food

Excited about Eating by Ernie & Dora Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 11 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to The Cardinal, a place serving “classic American road food” in Boone. This neighborhood meeting spot boasts burgers made from different meats combined with fresh ingredients to excite the flavor buds in your mouth.

The Cardinal Excited about Eating Ernie & Dora Hiers

So excited this place is just up the road from our home-away-from-home!

Dora here. Aren’t you amazed that we actually went out for dinner? lol. What can I say? We prefer to dine out for lunch and stay in for dinner. The crowded restaurants might be one reason why. 

I chose the 50/50 burger, half Emu (an Australian bird) and half chorizo. It was slathered with housemade queso and packed with jalapeños (not after I got a hold of it), and onions, and served with fries.

The Cardinal Excited about Eating Ernie & Dora Hiers

50/50 Burger, full of flavor and packed with heat!

Now this burger was full of flavor, very juicy, and packed with heat! Spicy enough that they had to keep refilling my diet coke. The bun was very soft and worked perfectly with the burger and the fries, which were thin and crispy just like I prefer. This is definitely a place we will have to go back again.

Dora again. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a great burger, right? At least, I am, and the Gringo Burger satisfied my craving. Bison topped with an avocado spread and wonderfully strong cheddar, sandwiched between two of the most amazingly soft buns I’ve ever tasted. While it was a bit heavy on the avocado, I would’ve liked more cheese. And I know Ernie adores those potato sticks, but I prefer thicker fries.

The Cardinal Excited about Eating by Ernie & Dora Hiers

The Gringo Burger satisfied my burger craving

Still Dora. I tend to be noise-adverse, and since we visited for dinner, it was a tad loud for my liking. Could be because we sat in a more confined section of the restaurant, where the ceiling was lower. Overall, we’re thrilled to find a great hamburger joint just up the road from our home-away-from-home and we’ll definitely be repeat customers. Although probably for lunch rather than dinner. lol.

What’s your go-to hamburger spot? What’s the most unusual burger you’ve tried?

We rate the restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family restaurant serving great food.

Excited about Eating by Ernie & Dora Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 9 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to CO, tucked into the Park Road Shopping Center in Charlotte. They advertise a “uniquely inspired menu that includes modern interpretations of Asian dishes.” According to their website, CO means “feast” in Vietnamese.

CO Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

According to their website, Co means “feast” in Vietnamese.

Dora here. You can’t tell by this photo that it was only about 15 degrees outside, right? Yowza! When we left our house, we trekked through at least six inches of snow on our driveway. So when Ernie rattled off three choices for lunch, I was all over CO. Know why? Soup. Pork dumplings. And because our son has been traipsing all over Vietnam for the last couple of weeks, and his photos are stunning! So, hands down, we were headed to CO, and it didn’t disappoint. Such an intriguing interior with so many different elements, including this centerpiece that fans out from the bar. Reminded me of a tree.

Co Excited about Eating Ernie and Dora Hiers

Intriguing interior with so many different elements

They offer plenty of seating options, including an outdoor area. And, no, we didn’t go outside to check it out. Brrr. Our food came out quick and our server was helpful and knowledgeable. Actually, we talked to a few staff members and all of them were gracious and friendly. 

Co Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

I chose the Malaysian Chili Wings appetizer, marinated in coconut milk and tossed in pineapple, ginger, lemon grass and chili sauce. These crispy wings were outstanding, both spicy and sweet, with a fruity favor that kept me coming back for more.

Co Excited about Eating Ernie & Dora Hiers

Malaysian Chili Wings appetizer. Spicy and sweet with a fruity flavor that kept me coming back for more.

The Korean Short Rib Banh Mi was packed with tender braised short ribs, kimchi (a spicy pickled cabbage) and aioli. The sturdy bread held up to the generous portion of meat. The combination of spices paired well with the smoky meat, one of those dishes where the heat doesn’t really kick in until afterward. This was my first time eating Vietnamese food but it will not be my last.

Co Excited about Eating Ernie & Dora HIers

Korean Short Rib Banh Mi, outstanding! One of those dishes where the heat doesn’t kick in until afterward.

Dora here. When pork ginger gyoza (dumplings) are on the menu, I am not about to pass them up. Soft as pillows and so flavorful, I could eat these every day!

Co Excited about Eating Ernie & Dora Hiers

Pork Gyoza (dumplings). Soft as pillows and so flavorful, I could eat these every day!

Had we known the Pho Ga, shredded chicken and bunches of noodles in a hearty beef broth, bowl would be so huge, we could’ve shared. But, I don’t think I could’ve swayed Ernie from his sandwich. lol.

This is one of those soups where your spoon never comes away empty-handed. Quite a few flavors swimming around in here to tickle your tastebuds. Yum! Perfect for a frigid winter day and I even brought some home. Win, win. 

Co Excited about Eating Ernie & Dora Hiers

Pho Ga, shredded chicken and vermicelli noodles. Quite a few flavors swimming in here to tickle your tastebuds. Perfect for a winter day and even brought some home. Win, win.

This is definitely a place we’d love to come back to or pop in if we’re in the area. Especially during the winter. 🙂

What about you? What’s your favorite go-to food in the winter? What’s your favorite soup?

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.

CO Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Excited about Eating by Ernie & Dora Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to an 1861 historical house in Valle Crucis, NC, to Over Yonder, An Appalachian Kitchen. This picturesque house has had many different uses over the years but I think this may be the best one yet.

Over Yonder Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Love the farmhouse exterior!

Dora here. The owners added on over the years, but the left side is original. Stunning, isn’t it?

Over Yonder Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

The original side: just stunning!

We were seated in the front right room, the added-on side. Can you guess why we called this the game room? That’s right. Old fashioned games hung from every wall.

Over Yonder Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

The Game Room. Can you see why? 🙂

I chose the Potlikker Gumbo, loaded with chicken, andouille, ham and okra in a brown broth of collard greens and blanketed with jasmine rice. The gumbo was outstanding without being spicy, hardy, and the perfect choice for a cold day in the mountains. All of the ingredients mingled together to form one tasty bowl of goodness.

Over Yonder Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Potlikker Gumbo, tasty bowl of goodness!

The Roasted Okra appetizer drew my attention when I first looked at the menu. Being from the south, I have had okra cooked just about every way possible, but never roasted. Let me just say, this has to be some of the best tasting okra I have ever had. The okra is cut in half, roasted until soft and then flashed fried until crispy. I would recommend this dish to anyone who visits this restaurant. Which I did, actually, as we were leaving.

Over Yonder Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Roasted Okra Appetizer…amazing!

Dora here. Before the food came out, I teased hubby that he’d be eating this okra by himself. I like fried okra, but roasted? Not in a million years would I like it prepared this way. Well, let me just tell you, the joke was on me. This okra was delicious! And my hand kept straying to his side of the table, swiping a delectable goodie whenever he wasn’t looking. haha. Now on to mine…the OY Pork Burger should be called the Oh My Pork Burger! Messy, but packed with flavor!

Over Yonder Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

The OY Pork Burger should be called the OH MY Pork Burger. Messy, but PACKED with flavor!

Good to the last bite, I even scooped up the overflow because I didn’t want to miss any ounce of the awesome flavor! Ground pork topped with smoked Gouda and a wonderfully intoxicating slaw…divine! Kind of like a chilled sauerkraut, but in the very best way, adding a whole new dimension and texture to the sandwich. And, oh my stars, those pickles! The chips were salted with rosemary, giving them a zesty bite. YUM, YUM, YUM! There was nothing left on any of these plates! We might’ve licked them…lol.

Over Yonder Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Demolished these dishes! Not a crumb left!

Dora here. Amazing food. Quick, friendly, and very knowledgeable service by an employee who obviously loves his job (thank you Justin!). Lovely atmosphere. Over Yonder is definitely a repeat!

Are you an okra fan? What’s your favorite way to eat okra?

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.
Over Yonder Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato