Mango rice is everywhere

The Coincidental Following of Guy Fieri

As I reflect upon various spots I've been too I realize that the invasive stylings of Guy Fieri has appeared on more than one wall, window, miracle sighting, or video in some of these restaurants. 

The latest is Grandpa's Bakery & Restaurant.  On the way to the airport and with Jaxson's ice cream parlor closed, this stop was nothing less than divine intervention. 

Instead of a side of biscuits...

Side of patties.

I did not order any of the items from Guy's visit but I am looking forward to the eggs and Belgian waffle nonetheless. 

Oak City Meatball is now open...

As we scrambled and scrambled and the level of anticipation, excitement, and anxiety almost tipped over... The crew and staff and owners brought it home in the first week....

The meatballs are self explanatory and worth individual photos and posts... But the sides are simple unbelievable which can be used as a base for any ball. 

The polenta was like airy clouds of corn flavors with cheese undertones.  One level away from a cotton candy experience....

Mac and cheese...   Texture of each noodle, the crisp and crunch of perfectly proportioned and topped breadcrumbs and the feeling of tradition... Something Mac and cheese lovers miss as restaurant at start to move away from these traditional flavors with the "skilleting", "casseroling", "miniaturizing or maximizing" of elbow noodles... Fusion is great and all but order the Mac and cheese and it will become a staple for every visit. 

Yeah.... For another story and another time.  Nom nom nom. 

Christmas Day back in Raleigh

With so much work to complete I made the mistake again by not scheduling to visit family and loved ones but I am thankful to be invited to a few gatherings...

At the Reynolds we prepared the traditional turducken and shucked raw oysters as it was cooking. 

 In a misguided attempt to make jan pong with pig skin noodles last night I bought baby octopus and scallops but decided to convert them into a warm app medley....  To pinch and swallow as the monster roasts in the oven. 

I can't believe this is only hour 1.

Empire State South

The start of a great meal in midtown Atlanta with some incredible company and laughs to boot.  Empire State South where the bartenders serve "classic cocktails" and are willing to fight you about what you think is classic but will end up makin what you want anyway....

Below is the ravioli with black truffle shavings.  Soooo good

Their version which was pretty darn good... Crispy rice with kim chi mixed with a soft boiled farm egg. 

A must go....

Dixie's Tavern...Will be missed

One of my favorite spots when I first moved to Charlotte after law school.  A few blocks from my condo... Back in the day there were only a few spots to play and live for young professionals...  

Cambodian foods at its finest

 

Traditional Cambodian amok... Fish in a curry stew served in a banana leaf.  

Vietnamese Oysters served raw... With famous Cambodian ground pepper corn

Squid... One of the many street dishes available all over siem reap.... Fresh food, fresh fun, unbelievable times.