April 24th, 2013, Bogarts, Sylva, NC


Bogarts is located in downtown Sylva right on the corner of Main Street and Asheville Hwy. This is the second location, with the original location being in Waynesville. The restaurant is housed in a renovated barn looking building that used to house Granny's Pancake House. I don't know where Granny went, but she moved out and Bogart's moved in.

While the restaurant is  large and seats quite a few folks, the parking leaves a bit to be desired. The parking lot is small and spaces are at a premium. While the restaurant is conveniently located, getting in and out unscathed is no small feat. The corner is very busy and you have to watch 14 different directions to be sure you don't get smashed by someone flying through the intersection.

The restaurant is divided into three sections, each seating lots of folks. The inside of the restaurant is done is mostly wood, even the walls. While the intent was possibly to create a  warm, cozy, steak house like affect, it actually makes the place dark, cavelike and the tables stay somewhat on the sticky/tacky side. I think that is from the grease, and difficulty in cleaning them. There are several windows, but they don't bring in much light. 

Nevertheless, they do have numerous booths so you have privacy when you want it. The place is popular, so expect to see someone or maybe lots of someones' you know. Even if you live in Bryson. Popular, means crowded too. So, expect difficult parking, crowded conditions and at times, even slow service. The staff do try very hard to make sure your visit is a pleasant one, so you can't go too hard on them. Bogart's is one of those places that will bring you an initial basket of homemade bread to hold you over til your order is up. The bread is good. 

CHICKEN TORTILLA WRAP APPETIZER (Must of been good.. nothing left for photo)

I dont think I have ever had anything bad in Bogarts and you will be pleased if you like that bar, steakhouse kind of place. Think Texas Roadhouse or the Outback. If you are on a diet or watching your fat or cholesterol intake, this is probably not a place you want to frequent. However, if you have been good on your diet or want to reward yourself then by all means go here. The food is hearty and filling. 

BOGARTS STYLE REUBEN


They offer several varieties of burgers - Bogart's style. They also have several sandwiches,  pasta dishes and subs. They do offer a vegetarian burger for those of you so inclined. I am curious as to how many of those they actually sell. Their main focus is steaks. I have never had a steak at Bogart's so can't really attest to them. 

PASTA ALFREDO 

Like most restaurants these days who are trying to get ahead in the game of selling food, they have a menu of "Bogart's favorites." These include such items as the Bogie Hoagie and the Gobbler. Let's not forget the tower of rings which is a tower of stacked onion rings. They are stacked on what looks like one of those Playskool towers that come with varying sizes of plastic rings. They also have a list of sides for your dinner dishes. However, let me warn you, out of the twelve choices, six are potatoes.

RIBEYE AND BAKED POTATO (WEIGHT WATCHERS STYLE)

I have linked the Bogart's menu on here for your own perusing. Since I was not present at Bogart's, I am going to leave it up to the rest of the gang to fill you in on conversation and how the evening went. Until next time... eat hearty, my friend! I stole that from the Dos Equis  man on TV.

CHICKEN SANDWICH WITH FRIES

http://www.menupix.com/menudirectory/menu.php?id=3310177

April 5th, 2013 - Cullowhee Cafe, Cullowhee, NC 

Cullowhee Cafe is located on the old Cullowhee road heading towards Western Carolina University. It is housed in an old converted Pizza Hut. The Cullowhee Cafe is a locally  owned, family business. The  restaurant has quite a history and these local, down home, generations old businesses, whether resturants or general stores, always hold a warm, fuzzy, nostalgic place in my  heart. It's these beacons in the community that make a place a community, not the big box, impersonal corporate conglomerates. Let's face it.. you never even know who owns the big box stores, let alone meet them in the grocery store, or see them in the next pew at church or cheer their kids on at the ballfield cause their kid is on the same team as yours. 

These are the folks you can call by name, ask about their kids or parents while they ask about yours. These are the places that you can go in and they know how you like your tea, and what you will order and how you like it. The towns around here used to be full of these type of places, but have unfortunately, fallen prey to the chains, the fast food, greasy spoons (I don't mean that affectionately), frozen food joints that dish out food like they could care less if you are satisfied or not. 

The inside of the Cafe is large, roomy and yet with plenty of seating. The service is prompt, courteous and made to order. Special orders don't' upset us.. stands true here.

FISH (COD) SANDWICH ON BUN WITH EXTRA CRISPY FRIES AND PICKLE. SPECIAL OF THE DAY.

They have a  variety of specials every day with most being just good ole' country cooking. Black eyed peas, collards, chicken livers, meat loaf.... well.. you get the picture. The menu is quite extensive with everything from salads, to dinners. The prices aren't bad either. You can easily take your family and not break the bank. 

CHOPPED STEAK, MASHED POTATOES/GRAVY, POTATO SALAD AND ROLLS

The place is typically crowded for lunch, especially during the school year as it is the place most faculty go for lunch. This means, you will see several folks you know and maybe even some you don't want to see. But, just wave like everyone else, say "Howdy" or "Hey" and go right on eating.

TILAPIA DINNER WITH HUSHPUPPIES, POTATO SALAD, AND VEGGIES 

If you go away hungry, its your fault. They do have desserts too. So, no excuses for an empty tummy.  They do have good burgers and great fries. And! they have homemade potato chips! You gotta love that, even if you cholesterol don't. 

That night there were only four of us as Pam was somewhere else doing something else. I can't remember what. But, we all had a good time even though we did miss her. See you all next time.