Archive for the 'Restaurant' Category

BIAGGI’S – A CUT ABOVE

July 24, 2017 | Life is Good, Restaurant

Throughout the year Studs works with disabled swimmers. He’s happy to volunteer his time every Tuesday. The athletes are wonderful and so are the other coaches. Everyone’s hard work shines in June at the Special Olympics in Normal, Illinois. Studs and most of coaches are there to support the athletes and make sure their swimmers are ready and pumped for their events on Friday and Saturday.

Studs and I started a tradition eight years ago. We celebrate the wins and mourn the losses with a well deserved dinner at a classic Italian restaurant on Veteran’s Parkway in Bloomington, Illinois. The food is amazing and the waitstaff is always great. Reservations aren’t required, but recommended.

This year was the ultimate in dining and service. Allow me to introduce you to Colleen, bartender, and server extraordinaire. This young woman is knowledgeable about the complete menu, personable, concocts fabulous adult beverages, and makes it a point to not be intrusive. She has the gift of timing that few servers ever acquire.

On Colleen’s recommendation we shared a Caesar Salad and then a beautiful bottle of Placido Chianti to accompany the Spaghetti with Wild Boar Ragu Studs chose and my Short Rib Ravioli. Talk about perfection!

Colleen introduced us to Kyle her co-bartender whose blending techniques are awesome. Kyle is also a server when necessary. He’s talented and handsome and intelligent. What more can anyone want from a bartender? Oh and did I fail to mention that his smile is a knockout?

Biaggi’s is a casual dress restaurant even though the tables are set with crisp linens. They offer superb fresh food and have a flair for creating an intimate atmosphere with subdued lighting and plenty of space between tables. It is a beautiful experience and one we will enjoy many times. It’s a must, their menu’s too tempting!

They have twenty restaurants around the country. To find the one closest to you click HERE. I guarantee you’ll love the food at any of them. Unfortunately, you won’t have Colleen or Kyle, and that’s a real shame.

Great Food, Fun Atmosphere

January 24, 2011 | Restaurant

Texas Roadhouse, with its cool western decor and music, has become a large chain restaurant, specializing in steaks. The man who started the popular company is Kent Taylor. The attentive manager told us, Mr. Taylor’s goal was to create a restaurant serving top quality meats affordable to families. In our opinion, he more than achieved his goal.

Legally, I can’t display an image of this award winning restaurant. Click here for the full effect along with locations and menus.

We’ve dined twice at Texas Roadhouse with our good friends Janine and Dennis, and support the restaurant’s registered motto – Legendary Food, Legendary Service®. Mr. Taylor, along with his team, surpasses most family restaurants with their excellent made-from-scratch-for-each-order food.

I heartily recommend the fried pickles which are battered and deep fried pickle chips served with Ranch or Cajun Horseradish sauce for dipping. It’s an unusual appetizer, but well-worth the experience.

The pork chops, rib-eye steaks, and prime rib are beyond belief for quality of meat and superb cooking. Prepared to perfection, the meats are solid and savory.

Our last visit was a disappointment as the service was less than stellar. Three female bartenders stood at the far side of the large horseshoe bar chatting away while a full contingent of customers signaled for refills on their adults beverages. The “Excuse me” and/or polite gestures did nothing to break up the ladies’ important conversation or their laughter.

The kitchen runner brought out the food with no clue who got what and the order taker did not interrupt her chick chat to help him. After it was squared away, there we sat, yummy food waiting to tease our taste buds and not an eating utensil or napkin in sight.

I couldn’t stand it any longer and finally waved until our bartender bothered to look in our direction. She acted surprised we’d want another drink or a fork to eat the now cold food.

Studs and I intend to go back to Texas Roadhouse in Dyer, Indiana, but we need a little time to forget this last experience.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a Tuesday Teaser. Until then…

Happy Eating!

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell