B&J's Steak & Seafood, Darien, Georgia

Lefty declares the best fried shrimp he has ever eaten can be found at B&J Seafood on Hwy 17 in the coastal town of Darien, Ga. The words "Fresh Shrimp" sprawled across the unasuming concrete block building are the first clue that there's something good inside. The next is the packed parking lot and people standing outside the door waiting for their turn at the seafood buffet that awaits them inside.

Poncho can't help but imagine that this is the sort of place that dotted the Georgia and Carolina coasts at one point; before the b

each front high rises, before the upscale but not remarkable vacation restaurants, and before her time. This is the kind of place where the men who caught the things offered on the menu bring their familes to eat on the weekend.

B&J's declares that it serves only "Wild Georgia Shrimp". Wild Georgia Shrimp have a mild, sweet taste that is becoming increasingly hard to find -- even at restaurants along the Georgia Coast. Wild Georgia Shrimp are caught in the waters off the Georgia coast, landed and processed at local facilities, and distributed to restaurants within just days. If you're eating Wild Georgia Shrimp, there's a good chance that the little guy was swimming less than 48 hours earlier! The shrimp caught in the waters off the Georgia coast are undeniably some of the best tasting harvested anywhere in the world. Farm raised or imported shrimp can't match the plump size of Wild Georgia Shrimp and certainly don't match the freshness of what you'll find at places like B&J's.

The menu at B&J's is extensive. You'll find shrimp, steaks, crab legs, chicken, burgers, and even pizza and spaghetti dishes. Lefty opted for the special weekend "Seafood Buffet" while Poncho went for a blacked chicken dish. Lefty's fried shrimp were lightly battered and fried to perfection.

You can learn more about Wild Georgia Shrimp and the Georgia shrimping industry at http://www.wildgeorgiashrimp.com/ and http://www.georgiashrimp.org/.


B&J’s Steak & Seafood can be found at:
901 North way
Darien, GA 31305
http://bandjssteakandseafood.com/
912-437-2122

Fuego Spanish Grill, Atlanta, Georgia

It may be poor etiquette, but Poncho and Lefty never shy away from sampling each others’ entrees at a great restaurant. A little taste here, a little sip there and before you know it they are swapping plates completely! It will come as no surprise then that tapas, the intimate Spanish-influenced dining experience that encourages “sharing”, is a favorite!

Fuego Spanish Grill in the Crescent area of Atlanta’s trendy Midtown district came highly recommended by Poncho’s younger sibling, a Midtown local. Tucked away behind a low key façade, it is likely you would never notice the place unless someone pointed it out. The covered outdoor dining patio is inviting, and the indoor seating area offers secluded sections for parties or special occasions.

The idea behind tapas is that diners order multiple, appetizer-sized dishes and share them with friends. Lefty loves that you can try something new, without committing yourself to a whole meal! Relax and nibble your way to satisfaction over a glass of chilled Sangria. At Fuego, the Sangria is served in an authentic terra cotta pitcher.

Tapas dining is extremely casual in concept, but often feels upscale to American diners. It really is the best of both worlds; a fancy night out with comfortable atmosphere and good conversation. Feel free to start a tab, just as you would at a bar, and keep adding to your order as you wish. There is even tapas happy hour. Fuego offers $1 tapas selections during the early evening on Tuesdays. The portions are a bit smaller, but it is a great way to try something new.

Poncho is a fan of Fuego’s balsamic drizzled asparagus. The beef empanada is the fine dining version of a “hot pocket” stuffed with what seems best described as Spanish barbeque. Black bean hummus is a fun twist on the garbanzo standard. And then there are the dates… Glorious, sugary dates stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and wrapped in bacon. You must order them. Trust us on this one!

On the hot June evening when Poncho dropped in for a bite to eat with her little sister, the waitress was thoughtful enough to suggest the signature mint iced tea. The tea was perfectly refreshing; just barely sweet and with a hint of mint.

So gather a group of friends, give Fuego a try, and remember it is ok to share!

Fuego Spanish Grill can be found at:
1136 Crescent Ave NEAtlanta, GA 30309
http://www.fuegocafe.com
404-389-0660