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| As we looked back over the restaurants we have reviewed in the past year, we decided it would be a good idea to put together a list of our favorites. The hardest part was figuring out what categories we would use. After many hours of thought, the list is now complete. It is being unveiled here for the first time. We know the suspense is killing you, so here it is, our choices for the Best of 2002.. |
| Best Dessert... Brian: My choice for best dessert takes me back to one of my earlier selections, Spring Creek Pie Company. They have created a wonderful thing called the Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake. It may be the best thing I have ever eaten. Joey: All of our loyal readers know how I love ethnic foods. I just could not decide what my favorite dessert is, so I have a tie. First I choose the Baklava from World Foods in Cookeville. It is as good as anything I ever had in Greece. Secondly, I choose the Tiramisu from Mauricio�s. It is the best Tiramisu I have ever had. The perfect end to a great meal. |
| The Best Place for Breakfast... Brian: Monterey�s very own Cup and Saucer. It is hard to find a better place for breakfast in this area. The great food, the atmosphere, and the nice people make it a wonderful choice. Joey: I have to agree. Cup and Saucer is known far and wide for having a great breakfast menu. This was a no-brainer. |
| The Best of Eating Tennessee in 2002 |
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| Best Place for Lunch... Brian: After much thought, I have to choose Spring Creek Pie Company in Rickman. The sandwiches and soups are out of this world, and the desserts are heavenly. Joey: My favorite place for lunch has to be Harrow Road Caf� in Rugby, TN. Our recent trip there was a highlight of the year. I love the feeling I get of being transported to some wonderful old English Pub. The Bangers & Mash are a treat. |
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| Best Place for Dinner... Brian: My favorite dinner spot has to be Mauricio�s in Cookeville. I love the way they have renovated a beautiful old home and turned it into one of the best restaurants in the area. Joey: This was a tough category for me. It is so hard to choose between all the fine places we have been this year. After a lot of deliberation, I have to agree with Brian once again. Mauricio�s has to be the best place in town for dinner. |
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| Best Appetizers... Brian: Thomas Andrews in Cookeville has the best selection of appetizers in my opinion. Baked Oysters, Saut�ed Mussels, Black Olives stuffed with Asiago Cheese, etc. Everything they have is excellent. Joey: My favorite appetizer of 2002 is the Buffalo Mozzarella from Mauricio�s. Slices of Homemade Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, and Basil Leaves with a dressing of Balsamic Vinegar. It does not get much better than that. |
| Best Burger... Brian: I cannot imagine a better burger than the Bacon Cheeseburger from Thunderbird Caf� in Livingston. One of those burgers and a handmade milkshake is a great combination. Joey: I love the New England Maple BBQ Pork Burger from Thomas Andrews. The blend of all those flavors makes it stand out among the competition. |
| Best Steak... Brian: The Filet Mignon at Thomas Andrews is quite possibly the best steak in the entire Upper Cumberland. It melts in your mouth. It could not be better. Joey: I could not agree more. Thomas Andrews takes this one hands down. |
| It has been a great year for food. We hope that 2003 holds many delicious surprises in store for all of us. We want to thank a few people while we have the chance. First of all, thanks to Dale Welch for giving us the chance to do something we have wanted to do for many years. It is no secret that we both love to eat, but now we can express our opinions and help some independent restaurant owners further their business by spreading the word about how great their food is. If you have questions, comments, or need directions to any of the restaurants we have listed in this column, please drop us a line at [email protected] or write to us at P.O. Box 3393, Cookeville, TN, 38502-3393. |
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