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Shake Shack on Peachtree Rd. in Atlanta Serving Kid’s Size Burgers

20141222_170527-1 I heard that Shake Stack was a hot spot in New York and decided to go to the franchise in Atlanta. I was extremely disappointed. Firstly, it was in a highly upscale plaza, but when you enter persons are practically sitting on top of each other. They definitely needed a bigger spot. Also, combos are not available. Everything has to be ordered separately, hence hiking the price. Perhaps their burgers are considered gourmet, since one of the least expensive burgers that I ordered, the Shack Burger costed $4.99US that was a regular cheese burger. Friesn costing $2.90 US and my Strawberry shake ($5.15US) was additional. So I exprected a decent size burger with the name, ‘Shack Burger’. When it arrived, it looked like a slider! The Shack Stack Burger (Veggie burger with Portobello Mushrooms) for $9.15US that my friend ordered was practically the same size, with the patty being slightly bigger. Perhaps they were putting all their customers on a diet to fit into their small seating space. Thankfully, the burgers at least tasted good. Drinking a milk shake with their burgers is highly recommended to help fill the void.

Rich, creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Applebee’s! Learn how to make your own here

 

The Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Applebee’s was on point! A warm crock of creamy spinach, tender artichokes, and melted cheeses, served with freshly made Spicy Chipotle Lime Salsa and tortilla chips. Try to make your own as an appetizer for your guests on Christmas Day while they wait for the big dinner.

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

(original url: http://www.allthecooks.com/hot-spinach-artichoke-dip.html)

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INGREDIENTS

8 oz – pkg cream cheese

1/4 cup – mayo

1/4 cup – parmesan cheese

3 clove – garlic

1/2 teaspoon – dried basil

1/4 teaspoon – onion powder

1/4 cup – romano cheese

14 oz – can artichoke hearts

1/2 cup – frozen chopped drained spinach

1/4 cup – mozzarella cheese

1 salt

1 pepper

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DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350*

2. Grease small baking dish

3. Drain and chop Artichoke

4. Drain and squeeze out water from spinach

5. In bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayo, parmesan and Roman cheeses, garlic, basil, salt and pepper

6. Add in Artichoke and spinach

7. Transfer to baking dish and top with mozzarella

8. Bake for 45 min till it’s golden and bubbles

Recipe found with Cookpad (http://cookpad.com/en)

IHOP’s Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Pancakes for Christmas!

IHOP is still holding strong for breakfast! A friend ordered fish and chips and the fish seemed to be frozen and heated up so the inside was not heated through, but who goes to IHOP and orders fish and chips?! Serve her right.

I ordered the Split Decision Breakfast with eggs, 2 bacon strips, French toast, switched the sausage for ham and the regular pancakes for the Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Oh my, presentation was lovely and it tasted divine! I made sure to eat it as it was served so all that raspberry goodness didn’t have time to make the pancakes soggy and I could enjoy those white chocolate chips inside. That Christmas special is a winner!

Service was awesome too!

Ruby Tuesday in ATL just Average

On Saturday, I just needed a quick, late afternoon lunch. Decided to dine at Ruby Tuesday, since it was at a location close to some stores I needed to go to. I was greeted pleasantly and seated quickly but had to wait too long for a waitress to take my order. I requested same and one came shortly after with a smile and apologies.

I ordered the New Orleans Seafood (Spicy broiled Tilapia topped with sauteed Shrimp and rich Parmesan cream sauce served with a choice of two sides) for $14.99US +tx. I have to mention the bread biscuits that followed. Soft and flavourful. Best I’ve tasted. I would take those over garlic bread any day. The food came in a reasonable amount of time and was hot! Loved that. The dish looked nothing like the picture on the menu though. The presentation was not appealing and the portion size of the Tilapia that was not even near spicy, could be slightly bigger. The fish and shrimp were overcooked and the sauce was nothing to write dear Ja about, but it could be eaten and satisfied my hunger.

The atmosphere was decent with a little sports bar and there was a fresh garden bar that looked interesting and more appetizing.

Average food chain restaurant. Not likely to return.

Location: 3010 Panola Road, Lithonia, GA 30038

Telephone number: (678) 418-0847

Date and time of visit: 19/12/14; 3:50pm

 

Steak ‘n Shake’s Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream Milkshake in ATL!

Hope you all lost your Pre-Christmas pounds because the temptations are real! This shake was thick, creamy and full of cookies. It was awesome but I still think the Oreo Milkshake from Fuddruckers in DC was better.

There are many more flavours to choose from at Steak ‘n Shake though…. Christmas specials of Egg Nog, White Chocolate and Peppermint Chocolate Chip are available along with the usual Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup, Snickers, Very Berry Strawberry, Ultimate Banana and more!

‘Tis the season to treat yourself! Check out 24 Seven Cafe!

As Christmas Day gets closer, the Christmas specials get ‘yummier’. Check out 24 Seven Cafe’s delicious Strawberry Cheesecake, Mocha Cheesecake and Peppermint Mocha. They have Peppermint Mocha and White hot Chocolate as Christmas Specials.

The temperature where the cakes were kept may have been a bit too low for the Strawberry Cheesecake but as time went by, it got softer and ‘yummier’ with each bite until it was just right. The taste of mocha was strong in the Mocha Cheesecake and it was moist and divine. The Peppermint Mocha had the essence of peppermint throughout and not just at the top where you could see the sprinkles.

The Christmas decor at the Jamaica Pegasus was tastefully done. You will surely feel the spirit of Christmas there, peaceful and joyous simultaneously.

Have you been 689’d by this Oxtail Lasagne yet?

Check out 689 by Brian Lumley’s restaurant located below the QUAD in New Kingston for this divine, sinful Oxtail Lasagne that melts in your mouth. This may be your last chance since the menu will be changing in January. Also, it is only available on Wednesdays and Sundays.

It’s pricy but I guess you have to remember you are getting food from a Celebrity Chef.

It costs $2650JMD +GCT + Service charge but it is definitely worth a try. Surely do not forget your Pop Up Gourmet Advantage card to bring the cost below $3000JMD.

Dinner is still great at Blue Window, The Pegasus, not to mention their Sunday Brunch!

I made it to the Blue Window twice in one week. What a treat. For dinner last Wednesday night, the staff were all pleasant and quite attentive. Turning off the AC in the cold, rainy weather we have been experiencing and all. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time. My beau had the French Onion soup, which was good but not as good as the one at TGIF. We also had the Grilled Atlantic Salmon with coconut cous cous and mixed green salad as well as the Hellshire inspired Steamed Fish Fillet with mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables. The Salmon was cooked just right. Most places tend to overcook it or think that black grill marks suggest it is well cooked. The Lychee Chili sauce to complement it was flavourful. The Steamed Fish Fillet had about 4 or 5 bones. But other than that it was tasty. We were too full for dessert but definitely made up for that at their Sunday Brunch.

The Brunch! Food galore, you name it they had it. What I found interesting is that since I am on my pre-Christmas diet, I thought I would have overdone my ‘cheat day’, as the food at most brunches are usually so heavy. But I was pleasantly surprised. There was also an even split of breakfast and lunch options. From what I can remember, there was the usual, Ackee & Saltfish, Callaloo and Fried dumplings. There was also Escoveitch Salmon, a unique option, but I think salmon is just not the seafood to escoveitch. The essence of the salmon is lost. Potato wedges, the Macaroni and Cheese and the Beef were good. Their Honey Roasted ham was very tasty but could be more on the moist side. Pepper Shrimp that wasn’t so peppery, Crab legs, a Sushi platter and a range of salads were present. The Sushi was delicious and their Greek salad is always appetizing. Food on the heavier side included Barebecue Pigtail, Jerk Chicken and Curried Goat. The 3-in-1 Waffle, Crepe and Roti station was unique as well, with the chef cooking up these delights with a variety of choices of fillings to suit your fancy. The Dessert section topped it off with divine Panna Cottas, Cakes and more to leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Service continued to be fully on point with staff monitoring the dining area and food stations, advising persons of options and what was available. Plates were also cleared around the clock as it should be. It was delightful to see happy, pleasant staff, as that mood somewhat transfers to diners and is an indication that General Manager, Mr. Peter Hilary is doing an excellent job.

Cost of Sunday Brunch: $3240JMD incl. tax

Time of Sunday Brunch: 11am-3:00pm

The Layer Cake is doing Fruit Cakes this Christmas!

The Layer Cake at Jerkaz Restaurant on Old Hope Road has delicious and festively packaged traditional dark fruit cake for Christmas!

The cake is stocked with premium ingredients and soaked in Layer Cake’s special wine and Jamaican rum blend. Rich and moist.

They are sold with or without gift wraps at $1800JMD per pound.

Order now!!! Call 570-2253