Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt has opened their first store in Owensboro, Kentucky and I will be forever grateful.  Two of my daughters (Emily and Stephany), Stephany’s boyfriend (Rusty) and I couldn’t wait to introduce our taste buds to Orange Leaf’s frozen yogurt, so we all met there one afternoon a few weeks ago.

The taste buds are still buzzing.

The first thing that struck me was the fun, upbeat, and adorable decor. The modernistic and gorgeous orange chairs were such a hit with me and my girls, it’s a wonder we didn’t carry our’s out the door with us.  The tables are also beautiful.  You’ll fall in love with the way the store looks right off the bat.  However, you’re only at the cusp of what’s to come.  The delicious frozen yogurt and.. Oh, wait, I”m getting ahead of myself.  Hold that thought.

The entire process is easy peasy (Kentuckian for painlessly simple). You grab the size of dish you want, you proceed to the different (AMAZING!) flavors of frozen yogurt, place your dish under your choice, and pull the lever.  You then take your delicacy to the topping’s table and have at it.  I chose Coconut as my frozen yogurt because I’m obsessed with everything coconut. If you told me a Chevy was coconut-flavored, I’d attempt to eat it.

For my toppings, I chose a drizzle of Caramel topping, granola, coconut flakes (told you so), cheesecake bites (YESSSSS!!!), and a cherry on top.  It was as gorgeous as it was delicious. After your choices are made, you take your dish to the counter and place it on a scale. The friendly worker then tells you your price. See? Easy peasy.

I was so proud of my creation and so eager to throw myself at its mercy that I failed to appreciate how inexpensive it was at the time (Just $3 and something).  After we each paid, and sat at our table… in the chairs to die for…. Emily remarked how much cheaper Orange Leaf was than some other frozen yogurt places.  THEN it occurred to me that, indeed, they’re very, very, very reasonable.  She said that she and her husband recently visited another frozen yogurt store and, for just the two of them, the cost was over $18.  You could get a meal for that!

The price is actually less than what I’ve spent at Ice Cream shops, as well as some coffee shops.  And I don’t even have to tell you how much healthier frozen yogurt is than ice cream or a lot of specialty drinks.

The toppings were exceptional – especially the delicious cheesecake bites (they taste like the amazing little nuggets in Dairy Queen’s Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard), but make no mistake about it, the star was the frozen yogurt.  If you’ve never had frozen yogurt, let me set your mind at ease, if you love  ice cream – you’ll love frozen yogurt.  Frozen yogurt is like ice cream that someone has made healthier and creamier. Much creamier.  The coconut frozen yogurt was so divine and creamy I’m afraid I made a goofy face with each bite.

But I’m more than okay with that.

When I first heard that Owensboro was getting a couple of new frozen yogurt stores, I was nothing short of excited, but when I found out that the first Orange Leaf would be opening in the winter, I kind of started to worry. I couldn’t help wondering if cold weather would keep people away from frozen desserts.  We all know how fast some companies will pull up their roots and move off if they aren’t getting the amount of business they’d hoped for.

However, after visiting Orange Leaf, I quickly realized that it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. You can easily enjoy your healthy and delicious treat in the upbeat atmosphere of the store.  Sure, they’ll probably get even more business when the weather warms up, but if you ask me, it’s always the right time for something this wonderful.

The first Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is at 5035 Frederica Street. It’s where the old Jewelry and Handbag Store used to be – two doors down from Aspen Dental.  You HAVE to visit them the next time you’re on Frederica.  Scratch that, make a special trip.  The frozen yogurt’s worth it. There are so many different flavors (including coconut, chocolate, red velvet cake, strawberry shortcake, vanilla…) and available toppings, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store.  A very happy kid in a very unique candy store.

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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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YES!!! As an Owensboro resident, I’m over the moon… and this moon’s shaped like a chocolate covered doughnut. Have mercy.

Construction will likely begin Monday (October 17, 2011) on Owensboro’s first Dunkin’ Donuts at 3011 Frederica Street, across from Kentucky Wesleyan College.  Even better, the store could be open by the end of December! I can SO see me coming out of our Dunkin’ Donuts on a cold winter morning, coffee in one gloved hand and a box of delicacies in the other.

Can you tell that I’m beyond excited?

The location (previously home to one of Owensboro’s PizzAroma) is as perfect as it gets – right across from a college, and on a very busy street.   The only way it could be better is if they’d chosen my back yard as the location.

According to yesterday’s Messener-Inquirer, the Owensboro Dunkin’ Donuts will be an upscale store. The building will be transformed to replicate the newer Dunkin’ Donuts stores.  The store will be decorated with the traditional Dunkin’ Donuts colors – orange, pink, and brown – and will have dine-in and drive-through service.  The menu will include coffees, doughnuts, bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, lunch/dinner sandwiches, iced coffees, lattes, Coolattas, hot chocolate and teas.

The store will be open seven days a week from “early a.m. until about 10.”

The best-selling doughnut is the traditional glazed doughnut (my mouth’s watering as I type the words), but the store will offer many different varieties.   I know what I’ll probably order the first time I go into the Owensboro location (in addition to the largest cup of coffee): The Express Dozen, which is a delicious mi of these six kinds of doughnuts:

• Chocolate glazed (cake)
• Chocolate filled
• Glazed
• Boston Creme
• Jelly Doughnuts
• Old-Fashioned Cake Doughnuts

There are plans to open 3 Dunkin’ Donuts in the area.  My day just keeps getting better!

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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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My husband, Michael, and I did eat breakfast there this morning and I was very pleasantly surprised.  I had no idea they even served breakfast! Pancakes sounded outrageously good to me this morning, so I ordered the pancakes meal with a side of bacon. The meal included a couple of eggs (I take mine over easy and they were done to absolute perfection). The bacon was even better than the eggs… and there was so much of it!

My husband got grits, biscuit and gravy, ham, and eggs. Like the bacon, the ham was off the charts. I was really impressed with the generous portions they serve. Very nice – especially at a time that most restaurants seem to be skimping each and every time they plate your food.

The coffee was darn good, too.

I loved the decor – the diner’s all decked out in 50′s splendor. If you’ve ever been to my Hollywood Yesterday website, you’ll know what I mean when I say I was in absolute Heaven.

The staff couldn’t have been any friendlier or happy to see their guests if the guests had been long lost relatives. These are the sort of people you think of when you think of Southern hospitality and “Kentucky warmth.” And the prices?! Michael and I were both shocked at how reasonable the prices were.

Quite frankly, I’m really proud to have an extra special diner like Bee Bops here in Owensboro. Make a point to visit Bee Bops for lunch OR breakfast as soon as you can. I know it’ll become a favorite spot.

Directions To Bee Bops in Downtown Owensboro:

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One of the coolest shows on television, Undercover Boss, recently filmed an episode in my hometown – Owensboro, Kentucky.   The episode will air January 9, 2011. Check your listings for the time in your area.

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Kentucky Bison’s owner Jay Sills announced on the Kentucky Bison’s website that the America Basketball Association franchise would be suspending operations after two seasons in Owensboro. In a message on the website, Sills blamed lack of community support for the decision.

“We deserved better support than we got from many, even from the city,” Sills said. According to Sills, the team had a difficult time making money during home games at the Sports Center, and couldn’t travel because of a lack of advertising money.

Apparently the ABA has been working with him to move The Bisons to another city.

“I love Owensboro, but apparently only a few of our loyal fans feel the same way about our effort, and to you we sincerely apologize,” said Sills.

Ironically, The Kentucky Bisons were a huge success on the court. The team won a championship in 2009, and made the ABA finals again last season.

As someone that calls Owensboro home, I have to say that there’s plenty of blame to go around. I don’t think it’s fair to level it entirely at anyone in particular.  For what it’s worth, here’s how I see the blame’s distribution:

• First of all, there’s a little thing we like to call the economy.  Over the past two years, it stink, stank, stunk.  When most families are doing well to put food on the table, pay the bills, and keep the car running – luxuries like sporting events fall to the wayside.
• There was absolutely zero (or next to zero) effort to develop a relationship with the community. In fact, I’d say that half the people in Owensboro couldn’t tell you anything about The Bisons.  It would have been pretty cool to see the players/coaches involved in community events – putting their faces and names “out there.”
• Advertising? Again, I’m not sure where the blame would fall on this one, but there was very little (very, very, very, very little) advertising.  People can’t jump on board when they aren’t aware there’s even a train!
• Most of us were under the impression that the Bison’s were only temporarily calling Owensboro home.  In all fairness, who wants to get involved in supporting a team that only has one foot in your city limits?

I regret that the team is having to pull out of Owensboro. This is a wonderful town and the people are great. I’ve always wanted the town to have a minor league team – a baseball team would be pretty great.  It probably would have helped our chances if the arrangement with The Bisons hadn’t ended in… well… extinction.

I hope that the Kentucky Bison’s next “home” is a permanent one.  I hope the players and coaches reach out to the very community who’s support they expect and  want. I also hope that fate will bring us such a team in Owensboro. It could be a lot of fun. Just because this arrangement was a bust doesn’t mean the next one would be for either side.  Live and learn, right?

Best of luck to an exceptional team.  I feel like I hardly even knew you.  Guess that’s the problem.

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Throw out the thesaurus, there simply aren’t enough words in it to describe Pangea Cafe in Owensboro, Kentucky.  I’m not sure what I love the most – the ridiculously friendly people who work at Pangea, the extraordinarily delicious food they serve, or how unexpected it is to find Pangea on Carter Road.  Carter Road is a very laid-back, quiet little stretch of Owensboro. Until Pangea came along, it’s main claims to fame were Lee’s Chicken and Little Caesar’s (a couple of my favorite stomping grounds).  Suffice to say, Pangea’s large green building with it’s elegant interior decorations and outstanding cuisine aren’t what you’d expect to find cozied up next to the Dollar General Store.

Unexpected, but deliciously so.

But seriously, who am I kidding, I know what I love the most… the food!

My oldest daughter, Emily, and I eat lunch at Pangea regularly. It’s just out of this world delicious.  I almost always get the Asian Vegetable Wrap (Napa cabbage, julienned carrots and peppers, chow mein noodles tossed in a soy-sprite vinaigrette served in a spinach wrap) with Homemade Potato Chips.  Seriously, you have to try each of these. The Asian Wrap isn’t just ideal for those of you who are vegetarians or those of us who are health-concious.  It’s ideal for anyone with taste buds that appreciate food so delicious you can’t get it off of your mind.  Honestly, I can have an Asian Vegetable Wrap from Pangea on Friday afternoon and still be mooning over it when Wednesday rolls around.

Emily usually gets the House Made Chicken Salad Sandwich (Seared chicken breast tossed with fresh herbs on sourdough bread) with house made pesto ranch pasta salad as her side.  Also outstanding!  She recently ventured out and had the Hummus Roasted Vegetable (House made hummus with roasted vegetables, Swiss cheese, basil pesto on sourdough bread) and raved endlessly about it.  She offered me a bite and, since my mom didn’t raise a fool, I took it.  Wow! It’s even better than you’d expect it to be. I guess we were both feeling our cheerios because, on the same trip, I ventured out and had Fish Tacos and a Black Bean Cake (it reminded me of a salmon patty but with black beans instead of salmon).  They were unbelievably delicious but, if pressed, my favorite is still the Asian Vegetable Wrap.  It’s simply unlike anything you can get anywhere else.

I guess that last sentence kind of sums up the Pangea experience.  The food, the decor, the whole beautiful ambiance… it’s highly special and quite original.  From the iced tea served in beautiful, slanted glasses to the homemade potato chips, everything is extra-special.  Eating lunch at Pangea is like treating yourself to something wonderful. You step into the cafe and allow them to pamper you.

It’s like a culinary spa.

As for the price, the lunch menu is very reasonable.  My girls and I eat lunch out fairly often and it’s very much “on par” with most restaurants (okay, maybe not Subway, but you know what I mean).  I’ve never eaten dinner at Pangea but I’ve heard that the dinner prices are quite a bit higher than the lunch prices are.  However, as someone who has eaten the food, I can only say, “Some things in life are worth the extra cost.”

If you want quality food, you have to pay for it.  Personally?  I want quality food.

About Pangea and Chef Justin Crandall, C.C.

Chef Justin Crandall, C.C., a graduate of the Florida Culinary Institute, started his culinary career as a private chef and completed a two year internship under Chef Auguste Carriero CEC CCE CC, a former Executive Chef at the PGA National Resort. Upon completion of his internship, Chef Crandall then went on to take a saucier position at the Biltmore Estates. After spending a year at the Biltmore, Justin then spent the next two years traveling and working, discovering unique tastes. Along the way, he worked in Florida at the Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club, as well as in New Hampshire at the Bald Peak Colony Club. While there, Chef Crandall was asked to open The Cafe in Ames, Iowa. A year and a half later, Justin was offered the executive chef position at The Teacup Cottage in Acworth, Georgia where he worked to perfect his food and philosophy.

The next time you’re wondering where to eat lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky – simply head to 1320 Carter Road.  When you see a large, avocado green building you’ll know you’ve reached your destination, also known as culinary Heaven.  Click HERE for more professional directions!

If you’re there for lunch, chances are you’ll see me and Emily. We’ll be the two brunettes talking about UK Basketball as one devours an Asian Wrap and the other tackles a Chicken Salad Sandwich or Hummus Roasted Vegetable Sandwich.  Be sure to say “Hi,” unless of course you’re wearing a Tennessee Vols  jersey… in which case we’ll snub you royally (kidding-ish).

Visit Pangea’s website to sign up for Weekly Specials AND grab a coupon to use for your next trip.

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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?

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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.

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