Grab a cup of yogurt if you haven't eaten breakfast yet, because your mouth will be watering before you finish reading this.
Friend Tina Patel e-mailed her large contact list a note about Carmen's Tacqueria on West Northfield (close to the All Things Possible Bargain Center) touting it as a great place for authentic Mexican food. I stopped in for a takeout menu the other day and it looks wonderful. Since we are always on the prowl for good takeout foods, I e-mailed Tina's group for ideas on what they like for takeout at restaurants and what fun responses I got!
Tommy and I are in good company when it comes to ordering takeout food. And, in the words of Susan Louthan, “All restaurants are potential ‘takeouts,’ which means you can get anything on the menu and take it home. Soup from Demos' (a favorite of many) or Taste of China or Bangkok Cafe along with whatever you have at home makes a good meal without a lot of trouble. Salsa and chips from your favorite Mexican restaurant (Camino Real is Louthans, I like Fiesta Acapulco) paired with your favorite meat grilled at home makes you feel like you have a treat without going out. What a convenience to call in an order and then pick it up while you're running around and on your way home! Plus, I love the businesses that have the parking places up front for to-go orders!
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Susan.
Among my take out favorites are Beef and Broccoli and Steamed Dumplings from Taste of China. Friends Fran Hogue and Kathy Ryan give kudos to their Shrimp Fried Rice. Susan said her family likes to order several items from the takeout menu (chicken fingers with lemon sauce, boneless spareribs, soups in the winter and pork-fried rice) for a fast meal.
Many responders order frequently from the Bangkok Cafe, especially their Pad Thai and spring rolls. Leslie Akins loves the Tom Kha Gai soup, and Cathy Rungee recommends any coconut-milk curry dish.
Leslie also raves about the Brunswick stew at the Slick Pig, and boss/friend Mike Pirtle says that he orders the Pig’s white beans for takeout when he gets a hankering to keep him from making a whole pot at home.
And the Slick Pig’s neighbor Sir Pizza (the one on Main) was on several people’s favorite list.
Leslie also hooked me onto a “Sweet & Heat” summer salad at the Five Senses, with lettuces, watermelon, grilled onions and jalapeno-lime vinaigrette. Yum. I told you your mouth would be watering! Sounds like that salad’s going to be on Jeanne’s list this week.
Mitchell Murphree, chef at the Five Senses, garnered many “votes” with his pizzas from Tomato, Tomato on Main Street. Downtowner Susan Castelli is partial to the Walnut Street pizza (my favorite - a white pizza) and Tina Patel to the Vine Street. If you've eaten food prepared by Mitchell, you know that we're lucky to have him in the 'Boro.
Pam and Danny Jones, Realtors, order vegetables from the Cracker Barrel, and Alison and Frank Drowta recommend the Greek Salad with Smoked Chicken from Jim and Nick's. Melanie Shipp raves about Jim & Nick's Chopped Southern Salad, and she recommends anything from Carabba's, noting that they always have it prepared on time (try the Chicken Brian and mussels).
Lynn Lien and Tina also recommend the breakfast soufflés from Panera Bread (available in the mornings only). The offerings of Spinach and Artichoke and Spinach and Bacon combos sound like a great way to grab breakfast without having to fight the after-church crowds. Margie Spangler’s favorite treat is apple dumplings from Donut Country.
And speaking of breakfast, I read that Goodness Gracious (which has relocated to 352 W. Northfield Blvd. - again, close to All Things Possible) now serves breakfast on Friday and Saturdays – a yummy way to start a weekend. I ate lunch there recently and had enough Chicken Caesar Salad to take home for leftovers.
I've wondered about The Clay Pit on Memorial, and Kalpana Gowda highly recommends their tandoor chicken (with mild spices, kabuli naan and garlic naan with a few gulab jamun for dessert). Tina says their kabob wrap sandwiches and spinach are great, too. Having recently discovered naan, I can’t wait to try it.
Madge and Charlie Lewis enjoy salmon from the Outback with two salads, and I personally recommend the Steakhouse Salad with a subtle touch of cinnamon in the pecans and a delicious blue cheese dressing.
I regret that I haven’t included everyone who responded, but hope to update this from time to time.
And I’d love to hear some of your favorites! E-mail me at jbragg@murfreesboropost.com and we’ll include them at a later date.
‘Til next week. |
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