J Gumbo's

J Gumbo's

108 N. Main St., Baltimore, Ohio 43105
#jgumbo's

I know it's been awhile, and believe me I have heard about it... we are excited to tell you about our newest find.  J. Gumbo's in Baltimore.  I don't know where or how Randy learned about this one but, it is worth sharing. 

Located in what was once a Bank in Baltimore, Ohio- the building and décor are unique.  The vault (or at least the door) still remain. A small dining area, kitchen, and bar hidden in the back- with THE BUCKEYES on the big screens- the art work had a Cajun-New Orleans theme- FUN!

 

The staff brought us samples of different items from the menu, and of course we enjoyed them all- our favorite was the Bumblebee Stew:

• Bourbon Street Chicken- Tender chicken slow-cooked in a lightly sweet Hoisin sauce.  Perfect for those who like things on the mild side.
• Voodoo Chicken- Slow cooked chicken in a spicy Cajun tomato sauce with garlic and olive oil, sprinkled with their secret Voodoo spice!
• Chicken Red-Hot- Tender chicken slow-cooked with garlic, red onion and celery in a tangy Cajun Buffalo sauce and topped with bleu cheese crumbles.
• Bumblebee Stew- A blend of yellow-corn, stewed tomatoes, onions, and black beans in a sweet and spicy cream sauce. 

Following the samples- we started with Crawfish Cheese Dip- Crawfish Etouffee with chili powder, cheddar cheese and served with tortilla chips.  "Pretty Good Stuff" from Mr. Taylor!!

 

Being the adventurous type Randy then goes for the Jean Lafitte Po' Boy- A sweet and spicy blend of the Bumblebee Stew and Voodoo Chicken topped with shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos and sour cream, served open-face on French bread.  "Now this is a sandwich"

 

And what is a sandwich with out Voodoo Heat Chips???

 

 

And because we were at J. Gumbo's, Randy has a bowl of Gumbo (without rice)- Home-style soup boasting a deep brown roux, onions, celery, chicken and sausage.  Slow cooked for over 4-hours.  Along with a side of bread!

 

 

And being the non-adventure type- I had a Gourmet Hot Dog (mustard only please) - All hotdogs are 1/4 lb. Hebrew National, 100% beef, served on Auddino's bun.  With my favorite side Macaroni & Cheese.  This was a lot of hotdog and the bun of course, well everyone knows how I feel about bread!

 

Everything was really good, if you walk away from this place hungry- there is something wrong!!! More than worth the trip, and we have to mention something on the menu that gave us both a chuckle- Hillbilly Manmosa- Busch Light and Orange Juice. 

 

 

Enjoy!!!

 

 

Dirty Frank's Hotdog Palace

248 S 4th, Columbus, Ohio

Dirty Frank's came highly recommended, so we thought we would give it a try!!

www.dirtyfrankshotdogs.com
With 34 different Dogs, 5 Premium Dogs, 4 Viva Baconia (bacon wrapped dogs), and 5 Big Sloppy Plates- along with all the sides, and toppings,  the choices are endless!!

Randy ordered a Chicago Dog - fresh tomatoes, diced onion, Vienna-Sport Peppers, relish, dill pickle, yellow mustard, & a dash of celery salt.

And a...

Dog From Hell- Satanically spicy Giardiniera pepper mix, & soothing cream cheese.

He enjoyed both but preferred the Dog From Hell!

I ordered The Glenn Beck (2) - just a plain, old wiener, with mustard.  And a side of Mac & Cheese.  And they were good!!!

We also shared an order of Fresh Hand Cut Fries!

This place ROCKS!!! Thanks so much to our new friend who recommended Dirty Frank's- you know who you are.  

Our first visit to Dirty Frank's we arrived at 11:00 am, (open everyday 11am - 2am) and were able to walk right in, a few days later we thought we would just drop in again- the place was packed!! So our advise on this one would be GO, but GO EARLY!!!!!

Hull's Seafood Restaurant

111 W. Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida www.hullsseafood.com

Randy's favorite spot in Daytona- Hull's- fresh seafood, with a market next door.  Last year I think we ate here everyday!

I had  1/2 pound of peel-n-eat shrimp, fries, and hushpuppies. Okay, I confess, I like this too!

Randy ordered the Fried Oysters, and Coleslaw. There are no complaints here, his only question was, "what did I have the last time"? 

Hull's is a small place,  nothing fancy- seating inside, back patio, and our favorite out front!  You order at the counter, take your number and find a seat.  The market next door is owned by the same company and fully stocked with any seafood you could ever want! 

If you are in Daytona- give it try, maybe we will see you there!! LOLwww.hullsseafood.com

Buca Di Beppo

Nationwide www.bucadibeppo.com

On our way to the Rodeo, tonight was my pick. We have always enjoyed Buca's and we arrived just in time, the "kitchen table" was full, along with some of the other fun tables, but we didn't have to wait!!

We were both hungry and let the "family style" rule slip our minds...

We started with Bruschetta- and just let me say -LOVED the PRESENTATION!!! I mean seriously look at this!! Roma tomato, fresh mozzarella, red onions, basil-infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar, served with Parmesan crostini. This stuff was good, a must have!!!!!  Remember this serves 2-4 people, family style!

Randy then remembers we also love the Chopped Antipasto Salad-

this is THE best salad we have ever had!

Pepperoni, red onion, peppers, cucumbers, Roma tomatoes, olives, provolone, feta, and Gorgonzola with lettuce in their signature Italian vinaigrette.  Again, small salad for 2 or more.

Randy then ordered Stuffed Shells - pasta filled with spicy Italian sausage, spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan, with Alfredo and their homemade marinara sauce. 

"The Italian sausage had a little kick to it, but really good"

I ordered Chicken Glorioso - white wine, Alfredo sauce, and sun dried tomatoes, (I passed on the artichokes), and a side of pasta (different setup for lunch).  

"I was in pasta heaven" 

 

Our server Mariah was AWESOME,  and as the crowd picked up she never missed a chance to check on us. 

The key to Buca's is to go hungry or take friends, Randy and I can't wait to go back and plan on taking friends, anyone interested in joining us????

 

Stagecoach Restaurant - Duncan Falls

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Stagecoach Restaurant

269 Main Street, Duncan Falls, Ohio www.stagecoachrestaurant269.com

Lunch is always on Randy's mind and today we head to Duncan Falls, he had been to the Stagecoach before and has been wanting to return. 


We start with an order of Saratoga Chips: Fresh potato chips served with chipotle ranch.  We really like these type of chips, and were not disappointed.  The sauce had a little kick to it, but it was really good!!

Randy ordered the Cuban: pulled pork, ham, bacon, pickle, and Cuban mustard.  He really liked the sandwich!  This is what he had ordered on his previous visit and enjoyed it so much he didn't want to try anything new "next time, I will" he says. 

For his side he ordered the Italian Sausage Soup, "REALLY GOOD!!"

Today I was the adventurous one, I ordered the Special- Beef and Noodles over mashed potatoes, green beans, and a roll.  There was no walking away from this meal hungry!! You will hear no complaining from me - yum!!

The service was great, everyone was friendly.  A lot of local memorabilia on display.  We have not been for breakfast, but hear it is really good, downhome cooking. 

We will be going back, and recommend everybody do the same!!

#stagecoachrestaurant

The Tree House - Downtown Zanesville

522 Market Street, Zanesville, Ohio
#thetreehouse

Open Monday-Thursday 7am - 6pm & Friday 7am - 10pm

A treat on  Thursday, October 3, 2013 -  Randy offers to take me to lunch, he heard The Tree House had "good food" so naturally we are going to try it!!

A unique diner, with what I quickly learned has a steady set of "regulars", the setup is fun and a "work in progress".  Even a loft our waitress gave me a tour of, that included a disco ball and hammock  to enjoy.  And if  heights aren't your thing,  there was also a nice area with couches, and books for customers to relax in. 

The menu includes Breakfast (served all day), and assorted homemade muffins & cinnamon rolls. 

Lunch is served 10:30 to close and includes sandwiches, subs, pizza, soups, and salads. 
And if coffee or tea is your thing- you are all set at The Tree House!!

Randy orders The Big Z- ham, salami, pepperoni, smoked provolone, Italian dressing, lettuce, tomato, and banana peppers.  He also has a side salad, and soup of the day Potato Cheddar. 

I ordered Le Sandwich- thin sliced ham, chicken and Swiss, lettuce, tomato and mayo.  I also had a side of potato salad.  And the bread was YUMMY!!! 

The staff was super friendly, all 3 of them!! They can sign us up as regulars and, for my family working in the area, call me I will meet you there for lunch!!!

A hidden gem in downtown Zanesville, highly recommended from these bloggers!!!

See you The Tree  at House!!

Montgomery Inn- Cincinnati

September 20, 2013
925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio        
#montgomeryinn

A weekend trip to the Kentucky Speedway for a race with Robert and Lori- takes to the Montgomery Inn.  They had been here before and highly recommended  it. 

First let me say for a BBQ establishment...

The view was VERY nice!!

We stared with Onion Straws and Saratoga Chips with barbecue sauce on the side, "pretty tasty"

And then we ordered Crostini- and I quote "Best Shit Ever", "Really Good"!! Thin slices of French bread topped with our own blend of crumbled bleu cheese, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano and a sprinkling of four Italian cheeses.  Lightly toasted to warm your palate. 

Now for our lunches- Let's start with our guest: Lori ordered a BLT Salad with Ranch- The name says it all.  Applewood smoked bacon, crisp greens, fresh tomato and cheddar cheese.  They recommend their homemade Ranch dressing. 

Robert ordered the Pulled Pork Barbecue with Baked Potato and a side of Cole Slaw - Lean cuts of pork, slow smoked for 16 hours, pulled and mixed with Montgomery's world famous barbecue sauce. 

I ordered the All American Burger with a Baked Potato and a side of Cole Slaw - Specially ground 8-oz burger, grilled to your liking, topped with your choice of cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Randy ordered the Ribs King Wrap with a Baked Potato and a side of Cole Slaw- Famous rib meat, right off the bone, sautéed with onions and mushrooms and Montgomery's barbecue sauce, rolled in a flour tortilla filled with chipotle mayo and pepper jack cheese. 

And for Dessert with have Hollywood's Key Lime Pie with 4 spoons!!  Very nice presentation, "tart", "yummy"

We really enjoyed Montgomery Inn, would go back - anytime!! Our server Travis took excellent care of us- Thanks!!!  Only complaint "still burping up BBQ sauce 6 hours later", but we left with our belly full!!