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.