Sopranos Grill in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Rice Balls

Critique:  Not sure if this restaurant is officially based on the Sopranos hit HBO series, we were too nervous to ask any questions.  This was the very first time that The Hotness and Sweetly tried rice balls.  When we ordered them, we thought they would be the size of petite cheeseballs…these rice balls were the size of a fist!  Stuffed with risotto, parmesan cheese, ground beef, and sweet peas…yasss!  The flavor was unique, we gave the rice balls extra points for the sheer size of each one.  The crispiness of the outside crust provided a welcome texture.  The Hotness definitely preferred the marinara dipping sauce versus the ranch dressing.

Score:  3 Out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Chicken Parmigiana

Critique:  One of the best chicken parmigiana’s ever! Sweetly kept remarking on how the chicken was cooked to perfection.  Lightly breaded, deep fried, and then baked in the Sopranos house-made marinara sauce PLUS topped with melted mozzarella cheese.  Angel hair pasta is our favorite, so it was the perfect compliment to such a wonderful dish.

Score:  4 Out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Carmela’s Lasagna

Critique:  Marvelous! Simply Marvelous! Layers and layers of ground beef, ricotta, romano, and mozzarella cheese smothered in the Sopranos house-made tomato sauce.  Served piping hot, so hawt that The Hotness thought it was competing against her.  If you are fan of awesomely, delicious lasagna then Carmela’s Lasagna is for you and your belly!  Is it a crime to drink glasses of marinara sauce? Nope!  Btw…our waiter was the strong, silent type maybe because he actually worked for the real Sopranos, he refused to smile.  Proceed with caution-but the food is worth it!

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!

Angus Barn in Raleigh, NC

Dish: Combo Platter

Critique:  “It’s been a long time, we shouldn’t have left you without a dope review to step to, step to…”  So many choices.  Who likes shrimp? Who likes fried oysters? Ribs?  WE DO!  This appetizer had all the right moves.  The fresh horseradish was an extra bonus to the shrimp.  The oysters could have been deep fried a little longer to really set it off. Our only complaint was that we should have ordered more.

Score:  3 out of 4 Hotties!

Dish: New York Strip Sandwich

Critique:  Slathered in chipotle mayo with Portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and gorgonzola cheese.  This sandwich is a perfect selection for those who want to enjoy steak and mushrooms in one flawless bite.  The Hotness finished her portion a single “nibble”.  She’s all about being flawless!

Score:  3 out of 4 Hotties!

 Dish: Blazin’ Black-n-Bleu Burger

Critique:  “And if at first you don’t succeed then dust yourself off and try again…”  Now The Hotness has seen and consumed numerous burgers.  Yet, this Blazin’ Black is by far the biggest burger she has evuh laid her eyes on.  Packed in the center of this mountain of meat is a huge chunk of creamy bleu cheese.  Sweetly didn’t succeed in finishing the burger, the Blazin’ Black finished her.  Carnivores, this 16 ounce burger is definitely for you.  We now know “Where’s the Beef!”

                                                                                    Score:  3 out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  New York Strip

Critique: Classic cut of aged, grilled Angus Beef…if you’re going to the Angus Barn, you must try their steaks.  The Hotness loves steak and the NY steak cooked medium rare lived up to the Angus reputation by maintaining its butter-knife tenderness.  Everyone needs a little love and tenderness served by the Angus Barn.

Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties!

The Hotness and Sweetly are back!  Our hiatus is over, let the eating begin!  Below are some pictures of our summer family vacation in the Caribbean.  Enjoy! 

This Conch Salad was served with a ghost pepper on top.  The Hotness mouth is STILL burning!