J J Ruby's Fine Food & Spirits--Ithaca, MI

J J Ruby's was recommended by my family on our recent visit.  

What made it even better was my dear cousins picked up the tab!!  

Nothing tastes better than free food....and this place delivered.    

Our servers were prompt and attentive to our large party of 14.   While they didn't have a single table to accommodate us, we had a six top and an eight top.  Two servers handled our impromptu visit without a reservation.   It was four in the afternoon, so they were able to help...while dining later or on a weekend might have been a problem.  

My tablemates enjoyed their fried fish offerings.   My sister enjoyed her cheeseburger...since that seems to be her meal of choice.   My server surprised me with their prime rib topped with onions and mushrooms.  The prime rib was reheated on a grill and had a slight smoky grilled flavor that was not at all objectionable...but it was not freshly sliced.    My smallish baked potato was very good in addition to the cole slaw that was served.  

Great Cheeseburger with Fries

Prime Rib with Grilled Onions and Mushrooms

We couldn't leave the table without desserts!!   We all chose

the pecan pie and toasted coconut cream pie.  The pastry crusts

were exceptional....home made for sure.  

J J Ruby's opens at Six AM and closes at Nine PM.  

Bob Evans Restaurant--Piqua, OH

ON the road again...traveling to Michigan to visit.  Sad occasion with 

the passing of my last Uncle.  

Had to stop overnight in Piqua since I can't drive

all the way any more.  Just have to rest after a while 

when driving alone.  

Bob Evans was located just off I-75 exit 82 where my hotel was.   Getting up

early was not part of my plan..but I had to get back on the road again.  

Ordered the Eggs over easy....turkey sausage and country potatoes.   The 

potatoes were a little dry...but ketchup helps.   Nice English Muffin and

coffee was good.  Surprised to see they even offered sugar free Smuckers jam.  

Good food with very competitive prices

Large Mural in Entrance

Bob Evans Restaurants are completely predictable...enjoyed this visit just as I have at every Bob Evans.  

S & S Cafeteria--Knoxville, TN

In the center of Bearden Hill is the mainstay

S & S Cafeteria

I have lived in Knoxville for three decades and the S & S has been in operation...serving good old fashioned cafeteria food.   Nothing fancy....nothing gourmet but great southern food!  Everyone 

knows where they are located since they stay in the same building for all these years.  

Stopped by on a Friday for lunch and they were featuring

great fried fish and the squash casserole is just 

like grandma used to make!  

Nice selection of salads and fresh fruits

The entreé selections beats it all!  

And the staff is great to deal with!!  

Open every day for Lunch and Dinner
Credit Cards available but NO senior discounts.  

Bistro By The Tracks--Knoxville

A new visit with even more flavors....

The once little town of Knoxville  has come into its own with the evolution of Bistro By The Tracks in their new location!  Let's be honest...the old location was twenty years of shop worn interior!   This place is gorgeous from The  Main Entrance to the Private Dining Room.  It just is comfortable, well decorated and inviting to their guests.  

We stopped in for Dinner and was soon to find out they are now open for Lunch, Monday-Friday, 11:30 to 2:30.  The Lunch selection includes soups, featuring their Baked Onion Soup, Calamari with sweet/sour tomato sauce, grilled shrimp salad and the over served Strawberry Salad.  That salad seems to be in every restaurant and I am getting a little tired of seeing it.   Time to come up with a few new choices. 

A very comfortable Lounge

The extensive wine list is all inclusive.  Too many choices and our server was spot on with recommendations.   We began with the Curried Sea Scallops for our split appetizer.   Very well balanced coconut red curry sauce with a spinach accompaniment.     Cocktails were as expected and we enjoyed them while anticipating the great dinner to arrive.    Some of the features on the menu included Alaskan Halibut with truffle potato cake, shitakes, corn, grapes and mushroom jus at 30.00,  Grilled Pork Chop with rice salad and grilled pineapple at 24.00.  I immediately targeted the Pan Seared Duck with vegetable arancini, with pear cherry chutney at 24.00.  

The entire evening was one of class and memorable of an Atlanta upscale event.   I would highly recommend a return experience.    Dress is smart casual...leave your jeans at home...you will look out of place at this restaurant. 

The Private Dining Room

March 4, 2011 Update:   Got to enjoy lunch today with a great friend.   We both were very hungry and ready for a relaxing time to eat and enjoy catching up on conversation.  

Miss B ordered the Bistro Burger with Sweetwater Valley Cheddar Cheese and I ordered the  Slaw Reuben.  Both were wonderful!!  

Crunchy Fresh Bread

Bistro Burger with Cheddar Cheese

Slaw Reuben with Fries

May 8, 2015 Update 

Once again....Bistro by the Tracks hit it out of the park!    Celebrating a birthday and our server, Jason was great to help.   I asked him to surprise me and enjoyed wonderful food and drink.   My first surprise selection was the Warm Mushroom Salad.  It was so good....something I might have overlooked if I were ordering myself. Our entreés included the Halibut and my surprise was the Roast Duck.  Oh, wow....it was so good.  Moist and tender...and the gouda polenta, ( we call them grits down here) was a perfect compliment to the dish.    Rounded out the evening with the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Tart and the Strawberries & Cream.   Great evening and we must return soon.      

Caesar Salad

Warm Mushroom Salad

Rhubarb Glazed Duck

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Tart

Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake

Roast Halibut with Caramelized Fennell