New Product Wednesday: Mamie Jo's Kitchen Pecan Cheese Wafers

Hello LilyOnTheLam.Com Readers!

If you are a regular reader, you may be aware that on Wednesdays I post "New Product Wednesday" product reviews of items that are new or at least new to me!  In honor of the first Trader Joe's opening in South Tampa, I have dedicated New Product Wednesday for the past several weeks to Trader Joe's products.

However this week we are going to take a break and feature a  non-Trader Joe's product.  Stick with me people, you won't regret it!

Growing up in the Northern Midwest, I never thought of Florida as being part of the "Old South."  Living ten years in Florida (man, does time fly!), I still don't really consider Florida to be the South - although I have noticed a few "y'all" and "bless her heart" sayings have crept into my every day vernacular.  

This past Memorial Day weekend, I went to visit my friend (who I have self-appointed as "The First Lady of Lynchburg") in her home of Lynchburg, Virginia.  I have worked in Roanoke and Virginia Beach and visited Richmond and the DC-adjacent Virginia suburbs, but I had never been to Lynchburg.  To me, parts of Virginia are still "the Old South."  

Now I have also recently been in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina on a business trip.  I was working incredibly long hours and had no time to explore the area.  I made one exception to visit my favorite Lebanese deli, but other than that I was chained to my computer.  I bemoaned to FLL (First Lady of Lynchburg) how sad I was that I did not have a chance to visit my favorite foodie paradise in Chapel Hill, North Carolina - the massive wonderful food emporium- Southern Season.  It's like NYC's Eataly but with a Southern flair!

Being raised outside of the South, I do not have the genteel etiquette and sensibilities of a Southern Belle.  Although I do have some social graces.  If a person offers me a gift, I usually do the "oh no, I couldn't … that's much too kind … no really, I just couldn't" 2-3 times denial before accepting said gift.  I don't know why, I just do.  

So when FLL heard that I had not had a chance to go to Southern Season, she pulled out a container of "Mamie Jo's Kitchen's Pecan Cheese Wafers" for me.  

Instead of doing my normal "Oh no, I couldn't possibly …" response when offered a gift, I swooped down on the plastic container of sharp cheesy wafers with gigantic pecans like a cracked out owl on a mouse!  I scurried away with my treasure and I am pretty sure I didn't even say "Thank you."  I needed to lock this gift in my suitcase before FLL changed her mind!  When it comes to pecan cheese wafers, the only word is "YES!"

I am not sure how I managed to not crack into the plastic tub before returning to Florida.  Extreme human restraint?  But let me tell you, the minute I walked through my door I turned on the television and out came the pecan cheese wafers.

I noticed on the label that it says they "freeze beautifully."  Which made me smile and laugh.  My friend Ms. Kentucky and I are going to see American Stage Theatre's production of "Steel Magnolias."  I have never seen the play, but I have seen the movie more times than I can count.  I also remember that there is a line in the movie about recipes in the "freezes beautifully" section of a cookbook.  So seeing "freeze beautifully" on the Mamie Jo's Kitchen Pecan Cheese Wafers label made me think of Dolly Parton.  

When I was in Las Vegas, I was surprised to see that there were Dolly Parton slot machines.  Listen, nothing is better than winning money while Dolly is singing "Jolene."

I won $109 at the Las Vegas airport while Dolly was singing her heart out.  It may have annoyed the man sitting next to me, but my wallet loved every single minute of it!

  In the American Stage Theatre production of Steel Magnolias, local actress Tia Jemison plays "Truvy" - the Dolly Parton role.  I am extremely excited to see Tia play Truvy as she was wonderful in Stageworks Theater's production of "A Raisin In The Sun" and American Stage Theater's "The Wiz."    

But enough about Dolly Parton, how did the Pecan Cheese Wafers taste?

Like absolute Southern Heaven.  

Incredibly cheesy with a sharp, rich, buttery cheese taste and the pecans were so amazingly fresh.  I had to pace myself because I wanted to gobble up the entire plastic tub (45 calories per wafer).  

Mamie Jo's Kitchen has a Facebook page that lists where you can buy their products.  If you like sharp cheese shortbread with hearty, tasty pecans, you HAVE to try these little buttons of delight!  They are sooooo delicious.  And they do freeze beautifully.     

P.S.  See Steel Magnolias at American Stage Theatre through June 15.  Read the Tampa Tribune's review of the play here.

P.P.S. I am so happy that the insanity around the new South Tampa Trader Joe's seems to have died down.  I drove there the other day and 1/3 of the parking lot spots were actually open!  Of course by the time I came out of the store, there were only 3-4 spots open … but it was the first time I had shopped at the new South Tampa location without wanting to stab everyone I saw in the head.  Progress!

The Best Cheese Grits in America

Happy Monday, LilyOnTheLam.Com Readers!

I had been traveling for almost three weeks recently - luxurious vacation time in Las Vegas and New York City and then a work trip to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.  I ate too much.  I drank too much.  My body was NOT a happy camper.  But on the bright side, I have a new "Number Three" in my "Top Three Best Cheese Grits in America" list.

From absolute best to incredible best to wonderful best, here are my top three ...

1)  The now closed Bailey's Restaurant in Tampa Bay, "Southern Gentleman Grits."  Mr. Kim Bailey still runs a catering business.  I sometimes wonder how much his minimum catering order is.  I fantasize about ordering a giant batch of his Southern Gentleman Grits and then inviting friends to get some big spoons and come on over!

Sadly, I have no picture of the Southern Gentleman Grits- so here's a picture of my kitten instead.

Cat - Not Grits.

2)  The Rib Room in New Orleans, LA and their Creole Grits. Their Prime Rib Debris Po'Boy (debris as in shreds of meat) with a side of Creole Grits is one of the most decadent meals you can have in New Orleans.  (Mr. B's Bistro's Barbecued Shrimp being right up there with decadence and deliciousness too!  Any meal where a guy has to come up to you and put a bib on you before you begin is bound to be amazing!)  Their creole grits are almost a tie with Kim Bailey's grits - lush luxury in a white creamy rich mouthful with a drizzle of hot creole sauce on top! 

Creamed Spinach and Creole Grits at The Rib Room in New Orleans, LA

The Monster Stuffed Prime Rob Debris Po'Boy from The Rib Room in New Orleans, LA -
this sandwich is bigger than your head!

and now my NEW number three for "Best Cheese Grits in America is …

3)  The cheese grits that come with the shrimp and grits at The Piney Point Grill and Seafood at the Doubletree Suites Raleigh-Durham on Meridian Parkway.  Their shrimp and grits  include jumbo shrimp with smoked bacon pieces, garlic, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes on a bed of Old Mill of Guilford White Cheddar Grits.  

I had never heard of "Old Mill of Guilford" but apparently it's been around since 1767 in North Carolina and you can purchase a wide variety of their products online.  I am sure the grits plus 2000 pounds of butter, cream and cheese are what makes Piney Point's grits so darn tasty.  

What's worse is that if you're staying at the hotel, you can have these decadent grits delivered to your room.  Which I did not just once, but twice during my four night stay!  Some food should not be available to be delivered to your door any hour of the day, at your beck and call!

I used to not understand why people liked grits.  I like corn.  I like polenta.  I don't like cornbread.  And I always thought grits tasted like weak, bland porridge with a weird texture.  But once I had Kim Bailey's Southern Gentlemen Grits, I was inspired to try grits.  Sure my favorite grits are ones that are a vehicle for a huge dose of fat and cheese, but hey … if you're going to inhale a large amount of calories it might as well be on something REALLY TASTY.

A somewhat honorable mention goes to the Jalapeño Cheese Grits from the Chef John Besh Restaurant "The American Sector" at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.  I had really been looking forward to lunch at this restaurant, but the food and the specialty cocktails were disappointing and the customer service was abhorrent.  The decor was gorgeous and the Jalapeño Cheese Grits were pretty tasty - the only bright spot in the meal.  

However I strongly recommend that if you're in New Orleans that you make time for the National World War II Museum.  It is incredible and the Tom Hanks narrated 4D show "Beyond All Boundaries" will blow your mind!

(Side Note:  I had the third best cheese in grits in North Carolina but I also had the WORST shrimp and grits there too!  Check out my review here.) 

I'm home now from my many travels.  I am eating a lot more healthy and sensibly.  But the memories of all those delicious cheese grits make me smile! 

Southern Food, Modern Down Home Atmosphere - Sylvia's Restaurant St. Petersburg

Hello LilyOnTheLam.Com Readers:

When I moved to Tampa many years ago, I knew that I would be missing out on many of the attributes of a larger city like my former homes in Los Angeles or even Minneapolis.  However I knew the beaches, good weather and the ability to recount half a dozen local "stupid criminal" true crime stories at the drop of the hat were worth taking a sacrifice in the "big city events" department.  

So when I heard that the Soul Food treat, Sylvia's (Queen of Soul Food) Harlem Restaurant was opening a 2nd location in St. Petersburg of all places, I felt proud that my city by the bay was gaining yet another jewel in its crown.  Watch out big cities, we're getting more fabulous places and we have great beaches!

However the holidays and end of the year work insanity hit me full force and my plans to try out Sylvia's were pushed to the back burner.  (For shame!)  However it is now 2014 - Happy New Year! - and time that I got myself over to Sylvia's St. Pete!

The restaurant is located a few blocks from St. Petersburg's "Grand Central" district.  It is down the street from Morean Arts Center for Clay - which has terrific pottery and sculpting classes.

I am not sure what I was expecting when I went to Sylvia's, but I was surprised by the beautiful, modern decor in warm brown tones.  It was like Southern luncheonette as seen through the eyes of a contemporary LA designer.  I marveled at the lovely floor and the ceiling design.  It was a really nice blend to have upscale, sophisticated, modern decor with down-home, "warm your heart and your belly" food.  

There is a nice side alcove and separate entrance to pick up take out orders.  The large glass case filled with pies and cake slices was like a siren's song.  I adverted my eyes!  

Service at Sylvia's is warm, friendly and inviting.  I swear there must be some frustrated monarch in me, because I love when you walk through a restaurant and multiple people say "hello" to you and welcome you to the restaurant.  Call me a diva, but I love it!

Complimentary cornbread and whipped butter greet you at the table.  I have never been a big cornbread fan - which is weird since I love corn, love bread - but go figure.  I did take a bite just to be able to report about it (I do it for you, my wonderful readers!)  It tasted like good quality cornbread.  

I had an unsweetened iced tea - it was crisp and tasted fresh-brewed.  I know if I were a traditional Southerner, I would have had a sweet tea.  However I prefer to eat my calories versus drink them.

Now if you are a dedicated LilyOnTheLam.Com reader, you may remember my post about chicken and waffles from 3 different restaurants.  If not, check it out here.  I had decided to try Sylvia's chicken and waffles.  They sell it two ways - California style (with brown gravy) and Harlem style (regular). I went with the Harlem style fried chicken.  

The plating above may look very simplistic, but I have to say that the waffle all on its own is one of my favorite waffles in Tampa Bay.  It was very crisp on the outside with a custardy-eggy rich center- which in my opinion is the perfect waffle.

The fried chicken had a savory, spicy, crisp coating with moist tender meat.  It was golden, not greasy.  I splashed some of Sylvia's hot sauce on it - it had a nice flavor with a decent amount of heat.

The problem with Sylvia's menu is that I wanted to try everything - ribs, fried green tomatoes, the daily lunch special.  Even though the chicken and waffle were quite filling, I also ordered a side of baked macaroni and cheese and collard greens to be able to try more items on Sylvia's menu.  I figured they would be good as leftovers for dinner.

The baked macaroni and cheese is perfection.  I don't like heavy soupy cheese sauce on my mac & cheese.  Sylvia's baked mac and cheese has firm elbow macaroni with pockets of cheesy goodness.  I also appreciated the bits of crisp baked cheese crust.  Delicious!

If you read my past blog post on collard greens, you will know that I am always on the search for delicious collard greens.  Sylvia's collard greens were terrific.  I find that most restaurant collard greens are overcooked and overly seasoned.  This was not the case at Sylvia's.  They were nicely cooked, very fresh and seasoned well.  You also have the choice of vegetarian collard greens or traditional style, which is a nice option.

With a box full of leftovers to go, I was pleasantly but not overwhelmingly full.  However my very nice server had to tempt me with "how about dessert - to go?"  Ohhhh again with that siren's song!  I acquiesced and ordered a slice of banana pudding cake to go.  Layers of dense, moist, sweet cake with banana filling and a whipped cream frosting and vanilla wafer topping.

I enjoyed lunch at Sylvia's Restaurant.  The decor was beautiful and modern.  The service was down-home friendly.  The food was fresh, well-seasoned and delicious.  And on my way out, four different staffers said goodbye to me, thanked me for visiting and hoped I would come back.  If you read my blog post on Elevage restaurant, you'll know I was frustrated by their poor service.  Perhaps the upscale eatery should send their waitstaff to Sylvia's to see how friendly, good service is done!  

I will definitely be back to Sylvia's Restaurant to try more of their fresh soul food in a modern, welcoming atmosphere.