http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/index.html Tuscaloosa Restaurants: Editor's Pick en dan@tuscaloosarestaurant.com (Dan Sullivan) Sat, 10 May 2008 12:44:23 -0500 Sat, 10 May 2008 12:44:23 -0500 http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/images/tuscaloosa_restaurant_header.jpg http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/index.html http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/20.html Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:58:04 -0500 http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/20.html Ken's Downtown Pizza and Grill, located in Temerson Square in Downtown Tuscaloosa, makes a strong showing. The other editor and I went downtown on an Alabama Crimson Tide football gameday weekend. We sat outside in perfect weather with some cold drinks and a delicious late lunch. Ken came out to greet us and make sure everything was OK. We had a great host, cold beverages, a wonderful environment and some of the best food in Tuscaloosa. Man, life is good. I wasn't sure what I wanted to eat so I asked Ken what he thought. He recommended that I have the Philly Cheese Steak Wrap. I wasn't sure if I had ever eaten a wrap before. But I decided to go with it and man was I happy that I did. The meat and cheese melted together into some kind of wonderful flavor and texture party in my mouth. I also had Ken's beer battered onion rings which pleased the editor as well. By this point I was fat and happy after gorging myself on stuffed jalapenos, philly cheese steak, waffle fries, beer battered onion rings, and a few select sampleings from the other editor's plate. Ken's has a very relaxed atmosphere with a great attitude. When you visit Ken's, I would recommend letting your hair down outside (weather permitting). http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/19.html Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:33:10 -0500 http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/19.html Any special occasion will be more special with a trip to one of Tuscaloosa's hidden treasures, Kozy's. Located on Loop Road, Kozy's is a distinctive eatery with a look and feel all its own. From the black and white motif, to the live jazz, you'll know you're in for something different, something good. Whether enjoying an expertly prepared meal or sipping wine at the bar, plan for an enjoyable evening. Our last visit was as pleasing as all the rest. Our server Keith was attentive and knowledgeable. Service is a priority here, as are delicious and inspired dishes. The meal was well paced and not forced. All was good from appetizer to dessert. All of our needs were timely met and anticipated. We definitely plan to go back again. The menu has a nice assortment of staples such as Duck a l' Orange, Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Filet Mignon as well as some interesting chicken, seafood and lamb dishes. While most think of Kozy's as just that, a cozy place for a dinner date, they can also accommodate larger groups with a private dining area. Regardless of the occasion you're sure to want to try Kozy's. http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/18.html Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:00:03 -0500 http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/18.html Being a local restaurant doesn't always imply regional cuisine. Hokkaido Japanese Steak and Sushi Bar, located on 15th Street, is a good reason to stay in Tuscaloosa to enjoy some delicious Japanese fare. While past visits to Hokkaido have always involved sitting at one of the hibachi grills, this last trip had a specific focus, the need for sushi. Don't get us wrong, the grill is the source of some really great food and of course some top notch entertainment, but sometimes it's all about the sushi. (Editor's side note: If going for a first time visit to Hokkaido, definitely sit at the grill. It's incredibly entertaining and great fun for a date or a group.) This visit like all others included first-rate service and a terrific meal. The sushi was tasty, fresh and exactly what we have come to expect from one of our newest favorites. Hokkaido (which is also the name of Japan's northernmost island) isn't just the home of good sushi. They also serve steaks, chicken, lobster and other dishes from the grill. It's a great place for lunch or dinner and somewhere we plan on going back to very soon. http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/17.html Sun, 4 Feb 2007 17:43:24 -0500 http://www.tuscaloosarestaurant.com/Editors-Pick/17.html An evening at Evangeline's, located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria, is an evening that must be had. Their utmost attention to detail, from the truly unique and contemporary decor, to the plate arrangements, to the timing of your meal makes them stand up to any of their metropolitan counterparts. Dine here and you will soon discover why so many others have come to call Evangeline's one of the best places to dine, in Tuscaloosa or anywhere. Our editor's most recent experience was extraordinary. Our server John proved again the high regard to detail by guiding us through our evening for a well paced and relaxing night out. This was a busy evening and we would recommend calling for reservations as we did. We were quickly taken to our seats and immediately greeted by our attentive server. Everything flowed perfectly and our meals were to die for. The dining area is softly lit and open, perfect for an intimate dinner for two or for a gathering of friends. We felt well taken care of and truly enjoyed ourselves. The menu hosts a nice variety of dishes without the usual clutter. They have a nice changing selection of fresh fish prepared to perfection with carefully planned sauces. They also have choices from filet mignon to duck, all with wonderfully thoughtful side dishes, nothing boring or bland to be had here. Evangeline's is much more than somewhere to go for that special occasion, it's a place you'll want to be any night of the week. This is where we plan to visit any time we want to be treated specially, whether it's a lunch with our friends or a night to ourselves.