Midtown Mondays!

Robata Ramen and Yakitori Bar

My obsession with oriental food is something serious. I never would have guessed from a first glance that his place served this kind of food. The restaurant itself is a cute little yellow house enclosed inside a white picket fence. I once saw an article going around listing the best patios in Memphis. I never read it, but I would be pretty surprised if this place didn't make the cut.  I don't really know what constitutes a patio being the best, BUT I do know that I found this patio to be pretty dang awesome! It had a fantastic view and because of the picket fence and porch with swings on it, you almost felt like you were in the comfort of your own home. It was quite charming and very peaceful. No joke- I think this is my new favorite place. Cal gets on to me because he says I say that about everything, Ha-ha! So I apologize if I have said that about every place I’ve tried, but that's just midtown for you! They make it really hard to complain around here. ;)

When I looked them up online, after being enticed by their vibrant yellow walls, I saw that they served Japanese food. I even saw some curry dishes which made me light up! What I love about this kind of food is the flavors.  They use a lot of spices and herbs that can pack a nice punch. The only downside I have to say is the sodium. I did notice some swelling in my hands after eating here. Unfortunately that is something that is very common in a lot of Japanese/Thai places though, especially when you order soups. (Which I did) so just be mindful of that and drink lots of water! My sisters dish pictured above^^ was a rice based dish called takana yaki-meshi. It had pork, fishcake, egg, mustard greens, and red ginger! She let me have a bite and even though I found it to be very flavorful it did seem that the sodium content was a lot less. We both highly recommend this one!:)

As an appetizer we ordered the fried squid legs. Yeah, Im weird like that:) But I liked it! A little chewy, but had lots of flavor-especially with their 'chili sauce' that tasted a lot like siracha:)

Haha! Kat wasn't so sure about it at first, but she took it like a champ! 



I had to order their plum wine since it was fitting to where we were eating. Im not a fan of sweet wine though, and this tasted like pure apple juice. However, if you are a fan of sweet wine/apple juice then this is right up your alley! If not, then just stick with one of their local beers brewed here in memphis. You can never go wrong with one of those!

 Now for my dish! I ordered the robata original ramen. I decided to go with the ramen instead of the Yakitori because I’m not a huge fan of chicken (I’m so weird I know!) and even less a fan of anything skewered. (Ha I get weirder by the minute) I have no idea why, I just don't. BUT I love a good ramen soup! Mmmm...I mean look at all that goodness. I chose the Miso Tonkotsu style ramen which is a pork based broth topped with a marinated boiled egg, green onion, red ginger, kikurage, and bean sprouts. I added kimchi for extra probiotics. Once again be mindful of the salt, but other than that there is a lot of nutritional goodness going on here so give it a shot!:)

Some more pics

Today.

Today is stunning. Seriously, it's a gorgeous day. My child and I can't get enough of it. I love spring so much. I was once asked by a friend which one I liked more- spring or fall?  I have to say spring,  hands down. Fall is cozy and exciting, but spring is so unbelievably refreshing. After months of cold weather and cloudy days, nothing rejuvenates my soul better than sunshine and clean air. 

I was also reminded by a sweet friend of mine about a special event that took place today; my engagement:) 

One of the greatest days. Maybe this is why I'm a little bias to spring;) 

3 years ago today, Calvin proposed to me on the mud island ampitheater, where three years prior to that we fell in love at a concert. As I walked up I saw my family slowly come out- even my family members from Alabama. Ahhh.. It was perfect. Thank you babe. I love you with all my heart. XOXO

Midtown Mondays!

I went from being completely solo last monday to having not just my sister, but both my parents join me this week. I have no shame in dining alone-its actually kind of nice sometimes. But its without a doubt, such a treat to have my sister and parents want to get together and try a new restaurant with me! I don't get to see them that often so I genuinely enjoyed this:)

Local on the square 

This week we tried local on the square. I have heard so many people rave about this place that when my sis called and told me to meet them there, I was thrilled. The only negative thing I have ever heard about local is their prices. They are a little high, but you really are getting what you pay for. My sis explained to me that they are a fine dining type restaurant combined with a pub style atmosphere. Perfect combo if you ask me!:) Also, the proportions are pretty hefty so that makes the prices seem more reasonable as well. Oh, and it was straight up delicious. Ill let the pics do the talking:)

Some pics to drool over..

We started off with the bbq duck quesadilla. Once again, I find the whole fine dining/gastro-pub combo to be quite brilliant! I mean duck and a quesadilla? yes please.

My dad then ordered a second appetizer. I love eating out with my parents, because they always want to try different things. These were the philly eggrolls. I split one with my sister. Ive never been big on philly cheesesteaks so I preferred the duck quesadillas over this. It was still tasty though! just a little too rich for me.

My entrée!:) I ordered the pork osso bucco. If you don't like meat then this is obviously not for you. But I happen to love meat and THIS was right on point. It was served over a bed of cheesy polenta and some kind of flavorful almost spicy sauce. The sauce you see over the pork was a horseradish sauce. That was actually what caught my eye on the menu. I love horseradish! Oh and my beer was a Memphis made dark brew with subtle hints of coffee. yum!

My dads order: shrimp and grits.

Lobster pot pie was my sis entrée! look at that flaky crust:) I didn't get a pic of the inside, but the lobster was nice and hearty!

sometimes a fork and knife just wont do:)

aren't they lovely! :)

random pic, but midtown was extra beautiful today. I had to snap a pic!


 So that's local in a nutshell! If your in the mood for good food, hearty dishes, and local beer then this is your place. If the weather is right, then I totally suggest the back patio. We enjoyed our lunch with fresh air and a good view of midtowns peaceful scenery. ahhh, so refreshed:)



Weekend in Alabama.

 

 

 

 

^^THIS PICTURE.^^

oh, how this picture makes my heart so happy. We finally made it to Alabama this weekend to visit my family and meet my sweet, oh so sweet, 3 day old niece. It was a perfect visit.

 

My Favorite Moments:

 

• Having girl talk with my mom the whole way down. We dont get quality time like that anymore so that was really nice:)
• As soon as we got there rob leaped into Papas arms. A huge deal considering how shy he usually is!
• Watching him play with mawmaw and papa. They stayed up with him the first night until about 11. Rob showed them some of his soccer skills and even rode his bike for them around the living room. He was in heaven.
• Waking up to the smell of fresh breakfast and coffee in the morning. I even woke up one morning to find Rob already at the table! Mawmaws biscuits and gravy will wake anyone from a slumber...some sooner than others;) I think he woke up at 5 that morning. whew!
• Going to the park. Seriously, the photos below just don't get any cuter! Oh and at home dad, papa, and rob all rode their bikes together in the driveway. It was so cool witnessing that. I feel so blessed to say my grandfather, dad, and son got to have that moment. :)
• Getting to visit and talk to my mawmaw. Her strength is so inspiring. She just started her 2nd round of chemo but never once lacked spirit or enthusiasm. toughest woman I know! I love her with all my heart.
• Family walks around the neighborhood. Rob rode his bike the whole time. He even learned how to pull to the right if a car was seen in the distance. and boy did he take that rule seriously! every time he saw a car sitting in someones driveway, he would pull over. lol. Im learning how literal 2 year olds are!
• and last but not least, meeting my sweet little niece. Shes 3 days old and is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. Her tiny body and angelic face was the perfect ending to our trip. Congratulations Lauren and Jason! I couldn't be any happier for your precious family. I love yall!! XOXO



 

 

 Some pics