5 Foodie Finds in Downtown Cartersville, Georgia

09/30/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

When you arrive in Cartersville, a parking spot near the depot will have you within easy walking distance of the Bartow History Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville’s Photo Fence, Friendship Plaza and Fence of Fame and a lovely specialty shop called Olive Tree and Vine. But, even better, you will be near five exceptional restaurants that would love to serve you.

TABLE 20 – 20 North Wall Street

Executive Chef Chris Lyons is responsible for a dish (Georgia trout) included in “100 Plates Locals Love” posted by Georgia Eats, plus he and his staff make up a successful team that led to a 2018 People’s Choice Award.

I personally tried a couple of great appetizers there — the beer cheese dip and pretzel, plus the deviled eggs. Both were very good. You’ll also find at least one pasta dish, steak, seafood and pork as dinner entrees. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is attentive. Their hours are Tuesday – Thursday from 11:00 to 9:00 and on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 10:00.

MAINE STREET COASTAL CUISINE — 24 W. Main Street

The spelling of this restaurant’s name is very clever. It IS on Main Street, but the menu and the inside decor suggest the State of Maine. Lots of fresh seafood is available for the folks in this land-locked town.

For many details, read the review I wrote in TheYums.com.

Maine Street Coastal Cuisine is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

APPALACHIAN GRILL – 14 E. Church Street

The menu here reflects the expected dishes of North Georgia with upscale twists. I particularly enjoyed the fried calamari and the smoked salmon spread served with garlic toast points for appetizers. And the Smoky Mountain Trout I had for my entree was wonderful. The portion size could have been shareable.

Desserts looked amazing. I restrained myself but will definitely try one on a return visit. Plan accordingly.

Appalachian Grill is under the overpass (or, they say under the bridge). It is closed Sundays and Mondays but is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. You might have to wait for a table since they don’t take reservations. But, don’t worry. It’s worth it.

BRIDGEHOUSE CAFE — 10 E. Church Street

BridgeHouse, also located “under the bridge,” is actually both a cafe AND a home interiors/gift shop. Serving delectable soups, salads, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas for lunch from 11:00 to 3:00, they also offer a shareables menu from 3:00 until they close at 5:00. BridgeHouse Interiors stays open until 6:00 p.m. and opens an hour before the cafe.

You’ll love looking at the beautiful displays in the front and then walk to the back to place your order at the counter. A server will bring your food to your table when it’s ready. It’s a perfect place for ladies to meet for lunch with lots of shopping to do downtown before and after lunch.

THE CITY CELLAR & LOFT – 110 N. Museum Drive

I am not always a fan of live music while I’m trying to enjoy a meal — mainly because I am a huge fan of lively conversations around a table. But, the night I had dinner at The City Cellar, the musician was exceptionally good and had an extensive repertoire. I suspect they are in the habit of lining up quality musicians.

The City Cellar is located right beside the railroad tracks and directly across from the World’s First Outdoor Coca-Cola Wall Sign. You can’t miss it. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday but closed on Sunday. The menu offers a good variety, but I’d say that the steaks are exceptional.

I’ve written a number of posts recently about the attractions, eateries and lodging options in Cartersville. Scroll back through and read them. Then, plan a trip soon. It will be gorgeous when the leaves start changing.

ALL EYES ON AUBURN — Eat at The Depot

04/08/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Auburn Men’s Basketball did something last week that no other team in the state has even done — it advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA Basketball Tournament, the official culmination of March Madness. Read all the glorious details here. Auburn students and townspeople gathered rolls of toilet paper and headed to Toomer’s Corner, site of every significant Auburn celebration, to proclaim their jubilation and cover everything they could find in a blanket of soft white.

Steve and I were in Auburn just a few days after that same basketball team won this year’s SEC Basketball Tournament, hefted the impressive trophy and cut down the net. We were in the area to celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary and wanted to return to the scene of our first year of wedded bliss. It was extra-special that the whole town was lively (students freshly back from Spring Break) and in a happy mood. For me, a celebration ALWAYS includes great food. For lunch, we headed to The Depot, right beside the railroad tracks and within walking distance of Toomer’s Corner and the AU campus.

The Depot, owned by Matt and Jana Poirier (who also own The Hound a few blocks away), opened in the fall of 2015. They perceived a need for an upscale seafood and steakhouse and set about to fill the need in the historic building dating from 1904. The decor, as described by the chef, “combines the look and feel of the Second Industrial Revolution with American Victorianism.”

Tiled floors, high ceilings, painted brick walls, navy blue upholstered booths, eye-catching light fixtures.

Reminiscent of train travel decades ago.

The Poiriers chose Scott Simpson to be their chef and co-owner, and he has brought extensive experience and training to what he calls an “American seafood brasserie.” Chef Scott is from Southern California and trained in Italy and at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, CA. Before coming to Auburn, he spent ten years in Asia, the Caribbean and South America. He definitely brings an elevated cuisine to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

The Depot is open for lunch Tuesday through Thursday, for brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

As I mentioned, Steve and I were there for lunch. I chose the Plat du Jour (plate of the day) which consisted of Shrimp, Chicken and Andouille Jambalaya with Poblano Rice and buttered toast. It was only $10 — which, no doubt, adds to The Depot’s popularity among students and business people. Steve chose an oyster po’boy without the bread (carb-conscious), and it was only $12.

Oyster po’boy without the bread. So much yummyness.

Their most popular dessert is Bananas Foster Creme Brulee French Toast Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Spiced Rum Caramel. Can you imagine just how wonderful that is?? Also, often requested are their Grilled Oysters Rockefeller and the daily fresh catch. A ready list of “please call me” folks come running when Triggerfish, Wolffish or Crispy Friend Cobia Wings are being served. If seafood isn’t for you, then consider the wood-fire grilled Prime New York Strip Steak, handcut in house. And, make plans to arrive in time for Happy Hour on Thursdays when oysters are $1 each (“Buck a Shuck”).

If you enjoy the B & B experience, make a reservation at Crenshaw Guest House B & B, which is a half block from The Depot. I wrote about it here. The owners are delightful, and the location is great.

P.S. Auburn lost its game to Virginia by one point after being ahead by 2 with 1.5 seconds left. Oh the heartbreak!! But, the future for next season is blindingly bright. War Eagle!

7 Reasons to Visit St. Simons Island, Georgia – (Revisited)

07/09/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

7 Outstanding Reasons to Visit St. Simons Island, GA

01/30/2017 BY: CCPEARSON2 COMMENTS

Last April, Steve and I were invited to participate in a press trip to St. Simons Island, a place that was completely new to us. The purpose of the trip was to introduce travel writers and bloggers to a part of the Atlantic Coast which is unknown to many. We absolutely loved it! The setting, the resort, the historical connections, the quirks, the special people and the FOOD were all amazing. If you go — and I hope you will — let me mention 7 things you should not miss.

King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. I have written about it extensively here. But, I want to mention it again, specially because of the over-the-top cuisine of Chef James Flack. It helps, of course, that he has abundant seafood literally in his back yard (the Resort IS oceanfront), but his culinary skills and imagination take dishes to new heights. I don’t think I had ever seen such beautiful food, without even considering the incredible taste.

One section of historic King and Prince Resort.

Bounty from the Atlantic.

2. Cap Fendig. Whether you want a relaxed trolley tour on land or a boat tour to spot dolphins on your way to Sidney Lanier Bridge, Cap Fendig should be your go-to source. He is a native of St. Simons and knows the place through and through. We got to experience his knowledge in both settings and enjoyed him thoroughly. Such a great personality.

Cap Fendig’s trolley

Sidney Lanier Bridge

Boat in the port on St. Simons Island

Sidney Lanier Bridge

Cap Fendig’s boat

Cap Fendig teaching his guests about his island

3. Visit Christ Church on Frederica Road. Read about its storied history here. Such names as James Oglethorpe and John Wesley immediately get your attention. You’ll find descriptions of stained glass windows, one of which is an authentic, unsigned Tiffany creation, and of the gorgeous needlework wall hangings. And when you sit in the pews, you will enjoy knowing that former U.S. Presidents Coolidge, Carter and Bush may have sat in the same spot. The adjoining cemetery is also a fascinating place to spend some time. Be sure to find the burial spot of Southern novelist,Euginia Price. The words on her tombstone are: “After her conversion to Jesus Christ, October 2, 1949, she wrote ‘Light … and eternity and love and all are mine at last.” Indeed.

Pew in Christ Church

4. Visit Fort Frederica National Monument. Yes, this is the place where the British defeated the Spanish in 1742, which meant that Georgia remained a British colony. But, the National Park Service has expanded the guest experience to include much more. It is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day from 9:00 to 5:00. Plan to spend a couple of hours, and I guarantee you’ll come out feeling smarter than when you went in.

Fort Frederica

5. Go to the beautiful Visitors Center and see the mermaid tree spirit carved by Keith Jennings beside the building. There are other tree spirits scattered throughout the island. Ask questions in the Visitors Center or read more here. Don’t worry. We were told that these carvings do NOT harm the trees. Seems implausible, but that’s the information we got.

Interior of the Visitors Center

6. Visit the St. Simons Island Lighthouse, take the colorful, informative tour, and climb to the top if you’re feeling energetic. Lighthouses are not a part of our Alabama culture. Maybe that’s what makes them doubly intriguing to me. This one is really beautiful. And, of course, my Silver Fox made the climb.

7. Enjoy dinner at Georgia Sea Grill. This is another place to find delectable seafood prepared by an accomplished chef. Check out a few of the dishes we sampled with our tablemates. So, so good.

Look at the size of those scallops!

Georgia Sea Grill

Look at your calendar. Pick out some dates. Start planning a visit to St. Simons Island. You’ll be glad.

3 Alabama Gulf Coast Restaurants I Highly Recommend (Revisited)

07/02/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

I am declaring a one-month sabbatical from blogging for July. The two reasons? 1) We’re FINALLY moving into our new house, and I desperately need to “make it into a home,” with all of the organizing, picture-hanging, accessorizing that entails. 2) The 11th Annual Pearson Cousins Camp will be held July 22-28. That week requires complete focus, attention and meticulous planning. So, for this month, we will revisit some of my favorite posts from the past three years that I have been blogging here at ThereGoesConnie.com.

Today, since many of you will be headed to the beach, let me remind you of 3 restaurants I’d love to suggest.

3 Restaurants in/near the Alabama Gulf Coast that I Recommend “Hungrily” 🙂

03/21/2016 BY: CCPEARSON2 COMMENTS

My Silver Fox and I found three WONDERFUL restaurants on a recent trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Two are relatively new, and one goes all the way back to 1958. They are not really in competition with each other. One is in Spanish Fort, one in Gulf Shores, and one in Orange Beach. Two are completely casual. One has a casual downstairs and a “dressy” upstairs. All three serve great seafood, but they each put their own spins on it and serve original recipes.

BLUEGILL is located on the Mobile Causeway within just a few miles of USS Alabama and the Battleship Memorial Park. The same owners also have nearby Felix’s Fish Camp. Both serve seafood, but they also have unique menus. BLUEGILL is famous for its Flaming Oysters. It has a capacity for 500 diners and offers nightly musical entertainment. By all means, go when you can take advantage of the gorgeous sunsets. Great food. Wonderful setting. Efficient staff. BLUEGILL was opened in 1958. Check out the website and read my fuller article here. Even Elvis liked it.

Grilled mahi mahi topped with crabmeat and cheese.

Sunset over the Mobile Delta at the back of BLUEGILL on the Mobile Causeway.

BLUEGILL Home of Famous Flaming Oysters, Spanish Fort, AL

2. BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS is 1/2 block off of West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, AL. You will love the fresh ingredients and housemade juices, dressings, and sauces. Owner Brent Sexton opened in November of 2014, and he is growing a very enthusiastic following. Indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of flatscreen TVs are available. Mike will hook you up with one of his special dessert creations. Key lime pie or red velvet cheesecake, anyone? Beach House was so clean. Everything gleamed. We were there for an early lunch. I’m sure it “hops” at night. Check out the website and read my article here.

Mahi mahi grilled tacos on pineapple slaw with fresh green beans and sauteed onions and black beans with spices and lime juice.

Beach House front sign — 1154 West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, AL.

Interior of Beach House Kitchen.

3. FISHER’S AT ORANGE BEACH MARINA has a great location in a quiet cove. Chef Bill Briand is a recent nominee for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the South award. He oversees both the downstairs DOCKSIDE location and the more formal UPSTAIRS dining room. The food has a cajun influence because of Chef Bill’s background, and it is delicious. Owner Johnny Fisher opened in 2013 and by 2014 and 2015, Fisher’s was already recognized by Southern Living as being one of the Best Restaurants in the South. If you are very lucky, you might be seated at a table served by Elena. She is a delightful girl from Moldova. I had never met anyone from Moldova before. Fascinating. Check out the website and read my article here.

The serene marina beside Fisher’s in Orange Beach.

Hummus with garlic and onions served with freshly baked pita wedges. Yum!!

Fisher’s server Elena from Moldova

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