Author: gatorgirl.outoftheswamp@gmail.com

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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Homecoming Tailgate – Gainesville, Fl

Homecoming is always a special event during the fall. To be able to enjoy it with my sisters is even better.

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Rather than going out to eat, we decided to tailgate and cook up some hotdogs on the grill. Plus we got to enjoy it with chips and queso, macaroni salad, and of course beer.

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Sometimes taking it easy and just relaxing is the best thing.

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Enjoy!

T

The Gum Wall – Seattle, WA

As I was exploring around Pikes Place, dodging flying fish, I stumbled upon a bizarre attraction – a giant wall of gum. It’s located on Post Alley, just under the market.

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It’s pretty simple – a wall with tons and ton of gum. While you’re there feel free to add your’s to the collection.  It’s both gross and amazing and something you will not see everywhere.

Enjoy!

T

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Michou Deli – Seattle, WA

I was walking through Pikes Place Market, enjoying the sights and sounds of the crowd. Not far from the original Starbucks location I came across Michou Deli. They were really crowded inside so I knew I had to go in and check out what they had.

As I looked through their display case, my eyes landed on rice balls. They were stacked on a plate and were calling my name. I ordered 2 and made sure they warmed them up for me.

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Since the place was packed I couldn’t find a table to eat so. I decided to sit down on the sidewalk and eat my rice balls before they got cold.

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The mozzarella cheese just oozed out of the crispy rice. Their version of rice balls were a little different because it was just the cheese in the middle and no meat and peas like you will find in New York and New Jersey. But there will be no complaints from me – they tasted just perfect along with their homemade pasta sauce.

Michou Deli has a large menu of salads, sandwiches, and soups, so make sure you stop by. You can see their menu at their website: www.michoudeli.com

Enjoy!

T

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Noshville – Nashville, TN

Who would expect to find an authentic New York delicatessen in Nashville. But  as soon as you pull up to the restaurant you are greeted by the Statue of Liberty.

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Noshville is a great place to go for breakfast. However, make sure you don’t get there too late because they do not serve breakfast all day.

They have a large breakfast menu. I went with classic scrambled eggs. All of their egg and omelette dishes come with your choice of a side. I would recommend trying their silver dollar potato cakes. They are like hash browns but with more flavor. They are crispy on the outside and inside the seasoned potatoes are creamy. It reminds me of a potato au gratin.

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If you are not hungry for breakfast they also have a full menu for lunch and dinner. You can get anything from matzo ball soup to a Reuben sandwich.  Check the out at: www.noshville.com

Enjoy!

T

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Pizzeria Luigi – San Diego, CA

Who doesn’t love pizza by the slice! You can try different combinations instead of having to commit to just one. The choices are right in front of you when you walk through their door and it smells so wonderful. I counted at least 12 choices in the case.

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I went for 2 slices: the supreme (a traditional flavor) and the artichoke (a unique flavor). The crust was perfect – not too thick and it had a sweet taste to it.

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I knew that I had to try one of their pasta dishes while I was there. I went with a classic – spaghetti and meatballs. The plate was covered in meatballs. They were fantastic, moist and full of flavor. Their sauce was the perfect complement to the dish.

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If you need a pizza fix make sure you check out Pizzeria Luigi. Visit their website: www.pizzerialuigi.com

Enjoy!

T

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Harold’s Restaurant – Gaffney, SC

This restaurant began back in 1932. I had heard about this place on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives. I was on my way to Charlotte, NC when I drove through Gaffney and decided to stop for lunch.  Gaffney is known as the “Peach Capital of South Carolina”. You know you are there when you see the water tower that looks like a peach.

The restaurant has the classic diner look with the old fashion counter tops and stools that overlook the kitchen. It is a little piece of history.

They has two world famous items on their menu – their hot dog  or their chili burger – both sounded great but I decided to try the burger. It was extremely messy to eat because the loaded up on the chili. It was the perfect size burger for me to finish the whole thing.

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You can see their entire menu at www.haroldsrestaurant.com

Enjoy!

T

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