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.

March 29, 2013 - Lee Garden, Cherokee, NC 

SPRING ROLLS 

Lee Garden is located in the Food Lion shopping center at Casino Crossroads in Cherokee, NC. It has been in operation for a couple of years. It is the second Chinese restaurant to open in Cherokee.



Lee Garden is your basic buffet or menu style Chinese restaurant. There is really not much difference in the selections, decor or food. It is much better in selection and quality than Yummy Yummy in Bryson City. You can often get a good meal here just from the buffet,which is what most folks do. The decor is simple and nothing exciting or different. The place is clean and the wait folks nice, if you choose to order off the menu.

EGG ROLLS 

We decided to order from the menu, just to see how some of their menu dishes were prepared, presented and tasted. We knew their buffet was pretty standard. We also wanted to see if ordering Tofu would throw them off. It didn't.

CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI

FRIED RICE 

TOFU AND VEGGIES 

Greg chose to order the buffet and we all sampled some items from his plate. As you can see from the buffet, it was well stocked that night, with semi fresh looking fare.
Our dinners we ordered from the menu were pretty good, but there was just too much sauce for my taste. The food was good, there was plenty of it and at the moment, we all enjoyed our dinner.

However, the next day, we all suffered from a stomach ache. Lisa and I ALWAYS get sick when we eat Chinese, which is why we choose to not eat it. But, with several Chinese restaurants being on our list, we don't have a choice but to brave it sometimes. I don't know what is in their food,but I wake up with a stomach ache the next day.
This time was no different.

The buffet had a couple of soups to pick from, which were the standard fare; Wonton, Egg Drop and Hot and Sour. There were pretty much the same dishes also: General Tso Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Beef Skewers, and so on. So, if you miss this place on your tour, no big loss. There will be another one just like it in the next town, and the next and the next.

March 21, 2013 - Kostas, Dillsboro, NC 

Kosta's is  located in Dillsboro, NC, right on main street on the corner. You can't miss it.. just look for the packed parking lot. They have not been in operation long, just a few years, but BOY! have they developed a following. They are casual, so don't be afraid to come in your shorts. They just opened up an outside porch for dining and if there is a nip in the air, the porch has a covering to keep in the heat. 

Kosta's is a family restaurant in all senses. Make sure to stop and check out the family photos on the wall. They specialize in Greek, Italian and Continental cuisine and the options are vast. I always have a very difficult time making a selection every time I go. They have numerous pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches/subs, soups, pitas,burgers. Plus their appetizer selection is huge. Don't even get me started on their dessert menu. They make it very difficult to turn down one of their scrumptious homemade concoctions, as they have them displayed very prominently in a glass cold case right in the dining room. Their carrot cake is a legend in it's own right. It is eight layers (yes, 8!! ) of yummy goodness. And it's staring at your throughout your meal. 

FAMILY PHOTOS ON WALL 

Be prepared when you go to either stand in line waiting for a table, or to be in a crowded room. This is not the place to go if you want a nice, quiet, romantic or business meal. This place is busy, busy, busy and can the decibel level can often get loud.

But the food and great wait staff make up for it. You can have the choice of a booth or table and I always prefer the booth. That way, you do get a little space between you and the other diners. Plan also to spend some time perusing the menu, as there is a lot to choose from. Even though I have been there many times, it still take me a long time to decide. They do have some dishes that have become my favorites. But, I still have yet to try everything on the menu.

FLAMING CHEESE WITH PITA BREAD 

The flaming cheese seems to be quite popular. I have never ordered it, but Rosemary has and it seems to be one of her favorites. I think it is OK, as it seems to be one of those fun foods that folks like to order just to have the presentation, but really is not that much on the satisfaction end. Kinda like those steaming, flaming platters they have in Mexican restaurants. And yes... it does come to you flaming.

BROILED TILAPIA 

DIETERS DELIGHT WITH CHICKEN

LARGE GREEK SALAD

FISH AND CHIPS

As you can see, we were all watching what we ate that night, or maybe we were saving up for dessert. I am usually so full from my dinner, I don't have room for dessert. Previously, I mentioned that I have acquired some favorite at Kosta's. I like the Tzasiki and Hummus. Why is it that Hummus always tastes better in a restaurant? I find salads are like this too. They always taste better in a restaurant. Something in my mind.... who knows what's up there?

FRENCH SILK PIE AND GREEK RICE PUDDING

I also like the Greek Salad with Chicken or Tofu. The salad is large with lots of  different veggies and is quite filling. I often just order this for my meal. Their Gyro platters are very good and quite filling. It seems that I am not alone in liking their Fish and Chips  as it is quite popular. Very tasty, with no fishy fish. I also enjoy their Stuffed Tilapia which is on the richer side. I have to save up during the day if I am going to eat this dish. Quite recently,  I ordered their Stir Fry and it was HUGE and very yummy. I had enough left over for my lunch the next day.
I have put a link to their menu so you can see for  yourself how vast the selections are. Kosta's really does offer something for everyone, no matter if you are a child, watching your diet, or hungry as a mule who's been working the fields all day.

Come check out this popular spot in Dillsboro, but come early cause it fills up fast.

http://www.kostasdillsboro.com/Our-Menu.aspx

February 29, 2013 - Guadalupe, Sylva NC 

What can I say about  this place but that it is eclectic  fun and different from your run of the meal Southern fried, meat and potatoes food gallery you find? It is unassuming and unless  you are looking for it, you might just  overlook it. From the name,  one would think Mexican fare were served here. But not so my friend. Guadalupe offers an abundance of dishes influenced from much farther south.. and east (if my geography serves me right). This place is a much hidden treasure with a laid back style  often only found in larger cities. 

If you are in a hurry.. then go somewhere else. For here, you will be waited on and served, but all at a leisurely pace. This gives  you time to check out the decor, talk  and visit with your meal company, or chat up the staff. Cause they are friendly and open to stopping and chatting awhile. And in this "hurry up and give it to me yesterday" world, we could all use a time to operate at a slower pace. 

Guadalupe describes their restaurant as  Caribbean inspired fusion. In my mind, this just equals fun.  

 From their brightly decorated booths, lanterns, and walls, to their wall gallery featuring local artwork for sale, this is one place on your list, you do not want to miss.  

Guadalupe has not been in operation long, and they are located in the old Hoopers drugstore building. While many locals do miss these types of establishments ( me being one of them), they did keep the checkered floors, the old soda fountain (decoration only) and the bar stools. So, while they are at the other end of the food spectrum from hotdogs, sodas, and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, they did pay homage to the former old timey joint. 

One fantastic aspect of Guadalupes is that the food is  all  farm to table whenever possible. This means that all their food is local, homegrown, and organic when it is available. This is a fabulous concept and quality to possess. Let me tell  you.. this declaration makes for some mighty tasty dishes. 

They offer custom burritos, nachos and burritos, as well as tapas and entrees. They do offer specials, depending on what is available in the garden in season. This means that vegan and vegetarians can find great dishes to pick from here.  Another great element of Guadalupe is their diverse selection of wines from Spain and Latin America as well as their selections of micro brewed beers from across America, including local varieties. 

HOMEMADE SALSA PLATE - VERY YUMMY!! WE WERE WISHING IT WAS LARGER. 

They also have local music on a sporadic basis, but when you can hit it on a music night, it couldn't get any better. Cause WNC has some kick ass bands. Bluegrass, Country, Alternative, you name it. Great stuff.

SOME OF THE LIGHTS HANGING ON THE CEILING

When you get to hang with good friends, listen to good music and eat fabulous food, what more in life could you want? I highly recommend Guadalupe. I have posted a link to their menu so you all can check it out for yourself. http://www.guadalupecafe.com/GuadalupeCafeMenu.pdf

ADOBO PORK TOSTADA 

ADOBO PORK TOSTADA

BLACKENED PLANTAIN

SESAME SALAD 

NACHOS

BERRY COBBLER - IT WAS BERRY, BERRY GOOD

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE CAKE