Poole's Diner...Sometimes You Want to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Restaurant:  Poole's Diner

Dish:  Chicken Liver Pâté with Grand Marnier and Peach Mostarda

Critique:  Okay, we won’t disclose the utter hilarity of The Hotness and Sweetly trying to pronounce the name of this dish…just know that mastering international languages is not our thing.  Poole’s Diner gets BIG points on their presentation.  If you enjoy liver then you will enjoy this dish.   When eaten together, the pâté and mustard were very harmonious.  The consistency of the pâté was smooth to a fault, but still tasty- we definitely needed the provided accompaniments to assist the pâté. 

Score: 3 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Cornmeal Fried Okra with Roasted Tomato Aioli

Critique:  “Delectable.  Quite Delicious,” were the only words Sweetly kept uttering as she ate the okra.  What makes these delectable appetizers so unique was that each piece of okra was completely whole- no sliced okra here folks.  Yum! And the cornmeal breading was so light, the flavor of the okra wasn’t drowned out.  Extra Yum!  The okra was well seasoned and cooked to perfection.  Delectable indeed!  Oh and the roasted tomato aioli…slam dunk (Michael Jordan style)!

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Macaroni Au Gratin

Critique:  The Hotness requested a moment of silence when the macaroni au gratin arrived at our table.  First of all, The Hotness and Sweetly are connoisseurs of macaroni and cheese, but let us tell you…this macaroni au gratin took things to another level.  Say what? Yes, what! This macaroni au gratin will leave you speechless, the super heaping portion they give you should be against the law…and The Hotness would gladly get arrested.  The cheesiness is worth it—absolutely a must have during one’s lifetime.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Chicken Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Americano Charred Summer Squash, Sweet Onion Salad, and Heirloom Tomato Relish

Critique:  We don’t know who or what “Saltimbocca” is- but we love what you’ve done with the chicken.  Tender, juicy, and flavorful is all one can ask for when devouring savory chicken and Poole’s Diner more than delivered.  Not to mention, the summer squash with onions tasted awesomely fresh from the garden.  Thank you, Mr. Saltimbocca!

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Dish:  Warm Peach Cobbler with Malted Milk Ice Cream

Critique:  Simplicity at its finest. Period.  One of the best peach cobblers ever! No further words are needed to expound on this flawless dish.  The warm peaches, mouthwatering cobbler, and phenomenal ice cream.  Well done, Poole’s Diner.  Well done.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Benjamin's Calabash! The Original Seafood Restaurant!

The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood Buffet

Dish:  Hushpuppies

Critique:  These are by far the best hushpuppies in all the land!  They tasted like a combination of buttery cornbread and Krispy Kreme donuts.  Be careful!  They immediately place these delicious , hot treats on the table when you sit down.  If you’re not careful, you’ll eat the entire basket and leave no room for dinner.  The Hotness decrees Benjamin’s Calabash hushpuppies are a weapon of mass yumminess!  You’ve been warned.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  All You Can Eat Crab Legs

Critique:  Crab lovers this is the joint to crash to satisfy your crab addiction.  The Hotness and Sweetly attempted to eat  all the crab legs in sight, but to no avail- they kept bringing out more and more and more!  Yes, they were hot, steamy, and fresh- everything one can ask for from Mr. Crab!

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  Barbecue Ribs and Juicy Steak

Critique:  Who doesn’t enjoy mountains of BBQ ribs and tender steak?  We have no complaints what so ever…each item on the buffet tasted like it was prepared with time and care.  The ribs were fall off the bone good and the steak- my goodness, we don’t know how they seasoned this steak but boy do we love the Calabash style!

Score:  4 Out of 4 Hotties!!









Dish:  Cup Cakes and Rice Krispy Treats

Critique:  Honestly, this picture doesn’t do justice to the phenomenal dessert spread that takes place at Benjamin’s Calabash- there are humongous cakes, pies, and puddings.  The Hotness favorite dessert is Benjamin’s soft serve ice cream… truly tis indescribable; must be made from Mother’s Milk.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

The Mandolin Restaurant Bringing Uniqueness to Each Dish

Restaurant:  Mandolin in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Country-Fried Hudson Valley Foie Gras

Critique:  Yeppers!  “We’re moving on up to a deluxe apartment in the sky!”  That’s right; we’re eating fancy French food.  We have never tried foie gras before, but the way the waiter pronounced the dish (fwa gra) made it sound so beautiful.   Leave it to the French to make goose liver sound absolutely decadent.  Oh and it was! It felt like we were sinning with each bite.   Served with black truffle-creamed corn crepes, topped with plump blackberries and black pepper- this foie gras experience is worth repeating over and over again.  Merci Mandolin for providing us with our wonderful first foie gras         memories!   Until we meet again, au revoir!

                                                                                   Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Chicken and Waffles with Braised Greens

Critique:  Oh yea, babe…who doesn’t like fried chicken and waffles?  Well, the Madolin’s dish is the upscale version.  It even arrived with some pretty foam on top- Sweetly almost sent the plate back because she thought they were suds.  The Hotness had to explain that the foam was a fancy decoration.  Now to the good stuff- the chicken breast was crispy, moist, and complimented the buckwheat waffles perfectly.  Our only complaint was that the greens had way too much vinegar and the level of acidity was distracting.  Nonetheless, the sautéed mushrooms and bacon helped make this dish a hit.

                                                                                    Score: 3 ½ out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Peach Bourbon Bread Pudding

Critique:  The Hotness loved the tasty North Carolina peaches and one could definitely taste the bourbon throughout the dessert.  However, she only wished that the dish was sweeter, maybe add a touch off honey or a pound of sugar.  Mandolin, don’t be afraid.  Come on…bring the sweetness! We can handle it.

Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties!