News Taffy

I am a foodie and I always say “Life is too short to eat bad food”. What exactly is a foodie you ask? A foodie is anyone who likes good food but also who wants to learn more about food. A foodie can love chips and Rotel dip just as much as fine wine and caviar. I get so excited when I find a great new recipe or when I find something locally such as Meyer lemons that wasn’t previously available. I am also excited when I find ways to make healthy but really delicious food.

I am fortunate to travel often, and my whole family enjoys seeking out the best food wherever we go. That doesn’t mean expensive food, just well prepared using good ingredients. We don’t have many excellent dining opportunities in Jonesboro. There are too many chains and while many are very good, there are no extraordinary experiences to be had. That is slowly changing as a few brave souls are going out alone and offering up some interesting food.

That is why I am writing about a fine dining experience that can be had right here in Jonesboro. Omar’s Uptown has food equal to or better than any restaurant I’ve eaten in and I pray it stays that way. My husband and I ate there last Friday and had a sublime experience. First the decor is unique for Jonesboro and everyone who goes there says they forget where they are. I have had good food in dives, but the surroundings do contribute to your overall dining experience.

Next, the staff was friendly, helpful and prompt. Nothing ruins a meal, no matter how good, when the staff is poorly trained or worse, surly. The presentation of the food also receives high marks at Omar’s as appearance can elevate a simple dish to a higher level. One criticism is that I am bothered when a drink isn’t served in the proper glass. My margarita was not served in a margarita glass.

The most important part, the food, can not be praised enough. I always appreciate creativity in a menu, and the specials Friday night did not disappoint. We had the sweet corn cakes served on a bed of salsa verde and topped with avocado salsa as an appetizer. Every bite was pure heaven. The flavors all complimented one another and blended into perfection. We had the Sauvignon Blanc margaritas and though I don’t like wine, they were interesting and not your typical salty margarita. Our main course was the sea bass with avocado salsa. The fish was perfectly done, tender, moist and flavorful. The fish rested on some kind of sauce but I am not sure what it was other than that it was wonderful. Vegetables are often a neglected part of a meal at many restaurants but not at Omar’s. The asparagus was tender and slightly smoky.

I was so full that I really didn’t want dessert, but by this time, I had decided that I must write a review, so I had to complete the meal. We ordered the white chocolate brownie that arrived with a decadently rich chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream. There were almond slivers in the brownie and it was very good, though not my most favorite dessert ever. I ate dinner at Paulette’s, a Memphis institution, on Saturday, and though the food was good as always, it was nowhere near the excellence of the food served at Omar’s. If you are looking for a special place to dine, look no further than Omar’s here in Downtown Jonesboro.

Until next time,
Lisa