Restaurant Review Archives - Page 9 of 9

Sweetest Things Tea Room on Jefferson Street in Athens, AL

03/02/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

When Athens ladies want to have a leisurely lunch with friends, one place that is generally considered is Sweetest Things Tea Room. The atmosphere is cozy, and the pace is unhurried. As a matter of fact, don’t go if you’re in a hurry. There are only 2 or 3 people doing the cooking, taking the orders, serving the plates, and pouring the tea. They don’t appear to want to expand into a large conglomerate. They just want to serve delicious food in an intimate environment.

Sign out front and the building exterior.

One of the dining rooms.

The second small dining room.

The owners of Sweetest Things EXCEL with their desserts. As a matter of fact, there is an extensive list of pies, cookies and cakes that can be pre-ordered, picked up, and then served to your very own guests.

Chess pie served warm with a dollop of whipped cream.

Refrigerated dessert case.

I had the champagne chicken — as close as I’ll ever come to actual champagne. Ha! Imagine Southern cooking like your grandmother used to do, and you’ll have it about right. They are only open for lunch Monday through Friday.

Daily Specials board recently.

P.S. Sweetest Things has recently relocated to the square in Athens. It is now in a spacious building that was formerly Pablo’s on Market, a bookstore, two doors down from Village Pizza. They are still serving WONDERFUL food. Go, and give them a try.

A Tasty Find in Huntsville, AL – Walton’s Southern Table

02/03/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Recently, my Silver Fox and I decided to try for ourselves a restaurant that had been recommended by several friends. We found Walton’s Southern Table at the corner of Airport Road and Whitesburg Drive in a former Ruby Tuesday building. We learned that the property was originally owned by Walton Fleming and his family, thus the reference to him in the restaurant’s name. The Whitesburg Drive-In Theater also sat on this spot years ago, so it has a nostalgic connection for many.

We were immediately struck by the attractive, crisp, tasteful interior and the nice, soft, jazzy music playing. The atmosphere is pleasing and relaxing. We were greeted by Charles, a very friendly host and manager. He seated us at a table assigned to Sara, who was very knowledgeable about the menu.

My best overall assessment? Walton’s is “Cracker Barrel on steroids.” Their ingredients are fresh with no canned veggies and hand-cut meats.

I tried the vegetable plate with fried green tomatoes, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato casserole (all suggested by Sara) and cranberry congealed salad. Steve had meat loaf with pinto beans and turnip greens. He described the meat loaf as “melt in your mouth.” Charles told us, “I finally had to swear off of the meatloaf because I was having it every day and my waistline was suffering the effects.”

But, oh, let me tell you about those fried green tomatoes — quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. They were thinly-sliced and lightly battered with a touch of cayenne pepper. Awesome!

Steve and I didn’t have dessert, but my brother says their pecan pie is probably the best he has tasted. I’ll have to go back sometime and try it “to be sure.” Ha!

Walton’s offers a children’s menu and curbside service. Just call ahead to place your order, and they will bring it right to your car. Walton’s opened in December of 2014. I predict they will be successful.

Ro’s Grille — New Eatery in Athens, AL

01/13/2016 By: CCPearson5 Comments

There’s a new dining option in town for any day except Monday. Yes, even Sundays right after church. And that’s saying a lot when you are across the street from one of the largest churches in Athens. Ro’s Grille at 300 E. Hobbs St. now occupies the building that was formerly the original Lawler’s Barbecue. It is named for owner Seth Stanfield’s baby daughter, Caroline Ro, and has a fresh vibe all its own. The ceiling, flooring, and lighting are new, along with crisp paint colors and updated restrooms.

Exterior of Ro’s.

A lunch menu is served on weekdays and consists of burgers, sandwiches and a salad bar. Evenings and weekends feature hand-cut steaks and chicken entrees. They also offer an item known as “Ro’s Bowl” — cute play on words, wouldn’t you say? Ro’s menu is ambitious. There are appetizers, a children’s menu, and desserts such as fried cheesecake. Oh my!

Ro’s Bowl – chicken, rice, onions, mushrooms, cheese.

Caribbean chicken with wild rice.

A friend and I had lunch at Ro’s last Saturday. The service was friendly and timely, and the food was good. We stayed for a long time, just chatting and catching up. Our server checked on us often, but we didn’t feel rushed at all. We didn’t sample any of the desserts, but the ones I saw on display looked amazing.

The hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30-4:00 p.m. on Sundays. They are closed on Mondays.

There was only one disappointment with our visit to Ro’s, and it had nothing to do with the food, service or decor. As we were paying at the cash register when we got ready to leave, I said, “I bet you have a lot of Baptists in here on Sundays.” The hostess made a slight face and said, “Truthfully, they are the worst customers we have all week. So rude and impatient.” Since I am a member of that church, I was embarrassed and apologetic. So, I’d just like to take a step away from my travel blogging role and spend a moment encouraging my fellow church members, as well as those from any of the churches in the area. When we go into restaurants on Sunday, obviously wearing our “church clothes,” let’s don’t leave the restaurant employees wondering what good it did us to attend that Sunday. Let’s be kind and generous. Let’s smile and do our best to make things better at a very busy time for all concerned. Can I get an “Amen?”

Owning and running a restaurant takes an endless amount of work. I wish them much success in Athens.

Mona Lisa Bistro — Awesome Food and Big Dreams to Revitalize the Tiny Town of Falkville, AL

01/11/2016 By: CCPearson3 Comments

My Silver Fox and I found a delightful new place last week to have a truly delicious meal. May I enthusiastically recommend to all of you Mona Lisa Bistro and Courtyard Cafe at 42 Railroad St. in Falkville, AL. Head south out of Hartselle on Highway 31. Turn left at Falkville’s only red light, cross the railroad tracks, and immediately look to your right. Mona Lisa Bistro is in the middle of the block. Park beside the tracks or on the street in front of the bistro. The exterior is very unassuming, but the interior is charming and colorful. And, yes, Mona Lisa reproductions are displayed throughout the decor. Somehow, the classical music playing in the background as you enter, hints that you are in for a unique experience.

Owner Steve Johnson and I posing outside the bistro.

Owner Steve Johnson posing with me outside the bistro.

Display wall just inside the front door.

There is a regular dining area, but we were fortunate to be seated in the trolley car found in the adjoining room. The trolley was originally used as a shuttle for the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park near McCalla, Alabama. It was purchased by owner Steve Johnson and is back in service as a private dining spot inside the bistro. What fun quirkiness it adds to the atmosphere!

Festive trolley car.

Seated promptly, we were immediately struck by the diversity on the menu. We expected to find soups, salads, and sandwiches, but we were intrigued to find Italian pasta dishes, German pork and chicken schnitzel, blackened salmon and lamb chops as well. Steve chose the turkey royale sandwich on French bread, and I selected the chicken schnitzel. While we waited for our entrees, fresh warm bread was served, along with small cups of lemon chicken noodle soup. What pleasant surprises! When our entrees arrived, both of us thought they tasted exceptionally good.

Lunch and dinner menu.

Turkey Royale Sandwich on French bread.

Chicken schnitzel with new potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts and a mushroom sauce.

While savoring each bite, Executive Chef Jean Littrell came to our table to greet us, and she willingly answered my many questions. She explained that she had no formal culinary training but learned to cook from watching her mother and French grandmother. She said, “I don’t measure. You could come in here several days in a row and order the same thing, and each time it might be a little bit different. I want my diners to eat with their eyes first.” She hopes that Mona Lisa Bistro patrons will have a “great adventure for their senses.” From my perspective, with the music, the tastes, and the vibrant decor, I believe they are fulfilling that goal.

Executive chef Jean Littrell.

Chef Littrell shared that a coffee bar section will be open soon featuring signature blends created by Buck at Java Jaay’s in Decatur. She also plans to incorporate Josephine’s chicken salad (a secret recipe) and daily specials such as “all you can eat” liver and onions, in which the livers are marinated in garlic and cooked to order according to the diners’ wishes. They offer live music on the weekends and want to encourage local artists to bring in their work to put on display.

Johnson and Littrell also have plans to turn the old movie theater building on the block into a wedding chapel and dinner theater. They have a warehouse behind the bistro that will become small rooms for travelers who want to spend the night, have a delicious dinner followed by a great breakfast before heading on down the road. They even have plans for a more formal B & B in a beautiful old home not far from this part of Falkville. Their hours of operations are ambitious. 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 7 days a week. Wow! From what I’ve heard described on the breakfast menu — eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles, for example — I plan to find a time to try that menu soon. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 11:00 daily.

“Why Falkville?” you have to ask yourself. After all, the official population is only 1279 according to the town clerk, and the entire school enrollment K-12 is 750-800 students. There are just a handful of employers in the area — Falkville Nursing Home, Summerford Nursing Home and ConAgra being the largest, followed by Lone Wolf and Lawrimore Trailer Companies and Valley Rubber Company. Where are the patrons going to come from to sustain all of these dreams and plans?

You won’t hear a single hesitation from Owner Johnson and Chef Littrell. They both have an affinity for Falkville and share a vision for revitalizing the town. I believe they will succeed. The food is delectable. It is only a mile off I-65 at exit 322. There are tons of hungry people in Hartselle . . . or even Athens, Decatur or Cullman, for that matter. Go give them a try and tell them I sent you. Mona Lisa Bistro and Courtyard Cafe. Let’s watch this town come back to life.

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