Ladu's Cafe

Yesterday, we took the opportunity to try out a relatively new restaurant in Warrior, Alabama.  This is Ladu's Cafe and is located on Main Street.  This was about 1:30 PM in the afternoon.

Normally, when we decide to try a new place to eat, there is an apprehension as to what is the menu going to be like - how is the food going to be - how "pricey" is it going to be?  Of course, we too, had all these questions in mind.

We went in and seated ourselves.  We were not greeted by anyone, but sat and waited patiently.  The place was, in fairness to the girl working, pretty busy.  The young lady brought us a menu and got our drink orders.  We decided to try sandwiches.  I had been "wishing" for a local restaurant that made a really good hamburger, so I decided to try theirs.  There was a sign on the front window saying they had the best hamburger and fries in town.  So, I thought I would try that out. 

My companion decided to try to grilled ham and cheese sandwich.  We both decided to have a small order of fries with our sandwiches.  The young lady brought our drinks and took our order.  It took several minutes to get our food, but not an unreasonable time when you consider that the food was not prepared ahead of time.

Our order came and we were both pleased (and amazed) at the food.  The young lady brought me a knife so I could cut the hamburger in half - good thing!  And, if this was a small order of fries, I was certainly glad I didn't order a large order.  The ham and cheese sandwich was done on Texas toast and had several slices of ham.  The fries are "home cut" fries and cooked just right!  I have included a picture of the cut hamburger below.  All of the food was delicious.

You can also see the "small" order of fries!  The hamburger was $4.99 and the small order of fries was $2.99.  The grilled ham and cheese was $3.99.  We thought the prices were very reasonable. 

So, if you are looking for a new place to try out - I highly recommend Ladu's Cafe in Warrior, Alabama.  If you should have any questions about Ladu's, or if you have tried Ladu's, please leave a comment and ask a question or let us know about your experience at Ladu's !!!

LaGorda's

This past Friday, we again had an opportunity to visit LaGorda's in Locust Fork, AL.  They have excellent Mexican cuisine.  I had my typical combination dinner of two enchiladas, refried beans and Spanish rice.  It was quite tasty, as usual.  The service was also excellent, even on a busy Friday night.

The prices are quite reasonable also.  Evey time we have been there, the service has been great and the food quite good.  I highly recommend LaGorda's if you are in the Locust Fork, Al area and in the mood for Mexican!!

La Gorda Mexican Grill
29984 State Hwy 79
Ste 400
Locust Fork, AL 35097
(205) 680-9229

Stockyard Steakhouse

A couple of weeks ago, we decided to take a chance on a restaurant that we had never been to before.  Of course, we were out of town and were just looking for a buffet.  We noticed the Stockyard Steakhouse and their marque stated that they had a buffet.

The price was a little much - although it was a Friday evening.  I would not have minded the price so much had the dining experience been a good one.  Unfortunately, it was far from that!

The food was not very good.  The steak that was on the buffet was very tough and not very tasty.  They did have some good fried fish.  One of our favorites is meat loaf - and what they were serving as meat loaf was absolutely awful. 

The piece of lemon cake that I chose for desert was a dismal disappointment as well.  The cake had a burnt crust.  You would think they would have removed that - but no.  Our waitress was not super efficient and was far less than cordial.

Overall, I would certainly have to rate this as a bad dining experience.  Not only can I NOT recommend this restaurant, but we will certainly never go back there either.

Chick-Fil-A

Our expectations of what we are going to see when we turn on our local news, or open the local newspaper is certainly changing.  In the past, we expected to see stories on local crimes, local events or stories about politicians, local and nationwide.  Now, the tops stories seem to have turned to which companies and organizations are taking which side regarding the subject of gays and same sex marriages.  I can remember when we did not hear of these things – much less have large corporations “taking sides” on the issue of gay rights.

This has certainly changed though.  One of the top news stories this week has been about the stance taken on this subject by the CEO of Chick-Fil-A.  The CEO’s statement reflected Chick-Fil-A’s stance that they would not and do not support gay rights and same sex marriages.  They have taken a firm stance on their Christianity. 

Chick-Fil-A does not open on Sunday, thereby not requiring any of its employees to have to work who might otherwise go to church to worship.  Of course, they have taken quite a bit of “heat” for their stance, as well as having received a lot of support as well.  So, now one of the focuses of the news seems to be which companies support gay rights versus which ones do not.

It seems a sad state of affairs that this has become such an issue.  A local Christian radio station in this area hosted callers who wanted to call in and tell listeners of local businesses in their area who openly support Christianity in their places of business.

This is a “contest” that I would never have thought we would be having in this country.  Why?  The reason for this is simple.  My Bible tells me that God created a man and a woman to populate the earth.  This is clear and there is no room for misinterpretation, nor do I hear people who seem to argue on this point.  So, even without going any further into the scriptures, this point seems to clearly address the issue.  I saw a comment posted on a blog yesterday that makes a good point.  “If God had created Adam and Steve, instead of Adam and Eve, would we be having this controversy?”

What do you think?? 

So long Papa's

Wanted to let everyone know that Papa's Rib Shack has closed down.  We were certainly sorry to see them close.  The food there was really good and it was a reasonably priced place to eat.

Sonic

Earlier today, we stopped at the Sonic in Millbrook, AL.  I pulled up, we discussed what we wanted, and I lowered the window and pushed the "red" button.  It sat there and blinked and blinked and blinked.  Meanwhile, I waited and waited and waited.  In a few minutes, a car pulled in a couple of spaces to my left.  Their summon was answered right away.  So, I was instantly not impressed that I had been sitting there several minutes waiting to give my order and someone else pulls in and their order is taken right away.

Finally, once their order was taken, the girl came on and asked for my order.  I began my order and when I got to the part where I specify that I wanted a diet soda, I am informed that their fountain machine is down and would I like a slushy instead.  Needless to say, that was the last straw.  I told her never mind.  Raised my window and left. 

So, no matter how good the food might have been - we didn't even get that far.  The poor customer service up front ruined what might have been a good meal.

I'd love to hear about your Sonic experience!!

Stix

This past week, I had the opportunity to take my grandsons to Stix in Fultondale, AL for dinner.  Of course, we sat at the grill.  One had the Kid's Steak and the other shared the steak and chicken combo with me. 

We had fried rice, vegetables, shrimp and, of course, the steak/chicken.  All of the food was really good.  I suppose though that the main attraction of eating at Stix is the "show" that the chef puts on while preparing the food right in front of you.  And, in this case, we had an excellent chef and the "show" was great.  The kids really enjoyed this part of the meal.

Of course, we also had ginger soup and salad and I took home one salad and a "to go" box filled to the brim with food for the next day.   This really is an excellent place to go, particularly for special occasions.  Two girls, twins, that were seated at the same table with us were celebrating their ninth birthday, so we had a bit of "extra" excitement.

If you get a chance to go, I highly recommend Stix for an excellent meal and entertainment.

Waffle House - Pinson

We went to Waffle House this morning for breakfast.  As usual, the food was good - the service - not so much!  For example, we had to wait on a seat and another couple that came in after us also had to wait.  A booth finally opened up and we sat down.  Of course, the table had not yet been cleaned.  Within a few minutes, two seats at the end bar opened up and the couple that came in after us took those two seats.  The waitress for that area cleaned the counter and took that couple's order before even cleaning the table where we had seated ourselves.  I should have known then, there would be a service problem.

She took their order then cleaned the table where we were seated.  She then had to go back to the other couple and confirm something on their order.  Finally, we got our beverages.  Several - and I do mean several - minutes passed.  As I said, the place was busy.  The waitress brought the other couple their order.  Something was not right so that issue had to be addressed.  Finally one of the other waitresses brought our waffles and asked if we had anything else.  We told her what we were supposed to have and, in just a few minutes, we received the rest of our order - but not brought by our waitress.  Then, a waitress came down to that end with two plates of food - not knowing where they belonged as it was, again, not our waitress.  She finally determined that it was the corrected order for the other couple - only to find out that there was still a problem  - and still some stuff missing from the order.  It was apparent that this couple was getting aggravated as well.

To make matters worse, it was so cold that I felt like a popsicle.  Now, Waffle House is notorious for being on the cool side.  So much so, that we always make sure to carry a jacket when going to a Waffle House to eat.  I had my jacket on and I absolutely felt like I was freezing - and I AM NOT a cold natured person.

Things really got worse when the other couple discovered a bug on the plate that held their hashbrowns.  The guy stood up, took the plate to the front counter, told them there was a bug on the plate and that he was through with the place.  They then left.

In summation, this was obviously not my best trip ever to a Waffle House.  The service was an issue with a "not so good" waitress.  The bug - now that's a different thing.  I would think that the cook, even in a busy time, would notice a bug on a plate - but maybe not!  Can't say that I will ever visit that particular Waffle House again though. 

Golden Corral

We had an opportunity to eat at Golden Corral in Center Point, AL yesterday evening.  Of course, Golden Corral is a buffet and, between the three of us, I think we tried a wide variety of foods.  All of the food was very good as far as flavor.  My friend had a small wait for the pan seared shrimp, as that station was very busy and being manned by the same person who was also handling the grill.

The salad bar was good and, between us, we tried several desserts.  Our waiter did an excellent job - the dirty dishes were cleared promptly and we never ran out of beverages.

I would recommend this location - if you are hungry.  The cost of the evening buffet, with a beverage, ran about $14.00.  So, if you are in the area, please stop by and try them out.

If you have eaten at a Golden Corral lately, I would love to hear your opinion!  Looking forward to hearing from you .....

PaPa's Rib Shack

We had another opportunity to go to PaPa's Rib Shack.  We each had a plate with boston butt, french fries and baked beans.  Of course, you get PaPa's own version of cheese biscuits which, in this case, are actually muffins.

PaPa's offers several options.  Our favorite is their "plate."  You choose one meat and two sides.  Meat choices are:  ribs, boston butt, brisket, smoked turkey and smoked sausage.  As far as side items, you can choose from fries, okra, baked beans, baby sweet potatoes, coleslaw, potato salad, regular corn and potatoes or Cajun corn and potatoes.

They have a Kid's Menu, Sandwich Menu, stuffed bakers, salad bar and various seafood items.  Be sure to go by and try PaPa's.  They are open every day from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM and are located on Highway 79 in Locust Fork, AL.

Specials at Jack's

Jack's is currently running their Fish and Fry for $2.99 special.  You can also add a pie for $.99.

Did you know that you can go to Jack's website and sign up to receive coupons and special promotions?  Don't miss this opportunity for savings!  Go to Jack's now to sign up.
Do you know of any noteworthy specials at local restaurants??  Let us know!!!

Pizza Hut

We decided to take advantage this week of Pizza Hut's newest special offer - The Big Box.  It really is a pretty good deal. . You get a medium one-topping pizza - pan crust.  You also get an order of bread sticks, which you can upgrade to cheese bread sticks for only $1 more. Of course, you get a container of the marina dipping sauce for the bread sticks.  You also get a dozen of the cinnamon sticks, along with a container of the icing for dipping those as well.

We were very satisfied with the amount of food we received for our $10.00 - hard to beat.  We got the pepperoni topping and opted for regular bread sticks instead of the upgrade.  We ordered online and when we got to the Warrior location, our order was ready and waiting for us.

Have you tried this deal yet?

Captain D's Seafood

Had an opportunity to eat at Captain D's Seafood in Trussville yesterday.  They actually had a great Manager;'s Special.  You get two - 3 piece fish dinners plus a side order of 6 butterfly shrimp for only $10.98.   This, of course, is what we had.  The food was all very good and they even brought our plates out to our tables.  A refreshing change for a Captain D's!!

Be sure to check and see if your local Captain D's is having this Manager's Special.  It is a really good deal.  And, if you are in the Trussville, AL area, stop in at the Captain D's there and enjoy a great meal.

Chili's

OK -this time we thought we would give Chili's a try.  They have the great 2 dinners for $20.00 special.  You get an appetizer to share and two full size entrees for $20.00

We had the Texas Cheese Fries (minus the jalapenos) for our appetizer.  I had the sirloin steak, which came with loaded mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.  My companion had the Chicken Crispers which came with corn on the cob (large ear) and fries.  We finished off the Texas Cheese Fries - which were absolutely delicious.  We were unable to finish our entrees, but brought "doggie bags" home  that I am sure will be good for lunch tomorrow. 

Of course, beverages (tea and soda) were $2.49 each, bringing our total to $27 and change.  But, the service was excellent and the food was all very good.  We also received very good size portions.  I highly recommend Chili's 2 for $20 Dinner Deal.

Do you know of a good deal at a local restaurant??

Casa Fiesta

A few days ago, we had occassion to go to Casa Fiesta in Fultondale, AL.  We each chose the "create your combo" option.  I had an enchilada, soft taco, refried beans and rice.  My friend had an enchilada, crispy taco, burrito, refried beans and rice.

Both meals were very good.  The service was also very good.  The meals were very reasonably priced for the amount of food we received.

I would recommend this restaurant for anyone who likes the mexican cuisine.

Bryant's Seafood

We had a late lunch at Bryant's Seafood today.  I had the canadian flounder with french fries and fried okra.  My friend also had the canadian flounder, but with cole slaw and fried okra.  Another person with us had the whole catfish, fried okra and french fries.  Of course, we also had beverages.  The bill was less than $25 for all three of us. 

The food was very good - well cooked.  The small hush puppies that they bring to the table when you arrive are really good.  They are just a bit sweet.

I would have to recommend Bryant's if you are looking for good seafood.