The Red Rooster Cafe

Have you ever heard of a pasty? It is a traditional Cornish meat-filled pastry that workers would take with them to work each day. The recipe has to have just the correct blend of ingredients to hold its shape and to stay whole and not become soggy.

I had been hearing about it, and wanted to find a restaurant that still prepared the authentic recipe. The Red Rooster was the place to be. I wanted to know a bit more about the ingredients and they almost lost me when they listed rutabagas as one of the ingredients. It is really surprising to learn how many different variations of ingredients go into this dish.

Nevertheless, I put on my brave-face and tried it anyway. I am a believer. I think I could have worked in the stone quarries all day if I knew I had that little delicacy waiting for me at lunch each day!

Don't forget the dessert before you leave the Red Rooster. I took a quick poll of the locals at the restaurant and they decreed that the Figgyhobbin was the dessert I HAD to try. The locals rarely lead you astray and they were correct about this dessert.

So.....if you ever have a chance to visit Mineral Point, WI, stroll on down to the Red Rooster and see if you agree with my choices.

I can't wait to hear from you!

On the BBQ and Rib Trail

I am always rib hungry and if you are a true BBQ lover, you can eat ribs anytime of the day. I want to share my favorite rib places with you. This will be an ever expanding list. As I find new favorties, I will add them to the list and update the blog.

If you have the opportunity to try any of these, I hope you will visit back here and let me know what you think about the BBQ or the ribs.

On the BBQ trail.......

#1

Well look no farther than my favorite rib place in the US.....The Rendezvous in Memphis, TN. They get my vote hands down as the best ribs. It is not the easiest place to find, but don't let that stop you from searching them out and trying the ribs for yourself.

http://www.hogsfly.com/

Jim Neely's Interstate BBQ has been getting lots of press lately but they just can't come close to the Rendezvous for taste and tenderness. Go try them both for yourself and see if you agree.

http://www.interstatebarbecue.com/

#2

Whole Hog Cafe in Little Rock, AR. This is a very average looking restaurant in the middle of a shopping center, but they have fantastic ribs and BBQ. If you look at their huge number of awards, you will see that others feel the same way too. They have even won awards at the famous "Memphis in May" BBQ event.

http://www.wholehogcafe.com/

#3

OB's Real Pit Out n Back BBQ and Ribs in McDonough, GA. Their St Louis style ribs are fall off the bone tender. They have a variety of sauces to tempt you with as well. Go to the actual restaurant (725 Industrial Blvd, Mcdonough, GA 30253-6614) and NOT the location at the Tanger Outlet Mall.

Meig's Point, CT

This is the beautiful seashore at Meig's Point near Guilford, CT. The moss covered rocks were beautful and the sea was fairly calm on this day. The light colored objects just under the water surface are seashells. Some beaches do not have many shells, but this beach has millions and millions (and I am not exaggerating in the least). You literally "crunch" across whole shells as you make your way to the water's edge.

If you love seafood, I have several restaurants to recommend to you.

The Place --

891 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT

Yes, it really is called "The Place" and after you have waited in your car for a chance to sit at a wire reel you will see that it is the place to be. Their motto is "put your rump on a stump." If you look closely at the pix at the botom you will see the wire reel tables, the stumps and the wine bottles with fresh flowers. In case of inclement weather, they have a huge tent they slide over the eating area to keep you dry, happy and ordering food. They feature grilled seafood items that come directly from the grill to your table. Nothing fancy here, paper plates, plastic forks, etc.

Most locals bring tablecloths, wine, plates, glasses, and side dishes. The Place is happy for you to bring whatever you wish to accompany the fresh seafood they serve. The photo above is the menu....you order from the giant sign which can be easily read from every stump in the restaurant.

If you want to experience a fun, casual and eclectic atmosphere, then "The Place" is the place YOU need to be.

Lenny & Joe's Seafood Shack--

This is another MUST visit. I love the whole belly fried clams here. They also serve made to order lobster rolls and I must say that I prefer these hot, whole meat, CT lobster rolls to the cold chopped variety they serve elsewhere in the New England states. I guess the best item (IMHO) is the steamer clams, served with broth to clean your clams and drawn butter to dip your clams. YUMMY.