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.
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.
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 
delicate 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.
Rusty (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.
Few things are as relaxing and enjoyable as sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and watching Kentucky Life on KET. Below are some of the upcoming programs. Since I currently live in Owensboro, Kentucky and once called Louisville, Kentucky home – the November 21/22 dates totally jumped off the page for me.
All of the programs sound like Must-See TV, though. Be sure you don’t miss a single one!
Oct. 17/18: The Evergreen Hills Maze in Flemingsburg, an “Our Town” visit to Adairville, and Cricket Press of Lexington. Also, “Dave Does It” features Dave working at Dahl & Groezinger Scrap Iron and Metal.
Oct. 24/25: Buffalo Soldiers camp, Magee’s Bakery in Maysville, an “Our Town” visit to Midway, and the Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort.
Oct. 31/Nov. 1: An alien abduction legend from Kelly, Ky., an “Our Town” visit to Hell for Certain, ghost hunter Patti Starr, and the reintroduction of the Bourbon Red Turkey, once America’s most popular turkey.
Nov. 14/Nov. 15: Dog Scout Troop 107, a tasty recipe using locally grown produce, and the Flaget High School Alumni Association.
Nov. 21/Nov. 22: An “Our Town” visit to Greenup, Diana Earle and the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, and Henrietta and Jeff Scott’s Highland Raku Studio. Also, “Dave Does It” features Dave working at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.
A Few Did You Knows About Kentucky Life:
- Dave Shuffett is from Greensburg and graduated from Murray State University in 1982.
- The first five seasons of Kentucky Life were hosted by Byron Crawford. Byron’s grew up in Lincoln County.
- Kentucky Life’s episodes are story driven and profile the lives of Kentuckians from each of our distinct regions.
- Kentucky Life debuted in 1995. By 1996, it had become KET’s most watched local production.
- If you love animals like I do (okay, I admit it, I’m obsessed!), you’ll love Paw Pals – a photo album on KET’s website where you can enjoy the pictures of Kentucky pets and even upload your own. Click HERE to see some of the most beautiful faces you’ll ever see.
Visit Kentucky Life for more information and perhaps to even challenge Dave Shuffett to do your job!
Great food and Bluegrass music? Come on, does it get any better?!
Kings Highway and Men of the Week will be performing in Owensboro on October 24th. Each of these bands is currently playing at the Jerusalem Bluegrass Celebration in Rosine.
Kings highway (pictured above) is a band from Henderson Ky, Men of the week (pictured below) hails from the home of the next World Series champions (from my lips to God’s ears, hopefully!) St. Louis Cardinals, St Louis Missouri. (www.myspace.com/menoftheweek)
Both bands are closely followed in the Kentuckiana area, playing festivals in Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro, Louisville as well as performances in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri , Ky, Georgia ,Florida and Tennessee. Men of the week are currently performing at IBMA music showcase in Nashville, Tennessee.
These bands will start performing at 5pm Saturday Oct 24th outdoors at Reds Fish House in Owensboro, Kentucky.
From an e-mail sent to me by Reds Fish House: This is the second performance Kings Highway has done at Reds Fish House, By request from all our friends that enjoyed the first performance Reds Fish House will have this as an annual event for the Owensboro community
Reds will be serving dinner, our own fried fish meals as well as a louisiann crawfish boil ,during the performances, making this a fun night of entertainment and dinner for the Owensboro community. Admittance for both shows and dinner will be $25.00
This event will be an outdoor event seating is not available so attendees will want to bring their lawn chairs. Space is limited reservations are highly suggested in advance, Reservations can be made thru our comment page on Reds fish house web page, www.redsfishhouse.com
Reds Fish House is located at 7056 Highway 56. For directions, see the website.
If you love authentic Mexican cuisine like I do, you have to visit one of (or both!) the Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurants in Owensboro, Kentucky. The complimentary salsa and chips keep you joyfully satisfied while you wait for your food – which never takes too long.
My daughters Brittany and Stephany and I simply can’t get enough when it comes to Mexican food – so the workers at the Real Hacienda’s know us on sight. They’re always extremely friendly and happy to see you. The waiters cut up and joke with us. Their friendliness adds to the entire experience. They’re always happy, having fun, and treat you like a welcomed guest.
As for the food, can you say, “Heavenly“?! When we go for lunch, I alternate between the Grilled Chicken hard shell taco, the Bean Burrito, and the Chalupa. They’re always fantastic and I always get a side of rice or refried beans with my meal. We often get a side of Pico de Gallo and/or guacamole as well.
For supper, I have a complete, unapologetic fixation on Pollo Loco – so I don’t venture too far from that. The chicken is always perfect.
When you go, you’ll want to order a side of the best cheese dip in the whole state. It’s heavenly with the warm complimentary tortilla chips they serve you and, if you have any left, it’s also beyond spectacular on a taco, burrito, or rice.
As if perfect food and friendly workers weren’t enough, the prices are completely reasonable AND the decor is so beautifully charming, you won’t be able to quit looking around.
Oh! Did I mention the Fried Ice Cream?! No??? Probably because I want to keep it all to myself.
Real Hacienda’s Owensboro Locations:
- 3118 Alvey Park D (Off of Highway 54)
- 636 Southtown Blvd (Near Staples and the Frederica Street Wal-Mart)
Every Friday, two of my daughters (Brittany and Emily) and I eat Lunch out together. When we’re in the mood for Mexican food…. very, very often… we usually eat at one of the amazing Real Hacienda restaurants here in Owensboro, Kentucky. The authentic Mexican food can’t be beaten and the workers all know us by now – they’re extremely friendly and often joke around with us.
Every now and then we’ll go to Salsarita’s on Highway 54, like we did today. When we went today I thought, “I’ve never done a review of Salsarita’s, I’ll write one up tonight.“ Oddly enough, I write scads of reviews for other restaurants around Kentucky (and even Southern Indiana), but I often overlook home.
Anyway, I thought I’d rectify that today – give the home team a shout out!
I will say this, Salsarita’s food is dang good. The Queso is fantastic and you can’t find a better taco than the hard-shell grilled shrimp taco.
The workers are normally pretty friendly, but today the first one in the line-up (a brunette) was even friendlier than usual. The crew at Salsarita’s can sometimes be far less than friendly, so this one stood out. I thought, “Wow. They’ve finally told their workers that customers are the good guys!”
However, as Brittany came behind me and placed her order, another worker (a young, curly-haired girl) was very rude and, get this, even argumentative. That was one thing – but then she nudged my beloved friendly brunette sort of like, “Get me… I’m putting this girl in her place.” Nudged her! Much to the brunette’s credit, she just walked away.
As Brittany was explaining to curls how she wanted the pizza made (as opposed to how the girl wanted to make it) – yet another worker came over and started being confrontational. This one was older than curls and had blond hair. The two of them kept exchanging looks which was, of course, extremely unprofessional. I just really don’t think my lovely young 5′4″ daughter needed two of them ganging up on her. Ironically, Brittany is the reason we’ve ever gone to Salsarita’s. As a vegetarian, she loves the options they offer and she has (in the past) heavily sung their praises to anyone who’d listen.
When we paid, I made sure the cashier (and apparently manager) knew that her workers were quite rude. She was very friendly to Brittany and even asked her if she’d like sauce for her pizza. Brittany told her that she did, but when had tried to tell the worker (curls) that she wanted sauce, she’d just turned and walked away. This worker (possibly manager) was very, very friendly and helpful. We’ve been in there before while she was working and she has always been great.
When my girls and I sat down to eat, the two workers in question kept looking at our table and talking to one another. Then the older one goes over to the manager and starts whispering.
I have eaten out at more restaurants than I could ever even BEGIN to count, and this sort of thing has never happened before. We felt more like intruders than guests and I promise you this: We’ll never bother them again.
Before we left, I put on my mother hen hat went back up to the counter, to let the manager know where she’d be able to find this review. No apologies. Nothing. Perhaps she was sticking up for her workers.
Well, this is a mother sticking up for her daughter.
If you’ve read this blog (or any of my other blogs) for any amount of time, you know that I am a very positive person. My youngest daughter’s boyfriend once asked me, “What if you eat somewhere that has horrible food? Do you write a bad review?” I told him that actually, I just ignore the restaurant and pretend it never happened. I just happen to be one of those people who looks at the world through rose-colored glasses. I refuse to put on any other kind of glasses!
Until, she said reaching for that mother hen hat again, someone is rude to either my husband or one of our daughters.
On a side note, restaurants should require their workers to wear name tags and should have comment cards on the tables. More importantly, restaurants should require their workers to treat customers as welcomed guests that they want to return – not as unwelcomed intruders that they have to gang up on and drive away. A restaurant is NOT a hit or miss just based on its food. A restaurant is a hit or miss (and determines if I return and/or recommend it) based on how it makes you feel to be there. Owensboro’s Applebee’s, Real Hacienda, Penn Station, and Ninki’s are just a few of the restaurants in town where you always feel completetly welcome. They love to see you come and seem to insist that you come back. In fact, the people at Penn Station are often so friendly, you feel for certain they’re going to follow you to your car and open the door for you!
I hate for the last post on Genuine Kentucky to be a negative Nelly. Watch for an upcoming reviews for Penn Station, Real Hacienda, Ninki’s, Applebee’s, and others: Places I have nothing but praise for.
If you go to Salsarita’s, I hope you catch them on a good day. But if you get a side of rude with your tacos, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I just added a new category here on Genuine Kentucky: Downtown Kentucky. What can I say? I’ve fallen head over heels in love with downtowns!
Downtowns are like comfort food, warm blankets, It’s a Wonderful Life, and coffee in your favorite mug. They’re a beautiful reminder of a simpler time. When grandparents strolled along, hand in hand, with their grandchildren, headed for the best ice cream cone in town. When young ladies stared into store windows picturing themselves in the bridal gowns on display. Where boys, of all ages, steamed up the glass of toy store windows!
When I visit a great downtown, I feel like Natalie Wood’s character in Miracle on 34th Street as she watched the Christmas parade – it’s complete rapture.
Our beautiful state of Kentucky features some remarkable downtowns and we plan to visit as many as possible. We’ll provide pictures, reviews, videos, and all the information you’ll need. We’ve added a few videos featuring downtown Paducah, Kentucky and I’m working on a video featuring Owensboro, Kentucky’s downtown – home sweet home. One of the crown jewels of our downtown, The Executive Inn, no longer shines brightly. It’s actually pretty sad to most of us, but make no mistake about it: There’s still plenty to love in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky!
If you know of a special downtown in Kentucky or would like to recommend a specific coffehouse, diner, shop, bakery, etc. that’s located downtown – please e-mail me at joisigers@aim.com. I absolutely love getting e-mails from all of you and appreciate the information you share.
I look forward to you joining us as we go downtown!
* The beautiful guy at the top of the post is my buddy, a gorgeous Bison statue (Into the Wind) near downtown Owensboro, Kentucky. The bison is one of my favorite animals, I think they are simply majestic and beautiful. I actually collect stuffed bison and bison figurines. As of now, the husband and our cats frown on the prospect of live bison in our yard. Eh, party poopers.
* The beauty below is Love Song. This amazing work of art graces Second Street in Owensboro, Kentucky. I drive out of my way when I’m in this area just to see Love Song – it’s just remarkable. It’s not a bison, but it’s remarkalbe nonetheless.
Music Born in Kentucky is Center Stage this Fall
There’s a profusion of bluegrass music festivals throughout the state of Kentucky this autumn. Seems appropriate, since this is its birthplace, after all. Make it a point to get out and enjoy the music we should all be proud of. Choose from the events highlighted below, courtesy of http://www.kytourism.com/
The sixth annual Franklin Music Festival will be held the following weekend near I-65 close to the Tennessee border. Set for Sept. 11-12, the Franklin fest will feature the Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage and many more outstanding performers. For info, check www.franklinkymusicfestival.com.
Bluegrass faithful will be making an annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem Ridge at Rosine, Ky. near Owensboro the first weekend in October. From Oct. 1-4, the home place of the “Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe, will resound with music by some of the genre’s leading artists. Visitors can tour the Monroe family’s carefully restored 1918 home filled with mementoes from Monroe’s illustrious 70-year music career. More information about campgrounds and other accommodations nearby can be found at www.jerusalemridgefestival.org.
Combine attendance at Jerusalem Ridge with a visit to the nearby International Bluegrass Music Museum (www.bluegrass-museum.org), a fascinating institution in Owensboro devoted to preserving all things bluegrass. The IBMM is also home to the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame, recognizing noteworthy individuals for outstanding contributions to bluegrass music. New members are inducted each year.
The IBMM hosts its own annual mega-festival, the River of Music Party (ROMP), each June in Owensboro. This festival includes stellar bands from North America, Europe and the Far East, the Bluegrass Masters Film Festival, instrument workshops, juried arts and crafts, clogging and camping. For more info, visit www.www.bluegrass-museum.org/riverofmusic.
Many other smaller festivals provide opportunities to experience bluegrass music outdoors while enjoying Kentucky’s beautiful scenery. For more info, consult the Kentucky Department of Travel’s web site, www.kytourism.com, and click on “Festivals and Events.”
Be sure to check out Owensboro’s Bluegrass Musuem’s Web Site. Lots of fun!
I just got back from my favorite grocery store (Kroger on West Parrish – I’m in there every day). I went with the intention of getting things that I need to make a few white pizzas for lunch. Everything went as planned until I came out of the store and was hit head on with a Heavenly aroma.
Naturally, my head and body followed where my nose led and we all ended up at a grill and table that were set up in front of Kroger. A few of the friendliest guys you could hope to meet were grilling cheeseburgers, hamburgers and bratwurst and doing it like it was meant to be done. I grabbed a few cheeseburgers and told the pizzas they’d have to wait.
When I got home, my husband was still sleeping, but I went ahead and ate my cheeseburger. As a young Shirley Timple would have said, OH – MY - DOODNESS! It was so delicious I just got lost in it for a few minutes. Then I began to eye the husband’s. Normally, I never finish my own burger. My husband has to end up leaving the bites I leave behind. But this time was a whole different game. Not only did I finish mine, his was in danger.
Actually, his is still in danger because I sat right down to tell you about these guys and their amazing food. The husband’s cheeseburger is sitting seductively on the kitchen counter – wrapped in foil marked with a big CB. I see it. It sees me. It’s a battle of wills and I never claimed to have a strong one.
These guys will have their stand of deliciousness set up every weekend in front of the Kroger on West Parrish in Owensboro. They told me that yesterday (the one day in, like, five years I didn’t go to Kroger) they had baby back ribs and sold out fast. Holy cats. I’m grieving over that one – but I know something that’ll make me feel better… and it’s still looking at me.
It’s kind of funny – they did the impossible. Infamous Moonlite BBQ is located within walking distance of Kroger, and its aromas are intoxicating. These guys out-aroma-ed Moonlite.
You have to check them out – great food, friendly smiles, and prices where we need for them to be: Well within reach.
