As a child I spent many summers with my grandparents at their place at Topsail Island, NC.   Their lot is a corner canal location with plenty of water for swimming and fishing.  I remember catching crab and snagging flounder in the canal.  I never liked the taste of crab, but enjoyed eating fresh flounder.   I used to setup a fishing rod with heavy weights to keep the hooks close to the bottom. Flounder rarely take bait and have to be snagged in order to bring one to the dock.   The smallest flounder fight like a 50 pound king mackerel.   Popcorn shrimp was another favorite seafood item that I’d order when we would go out to eat.  It was rare to find shrimp large enough to eat in the canal.

As I got older, I lost the taste for seafood and have avoided it with the exception of a shrimp or two and a Japanese steakhouse.   This week seafood found its way back to a plate in front of me and I liked it.   I have a feeling that a the fact that my last meal had been over 9 hours ago and I was starving may have been why I was willing to eat several items that I would have otherwise declined.  Regardless of the reason I enjoyed lobster and crab legs for the first time.  I also had shrimp prepared in a way that has persuaded me to find the recipe and make the same version on my own.   Baked shrimp battered in garlic and bread crumbs!  This was delicious! There were also onion rings, and delicious wine for starters.

The restaurant that prepared these delicious items was N.Y. Prime in Myrtle beach, SC.   My friends at Geological Resources, Inc. of Charlotte, NC invited me and I am very greatful for the awesome time that we had this evening.  The food, service and company were all wonderful!

I was nearly full from the appetizer and wine, but was looking forward to the recommended Filet Mignon.  All of their steaks are aged 28 days and prepared “Pittsburgh-style” with a charred exterior.  The meal is served family style and also included Creamed Spinach, Sautéed Mushrooms, Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus with Hollandaise plus a few more items.  There was no shortage of food at this table!

Our waiter, Bruno and another helper whose name I didnt get were one the ball making sure wine classes were full and the table was cleaned after each plate was removed.  Everything at New York Prime is first class!

New York Prime

405 28th Ave N.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

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PHONE: 843.448.8081
FAX: 843.448.7726

Tags: Asparagus with Hollandaise, beach, carolina, Cheese Mashed Potatoes, crab, Creamed Spinach, filet, legs, lobster, mignon, myrtle, new, onions, prime, Sautéed Mushrooms, sc, seafood, shrimp, south, york

A Facebook friend recently recommended that I try Zink the next time I was in Charlotte, N.C. and I am glad that she did.  I tend to take a late lunch and arrived at Zink, beside South Park Mall, around 3:00pm on evening.  I typically do not have to wait and sometimes have an entire dining area to myself during these late lunch visits.  Upon arriving walked past the large patio area, and would have considered sitting outside if the wind conditions had not been too extreme.  The eclectic interior is primarily modern with a touch of classic. The menu changes with the seasons and offers various items including seafood, poultry and beef.   I enjoy many types of chicken dishes, but have been on a steak crave lately.   During this visit I ordered the Balsamic Glazed Filet Skewer that included Zink steak sauce, Green Beans and delicious pimento fritters.  The steak sauce was very good.  It consisted of tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and pepper.  It went very well with the filet.  The pimento fritters were great!  I’ve never had the sandwich spread melted inside a fritter shell before.   The green stuff is typically something I take a few bites of and move on, but the items on my plate had great flavor and I enjoyed the entire meal.  The lunch was just short of filling me up and required me to order dessert to complete my meal.    I chose the Mississippi mud pie.   The online description lists marshmallow fluff, chocolate mousse and vanilla ice cream as the ingredients.  I also cleaned this plate and was finally full and ready to return to work.

My only disappointment was that I couldn’t have sweet tea with  my meal and wine was out of the question since I was driving,. I was offered tea with pomegranate or some other addition. I really don’t remember and it wasn’t a big deal since the meal was as good as it was.  I definitely make a return visit in the future.

Tags: beans, charlotte, cheese, dessert, filet, food, green, harpers, lunch, mud, park, pie, pimento, south, tea, zink

After standing outside in cold temps with constant wind watching a soccer game, I needed to have a good sit down meal.  I had several options nearby, but chose to drive a few miles out of the way to visit the nearest Hickory Tavern.  I have a few favorites there and the homemade Tavern Potato Chips are high on the list.  These delicious slices are served with mexi-ranch dressing.  I nearly filled up on the chip and sweet tea.

Fortunately I was still hungry enough to enjoy  a burger.  Another favorite is the Pepper Jack Burger.The Pepper Jack Burger is loaded with,  pepper jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, jalapenos, lettuce, tomatoes & onions with a side of fries just in case I need more to eat.

Although I was full and finally warm, I still had to order some dessert to go.  The waitress looked surprised when I ordered four Tavern Towers to go.  We had plenty of cake to eat during the following few days.

9735 US 15-501 Hwy
Pinehurst, NC 28374

910-235-3850

www.thehickorytavern.com

Tags: burger, chips, dessert, food, fries, hickory, homemade, nc, north carolina, southern pines, tavern, tea, tower

I was introduce to the Tilted Kilt last summer and have been a frequent visitor ever since. The Irish pub themed restaurant has an outstanding menu of items that are prepared prefect every time.  After my first visit, I described the Tilted Kilt as Hooters with better food.  There is plenty to look at while waiting for your order to cook.  Dozens of TV screens are broadcasting many sporting events to keep patrons entertained.  In addition, the waitresses are dressed in kilts and strategically tied shirts that may have belonged to little sisters.  Despite the miss-sized uniforms, I still enjoy each visit.

I typically find a favorite dish and stick with it, but at The Tilted Kilt, I’ve tried and enjoyed various items.  Several items come with a side of  garlic fries that are very good.    During my most recent visit I chose to eat the Scottish Cheesesteak.  As I’ve explained in a previous post, I like a good cheese steak with extra cheese.  I am happy to write that sufficient cheese was provided with this sandwich.  The burgers and chicken items are also delicious.

Believe this or not, but my favorite part of each visit is the dessert.  I am very fond of the Tilted Guilt.  The Tilted Guilt consists of a large half baked chocolate chip cookie served underneath a scoop of vanilla ice-cream with chocolate syrup.  The entire dessert is sprinkled with powdered sugar.  I’d go just for the dessert and big screen TV’s!!!

From their website:  The Tilted Kilt concept originated in 2003, not in Ireland, not in Scotland, not even in England. Believe it or not, the Tilted Kilt actually came to life in America’s own city of sin, Las Vegas. The idea for a modern American, Irish, Scottish and English sports pub was the brainchild of successful restaurateur Mark DiMartino. His vision saw a contemporary, Celtic-themed sports pub staffed with beautiful servers

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Tags: bar, burger, cheese, Chicken, cookie, cream, dessert, food, fries, garlic, hooters, ice, kilt, restaurant, sports, steak, tilted, tv

I am happy that Rhett Morris, original from the Winston-Salem area, decided to stay in North Carolina and continue his passion in Southern Pines.  We recently had the joy of dining and Rhett’s Restaurant and love the food!  Walking into the quaint dining area the green walls enhance the local art work on display.    Soft music from above and various conversations from other tables make Rhetts a comfortable place to enjoy a meal.

Prior to making online reservations, that I thought was very convenient, I browsed the online menu and chose what I wanted to taste during my visit.  I never order soup, but for some reason the R2 – Roasted Red Pepper Soup caught my attention.  The description of  a truly delightful blend of roasted red peppers and smoked Gouda cheese is very accurate.  I can imagine this as a sauce in Fettucine.   It was delicious and set me up for the main course consisting of a NC Ribeye with Roasted Garlic Risotto Truffle Mashed Potatoes.  It will be difficult for me to try something different during my next visit because everything was too good not to want again.  Fortunately I had a big appetite before arriving and was able to try the Chocolate Mousse Heath Bar Parfait.  WOW!!! It was very delicious!!!  If it wasn’t for a full stomach I would have had to try another.

Rhett adds an additional personal touch by visiting his quests to ensure that they are enjoying their meal.

From Rhett’s website:

“Rhett’s Restaurant, Personal Chef and Catering creates customized Southern gourmet meals delighting individuals and groups. Rhett’s creates hors d’oeuvres, meals and party platters for private dining, cocktail parties and events. We offer take-out lunches and dinners that are healthier than fast food options, and can be customized for any taste or dietary preferences. Additionally, we have weekly specials made from fresh, local ingredients and a variety of fresh baked breads, cakes and cookies. Rhett’s goal is to create a consistent fine-dining experience for our customers to enjoy, either in the home or here in the restaurant.”

“After all, this is my passion.” – Rhett.

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Rhett’s Restaurant, Personal Chef & Catering
127 W Pennsylvania Avenue
Southern Pines, NC 28387

Phone: 910-695-FOOD (910-695-3663).
Email: rhett@rhettsinc.com

Tags: Chocolate, dessert, dinner, garlic, lunch, mousse, nc, parfait, pepper, red, restaurant, rhetts, ribeye, rissotto, soup, southern pines

It’s impossible to dodge the aroma floating around the parking lot at Hillbilly’s BBQ & Steaks in Gastonia.   The smell the open flame pit is very inviting and nearly dragged me into the restaurant.   The Gastonia location is the second Hillbilly’s opening in 1991.  The building appears to be a former Western Sizzler or other type of family steakhouse.  As you enter you are greeted and led to a table to preview he menu of  pork, chicken and steak dishes.  I am a fan of shredded pork BBQ and never hesitate to order the BBQ plate.   The hushpuppys and BBQ sauce offered prior to receiving your order is a great start.   During this trip we went through two servings of hushpuppies and fortunately didnt fill up before receiving the meal.  I like lots of sauce and you get plenty at Hillbillys.  To add to the delicious meal, the sweet tea is  always nice and sweet as it should be.

About Hillbillys:

Hillbilly’s BBQ & Steaks opened its first store in June 1989, which is located in Lowell, North Carolina. In 1991 the second store opened in Gastonia, North Carolina. Gerald Duncan and Chris Earle, two good friends started a dream. Gerald was 21 years old and Chris was 27 years old. As of the year 2000 Gerald Duncan became the sole owner. With the help of family and dear friends Hillbilly’s has remained a place that family and great food is very important. The philosophy from the very beginning was to serve great food at affordable prices. From the very beginning the cooking was done over an open flame pit with mesquite wood and it is still done that way today. Our side dishes are made fresh daily and the customers truly love it that way.  With the help of family and friends we work hard to make your dining experience a memorable one. In the year 2009,  the third stored was opened in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Tags: aroma, award, BBQ, carolina, Chicken, fire, food, gastonia, Hillbilly's, hushpupy, nc, north, pit, smoke, Steaks

Hamilton’s B B Q & Fried Chicken is a small diner located about a mile west of the Walmart shopping center in Biscoe, N.C.   If you’ve found a section of the highway divided by a median, you’ve pasted the small building with aged wooded sides and gravel parking lot.  This a basic diner in an average small town.  The sound from the  small flat screen TV hanging on the wall blends in with the sounds coming from the open kitchen behind the counter.  Nothing fancy there, but the service is good.   The tables are clean and the food is prepared beyond expectations.

I have visited Hamilton’s B B Q & Fried Chicken several times, but have never tried their B B Q & Fried Chicken.   I’ve never had anything but their extra large single pancake and I am always pleased with the results.   The large fluffy pancakes are made from homemade batter and tastes great!  I have never been able to finish a whole pancake ,but enjoy trying.

Tags: BBQ, biscoe, Chicken, diner, juice, nc, north carolina, ORANGE, pancakes, sausage

I have driven by Pinky’s Westside Grill many times and have thought about stopping in and finally did this week.

Pinky’s opened in November of 2010 in the former home of Triple G Automotive.  The signature red white and blue VW on the roof makes the building stand out at the busy Charlotte intersection. The interior has several original artwork piece for sale and a couple of coin operated games if you have to wait for a table.  There was not a wait time today, but I did return to the KISS pinball machine for a game after lunch.

I had checked out the menu online and today was in the mood for a good burger.  Pinkys offers several burger options with plenty of condiments to choose.  I built a five-ounce beef burger with pepper-jack cheese, chilli and slaw.  The burger had more than enough of the toppings went it arrived.  I had to use a fork to eat most of it, but this wasnt a problem to me.  The burger was very good and I also enjoyed the extra chili that found its way out of the bun.   I ordered a side of waffle fries that were also very delicious.

If you have read previous posts you know that I am a fan of sweet tea.  Pinkys scores a A+ on their tea.  I could have drank a whole pitcher.

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Pinky’s location is easy to get to from I-77, I-85, I-277, and just about anywhere in Charlotte, NC. At the intersection of Morehead St. and Freedom Dr., Pinky’s is near every major interstate, making it not only a favorite for Charlotte, but an easy yummy trip for the entire metropolitan area. The decor is fun and light, while maintaining a good degree of suave dignity. There is parking in front of, behind, and across the street from the restaurant. Take a look at the maps, it’s closer than you think.

Pinky’s Westside Grill
1600 W Morehead St
Charlotte, NC 28208

Tags: charlotte, chili, food, fries, grill, hamburger, nc, north carolina, Pinky Westside Grill, pinkys, sweet, tea, waffle

During a ski trip to West Virginia we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Princeton near several restaurants and gas stations.   Holiday Inn Express located about 20 minute from Winterplace Ski resort and we’ve had good experiences there with the exception of the 11:00pm fire alarm that never ended.  Regardless of the fire alarm, I continue to book rooms because of the location and the people working there are some of the nicest I people that I have met.

During the most recent trip we were loading up on the free breakfast and I noticed a machine with a picture of pancakes on it.  It appeared to be a pancake maker.  Could this be a dream? I love pancakes!! I pressed the button and within one minute I had two cook pancakes on a plate.  The machine is virtually noiseless and flips out two pancakes onto a plate from the side.  This has not always been available and I think is a nice addition to the continental breakfast selection.

I did some research and found these machine online for $3500.00.  They use pre-filled bags of batter and can produce up to 200 pancakes per hour. Amazing!!

Tags: breakfast, holiday, inn, pancake, princeton, ski, West Virginia, winterplace

Most of my posts feature food from various restaurants, but on occasion I have a home cooked meal.   Recently, my oldest son asked why we didn’t use the fine china displayed in the dining room.  This was all it took for my wife to prepare one of our favorites to be served on the barely used plates.   I think his question was a good one and I am pleased to show off the results.

Chicken parmesan, garlic mashed potatoes, fettuccini alfredo and beans.  It was a very good meal and I think all of us cleaned our fine plates.

Tags: alfredo, China, meal, potatoes