steak

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! 😂

Website

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 #200

/ The WheatandTares / 4 Comments

Paperlo

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

This place was has just the neatest decor and atmosphere. The staff is friendly and some can speak a little English. The food is delicious, and again, the decor is just really cool. (Lots of pics on this one; so, get ready!)

The food was phenomenal, and the menu was completely in Ukrainian; so, our friends told us things on the menu and ordered for us. As you can see, we ate like kings.

We started with a cheese plate that was delicious. It had four different types of cheeses and honey and ground coffee to dip. Now, I know, that sounds crazy, but it was SO good! They also had brought a type of dried beef, like beef jerky. It had a little kick of spice, and it was great. Our friend ordered a plate of, what I would call, bruschetta. I’m not sure what it is called there, and I don’t eat raw tomatoes all that much, but she said it was delicious.

My husband (and our oldest) ordered a burger that was about as big as his head! He had to squish it to try to eat it, and he eventually just eat it with a fork and knife. 😂 I ordered a steak and grilled veggies, and it was scrumptious. Our youngest ordered a cheese pizza. It was different, as it didn’t have red sauce on it, but it was very tasty.

We also ordered some drinks like (non-alcoholic) mojitos. One had ginger and lemon and the other was apple. They both were good; I liked the ginger and lemon best.

We had so much food; we were stuffed and couldn’t finish it all! We so enjoyed this food, and we look forward to visiting again when we return to Ukraine.

The Website appears to be in Ukrainian, but I didn’t peruse all through time see if there is a language selection. They also have a FB page.

Here are some more pics of the cool decor.

Tuesday’s Treats #199

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

La Hacienda

Location: Suwanee, Georgia

*My apologies for this pic not being all elegant and nice. I had planned to take a quick one and get another, but my husband dove into his molcajete so quickly that I missed the opportunity! 😂

The food, staff and atmosphere here is great!

They have four locations: Dawsonville, Cumming, McDonough and now in Suwanee. We visited the Suwanee location.

My husband would tell you to get the molcajete; it is amazing. My oldest would tell you to get the pollo ranchero, and I would say get the pollo hacienda. Our youngest loves the rice and beans and queso. Honestly, I love my dish for the chicken and sauce and rice. Being a “Gulf of Mexico shrimp” girl, I’m honestly not crazy about the tiger shrimp, but you may very well love it.

The salsa has a nice little kick. The chips are fresh, and the been and beef dip is phenomenal. The queso is great as well.

We haven’t had any of the seafood or taco choices, but the items in the menu look delicious! We have frequented the new Suwanee location several times – four times in one week! 😂 Yeah, you could say we liked it just a little.

Website

Tuesday’s Treats #195

/ The WheatandTares / 4 Comments

Ecco

Location: Atlanta-Hartfield Airport

Who would have thought you can get a great meal in the Atlanta airport? Well, you can. You’ll pay more here than at the regular restaurant it ants, but it’s good food, nice atmosphere, and the servers were nice… and it saved me time getting in and out of Atlanta traffic; so, I won’t complain!

The grilled romaine salad was absolutely delicious. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about the grilled romaine; I mean really. Doesn’t romaine wilt on the grill? Guess not, cuz it was crispy and delicious with just a touch of smokiness. Topped with Grana Pandano and candied walnuts and walnut vinaigrette, it was amazingly good! We created our own cheese plate with Midnight Moon, P’tit Basque and Soppresatta. Yeah, read the menu for all that. Lol. We didn’t know either; so, we asked our sweet waitress to describe them and then, chose a few. 😉

They were out of several main entree items, because they’d had a New Years celebration the night before. I ordered the Spice Roasted Chicken and enjoyed every bite. To be honest, I’ve forgotten what my husband ordered, but he really enjoyed it. Even the homemade chips are good!

We will definitely eat here again before our next flight. 😉❤️

Website

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…

Website

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!!

Website

Tuesday’s Treats #171

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

Bourbon Barrel Beef & Ale

Location: Waynesville, NC

This restaurant isn’t big in size, but what they don’t have in size, they definitely have in taste! The large room consists of four booths, the bar seating, a handful of tables and chairs and an open meeting type room with a long section of tables and chairs (put together to form one long).

When we first sat down, we were a bit disappointed, because the last time my husband was here, he ate from the dinner menu, and there was a much bigger list from which to choose. He had told us about sever different entrees he had had, and we were expecting to enjoy some of that fare. So, when the waitress informed us we couldn’t order from the menu until after 5:00, we almost revolted. Lol.

We decided to make the best of it and began our orders. My husband got the Paw’s Old Fashioned Burger. Our son got the chicken fingers and fries. Our friends ordered the 1/2 BBQ Sammy and soup, Paw’s Old Fashioned Burger, and I ordered the BLGT: bacon, lettuce, & fried green tomato sandwich.

Oh. My. Word. Everything was absolutely delicious. The burgers were outstanding. My friend really liked the BBQ pork sandwich. She said the meat was tasty; although, she said she would have liked a little more slaw and sauce on it. She said the beef stew was amazing! The fries are like potato wedges, which I love; so, I stole some from my son. Lol. His chicken was fresh, cut slices (like you’d serve on a salad) with this amazing batter served atop the potato wedges. Yum!

We all decided the BLGT took the prize. It was absolutely amazing! This is not your regular BLT! The Italian panini is paired with a ton of nicely (not too much, but just enough) battered fried green tomato, applewood bacon with lettuce and a black pepper mayo. There must have been four green tomatoes…I had one on each half, ate one and shared one! I had actually asked for the mayo on the side, but they left it on, and honestly, I was skeptical when the plate came, but it was so very good!!

We look forward to being back in the area to eat here again!

Website

Tuesday’s Treats #170

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

The Falls Landing

Location: Brevard, NC

This is a great place for lunch, and it seems quite packed most of the time, but if you enjoy certain seating arrangements in a restaurant (like a corner, wall or booth setting), I’d definitely arrive early. This is a rather small restaurant, and the seating is pretty limited. There are two cool window tables, three booths around the bar area, three tables on the other side of this granite wall, and then, the rest of the tables and chairs a pretty much like cafe seating. It’s a nice atmosphere; however, I’m not sure I’d come for a romantic dinner or anything like that, but then, we didn’t come at night. It could be different.

Even though, we came actually looking for a steak, the food was tasty. They don’t have steaks on the lunch menu, and they don’t allow you to order from the dinner menu. So, we perused the lunch menu and chose from it.

My husband ordered the salmon BLT; our son ordered the beef tip sandwich without the bread, and I had the chicken club. My husband’s sandwich and mine was delicious. As sides, my husband got fries, and I got a side salad. Our son didn’t really like his, and I think it was mainly due to the fact the steak wasn’t really seasoned. I suppose, because it was made for the sandwich, which was to have pepper jack, onions, mayo, lettuce and tomato. Regardless, would have been nice to have it a bit seasoned.

The desserts were incredible! I do have to say, the key lime was lacking a bit in the crust, a little too thin to my liking, but the pie itself was tasty and tart. The molten lava cake was a big hit with our son. However, the derby pie absolutely stole the show!! Oh. My. Goodness. I could have eaten a whole piece of that myself! We will probably go back just for the desserts!

Here is the website for more info.