Dining Guide – May 2016
Transcription
Dining Guide – May 2016
Dining Guide A supplement to the Jefferson Post May 31, 2016 Dining Guide 2 May 31, 2016 Jefferson Post Fast food done right Roadside Further Grill food truck is an intriguing experiment By Adam Orr [email protected] FLEETWooD — There’s a cutting edge experiment happening most days in Fleetwood - and it might be happening right under your nose. If you’ve wondered what the brightly colored truck that sets up shop around lunchtime each day in the parking lot of the old 221 Grocery, it’s the Further Grill Food Truck, the brainchild of business partners Tony Peros and Scott Nix. The pair set out their shingle - so to speak - near the site of the Fleetwood landmark this spring. Statistics provided by industry group Mobile Cuisine said the food truck busi- ness nationwide enjoyed some $1.2 billion in total revenue last year. That marks seven consecutive years revenue growth industry-wide, but the Ashe County market, to date, has gone relatively untapped. Longtime buddies Peros and Nix have set out to change that. Both have long histories in the restaurant and catering industry - Peros has held down executive chef gigs at country clubs, for instance, and Nix has engineered mobile catering operations - but both said they were looking for a little more freedom when they adopted their rolling kitchen concept some three years ago. The pair earlier opened their doors and fired up their grill in Jefferson but said they found the location wanting. 336-846-3663 Proudly serving breakfast and lunch Serving Breakfast Monday-Friday 6:00 am to 11:00am Serving Breakfast Saturday 7:00 am to 11:00 am Serving Lunch Monday - Friday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Dine in or carry out! Call ins welcome! Come check out Daily Specials for Lunch 1720 Hwy. 88 West West Jefferson, NC 28694 00831928 (Adam Orr|Jefferson Post) You can find Further Grill in the parking lot of the old 221 Grocery - it closed in December of last year in Fleetwood. “This place actually has kind of a great lunchtime culture,” Nix said. “People like to kind of kickback, sit down and take their time eating lunch - and we want those folks, too - but our idea was really to cater to people who want a fast turnaround on their order, people who are really on the go.” So they took their rolling show on the road and ended up in Fleetwood back in April. It’s an advantageous spot that places Peros and Nix roughly halfway between West Jefferson and Boone and offers them an opportunity to feed on-the-go types where few dining options are available. on May 16, for instance, two Sumter Utilities crews could be seen in the parking lot of the old grocery munching on made to order hot dogs and hamburgers before hitting the road again. Total time from order to a satisfied post-lunch grin? Less than 15 minutes in this case. “And that really has to be what we excel at,” Peros said. “Five minutes in these situations is too long, so you’ve got to crank out good stuff - fast.” So far, that’s meant offering traditional food truck staples like Philly cheesesteaks, cubanos, tacos, hot dogs and pork barbecue sandwiches, but the pair said they’re open to experimentation. “A food truck can be limiting - you’ve only got so much space and you’ve got to work fast - but it can also allow you to try new things,” Peros said. “When we were in Jefferson we probably offered a little bit wider variety in terms of menu options, and we had to pare back when (Adam Orr|Jefferson Post) Tony Peros, left, and Scott Nix, right, move through the mobile kitchen of the Further Grill food truck just off US-221 in Fleetwood on May 16, 2016. The pair were turning around a Philly cheesesteak for a lunch rush customer in somewhere around three minutes. we came out here. But everyday you really have the option of trying something new and you’re going to come closer to finding what works.” The duo said they’re committed to their food truck operation. The pair has “cleaned out” their retirement savings accounts at least twice to keep the $40,000 rolling kitchen afloat, but it’s starting to pay off. The move from Jefferson to Fleetwood, for instance, has doubled the team’s daily lunch orders to more than 50 on an average weekday. And that’s a number Peros said he expects to see climb higher as the work along US-221 inches closer to Fleetwood and as the summer tourist season gets in full swing. right now the truck is open only for lunch - 11 a.m. -2:30 p.m. weekdays, but the pair said they could see a point where a dinner service could become an option. “right now we’re working hard but we’re having fun, too,” Nix said. Dining Guide Jefferson Post May 31, 2016 3 Looking for something different? You might try these local favorites out By Nathan Ham [email protected] Ashe County offers a wide variety of food choices for people to enjoy, but sometimes you’re just stuck. You might be looking for new scenery - or a new take on a favorite recipe. By no means an exhaustive look, Jefferson Post Sports Editor Nathan Ham throws out his Ashe County dining ideas if you’re looking for something to hit the spot. Bantam Chef – Philly Cheesesteak Sub: An American classic from a West Jef- ferson staple. With all of the things on the menu at Bantam Chef, it’s hard for me to get past the steak sub, complete with cheese, grilled peppers and onions. You can never go wrong with adding some fries for a tasty lunch or dinner. Smokey Mountain Barbecue – Fried Chicken: While it may be tough to ignore the barbecue on the menu, it might be a smart idea to sample the fried chicken at least once. The skin is always crunchy and the meat is always tender and juicy. You can get breasts, wings or thighs and get them with two sides and hushpuppies for a great Southern traditional fried chicken dinner. Winner’s Circle – Hamburger Steak with Cheese: It’s hard to find a lunch or dinner food item that isn’t better with cheese. The hamburger steak at Winner’s Circle is already tasty, but adding a slice of cheese on top of it makes this guy even happier. It also comes with the salad bar or slaw and your favorite potato choice (Fries, baked potato, curly fries, sweet potato, etc). (Photo submitted) Diners take in a dinner show featuring a top notch Dolly Parton tribute See favorites | 9 performance at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater in Glendale Springs. • Pizza •Salads •Pasta •Wings •Breadsticks •Desserts DINE IN OR CARRY OUT 146 N View Drive • Jefferson, NC 28640 1-336-246-6077 00831283 4 May 31, 2016 Dining Guide Jefferson Post A simple glass of red wine Health benefits could be just a glass away For over 10 years, research has indicated that moderate intake of alcohol improves cardiovascular health. In fact, in 1992 Harvard researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of the “eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk.” However, research has suggested that specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The cardioprotective effect (Photo submitted) A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving and men could benefit from consuming one to two servings per day. has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Scientists believe the antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in three ways: • By reducing production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also know as the “bad” cholesterol); • By boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol); • By reducing blood clotting. Furthermore, consuming a glass of wine along with a meal may favorably influence your lipid profiles following that meal. Recently, researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant resveratrol, which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Which wines should you consume to reap the most benefits? Researchers at the University of California, at Davis tested a variety of wines to determine which types have the highest concentrations of flavonoids. Their results concluded that the flavonoid favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. Both Merlots and red zinfandels have fewer flavonoids than their more potent predecessors. White wine had significantly smaller amounts than the red wine varieties. The bottom line is the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavonoids. Dryer red wines are your best bet for a flavonoid boost. See Wine | 11 (Photo submitted) Hotel Tavern’s back deck just may be the best place to take in a great meal and views of towering Mount Paddy? Dining Guide Jefferson Post May 31, 2016 5 What is the best steak to order at a steakhouse restaurant? When visiting a top, high-end steakhouse, your palette relishes the tastiest, juiciest and tender of steaks. Taste is subjective to the diner, but juiciness and tenderness is what diners expect at the best steakhouses. First, it’s important to know that beef is graded by expert USDA inspectors based upon amount of fat specs (marbling) and age of cattle before harvesting the beef. Younger the beef, greater the marbling, better the quality There are eight USDA grade levels of beef, but only the top three levels are sold to consumers. The best grade is Prime followed by Choice and then Select. The highest rated steakhouses exclusively serve USDA Prime and USDA Choice. Prime is the superior grade. It is the most tender, juicy and flavorful. read more about the USDA Beef Grading System. What are the best steaks to order? Generally, the most popular steaks for grilling or broiling (dry heat) will be those from the short loin, tenderloin and rib sections of beef. Taste is a matter of individual preference but tenderness and juiciness is imperative to steak enjoyment. Following are the top five most popular steaks ordered at top steak houses. 1. Tenderloin Filet. It’s also known as Filet Mignon. It is the most tender of steaks yet has very little fat marbling. Since it is both lean and tender it’s the best choice for those watching their fat intake. It has the mildest flavor compared to other cuts. Since it has little fat that renders into the steak as it cooks, it is not nearly as juicy as other steaks and can become dry if cooked beyond medium. More about the tenderloin filet. 2. ribeye Steak. The ribeye has the most abundant fat marbling. That’s why it is considered the most juicy and flavorful of all steaks. This is the choice of real steak aficionados. Beefy, robust, and fatty. It can often be too fatty for some. It has a bone-in option and you guessed it. It is from the same cut as a standing rib roast. When roasted it’s called Prime rib. When sliced into steaks, and grilled or broiled, it becomes a ribeye chop. More about ribeye steaks. See STEAKS | 10 O u t d O O r C O v e r e d Pat i O d i n i n g Copper Mine Grill • Serving Breakfast Lunch & Dinner • MINERS BREAKFAST SPECIALS (Served until 11am) 33 MINERS DAILY SPECIAL $5.29 with Coffee or Drink Homemade Gravy Biscuit, 2 eggs*, Bacon, Sausage, Livermush or Bologna DINNER PLATES Casual Sophistication SIDE ORDERS French Fries, Buffalo Chips, Cole Slaw, Baked Potato, Fried Squash, Baked Apples 336-982-2805 7157 NC Hwy 88 East •Laurel Springs, NC 28644 00831426 ~ Open til 8:00 pm ~ (Choice of 2 sides & bread) $5.49 Hamburger Steak 4 oz. $6.49 - 8 oz. $7.49 - 8 oz. 00764642 • Biscuit $0.99 • Fried Pickles $2.49 • 3 Cheese Sticks $2.49 • Grilled Chicken Breast $3.59 • Side Shrimp $3.99 • Fried Mushrooms $2.49 • Cheese Fries $2.49 Large $3.59 Dining Guide 6 May 31, 2016 Jefferson Post Dining out still possible even if you’re on a diet Dining out at a restaurant is a treat for many people, while for others it’s a way of life. on-thego professionals often find that dining out is simply more convenient than cooking at home. However, large portion sizes and dishes that tend to contain a lot of sodium and fat can make dining out less healthy than eating at home, which is a concern for those men and women who want to shed a few pounds. But dining out does not have to be done at the expense of your waistline. The following are a few ways dieters can still enjoy their favorite restaurants without having to worry about their weight. * order foods that are broiled, boiled or roasted. Foods that are broiled, boiled or roasted tend to be healthier than foods cooked in other ways. When ordering your meal, ask that oils be used sparingly if not removed completely. When foods look somewhat greasy, dab them with a napkin in the same manner you might dab the grease from a slice of pizza. * Don’t fill up before your meal arrives. once you have been seated, skip the unending bread basket, forgoing this free appetizer altogether or asking for raw vegetables instead. When fellow diners order potentially fattening appetizers, ask to have a side salad with low-fat dressing on the side instead. * Leave a little behind on your plate. restaurant portions can be substantial, so don’t feel as if you need to finish your entire meal. You can always ask the waiter to pack up what you have left behind, or, when ordering, ask if the restaurant offers smaller portions at lower prices. * Skip the dips and dressings. Many condiments can add unwanted calories to a meal, making even a healthy entree a calorie-laden meal that’s best avoided. For example, a salad covered in creamy Caesar salad dressing can take away from the overall nutritive value of the salad. Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or simply ask to have dressings put on the side so if you must indulge you can do so without going overboard. * Eat in the hours leading up to your dinner. Low-fat snacks eaten throughout the day will reduce the likelihood that you will overeat at the dinner table. Drink a tall glass of water and enjoy some low-calorie fruit so you won’t be famished once you arrive at the restaurant. * Avoid buffet-style restaurants. Many people cannot help but overeat at buffet-style restaurants, where the size of a typical spread can make it hard for dieters to stay disciplined. If you must eat at a buffet-style restaurant, choose healthy fare like salad and steamed vegetables. * Look for a low-calorie menu. Many restaurants now supplement their existing menus with a menu of lowcalorie fare for those customers who want to eat out but want to do so without abandoning their diets. When visiting a restaurant, stick to ordering from the low-calorie section of the menu. The food will likely be just as delicious, though not as dense or as large. (Photo submitted) On a diet? Don’t be discouraged if you’re looking to enjoy a night out. Follow our tips for a filling, fun time. Hwy 16 Glendale Spring, NC 336-982-3060 www.mountainaireseafood.com We offer Appetizers, Sandwiches, Senior & Kids Menu Steaks Lite Side Menu Seafood Delicacies Side Orders Dinner Plates Desserts Open Year Round - Hours: STARTING IN JULY LUNCH 11:30 THURSDAY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Tues. - Thurs. 4:30pm - 8:30 pm Fri. 4:30pm - 9:00pm • Sat. 4:00pm - 9:00pm Sun. 12:00pm - 8:00pm • Closed Monday • Call for seasonal hours. Book Your Special Occasions With Us! ONE BITE & YOU’LL BE HOOKED! Dining Guide Jefferson Post May 31, 2016 7 7 ways to be kind to restaurant food servers The restaurant industry is booming, with new restaurants entering the challenging foodservice market every day. The National restaurant Association says restaurants in the United States’ generate roughly $2 billion in sales on a typical day. Media Edge, a Canadian trade resource, says the foodservice industry play a major role in Canada’s economic growth by providing so many jobs. Food servers are among some of the hardest working employees in the foodservice industry, but sometimes their efforts go unrecognized. The following are a handful of ways diners can show their appreciation to the men and women who work hard to ensure their customers enjoy their dining experiences. 1. recognize that waiting tables is no easy task. Waiting tables is both physically and mentally demanding. Servers spend hours on their feet carrying and balancing plates of food during their shifts. Servers also must anticipate the needs of diners and do their best to accommodate them. Acknowledge that servers’ jobs are not easy when dining out, and express your gratitude for their had work whenever possible. 2. recognize that slow food often is not servers’ faults. very often a food server has no control over how fast the food comes out of the kitchen. A very busy meal service can stall an inexperienced kitchen. Don’t blame the server because the food took longer than expected to arrive on your table. If you’re in a hurry, let the server know in advance so he or she can work with you. 3. Look up at your server. Eye contact shows respect and it will help get your order across clearly - reducing the likelihood of a mixup regarding your order. 4. Put down your phone. Distracted diners are sometimes to blame for slow service. In 2014, a popular New York See KIND | 11 (Photo submitted) Working in the food industry can be demanding, so take a moment to stop and thank someone for good service. Cabins for Rent Family Style Dining and Complete Menu Fried chicken, country ham, and all the fixin’s in a relaxed country atmosphere. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday • April 1st through November 30th 407 Shatley Springs Road | Crumpler, North Carolina 28617 | (336) 982-2236 Located off Highway 16 - 5 miles north of Jefferson, 8 miles south of VA/NC state line. Owned and operated by the same family for the past 57 years. 00831393 www.shatleysprings.com Dining Guide 8 May 31, 2016 Jefferson Post Make the most of ‘dinner and a movie night’ The “perfect date night” differs depending on the couple. Some couples might prefer a night on the town during which they get dolled up and visit a five-star restaurant, while others might find a laid back night at home makes for the ideal night for two. Dinner and a movie has long been a go-to for couples who prefer something short of a fancy night out but more extravagant than a relaxing night at home. While making plans to dine out and catch a movie is not complicated, there are some things couples can do to make sure such nights go off without a hitch. · Make a dinner reservation. If you’re going out on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to make a dinner reservation in advance. Chances are strong other couples have similar plans, and you don’t want to miss the movie because you were stuck waiting for a table at the restaurant. Dinner and a movie nights tend to be impromptu, but make a reservation a few nights in advance if you’re planning on going out on a popular date night. · Leave ample time between dinner and the start of the movie. No one wants to rush through a meal, especially couples who may not get too many chances to dine out and enjoy each other’s conversation. If your movie begins at 9 p.m., make a dinner reservation for 6 or 6:30 so you have ample time to eat, enjoy each other’s company and make it to the theater on time. If you’re planning on seeing a highly anticipated movie on its opening weekend, be sure to leave enough time between dinner and the start time of the movie so you can get to the theater early enough to get good seats. · Buy your movie tickets in advance. Much like you want to make a dinner reservation so you can get a table, you also want to buy your tickets in advance so you aren’t shut out if the theater sells out. If you’re worried about committing to the movie too far in advance and want to wait to buy tickets, choose a fallback movie to see just in case the film you were hoping to see sells out before you can buy tickets. · Know the addresses of nearby theaters and show times. Many a couple has arrived at a movie theater only to find the movie thay planned to see is sold out. Oftentimes, such letdowns can be remedied by driving to another theater nearby that is showing the movie at a slightly later time than the initial theater the couple visited. Know your movie schedules and theater addresses so you have options should your movie be sold out. Download an app like Fandango on your phone so you don’t waste precious time trying to find show times and addresses on the Internet. Dinner and a movie is a staple for couples’ date nights, and there are some tricks of the trade couples can employ to ensure their next date night (Photo submitted) Dinner and a movie has long been a go-to for couples who prefer something short of a fancy night out but more extravagant than a relaxing night at home. While making plans to dine out and catch a movie is memorable for all the right reasons. is not complicated, there are some things couples can do to make sure such nights go off without a hitch. 6 South Ave, West Jefferson 00831651 Mon-Thur: 11am-3pm Fri-Sat:11am-5pm Jefferson Post Dining Guide May 31, 2016 9 Eating healthy on the go Looking for tips to make smart meal choices even while dining out? Here’s some of our best: - As a beverage choice, ask for water or order fat-free or low-fat milk, unsweetened tea, or other drinks without added sugars. - Ask for whole-wheat bread for sandwiches. - In a restaurant, start your meal with a salad packed with veggies, to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner. - Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. Then use only as much as you want. - Choose main dishes that include vegetables, such as stir fries, kebobs, or pasta with a tomato sauce. - Order steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of those that are fried or sautéed. - Choose a small” or “medium” portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages. - Order an item from the menu instead heading for the “all-you-can-eat” buffet. - If main portions at a restaurant are larger than you want, try one of these strategies to keep from overeating: - Order an appetizer-sized portion or a side dish instead of an entrée. - Share a main dish with a friend. - If you can chill the extra food right away, take leftovers home in a “doggy bag.” - When your food is delivered, set aside or pack half of it to go immediately. - Resign from the “clean your plate club” - when you’ve eaten enough, leave the rest. - To keep your meal moderate in calories, fat, and sugars: - Ask for salad dressing to be served “on the side” so you can add only as much as you want. - Order foods that do not have creamy sauces or gravies - Add little or no butter to your food. - Choose fruits for dessert most often. - On long commutes or shopping trips, pack some fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, low-fat string cheese sticks, or a handful of unsalted nuts to help you avoid stopping for sweet or fatty snacks. Favorites From page 3 Shatley Springs – Biscuits: A classic. A simple food item that somehow Shatley Springs makes better. These biscuits go great with breakfast, lunch or dinner. When Pigs Fly – Burnt Ends Sandwich: The crispy, delicious “burnt ends” barbecue topped with bacon, pickles and cheese. I couldn’t begin to tell you the process of how the “burnt ends” come into existence or how they taste so good, but it just happens, and it’s worth trying. Monte D Rey – Monterrey Cheese Steaks: A take off of the classic steak sub, but instead with grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese sauce inside flour tortillas. The order comes with a side of rice and happiness. Sweet & Savory Bakery and Deli – Roasted Red Pepper Soup: With all of the fantastic sandwiches and sweet desserts available at Sweet & Savory, it turns out that the roasted red pepper soup is just too good not to mention. Creamy with a slight kick, the roasted red pepper soup makes for a great side dish with a sandwich or a tasty treat on its own. Bobby D’s – Pepperoni Pizza: I singled out the pepperoni pizza just because that’s my personal favorite, but I’ve never had a bad pizza from Bobby D’s. The (Photo submitted) Maybe the sweetest part of sweetest part of Sweet & Savory Bakery and Deli in downtown West Jefferson? Staff like Tiffany Shatley that go above and beyond. meats and vegetables are always fresh and if you are one of the rare individuals that don’t like pizza, Bobby D’s also offers a variety of subs and salads to hit your taste buds. Winner’s Circle – Lasagna: Available only at lunch on Fridays, it seems like I find my way to Winner’s Circle a lot on Fridays for a plate of cheesy lasagna. An Ashe County take on an Italian classic. When Pigs Fly – “Messed Up” smoked wings: The “Messed Up” sauce, a combination of a creamy Italian dressing and their signature Buffalo Mild sauce, is unique to When Pigs Fly and is a must-try for anyone that enjoys a big plate of wings. Get your wings fried, smoked or grilled and take advantage of Wednesday’s 50-cent Wing Days as well. (Photo submitted) Diners take a break at the cozy Sweet & Savory Bakery and Deli in downtown West Jefferson. 10 May 31, 2016 Dining Guide Jefferson Post Planning pointers for a fun night out on the town Planning a night out on the town with family and friends can be a fun experience. Scouring the most popular hotspots and the newest restaurants falls far short of burdensome, and those tasked with such a responsibility often enjoy the opportunity to get out of the house and soak up some local culture. As fun as such planning can be, hosts must consider the needs of all who plan to attend before making any final decisions. The following are a few ways hosts can ensure everyone enjoys a night to remember for all the right reasons. * Consider finances. Dinner at the hottest restaurant in town might sound like a grand idea, but hosts must consider if such a feast is affordable for everyone on the invitation list. Hot new restaurants or established locales where reservations are hard to come by tend to be expensive, so hosts should make sure everyone can afford such hotspots before making any reservations. Peruse menus online when looking for a restaurant, paying particular attention to the average cost of an entree at each restaurant you’re considering. When planning a dinner for an especially large party, call each restaurant to determine if they offer limited menus to larger parties. Many restaurants do this for parties of 15 or more, charging a set price per person, and that price is not always less expensive than it would be to dine a la carte. When necessary, find a restaurant where the cost per person is within reason so no one feels Steaks From page 5 3. New York Strip. The New York, sometimes called a Kansas City, is perhaps the best steak when all things are considered. It has less fat than the ribeye and almost as tender. It has a flavor all its own. Succulent and buttery. Some steakhouses feature a bonein version. Read more about what a New York Steak is. like they need to skip the night out on the town due to financial constraints. * Choose a central location. Whether you’re getting together for a sit-down dinner or just drinks, choose a location that’s easily accessible for everyone on the guest list. Doing so increases the likelihood that guests will make it out. A location that’s near to all also allows both you and your guests to spend more time together and less time traveling. * Choose a location that’s accessible by public transportation. In addition to finding a central location, hosts also should look for a location with easy access to public transportation. This helps guests avoid sitting in traffic, and it’s also safe when nights out on the town will involve drinking alcohol, reducing the risk that you or your guests will get behind the wheel when it’s safer to take a subway, train or cab. * Consider the needs of every guest. When planning a night on the town, hosts must consider the needs of each individual guest before making any reservations or concrete plans. For example, if the group includes a guest with a physical disability, then any gathering spot you choose must be wheelchair acces- sible and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Another thing to consider is each guest’s lifestyle choices. If one guest does not consume alcohol, then try to organize a night out on the town that involves more than just hopping from bar to bar. * Solicit ideas. If you’re having trouble planning a fun night for all, solicit some ideas from those you invited. Just because you’re hosting the gathering and acting as the go-to guy or gal for those with questions about the night does not mean you can’t ask some questions of your own. Ask guests what they want to do, and remember that no idea is too outlandish. If you decide to center the night around a particular activity, just make sure it’s something everyone on the guest list can participate in. * Be specific when sharing information about the night. Once all of the plans have been made, be as specific as possible when sharing those plans. Give an address for each place you plan to visit on the night and encourage guests to make use of their cars’ GPS systems or online navigation websites so everyone gets there without any trouble. Charge your cellular phone right before you head out for the night so the phone does not die should anyone call and ask for lastminute directions or instructions. Planning a night out on the town is a fun responsibility, but also one that requires careful consideration of a host of factors. 4. T-Bone Steak. The T-Bone is really two steaks in one. Can’t decide between a Tenderloin Filet and a New York Strip Steak? You’ve just hit the jackpot of all steaks. That’s because it features both a filet and a New York Strip portion separated by a T-shaped bone from hence it gets its name. If you like your steak medium-well or well done, keep this in mind. The meat that sets next to the bone is difficult to reach those temperatures without overcooking the entire steak. 5. Porterhouse Steak. The Porterhouse and T-Bone are essentially the same cut of steak. In fact, it is often called the “king of the t-bones”. It is a larger version of the T-Bone because it is cut from further up the loin section. It is bigger with a larger piece of tenderloin filet. Usually you won’t find a smaller Porterhouse than 20 ounces. There are even 48 ounce Porterhouse steaks offered at some steak house restaurants. It’s the perfect steak to share giving everyone a taste of both the Filet Mignon and New York Strip. How big of a steak should I order? That’s up to the individual of course. But usually “eyes are bigger than the tummy”. That’s OK. Leftover steak makes a great midnight snack. Realistically though, after ordering an appetizer, a salad, a side and adding a potato, it’s hard to imagine an average person being able to eat a steak much larger than 8 to 12 ounces. Larger steaks are more expensive versus smaller steaks. You also may be concerned about too much fat consumption. If so avoid the ribeye or compromise with the New York Strip. Keep in mind the filet has very little fat and is the most tender steak. That’s a great option for those watching their weight. (Photo submitted) A night out can be more fun - and less stressful - by taking the time to plan ahead. Jefferson Post Kind From page 7 restaurant took matters into its own hands after constant complaints of slow service. After examining surveillance footage of the dining room from 2004 to 2014, the restaurant owner discovered the wait staff hadn’t changed its techniques, but the customers’ use of cell phones had slowed table turnover Wine From page 4 How much red wine should I drink? A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving. Men will benefit from consuming one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per day to reap the maximum benefits. This is not to say that you should start drinking alcohol if you presently do not. Occasional or binge drinkers have higher mortality rates than those who drink moderately Dining Guide May 31, 2016 11 from one hour and five minutes to one hour and 55 minutes. Taking pictures of food, texting before ordering or asking a server to take a group photo can contribute to slower service, which puts added stress on servers. 5. Holidays can put a monkey wrench in restaurant flow. Certain times of the year are popular for dining out. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and winter holidays are busy times for the restaurant business. Diners should recognize this and exhibit extra patience when dining out during these busy times of year. If you aren’t up for the crowds, abbreviated menus and other factors that come with holiday dining, choose another day to go out. 6. Tip with courtesy and respect. Tips are important to servers because their income may not be steady. Some restaurants do not pay servers minimum wage, expecting their salaries to be offset by tipping. Tip according to how the service was, not the taste of the food or beverages. A 15 percent tip is customary, but you may want to tip 20 percent for exceptional service. Don’t dine out if you cannot afford or do not plan to tip. 7. Ask ahead of time if you need a split bill. Multiple checks can prove timeconsuming. Address this need early on and pay as punctually as possible. The restaurant business is fast-paced and challenging. Customers can do their part by being patient and pleasant patrons and showing their servers the respect they deserve. on a regular basis. In those who consume three or more drinks per day, there is an increased risk for elevated serum triglycerides (fat in the bloodstream). Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can damage nerve cells, the liver and the pancreas. Heavy drinkers are also at risk for malnutrition, as alcohol may substitute for more nutritious foods. What if I have other health problems? Recommendations to consume moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. It is clear that people with medical and social conditions worsened by alcohol should not consume any alcohol at all. Hypertryglyceridemia, pancreatitis, liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, depression and congestive heart failure are diseases that may be worsened by alcohol. Those individuals at risk for these conditions should consult with their physician before consuming any alcohol at all. What about grape juice and non alcoholic red wine? In 1997, researchers at the University of Wisconsin concluded that purple grape juice also reduced blood clotting. Another study by researchers at University of California at Davis, confirmed the findings that non alcoholic red wine contains the same antioxidant profile as red wine. However in a 1998 study, Japanese researchers found that while grape juice still had antioxidative benefits, it did not significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to red wine. The debate continues on whether it is the components of the wine, the way the wine is consumed, or the lifestyle traits that is the most responsible for the long healthy lives of many wine drinkers. However, the evidence seems clear that regular, moderate consumption of red wine is beneficial to your health. So here’s a toast to your health! Cheers (Photo submitted) It might seem just a little out of the way, but Fleetwood’s Park Vista is a gem tucked just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. (Photo submitted) The tiny town of Lansing’s Pie hosts one of the High Country’s best pizza joints, Pie on the Mountain. Dining Guide 12 May 31, 2016 Jefferson Post Aged Steaks Prime Rib Seafood Pizza • Subs Hamburgers 40 Item Salad Bar • Plate Lunches • Homemade Desserts All You Can Eat Pasta on Monday & Wednesday Night Country Breakfast with Homemade Biscuits, Gravy & Country Ham Catering Available Open Monday - Saturday 7am - 9pm • Sunday 7am - 3pm 336-246-4499 • 336-246-2900 Served Over 30,000 SteakS LaSt Year r u o y e k a m s u Let day special and unforgettable BLUE RIDGE DINNER THEATER & Event center music entertainment buffet dinner events Advance Tickets Available Call 336-246-2900 - 336-982-4888 brdt.net Whatever the occasion may be we have space for your special event or wedding 9331 Hwy 16 South • West Jefferson, NC 00828574