HannahRose T.

10/9/2019

Alright folks, this ones going to hurt. My experience here was much less than great for NUMEROUS reasons. I'll break it down for you, but let's start off with some positive vibes.

Location: incredible. You can walk across the street to the visitors center and right down the hill to the beautiful natural bridge. If the bridge is what you are there for then this location is the one for you! Hence star #1.

The tavern: okay this is the reason the place is getting star #2. Good food. And compared to the main dining room (see below for those thoughts) it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Solid food. Little pricey to be considered a tavern- but it was the saving grace when we needed food. Good choices of alcohol. Bar tenders were decent. Got my drink order wrong twice but they were busy, and at that point alcohol was alcohol.

Now the bad and the ugly. Let's start of with the customer service. When we arrived the girl at the front was short, rude, not helpful with questions whatsoever. She told us our room would be ready by 3, so we planned our whole day upon that notion. When we returned to check in, no one was at the desk for 30 minutes and when another girl did arrive she had a mouth full of food and informed us that our room was still not ready. We didn't get to check in until almost 5 pm. Which is ridiculous.

Secondly, while we were wandering around waiting to check in, we decided to check out the restaurant- BIG MISTAKE. The smell in the main dining room was a mixture of mold and baby puke. It was so bad my Father, who works with farm animals all day, gagged. Hence why we ate in the tavern.

The rooms were average. Didn't blow my mind. Our AC didn't work. At all. Front desk did nothing about that either. It was 50 degrees outside- no reason for it to be hot as hades inside.

Overall, hotel has some historic charm and will do for a one-night stay post natural bridge hiking, but the service was pitiful and the front desk needs some serious training. My advice: plan on making the journey into Lexington for food. Or just stay in Lexington.

10/9/2019

Quick review: amazing sushi (probably top 3 I've ever had), amazing Thai food, great atmosphere.

For the long-winded: I am labeling this place as Wake Forest Road's hidden gem!! Went in not expecting a ton (only because it was a last minute decision and the reviews on here are surprisingly low), but left feeling happily full, impressed, & excited to go back sometime!!

Food was PHENOMENAL- we got a Thai dish, the BK shrimp, and sushi rolls. It was all incredible, but especially the shrimp I mean MY GOD!! So so good- breaded and smothered in the best sauce! The sushi was huge and fresh. Probably some of the best you'll find in the area! I was also impressed with the wine list. And best of all- the prices were great, you truly get WAY more than you pay for!

Servers were attentive and helpful. On a Friday night it was busy but quiet and the perfect spot for date night with the low lighting.

Parking is easy right outside.  Bathrooms were clean!

Highly recommend!!

I will be back for all the BK shrimp!!

8/9/2019

To say I'm disappointed in my experience at Poole's is an understatement.

For the "get to the point" yelpers: LOUD. Slow service. Mediocre food.

For the long winded (like myself): a friend recommended this place and said the following, "It's the best Mac and cheese I've ever had!" And after my visiting the place my response is: bro, what??? Because this places was good- don't get me wrong. But, after waiting 45 minutes for food and watching the people around us who arrived later than we did receive food (the same dishes we ordered actually) well before us, having to literally yell at each other while sitting directly side by side to talk, & having our waiter be less than great-- the Mac sure did taste sub par at best. And, not to mention the menu is ONLY on chalk boards hung up in one spot in the restaurant. So, if people are congregating at the bar, those who are sitting cannot view the menu. It's great. It's basically my parents' personal hell: can't read the menu and can't hear anything the person next to you says.

While I did appreciate the vintage diner feel- the our cocktails were watered down and the food was not worth the wait, trouble, or high price. I also wanted to be annoyed that our waiter's communication was as follows (when we were able to get his attention):
"Drinks?"
"Dinner?"
"Beverages?"
However, I can't blame his one-wordiness due to the noise level in this place.

We tried the steak, scallops, Mac, and fried okra. Okra was great. Scallops were also pretty good. Steak was well prepared but per my mans review "I'll give it a 6/10".  

Parking was easy in the deck next to the restaurant.  And I'd like to point out that the hostess was wonderful. Polite and friendly.

Maybe it was a bad night. But, I don't think I'll be returning to Poole's anytime soon. I'll just get Panera Mac delivered to my door, pour myself a cocktail, & eat. In the quiet.

8/9/2019

• ROTD 11/4/2019

This place was awesome! Booked it last minute for. Mother daughter brunch-date and was pleasantly surprised!!

The atmosphere is modern but with a warm, casual feeling. Every single staff member was welcoming and helpful. Excellent customer service!! (Scroll to bottom for food review while I tell a story here).. okay so ya girl went in a second time alone and hungover. I sat at the bar and the sweet female bartender took one look at me and said "oh girl. Grits and coffee are on the way. What else can I do for you?" And then she proceeded to check on how I was feeling numerous times. Incredible. WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN FOLKS. Anyways- I'll always recommend this spot because of that encounter. And the food. The food it's great. See below.

Parking was a breeze right out front (tip if you go on a Saturday the wine store right next to Taste has free tastings- great post-brunch spot. And the antique store on the other side of taste is TO DIE FOR). But, moving on.

Now for the good stuff. The food. The food was fantastic. The menu is affordable (like really affordable) and the portions are generous. I would like to have the breakfast burrito for every meal for the rest of my life ever. Ever. Do yourself a favor. Breakfast burrito with Gouda grits. You are welcome. Egg sandwich is also delicious. As are the buffalo taco things. Basically everything is awesome and I DIG the mimosas (house is only $6 HOLLA).

Pro tip: I have made this my go to weekend spot. I go every weekend now. And I will say that the chef that cooks on Sundays is a bit better than the one on Saturday's- for some reason that's the verdict among myself and my pals. No offense to Saturday guy. You're great. But Sunday cook- you know the way to my heart.

Ps- y'all know Hot Mama Tucker loves her Bloody Mary's and she votes this one as KILLER and a must try. Also the pic of the grapefruit mimosa (perfect blend of sweet and tart) is mostly empty- you definitely get a full glass!

Try this place out please please.

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• See all photos from HannahRose T. for Taste

6/21/2019

*read in Lumière from Beauty & the Beast voice*

This place was magnificent!! I'll admit- I was a little hesitant to check this place out (I mean a French place in North Carolina? Come on). But, man oh man did it BLOW. MY. MIND.

Quick review: amazing food, attentive service, romance x 1000, get the chicken. Parking is a breeze in the deck underground- just a short walk to the restaurant. Highly recommend.

Now for the good stuff: y'all. When I say the chicken fell off the bone I mean THE CHICKEN FELL OFF THE BONE. And the beef- OH THE BEEF, tender (like melt in your mouth tender) and full of flavor. I think I blacked out mid-meal from a happy food coma. I mean the food really impressed me. This will for sure be my go to date night spot! And please- get the chicken I mean MY LORD it's like that tinder match that led to nothing- fell right off like it wasn't attached to begin with.

Speaking of date nights: talk about romance. Low lighting, excellent music (shout out to my boy Frank Sinatra), and the service was fantastic. Honestly whether you're 80 and want a quiet dinner with your long time sweetheart or you're 25 and looking to impress your current squeeze- this is the place for you. Wasn't too loud, wasn't so dark you couldn't see the menu (looking out for you, Mom) and while there were a few kids there, they didn't cause any disturbances at all! (I'd say eh about kid friendly- it's fancier place so honestly kids might be miserable and the ones I saw were glued to iPads).

And now my favorite- the drinks and dessert. Amazing cocktail and wine menu- incredible selection. The THE DESSERT oh man the chocolate mouse things with raspberry sauce- I'm convinced that dessert and I were the only two in the restaurant. It was phenomenal.

I'll be back for sure. Lots. Bringing everyone I know for a nice evening out. Please go- Get the chicken.

Shout out to the manager who I praised to about this fine establishment and God I had a good server but after three drinks I forgot his name- started with a T. You go T.

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• See all photos from HannahRose T. for Coquette Brasserie

6/1/2019

Quick review: Go here fo sho. Get the boom burger and a beer on tap. Also get double fries because they are the most perfectly cooked fries on the planet.

For the type A yelper:
Are ya looking for a killer burger place with mouth watering burgers that are big, juicy, & flavorful?
Are ya looking for golden, crispy fries that have the perfect amount of crunch?
Are ya looking for a place with great beer selections  that pair perfectly with aforementioned killer burgers?
Are ya looking for a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere to enjoy good, filling food while watching the game?

Then pls do yourself a favor and check out the backyard? The burgers are well cooked and filling and the fries OH THE FRIES  Also loved the rosè cider they had on tap! Great beer selection and friendly staff. Order at the counter, grad a number and a cold one and then enjoy sitting outside on the picnic style tables- it's the perfect summertime spot.

I got the boom burger with pesto and MAN definitely top 3 burgers I've had in my life. Please check it out!!

Also shout out to the guy that was working around 3pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Three ladies came in after taking a 5 hour medical board exam and were puffy eyed, hungry, and emotional and he was very patient and kind and made us laugh!! Thank you for helping us through our stress tears.

Bonus info: place is super clean. Parking is a pain with the small lot on a weekend night when it's busy so park down the street. Playground in the back for kiddos.

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• See all photos from HannahRose T. for The Backyard

3/28/2019

Dear Lord (or whoever you, the reader of this review, believe in),

I'd just like to thank you for giving the world Saffron. In providing this blessing, you gave me the most incredible dining experience I've had in NOLA thus far. The bar tender, Matthew, was fantastic. He was helpful, attentive, friendly, & can make a damn good old fashioned. He was also helpful with food suggestions. Thank you for his existence. I'm also thankful for the drink menu- it had something for everyone and the specialty cocktails are incredible! Now, for the important part. The food. Lord, the food was good enough to make the return of Christ occur much sooner than planned so he could taste it himself! Ashwin, the owner, was kind enough to come speak to us and explain the menu and tell us his story. The menu is full of his mother's recipes and the Journey of Saffron is one that will make your heart as full as your belly is upon leaving. Some of the dishes are larger and definitely can be shared (and I mean that bc when it comes to food I do not share, Lord forgive me for my selfish ways). Truly, there are not words accurate enough to describe how flavorful, melt in your mouth, make me yell 'hallelujah' the food is. I want to be buried in this food so that I can take memories of it with me to the pearly gates, God. Please, allow continued good fortune to occur for this restaurant because it is one of my new favorite places in the world.

Amen.

In all seriousness folks- this is a must go if you are in the area. A tad higher in price, but 1000000% worth it. Please please go go go. It's definitely not the clichè Indian food joint. It's a modern, sleek establishment with excellent cuisine and incredible drinks!! I'll be back for seconds, thirds, fourths...

Ps. You will notice that the photos get blurrier as you swipe. The old fashioneds kept coming & they were strong so my apologies. I gave up alcohol for lent- well...tried to.

Tips: RESERVATIONS REQUIRED AND WORTH IT. We didn't make any and thankfully got lucky and could sit at the bar but definitely make reservations, the place stays busy!

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• See all photos from HannahRose T. for Saffron nola

3/7/2019

Folks, if you are looking for a restaurant that embodies all that N'awlins has to offer (aka enchanting Jazz, orgasmic food (am I allowed to use the word 'orgasmic' in these reviews?? Oh well), and a magical, authentic atmosphere: look no further!! Three Muses is THE place I will from here on out take all my N'awlins newbies. This tapas style joint has something for everyone and man is everything amazing. The Mac and cheese is a MUST. The meatballs are fantastic. The shrimp changed my life. And oh God, get the parm fries. Pls, Lord get those. I have zero complaints about the quality of the food. I also have zero complaints about the service. The staff is quick and professional and oh so prepared to answer all the questions. AND they don't say "well it depends" or "I like everything" when you ask what they recommend. They give you honest helpful answers. (I know that's a weird thing to note but man I appreciate when a waiter gives it to me straight). And finally, the music in this place gives you chills. The local artists are full of life and love to perform. They truly give you the New Orleans experience that you witness in movies. It's loud and fun and my go to spot downtown. Also- the location is GREAT. Frenchman St. is where the best music is and it has crazy cool bars. When you leave the restaurant, cross the street and head to the left and you'll walk by the market where you'll find the most incredible stuff made my locals!

Some warnings:
Noise level? Remember, this is a small place with live music, so it's loud but totally worth it if you want the experience. I probably won't bring my hard at hearing parents here though.
Parking? Lol it's downtown so Uber/lyft
Reservations? REQUIRED
Late-policy? They will give ya spot away if ya ain't there on time so if you are a perpetually tardy person, like myself, make sure you mentally prepare
Portions? It's tapas style so it'll be a bit pricey for those of you who don't have portion control (also like myself). But usually, two tapas per person does the trick and they are relatively good sizes!
The rules: they only allow you to stay at your table for 1.5 hours because they are in high demand, so plan accordingly!
Other tip: I have been there on time for my reservation and my table wasn't ready and I had to wait for 20 mins. It happens and it's frustrating. Go to the bar and have a cocktail and wait so you can listen to the music until you can be seated.

Overall- I'm madly in love with this place and all it has to offer. Check. It. Out.

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• See all photos from HannahRose T. for Three Muses

3/7/2019

Poe-lease stop what you are doing & take ya tush to Poe's Tavern. This place now not only aesthetically pleasing for my fellow literary-lovers (trust me, you're going to GEEEEEK OUT), but it also has the best, most mouthwatering, southern style burgers in the area!! The pimento cheese is the kind of pimento cheese that pimento cheese dreams are made of- warm and gooey and like my mama makes it (or that really old southern lady who runs the gas station that sells questionable hot dogs but has the greatest pimento cheese and probably the best home-made pickles you've ever had). The burgers are big, juicy, and fresh. You'll never leave hungry bc the portions are large and in charge. And, while you are enjoying the most perfect meal in all the land, you can also enjoy the friendly staff and great bar. I'm serious folks, this place has me ~Raven~ about it to everyone.

Parking is also easy- they have a pretty good sized lot to the left of the building. They don't take reservations, so early bird gets the worm! And, if it's a pretty day, I highly suggest taking a walk by the ~sea~, where the view makes you love with a love more than love.

Some constructive criticism: the onion strings were good but lacked the onion. I wish they had a little more oomf, as I felt I was just eating thin pieces of fried breading (but, hey if that's how you like your onion strings then do you, boo).

Overall, this place is my jam and if you want good food from an establishment that knows how to pay tribute to one of the greatest American poets/writers of all time, please check them out!

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• See all photos from HannahRose T. for Poe's Tavern

1/20/2019

Okay- I'm gunna say it and I'm going to need the doughnut police to pipe down. These doughnuts are better than Krispy Kreme (I know, I know. Just read on, pal). This place is amazing- I ~doughnut~ know what has kept me from trying it out sooner! (Pls keep reading after that Dad joke- promise the rest of the review is helpful)... I've never had made-to-eat doughnuts, so I was a bit unsure of what I was getting into. But, what I got into was heaven. The options feel endless- they have a doughnut for literally everyone. You watch the doughnut pop out and tossed in the toppings and when you receive it- it's warm, gooey & delightful! What I really loved is that I walked in on my lunch break and asked for a dozen for my co-workers (last minute is my style) and they had them done in 5 minutes (which is awesome considering tardy is also my style). The staff is helpful, friendly and patient with first-timers!

Conclusion: I'll be back. Often. This place is cute, clean, quick & freaking delicious!! Highly recommend for a sweet treat that won't break the bank!

Tips: they have seasonal options so watch out for those, parking is limited so be warned, & there seems to be multiple ways to get free doughnuts (leave a review somewhere, fill out surveys, etc.) so look into that as well!

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• See all photos from HannahRose T. for Fractured Prune Doughnuts