Kathiey's World

 I love to try new to me restaurants.  A couple of weeks ago, I visited one that I really enjoyed, Tijuana Flats in Cary, NC.  This is a Mexican Restaurant chain that is known for its hot sauce bar and colorful murals.   Rocky had told me that he had been before and he really liked it so one evening we decided to go to the one near my home. Here is a quote from their website... Like most college kids, our founder, Brian Wheeler, liked going to bars and restaurants. So much so that in 1995, he got the crazy idea to open his own despite never having worked in one. The problem was, like most college kids, Brian was broke. Fortunately for Tex-Mex fans, Brian’s dad loaned him the money to open the first Tijuana Flats in Winter Park, Florida. I love that they support our troops! The Hot  Bar Another quote from their site... While most college grads would be stoked just to own their own restaurant, Brian had a burning desire to go beyond burritos. So he created the “S...

I love Meetup Groups.  Why you ask.  Because in Meetup groups you get to meet new people and explore new places.  I am in one very active group, and one thing they like to do is go out to eat.  Happy Day, so do I. Last night I went with a group to BJ's Restaurant and Brew House in Cary, NC.  What fun.  BJ's is located in the Centrum @ Crossroads shopping center in Cary.  For me, it was easy to find, and the parking was easy, which is always a plus. The venue, I thought, was impressive. I liked this artistic display.  I think the silhouettes are making beer? BJ's is a large open restaurant with plenty of seating and a lovely bar. Their menu is extensive, and there is much to choose from. I had the Atlantic Salmon Oven Roasted- Oven-roasted or blackened salmon fillet | lemon chardonnay butter sauce | rice pilaf | steamed broccoli My seatmate had a burger... The person across from me had the Shrimp Scampi, which she loved. Her plan was to eat half ...

I was in Raleigh at the State Farmers Market for Watermelon Day, and it was lunchtime.  Not knowing where to eat I asked some of the nice people I encountered what they would suggest.  I was told there were a couple of good lunch choices on the property.  They mentioned the NC Seafood Restaurant and The State Farmers Market Restaurant .  All agreed they were both fantastic. I decided to try the State Farmers Market Restaurant. Click here to see their menu.      Here is the kids menu. "The State Farmer’s Market Restaurant was originally opened by Jackie Watkins at the original location in Raleigh, then moved to its current location in 1991. In 2002, Gypsy Gilliam and her son Tony (known for their other restaurant in Cary NC..Gypsy’s Shiny Diner) purchased the State Farmers Market Restaurant from the family of the late Jackie Watkins. The “Market,” as it is affectionately called by the many hungry customers , offers FRESH, HOME-...

ZenFish Poke Bar 9924 Chapel Hill Road Morrisville, NC  27560 Their Moto is "Guilt-Free, Healthy, Fast-Casual Dining" ZenFish "And when we say  good , we mean our ingredients are sourced from local farmers  as much as possible and everything we use is compostable -  so you can feel great about what you're eating."  ZenFish First off what is a poke bowl?  It would be a good thing to get the pronunciation right.  It looked like poke, so that is what I said: "Poke."  The correct way to say the word is "POH-keh." I looked up the  definition and here is what Wikipedia had to say... Poke  (Hawaiian for "to section" or "to slice or cut") is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine, and sometimes as a main course. ... Increasingly popular ahi  poke  is generally made with yellowfin tuna." At ZenFish they do have raw protein options and they have many cooked options as well...

On this particular day, I have walked up and down the lovely streets of historic New Bern.  I have photographed churches, Victorian-style homes, and the occasional New Bern Bear.  After all that walking in the hot sun the big question is where I should go to enjoy a nice lunch and cold glass of wine?  I wanted to be on the water, and I had heard the food was good at Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant , so I decided to give it a try. Here is a quote from their website, "Opened in August of 2010, Persimmons is a locally-owned waterfront restaurant located on the shores of the Neuse River in New Bern, NC. We feature an elegant yet casual atmosphere and three distinct dining venues: our downstairs great room, our private upstairs dining room, and our picturesque outdoor waterfront dining area. Persimmons focuses on modern cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients by our award-winning chef and hosting a variety of special events with waterfront dining, fresh food,...