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The Majestic Pizza & Steak House in Benton, Kentucky in a Word: Perfection

February 18, 2014 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

The Majestic Pizza & Steak House (Benton, Ky) Buffet and Iced Tea

There are certain Kentucky Restaurants that I could eat at several times a week – restaurants that are extra fun to review because the positive juices can just flow like a river. The Majestic Pizza & Steak House in Benton, Ky is definitely one of these restaurants.  In fact, when we’re visiting Kentucky Lake (something we do OFTEN), The Majestic is one of our favorite places to eat.

The only complaint I have about The Majestic is this: It’s difficult to decide between all of the delicious options:

  • Their buffets are excellent. Their beautiful… make that gorgeous… salad bar is second to none. Tossed salad, pasta salad, homemade slaw, beets, bean salad, fruit, jell-o, etc.  The hot food buffet never disappoints, either. Case in point, we went last night (which was a Monday).  Let’s be honest, a lot of restaurants save their A game for weekends, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.   We still chose buffet – because of unfailing trust in The Majestic – and our faith was richly rewarded. They didn’t just have their A game, they had the A+ game. I’m normally not that big a fan of buffets, but they are the exception. Last night’s buffet had fried chicken (excellent!), wonderful mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, stuffed cabbage rolls in a wonderful tomato based sauce that I could have eaten like soup, cheese pizza, pasta, greens, corn, and more.  Yes, more!
  • Their pizzas are perfection. When our girls were younger, we’d never venture far from pizza – which was fine because The Majestic has mind-boggling delicious pizza. When they were kids, the decision-making aspect was taken care of… of course we were getting pizza!  The thing is, their pizza is so fantastic, I can’t get enough of it either.
  • The Majestic has GREAT steaks.  Ordering off the menu is just as delicious as choosing the buffet. Their steaks and baked potatoes are freaking fantastic. And when ordering an appetizer, you’ll definitely want to try the Greek Fries – they’re unlike anything you’ve ever had.

The Majestic's Salad Bar

So, you see, the decision making process is a tough-y. Basically, you cannot go wrong. Fortunately, we go pretty often, so we just mix it up. In fact, the last three times we’ve gone, we’ve done something different each time.

The buffet last night was one of the best buffets I’ve ever had. The Majestic easily has one of the best (if not THE best) buffets around. And for less than $10 –  most buffets I’ve seen are several dollars MORE than The Majestic’s and no where near as good.

Not only did the buffet have buffet-staples like mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn (which were all outstanding, by the way) – it also had excellent and juicy fried chicken.  The Majestic has some of the best fried chicken in the state of Kentucky. They also had delicious cabbage rolls that I fell in love with. The filling was like a meatloaf (with rice), wrapped in a beautiful cabbage leaf, and covered with a fantastic tomato-based sauce.  I actually put some of the beautiful sauce on my mashed potatoes…. something that proved to be a delicious idea.

The next time you’re anywhere near Kentucky Lake, Benton, Draffenville, Aurora, or Land Between the Lakes, you just have to stop in to The Majestic and see for yourself why I rave and rave and rave in these reviews.  Gorgeous restaurant, uncommonly friendly people, outstanding food, and reasonable prices. There is nothing I don’t love about The Majestic.

The Majestic's Salad Bar
The Majestic Pizza & Steak House (Benton, Ky) Buffet and Iced Tea
Majestic Pizza and Steak House in Benton, Ky
The Majestic Salads and Iced Tea
Majestic Pizza and Steak House in Benton, Ky
The Majestic Buffet and Iced Tea

Read one of my other Majestic Pizza and Steak House Reviews� to see the Greek Fries, steak, and baked potato in action.

 


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Filed Under: Best Pizza, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Lake Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Kentucky Lake restaurants, Kentucky Restaurant reviews, restaurant reviews

Majestic Pizza & Steak House in Benton, Kentucky (Review)

January 2, 2014 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Majestic Pizza and Steak House Benton -  Greek Fries
 

Greek Fries at Majestic Pizza & Steak House 

It might surprise some people when I tell them that Majestic Pizza & Steak House (244 Us Highway 68 E – map at the bottom of the review) in Benton, Ky. is one of my favorite Kentucky restaurants.  It wouldn’t surprise anyone who has eaten, there, however, because they’d know just how fantastic the food is. The pizza is out of this world good and they’re actually one of the few restaurants that “pull off” buffets.

Before I get back to their pizza (which I wish I were LITERALLY “getting back to” right now), let me just explain what I mean about them “pulling off” buffets.  If you read many of my restaurant reviews, you’ll probably know that – generally speaking – I’m not a fan of buffets.  Sure, buffets make it easier on everyone involved (the cooks, the servers, and even the diners – after all, the decision making is all but removed!) – but they’re almost always over-priced and the food usually isn’t as good as it is when it’s freshly prepared and not prepared in huge quantities.

The idea of paying MORE for food that tastes LESS than its best – that’s not something that makes me giddy.

However, Majestic Pizza & Steak House does wonders with buffets.  When you fill your plate up and return to your seat (in a gorgeous restaurant, by the way), the food tastes like they prepared it just for you – one item at a time. Even their salad bar is better than most.

However, having said all of that, as far as I’m concerned, ordering off the menu is where the magic really takes place.  Their steaks and baked potatoes, appetizers (especially their Greek Fries – pictured at the top), and pizzas are better than you could ever hope for or dream of.  Their Pizza is extraordinary. Everything perfectly fresh and the crust is exceptional. I honestly rank their pizza in my top 3 pizzas in all of Kentucky.

Baked Potato with Steak at Majestic Pizza and Steak House in Benton

Delicious Baked Potato and Juicy Steak from Majestic Pizza & Steak House

Truly great restaurants can take simple menu items and make them something extra, extra special. Majestic does just that with baked potatoes (my favorite in the entire state) and rolls. For the potatoes, I’m convinced there are potato ninjas in the kitchen. They’re simply extra delicious. Serving REAL butter on the side and name brand, quality sour cream (curses on off brand condiments!) add to the potato magic.

As for the rolls. They’re yeast rolls, which mean the Heavenly aroma works its mojo on you even before you take a bite. They are amazing, all by themselves, but when you add “Strawberry Butter” to them, it’s a whole new ballgame.

I absolutely LOVE when a restaurant goes above and beyond to do extra special things for their guests.  I also love it when a restaurant has something uniquely their own.

Majestic’s steak is also killer. It’s always juicy and full of perfect flavor. One bite and you remember why you fell in love with steak in the first place.  This is one of the few restaurants that I could eat the steak completely free of steak sauce – and that’s saying something because I’m a HUGE fan of steak sauces.

I was searching through my picture files earlier and absolutely cannot believe I can’t find any pictures of Majestic’s pizza.  I KNOW I took pictures because I distinctly remember my inner pizza fanatic telling my inner photographer to “Hurry the heck up!”  I also distinctly remember hurrying the heck up, snapping the pictures, and diving smile first into the pizza.

Oh, well. I guess I’ll just have to go back and have more pizza. Sigh. The things I put myself through..

Baked Potato with Steak at Majestic Pizza and Steak House in Benton

Delicious! Yeast Rolls and Strawberry Butter

Don’t even wait for the next time you’re in the Kentucky Lake region to eat at Majestic. Make a special trip this weekend (or sooner) to Majestic and thrill your taste buds like they haven’t been thrilled in a while.  The only complaint I have about Majestic Pizza & Steak House is the fact that they do too many things perfectly.  I mean, it’s a real dilemma deciding what to have – some of the best pizza in Kentucky with a knock-out salad?  Some of the best steak in Kentucky with the BEST baked potato in the state – with mouth-watering rolls and strawberry butter?

Truthfully, it’s a dilemma I can live with because it comes just before a culinary joy ride.  At least I know one thing – Greek Fries as an appetizer will always be the first thing out of my mouth.

Majestic Pizza & Steak House is located at 244 Us Highway 68 E – and, yes, I’ve given the address twice in one review. You know what that means, don’t you?  Right… G-O!!!


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Majestic Pizza and Steak House Benton Ky

Majestic Pizza & Steak House.  The outside is perfectly cool – but the inside is really something to see. And the food… oh man… the food!

Filed Under: Best Pizza, Kentucky Lake Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Benton restaurants, Kentucky Lake restaurants, Pizza, Restaurant Reviews, steak

Mama D’s Italian Restaurant in Calvert City, Kentucky

August 27, 2013 by Joi Sigers 4 Comments

Mama D's Italian Restaurant in Calvert City

Mama D’s Italian Restaurant in Calvert City, Kentucky – Amazing!

You cannot judge a book by its cover. You cannot judge a book by its cover. You. Cannot. Judge. A. Book. By. Its. Cover.

We spend a lot of time in the Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes region of Kentucky.  Beautiful Lakes, several Kentucky State Parks, fried catfish, the Elk & Bison Prairie, The Homeplace – some of our favorite things in the world are in this beautiful area. Just try and keep us away!

We have countless (COUNTLESS) times driven right by Mama D’s on U.S. 62.  We had never even looked at the words that are clearly (CLEARLY) hung on the front of the restaurant – Mama D’s Authentic Italian, and yet – there they are in plain sight. We each had simply assumed it was a diner-meets-dive type of place.

Boy was I wrong. In fact, I don’t know when I’ve ever been so wrong. In my defense, Mama D’s Italian Restaurant is only 6 years old this year. So, before they turned this spot into a little piece of Culinary Heaven, maybe it was a diner or a dive or something in between.

I’m not sure words can even describe how far removed Mama D’s actually is from this type of place, but I’m going to summon up all the words I know in this restaurant review and give it a go.  I’ll give you a map with directions at the end –  believe me, you’ll want it.

Mama D's in Calvert City

When we walked in, my first impression was, “Wow! How pretty!” The colors, decor, and murals on the wall were very unique and, somehow, relaxing and soothing.  Whoever was in charge of choosing the color scheme did a bang up job – it’s lovely.  There were quite a few people dining in Mama D’s that evening, so I had to wait a little bit for a few tables to clear out before I could snap a few pictures – I didn’t want anyone thinking I was some kind of a nut job.

Another impression left upon me was how incredibly clean and spotless everything was. Sure, I’ve seen clean restaurants before (in fact, most are) but I would have eaten off of the floor , baseboards, or wall. Don’t ask how you can eat off a wall… frankly I have no idea. But you get the point. C-L-E-A-N.

Holy cats, this restaurant is spotless.

Mama D's in Calvert City

I also loved our server. She was equal parts sassy and sweet and if I owned a restaurant, I’d want an entire staff just like her. She knew the menu and foods inside/out and was able to make fantastic suggestions.  She wasn’t just “on her game,” she improved upon the game.  I was even more impressed with her than the beautiful colors!

The decor, food, and vibe in general defied what you’d expect when you walk through the doors.  I love it when a restaurant catches me off guard and that’s exactly what this one did.  Mama D’s Restaurant is one in a billion. It’s amazing, authentic Italian food with plenty of everyone’s favorites mixed in.  Their Facebook page describes their culinary team as “New York Pizza Man and the cook moved from Italy to New York.”

Where else will you find a menu that includes the following mixture:

  • Chicken Tenders
  • Meatloaf w/ Red or Brown Gravy
  • Fried Catfish (What?!?! OMG, I just looked at the picture I took of the menu and registered that they have fried catfish.)
  • Pork Chop – Grilled or Breaded
  • Hot Open Roast Beef w/Gravy
  • T-Bone Steak
  • Chicken Carbonara
  • Lasagna
  • Seafood and Pasta
  • Cheeseburgers
  • Hamburgers
  • Philly Cheese Steak
  • Chicken Salad on Sub
  • Chicken Alfredo
  • Chicken & Pasta
  • Penne alla Vodka 2w/Chicken
  • Chicken alla Francese
  • Chicken Primavera in Pink Sauce or Garlic & Oil
  • Chicken Scarpariello
  • Chicken Parmigiana
  • Chef Salad
  • Caesar Salad
  • Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
  • Garden Salad or Garden Salad with Grilled Chicken
  • French Fries
  • Tater Tots
  • Onion Rings
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Spaghetti
  • Broccoli in Garlic & Oil
  • Penne Arrabbiata
  • Pasta Mama D’s
  • Pasta Primavera
  • Fresh Spinach in Garlic & Oil
  • Heroes
  • Calzones
  • Sausage Bread
  • Baked Ravioli
  • Stuffed Shells
  • Baked Ziti
  • And more!

Traditional Pizza:

  • Neapolitan Pizza
  • Sicilian Pizza

White Pizza:

  • Ricotta, Mozzarella & Garlic
  • Spinach, Ricotta, Mozzarella & Garlic
  • Broccoli, Ricotta, Mozzarella & Garlic

Specialty Pizza:

  • Supreme (sausage, pepperoni, onion, peppers & mushrooms)
  • Rustica (fresh tomatoes, pesto & mozzarella)
  • Lasagna (ricotta, meat sauce & mozzarella)
  • Chicken Parm (diced breaded chicken, sauce & mozzarella)
  • Tri-Color (diced breaded chicken, tomato, broccoli & pesto)
  • Stuffed Pizza (sausage, pepperoni, ham, salami, beef, sauce & cheese)
  • Veggie Delight (fresh veggies, peso & mozzarella)
  • Topping Choices: pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, ham, mushrooms, green olives, broccoli, spinach, onions, garlic, banana peppers, anchovies, black olives, and a lot more.

 

For Kids:

  • Spaghetti & Meatballs or Meat Sauce
  • Grilled Cheese & French Fries
  • 3pc Chicken Tenders & French Fries
  • Hot Dog & French Fries

Garlic Knots with Mozzarella Cheese

I ordered the Lasagna, while Michael went with Chicken Parmesan. He chose Linguine as his pasta. We both got a side salad and bread with our meals and ordered “Garlic Knots” (with mozzarella cheese added) as an appetizer.  Just feast your eyes on this gorgeous appetizer in the picture above. They were beyond amazing.

The appetizer was out almost immediately and it was super, super fantastic. The bread was obviously homemade and the flavors were straight up Italian – just what you’d expect in an authentic Italian restaurant. There was a wonderful flavor of garlic that made it even more extraordinary.  The mozzarella cheese was a wonderful addition, but make no mistake about it, the knots would have been just as fantastic without them.

The beautiful loaf of bread (served with real butter, always a beautiful touch) was also delicious. As I’ve said many times on Genuine Kentucky, I love to cook and baking bread is one of my favorite things – so I can tell when bread is fresh and homemade and when it was frozen in a previous life. This was, quite honestly, some of the best bread I’ve ever had in my life.

At this point – with an appetizer that blew us away and bread (with real butter… get the idea that that’s huge for me?) that was mouth-watering – I knew we were in a special place and that the “main event” would be something we wouldn’t soon forget.

Ding! Ding! Ding! I nailed that one.

Mama D's Freakishly Good Lasagna

First up, my lasagna. The lasagna was what I can only affectionately call, “Freaky good.”  It looked completely unlike any lasagna I’ve ever seen (or baked) in my life.  Just look at the picture above – I’m almost certain it’s unlike anything you’ve seen as well.  After eating the garlic knots and bread like I’d been cut off from food for 4 months, I knew enough to trust whomever was in the kitchen, so I didn’t bat an eye. I just dove right in.

OH – MY – GOODNESS.

The flavors and deliciousness of this lasagna were even more unique and original than its looks. Ironically, the same can be said for the restaurant the lasagna’s made in. 

This freakishly fantastic lasagna wasn’t just one of the best lasagnas I’ve ever had, it was one of the most memorable foods I’ve ever gotten in a restaurant. Anywhere. Anytime. Yes, it is that good.  The flavors defy description – suffice to say they’re genuinely Italian.

I guess Mama D’s lasagna is a two-story condominium whereas others have three or more stories. Whatever, all the key components are there – ricotta, meat, pasta, mozzarella, and the best sauce you’re going to find anywhere. So much deliciousness, you won’t be able to believe it. Even our side salads were fantastic.

Michael’s Chicken Parmesan and linguine were absolutely delicious.  Even if you took the sauce, cheese, Italian seasonings, and pasta away – the chicken was so fantastic, it alone would have been worth the price of admission, so to speak.

Speaking of prices, Mama D’s is incredibly fair.  They offer different specials at lunch and dinner which make them EVEN more affordable. You get a great deal of delicious food for a very fair price. What more could you ask for?

Italians are known for living large – and when you eat genuine, authentic Italian food, that attitude comes through in every single bite. I’ve never, ever, ever seen this truth played out more beautifully than at Mama D’s.

You simply have to find your way to Calvert City, Kentucky as soon as you possibly can and enjoy an authentic Italian meal that’ll leave you utterly speechless.

Chicken Parmesan and Linguine
Mama D's Bread with Real Butter
Side Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Side Salad with French Dressing
Garlic Knots with Mozzarella Cheese
Mama D's Freakishly Good Lasagna

Directions to Mama D’s in Calvert City:


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Mama D’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
3885 U.S. 62, Calvert City, KY
(270) 395-0229

Mama D’s Facebook Page

Mama D's in Calvert City

Don’t even think of passing this sign! Turn in and enjoy Italian food the way it’s meant to be enjoyed!

Filed Under: Best Pizza, Calvert City, Kentucky Lake Restaurants, Off the Beaten Path, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: best Kentucky restaurants, Calvert City restaurants, Kentucky Lake restaurants, Mama D's, restaurant reviews

One of the Best Burgers in the Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Region Can Be Found At….

July 6, 2012 by Joi Sigers 2 Comments

Dockers Bayside Grill Turtle Burger

 

How mouthwatering and delicious does this hamburger look?!?!  What would you say if I told you it’s even more delicious than it looks? This masterpiece is the Turtle Burger at Dockers Bayside Grill at the gorgeous Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina. Don’t worry, no turtles were harmed in the making of this burger – it’s a hamburger, it just excels at its job.

As I wolfed down my turtle burger and onion rings (more about them in a minute), I tried to put my finger… rather my taste buds… on what makes this burger so extraordinary.  Is it the fresh, soft, Heavenly bun? Is it the high quality burger, itself or the generous serving of cheese on top? How about the fresh tomato, lettuce, and pickles? Maybe it’s the fact that they don’t just slice and slap an onion on your burger but fry it up so the flavor is even better?

In the end… you guessed it.. I decided that it was the unbeatable combination of all of these things.  When restaurants go the extra mile for an item on the menu, great things happen and fingers will be licked.

Dockers Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina

Something else I love about Dockers is the friendly workers. They’re always uncommonly friendly and helpful and your drink will never get empty, trust me, they’ll see to it.  Dockers is, quite frankly, also too cute for its own good. It sits right on the marina, so you can imagine how beautiful the view is.  You can even sit outside on the screened in porch if the weather’s agreeable.  Even though Dockers is on the Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina, you don’t have to be a guest in one of their GORGEOUS condos to eat there.  You don’t even have to have a boat in their marina.  You can be, like us, simply people on the lookout for an excellent meal!

Dockers Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay

The inside of the Dockers is also too cute for its own good. It sort of reminds me of a little deli – a little deli that happens to have some of the best food you’ll ever find. Their breakfasts are somewhat legendary in the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley area.  The omelets are the stuff breakfast dreams are made of.  Their Sink Your Boat Omelet is a favorite, and for good reason. It’s stupid good.Ã?  They also have blts, chicken salad sandwiches, salads, desserts, hot dogs, catfish sandwiches, and more! Dockers serves breakfast and lunch and is open 7 Days a Week (seasonally). Monday – Friday: 7 AM-2PM  Saturday & Sunday: 7AM-3PM.

Look at the great boats and lighthouse in the picture above. I love them almost as much as I do the Turtle Crossing sign. How cute is that?!  Yep, that’s right. Too cute for its own good.

Okay. Now the onion rings. In previous posts I applauded these as being the best onion rings in Kentucky – I believe I may have even awarded them the best onion rings in the world.  Well, in the vein of full disclosure – and so no one sends me little jabs in e-mail – the onion rings have changed. It’s through no fault of Dockers – their supplier switched things up.  The onion rings are still good, mind you. In fact, they’re still some of the best onion rings in the Lake Barkley area.  However, I personally now prefer their always perfect crinkle cut fries.  They’re never over-done, never under-done.  They’re always perfection and they’re now officially the star of the sides.

Again, the onion rings are still fantastic – they just no longer make you want to drop to the ground and pray for God to make all onion rings this good.  It’s for the best, anyway, He has bigger things to take care of.

If you’re looking for the best place to stay in the lake’s region – a place that’s equal parts gorgeous, relaxing, and fun – you only have one clear choice as far as we’re concerned: Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina.  If you’re looking for a beautiful marina for your boat or even a great place to rent a boat – again, head for the turtles.

If it’s breakfast (Sink Your Boat Omelet… the name lets you know what you’re in for!) or lunch you’re looking for…. Dockers is your place.

Irregardless of why you head to Green Turtle Bay and/or Dockers, be sure to tell them that you read about them on Genuine Kentucky.  They’ve been very good to us and we try to be just as good to them.  It’s a Kentucky thing.

More Menu Items and Pictures from Dockers Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina:

Dockers Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers
Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina
Dockers Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers
Dockers Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers
Dockers Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers

Filed Under: Grand Rivers, Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina, Kentucky Lake Restaurants, Lake Barkley, Off the Beaten Path, Restaurant Reviews

Where to Get Fried Catfish at Kentucky Lake

July 6, 2012 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Fried Catfish and a Baked Potato at Willow Pond in  Aurora, Kentucky

Fried Catfish at Aurora’s Willow Pond

When we’re in the Land Between the Lakes area, we know three things for certain:

  • We’re going to have a great time.
  • We’ll take some great pictures.
  • We will… mark my words… eat catfish. Lots of catfish.

In fact, if we’re anywhere near Lake Barkley or Kentucky Lake, you can almost certainly find us at one of the wonderful Willow Pond restaurants.  Depending upon which end of the lakes or Land Between the Lakes we happen to be in at the time – we either eat at the Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky or the Willow Pond in Calvert City, Kentucky.

Both have outstanding beans, appetizers, potatoes, coleslaw, and catfish.  The fried catfish, the grilled catfish, and the blackened catfish will make you cry with joy.

But they’re more than just excellent catfish – the Willow Pond restaurants also serve some of the best white beans, coleslaw, and hushpuppies any restaurant could ever hope to serve.

The beans are wonderful, on their own, but when you add the AMAZING red pepper relish that sits on each table, it’s a whole new beautiful experience altogether.

Wednesday, after spending the afternoon at The Homeplace, we ate at the Willow Pond in Aurora.  The catfish, hush puppies, and sides were all as excellent as ever. You can order either mayonnaise coleslaw or vinegar coleslaw.  I honestly can’t tell you anything about the mayo coleslaw because we always order the vinegar coleslaw. It’s just so ridiculously wonderful and tangy that we can’t even try the other.

Willow Pond in Aurora Hush Puppies and Beans

Delicious Beans and Hushpuppies at Aurora’s Willow Pond

The hush puppies are ridiculously delicious and are also great dipped in the beans…. oh, man am I making myself hungry right now…

While we were at the 1880’s Homeplace, Michael struck up a conversation with a man about catfish and restaurants.  The man named his favorite catfish restaurant (also very good, by the way) and Michael said that we LOVED Willow Pond’s catfish.  The man said he didn’t like Willow Pond! What?!?! If I’d been there I’d have kicked him in the shins!

Well, it turns out, he’d never been to the Willow Pond in Aurora or the Willow Pond in Calvert City.  He’d only been to another Willow Pond… which will remain nameless because we didn’t have a very good experience there either. Shhhh….

Michael told this man what I’m telling you: If you haven’t been to the Willow Pond in Aurora or the Willow Pond in Calvert City – you haven’t been to Willow Pond.  Since he cleared things up, I guess there’s no cause for a kick in the shins.

Willow Pond in Aurora Kentucky

White Beans and Vinegar Coleslaw

I’d also, very much, like to tell you something about the wonderful people at Aurora’s Willow Pond: These are outstanding, beautiful, friendly people.  As my grandmother would have worded it, “These are good people.” As I would (and do) word it, “They’re quality people. The kind the world needs a lot more of.”

Each time we’ve ever been, we’re struck by the warmth and friendliness of the people. We had a new server this time, but I knew the minute I saw her big beautiful smile that she “fit” Aurora’s Willow Pond the way their hush puppies fit my hand… perfectly!  I didn’t catch the young brunette’s name but if she had been any happier I’d think she had Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Robert Downey, Jr. and Will Smith all waiting for her at home. One for each day of the week.

Nah. She wouldn’t have been any happier or nicer even if she had a buffet of actors.  This brunette lit up the restaurant with her smile and, don’t tell anyone but she could do better than any of the aforementioned men.

Yes, Michael, even Denzel.

The next time you’re at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes – promise me you’ll visit the Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant in Aurora or the Willow Pond in Calvert City.  Heck, don’t wait until you’re in the area – just GO.

Do what we often do.. we go for Willow Pond catfish and see the sights while we’re there!

Also on Genuine Kentucky:

  • Best Kentucky Restaurants for Catfish!
  • Blackened and Grilled Catfish at Willow Pond in Aurora… Delicious!
  • Where to Eat at Kentucky Lake (Slideshow)

Filed Under: Aurora, Best Catfish, Calvert City, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Lake Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: fried catfish, Kentucky Lake restaurant, where to eat at Kentucky Lake

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Welcome to Genuine Kentucky!

Genuine Kentucky is a Kentucky Blog and online magazine celebrating the beautiful Bluegrass State. We shine the spotlight on Kentucky with pictures, restaurant reviews, news, tourism, Things to Do in Kentucky, and more.

We’re proud Kentuckians and the non-profit effort you see before you is a labor of love.

E-mail me anytime! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Kentucky Blog Updates

Golden Pond Visitor's Center and Planetarium

The Golden Pond Visitor Center Planetarium and Observatory International Astronomy Day is Saturday, May 7, 2022 and The … [Read More...] about Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)

Smothers Park Owensboro

Some of the more popular posts we've done on Genuine Kentucky have been the ones under the category "Where to eat in … [Read More...] about Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky

Gorgeous owl at the Nature Station

Owl at Woodlands Nature Station As I said in my last post, everything is coming back to life around Kentucky... everything … [Read More...] about A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Flowering Tree in Bowling Green

Tree Coming Back to Life in the Spring Hope. It's one of those words that kind of takes your breath away. It's been a while … [Read More...] about Kentucky Blog: Coming Back to Life Along with the Trees!

The following (VERY troubling news and press release is from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We are in a very … [Read More...] about 240 Percent Increase in Childhood Covid-19 Cases Since July: St. Jude’s Experts Response to the Dire Situation

Waveland State Historic Site

Waveland State Historic Site One of my personal favorite cities in Kentucky is beautiful Lexington. When I was a little girl … [Read More...] about Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky!

Hummingbird at Woodlands Nature Station Woodlands Nature Station is one of my favorite places, not just in the Land Between … [Read More...] about Woodlands Nature Station to host 25th Annual Hummingbird Festival

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soft Drink If you're a Kentuckian, you know all too well how delicious Ale-8-One soft drinks are. … [Read More...] about Ale-8-One Has Brought Back a Favorite Drink This Summer: Orange Cream Ale-8-One

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"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

Flowering Tree in Bowling Green
Fraley Music Festival
Maddox

Kentucky News and Events

  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)
  • Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022
  • Kentucky Blog: Coming Back to Life Along with the Trees!
  • 240 Percent Increase in Childhood Covid-19 Cases Since July: St. Jude’s Experts Response to the Dire Situation
  • Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky!
  • Woodlands Nature Station to host 25th Annual Hummingbird Festival
  • Ale-8-One Has Brought Back a Favorite Drink This Summer: Orange Cream Ale-8-One

Kentucky State Parks

We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

Bird Watching in Kentucky!

One of our greatest passions is birds and bird watching is an absolute favorite pastime. If you love our feathered friends and want to learn more about bird watching and attracting birds to your own backyard, be sure to check out our section dedicated entirely to Kentucky birds.

Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

Kentucky Restaurant Reviews

Where are the best Kentucky restaurants?! Find out in our Kentucky Restaurant Reviews.

Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
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Kentucky Events

The pandemic has crushed many activities, events, and normalcy – not just in Kentucky, but all around the world. As we creep back toward normal, I want desperately to highlight any and all events going on around Kentucky. Please E-mail me any information you’d like shared about your Kentucky event! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Kentucky Pictures

Kentucky Pictures
Check out the beautiful Pictures of Kentucky in our photo albums!

Advertising & Reviews

If you are interested in advertising on Genuine Kentucky, please contact us: e-mail Joi Sigers.

Also, if you have a resort, condo, golf course, restaurant, or even a cup of coffee (LOVE coffee!) you'd like for us to review, please contact us at joi@genuinekentucky.com.

Genuine Kentucky Disclaimer

We do not work for any Kentucky service or organization. We are simply proud to have been born and raised in the greatest state in the country and are thrilled to call it home. This site serves as our tribute to Kentucky and its warm and wonderful people. Our mission is to bring more travelers to Kentucky and keep more Kentuckians home! See our Privacy Policy.
Copyright Genuine Kentucky 2017