Oak and Embers Tavern

We stopped by on Saturday and they told us the wait to order food would be over an hour because they were very crowded. We asked a couple what they thought of the place and they raved about it so we made it a point to come back the next day.

The Next Day...
Jessica took care of us... and she is awesome. We explained that it was our first time visiting to she ran down the list of favorites, the items that she served the most and when she didn't know an answer to our questions, she didn't hesitate to go get the correct answer. I am a sucker for good customer service and Jessica was off to a good start.

We started with some appetizers, the crab cakes and the BLT Deviled Eggs.  The Crab Cakes were amazing and what really set it off was that corn salsa that came with it.  Now if you like deviled eggs then you ain't really had no devil eggs until you've tried these. Man and that dayum spicy bourbon bacon jam.... GOOD LAWD!

For our food, we had the Smoked Salmon Wraps, 1/2 Rack of Baby Back Ribs and Burnt Ends.

I didn't taste the Smoked Salmon so I can't honestly speak on that but the baby back ribs were on point. BUT DEM DERE  BURNT ENDS.... LAWD HAB MERCY!!!!! They were indescribable and they have to nerve to toss them bad boys in Bourbon BBQ Sauce. I wanted to lick that skillet so badly.

You all should certainly check them out and If you do, tell'em Drew sent ya!
Y'all be Easy!
Drew

Nacho Daddy

My girlfriend and I had been hearing about this place so we decided to stop in and grab a bite to eat. You know we went to my favorite spot in any establishment and that's the bar. There we met Victoria AWESOME doesn't even describe the service she provided.

When we sat down the area where we were seated was pretty dirty as I assume a patron had just gotten up. Victoria apologized and immediately started cleaning and making us feel welcomed. We told Victoria it was our first time visiting and she recommended a few items. My girlfriend started out with a White Peach Margarita and I got the Daddy's Margarita.

The White Peach Margarita is awesome but it tastes better with a shot of Hennessy. For our meals, my girlfriend got an enchilada with rice and beans. I went with the Supreme Tostada Nacho.

The enchilada was good but that Supreme Nacho will make you slap yo momma! If you like spice then go with the Supreme Nachos. I was also told that they have a scorpion shot so I will be back to try that for my birthday since that's my zodiac sign. Overall, this place is excellent. The staff was friendly. A great atmosphere and the food was excellent. You all should certainly stop by and see them. Ask for Victoria if you sit and the bar. And of course tell them Drew Sent ya! Y'all be Easy! Drew

Frankie’s The Steakhouse

So since I'm having withdrawals from dining out and enjoying the company of others I figured I would finally review some of my food photos and I came across these. It reminded me of the fantastic time my family and I came here for my birthday.  

Full disclosure I didn't know we were going here so when I got out of the car, I really wasn't paying attention to the sign because the front of the building looks like an office building... well it is an office building with Frankie's being upstairs.  
When we entered, I felt like royalty. Very clean, very established and great directional signs to get you to Frankie's.

Once we entered the establishment I was overwhelmed by ALL OF THE STAFF greeting us and welcoming us to the establishment.  
They immediately took us to our seats, explained how they do business and we were off.  
We got several appetizers, Fritto Misto, lollipop lamb chops, Jumbo lump crab cake and a Caprese

Salad. I apologize for not having pictures of the lamb chops and the fritto misto as we devoured it before I could get my camera out.  For the main dish I had the "Bone in Ribeye" and my girlfriend had "Jumbo Sea Scallops!"  

If you have read my post before you know I sampled everything. The scallops were amazing. They came over a bed of linguine, artichokes and lemon butter.  I had to control myself as I didn't want to eat all of my girlfriend's food.

As for my "Bone in Ribeye" GOOD GOOGLY MOOGLY! That thang there! It was cooked to perfection. Kudos to the chef.  The seasons were resonating from the plate and the Béarnaise Sauce complimented the meat and the asparagus.  

The experience was over the top and we are just itching to go back when this COVID-19 pandemic is over. It's one of the first places we can't wait to revisit.
You all should certainly stop by and if you do, tell'em Drew sent ya!
Y'all be Easy!
Drew

Urban Farmer

Had to travel to Cleveland for some family business and due to some frustrations and other issues we did not eat dinner the night before.  Add to that we were extremely tired so Urban Farmer was perfect because it is attached to the Westin Hotel which is where we are staying...(I may review that later...) and I certainly did not feel like driving!

The establishment is very nice and has a large open atmosphere. The staff was nice and very friendly. But I will admit I wasn't as talkative as I usually am due to the lack of rest and my "HANGRY" attitude!

There is a two team approach to the seating and service which is very nice. The waitress sat us down and took our drink orders and the waiter took our food order. The good thing about the two team approach was it sped up things especially when it was time to order another drink. The waitress kept the table clean and ensured we had enough drink refills and libations which was then brought out by the waiter.... a very nice touch !  I know I'm not the only person who was served by one person that is working multiple tables so not only do you have to wait for the waiter/waitress to take the order then the return to bring the food.

Now on to the food.....

We got the "Build your own Bloody Mary Bar," "Bubbly Bar," "Farm Eggs Any Style" and "Grilled Flat Iron Steak & Eggs!"  

Don't judge me but yes I tried everything and I was being greedy because I was hungry. EVERYTHING was excellent, YES EVERYTHING!  Don't think just because I'm was hungry that I'm not critical of my food. Being a son of a chef makes me very critical when it comes to food and I always speak my mind. But I'm the case of Urban Farmer, the service and food was excellent so compliments to the chef!

The Build your own Bloody Mary Bar was amazing. I'm sorry I don't have a picture of the final product of the Bloody Mary because I was so excited about the bar that I forgot to take picture before I indulged. The bubbly bar is amazing as well. In either case...the waiter brings your alcohol of choice in a small carafe and you make the drink yourself. This is awesome because you can make the drink as strong as you like.

The Farm Eggs were great but they serve this "Breakfast Sausage that you can choose as your protein and OH MY GOODNESS!!! This sausage will make you slap yo momma!  

The Flat Iron Steak was truly something else!  It was cooked medium, seasoned like you wouldn't believe and very tender. Not all chefs can get the temperature of a steak perfectly but this one was ON POINT!  Add to that the food came out very quickly, was hot and certainly enjoyable.

If you are ever in Cleveland I highly encourage you to patronize Urban Farmer!!! YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!

If you do stop by... tell em Drew sent ya!
Y'all be Easy!

Chipper's Club

My mini me and I came across this place one night and decided to stop by and show them some love. When we walked in, it wasn't too crowded, and we were greeted immediately by the staff. They made us feel at home and offered us any seat in the house. We chose to sit near the back as there was live music being played in the front of the restaurant. Nicole took care of us once we were seated. Now Nicole and I had this love hate relationship. Why you ask... because she proceeds to tell us that she did not like sports, but she was a newfound New Orleans "AINTS" fan! I immediately asked to be moved to another section. I kid..I kid... It was all in good fun as Atlanta and New Orleans are big rivals.

Despite Nicole being a fan of that other team... she took very good care of us. She recommended the Southern Egg Rolls, The Swiss Bacon Mushroom Burger and the Shrimp and Grits. While I hate to give anybody, who roots for that team any credit... Nicole was spot on. The food was phenomenal.

The egg rolls where certainly something I had never had before... They had apple wood smoked pork as the meat with BBQ sauce and slaw on the side.

The burger while cooked to perfection and seasoned well... it didn't have anything on that Shrimp & Grits dish! Let me tell you... I'm a Fat A$$ and I love food and I will admit this without hesitation. This Shrimp & Grits was the best I've had so far. This DISH gave me LIFE. All the flavors were perfect and the HEAT (Spices that is) was on point. I certainly will go back to have this dish again. Compliments to the chef!

On my next visit I will also try the Rib Eye... that was my mom's favorite cut of meat and now its mines. I was eyeballing the Rib Eye on another plate.

I highly encourage you all to pay them a visit. If you are a Falcon's Fan... avoid Nicole's section! I'm just kidding. You all won't be disappointed in this establishment.

If you stop by... tell'em Drew sent ya!

Y'all Be Easy!

Drew

Arena Tavern

This was my first time here so to be honest I didnt have an expectation other than to get some food because my girlfriend and  were starving. We went a little early so the place wasn’t crowded at all. We picked our favorite spot... the bar and engaged with the bartenders as we reviewed the menu for drinks, appetizers and our meal. The selection is pretty good especially for a sports bar. We started off with the Smoked and Fried Ribs... yes you read correctly Fried Ribs. I’ve never had fried ribs so that was a must a must have for me. Surprisingly they were OUTSTANDING! 

For the main meals we had Shrimp Tacos and the Cleveland Chubb Burger. I went with that because my girlfriend is from Cleveland not really but it sounded good. The bartender said it was a local favorite so I went with it. 

The shrimp tacos were great but the Chubb Burger (I’m assuming names after a popular Bulldog) was off the dayum.m chain! Not only is it huge the mixture of beef and corn beef was a perfect combination.  I highly recommend it. 

I will certainly be back to enjoy live music and now that football season is about to start I will certainly be there to root on my Falcons. Speaking of.... my only “side eye” to this place is they they don’t have a Falcons flag flying. They say ya falcons fans don’t represent enough for them to fly a flag but the have a Bears and a Steelers Flag flying. My goal is to change that. NOT IN MY TOWN!  

City Tap

Exterior

I was in Nashville on business and by the time we were done, I was starving. I asked the hotel staff members for a suggestion and all of them mentioned City Tap. With that many recommendations, I could not go wrong. The greatest thing about the recommendation was City Tap was right across the street.

The restaurant has a fantastic ambiance as it is very spacious, open and has a welcoming feeling. I was greeted by the bar tender and she was extremely friendly (Sorry I don’t remember her name). I asked for a food recommendation becuase it was my first time eating at City Tap and she rattled off several options.

The bar tender walked me to the bar, told me to grab a seat and handed me a menu to finish looking over the food options including the dishes she recommended. While I was reviewing the menu, she asked if I wanted some water or something else to drink. My tradition is to always try the local beer if there is a local brewery and the bar tender recommended Hap and Harry’s so that’s what I went with Larger… GOOD GOODNESS WHAT A BEER!

So after downing one beer and starting on my second beer, I decided to go with the SHORT RIB & KIMCHI BURGER GOOD LAWD! This burger was “ALL THAT” and more! I added avocado, egg and bacon. Now don’t get me wrong… the burger was awesome without the additions but I love egg, avocado and bacon so I add it to almost every burger I get if its an option. The short rib was so tender and seasoned very well. The mix of kimchi and BBQ aioli sauce made my palate crave for more.

I also had a side salad but it does not compare to the burger so I will say it was good but its a salad. If you are ever in Nashville, I highly recommend you stop by and give them a try. I promise you will not be disappointed. If you do stop by, tell them Drew sent ya!

Iron Hill Brewery

List of Different Beer

My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of visiting “Iron Hill Brewery” in Greenville, South Carolina. It certainly was a fantastic experience. Of course if you’ve read any of my blogs or reviews you know the bar is my favorite spot in any restaurant, bar, grill, pub… you name it. If there is a seat at the bar, I’m there! Especially if the bar tender is friendly and can work the bar area having multiple conversations with all of the patrons, drawing us all together as if we’ve known each other for years. Well this time was no different… when we walked in, we met “Jacquelyn” (Sorry if I am spelling it incorrectly.) She was very polite and immediately asked what she could get for us.

Reindeers Revenge and Basil and Tonic (don’t forget the shot of St. Germain

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Since it was our first time here, we were clueless and especially since this was a brewery, I was overwhelmed by the choices of beer. Jacquelyn walked me through the different selections and I was sold on the Reindeers Revenge (American Tirpel). Now this beer was a little different but certainly refreshing. It had a hint of grapefruit, banana as and was filled with hops. Thats no surprise since it had an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of 9%. I used to hate “hoppy” beer but as I get older, I can really appreciate the different and various amounts of hops as it defines the “character” of the beer of choice. I digress… my girlfriend had a “Basil and Tonic” with a shot of St. Germaine. I had a sip and it was certainly good but it was killing my vibe for the beer I selected so a sip is all I needed.

Of course when you partake in adult beverages, you also get hungry so we ordered appetizers… Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Salmon Spring Rolls,

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Hand-Cut Belgian Style Fries (I know its a lot of food… don’t judge me ;-) … If I had to choose my favorite appetizer, the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls by far was my favorite. Don’t get me wrong… all of them were good but I’ll certainly order the Philly before I order anything else. YES!!!! They were that good.

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Now as far as the atmosphere, the bar was full of locals and/or regulars who did not waste any time speaking and being friendly. The conversation was so lively around the bar that one gentlemen (never got his name) purchased a round of drinks for everybody at the bar. What a way to start the

Year! Everybody we met that day was extremely nice. Im not sure if people were excited about the new year or that just a testament of how friendly people are in Greenville.

Salmon Spring Rolls

Any-who, I certainly will be back trying another beer, ordering my Philly Cheesesteak and enjoying the ambiance.

Hand-Cut Belgian Style Fries

I think you should stop by and see them. When you do, tell’em Drew sent ya! Ya’ll be easy!

Drew

View of dining area

Uncle Jack's Meat House

So I finally go a chance to take the family here. Had been hearing about it and seeing pictures of the food on social media. I also was at a yelp event and had a few samples of their bacon and peanut butter so I was happy to finally be in the building.  

When we first got there, I was asked if we made reservations (hummm that's the second time in two visits to a new restaurant that I've been asked this questions... I'm guessing I better start making reservations. ) With that being said, they accommodated us and we chose to sit out on the patio. It was covered and had heat but fortunately it wasn't that cold. But the HEAT WORKS VERY WELL UMMM TOO WELL! 

Steven was a server and if you've read any of my reviews before you know I'm big in customer service. Steven knocked it out of the park.  He was very familiar with the menu and had awesome suggestions. 

He told us how he visited to have lunch and loved it so much that now he works there ... I mean the food is good! 

We ordered the Bacon and Peanut Butter, the Jack Pot, mini Taco's, Octopus,  burgers made how we want them and one Ooey Gooey Mooey burger. Let's just say this... if I didn't think I would have embarrassed my family I would have kept ordering and trying something new. The Food is absolutely amazing (well the choices we had). I certainly will be back. You should check them out and if you do, tell 'em Drew sent ya! Be Easy! 

Drew

Noona Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

The total experience of enjoying food comes with enjoying the atmosphere, the food, the staff and customer service. I was here for a birthday dinner and while we didn’t make reservations, the staff was happy to accommodate us @noona.... so things started out promising and looking up for the night.  We were seated very quickly and our server came over as soon as we sat down to fill our water glasses and asked what other drinks we wanted while we waited. This is where things got a little shaky. We ordered drinks and when they came somehow one spilled and got into my wife’s eye. So after about 20 minutes of eye drops and visits to the restroom her eye finally stopped burning.  Now with that being said, the staff was very accommodating, apologizing and offered to comp the drink but I was more concerned with my wife’s eye rather than a free drink. 

We finally got a chance to order our food so we started with Lobster Bisque then we ordered Oysters, Scallops, Octopus and Lamb Chops. Since it was my actual birthday we were given Tiramisu for dessert. 

The Lobster Bisque was descent but could have been a little thicker in consistency.  Maybe that’s the Korean way but overall it was tasty. 

The Octopus was tasty but was a little over cooked and burned at the end of the tentacle so that was a bummer but I ate it. 

The Oysters were very good but pricey. The Scallops and Lamb Chops were my two favorites of the night. 

Now that I have that out of way, here is why I’m torn with the rating. 

The food took forever to come out. We had to ask for our food several times and while the staff was very apologetic when it did come one of the dishes was burned and the overall meal experience was not really representative of the prices.  When the final bill came, the promise of a complimentary drink was certainly not reflected on the bill.  We asked about it and reminded them of the spill and they immediately adjusted the bill. 

While they suggest a reservation, the restaurant never seemed that busy and the food was very slow to come out. 

I’m certainly thinking about giving them another try but I’m not sure if I want to pay the high prices for the quality of the food. The jury is still out on that! However, it could have just been a bad night for the staff so go check them out and see what you think. It certainly has potential. Y’all be easy! 

Drew