Sunday, June 23, 2013

Italian House & Grill HSV A Keeper

Yea!  We have found a new 'keeper'!  We have been wanting to try this restaurant. Every time we thought about going it was never the right time or occasion.  Last night the stars were aligned and we ate with two friends from the Village.  The atmosphere and the food were wonderful.  We arrived without reservations, but were easily accommodated.  Although the restaurant is small, we didn't seemed cramped. We didn't feel as if we were eavesdropping in the tables next to us or them listening to our conversation.


Be sure and call for reservations!
We had coupons for Meatballs and Spaghetti and a salad so the two guys used them.  They were really a good deal...Plenty of meatballs in a nice red sauce, Italian bread with olive oil for dipping, and a nice fresh house salad with a house vinaigrette dressing. The gals ordered Angel Hair Pasta Primavera in a indescribably delicious white sauce with diced veggies. I couldn't eat all of mine...two meals for one.  I am adding chicken tonight for my next meal. In fact, there may be enough to share with Chuck...maybe:) Italian House & Grill on Urbanspoon

Bleu Monkey Grill, Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA



Lunch out with friends at the Bleu Monkey Grill was a treat.  We got to catch up and give the 'Bleu Monkey' at try.  It was on our 'eat out in 
Hot Springs' list.  


We really enjoyed the company, but the jury's still out on the Bleu Monkey Grill.  It was highly touted so maybe we set our expectations too high.  Then again, maybe we didn't order well.  Our friends have lunch there quite often.  They ordered the Club Sandwich and the Maui Salad, two of their favorites.  The Maui Salad was ordered without nuts or Sesame Seeds because of a health issue.  It came loaded with nuts. They got the Sesame seeds right.Chuck ordered the California Fish Tacos from the Lunch Menu and I ordered the Grilled Portabella on a Bun.  On a scale from '1 to 10' we rated each of them a '5'! Chuck was surprised to find his tacos in a soft flour taco. He likes them in a crispy corn taco. 

Reminded me of
Pringles
I had the choice of french fries, onion rings, or baked potato chips as a side.  Thinking they were all homemade... 'silly me'...I was really surprised when I got Baked Lay's.  To their credit the waitress and hostess were very accommodating.  They replaced my Lay's with onion rings. I asked and was told they were frozen, but very good.  They weren't.  The onion slid out of batter. Hand beer-battered onion rings are my favorite.  You would think I would learn about frozen onion rings?
The Welcome Mat is  out!

It wasn't a complete bust. We will go back again and give them a second chance.
The next time I am going to try an Angel Hair Pasta dish maybe with Chicken if I can substitute it for the Shrimp! 

Bleu Monkey Grill on Urbanspoon