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Cleaning a Mullet

Now most will simply filet and either smoke or fry in batter...what you get is a hard fishy taste which is usally why most people shun mullet..
But now comes the secret in how to turn that trash fish mullet into the king of the fish table..with the taste of crappie..
The mullet needs to be fresh or no more than one day on ice...filet the mullet away from the skin..
Now! cut 95% of the red strip out of the filet...this is the part that gives the mullet a bad name..
You will end up with fish fingers...
Fill a bowl with 50% white meal/50% flour season with season of choice...old bay or Greek..or just plain salt and paper...
Get another bowl and put 2 eggs and milk into it...beat it up real well...take your fish strip and roll into the flour/meal mixture then into the egg wash, then back into the flour/meal dip...this is called double dipped...lay aside and let rest for about 5 minutes...place fish strip into hot deep fat fryer...the fish will pop to the top in about 3 minutes...
Take out let drain and enjoy...you will need a pistol just to get the plate to the table...
Hollywood Inn

Has anyone ever eaten there?

By day, it's the BEST Soul Food (otherwise known as Southern cooking).

At night, it's a dive!

Their ox tail soup is mighty fine! Mighty fine indeed!

Oh yes... check out this article mentioning the Hollywood Inn!

Hollywood Inn
804 West College Street;
(256)760-8431.

Aside from the Project Alabama T-shirt worn by a waiter nicknamed Feedie, the Hollywood Inn is the quintessential soul-food restaurant. Meatloaf, fried chicken, banana pudding and, yes, fried okra are the house specialties.

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/19/travel/tmagazine/19ts-florence.html
Used to work for the owner of Ricatoni's when he and his partner opened Princeton's in Florence (anyone remember that place?). You aren't wrong. He is ultra creepy now and he was creepy back then too, except he was overweight and nerdy back then. His partner was the better looking one, but had a nasty tendancy of hitting on the young female wait staff. Before we moved to SoCal I used to see Rick's commercials and thought, Oh my gosh, this guy actually thinks he's funny and cute...ewwwww barf!!!! I've eaten at Ricatoni's a few times and it was NOTHING special. I really miss LaFonda but can get some good Mexican food here in SoCal, just haven't ever found a place with better beef burritos than LaFonda...YUM!
THANKS TRADER: Cleaning a mullet made my day! It is refreshing to see post like yours and I will give credit where due. I don't often compliment the TD, but this forum is the best by far idea they have had yet. I have been a contributer to other "shoals newsgroups" where there was nothing but sneering and flaming to every poster personally. Thank God, the good folks who contribute here have a sense of humor and are genuine. I seem to remember this exact topic in "another" shoals newsgroup with nothing but pretentious ***holes trying to act like NYT food critics. Glad to know you folks, just being on this forum has helped my attitude about us good ol Shoals folks. We have our problems, now if we can just get rid of them (local politicians and policies) we are one hell of a place!
JUST GOT BACK from Lafonda's Mexican on Florence Blvd...
We arrived around 7:30PM...we were seated very quickly as the place was not very busy for a Friday Night.
The Waiter was very pleasant and took our drink orders immediately and went ahead and took our appretizer order which was the Large Avocado Dip.
In just a few minutes our waiter returned with two small bowls of red salsa dip and the large avocado dip, which was covered in chopped tomatoes.
The basket of chips he gave us, was fresh and hot. The Red Salsa was spicy and had just the right amount of sweetness to it, that it went well with the chips. The Avocado Dip however, was disappointing as it was mainly bland with a strong trait of onion. Not worth the $5.95 listed on the menu.
I ordered the # 3 Combination plate which contained a enchalada,taco,Chili Relleno, avocado salad, rice and beans...my partner order the chicken friata plate.
The waiter came to our table and stated he was making fresh coffee for us, as we both had been outside and had gotten chilled.
When the meal arrived it was steaming hot, and we both had to wait for them to cool down before digging in...
Now! as we all know, there are many different styles of mexican cooking....I believe Lafonda would fit more in the American Style of flavor...instead of Tex Mex or True South of the Border Mexican. The enchilada was cheesy but had very little taste...it kept reminding me of a frozen food enchilada...the Taco was soggy and had what I would call food blender hamburger meat chopped so fine it could have passed for stuff...the chili relleno was full of cheese, but I still really don't know how to describe the sauce on it...except to say...Well! its brown and hot...beyond that I really don't know how to describe it...The salad was probably the better of all the ingredients other the red salsa which was served as a complimentary dish...
The Waiter at first seemed to be more distracted by his conversation with the staff that paying attention to what was needed on the table...but as time went on...his attention picked up..
Overall rating in service out of 10 would be a 6
Over all experience with food...out of 10 was a 4...average experience 5....
We usually eat at Fiesta Mexican which is located just east of the Bowling Alley on the front road frontage facing Florence Blvd. Of the two...Fiesta has the best authentic mexican taste for our taste buds...plus they have two different style menu's...one for the american version and one for south of the border style cooking which has beef tonque, Lamb, etc...
You have to ask for that menu instead of the american version.
Not attempting to be negative with Lafonda and I am sure it is popular with a lot of the shoals people...it just did not match what we are use too in the south of the border taste...
Here is my list of places with thoughts on each:

Rigatoni's - Owner is crazy, has smoked too much of the bread dipping herb mixture. However, the food is still good and a heckava lot better than the local chain whopper slopper (Olive Garden)

Franks - Better than Rigatoni's, way better than OG, good food, good service, reasonable prices

Legends - Been there one time, service was lousy, steak was tough, prices were high. Have eaten at the one in Columbia, TN several times and it is heaps better than this one. Maybe they will get their act together given time. Did notice that they are on their second round of hiring staff.

O'Bryans - The best steak in the Shoals for the money at this time. Was there last Saturday evening, always prompt service, great salad bar and prices to please everyone. Severs keep your glass refilled and ask several times if you need or want anything else.

Smacks -Killen: Was not impressed with their so called "Soulfood". Have had much better plate lunches else where. Killen Diner for one.

Pickled Onion - Tuscumbia: Avoid this place like the plague. Sorry food, sorry service and prices to match.

Depot Cafe - Tuscumbia : Fairly passable meat and three. Only one experience to rely on so can't say much. The only time I went was so-so

Cafe Le Crumbs - Pricey lunch place. Food is great, service is great. Owner is a very sweet lady who tries hard to please.

Sweet Basil Cafe - Overpriced, stingy portions, most times poor health ratings. Motto should be "Treat'em like dirt and they'll still come back".

Chain Steak house: -blank- Roadhouse (insert your own favorite first name). They are just that; chains. Their claim to fame is being consistently mediocre.

Newbern’s Catfish – Great food at good prices. The standard for catfish in the Shoals area.

Pilot House – Still trying to live up to its potential. Better than it used to be, but could get better with the right service and menu.

Smokehouse Poolroom – You have to go try the chili cheeseburger. Better order two and fries to experience it to the max.

Staggs Grocery (East Florence) – What a cheeseburger was meant to be. If you’ve never been then you are one experience behind your quota. They also serve a breakfast that can’t be beat.

Granny’s Kitchen – Seven Points; A great meat and three. Menu changes everyday, they also serve a value packed breakfast.

Country Boy’s – Been there once, it was alright but not impressive enough to get me to come back. Just a fairly good country café.

Southland – Pies are the high point. Barbecue is still good. Service and prices are also good.

Walton’s (Highway 101, north of Elgin) – All around good food, good prices, great service. Prices can’t be beat. Ronnie Walton does a great job on the catfish. Hushpuppies come to the table first for you to munch on. Bet you just can’t eat one!

Mullins Barbecue – Wilson Dam Road; When you see the sign that saids “Open”, you need to wheel in and get a sandwich. Probably the best BBQ in the Shoals area since C. Mor’s closed.

Bunyan’s BBQ – BBQ in name only. Never did impress me at all. And what is this with the slaw dogs that everyone thinks is so good. I never could understand why anyone would think a hotdog that has to be dyed red is good. These are the dogs that the school cafeterias used to serve and the state banned. I can’t believe folks around here likes slaw with ketchup and hot sauce in it.

Southern BBQ – All of them suck. Not a one of the local outlets know what decent barbecue is.

Rick’s BBQ – Cheap barbecue that hasn’t ever met any hickory smoke. The meat has been injected with liquid smoke (yuk!). Remember this is boil bag barbecue. All of it is cooked up in Lawrenceburg and sent here in plastic boil bags.

I'm sure I've left out a few places so I"ll try to get to them later.
Pit Bo$$

You and I seem to have the same type of taste buds, as I found myself agreeing with a lot of critiques on the local restaurant flair..

Bunyans..Their Slaw Dogs have just never appealed to me...tried it once...and could not fiqure out what the big deal was...Given a choice between a Bunyan Slaw Dog and a Foodland Supermarket Deli, premade hot dog on sale for .50 would really cause me a quandry..

Walton's on 101...Found the Steak OK, never tried the Fish...Service was friendly and fast, even on a Busy Saturday night...I like to drink a beer or wine with my meals...so sitting a food establishment in a dry location, where you make a tremendous amount of money off of alcohol with your steak or fish...doesn't really make to much sense to me...

Ricks BBQ...Living proof some people have dead taste buds...and would think a brown paper bag was DELICOUSSSSS, if you put BBQ Sauce on it...
Its got to be a front for something...other wise I don't see how they stay in business..

Staggs Grocery...Yep! The Standard World Wide for Cheese Burgers to achieve...Folks! if you never tried one..you can get a little taste of just what heaven may be like...if you are by chance on the way to heaven...stop and get a bag full for St. Peter and the rest of the boys...it just might get ya through the door...when other wise...well! OK! at least it seems to work for our Washington and State Politicians..
Did not know about the Breakfast thou...I am on my way next week...will report back to you guys..

O'Bryans Steak House...on River Road, Muscle Shoals...always got good steak..Salad Bar plentiful and Fresh...good working man prices...Country type atmosphere....does not serve beer or wine with meal..very casual dress..as some of the folks you see chowing down, it is obvious they just came from a hard day at it...

Legends...have not tried the steak in Florence...waiting for the staff to settle into a groove...too new yet...ya know ...let them get the bugs out at someone elses expense...However..did try the one in Lawrenceburg...found it very good...however, thought the Chapparal Steakhouse, just north of them on 43 was better and cheaper in price...

Now! Folks! I am an admitted "DOG- AHOLIC" I crave a good hot dog...and whereever I go...no matter what city...I try their local flavor..
So! I will be reporting on some the local Hot Dog Establishment for ya in the coming days..
HEY FOLKS!
If you ever wanted to be a food critic...this is the place...talk about the quality of food, selection of menu, prices, service, decor, parking, location, appearance of food, cleanliness, rating, is it worth a return, ...if you don't like it...be a little most detail as to why...as not everybody has the same taste buds...and a trash plate to you is a gourmet extravaganza to someone else..but most of all be fair in your accessment...as the rest of us WILL BE PAYING ATTENTION to what you're writing...Fairness..Decency...and Respect for others reflects on your own personal character...The Restaurant Business is a tough business....the kitchen work is grueling at times, with the heat reaching 110-115 degrees...organization is a must in a kitchen which is attempting to serve 100 people at the same time and all wanting the meal with 10 minutes, no matter how complicated the dishes...So when dining out...be patient...masterpieces take time...
J.J's In Cherokee
If you going West on Highway 72 toward Corinth, they will be on the right as you are passing through Cherokee...
Now! this is definitely a local hangout, especially for a lot of the coffee drinkers who want to chew on the fat a little before they hit the fields or Job...One of the barometers that I use in picking a good place to eat is" If they have a lot of PickUp Trucks sitting the parking lot...and you pass by...you are missing a treat..
Now these good ole boys know where to find the hog trough worth snouzing in..cause they found this one..
If you are in the area, during breakfast time, allow me to give you a combination you might just want to try at there..
Their Biscuits are large and fluffy so it builds a good holding base for a nice size portion of Fried Country Steak, melted cheese, Jalapeno peppers, tomato, lettuce and mayo..
It will be about 4 inches high and 5 inches in diameter by the time they get it built...
Beverage of choice with it will slack your pocket about $3.35..you won't be sorry!
quote:
Originally posted by Domino:
Thanks for the tip about Lenny's. I just wish that deli shops would have drive throughs - it would be much more convenient.

Speaking of delis, has anyone ever ate at McAllisters? I ate at one recently in another state and it is fantastic!


I do some work across the street from a McAllisters so they are convient and quick. You order from the front but they bring the order to the table. They have a no tipping policy which would work in the shoals. They have some great salads and the french dip is great if you dont mind french things. I think they are a bit pricey but I may not be realistic on my expectations for the price of lunch, it is always about 10 bucks about the same as Logans or O Charlies.
quote:
Originally posted by traderconnections:
Pit Bo$$

You and I seem to have the same type of taste buds, as I found myself agreeing with a lot of critiques on the local restaurant flair..

Bunyans..Their Slaw Dogs have just never appealed to me...tried it once...and could not fiqure out what the big deal was...Given a choice between a Bunyan Slaw Dog and a Foodland Supermarket Deli, premade hot dog on sale for .50 would really cause me a quandry..

Walton's on 101...Found the Steak OK, never tried the Fish...Service was friendly and fast, even on a Busy Saturday night...I like to drink a beer or wine with my meals...so sitting a food establishment in a dry location, where you make a tremendous amount of money off of alcohol with your steak or fish...doesn't really make to much sense to me...

Ricks BBQ...Living proof some people have dead taste buds...and would think a brown paper bag was DELICOUSSSSS, if you put BBQ Sauce on it...
Its got to be a front for something...other wise I don't see how they stay in business..

Staggs Grocery...Yep! The Standard World Wide for Cheese Burgers to achieve...Folks! if you never tried one..you can get a little taste of just what heaven may be like...if you are by chance on the way to heaven...stop and get a bag full for St. Peter and the rest of the boys...it just might get ya through the door...when other wise...well! OK! at least it seems to work for our Washington and State Politicians..
Did not know about the Breakfast thou...I am on my way next week...will report back to you guys..

O'Bryans Steak House...on River Road, Muscle Shoals...always got good steak..Salad Bar plentiful and Fresh...good working man prices...Country type atmosphere....does not serve beer or wine with meal..very casual dress..as some of the folks you see chowing down, it is obvious they just came from a hard day at it...

Legends...have not tried the steak in Florence...waiting for the staff to settle into a groove...too new yet...ya know ...let them get the bugs out at someone elses expense...However..did try the one in Lawrenceburg...found it very good...however, thought the Chapparal Steakhouse, just north of them on 43 was better and cheaper in price...

Now! Folks! I am an admitted "DOG- AHOLIC" I crave a good hot dog...and whereever I go...no matter what city...I try their local flavor..
So! I will be reporting on some the local Hot Dog Establishment for ya in the coming days..


Have you tried the Dogs on Flo Blvd by the Shade Tree (across from Dandys) I thought it was funny, dont think I have ever seen a car there. Sams Club has a good dog and drink for a couple bucks.
This is half on and half off subject but here goes. Has anyone tried Head Country Rub and Sauces? I have been getting them off of the internet for a year or so and relly like them great for ribs, brisket, butts. The rub is reasonable I get gallons for about 20 bucks and their sauce is about 12 bucks a gallon. I found the sauce for 10 a gallon in Mississippi. Give it a try, good products.
I'm thinking about trying Hollywood Inn after reading Shoals Lover's review.
For the service, atmosphere, and food quality, Frank's Italian Restaurant is the place to go for Italian food aficionados out there.
Although the small, family atmosphere is a plus, Frank is going to have to grow because this place is no longer one of the best kept secrets in Muscle Shoals.

Lennys does have great sandwiches.

Look out - here comes nostalgia.
Back in the late 80s, Stefano's was located in a tiny little spot on Seminary Street. It was sandwiches at lunch and Italian at night. What a great spot that was.
Also, there used to be a wonderful sandwich shop located in Southgate Mall. Anybody remember the name of it?
Pedro's and Big Top Deli in Regency Square in the 80s and Danver's hamburgers.
Sorry to get nostalgic, I got way off topic. Cool
My Partner Stated"I can't believe you are going to do that!"
As I started to write this, she came in and saw what I was going to do...she knows how strict I am with some of my receipes..but here goes..

I travel a lot throughout the Southeast in my Job. Mainly Mississippi, Alabama,Tenn, Kentucky, and Lousianna...during my travels I have the priviledge and sometimes misfortune of sampling a lot of different styles of cooking.
Until I started traveling I did not realize that Mississippi actually has 5 different cultures, Tenn 6, and Alabama 5...totally different styles and ways of looking at things and cooking..
Any way back to what I was saying...This came out of Natchez, Miss...I just happen to cross paths with a little off the street cafe that was run by a elderly black man and his brother...they were both probably in their middle to late 70's....Over a period of several visits they came to know me well, and one day, Capn, as they called him...gave me a receipe regarding grits...
He stated, it had been handed down through the years in his family and use to be a staple among the slaves in Southern Miss.
I will call it for lack of a name...Slave Grits...
He stated, it taste better with Yellow Grits but White Grits will do just fine..
Here we go.... so go get a pen and paper you don't won't to miss this one...

First make your grits just as instructed on the box...as they become ready, pour whatever flavor of cheese you want into them and stir...( I like American..or Velveeta..or Cheddar...Harvarti...Farmers Cheese...just what ever sort of flavor you want....

While the grits are cooking, brown about 1/2 lb of sausage (name brand of your choice) drain, crumble real well and set aside.
Once the sausage is done, pour into the cheese/grits mixture and stir until mixed evenly...
Pour the entire amount into a greased bread pan or something similar...place into the fridge until grits are solid and set....(a couple of hours will do it...but I usually do them the night before...If I have going to have them for breakfast....
In the AM go ahead a make some black pepper white gravy and set aside...now slice the grits into slices about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick...they will look like loafs of bread...
Now! place them in a hot cast iron pan (any frying pan will do) that you have poured a little bacon or sausage grease into...
butter will do or just plain Veg. Oil...brown each side golden until crisp...take out and put on plate with eggs and cover grits with gravy...
Be sure you have a bigger knife than the others at the table cause your gonna have to fight over the last piece...
What it sounds like you're describing is the Italian dish "polenta."

Essentially, it is a corn meal mush that is baked.

Of couse, there are 'variations upon a theme' but examine this recipe and see what you think.

Now, as for grits, examine this site, grits.com, consider this similar polenta recipe and finally, this savory polenta recipe by Alvin Brown, host of the Food Network's Good Eats show, and let us know what you think!
Shoals Lover
Got into the Polenta Recipe. Yes! similar but really more complex than what I described... the polenta dish sounds good and I am going to give it a try...I'll let you know how they compare..
The Slave Grit Recipe is one of those basic standards that slaps your taste buds and sticks to our ribs for quite some time....
I am going to play around with it using diced chicken with the grits made with chicken broth,covered with a Parmesan Sage Gravy, Mince Rib Eye with the grits done in Beef Broth, and covered with a mushrooms and dark gravy, etc
I'll let you folks know if they were keepers are trashers...
Thoughts on a few more places:

The Dog House on Florence Blvd across from Dandys Package Store: You have to be kidding me if you think this is a hot dog place. Go to any football/basketball/baseball game and get a better dog. Or better yet, go to Sams and get the dog combo for a $1.50 and smile.

J. Fiddlers – Went one time, have to admit it was a few weeks after they opened. Have not been back so probably need to give them another chance. However, the first go around didn’t impress me.


Curtis I (Green Hills) Curtis II (Elgin) – Save your money and go to MacDonalds

Fiesta Mexicana - All of the Mex joints in Florence gets their supplies from the same outfit out of Atlanta. I don’t eat anything that I can’t identify in a former life. The so called ground beef could be ground (insert your own thought here). Thanks but no thanks, I’ll pass on all of them.

Applebees, Chilis, O’Charleys, etc: All of the chain outfits have one goal in mind; separate you from your money. They want to give you the least they can for the most they can get from you. Get you in, get your money and get the hell out.

Famous Dave’s BBQ – I told the guys that opened FD’s in 2000 that they were peeing up a rope. Florence wasn’t and still isn’t the place to support a high end BBQ joint. The method they used to cook meat was “Yankee” cooking and just wasn’t good bbq. However, I’m probably the only fellow in the Shoals area to have served Famous Dave himself a rack of ribs. Also, I’m probably the only person in the Shoals to have Famous Dave’s cookbook that has been personalized and signed by FD himself.

More later
quote:
Originally posted by traderconnections:
Recently tried PEPPERS DELI IN MUSCLE SHOALS and got their reuben Sandwich...on a scale of 1-10 was about a 4.5..

I travel throughout the Southeast and have given the McAllister Chain a try in different towns..
With them, I have found them to be hit or miss..mostly miss..
So I don't patronize them anymore...
Too many other food establishments that have better records for producing quality meals..


I LOVE Sweet Peppers!!! I rate it a 10... everything I have gotten there has been good, but my favorite is the stuffed baked potato. It is huge and I make 2 meals out of it... YUMMMMMMMMMMM.....
quote:
Originally posted by themax:
For a real burger off the beaten path, Louise's cafe in the Oak Grove community of Franklin Co. Also the orginial Oh Bryans in Mt Hope. I had the blacked fish there last night. Best I have ever had.


For a Burger (old fashioned) you cannot beat Chili's. It is awesome, and you do NOT have to get french fries with them, you can get their wonderful mashed potatoes...

AGAIN... YUMMMMMMMM!!
I have had bad experiences at Olive Garden each time I went. The last time I went I was by myself. They seated me right in the middle of the room at a table instead of a booth as if to show me off to everyone and display the fact that I was alone. I quietly moved over to a booth after the hostess left the room. I sat there for about 15 minutes and nobody ever came to take my food or drink order, so I just walked out and went across the street to another restaurant.
RESPONSE FROM PAPER ON RESTAURANT FORUM
I spoke with the individual over the forum section.
She stated, the paper has noticed the response on the Restaurant and was impressed with the amount of interest and hits...She did not feel there was any need at this time to change anything. She went on to explain the system is set up, so if the Restaurant forum continually is receiving responses...it stays at the top of the forum list...
So...folks don't be shy...let the rest of us know about your experences when you dine out...let us know which dish to try or stay away from at a certain extablishment..
Got a receipe that you think everyone should try...put it on..
This is your place...talk freely...but use respect and be aware of words that may offend..
The English language has many words to describe something so utilize it to its fullest...
I am taking a quick poll here...If I set up a meeting at one of the local establishments under the heading "Restaurant Talk Members" how many of you would attend...
I will count the poll on Dec 18th, next Monday...
I will let you know the results and if there is enough interest...will make it happen..
Carl
The last six words of a dying organization: "We've always done it that way."

"She did not feel there was any need at this time to change anything."

What a ludicrous thing to say!

An integral part of any newspaper's existence is self-promotion. That 'self' includes the local area.

If they're not doing that, they're failing their clientele!
There is a place in Laurel, Mississippi that is outstanding. If you are traveling South on I-59 you to the 96 exit. The place is called "Vic's Old Tyme Biscuits and Burgers"
I walked in around 8:30AM on Monday Morning. The place was buzzing. People standing in line, Car lined up around the building,and ladies about 8 working as fast as they could to serve the orders.
I thought to myself...Self...I beliiieevvee you may be in for a treat.
Got up to the counter and the young lady actually took by order with a smile..(rarity these days)
I ordered a Chicken and Biscuit, and just for prosperity a Porkchop and biscuit.
When I got to my car, and opened my bag I was amazed at the size of that biscuit. 4 Inches x 5 Inches, soft as a cloud, and crumblely like a soft baked cookie. Hanging over the sides of tha t biscuit was one of the largest pieces of chicken breast I have ever seen on a biscuit.
It had been run through a tenderizer, which made it flatter and tonque cutting easy to chew.The breading on the chicken was seasoned with what appeared to be salt/pepper and paprika seasoning.
I immediately recognized these as like the biscuits my grandmother made. They are made with Self Rising Flour, Lard and buttermilk..some call them "Cathead Biscuits" because of their size.
The Porkchop Biscuits didn't have to stand second to the chicken, cause it was snorting loudly on its own.
So! if you want to taste what a real biscuit should taste like, with almost a whole chicken on it, give Vic's a try...
That Boy does know what he is doing...
I'm not sure what the top two posts are about, but I would like to add that the new Olde Chicage Deli on MObile Plaza is absolutely delicious, and if you haven't tried it, you should. I have tried a meatball sub and a personal thin crust pizza, and both were out of this world. I would love to see this small business thrive. Their sandwiches and pizza are far better than that the chains serve. I haven't tried the bratwurst, but I hear it is wonderful as well.
Does anyone know why Eva Marie's on Court St closed? We don't live in the Shoals anymore, but that was our favorite place to eat. I agree with flotown and smurph- Ricatoni's is blah! Total rip-off of Macaroni Grill. IMO, the Shoals is pretty brutal on new restaurants (especially locally owned-boutique cafes) except for huge chain restaurants. Stagg's burgers-my husband loves them, me--mehh; I loved walking to Trowbridges in college for a chicken salad sandwich on white toast; the old Stephano's on Seminary needs to come back- I went there for a 1st date in college and it was so romantic! Did the one on Court St close? Sweet Basil's was good, we ate there for 1st time over Thanksgiving. At least it gives you more creative choices that are on the gourmet side. We have eaten twice at the 360 cafe in the Tower and loved it. My parents refuse to darken their door because "the food is too expensive and you get little portions." LOL! Of course, my parents rarely go anywhere out to eat. While it may not be a restaurant that you can pop in for lunch or dinner a couple times a week, I think this is a great place to go for a special night out. Not everyplace is (or should) be Barnhills or Chili's. If you go to any finer restaurant in B'ham, N'ville, etc, the prices are comparable. The chef sent over a wild boar sausage with greens in some sort of balsamic vinegar drizzle hor d'oeuvre that was great! I am definitely a foodie, though. My favorite magazines are "Cooking Light" and "Food and Wine". Dining out is more than what the food tastes like; it's the service, the linens, the lighting, the music, the wine list- definitely atmosphere and ambience! This is not a place that my husband and I could afford to go to weekly, and, yes, I could make something at home that is just as good (if I could find the ingredients), but I am glad the Shoals has a nice restaurant to go to.

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