Atlanta etc.: Marilyn Wolf's Food Blog and Restaurant Blog

Coffee seemed like a good conclusion to my lunch stop. A quick search found Bella Vista nearby. The place was hopping and the staff was very friendly. My coffee was rich and smooth. Thanks, folks!

I needed a quick but satisfying and healthy lunch. I dove off the highway at Smyrna and decided that Famous Dave's was my ticket. I ate my lunch inside the restaurant. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. A BBQ salad turned out to be the combination of protein and greens that I needed. Thanks, folks!

I was in the mood for some vegetarian food after a day on the road. Bean Thai in Marion fit the bill. Tasty and healthy. Thanks, folks!

My dreams of a German sausage lunch in Hermann when I saw the crowds enjoying themselves. I headed for a quick stop at what has become an old reliable, the TA truck stop. I always enjoy Popeye's spices. This was not a second-best lunch, it was a very enjoyable lunch for which I am grateful.

Coffee in the cup holder makes for a good morning drive. I decided to give Hazel's a try. The place was jumping with people enjoying their morning. Great coffee and friendly service. Thanks, folks!

Perkins is always a comforting breakfast selection on the road. I decided to eat breakfast in the restaurant rather than bring it back to the car. Things were busy and the staff was very friendly. My omelet was delicious, as always. Thanks, folks!

I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Blue Orchid. The service was gracious and the food outstanding, as always. I started with a refreshing soup. My main course was massaman curry with tofu. I always enjoy its hearty savoriness.

Popcorn is very popular in Nebraska. When in need of a gift of popcorn, I decided to go to the source and visit Amaizen's store in north Lincoln---no grocery store pickup here. The popcorn was wonderfully fresh and delicious. Thanks, folks!

I hit Omaha at dinner time. I was in the mood for Asian food. I found Rose Garden on the map and decided to give it a try. The staff was friendly and service was quick. Kung pao tofu is one of my favorites. This version was flavorful and just rich enough. Thanks, folks!

Even if you want to eat at a restaurant, they are often jam-packed. I needed to get on the road and didn't want a long wait at a restaurant. Scooter's in West Des Moines fit the bill. This sausage biscuit, topped off with Scooter's delicious coffee, kept me going. Thanks, folks!

I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Centro in downtown Des Moines. My meal started with fresh bread. A salad was next. I decided to include anchovies for an enjoyable change. My salmon was perfectly cooked. The capers gave a preparation very different from what I do at home. I couldn't resist a creme brulee to top off my meal. Thanks, folks!

I joined friends for a wonderful dinner at Casa Bovina. We started with amuse bouche. The pasta was wonderful with excellent texture and a superb ragu. A delicate and flavorful salad. And steak!

Pears and bleu cheese make a great lunch.

Mmmm, Ultimate Bahnwich and Vietnamese coffee eaten outdoors. What a treat!

What do you do with extra freshly grated coconut? Breakfast, of course. I topped some of my fussy French toast with my coconut. The flavors and textures are very different from my typical banana or apple. I am grateful for simple pleasures like this.

A supply of coconuts at Super Saver gave me a chance to try a coconut cake. I cracked the coconut in a big bowl to save the water. I scooped out the meat. My coconut skills could use some work. I made a genoise cake for its ability to absorb. I whipped eggs and suger, then mixed in flour and the other ingredients. I made a simple syrup from the coconut water and some sugar. I then split the cake in two soaked the cake in the syrup. This was key to the success of the cake---the coconut water syrup held huge flavor. I covered the cake in a buttercream, then sprinkled on the freshly grated coconut. The result was superb: very rich, very moist, all sorts of coconut flavor. Overall, a very successful experiment.

I have been thinking about beef short ribs for awhile. I finally picked up some from Loeffel Meat Shoppe and got to work. I browned the short ribs, then made a fine chop of mirepoix. I cooked the ribs in the mirepoix along with beef stock and red wine. Delicious!

Oops. I made hearth bread from The Baker's Apprentice and I ran the oven a little hot. Cooks need to be willing to eat their mistakes.

The porterhouse isn't the typical cut for steak au poivre. But the more steak the merrier, I always say. This steak is coated in crushed peppercorns. I reduced heavy cream for the sauce. Delicious! I am grateful.

Beef noodle soup makes a cozy lunch. Vung Tau's rich, flavorful broth really seals the deal. Thanks, folks!

My lunch started with this wonderful soup. Saag paneer is a hearty dish that wonderfully combines umami and vegetal flavors. And how could I pass up a naan? Thanks, folks!

I made a small batch of pasta using my regular roller. I lierally spread flour over the pasta and cut it into medium-width strips with my very sharp knife. Pasta so fresh is a treat---even sitting a few hours makes a difference.

I used some frozen turkey to make turkey pot pie filling. I threw in a healthy dose of cream as well as some turkey stock. I made buttermilk biscuits to go underneath. Truly delicious and satisfying. I am grateful.

Corn pudding is a bread pudding made with cornbread and corn kernels. It makes a great side dish and is very easy to freeze. I made up a batch to enjoy and to save.

I was out-and-about and decided to try Mo Java. Located in the hip part of town, it offers an inviting space and friendly staff. I enjoyed my iced coffee outside. Coffee and cream make a delicious, rich combination. Thanks, folks!