Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, let us remember all of the wonferful blessings we have been given, and be thankful for the freedom we have to enjoy all these gifts!

(Especially the food!)

 

Happy (early) Thanksgiving everyone

and as always,

Happy Eating!



Food Fun for the Day

This is really what I think I am going to need to get through this Monday!

What about you? Need an afternoon pick me up?

Indulge yourself and have a delectable day!

Happy Eating!



Tasty Time 24/7

 

Every now and then we all resort back to our "old faithfuls" like Applebee's and Chili's.

We know what to expect, and they always have the classic American mixture of entrees we have grown to love.

But, what if I told you there is a place where you can get that all American variety with a definite flavorful step up from the regulars? Well, I have found it for you.

Tavern 24 is a casual bar and grill, located on Woodruff Road beside Fuddruckers, with delicious food and a great atmosphere.

 

 

Having frequented several times, my family and I like to go Sundays after church. However, I have noticed that it is a great hangout for people who like to come out and watch sports.

They have managed a lay out that allows it to be a nice place for a sit down meal with family, or a bar set up with flat screens and high top tables.

 

 

 I am sure that by now you guys are quite tired of my mentions of shrimp and grits at practically every restaurant in Greenville. But, I have saved the best for last. This is my favorite place to get shrimp and grits (besides maybe Tupelo Honey). It is spicy, amazing, and the perfect portion.

 

They also have great ribs, burgers, and this appetizer called onion straws that are really yummy.

I have also had really tasty key lime pie from here. :)  

This is one of my favorite casual places. Its relaxed atmosphere and super friendly servers ranks it very high on my favorites list.

 

I hope you check it out and enjoy it as much as I do.

 

Check out my Restaurant Rating to see how they ranked.

Happy Eating!



Spaghetti Spectacular

Who doesn't love Italian comfort food?

If you are feeling down or just in the mood for a carb overload, nothing does it quite like a big bowl of spaghetti or fettuccine alfredo.

But not everyone can get it just right. That is why it is best to go to the pros. That would be Capri's Italian Restaurant. Capri's has been open since 1944, and is located in Easley, SC.

This family owned restaurant had a unique start as one of South Carolina's first Italian restaurants; started because "Yankee" soldiers during World War II, who were stationed at the Greenville Army Air Base, we're searching for good Italian food.

Mama Capri started making pizzas in her kitchen, and after the war this turned in to a full blown restaurant that has grown and flourished.

Capris is classy, fine dining but with an atmosphere and personality that makes you feel like family. I would make the comparison of sophisticated candlelight dinner meets "my big fat Greek wedding" in the best possible way.

I have been there several times, and tried the lasagna, alfredo, and spaghetti. All of it was equally delicious. They also have entrees like: chicken parmesan, eggplant marinara, and baked manicotti.

On a very important side note: they also serve chocolate chip pizza!

The service is very good. The atmosphere is lovely and tranquil, yet definitely family friendly.

I rate this as a great date night option or family outing.

Check it out!

Happy Eating!

Sunny Side Up

 

 

We are always on the go, having to grab whatever is quickest to get to work or school on time.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to grab that quick breakfast or lunch and it still be delicious and healthy? If that sounds right up your alley, then you should check out Soby's on the Side. 

 

This is a fun little place in downtown Greenville, near the Poinsett Hotel. The perfect grab and go for breakfast and lunch, Soby's on the Side is open Monday thru Friday from 7:00am-3:00pm, and they have Saturday brunch from 8:00am-1:00pm. They also have a dine-in option if you are so inclined. 

 

 

I went to investigate this place on a Monday morning around 10:30am. It seemed that the morning crowd had died down, and they were preparing for the lunch rush. I noticed that the majority of their business is carry-out and catering. However, they have a lovely dining area that I decided to take advantage of.

 

I went for the breakfast option, which by the way is served all day. They have a build your own breakfast sandwich option that I decided on. I had 2 scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar cheese on a fresh baked croissant. It was the perfect size and portion, and absolutely scrumptious.

I noticed that they had a ton of options including: a "build your own grits bowl," "made to order omelet," and your choice of oatmeal with different toppings to choose from. The variety of ways they can fix things to your desire is endless.

 

The lunch menu is the same. They have "build your own sandwich and salad" with your choice of bread, meat, lettuce, cheese, toppings, etc. You name it, you get to choose it.

They also have a daily box lunch special for those in a hurry. The Saturday brunch menu is something I am definitely looking forward to checking out. It has Biscuit 'n gravy, egg white wrap, and sweet potato pankakes, just to name a few.

 

 

Plenty of pastries and goodies too, if you are interested. :)

This is just a fun, neat place to check out. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and recommend for lunch hours, catering options, or just brunch with the girls.

Check out my Restaurant Ratings to see how Soby's ranked.

Happy Eating!

 

 



Mexican Mission

 

 

Are you a taco enthusiast?

Be it soft or hard shell, beef or chicken, tacos are your go to.

Then you should probably check out the Local Taco.

 

I have to be honest, Local Taco, located right off of Augusta Road, does not rank as one of my favorites, but it does have some good qualities.

 

For one, the atmosphere is really enjoyable. They have the most beautiful outdoor patio with umbrellas and string lights that would be the perfect setting for any kind of party.

 

 

The service was also exceptional. Our waiter was super attentive and friendly. He made sure we had everything we needed.

 

For food, I must admit that I am not a huge taco fan so I have very high standards for a good taco.

 

I had the two taco option with one buffalo chicken and one spicy shrimp taco. My side was Mexican tater tots and rice. I really liked the buffalo chicken, and we ordered the queso dip that was excellent.

 

 

It was not my favorite, but I am a big believer in second chances. Also, sometimes we all have an off night of ordering. I believe that the Local Taco has better options that I will give a shot next time.

I would really like to know your opinion. Do you agree with me or do you love it?
Check it out and let me know!
I would love to get your feedback.

As Always,
Happy Eating! 

Food Quote for the Day

 

This totally sums up my life at the moment. Haha. 

How about you?

 

Happy Tuesday!

Farmhouse Freshness

 

Homegrown. Locally Owned. Fresh. Fantastic.

That is the best way to describe my new favorite.

 

Tablefields is a "whole foods" style restaurant located on Woodruff Road, near Hollywood 20 cinema. They use fresh, local ingredients, and have so many things to choose from.

Their menu offers soup, salad, specialty sandwiches, and an entree menu. It features pot roast, parmesean chicken, Atlantic salmon, meatloaf, etc. They also have amazing pizzas available.

 

I had the vegetarian pizza that had Basil pesto, fresh spinach, roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, marinated Portobello mushrooms, roasted seasonal vegetables, shaved Parmesan cheese.

I cannot even describe how good it was, but you can imagine..

I also sampled the Pilgrim's roast turkey, which had breast meat drizzled with cranberry aioli and served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. It was equally delicious.

I might have also shared a very large piece of red velvet cake that was consumed too quickly for a photograph. 

It is such a beautiful, open space with extra little details to enhance your dining experience. From fresh cucumber water to specialty teas, they have it all.

 

They even offer a selection of locally produced assorted goods for sale. The perfect place for carry out, as well as, a great lunch break option.

Tablefields had definitely made it to my Top 10. I hope you will check it out and see if you agree.

Let me know what you think.

As Always,

Happy Eating!

 

 

 



Sassy Salsa

 

 

Feeling in the mood for a little fiesta?

Papa's and Beer is the place for you.

Whether you are in the mood for an enchilada, some burritos, or a good 'ole fashioned taco, Papa's and Beer has got you covered. They are located on Haywood Road, and all entrees are spicy and flavorful, but what really sets them apart is their endless salsa bar that includes over 10 different flavors. It gives variety and satisfaction for all taste buds.

When I went, I had the Pollo Loco. It is grilled chicken breasts with sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and covered with melted cheese. It is served with rice and frijoles de la olla, which is kind of like a corn casserole, but a hundred times better.

The whole experience was great. The food was delicious and service very good. Overall, I recommend this as a great dining choice for the whole family.

Check out my Restaurant Ratings to see how they ranked. Let me know what you think!

Happy Eating!

 

 

SC Food Insider Dines on $40 a day in Greenville, SC

 

Here is a really cool video I found of a Greenville restaurant reviewer who picked 3 restaurants to eat at in Greenville for under $40. Watch her on her adventure of delicious and affordable dining. It is really good! Then be sure to check out some of the restaurants she mentions. I know I will :)

Happy Eating!

Soft Serve Splendor



 

 I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

It may be chilly outside, but it is never too cold for a double scoop.

 

Whether it be by cup, cone, or coffee mug, Spill the Beans is sure to satisfy your craving.

 

Located right beside Reedy River Falls, Spill the Beans is an ice cream/coffee shop with a unique twist. They only serve two flavors of ice cream: chocolate or vanilla.

But, here is the cool part, they have an endless list of ingredients that they mix into your base to create your own unique flavor.

Whether you are into the mango, pineapple, kiwi route, or the brownie bite, cookie dough reese cup idea, they have you covered.

 They also offer yogurt, specialty coffees, expresso, and much more!
 

My personal favorite is the get vanilla, add coffee, peanut butter, and snickers for a little coffee like treat.

Sometimes I'll also do a mint chocolate chip mashup that's so good.

If you are a little overwhelmed by all the options, they offer list of really good combinations to get you headed in the right direction.

 

Its rustic "underground coffee shop" feel is warm and inviting.

They also sometimes feature live acoustic in the evenings.

 

It is a great place for anyone. Whether you are looking for a cool place to grab a cup of coffee and write that paper, or takes the kids for dessert, it is one for all ages.

 

So, get up and go test out your mixing skills and see what creations you come up with.

Happy Eating! 

Trio Cafe - Greenville, SC - The Food

I did a blog post a while back reviewing Trio, and could not say enough about how good it was. But, if you are like me, seeing is always better than just believing. So, I stubbled across this little video and thought it could show you even better just how yummy Trio is. Enjoy!

Food Quote for the Day

Another fun food quote..It is probably sad how true this is :)

Either way, I for one, am going to enjoy this Saturday with a few of my favorite friends!

 

Have a good weekend

and

Happy Eating!

Greasy Greatness

Don't we all love our local classics?
The ones that have been around since your grandma was a kid, yet they are still a favorite for everyone.
They are the "mom and pops" that are able to span across generations to be a favorite hangout for high school kids and senior citizens alike.

For me, that place is Como's Pete's. Their motto is: "We burn rubber, not the burgers!"
Located on Augusta Road in Greenville, they have been doing just that since 1956.

The Como brothers have been around long enough to perfect the hamburger and hot dog, but for me, it is their honey mustard that hits the mark.

It is one of my favorite things in the world. It has the perfect mixture of the mustard with the sweetest addition of honey. My friends joke that I would probably just eat the stuff by itself. In all honesty, that is probably true.

 Combine that with their crispy breaded chicken fingers and famous steak fries, and you have yourself quite a meal! 
It's not just the average baseball foods that they carry, they also have pitas, club sandwiches, and different daily specials including, but not limited to: meatloaf, pot roast, spaghetti and meatballs, and Greek stir fry.
I can honestly say I have never had anything I did not like!
The atmosphere is old diner style, fast paced, with cooks shouting "order up" and waitresses scrambling. Yet, it's fun and comforting. Whether you are a regular or out of town visitor thay make you feel like family.

Check it out! You'll fall in love.
Happy Eating!

Cupcake Confessions

 

Who doesn"t love cupcakes?

I mean, is that even a real question?

 

Well, if you are like me, with an ever abounding sweet tooth, then I have just the thing to make your day! The Chocolate Moose-even the name sounds yummy-is an adorable little cupcake shop on Main Street in downtown Greenville.



 

I do not know if you have ever seen "2 Broke Girls," but basically it is a comedy about to poor twenty somethings working in a diner while trying to fulfill their dream of owning their own cupcake shop.

They have this idea of a perfect little bakery, where they can sell their gourmet goodies, and live happily ever after.

 

I have to say, if the "2 broke girls" were to stumble into the Chocolate Moose, they would think they had died and gone to "confectionary heaven." This little bakery is quaint and cozy, wonderfully created so that when you walk in and grab your coffee and cupcake, all stresses are gone. Everything feels right with the world. This may be a bit of an exageration, but they are some really good cupcakes!

The Cupcakes! Oh my Goodness!

Their HUGE

 

 

 

 

 

..and they come in tons of flavors..

Everyday flavor are: Chocolate, Vanilla, Black & White, Red Velvet, and Vanilla with Chocolate

I cannot even begin to name all the specialty flavors, you are just going to have to go see for yourself.

*Cranberry Orange Almond *Cinnamon Dulce Mocha *Bourbon Pecan Pie

..just to name a few.

My fave, of course, is the classic red velvet piled to the sky with cream cheese icing. Yay!

Side Note: They also offer gluten free and vegan options.

 

Go check them out. You won't be disappointed.

Happy Eating!

 

Food Quote for the Day

I feel this way everyday! How about you?

Downtown Delight

"Country Charm at its Finest." That sums up Tupelo Honey Cafe. This brand new beauty is right beside the one and only Anthropologie downtown, and is worth all the buzz it's been getting.

Warm and inviting with its palette of soft yellows and farmhouse decor, Tupelo Honey Cafe is as southern as its name. The hostess and servers are friendly and doting. They begin by bringing out giant, fresh baked biscuits with butter, honey, and jam.

 

Once you get to the menu is when it gets tricky. I'm all for lots of options, but this thing is huge! Veggie bowls, fried chicken, meatloaf, spicy pork, and crab cakes are just the beginning.

I finally settled on Brian's shrimp and grits.

 

 

I'm sure by now your wondering if I eat anything else, but I am from the south afterall. :)

Anyway, they were goat cheese grits served with seven giant shrimp and a spicy roasted red pepper sauce. The pepper sauce sent me over the edge.

I practically licked my plate clean!

This is one of those places that you wish had a sampler platter for all of their entrees, just so you could try them all.

Although I only got to try one this time and a sample of my friends', have no fear, for I will be back and ready to take on the rest of their southern delicasies.

As always,
Happy Eating!


Food Quote for the Day

 

Such a true statement! Enjoy your day! :)

Gritty Goodness

 

Ready for some of your classic favorites with a twist?

Nose Dive is a gastropub that has taken some seasoned favorites, and put their own special spin on them to bring dishes you won't soon forget.

 

From "Angry Drunken Mussels" to the popular "Bangers and Mash," Nose Dive has an ecletic variety of choices to tease your taste buds. One particular item on the menu to cause interest and curiosity is the "Dark Chocolate Candied Bacon Brownie." I have yet to investigate this, but I look forward to the day.

What I did go to Nose Dive for hit a little closer to home, but was still blissfully delicious. I discovered that on Saturdays from 10am-2pm and Sundays from 10am-4pm, Nose Dive has a brunch menu that includes an Adluh Mills Grits Bar.

 

Does it get any more Southern than that?

You can choose the grits bar as a meal or side item. I did it as a meal, and layered it with cheese, bacon, and a specialty gravy. I also chose the option of adding shrimp for an additional charge. (well worth it, I might add). The grits were definitely homemade and perfection.

 

 

With its perfect location seconds away from the beautiful Poinsett Hotel, it is a great atmosphere to soak in the beauty of downtown Greenville. They have a spacious, open setting with tables placed in front of giant glass windows facing mainstreet. This made it very enjoyable for people watching on a Sunday afternoon.

 

This is a neat little place with interesting and creative options, and I look forward to exploring it again. Join me in my journey, and let me know your feelings about Nose Dive!

 

Happy Eating!

Tasty Tavern

 

 

 

 

One of the many wonderful things about living in the South is the amount of specialty southern cuisine restaurants. These next few posts are on just a few of the many tasty southern treats I have discovered. 

 

This one was a particular charm. Smoke on the Water is a southern tavern located on the south end of main street, just a stroll from the gorgeous River Falls.

 

 

 

Smoke on the Water is elegant and classy with a rustic backdrop and quaint atmosphere. The menu features everything from homemade pimento cheese to beef brisket. They combine the "fried heaven" of the Upstate with the fresh seafood of the Low Country for the ultimate southern palette.

 

For my dining option, I had the smoked salmon that literally just melted in my mouth. It was served with a side of cole slaw and mashed potatoes that were to die for. I'm interested in going back to try their oyster po' boy and crab stuffed groupor that sounded just amazing.

 

 

This place is everything I love about southern comfort food without the sometimes greasy meat and threes associated with homecooked meals. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with a good 'ole meat and three, but sometimes you want to step it up a notch and Smoke on the Water does just that.

 

The absolute perfect place for Sunday brunch or luncheon with the ladies, Smoke on the Water has definitely got my vote! 

 

Check out my Restarant Ratings to see how they scored!

Happy Eating!