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Firedome Pizza and Wings: A Raving Review of the Best Pizza in Henderson, Kentucky

October 17, 2012 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Firedome Pizza Henderson, Kentucky

Beautiful Firedome Pizza & Wings in Henderson, Ky

I’ll give my husband this – he finds the most fascinating off-the-beaten-path places to eat. He very well may have topped himself this time.

A few days ago, Michael asked me if I was interested in pizza and wings for supper. Since I didn’t have the flu and we weren’t under attack from zombies (the only things that could come between me and pizza & wings), the answer was, “Of course. What time do we leave?”

We took off for Henderson, Kentucky. He said he’d heard great things about the wood fired pizza at Firedome.  I honestly had never even heard of Firedome, but if it involved wood fired pizza, I was more than a little on board.

Firedome Wood Fired Pizza & Wings is located adjacent to the Ramada Inn on Highway 41 (2046 Hwy 41 to be exact).

When you walk into the restaurant, your senses begin a fierce competition for your attention. There’s the amazing aroma of pizza, calzones, and all things deliciously Italian filling the air.  Then there’s the fact that the restaurant is much larger and more beautiful than you’d expect.  Not to be outdone, if you’re sports fiends like we are, you’ll also immediately realize that you’re surrounded by televisions – each tuned into sports.

Basically, it’s Heaven.

When I asked the server if they served Coke or Pepsi products (because one of the last things I’d ever want to drink is Diet Pepsi), she made Michael’s day when she said they had RC products. RC is definitely his drink of choice.

By this time, we had our hopes flying high for Firedome Pizza & Wings.  The atmosphere was fun (and extremely comfortable), everything was beautiful, and everywhere you looked, you saw sports. I found myself chanting, underneath my breath, “Please be as delicious as you look…” because there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a restaurant, then having sub par food kill the mood.

Firedome Pizza in Henderson

Firedome has a killer selection of appetizers to choose from, including fried mushrooms and onion rings.

Because I’m onion ring obsessed, we ordered onion rings as an appetizer.  I was honestly shocked at how fast our server brought them out to us. It was almost as though she had them up her sleeve.  Take a look at the beauties below and tell me they’re not works of absolute art.

Firedome Pizza in Henderson

The crazy thing is, they’re even more delicious than they look. The coating is delectable and the onions, themselves, are thick and juicy. They’re served with a couple of sauces, in addition to Heinz Ketchup.  Now, you know how ketchup picky I am. The fact that they serve Heinz at Firedome will just add to their legend.  The onion rings are as delicious with ketchup as they are with the wonderful sauce.. and, get this, they’re even outstanding without anything on them except your teeth.

I can’ t possibly say enough good things about these onion rings. They’re as good as any I’ve ever had.

Naturally, we ordered some wings. How could we not?!  They weren’t just delicious, they were stupid delicious.  I’ll let you in on a little secret, I’m not that huge on wings. Most of the time, the wings I’ve encountered are either…

  • ….too hot to even taste
  • ….have so little chicken it isn’t worth the effort
  • ….are as dry as my college Economics teacher

Firedome Wings Henderson

The wings at Firedome Pizza & Wings, however, weren’t guilty of any of these sins. They were, in fact, incredible. Not only were they the best wings I’ve ever had – if all wings tasted like these wings, I’d eat them every day. If, unlike me, you already have a love for wings, they you’re in for an especially huge treat. You might just pass out.  I don’t know what makes these wings so special. All I can do is give them a standing ovation, with one in each hand.

As you might expect, I’d gorged myself silly on the wonderful onion rings and wings, so when the pizza came, I kind of worried that I’d be able to eat a whole piece.

Silly girl.

I was able to eat a whole piece… and then another.

Firedome Taco Pizza

We ordered one of my favorite types of pizza, taco pizza.  It’s served with a side of sour cream, which I thought was a cool and unique approach. It was also delicious.

Freaking delicious.  Frankly, Firedome’s pizza is out of this world.  This was one of those rare pizzas where each component was equally fantastic: The crust (wood fired pizza always has the most amazing crust in the world!), the sauce, the meat, the toppings, the cheese…

Firedome Wood Fired Pizza and Wings scored perfect tens all across the board with me.  They nailed the big things:

  • Beautiful and clean restaurant – immaculate comes to mind.
  • Delicious food – and by delicious I mean, impossibly and ridiculously delicious.
  • Non-Pepsi products 😉
  • TVs with sports AND, as a bonus, there wasn’t any annoying music playing over the sports – you could actually HEAR the game.
  • A manager came by to ask how everything was and even got us extra napkins.
  • Lots of choices on the menu.

They also nailed the small things (things that probably only I notice):

  • The hostess spoke to us as we left.
  • Heinz Ketchup instead of an off brand.
  • The lady who brought our pizza to the table smiled and spoke (a lot of times food carriers just drop it and run – like they’re afraid they’ll be caught doing something wrong).
  • The Taco Pizza was 98% Pizza and only 2% lettuce. I HATE when I have to actually look for my pizza beneath what appears to be a whole head of lettuce.
  • When we asked for “to go” boxes, our server actually brought enough boxes to do the trick – it has become almost a running joke to see the tiny box sizes that are sometimes given to guests in some restaurants.  In one diner, recently, I had over 1/2 a burger, nearly an entire order of fries, and about 6 large onion rings to carry out with me.  The server brought me a box the size of a box of Crayolas. Michael was like, “That’s a good start…”

Firedome Wood Fired Pizza and Wings in Henderson should absolutely be the next place you go for pizza and/or wings. They’re open seven days a week for supper,  but please call (270) 831-1977 for information regarding lunch.

Firedome Wood Fired Pizza and Wing is located on what everyone in this “neck of the woods” calls “the strip” – Hwy 41.  Just look for the Ramada Inn.  If you’re staying in Henderson, be sure to stay at this Ramada Inn. The hotel, itself, is impeccable – but Firedome seals the deal!  You’ll be just minutes from Ellis Park, John James Audubon State Park, and Evansville, Indiana – but best of all, you’ll be mere steps from the best pizza in Henderson, best wings in Henderson, and best onion rings in Henderson.

I’ll go again soon – then I’ll let you know what else they have that’s the best in town!

Click the following link to read more about Firedome Wood Fired Pizza and Wings.

Firedome Wood Fired Pizza and Wings Onion Rings
Firedome Wood Fired Pizza and Wings
Taco Pizza at Firedome Wood Fired Pizza and Wings

Filed Under: Best Pizza, Henderson, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Henderson pizza, Henderson restaurant, Pizza, Restaurant Review

A Day at Lake Barkley State Resort Park: Golf at Boots Randolph and Dinner at the Lodge

June 25, 2012 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Tuxedo Cake, Windows on the Water at Lake Barkley State Resort Park
My husband and I spent the day at Lake Barkley State Resort Park yesterday. He played 18 holes of golf at Lake Barkley’s Boots Randolph Golf Course. Normally, I ride along and take pictures of anything and everything I see. However, our daughter had just gotten married the day before and I was still too exhausted to move. Basically, I rode along and enjoyed the beauty of the Lake Barkley area and the entertainment of my husband.  Both helped me to forget my aching feet.

I did, however, snap a few pictures. As you can see, by few, I mean few!  Sorry, but this mother of the bride was exhausted.

I’m not a golfer, so I can’t tell you many details about the golf course other than it was lovely, the workers were very, very friendly, and my husband hit a few trees. Don’t tell him I told you that part. He disturbed more than a few squirrel’s naps, I’m sure of that.  Funny thing is, he never hits trees (or bunkers) – I think the “Father of the Bride” was also pretty spent.

We ate at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s lodge – about a minute up the road. I honestly don’t know why anyone would bother going anywhere else. I’ve often thought that the golf carts at Kentucky State Resort Parks should feature pictures of the great food in the Lodge’s restaurant. Maybe even a menu.  Each golf cart has a plastic thing hanging from the front. Perfect place for a picture of a tall glass of sweet tea! You know, let the golfers know what they can enjoy when they finish their round of golf.

I’m pretty sure if they knew that fried catfish, grilled chicken, a salad bar, fresh iced sweet tea, onion rings, beans, and desserts were waiting for them they wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.  You can order off the menu OR enjoy the buffet. You’re a winner either way.

Michael loves to step off of a state resort park’s golf course (all worn out and hot) and head immediately for the restaurant in the park’s lodge.  He knows the tea will be cold, fresh, and perfect (and at parks like Lake Barkley State Resort Park, the cup will never be allowed to be less than filled – excellent staff).  He also knows the food will be uncommonly delicious, as it always is.  If I’m along with him, he also knows there’ll soon be catfish on the table. It’s such an obsession of mine, I can’t even tell you.

Picture it – you get off of a golf course and all you want to do is sit down in a cool place, drink a lot of iced tea, and eat a good, quiet meal without any hassle.  But there’s more.  At Kentucky State Resort Parks, you can almost always count on a gorgeous view as you enjoy your meal!  The pictures below are from Lake Barkley’s Windows on the Water Restaurant’s balcony. Look at that beautiful view of Lake Barkley. I could watch the birds and sailboats all day. In the fall and spring, it’s amazing to sit out there and drink coffee while enjoying the view.

Lake Barkley Windows on the Water Patio and view
Lake Barkley Windows on the Water Patio and view
Lake Barkley
Lake Barkley

Most of the time, we order off of the menu. We will , however, often check the buffet to see what’s up. If fried catfish is in the lineup, I’m all for the buffet.  When you order off the menu, you can have fried catfish, grilled chicken, Kentucky Hot Brown, hamburgers, vegetables, etc.  With your meal, you get a choice of two sides. You can even substitute the salad and soup (when soup’s available) bar for one of the “side items” for just a dollar.  After a hot day on the golf course, the beautiful salad bar looked especially inviting, so we each ordered the salad bar in place of the beans we normally order. We both ordered onion rings as our other side.

Lake Barkley's Windows on the Water Restaurant

The salad was a delicious as it was beautiful.  I loved the French dressing – it was just perfect. Michael said the Honey Mustard dressing was also great.  I didn’t take a picture of his because, frankly, mine was so much prettier. He made such a mess with the dressing. Men!

I don’t even have to tell you, but I ordered the fried catfish. It was as good as I’ve ever had!  Flavorful, juicy, and with a coating so delicious I licked my fingers.  The only thing I missed about the meal was rolls.  Kenlake State Resort Park‘s restaurant (Aurora Landing) always gives you a little basket of amazing, amazing, amazing rolls and butter with your meal. They’ve spoiled me! Now, when at another restaurant, you can find me looking around for my rolls.

I guess it’s for the best, actually. With the calories saved, we spent them WISELY on dessert, as you can see pictured at the top!

Michael ordered another of our favorite items off of the state park menus: Grilled chicken. The chicken is always amazingly delicious. Always.  Mushrooms, onions, and some of the best grilled chicken you’ve ever eaten.

The beauty you see pictured at the top is the Tuxedo Cake. I don’t even know where to begin in describing this excellent dessert. The layers of white cake and chocolate cake, combined with drizzled chocolate sauce and little chocolate sprinkles in the delectable chocolate icing, and topped off with a couple of generous dollops of whipped topping made for a dessert this chocoholic will never forget. Oh, man, was it delicious!

Desserts vary at Kentucky State Resort Parks vary, but they are ALWAYS amazing.

I ordered coffee along with the dessert because a personal mission of mine is to never leave a State Park’s restaurant without at least one cup of coffee. As I always, always say, coffee at our state park’s tastes better than coffee you get out anywhere – coffee houses don’t have coffee this good. Trust this coffee fanatic, if you want to taste how coffee is supposed to taste, go no further than a state resort park’s restaurant.  They use excellent John Conti coffee beans and, though they don’t admit it, I’m almost certain they have magical Java Fairies on duty at each park.  They do something otherworldly with their wands, creating coffee so perfect you never want to stop drinking it. Sometimes my husband has to pull me out by the arm.

You really can’t go wrong at Lake Barkley’s Windows on the Water restaurant – whether you order the buffet, off the menu, or kind of a combination of the two like we did.

Whether it’s at Lake Barkley State Resort Park or another of our state’s excellent State Resort Parks, I hope you’ll do yourself a huge favor and eat at the lodge’s restaurant on your next visit. Once you have, you’ll never look back! It’s where you’ll insist on eating each and every time. Actually, you’ll become like us – very, very often we’ll go to a state resort park for the sole purpose of eating. The gorgeous views, friendly people, and peaceful relaxation are bonuses.

And what bonuses they are!

Grilled Chicken at Windows on the Water
Pictures from Boots Randolph Golf Course

As I said, I was WAY off my game, so I didn’t take many pictures. My husband took A LOT, however, and we’ll post them soon. In the meanwhile, you can enjoy the few I managed to snap.  I’m not sure, but I think I somehow managed not to take a picture of a single fairway, green, flag, or tee box. But the pond with the fountain, I was all over it.

Wow, I must have been a dishrag. Thank God for the catfish, sweet tea,  Tuxedo cake, and coffee. Life was restored!

Boots Randolph Golf Course
Boots Randolph Golf Course
Boots Randolph Golf Course
Boots Randolph Golf Course
Boots Randolph Club House
Boots Randolph Golf Course

Filed Under: Golfing, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Catfish in Kentucky, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Restaurant Review, State Park restaurants, Windows on the Water

Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurants in Owensoro Kentucky: Outstanding Every Single Time

October 4, 2009 by Joi Sigers 3 Comments

Real Hacienda Owensboro (on Frederica)

One of my favorite Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Kentucky is Real Hacienda in Owensboro, Kentucky. Lucky for me, we actually have two locations and they’re both extraordinary.

My daughters Brittany and Stephany and I simply can’t get enough when it comes to Mexican food – so the workers at the Real Hacienda’s know us on sight.  They’re always extra friendly and love to cut up with their regular customers. Their friendliness adds to the entire experience.  They’re always happy, having fun, and treat you like a welcomed guest.

As for the food, can you say, “Heavenly“?!  When we go for lunch, I alternate between Grilled Chicken tacos (hard shell and soft shell are both delicious),  Bean Burritos, cheese enchiladas, and Chalupas.  They’re always fantastic and I always get a side of rice or refried beans with my meal. The refried beans are fantastic – unlike anything you can ever achieve at home – and the rice is some of the best rice I’ve ever had in the world. Holy cats is it ever good!

We often get a side of Pico de Gallo and/or guacamole as well and a bowl of cheese dip to share is a must. Their cheese dip is so fantastic, you’ll want to bathe in it. It’s the best cheese dip in Kentucky – heck, maybe even the world.

For supper, I have a complete, unapologetic fixation on Pollo Loco – so I don’t venture too far from that.  The chicken is always perfect and is served with the fantastic rice and a guacamole salad. There are tons of options to choose from for lunch and/or supper. Believe me, you’ll have a tough time choosing from all the delicious options.

As if perfect food and friendly workers weren’t enough, the prices are completely reasonable AND the decor is so beautiful, you won’t be able to quit looking around.

Oh! Did I mention the Fried Ice Cream?! No??? Probably because I want to keep it all to myself.

Real Hacienda’s Owensboro Locations:

  • 3023 Highland Pointe Dr (Off of Highway 54 – near Logan’s, Wendy’s, and Culver’s)
  • 4820 Frederica St (In the old Johnny B’s Pizza location)

See more pictures of the Real Hacienda on Frederica.

Read another Real Hacienda Review on Genuine Kentucky!

Filed Under: Owensboro, Owensboro Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews, Where to Eat Lunch Tagged With: Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Kentucky, Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Owensboro, Owensboro Kentucky, Owensboro Kentucky restaurant reviews, Real Hacienda, Restaurant Review

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