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????