Visiting places near and far. Reviewing events, restaurants and shops in the process.
Henry County, Georgia
This small dining and take out place ( a chain )opened less than a year ago on Eagles Landing Pkwy in the Publix Shopping Center.
We walk in and the counter server greeted us; asking if we ever been here before. With saying no, he went in to explain the menu. A signature item they have is called “ the chiwawa ” it’s a deep fried cheesy rice ball. You can order it and they crack it open and either add items to the inside or use it as a base for burritos and bowls. I did the latter. All the ingredients are fresh and boy do they pile it on. The biggest surprise was the reasonable price. I should say it us similarly priced as the big national chain down the block, but the portions are larger and the food is fresher.
Check out their website that includes their history and menu. Then I recommend visiting . Bring the family and friends. Perfect place to go with your co- workers for lunch.
https://www.bubbakoos.com/location/stockbridgegaa
Recently, I saw a post on a local Facebook page asking for recommendations for breakfast eateries. Leo’s Cafe was the unanimous choice. So we went on Saturday morning. Looking packed, they immediately sat us down and offered coffee.Once they brought the coffee, they took our meal order. Shortly afterwards, my husband went to the restroom. He wasn’t there for long, but the server had our meals ready for us. It had to be the quickest service I witnessed. Food was fresh and delicious . We recommend Leo’s hash and The Heights omelette; bacon, fresh broccoli and cheese.
Definitely going back 🙂
2/20/25- Since the last visit, the word on the street is that Leo’s will move closer to McDonough Square where Baby Jane’s once stood.
4/11/25
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CKP4SCiMA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
More news on Leo’s 7/20/25
As of September 2025…..
Leo’s new home off the McDonough Square
Sad to see that Morgan’s Cafe closed permanently. They had the most wonderful fresh homemade biscuits and veggie breakfast bowls. A nameless Mexican restaurant is now in its place.
As of September 2025, the Mexican restaurant went out of business. The store is presently vacant.
But never fear, a new restaurant (Jamaican Fusion) is about to open in its place.
Not 1, but 2 Two Eggs
One opened closer to home in Stockbridge on HWY 138
The first location in Henry County was on Jonesboro Road, McDonough. Earlier this year, it relocated closer to Hampton in the new Publix shopping center.
After a recent visit for Sunday brunch with friends , you might want to friend brunch on another day since Sunday is when they have the DJ. The music is great, the food is divine ( the best pancakes), but if you haven’t seen your friends in a while and you want to catch up?
Coming soon….
First Watch is set to open soon at The Bridges at Jodeco. While you’re waiting for it to open, swing by this hidden jewel across the street.
Fresh bagels, fantastic breakfast sandwiches, and decadent pastries. Open Monday thru Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
Whether it’s dine- in or take out, these Italian eateries carve their own niche. I base this on certain items.
Pizza- Hands down, Tony’s at Brentwood is as NY style pizza as you get. This is the pizza I grew up eating.
Calzones- Being one who does not eat red meat too much, I go for the veggie calzones. Tony’s at Brentwood and Johnny’s NY Style are both very good. Johnny’s has one edge; they have an eggplant option.
Eggplant Parmesan- So far, I’ve had it at Tony’s , Pasta Max and Johnny’s. PastaMax wins this battle.
2/14/25- We decided to celebrate at Italian Oven. The eggplant parmesean was good ( Pasta Max is still the best ! ) It is a large portion of eggplant over linguine. I couldn’t finish it. Like good lasagna, it tasted better the next day.
Veal- I recently visited Serafino’s after a 5 year hiatus. Covid and a remodeling got in the way. Gone is the old Italian charm; music, small tables with checkered tablecloths , and old world paintings on the walls. What’s not gone? The great quality Italian cuisine. Their Veal Marsala was top notch. They have a slight lead over Italian Oven.
2/14/25- It looks like Italian Oven made some slight changes to their menu. Gone was Veal Marsala. The only veal I saw on their menu was Veal parmesean.
This quest is far from over.
Grand Opening
Pandora on the Square, located in the old PJ’s site, opened in mid September.
According to their website..
The Menu
Our cuisine is deeply inspired by Gullah traditions, reimagined through a modern lens. Chef-driven and ingredient-focused, each dish is designed to feel familiar, yet elevated — rich with story, soul, and seasonal beauty.
We’ll visit soon, and I’ll let you know how it is.
Meanwhile in Atlanta…….
After living in the Atlanta area for over 30 years, there are parts of Atlanta I have still not visited. I can cross Ansley Mall off that list.
One of the older shopping centers in Atlanta, ( it opened in 1964 ) Ansley Mall is located on Piedmont Avenue; north of The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Park. Close proximity to Georgia Tech and Emory University.
On a beautiful Thursday morning, my friend and I went there for brunch at Brooklyn Bagel and Deli. THE ESSENCE OF A NY BAGEL SHOP!!!! All items are hand rolled, made fresh every day. Anything left over is donated to local food banks.
Here is the classic Everything bagel with cream cheese and lox.
WARNING- We went on a Thursday morning. Light crowd. Probably the best time to go. WEEKENDS- THE LINE IS OUT THE DOOR AND WRAPPED AROUND THE BUILDING.
As we walked in, I was brought back to my childhood; the many times my mom and I went to Woolworth’s and the old Park and Shop.
One side is a giant wall of every board game known to man. I couldn’t help but to walk around and get lost in the aisles of toys, games, stationery, knickknacks .
A Delightful Weekend in Mississippi
For twenty-two tears, Clarksdale, MS holds the Juke Joint Festival
Clarksdale is known as the birthplace of the blues and home to the Crossroads. The story goes that bluesman Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for supernatural musical ability.
If you visit the City of Clarksdale’s website, they’ll tell you,
“Often referred to as the most Southern place on earth, Clarksdale is rich in people, character and authentic culture: it is the birthplace of the blues and rock and roll. An experience here is much deeper and more inspiring than just something to see or has been purposefully manufactured for a tourist to do.”
People come from all over to walk around and enjoy the food, drink and of course…. the music.
As for food, one of the best known joints is the Ground Zero Blues Club.
We came here on our first visit to Clarksdale. A native Mississippian gave us the grand tour and told stories along the way. I recommend the fried catfish and a brew.
Here is a review from Southern Living Magazine.
By the way, did I tell you it is part-owned by Morgan Freeman?
https://www.southernliving.com/ground-zero-blues-club-mississippi-8559277
Ms. Ro 