Desperados Restaurant

It's not very often we go to a restaurant and rave about everything but my husband and I went to Desperados on December 30, 2011 for dinner and can honestly say that every part of this experience was exceptional! From the service (thank you, Astrid - you were excellent!) to the drinks (best Bellini Martini ever) to the dessert itself - everything was done just right. I ordered the Chipotle Rubbed Veal Chop and my husband had the Coffee-chili rubbed ribeye. Both were cooked to perfection and the mushrooms and grilled asparagus done perfectly. Learned from Astrid that most of their meats come Eden Farms, a local Alabama provider so you know it's all fresh. And what a great way to support local farmers!

Desperados is known for their homemade cheesecake (ribboned with white chocolate and sitting in a light strawberry sauce) but really nothing I can say can duplicate the sheer pleasure this dessert has on all the senses. You are given an enormous piece, thank goodness, because continuing this experience at home the next day was nirvana. Really, it is just that good.

What I also love about this place is the way the chef shares some of his works in progress with those who ask - this happened at the table next to ours. The sheer joy seen on his face by those who appreciate his talent and creativity with food - priceless!

Purpose of this blog

Living in Tuscaloosa has its pluses, but having access to quality, non-chain restaurants is not one of them. So, I created this blog to encourage honest (non-advertised) reviews of restaurants that are unique to Tuscaloosa or at least not part of huge chain. For example, Chuck's Fish has three restaurants in Alabama so that one would count as unique. Red Lobster would not count. So give us your opinions of your eating experiences in Tuscaloosa and consider these 5 points when reviewing:

• Quality of food (creative and unique?)
• Service (friendly and attentive?)
• Atmosphere (clean and inviting?)
• Accessibility (easy to park, get in the door?)
• Good value?

My hope is to encourage others to support our local foodies in their creative and culinary endeavors!