Drawings

I don't usually sign up for drawings in stores because I figure there is usually a gimmick.  I was in Food City on Saturday during their Holiday Open House.  When I first walked in, I was asked to put my name and phone number in for a drawing for one of four prizes.  I could win a turkey, ham, fruit basket, or candle.  I didn't think much of it after that.  Later that night, I got a message that I had won the ham and to just stop by the service desk to pick up my prize.  I stopped by this evening and sure enough, I walked out with a free 6 1/4 pound ham.  Lesson learned.  Sometimes those drawings do pay off.

Graze.com

I recently ran across an opportunity to get a free snack box from graze.com.  I had to wait for a while as you have to be given an invitation code.  I finally received my code by email.  I signed up right away.  It is free food.  My two favorite things!  These are healthy snacks and I really need that.  I got my free box today.

I haven't tried any of it yet as I have already had dinner, but I can't wait for snack time tomorrow.  The way the program works is really simple.  You rate the foods you receive.  Then you decide the frequency of your delivery and size of your box.  You are charged for them as you go.  I was given four codes to share. I gave one code to my BFF, of course.  Who will be the other three lucky invitees for a free snack box?

CVS

I must admit that when running to the drugstore pops in my head, there is no question I am thinking of Walgreen's.  I was very disappointed when my prescription insurance forced me to get my prescriptions at CVS.  My plan even came with a special ExtraCare card that is white instead of the regular red card and is linked to my insurance plan.  I decided to register my card at CVS.com and sign up for their emails.  I have been glad I did ever since.  While I still don't shop at CVS, I do take advantage of the deals they email out.  The most recent email was for free paper towels.

You know by now I love free stuff.  I stopped by my local CVS tonight and scanned my ExtraCare card at the kiosk.  My coupon printed out and I took my paper towels, which were conveniently located next to the kiosk, to the cashier and viola, free paper towels.

Free Bloomin' Onion on 11/4/13

I love fried onion blossoms and Outback Steakhouse has the best.  Who can resist a sweet onion that has been battered and deep fried?  Not me!  It is served with Outback's great dipping sauce.  On Monday, November 4, simply mention Ryan Newman's name and get a free Bloomin' Onion with any purchase.  Who can beat that?

Pero's on the Hill

Pero's on the Hill 

7706 S Northshore Drive 

Knoxville, TN 37919

I stumbled upon this restaurant in the Rocky Hill area.  When we walked in, there was only one table occupied that we could see.  We were sat quickly, but that was the end of the speedy service.  We were told our server would be right with us. The server showed up at our table about 15 minutes later.  We started with an order of garlic rolls for $3.  That was another 15 minute wait as we discovered they cooked fresh rolls in their pizza oven behind the bar area.  Being that I love bread fresh from the oven, I overlooked the wait time.  They were worth the wait.

For my entree, I split the ribeye steak sandwich for $9.99 with my dinning companion.  It was served on a hoagie roll with mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, and mushrooms with a side.  We had the fried okra.  The sandwich was amazing!  The steak was very well seasoned and the bread and toppings were very fresh.  The fried okra was average and you could tell it was a frozen item.  Still yet, the steak sandwich more than made up for it.

I give the food 4.5 stars out of 5 and the service a 1.5 out of 5.  If you have the time to wait, I recommend you check out Pero's on the Hill.  If you are in a hurry, wait until next time.

Kroger Friday Downloads

Make sure to take advantage of the digital coupons that most grocery stores offer.  You can use these in addition to paper coupons.  Kroger takes it one step further and offers a free item most Fridays.  The digital coupon must be downloaded to your Kroger Plus Card the Friday it is offered, but you have two weeks to redeem it.  Today's coupon is for Betty Crocker cookie, muffin, or brownie mix.  I also had a digital coupon from a previous week and redeemed both at the same time.  I simply scanned my Kroger Plus Card after loading the coupon from the website and scanned my items at the checkout.  My total was $0.00 for my order.  I just love free stuff!!  Don't you?

Windows on the Park

*** Windows on the Park Review ***

I discovered this place on the Knoxville Food Tours which I highly recommend. I have been wanting to go since I tried the buffalo chicken flatbread on the first tour. It was fantastic! On the second tour, I had a fried trio appetizer. It was good as well. The restaurant promises farm-to-table menu items in their newly renovated restaurant overlooking the World's Fair Park.

When we walked up, the hostess asked us if we were there for the $14.99 buffet. We looked at it but it didn't interest us. She said they only have a sandwich menu on buffet nights, but since they weren't too busy, she gave us a full menu. Not too busy equated to ONE table finishing in the restaurant. She sat us and said our server would be right with us.

Reading the menu on both visits, I knew I had to try the Yukon gold mashed potatoes as that is my favorite potato. I ordered the ribeye (also a favorite) with the potatoes and honey carrots. My dinner companion ordered a sandwich. We were served rolls that were Sister Schubert like yeast rolls that must have been cooked at lunch and heated up in the microwave. I didn't say anything because I wasn't there for the bread. My dinner came out looking pretty good except I hate when my meat is served on top of my potatoes. I don't know if I had built the potatoes up in my head too much or what, but boy was I disappointed. Hardly any flavor. The steak was pretty much the same story. The carrots, however, were excellent.

My companion's sandwich came out on a ciabatta roll so hard it was impossible to eat. He told the server who apologized and had the sandwich remade. He offered a complimentary dessert for our trouble. Of course I accepted. The second sandwich was much better. It makes you wonder why on earth they would send out the first one. We ordered the Tennessee Cheesecake. It was HUGE! It was also delicious.

Now remember how empty the restaurant was? One other table that was finishing up their buffet and left before our dinner was served. You would think being that empty we would have had the attention of at least one person in the restaurant. Nope. The service was so incredibly SLOW. Don't go expecting in and out service or to be treated as if you are important at all.

My rating is one star out of five.