If you need a last minute gift, here’s the most delicious idea possible: A beautiful gift basket from the Great Harvest Bread Company!  I got the one above this year and have been THOROUGHLY enjoying everything about it.

• The White Bread is so aromatic it practically fills the kitchen with its goodness. It tastes even better.
• The Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is Heavenly.
• The Pumpkin Pie Butter is delectable on each of the breads above.
• The Ham Spread is surprisingly a knock out! When I saw it, I thought, “Hmm. Not sure about that.” But I can’t stay out of it! It’s so good, I could smear it on a shoe and eat it.
• The Wild Huckleberry Preserves combine with the white bread (toasted) for an other-worldly experience.
• The Roasted Garlic Potato Soup and I have a date for the day after Christmas: Soup and Ham sandwiches!
• The Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies are some of the best cookies I’ve ever put in my mouth and, believe me, I’ve had every cookie in the world. Cookie Monster has nothing on me.
• The gorgeous basket will be around long after the wonderful food is gone. It makes a beautiful fruit basket.

You’re able to pick out the components of the gift basket, and I must say (as always) my husband did an exceptional job.  This is my second Great Harvest Bread Co gift basket and I’m hoping and praying it’ll be an annual tradition.

Every single thing the Great Harvest Bread Co. sells is outstanding – the bread, cookies, Kentucky tea (you HAVE to try this amazing tea!), ham spread (uncommonly delicious), etc.  The Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread and Pumpkin Pie Butter are so delicious it isn’t even funny.  Every single thing in the basket is, for that matter!

If you live near Owensboro, Kentucky – our Great Harvest Bread Company is at 3211 Frederica St, across from Kentucky Wesleyan.   The friendliest people in the world work there and the food’s to die for.  Even if you don’t need a gift basket to GIVE, buy one for yourself! That’s what my oldest daughter intends to do.  Smart girl.

You’ll find a lot of great breads, snacks, and desserts to have on hand during the holidays as well. Perfect for family get-togethers and delicious for the bowl games and UK basketball games!  You pick out the food you want in the basket, but trust me, you’d do well to pick out the exact things my husband did.  I’ve trained him so well.

Click HERE to find the Great Harvest near you.

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Okay. Imagine stepping into an Avon brochure. Except instead of Avon Fragrances and make-up, you’re surrounded by every other perfume, cologne, nail care, makeup, and skin care product imaginable. Now imagine that there are also hair care products and tools, bath and body products, beauty magazines, and a beauty salon.

Yes. A beauty salon.

This dream of a store is Ulta and their Owensboro, Kentucky location is now open. Just in time for Christmas!  Not only can you get extra glamorous and gorgeous for the holidays, you can do some pretty outrageous Christmas shopping – all in one fantastic store.

Ulta has their own wonderful brand of products (it seems each is even better than the last) plus they sell all of your favorite brands.  You name it, they have it. Well, except for Avon.  In the makeup department I found everything from Cover Girl, Maybelline, Almay, and L’Oreal to Iman, Rimmel, and Laura Geller. They also have a better selection of hair color, shampoos, and conditioners than your average department store.  And it’s so much more convenient to simply walk in and quickly grab what you need.  I guarantee you I’ll never go in a grocery store or department store just for makeup or hair care products again.

I have a confession to make. I’m EXTRA girly. I love fragrances, lotions, makeup, nail polish – the works.  I have a special fascination, for some reason, with pampering my feet. I got a great Foot Cream at Ulta a few days ago called “Love Heels All” (clever, right?) that I’m obsessed with. It has a great minty smell, making it perfect for men or women. It feels incredible on your feet and leaves them extra, extra, extra soft.

I’m also nuts about the Ulta brand Hair Care Products line. They’re extraordinary.

I could go on and on (trust me) about the unbelievable selections of makeup, skin care, and beauty products.   But you know the best way to find out how remarkable Ulta is… go and see for yourself!  You know me, always on my soap box about supporting local businesses, keeping your money in your community and all that.  Well, here’s an excellent chance for you to do just that.  Make Ulta a regular stop on each of your Owensboro trips – whether you’re an Owensboro resident, like me, or one of our cherished visitors.

Welcome to Owensboro, Ulta. This is going to be a BEAUTIFUL relationship.

Find Ulta in Owensboro:

Owensboro’s Ulta is on Frederica, in the Owensboro Towne Center (near Target and Best Buy) – In Goody’s old location.

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You know me, I’m ALL about promoting Kentucky restaurants, stores, State Parks, and products. Does a week go by when I’m NOT in your face imploring you to throw your support, love, and money to Kentuckians?! The great thing is, Kentuckians make it so easy for me because they seem to excel at almost everything they do. It makes my job easy when almost everything I set out to review makes me do a happy dance.

My husband (Michael), our youngest daughter (Stephany), her boyfriend (Rusty), and I LOVE BBQ. Call it fate, a smile from God, or incredible luck (or all three) but we live in Owensboro, Kentucky – the BBQ Capital of the world and home to the wonderful Old Hickory Bar-B-Q. What better place for us to live?! Michael came home one day last week with something far better than a dozen roses in his hand. He had a bottle of Henry’s Boogalou BBQ Sauce.

Who says romance is dead?

I’d never seen, or even heard of this BBQ Sauce, so I was beyond excited and anxious to try it out. My excitement only grew when I looked on the label and saw the magical words, “Kentucky Proud.” I had Saucy Swiss Steak in the Crock pot, so we couldn’t use Boogalou that night. I did, however, break into it the very next day! I had a ham to cook and decided, why not make it a BBQ ham a la Old Hickory. When I opened the bottle, I have to confess, I did the finger test. I poured a dab onto my finger and gave it a taste.

The first words to spring into my mind? “Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!”

Stephany and I are as obsessed with BBQ Sauces as we are BBQ. Honestly, we have literally bought, tried, and critiqued every brand found in Kroger and Wal-Mart. We both look for that special something, a certain hard-to-describe but harder to miss “kick.”

With his Boogalou BBQ Sauce, Henry kicks it so hard he needs new shoes.

This is absolutely exceptional BBQ Sauce.  It has set a whole new standard for all of us and will be the sauce we measure all other BBQ sauce to in the future.  I could spend countless hours and words raving about how delicious and extra special this BBQ Sauce is, but the only way for you to find out for yourself is to try it.

You can (and should!) buy Henry’s Boogalou Sauce at all Owensboro area IGA Stores:

• Owensboro
• Lewisport
• Hartford
• Sebree
• Calhoun
• Whitesville

My one and only problem with Henry’s Boogalou BBQ Sauce is this: He tells a big fat fib on the back label (see below).  It says, Warning: May Be Highly Addictive. Balderdash!  You can take the May Be out of there – this BBQ Sauce is the most addictive thing since coffee.

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Kenlake State Resort Park’s Aurora Landing Restaurant recently knocked our socks off… yet again.

I’m always on my soap box telling everyone to eat at Kentucky State Resort Parks.  If someone tells me they go once a month, I tell them to go more.  If they tell me they’ve never eaten at one of Kentucky’s State Resort Parks, I tell them to come back when they have.. then I’ll talk to them.

Okay, just kidding, I don’t actually do that. I’m not saying I don’t think about it though.

In the vein of practicing what you preach (but more importantly in the vein of loving good food), my husband Michael and I ate at TWO Kentucky State Resort Park restaurants Saturday. Yay, us! We had lunch at the gorgeous Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s restaurant, Windows on the Water.  As I told the adorable hostess who seated us, the view never, ever gets old.  Just beautiful.  You know me…. of course I had the fried catfish sandwich and onion rings.  Delicious!!!

Even the iced tea is perfection in Kentucky State Parks.

After lunch, we went to Kenlake State Resort Park where my husband played a round of golf while I caddied… if, that is, caddying means riding along, sipping Diet Coke, taking pictures, and ahhhing every bird and squirrel in site. If that’s the definition of being a caddie I might just be the greatest one of all time. The golf course was beautiful – I’ll add the pictures to the Kentucky Pictures album soon.

We ate supper at Kenlake State Resort Park’s restaurant, Aurora Landing.  I ordered the Fried Ham with Red Eye Gravy and a baked potato and pinto beans.  While we waited, the server (an absolute doll who looked like she should be starring in movies with a Hollywood hottie – beautiful face, but I didn’t catch the name that went with it) brought us a basket of HEAVENLY rolls and butter. Man, were they good.

The ham was beyond great – very, very, very flavorful. I normally love red eye gravy, but I didn’t want to intrude upon the flavor the ham had going on all by itself! The baked potato and pinto beans were also excellent.

Michael also had a baked potato and pinto beans but he ordered grilled chicken. It must have been outstanding, it disappeared awfully fast.

We always order a dessert to share at Kentucky State Resort Park restaurants and I order a cup of coffee…. which I don’t share. They use John Conti coffee beans and you can smell and taste the distinction. It’s one of the best cups of coffee you can get out, anywhere. It’s about 5 times better than coffee you get in coffeehouses.

We ordered cheesecake this time and it was great. My husband asked the lovely server if she could put some strawberries on top for us, and of course she did.

Having an outstanding meal while looking out at the gorgeous lake is always a special treat. For butterfly and bird lovers, like us, it’s an even bigger treat at Kenlake because, right outside the windows, they have bird feeders, beautiful trees, and gardens filled with flowers that draw these beautiful lovelies.

I work with words all day long but they fail me when I’m trying to convey just how special it is to enjoy a great view, great food, great company, and great coffee all at the same time.  I’m always struck by how friendly the staff is at Aurora Landing Restaurant, too.

Please make a point to start supporting our Kentucky State Parks and Kentucky State Resort Parks more often. You’ll be surprised just how great the restaurants are.  Avoid the lines, avoid the hassle, avoid the noise, and avoid views that look out into parking lots.  Kind of sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it?!?!

Don’t forget to follow Genuine Kentucky on Twitter! We’ll keep you up to date with Kentucky news, events, opinions (!!!), and more.  When UK, U of L, or Western Kentucky are playing… let’s just say we get WAY into it!

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I’ve put off writing this Kentucky Restaurant review for a while simply because it’s a toughie.

• At some point, even people who write all day/every day run out of adjectives.
• Just thinking about The Feed Mill in Morganfield gives me intense cravings – and it’s over 45 minutes away!

I can’t put it off any longer, so here goes.  I’ve warned my brain to prepare for overwhelming cravings and now I’m warning you to prepare for flying adjectives.

We’ve actually eaten at The Feed Mill regularly for several years. As you know, I’m the world’s biggest catfish lover and The Feed Mill has some of the best catfish in the world.  Seriously, I’ve never had better catfish in my life and, if it weren’t for The Willow Pond restaurants, I’d give The Feed Mill sole possession of Best Catfish in the World.  As it is, I’m sure they don’t mind being in a two-way tie. On a scale of 1-10, their fried catfish is a 500.  The same can be said for their Fried Chicken, which is positively outrageous.  It’s crisp and Heavenly on the outside and juicy and delectable inside.  It’s the best fried chicken I’ve ever gotten in a restaurant – ever. Sole possession of fried chicken bragging rights!

My husband, Michael, got the Prime Rib one night and nearly cried because it was so delicious.  He consented to giving me a taste and I nearly fell out of my chair.  It was so unbelievably tender and the flavor was the stuff dreams are made of.  It had to be the best Prime Rib on the planet simply because it wouldn’t be possible for it to taste any better.  Just not possible.

The extraordinary catfish, prime rib, and fried chicken (I’d crawl over rattlesnakes right now for a bite of that chicken!) are so amazing that I haven’t branched out to the other meats… YET. But when I do, they also have the following on their menu:

• Quail
• Shrimp
• Frog Legs
• Oysters
• “Taste of Louisiana” cajun items such as gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice and more.

If you’ve read many of my restaurant reviews, you know that I’m a stickler for sides.  Many will disagree with me, but I’m convinced that you can tell more about a restaurant by its sides than you can its meats, bread, or even desserts.  Sides are an area where far too many restaurants just throw anything out and hope no one notices.  They take the approach that if the meat’s good enough, the sides won’t matter.  Ridiculous!  I’m all about the sides and I’m delighted to report that The Feed Mill’s sides are as wonderful as their meats… and that’s saying something, believe me!

Below are the Side Items, and each and every one is a perfect 10:

• Baked Potato
• Fries
• Onion Rings (have mercy)
• Homemade Baked Beans (a favorite.. they’re spectacular)
• Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• Green Beans, also excellent
• Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Vegetables

You can’t go wrong with any of the sides, but take it from someone who knows, you’ll want to add a side – not that you’ll need it to fill up or anything.  You’ll just want to enjoy as many as you can each trip! Click HERE for The Feed Mill’s impressive menu (be sure to keep scrolling to see the entire menu and the pictures that look so good you can almost taste them).

The Feed Mill serves lunch and dinner, so be sure you plan accordingly. You know, plan to have lunch at The Feed Mill (Perhaps a Po’ Boy and Onion Rings), then entertain yourself in nearby Henderson, Kentucky and return for supper.

Whatever you do, whenever you eat, and whatever you order…. you MUST try the Gourmet Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. I know, I know, you’ll see the Pecan Pie or the Peanut Butter pie on the menu and want to veer off in a crust-y direction. And while that’s be divine, trust me on this one – the Gourmet Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted or will likely ever taste again. It’s mind-numbing how delicious it is. You won’t be able to get it off of your mind for months. You’ll go around telling perfect strangers about it. All of their desserts are Heavenly, but the Bread Pudding takes you to a whole other level of Heaven.

Believe me, it’s a trip you don’t want to miss. Such flavor!

More advice:

• If you’re cold-natured (like me), take a sweater or jacket – usually it’s kind of chilly in The Feed Mill… until you start eating, that is. Then all the happy feelings warm you up but good. You can always spy the regulars, they wear long sleeves or jackets!
• If the hostess tries to sit you at the tiny two-seater table, do all within your power to wait for a larger table. Unfortunately, we got the tiny table on our last visit. By the end of our meal, we were reaching around half a dozen dishes trying to get to our beloved Bread Pudding.  I looked, with envy, at the other couples sitting at 4 seat tables…. and some even came in after us! Hold out for a 4 seater if you can because you’ll want to spread out and enjoy your Heavenly meal.
• The food is made fresh to order which means that, sometimes, it can take a bit. So order an appetizer or an order of onion rings to hold you over.  The amount of time it takes kind of varies each trip – it depends mainly on how busy they are.  Besides, ordering an appetizer gives you an opportunity to enjoy even more of their spectacular food!
• GO!  I don’t care how far away you live from Morganfield, Kentucky – make a special trip. It’ll be worth it, I promise. The food, the vibe, the friendly people, the adorable decor.. even the iced tea is superb.

Weekly Specials at The Feed Mill

Monday Night
All-U-Can Eat Cajun

Tuesday Night
All-U-Can Eat Cajun

Thursday Night
Grilled Prime Rib Dinner

Friday Night
All-U-Can Eat Catfish Fiddlers

Saturday Night
Grilled Prime Rib Dinner

The Feed Mill Restaurant & Bar
3541 US Hwy 60 E
Morganfield, KY 42437
Telephone  270-389-0047

Click HERE for directions to The Feed Mill.

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My husband Michael and I recently had the SUPREME pleasure of going to the Grand Ole Opry for the Oak Ridge Boys induction.  Can you believe they’re only now being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry? Who fell asleep at the wheel?!?!

Before I get to the reason for this post, allow me to just say this: If you ever get the chance to see the Oak Ridge Boys live, go go go GO. They put on an exceptional show with so much energy, talent, fun, and excitement that you’ll temporarily forget any other musicians exist.  Temporarily, as in for weeks. They’re really something else and I’m not sure there will ever be another group like them.  Again… GO!

Michael and I frequently go to shows at the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry.  Even when it’s a lineup of people we’ve seen several times before, we always enjoy ourselves.  Like the Oak Ridge Boys, the Grand Ole Opry is an American treasure and, if you ask me, we should all support it and enjoy it every chance we can.

Another thing we love about going to Grand Ole Opry shows is the opportunity to eat in restaurants we don’t often get a chance to enjoy.  On this particular trip, we went to Nashville’s Cock of the Walk Restaurant.  I’m telling you, it’s worth the drive for this experience alone.  I’m kind of kicking myself because normally, when I do restaurant reviews (or reviews of any type), I take several pictures. Of the restaurant, the food, and often even the tea!

However, like a kid in a candy store, all I could do at the Cock of the Walk Restaurant was sit and take it all in. Like I said, I’m kicking myself  for not taking pictures but I was just totally living in the moment Saturday night – something I never chastise myself for doing.

You can tell, before you even step into the restaurant, that you’re in for something special. The building, itself, is a work of art. It’s just beautiful and reminds you of a Riverboat. It instantly made me think of a beautiful riverboat we rode on when we lived in Louisville.  When you walk inside, your struck by the rustic beauty which, again, reminds you that you’re someplace very special.

There are MANY tables and many different dining rooms (each with their own cool names), so we were taken right to our seat.  From what I’ve read, long waits are somewhat unheard of at Cock of the Walk.  To be honest, there are so many cool things to see, I can’t imagine having a problem with a bit of a wait.

We were approached immediately by our smiling, very friendly server and we got our drinks so fast it’s like he read our minds. Michael and I each wanted the Fried Catfish Dinner – but enough food was brought out for 4 people!   I noticed something on the menu stating that if two people were sharing one meal, a small fee would be added to the bill. I thought the idea of two people sharing one meal sounded borderline crazy.

Then I saw the servings.

The people at Cock of the Walk aren’t just friendly, they’re generous with their servings – and that’s always a good thing.  I also loved the servers’ outfits! The girls wore these incredible hats and I found myself almost glad my youngest and flashiest daughter, Stephany, wasn’t with us this time. She’d have done everything in her power to have snatched one of these great hats – feather and all.

Needless to say, no matter how gorgeous and unique a restaurant is, it’s all for naught if the food is a let down.  Fortunately that isn’t even remotely a problem at Cock of the Walk.  They talk the talk, but the real beauty lies in the fact that they walk the walk.  The Cock of the Walk!

The catfish was crunchy on the outside but flaky tender on the inside.  In a word: Perfection.  Since we were given enough for at least 4 people, it’s a good thing it was so delicious.  The “River Fries” were also great.   Big, fat fries cut from real potatoes… a stark contrast from bland “frozen, straight out of the bag” fries that haunt many restaurants.

They give me nightmares.

This may seem like a trivial thing to some people, but I was thrilled to see Heinz Ketchup on the table. Some places have off brand (and often downright disgusting) ketchup. You can taste their penny-pinching ways and it’s not pretty. The ketchup and the attempts at cutting corners BOTH leave a bad taste in my mouth.

Coleslaw is another area in which I can be a total snob. Many times my husband is like, “This coleslaw isn’t bad…” and I’ll counter with, “It’s closer to bad than it is good.”  What can I say, I’m probably the pickiest coleslaw eater in the world.  Great coleslaw is a work of art, a thing of beauty, and about as rare as class in Hollywood.   We eat at many, many restaurants and I’m afraid that I, personally, can only thing of 3 with exceptional coleslaw.

Now there are 4.

Cock of the Walk gives coleslaw a great name and theirs’ impressed the sandals off of this picky coleslaw connoisseur.  I have never had better coleslaw. Period. It’s out of this world.

The beans are also fantastic. Very seasoned and flavorful. There was a smoky flavor that made me smile.

You’re served a little iron skillet of cornbread that’s also fantastic – a great companion for the smile-inducing beans.  Something else that made me do a happy dance in my seat was something I’d never had before: Pickled Onions.  Oh my gentle Lord!  I’m not sure there are even words to describe how extraordinary these picked onions were.  They were just outrageously delicious and it would make my heart soar if our favorite restaurants in Kentucky would start serving pickled onions as well.

As for the hush puppies, let me just say this: Remember how extraordinarily picky I told you I am with coleslaw?  I’m just as picky with a few other things:

• catfish
• onion rings
• rolls
• hush puppies

Oh yeah, hush puppies are on the picky list.  Let’s face it, bad hush puppies make you question mankind.  Fortunately, the hush puppies  at Cock of the Walk are BEYOND wonderful. In fact, when I took one bite into my first hush puppy, I said, “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Knowing how particular I am with hush puppies, my husband immediately reached for one.  He agreed with my assessment. He’d pretty much have to – they’re just wonderful.

Excellent food, outstanding service, beautiful surroundings, and a fun atmosphere made Cock of the Walk Restaurant in Nashville an instant favorite.

If you have a trip to Nashville planned, be sure to check out the wonderful Cock of the Walk Restaurant.  Click the link for directions, a video tour, and more information.

If you DON’T have a trip to Nashville planned, now you have a perfectly good reason to do so!

Photo Credits: I’m using pictures from the Cock of the Walk Nashville‘s website because, as I said, I couldn’t quit gawking, gushing, and gorging long enough to take my own.

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Excellent Raspberry Peach Tea from Owensboro’s Olive Garden

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer recently released the Greater Owensboro Reader’s Choice Awards 2011. I love these annual awards. It’s fun to see what other people think and to see how your thinking lines up with their’s.  Basically, to see what they got right and what they totally blew!

The Platinum Award goes to the number one choice while the Gold goes to the runner-up.

For the third year in a row, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q won Platinum choice for Ba-B-Q! They also won Platinum  for Burgoo.  I completely agree with this choice, Old Hickory is outstanding in every possible way.  Friendly workers, outstanding sides, and Bar-B-Q the way it was meant to be made.

Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn was given the Gold Award for Burgoo and Barbecue.  Moonlite also earned the Platinum for Homestyle Dinner.

I would have given Ole South Barbecue the Gold Award.   Personally, I think their barbecue is as good as Old Hickory’s – their menu just isn’t quite as extensive and their prices aren’t as… well… friendly.

Some Platinum and Gold Winners I agree completely with:

Chicken:

Platinum – Lee’s Famous Recipe (What I wouldn’t give for some Lee’s chicken right this minute!)

Gold – KFC (Our KFC isn’t quite as good as some other KFCs, I’m afraid. If it were, I’d tie it with Lee’s)

Late-Night Restaurant:

Platinum – Denny’s (Denny’s is always great but late at night, it’s especially right.)

Gold – McDonald’s

Pizza:

Platinum – Pizza Hut

Gold – Papa John’s Pizza (My youngest daughter said she would have given Papa John’s Platinum)

Breakfast:

Platinum – Cracker Barrel (Cracker Barrel and Denny’s tie for me)

Gold – Waffle House

Place for Frozen Treat:

Platinum – Cold Stone Creamery (Heavenly!)

Gold – Dairy Queen (I’d tie Culver’s with DQ)

Burger:

Platinum – Big Dipper (I’d tie Culver’s burger for Platinum)

Gold – Gary’s Drive-In  (I’d tie Ritzy’s for Gold)

French Fries:

Platinum – McDonald’s

Gold – Rally’s

Now for the ones I respectfully disagree with!

Somehow… and it escapes me… Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant and Fuji of Japan didn’t win Platinum for Asian Cuisine. I’m floored.  I’m even more floored by the one that did win Platinum, New China Buffet.  The last time we ate there, it was horrific!  Truly horrible.  Whereas Ninki’s and Fuji of Japan are never anything except superb.  I’d tie Tokyo’s and Hong Kong for Gold.They’re also amazing – and so, so, so, so much better than New China Buffet.

After Work Gathering Spot‘s Platinum was given to Buffalo Wild Wings and Gold was divided between Gambrinus Libation Emporium and Maloney’s Roca Bar.  For gold, I’d tie Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings and my runners up (or Gold) would be Beef O’Brady’s and TGIFriday’s.

All Around Restaurant‘s Platinum went to Texas Roadhouse and Gold went to Cheddar’s Casual Cafe.  I have too many favorites to narrow it down to just a couple but Pangea Cafe, O’Charley’s, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Tumbleweed would have to figure in there somewhere.   I agree with Texas Roadhouse but not so much with Cheddar’s.

Olive Garden was given the Platinum for Italian Restaurant and I have no problem with that. Owensboro’s Olive Garden is outrageously good. The staff is outstanding and the food’s excellent.  However, I’d tie  Fazoli’s for platinum.  It has become more of a sit-down restaurant and less of a fast food restaurant – except for the prices, thank goodness!  It’s always delicious and always a bargain.

Place to watch a sporting event‘s platinum went to Buffalo Wild Wings and Gold was given to Maloney’s Roca Bar.  I couldn’t agree with BWW more if I were paid to.  Great place to watch a UK or St. Louis Cardinal’s game!  But for Gold, I’d have to tie Beef O’ Brady’s. Cool atmosphere.  Applebee’s isn’t a bad choice either – but we did have a worker once turn the channel to her favorite drama (Bones) instead of the game that was on. True, horrifying story.

Platinum for Place to have coffee was given to Starbuck’s (agreed!) with gold going to McDonald’s.  I’d tie The Creme Coffeehouse for Platinum and I’d give Gold, instead,  to Joe Mugg’s. Excellent coffee.

Place to have lunch: Platinum went to Briarpatch Restaurants and gold went to Gary’s Drive-In.  I’d tie Olive Garden and Pangea Cafe  for Platinum and Bee Bop’s and Panera Bread for Gold.  If you haven’t had lunch at Pangea Cafe yet, make this the week you right that wrong!

All Around Fast Food: Platinum went to McDonald’s and Gold went to Big Dipper.  Personally, I’d tie Arby’s, Rally’s, and Subway for Platinum and give Gold to Wendy’s and the Big Dipper. Big Dipper’s burgers and hot dogs are excellent (in fact, as far as I’m concerned it’s the best hot dog in town) and the chili is superb (if only it weren’t seasonal!).  The only thing that’d keep me from tying it for Platinum is the sides. Somehow, and I dunno – maybe it’s part of their charm actually, the fries, onion rings, and tots are always overdone. Crispy little guys! Also, they’re never quite salty enough.  I can add a little salt, but I can’t add less crispy.  However, the burgers and hot dogs more than make up for it.   We generally just get the burgers or hot dogs… heck, it’s healthier that way, anyway!

A couple of other favorite places to eat in Owensboro are Penn Station, Long John Silver’s, Bee Bops, and Captain D’s.  I wasn’t entirely sure which category they’d fit in, so I saved them for the end.

A few categories that weren’t on the list are…

Best Tea in Owensboro: For regular iced tea, I’d give Platinum to Pangea Cafe, Ninki’s, Panera Bread, and Olive Garden.  I’d give Gold to Cracker Barrel and Starbucks.  For flavored tea, I’d give Platinum to Olive Garden (Raspberry Peach), Red Lobster (Boston Tea) and Cracker Barrel (Raspberry Tea). For Gold, I’d give it to Cracker Barrel for their Peach Tea.  For Green Tea, I’d give Platinum to Starbucks and Panera Bread.  Gold would go to Tokyo’s.

Best Hot Dog in Owensboro: This one’s easy – Big Dipper’s Hot Dogs are extraordinary.  They have a slight onion flavor that sets them apart and rocks my world. I’d give gold to Dairy Queen.  I’m told (by daughters!) that Bee Bop’s hot dogs are great, but I can never order anything but their wonderful hamburger. I’ll have to make myself branch out – then I’ll let you know.

Friendliest hosts or hostesses: This is a category that shouldn’t be overlooked and a restaurant manager is nuts if they don’t think that the first and last person the guest speak to matters.  Cracker Barrel always has incredibly friendly hostesses, as does Olive Garden.  Most of the other restaurants are hit or miss, but these two are consistent.  Have you ever noticed that Cracker Barrel hostesses always seem so glad to see you?!? Love that.  I’d give Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden Platinum for hostesses and greeters and Gold would go to Applebee’s and O’Charleys.

One of the best things about these Reader’s Choice Awards is they remind locals to eat and shop LOCALLY!  It just makes great sense.  When you keep your money in your community, you’re supporting your own neighbors, friends, and family. When you take your money OUT of your community – you’re taking it away from these same people. Give your local restaurants, shops, and malls your business and make them your number 1 option. Sometimes people get caught in this ridiculous mindset that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.  It’s not!

When we support our community, we’re all winners.  And those of you who don’t, no one wants to hear you complain when a restaurant or store has to go out of business.

If you’re an Owensboro resident (or have eaten in our beautiful city), I’d love to hear your own picks and pans. Leave them in the comments!

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I sat at my computer (much needed coffee cup to the left, much beloved cat to the right) for about 10 minutes this morning trying to think of an appropriate opening sentence for this review.  You see, I’m impossibly obsessed with the Greater Tuna shows at Grand Rivers Variety.  And this isn’t just any review, this is a Tuna Review. Everything has to be just right!

Here’s the thing. One of my most defining characteristics is this: I love to laugh – the more the better.  Got it from my dad. He was incredibly generous with laughs and I’m not the least bit stingy with mine.  Naturally, a lifelong lover of laugher is drawn to things that make them burst out with CRAZY laughter – the kind that makes everything in the world disappear.  Everything except the raining endorphins brought on by laughter.

The Greater Tuna shows put on at Grand Rivers Variety don’t just rain laughter, they cause floods.  It may not have been on the news, but there was a flood in Grand Rivers last night. Fortunately, we were all washed away by “feel good” endorphins as opposed to “get wet” water.

The boys (Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling) were all over their game last night.  These two incredibly talented and hilarious actors could hold their own with anyone – Steve Carell, Jack Black, Robert Downey, Jr., Dane Cook… In fact, and this is no lie – as much as I love this list of comic actors (each are personal favorites), I had just as soon see a Greater Tuna show in Grand Rivers as one of their movies.  I’m not sure how we, as Kentuckians, got such a lucky draw. These guys could be in Hollywood right now, in movies or on tv, making millions do the CRAZY laugh – as opposed to working their mojo in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

We got VERY lucky.

Even though it was a Wednesday, the crowd last night was really good.  I was afraid that the middle of the week would cause a problem, but apparently I’m not the only one who loves to laugh.  The crowd (of all ages) was practically in a fit of laughter the entire time.  Some who were sitting around us had never seen a Greater Tuna show and I felt like looking at them and going, “I know, right?!” but it’s hard to speak when you’re doubled over laughing.

Speaking of crazy laughter – why, when we’re in fits of laughter do we hold our cheeks or cover our mouths? Are we attempting to keep our facial parts in place?  I understand the doubling over. One has to find a position in which they can breath. Such gyrations!

At one point, I even slapped my husband’s arm – as though it was his fault I was being swept away in a fit of laughter.  Fortunately he has big arms and was busy laughing, himself.

A little background, in case you aren’t familiar with the Greater Tuna shows. Two actors (the aforementioned Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling) brilliantly portray a town of colorful nuts and hysterical misfits from the fictional town of Greater Tuna, Texas.  When the boys step out in drag, they literally have to wait to say their lines after the laughter dies down.  Words cannot possibly do their characters or their performances justice.   I’ve seen a great number of bucket lists and “Things to See Before You Die” books, but I’d respectfully suggest each one add this one: See Bill Minnihan and Steve Sherling as the ladies (ladies???) of Greater Tuna.

Visions you’ll never, ever forget. Bill makes a lot of woman… a whole lot of woman, and Steve’s footwear was absolutely killer.  The thought of him strutting around in heels makes me laugh even now.  These two performers lose themselves in these deliciously outrageous characters the way LeBron James loses himself in basketball, John Grisham loses himself in writing, and Halle Berry loses herself in hotness.  They are willing to go to any and all lengths to entertain their crowds – and that’s just what they do.

It’s as though laughter is their life source and the more laughter they bring about, the longer they’re allowed to live.  If there’s truth behind this theory, apparently these boys want to live forever.

From Grand Rivers Variety’s website: The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!

Fireworks, fun, and a flood.  They forgot to mention the flood.

During the first fifteen minutes, I kept trying to remember favorite, classic lines to tell my daughters (and to include in this post).  However, after about 20 minutes into the show, I’d ran out of fingers to count them on as well as the ability to reason.  It’s all good, though.  Crazy laughter can sweep me away anytime it wants.  I was delighted to see that some new insanely funny characters had been added, but even more thrilled to see old favorites back – more deliciously entertaining than ever.

My husband told me that he’d heard that this one was EVEN funnier than the others.  I kind of scoffed and thought, “As if. Nothing could be funnier than the other Greater Tuna shows.”  At one point (it was either right after I popped my husband’s arm or right at the time the stranger beside me slapped mine), I stopped scoffing and conceded that this one was, indeed, the funniest one yet.

If the thought of three hours of GREAT entertainment, CRAZY laughter, and rushing floods of endorphins sounds like a good time to you, I strongly urge you to head over to Grand Rivers Variety and buy tickets.  Pronto! There aren’t many shows left and this is one you’d be a nut to let get away.

As we were leaving, I noticed that (like us) everyone else was still laughing – and most of us were holding our stomachs. Laughter is such a glorious ab workout.

One final thought: It doesn’t matter what age you are, Greater Tuna will give you an evening you’ll never forget.  Directly in front of us were two rows of high school kids.  They spent the evening doubled over laughing hysterically.  Directly beside us (and in the row behind us) were people who… well, let’s just say they’d been out of high school longer than Elton John’s been out of the closet.  They were also lost in fits of crazy laughter.  All of us had the time of our lives and felt it from our heads to our toes.

At one point (and it’s worth noting that we were only an hour into the hilarity) a woman behind me laughed so hard she snorted.  It was after one of Bill Minihan’s big women sashayed onto the stage.  The lady told her husband, “I’ve never laughed so much in all my life!”  They both just kept laughing and laughing – along with everyone else in the theater.  A bunch of red-faced, doubled-over, laughing, snorting, people having the time of their lives.  People who, if they could take the time to think and reason, would feel woefully sorry for anyone and everyone on the outside of the theater.   There was so much happiness and fun in the air that it crackled.

That, dear readers, is what you can expect from a trip to Greater Tuna.

Again, please go to Grand Rivers Variety and order your tickets right now.  I want YOU to have the same wonderful time we all did last night. I want YOU to remember what it’s like to get so swept away by laughter and fun that everything else slides away.  It’s a natural high that even caffeine can’t touch.

Also, if you’re on Twitter… and you really should be!… follow Grand Rivers Variety (@GRVariety). They’ll keep you updated on new shows, show times, and a lot more.

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My family and I not only have our favorite restaurants, we know which towns have the BEST of the best.  We’re really lucky to live in a town (Owensboro) that has plenty of restaurants that qualify for this title.  For example, I can’t imagine a better authentic Mexican restaurant than the Owensboro Real Hacienda restaurants, a better Japanese restaurant than Ninki’s, a better lunch than Pangea Cafe, a better O’Charley’s, Tumbleweeds, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Panera Bread,  TGI Friday’s, Bob Evans… and Bar-B-Que restaurants? Forget about it! We’re pretty proud of those too.

To be fair, I wish Owensboro had a Chinese buffet as great as BoBo’s in Madisonville or a place to get outstanding catfish like Willow Pond in Aurora.  When it comes to great Chinese buffets or delicious catfish, Owensboro isn’t necessarily the place to be.  I also would LOVE for Owensboro to have an Ihops, Taco Johns, and killer Ponderosa.  Maybe one day.

Another restaurant that Owensboro does exceptionally well is Fazolis.  I love our Fazolis.  The workers are super friendly, it couldn’t be cleaner, and the food is exceptional.  When my husband and I recently visited Owensboro’s Fazolis, we were greatly impressed with their recent makeover.  They’ve redesigned and redecorated and it looks gorgeous.  Another change we loved: They now serve your meals on glass plates and provide you with silverware as opposed to plastic.

Love it!

If I’m in Fazoli’s for lunch, I usually get the Marinara Ravioli or Spaghetti – with plenty of breadsticks.  Personally, I think Fazoli’s breadsticks cannot be beaten.  I can’t think of anyone’s breadsticks I like better and, let’s face it, I know my bread.  If I’m having supper at Fazoli’s, I’m pretty consistent – the Double-Baked Lasagna, again with plenty of breadsticks.  Supper and lunch are each always followed with Turtle Cheesecake, which is now served on beautiful white dessert plates rather than little plastic triangular flying saucers.  Of course, it really doesn’t matter how the cheesecake arrives at our table, it’s always so delicious that you’re rendered speechless.

Each time I eat at Fazoli’s, I’m struck by how great the food is and how the price of the meal doesn’t reflect the quality or quantity of the food. How they’re able to keep the prices so low is beyond me, but I’m certainly grateful!   The next time you’re in Owensboro, Kentucky around lunch OR supper, head to Fazoli’s.  It’s on Frederica, in front of the mall – let your nose lead the way.

More: Check out the new menu items at Fazoli’s.

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My husband and I ate lunch at Bee Bops in downtown Owensboro this afternoon. Delicious, delicious, delicious! He had the Daily Special, which today was the “Manhattan” (Texas Toast with Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy – shown in all of its beauty above) and green beans. He ate it inside of three minutes, yet your’s truly still had the gall to ask, “So. How was it?”

You guessed it, outstanding.

As great as today’s daily special sounded, I HAD to try their Bopper Burger and Onion Rings. I was tempted by their crinkle cut french fries, but you know me and my onion ring obsession. My rule: If onion rings are on the menu, order onion rings. If they’re not on the menu, demand an explanation. So, yeah, I’ve eaten onion rings all over God’s green earth – and I’ve never had any that were any better than the ones in Bee Bops 50′s Diner.

They were excellent. My burger was, too, as a matter of fact. Just thinking about the burger and onion rings right now makes me wish I could go back in time and do it all over again. I know my husband would jump right in the time machine with me.

Although the past might not be THE place to be. After all, tomorrow’s special at Bee Bops is Shrimp Burgers. Oh, man….

If you haven’t been to Bee Bops yet, what in the world are you waiting for. The workers are uncommonly friendly, the food is delicious, the prices are great, the 50′s music and decor is adorable, and the entire experience is a lot of fun.  You’ll also want to visit Bee Bops for Breakfast.

Bee Bops Hamburger and Onion Rings – I’ve never had better onion rings.

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