Reality Tuesday 2 Cafe': Hebron, Kentucky

My new favorite coffee shop not only serves Fair Trade coffee, delicious espresso drinks and yummy donuts and desserts...it is literally a five minute walk from my doorstep to theirs.

I am convinced this is the way we were meant to live (and how most everyone else in the world does, outside of the suburban U.S.). The ability to walk to the market or your local cafe' is something I greatly enjoy and Reality Tuesday 2 is worth the walk.

My commendation need go no further than to express that they have only been open a few months and I am already on my second frequent buyers' card. Yes...it is that good.

But more than the food and coffee, the staff are always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful in making selections. I've gotten to know more than one of the baristas on a first name basis and I know they like their "regulars".

Speaking of regulars, there's a group of ladies that I'm meeting with for Bible study this summer. Reality Tuesday 2 is graciously allowing us to meet there. For this, I am thankful.

I can't express adequately how much I really want this small business to succeed. I've even volunteered to take care of plants they should put on their patio to make it a wee bit more inviting. The owners are slowly adding to the facility (which is a shared space with the new Hebron campus for Lakeside Church) and it looks more welcoming every time I walk through the door. The reason I feel so strongly about their survival is because I've seen several businesses go in and out of these three strip malls closest to us, and with the exception of sports bars, most fail within a year or two. This little cafe' brings warmth, a relaxing environment and a place for non-liquor seeking folks to congregate and hang out with their friends...something very much needed on this four block area that houses 1 grocery, four take out pizza places, four family sit down restaurants, four fast food chains, two ice cream parlors, a take out wings joint, three sports bars and three liquor stores. Did you notice I said this was a four-block area?

If you're in the Hebron area and you're looking for some great coffee or just a nice place to hang out with a friend or to drink a cup of java and read a book for awhile...stop by and support a locally owned business that in turn supports Fair Trade. Trust me, you'll be glad you did...

And you just might see me there!

Edwardo's Pizza and Subs- Hebron, Kentucky

I have hesitated to write this review...solely because I have had a strong desire to promote local businesses positively. And, admittedly, in the past, I have had positive experiences at Edwardo's. Last Friday night, was not one such experience.

We arrived at a normal time for dinner around 6:30 p.m. When my husband walked in, one server sounded perturbed and blurted out, "I was about to go home!" He apologized (for inconveniencing her I suppose) and she replied, "Oh, no...you're okay." [Pshew! I was afraid we'd done something wrong by expecting to be welcomed into a pizzeria at dinnertime on a Friday night.] Okay...I'll attempt to leave out the sarcasm from this point forward.

The server who did take our orders asked if we were ready...as she walked by our table about 20 feet to the next one. I said I had a question as she walked by and she yelled...from the other table..."Go ahead!" I (not wanting to also yell across the restaurant) waited for her to return to our table. You see, I have this thing about eating out being different from eating at home. One reason I love to eat out so much is because not only do I not have to prepare or clean up after the food, we just all act differently. Yelling from room to room?...I can do that at home.

She arrived back at our table with a disgruntled, "Go ahead...I can multi-task!...I have to."

Now...at this point...if I'd had my wits about me and known of Dale's greeting from the previous server (I wasn't in the building when it happened). I would have said something like, "You know what...it seems you are all a bit overwhelmed tonight...even though there is only us and your table of eight back there...so how about we just pay for our drinks we haven't drank yet and we'll get out of your hair?" My kids would have been mortified...but we would have saved $40 on a meal that honestly just wasn't that good.

We were minus one child and Dale plus the other three each ordered individual pizzas for $5 each. Sure, they were able to have the toppings they liked, but the crust, in Abbey's words, "tasted like pizza buffet crust". Honestly, I tasted her's and I have better memories of Chey Boyardee box mix. Dale's taco pizza was taco meat and cheese...no lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream or anything like other places have served on their versions.

I ordered the house salad for $5.49. Granted, this was not an $8-10 salad like you may order at a finer establishment, but, in my large bowl was about 1/4 cup wilted iceberg lettuce with about a heaping cup of toppings...most of which was bacon. I have had this salad at a previous visit and was looking forward to eating it again. It's precisely why I suggested this restaurant. You live and learn I guess. Given the mood of our server...who told me she was the one to prepare my salad...and that three more tables of patrons had arrived...I didn't complain for fear of upsetting the delicate balance of her equilibrium. She was not pleasant at anytime during our visit and actually bordered on being rude. My husband still tipped his usual 20%, because that's just who he is and from our demeanor, she may have thought we had a wonderful meal.

I did hesitate to review this restaurant because we have had better experiences there and I just don't want to cause harm in any way to someone that's trying to make an honest living. But as Abbey and I ate at a different establishment last night, had a wonderful meal and compared it to the cost of Edwardo's, she so wisely said, 'But sometimes you have to warn people not to waste their money.' So while I write this with a degree of heaviness for the criticism and negativity it contains, I will add that I am hopeful it was just a bad night and that others have enjoyed much better dining at all of the Northern Kentucky Edwardo's locations.

Valley Orchards, Hebron, Kentucky

Rebekah and I were heading out to McGlasson Farms to buy pumpkins earlier today and when we got to the end of Tanner Road, where it meets River Road, I saw signs pointing the way to another Farm Market we've only visited once. I thought I'd give it a try because McGlassons has gotten very expensive in the short span of years since we've lived here. They have a "corner on the market" so to speak. But Valley Orchards has now won me over. 

Their market season doesn't last as long as McGlasson's (or any other local farmer's markets) and that is one reason why I've not often thought to visit. In fact, we pass Valley Orchards every time we drive to Giles Conrad Park and we've often wondered if it is still in use. Abbey and I had some delicious apple fritters there about three years ago but I've never seen it open since. Apparently, we just haven't been driving by at the right time because right now, Valley Orchards has all of the pumpkins, mums, apple fritters and apples you could want. It's actually a little early in the apple season for them, but the owner Marcia Hempfling assured me that there are more to come and that the pumpkins have been quite prolific this year.

You can follow them on their Facebook Page to get updates about when the apples arrive. Prices will vary with demand, but here's what we paid today:

• $4 for 1/2 peck (about 1 gallon or four quarts) of small but beautiful Jonathan apples
• $15 for a 1/2 bushel  (about 4 gallons) of good looking Golden Delicious
• $3 for 1/2 peck of not-so-pretty pears...but who cares what they look like when I turn them into pear butter! They weren't bad or have any soft spots, they're just not the wax-polished kind you find in the store.
• $1 for three very yummy large donut-hole sized apple fritters made fresh
• $5 each for two pumpkins that would be considered "large" in a grocery store. She said they had bigger ones for $8 or $10. I saw some out in the pumpkin patch that looked like I wouldn't be able to carry them.

Valley Orchards accepts cash or check and Marcia said she will give people discounts for larger quantities. For instance, the Golden Delicious were $5 for 1/2 peck. She placed about 4 1/2 of these bags in my $15 1/2 bushel bag. She also estimated (because prices could vary) that a bushel would be about $25!!

Yes...I will be back! Looks like I get to make applesauce this year.

They still have Winesaps, Jonagolds, Honeycrisps and one more variety I couldn't recall to come in over the next few weeks. Check them out, buy local and support the growers you can actually talk to!

Valley Orchards is located at 7029 River Road, Hebron, KY, 41048. They are open weekends 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. On weekdays, you can call them at 859-689-9511 first to make sure they're not out in the field (I just love buying from someone who actually works in the field where the food is grown!).

El Mariachi, Hebron, Kentucky (A Tale of Three Restaurants)

Our daughter, Rebekah, and I were heading out to Florida on her birthday (see post here), so the night before we left, the whole family went to a restaurant of her choosing. El Mariachi was an obvious choice for our Mexican food-loving girl.

As we were dining, I realized I'd eaten at three different locally owned Mexican restaurants in the previous month and had neglected to review them. I guess I just sort of take them for granted. But, I shouldn't. They are not all the same, although their similarities may sometimes prevent me from thinking there are any stand outs.

El Mariachi is the closest Mexican restaurant to us and yet, we have often chosen to drive to others much further away. I'm uncertain why. I think one reason was that only within the last year have they disallowed smoking. Yes, this is Kentucky! And although smoking was limited to the bar, it pervaded the whole store. Well, not anymore.

One other reason for not going there as often has been the expense. It costs Dale and I at least $20 to eat there, but I usually have leftover beans or rice for someone else to enjoy. At that rate of expense though, it would cost our family over $60 for a meal...which is just ridiculous. But...I have two kids that order nachos no matter what Mexican restaurant we go to and at El Mariachi, from 3-7 p.m. all appetizers are half off...including nachos.

So the rundown for our family was this: chicken nachos, bean nachos and a large queso bowl (all half price), a kid's meal of chicken fingers and rice (including drink), Dale's Santa Fe burrito, and Abbey and I shared veggie fajitas with rice (and didn't finish it all), two drinks and tip for $45. I know, still quite a bit of money, but much cheaper than any other birthday dinners we've had in the last year. In fact, when I post the reviews of the other two Mexican restaurants, I think you'll appreciate the cost difference.

I should add quickly that all of the food was delicious too. Sometimes veggie fajitas are covered in corn oil at other restaurants, but not here. I have only two "complaints" and both are more than tolerable...our server was a bit overwhelmed and didn't seem to have a lot of assistance delivering food, with refills, etc. Other visits have been better. And when I ask for water, as I should...in an attempt to avoid pop, it is tap...and not tasty tap either. I've noticed a similar taste in their pop in the past, so I am assuming they do not use a filter. This is easily remedied by bringing my own water from home.

Overall, I have to rate this my favorite locally owned Mexican restaurant in Northern Kentucky right now. I do still love Abuelos (but cost-prohibitive for our family and not locally owned) and On the Border will always be our family favorite, but there are none currently in the Tri-State area.

Next time you're in the mood for a little more authentic Mexican food (Americanized as they all are) come up to Hebron and try El Mariachi. I think you'll like it.

**Two more Mexican restaurant reviews to follow soon**

Tasty Superfood Salad Recipe

Our Hebron Kroger Marketplace is basically my second home. Nary a day passes but what I am there...especially with all of the fresh produce I have gone through recently. Over the last few years our family has looked forward to the yummy samples throughout the store. No joke...there have been some days when there are so many that we can literally eat a light lunch as we walk through the store. 

Admittedly, there are normally very few vegan options in the samples. Imagine my delight yesterday when I found this wonderful salad that they called "Taylor Farms Superfood Salad". At $6.99 per pound, I bought a 1/3 pound container. After eating it for my lunch yesterday, I determined to see if I could duplicate it more cheaply. I don't think my expense was much less, but my version (pictured above) had more organic and raw ingredients and would make enough to feed the whole family. I'll list the ingredients, but there's no real recipe...adjust it as you desire.

Organic baby kale, torn or chopped into bite size pieces. Whole blueberries and organic grape tomatoes. Chopped red onion, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped organic raw cashews, organic raw sunflower seeds...

And Lighthouse Pomegranate Blueberry Vinaigrette. I didn't compare any dressings and this one does have sugar...but it must be nominal or the vinegar counteracts it because it didn't leave me thirsty like I have been experiencing lately when I've even had a small amount of sugar. It doesn't have soy oil or high fructose corn syrup though so I was excited! 

Place all ingredients in a container, including the dressing, cover with a lid and shake until well mixed. This is delicious and the baby kale isn't too chewy (my biggest dislike of kale). The only variation from the Kroger version is that they included edamame, which I left out because I am attempting to avoid soy. Enjoy!

The amazing health benefits of these RAW ingredients include:

• Kale is low-calorie, zero fat, high in fiber, iron, Vitamin K (great for bone health and blood clotting), and is filled with antioxidants. It is an anti-inflammatory food and is also high in Vitamins A and C and calcium. It is a powerful detoxifying food.
• Blueberries are also loaded with antioxidants, but are great for brain health too. They are low glycemic and chock-full of Vitamins K and C, manganese and fiber.
• Red onion is packed with the bioflavenoid quercetin, which is great at scavenging free radicals. This antioxidant is cancer fighting, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It is being studied for its ability to prevent and control intestinal polyps and for suppressing rhinoviruses that are an underlying cause of the common cold. Allicin, also in onions, has been shown to promote cardiovascular health, prevent and treat cancer and reduce high blood pressure. Allicin, may also help people with dandruff because of its anti-fungal properties. The chromium contained in red onions makes it a great food to fight insulin resistance and there is more...but I have additional foods to get to.
• Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamins C, A, and K, plus folate and potassium.They also provide thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. The lycopene and beta-carotene found in tomatoes can make your skin look great and reduce the damage caused by harmful UV rays.
• Raw cashews are a good source of healthy fats, protein and fiber. They are loaded with manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and tryptophan which can help elevate moods, thus combating depression. I recently heard in the documentary, Food Matters, that just one handful of raw cashews a day can significantly decrease the side effects of depression. Yet, in our fat-crazed society...we are overly concerned with consuming the fat. Your choice...anti-depressants or tasty cashews?
• Raw sunflower seeds are the mighty food in this salad. Don't let their tiny size fool you. Sunflower seeds have a high oil content that is a good source of polyunsaturated fats. They are also overflowing with Vitamins E, B1 and B6, manganese, copper, tryptophan, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and folate.
• Edamame (optional) in only a one cup serving has at least 6% RDA of all the nutrients you need, except Vitamin D. They also provide 20-40% of your RDA for protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, folate and Vitamin K. Since edamame is a soybean, it contains isoflavones that are similar to estrogen. Therefore, they can be helpful in reducing mood swings, hot flashes, and other hormonal stressors. According to research, if you have a normal level of estrogen, soy can attach itself to receptors first, thus making your estrogen levels go down. A word of caution though...I know women in whom soy has had harmful effects upon their hormone levels. I suggest using soy sparingly.

As stated above, I know with the dried sweetened cranberries and the salad dressing, there is sugar added, so eat this salad in moderation. But if I have to choose between this and caving in to a sweet craving...this is definitely the optimal choice!