Delta's Restaurant...Great Soul Food with a Twist

Restaurant:  Delta's in Charlotte, NC

Dish:  Duck Spring Roll

Critique:  A duck egg roll?  Who would have thought of such a thing?  It’s stuffed with duck, chicken, collard greens, cabbage, and carrots.  Wow, sounds fantastic, right?!  Well, unfortunately none of these ingredients are distinguishable within the egg roll.  Not to mention, there wasn’t enough filling on the inside.  We mostly tasted the wrap of the egg roll vs. the filling inside.  Excuse us Delta’s! Don’t you know if the chef doubles the egg roll filling it will equal double the eating pleasure? Ooooh Yeah! Let’s make it happen, Captain!

Score: 2 Out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:   Catfish Fingers

Critique:  Catfish fans…you won’t be disappointed.  These pieces of moist and perfectly seasoned fish were created to be devoured.  The Hotness didn’t want to share any of the fish until Sweetly politely reminded her that “sharing is caring”.  After complaining about using such a quote at an inopportune time, The Hotness managed to begrudgingly share this delectable appetizer.  Fantastic dish! Not recommended for those who have issues with sharing.

 Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Thick Turkey Chop Smothered in Onion Gravy

Critique:  “Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!”  All the sides of this dish exceedingly met our expectations- collard greens, baked macaroni and cheese, and candied yams.  If we smiled any harder from the joy of consuming this meal, we would have been arrested for blinding our fellow patrons with our teeth.  The only downside…the turkey chop was a bit dry and tough.   The Hotness had to truly smother her chop with extra gravy to make it savory.

Score:  3 Out of 4 Hotties!



Dish: Peach Cobbler and Cornbread

Critique:  I bet you’re wondering why have peach cobbler with cornbread?  And I bet you’re wondering where the crust is for the peach cobbler…so were we!  The Hotness has never experienced such a travesty against a peach cobbler.  The crust was sorely missing which is why she was so happy to see the cornbread.  Who knew cornbread could be a winner?  It was crumbly, delicious, and sweet just the way we like it.  Oh Delta’s, the peaches were lovely but the dish needs some type of dough or crust to achieve that oasis known as “peach cobbler.” Until then, we’ll have the cornbread for dessert.

Score:  4 Out of 4 Hotties for Cornbread/ 2 Out of 4 Hotties for the Cobbler!

Hotpoint Deli Creates One of a Kind Dishes...Brace Yourself!

Restaurant: Hotpoint Deli in Cary, NC

 Dish:  Thanksgiving on a Bun

Critique:  For those who can’t wait for Thanksgiving to arrive once a year…this lovely sandwich will satisfy those Thanksgivingly desires.  Smoked turkey…check! Cranberries…check!  Stuffing…check!  Plus there’s Bacon!  The thick sun-dried tomato bread perfectly accompanied this traditional feast on its trip to your mouth.  The Hotness would have preferred more cranberry relish as there was plenty of turkey piled high for consumption.  Feeling like eating Thanksgiving dinner in one bite? Then Gobble Gobble! Hotpoint Deli will take care of the raging turkey craving inside of you.

Score:  3 Out of 4 Hotties!


Dish:  Catfish Quesadilla

Critique:  Wildly unique, yet tantalizing.  Sweetly didn’t have much hope on this dish being successful…a fish quesadilla?  Yeah baby…it works, tortilla crushed catfish, black beans, rice, and cheese all stuffed inside an overflowing quesadilla.  Even more fantastic is the eclectic sauce covering this Mexican plato- chipotle mixed with house made ranch dressing topped with black bean paste.  We would like to give kudos to the catfish for being moist and flavorful, thank you beans and rice for playing nicely with the fish, and to the cheese that always knows how to please…thank you for bringing harmony to this fun fiesta.  We know it was a challenge to get all the ingredients not to overshadow each other.  Well done! Encore!

Score:  3 Out of 4 Hotties!


Dish:  Garlic Shrimp Burrito

Critique:  As you can see there is no picture of el burrito.  The Hotness was too devastated to snap a picture...many moons ago she had the Garlic Shrimp Burrito at Hotpoint Deli and it was exquisite-humongous shrimp bursting to escape the burrito, savory garlic flavor that packed a punch that one could never forget.  Alas, this impostor of the garlic shrimp burrito had little shrimp with little garlic flavor.  Que Pasa? We don't know, but someone should get to the bottom of it and find the former glorious Garlic Shrimp Burrito ASAP. The Hotness has already hired a private detective to solve this tragedy.

Score: 2 Out of 4 Hotties!

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar...Wait a Second. Cow what? It's Delicious!

Restaurant:  The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Warm Bacon & Spinach Side Salad

Critique:  Ummm…Hmmm.  The Hotness usually doesn’t waste precious stomach space on salads but this here salad dish is truly the exception.  The warm bacon vinaigrette dressing is what makes this salad da bomb diggity!  Oh yes, Mr. Salad…I like the way you work it.   Beware- the feta cheese, housemade croutons, red onions, and hard-boiled eggs will treat your tastebuds to an experience those buds will never forget.  Not to mention names- but someone who wanted the flavors forever seared in her brain licked the plate clean.  Keep workin’ it, Mr. Warm Bacon Salad! Wit yo bad self…

Score:  4 Out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Fusion Specialty Bento Box

Critique:  We admit the combination of burgers and sushi may sound a bit strange, but let us be the first to tell our readers that The Cowfish potentially has unlocked the key to the universe by creating this unique concept.  Our bento box included the mini-Schroomin’ Swiss Burger topped with mouthwatering sautéed mushrooms, sweet & spicy Thai cucumbers, world’s best sweet potato fries, and Mark’s specialty sushi rolls.  Deep breath.  Taking deep breaths is what we had to do in order to complete our meal; we literally could not stop eating since the food was so overwhelmingly DELICIOUS.  Bravo, Cowfish!  The Hotness doesn’t care about your weird name, she doesn’t care about eating a fish with a cow, or a cow with a fish- she just cares about eating a great dish.  Sorry had to go Dr. Seuss on everyone, it's just that serious.  Great food.

Score: 4 Out of 4 Hotties!

Dish:  Fresh Berry Tall Cake

Critique:  Hallelujah! Hallelujah!  When this dish from Heaven was presented some of the actual quotes were:  “Wow, this place is really awesome.” “Oh my goodness, I can’t eat another bite. Sike!” “I feel so guilty.”  Yes, we are guilty as charged for enjoying this sheer delectable dessert.  Don’t try to eat this warm, moist lemon pound cake with super scoops of vanilla ice cream and berries all by your lonesome, this will require team effort.   Not to mention names…but someone almost cried from joy.  We highly recommend joining the Berry Tall Cake Club.

Score:  4 Out of 4 Hotties!!

Oh Taste Restaurant...We Have Tasted and We Want More!

Restaurant:  Taste in Raleigh, NC

Dish:  Fresh Caprese Salad, Bruschetta with Feta, and Taste Flatbread

Critique:  "Get down on it, Get down on it..."  That's right, Taste Restaurant makes everyone want to get down on ALL of it.  Although hidden away in Raleigh, this local gem is worthy for a grand discovery on the scale of Christopher Columbus.  Oh Taste, where have you been all our lives?  The Fresh Caprese Salad is the epitome of the word fresh, it includes roma tomatoes, avocados, fresh basil and mozzarella drizzled with Balsamic reduction.  Mr. Bruschetta and Mrs. Feta and Tomatoes were joined in a perfect union that produced a wondrous experience.  And we are still "Getting Down on It" with the flatbread topped with bacon, pineapple, and basil- this combination is DELICIOUS.  That's right, go ahead shake it Taste..."We're Getting Down on It"

Score:  4 out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  Petite Filet with Sauteed Spinach and Roasted Red Skin Potatoes

Critique:  Sure, the steak was petite but the TASTE wasn't (no pun intended)—think fireworks explosion 4th of July style.  Cooked perfectly, it was melt in your mouth perfection.  The Hotness wondered how is it possible for steak to truly melt in one's mouth?  No doubt, the truffle oil butter assisted in the steak's exquisiteness.   Savory pecans added an unique texture to the spinach while the rosemary and garlic complimented the roasted red potatoes.  Tasty, tasty, and more tasty.

Score:  4 out of 4 Hotties!!


Dish:  Crab Crusted Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

Critique:  First of all, the brussels sprouts had tiny bits of cherry wood bacon in every single bite. Bonus points :)  We could have done without the red peppers on top of the salmon.  The crusted crab added another dimension to this seafood medley that caused each crumb to be consumed off the plate.  If diners wish to grant their tastebuds a new adventure, then Taste Restaurant is the place to be.  Now go ahead and "Get down on it!"

Score: 3 1/2 out of 4 Hotties!

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