Zoës Kitchen…

For about 3 weeks now we have been driving by a new restaurant called Zoës Kitchen. Not knowing what kind of food they served we did not explore…Big Mistake!

Last night while trying to decide where to eat after seeing a line outside of Cheddar’s, we decided to check out Zoës Kitchen.  We were met with simple clean lines, pleasing surroundings plus wonderful smells. What’s not to like?

Still not knowing what kind of food they served we approached the front counter (No this is not a sit down they come take your order type of restaurant).  The first word I see is Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) the second word I see is Greek. Hmm could this be Mediterranean fare? The next thing I see is Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free. Well OK then, this will fit into the Paleo Diet that I am on.

I tried taking a picture of the meal I ordered but the picture would not up-load so I can only offer this. 

I had the Chicken Kabobs with a Greek salad and rice pilaf minus the pita bread. Dave had a Grüben Grilled Sandwich with grilled turkey, Swiss slaw, and spicy mustard on rye with his side being potato salad made with red potatoes and no mayo. Everything was fresh and tasted wonderful. 

Zoës is located primarily in the south and up the east coast to Pennsylvania and in Oklahoma and Texas. I was surprised to see that it had not landed in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana yet.

There is a Zoës Kitchen app for iPhone and droids that lets you scan in your receipt and you get special rewards sent to your email. Check it out.

For those of you in Motor homes, 5^th wheels and buses there’s a new Crest grocery store in Norman where the parking lot is located behind Zoës Kitchen which you could use to park, eat lunch then do some grocery shopping. A way to say thank-you for letting you park there.

When the weather is nice, Zoës Kitchen has a small outdoor patio to enjoy. The next time we go we will sit in a booth as the chairs are nice, but I prefer something a little more cushioned, but that’s just me.

If you are in the neighborhood of a Zoës Kitchen and want something different, we highly recommend dropping by and partake of some fresh, simple and tasty food.

Location:  1651 24th Avenue NW, Norman, OK 

Parking:   Plenty for cars, Buses, Motor Homes, 5^th Wheels can park behind in the Crest Grocery Parking lot.

Price:     $$+

Service:   Fast and Friendly with a smile

Restrooms: Clean and well kept.

We give it a <<<< up!

Sooner Dairy Lunch...aka...Dairy Delight

Cheeseburger and Fries Photo Courtesy by Rufus

For years Dave and I have called Sooner Dairy Lunch, Dairy Delight, just as we call Cracker Barrel, Betty Crockers, just easier to remember.  It's one of those nostalgic drive-ins that you remember from your youth that has been owned by the same family for over 50 years. No roller skaters, no car-hops, basically no frills, just good ole fashion hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries and chocolate malts that hits the spot. Of course there are other wonderful items on the menu, but those are our favorites. We have been eating there for as long as we can remember.  Dave would pick up the girls and their friends from school for lunch and take them to Sooner Dairy Lunch. We go at least every other week.  It's one of those places that you park under an awning and walk up to a window to order. When your order is ready they call your number. They take cash and checks. Like I said...no frills just a good ole fashion meal that hits the spot.

Location: 1820 West Main Street, Norman, OK 

Parking: Limited, In car dining, no room for large vehicles. 

Price: $+

Service: Fast and friendly

Restrooms: None 

We give it 4 thumbs up!  

A Little Bit of Billy Sims…Barbecue That Is…

Anyone who knows college football, knows of Billy Sims. Billy was College football's 1978 Heisman Trophy winner for the University of Oklahoma and NFL Running Back for the Detroit Lions.

Several years back Billy put in one of his Billy Sims Barbecue stores here in Norman. Billy is expanding his chain and in now located in Oklahoma, Missouri and Michigan.

Dave and I had the pleasure of eating there recently and the following is our assessment.

Location: 2226 W. Main St. Norman, OK Located in the Normandy Creek Shopping Center.

Price:  $$+

Restrooms: Clean

Setting: Booth with clean table and seats

Staff: Friendly and attentive

Parking: Large enough to accommodate several buses, motor homes, 5^th Wheels and trucks.

Pulled Pork Dinner

What we had: Dave ordered the Bevo Plate sliced brisket dinner and I had the Pulled Razorback pork dinner. We got 2 sides each, Texas toast and a dill pickle spear. You get to see them dish up your food. Boy did it look good. There was little to no fat on the pulled pork and very little fat on the brisket. It was melt in the mouth meat. I would say they use a dry rub on their meat. The BBQ sauce was wonderful, we like a sweet sauce and theirs was very good. There was so much on our plates that after I had eaten part of my dinner I decided to take a picture with my phone's camera. We brought home enough food for lunch tomorrow. Believe me when I say, I was stuffed! Everything was so good.

As expected the décor is football themed with a tailgate atmosphere. The restaurant is family friendly.

If you want to get off the road for a nice break from driving, I highly suggest Billy Sims Barbecue. Come on in and sit a spell, you'll be glad you did.

We give it a 4 thumbs up!

Am I Really Doing This...

Wow…what am I getting myself into by starting another blog? But start another one I must.  While sitting at dinner last night, after taking a couple pictures of our meal at Cheddar's, the idea struck me that Dave and I could joint write a blog on campgrounds, boondocking sites, restaurants, dinners, highways and byways to travel or not travel, sites to see or not see, things to do or not do, that wouldn't or would be a waste of time and money.  

We would let you know our favorites and least favorites, if the service was good or not, the price reasonable or not, clean or not and last but not least if the hosts were accommodating.

These recommendations would be our honest opinions so with that said let’s get started.

Cheddar’sRestaurant  

Location: Norman, OK 1300 24^th Ave. Next to the Target on the I-35 Interstate

This is a chain that is rapidly growing across the U.S.

Price: $$+

Restrooms: Clean

Seating: Booth with a clean table and seats.

Staff: Friendly, Attentive

What we had:  Chicken Pot Pie, House Salad and Croissant with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Salad was included with meal. Coffee and Decaf-coffee with honey.

A Cheddar's Salad with a Honey Glazed Croissant 

A tender crusted Chicken Pot Pie

This is one of my favorite meals at Cheddar’s. The crust on the pot pie is tender and flakey. Lots of vegetables and chicken fill the crust enclosed bowl, little seasoning is needed. The salad is more than ample and the honey croissant…outstanding.  The coffee was hot and welcomed as the temperature was starting to change outside. This meal more than filled our gastric wants or needs. Our server, Sarah, was attentive and made sure we lacked nothing.  

Our Vote…4 thumbs up!