Chattanooga: Domino’s Pizza and iPoll

Sunset on Market Street Bridge
Chattanooga, TN by Brad Snoke

Today was a typical Monday so when I got home the last thing I wanted to do was cook fish and rice for supper. I was thinking that a quick and easy meal such as Kraft Velvetta Cheesy Dinners would be perfect. I really like the Nacho Supreme variety and had just caught them on bogo at Publix. My husband started questioning me about the redemption rules for iPoll (I will explain that one in a bit). I told him that he needed $25 to get any good stuff but not to get the Domino’s pizza card because I had two already. I thought he was going to jump out of his chair. He definitely wanted pizza for dinner tonight.

Time to Eat – A review of Domino’s Pizza

We went online to Domino’s website to order our pizzas. We chose their Medium 2-Topping Handmade Pan Pizzas for $7.99 each. Ordering was very easy and took only a couple of minutes. We noticed the advertisement for the special we wanted and hit the “Order now” button. We chose our toppings (pepperoni and mushroom for the first, double pep for the second) and the amount of sauce (extra of course). When it came time to pay, we just put in the code for my gift card and that was it. The last page was a bar that allowed you to watch your pizza’s progress. It actually documented who did what to the pizza and when they did it. It was really cool to know who was bringing the pizza and when they left the store.

Domino's handmade pizza by Brad Snoke

The pizzas arrived within 30 minutes (we only live a few miles from the pizza store) and were piping hot. The driver was friendly and appreciated the tip we gave him. We were overwhelmed by the look of the pizzas and had thought that heaven had arrived when we took our first bites. I must say that it was one of the best pizzas I have had in a long time. It was so delectable that we called the manager to compliment him. I will definitely order these again.

iPoll-Making money from home (sort of)

Now to explain the iPoll reference from earlier…I enjoy hobbies that work my brain (hence the online blogging) and I have many of them. One of them is online surveys. Online surveys are a great way to work the brain while sharing your thoughts on products, stores, and services. iPoll, in particular, is a website and mobile app that offers a variety of surveys for money. Once you reach a certain dollar amount ($10 is the lowest level), the money can then be turned into magazine subscriptions or gift cards. Better yet, if you do not need extra money or services you can donate your money to a wide variety of charities.  So far this year, I have earned $35 through paypal and $50 in Domino’s gift cards.

All in all this was a great Monday night in Chattanooga. What more could you ask for then free pizza that was absolutely fabulous. 

Sunset-Enterprise South Nature Park
Volkswagen Plant, Chattanooga by Brad Snoke 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting “Things to do in Chattanooga”.  This blog is where you can read up on all the fun and interesting things to do in Chattanooga.  Feel free to comment or tell your story about Chattanooga.

Valentine's Day Chattanooga 2013: Restaurant specials and more

Valentine’s Day 2013 is right around the corner and it is time to finalize those Valentine plans with your special someone. Whether you are looking for a special Valentine dinner or something a little different, the below list of Valentine specials has something for every couple.

Chattanooga’s romantic restaurants

Back Inn Café
411 East 2nd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403

Back Inn Café is hosting their annual Valentine’s Wine Dinner on February 14^th from 4 to 10 pm. This culinary delight is a six course meal where each course is paired with select wines chosen specifically for their ability to elicit the most in flavor profiles. Reservations are required for this $75.00 a person, six course meal. Please call: (423)265-5033x1. Remember Back Inn Café was voted Chattanooga’s most romantic restaurant in City Scope Magazine and Times Free Press.

Broad Street Grill
1202 South Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402 

Broad Street Grill’s 2013 Valentine menu consists of a four course meal with entrée choices for every palate, including Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Mushroom Stuffed Free Range Chicken Breast, Southern Seafood Grits and Carolina Shrimp and Sautéed Vegetable Risotto. They will also offer a Valentine’s Dessert Table that features a pink white chocolate waterfall. Reservations are a must for this two day special, Thursday, February 14^th and Friday, February 15^th.

Mt. Vernon Restaurant
3535 Broad St.
Chattanooga, TN 37409

“A Taste of Aphrodisiacs” is a sensational meal that consists of five courses of pure delight. The  dinner includes such delightful dishes as Roasted Oysters on the Half Shell, Special Arugula Salad, Lemon Sorbet, Filet Mignon and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with almond crumble and burgundy syrup. Reservations will not be accepted during this time.

Boats and Trains

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Valentine Special 

4119 Cromwell Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Enjoy a Valentine dinner on board a restored 1924 dining car. The dinner trains depart from Grand Junction Station at 5:30pm and 8:00pm. The train will travel at a leisurely pace through portions of urban Chattanooga passing Warner Park and the National Cemetery. Dinner is a four course meal with a variety of entrees. Pricing is only $120 a couple. Be sure to reserve a seat aboard TVRM Valentine Special on February 8, 9, 10 and 14.

Valentine Sunset Cruise on the River Gorge Explorer

Ross’ Landing

Take a ride on the Aquarium’s own “Love Boat” by enjoying a three-hour sunset cruise into the Grand Canyon of Tennessee.  The River Gorge Explorer will depart at 3:00pm on Saturday, February 16^th with prices ranging from $29 to $41. Complimentary appetizers will be served. Cash bar is available for wine, beer and soft drinks. For those wanting an extraordinary Valentine’s Day, the Captains on the River Gorge Explorer are all ordained ministers so maybe this would be the perfect time to, as Beyonce would say “put a ring on it”.

The Southern Belle
201 Riverfront Parkway, Pier 2
Chattanooga, TN 37402

Enjoy Shrimp Cocktail, Prime Rib and Baby Bella Chicken in Alfredo Sauce while cruising the Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle. Added to this delicious dinner is a split of Champagne, a special dessert and live entertainment. The dinner and cruise is only $55 a person, but for just $42 extra, you can receive a guaranteed window seat, a bottle of Champagne or Wine with 2 keepsake glasses and a photo packet. Reservations are required.

Unique ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day

Jungle of Love: Cocktails for Conservation 
1254 East 3rd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404

Do you and your special sweetheart have a common love of all things animal? Well, this Valentine’s Gift is purrfect for you. Spend an evening at the Chattanooga Zoo sipping cocktails and learning about conservations efforts. Jungle of Love: Cocktails for Conservation will be held February 8 from 6 to 8 pm. Tickets are $30 and can be bought in advance or at the door.

Romance at Ruby Falls 
1720 South Scenic Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37409

Take a special lantern tour of Ruby Falls this Valentine’s weekend. On February 15 and 16 at 8 pm, Ruby Falls becomes a Valentine fantasyland with a special tour, souvenir photo, hot chocolate and a gift. Learn the love story behind Leo Lambert and his wife, Ruby.  Tour is $55.95 per couple and is y reservation only.

Georgia Winery 
6469 Battlefield Parkway
Ringgold, GA 30736
(706)937-WINE

Georgia Winery is offering two decadent events in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The first is their Wine and Chocolate Open house. This event is held every Saturday in February from 12 to 4 pm. Taste their fabulous Love Potion wine while indulging in a cascading chocolate fountain. There will be no charge for admission. The second event is a Wine & Chocolate Pairing Class held at 3 pm every Saturday in February. Dove Discoveries chocolates and award winning wines are paired up at a guided one hour class that includes a souvenir wine glass.

Bed and Breakfasts and Hotel Packages

Mayor's Mansion Inn
801 Vine Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403

Give you special someone the ultimate in Valentine gifts, two days at the Mayor’sMansion in 4-Diamond Luxury. Enjoy champagne, “ensuite” breakfast service, rose petal turn down and chocolate covered strawberries. Prices range from $349 to $589 and are only available from February 8 to February 16. Reservations are required.

2012 Christmas and New Year's Specials at Chattanooga Restaurants

Brad Snoke

Food plays an important role in almost everyone’s holiday traditions. It could be eating Christmas dinner at grandma’s or having a pot-luck at Aunt Sue’s on Christmas Eve. And that is just Christmas, what about the eating traditions surrounding New Year’s Eve and Day, such as greens and black eyed peas on New Year’s Day. No matter how you look at it, there will be a lot of food cooked in the next few weeks, so why not let the professionals at Chattanooga restaurants do some of the hard work.

Chattanooga restaurants open on Christmas Day:

Back Inn Café and Renaissance Commons

·         Traditional favorites can be found on this holiday brunch buffet.

·         Brunch is served from 11 am to 4 pm

·         Pricing is $26.95 adults, $14.95 child.

·         423-265-5033 ext 4 for reservations which are recommended

Broad Street Grill

·         A Mediterranean Christmas Dinner

·         Served from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm

·         Pricing is $34.95 for adults, with kids 7-12 costing $17.95.

·         Reserve a table online or by calling 423-424-3700

City Cafe

·         Open 24 hours both Christmas and New Year’s

·         Reservations are not needed

·         Cost depends on your order

·         901 Carter Street and 7641 Lee Highway

Huddle House

·         Open 24 hours both Christmas and New Year’s

·         Reservations are not needed

·         Cost depends on your order

·         Location: 4 locations around Chattanooga

IHOP

·         Open 24 hours both Christmas and New Year’s

·         Reservations are not needed

·         Cost depends on your order

·         Location: 4 locations around Chattanooga

Waffle House

·         Open 24 hours both Christmas and New Year’s

·         Reservations are not needed

·         Cost depends on your order

·         Location: 16 locations around Chattanooga

Where to order Christmas Dinner in Chattanooga to take home/or for catering:

Back Inn Café and Renaissance Commons

·         The full line of “Fixin’s to Go” Menu is available for pre-ordering.

·         Must be ordered 48 hours in advance, slow roasted turkey needs 72 hours

·         To order call  23-265-5033 ext 4

Mt. Vernon Restaurant

·         Whole or Sliced Turkey Breast, Bourbon & Coca-Cola Glazed Ham, Various veggies and desserts

·         Serves: Depends on item

·         Last day to place order: Saturday 12-22, pickup: Monday 12-24 8 to Noon

·         Prices: Various prices, $7.95 to $79.95

·         Location: 3535 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37109 Place order online or call 423-266-6591

 Chattanooga restaurants offering special New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day special menus:

The Chattanoogan

New Year’s Eve

• Full course dinner, cover charge for The Foundry, party favors and champagne toast
• Time: 5 to 10 pm for dinner, 10 pm to 1 am for The Foundry
• Reservations: required 423-424-3700
• Pricing: $125 per couple.

New Year’s Day

• New Year’s Brunch
• Time: 11 am to 2 pm
• Reservations: recommended 423-424-3700
• Pricing $24.95, 13 and up, $13.95 for 7 to 12.

Chattanooga Choo Choo

New Year’s Eve

• Prime Rib Dinner Buffet at Gardens Restaurant, Rockin’ Eve Party at Imperial Ballroom
• Time: 5 to 10 pm for dinner,
• Tickets for New Year’s Eve party purchased in advance
• Pricing: $125 per couple.

New Year’s Day

• New Year’s Day Brunch
• Time: 9 am to 1 pm

Southern Belle & Pier 2

New Year’s Eve

• Hor dourves at 3^rd Deck Burger Bar from 7:30 to 8:30
• Dinner while cruising Tennessee River-Prime Rib & Chicken Wisconsin
• DJ and dancing on boat till 1 am
• Watch ball drop on the TVs in the 3^rd Deck Burger Bar
• Reservations: required
• Pricing: $85 per person

The gift that gives back: Chattanooga restaurant gift cards

Abuelo's Hamilton Place Mall
Credit: Brad Snoke

Many Chattanooga restaurants are offering incentives for holiday gift givers to purchase their gift cards instead of their competitors. What does this mean for smart gift shoppers in the Chattanooga area? It could mean they give themselves a well-deserved gift, or the shopper can receive deeper discounts and be able to give more gifts at a lower cost. Below is a list of Chattanooga restaurants that are giving back to shoppers. These are some of the best gift cards to buy.

Please note all of these offers are for a limited time only. Please check with restaurant for all specifications and limitations.

• At Abuelo’s, if you order a gift card online and have it sent to your home, a $10 VIP card will be included with your order. Order Abuelo’s gift cards online.
• Applebee’s is promoting a $10 digital bonus card with every $50 online instant purchase of Applebee’s digital gift cards. The bonus card can be kept or “regifted”. Applebees does have plastic gift cards available but they do not qualify for the bonus card. Purchase either card here.
• Receive a chance to WIN $5,000 plus a $20 bonus card for every $100 in gift cards purchased at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Bonus card is valid from January 1, 2013 till February 10, 2013. This offer is good for gift cards purchase online or in the restaurant. Order Carrabba’s gift cards here.
• Spend $100 or more in Chili’s gift card purchases and you will save 10%. This can be in regular gift card purchases or on ecards. The neat thing about Chili’s gift cards is they can also be redeemed at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina or Maggiano’s Little Italy. Purchase gift cards for Chili’s here.
• CiCi’s Pizza is offering a free buffet with the purchase of $25.00 in gift cards. The free buffet is good in January 2013 and does not include drinks. Gift cards can be purchased on location at 2260 Gunbarrel Road, 5425 Hwy 153, 723 Battlefield Parkway or 355 Paul Huff Pkwy in Cleveland.
• At Famous Dave’s, purchase $25 in gift cards and you will receive a $5 reward card. Gift cards can be purchased at the Famous Dave’s located at 2122 Gunbarrel Road across from Hamilton Place Mall.
• Receive a free greeting card (a $4.50 value), with the purchase of any Logan’s RoadHouse gift card. This offer is through 11-30-12. The greeting card can be personalized. Order a Logan’s gift card here.
• Purchase $25 or more in gift cards in a single transaction and Olive Garden will email you a $5 bonus card. The bonus card is valid from Jan. 1 to Feb. 13, 2013 for $5 off the purchase of two adult entrees. Ecards and plastic gift cards are available here.
• Outback Steakhouse is offering a $20 bonus card for each $100 purchase between November 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. The bonus card is valid from January 1 to February 10, 2013 and is for a single purchases in the restaurant or online. Purchase Outback gift cards here.
• Red Robin is promoting “They get a $25 gift card. You get a lump of cash”. For every $25 gift card purchase, receive a $5 bonus buck reward card that is redeemable from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2013. Order a Red Robin gift card here.
• Red Lobster is giving a $5 bonus coupon for every gift card purchase of $25 or more. The coupon is available on either plastic cards or ecards. The $5 is off any order at Red Lobster. The ecard delivery can be scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day. Order a gift card for Red Lobster here.
• Ruby Tuesday’s is giving free ground shipping and a $15 bonus coupon with the purchase of $50 in gift cards. This special ends on December 31, 2012. The bonus coupon will be delivered via email within 2 business days of purchase and is valid January 2 through February 28, 2013. Purchase Ruby Tuesday gift cards here 
• Texas Roadhouse is offering a $5 bonus eGift Card for a future visit when you purchase a $30 or more Gift Cards online. As an added bonus, they will donate 10% of the gift card amount of all “Support our Heroes gift cards to Homes for our Troops. Purchase a gift card here.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Happy Holiday’s to everyone and a Merry Christmas to each of you.

Best Restaurants in Chattanooga for Thanksgiving Dinner

By Brad Snoke

Originally, in American history, a Day of Thanksgiving would be called to celebrate any special blessing that had been received, such as a good harvest or a battle won. This eventually led to George Washington calling for a National Day of Thanksgiving in late November 1789 in order to publicly thank God for his blessings. In the new millennium, although being thankful is still the prime objective, spending time with our families and appreciating each other has become equally important to most people. Due to this emphasis on spending time together, many families are turning to restaurants to provide them with a spectacular Thanksgiving Day meal. Some families eat out; while others order from a restaurant and take it home. For the Thanksgiving celebrators who are located in or near Chattanooga, TN, check out this list of restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving Dinner either in their restaurant or for take out.

Fine Dining
212 market restaurant

• 212 is serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner utilizing fresh, local-grown items.
• 11 am to 3 pm
• The cost varies per item
• Reservations are recommended-423-265-1212
• 212 Market Street, Chattanooga

Back Inn Café and Renaissance Commons

• Back Inn Cafe is serving traditional holiday fare buffet style
• 11 am to 4 pm
• $26.95 adults, $14.95 child.
• Reservations are recommended-423-265-5033 ext 4
• Bluff View Art District

Broad Street Grill

• A “Tennessee” Thanksgiving, traditional items with a flair, will be served.
• 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
• $34.95 for adults, with kids 7-12 costing $17.95.
• Strongly recommended that you reserve a spot by calling 423-424-3700
• Location: 1201 Broad Street

Chattanooga Choo Choo

• Traditional, Southern Fare, lots of desserts
• 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
• $27.95 adults, kids 7-12 $13.95. Senior Discount available.
• Please call 423-308-2481 for reservations
• 1400 Market Street

Delta Queen Hotel

• Traditional fare is a favorite at the Delta Queen
• 11 am to 4 pm
• Reservations are not needed
• The cost varies per item
• Docked at Coolidge Park

Southern Belle & Pier 2

• Old fashion, traditional turkey and ham with all the fixings.
• 12:30 pm Dinner while cruising; 2 pm for Dinner on Pier 2 then cruise
• Reservations here
• $30.50 adult; $15.50 children
• 201 Riverfront Parkway

Southern Cuisine

Country Place Restaurant

• Old-fashion, traditional favorites
• 10 am to 4 pm
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost varies per item
• 7320 Shallowford Road

Cracker Barrel

By Brad Snoke

• Turkey & Dressing, ham, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pecan pie
• Open at 11 am
• Reservations are not needed
• $8.99 adults, $4.69 child.
• 5 locations in and around Chattanooga

Sticky Fingers: Hamilton Place location only

• BBQ Thanksgiving Buffet
• Noon – 7pm
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• 2031 Hamilton Place Boulevard

Open 24 hours

City Cafe

• Regular menu with Thanksgiving favorites added
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• 901 Carter Street and 7641 Lee Highway

Huddle House

• Regular menu with Thanksgiving favorites added
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• Location: 4 locations around Chattanooga

IHOP

• Regular Menu
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• Location: 4 locations around Chattanooga

Waffle House

• Regular Menu
• Reservations are not needed
• Cost depends on your order
• Location: 16 locations around Chattanooga

Where to order Thanksgiving Dinner to take home/or for catering

Bud's Sports Bar

• Smoked or Fried Turkey Dinner with dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls
• Serves: depends on order
• Discuss pickup time with your server.
• Prices: Smoked Dinner $59.95; Fried Dinner $64.95. Can order items individually
• Location: 5751 Brainerd Road. Place order onsite or call 423-499-9878

Cracker Barrel

• Turkey & Dressing, sampling of ham, 3 vegetables, cranberry relish, biscuits, muffins
• Serves: up to 6
• Call at least 24 hours in advance, available Nov 17-25
• Prices: $54.99
• Location: 5 locations in and around Chattanooga

Mt. Vernon Restaurant

• Whole or Sliced Turkey Breast, Bourbon & Coca-Cola Glazed Ham, Various veggies and desserts
• Serves: Depends on item $7.95 to $79.95
• Last day to place order: Monday 11-19, pickup: Wed. 11/21 8 to 6
• Prices: Various prices,
• Location: 3535 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37109 Place order online or call 423-266-6591

Dinner at the Big River Grille

What does one cow, three chickens, a few potatoes and a generous amount of pasta and rice have in common? They graciously provided my family with a fabulous meal at the Big River Grille in downtown Chattanooga.  Well, I had a small portion of the cow and the other three family members probably only ate one of the chickens. Either way, the meal was delicious, and the service was better than adequate.

I had the mushroom-swiss burger ($10.50) with a side of delicious shoestring fries. To be honest, the burger was not as flavorful nor as large as I would have expected for the price, but it was very eatable. The rest of the family ordered the Chicken Parmesan ($13.99), a grilled chicken sandwich ($4.99, kids menu) and the chicken tenders ($4.99, kids menu). The Chicken Parmesan was definitely worth the money. With two pieces of chicken breast and a lavish portion of pasta, there was plenty to eat and extra to bring home.  It scored 8 out of 10 with my husband. The children’s meals were the perfect size for them. Both girls judged their meals to be 8 out of 10.

Our server was very enthusiastic about his job. We never ran out of drinks, and our food arrived hot and ready to eat. Although, we were a difficult bunch, he remained friendly throughout the entire meal.  It was one of those evenings when you do not need anything until the minute the server walks away. Then you spend the next few minutes trying to get his attention again. I am sure many of you have had that same experience.

We will definitely return to The Big River Grille again. The experience was enjoyable and the food was (for the most part) well worth the price.  

                 The Big River Grille

                 Address: 222 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

                 Hours: Monday – Thursday  11am to 11pm

                            Friday-Saturday  11am to 12am

                            Sunday 11am to 10 pm

                 Phone: 423-267-2739

                Website: www.bigrivergrille.com

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