Oklahoma Joe's BBQ, kansas city/ft leavenworth

http://www.oklahomajoesbbq.com/
47th & MISSION
3002 West 47th Ave. • Kansas City, Kansas 66103
913-722-3366
What can I say! The absolute best BBQ around! Award winning and out of this world.
The line seemed endless when you walked into this gas station/restaurant, as it wrapped around the corners of the shelves. But time passed quickly as you chatted it up with those standing beside you waiting to get to the front of the line. The ordering was made easy by a big bulletin board with large letters so you can see what was on the menu while waiting in line. You received very large portions of everything and the bbq was melt in your mouth good!

Whenever we pass through Kansas City or are stationed back at Ft Leavenworth, you can bet I will be right up to OKJ's for some great BBQ!



Thai house ,Columbus Georgia

http://www.allmenus.com/ga/columbus/94220-thai-house/menu/
5592 Whitesville Rd
Columbus, GA 31904
(706) 494-5375

My favorite place to eat in Columbus, Ga.
I tried several dishes but always came back to my favorite..Pad Curry along with an order of Spring rolls. 
I became hooked on this dish and had it at least once a week during the 3 years we were stationed here. 




Minnie's Uptown Restaurant

104 8th St, Columbus, GA 31901

To pull up in front of this restaurant you  wouldn't think you were in for much of a meal. Boy would you be in for a surprise.  The lines were out the door and as you made your way in to the front, you would grab a tray and tell the lady behind the counter what you wanted. All I can say is that this was some of the best home cooked soul food I have ever had. They have a set weekly menu so you knew what to expect. The atmosphere is open and friendly and the dessert tray was endless.  I totally recommend Minnie's if you are stationed at Ft Benning, Ga

The Looking Glass

http://lookingglassrestaurant.com/


Today was a tough day deciding where to eat. After changing our minds a dozen times, (damn coupon book pages), J and I  decided to eat at “The Looking Glass” in Clarksville, Tn. It was not the smartest move of the day.
Although, this quaint, hole in the wall, dive was decked out in high-style,  There just seemed to be something lacking.
The order for the day was: Homemade Vanilla Creme soda, Potato soup, Fettuccine Alfredo, Sweet Potato fries and a cucumber salad.
The drinks arrived in high champagne glasses. Full of ice and covered with a whipped topping and strawberry drizzle. With the design of the glass and the amount of ice and cream there were but5 drinks to be had.  As the soup arrived in its unusually small bowl, it had a yellow/orange tint to it.  J said she could taste a hint of mustard.  We ate it down and was pleased with it for the most part. The pasta followed close behind. It smelled good and looked very pleasing but with the first bite you could feel your arteries starting to clog with the amount of butter that was clearly in the dish! There was no taste of garlic at all and the slabs of sliced chicken were hidden under the noodles to conceal what looked like thick slices of chicken lunch meat. The cucumber salad was nothing more that cucumbers with watered down ranch dressing and I never made it to the Sweet Potato fries. Half way through, J started feeling not so well in the tummy from the meal as I am sure the butter and the watered ranch were having their own territory battle, seeing how they never did mix well! :)
The waitress offered dessert, and as much as I LOVE desserts, I was afraid that it truly WAS possible to make a meal worse! So we passed and paid our {not worth the price} bill. Walking out we were trying to decide if maybe it was the changing of the cooks or it truly was not good food. All in all, we thought we would give it another try….. after a month of recovery of course!

Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes @ home

A taste of Fall for your mouth!
This has become a favorite of family, friends and even my physical therapist!
  Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour  1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch or               pumpkin pie pudding mix
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (its ok to omit if you cant find them)  1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
Directions:
1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners. Whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, cloves, and crystallized ginger in a bowl; set aside.
2. Beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla and pumpkin puree with the last egg. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 25 minutes (may still look wet but that’s ok). Cool in the pans for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.


ICING:
1 (8oz) package of cream cheese                            2T Fresh lemon juice
1/4C melted butter (not margarine)cooled
1-3T fresh lemon  zest(depending on your tastes)   2C powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add in remaining ingredients.  You may add a little more sugar to thicken if needed. Refrigerate to thicken before using. Keep refrigerated.

edelweiss german cafe

Although J #1 could not join us, J #2 was there and we also added a 4th to our little dining entourage,  Molly.. See, I can be friends with people who dont have a J in their name!!
Today we decided on German!

http://www.edelweisscafeusa.com/

Edelweiss Cafe is a decent sized place.
The order for the day- Jager Schnitzel (me) Wiener Schnitzel (Molly) and Jeri had the daily special-Kabobs!  The schnitzel was served with a salad that none of us ate. ( I have braces so some things just dont make it into the mouth these days) and Molly doesnt like the onions or tomatoes that came on it. So I couldnt tell you if it was any good!
The Schnitzel, on the other hand was very good. I had to cut very small bites in order to eat it but was worth the effort.. And the gravy was very yummy and a rich, creamy brown with mushrooms and onions. I don’t eat mushrooms themselves, but I do like the flavor they give foods.
I drowned my pommes (french fries) in extra gravy. It makes them so much easier to get past the braces. :)   They were just as good.
The girls also enjoyed their meals. Jeri’s Kabobs came with a redish sauce that she said was very good. The price wasn’t half bad either even though we did use a coupon from the coupon book from the school fundraiser. edelweiss cafe
We opted for a desert but I couldnt tell you what it was. All I know is that it had a layer of whipped cream, layer of chocolate cake, layer of chocolate mousse and a layer of yellow cake. Dusted in a cocoa powder! 3 forks later the cake was gone! (Thanks Jeri for taking one for the team and finishing it off)
All in all, it was a good meal and again, great conversation…
P.S. Jeri says the Pierogi’s are very yummy! ..

local cupcake joints

First, we stopped at “The Cupcake Collection” since we had a buy one get one free coupon. They were normal sized cupcakes and were priced around $1.50 or so.  J ordered red velvet and I got wedding cake.  J enjoyed her cupcake and said the cake itself was very flavorful. I ordered the “wedding cake” but dont feel it tasted anything like its name.  We left feeling that it was a good thing we had gotten one for free at that price.   I told J that I was going to take her to get a real cupcake down at “The Sweetest Batch”. They have oversized cupcakes of many flavors.. The flavors of the day (usually around 6 different kinds) change daily so be sure to check their webpage to see what kinds are on the shelf for that day.

http://thesweetestbatchcupcakery.com/

they are a little pricey ($22.00 for 6) but they are OHHH SOOO YUMMY!!!
I ordered 2 Tiramisu and a wedding cake and J ordered 2 cinnamon and a birthday cake. She told me that I MUST try the cinnamon… I think I will take her advise ;)   The Tiramisu was just like eating the dessert of the same name. The only thing I dont like is the amount of icing (personal preference) so I scrape most of it off.  I have also tried the banana that is sold on Tuesdays and it is very good.. Hmmmm.. I think tomorrow is Tuesday! Imagine that!!
You can also find their daily cupcake schedule online. 

HK (hong kong) Wok


Hong Kong Wok
2278 Madison Street 
Clarksville, TN 37043

 
phone: 931-542-1011
phone: 931-906-1688
 
info@hongkongwokclarksville.com




OK, two visits=two enjoyable meals..


Never visited it before considering it was right down the road because it just looked like a worn out small building. But after months of renovations, and a complete makeover inside and out, we just had to give it a try.
The order-Spring rolls, Chicken dumplings, Singapore rice noodles dish (spicy) and a Bento box of sweet and sour chicken,cheese rangoon, and fried beef wonton.
The rolls and dumplings were great. Thin, crispy wrap with very moist, meaty insides.
The Singapore noodles came with an order of rice (friend or steamed).  It had a wonderful taste. It was pretty spicy so be sure to order less heat if you dont like your nose running during dinner.  They also held chicken, shrimp, eggs, cabbage and carrots with an indian curry sauce.
Jeri’s order looked SO yummy but the breaded chicken looked like too much work for the braces so I passed on trying it. She did enjoy almost every bite though.
We boxed our leftovers and decided to go down the street for a cupcake.
pictured below are the chicken teriyaki rice, appetizers, and spicy garlic chicken.


Olive Gardens Zuppa Tuscana @ home

If you want to hit the local Olive Garden- 2782 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37040 (931) 552-2585 – (931) 551-4479 (Fax) ‎ olivegarden.com

My absolute favorite cold weather soup is served at the Olive Garden but if your weather is as bad as ours is today and you find yourself stuck at home with a craving that must be filled, you can use this recipe and make Zuppa Tuscana in your own home.


Caution-Once you make it at home, you may never order it out again! Because it’s SO much better!
ZUPPA TOSCANA
ONE PACKAGE GROUND HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE OR 5 LINKS WITH SKINS REMOVED
1 ONION, DICED
1 BUNCH CHOPPED FRESH KALE
1 LB PACKAGE BACON
3 TSP. MINCED GARLIC
6 TBSP. CHICKEN BOULLION POWDER (OR 6 CUBES, CRUSHED)
3-QUART WATER
6 MEDIUM POTATOES (WITH SKINS ON)  CUT  IN  HALF THEN CUT INTO THIN  SLICES
1 PINT HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM
2 TSP RED PEPPER OR 1TSP RED PEPPER FLAKES (ADJUST TO YOUR HEAT LEVEL)

CHOP SAUSAGE IN SKILLET AND FRY UNTIL DONE. PUT IN BOWL TO USE LATER. CUT BACON INTO SMALL PIECES AND FRY IN  SKILLET. WHEN DONE, ADD BACON TO SAUSAGE BOWL. TEAR KALE INTO BITE SIZE PIECES AND PUT IN BOWL WITH BACON AND SAUSAGE.
DRAIN ALL BUT A COUPLE TABLESPOONS OF BACON GREASE FROM PAN. PUT ONIONS  IN BACON SKILLET AND COOK OVER MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL ONIONS ARE ALMOST CLEAR THEN ADD GARLIC AND COOK A MINUTE MORE. PUT WATER, POTATOES AND BULLION IN LARGE STOCK POT. ADD RED PEPPER, ONION AND GARLIC TO POT.
SIMMER 15 MINUTES OR JUST UNTIL POTATOES ARE TENDER.  ADD BACON, SAUSAGE, KALE AND CREAM. SIMMER 4 MINUTES AND SERVE. DO NOT OVERCOOK POTATOES OR YOU WITH TURN SOUP INTO MUSH!
GARNISH WITH PARMESAN CHEESE.

Hananoki Japanese steakhouse

 120 Corporate Dr
Clarksville, TN 37040-6034
(931) 647-0999

Spent Valentines dinner with Jeri at Hananoki steakhouse.  We enjoyed the habachi grill and the conversation of others at the same grill.  It wasn’t too long of a wait considering it was a Saturday evening. I had the Teriyaki Chicken and J had the steak. The meal was served with their soup and salad with ginger dressing. The chef cooked up veggies, shrimp and fried rice to go along with our meats. All the while, entertaining us with his cooking skills.  The meal was good and the conversation with the older couple beside us was very plesant. Afterwards, we went and had a cup of coffee and a bit more chat at Lasaters coffee before the clock struck 12 and our carriages turned back to pumpkins.  :)


Pictured are their cucumber rolls.

First trip to BlackHorse pub.

I have to say, I think the blackhorse has the best bacon/cheese fries around. Huge portion!  And Jeri introduced me to the best Black Bean Hummus with warm pita bread. It was so yummy.
Jeri had a salad with fried chicken strips that could have fed both of us along with leftovers and I had the French Dip sub. My dish came with a side so I chose Mac and Cheese but I did not like it. Everything else was just super.
And the ambiance was very pleasant with the sounds of music and chatting college students and work professionals.
A definite must eat again!!!
I have posted the address and pictures in a previous post. Enjoy!!

Yamato Japanese Steakhouse

Yamato japanese steakhouse, Clarksville, Tn

2501 Fort Campbell Boulevard
Clarksville, TN 37042-4809
(931) 431-0222


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Lunch at Yamato’s was very good. I had the Teriyaki Steak and J had the Teriyaki chicken.
They offer a box lunch of a few different varieties at a great price.. $5.95
Or you can order off the menu for a meal prepared on the habatchi grill. The grill can get costly.
There is a lot of room and I have seen several diners with children.


The box contains the meat of your choice,  veggies, California roll,  Pickled cucumbers, your choice of fried or white rice, Tempura shrimp on a large slice of tempura potato,  A fried dumpling that was VERY tasty with a piece of tempura broccoli, and your choice of either Miso soup or their salad that was made with a very light dressing that had a hint of lime to it.. It was very good.

Blackhorse Pub and Brewery

www.theblackhorsepub.net
I revisited the Blackhorse (again and again) with a group of friends. We ordered several different items and enjoyed trying each others order and appetizers. I ordered the BBQ Bacon cheeseburger (without a bun) with a side of black beans and rice.

A fried chicken salad was ordered and this thing was huge. Would have fed two people. The fried chicken strips  have a great flavor in the breading and the chicken is very tender and moist.
Another burger was ordered and it was just as good looking as the first burger that came out. It was a mushroom swiss burger with a side of fries.

Not to be outdone, a philly cheesesteak pizza was ordered to attend the party. This thing had those little sandwiches beat hands down! The pizza itself was large enough to feed three people…..or my teenage son!

And last…..but always first on our tables…. Appetizers!
We ordered beer cheese and chips, bacon cheddar fries, artichoke dip and black bean dip… and they all came to please!! There wasnt one thing on this table that we didn’t like… to the very bottom of the dish!

Best Donuts... yes thats their name, not to mention how great they are!!

Best Doughnuts

913 Tiny Town Rd, #A1, Clarksville, TN 37042
These Donuts have to be some of the best I have had.. and I have had a lot! ;)
They are always warm and fresh. My favorites are the cinnamon glaze twist and the cinnamon roll. My daughter goes nuts over the donut holes.They offer a great variety and carry drinks.  The seating is limited but I am not against sitting in my car when the lobby is full…..Are we Jeri?? Haha!

Blueberry Almond Crepes from my kitchen

These are my favorite crepes to make. With a little practice you will learn to love making crepes in your home too. You can change them around so much with different fillings and toppings that you may never have the same one twice in a year. Great fillings for breakfast include egg, cheese and sausage or an orange sunshine filling that can be found doing an online search But my favorite is the Blueberry Almond Crepes.  Following is the recipe for the crepes I make, the creme filling I put in them and the homemade blueberry compote I add to the center.. I also add banana slices on occassion. Breakfast Crepes
Ingredients
4 eggs
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 T light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
Directions
In a blender container, place eggs, flour and milk, brown sugar and almond extract. Spray crepe pan or small fry pan with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium heat until hot. Add about 3 tablespoons of batter to the hot pan, tilting the pan to make an even layer. Cook on one side until crepe begins to brown, about one minute. Remove from pan, place on a piece of wax paper. Repeat with remaining batter, layering the crepes on top of each other.
Yield: 18 crepes
Filling:
8oz softened cream cheese
1 1/4 c powdered sugar
1 ½ C cool whip
Cream the cheese and sugar. Fold in cool whip. Put a dollop into each crepe.

Blueberry Compote Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen blueberries
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

Combine 1 cup of the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over a medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add the rest of the blueberries and cook for 8 minutes more, stirring frequently. Serve warm.

You can fill these crepes with any filling you like..... scrambled eggs and sausage, fruits and creams, etc

Noodles and Co.

http://www.noodles.com/
If you have never ate at this restaurant, I recommend finding one soon and giving it a go.  You can find their menu online along with pictures of all their dishes and locations.
I have ate at a few different locations in Kansas, Ohio and Colorado and have never had a bad experience. I have had the Japanese Pan noodles, Pad Thai, Bangkok Curry, Spaghetti and meatballs, buttered noodles, Fried dumplings and many more dishes. The following picture is of Pan noodles.

Silke’s Old World Breads and Bakery, Clarksville, Tn

http://silkesoldworldbreads.com/
First went to this cafe with a friend and enjoyed my lunch so we decided to go again with a few more friends.
I ordered a chicken salad sandwich and it arrived adorably arranged on a plate, waiting for me to enjoy!


Also ordered were a 5 bean soup, Tiramisu cheese cake, Margherita pizza



and returned once again after this visit for breakfast.I ordered the
Laberkäse with Egg Plate

  

Silkes also sells a variety of pottery and fresh breads and desserts. There are separate rooms for groups and a menu for kids. They get pretty busy at lunch time so plan accordingly.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog.
My name is Kelley (DiveDiva) and I love cooking and creating foods with family and friends. My husband is Active duty and in our military life, we travel to new posts quite frequently. One of the obstacles we encounter at a new town is where to eat. I hate going to a place and the food is terrible. You have spent money and time and end up going home hungry (unless you are like us and just venture to a different restaurant).
My hopes with this blog is that I can help other families find a safe, tasty place to eat that doesn't break the bank or your spirits while dealing with  the frustrations of moving. Others are welcome to email me their recommendations and pictures of local fare at their duty stations all over the world.