Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Dining--Tried and True (Part 4)

Huntsville’s Largest Sandwich
Even Blondie’s man Dagwood wouild have had trouble puttinig away an entire sandwich from Schlotzsky’s Deli in Huntsville. The mozzarella cheese makes this monstrosity nip at your pizza fancy, while balancing your meals with sandwich meats, shredded lettuce and special sauces. Actually, if your appetite is small, Schlotzsky’s has a smaller version . The Huntsville area has threee locations at 4319 University Drive N.W. Phone: 830-6400; 11120 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 650-6300; and 8969 Madison Blvd. in Madison. Phone: 464-5300.

Elegance American Style
As many as 10,000 Huntsvillians qualify to join the Redstone Arsenal Officers’ Club on the sprawling army base that makes up the city’s southwest border. The modern military club is open for membership to all officers, to arsenal civilian workers or to Department of Defense employees ranked GS-7 and above. Dining, entertainment, catering and othe rconveniences are available to the club’s 3,000 members. Redstone Arsenal. Phone: 830-2582.

Best-Balanced Meal Anytime
For a really well rounded meal of your own choosing, try Piccadilly Cafeteria. Huntsville once had locations in all of its malls, but the Parkway Place restaurant has sifted out as the lone survivor. 2801 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 536-6440.

An After Church Sunday Dinner
Ryan’s Family Steakhouse has two locations that have become favorites for Sunday lunch. They feature a fine fresh salad bar, soups and more than just beef entrees. 10017 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 882-0863; and 1808 University Drive N.W. Phone: 536-0586.

A Beautiful Morning Buffet
Hands down, the best breakfast buffet in Huntsville is put out at Shoney’s restaurant. It has everything, and plenty of it – fruit, juices, eggs, biscuits, muffins, sausage links and patties, cereal, the list goes on. 905 Memorial Parkway N.W. Phone: 539-8433.

A Super Shopper’s Meal Anytime
Ruby Tuesday restaurants often appear in shopping malls, but the wide menu selection and the lively bar atmosphere attract more than the shopping crowd. In Huntsville, Ruby Tuesday has become a neighborhood hangout spread across town. 11594 Memorial Parkway S.W. Phone: 883-3105; 110 Tom Thrasher Lane in Madison. Phone: 461-8282; 7814 U.S. 72 West in Madison. Phone: 830-5050; 4901 Whitesburg Drive S. Phone: 880-8214.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Dining--Tried and True (Part 3)

A Black Tie Meal
The downtown Holiday Inn’s Lofton’s offers a specialized menu and dining in a most elegant style. This is an uper-class restaurant – from the selections to the service. The chef creates gourmet specials most evenings along with the regular steak and seafood fare. And don’t dare miss the dessert cart. The room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located in the hotel just across from the Von Braun Center. 401 Williams Ave. S.E. Phone: 533-1400.

Noble Samurai Specialties
Juggling knives isn’t an art confined to circuses. At Shogun Japanese Steakhouse, it is part of the routine that brings some of the best stir-fried veggies, chicken and shrimp onto your plate. The food is prepared there right before your eyes. 3991 University Drive N.W. Phone: 534-3000.

The Most Talked About Barbecue
Anyone who has lived for any length of time in Madison County has discovered Greenbrier Bar-B-Que just across the western border in Limestone County. Nobody cooks pork, beef or chicken like the folks at this down-to-earth restaurant. And pick up a pint of white sauce for your next backyard cookout. 15050 Alabama 20, Exit 3, on I-565 West at Greenbrier Road. Phone: 256-353-9769.

Smoothest Sailing for Seafood
Seafood restaurants in Huntsville have found the going rough, but Red Lobster seems to have weathered every storm. This chain restaurant continues to thrive against the fast-food competition. The service is consistent, and cocktails are available. 1818 University Drive N.W. Phone: 533-2880.

The Best Barbecue Ribs
One restaurant that is sure to put meat on your ribs, literally, is Thomas Pit Barbecue. This has been among Huntsville’s favorite smokehouses for years for take-out or eating in. And if it’s a whole pig you need for a special roast, Thomas can fill the bill. 7929 U.S. 72 West in Madison. Phone: 837-4900.