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Tribute to My Mother-Part Two, The Interview

In honor of my mother’s birthday, I interviewed her about life while growing up, in college, and through the Civil Rights era. We also discussed her favorite restaurant, The Busy Bee Cafe, life after having kids, retirement plans, the joy of grandkids, and the future.

Hey students! It’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, from @FoodIsMyClassroom here with a tribute to my mother on this day, December 3rd. It’s her birthday!🎂

This tribute was a interview I had with my mother about her life while growing up, in college, and through the Civil Rights era. We also discuss her favorite restaurant The Busy Bee Cafe, life after having kids, retirement plans, enjoying grandkids, and the future.

1. The beginning
Born in 1951 in Taliaferro County, GA.

Eastern face of the 1902 courthouse and clock tower in Taliaferro County, Georgia. Photo Credit: TampAGS, for AGS Media
Eastern face of the 1902 courthouse and clock tower in Taliaferro County, Georgia. Photo Credit: TampAGS, for AGS Media

2. Birth and Adoptive parents
l lived with my birth mother until I was 18 months old.  Then, I was adopted by Mary and Wade Long. We lived in Crawfordville, GA.

3. Sold at courthouse
None of us were for sale or sold!  However, my birth mother had us standing on the courthouse square letting people know we could be adopted.

Friendship Baptist Church, Crawfordville, GA.  Photo Credit: Friendship Baptist Church Facebook Page
Friendship Baptist Church, Crawfordville, GA. Photo Credit: Friendship Baptist Church Facebook Page

4. Growing up (only child/Elizabeth best friend/givinglife to Christ)
My adopted mother had 3 birth children.  However, I was raised up by myself due to their age.  My adopted parents were old enough to be my grandparents. My closest friend during my childhood was Elizabeth.  I met her when she came to live with her great aunt.  After her aunt died, she spent her senior year in our home. We both attended and joined Friendship Baptist Church.  I joined when I was 12 years old.

5. Siblings (biological/adoptive family)
My biological mother had 7 children (six girls and one boy) including me, my biological father had 4 biological children (2 boys and 2 girls, including me and 4 step children), and my adoptive parents raised 2 boys and 2 girls, including me and a grandson.

6. Basketball/Track
I played 4 years of first string Varsity basketball, as a power forward, in high school and ran track, where I injured my knee jumping hurdles. 

Morris Brown College Fountain Hall, Atlanta, GA. Photo Credit: David Kaminsky, Photography
Morris Brown College Fountain Hall, Atlanta, GA. Photo Credit: David Kaminsky, Photography

7. Upward Bound
I attended the Upward Bound Program at Morris Brown College for 4 years.  The students attend classes taught by college professors on Saturdays during high school and lived on campus during the summer.  Most of the kids lived in metro Atlanta, but my classmates and I were bused to and from Morris Brown College.  We took the usual core classes taken in high schools and were taking many interesting trips around Atlanta and out of the state of Georgia.

SCLC/SCOPE orientation at Morris Brown College in Atlanta. Photo Credit: https://www.crmvet.org/images/imgscope.htm

8. Civil Rights/Going to jail
I was very active in the civil rights demonstration in 1960’s in Taliaferro County.  I was arrested for trying to go in the front of the only restaurant in Crawfordville, GA.  Black people had to eat in the back of the restaurant in booths in the kitchen.  My mother could sign me out if I admitted that I broke the law.  I refused!  Thus, the judge gave me and an adult lady 10 years in jail in Crawfordville, but more people were in jail in surrounding counties. I was 13 years old. 

During this time, my family would house civil rights activist.  Two White Civil Rights Workers were living in our home named – Judy & Candi. In retaliation, the KKK (Klu Klux Klan) burned our home to the ground!  Thankfully the was no one home.

The public school system was using county, state and federal funds to bus white children out of the county to prevent them from having to attend school with black children.  We protested against this by laying on the ground in front of the buses.  The Georgia State Troopers were there to keep us from stopping the buses. They were hitting us and twisting our arms behind our back.  In the end, the court ruled that black kids must be allowed to attend school with the surrounding kids too.  I went to school in Warren County.  It was the second worse experience of my childhood.  The white children and teachers treated us like we were the scum of the earth. The white kids were destroying my classwork and homework, but the teachers refused to let me give her my work directly.  Thus, I repeated 9th grade back in the all black school in Crawfordville the next school term. 

Marching to the courthouse, Crawfordsville GA. 1965. Photo Credit: https://www.crmvet.org/images/imgscope.htm
Marching to the courthouse, Crawfordsville GA. 1965. Photo Credit: https://www.crmvet.org/images/imgscope.htm

9. Morris Brown /Magnum Cum Laude and the AU Center
I attended Morris Brown College from August 1969 to December 1973.  I majored in Social studies with a minor in education and graduated magnum cume laude in May 1974.

10. Busy Bee Cafe
I ate in the Canopy Castle Restaurant on Hunter Street (now Martin Luther King Drive) regularly while attending college.  Busy Bee CafĂ© was next door and basically served the same food but cost more.  Thus, I seldom ate Busy Bee CafĂ© until I graduated from college.  When I bought my home in 1978, I started having Busy Bee CafĂ© cater my Thanksgiving and/or Christmas meals if not going out of town.  The dĂ©cor and menu have basically remained the same until now, but the prices have gone up drastically. We still use them to cater many holiday meals and special events.

Tribute to my mother’s birthday. Photos taken at Busy Bee Atlanta.

11. Teaching temporarily 
I was substitute teacher for high schools for Atlanta Public Schools for one year.

12. Federal government years 
I worked as a Program Specialist for the Federal Government from 1974 until retirement. 

13. Having kids
The greatest experiences of my life were the birth my two children.  Sheldon was born in 1980 and Adriena was born in 1983.  I was not lonely any more.  My children brought great joy to my life. Sheldon is a police officer and Adriena is an elementary school teacher and entrepreneur.  I am very proud of them. 

14. Having grandkids
My son gave me four grandchildren; three girls and one boy.  My children are wonderful, but my grandchildren are special.

15. Retirement
I enjoyed my life as a child through high school.  Now that I am I retired, I have peace in my life again.  I enjoy being retired. 

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

16. What’s next for you?
I do not have any plans for the future.  I live one day at a time.  No more schedules, deadlines or stress!  Now, I just want to get my house in order and live my life so my soul will be saved. However, I am still praying that I live long enough to see more grandchildren before I die.  God’s will be done!

Happy Birthday Mom đŸ„łđŸ˜˜

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed learning about my wonderful mother đŸ„°

⭐ Feedback [Comment & Share]
#foodismyclassroom #atlfoodie #atlblogger #FIMC #foodnews #tribute #happybirthday
📾 and đŸ“œ by Adriena Long

 

Tribute to My Mother-Part One, The Busy Bee Atlanta

Hey students! It’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, from @FoodIsMyClassroom here with a tribute to my mother on this special day, December 3rd. It’s her birthday!🎂 Read more about my mom’s life and favorite eatery, Busy Bee Cafe, today!

Hey students! It’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, from @FoodIsMyClassroom here with a tribute to my mother on this day, December 3rd. It’s her birthday!🎂

Today we’re diving into one of my mother’s favorite restaurants, The Busy Bee Cafe Atlanta. This Downtown Atlanta staple has been serving up delicious traditional soul food since 1947. Read more about Busy Bee Atlanta’s history on their website at https://www.thebusybeecafe.com/our-history/.


⭐ Classroom:  The Busy Bee Cafe, est. 1947
    📍810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

⭐ The Lesson Plan [Full Review of Experience]

⭐ Materials Needed:
1. Patience
2. Appetite 
3. Something to keep you busy while you wait.
4. An umbrella in case it rains. There is no covering for patrons to protect you from the elements.
5. Comfortable shoes. The gravel is uneven and only 2 benches outside for those waiting. So, expect to stand.

⭐ Observation: [The Best of the Day]
Opening (Appetizers)
– Bread basket and butter

Busy Bee Cafe Atlanta, bread basket and butter
Bread basket and butter

During (Entrees)
-Meats: Smothered Pork Chops, Fried Pork Chops, smothered fried chicken
-Sides: Collard greens, potato salad, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, and yams.
-Drinks: Sweet Tea & lemonade

Closing (Desserts)
– Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake at Busy Bee Cafe Atlanta
Red Velvet Cake

⭐ The Glows [Pros]
1. Still traditional.
2. Homemade dinner and desserts.
3. Excellent sweet tea.
4. They cater full meals for holidays and all other special occassions.
5. Days & Hours have been extended now to the weekends.6. All the veggies are super yummy but they have thee best potato salad I’ve ever had in my life.

⭐ The Grows [Cons]
1. Very small dining space. Never expanded for a larger eating area or moved to a larger location to accommodate their popularity and the growth of Atlanta.
2. Long lines and waits.
3. Very limited parking. Parking is shared with two other businesses. 
4. The prices are higher than most Soul Food restaurants and the portions are smaller. But, the taste is in a league of its own, bar none. 

⭐ Evaluation: [The Score]
Grade📋 A+


One last thing…


⭐ Feedback [Comment & Share]
#foodismyclassroom #atlfoodie #atlblogger #FIMC #foodnews #tribute #happybirthday
📾 and đŸ“œ by Adriena Long

Puff and Petals Lounge

Today’s post is all about Puff and Petals Lounge. This quaint eatery is operated by K. Michelle, a Memphis native singer, who you may have seen on Love and Hip Hop ATL. I tried a few menu items for brunch, and my favorite plates and cocktails are in today’s post! Check it out!

Hey students! It’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, of Food is My Classroom with today’s mini-lesson. I was in the mood for brunch, so I decided to take a trip to the Edgewood community where I stopped by Puff & Petals Lounge. This quaint eatery is operated by K. Michelle, a Memphis native singer, who you may have seen on Love and Hip Hop ATL. I tried a few menu items for brunch, and my favorite plates and cocktails are listed below.

Classroom: Puff and Petals
367 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (click for map)
http://puffandpetals.net

Plates:
⭐ Bring The Heat (spicy pasta)
⭐ Crabby Patty (fried slider)

Cocktails:
⭐ Flower Bomb
⭐ Hollywood Glamour
⭐ Frose Garden 
⭐ The Illusion
⭐ Cigar on the Beach

Pros: 
1. The food was amazing.
2. Antonio, male server/host, was really nice and good at multi-tasking.
3. Arielle, female bartender, was sweet and makes the BEST drinks. She also passes out LONG STEM ROSES.
4. Located on the Marta Trolly line.
5. Not far from I-20.
6. The staff makes the restaurant a good time as they dance to the bumpin’ hip hop music.

Cons:
1. There were NO desserts available this day. 

Prior Knowledge:
1. Parking for 2 hours is $10 and 4 hours for $20.
2. Not really designed for large parties. This spot is very quaint. There are 3 spaces for up to 6 guests. I recommend 2 to 4 in your party. 
3. Average wait time is 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. All parties of any size have 18% gratuity automatically added.
5. They are closed Mondays & Tuesdays. 

About the owner:
Singer K. Michelle (Kimberly) opened this restaurant because it was her dream as a child. 
Read her story here:
http://puffandpetals.net/owner/

Grade: A+
I definitely cleaned my plate!

Thanks so much for tuning in! Hope you all enjoyed this review! Don’t forget to FOLLOW to keep up with our weekly blog posts!

#PuffandPetal #KMichelle #BlackOwned #restauranteur #LoveandHipHopAtlanta #foodismyclassroom #foodie #atlfoodie #atlblogger #quickbites #FIMC 

Too Much for Too Little?

Today’s question from http://www.answerthepublic.com explores a shared mystery among patrons of high-end luxury restaurants. Why do expensive restaurants serve tiny portions? There are many reasons why restaurants serve small portions and we’re going to explore a few of those reasons.

Why Expensive Restaurants Serve Tiny Portions

Today’s question from www.answerthepublic.com explores a shared mystery among patrons of high-end luxury restaurants. Why do expensive restaurants serve tiny portions? There are many reasons why restaurants serve small portions and we’re going to explore a few of those reasons with you.


1 | Limited Portion = Unlimited Expectations

I’m sure we have all run low on an item and product. Our natural instinct is to conserve and not be wasteful. The same concept is applied to fine dining. Restaurants attempt to recreate this conservation by giving smaller portions that diners will be excited to try and savor the richness of the dishes. Chefs and restauranteurs hope this makes the meal more memorable.

Photo by Julien Sarazin on Unsplash

2 | High Ingredient Costs

Luxury restaurants often source their ingredients from the obscure international markets and farms. This practice increases the production costs of the dish which affects the menu price. In an effort to keep the price from being astronomical, restaurants serve smaller portions.

Photo by Marta Markes on Unsplash

3 | Minimalism to the Maximum

Take a stroll on Rodeo Drive or to any high-end boutique and you will see that less is more. Expansive tables house one purse or a pair of shoes. Expensive restaurants also embody this practice through the belief that minimalism is elegant or avant garde. Guests at these establishments seek unique tastes and experiences rather than coming to fill their stomachs.

Photo by Julien Pianetti on Unsplash

4 | The Plate is a Canvas

Have you been to an art museum lately? Some expensive works of art feature a tiny image painted on an over-sized canvas. For expensive restaurants, plating techniques have evolved into a blend of aesthetics, art, and design. As a work of art, smaller portions allow enough space on the plate for the chef to display their artistry.

Photo by Aigars Peda on Unsplash

5 | Avoid Boredom

For Thanksgiving, we tend to pile our plates with food only to waste most of it. Why? Our taste buds will get used to a flavor after 4-5 bites. Smaller portions eliminates the boredom of a dish and helps your mind register the taste for a longer period.

Photo by Tae In Kim on Unsplash

Thanks so much for tuning in! Hope you all enjoyed this review! Don’t forget to FOLLOW to keep up with our weekly blog posts!

5 Binge-Worthy Food and Cooking Netflix Shows (Part 1)

It’s summer and Netflix has such a treasure trove of great binge-worthy programming. One genre of shows that continues to grow in popularity is Food and Cooking. Shows such as Nailed It, Ugly Delicious, and Chef’s Table celebrate the joy of cooking and leaves you wanting more! Here some of the best cooking shows streaming on Netflix right now.

It’s summer and Netflix has such a treasure trove of great binge-worthy programming. One genre of shows that continues to grow in popularity is Food and Cooking. Shows such as Nailed It, Ugly Delicious, and Chef’s Table celebrate the joy of cooking and leaves you wanting more! Here some of the best cooking shows streaming on Netflix right now.

WARNING: Don’t watch while you’re hungry!!


Chef’s Table

This unique documentary style cooking series follows some of the world’s most famous chefs as they take us on a journey through their personal lives and their kitchens. Each episode of Chef’s Table goes in-depth into the life, talents, and passion of being a Chef. The show’s intimate, engaging storytelling and biographical pieces make it a must watch.


Nailed It!

In each episode, three inexperienced home bakers compete for a chance to win $10,000. This hilarious show provides great laughs and entertainment as the contestant’s culinary skills are a bit subpar. Throughout the season guest judges make appearances that add plenty of sugar and spice to the episodes. If you’re looking for a good laugh, you’ve Nailed It!


Zumbo’s Just Desserts

In this Australian cooking show, dessert connoisseur Adrian Zumbo is host to twelve contestants as they compete against each other to win the $100,000 grand prize. The winning contestant will also have their dessert featured in Zumbo’s dessert store. What makes this shows exciting is watching the action between contestants as they compete to recreate one of Zumbos elaborate complex and intricate desserts in the “Zumbo Test”.


Ugly Delicious

Staring award-winning chef David Chang, this travelogue fuses comedy, travel, and food. For each episode, Chang focuses on a different type of food and takes us on a cross-cultural journey to discover where to get the best eats. Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Kroll, Peter Meehan, and other guests make appearances throughout the season. This series is guaranteed to be a must watch for all.


Sugar Rush

The clock is ticking, and 4 teams of bakers don’t have much time to deliver their outstanding desserts to win $10,000. Sugar Rush is a fast-paced baking competition that challenges bakers to race while creating sweet treats that look and taste amazing. Hosted by Hunter March along with world-class pastry chefs Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo as judges, this fast-paced show will have you on the edge of your seat!


Thanks so much for tuning in! Hope you all enjoyed this post! Don’t forget to FOLLOW to keep up with our weekly blog posts!

Yellow Jacket Hot Dogs- Ellenwood, GA

Hey students! It’s Adriena from Food is My Classroom with today’s quick bite. National Hot Dog Day ended about a month ago and I’m still celebrating! Today, I stopped by Yellow Jacket Hot Dogs in Ellenwood, GA for a yummy Nathan’s Beef Frank with onion rings. Click the link to read more about this hidden treasure!

Hey students! It’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, from Food is My Classroom here with a quick bite and “Hidden Treasure”. Even though National Hot Dog Day was over about a month ago, I am still celebrating! Hey, it’s still summer so I can indulge a bit! Today, I stopped by Yellow Jacket Hot Dogs in Ellenwood, GA for a yummy Nathan’s Beef Frank with onion rings. If you missed the #NationalHotDogDay celebration last month, don’t feel bad. Try Yellow Jacket Hot Dogs today!

Background Knowledge: 

1. Hot Dogs are beef, chicken, and pork mix unless you request a Nathan’s All Beef hot dog for an up-charge. 

2. Located in Ellenwood, Georgia (Not by Georgia Tech).

3. They offer Combos/Specials or you can order a la carte.

4. All hot dogs automatically come with ketchup, mustard, and onions which can be removed to your taste.

5. My favorite detail about the hot dog is the buns are toasted to a perfect crunch which is a great contrast with the juicy frank. Yummy!

Hot Dog Alternative Options: 

1. Angus Hamburgers/Cheeseburgers

2. Grilled Cheese

3. BLT 

4. Grilled Chicken

5. Patty Melts

Desserts:

1. Slice of Cake

2. Slice of Pecan Pie

3. Mayfield Ice Cream (chocolate,  vanilla, and strawberry only)

4. Peach & Apple Pies (fried)

5. Cheesecake

See my RECOMMENDATIONS below: 

⭐Nathan’s Beef Hot Dogs w/relish

⭐Nathan’s Beef Hot Dogs w/slaw

⭐Onion Rings

⭐Scoop of Strawberry Mayfield Ice Cream 

Score: B

#yellowjackethotdogs #stillcelebrating #foodismyclassroom #atlfoodie #atlblogger #FIMC

Where do you like to get your hot dogs??

Best Ice Cream Shops in the City of Decatur (Part 1)

As Decatur has continually transformed itself into a vibrant community of restaurants and eateries, there are quite a few unique shops to grab some ice cream and other desserts! Check out Part 1 of our listing featuring the best ice cream shops in the City of Decatur!

It’s been quite a hot and humid summer! Sometimes, you just want to chill out with a cool ice cream treat. As the City of Decatur has continually transformed itself into a vibrant community of restaurants and eateries, there are quite a few unique shops to grab some ice cream and other desserts! Check out our list of the best ice cream shops in the City of Decatur.

Butter and Cream
This inexpensive women-owned ice cream, yogurt, and dessert shop is located at 416 Church St., Decatur, GA 30030. In addition to classic and specialty flavors, Butter and Cream offer vegan and dairy-free options for customers. Popular flavors here include Salted Caramel, Butterscotch Brownie, and Cashew Creme Brulee. Credit cards are accepted and the area has kids activities nearby. The menu and other information can be found on their website at http://www.butterandcream.com.

Butter and Cream: Dark Chocolate Malbec on a Callebaut chocolate dipped cone! Source: Twitter

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Located at 545 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, this splendid ice cream shop will pack a special pint just for you! Top flavors include Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Brambleberry Crisp, and Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks. Small, Trio, and Sundae sizes are available, and Pints are offered for certain flavors. Additonal toppings that can be added include smoked almonds, hand-whipped cream, Moonbow and Sunbow Sprinkles, Salty Caramel Sauce, and Extra-Bitter Hot Fudge Sauce. Visit Jeni’s website for more details at https://jenis.com/scoop-shops/jenis-decatur-square/

Jeni’s White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie ice cream. Source: Twitter

Four Summers Gelato and Coffee Bar
Located in the Oakhurst neighborhood, Four Summers offers ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato creations. Menu options for customers include vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options. For those with children, Four Summers offers a kids menu and a play area for your convenience. There is a private parking lot with wheelchair accessible access. Popular items include the Nutella and S’Mores creations! Four Summers can be found at 350 Mead Road, Suite E and F, Decatur, GA 30030.

Mango vegan sorbet at Four Summers! Source: Facebook

Steel City Pops-Decatur
This shop is located at 312 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030 and offers a vast array of options for its’ pops. Pops come in 4 main categories: fruity, creamy, cookie, and paleo. You can customize your pop with the 4 D’s (Dip, Dredge, Drizzle, and Dust). All of their pops feature fresh fruit, organic cane sugar, and are gluten-free. Prices start at $3.59 for the fruity pops to $4.59 for the cookie pops. Steel City Pops also has catering and events offerings. Menu and catering information can be found on their website at https://steelcitypops.com/locations/atlanta/

Peach cream dipped in milk chocolate, dredged in pecans, and drizzled with caramel. Source: Twitter

Thanks so much for tuning in! Hope you all enjoyed this review! Don’t forget to FOLLOW to keep up with our weekly posts!

Atlanta Breakfast Club Review

Hey Students! It’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, from Food is My Classroom here in Midtown Atlanta at Atlanta Breakfast Club (ABC). Get your forks ready as we journey through this breakfast empire!

Hey Students! It’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, from Food is My Classroom here in Midtown Atlanta at Atlanta Breakfast Club (ABC). I found this breakfast spot in walking distance from one of Atlanta’s biggest tourist attractions, The Georgia Aquarium. Get your forks ready as we journey through this breakfast empire!

⭐ Classroom: Atlanta Breakfast Club
249 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
http://www.atlantabreakfastclub.com

⭐ The Lesson Plan [Full Review of Experience]

⭐ Background Knowledge:
Anthony Sanders (Executive Chef) & O. Osiris Ballard are Co-Owners of the black-owned parent company, Good Food & Company, and Atlanta Breakfast Club is their “pride and joy.”

⭐ Materials Needed:

  1. Patience: There is a couple of spots in the front and a few in the rear of the restaurant.
  2. Cash: There is also paid parking across the street for $10, which is your best bet.
  3. Comfortable Shoes: You may have to walk a block from the parking garage/paid lots to the restaurant.
  4. Something to occupy your time: Expect at least a 30-minute wait and up to 2hrs depending on the day of the week and the hour.
  5. Camera/Cell Phone: Be prepared to possibly run into a news anchor, reporter, politician, well-known pastor, or celebrity for a quick selfie.

⭐ Observation: [The Best of the Day]

Opening (Appetizers)
-I was so graciously GIFTED the “Paul Biscuit,” affectionately called the “P Biscuit,” by Deonte &Paul to try. It is sooo big and yummy. It is fried chicken, folded eggs, cheese, & bacon on a soft biscuit smothered in warm pepper gravy. The pepper gravy is so darn good. No floury or burnt taste. The bacon is thick cut. The chicken was nicely battered and fried to a crispy perfection. This item was created by Paul, one of the Managers, and is NOT on the menu but can be requested.

During (Entrees)
-I had the popular Shrimp & Grits. The Shrimp & Grits were AMAZINGLY divine. Creamy white grits, jalepeño gravy (not spicy), gulf shrimp, and chicken sausage (which is where I tasted the heat). The combination of flavors makes for a happy marriage.

Closing (Desserts)
-The peach cobbler french toast (half order). This could easily be dessert and the last course, so that’s just what I did! Served with a hot crumble, juicy peaches, vanilla butter, and powdered sugar. The best french toast I have ever had in my entire life. OMG!!!

⭐ The Glows [Pros]

  1. Location! ABC is located near The Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and The World of Coca-Cola.
  2. The staff is super friendly and inviting. It was delightful and felt like being at home.
  3. My waiter, Ron, greeted me with a smile and made food suggestions. He asked my name and how to spell it so he could remember it. He also checked on me often, and I appreciated the Southern hospitality.
  4. The food was hot and super yummy.
  5. They do to-go orders as well and have a specified parking spot for that out front.
  6. The staff works together, especially when your waiter/waitress is busy.
  7. As I waited for my meal, I noticed that the food does not sit in the window long. That explains why the food comes out hot.
  8. Seating is available inside and outside for those who are WAITING to be seated and served.
  9. A phone system is used upon check-in, and they call your cell phone when your table is ready. So, don’t miss your call.
  10. I will return soon to try their award-winning Chicken & Waffles.

⭐ The Grows [Cons]

  1. The parking could be a deal-breaker for some patrons.
  2. Considering the scale of the restaurant, the restrooms are tiny, with only a couple of stalls.
  3. Minimal handicapped parking in front of the restaurant with only 1 spot.

⭐Evaluation: [The Score]
Grade A+ (Principal’s List)

⭐Teacher’s Notes

  1. There are a few clubs and businesses around that may have empty lots depending on the time of day, but DO NOT park there. Pay to park! Police officers are continually writing tickets.
  2. Deonte, Manager of Digital Marketing, would love to hear that you’re visiting on my recommendation. He and Paul treat everyone like a celebrity.
  3. They are quite proud of their trophy on display from the Marriott Invitation where they placed 2nd in a golf tournament this year (2019).
  4. Darrell, who is listed on their IG page as Artistic Cousin, created a mural that is on display in memory of Chef Anthony’s mother, who died a few days ago. (June 2019). The mural is so dope!

⭐ Feedback [Comment & Share]

Thanks so much for tuning in! Hope you all enjoyed this review! Don’t forget to FOLLOW to keep up with our weekly posts!

Grocery Store Money Saving Tips, Part 1

Grocery shopping can be quite the chore especially when you’re tight on money. In today’s post, we share a few tips and tricks that will help you lower that enormous grocery bill. Click the link to read more!

With the price of groceries on the rise and the size of packaging decreasing, the need to save money at the grocery store is essential to maintain a healthy household budget. In today’s post, we share a few tips and tricks that will help you lower that enormous grocery bill.

Know your budget. Before you leave the house, track your other household expenses. This will give you a real picture of how much money can actually be in your grocery budget.

Prep meals on Sundays and Thursdays to cut down on food waste

Prepping meals. Planning your meals for the week or even the month will help you write your shopping list. That way you can stay focused on what you should be buying not eliminate the junk.

Make a list, check it twice. Santa Claus isn’t the only person that uses lists. Again, make a grocery list with a price estimate to see what you need and the cost. Here’s a smart, interactive grocery list template by the USDA.

Find Bargain Groceries at Bargain Grocery Stores. Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s may not be the most fabulous shopping experiences, but you can surely find some good deals on their house brands and even a few national brands.

Leave the Distractions at Home…and that includes your spouse! Kids, spouses, roommates, and boos and baes can all be a distraction to the grocery shopping experience by nagging you to buy things you really don’t need. If you can leave them at home, you might be able to save a few dollars.

Don’t go on an Empty Stomach. When you’re hungry, everything looks yummy! Remember, you are shopping on a budget and cannot afford to spend your money on useless merchandise. Eating a few mints before shopping or chewing gum can help relieve your hunger pains.

Shop at Warehouse Stores. Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s are warehouse clubs that offer some surprising deals on produce, meats, breads, beverages, and dry foods. Make sure you have enough storage and freezer space or you can be saving and wasting money at the same time.

Shop at your local farmer’s market

Farmer’s Market. Most large cities and rural towns have a farmer’s market. If you’re in the Atlanta area, you might be familiar with the DeKalb Farmer’s Market. Don’t know where you local farmer’s market is? Use this tool by the USDA to help you find local farmers market.

Multiple Stores, Multiple Deals. Shop at multiple stores to determine which stores have exclusive deals and lower prices on certain products. While one store has reasonable meat prices, another store might have exceptional produce deals.

There’s an App for that! Kroger and Walmart offer excellent mobile apps that allow you to shop, find sales and coupons, compare prices between stores. Search your phone’s app store for your local grocery store’s app. Chances are the app will have coupons, weekly ads, and virtual shopping carts.

Thanks for reading! We hope these tips and strategies can help you stay within your grocery budget.
Share this article with a friend and on your social media pages! We’d greatly appreciate it!

Stay tuned for next week’s Money Saving Tips.

Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar Review

Hey students, it’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, here in Downtown College Park, Georgia at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar. Today I’m trying some “Geechee” inspired small plates! Click the link for more goodness 🙂

Hey students, it’s your favorite teacher, Adriena, here in Downtown College Park, Georgia at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar. Today, I’m trying some “Geechee” inspired small plates!

⭐Classroom: Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar

3721 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 (Link to Google Map)

⭐The Lesson Plan [Full Review of Experience]

⭐Materials Needed:

1. Patience: Very small restaurant causing long waits.

2. Hand Fan: The air was not working.

3. Comfortable Shoes: You may have to walk some blocks depending on where you find a space to park.

4. Guest: With a guest, you can choose multiple plates to share, which is much better.

⭐Observation: [The Best of the Day]

The “Get Tight Up” Cocktail at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen

Opening (Appetizers)

-I had a cocktail called “Get Tight Up” that contained pureed fruit with vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, triple sec, fruit liqueur, and sour. The drink is available in peach, blackberry, or strawberry. I chose peach, and it was just okay.

I will try the “Geechee Rita” next time, which is also a popular drink according to the bartender. 

During (Entrees)

-Jam Up Fried Wings: Three seasoned and marinated whole wings drizzled with Gulla gal sauce. The wings were tasty, and the sauce seemed ketchup-based but much sweeter.

-Fried Poke Chop (Pork Chop): One small pork chop that is lightly battered and fried to a golden color. This was a disappointment. The meat was well cooked, but not seasoned well. Additionally, the pork chop was very small and not nearly the size of a standard pork chop.

-Seafood Pasta (cold dish): A combination of crab meat, white shrimp, and pasta mixed with a seafood salad dressing. This dish was one of my favorites, and a must-have.

-Fried Cabbage: Fresh cabbage fried in a skillet with onions and bacon. This was the biggest disappointment. It was very salty, and the cabbage was so overcooked that it was brown and soggy. Cabbage, even fried, shouldn’t be that mushy.

-Macaroni & Cheese: Classic cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni baked til golden. This was just cheese and noodles. The noodles were overcooked and unseasoned.

-Fried Shrimp: White shrimp that are seasoned, lightly battered, and golden fried. These were cooked perfectly.

-Sauteed Shrimp: White shrimp that are seasoned and sauteed in a Gullah butter sauce. These were seasoned nicely and yummy.

-Gullah Fries (Potato Wedges): Fried potato wedges dusted with Virgil’s Gullah seasoning. These were very good and came out hot. They are also a must-have.

-Shrimp & Crab Gravy: White shrimp cooked in crab gravy over Jasmine rice (contains bacon). This was the STAR of the night. It is better than New Orleans jambalaya. The rice was slightly undercooked, but the shrimp and gravy made up for it. I wanted to sop it up with a biscuit. You can’t come to Virgil’s and not have this dish!

Closing (Desserts)

-Chucktown Chewie Sundae: This dessert was a warm chewie blonde (vanilla) brownie topped with caramel ice-cream, candied pecans, chocolate fudge, and powdered sugar. It was delicious and I hardly ever eat a dessert at a restaurant. It was heaven on a spoon! I would go back just for dessert and try a new cocktail. Just thinking about this dessert makes me want to make the drive to College Park right now!

⭐ Small Plate Ranking 

[0 to 5-star scale, 5 being the highest]

5⭐ Shrimp & Crab Gravy (over rice), Chucktown Brownie, Seafood Pasta (cold)

4⭐ Gullah Fries (Potato Wedges), Jam Up Wings

3⭐ Sauteed Shrimp, Fried Shrimp

2⭐ Poke Chop, Get Tight Up cocktail

1⭐ Mac ‘n Cheese

0⭐ The Fried Cabbage

⭐Evaluation: [The Score]
Grade A

⭐Teacher’s Notes

1. This restaurant is not family-friendly. No high chairs or car seat slings.

2. Our waiter was William, who was excellent.

3. The host, Curtis, was accommodating with getting me a larger table.

4. The restaurant sits between Soul Crab and Milk & Honey.

5. They do not take gift cards. (VISA)

6. They do have lots of free street parking and lots in the area if you follow the signs. Not sure if the lots are free or not.

7. Your party should be from 1 to 4 people. The restaurant is not designed for groups.

8. Police circle the area often for a sense of safety.

9. Be careful crossing the street. I was almost hit in the crosswalk because everyone doesn’t abide by the law about pedestrians in the crosswalk, especially when there is no flashing light.

10. I met both owners, and they were very kind to my family and me. Search Food Is My Classroom on YouTube to see the video with Gee, co-owner of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, A “Geechee” Cultural Experience.

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