Chattanooga Dine Out

Stella's Bistro in Cleveland

TennesseeRunner — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:20:24 GMT

I just ate today at what USED to be Mama's Italian something or the other - and when it was that - it was TERRIBLE. But it is now Stella's Bistro - and this is the same Stella that had the great Italian restaurant in Clevelaned before - and today was FABULOUS. EVERYONE here at work gives it FIVE STARS! Their prices are extremely reasonable - and the food is WONDERFUL. I had an item not on the menu called "Stella's Linguini". It is garlic cooked to a golden brown in olive oil - with mushrooms (which I had them leave off of my order) - with small chunks of tomato cooked in at the last - just long enough to get them warm/hot. Then, the olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and mushrooms are mixed in with the linguini. It came with a salad - which was a VERY GOOD salad - and authentically Italian. The cost of the meal was only $7.95 - a true bargain! Stella's food is truly as good as Cafe Roma in Cleveland - this is MUST VISIT restaurant! The "ambiance" doesn't exactly match the quality of her culinary delights - but you will NOT be disappointed with Stella's Bistro on Waterlevel Highway in Cleveland. Give it a try!

Forum: COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS for Chattanooga Dine Out

Review - 11/6/2009

CDOJanet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:09:04 GMT

The Melting Pot has opened at 2553 Life Style Way off Shallowford Road next to hhgregg. We attended the pre-opening party, and then went back a few days later for an actual meal.

The pre-opening gave us the opportunity to sample many of the different fondues (I really enjoyed the Fiesta) so when we went back we had a better grasp of what we might want to order. If you know the menu, you can order each course separately, but we went with the Melting Pot Experience Big Night Out a four-course fondue dinner for two that is pre-set by the restaurant with you making the final selection from choices offered.

Our first course was the Big Night Out showcase, an Alpine cheese fondue, accompanied by a mix of bread cubes, apple slices, small gherkins, meats, and veggies. The cheese was delicious and when it was time for the salad, I hated to see the remaining cheese taken away, but the salad was fresh, crisp and delicious.

Course #3 was the entre and we chose the Lobster. All the entrees for the evening sounded delicious, but since we both wanted lobster, the $97 dinner was the way to go. It also included shrimp, sauerbraten, chicken and steak, along with veggies. For our style of cooking, we selected Fondue Bourguignonne European style of cooking in cholesterol-free canola oil with two separate batters. Basically I would call this version frying. The meats were extremely tender and we both felt they had a great taste. Next time I would probably try another cooking style (but the others are $6 more). This course is served with a multitude of sauces. My favorite was a type of horseradish sauce and the green goddess.

The last course was dessert. So many to choose from! Did we want Yin and Yang (half dark chocolate and half white chocolate), Flaming Turtle (milk chocolate, caramel and chopped pecans), or maybe Bananas Foster (white chocolate with bananas, brown sugar and cinnamon). I, however, cannot pass up peanut butter, so I selected The Original (milk chocolate with crunchy peanut butter). This course is served with fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, marshmallows, Rice Krispies treats, pound cake and brownies. Can you feel the pounds adding up now? But it was so decadent! I would go back if only for the dessert course.

There are quite a few entre selections including the Seafood Trio (shrimp, scallops and cedar plank salmon) - $20; the French Quarter (filet mignon, chicken, and shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices and served with Andouille sausage) - $22; and a Vegetarian meal ($18).

The Melting Pot is a place that is as much about the experience as it is about the food. I would definitely go back; however, Wayne feels it is too pricey for the amount of food you get. I loved it the food, as well as the experience.

Hours for The Melting Pot are Monday through Wednesday from 4:30 until 10:30 PM; Thursday through Saturday, 4:00 until 11:00 PM; and Sunday, 4:00 until 10:30 PM.

Forum: Melting Pot, The

AND THE WINNERS ARE....

Foodie2Shoes — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:16 GMT

Here we are on the red carpet, waiting anxiously for the winners of the first annual Cream of the Crop Awards. Initiated by and voted for on the Chattanooga Dine Out Forum, these lucky winners will be receiving 1) increased business by virtue of their august presence here and 2) undying notoriety for making the Cream of the Crap list. A (photo of a) Platinum Cream Pitcher is awarded to the first place in each category and a Gold Cream Pitcher to second place. Honorable mentions will receive Crystal Cream Pitchers.

Thanks to Janet for allowing me this flight of fancy to get some new names out in front of Chattanooga diners. It has been fun for me to tally the votes and have more insight into others tastes. This allows me to more finely focus and weight my experiences against those with similar and drastically divergent opinions.

First, a bit of explanation as to how votes were counted. A simple name of a restaurant got one point. If multiples were listed in the same post, they got or 1/3 of a point, if there were 2 or 3 different places. If a place was described but not named it was not counted. If a second place is not listed it is because, as the Queen of England was told when asked Who is second? regarding the first Americas Cup Race: There is no second place.

So, without further ado, let me begin:

BEST ALL-AROUND no votes!

BEST APPETIZERS First place:Terra Nostra Second place: PF Changs

Honorable mentions: Foodworks, Caf Roma, 212 Market, Sweet Basil

BEST BAKERY/SWEET SHOP First place: City Caf

Honorable mentions: Panera, Jacksons, Whipped Cupcakes, Deli Man and Cake Lady

BEST BBQ no winner

Contenders: Master Blasters, Spurs, Spencer Bs, Ringgold

BEST BREAKFAST First place: IHOP Second Place: New York Diner

Honorable mentions: Murphys Eats, Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, 212 Market,

Aretha Frankensteins, Richards (Ringgold)

BEST BRUNCH Tie: (the late, lamented) Red Rock Grill, 212 Market

BEST BUFFET 3 way tie: Asia Buffet, Chef Lins, Curry Pot

Honorable mentions: Sitar, Golden Corral, Genghis Grill, Jenkins, Buffet King

BEST CAJUN First place: Tildas (the place, not the person. OK, maybe the person, too!) Honorable mention: Deenas

BEST CHINESE First place: PF Changs Second place: Formosa

Honorable mention: No. 1 Chinese, Mandarin Garden, Chef Lin, Buffet King

BEST D BEST DELI/SANDWICH SHOP First place: River St. Deli Second place: Courthouse Grill (Ringgold) Honorable mentions: Mercantino, Jasons, Deli Man & Cake Lady, Mykanos Greek, Gollywoppers, Neidlovs

BEST FINE DINING First place: Caf Roma Two way tie for second place: 212 Market & St. Johns Honorable mentions: Alleia, High Point, Monteagle

BEST HAMBURGER First place: Five Guys Second place: Hardees

Honorable mentions: Country Side Caf, Kevin Browns, Public House

BEST INDIAN First place (way out front): Sitar Second place: Curry Pot

Honorable mention: India Mahal

BEST ITALIAN First place: Alleia Second Place: Caf Roma

Honorable mention: Ninas (the person and the place), Boccacia, Terra Nostra

BEST LOUNGE/BAR First place: Tildas Barn (there was no second place)

Honorable mention: St. Johns Meeting Place, Easy Bistro, Lamars, Buds

BEST MEAT & THREE no winner

Contenders: Country Side, Harrison, Angus Caf, Cherry Street; Public House, Blue Plate

BEST MEXICAN First place: Taco Roc Second place: Mojo Burrito

Honorable mention: La Altena, Tres Amigos, Cleveland; Taco Mamacita

BEST NEW RESTAURANT First place: Alleia Second place: Public House

Honorable mention: Spurs Fish House, Terminal, Virginias SouthSide Caf

BEST OLD RESTAURANT no winner

Contenders: Lupis, Mt. Vernon, Beas, 212 Market, Nikkis

BEST PIZZA First place: (by a mile) Lupis Second place: Gondolier

Honorable mentions: Mellow Mushroom, Ninas, Rossellis

BEST SEAFOOD/FISH First place: Easy Bistro Second place: Spurs

Honorable mentions: Blue Water Grill, Caf Roma, Terra Nostra, Canyon Grill

BEST SERVICE First place: Public House

Honorable mentions: Alleia, 212 Market, Terminal, Sweet Basil, Terra Nostra, Macaroni Grill, Genghis Grill

BEST STEAK no winner

Contenders: Outback, Spurs, Chop House

BEST SUSHI First place: Seisuki

Honorable mention: Ichiban, FingerFoodies

BEST TAKEOUT no winner

Contenders: Lupis, Thai Smile

BEST THAI First place (very large margin) Sweet Basil

Honorable mentions: Rain Thai, Sawasdee, Royal Thai

BEST VALUE no winner

Contenders: Formosa, Rain Thai, Armandos, Taco Roc, Northshore, Tonys Pasta, (remember, Im just reporting results here!!) McDonalds

CREAM OF THE CRAP

By far the most popular category, only one place received more than one vote: Moms Italian

Contenders: Beas, Boathouse, Caf Francais, Chilis (Cleveland and Hixson), Christies (East Ridge) Country Diner (Tiftonia), Dennys, El Meson (Hamilton Place), Epicurean, Giggles (Comedy Catch), Kaceys, Karls Family Restaurant, Northshore Grill, OCharleys (Cleveland), Wandas (Rock Spring)

I intentionally did not include Best B&B as a category. Our favorite, a secret location in Hixson, is the best Bed and Breakfast in town. Multi-course dinners are available by special invitation. It is terribly expensive and only the privileged few have been there, but maybe someday.

Thank you all for joining us for these awards and keep those posts coming. CDO is the very finest in culinary web sites and we are happy to welcome (pleasant) new members all the time.

Forum: CREAM OF THE CROP

Wings

fifi — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:46:54 GMT

Who has the best wings in Chattanooga?

Forum: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE?

Happy Halloween

girllvsfood — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:21:09 GMT

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween this year !!!!!

Be safe and remember to look for the little kiddies if you are out driving

and don't forget to Fall Back your clocks!!!!!

Forum: MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Cruisin'

TNBear — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:42:41 GMT

We returned home yesterday from our first cruise. Had a great time. The dinners in the dining rooms were so much fun, and the food ranged from the edible to excellent. The service was great, with a head waitress ( The lovely Wanpen from Thailand) and 2 or 3 waiters there was always someone to attend to your needs. Wanpen was just about the right size for me to put in a pocket to take home, but they begged us not to do so.

At our first stop (Progreso, Yucatan) we were off the ship early and hit Le Saint Bonette for Machaca (reconstituted dried beef) and scrambled eggs washed down by a Bloody Mary or two. The eggs were done quite nicely, not dry at all. We walked up the Malecon (beach side walk) to The Flamingos Restaurant. There we ordered some chips and guacamole with couple of different salsas. Oh, and as it was becoming rather warm and muggy we had maybe just a couple of beers.

End of Part One.
More to come.

Forum: MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Review - 10/30/2009

CDOJanet — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:40:26 GMT

While having breakfast in Ringgold a few weeks ago, we noticed the Courthouse Grill and Cafe, 33 Legion Street, so we made a note to go back for lunch soon. They are in the same center with Shop-Rite supermarket.

This wasnt at all what we expected. We were expecting a little deli with sandwiches and possibly salads. What we found was much more! The restaurant was also a bit larger than I imagined from the outside, but still very nice and cozy.

The menu does consist of a lot of sandwiches and salads, but also pastas, appetizers, grill plates and desserts. The best part is they are homemade and all deli meats are Boars Head.

We were told that even though the names of the appetizers are your the usual you might find on any menu, such as jalapeno poppers, cheese sticks, etc., they are all homemade and breaded there in the kitchen none of the pre-breaded stuff! Appetizers are priced from $1.95 for steak fries to $5.95 for several others.

The day we were there the soups were pinto bean and lentil. They were going to have potato soup, but were just starting the pot so I was told it would be close to three hours. I decided not to wait for that.

We decided to give the fried breaded mushrooms ($5.25) a try and found them to be quite good. I would have preferred a bit less breading, but they were still tasty; very hot and crispy, served with ranch dressing.

I wanted to check out their homemade chicken salad ($6.95), but I also wanted to try the crab cake, which is served as part of a basket ($6.95) with cole slaw and fries. Wayne asked if they could sell me one crab cake so I ordered the chicken salad plate with a side crab cake.

Wayne wanted the meat lovers lasagna ($11.55), but at that point in time it wasnt ready, so he opted for the club sandwich ($6.65) served with chips and pickle. The sandwich was very large and consisted of ham, turkey and bacon with melted swiss and cheddar cheeses. You have a choice of wheat, rye or croissant, and Wayne ordered wheat. This is the second time recently I noticed a club sandwich without that third piece of bread. Must be the new thing.

The chicken salad is ground rather fine and isnt overly mayonnaised. I did enjoy the chicken salad and would order it again, only without the green salad that it was served on. It was iceberg lettuce and I always prefer leaf lettuces. The crab cake was hot with a nice flavor and crust, and the homemade tzatsiki sauce was delicious. Ive been served some really watery tzatsiki at difference restaurants, but the consistency of this one was perfect creamy and thick enough to stay on the item.

Our server was friendly and very knowledgeable regarding the menu. Other menu items you might be interested in are homemade spaghetti & meatballs ($10.85), and shrimp alfredo ($11.95), both served with garden salad and garlic bread sticks. Grill plates served with salad and baked potato are priced at $11.75 and $12.75 and include hamburger steak, ribeye, T-bone, or New York strip (all in a 12 ounce size). Of course the Courthouse Grill offers the American Burger (7 ounces) for $4.55, as well as grilled chicken (regular and cordon bleu). Deli sandwiches include pastrami, corned beef, homemade chicken or tuna and several others priced from $4.75 to $7.55. If you like gyros, you will find that, as well as souvlaki chicken or beef, and falafel.

And dont forget dessert homemade baklava ($2.79) and chocolate chip cookies ($1.59).

I know this is a place we will be returning to hopefully they will have the potato soup and meat lovers lasagna on our next visit. We were very pleased that the hot items were served very hot, rather than lukewarm as a lot of restaurants seem to be doing.

Hours for the Courthouse Grill and Cafe are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM.

Forum: Courthouse Grill & Cafe

Day four with an old pig

TildaBear — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:34:35 GMT

Well it's day four of Mikey not eating. He won't let me near him he's so miserable. Hope I don't have to put him down, too. He's almost 17 years old and such a sweetheart. He's been so lonely since his dad passed 2 years ago. This weekend is gonna suck big time
Hate it when there's nothing I can do for my babies.

Forum: MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Kitchen / house makover

Spurhunter — Thur, 29 Oct 2009 03:19:42 GMT

Here is some from the kitchen, which is now 3 times the size

Forum: KITCHEN DISASTERS

Ancho Sour Cream

CDOJanet — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:31:48 GMT

Last week when we were making the corn fritters and trying to decide on an appropriate topping or drizzle, this might work. I happened to run across this this afternoon and it was actually part of a corn fritter recipe.

1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons Ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives

Mix well!

Not a fancy drizzle, but sounds like something I would like.

Forum: RECIPES

Chef Mart

Foodie2Shoes — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:07:26 GMT

This looks like I place I/we need to stay away from. They advertise new & used kitchen and restaurant supplies. From pressing our noses to the window this morning we could see lovely steam tables, serving pieces for catering and humongous refrigerators. There was lots more we couldn't see. Hours are M-F 8:30 to 5:00, Saturdays until 2:00.

I will check it out next week for everybody and report back. Just looking, honest!!!

Forum: ODDS 'N ENDS

I now get the phrase "So mad I could spit nails"

TildaBear — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:21:39 GMT

Here's a new pet peeve for you, folks.

I hate it when you're having a pasture sale and the trashy folks (in the trailer at the four way stop in Rock Spring, to be specific) who have, for years, dragged junk into their yard to sell rather than get a job (back when we had jobs) irritate the HELL out of you by going out at night and tearing down ALL your pasture sale signs in the darn county!!!!

I just had to rehang (not for rain this time) 22 signs throughout the area.

I mean, be original, at least remove my colored tacks to make it appear to be accidental and don't twist them and wedge them into the chain link fences.

Have the strongest of urges to go back after dark and catch them with my pellet gun. But then Hubby would have to use my cash for bail and I'd have no change for tomorrow.

Guess I'll have to wait til 7am to hang up my hard posters and balloons.

Thanx for letting me vent. Now don't be shocked when I say I'm going to have to have a glass or 7 of wine.

Mood: deadly

Forum: PET PEEVES

Review - 9/23/2009

CDOJanet — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:43:53 GMT

We recently visited Coltranes On 9th for a Friday afternoon lunch. The restaurant looks pretty much as it did when Deep was there (the old Cellar location) at 2 Union Square, corner of MLK and Carter.

Maybe I just ordered the wrong items as I was fairly under whelmed. The menu features soups, salads, sandwiches and meat and two plates.

Wayne ordered a bowl of chili ($4.95) with a club sandwich ($7.95), consisting of spiral ham, smoked turkey, bacon and cheese served on toasted wheat with lettuce and tomatoes. All sandwiches are served with fries (frozen crinkle-cut).

This was a huge sandwich and really needed to be served sliced in half. In my mind, a club sandwich is made with three slices of bread and two layers of filling. This was only one layer, like a regular sandwich. It was sizeable, just not what I call a club. Wayne said it was a delicious sandwich and he would order it again whether it was a real club or not.

I ordered a pick four sides plate priced at $6.45. My sides were squash casserole, fried okra, cup of soup (I chose the chili), and smoked gouda mac and cheese. Our server brought our chili first, which was nice. The chili itself was very good, thick and meaty. The only thing that would have made it better was for the beans to have been completely done, as they had a bit of a crunch. I had the same feeling about my mac and cheese. I really couldnt detect the taste of smoked gouda and I felt the macaroni was a bit less than al dente; firm but not tender, more chewy. The squash casserole was delicious. I loved the taste, which had a hint of sweetness. The okra was the standard pre-heavily breaded frozen variety. I was not served bread with my meal, so I am assuming they do not serve bread as an accompaniment.

Other items on the Coltranes menu include Ahi Salad ($8.95), Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwich (all sandwiches are $7.95), Meat Loaf and Smoked Chicken (all meat and two plates are $8.50). Each day there is a special (Monday is pasta; Tuesday, fried chicken; Wednesday, ribs; Thursday, smoked turkey breast; and Friday, trout - $8.95).

When they start opening for dinner, we do plan to go back and try it again. They are currently open only for lunch Monday through Friday.

Forum: Coltrane's On 9th

they'll be here tomorrow

girllvsfood — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:16:10 GMT

my future in-laws will be here tomorrow, I have been pouring over cookbooks trying to find something....I found my mom's old Justin Wilson cookbook, and I am thinking about doing a BBQ Brisket Saturday, and I was thinking about doing Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, but I have never done that before, any ideas

Forum: ODDS 'N ENDS

El Metate - Hixson

SoSousMe — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:48:08 GMT

El Metate opened in Hixson in the Publix strip front, and being so near our home, I gave it a try for lunch today. I really wish I had enjoyed it.

I ordered Huevos Rancheros, with a side of cheese enchiladas, and a fish (tilapia) taco.

The tortilla for the enchillada was somewhat tough, and the sauce and cheese was uninspiring. I didn't know our southerly neighbors had invented their own unique type of Velveeta, but apparently so. It tasted like "string cheese food product".

The fish taco was lacking any particular flavor at all. I tried the fish alone - no flavor. I tried the red and green chopped up stuff that came with it - no flavor. The aluminum foil tasted fine, though.

And for the finale - the incinerated huevos rancheros. There were two eggs topped with a mush of tomato of undefined nature, the customary Spanish rice on the side, and some bean mush. 1/2-inch all around the egg's edge was literally burned to a crisp. The remainder of the egg had a craters-of-the-moon texture. The yoke was mumified. The topping was the least flavorful tomato something I have ever had. The rice was dry. The bean mush was...oh you get the picture.

The service was fine, and the water was just delicious.

Under normal circumstances, I would guess this place would fold in short order (pun intended). I seem to be the kiss of death to restaurants I like, so this place will probably last forever. By the way, to the Spanish speaking among you, is it true that "El Metate" is Spanish for "Shoneys"?

Forum: CHATTANOOGA RESTAURANTS