27 Fathoms

During our little Anniversary get-a-way we always like to visit new places.  We were inquisitive upon driving into the new development close to the Daytona area.  Port Orange is only a few minutes away and well worth the drive, a scenic area with small motorcycle saloons along the way.

If you are looking for something relaxing, clean, unique and beautifully presented food, you will love 27 Fathoms.  Upon arriving, we were greeted and seated immediately and I noticed how clean and new this establishment was.  I asked about the name and learned that the owner was a fishermen and 27 fathoms is a depth (170′) in the sea located off the east coast running from Ft. Pierce Florida. Their menu was very impressive from appetizers to the meal itself and had something to offer to the seafood eater, meat-eater including game such as buffalo, elk or deer, sushi and vegetarian.  I was impressed that every sauce and soup was home-made, the seafood was caught locally and the beef was grass-fed. A plus in this day and time. 

Complementary chips with red pepper humus was brought to our table as a starter.  Keep in mind it was around 4 in the afternoon so it was an early dinner menu.  Although we wanted to try the Sushi, we opted to choose different items on the menu and have a taste test.

We chose the Bubbly Habanero Queso  served with Fresh Corn Tortilla Chips and Homemade Pico de Gallo which was only $5…. I think most places would have charged over $10 for this appetizer. Brought to our table fresh out of the oven, it was bubbly and it was spicy, not just your ordinary queso and the Pico was freshly made.  You can see from the picture we devoured it very quickly and I almost forgot to take the picture for this blog site.

I really wanted to try the homemade soup too so I chose the Florida Corn and Crab Soup topped with Garlic Chive Oil and Fried Okra.  Although I like the both, I really liked the okra which gave it somewhat a crunch and the taste was awesome! This was no ordinary cup but actually a small serving bowl, very pretty presentation I might add, again only $5.

Jeff chose the N.Y. Strip Steak grilled and served over Smoked Cheddar and Rock Shrimp Mac & Cheese and Roasted Cauliflower finished with Cabernet Reduction and White Truffle Oil 10 oz for $24.

I chose the Chef’s Special which was Maui Maui served with green beans, a delicious combo with the lemon sauce.  I was already so full, there was no way I could have finished it!

Upon leaving this nice older couple was sitting next to our table and they started talking to us as we got up to leave.  It was their first time also to visit 27 Fathoms.  They expressed how the food was excellent, they enjoyed the Vegetarian  dish of Fried Green Tomato Tower which was Herb Marinated Tomatoes, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Smoked Gouda Cheese and Caramelized Onions over Stone Ground Grits.  They also said they would return and eat there when they traveled back through the area.

With all that said, I will rate this place a 10 to EXCELLENT in all areas!  After this delightful experience we walked next door into the shopping Plaza and saw a movie at the Theater.  A really nice bundled package for one evening.

 

 

 

Check out their website for dates, times open and more info.

http://www.27fathoms.com

The Blue Room at Saffire

We had a time to meet with friends from Global Ministries to listen to Scott Jones speak to us about Leadership.  We went to a little a cool upscale place called the Saffire Restaurant located in The Factory, Franklin Tennessee. It has been voted the best restaurant in Williamson county so I was looking forward in reviewing it. 

This mall reminded me of a southern feel yet not like a cracker barrel and it is known for hosting events.  It was an old factory of some sort and they transferred it into a mall with quaint little shops, meeting areas and places to eat.  The place we ate had a boiler room atmosphere, dark with a bar but the meeting area was an add on room with brick walls and with the option to pull open the garage type windows.  It was called the blue room, a private room for less than 50 people.  There was also another gathering in the court-yard area where it looks like they having either a wedding or another type of event.  The food was great however trying to listen with the loud music next door was challenging.  I am sure if it was a luncheon it would have been much easier to hear, nevertheless it is worth visiting.  I chose the prime rib plate and Bryson got the fish and homemade chips.  Atmosphere I give a 8 and the food 9.

http://www.saffirerestaurant.com/

http://www.factoryatfranklin.com  says :   The Factory at Franklin is a 12-building dining, retail and entertainment complex listed in the National Register of Historic Places. We provide a welcome break from large chain stores and malls, while still offering a variety of restaurants and activities for everyone in the family, along with offices, meeting rooms and special event facilities. As you spend your day at The Factory, take some time out to notice the historical factors of this building. It was carefully renovated to preserve many of The Factory’s original features and architectural details. We are located just 6 blocks from Historic Downtown Franklin, TN and only 15 miles from Nashville!

Aunt Catfish

While at Daytona Beach Florida we were recommended to go to the next best place to eat at a little restaurant named Aunt Catfish.  Going on a Monday night the gentleman said we would only have to wait maybe 20 minutes, but we waited 45.  Since there is a walking peer that goes out on a lake it didn’t seem that long.  After seating we were greeted by someone who seemed like a little sweet elderly “aunt”.  Now I am sure not all waiters or waitresses were like her but she brought us out sweet tea in mason jars.  The salad bar was incredible and I do say it was the best salad bar that I have ever seen.  It was clean, diced just right along with every topping you could think of.  Texas Brazil salad bar is the only salad bar that beats this one.  I could have made a meal of this salad bar, which included cheese grits, baked beans, cornbread, cinnamon apples and two kinds of slaw.  With our meal came a home-made sweet roll.  As far as our meal, we started off with gator bites with a citrus sauce, a little chewy but good taste.  Jeff got the blackened fish and I got the seafood sampler. 

The meal was basic fried fish with the fixens but to me it brought back the feeling of good home cooking, not a Red Lobster kinda feel.  The meals were served on Fish plates in which I thought was really cute.  The cost was a little pricey but I do say when I return, I will visit again even if it is for the salad bar.  I give it a 8 for the environment setting (indoors looking over a lake with homey feel) and I give the food a 7 and the salad bar a 10!  For more information you can go to http://www.auntcatfishontheriver.com/  to learn the story, see menus and order online.

Our Deck Down Under

A year ago or so Jeff and I visited a seafood place that was really worth talking about, so we went back again.  Casual place, with the menu written on the wall, pay and then take a seat either inside or outside on the deck overlooking the waterway.  What I loved about eating here was enjoying not only the food but watching the boats come in and an occasional dolphin coming up out of the water.  There is also a little island off the coast with tons of birds on it, so if you are a bird watcher and want to bring your binoculars this is a cool place to visit.  Upon entering you will notice the menu is painted on a billboard size wall next to the counter.  You pay first, get your drinks and then they serve you either outside or inside in which you pick your table.  The food is served in a basket, the roll of paper towels is on your table and the drinks are served in to go cups.  So you have the picnic feel along with the service.  We started off with the fried pickles which after a few bites you realize the pickles are pickled with jalapeno, so they do have a bite to them.

Jeff got the tuna sandwich which was served with fries and hushpuppies.  I got the 1/2 pound crab legs.  Yes, I think it is a challenge to dig for my food and eat with my hands.  This is one of our places which we will return, so we hope you visit if you are in the area.  I give it a 8 for atmosphere and a 8 for the food taste.  Expect to pay around 15$ per person for a meal.

Tia Cori’s Taco

Jeff and I are always looking for great places to eat especially when it comes to Mexican.  Although we like to return to our favorite places, we also read reviews and try new places.  This one had the most reviews on trip advisor on our iphone  with some saying great and some complaining the food was greasy.  The chips were different from I ever tasted, sort of puffy type of home-made chips (we ordered extra). They are served warm so therefore they are a little greasy but still have great taste, texture and original.   The salsa and the guacamole fresh and spicy.  Jeff got the chicken buritto which was large in size and I got two steak hard shell tacos.  One was Mexican and the other American.  The Mexican was served with cilantro and onions and the American, the traditional lettuce, sour cream and cheese.  Both were delicious.  Once you go in you pick up your own menu and go to the counter to pay and get your own drink, have a seat and then they serve it to you.  If you are in the Daytona area and looking for a meal under $10 per person, try Tia Cori’s Taco.  I give it a 7 on atmosphere and 9 on food taste.  I don’t think you will be disappointed plus you can sit outside or inside.

Burger Up in Nashville Tennessee

  While in Nashville, Lyle was speaking at Bellmont to the college students about Mercy29, we decided to go to a local hangout for a “cool” lunch.  I am not a big hamburger fan but this has me spellbound.  From presentation to decor, from service to food taste I was simply impressed!  Everything organic and healthy.  I was overwhelmed, happy and it was my kind of eating.  Everything fresh, service friendly but crowded and I know why.  I give it a 10 all the way round in all areas!  So if you want a really good burger and a cool place to hang out, make your next stop in Nashville a healthy one!  You can find out more of their story at http://www.burger-up.com/story.html

I loved the way they served their food, french fries in a little cup along with special sauce!  The wings were delicious and the salads were incredible!  My friends let me taste just for this blog.  I will be visiting again soon!

Z’s in Owensboro

We recently went to an old favorite of ours for the sake of having a meeting room.  It has been awhile since I have been there and was unsure about visiting again because of the sake of it being a smoking area.  The service was well and the facility definitely fit our need with our group of forty people along with having a private section.  The food placed on a plate sprinkled with paprika brought a gourmet style to our dinner.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the food and was somewhat different from most of the menus offered in Owensboro. This restaurant resides in an 1892 Cigar Factory building which is not on the main strip where other restaurants are located therefore making it a different place to visit out of the usual.  Be sure to check out this site and take time to visit if you are looking for something different.  My overall experience: rating a 6-7 in all areas with 10 being the highest.

http://www.zsrestaurant.com/

Chuys in Louisville

My husband and I were traveling through Louisville area and drove past the Mexican restaurant called Chuys.  Loving mexican food we thought we would give it a try.  The surroundings were very festive with a Caribbean feel since the building was originally a Bahama Breeze. I found out the original Chuys is from Austin Texas.

As far as the food was not authentic but more like a chain however was typical in flavor.  The chips and salsa was good.  The service was a little slow due to the fact they were over crowded and busy but nevertheless they got the job done in due time.  If people are looking for the traditional chain mexican dish with very affordable prices, a colorful atmosphere then Chuys is the place to go.  It’s not quiet but over-stimulation to all the senses!  I give it a 9 for the decor, 6 for the food and 9 for the prices.

104 Oxmoor Court, Louisville, KY 40222

You can read more reviews on http://www.yelp.com/biz/chuys-louisville

Taj Mahal a Burst of Flavor

See our menu After visiting India and tasting the food, my palate craved the spices and their food.  Recently my son, Lyle and a friend Ania along with my husband visited a restaurant in Evansville Indiana that was referred by an Indian friend Atul.  My husband was new to this kind of food so we ordered a safe dish of Tandoori Chicken.  We were greeted very quickly and the service was great.  The tables were set with a clean dining experience.  The music and the smells of the Indian atmosphere brought tears to the eyes since we are homesick for the children in the orphans in our Indian villages.

We had Naan and Vegetable Samosa along with the dips and sauces.  What I liked about the entire meal, you can determine how spicy you want your food.  I also had  Chicken Cholay along with Raita Yogurt.  Of all the foods we tried was an awesome burst of flavor and I will be returning very soon.  You can click on the menu to see the prices.  I give it a 10 in all areas!

# 9 Steakhouse

I wanted to go somewhere different with my husband for a lunch date, so I suggested this fairly new restaurant in Madisonville.  The place next to the rail road tracks on Main Street was an old favorite spot of eating Mexican food.  As we entered the new environment we were automatically was reminded of the city being a coal mining town.  The decor was old mining hats and old pictures of mining.  I was more interested in looking at the pictures throughout the building like I was in a small museum rather than eating their food.  The greeting was sweet as well as the waiters.

The couples sitting next to us was celebrating a birthday, I believe they told the waiter she was 50 and above.  They seem to enjoy themselves as if they were sitting someplace special as a hometown feel.  My husband ordered his typical cheeseburger and fries which came in a basket.  I ordered the potato soup and a chicken sandwich.  The potato soup was quite different than most potato soups, with gravy consistency, chives, bacon and lots of black pepper was a good choice.  The fries and the beef, along with the chicken patty were typical lunch items with nothing to note on taste or speciality.  I guess we should have tried the special of the day, “ribs” or the “steak”.  The entire meal cost us around $30 and this was lunch.

Am I going to return?  Maybe.  Atmosphere 7, Food taste – 4, Presentation – 4

(270) 824-1099

Madisonville
1002 N Main St