Delicious Food Alert!!

I would not steer you wrongly.

We met more than several years ago at my Aunt's famed New Year's Day breakfast.  You were sitting on a table off to the side.  My sister PT noticed you too (Is it weird that I blog about food as if it could hear me? Oh well.) and to this day, we still talk about you, specifically your cream cheese portion.

I'd like to introduce you to...

The Panera Pastry Ring.

I was rude and didn't make introductions before it was half-eaten.

Sorry.

Go get you one! They are $7.99. I don't like to share but usually, sharing this thing is a good idea.

Restaurant Remarks...Music Man BBQ

Back when we still had adventure running through our blood, Ben and I used to do "fun" things like each taking turns saying "turn right" or "turn left" until we reached someplace suitable to stop and explore.  I think this idea may have originally been my Dad's, I can't recall.  One fortuitous night we ended up at Music Man BBQ in Moncks Corner, SC.  

Oh.  Dear.

Did I mention it is all-you-can-eat?  Say no more.  Also, this was my husband's plate (you'll understand why in a moment).

We have been back plenty of times since.  I think the price has gone up to $9.95 a plate, including a drink.  

I'll start off with a quick chat about the things I stay away from...

Pork rinds.  Fried pork skin.  No thanks.

Hash.  I tried to find a definition to help explain what exactly goes on inside of hash, but after many searches left me scratching my head, I remembered why I don't eat it in the first place.

My lovely dinner guests for the evening included my brother Jason, our friend Rachel Wallace (Miss Wallace), and Ben of course.  You can see the ambiance isn't the most glamorous, but it sure screams BBQ Buffet.

Jamie Oliver couldn't say anything ugly about my plate.  It includes colors other than shades of brown and it is a sensible portion (for a second plate).  

Speaking of my plate, let's consult Obama.

Veggies=Green Beans

Fruit=Yams (Work with me)

Protein=Chicken

Grains=Mac

Bread Pudding=Dairy

Just as I thought--we're good!

My favorite thing about Music Man is the roasted chicken.  It has that smokey red tint and the perfect ratio of juiciness to flavor.  Their fried chicken can't be beat, although they ran out as we were going through the line which was quite disappointing.  Bread pudding at Music Man is rich, sweet, and substantial.  I don't like soggy bread pudding, and this is the furthest thing from it.

Ben's two favorite things in edible life are Chocolate Milk and Mac-n-Cheese.  Even he says their mac is a little too cheesy.  Believe me, that's extreme cheese.

Let's talk about those yams.  I am fully aware that they are more processed than recycled sneakers, but to me they are pure nostalgia.  My Grandma always made them for us, and since my mom never would (now I can assume her reasoning) they were truly a special treat.  These taste just like Grandma's, buttery and brown sugary.  Bring it on.

The actual BBQ is one of my favorites around, although their sauces aren't my first choice.  Like I said, I focus on the chicken.  

They boast a full line-up, just from memory I can name:

BBQ

Hash & Rice

Fried Chicken

Roasted Chicken

Mac

Green Beans

Yams

Hush Puppies (Usually)

Cole Slaw

Potato Salad

Pickles

Bread Pudding

Chocolate Pudding

Banana Pudding

I know there are things I am missing...but all of the vitals are accounted for.

It is a real drive from Charleston, but I'd recommend it for sure.  Their hours aren't typical, so be sure to verify before you make the trek.

http://www.musicmansbbq.com/

We Meet Again!

I've been waiting for you...nine long-but-worth-it months.

(And yes, we bought ourselves the totally maw-maw "Mom" and "Best Dad Ever" Tervises)

And boy, was it tasty.

I'm glad I stuck to the "no artificial sweeteners and lunchmeat" rule.  I thought about my victory sub more than once during contractions...

Restaurant Remarks: The Bowens Island Experience

I have lived in Charleston for eight years, and I am sad to say I have only been to Bowens three times.  Ben took me for the first time on my birthday two years ago, and I was pleasantly surprised.  Ben's sister Sarabeth treated us to a night out last week, and we decided on Bowens Island, where the experience was exponentially enhanced by steamed oysters.  Read on. 

Bowens was originally a one-story cinderblock building, but it burned down and they rebuilt on stilts.  The current place is a super basic structure built totally out of wood, now covered in marker graffiti. 

 

People don't just come here for the food.   The view is one to write home about, especially at dusk.  There is plenty of outside seating, which tends to be more pleasant in the summertime, since there is no air conditioning inside.

It was packed on the Thursday night we went, so I was tasked with saving a table while Ben and SB stood in line to order.  Most excellent people watching ever.

They ordered a tray of oysters (!!!!!!!!!!) which we quickly shucked and demolished while we were waiting on our food.  There was a little bit of wait for the food, which seemed longer than normal, probably due to the crowds.  I was in good company though, so it didn't much matter.

My honey loves some steamed oysters.  He slips into oyster coma and savors every stinking bite.  I can't blame him though, they are salty, perfect goodness.  These were some of the best I've ever had; piping hot and juicy.

My favorite way to eat steamed oysters is on saltines, dipped in cocktail sauce, and spritzed with fresh lemon.  Which is probably what I will be thinking about during labor.  Just being honest.

They serve their cocktail sauce in re-purposed Gatorade bottles.  It is a bit runny and not horseradishy enough for me, but I still slurp it down with no complaints.   They don't have saltines or lemon, at least that I know of.

I really hope my midwives aren't reading this. 

I ordered the small (1/4 pound) shrimp platter, which I think runs for $11.  This picture is deceiving, it is so much food and I can never eat it all.  The shrimp are lightly battered, and they taste like shrimp, NOT like a fryer.  Their hush-puppies (the two round things on the right) are also really delicious.  I'm not a huge fan of their coleslaw (top right in the cup), but as you can see you only get about two forkfuls of that.  And who cares about coleslaw anyway?

SB and Ben ordered the seafood platter and fried oyster platter, respectively.  They swapped things around, and I know they both agreed that the fried oysters were out of this world.  No one commented on the crab cake, but I can tell you from past experiences that it isn't the best.  (Disclaimer: I am from Maryland).

They also have Ginger Ale in their soda fountain, which gets me excited every time.

A must-go for anybody visiting Charleston, Bowens Island is only about 15 minutes out of the city, but on the way out to Folly Beach.  Do yourself a favor and skip Hymans (downtown on Meeting).  Super-duper overrated.

For directions and a little more history, you can visit their website.  Their hours are non-traditional so be sure you check to see that they are open before you head out!

Eating Out on the Cheap(er)

We live in one of the best food cities in the South, and going out for dinner can be an absolutely incredible experience.  Having a love for food that someone else prepared AND being on a budget is a real challenge, but one that I take very seriously...


1.  Use Groupon or Living Social.  Your money typically goes twice as far.  Today after church, we went to Mellow Mushroom and spent a $20 Groupon, which I only paid $10 for (plus I got cash back through Ebates...PLUS a $10 gift card when you join).  We spend almost half of our food budget on Daily Deals each month, which literally doubles our eating out budget--and also allows us to try lots of new places.

Love love love frozen yogurt spots.
We are waiting for a special occasion to use up our Yobe Groupon!

2.  Order water.  Duh.  Think about it, even if it just two of you, two sodas will cost $5, plus our ridiculous tax rate of 10% or 11% (I've lost track) and a 20% tip, that's more than $6!  You could buy 6 two liters for that price!  If you're having beer, wine, or whatever else, the money adds up exponentially faster.  Ben enjoys something other than water, but I indulge him by buying him drinks at Costco or with coupons, and he can have them at home for MUCH less.


3.  Skip the appetizer and/or dessert.  Same deal.  Eat early on date night so you aren't famished by the time you are seated, and will be less tempted to get dessert.  Stop by the supermarket on the way home and grab a half-gallon of the most expensive ice cream you can find.  It will last you ten times longer than a restaurant dessert, and probably has ten times fewer calories ;)


4.  Restaurant.com is another great way to save, although it is a bit more confusing than Groupon or Living Social.  Basically, you are paying for a coupon to apply towards your purchase, and there is usually a minimum purchase amount.  A benefit over the daily deal sites is that there are usually A LOT of restaurants to choose from, rather than just one for the day.  To get discounts on your restaurant.com purchase, remember to go through Ebates!  We love to use these when we go out of town.  


5.  For fast food diners, one of our favorite tricks is to value-size one of the combos, and then order the other sandwich a la carte, with a water.  Split the fries and the drink, and go home with less calories and a few more dollars in your pocket.

Haters gonna hate.  One of my favorite foods in the entire world=McDouble.
We had them at our wedding.

6.  Go during happy hour.  Lots of specials--and no coupons required!


7.  Check out unconventional places.  One of my favorite spots to eat is IKEA!  Cheap.  Yummy.  Probably not quality food, but still fun to have an excuse to walk through the showroom=destination $3.99 Swedish Meatballs!

Ben on a date at Ikea.  Not his favorite spot but he patronizes me.

Cutting unnecessary costs when dining out requires a little bit of legwork, but it is worth it in the end.  Saving money and going to restaurants that offer specials or promotions allow you to splurge on special places for special occasions.  Whatever you do, don't cut costs by slimming down the tip.  Waitstaff works hard--take care of them!

Butcher & Bee, a fancy sandwich shop that opened this year in Charleston, is one of my favorite lunch splurges.
It doesn't happen often, but when it does,  I rejoice.