Savory Snapshots (Highlands Edition)

Ladies night at Avalon features select $5 apps, martinis, and wines. Oh what a night! We started off with the Mushroom and Spinach Flat Bread. I'd definitely get this one again.

Not pictured: The delicious goat cheese app... I meant to take a pic, but we had the platter licked clean before I could even reach for my camera.

The Sicilian Manhattan (AKA bourbon martini). It was a bit too strong for me. I had to call for backup from Jules, who finished it off right.

 
Jules went for the Double Espresso Martini, let me rephrase, she tried to go for it. But I got it! Yuuuu-mee - a creamy treat indeed. We pretty much switched martinis.

My second drink of choice - The Lavender Blue. Blueberry vodka mixed with lavender lemonade. It was soft, smooth and just sweet enough for my palate.

Not pictured- The French Nouveau - vanilla vodka mixed with pineapple, chambord, and champagne. I had this on another Ladies Night and felt it to be too sweet. However, it should be noted that I'm not keen on pineapple flavor in cocktails.

Moving on to another fun dinner with Jules which entailed devouring of the plate above and a few others at Wild Ginger. It was deep fried sushi goodness, stuffed with spicy crab and topped with STEAK! That's right, steak. She loved it. I thought it was bizarre yet tasty. You will notice yet another martini... extra dirty, just the way Jules' likes it.

Next up, Mediterranean cuisine with Michael and Liz at The Falafel House. Above you will notice the Beef Schwarma with hummus and rice. This was Michael's pick. He was pleased and noted that the beef was very well seasoned.

My platter of choice was the Atomic Falafel. The falafel was accompanied by hummus, lettuce, tomato, and tiziki sauce, as well as a triple kick of spiciness from banana peppers, jalepeno peppers, and a unidentified red sauce, all wrapped up in pita bread. The side of fries were pretty standard.

Not pictured: Liz' Veggie Plate, featuring a variety of Mediterranean cuisine, which she raved about. I tried some of a grape leaf for the first time and thought it was salty but not bad. I also tried some of the baba ganoush - a dip that is made with eggplant (similiar to hummus). I love the name "baba ganoush" but did not care for the taste.

The picture above is just a little preview from my next post that will feature some great eats and treats in Atlanta. The adorable little mason jar is filled with a bourbon and coke slushi that we discovered at a serious Hipster bar. Stay tuned for more mouth-watering pics from this fun weekend trip. Until then, LIVE TO EAT!!!!!!

North End Cafe

http://www.northendcafe.com/

Hip is the perfect word to describe this café which is situated at 1722 Frankfort Avenue at the north end, as the name obviously suggests. After opening in April 2003,  it has become well known by Louisvillians for a killer spread of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, which greatly caters to those who prefer vegetarian and even vegan options.

When it comes to the greatly popular weekend brunch, expect a 30 to 40 minute wait unless you have a reservation. And once you are seated, expect a 30 minute wait or so until food is served. However, like Michael says, you should be willing to wait for good food, and boy is this food good. In fact, it's great! So let the wait begin. You will no doubt be pleased by the impeccable service and an atmosphere that is boisterous and bustling with a modern, fresh appeal, much enhanced by the trendiness of the wait staff. Though, this café is not overly pretentious or trying too hard. The food pretty much says it all.

We were seated on the covered patio for Sunday brunch on Mother’s Day. Our table for four was big and comfortable and we were delightfully pleased that they cranked up the fans on this hot afternoon. Mom enjoyed her garden burger that she described to be freshly ground, a far cry from the imitation meat-like patties that she has had elsewhere. She thought the Swiss cheese enhanced the flavors of her veggies, and she raved about her side salad that included several types of greens, romaine, spinach, arugala, topped with cherry tomatoes, and a unique champagne vinaigrette. Mom was happy and therefore, we were all happy! The daily omelette specials included both a vegetarian and meat option. Michael went with the vegetarian omelette filled with mushrooms, spinach, and Gouda cheese mixed with a white wine cream sauce. He loved it. The spinach was fresh, not soggy in the mixture, and the mushrooms were plentiful. Dad ordered the hearty breakfast which includes two eggs cooked to order, two pancakes, bacon, sausage, home fries, grits, and choice of bread. A truly dad dish. He was satisfied, save for the pancakes that were whole grain. "These pancakes suck. They taste too healthy," he grumbled. Oh, Dad. His down home fried in butter-lovin' food preferences aside, the best part of his meal was the sausage. We all sampled it and agreed it was uniquely spiced and smoked to perfection, much different from the average "breakfast platter" sausage. Beth got the Migas, which include three eggs scrambled with blue corn tortilla chips layered within jalapenos and cheddar cheese. She noted the eggs were very fluffy and the salsa complimented the dish well. 

The menu features a half a dozen choices drastically ranging in price. For example, if you're on a budget, you can get the Basic Breakfast for $5.50, reasonably priced Tapas, Sandwiches, and Salads, or if you're feeling more lavish you can select from several diverse entrees such as Grilled Ribeye or even Scallops and Grits, the most expensive menu item at $22.50.

Needless to say, all the Holladays enjoyed their platters at North End Café. So just remember when you are looking to take your mom somewhere special on her special day, look no further. Plus it’s where all the hipsters take their hip moms. Until next time... Live to Eat!