23 June 2012 - The House Tavern Burger and Fries

Most bars in the neighborhood have a grill. In my opinion, not many of them know how to use it. Today I want to discuss a bar that uses their grill, and uses it well. I am discussing The House Tavern. The bar is rather small, and cozy. A little like hanging out in a buddy’s Man-Cave. I have been in here a few times, but never sampled the food, figuring it would be like all the others. Tonight I finally broke down and tried it. I ordered the burger with fries. As you know, I eat the sides first, especially with a burger, because I absolutely attest cold fries. When this plate hit the table, I knew I was in for a treat. The fries were a golden brown, and were still sizzling. The burger was served open faced with the top bun on the side. The meat was covered with Swiss, as had been requested, and a slew of onions. The burger was nestled on its bed of lettuce, with fresh cut Grainger tomatoes to the side. I love a place that allows you to dress your own meal, and even more, a place that values local produce. So back to the fries, golden brown, sizzling hot, home cut fries. They came unsalted, which to me is a plus because I get to choose how much salt I need. I tossed a little salt their way, spread out some Ketchup, and tried the first one. I have never had to wait for fries to cool down to eat them, until tonight. When they were finally cool enough, I dove in and before I knew it, the last fry was on my fork, where did they all go, I know there more around here somewhere. I was a little sad that they were all gone, but this did leave me a chance to attack the burger. This burger was a true culinary treat from the first succulent bite, to the last morsel. Every bite was a moist meaty entrance to a long past skill. It was grilled to perfection, medium well but still juicy. The lettuce was fresh and unwilted, providing burst of juice to mix in with the meat’s juices. The Swiss added a slight tanginess to counterbalance the sweet fresh tomatoes. This burger was well thought, and well executed. Needless to say when the owner recommended I try the “OpenHouse” burger served with grilled onions and Swiss, I am 100% sure that I will try it, and have told her so. And let me tell you, there is no way that I know, to truly justify how perfect this burger was, so please, go try it on your own. A true 5 out of 5 bites.

22 June 2012 - Kay's H.O.P. Burger

So driving up and down Chapman Highway, it is almost impossible to miss the Kay's sign. That great big ice cream cone is a staple of the South Knox area. People give directions by it, it's referenced in several of the local stories, and how could it not be. Every time I had stopped by Kay's, I would rush in, grab a pint or quart of the rocky road ice cream, and shoot back home. But, you cannot help but notice the nostalgia tucked away in this roadside café. The antique Coca-Cola signs, the placemats with a story of Kay’s plight. It is a truly great place for a bite. So I finally decided to try them out. I asked for the H.O.P, and let me tell you, I am so glad I did. The cook started making everything right in front of me. They don’t hide the process behind a wall. Fresh lettuce, Grainger tomatoes, a half-pound of beef, sliced cheese, what a great burger. The bun is toasted on the grill as the burger cooks. A true dining pleasure. It could have used a small amount of mustard, but overall a solid 3 ½ Bites.

21 June 2012 - Krystal's Chipotle Wings

So this afternoon I swung into Krystal’s. I didn’t know they had wings, and as you will learn through this blog, I love wings and try to find new spots to eat them as often as possible. I am quite particular about wings. They have to be well cooked; the glaze should be slightly wet, definitely not slimy. So to Krystal’s wings, for starters the Chipotle wings have a dry rub, which I love. The spice is not for the weak of tongue. There is a heat to these bad boys that I didn’t think I would find outside of the southwest. When you bite into them, the heat takes your taste buds to hell and back. If you have the chops to endure it, the heat will finally dissipate and you are eventually left with a bowl of empty bones, a need to drink a pitcher of milk, and the desire to drive back for another order. They are not the best wings I have ever had, but they are on the top five list for sure. An easy 4 bites out of 5.

20 June 2012 - Ruby Tuesdays

So this evening I went trolling Chapman Highway looking for something to eat. I stopped at the Ruby Tuesday in the Wal-Mart parking lot. When I sat at the bar, I was greeted by Chelsea. She recommended the Asiago Peppercorn Steak. She took my drink order and brought me a wonderful White Russian. I ordered the steak with the cheddar garlic potatoes and the spaghetti squash. You can call me a purist, but i enjoy eating each portion of the meal separately. Start with the side closest to you, then the next ending on the entree. So the potatoes were first. It was a smooth creamy potato with a small hint of garlic and a burst of cheddar. Let me tell y'all right now, that alone would have been worth the drive. The spaghetti squash was firm to the tooth with a sweet hint from the squash slightly enhanced by the melted butter. All ready i was in heaven. Just with the sides, i could have eaten myself into a food coma. Finally the point of anticipation, the steak. Cooked to a perfect mid-rare, just slightly pink inside and uncut so the juices have not rested out and dried the steak. It was perfectly crusted in crushed peppercorn. and then topped with thin strips of Asiago cheese. Let me tell you, everything combined into one of the best first bites I have had in a long, long time. The steak was melting in my mouth with the tartness of the cheese and the spice from the peppercorn, absolutely amazing. Not a perfect meal, but very close. I would give this meal 4 1/2 of the 5 bites.  A must try next time you’re in Ruby Tuesdays.

20 June 2012 Blog Description

So I had this idea, a rather simple one, to create a blog about the food from local restaurants. I am not sure about you, but all too often, I have sat at the table of a restaurant that all my friends told me, "I had to try!", only to leave feeling like I had just wasted a large amount of time, and money. And I thought to myself, why didn't someone warn me about how horrid this place was? Are they really my friends, if they sent me here? With all that being said, I feel it must be discussed, that I am not from here. South Knox is my new home but I was imported here. I was born in Las Vegas and have lived all over this country, as well as many others. If you want me to try the new Korean Restaurant, remember that I lived there for four years. I WILL RATE THE FOOD BASED ON LIVING IN KOREA. I hear constantly, "Well it’s pretty damn good to us locals who haven't been anywhere and just don't know any better." Thanks for that, I all ready feel bad for talking about your favorite restaurant, and now I must have insulted you as well. Well no more, from now on I will just smile, and bear the horrid tastes, and when I get home, I will share them here, with you. So that is the concept in it's entirety. I will post here whenever i go out to eat. I will let you know what I ate, where I ate, and what I thought of it. I hope you like it. Bon Appétit.