Winston's Grille-Raleigh, NC

Winston's Grill has been on my radar for quite some time.  My Christmas visit with my sister brought us together for a wonderful dinner at a very nice restaurant with a well recommended reputation.   The Christmas decorations were very festive.

    

Our server, Hannah, arrived promptly at the table with a smiling face and a festive Christmas spirit.   She took our drink orders and delivered home made bread to our table.  One of my favorites!!

Winston's Grille also has an open to the kitchen tasting bar.  

Looked like the perfect place to enjoy Happy Hour and enjoy 

some tasty appetizers.  

Hannah suggested the Chicken Asiago and I asked her for 

her Christmas Surprise for me.  She didn't let us down.  

The London Broil was perfectly prepared medium rare...and the 

mashed potatoes were velvet heaven.  Loved the Mixed Vegetable Medley

which obviously was prepared with fresh vegetables....not something from a purveyor.  

I was so disappointed that I lost the picture of Chicken Asiago....I had it somewhere but 

it vanished.  The plate was equally well prepared and beautiful to the eye.  

After our fabulous meal, it was time for coffee and desserts!  I requested decaf coffee and it was rich and robust. My sister chose the Peppermint Cheesecake and I chose the Bananas Foster Dessert.  The moment the Peppermint Cheesecake was set on the table, I could smell the delicious aroma.  Smooth and creamy and so very Holiday inspired.  My Bananas Foster was perfect...light flaky puff pastry and the home made ice cream was the perfect accompaniment.  

Peppermint Cheesecake

Bananas Foster with Vanilla Ice Cream

Winston's Grille is open for Lunch and Dinner

and Reservations are available via Open Table.

Full Bar and Wine Cellar should complete

your visit and leave you very satisfied!

Winston's Home Made Ice Cream is available 

for take home if you desire.   Pints and Quarts

are available in the cooler.  

Wisteria Southern Gastropub

There is nothing better than finding a 

locally owned restaurant on Urbanspoon.  

 I had never been to Morganton and it was lunchtime.   

While on the road traveling from Knoxville, TN to Raleigh, NC, the lunch hour put me at the Morganton, NC exit.  I looked around and saw all the familiar fast food chains and know that was not going to be my choice today.  My Urbanspoon mobile app helped me find Wisteria.  

I arrived about 11:30 and they had just opened.   It was Saturday and the Brunch was being featured.  My server, Cecil, approached quickly and offered a freshly made Mimosa or Bloody Mary.  Had to pass on that since I was driving, but they sure looked good.  He presented the Menu for my approval and brought out two very nice muffins to enjoy.  

I suggested that Cecil surprise me with his 

favorite menu items.   He didn't disappoint me.  

Wisteria Breakfast

The Wisteria Breakfast featured Eggs with Cheese, Stone Ground Grits, bacon and a biscuit.  The grits were outstanding....loved them.    Cecil also surprised me with something I have never heard of....LIVERMUSH!   I have had lots of different things to eat but this one stumped me.  As we talked, I found out it is a regional delicacy.   A combination of ground liver and cornmeal, pan fried.   At first, I thought it was a slice of pumpernickel bread.  It was a very different side dish, but I found out I did like it.  Always been a braunschweiger fan and this tasted just like it.    

Livermush

  

Nice Interior

I enjoyed by brunch and would stop back again to

enjoy more of the menu.    Thanks for serving 

me a great local meal.  

Josh's On Union Square--Hickory

An unexpected road trip carried me from Knoxville, TN to Raleigh, NC via I-40.   My halfway mark happened to be in Hickory, NC and it was time for lunch.    My first thought was to grab my phone and check out the Urbanspoon app.  When traveling, I make it a point to try the number one restaurant in any area, if available.  

 

Josh's on Union Square was the spot I had to try.   I had never been to Hickory and was filled with a great treat.  The downtown area is beautiful.  As with all towns, the rail tracks travel right through the city-center.   The Train Station House appeared to be used in the past and now is being remodeled and restored.   I stopped on Wednesday and the Farmer's Market had gathered to sell their wares.     

When I entered the busy restaurant scene at Josh's, the Maitre D' was busy for a moment but immediately noticed my arrival.  He spoke and told me he would be right back....and he was.  He seated me directly in front of the open kitchen area on a high top table.   Josh was busily preparing many meals for the crowd.   My waitperson approached and took my drink order.  Upon returning, I asked for Josh to surprise me with my lunch choice.

What a surprise....Beef Tips and Mushrooms with a Caesar Salad

The Beef Tips were so tender that I didn't need a knife....and so flavorful.   What a treat to 

enjoy with the fresh salad.  I also enjoyed a glass of the house Merlot that was spot on.  

To finish the lunch meal, the chef suggested the Pecan Pie Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream.   Warm, wonderful and the pastry was perfect.   The Maitre D' returned to my table with a bit more wine to enjoy with my dessert.    

Josh's on Union Square will definitely be a spot I would return to 
and suggest this destination for any foodie!

El Paso Mexican--Hendersonville, NC

While on a return trip from Charleston Cruise, we stopped by El Paso in Hendersonville, NC for a quick lunch.  SO HAPPY that we have the Urbanspoon Mobile App...it is wonderful, if you haven't tried it.  

Finding the restaurant was easy and we had never been to Hendersonville.   Quickly arrived to a packed parking lot.  Looks like this is the place for lunch and dinner.    Our server delivered a great salsa, bean dip and chips.   Time to look at the menu!  

Lunch specials are served Monday-Friday 11-3 and 

we arrived just in time...got the last parking spot.    

Beef Burrito with Frijoles and Salad

 

Pork Burrito with Rice & Frijoles

One of the Best Cheap Lunches in 

a Long Time....will be sure to 

stop here on the next road trip.  

More Pics for You to Enjoy!