Tom’s BBQ: The Best Ribs in Memphis

August 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

tom's bbq memphis

When we’re on a road trip, one of our Foodie Road Trip Rules is to NEVER eat at chain restaurants.  Another one of our self-imposed rules is to try a new Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives location when we’re on the road.  When we were in Memphis, we stopped in at Tom’s BBQ.   Not only was Tom’s featured on the show, Guy Fieri mentioned their famous rib tips again in his Best Thing I Ever Ate special.

Tom’s is located in an industrial area near the airport and isn’t fancy by any stretch of the imagination.  When you pull up, you notice the AC units and steel bars on the windows.  Walk past that and the seating looks like your Southern Granny’s front porch (that is, if Granny lived in the ghetto).   The staff is welcoming and friendly.

The seasoning blends at Tom’s are complex and unique, leaning heavy on the oregano and cumin.   Their seasoning, smoking, and grilling process has been well-honed over thirty years.  Tom’s isn’t messing around. We actually liked the ribs better than the rib tips as they were meatier and more tender, but everything was good.  The sides were delicious and rried bologna has never tasted so upscale.  What really sealed the deal was that the host, Adam, brought us an extra basket goodies to sample.  I notice and appreciate that kind of hospitality, and I believe it’s one reason why restaurants like Tom’s BBQ in Memphis gain such a loyal following.  It’s worth the detour off the interstate to enjoy some of the best ribs in Memphis.

Tom’s BBQ Memphis

http://www.tomsbarbq.com/
4087 New Getwell Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
901-365-6690


tom's bbq memphis

tom's bbq memphis

tom's bbq memphis

toms bbq memphis

tom's bbq memphis

tom's bbq memphis


Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Sweetie Pie’s: Soul Food Heaven in St. Louis

August 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

welcome to sweetie pie's

Sweetie Pie’s is soul food heaven. Being from the north, I didn’t grow up on sweet potatoes, fried chicken and okra – but this place makes me wish I had. Given both the Guy Fieri Triple-D and Oprah seal of approval, how could it not be good? Plus, with its own show, Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s, (on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network) at the very least the cast of characters would be interesting.

We read on Yelp that the line to eat at Sweetie Pie’s can be up to 90-minutes deep. We re-arranged our schedule to hit the restaurant during off-peak hours to avoid the wait. Arriving at around 2:30 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon seemed to do the trick. The restaurant was full, but there was virtually no line.

Instead of ordering from a menu, guests at Sweetie Pie’s grab a tray and go through a cafeteria-style line. First, you’ll choose your meat and then move along to select sides to go along with it. The cornbread is gratis, and comes with all combo meals. The meat + three sides combo runs around $10-$15, depending on the meat you order. It’s enough food so that nobody leaves hungry, and most will either be stuffed to the gills or have a lot left on their plate.

I tasted my husband’s fried chicken, but my favorite main course was my own braised oxtail. It was flavorful and falling off the bone, with the kind of flavor that reminds you of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house. Sides don’t play second fiddle at Sweetie Pie’s. My favorite side was the macaroni and cheese. Far from cafeteria-style mac and cheese, Sweetie Pie’s was a rich blend of real cheddar and spices, not processed, bland goop. It reminded me of my own macaroni and cheese (if you’re looking for a copycat Sweetie Pie’s Macaroni and Cheese, try my recipe and let me know what you think).  The sweet potatoes were also divine, and sweet enough to be eaten as a dessert.

Staff was friendly and added to the fun, casual atmosphere. I admit I have not seen Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s, so I didn’t recognize anyone – although they were happily taking pictures with guests that did.

Sweetie Pie’s at The Mangrove
4270 Manchester
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.371.0304

welcome to sweetie pie's st. louis

sweetie pie's st. louis

sweetie pie's st. louis

sweetie pie's st. louis

sweetie pie's st. louis

sweetie pie's st. louis


Filed Under: Blog, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shrink Your Grocery Bills Without Using Coupons… and WIN!

August 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

instant bargains

When I tell people I run a deal site and give advice on how to snag groceries for less, most people jump to the conclusion that I use a lot of coupons.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  There were times in my life that yes, I clipped coupons.  A LOT of coupons.  I also had more time then.  As a busy mom, I now feel I’ve got more effective ways to use my time.  I still clip high-value coupons when I see them.  I just don’t go nuts with the Sunday paper.  And, I STILL don’t spend a lot on groceries.

There are so many other ways to save money, shrink your grocery bills and eat well for less.  My book, Instant Bargains, includes 600+ tips on how to do just that.   The book doesn’t just include my own tips, it includes advice from my friends, family and the Mommysavers Discussion Forum Members.   I want to offer you a copy of my book as well as $25 to spend at ALDI.  If you haven’t discovered ALDI yet… why not?   Read more about Saving Big Bucks at ALDI on Mommysavers.

We’ve got multiple ways to enter this giveaway.  Our winner will receive a copy (I will autograph if it you’d like) as well as a $25 ALDI gift card.  Both are great resources to help you shrink your grocery bills! I will choose one winner at random on Wednesday, August 15th.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Saving Money Tagged With: , ,

Mussels with Wine and Garlic Sauce

August 12, 2012 by 1 Comment

mussels with wine and garlic sauce

Mussels with wine and garlic sauce is simple to make, doesn’t take very long, and is surprisingly frugal.  It’s something my husband and I enjoy if we are doing a date night dinner at home.    This dish costs around $10 total, and serves 3-4.  There is something about freshly steamed mussels that seems romantic, or date-worthy.   For us, anyway, they’re “special.”

Frugal Tip:  At only around $4 per pound, mussels have a huge visual impact for not much money.  They look great on your plate and will impress any dinner guests you may have!  Another great way to use them is in this easy paella recipe, which is a great way to use up leftovers.

Print
Mussels with Wine and Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 3-4
 
Easy and surprisingly frugal!
Ingredients
  • 2 lb. mussels (make sure you discard any that are gaping open)
  • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ C. onion, minced (or shallots)
  • ¾ C. dry white wine
  • ⅔ C. chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 1 lb. linguine noodles
Instructions
  1. Prepare linguine according to package directions. In a large skillet with a lid, melt the butter. Add olive oil and sauté the garlic and onions until translucent. Add the wine and mussels and about half of the parsley. Cover and heat until mussels have opened (about 8-10 minutes). Add remaining parsley as a garnish. Serve mussels and wine sauce over linguine.

 

 


Filed Under: 30 Minutes or Less, Pasta Tagged With: , , , ,

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

August 12, 2012 by 2 Comments

strawberry pretzel pie

Yes, it tastes as good as it looks.  I’m a big fan of the sweet-and-salty combo, and this Strawberry Pretzel Pie is a divine example.  The pretzel pie crust gives it that salty flavor that accentuates the sweetness of the strawberries.  The freezing process takes a while, but it’s great to make ahead for a party or event.  Your guests will love it!

Frugal Tip:  Homemade whipped cream is so easy, more frugal, and WAY better-tasting than anything purchased at the store.  For me, it’s one of those “I’ll never buy-it-again” items.

Recipe Source:  Southern Living

Print
Strawberry Pretzel Pie
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 8
 
Ingredients
  • 2 C. pretzels, crushed
  • ¾ C. butter, melted
  • ¼ C. firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 C. sliced strawberries
  • 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
  • 4 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. strawberry Jello-O
  • 2 C. whipping cream, divided
  • ⅓ C. sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Crush pretzels in a ziplock bag or food processor. Combine crushed pretzels, butter, and brown sugar. Press into the bottom of a pie plate. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
  2. Place strawberries in a food processor or blender until finely chopped. Beat condensed milk, softened cream cheese and Jell-o at medium speed with an electric mixer. Add strawberries; beat on low until blended. Transfer to a large bowl. Beat ¾ C. of the whipping cream on high until soft peaks form. Fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. Spoon into prepared, cooled crust. Cover and freeze overnight or until firm.
  3. Beat remaining 1¼ C. whipping cream on high speed until it starts to thicken. Gradually add sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Spread over pie. Freeze 1 hour or until whipped cream is firm. Remove from freezer and let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting. Garnish with sliced strawberries and/or pretzel sticks.

 

Filed Under: Desserts Tagged With: , , ,
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