Tuesday, July 16, 2013

KC Finest BBQ in Montevallo- BLAZING A TRAIL!

Via a Twitter invitation to try this site, I journeyed a short distance from Alabaster to try Kansas City's Finest slow smoked barbecue in Montevallo, AL. Growing hungrier & hungrier after each mile, I was ready to try this different style of  barbecue.
Per wikipedia.com, Kansas City barbecue refers to the specific style of slow smoked meat that evolved from the pit of Henry Perry in the early 1900s in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City barbecue is slow smoked over a variety of woods and then covered with a thick tomato- and molasses-based sauce.[1].
Before buying, the owner will let you try a variety of samples before you place your order, and YES... this style is different than your traditional southern style barbecue. Slow smoked for hours and hours, KC Finest, offers you falling-off-the bone tenderness.
Atmosphere: Located across from the Montevallo Fire Department (STATION#1). This is the first restaurant food trailer I have reviewed. There were a couple of encouraging regulars present & raving about the food to this first timer. The traffic stopping, smoky smell is enough to put you in a trans.
The owner mentioned that he wants to expand into a new building. This type of food would be a great addition to any new retail/ entertainment district.
The Staff: Friendly, informative about the Kansas City barbecue method. Eager to make every customer happy no matter what.
What I had: I ordered enough for friends and family, one slab of SLOOOOOOOOOW smoked, falling- off- the- bone ribs (chewing is not even needed), a hearty pile of chopped burnt ends,  baked beans, potato salad and cole slaw with a pint of some of the best BBQ sauce ever. Not only would this sauce be good on ribs, but it can be used with chicken tenders and other snacks as well.I am attaching pictures of several of the menu items.  
Price: A full slab is $20.00, the burnt end plate ... around $7.50
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give KC's Finest BBQ a rating of 8.9!
I look forward to  returning very soon!
KC's Finest BBQ is available for catering, festivals and any special event.
For more information, for catering or to place a pick up order call (205) 354-6109
You can follow KC's Finest on Twitter https://twitter.com/kcfinestchef
and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kcfinestbbq
This is where the magic happens

Slow Smoked Kansas City style ribs



Menu Back

Menu Front

Rib Plate w/ Baked Beans and potato salad




Burnt Ends Sandwich

Friday, July 12, 2013

Crazy Cajuns In Inverness- Making "Loosiana" Proud!

So I'm flipping through my "Enjoy The City" coupon book wondering what I wanted to try. After trying craw fish for the first time at a local craw fish festival, I decided that I would try it again and searched for a nearby Cajun restaurant that I had not already tried. A decision was made and I was off to Crazy Cajuns in Inverness Plaza. The parking lot was in Birmingham, but when I stepped inside of the door, I'd instantly taken the 5 hour drive down I-20 to New Orleans.
Atmosphere: Louisiana, Louisiana! The size of the restaurant is modest, but the statement is big. Everything from LSU flags and colors, to beads draping from the walls definitely gave this place an authentic feel. The place was packed with lots of hungry and seemingly happy customers. Also I was able to watch television.(High five)
The Staff: Friendly, casual, knowledgeable of the menu (Huge plus with me). Southern hospitality was all there. 
What I had: The sampler combo entree; chunky seafood gumbo, creamy craw fish etouffee , smooth cheddar garlic mashed potatoes & baked cheddar smoked Gouda grits w/ a couple of thick slices of french bread. OMG! I love cheese, so I was in cheese heaven.This was a lot of food. I am fully aware of the spiciness that Cajun food has. Thank goodness for the large cup of tea.
Price: My bill was around $11.00.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Crazy Cajuns (Inverness) a rating of 8.9.
Let me know if there is a way to request the spiciness be taken down a notch. Thanks for the great experience.
For your own personal Louisiana experience and fore more information visit http://www.crazycajuns.net/menu/ or call (205) 408- 0630

 



Monday, July 8, 2013

Max's Delicatessen- Go Hungry!

It's been a while since I'd had a good hearty sandwich. My group and I had hefty appetites this day, so we headed to Max's Deli in the Colonnade off of highway 280.  Watching all of the other delicious dishes passing us by tested our will power. Those short, few minutes after placing an order seem like a lifetime as you "starvingly" sit patiently waiting on your food as plates piled high with temptation are delivered to other tables. Max's menu has a wide variety of selections to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. They serve a lot of great selections such as the classic Ruben, bison burgers, fresh salads, soups and pretty much every sandwich known to man.
Atmosphere: Busy, but not uncomfortable. Table seating, lots of beautiful conversation pieces on the wall including a huge painting of Bear Bryant.
The Staff:  Very attentive, fast, friendly, professional and organized.Very knowledgeable of the menu which is a HUGE plus.
What I/WE Had: The signature complimentary appetizer of fresh, crisp carrot & celery sticks, pickles and  creamy ranch dressing for dipping.
 I had a delicious, moist open face tuna melt topped with hot, melted Swiss cheese & a side of potato salad. My lunch mates each had the delicious talapia sandwiches on a bun- one grilled and one blackened with a side of freshly cooked steak fries.
We were all impressed by the mega-portions we received and yes....this food was "plate cleaning" good!
Prices: Our sandwiches ranged from $8.99 to about $10.00.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Max's Deli a 9.
For more information or to place an order for lunch, dinner or a family style dinner package to go, call (205) 968-7600 or visit the website at http://www.maxsdelionline.com/
Follow me on twitter @Restaurantraidr 

Crisp veggie & pickle Appetizer w/ ranch

Blackened Talapia w/ steak fries
Grilled Talapia w/ steak fries

Open face tuna topped/ melted Swiss & potato salad