tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23723440577252532162024-02-20T08:37:28.897-08:00Explorer? YES! Glutton? NO!"I am not a glutton; I am an explorer of food." -- Erma Bombeck (American humorist & columnist)David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-62238170284161765142017-08-09T15:19:00.001-07:002022-02-06T14:16:03.963-08:00I'm Hooked<a href="https://www.zomato.com/oklahoma-city/off-the-hook-seafood-more-nichols-hills-lakeside" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Off The Hook Seafood & More, Nichols Hills-Lakeside and other Restaurants in Oklahoma City"><img alt="Off The Hook Seafood & More Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17808003/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
Several years ago a Starbucks opened near Britton and Broadway Extension in NE Oklahoma City. I thought "awesome, a Starbucks immediately available on my direct route to work!!!" Before I had a chance to fully enjoy this location being on my commute, it closed. I'm guessing that they weren't getting the business they needed; most of the traffic was on Broadway Extension and not enough people were exiting for coffee only to reenter the rush-hour traffic.<br />
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So the building sits empty.<br />
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Empty.<br />
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Empty.<br />
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Empty for a couple of years.<br />
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And then ... there's some obvious activity. What's it going to be? What's going to open? A restaurant? I like food! Oh I'm excited. I'll have to check out whatever it is when it opens!<br />
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Driving home ... it looks closed.<br />
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Driving home ... it looks closed.<br />
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I pull in an check (after seeing this restaurant for over two years). They close at 4:00 each day. Bummer. I work to far south so lunch is out. They close at 4:00 so dinner is out.<br />
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So late this summer I made a point to get over there for lunch. The parking lot is PACKED. Every table is full. There is a line. These are all good signs.<br />
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I ordered the Fried Fish & Shrimp Basket with catfish and cheesy grits as my side. The shrimp had such a delicious spiciness to its batter. I found myself licking my fingers after eating each one. The catfish filet was so fresh tasting and the batter, while not as a spicy as the shrimp, was light and delicious itself. And the cheesy grits were just perfect! Tender grits, ideally cooked, buttery & creamy, with just the right amount of cheesiness.<br />
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I have been back twice since then.<br />
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For both of other times I've had the Smothered Seafood. This dish features a lobster cream sauce with shrimp, crawfish, lump crab, and baby clams all mixed together and then served over rice or French fries; both times I opted for the rice. If you order the traditional Smothered Seafood you can add either a filet of catfish or a serving of five shrimp to the order as an upgrade. OR, you can simply order the Super Smothered Seafood and get both the catfish and the shrimp included. π The first of these two subsequent visits I had the Smothered Seafood and added the catfish filet and then also added an order of Cajun Butter Frog Legs--it's been YEARS (like childhood) since I've eaten frog legs and I just had to. And you know...I'll do it again soon because they were so wonderful and tender and tasted both like chicken legs and not like chicken legs at the same time (I can't explain that paradox, just know that they were good). The other time I did the Super Smothered Seafood (sadly, not pictured). That lobster sauce, whether smothered or super smothered is just WONDERFUL with all of those seafood bits and flavors all mixed up together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4RcksKtwHJjm_z5DsheWoqFFDSOZtmDiDsH91cma4g1-RgHKFQMok3uP8caHeoxfh-ITZbogbEqOOsVDpYTga5KZi9IHAwb91lduzsjtBiWDHEF_9ohZ585PQ7bTdq87JG8Ok6COZOI/s1600/frog+legs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4RcksKtwHJjm_z5DsheWoqFFDSOZtmDiDsH91cma4g1-RgHKFQMok3uP8caHeoxfh-ITZbogbEqOOsVDpYTga5KZi9IHAwb91lduzsjtBiWDHEF_9ohZ585PQ7bTdq87JG8Ok6COZOI/s320/frog+legs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The flavors and experience all make me feel like I'm eating somewhere in southern Louisiana even though we are still in northeast Oklahoma City. I know I need to try other options on the menu, because I'm sure they will be just as wonderful!David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-54122623794067627362017-07-10T14:17:00.001-07:002017-08-09T15:24:18.511-07:00Feeling Nostalgic <a href="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17187489/biglink" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Big Ed's Hamburgers Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" border="0" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17187489/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17187489/biglink" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2372344057725253216" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.zomato.com/oklahoma-city/big-eds-hamburgers-quail-springs" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Big Ed's Hamburgers, Quail Springs and other Restaurants in Oklahoma City"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2372344057725253216" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>During the past couple of weeks I've been house-sitting for some friends and their dogs. As I would drive from their house to me house to check on things I kept passing by the sole remaining location of the Big Ed's Hamburger "empire" which had its pinnacle in the lay 1980s and early 1990s; Ed Thomas had 50 restaurants mostly in Oklahoma with a handful in southern Kansas.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2372344057725253216" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>My father loved to eat at Big Ed's and I remember always being fascinated by the idea that Ed offered a free meal to anyone who would order the special 12 inch loaded burger and accompanying trough of French fries if it could all be eaten within 45 minutes by a single person. I never knew of anyone who tried but I am sure many made the attempt. Big Ed's also offered a really large burger as a family style option which would be sliced like a pie for serving/sharing.<br />
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Personal financial problems stemming from health care needs for his wife following a bad car wreck compelled Ed to sell his beloved business in 1996. Ed Thomas himself died in early 2009. One location remains, located at 122nd and North Pennsylvania Avenue. You can still order the larger burger for your family.</div>
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So today for lunch, feeling a bit nostalgic for this place my father loved and that I had some pleasant memories of family time as a child, I stopped at Big Ed's. I ordered a bacon cheese burger with mayo and made it a combo with their French fries which the cut fresh each day and cook upon each order and a medium Dr. Pepper.</div>
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The burger was solid. It was clearly made to order and a had a nice taste to it. The bacon was crisp, the cheese just perfectly melted, and veggies were fresh. The fries, while clearly freshly cooked and cut just that morning, were very weak on flavor; no seasoning at all, just cut and then cooked in the hot oil before being served. They were hot which is a plus, but they were bland.</div>
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The burger will bring me back but the fries won't be ordered again. It's been years since I've eaten at Big Ed's (long before my died dad and that was 1997). </div>
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It's funny how nostalgia works. I'm glad I stopped in as it gave me some pleasant memories and a solid burger!<br />
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David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-88908973808696462282017-07-06T14:14:00.000-07:002017-08-09T15:24:01.788-07:00Box It Up<a href="https://www.zomato.com/oklahoma-city/the-boxcar-1-moore" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about The Boxcar, Moore and other Restaurants in Oklahoma City"><img alt="The Boxcar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/18548645/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>With the growth of the mega chains (whether retail or restaurant), there has developed a nostalgia for the "mom & pop" homegrown businesses. "Mom & pop" style places can be awesome finds; they can also be mega mistakes.<br />
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Near my home there was a "mom & pop" coffee shop that sprang up in building that was previously another "mom & pop" restaurant. Small independent coffee shops can truly present that dichotomy of the awesome finds or the mega mistakes. I wanted to try this one, but there was a problem... it was clear that from the hours they were open, they had no true comprehension of coffee drinking clientele. This place didn't open before 9:00 AM, so they were missing out on the morning off to work crowd, and they closed at 5:00 PM, so they also missed out on the even social groups and/or high school or college study groups. Basically they were missing out on two of the key demographics for success in the urban coffee house market. Before I had a chance to try out the place, they were closed. I'm sure their closing had more to do with their lack of income rather due to business hours rather than a reflection of the quality of their product.<br />
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So a friend and former colleague recently announced the opening of his own "mom & pop" coffee place in Moore (suburb of Oklahoma City). Knowing that that this could be an awesome find or a mega mistake or something somewhere in the middle, I waited a few weeks before trying it out...you know, let them get the kinks out before the food blogging friend comes in to prep for a review π.<br />
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I decided not to wait too long. The social media buzz that <a href="https://www.theboxcarok.com/" target="_blank">The Boxcar</a> has been getting was pretty strong. Moore as a city has long outgrown its bedroom community mentality and has truly boomed economically. This "mom & pop" place seemed to be continuing on the path of showcasing the new life that is now Moore. It's even become a place were a local member of the state legislature has held a "town hall" style meeting or two with his constituents. WOW! I might be late to join the band wagon... or is this just hype? Is The Boxcar really an awesome find or is it truly a mega mistake.<br />
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So I go.<br />
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I approach with a certain amount of skepticism. I know my friend will be reading this and I hope that he doesn't misread this to imply that I felt his place was going to be a flop. Sometimes I'm skeptical of hype and then I realize the hype is in fact what it's hyped up to be (the musical Hamilton far exceeds even twice the hype that it has gained, but that's a story for another time).<br />
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So I go. Preparing myself to be underwhelmed and yet also hoping to be wowed. As soon as I entered I noticed my friend and the owner, Matt Vaughan, hard at work serving as this morning's barista. We visit as I look over the menu and place my order. Drip, sandwich, and fruit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Vaughan, owner of The Boxcar</td></tr>
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A quality coffee shop will be known by the quality of its drip coffee regardless of how many fancy frou-frou drinks it serves. So I wanted basic drip. My evaluation of quality coffee is that quality coffee will not need cream or sweetener; I realize others may disagree, but if the coffee is top-notch then does it really need anything to be added?<br />
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So I sip.<br />
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Rich. A tad nutty. Full flavor. There will be NOTHING added to this cup, because the flavor is awesome! It truly rivals my favorite Starbucks...the Komodo Dragon dark roast blend. I'll end up getting two refills before leaving. Yes; it's good!<br />
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So I eat.<br />
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While I'm waiting for the food and sipping my coffee I over hear a conversation between Matt and a local police officer. The police officer ordered the same sandwich I did: the Spicy Pig. I didn't really pay that close of attention to the ingredients as I ordered so when I heard the police officer request "no mayo" I started to freak out. Mayo? On a breakfast sandwich. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. The goodness of the coffee is about to switch the overall evaluation that leans heavily into the awesome find category and will dump it firmly into the mega mistake file. I'm trying to show a calm face while I'm panicking on the inside. What have I done? Mayo for breakfast? And then I see the cook pour Sriracha sauce on my sandwich. I'm not a fan!! How did I miss mayo AND Sriracha??? Matt, I'm so sorry, but I know I'm going to blast you on my blog!<br />
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Food arrives. I taste.<br />
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The panic quickly transitions into a smile. There is something especially magical about how the mayo and the Sriracha blend together with the rest of the ingredients (sausage patty, scrambled egg, sharp white cheddar cheese, and avocado on a Ciabatta bun) to make such a pleasant taste in my mouth. My mouth is so happy. Yes, it's spicy, but not excessive Sriracha spicy! And yet, it's creamy, but not picnic lunch mayo kind of creamy. It's just...perfect! I'm sold! Wrap it up or Box is up or whatever! Not literally, because I'm dining in. But figuratively as in "this sandwich is a winner for breakfast!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4xlw4WWYYzM0N0iM4sV7Whrv1DmSbAS0Myll1xlKGudVGy6fpqoG8SnPwwFV4veINq7hNTRuEfw8YI7VagOzKpgDWQl1B0KyY4KS8t8Kkn9EKVg_3Ue8zPQPKp7fyZqlAi8jkJi43Ho/s1600/Spicy+Pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4xlw4WWYYzM0N0iM4sV7Whrv1DmSbAS0Myll1xlKGudVGy6fpqoG8SnPwwFV4veINq7hNTRuEfw8YI7VagOzKpgDWQl1B0KyY4KS8t8Kkn9EKVg_3Ue8zPQPKp7fyZqlAi8jkJi43Ho/s320/Spicy+Pig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now the fruit.<br />
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Something that I don't find on the online menu but needs to be showcased. This is a beautiful blend of mixed fruits with a light cream sauce...enough to blend but not enough to overpower the natural flavors of the fruit. I could have eaten just a nice bowl of the fruit alone...but I won't ever do that because the Spicy Pig is just too magical.<br />
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Matt, I'm afraid. I'm afraid that you truly have a winner on your hands!<br />
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I'm proud of what you've accomplished so far with The Boxcar and I look forward to the expansion of your offerings as the permit comes through for the wine and beer selection for the evening hours.<br />
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One caution to my excitement... make those sandwiches faster π; hungry people are waiting!<br />
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The Boxcar is an AWESOME FIND...and it's on my route to work each morning.
David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-15996405082044061822017-06-23T07:42:00.002-07:002017-08-09T15:27:02.341-07:00Oh Sweet Brown<a href="https://www.zomato.com/washington-dc/georgia-browns-downtown" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Georgia Brown's, Downtown and other Restaurants in Washington DC"><img alt="Georgia Brown's Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16867748/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>One of our Oklahoma City based "celebrities" who had slightly longer than her 15 minutes of fame, was Sweet Brown. Her interview, by local media, of a fire within her apartment complex went viral. If you've not seen it, <a href="http://kfor.com/2012/04/08/okc-apartment-complex-catches-fire-5-units-damaged/" target="_blank">click here for the KFOR interview</a>.<br />
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This, however, is not the Sweet Brown that is currently on my mind. I'm thinking of sweet <a href="http://georgia%20brown%27s/" target="_blank">Georgia Brown's</a> restaurant in Washington, D.C. I'm in D.C. visiting from Oklahoma for a conference. My friends Amy and Bruce and their two sons are in D.C. visiting from California for their family vacation. We've been able to meet up in the evenings for dinner. Wednesday night was Amy's birthday and Georgia Brown's came as a recommendation to her. This was AWESOME as it meant going to another restaurant in D.C. to which I've never previously visited. And ... Oh Sweet Brown!<br />
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Prior to dinner we had actually been out walking among the Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial monuments. We were all hot and sweaty and our feet were tired. The COLD water was a such a relief and I know I just guzzled four glasses before I could blink. But that's not the reason for me saying "Oh Sweet Brown".<br />
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The biscuits and corn bread that were served with an amazing honey butter set the southern soul food experience ahead of us off to an amazing start. The corn bread sticks reminded me of what my mom or my Louisiana aunts might make using an old cast iron pan. The batter was sweetened to perfection and once cooked and combined with the honey butter it all just literally melted in your mouth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not my picture; one I found online</td></tr>
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For my entree, I had the shrimp and grits. And let's just say this was shrimp and grits LOADED: Jumbo Shrimp, Shallots, Andouille Sausage, Garlic, Scallions, mixed with Organic Stone-Milled Grits and covered with Lobster Sauce. Large juicy shrimp combined with spicy Andouille are always a great combination of flavors. To me, what "made" this dish is the lobster sauce. I want the recipe! I demand the recipe π. The flavor and spices within the sauce just helped to elevate this dish to a level that was pure WOW. I even used another couple of corn bread sticks to soak up the remaining sauce after eating everything else.<br />
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Amy recommends the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Bruce recommends the De-Constructed Jambalaya.<br />
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The evening ended with Amy being served an amazing Peach Cobbler a la Mode. If you've ever wondered what "the south" tastes like...it's the peach cobbler; I'm so thanking that Amy shared her birthday treat with the rest of us.<br />
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<br />David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-85222262168430825142017-06-20T13:32:00.000-07:002017-08-09T15:27:22.704-07:00Getting Crabby Makes Me Happy<a href="https://www.zomato.com/washington-dc/old-ebbitt-grill-downtown" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Old Ebbitt Grill, Downtown and other Restaurants in Washington DC"><img alt="Old Ebbitt Grill Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16872578/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>One of my most favorite places to eat while in Washington, DC is <a href="http://www.ebbitt.com/" target="_blank">Old Ebbitt Grill</a> near the White House. I've eaten wonderful lobster rolls and swordfish items at lunch. I've watched friends enjoy steaks (I'm not a big steak eater personally). My current Lt. Governor boasts his love for their burgers. And my personal favorite is their crab cakes.<br />
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Just before leaving for this trip to the District I learned that a friend of mine from northern California and her family would be on vacation in Washington at the same time I'd be here for a conference. Amy and I met as part of a global education program for teachers several years ago and have remained great friends; I've even flown out to California to attend an OKC Thunder v. Sacramento Kings NBA game with she and her son, Ethan, because he, like myself, is a major Thunder fan.</div>
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On a trip to DC related to that global education program, Amy and I along with another of our friends from the same program at Old Ebbitt. As her family arrived into town last night she mentioned that she wanted to go there for dinner that night. So we went.</div>
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Amy, Ethan, and I got super Crabby (and, thus really happy) with our crab cakes, while her husband, Bruce, enjoyed some oysters and her younger son, Cade, enjoyed pizza and tater tots. I can honestly say that I've never had better crab cakes than at Old Ebbitt. If you know of someplace (even far away from Washington, DC) to get better crab cakes please let me know. I'll try out your suggestion, because I just love to get Crabby π.</div>
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David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-48113933547757399252017-06-19T13:13:00.000-07:002017-08-09T15:27:43.511-07:00Making Italian Mommas Happy<a href="https://www.zomato.com/washington-dc/otello-downtown" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Otello, Downtown and other Restaurants in Washington DC"><img alt="Otello Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16869779/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>One of my favorite restaurants in Washington, DC is <a href="http://www.otellodc.com/" target="_blank">Otello</a>. Located just off of DuPont Circle, Otello is an awesome Italian restaurant.<br />
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The daughter of some friends of mine lives in the DC area; she's stationed here as part of here military duties. She and her siblings like to call me "Uncle David" even though there is no real blood-family relationship. I had written to her a few weeks about about having dinner while I was in town and we set something up for this past Friday evening. Her boyfriend, also military, was able to join us.<br />
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As they got to the restaurant they both admitted to being skeptical about this place. His family is of Italian descent and his momma is known for her cooking. So they were prepared to be disappointed it.<br />
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She ordered Fettuccine Alfredo and he and I both ordered the Gnocchi Della Casa. The skepticism on their faces was completely wiped away. He started talking about how his mom would LOVE to eat this and they both talked about how they should bring her to eat at Otello the next time that she is in DC. While she was not able to finish her big bowl of fettuccine, he did eat all of his gnocchi. He had sauce left and got a to go box for the sauce so that he could pour it over his own pasta the next night.<br />
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I just smiled. π This was my third visit to Otello. I remember having lasagna and spaghetti before. I knew that tonight would not disappoint!!<br />
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I found this one online and I hope there are no copyright violations.<br />
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<br />David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-82211865576749665462017-06-18T19:26:00.002-07:002017-08-09T15:29:04.166-07:00Fire in the House<a href="https://www.zomato.com/alexandria-va/columbia-firehouse-1-alexandria" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Columbia Firehouse, Alexandria and other Restaurants in Alexandria"><img alt="Columbia Firehouse Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16873736/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>During my visit in Washington, D.C. I decided to venture out to old town Alexandria, VA for part of Sunday. Ever since I first visited Christ Church in 7th grade I've wanted to attend Sunday church services there. Christ Church is the home church of George Washington; Mount Vernon, his plantation, is located just a little ways outside of Alexandria. It was rather neat to spend today, Father's Day, at the home church of the "Father of our Country".<br />
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After church I was hungry and so I walked a few blocks to find a restaurant that was 1) open at 11:15, and 2) not totally booked up due to Father's Day Sunday Brunch reservations. About two blocks from Christ Church (south and east) I found <a href="http://columbiafirehouse.com/" target="_blank">Columbia Firehouse</a>. There was PLENTY of room at the bar (I"m not a lush, I promise).<br />
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Being brunch time, I opted for an order of the Southern [Eggs] Benedict: BBQ Pork, Poached Eggs, Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit, Beernaise, served with a missed green salad with citrus dressing. Knowing that Eggs Benedict and a salad could be rather light and might not hold me over until the dinner at my conference, I also ordered a bowl of the Crab Chowder (sweet corn, crab meat, old bay crackers) as an appetizer.<br />
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The chowder was very flavorful! It was obvious that there was some spice to it and that suited me just fine. I do like spicy foods. There was the perfect amount of crab...that means there was a lot. The old bay crackers helped with some texture, but I could have used a few more of those.<br />
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The Southern Benedict was just also very flavorful. The pork had a wonderful tangyness that truly enhanced the pairing with the egg and biscuit. There was just a hint of jalapeno in the biscuit, but enough to tell it was there. The poached egg was just a tad under-cooked for my tastes, but it was still good. The salad, especially the dressing, was an amazingly refreshing surprise; the citrus was more of a sweet orange flavor rather than a strong lemon or lime flavor. Just perfect.<br />
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Of course, since I'm sitting at the bar and it is brunch time, I did try their Firehouse Bloody Mary. Before I settled on that choice, the bartender did give me a sample of the Bloody Mary mix...it was rich and spicy. My only complaint with the actual Bloody Mary as fully made is that the garnish was carrot and cauliflower. I would have much preferred green olives and/or celery. Their garnish did not help, nor did it hurt, the flavor of the Bloody Mary; it just made it odd (to me).
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<br />David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-39311009842100279672017-06-17T19:45:00.000-07:002017-08-09T15:29:24.700-07:00Land, Air, and Seed<a href="https://www.zomato.com/washington-dc/founding-farmers-foggy-bottom-west-end" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Founding Farmers, Foggy Bottom/West End and other Restaurants in Washington DC"><img alt="Founding Farmers Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16872529/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>WOW. It's been a very LONG while since I've posted on this blog. I should absolutely change that...let's start now!<br />
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So, I find myself near the end of day two of a nine day work related trip to Washington, DC. Last night I met with a "niece" and her boyfriend to eat some Italian food; perhaps I'll do a post about that dining experience as well. My plan for most of today had been to visit a local burger joint that I've frequented on a few other trips to the District. However, as it came dinner time I thought: "David, perhaps there is some place near your hotel that you've never dined at before and you should try tonight.<br />
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So I pulled out my iPhone and opened up my Google Maps app and searched for restaurants. Out of the many options located within mere steps of my hotel I saw "<a href="http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/locations/dc/" target="_blank">Founding Farmers</a>", a place I had considered at my last trip to D.C. in December 2016. I read some reviews and looked at the menu; Founding Farmers is one of these restaurants that specializes, as best as it can, in being a farm-to-table concept in which most of the ingredients are locally sourced. It looked like a solid place and would only be a 2-1/2 block walk away. The reviews must be pretty good, because the place was packed with both locals and visitors to the District. Being alone for the evening and due to how crowded the place was (a family of four was told it would be at least a 45 minute wait) I opted to sit at the bar...I still waited nearly 20 minutes for a bar stool to open up.<br />
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Having had already looked at the menu online I had an idea of what I was interested in trying. I did ask the bartender, Paul, a few questions and he made some recommendations. I had not seen seen the meatloaf online (it was there I just notice it) and was leaning that route rather than the steak and enchiladas which I did see online. The steak and enchiladas were under the "signatures" portion of the menu which is why I had taken notice of them originally. I asked Paul for his recommendation between the two of them and he said hands down, no questions, the steak and enchiladas. I ultimately went this route because I do love good enchiladas (I judge Mexican restaurants by this staple dish and I have not returned to some Mexican places the otherwise get "high marks"...if you can't make those right, you don't deserve to call yourself a Mexican restaurant, but I digress) even though I'm not a big fan of eating steak (insert the calls for demanding I surrender my Oklahoma citizenship card). Paul added that the steak and the chicken enchiladas were accompanied by sweetened corn on the cob.<br />
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My findings: the steak was much better than I was prepared for (that means it was GOOD) and the chicken enchiladas would make any quality Mexican restaurant a regular feature in my food play book (that means they were also GOOD). The star of the plate, however, was actually the sweetened corn on the cob. The sweet corn was coated in a sauce that highlighted the natural sweetness of the corn yet provided a savoriness that was just WOW. I could have easily forgone a dessert order and asked for another cob instead. And I truly contemplated it. So in the battle of land, air, and seed, in which all three were very strong competitors, worthy adversaries, the seed (sweet corn) won the day.<br />
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Speaking of dessert I asked Paul for his recommendations from among the lengthy list. He said the beignets or the apple pie (in that order, he insisted). But the chocoholic in me just wanted to try the three-layer chocolate mouse cake: devil's food cake with semi-sweet chocolate ganache served with house-churned strawberry ice cream. The cake was TALL and pretty and I enjoyed the strawberry ice cream so much more than the cake. The cake was a tad dry for my tastes and seemed more like a dense traditional cake rather then devil's food. The ganache was tasty but much thinner that I'd prefer as a true ganache for what should have been a truly decadent cake. But that ice cream, that sensational blend of cream and strawberries...think of that ice cream social from your church where all of the ladies (or guys) made a batch of their own homemade ice cream (preferable in the hand churned makers, but the electric ones work too)...picture the most delicious crowd pleasing favorite and then multiple it by ten. YES!!! That's how good this strawberry ice cream was. I'm not sure if I regret having gone with one of Paul's other recommendations, because the ice cream was that much of a privilege to enjoy.<br />
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I know beyond any doubt that I will return to dine at Founding Farmers...and it could easily occur within the remaining seven days of this trip.</div>
David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-19254473772727694002015-05-31T18:31:00.001-07:002017-08-09T15:40:32.144-07:00Entree Enroute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In February 2011, my principal and I were in transit at Chicago's O'Hare Airport en-route to Washington, DC for an educators conference. It was breakfast time and we had a couple of hours to kill. So we walked around until we were certain that we had found the perfect spot: Tortas Frontera by Chef Rick Bayless. Frontera features Latin American themed sandwiches, or tortas, and even has a handful of breakfast options (eggs & bacon, eggs & chorizo, eggs alone...each with peppers, avocado, and salsa verde). We each made our orders...mine the egg & chorizo...and sat down to enjoy.<br />
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And the rest is history...</div>
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Every time I know that I'm going to be routed through Chicago for a trip, I do my best schedule enough time to run over to Frontera. Usually this takes commitment because I usually fly American Airlines and Frontera is located in the United terminal. I've travelled alone, with colleagues or friends, or ran into a friend in the airport who was also in transit somewhere and showed them my love of those breakfast tortas.<br />
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I'm so glad that my trip to Louisville this year has allowed me another opportunity to dive into a delicious salsa verde covered egg & chorizo torta! Each time I dine here I remember that first trip with my principal (recently retired) and the others with whom I've shared this culinary adventure.</div>
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David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-86755458293730949472015-05-30T19:21:00.000-07:002017-08-09T15:35:58.249-07:00Sticky at Sully's Saloon<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/51/551398/restaurant/Downtown/Sullys-Saloon-Restaurant-Louisville"><img alt="Sully's Saloon & Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/551398/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>
It's my first night in Louisville for the yearly conference that I attend. For dinner, my group of friends I walked 4th Street Live for a place to settle for dinner. There wasn't a wait at Sully's (a place we've never visited in previous years--not sure it even existed) so we picked it.<br />
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Walking to the table should have been the first hint that this could have been a poor choice. The floor was absolutely sticky!--as in it hadn't been thoroughly cleaned/mopped in a long time. Additionally, there was a strong odor of something that smelled like spoiled beer, but this odor was restricted to one area along our walk to our table. Looking around we noticed that we were basically the only ones present...but that would change somewhat over the next hour or so. Sticky and smelly don't create an atmosphere that is pleasant for a place to eat (or do much else).</div>
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As we began looking at the menu and asking our server questions on his personal favorites and other popular items, we were informed that several items on the menu were not available tonight because they "ran out" at a private party the previous night; basically any item which featured pulled-pork was off limits tonight. I settled on the "Good Morning Burger" which featured country ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, over easy egg, maple bourbon aioli on a toasted bun. As I'm writing this and reflecting on what was served...I don't think the country ham ever made it on the burger. each of the other guys got the "Dublin Burger"...a basic burger with tobacco onions and BBQ sauce. Two of us had the cheeses garlic mashed potatoes as a side while e others had French fries.</div>
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Over all the food was pretty good!!!</div>
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However, that smell and the stickiness greeted us again as we left...it won't greet me again. I don't care how great the food is at a place, if your atmosphere is not condusive to a basic standard of quality dining then it won't include me as a customer.<br />
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David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-43230192620448727482014-04-01T19:01:00.001-07:002017-08-09T15:43:32.005-07:00Shackin' Up with Irma<a href="https://www.zomato.com/oklahoma-city/irmas-burger-shack-oklahoma-city" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Irma's Burger Shack, Nichols Hills-Lakeside and other Restaurants in Oklahoma City"><img alt="Irma's Burger Shack Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17188103/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
I must admit that I behaved like a glutton during a recent visit to <a href="http://www.irmasburgershack.com/" target="_blank">Irma's Burger Shack</a> near NW 63rd & Western (original location) in Oklahoma City.<br />
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Eating a burger with top quality <a href="http://www.irmasburgershack.com/index.php/affiliations" target="_blank">No Name Ranch</a> beef isn't being a glutton. Eating a hot link sandwich isn't being a glutton. Unfortunately, when you take a top quality beef burger and put two delicious hot links on top you're getting awfully close to that glutton line. But then you end up taking a running long jump across that magic line when you add delicious chili and a fried egg on to said burger with links. Yes, I crossed that line at Irma's...and while I am pleasantly full and am 100% NOT ashamed of crossing that line of gluttony on this experience of exploration.<br />
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The Wynnewood Thunder is one of Irma's specially burgers (No Name Ranch beef, hot link, chili, fried egg, and pepper jack cheese). It was simply delicious! The only thing that I can think of to make this meal with featuring Oklahoma raised beef is to compliment it with an order of fried pickles and ranch...yep, just a plain ole' night of Okie style gluttony...and I'd do it all over again (perhaps soon!!).<br />
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On previous explorations at Irma's I've enjoy other sandwiches. The "Which Came First" is one of my favorites! It features a blackened chicken breast, green chilies, pepper jack cheese, and a blackened egg...it's so tasty that you won't waste time contemplating whether the chicken or the egg came first.<br />
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Head on over the either of Irma's location (mid-town or northside) and chow down soon!<br />
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And remember, happy eating is only and adventure away.David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-70131589473214240512014-01-01T13:38:00.000-08:002017-08-09T15:45:17.533-07:00Kimchee Burger??<a href="https://www.zomato.com/oklahoma-city/s-b-burger-joint-quail-springs" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about S & B Burger Joint, Quail Springs and other Restaurants in Oklahoma City"><img alt="S & B Burger Joint Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17191308/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
Over the past two or so years I've heard about <a href="http://www.sandbburgers.com/">S & B Burgers</a> and witnessed a couple of their locations being built near two areas of Oklahoma City that I frequent. But it was not until a couple of days ago that I seriously thought about seeking one out for a dining experience.<br />
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I posted a question on Facebook and Twitter for my friends/followers to address asking about their opinions on S & B Burgers. There a wide variety of responses from casual acquaintances to close friends whose opinions I would highly respect. Some gave preferences for other burger joints in the area...some that I like and some that I find are "just ok"...while others were very adamant that S & B was a great choice. When one particular set of well-respected friends said that it was one of their favorite places I knew I had to try it...and soon. I text Michael & Deanna to see if they had dinner plans for that night. They did not and were agreeable to meet me at the North May Ave. (Quail Springs area) location.<br />
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Imagine my surprise to learn that Monday nights (this was a Monday) was $5 burger night!!!<br />
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Based upon previous recommendations, as well as those presented in response to my question, I decided to try the "Hot Lips"...a Korean BBQ grilled patty with leaf lettuce, grilled onions, and house made kimchee...and, since the burger was only going to be $5, I also ordered a "Blue Colombian" taco...coffee-crusted braised beef with onions, cilantro & blue cheese guacamole served on top of two double layered 3-inch diameter corn tortillas.<br />
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I like blue cheese but I'm not a major fan. This taco's guacamole had a STONG blue cheese flavor which ended up growing on me after a couple of bites. The coffee flavor on the beef was an extra bonus "something special". It was something that I know I will grow to enjoy and will love to order again.<br />
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Overall the "Hot Lips" burger was good. I was a little disappointed in the lack of major heat or intense flavor of the kimchee itself. However, after two weeks in Korea this past summer, true kimchee can grow "old" on my palate so I'm sort of glad that I was able to enjoy the hint of flavor without the burger being overwhelmed with the fermented cabbage mixture. While there are many other burger styles I plan to try, I'll definitely revisit the "Hot Lips".<br />
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I'm pleased by my visit to S & B Burgers and will absolutely add it to my list of favorite places to visit!David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-7313766981741773872013-08-07T18:59:00.000-07:002017-08-09T15:48:04.331-07:00Rabbit, Snake, & Elk Walk into a Bar...<a href="https://www.zomato.com/fort-worth-tx/lonesome-dove-western-bistro-stockyards" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Stockyards and other Restaurants in Fort Worth"><img alt="Lonesome Dove Western Bistro Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16944311/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
...well, not so much a bar but the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in Ft. Worth's Stockyards.<br />
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I'm on my final push toward home on a multi-day road-trip, I called a friend whose family had recently visited Ft. Worth. From her posts on Facebook I knew that they had eaten somewhere nice in the Stockyards. So I gave her a call and she helped to direct me to Lonesome Dove.<br />
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Walking in to this rustic saloon styled restaurant I was cautious as to what culinary "delights" might await me. Beyond recommendations from friends who have traveled through an area I also base my first impressions on the "others" who I see dining. Yes, there were obviously other tourists, like myself. Additionally, I know a place in a "touristy" area is good if locals area also dining. Several of the "others" included what appeared to be business professionals from Ft. Worth's neighboring downtown neighborhood. My first instincts were that I was in the right place for my lunch en route home.<br />
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I'm not sure where the geographic dividing line happens to be between those areas where having a house brewed iced sweet tea available happens to be, but apparently Ft. Worth is not "southern" enough to be safely within the sweet tea zone. Needless to say I was polite about mixing in some Splenda into my iced tea.<br />
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As my server introduced the menu to me, upon learning this was my first time, he mentioned that any of their appetizers could be served in smaller tasting portions and mixed together. Well that sounded awesome as I was trying to be a little budget conscious as this was the end of my road-trip. I made a selection of a rabbit-rattlesnake sausage as well as a slider made from an elk sausage. Due to the mix in the sausage it was difficult to distinguish the rabbit from the rattlesnake; I've eaten rabbit before and could tell there was something "extra" with it but I'm sure I'd never be able to identify it as rattlesnake. Whatever the combination of flavors it was very tasty. The elk sausage slider was also a wonderful treat; not too gamey but still something a step up from beef.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Elk Sausage Slider with Seared Foie Gras and Blueberry Jam<br />
Right: Rabbit-Rattlesnake Sausage with Spicy Manchergo Rosti and Creme Fraiche</td></tr>
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For my entree I selected the "Daily Stockyard Special" which was tenderloin tacos. Let's just say that having a great steak in Ft. Worth's Stockyards is a treat and this spin on tenderloin within two lightly fried soft taco shells was just wonderful. The true highlight, however, was the red bell pepper soup. "Just magical." That's truly all I can say to do the soup justice!! If the soup was all that I had tried on this day I would still be able to present a highly positive review of Lonesome Dove.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Daily Stockyard Special"<br />
Tenderloin Tacos with Red Bell Pepper Soup,<br />
Mexican Rice, and Spicy Guacamole</td></tr>
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If you're in Ft. Worth or the larger Dallas Metroplex it would be very worth your time to venture on out to the Stockyard's and saddle yourself into a seat at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro.<br />
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And remember, happy eating is only an adventure away.David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-47705582588334645732013-07-29T05:50:00.000-07:002017-08-09T15:50:31.588-07:00See Food, Seafood<a href="https://www.zomato.com/new-orleans/french-market-restaurant-bar-new-orleans" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about French Market Restaurant & Bar, French Quarter and other Restaurants in New Orleans"><img alt="French Market Restaurant & Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/17242698/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
My plan for lunch yesterday was to go to Central Grocery in New Orleans for a a traditional muffaletta. However, Central Grocery, unbeknownst to this simple NOLA visitor, is closed on Sundays. So I just kept walking for a couple of blocks and then turned the corner. As I'm turning it hits me "I'm still hungry and there is a seafood restaurant right here. Why not?" So I did! I walked right in to The Original French Market Restaurant and Bar.<br />
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Being early on a Sunday afternoon and being further into the French Quarter than most first-time NOLA visitors might venture, I had plenty of seats from which to choose. I opted for a place at the bar where Heather greeted me. In addition to my lunch, I very much enjoyed visiting with her. Just know that if she makes a menu recommendation...take it!! I thoroughly LOVED both items she suggested. Additionally, she was so gracious on refilling my sweet tea multiple times (maybe 12...hey, I was thirsty from walking the Quarter that morning).<br />
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I had mentioned to Heather of my lunch plan at Central Grocery and she agreed that they had the best traditional muffaletta. But she then said "we have a great seafood muffaletta. I scanned the description and agreed that was what I needed so I ordered a half (if you've never had a muffaletta please know that they are usually 9-10 inches round. It was LOADED with stuff and I eventually had to use a fork to eat the "droppings" from my plate. The sandwich was a bit dry, due to the nature of the Italian style large bun and all the fried seafood, but Heather did set a condiment caddy by me so that I could add ketchup, mustard, mayo, Tabasco, etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood Muffaletta<br />
Fried shrimp, oysters, crawfish, and catfish with olive salad</td></tr>
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Just as I thought I was done she asked if I wanted dessert. I gave a pause before answering, long enough for her to ask if I liked bread pudding. I said "not usually". She responded that it was never one of her favorites either but that they have an amazing white-chocolate-praline bread pudding that is just "wonderful". Since she didn't lead me astray on the muffaletta I went for it. Let's just say...I'd eat a whole pan of this stuff and wouldn't share with anyone...sorry Mom. WOW, it was good...no...great...no...great x 2.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Chocolate Praline Bread Pudding</td></tr>
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I will definitely be adding The Original French Market Restaurant and Bar to my NOLA travels in the future.<br />
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And remember, happy eating is only and adventure away.David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-31985105548008484152013-07-28T22:01:00.000-07:002014-04-01T19:27:57.235-07:00Emeril's: the Real Deal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/57/620695/restaurant/Warehouse-District/Emerils-New-Orleans-New-Orleans" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Emeril's New Orleans on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/620695/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
I've eaten at Emeril's New Orleans before, but the experience tonight just blew that totally out of the water. My previous experience included my giving one of the best possibly compliments that I can make regarding a restaurant's seafood gumbo..."it's almost as good as Aunt Mary's gumbo". Honestly, if I even think that a gumbo comes close to my dearly departed Aunt Mary then you should know it is some TOP NOTCH gumbo.<br />
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This morning I called Emeril's to make a reservation for one (I'm traveling alone right now) and they recommended that I sit at the Chef's Window...a bar that looks directly into the kitchen so that you can see what's going on in the preparation of food. I jumped at that chance.<br />
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Upon my arrival and my perusement of the menu, I settled on their summer special of a Five Course Menu; you have a choice of three items for each course on this tasting menu. Before my five courses began to arrive, I was served a plate of breads and a perfect little appetizer salad. Then the fun started...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-PKRdKr1973-FlKDkinPerw1zv-8tyZrz81Hemhe6SzRGp-d0Lf-RXFJbrTrSGM6z1j3f8rMvEJ8EIW6oIFia5dLVKWfLJT_lTXZf7LWSkDLjuwxKDzAai7eQv9G7RVpWt3woXUiFtM/s1600/IMG_8032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-PKRdKr1973-FlKDkinPerw1zv-8tyZrz81Hemhe6SzRGp-d0Lf-RXFJbrTrSGM6z1j3f8rMvEJ8EIW6oIFia5dLVKWfLJT_lTXZf7LWSkDLjuwxKDzAai7eQv9G7RVpWt3woXUiFtM/s320/IMG_8032.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">assorted breads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn2yTIhzpymv6uPXcOyulzt5Ltffa6YxBlmfwCRjKpRQt00Sj7i1UNU99TYGpEfgngDajYjXcsfDkqjfO2hJuFjjziXS0iQu1wvH4S9LQ7zlDYgNoe6K2ux32goL0yUfkP1SPRCoi_So/s1600/IMG_8031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn2yTIhzpymv6uPXcOyulzt5Ltffa6YxBlmfwCRjKpRQt00Sj7i1UNU99TYGpEfgngDajYjXcsfDkqjfO2hJuFjjziXS0iQu1wvH4S9LQ7zlDYgNoe6K2ux32goL0yUfkP1SPRCoi_So/s320/IMG_8031.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">appetizer salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr_zaTqAyTIoQqEBM1DJ_l9PB6NJ5tpNxoKzQgBDfim07UXtPs5pNz58u9J4VmRzBtvehv9ojGbKa7CD1fvDCLVvP1xZweCbcS7zOAgRJLVCEKPwUTmYAzDVzau2JO26c1PFwI_DDkmY/s1600/IMG_8035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr_zaTqAyTIoQqEBM1DJ_l9PB6NJ5tpNxoKzQgBDfim07UXtPs5pNz58u9J4VmRzBtvehv9ojGbKa7CD1fvDCLVvP1xZweCbcS7zOAgRJLVCEKPwUTmYAzDVzau2JO26c1PFwI_DDkmY/s320/IMG_8035.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Angel Hair Pasta<br />
Louisiana Crawfish, Smoked Mushrooms,<br />
Local Tomatoes, Tarragon, Parmesan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ms2NiZY_CJS2Oiq3Sc4pKpfumNJwpVAP6Yz-bD0p2gvW4dxFXtawhzQUW2LaJ4KVgfaxSxypFi8sMKiwoXkmHA5PIi-zo4Tq5qIMlRHr7B2qzxDnGvpv9dbcNq-rbCpB0kvq-FQfC5Q/s1600/IMG_8037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ms2NiZY_CJS2Oiq3Sc4pKpfumNJwpVAP6Yz-bD0p2gvW4dxFXtawhzQUW2LaJ4KVgfaxSxypFi8sMKiwoXkmHA5PIi-zo4Tq5qIMlRHr7B2qzxDnGvpv9dbcNq-rbCpB0kvq-FQfC5Q/s320/IMG_8037.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowfin Tuna--Butter Lettuce Cups<br />
Pork Belly Confit, Hoisin, Jalapeno, Crips Rice Noodles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLUoQPAKC1qWBze-ooc_0zfmRrb7O1DLm05SPT-nn2b9YdhTyW4MgoqOH0_oOtaISuUD9l2144vxpI4WJ4qqtISwQrwdS4cGexrBhYvn8sKH-L40Rz_lCexglRb9Oo-yoW2q1XsDvdxM/s1600/IMG_8043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLUoQPAKC1qWBze-ooc_0zfmRrb7O1DLm05SPT-nn2b9YdhTyW4MgoqOH0_oOtaISuUD9l2144vxpI4WJ4qqtISwQrwdS4cGexrBhYvn8sKH-L40Rz_lCexglRb9Oo-yoW2q1XsDvdxM/s320/IMG_8043.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andouille Crusted Rainbow Trout<br />
Grilled Vegetables, Shoestring Potatoes,<br />
Glazed Pecans, Creole Meuniere Sauce<br />
**Signature Dish of the House**</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXdHYWJ0LH0SFSjSlXi5nsF7ZMLD9mrrJxc_sqSunb2FxbKyImkYlBrP4e_Ar8mAZ5TjmqH2ayXZJNAR2dPorSP-Ks6xTYgr7exPCSc1sFBnDky6maLFeOitL52uNNn-zPAkaHo0cCI4/s1600/IMG_8044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXdHYWJ0LH0SFSjSlXi5nsF7ZMLD9mrrJxc_sqSunb2FxbKyImkYlBrP4e_Ar8mAZ5TjmqH2ayXZJNAR2dPorSP-Ks6xTYgr7exPCSc1sFBnDky6maLFeOitL52uNNn-zPAkaHo0cCI4/s320/IMG_8044.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Fish of the Day<br />
Grilled Swordfish, Japanese Eggplant,<br />
Panko Breadcrumbs, Spicy Rapini, Alabama Peach Vinaigrette </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo7Cppaw4DdKH9OY8_b_LJGL823dJZsXZv2VLOPkZX_jovIch3xx4f0t7tJy9v592ZHOwxb_FbfNPrVozp88qVmv3PY5CkVQPMtatftjVqmr4jlo4Z0UC8ZlpHd5lCEgYUpHyh6n2xo8/s1600/IMG_8047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo7Cppaw4DdKH9OY8_b_LJGL823dJZsXZv2VLOPkZX_jovIch3xx4f0t7tJy9v592ZHOwxb_FbfNPrVozp88qVmv3PY5CkVQPMtatftjVqmr4jlo4Z0UC8ZlpHd5lCEgYUpHyh6n2xo8/s320/IMG_8047.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Vanilla Creme Brulee<br />
Seasonal Fruit, Shortbread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCJxgwf3RdK69qtLZl8OoRmiNY0RwZcRw85ZhMJKTIUvSBG86bpl56FYvG74tHV4kl7lsBAdP_rWxKl1T8dsXOgCMzeH8_4UbRieMcXNJLgXVnXz4BkgaAVP0FYkpF4Ojp9LoIuwVyc0/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCJxgwf3RdK69qtLZl8OoRmiNY0RwZcRw85ZhMJKTIUvSBG86bpl56FYvG74tHV4kl7lsBAdP_rWxKl1T8dsXOgCMzeH8_4UbRieMcXNJLgXVnXz4BkgaAVP0FYkpF4Ojp9LoIuwVyc0/s320/IMG_8048.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cappuccino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And remember, happy eating is only an adventure away!</div>
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David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-5591775328227480552013-07-15T16:22:00.000-07:002014-04-03T04:31:43.804-07:00Food, Glorious FoodI recently took a two-week study tour of South Korea. The trip was for American middle and high school social studies teachers and allowed us to see and interact with many aspects of Korean culture and history. One significant aspect of culture for any society is food.<br />
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Please check out "<a href="http://roamingremoteroads.blogspot.com/2013/07/food-glorious-food.html" target="_blank">Food, Glorious Food</a>" which is found on my travel blog "<a href="http://roamingremoteroads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">To Roam the Roads of Lands Remote</a>". This posting includes LOTS of pictures of some of the wonderful foods I ate. Enjoy!<br />
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And remember, happy eating is only adventure away.David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-83559888097047388792013-06-12T20:49:00.004-07:002014-04-01T19:25:35.833-07:00No Castle for Me<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/51/1687264/restaurant/Downtown/White-Castle-Louisville" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White Castle on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1687264/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>This review is not exclusive to the location in downtown Louisville, although it is being written in the wake of my recent visit to that location.<br />
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Over the years I've had the opportunity to visit several White Castle locations. I've had friends who previously lived in locations with White Castles rave about their food. During high school I had my visit to a White Castle during a state youth choir tour of the upper mid-west. I enjoy the "Red Pop" but not the burgers. There were a couple of similar experiences during my early 20s...the burgers just didn't do it for me.<br />
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About seven years ago I began making a yearly work trip to Louisville in early June. In that first year I was walking around downtown after checking in to my hotel and noticed a White Castle. So I thought, it's been years since I've had one and it is lunchtime and I'm hungry...so, why not.<br />
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Ick is why not. Steamed Spam burgers is the best way that I can describe the slider/burgers. And this might actually be an insult to Spam, I'm not sure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three sliders (one without cheese) & a "Red Pop"</td></tr>
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A couple of years later and it's again the first day of what has become this annual work trip. Check in. Walk around. See White Castle. It can't really be as bad as I remember. Order. Yep, it's that bad.<br />
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This year...it's the last day of the work week trip and I jokingly mention to my roommate that there is a White Castle nearby. He's heard about them and wants to try. I laugh and try to steer him to a different dining option, but he really wants to go. So we go.<br />
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His response..."man this is nasty". See, I'm not the only one, LOL.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4MOHCSB3yQy8JUXSuQTiQYLgB-8QMO_REzFwH4UZkwLSyDPrHkcIALdBg14AhLenM0EyZhiSdXZgKkW0AU7eYTLLf5J74AH_x-4-RJAXKJEAa80pAunt7IF_wTgQdL9_FSHe7Zcp2H8/s1600/IMG_7599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4MOHCSB3yQy8JUXSuQTiQYLgB-8QMO_REzFwH4UZkwLSyDPrHkcIALdBg14AhLenM0EyZhiSdXZgKkW0AU7eYTLLf5J74AH_x-4-RJAXKJEAa80pAunt7IF_wTgQdL9_FSHe7Zcp2H8/s320/IMG_7599.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From what part of the chicken do "rings" come?</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Until next time, happy eating (hopefully) is only an adventure away.</span><br />
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David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-26983559141003567192013-06-12T20:25:00.000-07:002014-04-01T19:25:01.209-07:00Cajun Food + Digits<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/51/777619/restaurant/Downtown/J-Gumbos-Downtown-Louisville-Louisville" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="J. Gumbo's Downtown Louisville on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/777619/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>During my recent visit to Louisville, KY for work some of my colleagues and I opted to venture out for lunch on our own rather than dining at the convention center. One of my colleagues had previously visited J. Gumbo's in downtown Louisville (a very short walk from the Kentucky International Convention Center) and made a compelling recommendation to the rest of us. She was so right about the quality of the food that we returned there for a second visit during the week...yep, that good!<br />
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Having family heritage from Cajun Land in southern Louisiana I am sometimes skeptical of gumbo. Over the years I've been pleasantly surprised and overwhelmingly appalled at what different restaurants will serve as a gumbo. So I made my initial order with some skepticism. To help tame down the skepticism I did order a "split decision"...for $1 over the price of the more expensive of your two options you can get two medium bowls of food rather than one large bowl of a single item. My two items? Well, one had to be Gumbo (just to try it) and the other was the Voodoo Chicken.<br />
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First the Gumbo: well it wasn't Aunt Mary's (best I've ever had, with close honorable mentions for my dad's other sisters) but it was very close! Let's just say that gumbo coming anywhere close to being compared with Aunt Mary's (in a positive light) is gumbo that gets a thumbs up from me. Second the Voodoo Chicken: if you can't handle spicy then DON'T order this because it is HOT HOT HOT. I had to actually tame it down some by mixing in some sour cream. Despite its heat its flavor is AWESOME. I strongly recommend it!!<br />
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For our second visit two days later I did a single order of Crawfish Etouffee. It was light and creamy and served over rice. It could have a used a bit more crawfish mixed in, but overall a wonderful flavor!! The highlight, however, of this visit wasn't the food (which was great). The highlight was the flirtacious attention from one of the waitresses. Well, those who know me know that I can flirt back and let's just say, "whoot, whoot", that SunShyne gave me her "digits". It's her "birthday month" and she is just having fun celebrating. She was lots of fun and a great help at J. Gumbo's. I'll definitely be back again.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away.</span></div>
David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-32579860056360097572013-06-12T20:00:00.000-07:002014-04-01T19:22:51.308-07:00Quiet in the Garden<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/501356/restaurant/Midwest-City/Seoul-Garden-Korean-Oklahoma-City" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seoul Garden Korean on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/501356/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Following some "<a href="http://roamingremoteroads.blogspot.com/2013/06/chopstick-fears.html" target="_blank">Chopstick Fears</a>" (addressed on my other blog), I've made it a point to visit a few Asian restaurants "near" my home so that I can practice using chosticks prior to my upcoming trip to South Korea. While my friends whom accompanied me tonight did laugh a few times and my attempts, they can't deny that I made it through my meal without resorting to fork usage tonight <grin>.<br />
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Tonight's venture took us to Seoul Garden, a Korean restaurant in Mid-West City, OK. In addition to my chopstick practice I also want to rekindle my taste buds toward Koran dishes. I ordered the beef bul-go-gi as I remembered it being a favorite of mine during my last trip to Korea. As our meals were being served we were offered to help ourselves with the miso soup; just add onions, mushrooms, and seaweed to whatever suited each of us individually. It was served with white steamed rice, chicken egg rolls, and the table spread of kim-chi, potato pancakes, cucumber kim-chi, and other items which were served family style.<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed every bite! Things were not as spicy as I had thought (maybe even hoped) but the food was absolutely wonderful. While Seoul Garden is not near my home or work locations and is a bit of a drive to get to, it is still a location which I can definitely see myself returning.<br />
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The only downside to the whole experience was the overall lack of customers in the large dinning room. Granted it was a Wednesday night during the summer, but I would have hoped that a restaurant with as high a popularity rate as Seoul Garden would have had more diners. Perhaps they are busier during other times, but tonight was just a quiet night in the Garden.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away.</span></div>
David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-9561475495576050442013-02-14T20:43:00.002-08:002014-04-01T19:21:49.196-07:00"Po Boy"? Oh No Boy!<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1348875/restaurant/Oklahoma-City/McAlisters-Deli-Moore" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="McAlister's Deli on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1348875/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
One of the things I enjoy about <a href="http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/" target="_blank">McAlister's Deli</a>, and many other places, is their frequent buyers program. Each time your purchase a tea or a meal they punch a card. Once you have 9 punches per card you get a free tea or free meal depending in card. Today I redeemed a fully punched card for each a tea and a meal and enjoyed a totally free lunch!!<br />
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McAlister's is currently highlighting shrimp specials which are headlined by a new shrimp Po Boy style sandwich. Using my free lunch cards, I decided to try a Cajun Shrimp Po Boy and a side of pasta salad. This sandwich features a bunch of buttered & peppered shrimp coated with a chipotle mayonnaise and paired with tomato slices, lettuce, and coleslaw on top of crispy French bread. I'll preface my next comments by saying I enjoyed the flavors of both the sandwich and the pasta salad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cajun Shrimp Po Boy I was served today</td></tr>
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Now, part of my ethnic ancestry includes strong Cajun connections with southern Louisiana. While I'm definitely NOT a Po Boy expert, I've had a fair number of them over the years. The protein on a traditional Cajun Po Boy is almost always fried: fried shrimp, fried claims, fried oysters, fried chicken, and even fried alligator. This was my first shrimp Po Boy that was not fried. Additionally, I've never had a Po Boy with coleslaw. While it added a different, and somewhat positive, texture it is just not part of what I consider Po Boy. Finally, the Cajun spice or heat has always been part of the spices incorporated into the batter for frying the protein. Although a good Po Boy will need mayonnaise or mustard for moisture purposes, the use of the chipotle mayonnaise as the source of the spice/heat was just not what I was anticipating.<br />
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As noted in the preface above, the sandwich was a good sandwich and I'm sure I'll have another one at some point. However, this sandwich is NOT anything that I can in good conscience call a Po Boy. I'd encourage you to try one and let me know your thoughts!<br />
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And remember, happy eating is only a journey away!<br />
<br />David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-15063286274283891362013-02-03T11:43:00.000-08:002014-04-01T19:20:59.972-07:00Super Bowl of ChiliTonight's the annual Super Bowl football championship game between the Ravens and the 49ers. Regardless of who wins, one thing is certain: LOTS of people will be gathering together tonight for parties to "watch the game" and will be feasting on LOTS of wonderful foods. One of the foods that is often prepared for a night like this is chili.<br />
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Chili comes in lots of different forms. Many will argue whether or not it should have beans (or any kind) or even tomatoes. Chili can also come in a variety of "color"s based upon the stock of the liquid: red (most common), green, or white. Many Americans from various regions will argue to their death that something is NOT chili unless it is prepared THEIR way. Regardless of how you like it, it will be served and eaten in large quantities tonight. In fact, as I type this posting I've got a crock pot simmering with my version (another debate crock pot vs. stove top pan). To explore more on the history and variations of chili visit the Wikipedia page for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_con_carne" target="_blank">chili con carne</a> (with meat).<br />
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Here's my recipe for tonight. If you have a variation or a completely different recipe feel free to share in the comments section.<br />
<ol>
<li>In a large crock pot combine:</li>
<ol>
<li>15 oz can of red kidney beans (drained)</li>
<li>15 oz can of pinto beans (drained)</li>
<li>15 oz can of black beans (drained)</li>
<li>two 15 oz cans of tomato sauce</li>
<li>two 12 oz cans of <a href="http://www.texmex.net/Rotel/main.htm" target="_blank">Rotel</a> tomatoes & chilies mix</li>
<li>mix and set on low heat</li>
</ol>
<li>In a skillet brown 2 lbs of lean ground turkey (or beef if you prefer) and add:</li>
<ol>
<li>2 packets of favorite chili seasoning mix (I'm using <a href="http://www.frenchs.com/" target="_blank">French's</a> brand today)</li>
<li>chili powder (to your taste)</li>
<li>black pepper (to your taste)</li>
<li>and, in honor of my Louisiana family/blood-line, <a href="http://shop.tonychachere.com/" target="_blank">Tony Chachere's</a> Original Creole Seasoning (to your taste)</li>
<li>strain grease (if desired)</li>
</ol>
<li>Add browned turkey (or beef) into crock pot and stir together</li>
<li>If being served "soon" leave on low heat or if being served "later" reduce to warm and allow time to simmer.</li>
<li>Additional options (which I most often use):</li>
<ol>
<li>one bottle of <a href="http://www.shiner.com/" target="_blank">Shiner Boch</a> beer (typically added a while after the meet)</li>
<li>half of a standard size <a href="http://www.hersheys.com/" target="_blank">Hershey's</a> Chocolate bar broken into pieces (just adds another dimension of flavor)</li>
</ol>
<li>Serve (I like it over<a href="http://www.fritolay.com/our-snacks/fritos.html" target="_blank"> Frito's</a> corn chips with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and a dollap of sour cream)</li>
</ol>
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Remember, post your favorite recipe or suggested variations in the comments section.<br />
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Until next time, remember happy eating is only an adventure away.David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-29942793420891840062013-01-26T20:13:00.001-08:002014-04-01T19:20:21.036-07:00Getting a Little Crusty<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1549129/restaurant/Belle-Isle/Upper-Crust-Wood-Fired-Pizza-Oklahoma-City" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1549129/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
The "<a href="http://classencurve.com/" target="_blank">Classen Curve</a>" at the intersection of Classen Avenue and Grand Boulevard (near NW 63rd and Western Avenue) in northwest Oklahoma City is just bustling with activity. There are lots of shops and restaurants catering to a variety of tastes.<br />
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One of my favorite restaurants at Classen Curve is <a href="http://uppercrust.ehsrg.com/" target="_blank">Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza</a>. Upper Crust features a diverse menu and yet features hand-tossed thin New York style pizza cooked over open flame in one of its two brick ovens. While there are pre-designed pizza options on the menu you can also have one made to suit your tastes. Upper Crust also provides featured options which are not necessarily on the menu. On my first visit the night's showcase pizza was a wonderful Italian meatball.<br />
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Tonight I joined some friends at Upper Crust and, again, was far from disappointed with my selections. One of tonight's off-menu features was an Italian Nachos: fried spinach chips topped with spicy ground beef, peppers, pepperoncinis, olives, and a variety of cheeses. Simply a light and delicious way to start the evening.<br />
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Following the nacho appetizer, my friends and I each ordered the Farmer's Market Salad: Boston Bibb lettuce, mixed with arugula, fuji apples, candied walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese and tossed with a tasty white balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The crispness of the apples and the mixtures of the sweet and sour flavors provided such a wonderful in-between course.<br />
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For our main course we made selections from the pre-designed menu. Each pizza has an approximate 12" diameter and can easily feed two (even three if you've enjoyed salad and appetizers). My friends slit a Numbers (pie sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy sausage, crispy prosciutto, and jalapenos) while I selected a Flying Pig (pig sauce, fresh mozzarella, βbrickedβ chicken, smoked bacon, and ranch swirl). The Numbers looked so delicious and spicy. The Flying Pig is a bacon lover's dream; the flavors just worked so well together. I'm so glad that I was able to bring about half of it home with me so I'll have another round of enjoyment for lunch tomorrow! The Flying Pig is definitely one of my favorite pre-designeds. Perhaps I'll build my own next time just to see how creative I can get.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwE11ERa7rtYZNRK1E8n8jUYBEfnv5PtogSq2qye_URIcnotuIuIQ7_yyMtVfeQiRsQ9le7Bwin1XxCZHMcJEefDWo4b9ZWrEx5gT9ElLFzO1kGQ8CE89JsjugdU73Khlwyc1inw5i974/s1600/IMG_6297%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwE11ERa7rtYZNRK1E8n8jUYBEfnv5PtogSq2qye_URIcnotuIuIQ7_yyMtVfeQiRsQ9le7Bwin1XxCZHMcJEefDWo4b9ZWrEx5gT9ElLFzO1kGQ8CE89JsjugdU73Khlwyc1inw5i974/s320/IMG_6297%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Numbers (well, 2/3rds of one)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Flying Pig (half covered with freshly grated Parmesan)</td></tr>
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Whether you're out for the start of a night on the town or just venturing out of your neighborhood for a nice bite to eat you should consider Upper Crust. You won't be disappointed by their pizzas. I do still intend to try something else from their menu and yet I've always gone for the pizza.<br />
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Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away.David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-37450744824653567612013-01-12T09:50:00.002-08:002014-04-01T19:19:28.231-07:00Pho - nomenal<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/501169/restaurant/Uptown/Pho-Lien-Hoa-Oklahoma-City" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pho Lien Hoa on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/501169/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
A cultural delight has developed in the heart of one of Oklahoma City's historic neighborhoods. Beginning in the 1970s and continuing into the early 1980s, refugees from southeast Asia (primarily Vietnamese) began settling near the intersection of NW 23rd and Classen. Numerous Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries, grocery outlets, etc., were soon opened. As the visual characteristics of the community began to reflect this cultural arrival this area of town earned the nickname "Little Saigon". This community was even featured in a National Geographic article called "<a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0303/feature6/" target="_blank">73106: Lemongrass on the Prairie</a>."<br />
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As the community has matured in a thriving and important part of the greater Oklahoma City community, a more politically correct"Asian District" now identifies the area. Many of the smaller grocery outlets have given way to a large supermarket, <a href="http://www.caonguyen.com/" target="_blank">Super Cao Nguyen</a>, which provides a multitude of imported grocery items (not just from east or southeast Asia) as well as fresh meats and produce. People from all over the metropolitan area know that this community is the best place for east and southeast Asian culinary arts.<br />
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As a celebration for my recent birthday, some friends wanted to take me out for dinner. They left open to me the choice of where to eat and, since they had already taken me here before, I announced that I would love to eat at Pho Lein Hoa. This restaurant features the Vietnamese noodle soup known as Pho (pronounced <em>fuh</em>). Pho includes rice noodles, any mixture of beef (or sometimes chicken), a variety of herbs and spices, and thin transparent broth. Pho will often be served with a side of fresh been spouts, basil leaves, peppers, and limes (for juice) to help add additional flavor and texture to your soup.<br />
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Once at Pho Lein Hoa each member of my party had an order of two of their delicious spring rolls. These Vietnamese versions include a rice paper casing filled with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, thin strips of pork and shrimp. The spring rolls are then served with a side of peanut sauce for dipping.<br />
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I then ordered the "P9" or the Pho Chin for my entree. This pho is prepared as noted above but the beef preparation was a well done brisket. I did add lots of shredded basil, some sprouts, a couple of slices of jalapeno peppers and a little bit of spicy Sriracha chili sauce. I ate and ate and ate and it was all so wonderful. To me, the best part of the whole bowl was the little bit of broth left at the bottom. By this point all of the excess spices and flavorings had migrated to the bottom and their high concentration within the remaining broth was so over powering and yet amazing. I don't recommend spooning out the excess broth flavor mixture; just pick up the bowl and drink it!<br />
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While there are many places within the Asian District, end even in other neighborhoods in Oklahoma City, I will never remove Pho Lein Hoa from my list of OKC's "must eats".<br />
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Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away!David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-22887908538767728072013-01-07T19:41:00.000-08:002014-04-01T19:17:02.615-07:00Needed Some SPICY Comfort<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1348875/restaurant/Oklahoma-City/McAlisters-Deli-Moore" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="McAlister's Deli on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1348875/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
For the past few weeks I've had this cold thing that just won't leave. It's intensity comes and goes and today it was especially strong while trying to resume work following Winter Break. Since I was not feeling all that great I was definitely in need of some comfort food and a warm sandwich and hot bowl of soup just sounded like it would "hit the spot".<br />
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A co-worker/friend and I ventured to our local <a href="http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/" target="_blank">McAlister's Deli</a> in Moore, OK. McAlister's is one of my regular lunch stops because I just love the food and fabulous sweet tea. While purusing the menu the word "spicy" just kept calling my name for my sandwich choice and I ultimately settled on the Spicy Southwest Chicken Griller. This delight includes: "sliced grilled chicken breast topped with guacamole, fire-roasted corn and poblano pepper relish, pepper jack cheese and chipotle ranch on a ciabatta roll." It is just wonderful to have all of those flavors in my mouth at once.<br />
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With your sandwich selection you have the choice of one of McAlister's wonderful side dishes. Typically I'll go for some mac & cheese which would have fit wonderfully in with my comfort food quest today. But today, in addition to the "spicy", I also wanted a nice cup of soup. For an extra $2 you can have a cup of soup as your sandwich's side and I selected their rich and cream broccoli cheese soup. The soup today was just a tad thinner than I prefer but the flavors were all still there.<br />
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And of course, in my opinion, not trip to McAlister's is complete without a cup of that fabulous sweet tea. I just love to guzzle that stuff down which eating my meal and smile when the wait staff comes by to provide a refill. One more refill for the road and I am just in sweet tea heaven.<br />
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Sometimes you just need to comfort food (spicy or not) and McAlister's delivered today. I returned to work and a long meeting with a little extra "giddy-up" in my "go".<br />
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Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away!David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2372344057725253216.post-60515939901666754752013-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:002017-08-09T19:33:53.214-07:00Bazinga for Red Beans and Rice<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/500777/restaurant/Oklahoma-City/Midwest-City/Jims-Fried-Chicken-Nicoma-Park" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jim's Fried Chicken on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/500777/biglink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>
A couple of days ago I learned that my favorite place for fried chicken had closed down. RIP to Bobo's Chicken! Your deliciousness ... no, Bobo-liciousness ... will never be forgotten.<br />
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Now I begin my quest for the next "great" chicken place in Oklahoma. Using the member based rating system on <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/">www.urbanspoon.com</a> I decided to plan a visit to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jims-Fried-Chicken/168735773194299">Jim's Fried Chicken</a> in Nicoma Park, just outside of Oklahoma City. Jim's had a 94% approval rating and some pretty great reviews. Today, I was able to convince some friends to join me.<br />
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Jim's is housed in a small stand alone building along NW 23rd Street. As we were arriving near 2:00 PM it wasn't a surprise to find only one other car in the parking lot. We walked in and immediately heavenly scents greeted us; we all smiled up as we looked at each in reaction to the aroma. As we ordered, a line began to form behind us. This small restaurant was suddenly very crowded; most of these next orders were "to go" which might be best due to the small nature of the dining area.<br />
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We each ordered 2 pieces. The others ordered one of the meal packages which came with choices of small sides. I ordered a la carte and paired a medium size red beans and rice (a dish with lots of popular mentions in Urbanspoon's reviews) and a medium size macaroni and cheese (a hand written notice of this being available today).<br />
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The chicken (a wing and breast for me) was so warm and juicy and it had some nice spices in it. It was GOOD chicken and yet, sadly, it was not good enough to rival Bobo's for me. The one thing, however, that will most likely keep me returning to Jim's will be the red beans and rice. I have a family back ground with strong southern Louisiana and Cajun influences. I've had some amazing RB&R at a variety of places (like <a href="http://www.leaslunchroom.com/lecompte/A_Louisiana_Tradition_Since_1928.html">Lea's Lunchroom</a> in Lecompte, LA) and this RB&R is absolutely the BEST that I've had outside of Louisiana! It is smooth, well cooked (each the beans and the rice), WONDERFULLY seasoned, and even has andouille sausage mixed in (I would have liked a tad more andouille).<br />
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The RB&R alone will be enough to get me to return to Jim's and while there I'm sure I'll enjoy more chicken and mac&cheese (other group members also recommend the fried okra and fried fruit pies).<br />
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I do highly recommend that you venture to Jim's Fried Chicken and check it out for yourself. Try the chicken, sure, but make sure and try the red beans and rice!!<br />
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Until next time, happy eating is only an adventure away!David C. Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599123214307900490noreply@blogger.com0