Hobnobbing with The Prince of Wales

Actually, I drank a Prince of Wales. This past week we met C and P at Acacia for dinner.

Before dinner we checked in at the bar and perused the newest offerings. While hubby went the conventional route of Hendrick's Gin and Tonic with cucumber. I branched out and tried The Prince of Wales containing:

• Wild Turkey Rye
• Muddled pineapple
• Luxardo
• Bitters
• Sparkling wine

It was delicious! And served up in those great glasses.

For dinner we stuck to the 3 courses for $23 special and ordered a bottle of Livewire Cabernet Sauvignon.

The ramp vichyssoise was fabulous, graced with creme fraiche and a sprinkling of chives.

Hanger steak, stuffed chicken, and flounder were the entree orders. All were good, but my hubby's flounder was extrodinary. If I had known how fantastic this fish would be, I would have ordered it (still skittish about fish).

For dessert: Espresso cake with chocolate malt ice cream. Yummy, yummy! And yellow cake with lavender ice cream. C really liked this pairing, but after P said the ice cream tasted like bed and breakfast soap, the dish took on a new meaning.

We have been to Acacia several times since the new year. We have enjoyed each visit. Style Weekly made a good choice in crowning it Restaurant of the Year. Even The Prince of Wales would be happy here.

PhotoHunt: Vertical

Northside Grille - A Neighborhood Joint

Yesterday was National Start Walking Day. And we walked our asses over to Northside Grille to celebrate (we took the long way).

I've seen several reviews bash this place. But I can't understand why. This place is exactly what it purports to be - a family-friendly neighborhood bar and grill. Granted, it does not serve up gourmet fare, but it offers something for everyone. Spacious booths for families who stop in early and leave early. Outdoor seating (last night was way too hot for me to eat outside, but several folks were enjoying it). And a bar with friendly bartenders to jaw with. We like to sit at the bar.

We started with Gin and Tonics and Whiskey Sours that go easy on the money bags. We then shared a bottle of Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir. Gotta love the label.

To eat - a Tuna Melt and Fries for him. A Cuban with Onion Rings for me. Nothing fancy, but decent. And I love their brand of onion rings.

Kitchen Renovation Saga Part 15

We now have an eclectic hutch!

I fell in love with the heavy carved walnut.

Stronghill and Easter on Parade

Before heading over to Monument Ave and Easter on Parade, we brunched at Stronghill Dining Co on Boulevard.

We were lucky and got one of the last unreserved tables. If I had known what the inside really looked like, I would have visited sooner. I loved the art nouveau design and the loftiness of the place.

A glass of Nobilo Sauvignon Blance began the meal. I was surprised that brunch drink offerings weren't being touted.

My hubby and I shared beignets

Visually, not as puffy as expected, but still very light and hot to the touch - we needed them to sit a spell before consuming. There was a very subtle hint of spice - cinnamon, nutmeg, mace??? Delicious!

Hubby had Biscuits with Sausage Gravy and potatoes

He enjoyed them - a breakfast comfort food. The potatoes had a bit of spicy heat to them. Very good.

I ordered Southern Style Benedict with poached eggs, Smithfield (or country) ham, cornbread, and potatoes

The cornbread was the most unusual, reminding me of a scone made from cornmeal and flavored with cinnamon. I tired of it after a few bites. And next time I need to ask for the eggs to be lightly poached. Mine were cooked well done.

Although, I experienced a couple of misses with my meal, it wasn't the end of the world. Mainly, it was based on my preferences. The wait staff were all bright and sunny, and I look forward to trying dinner.

We then strolled Monument Ave to people-watch, dog-watch, and luxuriate in this gorgeous day.

A Visual Easter Present

I went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens yesterday and encountered Spring in full bloom.

Photo Hunt: Sweet

Kitchen Renovation Saga Part 14

The neverending quest continues...

Mercury glass knobs for the island

and light above the sink with a fresh coat of paint for the window

Oh my god! I ate goat and I liked it!

I went to the Curry House located in Innsbrook for lunch today with a few friends from work. B, originally from India, had raved about the lunch buffet.

I tried all manner of delectable items:

• Idly and Sambar - dumpling and a type of veggie soup (that's how I describe it anyway) from the South of India
• Chicken Tandoori
• A cooked cabbage dish
• Some very crispy (and delicious) fried veggies
• Chicken Biryani
• Chicken Masala
• Naan

... and Goat Masala (B insisted that I try it and he was oh-so-right)! The spices in the dish and how it was prepared produced a tender , fall off the bone meat without an overbearing muskiness or gaminess.

The goat was very tasty and a favorite!

The lunch buffet is $7.99. The offereings are fairly mild from a hot/spicy perspective. And what a wonderful discovery on an absolutely gorgeous day!

So, if you are in the vicinity, go grab some goat.