Tag Archives: restaurants

Food

Posted on by
6

Pensacola, FloridaFresh crabcakesI love crabcakes. When we go out and there are crabcakes on the menu, I’m getting them, no question. My idea of bliss? The Crab Cake Cook-off in Pensacola, Fla., where restaurants offer their best crabcakes for sampling. Imagine tasting 20 or so creatively yummy crabcakes one one evening. Paradise! (Also: Thank goodness for Protonix. ) Some of our favorites included a less-is-more version that crab cakeswas all fresh lump crab, a thin and crunchy cake with a wonderfully smoky Pensacola seafoodCajun type of sauce (I couldn’t convince the chef to share his secret recipe) from Appetite for Life catering and a tasty effort with roasted corn and mango salsa from 600 South restaurant. My husband and I also were impressed with the Crab Trap, which went over-the-top with a bonus fried softshell crab. The cookoff raises money for the non-profit ARC Gateway, which serves developmentally disabled children and adults, so it’s win-win-win for everybody. Read more at http://www.pnj.com/article/20090708/LIFE/907080311/1053/NEWS12/The-claws-come-out–

Travel

Posted on by
8

Pensacola Beach, FloridaThis is where I spent most of this past week — my dear Fresh seafoodhusband sprung for a quick beach trip before football season starts (you know here in Alabama, it officially begins with media days in mid-July). So we headed to our favorite Pensacola Beach spot on Santa Rosa Island and I dug in for as much sun and sand as I could get. Thank you, dear Native Cafe, Pensacola Beach, Floridahusband! Of course, the other part of vacation is food and Pensacola food ranks among the best for us. In fact, we sort of plan our days around which restaurant opens at which time and if we stop by to have a drink and appetizer at The Fish House can we still go to Jackson’s for dinner afterwards? Decisions, decisions! We especially enjoyed fish tacos and smoked-tuna salad at Native Cafe and grilled and fried grouper along with raw and broiled (with wonderful cheese, peppers and onions) oysters at Peg Leg Pete’s, http://www.peglegpetes.com/, both in Pensacola Beach, and beer and fried mashed potatoes at Maguire’s Irish Pub, http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/ in Pensacola. And no visit is complete with dinner at the Global Grill, http://www.dineglobalgrill.com/, a tapas bar in Pensacola where we could not say “no” to homemade potato chips with blue cheese, tuna sashimi, a deep-fried poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, seared amberjack and some lovely little beef things with Gouda and homemade Worcestershire sauce. Among other things. I’m ready to go back.

Corinth, Mississippi

Posted on by
7

Borroum's Drug Store Whenever you get a hankering for real food in a real place, Borroum's Drug Store try Borroum’s Drug Store in Corinth, Mississippi. My husband and I were there on the Third of July, when Borroum’s was among the few downtown Corinth restaurants open for the holiday weekend. But Borroum’s is bustling even Borroum's Drug Store when everything else is open – it’s where the locals hang out every day and you should, too, although you’ll be immediately John Lewis Pittspegged as a visitor when you ask for a menu. This is the authentic old-fashioned soda fountain/drug store from years past. It’s crowded and noisy and messy and you need to check your cholesterol counter at the door. Husband had a cheeseburger and fries and I had the tuna melt, which truly was exactly like my mother used to make: More tuna than mayo. We had a great time eating and eavesdropping on Corinth gossip and people-watching as folks came in to the drugstore part. Then we enjoyed checking out the old photos and antique displays on the way out. Here’s the thing, though, that is what I love about Corinth: At Borroum’s and almost everywhere else in town, the old and the new and the history and the right-now sort of blend together and you can’t really tell the difference. In other towns, a place like Borroum’s would be a touristy spot that somebody bought and redecorated after it had changed hands from the original owners a couple times. In Corinth, it’s run by the original owner’s great-granddaughter — and it’s the real thing. Check it out at http://borroumsdrugstore.net/

Food

Posted on by
3
Seafood

Before you buy or order seafood again, go to http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/ and click on Seafood Watch for a list of the latest ocean-friendly choices. It's organized by region and you can print out a handy pocket guide -- and enjoy your purchase with a clear conscience.

Food

Posted on by
3

Zagat Survey bestThe Zagat Survey is here! The Zagat Survey is here! Zagat Fast-Food SurveySorry — couldn’t resist channeling Steve Martin there. But seriously, anybody who eats out needs to take a look at the just-released Zagat Fast-Food Survey at http://www.zagat.com/fastfood. More than 6,000 folks rated their fast-food experiences, including full-service restaurants, and the results are fascinating. But before you go check it out, see if you can identify the eateries pictured above. On the left is the winner of the full-service best salad, best coffee and best value — it also came in second for most popular. On the right is the winner of the fast-food salad and is the most popular large chain. I don’t have any prizes to give out — you’ll just have the satisfaction of knowing your restaurants perhaps better than your kitchen. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Restaurants

Posted on by
4

Bathroom in Tupelo, MississippiRestaurants in Tupelo, MississippiHere are two of my favorite bathrooms in Tupelo, Mississippi from two of my favorite restaurants in Tupelo, which, by the way, is much much more than merely Elvis Presley’s hometown. The photo on the left is from Fairpark Grill, http://eatwithus.com/grill, an eclectic and modern space with a super bar and a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches and shareable appetizers. Theone on the right is from the Grill’s sophisticated older sister, Park Heights, http://eatwithus.com/parkheights/ — a serenely elegant and upscale restaurant that offers rooftop dining for an unparalleled view of downtown Tupelo. Both of these are owned by the Eat With Us Group, http://eatwithus.com/mission.php, which also started the family-favorite Sweet Peppers Deli franchise. Anyway, I love these bathrooms! Although my husband detests raised-bowl sinks like the Grill’s, I adore them and so wish I could sneak them into our bathrooms at home without him noticing. And the Park Heights bathroom is so peaceful and stylish, just like the dining areas. You all know my thing about restaurant restrooms: They’re the perfect spots pampering customers and making them feel special — like a little extra “We are so glad you chose to come spend your money with us” instead of “We’re forced to offer you these facilities so here you go.” These get it right.

Shopping

Posted on by
4

Bridge Street Towne CentreShopping in Huntsville, Alabama, has taken an upturn ever Shopping in Huntsville, Alabamasince Bridge Street Town Centre opened almost two years ago. Billed as an outdoor mall and lifestyle center with a stylish European flair, Bridge Street definitely is a fun place to stroll and window shop and see and be seen. It’s beautifully landscaped and maintained and has plenty of Huntsville, Alabamaeasy-access parking. The retailers here are the usual suspects — Gap, Banana Republic, Victoria’s Secret, Bridge Street Town CentreAnthropologie and J. Crew are my favorites — but there’s also a Kate Spade, where I usually wander in, shake my head in disbelief at $525 handbags and walk back out again. Luckily, more in line with my budget are the classics of DSW, Old Navy and Barnes and Noble. But really the best part about Bridge Street is the food. This is where you’ll find the always-popular P.F. Chang’s and Maggie Moo plus the L.A.-based Dolce and Ketchup and a Melting Pot, making Bridge Street a dining as well as a shopping destination. The Monaco theater and the accompanying lounge Scene are hot spots, too. I mean, who could say no to enjoying wine and sushi in a leather recliner while watching the latest flick? Not me.

P.S. I’m sure you’re asking yourself, “If Bridge Street is so popular, where are all the people in these photos, Miss SmartyPants Reporter Blogger Person?” And I say, “Good question.” And here’s the answer: I took these photos about a month ago on the day that news of swine-flu cases in Huntsville was just breaking and schools were closed and everybody was supposed to stay home and wash their hands. And so of course I thought, “This is the perfect time to go shopping.” Wouldn’t you???

Birmingham, Alabama

Posted on by
4

Fish Market in Birmingham, AlabamaOne of my favorite restaurant restrooms in Birmingham, The Fish Market in Birmingham, AlabamaAlabama is in one of my favorite restaurants — the Greek-inspired Fish Market on 22nd Street South. I’ve never been to Greece but I have both been to The Fish Market and seen “Mama Mia” multiple times so I imagine Greece to be full of beautiful people Fish Market, Birmingham, Alabamasinging ABBA songs and eating fresh and wonderfully cooked seafood. And having gorgeous bathrooms like this one with copper sinks, blue mosaic-tiled walls and stone and pottery accents. It’s so calm and serene … and Greek. The Fish Market is usually crowded and always noisy and the line to order moves fast — a basic knowledge of the extensive menu and the day’s specials is essential. There’s no table service, so you have to fight your way to the bar for another beer or more Apalachicola oysters but if you want your seafood lovingly and authentically cooked, it’s worth it. And you can always head to the ladies’ room if you need some peace and quiet. Check out The Fish Market Web site at http://www.birminghammenus.com/thefishmarket/

Restaurants in Oxford, Mississippi

Posted on by
6

City Grocery in Oxford, MississippiOh my goodness, y’all. Run, don’t walk, to City Grocery in Oxford, MississippiOxford, Mississippi and eat at City Grocery on the square. Or drive. However you can get there, just go.  I was in Oxford this past week with friends for a day of shopping and eating and sightseeing, although we all agreed that the eating part was the best. My husband John Pitts even took a long lunch break from newspaper-sports editing in nearby Tupelo City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippito join us  — nobody passes up a chance to go to City Grocery. Owned by New Orleans-native chef John Currence, City Grocery embodies the best of Oxford: Fun, funky, imaginative, leaning toward upscale but never ostentatious and always honoring fresh, local and authentic. Every dish our group ordered, from the roasted garlic and lentil soup to the smoked crawfish salad to the day’s special of pork tenderloin with roasted okra — my new favorite vegetable — was delicious. Plus, the wait staff was the perfect blend of friendly and professional and put up with our somewhat rowdy table. (Hey, we were just excited to have a day off.)  My husband even spotted a celebrity on the way out and shook his hand — TV journalist and author Bob Schieffer was in town to give the Ole Miss commencement speech and of course he went to City Grocery for lunch. You have to, too. Check it out at http://www.citygroceryonline.com and put it on your must-go-soon list.

Decor

Posted on by
5

Women's restroomsAm I the only person who judges a restaurant in part on Women's roomsits women’s restroom? I mean, cleanliness is a must, of course, but I want to see some creativity and imagination, too. It doesn’t have to be luxurious or upscale elegant, but a spa-like feeling of pampering is a definite plus, as is some feminine whimsy. I mean, I’m sort of a captive audience here, so use this space to wow me and get your message across — that’s the way I look at women’s rooms,Women's rooms anyway. For example, Urban Standard, a coffee shop in Birmingham, Alabama, is in a cool and stylishly renovated downtown building. However, the bathrooms obviously had to be put in new and so lack the exposed brick and tin ceilings of the main rooms. Solution? Distinguish the women’s room with eye-catching art work such as this bigger-than-life piece painted directly on the wall. Definitely ups the cool factor in what’s really just a generic space. Check out more about Urban Standard at http://www.urbanstandard.net. Another of my favorite Birmingham bathrooms is in Chez Lulu, http://continentalbakeryandchezlulu.com/, a fun and funky bistro that features homemade desserts and breads from its next-door sibling, Continental Bakery. Chez Lulu’s women’s room is tiny but full of textures and colors and vintage finds that make you think of browsing Saturday-morning flea markets with your best friends and then stopping by for lattes and croissants. (My favorite is the almond croissant, because almonds are good for you, right???) I love the beaded lampshade and the plump and cozy fainting couch here, which I usually use for setting my purse on and then walking out empty-handed. But that just gives me an excuse for a return visit.