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Today is Blog Day!!! For those who don’t know, Blog Day is an opportunity for bloggers to meet other fellow bloggers from different places around the world. On this day, bloggers recommend five blogs to the audience, so the readers have a chance to discovery new adventurous blogs. Happy Blog Day!

Recommendations:

1. More than Cherries  http://morethanfruit.blogspot.com/

2. The Dirt & The Sea   http://thedirtandthesea.blogspot.com/

3. Taylor Talks   http://taylorbtalks.wordpress.com/

4. Carole's Chatter   http://caroleschatter.blogspot.com/

5. Girl Meets World   http://jessieanna.blogspot.com/

The BEST Lunch

The best part about being a food critic is trying the food and meeting new people in the food industry. During my last lunch outing, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. A.J. from Lenny’s Sub Shop. It was my first time visiting the new sub shop, but I felt welcomed the moment I walked in. I didn’t know what to order; however, Mr. A.J. was a big help during the process. This taste of heaven is an Italian sub. Its provolone cheese, ham, prosciutto, capicola, Genoa salami, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, and fresh crushed black pepper on whole wheat bread. Lenny’s Sub Shop is definitely NOT stingy with their cold cuts. The Italian sub was loaded with the freshest veggies and the best meats. I ordered the combo, so I had the option of choosing a cookie or chips to compliment with my sub. I never have any room for dessert, so I chose the original potato chips instead. After eating half of my sub, I bagged up my leftovers and proceeded to throw my trash away. I scanned the room for trash cans, but I couldn't find one. Mr. A.J. informed me that there weren't any trash cans for a reason. At Lenny’s Sub Shop, the employees are supposed to visit the tables to interact with the customers and to dispose of any trash. I have to be honest, I was blown away by the news. From my experience, it’s very rare that restaurants show their appreciation to the customers; it felt good to know that great restaurants still exist. I genuinely enjoyed my experience at Lenny’s Sub Shop because the employees and Mr. A.J. went out of their way to make sure I had the BEST lunch. Thanks again. :D

FYI: Lenny's Sub Shop

FOOD TIP: The first impression means everything. 

Feature of the Week: Aug. 30- Sept. 5

A Taste of Heaven would not exist if it were not for the audience, so I want to show my appreciation by dedicating Thursdays to the fans. If you eat or make a dish of your own and its camera ready, then you can email me your photos. I will review and post them on Thursday.  It’s important to remember presentation, style, and taste. I look forward to seeing your Taste of Heaven.

FYI: Email Pictures...

Description: This taste of heaven is chicken parmesan. Off of the first glance, this feature grabbed my attention. I haven’t made chicken parmesan in minute. I wish I could to dive into the photo and devour everything on the plate. The capellini pomodoro, or angel hair pasta, is covered with fresh tomato sauce and complimented with two tender chicken breasts. The breaded breasts are topped with fresh mozzarella and splashed with a hardy tomato sauce. It doesn’t get any better than this. Round of applause for Yanne's feature. ;D

Fish Bowl

It’s been a long week, and you’re dying for a break. Well, I have the perfect solution. I’m introducing Whine Down Wednesdays. Every Wednesday I will offer a drink to the viewers. You don’t have to wait until the weekend arrives to enjoy a great drink. Take a break and have a sip of A Taste of Heaven.  

Another popular drink in New Orleans is the Fish Bowl. It’s served in a fish bowl container with a convenient strap for your neck. I can’t tell you what inside the fishy bowl, but it’s enough alcohol inside for you to need a strap necklace. I took three sips and did NOT want anymore. It took my friend three days to finish the Fish Bowl. I would not recommend drinking the whole thing in one night. If you want to get wasted, then this is the drink for you. Good luck because I wasn’t built for this one.

FYI: Fais Deaux Deaux

FOOD TIP: Eat a big meal before drinking the Fish Bowl.

Jamaican Me Crazy

I just can’t get enough of the island cuisine. It’s something about the flavors that drive me crazy. While in Sandy Springs, I visited Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café. The little restaurant has everything you can think of from the islands. Of course, I had to try a combination dinner because I wanted everything I saw on the menu. This taste of heaven is curry chicken, oxtails, cabbage, and rice with peas. Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café makes every dish fresh upon order. The oxtails are seasoned to perfection and cooked tenderly until the meat falls off the bone. Then the cabbage has a nice crunch with thin slices of carrot floating in the mix. The chicken starts off whole, but then it cut into smaller pieces and cooked with fresh curry. If I haven’t sold you yet, it gets even better when the rice and peas gets drowned in all great flavors on the plate. Now that’s what I would call good eatin’.

FYI: Chef Rob's Caribbean Cafe

FOOD TIP: Be careful when eating curry food because it will stain your clothes.

Scooby Snack

Who doesn’t love mozzarella cheese sticks? I remember as a kid, my mom use to buy the ones in the frozen aisle. They were a delicious treat that we use to eat while watching our favorite TV show. It’s been many years since I’ve had the little frozen treat, but I had the pleasure of enjoying them again. This taste of heaven is fried mozzarella cheese sticks. These sticks are loaded with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. They are served with warm garlic parmesan marinara sauce. The portion size is perfect for an appetizer or quick Scooby snack. Just make sure you eat them while their hot. Enjoy!

FYI: Marietta Pizza Company

FOOD TIP: Mozzarella was first made in Italy.

It's Amazing

One of my favorite dishes from Pappadeaux is the Stuffed Shrimp Montage. Its jumbo shrimp stuffed with Maryland style lump crab cake, a parmesan cheese sauce, and red mashed potatoes. The spread is very simple, but filled with some of the best flavors Pappadeaux has to offer. Whenever I visit, I have to request the dish because it’s not on the menu anymore; however, they make special arrangements for me. I can’t put it into words, so you’ll have to try it for yourself. It’s amazing.

FYI: Pappadeaux

FOOD TIP: The nutrients lies within the skin of a red potato.

Feature of the Week: Aug. 23-29

A Taste of Heaven would not exist if it were not for the audience, so I want to show my appreciation by dedicating Thursdays to the fans. If you eat or make a dish of your own and its camera ready, then you can email me your photos. I will review and post them on Thursday.  It’s important to remember presentation, style, and taste. I look forward to seeing your Taste of Heaven.

FYI: Email Pictures...

Description: The fun part about my job is that I get to explore different styles of food. I look forward to the features of the week because the audience always sends me interesting dishes. This taste of heaven is strip pork, yellow saffron rice, and beans. The beautiful spread is filled with Mexican flavors. The saffron rice and beans are my favorite elements on the plate. I haven’t tried Mexican strip pork, but if I had a fork nearby I would steal a bite. This feature has me craving for some Mexican food now; I think I know what I’m having for dinner tonight. Nice selection Fred!

Ole Folk

It’s been a long week, and you’re dying for a break. Well, I have the perfect solution. I’m introducing Whine Down Wednesdays. Every Wednesday I will offer a drink to the viewers. You don’t have to wait until the weekend arrives to enjoy a great drink. Take a break and have a sip of A Taste of Heaven.  

I love white alcohol, but brown is another story. Before I started drinking, I used to see the ole folk sipping on brown and Coke. I couldn't figure out why they enjoyed it so much until I poured my first glass. The first cognac I was introduced to was the Hennessy V.S (Very Special). The founder, Richard Hennessy, developed the famous cognac in 1765.  Along with the V.S, there are five other types of Hennessy, which include: Black, Privilege, X.O, Paradise, and Richard Hennessy. I’m the classic type, so V.S is my favorite out the bunch. Personally, I enjoy it on the rocks or mixed with a little Coca-Cola. There are many ways to enjoy Hennessy, but if you want to appreciate the quality of the cognac, then I would recommend sipping it slow on the rocks.

FYI: Hennessy

FOOD TIP: Maurice Hennessy, son of Richard Hennessy, rated Hennessy V.S as the first Three Star Cognac.

Tickles Your Fancy

I’ve noticed that it’s difficult to find good wings, especially if you’re looking for lemon pepper. Great wings are cooked to the bone with a slight crunch on the outside. Then the lemon pepper is tossed over the finished product.  I enjoy the bitterness of the lemon and the boldness of the pepper. I always compliment my lemon pepper wings with hot sauce and cool ranch dressing. In my opinion, it’s one of the best wing combinations. It’s perfect with French fries or a slice of pizza, whatever tickles your fancy.

FYI: Marietta Pizza Company

FOOD TIP: Use lemon and water (anti-bacterial gargle) to help with a sore throat.

Happy Hour

I’m always searching for the best happy hour spots in Atlanta. I visited Yard House during their happy hour, so I was able to enjoy half priced appetizers, pizza, and sliders. Their appetizers include: spinach cheese dip, fried calamari, blue crab cakes, onion ring tower, seared ahi sashimi, wings, moo shu egg rolls, fried chicken strips, California rolls, chicken lettuce wraps, spicy tuna roll, chicken nachos, shiitake garlic noodles, and Hawaiian poke stack. The first appetizer I ordered was the blue crab cakes. These cakes were placed on a puddle of mango papaya chutney, passion fruit beurre blanc, and tomato oil. My favorite element on the plate, besides the cakes, was the mango papaya chutney. The colorful chutney was sweet and perfect for the mini mixed green salad. The small appetizer was refreshing and not too heavy before eating an entrée. I would recommend that you try any of the half priced items on the menu. The more the merrier.

FYI: Yard House

FOOD TIP: Tomato oil can help prevent and heal acne.

Feature of the Week: Aug. 16-22

A Taste of Heaven would not exist if it were not for the audience, so I want to show my appreciation by dedicating Thursdays to the fans. If you eat or make a dish of your own and its camera ready, then you can email me your photos. I will review and post them on Thursday.  It’s important to remember presentation, style, and taste. I look forward to seeing your Taste of Heaven.

FYI: Email Pictures...

Description: Some people are not big fans of lobster because they have not tried it nor have they given it a chance. Lobster is one of my favorite seafood choices. The meat is sweet, buttery, and succulent with every bite. My friends freak out every time I bring live lobsters home. For some odd reason, they’re scared of the little crustacean. This taste of heaven is a lobster roll. Its chunks of fresh Maine lobster wedged between a toasted white roll. The sandwich is very simple, but the simplicity is done on purpose. The focal point of the sandwich is supposed to be the lobster. If you add toppings like lettuce and tomato, then you lose the essence of the lobster. I am in LOVE with this feature. It’s an image that makes my mouth water for a bite. Perfect Job Robert!

Grown & Sexy

It’s been a long week, and you’re dying for a break. Well, I have the perfect solution. I’m introducing Whine Down Wednesdays. Every Wednesday I will offer a drink to the viewers. You don’t have to wait until the weekend arrives to enjoy a great drink. Take a break and have a sip of A Taste of Heaven.  

CÎROC Coconut is one of the most popular vodkas on the market. It’s distilled with the finest French grapes, and then it’s blended with coconut and tropical fruit essences. I enjoy the CÎROC Coconut with fresh pineapple or orange juice. The creamy coconut, with a hint of vanilla, is what I would call “grown and sexy”. The ladies and gentlemen enjoy the silky smooth texture in many cocktails. There are four flavors of CÎROC, but the coconut takes the cake. It’s a vodka that starts my night off right.

FYI: CÎROC Ultra Premium

FOOD TIP: Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs owns half of CÎROC Ultra Premium.

Neck Bone Dinner

I have to admit, I was a little sketchy about posting this dish. However, I wanted to take a walk on the wild side and show off my country side. This taste of heaven is neck bones with gravy over white rice. The key to making good neck bones is slow cooking them until the meat is falling off the bones. I woke up early in the morning to start cooking the neck bones in some herbs and spices. Then once the meat was tender, I was able to make the gravy from the juices in the pot. Neck bones pair well with white rice, collard greens, corn bread, or even cabbage. I kept it simple with the white rice, but you can get creative with your sides. I would consider neck bones a country classic that is soulful and delicious.

FYI: Further Details...

FOOD TIP: Cook neck bones over low heat, so the meat tenderizes.

Man vs. Food

Finally, I was able to dine at Big Pie in the Sky. For those who don’t know, Big Pie in the Sky is known for its special appearance on Man vs. Food. The popular pizzeria offers a Carnivore Challenge to its customers. It’s not an easy challenge, but many people have attempted to eat the 11 pound pizza in one hour. Winners receive a $250 prize for conquering the 30 inch pizza. I am known for my big appetite, but I was not interested in trying the challenge. I ordered the Supreme medium (16 inches) pizza with sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, and bacon. My favorite part was the crust because it was light and not doughy. Overall, the pizza was fresh, hardy, and delicious.

FYI: Big Pie in the Sky

FOOD TIP: Contestants interested in the Carnivore Challenge must pay $50 to try.

Sweet & Spicy

I think a part of me is from the islands because I love Jamaican flavors. This taste of heaven is called the Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp and Chicken. The chicken and shrimp is sautéed in a spicy black pepper sauce, and then it’s paired with white rice, black beans, mango salsa, and plantains. The great part about this dish is that it’s got a spicy kick that can be cooled down with the fresh mango salsa. There’s nothing better than a sweet and spicy combo. It's composed with all the island favorites; it can’t get any better than that.

FYI: The Cheesecake Factory

FOOD TIP: Plantains are a member of the banana family.

1 Year Anniversary

It's NOT my birthday, but its a celebration. A year ago, I started A Taste of Heaven. I remember having a conversation with my former boss about blogging. She encouraged me to start blogging about my food experiences. I did not know what a blog was or even how to blog. I did some research, and I opened an account with Blogger. My first post was the Steak Socrates from Marietta Diner.  It was not a big success because I did not know how to promote or market my blog properly. However, this did not stop me from posting my food adventures. I had no idea that A Taste of Heaven would reach such great success. I have learned so much, and I’ve been to so many places.  I would like to thank the audience, the social networks, the restaurants, my family, and friends for all the support. I love you guys. :D

I am kicking of The First Annual Food Awards. Every year on August 11th, I will have an award ceremony for A Taste of Heaven. The winners for 2011-2012 are listed below. 

The First Annual Food Awards

Nominees:

Marietta Diner, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Los Reyes, Fox Sports Grill, Haru, Chili's, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Henry's Louisiana Grill, Joe's on Juniper, Bahama Breeze, Bistro VG, Lenox Square Grill, Sushi Bites, Ruth's Chris, The Beautiful, Dave & Busters, Gladys and Ron Chicken & Waffles, Houlihan's, Sun Dial Restaurant Bar & View, Provino's Italian Restaurant, Edible Arrangements, Atlanta Fish Market, L. George's Coney Island, Manhattan Seafood, Blue Moon Pizza, Friday's, Two Urban Licks, Sportsline, South City Kitchen, Ray's New York Pizza, Girl Scouts, Mama Maria's Italian Grill, Fuddruckers, Jack Daniel's Distillery, Capers, Steamhouse, California Dreaming, Heineken, Marietta Fish Market, Copeland's, Prime Restaurant, Shout, Ron's BBQ & Fish, F5,Olive Garden, Tin Lizzy's Cantina, Daiquiri Factory, Taco Mac, China Taste, Hooters, Strip, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Patron, Cheesecake Factory, Yard House, Manda, & Tropical Isle 

Awards:

Best Seafood Restaurant
          *Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Best Soul Food Restaurant
          *South City Kitchen
Best Mexican Restaurant
          *El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant 
Best Italian Restaurant
           *Provino's Italian Restaurant
Best Pizza Restaurant
          *Blue Moon Pizza
Best Sushi Restaurant
          *Prime Restaurant
Best Sports Bar
          *Taco Mac
Best Dining Experience
          *Sun Dial Restaurant Bar & View
Best Ambiance
          *Bistro VG
Best Homemade Dish
          *Beer Belly
Best Feature of the Week
          *Feature of the Week: Feb. 23-29
Best Whine Down Wednesday
          *Jack on the Rocks
Instagram's Favorite Post
           *Secret Snaps
The Weirdest Post
          *Step out the Box
Most Popular Post
          *Feature of the Week: Feb. 23-29

Seafood Heaven

Everyone knows that seafood is my all time favorite food; I can eat it all day, every day. It’s very difficult to find great seafood spots that are not near the water, but House of Seafood has it all. The little hole in the wall is located in Bush, Louisiana. They offer an all you can eat seafood buffet. Their buffet includes: oysters, crawfish, scallops, crabs, shrimp, catfish, flounder, alligator, frog legs, and much more. Plated are crab legs, boiled shrimp, and whole crab. This was my first plate and I ate everything, but the shells. The flavors were incredible. I did NOT want to leave House of Seafood because the freshness reminded me of home. It’s definitely a spot that I would recommend to the seafood lovers. I felt like I was in heaven.

FYI: House of Seafood

FOOD TIP: Use lemon to kill the fishy smell on your hands.

Feature of the Week: Aug. 9-15

A Taste of Heaven would not exist if it were not for the audience, so I want to show my appreciation by dedicating Thursdays to the fans. If you eat or make a dish of your own and its camera ready, then you can email me your photos. I will review and post them on Thursday.  It’s important to remember presentation, style, and taste. I look forward to seeing your Taste of Heaven.

FYI: Email Pictures...

Description: While in New Orleans, I had the opportunity to try some interesting foods. One of my friends introduced me to pickled okra. It sounded a little sketchy, but the flavor reminded me of an olive or a pickle. I have never had okra this way before, but it was perfect for munching. I would pair them with pepperoni, cheeses, crackers, grapes, and wine. It’s a great finger food that can be served on your next party tray. Delicious choice Lily. :D

The Powerful One

It’s been a long week, and you’re dying for a break. Well, I have the perfect solution. I’m introducing Whine Down Wednesdays. Every Wednesday I will offer a drink to the viewers. You don’t have to wait until the weekend arrives to enjoy a great drink. Take a break and have a sip of A Taste of Heaven.  

This bright colored drink is called the Hand Grenade. It’s one of the most powerful drinks on Bourbon Street. Before I went to New Orleans, everyone told me to try the famous grenade. The frozen mixture is strong enough to last you the whole night. It’s served in a tall, skinny cup with a toy grenade floating on top. Bourbon Street is definitely not stingy with the alcohol. After I finished one, I didn’t want to see another drink for the night. It was worth the money and time.

FYI: Tropical Isle

FOOD TIP: The secret recipe was created in 1984.

Spicy New Orleans

It feels good to be back. I vacationed in New Orleans, Louisiana with my girlfriends, and I had a BLAST. I tried everything in the sun while I was there. I will be sharing some of the great dishes and drinks I had while I was in New Orleans. This taste of heaven is Manda Smoked Pork Sausage. It’s cooked over a high heat with fresh onion and brown gravy. New Orleans is known for their Cajun style and great spices, so the hardy sausage was perfect for our first breakfast. We paired the sausages with country grits and French bread. The spicy flavor went nicely with the creamy grits and the French bread went great with the gravy. The breakfast was filling and a delicious experience.

FYI: Manda

FOOD TIP: Manda products can be shipped to your home.