Pizza Hut to me and my family is something of a staple. They've been in operation over 50 years now, and I've been a patron for 30 of those years. Forget Zwieback Teething Toast, I cut my teeth on Pizza Hut pizza crust. For about 10 years straight, Friday nights in my house were Pizza Hut night complete with a large pepperoni and extra cheese crust.
For a while, I'll admit - I strayed. My body's needs changed and I desired a lighter, thinner crust. For those times, another famous pizza chain fit the bill. For a long while, I cleaned up my eating habits and saw pizza as the enemy and accordingly I stayed away. Since having married however, I have been drawn back in by a husband who is as married to Pizza Hut pizza as I once was.
Pizza Hut is probably best well-known for their pan pizza - named so because it is baked in a deep-dish pan. Its crust is thick, golden brown, crispy and glazed with a light coating of oil which, although perhaps not the best choice for healthy cholesterol, is irresistible in its crispy crackly texture.
Recently, I've reignited a love affair I once had with the salad bar that is available in most full-service Pizza Hut restaurants. I've always been a healthy consumer of vegetables thanks to constant offerings at the dinner table while I was growing up, but in recent years as I've uncovered all the health benefits of consuming fresh foods from nature, I've become somewhat obsessed and now crave vegetables as much as I sometimes crave chocolate.
Now, one of my favorite things to do with my husband is have dinner at our local Pizza Hut. He fills up on pizza and bread sticks. I gorge myself on lettuce, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, cheese and a drizzle of dressing. Then I enjoy a slice or two of pepperoni pizza. That way I get the best of everything - fresh vegetable great for my health, cheesy irresistible pizza and a fully satisfied belly.
Pizza Hut's most recent transformation has been a highly publicized offering of pastas. Am I crazy, or does anyone else remember that Pizza Hut has always had spaghetti and ziti on the menu? OK, I understand - they're offering NEW pastas, and they want to make sure we know about it. Point taken.
Among the new pasta offerings are a rotini in a marina meat sauce, a chicken Alfredo, and a mac and cheese with bacon.
In my humble opinion, they are all delicious although I have to say the Alfredo chicken with its smooth, subtle cheese flavor is probably my favorite. The meaty marina has a somewhat spicy kick which is exciting on the taste buds, and the mac and cheese is creamy with a rich mouth-feel.
All of the pastas are baked, and come to the table with a lovely crust of golden baked cheesy deliciousness.
When delivered, an aluminum tin nestled inside a cardboard box keeps them hot and tasty until they reach your door. If you're a regular consumer of take-out, pasta delivered to your door is a great alternative to having pizza delivered.
Pizza Hut has come a long way from the dark wood paneling of 20 years ago. They are emerging with a new image to meet the demands of a new generation, and if they keep turning out great pizza, fresh salad and terrific pasta, I pledge that future generations of my family will also get the chance to cut their teeth on a nice, thick pizza crust (and maybe a piece of broccoli for a well-balanced nosh).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Melone
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Culinary Atlanta - Two Urban Licks
When one thinks of culinary Atlanta, one imagines traditional Southern cuisine: shrimp and grits, pit barbecue, turnip greens with fatback, and pecan pie. But that is a narrow representation of Atlanta's diverse culinary offerings. Culinary Atlanta also offers a wide variety of more urban, modern cuisine. Some of these offerings include new variations on old favorites, while other dishes reflect the diverse cultures of an ever changing population.
One restaurant that has received much deserved attention is Two Urban Licks (820 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, Ga 30306; 404-522-4622). Since its opening in 2004, this revamped warehouse has been nominated for several awards, including Best Place to Take an Out of Towner. Chef Scott Serpas' salmon chips have also been featured on ABCs daytime talk show, The View. The restaurant is noted for "fiery American cooking," live blues performances, and small plates perfect for sharing or for enjoying solo. The unique wine wall, which stands 26 feet tall, holds over 40 stainless steel barrels and dispenses wine through a gravity-flow pouring system. Fruit- infused cocktails also hang from the rafters, adding an interesting flare. In addition to the main dining room, guests can dine in the courtyard or the patio. "This bluesy high-end grill is the ultimate hidden-in-plain-sight jewel." (Conde Nast Traveler Hot List)
The menu features savory entrees that reflect traditional Southern ingredients and recipes, but within an updated twist. The popular salmon chips are loaded with short smoked salmon, chipotle cream cheese, capers, and red onion. Another highlight is executive chef Cameron Thompson's fried chicken served with grilled corn slaw and chipotle honey mustard. Fried green tomatoes are dressed up with shrimp tarter sauce. The seafood lover will enjoy pan seared snapper served with a sweet potato purée, bell pepper confit, and basil vinaigrette. Also popular are the bronzed scallops with Gouda grits, smoked tomato broth, and Pico de Gallo.
Diners who enjoy the traditional tastes of culinary Atlanta will relish the peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream or the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Executive pastry chef Jonathan St. Hilaire shows his playful side with his wide assortment of cupcakes and ice cream. Other crowd pleasers are the banana chocolate bread pudding soaked in vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate mousse.
Whether dining with a friend or an entire party, Two Urban Licks is a great option for anyone who wants a hip and updated taste of traditional culinary Atlanta.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Meinert
One restaurant that has received much deserved attention is Two Urban Licks (820 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, Ga 30306; 404-522-4622). Since its opening in 2004, this revamped warehouse has been nominated for several awards, including Best Place to Take an Out of Towner. Chef Scott Serpas' salmon chips have also been featured on ABCs daytime talk show, The View. The restaurant is noted for "fiery American cooking," live blues performances, and small plates perfect for sharing or for enjoying solo. The unique wine wall, which stands 26 feet tall, holds over 40 stainless steel barrels and dispenses wine through a gravity-flow pouring system. Fruit- infused cocktails also hang from the rafters, adding an interesting flare. In addition to the main dining room, guests can dine in the courtyard or the patio. "This bluesy high-end grill is the ultimate hidden-in-plain-sight jewel." (Conde Nast Traveler Hot List)
The menu features savory entrees that reflect traditional Southern ingredients and recipes, but within an updated twist. The popular salmon chips are loaded with short smoked salmon, chipotle cream cheese, capers, and red onion. Another highlight is executive chef Cameron Thompson's fried chicken served with grilled corn slaw and chipotle honey mustard. Fried green tomatoes are dressed up with shrimp tarter sauce. The seafood lover will enjoy pan seared snapper served with a sweet potato purée, bell pepper confit, and basil vinaigrette. Also popular are the bronzed scallops with Gouda grits, smoked tomato broth, and Pico de Gallo.
Diners who enjoy the traditional tastes of culinary Atlanta will relish the peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream or the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Executive pastry chef Jonathan St. Hilaire shows his playful side with his wide assortment of cupcakes and ice cream. Other crowd pleasers are the banana chocolate bread pudding soaked in vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate mousse.
Whether dining with a friend or an entire party, Two Urban Licks is a great option for anyone who wants a hip and updated taste of traditional culinary Atlanta.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Meinert
Dining Out in Tunbridge Wells
When looking for a restaurant to eat at in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, there are a huge number of options to choose from.
Your decision will be based on many different factors, such as price, style, atmosphere and location. In this article, I will highlight some of the better options.
If you are looking for a lively dining experience , then your best bet would be to book a table at Zapata. This Mexican restaurant at the south end of the Pantiles is a great place to start a Friday or a Saturday night. Always a lively atmosphere and it's location is perfect for heading out to the various pubs and bars along the Pantiles.
Zapata offers indoor and outdoor dining so if the weather is good, you can catch the final rays of the lowering summer sun.
Inside, the decor is charming. Mexican souvenirs and artifacts line the walls and the ambiance is added to by the soft lighting and background music, which adds to the Mexican theme.
The food at Zapata, as the theme implies, is Mexican and Spanish, offering staple dishes such as Burritos, Tacos, Paella and a number of other Mexican classics. Already had dinner? Not a problem, you can get your fix of Cerveza and Tequila based cocktails at the bar.
Woods, also on the Pantiles, and less than a minute walk from Zapata, offers a more British dining experience. Owned and run by the Wood family, they are open for food and drink throughout the year.
The atmosphere here is much more relaxed than at Zapata. Outdoor seating is also available for you to enjoy the seasonal menu featuring dishes such as Hot Smoked Salmon Fillet with Pickled Cucumber, Horseradish Créme Fraiche and New Potatoes; Breast of Chicken on a Warm Salad of New Potatoes, Crispy Bacon and Rocket with Chili and Mint Yogurt; and Potted Crab with Gooseberry Compote and Mixed Seed Toast.
Woods caters for all your dining needs, from snacks and brunch, all the way to a full Sunday lunch.
Sandwiched in between Zapata and Woods on the Pantiles, you will find the Grey Lady. The Grey Lady acts as a late night drinks venue as well as a restaurant with the music lounge above the restaurant. The music lounge features regular live acts keeping you entertained with Jazz, Blues, Soul and just about every other genre.
The restaurant features a sophisticated menu with dishes such as; Gambas con Chorizo - Prawns with Spicy Sausage served with Cherry Tomatoes & Rocket; Pato Con Peras - Pan-fried Breast of Duck with baked Pears & Cinnamon Sauce; and Fish Trio - Halibut, Monkfish & Salmon with a Basil & Cream Sauce. The house specialty is "A la Piedra" - Traditional Portuguese style of cooking fish on a granite stone at your table.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rodney_Munch
Your decision will be based on many different factors, such as price, style, atmosphere and location. In this article, I will highlight some of the better options.
If you are looking for a lively dining experience , then your best bet would be to book a table at Zapata. This Mexican restaurant at the south end of the Pantiles is a great place to start a Friday or a Saturday night. Always a lively atmosphere and it's location is perfect for heading out to the various pubs and bars along the Pantiles.
Zapata offers indoor and outdoor dining so if the weather is good, you can catch the final rays of the lowering summer sun.
Inside, the decor is charming. Mexican souvenirs and artifacts line the walls and the ambiance is added to by the soft lighting and background music, which adds to the Mexican theme.
The food at Zapata, as the theme implies, is Mexican and Spanish, offering staple dishes such as Burritos, Tacos, Paella and a number of other Mexican classics. Already had dinner? Not a problem, you can get your fix of Cerveza and Tequila based cocktails at the bar.
Woods, also on the Pantiles, and less than a minute walk from Zapata, offers a more British dining experience. Owned and run by the Wood family, they are open for food and drink throughout the year.
The atmosphere here is much more relaxed than at Zapata. Outdoor seating is also available for you to enjoy the seasonal menu featuring dishes such as Hot Smoked Salmon Fillet with Pickled Cucumber, Horseradish Créme Fraiche and New Potatoes; Breast of Chicken on a Warm Salad of New Potatoes, Crispy Bacon and Rocket with Chili and Mint Yogurt; and Potted Crab with Gooseberry Compote and Mixed Seed Toast.
Woods caters for all your dining needs, from snacks and brunch, all the way to a full Sunday lunch.
Sandwiched in between Zapata and Woods on the Pantiles, you will find the Grey Lady. The Grey Lady acts as a late night drinks venue as well as a restaurant with the music lounge above the restaurant. The music lounge features regular live acts keeping you entertained with Jazz, Blues, Soul and just about every other genre.
The restaurant features a sophisticated menu with dishes such as; Gambas con Chorizo - Prawns with Spicy Sausage served with Cherry Tomatoes & Rocket; Pato Con Peras - Pan-fried Breast of Duck with baked Pears & Cinnamon Sauce; and Fish Trio - Halibut, Monkfish & Salmon with a Basil & Cream Sauce. The house specialty is "A la Piedra" - Traditional Portuguese style of cooking fish on a granite stone at your table.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rodney_Munch
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