Roma Italian Bistro - Shut Down by Authorities

 

You've heard it before - the Hatch Boulevard building is cursed! Or perhaps it's Sheffield. Or maybe it's all a huge coincidence.

Call it what you want, but Roma Italian Bistro, currently on Sheffield's nuisance property list, has been shut down by authorities. According to a source connected to the restaurant, the Italian eatery had "employee problems."

There are other unverified reports that are more descriptive; however, we'll wait for an official announcement before discussing those. In the meantime, may we suggest Olive Garden?

You Can Still Get a Cheesy Bob Sandwich

 

The Cheesy Bob is the ultimate blend of Smoked Gouda, Provolone, Vermont Cheddar, and Wisconsin Shape Cheddar on our Dave’s Killer Multigrain Bread.

Remember Cheesy Bob on North Pine Street? The small eatery was open for only a micro-minute, but its grilled cheese sandwich had its followers.

If you thought you'd never again enjoy one of these masterpieces, you're in luck. Midtowne Butcher at Seven-Points now sells sandwiches, and the Cheesy Bob is one of them.

The cheesy concoction is only $4.99, so go for it!

Starbucks Leaked Fall Menu Featuring Raccoon Cake Pop!

 

Starbucks has two locations in Florence: 

1 Harrison Plaza and 372 Cox Creek Parkway

Each Autumn, Starbucks brings a little taste of Fall to its customers with special coffees and deserts. These limited offerings are usually kept top secret until the last minute, but this year there's been a leak! Here's the list:

That's only 18 days, so try not to melt before then...

Jody's to Close in August

 

It's been a fixture in Tuscumbia since 1958, now it's closing on August 4th. Besides being known for its 24-hour service, Jody's Restaurant became infamous for a much seamier event in 2015. In January of that year, the roadside eatery was the site of the grisly double murder of a Florence couple that has never been fully solved.

The owners of Jody's are asking that customers from over the years visit the restaurant before its final day on Sunday.

Murder at Jody's

Is Roma Italian Bistro a Nuisance?

 

The Roma Italian Bistro is located at 4840 Hatch Boulevard in Sheffield. The business, or at least the building in which it's located, has been declared a nuisance by the city. Is it?

Over the years, the location has been home to Face's Bar & Lounge, the French Quarter, and Joker's Indian Kitchen. The latter was frequently the scene of both minor and major violence.

Now, Sheffield has announced a plan to rid the town of run-down and nuisance buildings, using federal grant money. The long list of derelict properties contains everything from vacant lots to homes that are being slowly remodeled.

Does the Roma building still belong on this eradication/seizure list? We welcome reviews of both the building and the cuisine.

Mayosapien? Duke's or Kewpie?

 

Remember the big mayosapien controversy from a few years ago? If you're a proud mayosapien, no matter your ethnicity, do you prefer Duke's or that upstart (at least in the Shoals) Kewpie?

Mayonnaise, the creamy condiment that elevates countless dishes, boasts a surprising level of variation. Two contenders vying for mayo supremacy are Duke's, a Southern staple, and Kewpie, a Japanese favorite. While both are mayonnaise at their core, a closer look reveals distinct personalities.

Duke's leans towards a classic American profile. Its texture is rich and creamy, boasting a subtle tang from vinegar. This tanginess cuts through richness in dishes like deviled eggs or potato salad, allowing other flavors to shine. Duke's keeps things simple, relying on egg yolks, oil, and vinegar to create a versatile condiment. This simplicity can also be seen as a lack of complexity for some palates.

Kewpie, on the other hand, offers a more nuanced flavor experience. It boasts a lighter, airier texture compared to Duke's. The defining characteristic of Kewpie is the addition of MSG, a flavor enhancer that creates a savory, umami richness. This richness makes Kewpie a perfect complement for delicate flavors like seafood or vegetables. 

However, the prominent umami can be overpowering in some applications. Additionally, Kewpie includes a touch of sugar, lending a subtle sweetness that some may find unexpected in mayonnaise.

Ultimately, the victor in the Duke's vs. Kewpie battle depends on personal preference and culinary application. Duke's shines with its clean, classic flavor, making it a reliable all-rounder. Kewpie, with its umami depth and lighter texture, elevates dishes that crave a subtle savory boost.

So, the next time you reach for the mayo jar, consider the culinary landscape. Are you crafting a classic BLT that craves tangy creaminess? Duke's might be your hero. Or perhaps you're whipping up delicate salmon nigiri – Kewpie's umami magic could be the perfect touch. With their distinct personalities, both Duke's and Kewpie offer delicious ways to elevate your culinary creations.

Hwy55 in Muscle Shoals is Closed

 

On April 22nd, Hwy55 in Muscle Shoals published a call for applications. On April 26th, the fast food location made its last Facebook post. Readers are reporting that it's now closed.

The Muscle Shoals eatery isn't alone. One Florence restaurant was unexpectedly closed two weeks ago when utilities were shut off for non-payment. We understand that produce was repossessed. We're holding our breath on that one.

So much for Bidenomics...