I tried a couple of new places in the last few days that I want to share with you. The first is a brand-new bakery in downtown Hartselle. The second is a newish burger place at MidCity District in Huntsville.
MAIN STREET BAKERY
My friend Darren Urban and his wife Christy already own Urban Altered next door to The Something Blue Shoppe on Main Street in Hartselle. Now they have expanded and added a home decor shop and bakery in the building they own at the corner of Main Street and Railroad Street, across from The Depot. When you see all the painted cupcakes on the windows, you'll also see a side entrance to the bakery. I like the Urbans. They are creative, energetic, and dedicated to making a strong contribution to our town's economic vitality. They also go to my church. :)
I also like their bakery. I visited when some fresh cinnamon rolls had just come out of the oven. Oh my. Irresistible!! Specialty cupcakes and orange rolls also looked mighty tempting.
Erica is one of Darren's right-hand creators of deliciousness. Be sure to try a sample of her fudge. The creaminess is sure to hijack your New Year's resolutions.
They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Stop in and pick out your favorite splurge.
WAHLBURGERS
Yes, this is a chain. Yes, I usually don't talk about chains on my blog. But, hey, I like watching Blue Bloods (the actor who plays Danny Reagin is Donnie Wahlberg), and I actually attended a "New Kids on the Block" concert in Atlanta years ago after a pleading request from my oldest child. Donnie Wahlberg was in that boy band. Donnie and two of his brothers, Mark and Paul (the chef), are the owners of this restaurant that has multiplied itself all over the U.S.
The location of Wahlburgers I visited is in a great spot for those attending an event at the new Orion Amphitheater, shopping at Trader Joe's, or practicing their swing at Top Golf in the complex on University Drive where Madison Square Mall was originally. On the side of the building is a large mural of Little Richard.
Inside is much smaller than I expected, but I understand that during late spring, summer, and early fall, the doors are opened and there's as much seating outside as there is inside. The menu is also relatively small, as are the shakes.
Steve ordered The Our Burger with a side of sweet potato tots. I sampled the tots which were outstanding. Steve gave a thumbs-up to the burger.
I ordered the Southern Crispy Chicken Salad with the smokey vinaigrette dressing. It was loaded with lots of great greens, bacon, pieces of chicken, pickled red onions, roasted sweet potatoes, and smoked cheddar cheese. I know. I know. You're supposed to get a burger at a burger place, but I was really craving a salad, and this was a good one.
So there you have my thoughts on these two businesses. Let me know when you visit. I'd love to hear what your favorite menu items are.