Review of Myrtle's Chicken and Beer Market Square

Let me start this blog by giving a shout out to our sponsor Cuts by Reggie.  If you are in the Knoxville area and looking for a barber, Cuts by Reggie is the guy for you. You can see Reggie at Diamond Cutz on 4720 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37921.

So for today's review we went to Myrtle's Chicken and Beer. We are back in historic Market Square to check out another of the new establishments in the area. Now I say new loosely because they have been established for a while in my mind but some may say that is not so.

The environment at this location is what you want for a restaurant on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a meal with friends.  It's a very cool vibe and falls in line with other restaurants Downtown. Family events, social meetings, etc, can be had at the location.  We were there around noon and the crowd wasn't too bad.

Let's talk about the menu. The menu is focused on what's in the name, chicken,  and why shouldn't it be. Who doesn't love chicken? The prices on the menu are in the range of the restaurants in Downtown but I don't really feel it was the price point it should be at. (You will understand why I say this later in the blog.)

So where should I start about the review.  Well, let's start with the good. The staff at Myrtle's was very pleasant and personable.  Our waiter made sure we were good and was up for our questions about  the menu. We were advised to try the chicken and waffles and I was tempted.  But when I walked into the restaurant I saw a sign saying "Hot Chicken Here". (It may say something different but I  have a pick that shows what it said verbatim.) With that being said, you know what I was having.

So, we started the day with some apps. (Appetizers. I know I am too old to say apps but it felt good. LOL) So we had the Cheddar Drop Biscuits and the Chicken in a Blanket.  The biscuits were first and the presentation was cool. The came out in a basket and the smell drew you in. But when you bit into the biscuit it was a different story. The biscuits were doughy in the middle, definitely undercooked.  And you were pulled in by the buttery smell and the word "Cheddar". But the cheddar was not really present and all in all the flavor was really bland. (Shout out to Guy Fieri for taken us to Flavortown because today we took a trip to Blandville.)

The next appetizer was the Chicken in a Blanket.  The chicken was served on two skews. The portion size was great and nice for a group of 3-5 people.  It was served with Big Daddy's Candied Bacon Sauce, which was good and carried the chicken.  The difference between eating the chicken with and without the sauce was evident.  The chicken by itself was bland.  It has waffle batter on it but something was missing.  When the chicken was dependent on the sauce and that should not be the case.

So after the appetizers,  it's time for the meal. I said Hot Chicken was on the sign and I was getting it for sure.  I have been to a few places for Hot Chicken.  Each one has their own level of heat. Some good,  some bad and some that make you want to come back for more. 

So let me say this first.  The food came out pretty quick,  which in most cases is a plus, but today wasn't that day. There was no heat coming of the chicken,  which if cooked fresh it would be piping hot. The sauce had a good balance of hot and sweet but the temperature could and should have been better.  The sides were decent. I got the collard greens and potato salad.  The potato salad was good and I really can't talk bad about it because potato salad can be made in so many different ways.  I like my potato salad a little sweet but you can't please everyone. 

The greens were cool. There was some seasoning and I was able to finish the serving. (Should have got some vinegar.) I guess I am use to having greens that my Madre and my sister cook to a seasoned perfection in my eyes. (And yes I am bias.!!)

It was cool to be with my people and enjoying the company that we always do but the food was a let down. Maybe I expected more or I set the bar to high in my head but I was disappointed.  This review gets a regular ole' XL Tee. I really wasn't impressed and don't believe I will be back. (Shout out to the waiter,  he was good and the people were good.)

Well, I feel like this one might be my longest blog but had a lot to speak on. I hope you continue to rock with me. Pictures will be included and hey, you have to judge for yourself.

As I always like to do, I want to thank you for the read, share with you people and let me know where I should go next. Take the time to enjoy your people and the world we live in. But most of all, take the time to treat yourself!!!

Review of Asian Cafe Callahan Road

So today's blog is about  restaurant that I had for the first time. First off, big shout out to the broski. My brother,  Brantley Taylor, celebrated another year of life and his graduation for his bachelor's degree.  So what better way to celebrate than with some hibachi-style Asian cuisine.

The restaurant is a new location and has a cool set up. You have two sides to the restaurant.  You have what I will call the "family" side where you get the full show. Your food is cooked in front of you and the chef gives you some great entertainment.  He gets the people in the table involved, which is a great way to spend a dinner with family.

The other side of the restaurant,  one I will have to go back for, is the "adult" side. I can't talk too much about it without seeing it but I know they have a karaoke set up that we get a lot of people excited and yes I am a lot of people.

Now let's talk about what we really came for. Again,  this restaurant is perfect for a family dinner.  When the chef sets the stove top on fire and the heat hits your face, it gets you excited for what's to come. The chef did an amazing job. He not only entertained but answered questions my son and nephew had. He also catered to everyone at the table. The waitress did a good job of making sure we were good on drinks and all other things. And I still haven't talked about food. (I promise I am getting there.)

One last thing I want to talk about before the food is how awesome it was for the staff to come out and sing Happy birthday to my brother.  They have their own way of celebrating their customers on their day. They have this traditional mask they have the person where during this celebration and even have the birthday guy or gal do a little boogie. (This part was priceless.)

Now, finally,  let's talk about this food. There are plenty of different places that offer the same style. You all know the names. But I can truly say this place might be my new favorite.  The rice was good of course, you don't expect a miss there but it can happen.  The vegetables are cooked perfectly to me. They had a nice crunch and the seasoning was on point.  Now he gave out a sample of the shrimp to those that didn't order and I was mad at him for that. (Kidding, who is gonna be mad at free food?) The shrimp was legit and I was ready for more. I got the chicken and I was not disappointed.  The chicken was seasoned well and very tender.  At times, I have had chicken in the past that did disappoint at these types of restaurants.
And you have options.  Steak and salmon are both on the menu.

All in all, I was impressed for my first time. I will be back for sure.  The whole experience is one that I would recommend to anyone.  I will also be checking out the other side so I can give the people what they want. (I know that the people want to hear this crooning from ya boy.)

But my grade is going to be a 4X Tee and you best believe I might have to do this for my birthday.

Let me know what you think of the blog and if you have suggestions,  feel free to let me know. Take the time to enjoy the little things in life and make sure you treat yourself!!!

Review for Half Barrel Cumberland Avenue

Three in a week, ladies and gents I believe I am on to something.  Like to give a shout out to our sponsor, Cut by Reggie.  If you are looking for a barber, Cuts by Reggie has you covered.  Any style, he's got you covered.  Catch him at Diamond Cutz at 4720 Western Ave Knoxville, TN 37921.

Now, to the review.  Today's spot was chosen for our men's Fella-ship that we have monthly.  We usually go every last Sunday of the month but decide to add a mid-month meal. (Who are we kidding, it was just another excuse to eat.)

Now this was my first time at Half Barrel so I was impressed with the set up. It has a wide open space that leads you directly to the patio out back. There deck is the place for those who don't smoke (21 and up) so just a heads up. It's a perfect place for a quick gathering if you are in or on this side of town.

So the menu is pretty basic.  It's a bar so you will see the usual great bites. (Burgers, fries and you know they got some wings.) But you know there are more delicious items on the menu but we came for the wings and guess what, we are getting to the wings.

Now, the selection of wing sauces they provided were pretty simple,  a set of hot sauces ranging from mild to extreme heat. Then they hit you with a selection of dry rubs. Tonight was a dry rub kind of night.  Tonight's choice,  Spicy Cajun w a side of Spicy Barbecue.

Our waitress did a great job. She recommended items that we might like and made sure our cups were full and our needs were covered.  The food got out in a good time frame. We have waited 10 minutes at the max for our food. (I may be cutting the time a little short but it was fast.)

Now let's talk about these wings. The dry rub ratio on the wings was very good. The rub was one of the better ones I have had in the city. The Spicy Cajun gave you just enough kick that you could enjoy and not feel like you need a picture of water.  I had the Barbecue sauce for my fries and may I say I was impressed with it, very tasty.

Now here comes my only complaint for the evening. It seems like this may be an epidemic across the city. Tell me why these wings were so small? I really enjoyed them but man, I could have probably at another order to get full off of. But this place isn't the only one in the city with this wing deficiency.  Let's stop the teasing good people, bring us the bountiful wings.

All in all it was a good evening.  We at good. We had great conversation and the meal wasn't half bad. (They also had Happy Hour going so the wings were only 6.00.) I would recommend this place to any of my people for a nice little hangout or to catch a game. 3X Tee, almost a 4 but the wings need a little more size.

Well, I hope you enjoy this review. Don't forget  to share and let me know what you think. Until the next time, make sure you making time to treat yourself!!!

Review of Fiesta Garibaldi Mexican Grill Kingston Pike

So today's review is an impromptu.  When the youngin says let's get Mexican, we take a trip to get some Mexican. But where?

Where is a good question. If there is one thing we have in Knoxville, we have Mexican restaurants. Some chain, some food trucks and a lot of hole in the walls. (Hole in the walls are usually were you will get the best.) So, I have been to plenty so I thought we would go to a place that few know but should stop into.

The vibe in the restaurant is pretty laid back. There's a deck for nice sunny days like today, to enjoy you food and now Hookah if you choose. It's very spacious and if you have a group they have the space to cater to your needs. (Speaking of catering, if you need someone to cater an event, they can do that for you.)

So, what are we eating today? Well, on the menu, they have all you expect. Burritos, chimichangas, tacos etc. But my dish of choice is the Fajitas Nachos.  Now, these can truly be shared between 2 people or one fatboy like myself.  (Pics below) The chicken is well seasoned well, served with green peppers,  onions and tomatoes.  They top it with the nice, warm melted cheese. (I choose the shredded cheese and have it melted on the nachos. They have a queso cheese if you choose. )

To say I was pleased and full by the end of the meal is an understatement.  (See the happy plate below.) If you are looking for a new place to go, I would recommend this to you. Easy 4X tee here.

As always,  if you have any spots you would like me to check out, let me know. I am always out to find new places and flavors around the city. Well, it's time for a little dessert to end the evening.  Take some time out and treat yourself!!!!!

Review for Fu House Western Ave

So today I went to a restaurant that I have been wanting to go to for a while. I have heard nothing but good things about Fu House and decided today was the day for a meal. When you have expectations for a place of word of mouth you tend to think it's a no-brainer that the food will be on point. This time is not one of those time.

When you enter the restaurant it has the feel of most of the Chinese restaurants around the city. You have a standard menu with the usual suspects. I was pleasantly surprised to see Bourbon Chicken on the menu.

I place my order for the Bourbon Chicken and prepare myself for some good Chinese food.  The food came out quick. From the picture I attached to the post everything looked exceptional.  Taking my first bite, everything went downhill fast.

The meal was very underwhelming.  The food had no steam coming off and was warm at best. The sauce had great flavor and was the only positive.  The rice was dry and cold as well. The wool had been pulled over my eyes. I had been hoodwinked, bamboozled. (I know, a little extra but I was let down.) And to top it off, I was given a stale fortune cookie with no fortune. (Now that's just petty. Lol)

All in all, this may be my last time visiting Fu House. I may go back to try the General Tso but it's not promising.  When you go to a restaurant and expect better you leave with a bad taste in your mouth.  This trip gets a 1X Tee and that's being generous.

So, this one trip does not stop the mission.  We are still going out to find this best spots in Knoxville to highlight our growing food community.  So, let me know where I should go next and don't forget to Treat Yourself!!!!

Review of Stefanos Pizza Hardin Valley

 In today's blog, we are reviewing a place that as a kid I enjoyed a lot. It's been a long time since I have been to Stefanos but I have always had good things to say about the place.  The original spot is on the Cumberland Avenue Strip. It's very nostalgic and has been part of Tennessee culture since I was a kid. Today, we went west and checked out the new restaurant on Hardin Valley.  Let's see what this place has to offer.

When I first hit the door,  I was blown away by the set up. It was 1 PM on a Saturday and football was all around me. I mean this place was immaculate. Big screen TVs everywhere, place in the perfect spot to stay tuned in to multiple games. If you want to do a draft party for your fantasy football league, this place would serve the purpose.

Another plus about the restaurant is that it's very spacious.  At the time I was there, there wasn't a big crowd but just looking across the room, the set up was made to make sure people were not on top of each other. Also, if you did have a big party,  there is enough room to cater to that size of crowd as well.

The bar area I was very impressed with. This bar had all that you wanted and more. They have a great selection of draft beers to choose from. If you are looking for cocktails,  they also have you covered. The bar area also is very spacious and would be a place for a group of friends after work or catching a quick drink by yourself.  And who doesn't like a little pizza and beer action?

Now, let's talk about the food. If you are a pizza person, this place will not disappoint.  The pizza is some of the best in the city and one of the only places I know that serves up this Italian goodness on a wheat crust. (Yes a wheat crust!! Don't knock it until you try it) Now, they already have their own preset combinations available but you can build you own. The pricing of the pizza is very reasonable and is going to be spot on with any other restaurant in the city.

But pizza is not the only thing on the menu.  They have sandwiches available,  one being a Philly Cheesesteak. (Might be my next selection the second time around.) For the people out there living that healthy like, they have salads available to go a long with your pizza or eat has an entree.

All in all, my visit I thoroughly enjoyed.  I got some good Chicago-style pizza and got to watch a plethora of college football at the same time. The only thing that threw me off a little is the wait for the pizza. And the reason for this is that I went in forgetting that this pizza takes time to cook. It's not like the restaurants with the 800 degree wood stoves.  These pizzas take time and you will be glad you waited. 

This restaurant gets a 4X tee in my book and you better know that I will be back. Tell a friend and treat yourself to some Stefanos Pizza!!!!