Acworth Mardi Gras

Normally, I would be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras right now, but I had to make other arrangements this year. Every time I visit, I stop at the daiquiri spot, then I visit Manhattan Seafood for shrimp, gumbo and crawfish. I always look forward to eating and drinking all day. My whole trip consists of nothing, but fun times and family. Since I’m not in the Cajun City, I had to find the closest thing to me. This taste of heaven is a Shrimp Po’ Boy from Henry’s Louisiana Grill. It’s Cajun fried shrimp, tomato, lettuce, and remoulade sauce on French bread. If you haven’t had a Po’Boy yet, then you’re missing out BIG TIME. Henry’s Louisiana Grill is one of my favorite spots in Acworth, Georgia. The restaurant is Mardi Gras inspired, so the interior is filled with colorful beads, jazz music, and friendly people. It’s always a party going on and the food is always on point. Yum Yum!!!

FYI: Henry's Louisiana Grill

FOOD TIP: Henry’s Louisiana Grill was opened in 2000.

Feature of the Week: Dec. 27-Jan. 2

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: Ooooooooweeeeeee!!!!! I’ve never had a meatball sandwich before, but I’m having second thoughts now. I remember my mother use to order meatball sandwiches whenever we would visit the sub shops for dinner. I’m so greedy that I’m surprised I never stole a bite. Clearly, I've been missing out on this hardy sandwich. I would love to make my own one day; however, I would use turkey meatballs instead. Once I experiment with some recipes, I’ll post up my version of the famous meatball sandwich. Wonderful feature Grundy!!! ;D

Mini Philly

Sometimes I feel like I eat the same things for dinner. Fish, chicken, shrimp, and turkey are always on the menu. I wanted to eat something delicious that was homemade, so I ventured to Philly in my kitchen. This taste of heaven is a Philly cheesesteak with sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers, provolone cheese, and tender strips of steak. The wheat roll is spread with mayonnaise and stuffed with all the sautéed ingredients. I love mini Phillies because they are easy to make and its hardy sandwich that will fill you up. In the future I plan to make a foot long Philly for my next friendly gathering.

FYI: Further Details...

FOOD TIP: Slice veggies into strips when making your Philly cheesesteak (avoid dicing).

Feature of the Week: Nov. 15-21

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: As I've said before, I’m trying to demonstrate better eating habits. I don’t eat regular hamburgers anymore; however, I will devour a turkey burger in a heartbeat. Although I haven’t had a hamburger in a while, this feature made me have second thoughts. This taste of heaven is an 8 oz gourmet burger, on a toasted Kaiser roll, with sauteed mushrooms, onions, bacon, tomato, and Swiss cheese. The healthy spread is served with French fries and ketchup for dipping. The toppings look phenomenal in this feature. It almost resembles the “Locked & Loaded” post. Nice selection Fred!

My Escapade

I'm back!!!! I went on an escapade to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and the Grand Cayman Islands. I said I was going somewhere with flava, so I hopped on a Carnival Destiny ship to set sail. For those who don't know, I've never been out the country, so it felt great to finally experience a different culture and lifestyle. I snapped so many pictures, and I can't wait to share all of them with you. I will be showing every dish I devoured on my vacation. There will be desserts, sandwiches, appetizers, snacks, late night room service, and much more. Hold on tight because this ship is sailing off.

I'm sitting on Lido Deck trying to catch a tan, but I'm not getting any luck because I can't sit down for two seconds. I thought to myself, what can I do to kill some time (Side Note: I'm smiling on the inside right now). If you know me, then you know what I'm thinking about at this very moment. I got up from my chair and headed toward the deli line. I ordered a corn beef sandwich with Swiss Cheese, mustard, and two pickles. I was already sipping on a Bud Light, so the corn beef sandwich sealed the deal for me. When I got back to my seat, everyone looked at me like where is my sandwich. I sat down and said, "You're on your own."

FYI: Carnival Cruise

FOOD TIP: Corn beef pairs well with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

Sloppy Joe

You didn't have a real childhood, unless you had a Sloppy Joe for dinner. I remember watching the Sloppy Joe scene in “It Takes s Two” with the Olsen Twins. Although the sandwich was messy, it didn't matter because it was a sloppy meal that was delicious. This taste of heaven is Sloppy Joe, on a grilled bun, with red potato French fries. Alright, I was showing out again with this one. A good friend of mine requested this sandwich for lunch, and I couldn't turn her down because it’s a childhood classic. I really don’t have to elaborate on Sloppy Joe because if you haven’t had one, then you missing out. Get it together.

FYI: Manwich

FOOD TIP: Toast the bun, so the Sloppy Joe won't get too messy.

Feature of the Week: Sept. 27-Oct. 3

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 can be very complex when it comes to eating, but sometimes I like to keep it simple with a sandwich. This taste of heaven is a Roasted Turkey Melt. Its roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, avocado, Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough bread. This sandwich has everything I love on it, plus more. I wouldn’t have thought to use avocado, but that was a nice touch. The pickles on the side tie everything together and it completes the presentation as well. Great Job Kenyatte!

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. 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!

Locked & Loaded

It’s the summertime and everybody is grilling their favorite foods. Plated are two mushroom turkey burgers. They are loaded with lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, sliced cheese, sautéed onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickles. These turkey burgers are tender, juicy, and seasoned perfectly. I love having turkey burgers with fresh cut French fries or creamy fried corn. It’s a quick meal to make, and a great dish to share with company.

FYI: Further Details...

FOOD TIP: Mushrooms don't need sunlight to grow.

Fuddruckers

This sandwich is called Bacon & Swiss. It’s a grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, pickle, bacon, Swiss cheese, honey mustard, and mayonnaise. The best part about this restaurant is that you can pick your own topping. They are freshly cut and presented to their customers on the rocks. Personally, I have grown to love chicken sandwiches more than hamburgers. They are both delicious; however, the grill chicken sandwich is refreshing and light. I feel full and satisfied after eating the Bacon & Swiss from Fuddruckers. It’s a favorite of mine, and I know that you will love it as well.

FYI: Fuddruckers

FOOD TIP:  Mayonnaise contains Vitamin E. 

Build A Burger

I made a homemade burger with the works. It contains lean beef, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onion, pickles, mushrooms, ketchup, and mayonnaise. I chose a fluffy white bun with sesame seeds and crinkle French fries as my side item. I grilled the burger well done, but I made sure it was juicy with each bite. This taste of heaven is a great way to show your creative side in the kitchen. Next time you make a burger, experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

FYI: Further Details...

FOOD TIP: When your shopping for red meat look at the amount of fat, the red color, and the cut of meat.

It's a Mouthful

It’s called the “Knife and Fork Burger,” but I substituted the beef for char-grilled marinated chicken. This sandwich has sautéed button mushrooms, red onion, lettuce, Swiss cheese, tomato, and a pinot noir demi glace on a toasted bun. Then for the side item I chose tavern French fries. The chicken is tender and juicy from the grill and has a sweet taste from the glace. It’s a mouthful. You NEED a fork and a knife to conquer this sandwich. I enjoyed the mushrooms and Swiss cheese the most. The sandwich is so good, I’d order it twice.

FYI: Joe's on Juniper 

FOOD TIP: If you want tender and juicy meat, then marinate it overnight. 

Fully Loaded

During lunch I look forward to having a cold cut sandwich or a hot sub. This taste of heaven is a corn beef sandwich with provolone cheese, mustard, a secret sauce, pickles, and baked Lay’s chips. The corn beef is freshly cut and seasoned from the deli. Then it’s warmed and mounted on a sour dough bun. Each bite is fully loaded with the salty beef and provolone cheese. It’s a light, but filling dish that can be eaten for lunch or for a midnight snack. Anything with corn beef is a winner in my book.

FYI: Further Details...

FOOD TIP: Eating small meals throughout the day is better than eating 3 heavy meals in a day.

Party Deluxe

If you want a lunch sandwich, then a chicken deluxe is the perfect choice. This taste of heaven is a fried juicy white chicken breast with crispy lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, bacon, and a secret dressing on wheat bread. Then on the side is crinkle French fries. If you want to get fancy you can add a pickle to your lunch as well. This dish is simple to create at home and it does not require a lot of time to make. It’s a party in your mouth once you take the first bite.

FYI: Further Details... 

Twisted Burger

Picture a combination of grilled onions, American cheese, lettuce, bacon, and a secret dressing on a juicy turkey burger. This taste of heaven is complimented with pickles and creamy fried corn. The veggie of the day is cooked with red peppers, green peppers, and bacon. Sweet, hickory, and spicy are a few of the many flavors throughout this dish. This meal is a great twist on a burger. It’s not your ordinary beef burger with French fries, but it’s fairly easy to make at home as well. I think you will enjoy it.

FYI: Further Details...

A Mardi Gras Experience

New Orleans is a great place for food, fun, and partying. However, they are mostly known for their Cajun style of food. A popular dish of New Orleans is the Shrimp Po’ boy. This well known sandwich is made with French bread, lettuce, tomato, and lots of juicy fried shrimp. Although the Po’ boy seems simple, it is considered a classic in the state of Louisiana. It’s a “must have” if you ever take a trip to the Cajun City. 

FYI: Manhattan Seafood