Glad We Ate Here

My family, my friends, and I eat out often. We love food! When we grow weary of cooking the best food you’ll ever put in your mouth, the food we write about in FLAVORED WITH LOVE,and publish at www.FWLCookbook.com, we go to the restaurants—all kinds of restaurants! Also we evaluate restaurants and share our observations. Feel free to tell us about the places where you like to eat. A Note of Caution: We don’t like unkind remarks. The words found in this blog will be gentle but honest.

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Name: Mary Lou Cheatham
Location: Ruston, Louisiana, United States

Thank you for visiting my blog. I have a variety of interests, which are reflected in publishing and writing. Most of all, I love hearing what other people think. To contact me personally, please write me at MaryLou(AT)DoYouKnowHowGodLovesYou.com

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Saturday, January 29, 2005

RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant, Simsboro, LA


RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant; Thu/Fri—5-9, Sat—11 AM-9 PM

LOCATION: 2721 Martha Street; Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-247-6007

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 10-8-04

PRICE RANGE: $4-$18

FAVORITE FOOD: Grilled fish

OTHER GREAT FOODS: JR's special potato salad, cole slaw.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: JR's Place doesn't have any mediocre food.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: He specializes in barbecue and steaks; Warm family atmosphere with excellent service.

SPECIALS: Vary by the week. Call for the current ones.

APPEARANCE: Neat and clean

SERVER: Jessica

SERVICE: Excellent, warm and attentive

UNIQUE FEATURES: Consistently delicious food and excellent service.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: (See their site www.JRsPlace.biz)

COMMENTS: They have some of the best barbecued pork ribs anywhere! They have a great catering trailer for off-site service and will open other times for groups.

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RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant, Simsboro, LA


RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant; Thu/Fri—5-9, Sat—11 AM-9 PM

LOCATION: 2721 Martha Street; Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-247-6007

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 11-6-04

PRICE RANGE: $4-$18

FAVORITE FOOD: Grilled fish, BBQ ribs

OTHER GREAT FOODS: JR's special potato salad.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: JR's Place doesn't have any mediocre food.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: barbecue and steaks; Warm family atmosphere with excellent service.

SPECIALS: Vary by the week. Call for the current ones.

APPEARANCE: Neat and clean

SERVER: Holly

SERVICE: Excellent, warm and attentive

UNIQUE FEATURES: Consistently delicious food and excellent service.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: (See their site www.JRsPlace.biz)

COMMENTS: They have some of the best barbecued pork ribs anywhere! They have a great catering trailer for off-site service and will open other times for groups.

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RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant, Simsboro, LA

RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant; Thu, Fri, Sat—5-9

LOCATION: 2721 Martha Street; Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-247-6007

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-28-05

PRICE RANGE: $4-$18

FAVORITE FOOD: Blackberry Cobbler with soft serve ice cream; Boiled crawfish

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Barbecue, burgers, and steaks; They have a wonderful, trademarked potato salad.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: JR's Place doesn't have any mediocre food.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Crawfish, burgers, and steaks; Warm family atmosphere with excellent service.

SPECIALS: Vary by the week. Call for the current ones.

APPEARANCE: Neat and clean

SERVER: Matt

SERVICE: Excellent, warm and attentive

UNIQUE FEATURES: Consistently delicious food and excellent service.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: (See their site www.JRsPlace.biz)

COMMENTS: Wonderful food and atmosphere. We'll be back.

Friday, January 28, 2005

RESTAURANT: Popeye's Fried Chicken #59, Jackson, MS

RESTAURANT: Popeye's Fried Chicken #59; Hours: ample

LOCATION: 4337 Robinson Rd., Jackson, MS; 601-922-9389

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 12-7-04

PRICE RANGE: low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Spicy fried chicken, Cajun rice

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Collard greens, Biscuits, red beans and rice

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Cajun seasoned food

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones.

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Quita

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: N/A

Thursday, January 27, 2005

RESTAURANT: Arby's #437

RESTAURANT: Arby's #437

LOCATION:

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 11-12-04

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Market Turkey Ranch Bacon sandwich

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Wraps

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: vary—call for current

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Freda

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: N/A

RESTAURANT: I-HOP #4489, Monroe, LA

RESTAURANT: I-HOP #4489, Daily continuous service

LOCATION: 4205 Pecanland Mall Dr, Monroe, LA 71203; 318-322-5424

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 8-6-04

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Stuffed toast

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fajita chicken omlette

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Continuous operation; good food consistently

SPECIALS: vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: very clean

SERVER: Javon

SERVICE: good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: N/A

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

RESTAURANT: Johnny's Pizza, Ruston, LA

RESTAURANT: Johnny's Pizza, call for hours

LOCATION: 1109 Cooktown Rd (S of I-20), Ruston, LA 71270; 318-251-1006

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-29-04

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Sweep-the-swamp pizza

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Muffaleta

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: (call for current)

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Longstanding local chain, innovative recipes, mail-out specials. They are supportive of local school projects.

RESTAURANT: Log Cabin, Ruston, LA

RESTAURANT: Log Cabin, call for hours

LOCATION: Hwy 33 North of I-20, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 2-12-04

PRICE RANGE: $5 to $18

FAVORITE FOOD: Barbecued beef, Baby back ribs, Exploding Brownie

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Salads, Quesadillas, Steaks

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Exploding Brownie, carafe of salsa

SPECIALS: (call)

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Ashley

SERVICE: Slow; staff seems confused at times

UNIQUE FEATURES: Area landmark building

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Friendly attitude of owner, Chuck Rhinehart; Live music on weekends

JR's Place Restaurant

RESTAURANT: JR's Place—Fine Southern Cooking; Thu & Fri 5-9, Sa 11-9

LOCATION: Martha St., Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-247-6007

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 11-11-04

PRICE RANGE: $4-$20

FAVORITE FOOD: Fried oysters; JR Burger with sourdough bun

OTHER GREAT FOODS: JR's Potato Salad

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: DEElicious food; clean family atmosphere

SPECIALS: Change weekly; call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Neat and clean

SERVER: Melane

SERVICE: Excellent

UNIQUE FEATURES: Delicious menu items; Branded potato salad

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: (See web site at www.JRsPlace.biz)

COMMENTS: Has a catering trailer for catering at site of your choice. Will open their restaurant on other nights for groups of 40 or more.

RESTAURANT: Delhi Palace Restaurant, Dallas, TX

RESTAURANT: Delhi Palace Restaurant, call for hours

LOCATION: 7517 Campbell Rd., #612, Dallas, TX 75248; 972-267-6565

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 3-26-04

PRICE RANGE: Indian Buffet and drink—$12.50

FAVORITE FOOD: N/A

OTHER GREAT FOODS: N/A

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The buffet was old, dried out, and appeared to have been "online" too long

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Over priced for the value

SPECIALS: N/A

APPEARANCE: Too dark to tell

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: N/A

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: We will not return.

RESTAURANT: The Feed House, Ruston, LA

RESTAURANT: The Feed House

LOCATION: 2780 Hwy 33; Ruston, LA 71270; 318-255-6668

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 4-2-04

PRICE RANGE: Buffet and drink—$14

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish, corn fritters

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fried fish, Cinnamon rolls

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Good food and quick service

SPECIALS: (call)

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: very good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food

RESTAURANT: Isle of Capri Casino—Calypso's, Vicksburg, MS

RESTAURANT: Isle of Capri Casino—Calypso's, Continuous daily service

LOCATION: Vicksburg, MS

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 4-24-04

PRICE RANGE: Seafood buffet with drink—$12

FAVORITE FOOD: Boiled shrimp, Fried Oysters, Stuffed Crabs

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fried fish, Cakes and pies

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Broad serving hours

SPECIALS: (call)

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: N/A

RESTAURANT: Ranchero Restaurant, Canton, TX

RESTAURANT: Ranchero Restaurant, Daily 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

LOCATION: I-20 @ Hwy 19, North Service Rd., Canton, TX 75103

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 4-16-04

PRICE RANGE: $9 for buffet and drink

FAVORITE FOOD: Enchiladas, Chicken fried steak, Desserts

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fried oysters and shrimp

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Wide selection and good service

SPECIALS: N/A

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Very good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Large facilities

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Ryan's Steakhouse, Ruston, LA

RESTAURANT: Ryan’s Steakhouse, Store #328

LOCATION: 1101 North Service Road, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1/16/05

PRICE RANGE: Sunday Mega Bar for two with drinks--$21.22

FAVORITE FOOD: Complimentary rolls with honey butter

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Complimentary coffee, cream of broccoli soup

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Freedom to move about and make selections

APPEARANCE: Ryan’s is a big generic place full of a variety of foods.

SERVICE: The servers try hard to please. They graciously take care of people who are obviously not assigned to them.

COMMENT: Ryan’s is spacious. My friends and I can sit there and talk as long as we please without irritating the management.

Monjuni's, Ruston, LA

RESTAURANT: Monjuni’s of Ruston

LOCATION: 101 N. Trenton, Ruston,LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 8/25/04 (lunch)

PRICE RANGE: (About $12.00 for pasta dish)

FAVORITE FOOD: Shrimp fettucini

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Delicious tea, free crusty bread with yummy tomato sauce, outstanding salads

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Concern for our satisfaction shown by staff

SPECIALS: College students – every Monday -$3.95 –all you can eat spaghetti, sauce, and bread

APPEARANCE: Acceptable

SERVICE: Often service is slow because the waiters have many customers, but there’s the delicious bread to munch and dip into the sweet Italian sauce. Once when we had to wait a long time, our check was comped.

COMMENT: Monjuni’s is a comfortable place to go and have lunch with friends.



Vazquez Seafood Restaurant, New Orleans

RESTAURANT: Vazquez Seafood Restaurant

LOCATION: 5627 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 8/13/04

PRICE RANGE: The price for a po’boy or salad is $7.50.

FAVORITE FOOD: Fried oyster po’boy

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Grilled shrimp salad

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: another New Orleans experience

APPEARANCE: Intimate surroundings, neighborhood atmosphere

SERVICE: We went through a line, gave our orders, and waited for our food. One person’s order was missed.

COMMENTS: The tasty food was worth the wait.

Purple Parrot Restaurant, Arcadia, LA

RESTAURANT: Purple Parrot Restaurant

LOCATION: 1083 Hazel Street, Arcadia, LA 71001

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 8/21/04

PRICES: Moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Sometimes the spicy version of salsa

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Shrimp taco salad, chicken chimichanga

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Sometimes the spicy version of salsa (Different people make it different ways.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Tasteful decor

SERVER: Jennifer

APPEARANCE: Generally clean

COMMENT: Purple Parrot has great potential to be a high quality restaurant in a lovely location.

Old Mexico, Ruston, LA

RESTAURANT: Old Mexico

LOCATION: 207 North Service Road East, Ruston, LA 71270 (Graham Shopping Center)

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9/22/-04

PRICES: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: beefsteak fajitas

OTHER GREAT FOODS: chimichangas, salsa, queso (made with white cheese)

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: quesadillas

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Some of the food is authentic Mexcian style.

APPEARANCE: Cute Mexican decor

SERVICE: The servers work hard to please. Sometimes there is confusion about the orders.

COMMENTS: If you find yourself in Ruston, LA, and your Mexican food low-level light starts flashing, go here.

RESTAURANT: Maxwell's Restaurant, Ruston, LA

RESTAURANT: Maxwell's Restaurant, in the Ramada Inn Motel; (call for hours)

LOCATION: North Service Rd. East, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 2-24-04

PRICE RANGE: $4 to $18

FAVORITE FOOD: Sunday Buffet

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: (call)

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Very good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS:

RESTAURANT: Chuck's Restaurant, Plano, TX

RESTAURANT: Chuck's Restaurant, Plano, TX (call for hours)

LOCATION: 3308 Preston Rd., #380, Plano, TX 75093; 972-596-4211

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 3-28-04

PRICE RANGE: $4 to $8

FAVORITE FOOD: Hickory Cheddar Burger, Fountain chocolate malt with extra malt and chocolate

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Bacon Cheese Burger, Cheddar Fries

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Delicious burgers

SPECIALS: (call)

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Fountain malts

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: We'll be back!

RESTAURANT: Gloria's Restaurant, Frisco, TX

RESTAURANT: Gloria's Restaurant, Frisco, TX; (call for hours)

LOCATION: 8600 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034; 972-668-1555

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-24-04

PRICE RANGE: $7 to $25

FAVORITE FOOD: Quesadillas

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Taco Salad

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Delightful outside dining later in the evening.

SPECIALS: (call)

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Omar

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food

RESTAURANT: Rainbow Hotel Casino Restaurant

RESTAURANT: Rainbow Hotel Casino Restaurant Buffet; Open 24 hours a day

LOCATION: 1380 Warrenton Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39182; 800-503-3777

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 4-29-04

PRICE RANGE: $9.71 with drink & tax

FAVORITE FOOD: Crab legs, seafood, desserts

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fried Chicken

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Barbecue

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Quick service with large selection

SPECIALS: N/A

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Easy access from I-20

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Their selection varies from day to day.

Sunday, January 23, 2005

R. J. Gator’s Sea Grille and Bar


LOCATION: 1119 Gator Road, Monroe LA 71201
(Across the street from Pecanland Mall)

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 8/28/04 (late lunch)

PRICE RANGE: Approximately $9 per lunch entrée.

FAVORITE FOOD: Key Lime Pie

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Blackened Shrimp Quesadilla, Blackened Gator Quesadilla

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: The overall pleasant experience

SPECIALS: 10% off for feedback within 30 days

APPEARANCE: Clean. South Florida theme.

SERVICE: Outstanding

UNIQUE FEATURES: Alligator

COMMENTS: R. J. Gator’s has its act together.



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