The Oceanaire is known for their fresh seafood with multiple locations across the United States. So I was excited to see that they were in San Diego. Having fresh seafood was a must for me. I started the evening with a Moscow Mule that was served in a copper mug. Mule’s always taste better in a copper mug; the ice does not melt as fast and the drink stays colder for longer. For an appetizer I made sure to get the crab cocktail. The presentation of the lump crab meat in a giant cocktail glass was fun. The crab meat was…
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Being in California, I wanted to make sure I had fresh, authentic Mexican food. I found Puesto not far from the hotel I was staying at, pretty close to the bay. When I glanced over their menu I saw they use all natural meats, the make fresh tortillas, and homemade salsa so I knew this was the authentic food I was seeking. I sat by the kitchen so I could watch them make the homemade tortillas on their grill. They make corn and flours versions. They make it look so easy. I started off with a sangria that used…
Leave a CommentOne of the newest steakhouses in Las Vegas is Stripsteak located at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. This is the first steakhouse for award winning chef Michael Mina. The restaurant is warm and inviting and it is extremely important that you have a reservation, otherwise the wait will be long. My table started off with a few appetizers while we waited for the rest of the group to join us. The Maine lobster tacos are a must try. They were mixed with grilled pineapple chunks, avocado cream, and cilantro. They also offered French fries with different seasonings: sea…
Leave a CommentWhen looking for the hot spots in San Diego, the Gas Lamp District is where all the action takes place. There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from. If you are hungry for steak and seafood the Greystone will be a great option. One of the great things about being in San Diego is all the fresh seafood at your fingertips. Starting off with a chilled seafood platter sounded like an excellent idea. The platter consisted of crab legs & claws, shrimp cocktail, small lobster tails, and fresh raw oysters. I love chilled crab claws. The meat is…
Leave a CommentThere is an area of Birmingham called SoHo and this is where I found Jackson’s. I got there in between the lunch and dinner crowds, so it was easy to get a seat. I was not that hungry for a full meal but I did have munchies. They had a spinach dip on the menu that they called Verde Dip. It was loaded with garlic and the spinach was chopped up very fine, which made it much easier to eat. My server did mention that this dip was one of the more popular items on the menu. They had a…
Leave a CommentLocated inside the Aria Hotel is Sage. They have an eclectic menu that changes based on what ingredients are available. The restaurant has a very intimate feel with low lights and candles. They have an extensive wine assortment which is evident by the bottles in wine racks on the walls. They also have several fun creative cocktails on a separate menu. I ordered the cotton candy martini as did a few other friends I was dining with. The presentation was extremely fun. The beautiful etched wine glass came filled with cotton candy. Then the waiter poured the drink over it,…
Leave a CommentA delicious restaurant I visited while in Manhattan Beach was MB Post. It’s a very happening place. You can sit at your table and watch the hustle and bustle in the kitchen. All the dishes here were small portions that made sharing easy. They have a long list of hand crafted cocktails to choose from. I started with a Moscow Mule; it wasn’t on the menu but I had confidence that the bartender could make it. I also did this because I needed more time to determine what other creation to try. The waitress informed me that MB Post is…
Leave a CommentThis cute, old fashioned family bakery is in the downtown area of Homewood. They were founded in 1939 but they have made Homewood their home since the 1950s. As soon as you walk in through the door you are greeted with the smell of sweetness in the air. You know right away each item is made from scratch right there in the back. It was all the desserts that caught my attention. They had everything from cookies, cakes, pies, and pastries. I saw petit fours in the case so I was naturally inclined to order those but right…
Leave a CommentI have really started enjoying brunch on Sunday afternoons. This time I wanted to try Grille 29. One of the reasons this place made the list was their $3 mimosas. You can’t have brunch without a mimosa. If you are interested in something a little more salty and spicy they do offer a gourmet Bloody Mary. There was so much going on with this drink (including the Cajun shrimp) there was no need for a second one. They had fresh made deviled eggs that were perfect for sharing. They had a dill taste along with hints of truffle oil. They…
Leave a CommentIf you have been to New York City then you have probably heard of Carbone – an Italian restaurant serving up delicious pasta. Well Carbone has a restaurant inside the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas. Their menu is large but each dish is meant to be shared family style. While looking over the menu, the server will bring the table an assortment of breads (everything from garlic bread to pizza bread), fresh sliced pepperoni, chopped cauliflower marinated in a vinegar sauce, and fresh-cut parmesan cheese. The options are enough to fill you up if you are not careful. Their…
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