Second St. Restaurant...Who Knew Food was so Tasty in Virginia?

Restaurant: Second St: An American Bistro, Williamsburg, VA

Dish:  Second Street Lasagna

Critique:  Who on Earth has heard of Second St. Restaurant?  This place should be called First St. to our heart. Although we did not have any expectations beforehand, Second St. officially bought the party to our plates and we didn't even mind the party crashers- the more flavor the merrier! Let's talk about the lovely Lasagna...oh how lovely it is :)  The sauce is what makes this dish, it's no wallflower and let's you know who's the boss.  Italian sausage, garlic, ground beef, and a six-cheese blend?  Say what? This is classic lasagna at its' very BEST.

Score:  3 1/2 out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish: Roasted Lamb with Vegetable du Jour

Critique: Perfection...utter perfection.  From the lamb to the vegetables grown straight from the garden of Heaven, The Hotness commented this dish was too pretty to eat...she lasted for about two seconds before diving in. Twas' a noble effort indeed.

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!







Dish:  Caramel Street Donuts and Vanilla Bean-Ginger Creme Brulee

Critique:  "Two desserts are better than one."  Do remember these wise words when visiting Second St. Restaurant.  The donuts win the contest against creme brulee hands down and the warm salted caramel dipping sauce is an added bonus.  Let the dipping begin!!

Score:  3 out of 4 Hotties!

TriBeCa Tavern Making Burgers and Dreams Come True...Go Ahead and Make a Wish

Restaurant: TriBeCa Tavern in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Japanese Black Chicken Wings

Critique:  Don't let your eyes deceive you, these chicken wings are not burnt.  They have been marinated in pineapple juice and soy sauce then cooked until the sugars are completely gone, leaving a crispy black crust. We must admit at first glance, the wings look a bit off putting.  However, as The Hotness mom likes to say, "Looks aren't everything...it's what's on the inside that counts."  And with these wings the outside and inside definitely count!  This appetizer was a welcome tasty surprise that receives extra points for creativity.

Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  Lamb Sirloin Burger and The Mountaineer Burger

Critique:  One of the great attributes of TriBeCa Tavern is that it uses all local North Carolina meats and ingredients.  With every single bite, the freshness is impossible to escape. The lamb burger is topped with buttermilk bleu cheese, grilled onions, and roasted tomatoes, it makes one forget all about Mary.  Now the Mountaineer is packed for those adventurous enough to try something unique- fresh ground beef topped with horseradish chive Havarti,  shiitake mushrooms, grilled scallions, and horseradish aioli.  Go ahead and make your day by ordering a TriBeCa Burger.  Be forewarned...although The Hotness finished it in on bite- it's a lotta burger.

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  Banana Bread Pudding and Key Lime Pie

Critique:  Oh yea babe!  Honestly, there isn't much to be said on these two desserts besides yum and mmmy.  One doesn't realize how difficult it is to find a truly delish and fulfilling dessert until it's needed.  Boy did we need it! The Bread Pudding has roasted bananas, spicy rum caramel sauce, and white chocolate chips.  Not to be outdone, the Key Lime pie shines with the correct amount of tanginess. Good times indeed!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!!

Ahoy Matey! All Aboard Captain's George's Seafood Buffet!

Restaurant:  Captain George's Seafood Restaurant in Williamsburg, VA

Dish:  Alaskan Snow Crab Legs with Oyster Rockefeller

Critique: Break a leg!  That's the advice we recommend the moment you walk through the Captain George's doors.  This seafood buffet doesn't have time for games or amateurs-crabs, shrimps, oysters, scallops, craw-fish  salmon are all available served in a variety of ways...ways that are pleasing to seafood aficionados.  Hot butter and Old Bay Seasoning awaits the lump crab meat fresh from your cracked crab legs.  The never ending supply of seafood can be dangerous, we caution customers to remember the wise proverb "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach."
Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties


Dish: More Snow Crab Legs, Stuffed Mushrooms, Fried Oysters and Scallops

Critique:  Delicious and worth every single calorie!  The Hotness is a wee bit upset with the Captain for making her over do it on the buffet...what can she say?  The Hotnesss is a fantastic shipmate who loves to follow the Captain's orders.

Score: 3 out of 4 Hotties

Top This...Oh Trust Us, We Will! Great Sandwich Cafe Alert!

Restaurant: Top This! Cafe in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Santa Fe Salad

Critique:  The Santa Fe salad made Sweetly kick up her spurs and shout “Yee-haw!”  Fresh greens topped with juicy grilled chicken and just the right amount of Tex-Mex veggies, salsa, black beans…you get the drill…and this salad really didn’t need, but she totally wanted the yummy creamy chipotle dressing they serve with it.  But her favorite part about this salad was that “the good bits” lasted all the way to the end...the very last bite.  That’s when you know you’ve had a good salad!

Score:  4 out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish: "Black and Bleu It" Chicken Breast with Bacon

Critique:  This beauty is topped with cajun seasonings, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and smothered with awesome bleu cheese from bleuest of cheeses.  In full disclosure...The Hotness isn't a fan of bleu cheese, however after one bite she is on the bleu cheese train!  "Choo-choo!! Come on ride the train...choo-choo train!"  The best part of this dish are the home-made Rosemary and Parmesan Potato Chips, let me repeat that again... the best part of this dish are the Rosemary and Parmesan Potato Chips!!  Lays, Ruffles, Utz, etc...all Potato Chip Companies look out-it's about to be on like Donkey Kong!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!!

Barista Beverage:  Raspberry White Mocha Latte

Critique:  "I vant to drink your heart."  Strong, robust, and powerful.  Pass up the Big Gulp and pick up the Lotta Latte.  So lovely and tasty.  Aww, go ahead and get you one...you deserve it :) And besides, it's pretty!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!!

Yes! Cracker Barrel is Definitely What It's Cracked Up to Be!

Restaurant:  Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in  Morrisville,  NC

Dish:  Home-Style Chicken with Mac n Cheese

Critique:  If Heaven had deep fryer...then this chicken is Heaven sent!  Crispy...done! Moist and Juicy...done! Crunchy...done!  These two glorious chicken breast were coated in the finest buttermilk before being fried in sizzling oil.  Browned to perfection...yes, the Lord is good.  It's undeniable after tasting the Home-Style Chicken de Cracker Barrel.  The Hotness was extremely pleased and didn't mind all stares as she ate the seasoned crumbs off her plate.  Oh, we must not forget the Macaroni and Cheese!  Trust me, we haven't...each gooey bite was quite memorable!  Happy times indeed!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  French Toast

Critique:  If Heaven had toaster, then this French Toast...yeah you get the picture.  It seems this French Toast should have several worthy adjectives such as "Golden French Toast", "Buttery Frenchie Toast", or our personal favorite "Ooh La La French Toast"  One good thing about Cracker Barrel is the portion size, come hungry or don't come at all!  Four huge slices of French Toast come served with HOT natural syrup.  Oh yea babe! Do bring out the scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns...it's not a French Toast party until all the goodies show up!  That's how we roll.

Score:  4 out of 4 Hotties!!  

Amante Gourmet Pizza Brings Amour...

Restaurant:  Amante Gourmet Pizza in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Bacon, Feta, and Mushroom Pizza

Critique:  Sure, we all know that there are a gazillion pizza places located on every street corner.  However, the important thing to remember is QUALITY over quantity.  Whether it's sun-dried tomatoes, imported prosciutto ham, or roasted portabella mushrooms...Amante's Gourmet Pizza is in it to win it!!  Each slice is covered with gooey cheesiness dedicated to bringing da business to your gourmet pizza experience!  The atmosphere is family friendly and great place to hang out with friends.  Amante definitely means AMOUR to die hard pizza fans.  The Hotness recommends wearing a bib in case things get ugly...

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!!

Want Great Italian Food? Milton's Pizza and Pasta is the Place.

Restaurant:  Milton's Pizza and Pasta in Wake Forest, NC

Dish:  Spinach, Pepperoni, and Sausage Calzone

Critique:  Our friends at Milton's stuffed this fantastic calzone with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.  Yes, it was packed with fresh spinach, spicy pepperoni, and Italian sausage but Milton's pizza dough is what sold The Hotness on this Great Calzone!  We caution amateur calzone customers to take their time when selecting calzone ingredients, this crucial in guaranteeing a satisfying calzone.  Of course, the Hotness and Sweetly are professional calzone consumers at platinum status.  The quality of the dough and ingredients is what makes Milton's stand out as one of the best Italian restaurants in Wake Forest.  Don't forget the marinara dipping sauce!

Score:  4 out of 4 Hotties!


Dish:  Ocean City Pasta

Critique:  Crabmeat.  Juicy, Plump Shrimp. Served over sauteed garlic and olive oil fettuccine dusted with Old Bay seasonings.  Need I say more?  Seafood lovers will appreciate the true freshness of this dish without the hassle of casting a net in the Atlantic Ocean.  Hey, we didn't know that the workers of Fresh Catch worked for Milton's! Keep up the great work guys!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!




Dish:  Colossal NY Style Cheesecake

Critique:  "Start spreading the news, I am leaving today, I want to be a part of it,  New York, New York..." Oh, New York...this cheesecake is singing to us, begging us to be a part of it.  Well, Mr. Cheesecake there's  no need to beg, we will gladly take you apart and demolish you for being a naughty dessert.  You creamy tower of yumminess, yes, spread the news because it's surely going down today!

Score: 4 out of 4 Hotties!