Gumbeaux's Cajun Cafe - Douglasville, GA

One of the largest dilemma's I face living in Atlanta is where to go for some good ol' seafood.  I am talking fresh simple preparations with great flavors.  For the past few years I have heard a number of people mention a place in Douglasville, GA.  This weekend one of my besties urged me to join on a visit to Gumbeaux's Cajun Cafe to make and celebrate with new friends.

Now let me warn you this place does not take reservations. This was small fact that my girl decided to leave out as she knows me, I do not like to wait.  As the first to arrive she told me to put our name on the list for a party of 14.  Yes, you read that correctly a table for 14 people, with no reservations and 5 large parties already on the list before us.  So as most who know me can attest, as long as I have my Kindle I'm good.

Eventually our turn comes and we round up to grab our seats.  I did not study the menu prior so I decided to rely on the combination of absolute curiosity and a strong recommendation provided by our friends father, Mr. Richard.

And so it begins, with large and small bowls of Seafood Chowder, Lobster and Shrimp Bisque and Seafood Gumbo.  It was exciting just watching it all come out and of course I had my spoon in everybody's bowl for a taste.  Everyone was like family even though we had only met just moments before. The flavors of each were so very rich.  I promise in my heart  I wanted to finish my bowl, but then the thought that more food was on the way stopped me dead in my tracks.

Seafood Chowder

Lobster and Shrimp Bisque

Seafood Gumbo

And then, there was the "Heart Attack Stack."  Described as a 'fried grit cake on jalapeno creamed corn, topped with a fried crab cake that is sandwiched between two fried green tomatoes, then topped with hollandaise sauce."  Yes, that is way to much in one dish, but when you compiled that perfect bite with all the elements in one... it was absolute heaven.  The salty sweet spicy goodness accented texture of the grit cake. It was one of those times, where in the the moment you may not even realize how much you have said without even opening your mouth.  You close your eyes, flinch ever so slightly and then a huge smile slowly spreads across your face... pure ecstasy.

Heart Attack Stack

With all of this you would think the meal was over. That would make to much sense, just as I sit back on my seat, I see them coming with more plates.  To my relief I did only order the shrimp Po'boy, which I was only able to take a few bites of before picking off he shrimp. But it was Captain Creole's Platter that stole the show.  It was 'a little bit of everything fried: catfish, oysters, shrimp, tilapia, crawfish, gator and a fried cajun crab cake,' that looked like it 10lbs worth of food.  Jaws simply dropped at the site.  It was ordered to be shared by two, but it easily could have fed 5 people.

Shrimp Po'boy

Captain Creole's Platter

 In the end I left a very happy and extremely full camper.  So next time your heading west on I-20 in GA, stop in and visit Gumbeaux's.  Eat Bright!!

Dumpling House - Toronto Canada

So the first recommendation I received on where to eat in Toronto was from my coworker Ryan.   He told me that I must go to the Dumpling House on Spadina Avenue in Chinatown.  It was this picture that he took during his visit of them preparing the dumplings int the front window that totally SOLD me on the place.

Dumpling House Restaurant

Walking out of the hotel I made a right and there my adventure began.  The walk was a pleasant one as it is about 80 degrees outside. This is my first visit to Toronto and all I could think about is how it feels just like being in NY... and that I really want some pork. 

Dumpling prep kitchen at the front door

 The dumpling house sits in the middle of the block very nondescript, yet very identifiable by the intense dumpling assembly taking place in the front window.  When you walk in all the tables are full so I end up sharing with a couple that is almost done with their meal.  I decide to of course have dumplings.  I go with the fried pork and shrimp dumplings and an order of Singapore style noodles.  While wait I have time to finish reading the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and start reading, Good to Great in God's Eyes by Chip Ingram.

The Singapore noodles arrive first.  Upon first glance I am completely in love, immediately remembering the small restaurant tucked away down an alley in Sydney that I found while wandering aimlessly.  There is the perfect balance of seasoning and curry sauce is perfect.  I have to stop myself as the dumplings have yet to arrive.

Then just ask resolve to not eat all the noddles is about to fail, the table next to me gets there dumpling order (it looks amazing).  I begin to get excited as I know my order will be next. But then I realize mine did not come out as pretty as theirs... So you know in true Rebecca fashion, I asked them if I could take a picture of theirs... I'm only going to share the 'pretty' ones.

Neighbors Dumplings

This meal turned out to be absolutely perfect.  The dumplings melted in my mouth just the right shrimp to pork ratio.  I honestly could not have asked for more...But as I walked back to the hotel I stumbled upon a small treasure hidden down an alley.  A beautiful tribute to one of greatest hit makers that we lost way to soon... J Dilla

 

J Dilla

  Toronto is definitely now on my list of places to return to and explore.  I was only able to see and taste a small sampling of all that it has to offer. 

Looking forward to more opportunities to explore Toronto and Eat Bright!!!

 

Giordano's - Chicago, IL

Historically I have LIKED pizza, but after spending the last couple of months in Illinois I have come to LOVE it.  There is absolutely nothing like Chicago Stuffed Pizza.  I have been trying various places and this weekend had the opportunity to try Giordano's on Rush Street. 

I let my friend pick the toppings and she decided on Sausage, Pepperoni and Mushrooms.  After a 40 minute wait, we were greeted to an amazing steaming masterpiece. Its not until you remove the first slice that you can really come to appreciate what you have before your eyes.  

We left stuffed beyond measure as it was so hard to stop eating...but that is a risk you take when you choose to Eat Bright!!

Lucca Restaurant - Sacramento, CA

It has been a while, the past couple of months were busy.  Preparing for the PMP exam totally consumed me and after PASSING decided to just take a month to breathe.  Then on Tuesday as I took my first bite at dinner, the urge hit me to Begin Again!

Lucca Restaurant lists itself as California-Mediterranean.  A coworked recommended Lucca a few weeks ago and as I drove down J street I decided to stop in.  I started with a simple chopped salad to keep with my resolution to have a salad a day.  It was nothing special and could have used a bit more dressing.

My entree, however, was to die for.  The Crispy Duck Confit, served on a butter bean ragout with Spanish chorizo and smoked bacon, herb bread crumbs, arugula & sherry vinaigrette.  My waiter warned me that the dish was rich and he was so right.  Each bit was an experience.  The skin was crisp as the meat was cooked to absolute perfection, falling off the bone.  The dish is a bit salty due to the chorizo and bacon, but by building your bite with the beans and meat together you could really appreciate the dish in its totality. 

Crispy Duck Confit

 All and all it was a great meal at a great price. Will definitely visit again.

 Distractions happen, Eat Bright!!

Indulging at home...

At home for the first time in months and fighting a bout with bronchitis, so decided I deserve to indulge.  Now as you know I do not go in my kitchen and actually turn on the stove often, but hey, miracles happen.

Fried Garlic Bologna Sandwich

How might I do that? With nothing better than a Fried Bologna Sandwich on steroids.  In case you want to recreate my beloved treat, here are the steps.

Begin by frying up the Garlic Bologna lightly on med-high heat.  As the garlic begins to permeate air, you can begin assembling your masterpiece...Starting with thinly sliced multigrain bread, slather each slide with a mix of mayo and minced garlic (yes, I love garlic!), then layer on a a few slices of Smoked Gruyere cheese and your fried bolonga.  But your not done yet, you then need to butter each side of your sandwich and fry it up again in order to get that beautiful golden color and warm the cheese.   

 Must give thanks to family friend for planting the thought of garlic bologna in my head over the Christmas holidays.

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Chops Steakhouse - Sacramento, CA

Its Dine Downtown week in Sacramento and tonight I am here at Chops Steak and Seafood. Tucked away on threw alley sits the beautiful atmosphere full of life in the bar where I am seated trying to study with an Old Fashion at my side.

Three courses for 30 dollars is the feature.  The mixed greens salad was fresh and had a nice house vinegarette dressing.  Next up was the 6oz filet with mashed potatoes.  The steak was cooked perfectly based on my request and the potatoes had amazing flavor.

For the finale, a simple slice of cheese cake worth raspberry sauce.

Loving Dine Downtown Sacramento 2012, Eat Bright!

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Greek Village Inn - Sacramento, CA

Finally getting my Skordalia fix (happy dance!!!!). The wonderfully smooth garlic dip that makes me smile.

I found the Greek Village Inn during a very specific search for Skordalia or skordhalia/skorthalia. Upon walking in I was greeted to another great surprise as they had the spicy feta as featured special today. Individually each dip is great, but together they will blow your mind. The feta had just the right amount of fire to meet the garlicy goodness that is a star of the Skordalia.

Skordalia and Spicy Feta Dips

  Next was the house Avgolemono, lemon and rice soup. Very flavorful, but with all the other dishes I ordered I only had a small taste.

Avgolemono Soup

For my main I went with an old faithful Gyro plate...Greek lemon potatoes, tzatziki, olives, and feta cheese. The gyro meat was thick cut, well seasoned and tasty, while the potatoes had mild lemon bite compared to others I've had.

Gyro Platter

Overall it was a great meal and the service was great. Looking forward to my next visit.

Garlic is your friend...Eat Bright!

Sprig - Atlanta, GA

I am STARVING... as waiting for the credits to role on 'Anonymous', which was fabulous by the way, to signal that its time to go.  Immediately AP and I make a dash for the door knowing that Sprig closes at 10.  

Perusing the menu, there are a number items to catch the eye.  The waitress confirmed our ideas when asked for recommendations. We originally ordered the Kale & Shiitake Mushroom Grits...Yep, you felt it too.. absolute excitement!  That is until moments later they return to say they don't have them.  So we decided to try the Butternut squash Risotto. Sounded very interesting until it came out looking pretty plain and uninteresting. Then we tasted it and it was blah, something was missing.

Before Sage

When we brought it to their attention our waitress pointed out that they left off the fried Sage and parmesean cheese.   Unfortunately, even with the correct toppings, there was nothing stand up about the dish.

After Sage

As everyone who has read by blog knows, I'm always on the hunt for a good burger.  And after hearing that the Sprig Burger might make it into my top 4 for Atlanta, I was stoked.

That is until again, after the manager comes back to inform us that they are out of Holeman & Fitch Bread Co. buns.  So instead we order one on a gluten free bun and one they put on a H& F Hoagie bun. Then as we are sizing up our burger, we notice a key missing piece of color, tomato red.  And again they have to come back to our table to explain that they are no longer in season which we totally respect but the menu, which was listed as just redone for fall, still said burger included tomato.  That seems small, but think about how the words on the menu are all you have to go on as you build up your expectations of what you hope will be a dish that live up to them.

 
Now back to the burger...alternate bun choices were a total mistake, it of course totally took away from our BURGER experience.  Half of the experience is dependent on the taste the other is the feeling you get when you prep your burger then pick it up and take that first bite.  The gluten free bun was good for gluten free, but as expected it was crumbly and unable to really stand up to the weight of the patty.  The hoagie bun, was just funny to look at and so it sat untouched.  Now let me know forget to say that the quality of the meat and the flavor was great.  It was not bad at all, just requires me to go back again in order to better assess the burger. 

With hopes of closing this meal off on a good note we decide to try the Gooey Butter Cake, Pumpkin flavored due to season.  I know, what in the world.  It was to be a cake and cheese cake combo thing with lots and lots of butter baked in.  Which in my mind along with the word gooey in the title makes me expect moisture beyond all.  And that my friends was my mistake and that was exactly what it lacked.  You can even see it in the picture, they cake bottom is dry.  I think they had it in the fridge at too low of a temperature so it was drying out, it looked frost bitten. So after just a bite, we had to push it away.  It has so much promise just based on the title, but unfortunately the execution here left a lot to be desired.

Not going to take it off my list, but may not be rushing back next week... Eat Bright!!

Cafeteria 15L and Scotts's Seafood - Sacramento, CA

So here I am again...back at Cafeteria 15L. As I was eating my grilled cheese last time I herd the bartender say their burger is one of the best in Sac town. And as you know, I'm always hunting a good burger. I found one is Columbus, OH, Johnnies Tavern, that I visited weekly to have a Hot-fries (burger with pepper jack and side of Fries).

But I digress, I'm back now to try their Cafeteria Burger. I'm thinking goat cheese and bacon... As happy hour prepares to end, I decide to try their mac n' cheese. Served piping hot in cast iron pot, its perfectly golden on top. The flavors are mild and each bite accented with the crunchy texture from the bread crumbs.

Mac n' Cheese

OMG, this smells amazing. Of course I got the garlic fries again... and the goat cheese and special sauce are calling my name... and after I take the time to cut it and prepare for first bite...Its still quite pink. I ordered medium well + minute.

Burger with Goat Cheese and Bacon

I was sooo excited, it looked soooo good!!!

So here I am... Waiting again, hope I get the same feeling again... It doesn't, maybe it just me, but I hate when they mess up then put the same buyer back on the grill fully dressed... It like opening a present, I can't have the same excitement about what I will find perfectly wrapped gift... Plus they took my fries so their not piping hot anymore either... What had the promise of being joyful beyond all is not a disappointment.

Burger is good. But now I don't have a taste for it anymore...

Pray it comes out right the first time... Eat Bright... :-(

Take 2

So as I am still hungry, I don't know what to eat... then it comes to me just get some seafood.  Something that's the total opposite of the burger, as not to be comparing them.  So I remember something i saw online, Scott's Seafood.  Its not really in my direction, but hey I'm hungry. The manager and I have a nice chat and she recommends a mix of the Boston Clam Chowder and Spicy Crab Bisque.  Its sooo warm on a cool night like tonight...she recommended the mix as to soften the bite of the bisque yet still have the creaminess greatness of the chowder.  After a bit more discussion we decided that in the future a 3:1 bisque to chowder ratio might be better so more of the spice comes through.

Boston Clam Chowder and Spicy Crab Bisque

I also had one of each of the featured oysters listed below, with the Cortes island and Eld island being my favorite.

Favorites at 12 and 3

Sometimes it takes two... Eat Bright...

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Cafeteria 15L - Sacramento, CA

Today was one of those days where I really didn't have a taste for anything, so after searching around I found Cafeteria 15L, american comfort food. Equipped to be completely open air and with great patio seating options, it definitely takes advantage of the cool fall weather.

Started with the Trio of Fries; garlic, sweet potato and BBQ with dipping sauces. The garlic and bbq were amazing, the perfect amount of seasoning. The sweet potato miss the mark though, as they brought nothing special to the combination (maybe adding some spice would help). I could have had more of the garlic instead.

Trio of Fries

BBQ, Sweet Potato and Garlic

Next up, I am waiting for my grilled cheese and tomato soup. They actually serve with fries, but I felt that was overload so going with a salad...

Salad provided a simple start, to the fresh, thick and hearty flavor of the tomato soup. The grilled cheese was thin and crisp and held well as you dipped it in the soup.

Eating for comfort is OK in moderation...Eat Bright!

Gatsby's Diner

Now its only right that I look up what spots in the area have been featured on food network. So I come to find Gatsby's Diner which was on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives back in January.

I walk in to the amazing smell of burgers, steaks and pork chops cooking on converted Japanese hibachi grills. I must say this is the epitome of an open kitchen.

I decided the seasonal 'Bacon Sherry Burger' was the way to go... 8 oz patty topped with shaved brussel sprouts, cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato, thinly sliced red onion and a sherry mayo made in house, with nothing less than the house cut fries.

While I waited on my burger I totally had to have a vanilla shake. It was not only pretty, but very tasty. It was thick and creamy, but smooth enough to use a straw.

Vanilla Milk Shake

Burger looked great, fries nice and hot. I order my burger well done +minute, and it was perfect. Not a smidgen of pink, yet still very juicy. The flavor combo melded well together, with nothing really standing out. The waitress used the term 'wasabi like' to describe what the brussel spouts brought to the table, and I agree if you take the hot away.

Bacon Sherry Burger

But the hands down winner at this meal...was the fries. Its crazy how a potato is a potato is a potato, but not all fried potatoes are created equal. I could not stop myself, I ended up getting full on my fries and could not finish the burger.

Do a little homework, find something new where you are...Eat Bright!

Wayside Noodles - Sacramento, CA

Finally getting my Pho fix. I have been craving it for weeks now, and with so much time to waste til my flight decided to come catch a flick. My eyes totally lit up when I saw a Vietnamese Restaurant, Wayside Noodles, next door.

Started with shrimp spring rolls. Very cute with the tail sticking out.

Then decided on the. Tai, nam, sach... Rare steak, well-done flank and tripe. I can't say anything was amazing, just happy to get my fix...

Eat Pho...Eat Bright!

Tequila Mueso Mayahuel - Sacramento, CA

As I stop to grab a drink at the Dive Bar, a dimly lit bar with a large fish tank that features mermaids on occasion, the girl next to me mentions the "like fancy mexican restaurant down the street."

On the corner of 12th and K streets I find a cute little spot called 'Tequila Mueso Mayahuel.' As I open the door the music hits me, on the opposite side of the restaurant there is a League of United Latin American Citizens (similar to an NAACP) event going on.

I decided on the Bocaditos de Mexico appetizer, followed by the Chile Relleno de Queso. The Bocaditos is a collection of six bites showcasing the diverse flavors of Mexico. Consisting of conchita pibil, tinga de pollo, chile poblano, shrimp, napoles and requeson. I don't know what half of them are, but can't wait to try them...

First out is the chef compliment Tinga de pollo, with chicken.

Then my bites( starting at top left)... The requesson a brushetta was very nice and almost smooth in flavor, then the Napoles(Cactus), another tinga, next the chile poblano with a nice warm bite, then the baby shrimp taco and finally the shock of the conchita pibil a bit of pork marinated and finished with a bit of orange sweetness.

Chile Relleno, fried perfectly, was very good. Unfortunately, nothing to call home about but still good.

All and all, I agree it's 'fancy' mexican. The chef is creating new dishes while maintaining true to traditional flavors. 

Eat Bright!

Ten 22 - Sacramento, CA

Here I am at Ten 22 in Old Town, Sacramento, OH, which lists itself as a 'unique' farm to table experience. Best part, it was less than a 2 minute walk from the hotel.

After all the burgers I've eaten within the past week, I opted for one of Chef Jay Veregge's signature dishes, the Fried Green Tomato Pizza. Made with a roasted tomato salsa, fontina cheese, and cool ranch drizzle, I am getting excited just thinking about it.

Fried Green Tomato Pizza

Very good, sprinkled with bit of parm and red pepper flakes. Fontina adds a nice little saltiness to the dish, veggies are definitely fresh.  Knowing that I would not be able to finish it all, I offered some to the guy next to me and he agreed it was very good.

Grass-fed grilled steak pizza

As payback for the slice I shared, I tasted a piece of FC's, the Bostonian, grass-fed grilled steak pizza; skirt steak with roasted balsalmic onions and blue cheese. Great flavors, the onions and balsamic dreesing totally make it work...

For those who know me, I have no problem talking to strangers, and had a great time with the other business travelers at the bar (Hi! FC and JB if you are reading this).





 Be Nice and Eat Bright!!

Local Three Kitchen and Bar- Atlanta, GA

Yes, I did... Two amazing burgers in one day... I already told you about my visit to Rosebud for lunch... so here is how I ended my day.

Tucked away in the Piazza at Paces , behind a wooden door you are greeted by the giant pig and a great atmosphere.

Pan Fried Chicken Livers, smoked bacon, apples, swiss chard, cream sherry.

Wow, the flavor of the bacon and slight sweetness of the apples really come through along with the sherry. Balance out that dry gritty flavor of the liver.


 I know this doesn't make any sense, but I totally chose to follow this with a burger...

The McDowell...think 'Coming to America'; two angus beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, american cheese, but NO sesame seeds.

The McDowell

Now I am the first to admit, a Big Mac is my guilty pleasure, to love food the way I do, I know that's crazy... But don't judge me...

This is a Big Mac on steroids. Imagine it with me... Fresh meat that has not been processed and frozen, fresh Holeman and Finch bunch, crispy lettuce, pickles, a smooth "special sauce" not so pungent as Micky D's, and some good ol' American cheese. I am a happy camper!

Eat Happy... Eat Bright!!