Monday, March 18, 2013

The Irondale (Whistle Stop) Cafe'.... Put this on your bucket list!

This place is listed on the "Top 100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die". That's SOME motivation.
So that we'd both get this scratched off of the bucket list, I took my mother. We had a fantastic time being able to experience Irondale, Alabama history.
Top 100 Dishes to Eat

Atmosphere: Down home, back to basics, quaint, comfortable. The outside appearance indicates that the entire strip apparently used to be a train stop. Especially given the train tracks right out front.
This is a place to take your entire family for a great home style sit down meal.
The Staff: Very friendly, fast and ready to make sure that you have every thing you need in order to have an enjoyable meal/ experience.
What I/We Had: We both had the fried chicken, Cabbage, their INFAMOUS, world renown fried green tomatoes, melt in your mouth cornbread (HOLY MOLY!).
 I was bad and had slice of cookie's 'n cream pie.
Price: A meat and 2 without the sinful dessert would run you about $7.39 per person.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate the Irondale (Whistle Stop) Cafe' a rating of 9.

99 more places to eat before I die!
For more information, please visit http://www.irondalecafe.com/





Tuesday, March 12, 2013

A Little Taste of Heaven at Ashley Mac's

Walking into this place, I immediately thought, "Did I just walk into a storybook?" It certainly seemed entirely too perfect and pristine inside. Everything was neatly in it's place, all of the employees wore great smiles and on this particular day, you could eat off of the floor. If there is a restaurant in heaven, it probably looks just like Ashley Mac's in Inverness. I know you're thinking, what a build up, right?

Atmosphere: Nearly perfect. I could eat here daily and never get tired of the food or service. The pink and brown decor will give you that "strawberry short cake" feel. It's not too large, not to small. The walls were lined with photos of CAKE. A subliminal dare tempting you not to leave without trying one of their sweet creations.

The Staff: Friendly, helpful and accommodating. I felt as if they actually appreciated my business.

What I had: The Signature Chicken Salad sandwich on a croissant, pasta salad, sea salt chips, sweet tea and a couple of mini cupcakes that didn't survive long enough to make it to the photo shoot.

Rating: On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate Ashley Mac's Bakery & Cafe a 9.6
OMG! You must try one of the strawberry cupcakes.... trust me.
For catering information, locations or for more information, go to http://www.ashleymacs.com/

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Shane's Rib Shack.... Simply Irresistable!

You've heard the old saying "The food was so good it'll make you wanna slap your mother?" Well, no offense to all the mom's out there, but if your kids come home and give you a slap across the face, don't take it personal. It just means they've been to Shane's Rib Shack on Valleydale Road in Hoover.

Atmosphere: Simple decor, not over done, busy
The Staff: Unbelievable! Helpful from the time you enter until the time you are stuffed to the gills and waddling out the door.
What I/ we had: All of the goodies on the pics below and more!
Prices: Extremely reasonable. The daily special ( M-F) lunch combo's are only $7.00!!!!!
However, dinner will not break the bank. AND you can earn free meals just by signing up to receive text's from Shane's.
Rating: On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate Shane's Rib Shack a 9.5.
***The smothered pork sandwich is 5 Star!***
For more information, menu's or for catering, visit their website:
http://www.myshanes.com/valleydale/home
*Since February, my fellow Raiders and I have had multiple visits to Shane's.
Here are just some of the pictures:

The Smothered pork Sandwich


The 1/2 Chicken Plate



The BBQ Chicken Plate (chopped)
The Rib Sandwich w/ Baked Beans and Slaw