You know how, when it comes to food, certain people are experts on certain things? The reason’s obvious – they have their favorite foods and drinks again and again and again – until they can’t help but be an absolute expert. For me, I count the following amongst my areas of expertise:
- Coffee - Favorites: Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Kentucky State Parks
- Iced Tea - Favorites: Ninki’s in Owensboro, Pangea in Owensboro, Applebee’s, Cracker Barrel, O’Charley’s,
- Catfish – Favorites: Willow Pond, The Feed Mill Restaurant in Morganfield, Kentucky ( worth the trip from anywhere)
- Onion Rings - Favorites: Docker’s Bayside Grill at the Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky
- Bar-B-Que – Favorites: Ole South and Moonlite (Owensboro, Kentucky), Hickory Heaven in Marion, Kentucky
- Spinach Artichoke Dip – (I swear on a stack of Bibles that my own is the best. The secrets? The best cheese at the market, chopped fresh garlic, and ground pepper.)
- Hush Puppies - Don’t even try to beat Willow Pond’s – You’ll just embarrass yourself.
- Bread – Favorites: My own homemade bread and buttermilk biscuits (thank you very much), Montana Grille’s Firebread in Bowling Green, O’Charley’s rolls
- Sides such as Baked Beans, Coleslaw, potatoes, green beans, etc. - I LOVE sides and hate to see a restaurant rest on the laurels of its meat. Give me great sides as well! I’m all about Applebee’s and Montana Grille’s Garlic Mashed potatoes. Montana Grille’s Mashed Sweet potatoes will make you sing at your table. The Kentucky State Park lodges serve outstanding beans and the potatoes at Lake Barkley and Barren River Lake State Resort Park.
- Pico De Gallo, Salsa, Cheese Dip – Favorites: Real Hacienda in Owensboro
- Friendly servers, hosts, and hostesses – Don’t they make all the difference in the world?! Give me someone who’s happy to see their guests, smiles at them, and actually has a personality. Favorites: John at Montana Grille in Bowling Green, Kathy and Renai at Kenlake Lodge’s Aurora Landing, Paco (and everyone for that matter) at the Real Hacienda’s in Owensboro, the entire staff at Owensboro’s Ole South and Frederica Waffle House, Justin, Codie, and David at the Kroger Starbucks in Owensboro, every worker in Aurora’s Willow Pond Restaurant. We’ve recently added a favorite server to our beloved list: Margaret at the Lake Barkley Lodge Restaurant. She, Renai, and Kathy are the friendliest Kentucky State Park workers we’ve ever encountered – and they’re all centered around Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
New Kid Out of Town
The good news is I’ve found a new restaurant that has become a favorite in several of the categories above! The not-so-good news is that it’s a foreigner…. shhhh, it’s in Tennessee. What the heck, though, it’s within driving distance, Nashville is gorgeous (love their soundtrack), and the food will curl your toes. Let’s run with it.
Jack’s Bar-B-Que in Nahsville, Tennessee is so freaking fantastic that it should be ashamed of itself. My family loves its barbecue. My family knows its barbecue. In fact, we blew it when we named our youngest daughter – her middle name shouldn’t be Kristin, it should be Barbecue. Stephany Barbecue – it doesn’t look as pretty as Stephany Kristin, but it is more to the point.
After the first bite into her barbecue sandwich, my barbecue conissuer said, “This is the best barbecue I’ve ever had.” Strong statement since she has eaten barbecue from here to Kingdom Come. Hmmm, in fact, I’m pretty sure the only things the girl eats are barbecue pork sandwiches and chicken strips. She repeated the statement on the way back to Owensboro, that night before bed, and the following day when telling our oldest daughter about the amazing food she’d missed out on.
My husband ordered Bar-B-Que ribs and I guarantee I’ve never seen anything disappear so fast. Then again, I was pretty wrapped up in my own pulled pork, outstanding baked beans (have mercy!), and cornbread. The potato salad? Um, I don’t really want to think about it anymore. My word for it was “horrid,” Steph said it tasted like “old people.” I didn’t touch that one, I just went back to the Heavenly, Heavenly barbecue, bread, and baked beans.
I also got a taste of my husband’s coleslaw (seriously, the best coleslaw I’ve ever eaten) and my daughter’s green beans (tasted like green beans should taste – like they’d been canned fresh from a gorgeous garden, seasoned, and cooked with love).
You’ll have incredible sauces available to put on your meat – in fact, they were so amazing I was dipping cornbread, pork, fingers, napkins, and anything I could get my hands on in the sauces. (Whoa, that’s what I should have done with the potato salad… now I think of it!)
I’m not going to say, “Next time you’re in Nashville, go to Jack’s…” I’m going to say, Make a special trip to Nashville, Tennessee and eat at Jack’s. It doesn’t matter if you shop at one of Nashville’s A-plus malls, take in an Opry show, tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, or all of the above – the main focus of your trip has to be Jack’s. If you can get into the downtown Jack’s, you really should. It’s small, but the ambiance is so incredible – it really adds to the total experience. The downtown restaurant is at 416 Broadway. It has upstairs and downstairs dining with a patio overlooking the Ryman Auditorium. As you sit there eating some of the best food known to man, you can’t help but imagine all of the country singers, Hollywood stars, and athletes that have sat at the very table you are – oohing and awwing over the bar-b-cue and beans, scarfing up all of the coleslaw and cornbread – and perhaps wondering what went wrong with the potato salad! (In all fairness, there are many, many items to choose from – you needn’t worry about the potato salad.)
I didn’t catch his name, but the gentleman working the register was extremely friendly – with a smile that lit up the place.
Go to their website – Jack’s Bar-B-Cue in Nashville, Tennessee – for directions, the history (you have to read their history), and even some super cool gifts. You’ll want to buy their sauces. Check out this delicious deal: If you buy 4 sauces, you get a free hand rub…. all for under $20! Click the image below for more info and to place your order before they change their mind!
The Executive Inn in Owensboro Kentucky was demolished Sunday morning. Hundreds of Owensboro area residents watched as the seven-story glass atrium and central tower of the Executive Inn Rivermont collapsed in on itself, releasing a wall of dust that drifted toward the north.
“I pushed the button and nothing happened for a few seconds,” Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne said after the blast. Then the explosives detonated.
Officials said destruction of what was once western Kentucky’s largest hotel proceeded as planned.
The hotel was built in 1977 and was a source of pride for the city for many, many years.At its peak, the riverside hotel showcased major entertainers and was the city’s biggest tourism draw, but officials say the sprawling, 600-room complex was too big to be profitable. The building also had some major structural problems.
The Executive Inn was positively beautiful inside and out – and she housed many wonderful memories. I think most of us feel really sad about the large empty spot on the river.
There are several videos on YouTube of the imploding hotel if you want to check them out.
This Saturday is Marina Day in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Click HERE to learn more about the festivities.
The video above includes footage from last year’s Marina Day. Don’t miss the fun this year!
This is simply a short post to wish all of our fellow Kentuckians well. Ice Storm 2009 has knocked us off of our feet, hasn’t it? I’ve never experienced anything quite like this. There are people who still don’t have power while others have regained power, but not their footing.
Personally? We were without power for about a week. The worst part of the entire ordeal was when our beloved 20 year old cat, Prissy, died. Fortunately, God designed us in a way that we’re able to keep on going even when our heart’s are breaking.
This would be me thanking Him for that.
I know that a lot of us Kentuckians are battling various degrees of sickness now, too. Everywhere you go, there’s evidence all around you – coughing, sneezing, people rubbing their heads and leaning on grocery carts, etc.
Better days are ahead and I know we’re all looking forward to them. For the time being, I thought you might need a little joke as much as I did when an internet buddy sent it to me. She’d read about Prissy on Self Help Daily and thought (rightfully so) that I might appreciate a chuckle. Two chuckles are better than one, so let’s see if it’ll coax one out of you.
John received a parrot as an early Christmas gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird’s mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.
John tried and tried to change the bird’s attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to ‘clean up’ the bird’s vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back.
John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. In desperation, John threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and shoved him in the freezer.
For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he’d hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John’s outstretched arms and said “I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I’m sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.”
John was stunned at the change in the bird’s attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, “May I inquire as to what the turkey did?“
First of all, I apologize for the lack of posts lately. I have good excuses, though! My husband’s birthday was a few days ago, and that called for cake baking, candle lighting (during which, I wished for sticks and marshmallows), and all the festivities that go along with a birthday.
Also, on two of my other sites (Self Help Daily and Out of Bounds), I’ve had a great deal of things going on. Busy, busy, busy. PLUS, to be perfectly honest, I’ve been watching a lot of College Basketball and LOST!
Anyway, I’m back on the job now, and my mind’s on birds. My husband recently bought a laptop computer and I love to sit in the dining room (lots of big windows), working on my websites while watching the beautiful birds that we have the pleasure of housing in our gazillion trees. After lunch today, we bought a couple of hanging bird feeders, seed, and blocks of suet.
Watching and feeding birds has got to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing things on earth. If anything were more relaxing, it’d probably put you to sleep.
If luring birds to your yard is something you’d be interested in, rest assured they’re beautiful, thoughtful little guests that you’ll never want to leave. They’re always more than eager to visit you, too, as long as you provide the things they want most:
- Food
- Water
- A Place to build nests
Each type of bird has its own favorite food and feeding and nesting habits, of course, so the best way to make sure that your yard and trees are as colorful as possible – put out a variety of food. We use sunflower seeds, store bought Songbird seed, breadcrumbs, and a favorite with just about all of them – popcorn.
A pan of water or birdbath would also be a welcome sight for your feathered friends.
When the weather warms up, plant trees and flowers that’ll keep them coming back for more. Hummingbirds love canas, morning glories, and other colorful flowers. They also flip for sweetened water in red (their favorite color) hummingbird containers.
Did you know that one of the best ways you can lure birds is to leave a dead tree standing in your yard? Woodpeckers will think you put it there just for them! All birds love the branches and will line up along the limbs as though they’re on a telephone line.
After a really nasty storm last year, we had a huge tree limb with its leafy branches down in the front yard. When we saw how much the birds loved hanging out under the leaves, my husband left it there through the season, mowing around it. I’d throw birdseed under the branches and the little guys and gals thought they were in bird Heaven.
One thing I did learn, however (sadly, the hard way), was that if you put food too close to a window – it can cost a bird its life. Although they sell them, my advice is not to buy the bird feeders that affix to a window. These are made with the viewer rather than the viewed in mind – and that’s not best for anyone.
And the Meeks shall inherit the earth… or at the very least, the SEC.
The basketball nets at Thompson-Boling Arena are still smarting – as are the Vols. Jodie Meeks smoked them all last night and set a school record for points in a game.
Do you realize what an amazing feat that is?! Setting a scoring record for the premiere team in college basketball? Well. Played. Mr. Meeks.
Click HERE for a great write up about Jodie and the game, by Kentucky’s own Pat Forde.
I only hope Meeks keeps this up, not only for UK as a team but I’d LOVE to see him earn the Player of the Year title. I can’t remember the last time UK even had a player in the thick of the race. Was it Antoine Walker or Tayshaun Prince? I don’t think it was all the way back to Jamal Mashburn, but….
Whatever plans you have for Sunday night (December 21), scratch them. Paducah’s own Eric Horner will be performing at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Eric Horner (once a guitarist and backup vocalist for country superstar Lee Greenwood) is now a gospel recording artist in Nashville.
The concert he’ll be performing at Badgett Playhouse will be admission free – although a free will offering will be taken.
I’ve been reading up on Mr. Horner and he’s completely and totally “my kind of people.” He loves his Lord, he loves his family, and he loves his country. If he’d mentioned a healthy fixation on coffee and chocolate, I’d have started searching my family tree for Horners.
Below are two links that’ll introduce you to this talented Kentuckian. But, as wonderful and touching as the websites are, I know you’ll want to meet him in person.
Eric Horner’s Patriotic Website
For more information, visit www.grandriversvariety.com or call 1-888-362-4223.
REMINDER: This weekend is your last chance to see the wonderful Variety! Christmas show or the hilariously entertaining It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. The opportunity to see A Tuna Christmas has passed, so those laughs have already sailed. Don’t miss the other two OR Eric Horner. You’ve been ridiculously busy – cooking, shopping, planning, etc. Take a refreshing time out and let the true meaning of Christmas wash over you.
Congratulations are, like, so in order! Grand Rivers not only made the top 10 list of Southern Living’s 2008 Survey (Category: Best Small Town) – They can be found sitting pretty on the Best Scenic View list as well.
2008 Best Small Town
1. Beaufort, South Carolina
2. Fairhope, Alabama
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
4. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
5. Franklin, Tennessee
6. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
7. Oxford, Mississippi
8. Grand Rivers, Kentucky
9. Madison, Georgia
10. Hendersonville, North Carolina
2008 Best Scenic View
1. Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. Grandfather Mountain (pictured), Linville,
North Carolina
3. Chimney Rock Park, North Carolina
4. Grand Rivers Jetty, Kentucky
5. Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain,
Georgia
6. Cades Cove, Tennessee
7. (tie) Clingman’s Dome, North Carolina/
Tennessee
7. (tie) Stone Mountain, Georgia
9. Brasstown Bald, Georgia
10. Mount Magazine, Arkansas
I think this is about 254.3 miles past awesome. Congratulations!
The beautiful Winter Wonderland, here in Owensboro, will run through January 4th. It really is a gorgeous site, and check out the festivities below!
- Tri-State’s largest outdoor rink
- Beginning Blade designated skate time
- Free Mondays
- Skate rental on-site
- The Bunny Slope
- Giant movie screen showing your favorite
- holiday movies
- Snow activities
- Pizza, popcorn, nachos, soft hot pretzels, funnel cakes, hot dogs, cotton candy, hot chocolate, coffee, and more
- Carousel, ferris wheel, teacups, tilt-a-whirl, tin-lizzies
- Visit with Santa
- Thousands of twinkling lights
- Live musical entertainment
- 35 ft. Christmas tree
Ownesboro goes all out for quite a few things – but two of the main ones are the BBQ Festival and Christmas. Winter Wonderland is an extravaganza that delights all and brings out the kid in everyone.
Visit River Park Center’s Winter Wonderland Section for more details.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever confessed my magazine fetish on this particular website or not. I’ve got it bad, I can tell you that. When I approach the magazine section of a store, it’s like… well… did you see Pineapple Express? When a junkie would approach their dealer (James Franco’s character).
Yeah, that’s me. Rubbing my hands together – looking frantically from one issue to the next. “Should I grab the new Taste of Home and Psychology Today on this trip or the Kentucky Monthly and People? Wait. Wait. The husband’s not looking… all 4 it is.”
I go back for the rest over a span of several days. I don’t like to overwhelm the cashiers.
One magazine I never, ever cease to buy is Kentucky Monthly. Talk about hitting you where you live. This magazine is written for us’ins, you know?
The cover of this month’s issue is especially beautiful. It features our own Miss Kentucky, Emily Cox, from Campbellsville. Her smile was so pretty and warm that I found myself smiling back at her as I placed her in my cart (along with Paula Dean’s magazine, Prevention, and Mental Floss – hubby wasn’t even in the store!).
In their interview with Emily, Kentucky Monthly asked her, “If you had to bring the judges of the Miss America competition to Kentucky for a tour of your home state, what places would you highlight?” I thought Emily’s answer created a beautiful and realistic image of the place we all call home:
“I am so immensely proud of my Kentucky home. Our state has a traditional, small-town feel while at the same time being on the cutting edge of modernization and technology. I am most proud of the people of Kentucky—who are some of the nicest, most friendly people you would find anywhere. I would take anyone visiting our state to Churchill Downs, which represents so much of our rich horse-racing tradition. I would also take them to our hospitals at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, which are continuing to make great advances in research and medicine. Finally, I would take visitors to the farm in Campbellsville where I grew up. It’s a special place to me because I spent many summers wading in the creeks catching tadpoles, tearing down fences with four-wheelers, and bottle-feeding baby calves. I believe it is an excellent example of the beautiful landscape that we enjoy here in Kentucky.” – Emily Cox
The entire interview can actually be read online, HERE, but if you buy the magazine, you’ll also get to see (and try!) Emily’s grandmother’s Jam Cake recipe. It calls for buttermilk – which all cooks know makes everything better, so I’m on board.
Emily Cox will compete in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas in January. If brains and beauty count for anything, she’s sitting pretty.
