What You Will About the Taco Bell MexiMelt

• Melty – I love all the meltiness about the MexiMelt! That’s why it was my favorite menu item.
• Handheld – These guys are so easy to fold up and throw in a paper towel or parchment paper and nosh on-the-go!
• Fast & Easy – Browning the hamburger is the most time-consuming part! Have leftover taco meat? This delight is done in 1 minute!

What is in a Taco Bell Meximelt?

The Meximelt was a specialty menu item and the ingredients are super simple: soft shell tortilla, taco meat, pico de gallo and a Mexican cheese blend.

• 1 lb lean ground beef – you could also swap out with ground turkey
• 6-8 6″ flour tortillas
• 1 pkg Taco Bell taco seasoning (or make your own homemade taco seasoning!)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup Taco Bell Mexican blend shredded cheese – you can also swap and use Colby Jack, Pepper Jack Cheese or Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo – I bought some but you can also make your own with chopped tomatoes, diced onion, diced jalapeno, fresh cilantro and a little lime juice!

How do you make a Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt?

This is one of those fast food dishes you get a craving for! Here’s how to make it;

• In a large skillet, on medium high heat, brown ground beef and drain any excess oil
• Add taco seasoning and water, stir until mixture is thickened
• On cutting board that will fit in microwave or microwave-safe plate, lay out a paper towel and sprinkle it with water so it’s damp
• Lay out 2 tortillas on paper towel
• Spoon 1/3 cup taco meat mixture down the middle of each soft flour tortilla
• Line the taco meat with a little pico de gallo
• Line the pico with shredded cheese
• Fold over the tortilla and wrap around the filling
• Top with another slightly damp paper towel
• Microwave for 60 seconds until cheese melts

Do they still have Meximelt at Taco Bell?

Nope…bummer dude!

What’s the difference between a soft taco and a Meximelt?

They taste pretty much the same except you’re hitting the taco with a microwave after it’s made to get it all melty together! And let me tell you – it makes it sooooo good!

How do you store and reheat leftover Meximelts?

Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like these glass ones) in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can keep in the freezer up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

You can also make a batch up – wrap them in plastic wrap – and keep them in the fridge or freezer – for a quick lunch anytime! 

What to eat with a Meximelt?

• Authentic Refried Beans
• Copycat Carlos O’Kelly’s Queso
• Copycat Carlos O’Kelly’s Salsa

More Fast Food Copycat Recipes

• Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
• Papa John’s Jalapeno Bites
• Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt

The Meximelt at Taco Bell was one of my absolute favorite menu items – but it's no longer on the menu! Ugh – the tragedy! This Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt brings it back to your kitchen by combining a taco and a quesadilla into a melty burrito of goodness.

3.67 from 3 votes

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Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Entree

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 571 kcal

Equipment

• Non stick skillet
• Meat Chopper

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 pkg Taco Bell taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 6-8 6" soft tortillas
• 1 cup Taco Bell Mexican blend shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo

Instructions

 

• In skillet, on medium high heat, brown ground beef
  1 lb ground beef
• Add taco seasoning and water, stir until mixture is thickened
  1 pkg Taco Bell taco seasoning, 3/4 cup water
• On cutting board that will fit in microwave or microwave-safe plate, lay out a paper towel and sprinkle it with water so it's damp
• Lay out 2 tortillas on paper towel
  6-8 6" soft tortillas
• Spoon 1/3 cup taco meat mixture down the middle of each soft flour tortilla
• Line the taco meat with 2 tbsp pico de gallo
  1/2 cup pico de gallo
• Line the pico with 3 tbsp shredded cheese
  1 cup Taco Bell Mexican blend shredded cheese
• Fold over the tortilla
• Top with another damp paper towel
• Microwave for 60 seconds until cheese melts

Notes

**We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**

Nutrition

Serving: 1meximeltCalories: 571kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 30gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 1499mgPotassium: 384mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1237IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 287mgIron: 4mg

Keyword cheese, ground beef, salsa, taco, taco bell

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The post Taco Bell Meximelt appeared first on The Food Hussy.

If you’re here – you already know that Gulf Shores is a great place to visit! I’ve even got a list of over 30 activities you can do around the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.

But we’re here to talk about BRUNCH! Brunch isn’t just for Sundays – when you’re on vacation – brunch is every day! That’s the best thing about visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is that you can get between all the great places in about 15 minutes!

1. BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets – 25689 Canal Road – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love BuzzCatz

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets is a cute little coffee shop with home-baked pastries and a cute cat theme. I’m a cat lover so I had to visit! I took home the cute glass you see in the background even.

What to Order at BuzzCatz

• Housemade Pop Tarts – filled with a pastry cream and I couldn’t help but eat the whole thing!
• Cat Head biscuits – they were about the size of a cat head – and were served with their homemade jam. (The cinnamon raisin was my favorite)
• Pecan Pie Cinnamon Roll – no icing needed!

2. Ruby Slipper Cafe – 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love Ruby Slipper Cafe

The Ruby Slipper Cafe is a staple in New Orleans and are expanding across the south. Their Gulf Shore location is right on the main strip in Orange Beach – you can’t miss it – or those mimosas!

What to Order at Ruby Slipper Cafe

• Eggs Benedicts – this is their specialty! My favorite was the Biscuits & Gravy Eggs Benedict. Homemade biscuits topped with a poached egg and their in-house biscuits and gravy! So yum! The Chicken St. Charles was sooooo good too!
• Pig Candy – their candied bacon is so legendary – I had to make my own copycat version!
• Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes – Classic buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon & brown
  sugar filling & a cream cheese glaze – yes please!

Ruby Slipper also invited us to come back and learn the secrets to their biscuits! I’m obviously a biscuit queen and here’s the Ruby Slipper Biscuit Recipe so you can make them yourself!

3. Southern Grind Coffeehouse – 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love Southern Grind Coffeehouse

Southern Grind Coffeehouse was another great find – they’re really known for their coffee – but we also grabbed a bite – since we were there. Their decor is really awesome – it’s very beachy and they have so many cute art & decor items for sale too! We visited their Orange Beach location at Hotel Indigo but they also have one at the Wharf.

What to Order at Southern Grind

• Creme Brulee Latte – all of their coffee drinks are delicious but this was my favorite!
• Cinnamon French Toast – Cinnamon swirl bread with a side of bacon!
• Belgian Waffle – be sure to get the strawberries & cream version!

4. Sunliner Diner – 100 E 2nd Ave – Gulf Shores, AL

Why We Love Sunliner Diner

Sunliner Diner is a super cute 50’s style diner with a classic car out front – and it’s pristine!!! It’s picture perfect for sure!!! Plus they have amazing food that make for the best breakfast in town!

What to Order at Sunliner Diner

• Mimosas – I’m not much of a drinker but if there’s champagne – I’m in! They also do specialty mimosas during the holidays!
• Specialty Biscuits – I loved the Cinnamon Raisin Biscuit with a light glaze on top. My friend Stephanie loved the Bacon Cheese Ranch biscuits so much that she made a copycat version herself!
• Corned Beef Hash – House made corned beef, bell peppers, onions and hash browns topped with poached eggs and a horseradish cream sauce. I loved it so much I made a copycat version of this delicious corned beef hash!

5. The Gulf – 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love The Gulf

The Gulf is my all-time favorite!! Get your toes in the sand because the Gulf is RIGHT ON THE WATER! It’s a little more lunch than breakfast but it’s still delicious and the best seat in the area! Picnic tables on the beach, a cute shop with the CUTEST pillows, candles, cards, etc.; and lots of spots in the sun or shade. I go at least twice every visit to Gulf Shores!

What to Order at The Gulf

• Tuna Poke Bowl – when you’re on the water – eat seafood and this poke bowl is the best I’ve ever had! It’s so fresh and light!
• Grouper Sandwich – so delicious and served with a lemon dill sauce that I couldn’t get enough of!
• Shrimp Tacos – The pineapple corn salsa is so good on those grilled Gulf shrimp!

6. OSO Early – 27370 Canal Rd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love OSO Early

OSO Early is off the main drag but it’s worth the drive! It’s a great coffee shop, a quick grab-n-go stop (breakfast sandwich anyone?) and a delicious restaurant all in one! This is another must-try stop when you’re in Gulf Shores.

What to Order at OSO Early

• Bacon Bowl – braised pork belly, creole hash browns, collard greens, poached eggs, hollandaise and bloody mary pico! Every single component is PERFECTION.
• Nassau Cheese Grits – Filled with sauteed peppers, onions and ham and then finished off with bacon, tomatoes and gouda. (My copycat recipe!)
• Bushwhacker Pancakes – the famous Bushwhacker drink of Gulf Shores comes to life in pancakes!

7. Brick & Spoon – 24705 Canal Rd – Orange Beach, AL

Why We Love Brick & Spoon

Brick & Spoon is THE place to go if you’re looking for an amazing Bloody Mary! They even have a Bloody Mary menu where you can add all sorts of things like a deviled egg!

What to Order at Brick & Spoon

• Bloody Mary – they have a build-your-own menu so go for it!
• Beignets – You don’t have to go to New Orleans for these powdered sugar delights!
• Breakfast Tacos – loaded up with chorizo and a mango salsa – so good!

8. Foodcraft – 21196 East Beach Blvd – Gulf Shores, AL

Why We Love Foodcraft

Foodcraft is THE place to go for the breakfast buffet or a Sunday brunch! They are part of the Gulf State Park so you’ve got a great view and places to walk after you indulge!

What to Order at Foodcraft

• New York Strip Steak & Eggs – grilled steak, eggs, tomatoes and home fries with a cajun remoulade! Wow!
• Banana Bread French Toast – bananas, pecans, bourbon-maple syrup and bacon!!! are all things I want to eat on a Sunday!
• Crab Cake Benedict – Crab cakes are my favorite! They’re served on an English muffin and topped with spinach, poached eggs and a Cajun citrus tarragon sauce.

More Brunch Spots in Gulf Shores

No need to go to Waffle House when you’re on vacation – there are plenty of options! Here’s a few more:

• Tacky Jacks – with locations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan – it’s one of the most eclectic and fun restaurants. While the menu options are not online, they open at 8am (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere) and have daily breakfast specials with bacon, eggs, sausage and more.
• Kitty’s Kafe – An unassuming diner in a strip mall with classic breakfast items like Dried Beef Gravy on Toast and lots of Kountry-style breakfast options! They also have lunch salads and sandwiches too.
• Safari Club at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – Sunday brunch from 10a-3p features chiaquiles, benedicts, blueberry pancakes & more. Plus – you can go to the zoo after!

We stayed at Turquoise Place and it was amazing! We had a four bedroom condo and it had all the amenities – a huge kitchen and dining room, grill on the patio, jacuzzi tub in the master bath, the most comfortable beds ever and so much more. We also learned that they launder the duvets after every guest – which is NOT something that happens in nearly any other vacation rental!

I can’t even begin to share all the benefits – free beach towels, free parking, cabanas, pools, fitness clubs, daily activities and games, a lazy river and more! The whole facility is beautiful. I can’t wait to go back!!!

Sunsets were the best!!! I met this little guy while I was down there taking pics one evening! So beautiful!!!! We absolutely loved our trip and I can’t wait to go back.

The post Best Places to Brunch in Gulf Shores appeared first on The Food Hussy.

Where is Highland County?

Highland County is east of Hamilton & Clermont County – the main cities you’ll find are Hillsboro, Highland, Leesburg, Greenfield and Lynchburg. I spent most of my time up around Greenfield, Leesburg and Hillsboro.

Breakfast Spots in Highland County

• Batter Up Bakery is always my #1 stop! I met Casey & crew a few years back and have been a loyal customer ever since! My favorite thing about Batter Up is that they use FRESH SEASONAL ingredients. They’ll have you saying Krispy who???

• We also enjoyed breakfast at Sassafras Kitchen & Bar! Their story is so interesting – it’s two sisters that started the coffee shop and are also the chef’s behind the delicious breakfast & lunch treats they have. The Maple Bacon Pancake Muffin is NOT TO BE MISSED!

• Cafe 28 in Leesburg, OH is a cute little cafe next to Batter Up Bakery. They have all sorts of coffee but also FLAVORED RED BULL! Their breakfast and lunch offerings are great too – my favorite was their biscuits and gravy.
• Holtfield Station in Hillsboro is also a favorite stop! They have baked goods and the best drive-thru coffee in town! They also sell local baked goods and have an amazing lunch deli.

Fun Things To Do Outside in Highland County

• We got to browse the Hillsboro Farmers Market while we were in town. It’s every Saturday from 9am-1pm on Government Square during the summer and fall. You’ll find fresh fruit & veggies, homemade pasta and breads, candies, crafts and so much more all from local vendors!

Here are some of my other favorite things we did:

• Rocky Fork Lake – We hit up Rocky Fork Lake Boat Rental and had a blast! We took out a pontoon boat and cruised around the lake on a beautiful sunny day! Not to be missed! And the staff is amazing!
• Pickleball Courts – Hillsboro has some amazing new pickleball courts near The Porch! They have leagues for all skill levels. We had a blast!!!

• Kayaking and Bike Riding with Greenfield Outdoor Adventures. Mike is a local pastor and wants to encourage folks to get out and enjoy all that Highland County has to offer.

• There is great hiking in Greenfield, Rocky Fork State Park Fort Hill, Fort Salem. We even explored a cave at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. This used to be a tourist attraction but now it’s been turned into more of a nature preserve. It’s all free too! If you like Hocking Hills – you definitely need to check this out!

• B. Williams Farm in Leesburg OH – This is a super cute pumpkin patch with games for the kids to play, mums as far as the eye can see and even some home decor items to take home.

• Dark Harvest Productions in Hillsboro, OH – New to the area they are a ginormous pumpkin patch and corn maze. They have some scary areas and some not scary – so there’s definitely something for everyone! The pumpkins are next level and all grown on their farm!

• Karnes Orchard in Hillsboro OH – If you’re looking for apples – this is THE place! They have so many varieties that run from June – October! You can pick your own or just head in and grab a bag of any size. They also have very unique heirloom varieties. This is definitely a yearly visit for me and be sure to the get the apple cider slushie!
• Dancing on Tabletops – Cathy Rivas is a former teacher with an amazing space in the middle of a corn field (literally). She’s available for classes or retreats and will work with you to create the “craft” you want to do!

Shopping in Highland County

There are lots of cute shops in Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. There are clothing boutiques – but also lots of other unique stops. A couple of my favorites were:

• Mimi’s Kitchen in Hillsboro – This is hands-down the best cheesecake I have ever tasted in my life! It’s really light and fluffy – they have a little shop downtown. Check their group for hours or call to order your cheesecake. In the shop they have slices, parfaits, minis and more. Cindy (the owner) is also the sweetest thing ever with a wonderful story. If you’re looking to support a family business – and gain a few pounds – this is the one to go to!

• Twisted Violet Homestead in Hillsboro – Twisted Violet is such a cute shop! They have natural remedies (I picked up some sugar scrub and magnesium cream), cute jewelry and t-shirts as well as fun things for around the house. They’re moving to Hillsboro soon – so be sure to check their FB page for their location before you go. They even have classes where you can get your friends together and make sugar scrubs and more – a great activity for kids or adults!

Delicious Spots for Lunch & Dinner in Highland County

Here’s the thing – you can definitely make a day trip – but it’s also not too far that if you’re just wanting to explore someplace new – head over for lunch or dinner! We stopped at:

• Catch 22 Sports Pub, Greenfield – This bar & grill had a wide array of delicious beers and yummy food. The burgers were great but everybody’s favorite was the Buffalo Chicken Flatbread.
• Leesburg Dairy Barn – This newly opened spot is very popular! With ice cream, burgers, chicken strips and more – it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner!

• The Alley in Hillsboro – We stopped in for dinner the night of the Bengals game and it was so good! They have a bowling alley and a bunch of games to play – but the food is where it’s at. I encourage you to get all appetizers! The fried mushrooms were the best ones I’ve had in my entire life!

• The Porch in Hillsboro – Another great spot for dinner! Family owned & operated with live music every Friday. The Rueben Egg Rolls and Cobbler Skillet were a big hit!
• Maplecrest Meats in Hillsboro – This is a premier butcher shop with Certified Angus Beef – but they also have a deli, meals-to-go and serve a daily lunch special!

• JR’s General Store & Country Crust Bakery in Bainbridge, OH – If you like Amish country – you can get a taste of it at the General Store and Bakery. I grabbed up a bunch of bulk spices (so cheap) at the general store and then headed to the bakery for a delicious pretzel rueben and some fry pies!

• Terry’s Pizza & Crazy Shakes in Lynchburg OH – If you’re looking for Crazy Shakes but don’t want to travel all the way to Gulf Shores – you can get them right here in Ohio! Terry’s Pizza is a grocery/gas station/pizza/ice cream parlor all in one. They have a huge (and delicious) deli too! Their crazy shakes are $10 and don’t miss out on the Dill Pickle Pizza!!!

Where to stay in Highland County?

There are loads of cabins, campgrounds, air bnbs and mom & pop hotels in the area. I’ve stayed at a locally owned spot each time I spent the weekend.

• Lakeside Oasis in Hillsboro – this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has 6 beds, a hot tub, lake access, outdoor sauna, game room and so much more! This is definitely a fun spot for a big family! There are two primary bedrooms and then one room with multiple beds that is perfect for kids!

• WhiteOak View Farm in Hillsboro – It’s a four-bedroom farm house that has everything you need for breakfast as well as a beautiful farm. We got to see the cows, pet a kitty and take a break by their pond.

• Woodhaven Farm Bed & Breakfast in Leesburg – This B&B is a unique space with a single room with on-suite bath downstairs and then the upstairs is a wide open space with four antique beds. It was a great space for a girls weekend like we had. They also had a super cute dog I got to snuggle with!

All in all – a great time was had by all! We even got to play a little Highland County-Opoly before we left!

More Day Trips from Cincinnati

• Santa Claus Indiana during the Holidays
• Day Trip to Springfield OH
• Weekend Trip to Adams County OH

The post Road Trips from Cincinnati: Highland County OH appeared first on The Food Hussy.

Santa Claus, Indiana is the epitome of a Christmas town! It’s like a Hallmark movie come to life. Want to roast chestnuts? You can! Have Santa send a letter? You can! Pet a reindeer? You can! Here are the best Christmas Things To Do In Santa Claus, Indiana.

Visiting Santa Claus Indiana during the Christmas Season is a pretty magical experience! The small town of Santa Claus Indiana is a perfect weekend trip from Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, Louisville or even Nashville!

Where to Stay in Santa Claus? 

We chose to stay at Santa’s Lodge – it just felt like THE place we had to stay! It was a positive experience – the lodge is honestly nicer and in better shape than we thought it might be.

We had a room with two queen beds and it was ample size and space. The beds were comfortable. The TV and cable were a little old – but we were out and about the whole weekend – so we didn’t really mind. There is an indoor pool & hot tub that gets pretty busy with kids by the evening but in the afternoon when we arrived – it was empty! 

There was a special holiday package that included the dinner with Santa and more. If you’re visiting in Summer (Holiday World Theme Park) – they have a zipline course for the warmer months (oh July!).

Other Places to Stay in Santa Claus

There are also a number of other places to stay in Santa Claus from B&Bs, camping at the Lake Rudolph Campground, motels and more.

When we go back, we’ll probably opt for a cabin or one of the cottages for a bit more quiet, woodsy atmosphere.

I have to admit – we chose Santa’s Lodge because we assumed the proprietor would be very sexy and shirtless and in financial trouble needing the assistance of a marketing guru (like myself) from the big city. (i.e. the plot of every Hallmark Christmas movie – haha!)

18 Things to Do in Santa Claus, Indiana in December

The fun holiday activities start at Thanksgiving in the town of Santa Claus. We found the weekend before Christmas was packed FULL of activities around town. There are other weekends prior that have activities as well – so plan early! And – you’ll be shocked at how many of the activities are FREE – and every place has free parking as well. 

1. Purchase a customized ornament at the Santa Claus Christmas Store – This Christmas Store has EVERYTHING – including a bakery & coffee shop! I picked up a cute white ceramic tree with lights and a giant cookie! (Cost: whatever you spend, the cookie was about $3)

2. Live reindeer at Santa’s Toys – Santa’s Toys is right next to the Christmas store and they have different events throughout the holiday season including LIVE reindeer as well as toy drives where you can help out those in need during the holidays. (Cost: FREE) 

3. Breakfast with Santa at this Historic Santa Claus Campground – this annual event is held every December. I’m putting it on my list for next year because the RV park has a giant Saint Bernard pup that greets all it’s visitors! (Cost: not available at this time)

4. Santa’s Candy Castle for a Frozen Hot Chocolate – This candy castle is the ultimate sweet treat EXPERIENCE! Pro Tip: Go early in the day for shorter lines! The line wraps through the store – so you don’t miss anything – and you can get all sorts of unique candy from your childhood.

They are known for their frozen hot chocolate – which was pretty much like the coldest chocolate milk ever! But their CAN’T MISS ITEM is their flavored popcorn! I devoured the cheddar popcorn one day and the dill pickle popcorn the next day – man they were so good! I’m wishing I could get it sent to me!  (Cost: Frozen Hot Chocolate was $4.50) 

5. Play games and have pizza at Frosty’s Fun Center & Arcade – located across the parking lot from Santa’s Lodge, Frosty’s is an arcade and pizza parlor. They also have a mini-golf course in the summer months. They have a really big menu with breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert offerings (ice cream!). (Cost: depends on your purchase)

6. Write a letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum – The Santa Claus Museum has the first original post office for Santa Claus, Indiana. Go inside and write a letter to Santa and pop it in the mail. Be sure to ring the bells so the elves know to get your letter! Then you – or your recipient – will get a real letter from Santa for Christmas! While there, you can visit the Santa Claus Museum as well! (FREE! Donations appreciated)

7. Get a Christmas card postmarked at the Santa Claus Post Office – If you want the only postmark in the country that says it’s from Santa Claus – head to the post office and send your cards from there! (Cost: a stamp)

8. Roast Chestnuts on an Open Fire – this is a real thing! Santa’s Candy Castle is bringing this tradition back by roasting those chestnuts. They have a big campfire in the back and tell the story of the tradition! Stick around and you get to try them for yourself! Chestnuts are pretty sweet – who knew?! (FREE!)

9. Visit the Treemendous Village at the Lincoln Pioneer Museum – Stroll through 13 Lincoln-era replica cabins decorated for the holiday season inside Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. The festive atmosphere will include carolers, music, refreshments, and more. This holiday event is only offered one day and is part of the City of Rockport’s Christmas Festival. (Cost: Adults $3, Kids FREE!)

10. See a Holiday Play at the Heritage Hills Auditorium  – This year’s play was “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It’s put on by the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association. (Cost: Ticket prices unavailable at this time – but it was less than $10)

11. Take a selfie with one of 20 Santa statues around town – everywhere you go – there’s a Santa statue! Be sure to use #SantaSelfie as you’re snapping shots around the village. (FREE!)

12. Drive thru the Santa Claus Land of Lights display and learn the story of Rudolph – there are a few different holiday light show displays in the area. We enjoyed the Land of Lights the most at the Lake Rudolph Campground. They tell the story of Rudolph that the kids can follow along with along the way. (Cost: $15/car)

13. Have dinner and story time with Santa at Santa’s Lodge – whether you’re staying at the lodge or not, you can stop in for dinner and story time with Santa! It’s a buffet dinner & dessert and Santa & Mrs Claus are in attendance. After dinner, they take pics with all the guests and read a story. I will say – the dinner wasn’t great – but you’re really there for the quaintness and Santa! Plus – you take your own pics so that’s free. (Cost: $18.95/adults, $12.95 for ages 4-10, 3 & under are FREE)

14. Shop for gifts at the many cute shops – you’ll find cute little boutique shops in Santa Claus and a few nearby towns. We liked Evergreen Boutique the best – it’s a Christmas shop and a clothing boutique. I picked up a couple of ornaments with me and my boyfriends names on them for the tree! (Cost: whatever you purchase)

15. Ride the Candy Cane Express train and have milk & cookies with Santa – there are a couple of different train rides you can go on. Our train left Tell City (about 20 minutes away from Santa Claus). We paid extra to get a little room to ourselves with a sofa – which was nice since we were kidless.

They tell a story over the PA system on the train and you get a visit from Rudolph’s cousin and from Santa. Let me also say – they had the BEST Santa! At the end of the ride each passenger gets milk & a cookie! The ride itself isn’t that interesting in terms of scenery but they did a great job with the story and the staff on board. There’s a free library outside, a little gift shop inside and a photo station. (Cost: Admission for the train start at $15)

* After the train ride, stop by the Domestic Goddess Boutique! It’s just a block away and I got a super cute purse! 

16. Visit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln State Park and see historical sites from where Abraham Lincoln lived for 14 years of his childhood. Visit the Spencer County Visitors Bureau for more information. (Cost: FREE!)

17. Enjoy the Santa Claus Christmas Parade – the parade starts at Holiday World and was held on Dec 11 in 2021 – so keep in mind – it’s a couple of weeks before Christmas. (Cost: FREE)

18. Tour the Holiday Lights at Twilight at the Wilstem Wildlife Park! We came across Wilstem Wildlife Park on our drive from Cincinnati to Santa Claus – it’s about an hour away. They have a holiday light show which we missed. We did hit the drive through safari tour on our way home. It was so fun! (Cost: Tickets start at $17, cup of food is $3)

One thing I really liked is that nearly all the animals have free roam of very large areas. The bear area was especially cool and we met with their handler Jeff. He’s had shows on Discovery+ and more. The bears are pretty much Hollywood stars as they’ve been in several movies, etc. Jeff is available during the tour for as much Q&A as you can come up with! 

Where to eat in Santa Claus, Indiana? 

You’ll find a few chain restaurants but most of the dining in Santa Claus and surrounding towns are local places. Here’s where we went: 

• Casey’s General Store – Here’s the thing – if you haven’t had Casey’s Breakfast Pizza – you do NOT know what you’re missing! I was giddy to find a Casey’s just a block from our lodge! I got a piping hot piece of breakfast pizza every morning! My friend even said “This is the happiest I’ve ever seen you!”. (I also have a copycat recipe on my blog if you don’t have a Casey’s near you.) They’re also known for their homemade donuts and taco pizza. 

• Hoosierland Pizza – I forgot to take a pic – but frankly – we were starving and took the pizza to the Land of Lights and ate while we oohed and ahhhed over the lights. We got a pepperoni pizza – it was fine. Nothing magical but good! 

• Ben’s Pretzel Truck – On Saturday, there was a host of food trucks at the Christmas shopping mall. We were eating other places – but did grab one of Ben’s Soft Pretzels. The bearded young man working there even flirted with me…made my day. It’s a good pretzel! 

• The Chateau – We went to The Chateau for lunch. It’s about 15 minutes from Santa Claus and you don’t know what to expect from the outside. Inside – it’s a very casual sports bar with pretty good food. The breadsticks weren’t so great – but the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich was yum! (I have a copycat of that too!)

• Mama T’s – while we were at Evergreen Boutique – they recommended we try Mama T’s Italian Restaurant in Huntingburg, IN (about 20 min away). There are quite a few shops in their downtown as well if you’re looking for shopping. They are really known for their steak but we’d had a lot of food during the day – so I stuck with pasta and got their Lasagna trio – so much cheese!!!! 

What is closed during the holidays in Santa Claus? 

Unfortunately, not all the attractions in Santa Claus are open during December. So keep in mind that Holiday World amusement park, Santa’s Stables horseback riding and many of the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home buildings are closed during the holidays. 

There are a lot of events but they’re not all going on every weekend. The website for Santa Claus Indiana is very comprehensive and lists out all of the fun events. 

Tips, Tricks & FAQs

Overall Thoughts on Santa Claus Indiana 

While, unfortunately, I wasn’t scooped up in some Hallmark movie plot – our visit to Santa Claus was very fun. I’m an adult with no kids who isn’t even a huge Christmas fan and I really enjoyed it. Go into it looking to have some kitschy fun – and you’ll enjoy it!  Kids will LOVE it!

More Day Trips from Cincinnati

• Day Trip: Highland County OH (Hillsboro & More)
• Day Trip: Springfield, OH (Frank Lloyd Wright House)
• Day Trip: Adams County, OH (Nature!)

The post Christmas Things To Do In Santa Claus, Indiana – Fun And Cheap! appeared first on The Food Hussy.

If you remember, Tom & Chee was started right here in Cincinnati and was featured on Shark Tank a few years back. They grew rather quickly and have now scaled back the menu a bit and are focusing on what they do best – melts (aka grilled cheese with extras!), grilled cheese donuts and salads! 

First up – I tried the Italian! Man oh man is this delicious! It’s piled high with mozzarella, ham, pepperoni, salami, banana peppers, onions, lettuce, tomato and balsamic vinaigrette dressing! I love an Italian sandwich and this was one of the best I’ve had! It’s a perfect balance of meat, cheese and veggies! 

I wanted to eat everything on the menu – but it really wasn’t feasible so I did recruit some friends to help me. (haha) One melt on everyone’s list was the Kickin’ Chicken – pepper jack cheese, fried chicken, sauteed onions, jalapenos and kickin sauce! It’s spicy and delicious! 

Tom & Chee has also introduced TATER TOTS to their menu! You can get three kinds of tots! Regular tots, Kickin’ Tots or, my favorite, the Garlic, Cheese and Chive Tots. These tots are covered with garlic aioli, two cheeses and chives. They are so good and who doesn’t love tots?! 

Also new at Tom & Chee is a Pick 2 Menu! The best thing about the Tom & Chee Pick 2 Menu is you can pick from EVERYTHING! For just $8.99, you can choose two from a half melt, half salad, cup of soup, cup of mac and cheese, tots or donut sandwich. That means you could get TWO half melts, or a half melt and a half donut, or a half salad and cup of mac, or – well you get the point! 


My friend Andi got the Chicken Bacon Ranch (the most popular sandwich on the menu) which has cheddar, bacon, chicken, roma tomatoes and – of course – ranch! She paired it with the Garlic, Cheese & Chive Tots! 

I did also try the Kickin’ Tots – they are their regular seasoned tots topped with a spicy Kickin’ sauce. They have got a kick to them for sure! I’m a spice wuss and liked them a lot but my spicy loving friend could add more spice with additional jalapenos! 

Grilled Cheese Donuts are one of their signature items! Years ago I went on a food tour in Cincinnati and tried their traditional Grilled Chee Donut which is a glazed donut with mild cheddar cheese. It’s DELICIOUS! And if you haven’t tried it – you really must try it! It sounds weird – but it’s amazing!


But now they have a S’more Donut – and it is outstanding! I don’t even like s’mores and I ate two of them!!! (OMG – diet gone!) 

The S’more Donut is a grilled glazed donut with graham cracker, chocolate pieces and marshmallow mascarpone cheese. I can’t even tell you how amazing this is! Shockingly, it’s not OVERLY sweet. It’s definitely a perfect sharable dessert after those awesome melts! 

Yes – that’s me putting down S’more Donut #2. I couldn’t help myself! I’ve made my own grilled cheese donuts at home – like this grilled cheesecake donut – I’m definitely going to be doing more of these! 

Now – if all that is a little heavy for you – Tom & Chee also has a great selection of salads! I got the Fried Chicken Salad (half size shown) with greens, five cheese blend, cucumber, tomato, red pepper, red onion, bacon, fried chicken and ranch dressing! 


I’ve also made a copycat version of their signature Ultimate Garden Salad with Grilled Cheese Croutons and love it! They also have a Chicken Caesar or Green Goat salad (the GG has cranberries, goat cheese, toasted almonds and grilled cheese croutons!). 

The post Tom & Chee Review: What should you order at Tom & Chee appeared first on The Food Hussy.

I decided we were going to have the best BITES of food – no whole meals here. This wasn’t about fancy food – it was about FUN restaurants in Cincinnati that I love and that I think everybody should try at some time in the near future. So come along for our EPIC FOOD TOUR OF CINCINNATI! (This is all in order – it was a HELLA DAY!) 

1. Holtman’s Donuts – Milford/Loveland (10am)

This is right by my house (and the OG of the locations that still exist) and is the best donut in Cincinnati. Noah doubted me – but he went with my reco of the Maple Bacon Donut and he was not disappointed. The maple frosting isn’t overly sweet and the bacon is meaty and not crispy – so you can still taste it. Delicious! 

 2. The Root Beer Stand – Sharonville (1030am)


Unfortunately for anyone reading this today – it’s closed for the season (mid-September). But put it on your Cincinnati Bucket List! They have homemade root beer served in frosty mugs and my favorite bite is the Timmy Dog. It has EVERYTHING on it!! The Timmy Dog is a foot-long hot dog loaded with chili, onions, hot sauce, cole slaw, mustard, ketchup, relish, cheese and sauerkraut.

I love me a Timmy Dog! It has EVERYTHING on it and it is delicious! If you haven’t been to The Root Beer Stand – it’s a must-try spot in Cincinnati! 

3. Boomtown Biscuits – Downtown (1130am)

Yeah – that’s not a biscuit in the picture – it’s a HUNK of pork belly. And it’s worth every penny of the $4 price tag. All of their food is good – but that pork belly is – in my opinion – the single best bite of food in the city of Cincinnati. My friend agreed – it was his favorite of the day!!! 

Their chef is Christian Gill and he’s amazing. On our first meeting – we found out we are birthday buddies and have been great buds ever since! He’s also friends with Guy Fieri – yeah – seriously! He’s been on Food Network shows more than a couple of times – Boomtown is that good. 


Chef Christian also gave me a taste of the gravy of the day – that was a Cincinnati chili stye gravy – and wowza – it was SO GOOD!!! I ate every drop! 

4. Bonbonerie – O’Bryonville (1230pm)

No visit to Cincinnati is complete without a bite of Opera Cream Cake! The Bonbonerie is a quaint bakery and tea shop that has delicious lunch service (love the quiche) and a coffee shop/bakery next door. They have all sorts of delicious treats you can take home. 

But the one item that’s a must-have is the Opera Cream Cake. It’s a chocolate cake but not actually too sweet or too chocolatey. The luscious and light cream filling is the star. Then the edges have chocolate shavings and it’s all delicious. If you live in Cincinnati – you have to have it at least once a year! 

5. Mazunte – Madisonville (130pm)

This is why I say – we went for the best BITES – we had a lot of eating in our planned itinerary! And Mazunte is one place that is on nearly everybody’s list. We tried their chips, salsa and drinks of course – but our favorite bite might surprise you…

The Elote – or Mexican corn! I actually don’t think Mazunte has the best tacos in the city. I like them and I won’t turn them down – but they’re not my favorite! The elote though is something you can’t find everywhere and I love it. Being from Iowa – corn is the way to my heart! Elote is grilled corn on the cob that is covered with a spicy mayo and crumble cheese. Yum!!! 

6. La Mexicana – Newport, KY (245pm)

Now THIS is the place for tacos! They are my absolute favorite for the Al Pastor taco and I love their guacamole! It’s a little place on Monmouth in Newport – but they’ve remodeled so the bar in front is fancier. If the four tables you see when you walk in are full – there’s plenty more tables in the back and a little grocery store! 

For me though – it’s all about the tacos. The best Al Pastor taco in the city of Cincinnati!!! It’s saucy and has pineapple and is just plain perfect! You can also get goat, tongue, brains, etc… I like the Al Pastor and the Vegetarian (it’s refried beans and all the American toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream). 

7. Midwest Best BBQ – Loveland – 530pm

I’ll be honest – at this point – we needed a nap and a walk and more than one bathroom break. We were going for bites and sharable items – but still – we were hurting! So we zoomed back to my house – retired to our separate quarters – and napped like our lives depended on it. Took the dogs for a walk and then were back at it! 


Our last savory stop was Midwest Best BBQ in Loveland. I fell in love with them when they were off the bike trail in a tiny little corner location. Now they have a big restaurant with a parking lot!! Shockingly – I hadn’t been to this location yet – but I remembered those G-Funk wings and had to take my friend there. They are dry rubbed and are my favorite! They were still as tasty as I remembered.  

8. Mt Washington Creamy Whip – Mt Washington – 930pm


After our day of eating – we went for another walk as we headed downtown to the Queen City is Haunted Tour by American Legacy (thanks for the free tickets guys! love ya!!). This was a fun tour and gave us a much needed walk after all that food. We heard some fun and slightly spooky stories about Cincinnati. 


We got in the car and were heading home and Noah said, “You know – I could eat that ice cream now.” So we hit the Google and sure enough – my favorite ice cream place was open for another 30 minutes! We put the Ford into overdrive and headed to Mt Washington Creamy Whip! 


Now – I know – I didn’t take him to Graeters???? Well – he’d had Graeters before in a pint. And frankly – I love soft serve. The chocolate cone at Creamy Whip is MY favorite and that’s what this tour was about!!! 


So we ended our day at Mt Washington Creamy Whip with a cone (he got a twist – I got chocolate). (Also – they’re now open THROUGH OCTOBER!!!) 


This “best bites” part of the tour was over – but we weren’t done yet!!! 

We still had Sunday!!! My buddy Mike at Cincy Brew Bus had told me about their brand new Pizza & Beer tour and offered me up a couple of seats and, well, who can turn down pizza and beer?! 


So we spent four hours visiting three breweries with pizza and stuffing our faces a little more. I don’t know where it all went! (Yes I do – my behind!) We stopped at Little Miami, Mad Tree and Taft’s Brewpourium – great fun and great pizza! Little Miami was my favorite – mainly because it’s the closest to my house and is on the river! 


What more food could there be left in the city to eat??? Well…there’s the final food item that you cannot miss in Cincinnati. When people ask – What food is Cincinnati known for? Of course – THE CHILI!!! 

We decided we needed to do an official Gold Star vs. Skyline taste off! Luckily in Milford – they’re across the street from each other. We purchased loaded coneys, a cup of chili and crackers from each. Noah hid while I plated onto non-branded items. (The extra coneys were for my dogs. The selection of Skyline showed no preference on my part. They’re dogs. They don’t care.)  

We each tasted all the items and the winnings were split!! 

Cup of Chili: Hands down – Gold Star. It wasn’t even close. The meat in Skyline had a very strange texture and Gold Star had a ton more flavor and spice! 


Coneys: Heather – Gold Star, Noah – Skyline. He felt that once you add everything to it – you couldn’t much tell a difference and I agreed. He liked the Skyline hot dog better and I preferred the Gold Star. Skyline actually makes their hot dogs specially to have little flavor – so that was interesting to us! 


Crackers: Gold Star Chili by a nose. Gold Star Chili’s crackers are larger and saltier – which won us both over.


Yes – I chose Gold Star Chili across the board – which I wasn’t really surprised by. I was pretty shocked by the cup of chili taste test – it was WILD how different they were. And then on the coney – you could barely tell a difference! 


I challenge anyone that is a loyalist to one or the other to try it themselves! It was fun! (I know more people are die hard Skyline Chili – so give it a whirl!)

So ten pounds later – there you have it! The most Epic Food Tour of Cincinnati that I think has ever been done. 


Can you believe we also ate at 50 West and Osaka Ramen House on Beechmont (really new and really delicious!)? I can’t believe the food intake!! It was a delicious way to tour Cincinnati and it was fun to have a friend that was up for the challenge. Most folks just want to go to one place and have dinner – and I have places for that too (Bite in Milford) – but this was really fun! 


So now – when someone asks you – What is the Best Restaurant in Cincinnati? What are the best cheap eats in Cincinnati? What is the Most Fun Restaurant in Cincinnati? I hope you have a little bit harder time thinking of an answer! 


What are YOUR epic BITES of food that we missed??? 

The post The Best and Most Fun Restaurants in Cincinnati appeared first on The Food Hussy.

The Salmon Spot – we were on our way to an excursion and I was starving – so we found the Salmon Spot and I grabbed a salmon burger. Man oh man – this might have been the best thing I ate the whole trip! It was light and no fillers – I scarfed that thing! 


Where: It’s a little shack across the street from the Cruise Ship ports and Hanger on the Wharf. 

Being a cruise ship town, there are tons of shore excursions – we saw a sign in front of a hotel that said DOG SLEDDING in Alaska? Um – we were in! Since this was summer – we did a tour in the forest. Man was it fun!!!! The bus picked us up and our driver was REALLY entertaining – we gave him a great tip – he had JOKES. 

It was $130 a person and worth every penny. I mean – I got kisses from a real Iditarod sled dog! There were 6 of us on a sled (it had wheels) and our team took us around a track through the forest then we got to meet and greet with the dogs and finally we got to hold PUPPIES! Oh no – I wasn’t in heaven at all. 


Where: Every hotel lobby has folks to help with excursions and there are a million booths right where the Cruise Ships dock. 

Blue Tent – Yes I’m referring to a blue tent – that’s where our bus driver from the dog tour told us to go – so we did. Right near the cruise ports – there’s a covered pavilion with 2-3 food vendors. We went to the blue tent and got this pork on a stick. It was delicious! 


Where: Covered pavilion right near the cruise ship dock

During our conference, we had some time to explore for lunch and there is a little food truck park in a yard. We stopped up there and went to a white taco truck (not Deckhand Daves). The King Crab Taco caught our eye and it was amazing! The tortilla was homemade and while it doesn’t look that crazy – it was so good! Hot, cripsy and filled with delicate King Crab. Man – I could have had a couple more!! There’s also a beer truck and a bunch of covered seating – so you can sample multiple trucks! 


Where: Franklin Street – up the hill on the right 


(Side note: everything in Juneau is within walking distance!) 

Roma Bistro on the Wharf – we wanted to eat dinner but our internal clocks were way off with the 3-4 hour time difference. So 9pm rolls around and we finally decide to eat. Guess what? The cruise ships are gone and everything is closed. What do you do? 


You find one place open and you run! Roma did not disappoint – it’s kinda fancy but the prices are affordable. I got the Polpette Ragu ($7.99) which is a meatball, marinara and housemade ricotta on top! Man – this was perfection in a cast iron pan! 

My friend got the Lamb Osso Bucco (also delicious and only $9.99). After our tapas, I had to have dessert because it was Rhubarb Tiramisu ($7.99). I LOVE rhubarb and this had rhubarb coulis, Ladyfingers and toasted pistachios. It was so good and not overly sweet. I enjoyed every bite! 


Where? Roma Bistro is located at Pier 49 near the cruise ship port. It’s a large blue building that has 4-5 restaurants and a few shops. 

Sandpiper Cafe – one morning we decided to grab breakfast in Juneau and the Sandpiper was very close to our hotel. We did Uber because our feet were hurting and we were tired and cranky. The breakfast was good, it was a clean little cafe and there were a lot of folks that had been on the glacier the day before – you could identify them by their sunburned cheeks! 


Where: 429 West Willoughby Avenue

Speaking of glaciers – we got to do a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier and then have a food & beer tasting thanks to Alaskan Brewing! It’s good to be a food blogger!!! I think I liked the White beer. Did you know that this is a crevasse not a crevice? A crevasse is in ice, a crevice is in rock. #learnin The tour was amazing – once in a lifetime. 

Where: Every hotel lobby has folks to help with excursions and there are a million booths right where the Cruise Ships dock. 

There are fishing boats everywhere and if you google “salmon charter boats” you can find folks that will take you out on their boats to go fishing. We had a lunch provided by Salmon State where they explained all the work they’re doing to make sure that we keep getting healthy wild salmon out of Alaska. We also got to try FIVE different kinds of salmon! Yes! They filleted them and then grilled them for us right on the pier. Amazing.  

Alaska Fish & Chips – we had to get fish & chips and it was our last full day so a group of us conference goers ran out to Alaska Fish & Chips – also at Pier 49. It’s right across from the cruise ship dock and has a big outdoor patio. I got cod ($16.99) – but they also had halibut. It was so good!!! 


Where: Pier 49, 2 Marine Way

Salt – After the conference, we decided to head out for a “fancy” dinner and knew we wanted to go to Salt. Everybody had recommended it. I went with Kitchen Gone Rogue, Boulder Locavore and Muy Bueno Cookbook. I went for the Alaska Halibut ($36) which had salsa verde puree, roasted cauliflower and a beurre blanc sauce. This was fancy dinner night but it was nice to sit and relax with my girls!


Where: 200 Seward St

Where: Every hotel lobby has folks to help with excursions and there are a million booths right where the Cruise Ships dock. 

The post Where to Eat in Juneau, Alaska appeared first on The Food Hussy.

We went to such a wide variety of places – from fancy to tacky – we explored them all! I even have a copycat recipe from this batch that I’ll be sharing in a few days! You’ll have to tell me if you have any favorites!

I got the Greek Shrimp Nachos ($13) – buried underneath all of that goodness are fried wonton chips smothered in a spinach-feta cream sauce and topped with plump Gulf shrimp, tomatoes, feta, Kalamata olives, peppadews, banana peppers and onions. Holy moly were these delicious!!! Such an interesting take on nachos!!!

After all of our dinners – we got Beignet Fries ($11) – man oh man – I just discovered beignets on my recent trip to New Orleans and they’re so delicious! But the Flora-Bama made them into little fries and they were crispy, sweet, fluffy and delicious!!! A must-have!

Tacky Jacks was practically made for me! I saw it as we drove by and my eyes lit up and I said, “Are we going there??????” – I was like a 5 year old at DisneyLand! It’s so bright and colorful and TACKY! I loved it! We started out with drinks – I got a Margarita – but one of their specialties is the Bushwacker (it’s everybody’s special really). The Bushwacker is basically a chocolate shake with a lot of rum – not for me – but everybody else loves it!

We started out with some Firecracker Shrimp which is battered, fried and tossed in an Asian Chili Sauce. (Very similar to Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill) This was delicious and probably my favorite menu item at Tacky Jacks! You gotta try it!

I got the Mexican Garbage Nachos – they come in a foil cake pan and are just loaded for bear! Chips, cheese, olives, taco meat, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream and more. Be sure to check out my copycat recipe! Yum!

My girl Plain Chicken got a burger and it looked amazing as well! We had so much food and loved every bite! Plus – we got a piece of neon duct tape and left our mark – it’s a thing you do there! It’s a really fun casual dinner spot!

One night we had a progressive dinner that was voted on by fans of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and one of the stops was Red or White – which is a wine bar at the Wharf. The Wharf is a really cute and fun shopping & dining district – I would definitely love to spend more time there!


Our favorite item on their menu were there bruschetta – we had two kinds: one with housemade boursin cheese, fresh tomatoes and olive oil and the other with pimento cheese and bacon ($12). Let me tell you – that Pimento Cheese Bruschetta was AMAZING!!! It literally might be one of my favorite bites of the whole trip!

A couple of nights we did a fancier dinner and Perch was one of them. It’s a really nice restaurant actually at the Gulf State Park! The building is really unique and I like the location – not something you usually see.


We started with these Vidalia Onion Rings with a tempura batter and served with a tomato bacon jam ($10). They’re huge and super crispy! Definitely a favorite!

I chose the Double-Smoked Pork Belly ($17) – this was served with a Chimichurri sauce (which I’m now obsessed with after I tried the Kroger Prep + Pared meals!). Everybody at the table instantly started drooling and got really jealous of my order choice. First – it was a beautiful plate – second – I think this might have been the only time I shut up the entire trip! Once I started eating – I didn’t stop. They all said “Wow – that MUST be good!!! You stopped talking!” hahahahaha – so mental note for everyone out there – you wanna shut me up? Feed me pork belly.

I got the Red Fish on the Half Shell ($26) – which was roasted red fish topped with a tomato & avocado
salad. I’d never had Red Fish but really liked it – it was a thick white fish with a mild flavor – and having it grilled like this was so delicious – you just really enjoy the flavor of the Red Fish without anything distracting you from it.

On our last night – we enjoyed a fancy dinner at Voyagers which is at a resort. It was a really pretty restaurant with an amazing beach view. We started with a charcuterie board that was so delicious and filled with cured and smoked meats, tomato chutney, marcona almonds and honey mustard. I might have cornered this one to my side of the table.  

They had so many delicious items and steak was one of their specialties like this bone-in filet mignon with a side of decadent bacon topped macaroni & cheese ($37). No – this wasn’t good at all.

The night of our progressive dinner ended at Cosmos for dessert – again voted on by the fans of Gulf Shores and there were definitely some decadent desserts – like this Peanut Butter Pie ($6)! It had a pretzel crust and was topped with chocolate sauce – oye so yummy!

My favorite dessert though – hands down – was their Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie – oh man – I loved this! Steph and Eva might have even gotten a few more minutes of silence because I couldn’t stop eating this!


Shockingly – I didn’t even gain any weight on this trip! From walks on the beach and to the zoo – we were always on the move!

The post What to Eat in Gulf Shores, Alabama! appeared first on The Food Hussy.

They run the gambit for barbecue options and the owner Kristin made sure to show of their best stuff for me and my friends. We had a little bit of everything! Here’s the rundown from this photo:

– Ribs – delicious! Juicy and teeeeeeender!
– Greens – nearly the best I’ve had! Second only to a place I tried just TONIGHT in Birmingham Alabama!
– Coleslaw – vinegar based and just ok
– Potato Salad – outstanding! It’s more sour cream than mayo and I loved it! It was very refreshing!
– Strawberry Crunch Cake – excuse me???? YES!

But the one thing not in that mix was actually my favorite! It’s their Sweet Potato Casserole. This plate of delicious came out and was swimming in butter – definitely a good sign. And it did not disappoint – I was raving about this for days!!! Hell I just told my Alabama friends about it!!! I’ll be making a copycat version of this a little closer to Easter! OMG – so good!!!!

We also got to try:

– Brisket – pretty good with a nice smoky flavor
– Cornbread – not my favorite but I love the more sweet kind
– Mac & cheese – I don’t love homemade mac but this was among the best I’ve had
– Sweet Potato Casserole – ORANGE GOLD!!!

Back to that cake?! Remember the Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Bars – it’s that but in a cake. Oh man it was tasty!!!! The center is a bit like cream cheese and the outer cakes are moist and yummy! How I made this last two days – I’ll never know!!!

What Should You Get? Not pictured is their pulled chicken and it is the best in town. So if I were to choose – I would get pulled chicken and double up on the sweet potato casserole – seriously it’s that good!!!!

The next time you’re looking for catering or just some food to bring home – think of Sweets & Meats – their carryout location is on Beechmont in Mt Washington (near the Wendys). I’ve met Kristen many a times at the Lunch Lobby pop up shop in my building downtown and she is wonderful!

The post Restaurant Review: Sweets & Meats, Mt Washington appeared first on The Food Hussy.

Photo courtesy of AdventureMomBlog.com

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