New Reviews of Huntsville Restaurants from http://thebestofhuntsville.biz

Today's Review

Sandwiches are packed with pork. Southern-style sides include black-eyed peas with okra. Sauces are tangy and slightly sweet. Huntsville has a new restaurant, and it’s called Moe’s Original Barbecue.

Moe’s has its own niche in the smokehouse tradition. Think barbecue, and the mind races to cities known for their own cooking styles: Memphis, Tenn.; Fort Worth, Texas; and Lexington, N.C. Where do you find Moe’s? It’s in Vail and Denver, Colo., Daphne and Fairhope, Ala. That gives Huntsville a special distinction, along with Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.

I had suggested Moe’s in Tuscaloosa several times over the last year, but my daughter said I could try the one in Huntsville anytime. We always ended up at more legendary Tuscaloosa restaurants, including Nick’s in the Sticks, The Waysider, and 15th Street Café. I finally discovered Moe’s in Huntsville this afternoon.

The atmosphere has the informal feel of Dreamland yet the warmth of Gibson’s. Customers order at the counter the way they would at Thomas Barbecue, then wait for the cook to call their name. Sandwiches and platters include pork, chicken, turkey, and catfish. The restaurant also has a shrimp Moe boy and a chicken wing plate. Prices are for a full meal: $9 for sandwiches, $10 for plates; both include two sides and a drink.

Sweating over the grill is a young cook that looks more like a computer whiz than a barbecue man. Yet he makes customers comfortable calling them by name to pick up their orders and again to invite them back as they leave.

The pork sandwich is stuffed with moist and tender meat and dripping with Moe’s special sauce. Special sides include an intriguing black-eyed pea dish with tomatoes and okra. Macaroni and cheese is another daily special, made with a mild white cheese. Banana pudding is a choice any day of the week.

Moe’s is in the former Chef’s Table building on Cecil Ashburn Drive just east of Carl T. Jones Drive. It is fast and informal and like nothing else in the bustling Jones Valley development. Give it a try.

--From April 25, 2011

Yesterday's Review

Chicken cordon bleu schnitzel was my favorite meal for many years in Huntsville. Only two restaurants served it. Then I discovered the gypsy schnitzel -- a pork cutlet smothered with a sauce of myriad flavors. It was another dish that drove taste buds wild. The dish put Café Berlin among my favorite local eateries. Its sister restaurant, Ol' Heidelberg, had been on the same level since 1978.

The last time I reviewed it for The Huntsville Times, Café Berlin earned the top rating of 4 forks and 4 waiters. That was probably 10 years ago. The restaurant today is better than ever.

Joining the bratwursts, schnitzels and other German delicacies of old are tenderloin, tilapia and even tapas platters. Iceberg wedges and Caesar salads are additional options to traditional red cabbage and sauerkraut. Creamed spinach, cauliflower or brie macaroni and cheese are unique side dishes. Desserts are still delightful.

The chef no longer worries about visits from a newspaper critic. He has no reason for it. The food and the service are impeccable.

--From April 16, 2011

Old Huntsville Magazine features the late Bill Easterling

The Life and Times of BILL EASTERLING
By Mike Kaylor
(As published in Old Huntsville Magazine No. 198, August 2009)

Dressed in pajamas, he sat on the edge of his bed with feet on the floor. His voice was weak, but his determination was strong. It was the last week of December, and he was flipping through the pages of a book just off the presses. It missed the bulk of the gift-giving season because of a series of printing snafus. He struggled to flash a smile.

“We’ll sell these books for many Christmases to come,” he said, emphasizing the word “we.” Bill Easterling knew he had cancer; he knew how hard it was to sit up in bed. He even labored to breathe. But the determination never faltered. That was Bill’s last night alive. Barely past his 60th birthday, a gloried and storied life came to an end on Dec. 28, 2000.

Bill Easterling was a sage to sports fans across Alabama during the 1960s and ’70s. He was the sports editor of The Huntsville Times, and his grasp of Alabama and Auburn football, Huntsville and North Alabama high schools had boosted him to legendary status. His behind-the-scenes antics and fast living made him an idol among his cohorts in the press box.

Young Bill had arrived in Huntsville in 1949 at the age of 9. His father, William Rhodes Easterling, was a government employee transferring from Texas to Redstone Arsenal. The family consisted of “Slim,” as friends called the elder Easterling, his wife Eleanor, and three boys – Edward, Bill and Charles. They lived first in the Farley community south of Huntsville before moving into an area known as the old Dallas Mill village. Bill attended Rison School, which had been built by the mill, and graduated from Huntsville High School. He was toying with college classes when he landed a job at the newspaper.

Copy carriers were the so-called “gophers” of the press. They raced from department to department with scraps of paper that would eventually land on readers’ doorsteps as news. The copyboy might run to the nearest sandwich shop when editors were hungry or fill up bosses’ cars when they were too busy. Most of them knew their places in the organization. Not little Bill.
A new editor named Leroy Simms had arrived from Birmingham in 1961, and he had summoned all personnel of The Huntsville Times to meet him. As they gathered, he asked each to give their name and position. This bubbly teenager listened intently, and finally his time came to speak. “I’m Bill Easterling, and I run this damned place,” he said. Instantly, the publisher took a liking to him, and Bill’s career at The Times began a meteoric rise.

Bill’s insights in large part made The Huntsville Times one of the foremost newspapers in Alabama. He shifted to the news desk in the mid-1970s and became state and then city editor. He was climbing a ladder that began at the lowest rung.

His rise continued despite a few small bumps along the way. Not long after New Jersey newspaper magnate S.I. Newhouse bought The Times, the new owner was in town checking on his investment. He made a necessary stop in the men’s room one morning, and young Bill just happened to be there too. Bill saw a pair of shoes in the next stall that he thought belonged to a co-worker. He stomped the toes. The response was silence. Bill later learned those were not his friend’s feet.

Bill had already enjoyed a successful career of nearly 25 years at The Times when he became the newspaper’s daily columnist. It was a coveted job for any writer, yet a constant chore to crank out a new tale five days a week. The words that began to flow bared the writer’s soul – his empathy, his mood swings and his unfaltering opinions. His became a household name.
A preacher’s wife who lived on Huntsville’s Country Club Circle stopped in at a neighbor’s house one day to collect for the Heart Fund. When she heard that Bill Easterling was on his way over, she seemed in no hurry to leave. She had read his columns regularly in The Times, and she was anxious to meet him.

Suddenly, the front door flew open and a man with wispy grey hair, squinting eyes and a prominent nose burst into the room. “Those damned drivers on the Parkway scare the hell out of me,” he roared. Then he looked at the elderly stranger. “Isn’t that the truth?”

The woman’s eyes were wide with dismay, but her look slowly changed to admiration as Bill’s grin spread from ear to ear. His warm expression could melt away any sort of tension. The woman babbled about how many people she knew who had been featured in his columns. She told him she hoped he would write a book. She beamed as she headed out the door and back down the lane.

No one could predict what words might explode from the mouth of Bill Easterling; however, they would likely be profound. In the same way, his columns were equally honest. That’s why so many people turned to the second page of the newspaper first.

His readers knew Bill’s likes and dislikes. When he was struggling for a topic for the next day’s column, he might begin with the words: “These are the things I love….” On another day it might begin “If I could be in charge of 1992:” or “Some Wisdom in the Still of the Night.” He was always chiding himself in print about his smoking or other habits. He wrote on April 4, 1993, about the second anniversary of his conquest of smoking. He mused that “So many people have turned against smokers, I’m almost sorry I deserted.” Bill wrote a similar column in October 1994, a year after he had quit drinking. He vowed at the end of the article to never mention it again, and he probably never did in print. He did point out his lifestyle change, though, to friends who kept living life on the edge.

Concerning alcohol, Bill said he kept drinking for years because he “didn’t want to surrender my image as a fast-playing, hard-drinking newsroom legend.” His image had found him married just out of high school, missing many of his two children’s firsts as he buried himself in Alabama’s sports rivalries and the festivities that surrounded them. By the time he had begun writing human-interest columns at The Times, he had ended one marriage, started a new one and made amends with his almost-grown children.

He had a love-hate relationship with golf, and the game fueled a fiery temper. He could throw a golf club about as far as he could hit the ball. He talked of Alabama’s legends, such as Paul “Bear” Bryant and Ralph “Shug” Jordan, as if they were ordinary people. He shared many hours solving the world’s problems with his one-time brother-in-law Floyd Hardin on a porch swing at Jackson Way Barber Shop.

Bill said time and again that he couldn’t believe someone would pay him to do what he did. After leaving sportswriting, he loved the human-interest columns about people he found on backroads and dusty country lanes. He had corralled all of his addictions except his zeal for the written word. Then his whole world changed. Medical exams and blood tests were showing something awry in his body. His energy level was faltering.

On July 18, 1999, he told his readers the whole story. It began with the words: “I woke up one morning and something didn’t seem right.” Later in the column he proclaimed that he had “written about people who just simply refused to let life’s slings and arrows destroy their faith,” and he said their stories were an inspiration to him. “Now I get a chance to see if I can handle what’s ahead of me with the same kind of dignity and class and bravery those people displayed.”

That he did for the next 17 months and 10 days. He kept his followers apprised of his condition from month to month. His column might disappear for a few weeks during surgery and recovery, but it always returned. While going through the stress and pain, he collected many of his favorite columns from the 1990s for a book to be published in time for the Christmas shoppers. It was called “A Locust Leaves Its Shell.”

Scheduling at the printing company carried the production into November. A truck driver quit his job and left a trailer filled with Bill’s books on the side of the road between the printer and binder. Soft cover copies arrived around Thanksgiving, and Bill was treated with a handful of autograph parties. But his health was getting worse. He struggled to sign copies of the hard cover books when they arrived only days before Christmas.

His last column in The Huntsville Times was published on Nov. 28, 2000. It was a light-hearted tale about losing his hair and how it was growing back black and curly instead of thin and grey. His beard also had a distinct five o’clock shadow look. A summary of his cancer columns published in mid-December included a letter to Santa Claus. “I’m not afraid of facing what every man with a potential life-threatening disease faces: I’m not afraid to die. I was before I got ill, and stayed that way for an awfully long time. Then it went away, that feeling of apprehension, that dreading of what was in front of me. I just quit worrying and let THE expert take over.” He said he was thankful for the arrival of a granddaughter several weeks earlier, for his wife Pat and his children Leigh Ann and Mike.

From his bed, Bill saw no reason for fuss. He had told Santa in his letter that no one needed good health to celebrate the true reason for Christmas. “So, Santa Claus, I believe that’s about all I have to say about the subject as this Christmas season quickly approaches. But I naturally feel sure you and I will be talking about it some more in 2001. Thanking you kindly, Billy.”


If you would like a copy of Bill’s book, “A Locust Leaves Its Shell,” send $5 (includes shipping and handling) to Mike Kaylor, P.O. Box 737, Huntsville, AL 35804. Books will be mailed U.S. Postal Service book rate or hand-delivered to the address included. For multiple copies, contact Mike at the e-mail address: mike@thebestofhuntsville.biz.

Huntsville dines, shops in Mike Kaylor's thebestofhuntsville.biz

Huntsville shoppers can find their favorite stores, and diners can find the best and most enduring restaurants at http://thebestofhuntsville.biz. This is the site that is growing into a new print edition of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE by Mike Kaylor. At the present time, it features the restaurants, nightclubs and stores that have survived the quarter century since the first edition of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE was published. Mike was restaurant critic for The Huntsville Times for more than two decades before leaving the newspaper at the end of June. The book also features tourist attractions from around the area, arts and entertainment groups, annual events and other Huntsville peculiarities.

Two editions of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE appeared in 1984 and 1985. Now, 25 years later, a new edition is in the works. Kaylor is soliciting input from long-time readers, friends and family for restaurants, clubs, sights, stores, arts groups and other entertainment spots around the Tennessee Valley. The original book was nearly 150 pages and included an index to make it easy to find items for addresses and phone numbers. It was handy as a reference book in the home or car for looking up favorite spots.

Mike Kaylor arrived in Huntsville in 1977 as assistant state editor of The Huntsville Times. He served through the next three decades as assistant city editor, business editor, entertainment editor, ShowTimes editor, Leisure editor, assistant systems editor, nightlife columnist, restaurant critic and page designer. He wrote about clubs and restaurants weekly for 31 years, while handling other responsibilities at The Times. He left newspaper during a voluntary reduction in force/buyout to pursue other ventures.

Check out what's new in http://thebestofhuntsville.biz

Mike Kaylor's new edition of THE BEST OF HUNTSVILLE book is beginning to take shape. Since Mike Kaylor left The Huntsville Times, he has time for transcribing the 1985 edition on this web site and at http://thebestofhuntsville.biz to get it in order for printing. It may take another month or two, but it's going to come together.

Check out the site and offer comments.

Thanks and bon appetit!!!!

Mike

New restaurants at http://thebestofhuntsville.biz

Check out the new entries in http://thebestofhuntsville.biz/. Find more upscale restaurants listed, both local creations and regional chains. Also, check out some of the BEST meat-and-four diners in town. Click the DINING page on the right side of the HOME PAGE.

Thanks for joining us. I look for your comments as the new book develops.

Bon appetit!!!!


Mike
cazit@knology.net

Huntsville’s Top 10 Restaurants

This list will be constantly changing and updating as new restaurants arrive and as tastes change around town.

Pauli’s Bar & Grill
Upscale dining has never been so cozy and friendly as this neighborhood restaurant. It is on the border between Huntsville and Madison – a premier dining experience for both cities. 7143 U.S. 72 West. Phone: 722-2080.

Cotton Row Restaurant
This sidewalk café is downtown Huntsville’s answer to big-city dining. Enjoy a gourmet meal streetside, at the bar or in a rustic wine cellar below ground. 100 South Side Square. Phone: 382-9500.

The Chef’s Table
Tapas is a Spanish style of dining that’s best shared, and this restaurant provides a dining experience like nothing else in Huntsville. The food is divine, and watching the chefs work is an amazing show. 2030 Cecil Ashburn Drive S.E. Phone: 880-7333.

801 Franklin
Fine dining and a lively bar are the attractions at this restaurant in the city’s Medical District. Its calendar is always filled with special events. 801 Franklin St. Phone: 519-8019.

Dolce
Huntsville meets Hollywood at this upscale restaurant in the exclusive Bridge Street shopping and entertainment complex. It has the glitz and glamour of the movies, and fittingly so, since a group of stars own Dolce. It has a sister restaurant next door called Ketchup.
365 The Bridge St. N.W. in Bridge Street Town Centre. Phone: 327-8385.

Grille 29
The exclusive Providence Town Centre planned community is the perfect spot for an innovative dining experience such as this. The menu is eclectic, and the desserts are heavenly.
475 Providence Main St. N.W. Phone: 489-9470.

The Chop House
Choice steaks are the attraction at this restaurant that is part of Washington Square – a trifecta that includes Humphrey’s Bar & Grill and Mason’s Pub. They have pumped new life into the downtown area.
109 Washington St. Phone: 704-5555.

D&L Bistro
This casual eatery has quietly become one of Huntsville’s favorites. It is fine dining with a friendly atmosphere.
7500 Memorial Parkway S.W. at Main Street South. Phone: 881-7244.

Mezza Luna
Upscale meals take on a Mediterranean aura at this Jones Valley restaurant. The owners trained under Alabama’s master chef, Frank Stitt. 2724 Carl T. Jones Drive S.E. Phone: 650-2514.

Wildflour Bistro
Fine dining can be healthy. Vegetarian and heart-friendly meals are mainstays, and they never lack flavor. This bistro offers something for every taste. 501 Jordan Lane N.W. 722-9401.

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.