Hi, guys. 👋 Sean here. So, you’ve probably noticed that my Date Night Dining column (a weekly food experience column) has been on a bit of a hiatus. That’s my fault. I apologize to the handful of you who have emailed me.

The NOOGAtoday newsletter format has provided an opportunity to figure out what changes — if any — I should make to the column (i.e., format, style, length etc.) to make it a good fit for what we’re currently doing.

I have a bunch of ideas for food coverage, but I wanted to hear from you (my readers) first. 🤷‍

So, I’m asking you. Do you want a big, long recap of an experience at Chattanooga restaurants? Or, would you rather have short blips (maybe even videos? *gasp*) that we feature on Instagram and then, later, compile for the newsletter? Should I visit exclusively new places? Old places? Underrated places? Just visit a different Olive Garden every week? (I’ll do it. Don’t think I won’t.)🥗

Here’s the deal: I’m not going to stop eating anytime soon. I am a vessel. And I don’t really want to stop writing about eating either. So, tell me what you’d like to see the column become … I’m all ears.

Reach out to us via email with your thoughts, or find us on Twitter, Instagram + Facebook.

In the meantime, I’ve compiled my favorite Date Night Dining meals of 2018 so far below.

Eggs Benedict Florentine. (Photo: NOOGAtoday)

First Watch (North Chattanooga)— 300 Cherokee Blvd.

Our “avocado-laden” 🥑 meal with visiting Ironman competitors was a highlight of 2018 for us. Sure, First Watch is a chain restaurant … but it’s a good one. We had Eggs Benedict Florentine with avocado, some Million Dollar Bacon 🥓 (only $5) that, yes, made already delicious bacon even better. The Elevated Egg Sandwich was a breakfast fit for a triathlete. (I’m not, but I ate it anyway).

Shoofly pancakes with molasses and hazelnuts. (Photo: NOOGAtoday)

Syrup and Eggs — 4501 St. Elmo Ave.

You know what I like most about Syrup and Eggs? Other than the pancakes? 🥞 I like that it’s retro-fitted into a historic fire station in St. Elmo. How cool is it to eat inside an old fire station? Our visit was special because it was a group of friends together. We ate tasty egg pie, strawberry shortcake pancakes, bruléed grapefruit and gallons of coffee. Syrup and Eggs is funky and my new favorite breakfast restaurant in Chattanooga.

Alimentari Cucina e Bar — 801 Chestnut St.

The anchor of the West Village, Alimentari is a standout among the newly opened 2018 restaurants. We’d heard nothing but good things about the pasta, pizzas and atmosphere. It would’ve been easy to offer almost anything at a corner restaurant in the hottest “new” area of town, but owners decided to wow us. We enjoyed vegetable lasagna, 🍕 a margarita pizza + calamari. Alimentari is the essential post-work, date-night “sort of fancy” choice.

SideTrack — 3514 Hixson Pike

Train-themed restaurants in Chattanooga are about a dime a dozen, but SideTrack outshines them all. From the brains behind local favorites Sugar’s Ribs, Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar. A former Huddle House (though you’d never believe it), the restaurant is named SideTrack because it sits next to a train track. You MUST get the spicy fried okra and crispy potatoes. The lemon and garlic wood-fired chicken is something I’ve gone back three times. My wife, Monica, said her wood-grilled ground mignon with peppercorn pan-sauce was similar to Canyon Grill’s signature dish. Don’t overlook SideTrack. It’s a gem.

Fajitas with rice, beans and salsa. (Photo: NOOGAtoday)

Mayan Kitchen — 507 Broad St.

I was prepared to hate Mayan Kitchen. Really? Another “lost Mayan civilization” themed restaurant? The food is “better-than-average” Mexican cuisine with a notch-up on competition through quality ingredients and variety. I also appreciate the location. It’s convenient for downtown lunches or a date night on the town. I had delicious hangar steak and fingerling potatoes. Monica enjoyed fajitas with all the fixins’. We didn’t drink tequila (it was a lunch and I had to go back to work) but they have one of the most impressive tequila selections in the city.