, and although we didn’t make reservations, we ended up with a great table and a great server.

Tuesday’s Treats #198

/ The WheatandTares / 3 Comments

Park Side District

Location: Lawrenceville, Ga

This place is absolute amazing! Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere is cool. The only thing I might would change is there’s not a ton of real “intimate” seating, but we went during lunch, and we had a nice seat.

The food is phenomenal. We started with the Gouda grit fritters, added a salad, salmon, shrimp and grits, brussel sprouts and dessert. I had the apple cobbler and my husband had the red velvet bread pudding. Oh. My. Word!!

Now look, my husband doesn’t even like brussel sprouts now bread pudding, and he loved both! 😂 The fritters are something special and unique; you’ve just got to try them. The shrimp and grits and the salmon is so good; I’ve been craving these since we left!

That apple cobbler is so fresh and delicious, and the bread pudding is surprisingly moist and scrumptious! You’ll want to try this place out soon!

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Tuesday Treats #192

/ The WheatandTares / 8 Comments

Sushi Nami

Location: Suwanee, Ga

*a bit late, but better late than never, I suppose! 😊

Ok, let’s preface this post by stating, I am NOT a sushi lover. I’m sorry. I know it’s very trendy right now, and I know a ton of people who love it. This includes my oldest son. If you won’t judge me, I won’t judge you. 😂

My son asked me to meet him here one day, and I agreed. It doesn’t matter if I don’t eat sushi, time spent with your oldest who will be gone next year is both crucial and priceless. Now, that I’ve eaten here, I would eat here again. It was that good…but not because I got sushi.

Let me tell you about the atmosphere first. I can sum it up in two words: Modern Minimalist. It is totally different than many restaurants I frequent, and I liked it. What you see in the pics is exactly what you get. Very simple but nice. The waitress and hostess were both very nice as well.

The menu is pretty extensive on sushi, but they also have a nice array of “I don’t like raw stuff” items. The prices are a bit high on some things, particularly for mid afternoon (not dinner), but it was about what you’d pay at a Hibachi.

Please, excuse the “corner shot” of the sushi and rice pics. My sons had already dove in before I clicked the pic, and when it comes to food, there’s no slowing down a teenage man-child. My oldest ordered the Fire Dragon Roll with a side fried rice bowl. Six came on the plate, and he said it was good, but he wasn’t incredibly thrilled with the spicy tuna on top. He prefers the volcano roll and said he would get that the next time.

My youngest ordered the beef fried rice, and it was amazing. We all took a few bites. I’m not sure how to describe this other than to say this, it had a very clean taste; even though, the flavor was full and wonderfully tasty, it wasn’t like you specifically tasted (individually) the teriyaki, soy sauce or butter that it was cooked in nor did you taste the grease that you typically will taste at a Hibachi. I do believe that is what made the dish so amazing.

I ordered the butternut squash soup and a hot tea. To be honest, I wasn’t real crazy about the tea. It was great tea, which I generally like, but this was so incredibly stout, I added two packs of sugar and even a smidgen of artificial flavor, and it was still overpowering. I’ve not drank matcha green tea, but it almost made me think it might be that. I didn’t complain as I wanted something warm, and I kept trying to convince myself it would grow on me. Sadly, it didn’t. The soup, on the other hand, was absolutely delicious. I was a bit taken aback by the “foam” (see pic) that was in the center when they first presented it. I’m still not sure what it was, and I didn’t eat it, but the soup, with the topping of pumpkin, sunflower and a few others seeds I didn’t know, was incredible. I had gone into the restaurant a bit full from already eating earlier, but I consumed this whole bowl by myself! It was that good.

I will say, this day became a bit aggravating on the wait time. We arrived around 1:30, and we not served our food until about 2:00… and this wasn’t because we waited to order…and they weren’t slammed with customers. There were only two other tables the whole time. Looking at the hours now, I tend to wonder if they are at the end of the lunch portion of their day (the last Hour??), and maybe there was a shift in chefs or something. I’m not sure, but had it taken a bit longer, it would have been beyond ridiculous…not quite a deal breaker on the first run, I suppose, but it could be if it were to happen again.

However, I will definitely meet my son here again, both for the delicious food and for the precious quality time!

I couldn’t Google an actual website, but I am including the Google page for location and phone number. Evidently, there are various locations, and I think this one is rather new.

After searching a bit more, I found this news article that will give you quite a bit more information about this particular location.

Tuesday’s Treats #188

/ The WheatandTares / 3 Comments

Bare Bones Steakhouse

Location: Buford, GA

*If you’re a regular reader here on Tuesday’s Treats, you will recognize this name from a post quite a while ago, Tuesday’s Treats #28. I am reviewing this again (or maybe just adding to), because we ate here again a few days ago, and it’s worth telling. Also, sorry for the lack of pics for this Tuesday’s Treats, we were eating with friends and enjoying such great fellowship, I didn’t pull out my phone even one time! You can see a few of the pics on the TT #28. 😉

This place is still ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! It is very rare that you can go to a restaurant over the course of several years, and it still be as good as the first day you walked through the door. Yet, this business is worthy of that notation.

We had quite an assortment of appetizers this time: fried green tomatoes, onion rings, fried mushrooms and cauliflower, BB shrimp and lobster rolls. A few of these items were on special; so, you may or may not find them on the current menu. Let me describe them to you anyway. The fried green tomatoes were made to perfection and topped with a homemade pimento cheese that has just a little kick which makes for a delicious combination. The onion rings are piled high and roped with Grana cheese, Georgia honey and red pepper flakes. This is a surprising blend of sweet and spicy that makes your taste buds long for more. The fried mushrooms and cauliflower are exceptionally good, and that is coming from a couple whose favorites aren’t in the mushroom or cauliflower departments. The BB shrimp are similar to a common spicy shrimp found in a nearby franchise restaurant, but in my opinion, these are a bit more crispier and tastier. The lobster rolls were a special being tested for the evening, and we were asked if they should add it to the menu. Considering, we ate six of the twelve brought to the table and consumed the last six the next day at lunch, I suppose, their answer may be found in the disappearance of those little goodies.

The entrees came next, and after all those delicious appetizers, I’m not sure how we consumed all that we did, but everything was incredible. We ordered pan seared salmon, filet mignon, NY strip and the Hawaiian ribeye. The steaks almost made you want to cry, they were so good, and the salmon was probably the best I’ve ever put in my mouth. It is made simple, pan seared with salt and pepper, but the flaky goodness of the salmon is rivaled as the best in my book of comparison. As sides, they served us fried okra, Mac and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes and grits. There wasn’t one item that was just so-so or even below the top notch on the scale of perfection. It seems everything they do, from the greeting at the door to the goodbye is done with the utmost spirit of excellence.

Now, I cannot finish without describing the decadent desserts we had. As times before, I ordered the blackberry cobbler (in the little white crock), and I’m not sure it could have been any better. The fresh baked blackberries with the perfectly crusted topping just about sent me to heaven and back. (*Do be careful how quickly you take those first few bites. The crock definitely holds in the heat; it would be a shame to singe your tongue as you get started!) I still cannot believe I consumed almost that entire thing! My husband wanted a few bites, and honestly, I had to resist the thought of a selfish growl thrown in his direction. He ordered the special apple cobbler, also baked in those sweet little crocks, and it was just as scrumptious. It was almost a struggle for me to choose my favorite. Our boys ordered the flourless brownie and cream puffs, and let me pause right here to say, my whole brood of guys never want any kind of dessert described as “flourless” cake, believing it to not be of much tasteful worth; however, our youngest already having had this, knew what to expect. Well, let me assure you, there wasn’t a drop of chocolate left on the plate, and my husband had to instruct our youngest to slow down on his consumption. Our oldest thoroughly enjoyed the cream puffs filled with delicate, creamy, whipped chocolate.

If you haven’t been to this restaurant by now, you are surely missing out on a delectable and exquisite fare. Everything is still farm to table and a made from scratch precision. The staff is incredibly friendly; the manager, who is also the owners’ son, is engaging, helpful and enjoyably conversational, and the owners are kind and wonderful to meet, as well as, to get to know. Their business seems to be thriving, and I hope it will continue for many, many years to come.

Website

*I do not possess nor do I own this picture. This is from the website.

Tuesday’s Treats #183

/ The WheatandTares / 7 Comments

Brookwood Grill

Location: Roswell, Ga

Ok, so where do I begin? “What’s good?,” you ask. I would have to counter ask, “What’s NOT good?” Holy smokes! This place is absolutely amazing!

The salmon critters are a must to begin. I’m not at all crazy about the alfalfa sprouts on top, but to each his own; they’re easy enough to knock off. I don’t even know what the three sauces are that are beautifully displayed on the plate, but swipe your fritter right through all three before taking a bite, and you’ll thank me for it! The Caesar salad is delicious with homemade croutons atop and a honey-buttered croissant to the side. Oh. My.

A fresh catch is available everyday; so, be sure to ask if the server doesn’t, which isn’t likely. The swordfish and snapper were the feature the two different days we ate, and each one was incredible. The menu original salmon is also delicious, and we always opt for the grit cake and grilled corn for the sides. Wow. They also have great burgers and many other choices you will love.

Now, for the “crème de la crème.” Dessert. Three words: Key Lime Pie. Remember, we visited The Florida Keys and became quite the connoisseurs, and this one passes the test, especially with the mile high, homemade whip cream on top, a dash of blueberries and a drizzle of raspberry sauce. Drop. The. Mic. …I know there are a few other desserts on the menu, but my dreamy state has made my mind forget. 😂

UPDATE:

Just revisited the other day, and it was still amazing!! Need to mention, the Key Lime Pie is, evidently, a seasonal dessert. So, they had just switched that day. Pumpkin pie and Georgia Peach Cobbler. So, our friends ordered the cobbler, and our son had the NY Style Strawberry Cheesecake. Everything was still phenomenal. Note, I’m not a crazy fan of peach cobbler, but this is NOT your ordinary peach cobbler. It has pecans and ooey-gooey-goodness on top! And that cheesecake? It was almost as high as that key lime pie, and it’s all cheesecake. No fluff. 😉 Here’s a pic…

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Tuesday’s Treats #181

/ The WheatandTares / 8 Comments

Mezzaluna Brick Oven Tap House

Location: Hendersonville, NC

This place is a great place to enjoy a nice lunch. It has a great atmosphere, and the staff is friendly. There are nice wooden booths, tables and chairs and a large high top bar. If you have a really large party, they’ve even got a really cool HUGE booth that will seat a gazillion. lol.

What is surprising is the menu. The host gave us about four of them, a regular lunch menu, a daily specials, a daily lunch cordials and then, the wine list. For the most part, it seems to be an italian fare, with build your own pizza (wood fire, brick oven), calzones, etc. However, the surprise was on the daily specials, they offered grilled swordfish, Chilean Sea Bass and grilled salmon and chicken marsala. It doesn’t really strike you as a “fancy” italian restaurant, but the menu defining offers it.

The cheese moons, pepperoni pizza, lasagna and calzone we ordered were all amazing. The cheese moons are just like mozzarella sticks, except in the shape of half moons, and they are yummy. Our son asked for Parmesan for his pizza, and the waiter brought fresh grated Parmesan on a side plate. Wow. The lasagna was like homemade, and I was so thankful I ordered the lunch special of 1/2 an order and a side salad. I could barely finish it, and my husband ate some of the salad. It was definitely a generous portion. The calzone was chocked full of the ingredients (you decide), and the crust was very tasty and just the right consistency: soft on the inside, cooked with a bit of a crunch on the outside and bottom.

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Tuesday’s Treats #178

/ The WheatandTares / 5 Comments

131 Main (@Biltmore Village)

Location: Asheville, NC

I’m not sure I can say enough GOOD about this place! Oh. My. Goodness! Everything was absolutely incredible, from the iron skillet cornbread to the fresh catch mahi mahi, from the Caesar salads to the cheeseburger and hickory plank grill salmon to the chef’s special filet medallion. Be assured, all the ingredients are fresh, even the seafood is shipped in fresh every morning from the coast, never frozen. The sides of fries, white cheddar grits and red-skinned potatoes were also delicious.

Yet, we’d have to say the desserts were rightly tied for the most delicious dishes. First, they were huge servings, and second, they were the best homemade brownie and key lime pie we think we’ve ever had (and we’ve been to The Keys)! Honestly, it was totally unexpected. Usually, you get a little slice of key lime and a generic type of brownie, but their desserts are all made in-house, and it shows! ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!

Please note, the menu prices are not incredibly cheap; so, be sure to take your wallet. 😂 It’s so very worth it!!

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