tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78974792012-01-30T21:38:12.576-05:00Photos, local restaurants, recipes, successes and random food-centric posts.Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.comBlogger1801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-21520295627301386022012-01-30T21:38:00.001-05:002012-01-30T21:38:12.681-05:00

A friend brought me some chili he made ... doctored with a little cheese and toast. Actually, since it has beans it's not technically chili but, I don't correct him. :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-39215274524075555492012-01-15T20:54:00.001-05:002012-01-15T20:54:21.316-05:00

Romaine, radish, and parm ... think it'll work?

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-64235542084333097802012-01-09T19:43:00.001-05:002012-01-09T19:43:10.457-05:00

I do believe this is the best skillet burger I've ever made.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-24787434173480915712012-01-08T21:07:00.000-05:002012-01-08T21:08:00.329-05:00

I've found my new breakfast cereal obsession. And they're little heart shapes. :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-12996401320850153742012-01-05T19:44:00.001-05:002012-01-05T19:44:49.098-05:00

And here I thought Turkey Bacon irritated me ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-71620262709889688842011-12-28T21:12:00.001-05:002011-12-28T21:12:56.254-05:00

Yes ma'am ... I'll have that.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-32785126258790715852011-12-18T10:44:00.001-05:002011-12-18T10:44:08.995-05:00

I just felt dozens of my ancestors whirling in their graves ... I put cream in my pot of grits :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-87572488942145154502011-12-03T13:25:00.001-05:002011-12-03T13:25:16.344-05:00

I have a few TV shows to catch up on, and it's chilly outside, so today's lunch is popcorn. Being an adult is great ... Popcorn for lunch, maybe cookies for supper.  Healthy be damned. :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-80543943502546861852011-11-28T20:37:00.001-05:002011-11-28T20:37:02.675-05:00

Tomatoes, cream, onion, olive oil, spinach, black pepper ... cold night tastyness.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-31415818766069859272011-11-05T14:32:00.002-04:002011-11-05T14:41:14.144-04:00

I met up with my friends Ellen and Greg to go see another friend's play up on the Square in Marietta.After the play (Congrats, Bronwyn!) we decided to walk over to E&G's favorite coffee shop, Cool Beans for a cup. And of course, lively gossiping. :)Well as you can see, we didn't limit ourselves to just a cup ... red velvet cake at 10:30 at night ... being responsible is for the birds.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-72572826103061443682011-10-30T11:28:00.001-04:002011-10-30T11:28:23.303-04:00

Murder!  Actually, just the leftover from biscuits and blackberry jelly ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-37728316010282395402011-10-16T11:48:00.005-04:002011-10-16T12:11:59.850-04:00

Last week while shopping at The Fresh Market in an I-don't-feel-all-that-good-so-I-need-to-treat-myself mood, I ran up on a little brown bag in the freezer section. Such provincial packaging always catches my eye, so I picked one up. As it turns out, inside that brown bag were these lovely little squares of savory biscuit goodness! Made by Callie's Charleston Biscuits out of Charleston, SC,

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-63582389713793622922011-10-06T18:32:00.002-04:002011-10-06T18:36:08.194-04:00

On a recent work trip to Richmond, I found myself eating (and drinking) quite well, mostly in and around a neighborhood called Carytown. For those of you in Atlanta, think along the lines if Little 5 Points and The Highlands had a baby that had loads of historical charm ... PICTURES: The Hard Shell Seafood CompanyMekong VietnameseDeluxand, a seasonal apple/champagne drink at Can Can ~RBS

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-21169120771183431092011-10-01T23:31:00.005-04:002011-10-01T23:48:03.000-04:00

America's Test KitchenI've been watching for years - I appreciate the methodical testing environment and yes, even Christopher Kimball's oddball humor.These folks know their stuff - and the sister program, Cook's Country, is just as good! Locally, it's shown Saturdays in the early afternoon. Not many a Saturday passes that I don't watch. :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-89452678933552715822011-10-01T22:33:00.001-04:002011-10-01T22:33:27.263-04:00

Of a few of my favorite things ... dim sum, cut fruit, and cookies.  ~RBS

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-72153341757267040342011-08-30T19:34:00.001-04:002011-08-30T19:34:04.003-04:00

That's it.  Made me happy. 

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-26252141931311456922011-08-18T17:59:00.001-04:002011-08-18T17:59:22.473-04:00

Ordered a cake for a friend's birthday last weekend from Jolie Kobe ...fantastic ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-41140093125686842012011-07-13T18:49:00.001-04:002011-07-13T18:49:51.198-04:00

Today was one of those days ... I feel a little haggard.   So ... chocolate muffins to the rescue ... kinda like Calgon, please take me away ...  :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-39907514874665700682011-07-07T12:42:00.001-04:002011-07-07T12:42:24.220-04:00

Visiting family, noticed Mom had this on her kitchen table. Not a fruit bowl, a tomato bowl.   They're technically fruit.  ;)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-87387599195170716272011-06-25T13:38:00.001-04:002011-06-25T13:38:25.709-04:00

Just a few pics from last weekend's trip to my parent's in the country.     Taters, maters, hens, and a goat ... garden time on the farm!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-91280567020493516502011-06-20T22:55:00.001-04:002011-06-20T22:55:58.666-04:00

I spent a long weekend visiting family, and found myself at my nephew and niece's Vacation Bible School closing night - which also included a good old fashioned church social dinner. Here are some photos of the dessert table (which was particularly fantastic) and just for good measure I threw in a shot of Mom's egg salad sandwiches. Of course, made with eggs from her own hens.  :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-57544030133367953902011-06-18T22:20:00.001-04:002011-06-18T22:20:30.333-04:00

A seek peek at the kind of weekend I'm having... #VISITTHECOUNTRY

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-7603789284024395512011-05-24T19:50:00.001-04:002011-05-24T19:50:04.853-04:00

Salt and vinegar pork rinds (with a pretzel back) at Holeman and Finch ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-48395275952925747822011-05-06T23:53:00.001-04:002011-05-07T10:30:38.982-04:00

I went to an Engagement Party Cookout tonight (congrats Jen and Lyle!) and, aside from the fantastic BBQ, salads, corn on the cob and, booze, my friend Carrie's cake pops were the stars of the evening. Well, food-wise anyway. The lucky couple were stars, too (again, congrats Jen and Lyle)! And much to my surprise, as I was walking out the door my friend met me with a going-home giftie ... two

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-34060272767195737102011-05-02T22:00:00.001-04:002011-05-02T22:00:37.826-04:00

The kind folks at the Japanese resto up the street surprised me with a treat in my to-go order tonight!    I believe the name is "sata andagi", meaning "deep fried sugar" but I could be wrong.   As far as I'm concerned, it means "deep fried tasty goodness".

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-87648059062380595152011-04-22T21:29:00.005-04:002011-04-22T21:48:29.500-04:00

Grindhouse Burgers1842 Piedmont Avenue NEAtlanta, GA 30324http://www.grindhouseburgers.com/The buzz about town for nearly a month and a half now has been "when is Grindhouse opening over near Morningside? It's been like, forever, you know?"Well finally this week, it opened. And I met a friend for lunch on their second open day.Retro doesn't begin to describe the decor, from the whole 60s

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-83818810313220203902011-04-22T21:25:00.001-04:002011-04-22T21:27:47.494-04:00

Really? Sea salt on Saltines?

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-28937481718356404142011-04-17T19:04:00.001-04:002011-04-17T19:04:53.505-04:00

... but totally worth it when the result is pasta with crispy Bacon!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-51461179599485154952011-04-16T11:54:00.001-04:002011-04-16T11:54:30.127-04:00

Dear The Fresh Market,    You don't have to upsell me. I'll buy anything with this sticker on it.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-45334414249962706492011-04-12T17:20:00.000-04:002011-04-12T17:21:01.196-04:00

Took a break from my morning work schedule to fashion myself a little ham and egg sammich ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-9955268219841120822011-04-11T10:51:00.001-04:002011-04-11T10:51:54.883-04:00

A friend recently gave me this ... third cooky/foody/eaty book I've been given in the past year ...   Score!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-4057308794911364432011-04-10T22:10:00.001-04:002011-04-10T22:10:25.235-04:00

Anybody care for some bacon? And maybe a couple of eggs?

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-52789048838077211262011-04-01T16:24:00.001-04:002011-04-01T16:24:48.829-04:00

Escargot, brie, scallops, and crepes.  Washed down with beer ... great vacation lunch ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-62110644449993544172011-03-27T18:19:00.001-04:002011-03-27T18:19:58.782-04:00

It's the simplest, creamiest, tastiest supper you can imagine.   A pound of pasta, 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, 4 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 pound of prosciutto, 1 cup garden peas, 1/2 cup of parm.    Boil the pasta until just under al dente (still kinda firm). Heat cream and butter to a simmer in a large skillet.  Add julienned prosciutto, peas, and pasta and cook on high heat until the pasta is

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-83962176710376534382011-03-21T12:28:00.000-04:002011-03-21T12:29:46.307-04:00

I can have pancakes for lunch, can't I?

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-37662531026821787042011-03-05T11:23:00.001-05:002011-03-05T11:23:54.521-05:00

Because sometimes, you just need a double-decker sausage bagel with egg...     It's rainy, cold and awful outside.  I needed this!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-30258031230947184352011-03-03T19:26:00.001-05:002011-03-03T19:26:20.242-05:00

I'm not sure what's wrong with me, or what nutritional mark I'm missing, but I'm craving bananas like crazy. I've had four in three days.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-65699626341775651152011-02-26T10:33:00.001-05:002011-02-26T10:33:44.002-05:00

D*mn.   Yes, it's only sandwich bread and not a good baker's loaf but still. Don't step away when toasting, kids!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-90672713219138882382011-02-19T10:00:00.001-05:002011-02-19T10:00:38.946-05:00

Saturday morning.  Big ol' country breakfast.  Now I'm nap-ready.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-75335456633448581062011-02-15T12:26:00.001-05:002011-02-15T12:26:35.665-05:00

Oh dear. My yearly Girl Scout Cookie order is in ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-36008837590824237142011-02-12T19:30:00.001-05:002011-02-12T19:30:52.194-05:00

The laptop-in-the-kitchen-for-music ?? I'm finding I do it more and more. Not only do I have my iTunes library available but I also have recipe-Google-ing right at my fingertips!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-90938168747235642272011-01-21T22:41:00.002-05:002011-01-21T22:58:34.609-05:00

A couple of years ago, some good friends convinced me to meet them at a fried seafood palace called Bay Breeze out in Mabelton. I was skeptical but, hey, you can't mess up fried seafood and I loved it. Here's the link to my original post:http://smileyeats.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-at-least-for-me-take-on-hushpuppie.htmlSo tonight, I traveled out to the burbs to meet friends at yet another

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-88940820923495682082011-01-11T21:51:00.001-05:002011-01-11T21:51:16.187-05:00

Best thing about being stuck in the house for two (so far- probably three) days due to a freaky snow/ice storm is cooking.  Without any real reason to cook, except being bored. Today's let's-cook-something was a pot of chili. With white corn cornbread... cause we didnt have yellow corn meal!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-58092691738042550492011-01-01T20:17:00.001-05:002011-01-01T20:17:52.467-05:00

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-31726541163944532722010-12-27T20:56:00.001-05:002010-12-27T20:56:51.129-05:00

Hated leaving the family to come home & back to work, but bringing Mom's Brunswick Stew back eases the pain...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-9740002879241822902010-12-18T20:10:00.003-05:002010-12-18T20:38:31.783-05:00

One of my favorite things in life is the unplanned "let's-eat-drink-and-feast" meal. You know, you set out to do one thing - in this case, Christmas shopping - and wind up doing nothing but eating and drinking.It happened to me last week when I was headed to have "just a drink after work then we're going shopping" with a friend and the next thing I knew, I was headed home at 9:30pm having done no

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-27083464628733979852010-12-12T18:02:00.003-05:002010-12-12T18:07:02.809-05:00

I went to a friend's cocktail Christmas party the other night and these cupcakes and this candy dish caught my attention ... naturally.I'm still wondering where he found this old timey candy! My Dad LOVES this stuff.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-13203971521062970522010-12-08T18:47:00.001-05:002010-12-08T18:47:23.121-05:00

Anyone who's ever read this blog knows I'm no baker.  There's too much measuring and "preciseness" to it. But I'm trying to change, really I am. Here's my first attempt at cookie baking - oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-39830461814482650782010-12-02T19:20:00.001-05:002010-12-02T19:20:23.102-05:00

A little salt. A little pepper.  3 minutes per side. Mmm. Steak night!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-32016557027632569392010-11-29T08:49:00.001-05:002010-11-29T08:49:51.730-05:00

It's the last of the Thanksgiving Ham... but used for ham & eggs!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-88887762675827952062010-11-25T08:24:00.001-05:002010-11-25T08:24:25.220-05:00

Mama's making Thanksgiving morning biscuits...  :)  I'm a happy son!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-69939664429903095122010-11-24T16:00:00.001-05:002010-11-24T16:00:46.614-05:00

From my Mom's chickens...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-52870682842087254252010-11-23T13:50:00.001-05:002010-11-23T13:50:10.983-05:00

Sometimes, it's a joy to come to the office. Especially when the nice lady you know bakes a cake  :)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-51158887634360660252010-11-22T19:01:00.001-05:002010-11-22T19:01:16.755-05:00

I'm trying not to buy food because I'm going out of town for a few days but THIS is ridiculous!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-80050679717672074402010-11-20T20:51:00.000-05:002010-11-20T20:52:02.758-05:00

A little Dutch cocoa... a little hot milk... mmmm, goodness

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-72133397099727400312010-10-23T15:04:00.000-04:002010-10-23T15:09:09.650-04:00

While strolling through the aisles of international snack foods at the Buford Highway Farmer's Market, this little gem jumped out.Everyone says, Good Good Eat!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-62326778156250800622010-10-05T14:18:00.000-04:002010-10-05T14:23:30.570-04:00

Went to the Yumbii truck today for lunch. (Follow them on Twitter at @yumbii or on Facebook) Is there such a thing as "gourmet" tacos? If so, these were they - chicken or/and pork tacos, pork sliders and sesame fries. If not gourmet (which* I* think by definition they are) then, the Yumbii truck definitely puts out a unique taco! Made the couple of blocks walk on a nice fall day so worth it!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-84398106705028190412010-10-01T09:41:00.000-04:002010-10-01T09:42:16.840-04:00

Sad day. I am not a biscuit maker so I brought some back from visiting my Mom. This is the last one. With eggs - ;) cause it's just wrong to eat only biscuits, isn't it?

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-73082634459439909752010-09-12T19:41:00.001-04:002010-09-12T19:41:54.196-04:00

For a late birthday supper, my friend Ken made me peach ice cream. Add a few scoops to birthday cake and ... TASTY!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-25488847467081608302010-08-17T10:24:00.000-04:002010-08-17T10:36:11.191-04:00

So I'm on a little vacay with the family this week - lots of Mom-and-Grandma kinda cooking and hopefully, a little rest and relaxation. I started looking through my Mom's cookbook shelf and I ran across the cookbook from our first microwave - a big old Tappan from 1979. Ew. I know it was all the rage but the thought of cooking a roast in the microwave, or (as you can see in one of the photos)

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-1453188891526960392010-08-07T22:02:00.000-04:002010-08-07T22:04:58.922-04:00

I love it when dinner gets made on a whim. One of those "hey I'm hungry aren't y'all hungry let's make dinner" kinda things. I was hanging with some friends this afternoon and just exactly that happened. We wound up making braised (ok, not a REAL braise) brussel sprouts with bacon fat and butter, roasted new potatoes, and watermelon salad with feta, basil and lime juice. Oh yeah - and some

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-32627259435052671502010-07-25T11:20:00.000-04:002010-07-25T11:22:42.899-04:00

I SO don't want to go out today. It's already darn near 90 degrees and not even 11am! But, the freezer is bare. I have only a few Trader Joe's items (some brown rice, herbs, french bread), one box of frozen veggies, grits, and a bunch of white freezer. I don't like seeing the bottom of my freezer. I like seeing lots of tastyness in there! This heat is oppressive. When *I* don't want to go

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-17967151646329628112010-07-05T20:36:00.000-04:002010-07-05T20:39:19.566-04:00

Is it wrong to crave (and make, and drink) hot chocolate in July in Atlanta?Thanks to watching a repeat episode of the Simpsons in which Marge served hot chocolate with marshmallows, I developed a wicked craving.So, a little milk, a little chocolate, a little heat, and a little while later ... Hot Chocolate in July!Now to turn the a/c down a few degrees and pretend it's November ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-82657509345220818502010-06-19T10:54:00.003-04:002010-06-19T11:05:25.543-04:00

A few years ago I posted a recipe for my Mom's Peach Cobbler (or, as it states in the recipe, blackberry or any other seasonal fruit). Here's the link to the recipe:http://smileyeats.blogspot.com/2007/04/peachy-keen.htmlRecently I made the trip to my hometown for a family reunion. It's been years since I've been to one and I was excited about seeing family AND, cooking with my Mom. We made a

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-9823112937269127852010-06-05T21:25:00.004-04:002010-06-05T21:51:55.771-04:00

FLIP BURGER BOUTIQUE1587 Howell Mill RoadAtlanta, GA 30318404.352.FLIPwww.flipburgerboutique.comYes - the entire city is stuffed with burger joints. Yes, the foodierati are all voicing their "I'm so over it" disdain.I don't care - I LIKE fancy burger joints.After a quick trip to Star Provisions earlier in the day, a friend and I (someone I can always count on for a

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-61232424502385917302010-06-05T04:27:00.000-04:002010-06-05T04:29:21.608-04:00

There's a number of benefits to living alone - bathroom habits are yours alone, television watching doesn't have to be discussed, quiet time for reading is readily available. And, waking up at 4am on Saturday morning with a wicked craving for scrambled eggs isn't going to disturb anyone. I wasn't dreaming about chickens or food or sex or the movie Alien or sex or golf balls or sex or anything

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-62163243113758895092010-05-24T14:59:00.000-04:002010-05-24T15:04:08.936-04:00

Grabbed some vegetables off the back of an old(er) man's truck this morning. Found me a cucumber - did a little fancy peel and had it for lunch with a little salt and pepper!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-43509312026993179692010-05-11T20:00:00.000-04:002010-05-11T20:02:52.800-04:00

I'm visiting my family in south GA for a few days and I met up with a couple of old friends at the local "pub" for supper. The menu was fairly standard pub fare, so something prompted me to ask the server a few questions - one of which was "What kind of french fries do y'all have"? I swear I heard angels sing when she said "blah blah blah battered blah blah". Battered french fries?? Really?

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-57975084027224186192010-05-05T22:49:00.000-04:002010-05-05T22:56:15.545-04:00

I had supper with some friends tonight. Being Cinco de Mayo, the meal naturally consisted of fajitas and tacos :).My job was prep work - chopping, slicing, sauteeing, etc. And while slicing the peppers I noticed how pretty the red ones were - see photo above.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-80149732358886836982010-04-26T16:26:00.000-04:002010-04-26T16:32:04.140-04:00

Hmmm ... not sure about the "Bitch" line of libations ... I'd be willing to try Bitch Bubbly but I'd prolly have to pass on Bitch Wine.Seems like a line that someone from a "Real Housewives of" show would come out with. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-67820702084998294602010-04-18T20:34:00.000-04:002010-04-18T20:44:54.283-04:00

On a recent trip to Richard's Variety Store (one of the greatest stores in Atlanta) I kept noticing a theme emerging ... Bacon. Lots of bacon-ish items. Strange bacon-ey items.Gummy Bacon, Bacon flavored toothpicks, Bacon Band-aids, Bacon soap and my personal favorite, a bacon car air-freshener!Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-68402689333762597362010-04-11T15:33:00.003-04:002010-04-11T15:38:22.038-04:00

RIP Dixie Carter - in honor of your gift of Julia Sugarbaker, I post this most eloquent of food related tirades:(Julia, speaking to the secretary of an editor at the New York Times after reading an article about southerners who eat dirt)" ... I have been a Southerner all my life, and I can vouch for the fact the we do eat a lot of things down here... and we've certainly all had our share of grits

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-53926090619604788722010-04-10T11:59:00.000-04:002010-04-10T12:04:50.378-04:00

Friday afternoon happy hour on a friend's front porch - or since we're in Atlanta, a friend's veranda. The pollen was low(er), breeze was blowing and Stella was flowing ... not a bad way to end the week! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-86411160480214321522010-03-23T22:00:00.000-04:002010-03-23T22:05:13.730-04:00

Surprise, surprise, surprise! Ok now that I'm done channelling Gomer Pyle, let me share my joy ... a couple of friends of mine have recently been plagued with last-minute, unexpected out of town trips and they've asked me (to which I always accept) to cat-sit for them (Hi Candela! Cute kitty kitty!). Well - as a show of appreciation, I was left a surprise on the kitchen counter when I showed up

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-50254512625096107542010-03-21T11:01:00.000-04:002010-03-21T11:06:27.660-04:00

Drizzling rain outside, a little Peet's French Roast, some good trip-hop on the stereo, and pancakes. I LOVE Sunday mornings ... Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-59035314601373114802010-02-27T20:54:00.000-05:002010-02-27T21:02:38.109-05:00

I won't make any of the obvious "Sublime-tastic" quips that everyone makes about how freaking great the doughnuts are - I promise. But it's difficult - because "sublime" seems to encompass the experience at this DONUT (that's how the marquee is spelled) shop in Tech Plaza on 10th. From a selection of doughnuts like chocolate beignet, orange-tangerine filled, and their popular Big A cream filled

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-47141355009115835292010-02-20T23:26:00.005-05:002010-02-20T23:48:15.482-05:00

About a year ago I was cleaning up my picture folders and posted some one-shot photos that I'd held on to, hoping to dedicate a post to them.It's that time again - spring cleaning, if you will ... here's a few one-shots that didn't get their own post, but so totally deserve to be shared!A few months ago while visiting my family in south Georgia, I got to collect eggs from my sister's hen-house.

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-61944002938932306002010-02-11T13:32:00.000-05:002010-02-11T13:35:45.171-05:00

What do you think? Should lunch be what I'm having today, a turkey club and chips from an in-house deli, eaten at your desk or should you go out for lunch, and get a break from the office? Historically, it works out to about 80% go out and 20% stay in for me. But today I think I'm pretty much forced to enjoy my turkey club and work through lunch ... save, typing this post. :) Sent from my

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-59493990702187341272010-01-31T13:46:00.002-05:002010-01-31T14:05:51.423-05:00

I felt like having eggs for breakfast today but I didn't want just plain scrambled eggs - although I DO love plain scrambled eggs (made with a bit of cream and lots of butter) - so I searched through my refrigerator and found a couple of leftover dinner sausages, a small bit of onion, and asiago cheese. A-HA! I can make a frittata.A frittata is partially scrambled eggs, either plain or with

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-25156243048029523622010-01-16T11:20:00.003-05:002010-01-16T11:34:47.203-05:00

I don't know what it says. I don't know if it's sugar-free, fat-free, trans-free, animal cruelty free, or what (like any of that's ever mattered to me). I don't even know exactly what it's made of.But I LOVE it - years ago, a friend of mine turned me on to the farmer's markets around Atlanta. All kinds of food-stuffs in one place - nearly anything you can imagine. And once, we bought what he

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-8819965577213547052010-01-13T21:01:00.001-05:002010-01-16T10:45:26.957-05:00

These pork rinds, in a case at the Buford Highway Farmer's Market, were about three feet long!In my mind's eye, I'm seeing four kids, one on each side, eating their way to the middle!! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-64861907043759935612010-01-11T11:13:00.001-05:002010-01-11T11:13:54.508-05:00

It's the simplest breakfast, but oh so tasty! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-5253799035967332292009-12-31T09:40:00.000-05:002009-12-31T09:43:56.130-05:00

I found a 40-ish year old picture of my Grandma cooking that has been framed and is hanging on the wall overlooking my kitchen - she's my kitchen guardian!Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-14708124892615396702009-12-13T22:42:00.005-05:002009-12-13T22:59:49.156-05:00

I was watching The Cleveland Show tonight and in one scene, Cleveland's step-daughter, who was incensed at the treatment of a reindeer, offered this gem:"Cruelty to animals is wrong - except when it results in a bacon double cheeseburger."So I started thinking of all the great pro-meat quotes I'd heard and I decided to post a few of them ... enjoy!"Vegetarians, and their Hezbollah-like splinter

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-49926826237411614732009-12-13T11:12:00.000-05:002009-12-13T11:17:06.137-05:00

I used to rail against the "bake vs. fry" bacon debate. I was a vicious advocate for frying - would argue anyone to my point. Then I got older and my keep-a-clean-kitchen neurosis got worse and I learned, much to my surprise, that even though SOME of the crispy-ness is lost, baking bacon provides all of the taste, with virtually NO cleanup except throwing out greasy aluminum foil! Sent

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-31529159907205585902009-12-05T20:01:00.007-05:002009-12-05T20:16:46.302-05:00

Another great Trader Joe's find ... was shopping with a friend the other night and in the "NEW ITEMS" section I ran up on this box. Naturally, anything with chocolate is going to catch my eye but when I noticed these were called "fancies" I did a double take.Basically, it's a Whitman's Sampler for the jet set. A selection of "fancies", all chocolate cups with a ganache and fruit filling ...

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-1921757082291561502009-12-03T19:16:00.000-05:002009-12-03T19:20:21.511-05:00

... you want comfort food. And, on tonight's trip to Trader Joe's comfort food = parmagianno reggiano cheese, crusty bread and a red wine with a pig on the label! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-70225943222559049012009-11-29T23:47:00.004-05:002009-11-30T00:03:23.291-05:00

Or as I like to call it, My Sister's House. The family gathers for Thanksgiving supper and, even with only 9 or 10 people, it's always a feast.And then there's the fresh-from-the-garden-that-day turnips that my Mom and I picked and cleaned and then my Grandma cooked ... TASTY!

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-2682267861678334392009-11-27T16:18:00.000-05:002009-11-27T16:21:42.628-05:00

Take one big old hambone - add darn near every leftover vegetable you can find in the fridge and simmer for a few hours ... My Mama's soup is never the same and always TASTY! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-16696434331540796262009-11-26T12:16:00.000-05:002009-11-26T12:23:50.355-05:00

Man it's good to get back to your roots once in a while!! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-55516048634401646962009-11-24T18:34:00.000-05:002009-11-24T18:36:33.753-05:00

@ my Mama's house, she cooks pork chops for my first night here!! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-90418884946339518462009-11-22T09:39:00.004-05:002009-11-22T09:46:11.122-05:00

Yeah, I know ... your first impression was "eeeewww" and I'd have to agree IF these cupcakes were made from turkey (although I wouldn't put it past someone like Richard Blais to give it a shot). However, they're just cupcakes in the shape of turkeys. :)My Mom and sister put these together for the children in their church to celebrate Thanksgiving. If I'm not mistaken, they're chocolate cupcakes

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-4792393402476607852009-11-19T15:53:00.000-05:002009-11-19T16:02:29.057-05:00

Had lunch today at Bistro Niko, freshly opened in the Sovereign building next to my office in Buckhead.  It's French ... or, French-ish really.  Lots of french-sounding dishes anyway ... raclettes, terrines, tartes, etc.  Wait-staff in vests and jauntily rolled up shirt sleeves (some of them, anyway).  A huge bar with any number of I've-never-heard-of-that bottles in it. It feels like a place

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-4943795300778531252009-11-18T16:30:00.000-05:002009-11-18T16:33:41.432-05:00

And I couldn't be happier! I'm ordering a few items for some other folks, but I may have to get myself a little I-work-hard-so-I-deserve-a-treat prezzie! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-36978085368505445432009-11-14T12:36:00.004-05:002009-11-14T12:47:08.600-05:00

And a great way to celebrate is with a sugar cookie. Festive and easy (not to mention, TASTY), sugar cookies are a staple of Holiday baking and one of the very few baked goods that I am proficient at making. (I've always claimed to be a cook, not a baker)With very little up-front cost (cookie cutters and proper bake ware are a must) you can make these holiday cookies with items you already have

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-64486764078192460312009-11-11T20:16:00.000-05:002009-11-11T20:30:06.680-05:00

Take three slices of leftover pork roast (diced) from two nights ago. Add leftover stir-fry rice and vegetables from last night. Heat through in a non-stick skillet with a bit of soy sauce, olive oil and a couple tablespoons of butter. Cheap-ey cheap-ey ... AND tasty. :) My Mama and Grandma probably just got chills and don't know why ... (They're both REALLY thrifty!) Sent from my Verizon

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-18333010624541028532009-11-10T13:52:00.000-05:002009-11-10T13:59:21.391-05:00

So ... when perusing the ethnic foods aisles, I ran across two items that, well, one that made me giggle and one that just amazed me. Take a gander at (drumroll please) Pigeon Peas! LOL - never heard of 'em but I'm going to try them soon. Also, the big old bag of chitlins (not "chitterlings", thank you very much). Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-18172710478238432112009-11-07T16:35:00.000-05:002009-11-07T16:39:32.983-05:00

All this (apples, bananas, radishes, tangerine, lemons AND a Japanese pound cake) for less than 9 dollars!Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-16834389195681998802009-11-07T14:22:00.000-05:002009-11-07T14:29:05.914-05:00

Had a great supper with friends last night - I thought the table (both before and after food) was simple enough to be elegant - does that make any kind of sense??Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7897479.post-49289624357082083432009-11-07T14:12:00.000-05:002009-11-07T14:15:40.067-05:00

There's no reason an apple should have this much bruising just a day after I bought it!Blasted big box grocery stores!Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Rodney Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13441146054863200227noreply@blogger.com0