Feature of the Week: Jan. 31-Feb. 6

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: I admire any restaurant that dresses up their French fries. It seems like wherever I go, someone always messes up my French fries. Believe it or not, French fries are not the easiest to make. Some places over cook them, under cook them, refry them, burn them, add too much salt (Side Note: I’m NOT pointing any fingers, but the shoe fits for McDonald’s), or serve them soggy. I just want French fries that are hot, fresh, and delicious. This taste of heaven is truffle fries with shredded Parmesan and herbs. Now, these fries look AWESOME. I love the fact that their under 600 calories and they’re affordable for your pockets. It’s definitely my type of appetizer.

Feature of the Week: Nov. 8-14

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: I’m SUPER excited about this feature of the week for four reasons: 

1.  It’s the FIRST recipe to premiere on A Taste of Heaven
2. The recipe came from another fellow blogger. (Blog: The Soapbox)
3. It’s a vegetarian dish that’s healthy for the diet.
4. I plan on making this recipe for a holiday appetizer.

Everyone knows that I’m a strong advocate for eating healthy. I’ve tried to become a vegetarian, but I didn’t work out because I lost too much weight. Since the veggie scene wasn’t for me, I tried to become a pescatarian, but I’m deeply in love with other types of meat (Pescatarian: People who abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. More and more people are adopting this kind of diet for health reasons or as a stepping stone for a full vegetarian diet). Unfortunately, the whole vegetarian/pescatarian movement is NOT going well; however, I maintain a balance diet as much as possible (Side Note: Please don’t judge me). This taste of heaven is homemade Vegetarian Mexican-Style Layer Bean Dip. Boy, I wish I had a bag of tortilla chips sitting next to me. I would take the first bite because I know this dip heavenly. The best part about it is that it’s loaded with tons of delicious ingredients. The Vegetarian Mexican-Style Layer Bean Dip would make a great appetizer or Scooby Snack. Thanks for this great feature Neel!

Ingredients:
(2 cans) Refried Beans
(1½ bottle) Taco Bell Brand Restaurant Sauce
(16 oz) Sour Cream
(3) Medium Tomatoes
(1) Medium Onion
(1½ Jar) Sliced Jalapenos
(1 bunch) Green Onions
(1 bunch) Cilantro
(½ tsp) Cumin
(½ tsp) Cayenne Pepper
(½ tsp) Lime Juice
 
Recipe: Vegetarian Mexican-Style Layer Bean Dip

Lobster & Chocolate

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Chef Jason Ellis. For those who don’t know, Chef Ellis is well known for being a contestant on the hit television show “Hell’s Kitchen.” Currently, he is the Executive Chef at Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro and the founder of Lobster & Chocolate Affairs. I ventured to Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro for lunch and I had a BLAST. This taste of heaven is Lobster & Chocolate. Its golden fried won tons topped with chucks of succulent lobster and white chocolate cream. Can it get any better than this? Chef Ellis combines two of my favorite foods and creates a masterpiece for my taste buds. My favorite part about this dish was that it was BEYOND spontaneous. I would have never thought to pair lobster and chocolate together. Chef Ellis is NOT afraid of taking risks in the kitchen, and this makes him stand out in my book. I have more great dishes coming from Chef Ellis in the future, so don’t go too far during the commercial break.

FYI: Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro

FOOD TIP: Chef Jason Ellis started his culinary training in Berlin, Germany.

Feature of the Week: Oct. 4-10

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: I was scrolling through Instagram and this feature caught my eye. This taste of heaven is chicken quesadillas. Its grilled tortillas stuffed with tender chicken and melted cheese. The Mexican classic is cut into triangular pieces and served with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and lettuce. Chicken quesadillas are one of my favorite appetizers to order while dining out. It’s easy to throw together and it goes great with Patron margaritas. Once you add a “Whine Down” drink to the equation, your set. Two Thumbs Up Kia!!!

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.

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: July 12-18

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 jerk chicken wings. These wings are seasoned with Caribbean spices and paired with ranch and blue cheese dressing. Then on the side, fresh celery sticks are served to calm down the hotness. I’ve tried jerk chicken wings before, and they were flaming HOT. Even though I love Jamaican jerk spices, I can only eat it on certain occasions because it’s so spicy. If you’re a fan of hot food, then I would recommend anything cooked with jerk spice. However, make sure you have a glass of milk handy. I promise you will thank me later.

Savory Crab

One of my favorite appetizers is crab cakes. Maryland has some of the best crab cakes I have ever tasted. Their cakes are loaded with pure crab and then lightly fried or seared for crunch. Since Maryland is far away, I have to search for the best crab cakes in Atlanta. Plated is a jump lump crab cake over a puddle of tomato butter sauce. The crab cake is placed adjacent to a mixed green salad that is absolutely delicious. The crab meat is fresh and tastes like butter. Unfortunately, I had to share my appetizer, but I would recommend this jump lump crab cake for one person. Savor each bite, and enjoy the moment while it lasts.

FYI: Strip

FOOD TIP: Maryland is home for crab cakes.

Dressy Tots

I enjoy having drinks and creative appetizers. I went to Hooters for lunch with some friends, and I ordered tater tots. These tots were dressed in sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon bits. The serving size was large enough to share with the table, and it went perfect with a Bud Light Lime. These tater tots remind me of the Cheesy Boy from Chili’s, except the little tots are bite size. I like the crunch of the tot and the coolness of the sour cream together. I almost ate half of the platter, but I wanted to save room for my chicken sliders. I would recommend eating the dressy tots with a sandwich or wings. It’s the ultimate combo.

FYI: Hooters

FOOD TIP: Caviar and sour cream make the perfect marriage.

Feature of the Week: Jun. 21-27

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 Firecracker Chicken Wraps. Its tender shredded chicken that’s mixed with cheese and spice in a fried tortilla. The little wraps are cut at angle and plated with lettuce, chopped tomato, and a firecracker sauce. Then avocado lime sauce is drizzled above the finished product for taste and presentation. This appetizer looks srumdiliuptious. I’m ready to dive in and eat it myself. The colors draw the customer in and everything looks fresh and delicious. I would love to make this feature at home to share with friends and family. I think finger food is a great way to start the party.

Davis Pickles

Before Saturday’s NBA game, I ventured to Tin Lizzy’s Cantina with a group of friends. I ordered a pitcher of strawberry margarita for the table, and then my friend Davis ordered fried pickles. Every place we go to, she orders these little dill fried pickles. I could not figure out why she liked them so much, until I gave them a try. These pickles were lightly fried and paired with a spicy ranch dressing. The saltiness and crunch from the pickle mixed with the cool spicy ranch was a wonderful combo. Fried pickles are not a common appetizer that people order, but I have to be honest, I enjoyed munching on them. My friend put me on to something new, and I can't wait to order some Davis Pickles in the future.

FYI: Tin Lizzy's Cantina

FOOD TIP: Dill pickles are the most popular type of pickle (sweet is next in line).

Feature of the Week: Jun. 14-20

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...

The WINNER is Rikkila Heard, and her Feature of the Week will be premiering soon. Congratulations!!!

Description: This taste of heaven is deviled eggs.  It’s boiled eggs with a spicy tomato sauce, minced chives, and a sweet chili sauce. These little eggs are so cute to me. It’s very rare that you find deviled eggs while dining out. Many people love them, but they not know how to make them properly. They go perfect with barbecue dishes and large southern dinners. I have never had them made this way before, but it sounds like it would be delicious! I love that these deviled eggs are bold and vibrant; they would make a perfect appetizer or side item.

Showtime

Starting a meal with a hot appetizer sets the night off right. Plated is a dip with Georgia white shrimp, green onion, bacon, and parmesan cheese served with grilled crostini. This cheesy dip is loaded with shrimp and bacon flavor. The light crunch from the corstini and the flavors from the Shrimp Casino were a perfect marriage. Usually, I have chips with dip, but the crostini was a nice touch for this appetizer. The next time you dine out, order a hot appetizer because it’s a great way to start the show.

FYI: Sun Dial

FOOD TIP: Crostini means "little toast" in Italian.

Tasty Fingers

I always opposed getting chicken strips from a restaurant because it’s so common. However, these tasty fingers changed my mind. This taste of heaven is battered and fried chicken tenderloins with homemade strip sauce. Originally, I had visited California Dreaming for their daily $1.95 well drinks. I wanted something to snack on, so I order the strips as an appetizer. When those bad boys came out, they were fresh, hot, and delicious. Their homemade strip sauce added sweetness to the tenders and gave the dish a wild side. I did not want to share them, but I let my friends have a taste. I promise I’m not always selfish.

FYI: California Dreaming

FOOD TIP: Don't turn your nose up, until you try it.

Cheesy Boy

I have always been a lover of cheese and French fries. It’s a great combination that surprisingly fills me up. This taste of heaven is called Texas cheese fries. It’s served in mini skillet with French fries, melted cheese, jalapeños, smoked applewood bacon bits, scallions, and a side of ranch dressing. I love the kick of the jalapeños and the hickory flavor from the bacon bits; it’s yummy. These fries are perfect for an appetizer or a side item. It comes in two sizes, so if you’re feeling greedy then order the full portion for yourself. I hope you enjoy this cheesy boy!

FYI: Chili's

FOOD TIP: Scallions are also known as green onions.

Lost in the Sauce

A Mardi Gras celebration is taken place in the city of New Orleans as we speak. People from all over are flooding the Cajun City for parades, parties, cookouts, and fun times. However, I look forward to the variety of foods. This taste of heaven is fried crawfish tails served with a homestyle cocktail sauce and a Creole Remoulade sauce. The crawfish is seasoned and lightly fried golden. Then it’s complimented with not one, but two signature sauces. The cocktail sauce is a classic, but the Creole Remoulade adds a tanginess to the dish. They both hold their own, and the fried crawfish tails are the perfect match for them. I think we have chemistry.

FYI: Ruth's Chris Steak House

FOOD TIP: "Don't knock it until you try it"

Drizzle It On

Hmmm…Sometimes I just want great wings. It does not have to be fancy, but each bite has to be loaded with flavor. These wings are fried, drizzled with cool ranch dressing, hot sauce, and garnished with parsley. Then on the side are crispy green celery sticks for extra crunch and dipping. This taste of heaven can be eaten as an appetizer IF, you feel like sharing or as a personal entrée. I promise its finger lickin’ good. All your missing is an ice cold beer and a NFL game.

FYI:  BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

Three Is Company

 It’s crunchy and lightly fried to perfection. This is an appetizer with alligator, calamari, shrimp and crawfish fondeaux. This trio appetizer is a great way to start off any meal. What’s so special about this dish is the appearance of the alligator. Many people have not tried the succulent flavor of alligator and wouldn’t think to order it either. I have to admit I was a little weary at first, but it was worth the experience. I enjoyed the burst of flavors and the overall presentation.


FYI: Pappadeaux

Quick Lunch

If you want a quick lunch, then Chili’s is a perfect place for finger food. This appetizer consists of hot wings, southwestern rolls, fresh celery, and spinach & artichoke dip. The southwestern rolls have a spicy kick that can be cooled down with the western ranch sauce they provide. Then the dip goes great with the warm, colorful tortilla chips. The wings can be changed upon preference and they can be bone in or bone out. Overall, these finger treats are great for a quick lunch or a special occasion. 

FYI: Chili's