Author: gatorgirl.outoftheswamp@gmail.com

The Fishermans Restaurant – Seattle, WA

I have another great seafood restaurant that is a must try when visiting Seattle. The Fishermans Restaurant is right on the waterfront near the aquarium and The Crab Pot that I have written about before.

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You can’t miss the restaurant because of the huge ferris wheel on the dock.

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I recommend starting with an appetizer of  the Crab Dip. It is full of spinach, bay shrimp, crab, & cheese. It is warmed to a perfect temperature and served with tortilla chips. It is perfect for sharing with the table.

I knew I wanted fresh fish for dinner because why else would you be in Seattle. They had 6 different catches of the day and when I saw the Albacore Tuna on the list I knew I had to try it. But unfortunately is was pretty popular so they ended up being out. So next fish up! I went with the Salmon, that was mesquite grilled. It was served with roasted red potatoes and fresh broccoli. It was the perfect combination and everything was absolutely as fresh as could be.

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The view from the table were beautiful as I got to watch the sun set over the water. If you are in the mood for fresh fish you have to check them out. www.thefishermansrestaurant.com

Enjoy!

T

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Lou’s Pub – Birmingham, AL

While enjoying pizza at Slice, Casey my bartender recommended I try a Lou’s Pub. Luckily for me Lou’s was just across the street. It’s in a great location in Historic Birmingham.

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Lou’s is a quaint little bar  that is also a package store. This was something very unique and unexpected. They had a large assortment of craft beers that you could buy and try at home.

I asked the bartender what he recommended. He suggested the Bushwacker, this is what they are know for. So naturally that i what I tried. It was pretty good. It was the perfect dessert after all the pizza I ate at Slice.

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Check out their website for a list of their events. www.louspub.com

Enjoy!

T

Slice – Birmingham, AL

I received several suggestions from some locals to check out Slice. I knew it was a hot spot when they were packed on a Sunday afternoon. I sat at the bar so I got wonderful service from Casey! She makes a great Mimosa.

I started off with the “Fire Baked Wings”. They are marinated wings that are cooked in their wood fire oven. The flavor was fantastic. I made sure to ask for the wings to be well done so that the skin was extra crispy.

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Being there on a Sunday, I was able to order their pizza by the slice which I love because I can try different options. My first slice was the “Super Cheese” – basically 6 different cheeses (Mozzarella, Provolone, Fortina, Parmesan, Feta, & my favorite Asiago). It was the perfect ratio of cheese to homemade sauce.  My second slice was the “Soul Pie” – which I felt was appropriate since I was in the South. This slice had everything – turnip greens, black eyed peas, sausage, bacon, onions, & cheese. I never thought that this combination of ingredients would be good on a pizza but I was wrong. They all worked so well together. It felt like a side dish that should be served at Thanksgiving.

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There were so many different meal options on the menu I have to put this place on my list to come back to. Visit their website at: www.slicebirmingham.com to see all they have to offer.

Enjoy!

T

 

Garlic Festival – Gilroy, CA

Gilroy, California is the “Garlic Capital of the World”.  The city of Gilroy holds an annual Garlic Festival every July .

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The smell of garlic is in the air as soon as you step foot in Gilroy. It is a wonderful smell! If you want to try garlic, no problem, it is on everything, from garlic french fries to ice-cream. The grilled corn with garlic butter was my favorite.

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There are live cooking competitions, which makes you feel like you are on the set  of a Food Network show.  I was lucky enough to get to take a picture with one of the pans.

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There is also live music and arts and crafts that you are able to enjoy.

If you have the ability to get to Gilroy, California you definitely need to experience this event.  The dates  for the upcoming festival are July 29-31, 2016.  You can buy tickets in advance at: www.gilroygarlicfestival.com

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Enjoy!

T

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Dallas Aquarium – Dallas, TX

I enjoy visiting different aquariums when I travel. My visit to the Dallas Aquarium was quite fun. They have an indoor rain forest that have tropical flowers, birds, and monkeys.

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There is a cool walk-through tunnel of water where you can see the fish swimming all around you. They have so many different types of tropical fish.

I was very excited to get to see several different turtles. I love turtles!

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The best surprise that I found at the aquarium was an alligator.

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If you are visiting Dallas, make sure to take some time and visit the aquarium.  Check out their hours and exhibits at: www.dwazoo.com

Enjoy!

T

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Starved Rock State Park – Utica, IL

Enjoying the outdoors in Illinois is important to do before the long winter arrives. Starved Rock State Park offers lots of walking and hiking paths with beautiful views of the Illinois River.

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The park is known to have sparkling waterfalls, however to my disappointment the day I visited there was no water to make the falls due to a drought. Along the hike to Eagle Cliff Overlook, I was lucky enough to see a huge doe eating in the brush.

Another great feature of the park is that it is dog friendly. SO many sure you bring out your pups for some fresh air.

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The walk did make me hungry and I was happy to see the visitors center had a snack shop. It served homemade artisan ice cream. Yummy!

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Learn about all the things you can do at the park by visiting their website at: www.starvedrockstatepark.org

Enjoy!

T

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BBQ’d Productions Grill – Third Lake, IL

I went out with my family for a big BBQ dinner.  This new place we tried smoke all of their own meats right there. They had everything from brisket, pork, chicken, and baby back ribs. We started out with the BBQ nachos that were loaded with brisket and covered in several different cheeses. They drizzled 2 of their homemade BBQ sauces on top. The nachos were so big they could be a meal on its own.

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Speaking of BBQ sauces, they make 6 different sauces there and many of them are extremely unique. I wish I would have bought some to take with me. The flavors are:

  • Carolina Vinegar
  • Sam Adams (yes you can taste the beer)
  • Alabama White
  • Maple Chipotle (had a nice kick)
  • IBC Root Beer (my favorite)
  • Chicago Sweet & Spicy

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For dinner I got my favorite – pulled pork.  I split it up into several piles so that I could try it with each of my favorite BBQ sauces. But I had to wash the BBQ down with something. They had a spin on a Moscow Mule call a “Bearded Mule”. Their twist was adding a splash of orange juice and fresh lemon juice to the vodka and ginger beer.  It was very refreshing.

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If you are in the mood for BBQ you need to check this place www.wegrillitall.com

Enjoy!

T

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Hillside Family Restaurant – Grays Lake, IL

I love diners that are family owned and that is exactly what Hillside Family Restaurant is. While visiting my family we stopped off here for lunch.

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I was excited to see that the soup of the day was chicken dumpling. I struck up a conversation with my server and she told me about how they make all the soups homemade everyday. You could tell as soon as you tasted the soup.

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She also helped me select the sandwich I should try. I went for the Italian Beef.  The homemade roll was packed full of tender, thinly sliced beef. The peppers and onions added extra flavor and it was finished off with a layer of cheese. The au jus sauce came on the side and I barely used it because the meat was so juicy on its own.

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The other great thing about Hillside is that they serve breakfast all day. I have to make sure that I come back so I can get breakfast for dinner.

Check them out at : www.hillsidefamilyrestaurant.com

Enjoy!

T

Space Needle – Seattle, WA

What is the first thing you see when you look at the Seattle skyline? The Space Needle naturally. It’s a popular place, so be prepared to wait in line.

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Once your inside, you take an elevator all the way up to the observation deck. There is where you will get the best views of Seattle.

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Be prepared – not only is it high but it is really windy.

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What I didn’t know until I got there was they have a restaurant “Sky City Restaurant” that rotates around to allow you to see the city while you eat. If you are interested in that experience, make sure you make reservations.

To learn about the history of the Space Needle and check ticket prices visit their website at: www.spaceneedle.com

Enjoy!

T

Pike Brewing Company – Seattle, WA

After walking around the pier and Pike Place Market, I needed to stop for a quick snack and something to drink. That’s when I saw Pike Brewing Company. They make their own beer with names like Monk’s Uncle. And what goes great with beer? Homemade soft pretzels!

When I was done with the pretzels, something else caught my attention on the menu, it was their Framboise Float.  They take Linderman Framboise (a Belgium Lambic style fruit beer – basically raspberry beer that is sweet and tart at the same time) and they add chocolate ice cream. YUMMY!!!!!!

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It was an adult float and it was awesome. I ended up going back for another later on during the trip.

You have to check them out. The restaurant gets crowded but there is always open seating at the bar. www.pikebrewing.com

Enjoy!

T

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