By Don Napier
Forte’s a great asset
Since moving my Napier Media office to downtown Crossville, I have really enjoyed being with in walking distance of some of my favorite places, like Mitchell Drug Store. A few days ago, I had a late lunch at Forte’s on the Square, and enjoyed a really fabulous lunch. They are located just 150 steps from my front door. It is a very enjoyable walk, especially in this Spring-like weather we have been having.
I had Filet Tips and Grilled Shrimp for lunch with steamed broccoli and a garden salad with Bleu Cheese dressing. It was very tasty, with a home-made flavor. The entree came with an awesome green sauce, which the check called “Salsa Verde.” It consisted of herbs, tomatillo, lime juice, cilantro, onion, peppers and olive oil. It was a perfect match for both the beef and the shrimp. As listed in the lunch menu, ask for as “Surf & Turf, you will not be disappointed.
New Bulk Food Store
Even though they have been in business in Crossville for a few months, I made my first visit to Under the Sun Natural Foods, located at 1398 West Avenue (the intersection of West Avenue and Elmore, at the Kroger intersection). They are easily Crossville’s most diverse and unusual store, selling many food items in bulk.
I guess their name, “Under the Sun” is very appropriate. They carry everything under the sun! They were founded in 2001 by Michael Arthur and Melba Smith, in the small town of Lobelville, about 75 miles west of Nashville. Their web page says they carry the finest quality fresh, natural, organic and whole foods. Check them out. I bought a Nut & Seed Mix that had raisins, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, Filberts, Walnuts, Almonds, Cashews, and Brazil Nuts — very competitively priced at $2.95 for a half pound.
Menu Change at Toyko Steakhouse
If Tokyo Steakhouse is one of your favorites, get ready for a change of menu and the addition of more traditional Chinese foods. I really enjoy their food, especially their pork and chicken dumplings, which they call Gyoza. I also had jumbo shrimp and fried rice with vegetables cooked with Teriyaki. All delicious! Tell them you read about their restaurant in Crossville Life.
Fresh Grill at Red Lobster
Is there anything any better than pan-seared Mahi-Mahi, or Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia? Red Lobster, on Interstate Drive in Cookeville, has long been my favorite place to eat. On birthdays and holidays, my family knows how to make me happy — take me to Red Lobster!
I was in Cookeville for a doctor’s appointment recently, and I treated myself to a trip to Red Lobster. I asked for a menu to take home so I could refresh my memory on some of my favorites. This is making me hungry just writing about this.
On this day, the Seaside Trio was my choice. It consisted of a generous sampling of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp, Scampi and Shrimp Linguini Alfredo for $17.99. Of course it comes with a garden salad. Like other restaurants, they have reduced the size of their salads, and it has not gone unnoticed! The garlic biscuits continue to be popular, and as always, we must have Boston iced tea.
“Wait,” don’t leave yet, I can hear some of you leaving to go to your car to head out to Cookeville. Wait until you read the rest of the story. Then go!
For Shrimp Lovers
Don’t forget about their Shrimp Lover’s Monday and Tuesday, where you can choose from fried shrimp, scampi, coconut shrimp bites, or popcorn shrimp, served with your choice of accompaniment. Any Three, $14.75. Any Four, $18.25.
They also have some “Try it for a Discount” offers spread around their menu. Their Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is normally $14.50, but you can try it for $11.99. same thing goes for their Crab-and-Seafood-Stuffed Shrimp.
Told you not to leave yet!
