Pizza Haus

Well if you read my blog the other day you know my husband is obsessed with his Stromboli from Evansville and finding the same thing in other parts of Indiana. So we ran up to Pizza Haus for lunch one day. It is a cute little place right in the middle of downtown Batesville. 

Eric of course ordered the Stromboli which again was not exactly what he was hoping for but still tasted really good. I got the Lojac. The Lojac is corned beef, turkey, mayo, pizza cheese and sauerkraut. It was really tasty as well and something I would order again. We also got fries and onion chips as a side which were good. The only downfall was they have Pepsi. (Dang it pepsi give me my aspartame back) It is definitely somewhere we would go back to next time we are in the area.

The Lojac

The Stromboli 

Lil' Charlie's

Eric's parents had all the kids for a couple days so Eric and I took advantage and went out a bunch. For out first night we decided to try a little brewery in Batesville, Lil' Charlie's Restaurant and Brewery. Now, I have to tell you neither Eric of I drink beer. So don't look for a review of their brew-skies. 

For an appetizer we ordered potato skins. My two favorite foods in this world are potatoes and cheese so this is my jam. They came out with some tangy red sauce, Bull Ram sauce, as well that was good but I am more of a classic girl with the sour cream and salt. Overall they were very tasty. Eric ordered the Jamaican Jerk burger and really liked it. I did get a bit and it was nummy. Definitely an order again meal. I had the fish and chips. It came out as chunks not the fillets I was expecting and it was just okay. There really was not much flavor in them and some were just mostly breading. I would not order them again. The tarter sauce was good and the cole slaw was not good. Fries were delish though. They also have coke products so that was good. I used to be a Pepsi girl but then they went and messed up the diet pepsi. 

Overall we would return. The place was nice and most of the food was good. Being able to sit in the bar area next to where they make the beer was nice. They also have an outdoor seating area which is nice. 

Mmmmmmm potato skins

Jamaican Jerk Burger

Fish and Chips

Mama Rosa's

We decided to check out Mama Rosa's in Batesville for pizza. We posted on our Facebook page where we were and immediately had a few people comment how much they love the food here so that was a good sign. 

We decided on a pizza we could all share and some appetizers of fried onions, french onion soup, and cheese bread. We also got a side of Italian dressing because we were told it was the best. The soup was really good. We were able to try a few bites before Zoey decided it was hers. The onions were good and the bread was really good. Especially dipped into the dressing which was really really good just like we had been told. They also have one of the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines so you can get whatever soda you want. Our pizza was really good as well and we had lots left to take home. I kept trying to dip my crust in the dressing but Eric was a bit protective of it. LOL 

We really enjoyed the brown paper covering for the kids on the table and the bag of goldfish crackers to help the kiddos take the edge off while waiting on food. That is REALLY smart on their part. Also they give you CRAYOLA crayons. That just says so much to me. I hate restaurants that give you crappy crayons that barely color. I know it is a silly thing to obsess over but it is my silly thing. So the nice crayons was a plus in my book. We ended up coming back one more time when the boys came back so they could try it out as well. Everyone was a fan. 

Eric ordered it thin crust. He does love me. 

The fun coloring sheet, GOOD crayons, and goldfish.

The soup before Zoey stole it and our onions. 

Skyline Chili

So Eric wanted to head to Skyline Chili one day for lunch. Okay, sure. I have never been but people say it is good so I was game. We sat down right under a TV because the Olympics were on and it was the synchronized swimming. Zoey is just amazed by it so we sat there so she could watch. She was a bit cranky and wanted no part of the crackers they bring to the table. She wouldn't pick what to eat and was just being a stinker. I was looking over the menu deciding which way to get my chili. While talking about all the cheese some guy had on his Zoey decided her lunch would be a bowl of cheese and cracker. Whatever makes you happy kid. I decided to get my Spaghetti Chili with cheese and onions. Don't ask me what way that was. I don't remember. Eric just got a pain bowl of chili. 

Our food came and Zoey was thrilled with her cheese. Sorry to whoever had to clean up the floor after her. I was thrilled with the pile of cheese on mine. As much as that guy who got extra cheese SOUNDED good it would have made a HUGE mess. I was a bit worried when the waitress asked if I wanted a bib. I said no but worried I should have said yes. I mean even if it wasn't messy Eric would have hated it so that is always a plus in my book. LOL Anyway I dug in and took my first bite. I wasn't sure what to think. It was okay, had a weird taste to it but I kept going. Apparently there is cinnamon and chocolate in it. Now I am as big a fan of chocolate as the next female but apparently not in my chili. I ate it, I was hungry. Eric enjoyed his bowl or chili and Zoey loved her cheese but I can't see myself going there again. I mean sure give it a shot if you have never been. The place was busy and everyone else seemed to like it, but personally it was not for me. At least now I can say I have tried it. 

Zoey loved her bowl of cheese. The cheese was really nummy.

My spaghetti chili plate.

Pizza King

As you know every time we move to a new RV park we hit up a Mexican place for dinner. So we heading into Batesville IN to go to the local Mexican place. We parked and then Eric saw the sign for Pizza King. He got all excited and wanted to head there to see if they had his beloved Stromboli. See he grew up in Evansville eating these Stromboli's at a Pizza King. He has been searching for that certain Stromboli for 17 years. Nothing comes close, nothing is the same. Indiana apparently has a different idea of a stromboli then the rest of the country. So we walked through a field to Pizza King. I was super excited for him hoping it would be it. 

We walked in and of course Zoey didn't want anything on the menu. She even said no to spaghetti her favorite. So we didn't order her anything figuring she could have the garlic bread and share with me. Eric ordered his stromboli and I got one too. Because when someone talks about something for 17 years you have to order one too. Of course about 5 mins after we sat down Zoey pipes in with "Okay I guess I'll have spaghetti.". So I went to go order her one. LOL Snot bucket. Our garlic bread came out and it was really good. Nice and buttery and soft. Delish. Then the stromboli's affrived. I waited holding my breath to see his reaction. He was happy with it but it wasn't 100% the same. Turns out the Pizza King in Evansville is not the same as the Pizza King in Batesville. It was okay though as he was still very happy to have something so close to what he remembered from growing up. I wasn't as impressed. Yes, it was good but just not my cup of tea. 

All in all it was a good meal and we were all happy we went. Well that was until the storm a few days later that came through Batesville. Our RV didn't get any damage thankfully but some others did. We can only attribute it to angering the moving day Gods by not getting Mexican that day. We are sorry. We won't let it happen again. 

The garlic bread.

The long awaited Stromboli. 

Savory Spice Shop

OMG people if you like to cook AT ALL and you are every around Nashville or any of their other locations you MUST MUST MUST stop at The Savory Spice Shop. People this place is AMAZING. They have any spice you can imagine and the prices were really good too. You can buy as much or as little as you need which is perfect for trying something out, getting something you only need a little for for a recipe, or buying mass quantities so you can have enough Hot Chicken Spice to last you through the Zombie Apocalypse. 

When you first walk in a super helpful staff member will let you know how everything works if you have never been there. You can taste EVERYTHING. You just put a little in your hand and then can taste it and if you put to much in your hand you just dump it on the floor. LOL Love it! Things are in sections by type, or country, or theme, but make sure you look over it ALL to find some really hidden gems in there. We love that you can get bottles or bags because bags take up WAY less space and we all know space in a RV is precious. I could have spent hours in there trying and smelling everything but not everyone was as keen on sitting there waiting for me. So I will have to find another one in another location and go alone. 

 I ended up with a LARGE bottle of Hot Chicken Spice, a bag of poppyseed, garlic powder that is AMAZING, some real cinnamon, and a bag of black onyx chocolate sugar (yep it it wonderful as the name suggests). My father-in-law got a bag of some Indian spice. There were SO many things I wanted to buy and will have to stop at some other locations in our travels. Though you can also order online. Their website also has recipes on there if you need some ideas and you can submit ideas as well if you make something really yummy.  

The front of the store. See how cute it is? 

Just one example of the many spices they have. See the little bottles? Those are the samples. 

More and more and more......so much yum.

Ashton was the only kid that cared since he loves to cook. Here is him trying the Black Onyx Chocolate Sugar. 

A whole section of just salt and pepper. And Ashton washing his hands. 

Kids got stickers. Everyone loves stickers. 

Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant

When we are heading to a new place I like to hop on Pinterest to see what there is to do in the area. You can see My Pinterest boards here to follow. I have a travel board, food, and one for The Smith Adventures. Anyway, one of the things I had pinned was things to do in Franklin, a cute town outside Nashville. There were a few restaurants I wanted to try out and Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant was high on the list. So when we walked by and it wasn't super busy we decided to give it a shot. 

 Puckett's is a really cute place. It is small and open. there is a stage on one wall where they have live bands play at night. Next to the stage and the opposite wall from the stage is the grocery store part. In the back is the kitchen which is all open and you actually have to walk through the side of it to get to the bathrooms. There is also a little bar next to the kitchen and grocery wall. The decorations are really cute and it was a really comfortable atmosphere. 

 We looked over the menu and everyone was pretty much in agreement on food choices. Other then my mother-in-law who got a burger there were only 2 other things ordered. The other adults got Hot Chicken (Hey we are in Nashville you have to), and the kids got Chicken and Waffles. None of us had ever had Chicken and Waffles before and I told William he really needed to get them since he has the Vans Chicken and Waffle shoes. LOL He did and the other kids decided they needed to try it too. The food was really good and the kids enjoyed their food too. Then it was time for dessert. My mother-in-law ordered the Deep Fried Brownie Sundae. I didn't get a picture because it didn't last long. It was really good and she talked about it all night long. I am pretty sure she is reading this now wishing she was back there to have another one as her meal. :) 

 We really enjoyed out time there and I would recommend stopping by to grab some food, have dessert, or just come listen to a band play. You won't be disappointed. 

The view of the back wall. 

The stage where bands preform and the cold section of the grocery store. 

The kids' Chicken and Waffles. It was HUGE. No one finished. Shockingly Ashton ate the most. 

The hot chicken. 

Blank space where dessert picture should be. LOL

Loveless Cafe

As we got to the end of the Natchez Trace we were all getting hungry. We were not sure where to go and we had no GPS so we just headed to Nashville. We figured we would just go look till we found something. Eric saw a sign for a gas station so we turned that way figuring we would get some drinks and a snack. Well we took the turn and there it was. The Loveless Cafe. I had this on my Pinterest board to go eat at and we had seen it on TV before. All Eric had to hear was that they claimed to have the best biscuits and he was parked in the parking lot.

We had about an hour to wait till we were able to get seated so we went to walk around. We stopped in this little shop there and 3 of the kids got these bacon suckers everyone was walking around eating. Zoey got the chocolate covered one. I tried it. Ummmmm what are people thinking? It was nasty. It tasted like sweet bacon bits. No thanks. The kids liked them though and everyone else seemed to so whatever. I just won't be doing that again. I got a few homemade caramels and they were good. Little Eric has this HUGE oreo rice krispy treat that was super yummy and gooey. 

Sitting in a rocker next to daddy. 

We had to hid in the car for a bit because it was poring but it stopped just before it was our turn to get seated. Shortly after we sat down the famous biscuits came out. There were more on the plate but everyone grabbed them before I could snap a picture. You can tell I had to take this picture fast before they were all gone. The biscuits were good. Eric said they were not the best he had ever had but they were up there. William said it was defiantly worth the wait and he HATES waiting. The jams though....OH. MY. GOSH! That apricot one there was THE BOMB! I could have eaten the whole thing. 

The famous biscuits after the kids grabbed them all.

It didn't take long for the food to come out and it was very good. We all enjoyed it and ate it up. It was definitely worth the wait and the drive out there. Eric managed to order dessert though I am not sure how he had any room in his belly.

My dinner. Chicken fried steak, gravy, sweet potatoes, and the BEST hashbrown casserole I have had in a LONG LONG time. 

Eric got 3 meats. He choose hot chicken, meatloaf, and bbq pork. He said it was all very good. You can see he got the hashbrown casserole too and green beans. 

Little Eric of course got a buffalo chicken sandwich. The kid is 90% hot sauce and chicken. 

The dessert. Pecan Pie. Once again people could not wait for me to get the picture first. It had a touch of cinnamon in it and it really made a difference. I will have to do that from now on when I make pecan pie. 

Overall we really enjoyed our meal. They were really helpful with Ashton's peanut allergies and made sure we knew all the precautions and what might be cross contaminated. The wait staff was good as well and they were always moving. There is quite a wait even at 3 in the afternoon so if you want to go, go early or expect to wait quite a while. I think it is worth the wait though. The atmosphere is great and I wish the rain had held off so we could have looked around more. We planned to walk more after dinner but by the time we were done we were stuffed and not in the mood to walk around. 

Hot Chicken and Cupcakes

So our first full day we ran up to Franklin. Eric had a massage and then we were going to head to the downtown Franklin area. Well, parking was hard to find and there was no way I was going to parallel park the massive van so we changed plans and went back to where all the main stores are to eat. We decided to try Bishop's Meat and 3 since they had Hot Chicken, a Nashville area staple, and boy were were glad we did. It is some of the best food we have had in a while. I will warn you though their hot is HOT. Both Eric and Eric ordered hot as they always do and both said it was to much. I was glad I stuck with medium. I got a breast and the skin was so crispy. I usually am not a white meat fan but this was really good. The boys got tenders and it was crispy as well. I didn't try the mac and cheese but that was because Zoey ate it all before I could. I had carrot souffle because it sounded interesting and I could have eaten the whole pan!!!! Think sweet potato casserole but better!!!! We will be back before we go for sure. Trying to convince the family to go on a Tuesday so I can get Liver and Onions.  Yep, I love liver.

Ashton got fried chicken, mac and cheese, and pinto beans. Loved it all.

Eric got HOT hot chicken and green beans. He said the beans were really good. 

William got fried chicken and chicken and dumplings which was excellent as well.

Zoey's KIDS meal! Fried chicken, Mac and cheese and cornbread muffin. 

My medium hot chicken, cornbread, and carrot souffle! OMG I could eat a whole pan of it!

Their menu for the week You can also find it in the link above. 

After dinner the kids begged to go next door to GiGi's Cupcakes. We went just to look but they had buy 5 cupcakes get one free. It was like a sign since there are 6 of us. So without being quite sure how we would manage to fit them in our stomachs we all ordered one. They were nice and moist and came with lots of frosting. Eric remembered the proper cupcake eating method and so some of us followed it. We took the bottom of the cupcake off and put it on top making an icing sandwich. Mmmmmm Me and my rolls were happy.

In case you didn't guess. Zoey got a princess cupcake. 

William got white Midnight Magic and so did Eric

They had no peanut ones today so we gave it a shot and Ashton got Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 

Eric got Midnight Magic Chocolate Chip

I got Chocolate Salted Caramel

Cocina Real

As I mentioned our tradition last year when we were traveling was to go out for Mexican each time we got to a new place. So we figured no better way to kick off traveling again then getting Mexican.

We were a bit worried there would be nowhere to get food as we are in the middle of nowhere. However I asked the front office if there was a Mexican restaurant close and he pointed us to this AMAZING little place. Of course close by is a relative term here. It was 30 mins away in the nearest town but well worth the trip.

  William got the usual, burrito, soft taco, rice, and beans. Eric got his usual, a cheese quesadilla and rice. That kid is so picky. Ashton went with a burrito with rice and beans and Zoey got pizza rolls. Hey, she's 3. I got some steak pieces that were smothered in cheese, onions, and bacon. OMG it was delish. It was a lot of bacon and other was nice and big, crispy chunks. Eric got strimp tacos. He enjoyed his meal but also enjoyed quite a bit of mine. ;) The beans were really good. Nice and fresh tasting. The chips were good and the salsa wasn't half bad either.

We all really enjoyed it and Eric has gone back 2 times already. A must stop if you are hungry for some Mexican in Lawrenceburg TN.

                                                      My steak smothered with bacon, cheese, and onions.

                                                                            Eric's shrimp tacos

Christmas Eve

So The Hubby's parents came down to visit over Christmas. They rented a condo on the water a bit south of us. Beautiful views and it even had two bedrooms so the boys could spend the night!

Our family has some Christmas Eve traditions. One of them is we go out for seafood dinner. This year we went to Captain Geroge's Seafood. We had been to the one in Virginia Beach and one in Williamsburg before but this was our first time at this one. We were there right when it opened so got seated right away. It was nice to have the in-laws there to help out with getting the kids their food since The Hubby had to get all my food too. Cat Boy and Monkey were excited for the crab legs and I lost count of how many I opened for them. Monkey did try and do some himself but it took him FOREVER. The staff was great with Monkey's allergies and let us know what to stay away from. They said some dessert was safe but we always stay away from dessert in case it was cut with a knife that was used with a nut item. The food was nice and hot and was good. We all stuffed our faces. It was nice getting there early because by the time we were really to roll go home it was filling up.

Another tradition we have is after dinner we go look at Christmas lights. We didn't know where to go so we drove around the neighborhoods where the in-laws were staying. My favorite thing was the Santa Duck. Isn't he so cute? We didn't see a lot of houses decorated but some were really done up so they made it worth it.



When we get home it is always time to open one gift. Another tradition. The gift is always a new pair of pajamas. After everyone changes it is time for the last tradition. The Hubby reads everyone The Night Before Christmas. We then put out cookies for Santa and head to bed.