Eating Around The Avenue Forsyth

The information contained herein is my personal opinion on the following restaurants in our area and should not be construed as an inducement to gorge yourself or blow your diet at this particular mall!

It's hard to work in a retail environment, its REALLY hard to work in a real estate office in a retail environment because at 11am, we are already discussing the most important question of the day, Where do we go for lunch???? When I am sick of my 6 point Subway sub for lunch, the Avenue Forsyth has some pretty good alternatives for the hungry in Forsyth County.

Newly opened Summer of 2008, The Avenue Forsyth at the corner of highway 400 and 141 (exit 13) houses some decent opportunities for the hungry--Ted's Montana Grill, Little Azio's, Red Robin, Jim & Nick's BBQ, Hibachi Steakhouse, and the proverbial Chick Fil A. Across the street there is great fare too, I will get to that later.

Ted's Montana Grill claims that this location is their number one location in sales and I could maybe believe that (it is directly across from the AMC Theaters). But, my experience there TWO times has not been that satisfactory. I had their famed Buffalo Burger twice and for the cost (an extra $1 more than regular beef) and the claim of lower cholesterol, I was unimpressed. The side dishes were tiny --their famed Aunt Fannie's squash casserole was miserably small in a side dish-the fries were soggy and when the burger came I had to send it back for a piece of lettuce that was green, please! And forget the cholesterol, this burger was so salty that what what was lost in the bad stuff was evened out by the high sodium! Our lunch took a while to come and our bill was high--it averaged $15 per person with tip--when I want to blow the diet and dive into a great burger I will go to.....

Red Robin!! Ok, on the weekends this place is the ADHD capital of Forsyth County-it is a great place to take kids -- but for lunch during the week you can actually enjoy your meal and talk to your partner. I have had their wrap sandwiches, the blue cheese burger, and the french onion soup and half sandwich. And I will go back for more. They give you an endless basket of steak fries and the service is quick and perky. For the money or the burger, go here--you and your wallet will be much happier.

In the mood for thin crust pizza, salads or panini's? Little Azio's serves these up and while the service has been slow in my experiences, the food is fine and a great place for a mom's lunch or a glass of wine outside after the movie. It can be a little pricey for what you get, if you want a thick gooey pizza, this probably isn't the place.

BBQ--many a fight has been waged over who has the best ,etc., but Jim & Nick's is the best addition to the Avenue's so far. With a wide ranging menu that includes catering and take-out, this Birmingham based eaterie is great! Their vinegar based bbq sauce is great and the pulled pork is the best. They also serve deadly corn and cheese biscuits and the coconut cream pie will make you 'slap your momma'! They also serve fried catfish, chicken tenders that are awesome, and have a great burger so everyone in the family will be happy.

I haven't tried this location of the Hibachi Steakhouse but if history proves right, this is a good choice for families, dates and sushi eaters. I believe we are getting a Carraba's Italian Grill soon next to the CVS, yay, when they offer the WW points menu there I will be on the front step.......