Author: gatorgirl.outoftheswamp@gmail.com

Phat Bites – Nashville, TN

I was watching a recent episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food Network and they featured a place in Nashville called Phat Bites. It’s located across the street from McNamara’s Irish Pub that I have previously written about. Phat Bites is an old garage that has been turned into a fun and busy sandwich shop. I decided to take a drive to Nashville and visit for lunch.

IMG_2855

The décor is very eclectic inside. There are mix and match chairs and tables; there’s an old Chinese restaurant sign on the wall. Local graffiti artists have crated unique pieces of artwork on the walls.

IMG_2839   IMG_2838

IMG_2836

The have an extensive menu of sandwiches and salads to choose from. For a salad I started with the Long Life salad because that is what I watched them make on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. It is a kale salad with assorted beans and walnuts covered in a tangy homemade dressing. It is one of their most popular salads and they were almost out of it when I was there.

IMG_2840

Looking over their list of sandwiches I settled on the Muffaletta. It was loaded with turkey, ham, salami, and provolone cheese. The Focaccia bread was amazing; it was fresh and had a great crunch after they toasted it. On one side of the bread they layered their homemade olive spread. On the other half was a layer of homemade pesto. It was a multi-dimensional sandwich that had amazing chemistry. I did not think I would be able to finish the entire sandwich because it was so big but I just could not put it down.

IMG_2843

The sandwich also came with a homemade pickle. Now this is not a typical pickle; just looking at it I could see the fresh dill, however, as soon as I took a bite the flavor hit me. It was tangy and sour; it is really hard to describe but it is a unique take on a pickle so it is a must try.

I visited Phat Bites for lunch but I would check them out in the evenings and on the weekend. It looks like they have live music and entertainment.

IMG_2851

Check out the website at: www.phatbites.com

Enjoy!

T

 

Village Tavern – Birmingham, AL

If you have been following my blog then you have noticed that I love Sunday brunch. I was looking for new place to try and Village Tavern popped up on my list. When I researched them I noticed they have several locations around the country. Just taking a quick glance at their menu U saw a couple of things I wanted to try, so I made a reservation.

IMG_9804 IMG_9809

The inside of Village Tavern was beautiful. It reminded me of a fancy ski lodge, high ceilings with wood beams and huge rustic chandeliers. The kitchen was open to the seating area so I could watch all the action.

To start off brunch, I ordered the baked brie for the table. It sounded like it would be great to share. It came with French bread, almonds, sliced apples, and dried fruits. It was a beautiful presentation on the plate when it came out. The brie was still bubbling so I had to wait a few minutes before I could dig in. The brie was extremely creamy with a salty finish. It was fun mixing the cheese with the different fruit options. My favorite pairing was the brie with the dried apricots; the saltiness of the cheese complemented the sweetness of the apricot.

IMG_9796   IMG_9797

I wanted to try something unique for my main dish. I went for the Crab Cake Benedict – which was exactly like a traditional eggs benedict but with a crab cake added. I am usually not a big eggs benedict fan because I feel it is kind of bland; however, I really liked this combination. Adding the crab cake created a new dimension to this classic dish. I really liked the texture that the crab gave the egg and it tasted great with the hollandaise sauce. The crab cake by itself was good too and I noticed that they have this as a separate menu item so I would recommend this.

IMG_9803

I also got to try their homemade Belgian Waffle. I did not get anything fancy on it, just butter and whip cream. The waffle had a nice crispy edge and the inside was soft, just the wat I like it. I could tell they used a buttermilk batter. I find that the flavor of the buttermilk pairs well with pure maple syrup.

IMG_9799

If you are hungry for brunch I would recommend Village Tavern. Visit their website to see if they have a location near you.

 www.villagetavern.com

Enjoy!

T

 

1st Year Anniversary

Happy-Anniversary-Colorful-Facebok-Cover-Picture

I wanted to thank everyone for their support and encouragement this past year as I started my food blog: GatorGirl-OutoftheSwamp.com

With over 100 different places written about, I look forward to another year of exploration across the United States. Please keep all the suggestions coming!

Enjoy!

T

Lou and Mickey’s – San Diego, CA

I was extremely fortunate to get to attend Comic Con in San Diego. One of the group dinners I went to was at Lou & Mickey’s, located in the Gas Lamp District. We had a very large party so I give props to our wonderful waiter d’Artagnan for making sure we were well fed.

IMG_2524 IMG_2525

IMG_2527

They had an adventurous selection of cocktails to choose from. I had to try the “Horny Monkey” not only because it made me laugh but because it sounded delicious. It was a blend of vodka, rum, coconut, and banana liquor. One sip of this drink made me wish I was on the beach in the Caribbean.

IMG_2519

We got several chilled seafood platters for the table. If you like raw oysters and scallops then this platter is for you. Since I prefer those items cooked, I stuck with the shrimp. The cocktail sauce had extra horseradish in it so there was an extra kick.

IMG_2518

I wanted to stick with the seafood theme so I ordered the lump crab cakes for dinner. They were pan sautéed so there was a light crunchy coating. Two huge crab cakes came on the plate. There was an abundance of crab meat in these cakes. They only used the smallest amount of breadcrumbs to help hold it all together so I really got to enjoy the crab aroma.

IMG_2520

The table shared several side dishes. This is certainly a common practice that these more upscale restaurants. The sautéed fresh corn was my favorite. The corn was super sweet and had a great buttery taste.

IMG_2521

The steamed broccoli was fresh and the sautéed mushrooms added an earthy element to the meal.

IMG_2522

My meal was fantastic and I recommend everyone to try this place. Make sure you have reservations, especially if you are there for Comic Con.

IMG_2526  IMG_2513

Look them up at www.louandmickeys.com

Enjoy!

T

 

Oscar’s at the Museum – Birmingham, AL

I learned about a special brunch at the Birmingham Museum of Art that only happens the first Sunday of every month. It’s a really popular experience and it took me two months to be able to get a reservation. When I was finally able to get in I was extremely excited.

IMG_3292

Walking into the museum I was greeted with the sound of live music. The piano echoed throughout. It really added to the ambiance and enhanced the brunch experience.

This brunch was buffet style with a carving station, a made-to-order omelet station, fresh fruits and breads, an assortment of hot dishes, and a full collection of fresh desserts. It all looked delicious that it was hard to determine exactly where to start.

IMG_3280   IMG_3279

After walking all the options I decided to start with waffles. On one half I poured on the warm maple syrup, keeping it very traditional. The other half I covered with the fresh chopped strawberries and Chantilly Cream.

IMG_3282

They had shrimp and grits that I noticed was extremely popular. I saw them refill that section twice. I knew I had to try this dish. The shrimp had wonderful flavor and the grits were cheesy. The grits were really addicting. I ended up going back for seconds on the grits.

Their carving station had amazingly tender and juicy roast beef. They also had shredded lamb. I am not a fan of lamb and I usually just avoid it. However, I was told that I needed to try the way they prepare it. It was remarkably similar to a pulled pork. It did not have that normal gamey taste. It was more of a smoky flavor that I enjoyed.

IMG_3285

They had several options of cakes, pies, and cheesecakes to choose from for dessert. It went for the caramel cheesecake. It was so creamy and not too sweet. It was a great ending to brunch.

IMG_3288

If you are looking for a unique brunch experience in Birmingham, then make plans for Oscar’s. Look far enough in advance because they fill up quickly. Their menu will also change each month so to see what they will be serving go to www.artsbma.org

Enjoy!

T

 

Donut King – Clermont, FL

When visiting my sister in Florida we have made it a new family tradition to stop by Donut King. There is always a line out the door and they offer fresh made donuts 24 hours a day.

IMG_1615

As soon as you walk through the door you are greeted with the sweet smell of glaze and yeast. My mouth started watering just looking at the assortment of donuts.

IMG_1611

We always get a dozen – but the tough part is deciding what flavors to get. They have chocolate, different flavor frostings, jelly and cream filled, bear claws, cinnamon rolls, sprinkles, and much, much more.

IMG_1612     IMG_1610

We make sure to get everyone’s favorite.  I got the double chocolate. I could not wait to eat it so rather than waiting till I got to the house I just ate it in the car!

IMG_1622

If you are within driving distance, make a short detour onto Highway 50 and check out the king of donuts! www.thedonutking.com

Enjoy!

T

Vizzini Farms Winery – Calera, AL

Just a few miles south of Birmingham is a family run winery called Vizzini Farms. In addition to being able to do a wine tasting, they have an Italian bistro at the winery.

IMG_0390

Their wine selection has everything from dry reds to fruity dessert wines. During my visit, I got a bottle of their Paulina wine that had just been bottled that week. This wine was a Merlot with black raspberries that made it semi-sweet.

IMG_0370

This wine paired nicely with the Italian sausage flat bread pizza I ordered. The sausage was homemade and they cut it in large slices for the pizza. They used fresh cherry tomatoes, peppers and onions on top that added a sweet element to the pizza. It was the best snack to have with wine.

IMG_0380      IMG_0381

While I was at the winery I got to meet Tom Vizzini, the founder. He was the nicest man and told me all about the wineries history, as well as the history of his family. We talked about all the different wines that they make and the list is huge. After tasting several other varieties, I ended up buying a few extra bottles to take home.

  • Apple Riesling – a sweet white wine with a hint of apple
  • Tuxedo Junction – a chocolate raspberry Merlot that is perfect for dessert
  • Paulina – since I enjoyed it so much with my pizza I bought an extra bottle

Finally before I left, Mr. Vizzini took me outside to see his peach tree. He showed me how he makes his Peach Chardonnay with an actual peach in the bottle. It was really cool!

IMG_0388      IMG_0384

If you enjoy wine and are traveling through Alabama, make sure you stop by Vizzini Farms Winery. Your taste buds will thank you. Visit their website for directions at www.vizzinifarmswinery.com

IMG_0395

Enjoy!

T

The Oceanaire – San Diego, CA

The Oceanaire is known for their fresh seafood with multiple locations across the United States. So I was excited to see that they were in San Diego. Having fresh seafood was a must for me.

IMG_2713

I started the evening with a Moscow Mule that was served in a copper mug. Mule’s always taste better in a copper mug; the ice does not melt as fast and the drink stays colder for longer.

IMG_2712

For an appetizer I made sure to get the crab cocktail. The presentation of the lump crab meat in a giant cocktail glass was fun. The crab meat was extremely sweet. I love crab and when it is cold I find it to be at the high of its flavor. Also having it served this way is perfect because all of the hard work of cracking and peeling of the crab has been done for me.

IMG_2714

The shrimp scampi caught my attention for a main dish. The jumbo shrimp came on top of angel hair pasta. The butter garlic sauce was amazing on the pasta. The butter was not overwhelming and I could taste a hint of white wine. The sauce also complemented the shrimp. It always amazes me how shrimp and garlic pair perfectly.

IMG_2715

Check out their website at www.theoceanaire.com to see if they are near you. I would recommend having dinner with them because of their large fresh fish selection that can be cooked practically any way you want.

Enjoy!

T

Puesto – San Diego, CA

Being in California, I wanted to make sure I had fresh, authentic Mexican food. I found Puesto not far from the hotel I was staying at, pretty close to the bay. When I glanced over their menu I saw they use all natural meats, the make fresh tortillas, and homemade salsa so I knew this was the authentic food I was seeking.

IMG_2385 IMG_2395

I sat by the kitchen so I could watch them make the homemade tortillas on their grill. They make corn and flours versions. They make it look so easy.

IMG_2391  IMG_2387

IMG_2386

I started off with a sangria that used all fresh juices.

IMG_2392

I also made sure to order their salsa and guacamole since they are made fresh. The salsa was fire roasted which gave it a unique flavor compared to the typical salsa I find at Mexican restaurants. When salsa is roasted it adds an extra layer of smokiness to the tomatoes. I love fresh made guacamole too because there are always nice chunks of creamy avocado in it. They added a nice amount of cilantro to the mixture which gave it a kick of added flavor.

IMG_2393

Puesto offers a unique selection of tacos that can be ordered individually  or mix and matched. I could not decided on just one so I tried three:

  • Carnitas
  • Zucchini and Cactus
  • Tuna Asada

IMG_2389

The carnitas was my favorite. The pork was juicy and pulled part easily with a fork. The flavor is what made this taco stand out the most. The tuna asada had nice large pieces but was cooked well done so there was no pink left. The larger pieces of tuna made it a little more difficult to eat as a taco but as pieces fell out I just picked up a fork. I certainly did not want to waste any tuna. I went for the zucchini and cactus taco because it was an ingredient combination I have never seen before. The cactus had a similar  texture as the zucchini. The flavor was not anything unusual and it paired well with the cheese they added to the taco. If you like veggies, this would be a great taco for you.

IMG_2394

I would definitely want to go back to Puesto so that I could try their other taco options. Whether you need a quick bite or want to sit back for a while, Puesto is a good spot – especially with seating options both inside or outside. You can see their menu at www.eatpuesto.com

Enjoy!

T

Stripsteak – Las Vegas, NV

One of the newest steakhouses in Las Vegas is Stripsteak located at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. This is the first steakhouse for award winning chef Michael Mina. The restaurant is warm and inviting and it is extremely important that you have a reservation, otherwise the wait will be long.

IMG_0950        IMG_0954

My table started off with a few appetizers while we waited for the rest of the group to join us. The Maine lobster tacos are a must try. They were mixed with grilled pineapple chunks, avocado cream, and cilantro.

IMG_0951

They also offered French fries with different seasonings: sea salt, garlic, and truffle. These fries were addicting.

IMG_0957

I got the 10 ounce filet mignon. They wood fire their steaks. The meat had a great smoky taste and the little drizzle of melted butter on top added a slight salty flavor. The steak came with a small bite of a homemade cornbread like bread that was sweet and a nice surprise to the plate.

IMG_0955

The sides were designed to be shared. It was not hard for the table to agree on what to order. The creamed spinach topped with bacon was a must because what doesn’t taste better with bacon.

IMG_0953

The other choice was the black truffle mac and cheese. It was extremely rich because of the cheese but it was delicious. The truffles added an earthy taste to each bite.

IMG_0956

The meal was totally filling so I skipped dessert this time. I would definitely go back to try one of their other steak varieties. Check out their menu at www.mandalaybay.com

Enjoy!

T