Looks Can Be Deceiving

Before you turn your nose up, READ!!! I've learned that sometimes the appearance of food can be deceiving. I preach about presentation 24/7; however, there are some dishes that are just plain ugly. Just because those dishes are NOT photogenic, doesn't mean they’re NOT delicious. This taste of heaven is gratinated onion soup. It’s a hot and bubbly mixture with onion, beef stock, freshly grated gruyere, and Parmesan cheese. The little bowl was overflowing with strings of cheese; surprisingly, it tasted better than it looked. The beef stock blended nicely with the cheeses and the bread was perfect for dipping. Today, I’m challenging everyone to try an ugly dish at their next meal (Side Note: Be creative in your selections ;D).

FYI: Carnival Cruise

FOOD TIP: Gruyere cheese originated in Switzerland.

Please Don't Disturb

I felt like the best way to come back from a commercial break, was to introduce the Seafood Gumbo. Once I saw gumbo on the menu, I knew I was ordering a cup to start off my lunch. This taste of heaven consists of prawns, sea scallops, roasted shallots, spices, peppers, and lobster broth. Every time I eat gumbo, it feels comforting to my soul. I love how the juices are soaked up by the white rice and the spices wake up your taste buds. After I took the first bite, I was in gumbo heaven. The waiter came over to check on the table, and I was in another world. Please don’t disturb me.

FYI: Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro

FOOD TIP: Lobster broth can be made from the leftover shells and body of a lobster.

Strings of Cheese

After a long graduation, the family ventured off to O’Charley’s for dinner. This taste of heaven is cheddar broccoli soup. When I say delicious, I mean it. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with broccoli. I am one of the biggest broccoli fans, so this soup won me over. My favorite part was the strings of cheese that came from dipping my spoon in the creamy mixture; this made the dish exciting to eat. O’Charley’s serves warm dinner rolls, so I would recommend using them for dipping and extra flavor. Remember to plan your meal accordingly because this cheddar broccoli soup will steal your appetite.

FYI: O'Charley's

FOOD TIP: Broccoli is extremely high in vitamin C.

Veggies Are Friends

This taste of heaven is Bertolli’s Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta. It contains chicken, yellow squash, carrots, tomatoes, celery, zucchini, and pasta combined in a vegetable broth. I added some seasonings to make the dish my own, and I drizzled shredded cheese on the finished product. Then I paired the soup with cheesy ciabatta bread; it’s the icing on the cake. The good news is the popular soup can be purchased from the grocery store. It’s a quick lunch or a light dinner that is easy to make. Please do not be discouraged by the veggies, they are the highlight of this dish. 

FYI: Further Details...

FOOD TIP: Carrots are good for your eyes.

Lobster Bisque

Warm New England lobster chowder is a great way to start off any fancy dinner. Its uniform is creamy and thick like bisque with chives sprinkled on top. The smoothness of the bisque is phenomenal. The best part is the sweet corn flavor and the chunks of lobster. Then the warm bread that is brought to the table is perfect for dipping. I love dunking different types of bread in signature soups. It’s a sensation in your mouth that makes your eyes close. In my opinion, the popular chowder is worth any trip. I love it!

FYI: Bistro VG

FOOD TIP: When lobster is fully cooked, it turns a bright red.

Surprise Me

If you want a fulfilling soup for lunch, then this hardy chili is the best choice. Tender chunks of filet mignon are the surprising treat in this dish. Kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, green pepper, onion, tomato, and spices are scattered throughout this chili mixture. Then it’s topped with chives, sour cream, and shredded cheese. On the side, crackers are served for dipping and for a smooth balance. A salad can compliment this dish, if you have a big appetite. Either way you will enjoy this warm bowl of filet mignon chili.

FYI: Fox Sports Grill (dish available at selected locations)

Hardy Chowder

Hmmmm…it’s creamy, cheesy, and smooth with each bite. If it’s cold outside and you’re dinning out, you can order a bowl of New England clam chowder. Usually it’s served with crackers or warm rolls. However, the famous soup consists of potatoes, clams, onions, and spices. It’s a thick, but creamy consistency that will have your mouth watering for more. This soup goes great with a salad or a light entree from the menu. You will love this classic.

FYI: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse