Restaurant Reviews By Chef Paul

November 26, 2009

When one faces a “Fork in the Road”, there always awaits an important decision to be made. On this journey the “Fork” in our road will be two eateries in our area. Hopefully this article and the many to follow will help you answer the age old question, “What are we going to have for dinner tonight?”.

Our first stop along the way will be BEEF “O” BRADY’S at the corner of 29th Avenue and 16th Street s in Hickory. Nestled in the corner of a bustling shopping center, “BEEF’S” as it is locally known is an oasis for sports fans and fans of great pub food.

Entering the restaurant, I am pleased to see the support that the restaurant gives local sports teams and schools. In the restaurant business it is so important to give back to the community that is supporting you each and every day you are open. As advertised it does seem to be a family friendly restaurant. The layout of the dining room is great because of the separation of the bar and family area. The atmosphere is one where a Little League Team or a church group would feel comfortable just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of the bar.

Usually pub menus are all alike, a few worn out sandwich ideas and daily specials that are boring and overpriced. The menu at “BEEF’S” was a pleasant surprise full of unique twists on the old favorites. Our smiling and very informative server for the evening was Natalie, and she did a great job. She presented the menu and described the variety of dishes that are offered. Menu choices varied from hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and an array of soups, salads, and sandwiches that would satisfy any palate. Natalie gave us just the right amount of time to make our choices, which means not rushing us to order. The first choice was the Queso Dip and Chips defiantly got our taste buds working. The dip was smooth and creamy with just the right amount of cheese and jalapenos. Served with the dip were freshly fried tortilla chips. Many restaurants get a little too happy with spicy ingredients, but the Florida Gator looking down from the wall seemed to keep his eyes on the food going out into the dining room. My next choice was the “Black and Bleu Burger”. This sandwich was an eye full, a half pound of blackened ground beef, melted bleu cheese, and fresh fried onion rings that made each guest around strain their necks in envy. The beef was cooked perfectly medium, which in my opinion is the only way to pair beef and bleu cheese. I must admit, after these two courses bringing myself to ordering dessert was no easy task.

Finishing off the dining experience was the “Chocolate Eruption Cake”. You have to admit any dessert with eruption as a description has got to be tried at least once. The cake was a chocolate lover’s paradise, loaded with chocolate chips, caramel, and turtle cheesecake it exceeded all expectations. So at the end of this “Fork in the Road”, we made the right call this evening for dinner. So if you are ever in their neighborhood give the crew at “Beef O Brady’s” a try. Keep up the good work “BEEF’S”, very impressed.

Pancho Villa

Pancho Villa has been around for a while, but just recently opened a Hickory location, at 1265 16th Street NE (next to Captain's Galley). These folks are serious about serving authentic Mexican cuisine at affordable prices. Upon entering the restaurant the diner is transported to a quaint village via the gorgeous art work. After being seated, crispy tortilla chips and salsa are served. The salsa was delicious, with just the right amount of cilantro and crushed tomatoes. While looking over the vast selections of dishes we decided to give their margarita a try. Many restaurants pour way too much tequila into this classic drink, and ruin it. But the Panch Villa version was perfect. I enjoy the taste of the lime accented by the salt, not the burn of the tequila.

The menu is typical of most Mexican restaurants in our area with many great choices. The Chili Rellenos sounds great, so I decided to give it a try. Jumbo Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and rice sat high on my plate like three towering mountains. The steam arose from the peppers and filled the immediate area with a wonderful aroma. Many folks will not stray away from the tacos and burritos, but at Pancho Villa you must try the Chili Rellanos.

After the stuffed peppers it was time to try their Flan. This dessert is a main stay on most Mexican menus, probably because it is easy to create and tastes so good. Flan is a baked custard which is usually coated with caramel. Their Flan was light and smooth and cleansed the palate nicely.
I love a no-nonsense restaurant, and Pancho Villa is a great example. Their friendly and professional staff makes the customer feel at home throughout the dining experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to fans of great Mexican food. Good luck Pancho Villa, I certainly will return soon.