Gilligan's Island Bar - Beach, Beer and Ballyhoo!

WHERE WE WENT:   

Gilligan's Island Bar
5253 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Q


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 7
Menu - 6
Presentation - 6
Taste - 6
Price - 7
Service -8
 Overall - 6.5


Atmosphere - If you are looking for a place to kick back and not care about the world around you, you've found it. Describing this place in one word: chill. Great location on the main drag in Siesta Key. It's the kind of place you would imagine they wouldn't even require shoes. There's almost a much bar space as there is seating, including a sweet tiki bar area. They have a patio seating area and a back section where they have live music. I felt a little shocked that our server didn't have dreads. You get the picture.

Menu -  The menu did offer a bit of variety. Salads, burgers, seafood, and more. All of your typical beach eats are represented. However, there wasn't any single signature or stand out dish that would make you want to go here as opposed to somewhere else. 
 
Presentation - Honestly, a little boring. With as kitschy as the rest of the place was with the beach culture and island theme, we expected something a little more original than white plates and baskets.

Taste - The meal was a little underwhelming. The coconut shrimp were heavily battered and a little overcooked. The best part of that dish was actually the mango chutney dipping sauce, which I would recommend pairing with any seafood. Normally I would say you can't go wrong with cheese fries, but these tasted like they came straight out of a freezer bag. The cheese was a little bland too.


Price -The fries were definitely the right portion for the price, if only they were more delicious. The shrimp were a little overpriced. Not worth it in our opinion.

Service - Our server was great. He was a really chill guy who took good care of us but didn't hover.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Maybe. If Ballyhoo is there, we're there. If not, we might go back for the right drink specials. We would really wanna explore the rest of what Siesta Key has to offer before making a return trip.


Here's a link to their website:  
 http://gilligansislandbar.com/

Flight - One Year Anniversary Dinner

WHERE WE WENT:   
FLIGHT
39 South Main Street
Memphis,TN 38103


WHAT WE ORDERED:
Soup & Salad Flight - Seafood Gumbo, Lobster Bisque, Harvest Salad 
Steak Flight- Boursin Stuffed  Filet w/ Red Wine Bourdalaise and Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Elk Chop w/ Kahlua Glaze and Truffle Mac & White Cheddar Cheese, Bison Cut w/ Crispy Onion Strings 

Seafood Flight - Shrimp and Grits w/ Tasso Ham, Lobster Biscuit & Gravy, Sea Scallop Benedict w/ Quail Egg
Anything But Chardonnay (ABC)- Waterbrook Sangiovese Rose, Conundrum White Blend, Loosen Brother Riesling
Wonders of the World- Perrin, Antinori, Mollydooker Shiraz
Dessert Flight- NYC Cheesecake, Warm Turtle Tart,

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu - 10
Presentation - 10
Taste - 9.5
Price - 9
Service - 9
 Overall - 9.5


Atmosphere - From the moment you walk through the heavy oaken door off of South Main, you know you are in an establishment that exudes class. The deeply stained wood that is present throughout the bar as well as the spacious booth seating just looks expensive. Starched white table cloths are spotless  beacons in the sea of all black waitstaff meant to ensure that your every need is met.The space itself is particularly narrow, but maximized with outdoor, cafe style seating as well as a small balcony seating section. The decor is simple elegant. Everything about FLIGHT is class, well almost. The only thing that was out of place were the TVs at the

bar. While I know people watch sports at the bar, they just seemed unnecessary.

Menu - The menu is unique in the manner that it is set up because of the unique concept of the restaurant. The concept pretty much sells itself. Every time you go to a restaurant there is always a few things that you have a hard time choosing between and you always wonder if you got the right thing. Well flight allows you to get smaller portions of multiple dishes (or drinks) so that you don't have to wonder. You can pay a higher price and have any dish in an entree sized portion itself. They have soup and salad flights, and entree flight with three dishes a piece: Steak, Loin, Fish, Seafood, Feathered. Each flight's dish has the main protein and accompanying side. Some of the most appetizing offerings are Elk Cut with Truffle Macaroni & White Cheddar, Fried Chicken & Buttermilk Waffle, and Sage-Crusted Australian Lamb Chop with Mint Jelly and Loaded Potato Croquette. Because they aim to please, if a single flight is not wholly appetizing, you are free to mix and match dishes to create your own. Each flight is also listed with a recommended wine flight to accompany it. The drink menu is extensive with over a dozen wine flights, both red and white, as well as a wide selection of beer and cocktails.

 
Presentation - The presentation was absolutely gorgeous. Each flight was served on a wooden plank base in miniature white bowls, plates, and dishes. The wine flights came with a card that detailed the origin of each vino along with a brief description of its flavor. Every single course looked positively artful in the color pallet and the method in which it was arranged. It honestly looked so good that you'd hesitate to eat it.

Taste - We began with the soup and salad flight. The harvest salad was bright and fresh, a great summer salad. The lobster bisque was smooth and rich, the best I've ever had. Only the seafood gumbo fell a little flat. There was something missing that could have kicked it up a notch. As far as the seafood flight goes, everything was amazing. The sea scallop and quail egg were cooked to perfection and covered in the rich hollandaise sauce. The shrimp and grits had a spicy, smoky flavor that you would swear just came right up out of the bayou. Being from the South, I'm quite particular about my grits, but there were no complaints to be made. The

lobster biscuit and gravy was fantastic in flavor, but the biscuit just need to be a bit less soggy and a bit more flaky. All cuts of meat in the steak flight were the ideal medium rare. The bison was nicely seasoned with plenty of juice, accompanied by miniscule onion straws, a simple but welcome addition. Potato puree set off the taste of the succulent filet very nicely as well. The best of the three was the elk chop with was rich and dense with a bit of a bite from the kahlua glaze, that was nicely paired with the truffle macaroni's mild creaminess.

Price - We splurged with this meal. FLIGHT is by no stretch of the imagination inexpensive. Each entree flight will run you upwards of $30 before you ever touch appetizers, desserts, or libations. You're paying for presentation, fancy ingredients, and atmosphere. And it is without a doubt worth it. FLIGHT isn't an everyday restaurant option (unless you're a much higher pay grade than us), but it serves its function well and is comparable to other restaurants of its caliber. 

Service - Our waitress was excellent. She was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. When we told her it was our first time there, she was happy to explain the concept and walk us through the menu. She made suggestions but wasn't pushy and was happy to answer any of our questions.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Absolutely. Birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations of any kind would immediately bring FLIGHT to mind. We would want to save it for a special occasion. Also, we'd be sure to make reservations again, because we were certainly glad we had done so this time.


Here's a link to their website:  
http://flightmemphis.com/

Automatic Slim's - Sunday Funday Brunch

WHERE WE WENT:   

Automatic Slim's
83 South Second Street
Memphis, TN 38103

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Cinnamon Roll Waffle w/ Cream Cheese Glaze, Scrambled Eggs, Blackened Salmon Eggs Benedict, Mimosa, Bloody Mary


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu - 9
Presentation - 7.5
Taste - 8
Price - 7.5
Service - 8
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - Walking by Automatic Slim's you would never know that the hole in the wall you're walking past a culinary treasure trove. The inside of the restaurant is like a hipster-swank bar, exactly the kind of place you would expect downtown. The gold coffered ceiling, wood paneling, and varied ornamental paper light fixtures create a fascinating space that could be a bar or a coffeehouse. The narrow building is made more expansive by a higher level of seating. The decor is folksy and very Memphis. There are depiction of guitars in multimedia all over. The bar is a beautiful backdrop to the lower level. It is instantaneously cozy and comfortable.

Menu -   We have only knowledge of the brunch menu, but it in itself is enough. That could be the entire restaurant. There are classic breakfast offerings like sausage and biscuits, french toast, and chicken and waffles that are your typical home cooking. On the other hand they take some classic dishes and turn them on their head. Dishes like blackened salmon eggs benedict and Manhattan cherry-infused waffle with bourbon syrup put a gourmet twist on the foods you know and love.
 
Presentation - Presentation honestly wasn't anything particularly special. Basic white, round plates served as the base for each dish. The waffle and eggs looked as though they were just plopped on the plate with no garnish of any kind. The benedict was a little better. It had a great color palette and different textures distinguishable and at least looked as if there was at least some effort in arranging it.

Taste -The hollandaise sauce on the benedict was rich, creamy and delicious without being too heavy or overpowering the salmon had an excellent, fresh taste (even though it was not blackened as the name would suggest). The only complaint for the dish is that there wasn't nearly enough of it. The cinnamon roll waffle was absolutely scrumptious. Two of breakfast's heavy-hitters blended into one 

culinary masterpiece. The cream cheese glaze with so good, the waffle didn't even require syrup. The scrambled eggs however were not on the same caliber as the rest of the meal and kept it from scoring higher marks. They were dry and kind of spongy. If you are going to serve brunch, you gotta know how to cook your eggs. The drinks were outstanding. It's hard to mess up a mimosa but the bloody mary is trickier. They use a proprietary blend of ingredients including a dry rib rub from Alfred's down the block to rim the glass. It is a true local specialty.


Price - Automatic Slim's was a little pricier than we would have liked considering that your entrees do not come with sides; they have to be paid for separately. While the food and drinks were both delicious, what you're really paying for is the location and the atmosphere. It could definitely have been worse for being in the hear of downtown.

Service -We sat at the bar to avoid the half hour plus wait time. The bartender Celia was a fantastic server. She was friendly and attentive even though she had multiple drinks to make constantly. She chatted with us and had a great pour. We would ask for her again.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes. Because it's pricier, it wouldn't be our regular hangout spot, but on a Sunday afternoon when you want to splurge, you've got a spot. We need to get a couple of friends together and tackle the 100 oz mimosa bong. We watched Celia put a couple together, and they don't skimp on the bubbly.


Here's a link to their website:  
http://www.automaticslimsmemphis.com/index.html

Fuel Cafe - Our First Vegetarian Meal

WHERE WE WENT:   

Fuel Cafe
1761 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN
38104


WHAT WE ORDERED:
Quinoa & Red Bean Chili, Gourmet Grilled Cheese w/ Tomato and Arugula, Hot Apple & Brie Baguette w/ Balsamic Side Salad


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 7
Menu - 7
Presentation - 9
Taste - 8
Price - 8
Service - 7
 Overall - 7.5


Atmosphere -  Fuel Cafe is a re-purposed old gas station from years gone by. The concept for the restaurant is a really cute one, but it is only half-heartedly realized. The walls are overly dull with a few scattered pieces of art that seem disjointed. Everything appeared to be a little shabby and of ill repair. Fuel Cafe definitely exhibited character though. The counter was reminiscent of "the good ole days" when you would go down to the local drug store and pay a visit to your friendly neighborhood soda jerk. It was cozy and unique, but the concept could have translated much better into the actual execution.

Menu -  If you're an alternative eater, then you'll be right at home here. This place is vegan and vegetarian heaven, especially for people like me who are still vegetarian fledglings and miss the taste of some dishes.  They have light fare like salads and brie & fig jam crostini as well as heavier options such as vegetarian walnut "meat" loaf or tomato & provolone baguette. Carnivores, don't feel left out. Fuel Cafe has something for you too! Hot turkey sandwiches, bison burgers and tuna melts are just a couple of the dishes filled with meaty goodness. (There's even bacon.)  Because of their commitment to healthier eating they guarantee all of the animals

are grass-fed and they'd be happy to tell you exactly where they source their meats from. They have options for vegan cheese and sour cream along with gluten-free buns. One of the more interesting offerings is naturally flavored and sweetened sodas as well. 
 
Presentation -All the dishes came presented on solid white, vintage, diner-style plates and bowls. Plain and simple, letting the food speak for itself. Each dish had excellent color and texture and there is no better word for the cup of chili other than adorable with its soda crackers sticking up adorably. But most importantly, when you looked at the food and immediately wanted to dig in.

Taste - The gourmet grilled cheese was altogether a good sandwich. The tomato and arugula were excellent additions both in terms

of flavor and color. However, the bread was over-buttered and became soggy easily. While it tasted good, it seemed like something we could have simply made at home. The fresh cut french fries were excellent; crisp, delicious, and light without too much grease. The vegetarian quinoa chili was some of the best I've ever eaten, including recipes with meat. It was even as good as my Pawpaw's. The quinoa made the texture spot-on and there was enough spice to kick it up, but not enough to make me want to stop eating it. Easily some of the best comfort food I've had, vegetarian or otherwise. The hot apple and brie baguette was good. The cheese was obviously of a high quality and the acidity of the thinly sliced granny smith apples cut through the richness perfectly. Topped with arugula and balsamic vinaigrette, it was a delicious summer sandwich. The only complaint was that the bread-to- filling ratio could have been better. Always a fan of a good baguette, I just think there should have been more inside it to even out the proportions.


Price - The price overall was pretty agreeable. There were a few items on the menu that seemed a little steep, but nothing so bad to deter us from returning. Also, it's worth paying a little more for quality, organic vegetables and responsibly raised meat.

Service - Our server was polite and attentive, but no stretch of the imagination could label her as friendly. She brought our food, but her hospitality seemed strained at best. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt because we went in an hour before close and were the only ones there. However, money is money and having worked in the service industry no matter the situation, your mantra should be, "smile like you mean it."

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
For sure! It's quirky, quaint and delicious. Being vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or even just organic can be really difficult. This place makes it easy and appetizing. Everyone should give it try though. Next time, I want the vegan cheesecake! Bonus, if you can't make it to midtown, they have a food truck.


Here's a link to their website:  
 http://fuelcafememphis.com/about

The Pharmacy - Eating Well and Catching Up

WHERE WE WENT:   
The Pharmacy
731 McFerrin Avenue
Nashville, TN

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Pharmacy Burger, Cheese Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Tater Tots


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu - 8
Presentation - 7
Taste - 8
Price - 8
Service - 8
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - Situated in a relatively trendy neighborhood

in East Nashville, The Pharmacy is a hip and happening hangout for people of all sorts. You would never know it from the unassuming, plain white block building.  The Pharmacy has close, cozy seating inside, an expansive patio outside, and bar stool seating nestled under the preserved pharmacy/soda fountain counter. The decor recalls the past, the days of the neighborhood soda fountain, but it also has a very hip, modern feel. This may be partly attributed to the staff who could each easily fall into the "hipster" category. It was very busy, teeming with people of all ages and appearances. It's the kind of place you want to meet up with friends for a beer after work and where your server will remember your name.

 
Menu - The menu at the Pharmacy is somewhat limited in both the type and number of dishes. It consists mostly of burgers and brats. They do only a couple of things, but they do them extremely well. The burgers offered are pretty simplistic in style, but are able to be spiced up with an extensive list of toppings that include unique

offerings such as curry ketchup, stroganoff bechamel, wasabi aioli, and horchata crema fresca to name a few. The various options guarantee a burger experience tailored to each individual taste. At a place of burgers and brats, even vegetarians can find a haven with their falafel or black bean burger. They have an extensive beer menu with dozens of selections. They also carry multiple varieties of homemade sodas served original fountain-style.
 

Presentation - Drinks are served in plastic tumblers emblazoned with the Pharmacy's very appealing logo, a souvenir of your visit to the local watering hole. Beer is served in variously styled mugs, glasses and steins, harkening back to the biergarten aspect of the restaurant. Burgers and sides come to you in baskets lined with wax paper that also bear the logo. The presentation flows perfectly with the restaurant's overall vibe.


Taste - Both of the burgers were outrageously good. The patties were cooked to a perfect medium well and seasoned to perfection. The cheeses are mild and blend together well. The vegetable toppings were crisp and fresh. It was everything that you could want in a burger. The taste truly stood out without straying too far from the classic burger. The tater tots were incredible, with a crispy outside and tender inside and paired very well with the spicy, homemade curry ketchup. Sweet potato fries are a nice surprise at a burger joint, but an even better one when they taste as good as the Pahrmacy's.



Price - With burgers ranging between $7 and  $9, you get a deal when you go to the Pharmacy. All the ingredients are fresh and the taste is delicious. You're paying for taste and atmosphere, and you're getting a whole lot of both. They don't skimp on the portions either.

We were completely full when we left.

 
Service -  Our server was very good. He was attentive, friendly, pleasant and knowledgeable. When he realized it was our first time there he was happy to answer our questions and provide us with suggestions.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Absolutely! We loved it. If we lived in Nashville, this would be somewhere we would frequent regularly.

Here's a link to their website:  
 http://thepharmacynashville.com/

Arnold's Meat & 3 - Roadtrippin' to Nashville

WHERE WE WENT:   
 

Arnold's Meat & 3
605 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 
37203

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Roast Beef, Green Beans, Corn Bread, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Cream Corn, Country Fried Steak, Chocolate Cayenne Pie

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 6
Menu - 7
Presentation - 5
Taste - 9

Price - 8
Service - 9
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - If you're looking for a cool joint to hang out and spend time with friends while enjoying a casual meal, the Arnold's is not your place. Arnold's focuses more on convenience and efficiency rather than creating an ambiance. You are greeted by an ostensibly plain cinder block building and the inside is Not much different. Almost nothing adorns the walls, no interesting colors can be found. The seating is as basic as it comes and is cramped tightly together, giving you the feeling of a high school cafeteria. You come in, get your food from the line, sit, eat quickly and then depart. It isn't a place you linger.

Menu - Arnold's menu varies from day to day. The daily specials are listed on a chalk board, but there are some staples that never change like mac & cheese. Options and prices are clearly listed, which is good because you'll have a lot of time to look at them while waiting in a considerable line and you better know what you want be the serving is speedy. There are plenty of options: at least three meat options, multiple types of bread, a wide variety of vegetables and two or three kinds of dessert as well. 

Presentation - The presentation of the food is just as plain jane as the building. White, cafeteria-style plates are used to plop food onto. Things are all melded together. It just isn't particularly pretty.

Taste - One thing you need to know. Everything was hot. Literally,

every single thing had a kick to it that you can't ignore. The flavors were different and unique, but the heat was always there. That being said, it was delicious. The roast beef was tender and juicy, some of the best we've ever had. The mashed potatoes were creamy and the gravy very flavorful. Even the macaroni and cheese managed to maintain the heat characteristic of Arnold's. It can only be described as soul food. It literally warms your heart and soul along with your stomach because it just feels like home. If you don't like spicy, then it isn't for you. Even the chocolate pie leaves you with a striking after-taste because of the cayenne they use.


Price - For you get, the price is excellent. $8.60 for the namesake meat & three sides is outstanding especially considering how delicious everything will be. Portions are sizeable, it's so scrumptious that it'll still leave you wanting more.

Service -  Food is served down a cafeteria line, so there are no actual waiters or waitresses, but everyone we came into contact with was friendly, welcoming and helpful. They went out of their way to make us feel at home and ensure our satisfaction. They ran out of mashed potatoes right as we were headed down the line, but instead of just saying, "oh well," they gave us a number and made sure to bring some out to us at our table when they replenished their stock.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes! If we're ever in Nashville, this will definitely be one of our go-to places. Off the beaten path of Broadway, it seems like it's a local secret.

Boscos Squared - Out of Town Friends Visit

WHERE WE WENT:   
Bosco's Squared
2120 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN
38104

WHAT WE ORDERED:

Baked Lasagna Bolognese, Bosco's Burger, Garlic Parmesan Fries

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 8
Menu - 7
Presentation - 6
Taste - 6
Price - 6
Service - 7
 Overall - 6.5


Atmosphere - As it is with many places in the midtown area, the first word that comes to mind when you walk into Bosco's Squared is "cool." You get the feeling that you've walked into something

both warm and sophisticated and much more interesting than its unassuming exterior would suggest. A long, dark bar is the central focus of the restaurant with two sections of seating, one down either side. The atmosphere is sophisticated without feeling stuffy and is a great gathering place for people of all sorts.

Menu -Bosco's sports a menu that is diverse but not cumbersome. There are plenty of choices for people of all tastes. They offer soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches, and flatbreads. One of the more interesting looking options is the Black Bean & Goat Cheese Tamale. The overall best part of the menu hands don is the beer selection. Boscos goes a step beyond offering local craft beers and actually brews their own. Their year-round offerings include The Famous Flaming Stone, Midtown Brown, Bosco's Bombay IPA, and Isle of Skye Scottish Ale. On top of those they have seasonal specialties available. They offer $11 half gallon growlers. Unfortunately we were unable to try any of the beers because we were sick during our visit, but our research has led us to the conclusion that it's the best thing about Bosco's.

Presentation - Presentation at Bosco's was not bad at all. Plain white dishes that gave off an air of class accompanied all the dishes. We have definitely seen worse, but the low score derives from the fact that we expected something more from a place with such a vivid personality.

Taste - One word: underwhelming. Nothing was bad per se, but nothing really jumped out and grabbed us either. Maybe it was because people had hyped up Bosco's to us too much beforehand, but it just didn't live up to our expectations. The Baked Lasagna Bolognese was bland. The cheeses did not stand out and the sauce was something that could have come out of a jar at Kroger. The signature burger was not much better. It was just a burger with no distinguishable traits.The garlic parmesan fries were the most

unique tasting thing we ordered, but were unfortunately drowned in garlic.

Price - The price was not good. The lasagna was $15 dollars and was much to small and lacking in flavor to be worth it. The burger and fries were $13. We've had bigger, better burgers for less in many places in the city.

Service -Our service was just fine. Our server was polite, but with zero personality and was a bit slow.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yeah, but only for the curiosity about the beer.

Here's a link to their website:  
http://boscosbeer.com/memphis/story/

Fox and Hound - First Resturant of the New Year

WHERE WE WENT:   
Fox and Hound
847 Exocet Drive
Cordova, TN
38103



WHAT WE ORDERED:

Hot Honey Boneless Wings, Sausage & Peppers, Blackforest Sandwich

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 7.5
Menu - 8
Presentation - 10
Taste - 8
Price - 8
Service -6
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - Fox and the Hound certainly has a flair all it's own. With deep red walls and dark wooden booths, and the bar as the central focus point, the main room could easily be something out of a 1920's novel like Gatsby (minus the TVs of course). Smoking is allowed and there is a space where cigars are encouraged. The first impression you get is a mix between a speakeasy, a cigar bar, and possibly a gentleman's club. It wouldn't have surprised me at all if burlesque dancers would have suddenly appeared.The lighting was dark, like everything else in the place and you almost feel like you're doing something devious just by sitting down. Walk about 50 feet to the left and you enter a room with a completely different feel. Pool tables are lined up, TV screens are layered along the walls, and beer/sports paraphernalia are rampant. Classy or brassy you can have a good time at Fox and Hound, as long as you don't mind being in a indisputable Man Cave.

Menu -The menu is comprised of literally everything you would expect from a man's sports hideaway. Jalapeno poppers, wings, onion rings; check, check, and check. There is a myriad of artery clogging fried goods including all the traditional pub fare. One of the more interesting options that jumps out are Dog Bites, mini corn dogs. You can't find that everywhere. There are also more unexpected options like delicious looking salads, substantial entrees such as grilled salmon and even a build-your-own flatbread option. The menu was organized really nicely with catchily named subsections and a minimalist black and white design. There was one really disappointing aspect. They have a great beer selection, but there was almost no local brews. If you want a real meal or just some game-time munchies, you can find it at F&H, as long as you're not a vegetarian.

Presentation -Presentation here was a pleasant surprise. From looking at the inside, you expect that your food will be served in those boring red baskets sitting in a pile of grease...but that just isn't so. There were indeed baskets, but they were trendy, made of wire and lined with wax paper printed to look like newspaper, a very British touch. The celery with our wings had its own little metal holder and sauce bullet. The fries came in an asymmetical cylinder. The presentation was much more akin to that of a gastropub rather than a sports bar, and we really appreciated the way it was classed up.

Taste  - We got the hot honey boneless wings to start out with because we had heard good things about them for people at work.

They did not disappoint. The chicken was crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. The hot honey sauce was a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Size-wise, they were respectable. The sausage and peppers looked nice, and we thought were definitely gonna be a value with two brats and fries for $7.99, but it turns out that you get what you pay for. The sausages and the buns both had a cheap taste to them. For a dish advertised as a stadium brat, it brought back more memories of the grocery store sale aisle than the ballpark. The fries were delicious, and we wished there had been more. The Blackforest Sandwich stole the show. Everything about this sandwich worked.

The turkey was moist and the flavored paired perfectly with the applewood bacon and Jack cheese. The pretzel bun was a little overpowering, but it didn't get too dry with the Dijon honey mustard. It was a messy sandwich, but totally worth it.

Price - Modern gastropub food at sports bar prices. Definitely worth your while.

Service - Our service wasn't awful, but it wasn't excellent either. Our waittress came by frequently enough, but she wasn't very friendly. We had to ask multiple times for refills and she always looked as if she had somewhere better to be.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes. The hot honey wings were amazing and it would be great to try some of the other flavors, especially the Sweet Chilli.

Here's a link to their website:  
http://www.foxandhound.com/

Huey's Downtown- NYE Eats

WHERE WE WENT:   
Huey's Downtown
77 South Second Street
Memphis, TN
38103



WHAT WE ORDERED:

Chili Cheese Fries, Cuban Sandwich, Hawaiian Burger

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu - 7
Presentation -7
Taste - 7
Price - 7
Service - 7
 Overall - 7


Atmosphere - Huey's has a nice small town sports bar feel even though its situated in the heart of downtown Memphis. The seating is cozy and the lighting is dark. The bar is the central focus of the dining room and there are multiple TVs set out to watch whatever game may be on at the time. There is a good mix of tables and booths, so everyone can find a place that's comfortable. The place has a lot of character. The walls and booths are written all over, signed by people from near and far commemorating their excursion to Huey's. One particularly unique aspect of the restaurant is the ceiling, it's covered in toothpicks that have been launched up. It's a challenge every Huey's customer should undertake. Ask around, everyone has their idea of the best strategy. We say flick it.

Menu -We are fans of the Huey's menu. It is only one page, double-sided. The front lists all of the food choices in bright colors next to illustrations that are uniquely Memphis such as the Grizzlies logo and the pyramid. The back has caricatures of the owners and their
 
family as well as a short history of the restaurant that really makes you feel invested in the place. They offer a wide variety of liquor and beer, including craft beers and local brews. The only problem was maybe a smaller menu offering, but that can be expected from sports bars.

Presentation -As in most places of the sort, our food came basketed with checkered wax paper. It was unoriginal but acceptable. A couple issues: unless your restaurant is a self-proclaimed dive bar, say no to plastic silverware. Also, after providing us with a giant burger or a heaping helping of fries, we expect restaurants not to skimp on the ketchup. Put it on the table, not in one of the obnoxiously small plastic cups.

Taste -The chili cheese fries we ordered we delicious. The fries themselves are the thick cut steak fries, making them a god support for all their fixings. The ratio of cheese-chili-potato was excellent. Every fry had a full flavor of each ingredient. The Hawaiian burger had a unique taste. The warm burger paired with the cool, crisp pineapple was a nice textural contrast, however the burger patty itself was not very flavorful. No matter what you build on a burger, you gotta have that good foundation. The Cuban sandwich had great flavor and lots of meat. The only problem was that it wasn't pressed. Cubans have got to be pressed or else it's just a deli sandwich.

Price -Huey's is priced comparably with most other restaurants of its kind, but is really reasonable for the downtown area.

Service - Our service was good, but could have been better. 

Extras - They host trivia every Wednesday night with the opportunity to win house cash.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yeah, we enjoyed it. We have season tickets to the Redbirds and Huey's being a block away creates the perfect place to go catch a couple beers pre-game.

Here's a link to their website:  
http://hueyburger.com/

Dyer's Cafe - Exploring Collierville

WHERE WE WENT:
Dyer's Cafe
101 N. Center Street
Collierville, TN
38017



WHAT WE ORDERED:

3 Tamale Plate, Chili Cheese Dog w/ Fries, Apple Pie

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 8     
Menu - 7
Presentation -7
Taste - 7
Price - 8
Service - 6 
  Overall - 7

Atmosphere - Situated on the Town Square in Collierville, creates a sense of nostalgia about Dyer's before even entering. Being inside Dyer's is like taking a walk down memory lane. The red checkered table cloths and wooden spindle-backed chairs evokes the feeling that you're sitting down at someone's kitchen table for a meal. The walls are lined with old newspaper clippings about the evolution of the restaurant which gives a sense of hominess and history.

Menu -  The menu is a full one, showcasing many varieties of their famous hamburgers, including one called the The Filthy Diablo that sounds interesting. They have options that will make you feel right at home with southern cooking such as Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Dill Pickle Chips. What they don't have is many options that are healthy or many options for vegetarians. If you don't eat meat, you'll be relegated to a grilled cheese or a meal of fried appetizers.

Presentation - The dishes were presented on standard white plates and were arranged simply. The chili cheese dog (which is actually two hot dogs split down the middle) was served on a hamburger bun to mimic their most well-known menu item. The colors and textures were appealing and most importantly, everything looked delicious.

Taste - The chili chees dog was delicious. The chili was tasty but not too spicy and it had good consistency. It was good served with cheese on the hamburger bun with yellow mustard, but we would recommend maybe skipping the pickle as it adds a weird layer of flavor to the dish. The were excellent. They were skin-on and handcut. They were mushy on the instead with a nice crisp on the

outside and weren't oversalted. The tamales were just ok, The beef and cheese tasted a little bit low-quality and the tamales themselves tasted a little like cornbread. The apple pie is some of the best around. The crust is just like your grandma would make, flaky and delicious while the apples are cooked down with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. Next time we're getting it a la mode though.

 Price - Everything was reasonably and comparably priced especially for the portion sizes.

Service - Our server took care of us, but he not particularly friendly or welcoming. Also, he brought our check before even asking if we would like to order dessert.


WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes. If you're in Collierville and looking for a low-key meal at a decent price, this is a good option. Get dessert.


 Here's a link to their website: 
http://dyerscollierville.com/