A delightful surprise...

While attending a festival in Blairsville, GA we stumbled on the Copperhead Lodge.  Not only was it a great place to stay and hang out but a great place to eat.

They proclaim to have "Southern food with an Attitude" and they do!  Chef Billy does a great job incorporating attitude into good ol' fashion food... like Fried Grit Balls!!  Cheesy Grits, lightly breaded and deep fried... YUM!!

The Fried Green Tomato appetizer was great.  The tomatoes were GBD - Golden Brown Delicious - without the tomatoes turning to mush.  They were properly seasoned and the dipping sauce served on the side was fantastic.

I ordered their NY Strip Steak which was on special that night - it came with Blue Cheese crumbles on top, choice of two sides and a salad.  It was cooked perfectly and Chef Billy came out himself to ensure it was at the right temperature!

My wife ordered the Black and Blue Burger - it was juicy although she snagged some of my Blue Cheese off my steak to make up for the small amount given on top of her burger.

The Children's Cheeseburger was just about the same size and 1/2 of both burgers ended up in a to go box!!

Lodge Owners Anthony and Michelle really strive to make the Lodge comfortable and inviting and do a fantastic job.  There was live entertainment on the wrap around porch and the bar is a great place to hang out even if you aren't drinking!

We will certainly be back to stay as well as to eat!!


http://www.thelodgeatcopperhead.com/index.cfm?content=4&Menu=5

Good food...but at what cost?

 Father & Son Roll: shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, asparagus, eel, crab on top with 3 special sauces. Very tasty but was also almost $12...
All Entrees includes soup, salad, steamed rice, vegetables and noodles.

 We ordered Shrimp & Scallops ($18.95) and Steak & Mahi mahi ($16.95).
Everything was cooked properly, steak was med rare, seafood was not rubber. We were slightly surprised at the smaller portions than given at those popular joints where they cook at the table.

The soft jazz music in the back gave way to a quiet relaxing atmosphere.  Then again there was only one other table besides us and two guests at the bar...pretty sad for 9pm on a Sat night.

Service was good although she tended to slam dishes and glasses on the table.  I did get a little put off and felt rushed when she started clearing the table yet i was clearly still eating... good thing i had chopsticks because she took my silverware.

Overall...in spite of the atmosphere and good food we would certainly think hard before coming back simply because if the prices.

Kravin Korean...don't let the outside fool you...

We actually pulled into the parking lot and then pulled out because it didn't look very busy and honestly looked a little run down... we went up the road to another Korean establishment that was very over priced and turned around and came back.  Boy are we glad we did!!

Not only did our order come with the standard Korean condiments but we each received a little fried fish that was very tasty - just watch for bones.

 My daughter ordered the Stone Pot Bibombab - it came to the table still sizzling!  She loved it!

After seeing the Spicy Seafood Pancake on the picture menu the server brought over for my wife when she heard her asking me all sorts of questions.  It was delicious and contained just the right amount of spice!

The Spicy Pork Bulgogi was out standing...

as was the Cho Dang Bossam...(Pork belly)

We will certainly be returning - and frequently!!  We knew we were in the right place when several Korean families began to come in dinner time approached. It was almost full by the time we left.

Two thumbs down...way down!!!

Pretty strange atmosphere...country decor, Italian selections on menu in addition to some chicken and steak selections.

I was torn between a Tour of Italy and a Pick 2 surf/turf option. I chose the later...and was greatly disappointed. The proteins were about 5oz each...streak was very thin and over cooked-med when I asked for med rare and the Bourbon salmon was dry and flavourless.  The server immediately saw my disappointment and took it back and fired the Tour.
The Tour came our hot.  The lasagna tasted homemade but the chicken parm didn't.  It was a breaded tender drowned in sauce which then made it soggy.  It also smelled yeasty which made me a little concerned.  The Alfredo sauce was dry, very grainy...and lacked salt.  $15.59

The side of potato wedges were very good.  The had a nice coating and were crunchy. $1.79

The calzone was good...although was somewhat skimpy on cheese. Dough was good...chewy and crusty in all the right places.  $8.59 but a 1.75 for extra toppings!

They offered a wide variety of desserts...but I had to ask for my Chocolate Cake twice.  It was worth the wait.  Clearly homemade, huge slice and very fresh! $5.50

Kids meal lasagna was slightly skimpy...didn't include a beverage. $5.50

Our server was very nice and friendly but very slow.  The place was not overly busy but had steady business.  The median age is about 65...keep in mind our 12 year old brought it down.

We over heard another patron ask about adult beverages...nope...but customers are welcome to bring them in.  We then spotted two tables bring in wine but they were given mixed matched wine glasses.

Total bill...41.41...so NOT worth it!

Sushi go round

 Although the concept wasn't need idea we wondered how the sushi on the conveyor belt stayed cold.

 The two selections we had off the conveyor belt were tasty which prompted us to order a full roll of the sushi love. The role itself was very large and require does to couldn't have to eat it with our fork.

The order of beef bulgogi was very good although the steamed vegetables on the side were somewhat disappointing.

Homemade Spring Rolls

 Why serve your guests frozen processed spring rolls?  Freshly prepared spring rolls offer your guests a tasty treat and allows you to be creative with the fillings.  

Serve them with hot out of the fryer with your favorite dipping sauces... or serve then plated (as seen here) cut on the bias and your guests will feel like they are in a fine dining restaurant. 

Poached Pears... Yum

Poached pears in Sweet Red Wine - then topped with fresh Gorgonzola Cheese, Candied Spicy Pecans and drizzled with Balsamic Glace...

A New Twist on a Ol' Favorite

Rather than just baking your cake... cut it out with cookie cutters and layer it in mini dessert or even cocktail glasses.  Layer it with your favorite fillings and garnish it with fresh fruit, cut in half and lightly coated with sugar.

Your guests will lick it clean - guaranteed!!!

Fresh Bruschetta

Fresh Tomatoes, Basil and an incredible vinaigrette is all it takes to make a party classic.  Served with freshly baked, thinly sliced baguette and your guests can't get enough!!

By piling the Bruschetta on a flat plate allows your guests to choose whether they want a lot of vinaigrette or just a little.

 

Rutsy's Downtown Grill & Bar

Enjoyed a great dinner there with friends.  Some of the items on the menu are a little higher priced but there are also some reasonable selections.

Our side salads had a great dressing and had a variety of toppings, not just your standard slice of cucumber and wedge of tomato!  The dressing was flavorful as well.

Can't say enough about the complementary garlic knots... you can almost drink the garlic butter with your spoon!!

The Eggplant Parm - served over spaghetti - was very tasty, eggplant cooked perfectly - breaded and fried golden brown and then baked without becoming soggy!  The dollop of ricotta cheese on top did little to add to the dish, but once sprinkled with parm and a dash of salt & pepper it was pleasant.

The Rasta Pasta sounds better on the menu.  The pesto was pure basil and olive oil, and was impossible to eat.   The server was gracious when informed about the overwhelming pesto and offered to cook something different.  So Lasagna was chosen.  It came to the table bubbling hot and full of delicious meats and cheeses.

The children's menu was a little lacking - the kids fried shrimp basket was nothing but fries and 4 little shrimp... thank goodness our dinner salads were large enough to share and the bread was plentiful or our child would have been hungry.

http://rustysgrillandbar.com/

Allens Stone-Baked Pizzeria,

Although many claim to have NY style pizza... Allen's claim is correct!!  The pizza was DELICIOUS.
The pizza had the right ratio of sauce, cheese and toppings.  There was just a hint of crunch to the dough yet it still was soft and chewy. The toppings were fresh and flavorful.
The employees were friendly & service was beyond reproach. The atmosphere was comfortable and clean.
Their Family Meal deal $19.99 for one large 14" specialty pizza and one large 14" two topping pizza can't be beat.

Smok'n Pig Bbq

The place is new and the exterior decor offers great curb appeal.

The food was good, large portions of both entree and side items.  Most selections come with an unlimited salad bar and dessert.

Salad bar was very fresh but was a limited selection compared to most salad bars.    The Chicken was tender, Brunswick stew was very flavorful, Fried shrimp was golden brown. The Fried okra wasn't the best we've eaten but not terrible.   The selection of BBQ sauces are very tasty, although the Spicy sauce is a little sweeter than we prefer.  The dessert items are more to please kids and those happy to have something "free" than to really satisfy someone after a good meal.

The service was excellent. Our server came several times to ensure we were satisfied. She brought clean salad plates before we were finished with our first ones, and our meal came out very quickly.  We asked for Buffalo sauce on the side of our Fried Shrimp since we were unsure of the level of spice and our server brought SEVERAL sauces for me to try in the event that my original selection was not satisfactory.

Pleasant Pad Thai

Came in for lunch in a weekday.  The lunch menu offered a nice variety to choose from at a reasonable price.

I ordered the Shrimp Pad Thai... it came with a choice of soup or salad and the friendly server suggested the soup since then I would also get an egg roll.

Soup was hot and after a splash of soy sauce was very good.  Spring roll was hot and tasty.

Entree came out a little too soon, didn't have time to rake more than a spoonful or two of soup. 

Food was hot, flavorful and just enough spiciness, however the spice over takes the peanut flavor.  The shrimps were slightly over cooked but still edible.

The establishment was empty save a couple at another table and a patron at the sushi bar.  The service was excellent.  The restaurant is clean even if the decor is slightly odd.

Comsouth HamboneJam

Ft. Valley,GA
Almost 40 cook teams...butts, loins, ribs...
GBA sanctioned Judging plus local events. 

Great time for family and foodies... plus its FREE

Airport Sushi... Who knew... Charlotte

What a taste...yet pricey surprise.  

I ordered the Grand Finale...roll was freshly prepared to order...very tasty.  When I ordered my sushi roll the waitress asked if I wanted soup, salad or edamame... and made it sound like it came with the roll but it did not!  Edameme were served hot and lightly salted.

Slightly  pricey...but its sushi at the airport...and if you don't mind eating sushi with millions of people walking past, its not bad.

Pei Wei, ... should be Pay Way Too Much...

Although this establishment tries to imitate other restaurants it really is only 1 step above the traditional Chinese takeout as far as the quality of food is concerned.

The hot sour soup had very little flavor and nothing but 2  pieces of tofu the size of Chicklet gum.
Crab wonton came with a very tasty chili pepper sauce however the wonton sat in the pool of sauce rather than having a sauce on the side to dip which caused the bottom of the wonton to be soggy it was difficult to dip in the sauce.

Thai dynamite with shrimp over noodles came with very little flavor.  The shrimp was overcooked and the noodles were all stuck together and had an odd taste. It would have been a more pleasant and tastier dining experience to have gone to the Chinese takeout establishment down the street.  Which we may end up going to because we can't  eat our food.

The atmosphere was nice even if the background  music was a little loud.

Down Under going down hill? Warner Robins, GA

Outback Restaurant in Warner Robins seems to be hiding their health department records.  The manager who told us that the score was a 91 but when asked about posting the records he didn't seem too inclined to do so.  When we ask the hostess she commented that she has told Management several times today that they needed to be hung yet still at 630 p.m. there's been no results.

Blue cheese wedge salad was good once we past the core of the lettuce.  There was inconsistency in each salad as to the amount of dressing as well as the amount of toppings.

No sooner did we take to bite into our salad did out dinner entree arrive!  Do we not eat the salad we ordered ( and paid extra for) or do we take a chance on getting a refire on a 20 dollar ribeye and have a cooked properly or worse.

Service was acceptable although the server herself was not rude but not friendly at the same time management did come around to ask if everything was okay but by then we were 90 percent done with our meal.

Overall we were very disappointed in our dining experience.

The Rookery-Downtown

Great establishment!  All dairy and Cheeses comes from local farm.  Famous for their burgers which can be made w/ Black Angus Beef, Rockin' Ranch Grass fed Beef (from just up the road in Boilingbrook) or even Chicken.
We a started with the cheese board... great choice.  Homemade cheeses were smooth and creamy... full of flavor.
Todays special was a Rockin' Ranch Burger topped with Blue Cheese, Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce, and fried Basil.  Very tasty.
We also enjoyed a Black Angus Burger topped with Fried Green Tomato, Goat Cheese, Applewood Bacon and a Remulade sauce.  Delish!
Fresh cut fried were hot, crisp and just the right amount of sauce.  A chocolate milk shake rounded out the meal...again, homemade and delicious!
 
Atmosphere is fun, servers are knowledgeable and friendly!  

Al's Beef Athens, Georgia

great beef and cheese... good price.

recommend the pepper sauce on the side and definitely go with the cheddar sauce  over shredded cheese.

can get it dunked in au jus or just have some spooned over... your choice... good either way.

Blue cheese fries are awesome!!

Edgars Bistro @ Helms College/Anderson Center

Wonderful Atmosphere... Great Food... Decent Prices (nothing more than $10)

Today was a Buffet:  Blackened Flounder, Grilled Steak with delicious mushroom & onion Sauce, Vegetables, Rice, Salad and Banana Pudding for dessert.

Wishing they had some dinner hours... open daily from 11-2 for lunch right now... but worth every bite!!

They have a great Mothers Day Brunch each year as well!!!

Joe D's Sandwich Shop

Although this place came highly recommended  we were very disappointed.
the food is exptremely Over Priced for what you get:   poor quality lunch meat & store bought bread.

The employee making our sandwich was very friendly and we were astonished at the customer service he provided.

In addition to the Cold Cut Combo, we tried the chicken salad sandwich combo.  There was very little chicken salad on the bread, and it was dry and lacked even the basic salt and pepper.  We also had a cup of chili - which although was served hot - also lacked flavor.

The slices of cake that are pre-cut and wrapped are dry.

We spent over $20 for two sandwich combo's (came with drink and bag of chips), a cup of chili and a slice of strawberry cake.

Let's Eat...

Welcome to my blog.  I hope that this blog encourages you to go out and try new foods, avoid restaurants that aren't worth your money, and spotlight those worth every penny!!