foodies

Excited about Eating by Ernie & Dora Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to a place that appeared on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, to Pinky’s Westside Grill in Charlotte.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Not much parking in front, but ample spaces in a private lot a few steps away.

Dora here. Don’t be alarmed not to find a spot directly in front of the diner. Just at the end of the strip, you’ll find ample parking, a plus for any business near downtown.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Ample parking a very short walk away

The inside was jammed for a Sunday lunch.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Jammed for a Sunday lunch

For my lunch, I ordered the White Trash Burger, which includes provolone, fried pickles, and onion rings with a spicy ranch sauce and a side of onion rings (straws). For some reason, the burger that arrived had raw pickles and onions with mayonnaise. The burger was OK, a little over cooked for my taste, but served on a soft bun. Maybe if it would have been served as advertised on the menu, I would have been more impressed. The onion rings were good, but a little greasy.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

White Trash Burger didn’t come out like the menu described.

Dora here. Check out the popcorn chicken, little nuggets of breaded and fried white meat, served atop waffle fries with a side of slaw. I’m a huge fan of chicken, fried or grilled, so when I saw this on the menu, I couldn’t convince myself to go with something more adventuresome. Like Pimp’n Fries (waffle fries topped with chili and melted pimento) or the Asian-inspired Ding Dong Chicken Sandwich, marinated chicken slathered with peanut butter, hot sauce and slaw. I probably should’ve worked up the courage because the chicken could’ve used less time in the fryer; the outside was a bit dry and brittle. Awesome waffle fries, though, light on the seasoning and not too-potatoey as some tend to be.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Popcorn Chicken a bit dry and brittle, but the waffle fries were lightly seasoned and not too potatoey.

Dora here. Pinky’s tag-team friendly servers ensure that your cup never runs dry. And if the crowd hanging around outside on a Sunday afternoon and the awesome reviews are any indication, we might’ve caught them on an off day. 

We rate this restaurant 3 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving good food.

Pinky's Westside Grill 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 a family owned restaurant located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, NC, and to Coyote Kitchen. This mountain eatery features Southwest Caribbean Soul food and offers burgers, bowls, boats, and tacos just to name a few.Coyote Kitchen Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Dora here. Winter has to be tough for this restaurant. They have ample outdoor space with tables that extend down a long sidewalk, but a cozy interior (translate small). Not really a restaurant for romantic ambiance or a place to chat privately. But, hey, the food is fantastic and the service friendly and quick. It’s one of our go-to spots in Boone now.

Coyote Kitchen Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

I ordered the chef’s special of the day, the Blackened CAB Tacos with beef, chipotle flavored cream cheese, spinach, tomatoes, caramelized onions, pineapple, and crumbled feta cheese served in flour tortillas. Wrapped in huge soft shells, the sweetness of the pineapple, the crunch from the raw spinach, and the spiciness of the chipotle cream cheese combined to give these tacos a mouthful of favor. Outstanding!

Coyote Kitchen Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Dora here. The trouble with visiting Coyote Kitchen is that I want to try everything on their menu! lol. I finally decided on the Laos Boat. Amazing! Like a party in my mouth. A dash of sweet, a blast of sass…all those flavors zinging my tongue at different times. Cornbread, black beans, chicken, sweet potatoes, corn, plantains, tomatoes and cheese along with a healthy dollop of a chipotle infused cream cheese. This is the half sized portion, which really was a good size for lunch. Drool alert! 

Coyote Kitchen Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Laos Boat…party in my mouth!

What’s your heat scale? Raging inferno, fully involved, or simmering sweetly on the back burner?

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

Coyote Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Excited about Eating by Ernie & Dora Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 7 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us on a road trip to Wilkesboro, NC and to Dodge City Steakhouse, a locally owned restaurant serving hand-cut steaks, chicken, ribs, pasta, and sandwiches. Now to most NASCAR fans, Wilkesboro brings up memories of North Wilkesboro Speedway, which hosted NASCAR races from 1949 to 1996, but it is also the second location of Dodge City Steakhouse.

Dodge City Steakhouse Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Limited hours and ALWAYS jammed when we drive by. Glad we finally decided to stop.

Dora here. Every time we’ve passed this place during their opening hours (which are limited to four days a week), the parking lot is packed. I’m glad we finally decided to stop. This place is ginormous with ample space for hosting large parties.

Ginormous inside with ample space for hosting large parties

I chose the 12oz. New Orleans Sirloin with a loaded baked potato and a side Caesar salad. The New Orleans meant special spices that added a little kick to the meat, and the loaded potato came with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and butter. Although I ordered the steak medium well (a slightly pink center), it came out a little overcooked. Even so, that did not hide the zesty flavor. The baked potato was cooked just the way I like them, with a hard outer skin and soft inside.

Dodge City Steakhouse Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Dora here. I almost felt bad for Ernie because my steak tips were a perfect medium well, with just a touch of pink, and tender. Mmmm. The veggies were well seasoned and firm, and oh-so-good! Drool-worthy, yes? I don’t order a baked potato very often, but when I do, this is exactly how I want it. Salted on the outside with plenty of butter and sour cream. 🙂

Dodge City Steakhouse Excited about Eating Ernie Hiers

Steak Tips a perfect medium well and those veggies were oh-so-good!

What’s your favorite type of potato?

We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family restaurant serving great food.  If that steak would have come out medium well, it would have been a 5.