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My oldest daughter, Emily, and I ate lunch at Olive Garden this afternoon.  That’s actually pretty much a given.  Owensboro’s Olive Garden is one of our favorite places to have lunch.  Sometimes one or both of my other daughters (Brittany or Stephany) will join us.  Their dad (aka the husband) always has to work…  poor guy…. so he never partakes of the Lunch at the Garden.

Emily and I, like clockwork, order the Soup and Salad lunch.  It’s so good, I can’t even describe it.  First of all, Olive Garden’s salad is super special – fresh, crisp, light, delicious.  The bread sticks?  Forget about it – nothing should be that wonderful.  I always, always, always get the Chicken & Gnocchi soup (A creamy soup with roasted chicken, Italian dumplings and spinach.) – it’s just the most wonderful soup. It’s stupid good.  Emily loves the Zuppa Toscana (Spicy sausage, russet potatoes and cavolo greens in a creamy broth). I think she just likes showing off the way the name rolls off her tongue.

Needless to say, Olive Garden is freaking amazing for dinner as well as lunch – what with beef, seafood, spaghetti, lasagna, and a whole arsenal of other delectable meals. Maybe if we ate lunch somewhere else we’d have enough room left for dinner.

Just a thought.

Our servers at Olive Garden – as well as the hosts and hostesses – are always extremely professional and friendly. The manager of this particular Olive Garden is completely on their game. The restaurant is always impeccably clean and beautiful and the staff can’t be beaten.

However. Our server today just raised the bar. Alex was his name and he was simply outstanding. On the drive home, I put my finger on what made him extra-special. He made you feel like you were a guest at a relative’s house rather than a customer in a restaurant. He was very warm and friendly. What’s more, he brought us everything we needed before we even asked. Our drink refills came before our first ones ran out (it feels like 150 degrees outside, Alex must’ve known we were parched), he brought our soup along with our salad (sometimes we have to request the soup), and he even brought us a second bowl of soup without our having to ask for it.

We loved this guy.

He was so on his game that I wasn’t surprised he passed the final “server’s test” with flying colors. As a gal with an incredible sweet tooth, I HATE when servers bring your check without even asking if you’d like dessert. It’s a small thing, but I can’t tell you how many times I was planning on getting dessert but didn’t because I didn’t want them to have to add it to the bill after they’d already rang it up.

Alex asked before even thinking about bringing the bill. Bonus points!

The next time you’re looking for a remarkable place to eat – promise me you’ll go to Olive Garden in Owensboro, Kentucky. It’s gorgeous, the food can’t be beaten, and everyone who works there seems to love their job.  They’re special people in a special place.  What’s not to love?

We’re famous (oftentimes, it seems the world over) for the pride of Owensboro, Kentucky – Moonlite Barbecue. And for good reason! Moonlite does barbecue as well as barbecue can be done. The sides are extraordinary, too. I don’t think I could possibly love the potato salad any more than I do.

However, there are A LOT of wonderful places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky that are just as good as Moonlite Barbecue. In fact, we have several barbecue restaurants that’ll lead to many licked fingers and very happy faces. Below is a list of the best places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky. I’ve linked each to the appropriate website so you can check out the menu, the hours of operation, and (of course) the directions.

Naturally, we also have plenty of McDonald’s restaurants, Burger Kings, Wendy’s, Dairy Queens, Taco Bells, Waffle Houses, and KFC’s. Check each restaurant’s website for the locations of each in Owensboro. A few words of advice from a local: The best KFC is the one on Frederica (it’s excellent) and the best Taco Bell is on Parrish (always clean and neat as a pin). Each of our Wendy’s, Waffle Houses, Ritzy’s, Dairy Queens, McDonald’s, and Burger Kings are great.

Applebee’s – One of the best Applebee’s anywhere. Trust me, we’ve eaten at just about all of them.
5120 Frederica
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-3472

O’Charley’s – Delicious steak and unbelievable rolls.
5205 Frederica Street
Owensboro , KY 42301
(270) 686-8780

Chick Fil A
4000 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 975-4565

Texas Roadhouse
943 Mosely Rd
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 689-0086

Old Hickory BBQ – Delicious barbecue! The barbecued ham is something I’ve fallen in love with, too – but I can’t “pull” myself away from their pulled pork very often. Really, really, good!
338 Washington Avenue
Owensboro, KY 42301-5450
(270) 926-9000

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn – Famous for a reason. You can taste the excellence and it’s outstanding!
2840 West Parrish Avenue
Owensboro, KY 42301
1-800-322-8989

Beef O’ Brady’s – Our oldest daughter Emily’s favorite place in town. Very warm and friendly servers and outstanding food.
3189 Fairview Dr
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-4969

Bee Bops – Fun 50′s Diner (Downtown)
122A West 2nd Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 663-0623

Bob Evans - Fantastic meals with the home-cooked flavor that Bob Evans is famous for.
3123 Hwy-54
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 683-3515

Big Dipper – A “throwback” drive in/drive thru with the best hot dog in all of Kentucky… possibly the world. The burgers and BLT are also out of this world.
2820 W Parrish Ave
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-4806

Buffalo Wild Wings – As locals, we just call it B-Dubs and we’re all completely obsessed with the killer wings and onion rings.
4736 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 686-7800

Culvers Butter Burgers and Frozen Custards
3020 Highland Pointe Drive
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 689-4040

Red Lobster – As good as it gets. The cheese bread, alone, is worth the trip.
3410 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-4044

Denny’s
4545 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-5488

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
5311 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-4118

Panera Bread – Everything on the menu is outstanding and you wouldn’t believe how addicted I am to the iced green tea. Amazing!
4600 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301-7496
(270) 683-9033

El Toribio Authentic Mexican Restaurant – Gorgeous restaurant downtown, on the river. The food is excellent and you’ll definitely want to try the cheese dip – remarkable!
101 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 685-2040

Famous Bistro – Downtown restaurant that everyone loves to distraction. Big city taste – without the big city traffic or headaches!
102 W 2nd St
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 686-8202

Fazoli’s
5116 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-8767

Five Guys Burger and Fries
2660 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-7888

Fuji of Japan
4028 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 685-0046

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
1800 Carter Rd
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 683-0584

Roca Bar Pizza
3030 Highland Point Dr
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 684-8080

T.G.I. Friday’s – One of the best T.G.I. Friday’s in the state. They have some of the friendliest, most colorful servers you’ll ever have the fortune of meeting. And if you’ve never tried the Crispy Green Bean Fries (appetizer), you don’t know what you’re missing. Great, now I’ve given myself an intense craving…
5135 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301-7443
(270) 686-1910

Olive Garden - Gorgeous restaurant with excellent food and one of the best staffs in town.
5204 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 683-4848

Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant – You can read what I really think of this restaurant by clicking the link!
3500 Villa Pt
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-9913

Pangea Cafe and Catering – The Asian Vegetable Wrap is a very close friend of mine. It has to be tasted to be believed – I honestly don’t think mere words could do it justice. Pangea Cafe is one in a million and you’ll love everything about it.
1320 CARTER RD.
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 689-9824

Tokyo – Excellent Japanese food without the typical prices. We eat at Tokyo’s regularly and love it. We think of it as Japanese fast food.
3415 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-1020

Ole South Barbeque – Outstanding barbecue! The baked beans are also exceptional. I live in Owensboro and eat barbecue at Ole South Barbecue more than anyplace else.
3523 Hwy 54 E (across from Kohl’s)
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 926-6464

Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant (Click the link for my review of Owensboro’s Real Hacienda Restaurants)
636 Southtown Blvd
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-5950

Shogun of Japan Steakhouse
5010 Wildcat Way
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 685-9980

Hong Kong – My husband and I get “take out” from Hong Kong at least once a week. You can also eat in, which we occasionally. Outstanding food and plenty of it. The fried rice, Shrimp Lo Mein, Won Tons, and House Special Soup are a few favorites.
1650 Starlite Dr
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 852-7777

Tumbleweeds Southwest Grill
5257 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 685-4111

Pizza Hut
4127 Frederica St
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 684-0040

Sonic Drive-In
3107 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 688-5999

Starbucks in Owensboro

We have 3 Starbucks in Owensboro and I more than do my part to keep them all in business. Our main Starbucks is located at 5151 Frederica St. We also have a Starbucks in our beautiful Target on Frederica and in the Starlite Drive Kroger – a grocery store I, literally, shop in daily. Suffice to say mine is a face they are familiar with at this particular Starbucks.

Owensboro, Kentucky is gearing up for one of its favorite festivals.   The 2010 Big O Music Fest will be held on Friday August 13th and Saturday August 14th.  Check out the 2010 Artist Lineup page on the Big O Music Festival’s website – complete with pics and bios.

Friday’s Lineup:

  • Randy Houser
  • Mark Wills
  • Josh Gracin
  • Mountain Heart

Saturday’s Lineup:

  • Gary Allan
  • Jamey Johnson
  • Phil Vassar
  • Colt Ford
  • Brian Davis
  • Jaclyn Graves

NEW: Camping Offered for 2010!

Space is limited, so get your request in early to reserve your tent camping spot.  You can come out and camp Friday night, or Saturday night after the show.  Or, you can stay and camp both nights.  Click Here for more information and camping rules or Click Here to reserve your Tent or RV camp site now!

The Big O Music Fest Will Be Held At:

Reid’s Orchard (Directions)
4812 State Route 144
Owensboro, KY 42303

Owensboro Lodging:

Hampton Inn – Owensboro
Comfort Suites – Owensboro
Fairfield Inn-Owensboro
Days Inn – Owensboro
Ramada Inn – Owensboro
Holiday Inn Express – Owensboro
Super 8 Motel – Owensboro
Motel 6  – Owensboro

Henderson Lodging:

Holiday Inn Express Henderson Hotel
Sleep Inn Henderson
Comfort Inn Henderson
Ramada Henderson
Ramada Inn Henderson
Super 8 Henderson / Evansville In Area

Bowling Green Lodging:

Holiday Inn University Plaza-Bowling Green Hotel
Courtyard Bowling Green Convention Center
Red Roof Inn Discount Hotel
Days Inn Hotels: Bowling Green
Days Inn Hotels: Bowling Green
Sleep Inn Bowling Green
Ramada Bowling Green-Scottsville Rd
Drury Inn – Bowling Green

Kentucky Speedway fans, buckle up and hold on.  According to a story today on Bleacher Report.com, Kentucky Speedway will get a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in July, 2011.

The source apparently opted to remain anonymous because the decision wasn’t exactly official yet.  The words “anonymous” and “exactly” are enough to keep me from marking my calendar in ink just yet – BUT, being a born-optimist, I’m penciling it in.

And crossing my fingers.

From Bleacher Report:

The 1.5 mile racetrack has been home to some of the best Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races over the last several years. Also housing IRL races, and even a few festivals. The track sits almost exactly halfway between Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH, on I71, and the surrounding area is ripe for expansion.

Follow Kentucky Speedway on Twitter – Best way I can think of to stay on top of the news!

Sushi Combo

Sushi Combo Giclee Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

One of my favorite places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky also happens to be one of my ALL TIME favorite restaurants. Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant is one in a billion.

The decor is beautiful and the atmosphere is so relaxing you never want to leave. The staff at Ninki’s is one of the most friendly and helpful staffs in any restaurant I’ve ever visited. Everyone is totally and completely on their toes.

As for the food.. well, it’s just out of this world, that’s all. The edamame is something I enjoy every single time I dine at Ninki’s (which, let’s be honest, is quite often). If you’ve never tried edamame, give it a try when you visit Ninki’s. Addictive!

If the weather’s a little on the cool side, I have a bowl of their extraordinary Clear Soup (more about this VERY special soup in a minute). If the weather’s warm (and I don’t succumb to ordering the soup anyway!), I go with a salad. The dressing has this delicious, exotic flavor that you WILL NOT find anywhere else.

I’ve looked.

Another menu item I consistently order is the Kentucky Sushi Roll – my favorite of their many, many Sushi Rolls. Ninki’s has the most beautiful and delicious Sushi Rolls anywhere. What’s more, the price is a lot lower than you’d expect. Truth be told, everything at Ninki’s is lower than most Japanese restaurants. Japanese restaurants often have a reputation for flattening your wallet and making your purse tremble. Ninki’s is the exception.

I also order the fried rice whenever i go – it’s ridiculously good. They offer an exceptional, tangy “Yum Yum” sauce that simply makes time stand still.

I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve gotten at Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant in Owensboro. Even their tea is amazing!

Now. Back to the Clear Soup. It’s one of the most inexpensive things you can get in any restaurant but it’s so full of flavor that it boggles the mind.

Here’s the thing: I cook a great deal. Love cooking! I even have a food blog where I celebrate this favorite pastime. I have, over the years, achieved a great knack for tasting food served in restaurants and, then, being able to recreate the dish at home. Ninki’s Clear Soup has me stumped. I’ve tried COUNTLESS times to come up with a soup even close to their Clear Soup, but it simply can’t be done.

I’ve deduced that they have a large sack of magic in their kitchen and that magic is the secret ingredient.

Well played, Ninki’s. Well played.

My family members know that:

  1. If anyone is going to Ninki’s, they must, first of all, give me the opportunity to accompany them.  If for some reason I can’t go (flu, ice storm, bronchitis, broken ankle..) they know the drill:
  2. They must bring me a large container of Clear Soup.  If they fail to do so, I’ll cry for days.  True story.

Ninki’s Sushi Rolls, Fried Rice, Hibachi grill, salad, steak, chicken, Clear Soup, edamame, tea, and service are all extraordinary and you MUST treat yourself to the experience.  It may be your first time but I guarantee it won’t be your last.

I might just see you there.

What you need to know:

Ninki’s Japanese Steakhouse is located at 3500 Villa Pt Ste 103.

Directions: Go out Highway 54, past Walgreen’s and just past Kohl’s.  Ninki’s is located next to the old Quizzno’s (miss them…sigh). Map.

Phone: (270) 685-9913

If you love NASCAR like we do, and you’re anywhere near Owensboro, Kentucky on Sunday July 18, 2010, grab your Hermanator t-shirt and head to Windy Hollow!

Windy Hollow Speedway and the Big Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross have teamed up for a night of great racing and fund raising! This Sunday night Windy Hollow Speedway will host the very popular NASCAR driver and Speed TV personality Kenny Wallace at the Owensboro, KY race facility. Wallace will be on hand racing his Federated Auto Parts UMP DIRTcar Series open wheel modified as well as helping the Red Cross. Wallace will also step into a car he has never seen before and battle it out with some well known locals from the racing world in the Prelude to the Box Car Nationals to benefit the Big Rivers Chapter.

Wallace will step into a custom built box car replica of his Federated Auto Parts modified and run on foot against the following entries:

Richard Cunningham from www.circlesville.com (a national dirt track media source)
Malcolm West from Racing Radio Live and the Nashville Super Speedway
Angie Baird- American Classifieds/Thrifty Nickel
Alan Slaton- EZ Buy Auto Sales/EZ Graphics
Jay Velotta- Windy Hollow Speedway announcer/Radio Goes Racing
Billy Egeler- Windy Hollow Speedway announce/Radio Goes Racing

These racers will run a small race on foot inside their custom built cardboard creations in an effort to raise funds for the Red Cross. Donations will be accepted before the event, which will be held during intermission on Sunday. There will also be an autographed door from Kenny Wallace’s modified up for grabs to the highest bidder during an auction held at intermission. Wallace will be available for autographs during the evening’s intermission festivities and after the racing events.

Gates will open at 4pm with racing starting at 6pm at Windy Hollow Speedway. It will be an action packed night of stock car racing and box car racing at its best!

For more information on the Box Car Nationals presented by Circlesville.com and the Carousel Child Care Center visit www.circlesville.com .

Windy Hollow Speedway is located just 9 miles southwest of Owensboro, KY off of Kentucky Highway 81 on Windy Hollow Road.

GATES OPEN AT 3:30 PM
DRAW CLOSES AT 6 pm
RACING AROUND 6:15 pm

About Kenny Wallace

Kenny Wallace, who won the first race he ever entered, thank you very fast, was born in the hometown of my favorite baseball team – St. Louis, Missouri. Kenny is the youngest of three brothers and, and Kenny Wallace.com points out, racing was a household reality before any of the boys could wheel a car.

He currently lives in North Carolina with his High School sweetheart, wife of 25 years, Kim. The couple have three daughters (something we have in common).

One of the very best things about Kenny is that he’s as big of a St. Louis Cardinals fan as I am.  I love you, man.

From Kenny Wallace.com:

After winning that first race in 1982, Kenny decided that his place in racing was in the driver’s seat.  That day was a preview of things to come.  In 1986, Kenny joined the ASA ranks winning Rookie of the Year honors.

In September of 1988, Dale Earnhardt gave Kenny the seat for his first-ever NASCAR start.  He finished seventh in his first Nationwide Series start at Martinsville, Virginia. The following year, Kenny raced the full Nationwide Series schedule in a car owned by brother Rusty, earning the 1989 Rookie of the Year award and finishing sixth in driver point standings.
Kenny’s Nationwide Series accomplishments include nine wins, ten poles, and nine seasons in the top ten in driver points.  Kenny has over 425 Nationwide starts, making him only the second driver with this distinction.  Kenny is the only driver to have won the Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver Award three times, in 1991, 1994 and 2006.
Kenny also has over 340 starts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He has grabbed three poles, six top-five, and 27 top-ten finishes, including three career high second-place runs.  Kenny’s most well known finish probably came when he pushed the late great Dale Earnhardt to his final Cup victory at Talladega in 2000 in a thrilling last lap shootout.  Kenny also has two Budweiser Shootouts to his credit.  In 1998, Kenny and his brother Rusty Wallace staged a thrilling one-two finish on the last lap with Kenny pushing Rusty across the checkers for the win.  In 2002 Kenny finished ninth in the Shootout.
Kenny has also found success in the world of television.  He is the co-host of two programs for SPEED TV each week; NASCAR RaceDay, which airs before the Sprint Cup race each week, and NASCAR Victory Lane, which extends post-race coverage.   With Kenny’s competitive battles on the racetrack and popularity on television, he has become one of the most sought after drivers in NASCAR racing today for sponsor endorsements and speaking engagements.
Kenny Wallace is a driver that is well respected by owners, drivers and sponsors throughout the garage area.
In 2008 Kenny Wallace drove for Jay Robinson Racing in the #28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet Monte Carlo.  The highlight of the year was a last lap battle for the win in Memphis, TN with Carl Edwards and David Reutimann, with Kenny finishing third.  The Team ended the year on a strong upswing.
In 2009, Kenny is back in familiar colors of the #28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevrolet  Impala for Jay Robinson Racing as he competes for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship.
Kenny is not only an asphalt race car driver.  He is the winner of the Tony Stewart 2005 Super Late Model Charity Race “Prelude To The Dream” at the Eldora Speedway “on dirt”.
On almost any weekend, you can find Kenny getting back to the roots of short track racing in his #36 Jegs dirt modified.  He just may be tearing it up at a local dirt track near you!

Links for Kenny Wallace Fans

Kenny Wallace Racing

Kenny Wallace on Facebook

Kenny Wallace on Twitter

If at all possible, make it out to  Windy Hollow Speedway Sunday night.  Great Speedway. Great cause. Great driver.

Visit Windy Hollow Speedway‘s Website

Panther Creek Park, which offers 30 acres of wooded wetlands, is one of many cool places to spend a day in Owensboro, Kentucky. The pictures, below, were taken by a few of my favorite people in the world – my daughter Emily and her boyfriend Dill. It was a cool spring day when they last visited the park – judging from the look on Dill’s face, it may have been a little too cool for him (the boy hates cold weather about as much as I hate decaf).  Click each thumbnail for the larger image.

Thanks Em and Dill!

Panther Creek Park is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road, Owensboro Kentucky.  Click HERE for directions.

In between football games yesterday I read the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. There was a story that especially caught my eye (and stomach).   A retro ’50s diner is coming to downtown Owensboro and plans to open in time for Barbecue Fest (May 7-8).  Is anything cooler than ’50s decor or the type of delicious food served in these types of diners?!

There’s a real buzz of excitement about our downtown area here in Owensboro, Kentucky.   While we’re all still emotionally smarting over the Executive Inn, we have plenty to look forward to on our beautiful waterfront and downtown area.   Bee Bops is the latest in a string of promising good times headed our way.

According to the story, Bee Bops will have a 32-foot counter with stools and counter service in addition to booths and table service. You can expect to see a lot of the colors and decor of  the ’50s including walls decorated with James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley (for an example of how much I love these stars and others of their time, check out my Hollywood Yesterday blog).  The floors will apparently be like something right out of Happy Days – black and white.

As for the main event… the food…. Bee Bops will serve old fashioned milk shakes, malts, root beer floats, limeade, and burgers.

I love the quote from the director of downtown development, Fred Reeves: “The downtown restaurants are anxious to have more places to eat down here.  A rising tide lifts all boats.”  The tide of anticipation is certainly rising in downtown Owensboro and the residents can’t wait to see it all play out.

Bee Bops will be located at 122 W. Second Street and I’ll be there drinking chocolate milkshakes as fast as they can make them.

Owensboro Executive Inn

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.

Bob Evans Restaurant Logo

Two of my daughters (the third one was in Florida basking in the sun) and one of their boyfriends (the other bf was in bed basking in sleep) and I ate at Bob Evans Restaurant in Owensboro, Kentucky last week.  My husband couldn’t join us because he was working (poor guy!).  My girls and I hadn’t eaten there since the first week they opened – and back then it was.. well… like I said, we hadn’t eaten since the first week they opened.

Boy were we in for a surprise!

First of all, it was just as beautiful as I remembered.  The inside of this restaurant just feels like home, right down to all of the beautiful details.

My oldest daughter (Emily) and I knew what we wanted right off the bat – Blueberry Crepes (two delicious and Bob Evans Blueberry Crepesdelicate crepes filled with a scrumptious vanilla cream cheese, then topped off with a wonderful blueberry topping).  We also ordered a side of bacon. The four people who sat around that table were each bacon connaisseurs with years of experience and enjoyment.  Simply put, we know our bacon.  We each agreed that this was the best bacon in town.  We’ve had bacon, literally, every single place bacon is served in Owensboro – and this is the best, period.  It’s thick, tasty, and cooked to perfection… not overly cooked and not under cooked either. Perfect.

My youngest daughter (Stephany) ordered the Farmer’s Choice Breakfast.   Her eggs and home fries were beautiful and, apparently, quite good, the biscuits were fluffy and delicious, the bacon has been categorized already (as in perfect), and the gravy reminded me of my dad’s sausage gravy.  So, so good.

Pot Roast Stew - Bob Evans RestaurantRusty (Steph’s boyfriend) got the Pot Roast Beef Stew Deep-Dish Dinner and it was a work of art.  He gave us each a bite of the pot roast and it was the most tender and delicious meat you can imagine.  Heavenly is a word that came to mind.

Heavenly is also a word I’d use to describe the amazing appetizer we got:   The Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Fries.  Oh.  My.  Gracious.  Goodness.  These have to be tried to be believed:  Lightly battered and fried miniature Apple Pie Fries are dusted with powdered sugar and served with an amazing caramel dipping sauce.

When a worker came by to ask how everything was (I believe I pulled myself away from my food long enough to catch that he was a food quality control expert) – we praised the Apple Pie Fries.  He laughed and said that they were why his top was beginning to get a little tight.  His friendliness just made the experience all the better.

Our server was also very much on the ball.  Her name tag said “Just Denise” and she was just fantastic.

If you haven’t been to Bob Evans Restaurant in Owensboro Kentucky lately – do yourself a favor and go soon.  Whether you love breakfast food (which is available all day) or lunch and dinner food, Bob Evans will have exactly what you’re looking for and they’ll cook it better than you could ever hope for.

Visit Bob Evans online Menu for a run down of their entire menu items.

One final thing:  When I got home that day, I went online and left positive feedback on their website.  This is something I always do when I have a great dining experience.  I want each worker associated with that experience to get credit.  Something unusual happened this time, however – I got a very sweet, personal reply!   If you complain on a website (something that I’ve only done once in my entire life – and I addressed it on this blog about a month or so ago), I guess you could expect to hear back (even though I didn’t) but when you leave positive feedback, you generally don’t hear from them.  I was pleasantly surprised that a Bob Evans worker replied, thanking me for my kind words.  It was a personal message, too, which made it even more cool.  A very smart organization surrounds themselves with people who will reflect positively on their brand, their logo, and their reputation.

Bob Evans Restaurant is all over that.  And, man, you have to try the bacon.

The Bob Evans Restaurant in Owensboro Kentucky is located at 3123 Kentucky Highway 54.  Visit Bob Evans.com for other Kentucky locations.