Travel

The Mariner in Mystic, Connecticut

Dining Outside the Home: The Mariner in Mystic, Connecticut! In the center of Historic Downtown Mystic enjoy a meal, or two, at this upscale coastal restaurant where the seafood is fresh, food is made from scratch, and the cocktails go down real smooth. Try their version of New England Clam Chowder. Made with the freshest clams, the richest cream, and a secret recipe they’ll take to their grave. Is it any wonder it’s the top favorite in the restaurant? But don’t stop there. The gourmet chef also specializes in Italian cuisine from pastas to gnocchi as well as dry-aged steakhouse attractions that include tender filets and pan roasted rib eyes. Are you getting the picture? Perhaps you need to make The Mariner your regular eating house.

S and P Oyster Restaurant and Bar in Mystic, Connecticut

Dining Outside the Home: S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar in Mystic, Connecticut! Pull up a chair at a table for two overlooking life on the Mystic River. This waterfront restaurant checks all the boxes. Outdoor seating, check. Fresh seafood, check. Cozy atmosphere, check check. Sample a bowl of New England Clam Chowder. It’s rich creamy base will make you swoon. There’s enough to share. Leave room for their famous Lobster Roll. It’s stuffed with sweet lobster tail and hand-picked claw meat. The savory mayonnaise sauce has been infused with South American flair. You’ve probably never tasted anything like it. Sit back, mingle, nibble, and keep your eye on the Bascule Bridge. During daylight hours, it raises at 40 minutes past the hour or on demand.

Chapter One Food and Drink in Mystic, Connecticut

Dining Outside the Home: Chapter One Food and Drink in Mystic, Connecticut! Small town restaurants along the eastern seaboard captivate visitors with delicacies from the Atlantic Ocean. Combine that with the charm of a landmark drawbridge on main street Mystic plus an executive chef on staff at Chapter One Food and Drink for a delightful combination. Take, for instance, their wildly popular Lobster Grilled Cheese sammie. Chunks of succulent lobster are bathed in a thick blanket of slightly salty buttery cheese. Add crispy crunchy onion rings for a party in your mouth. Better get some before they’re gone.

Firehouse BBQ and Blues in Richmond, Indiana

Dining Outside the Home: Firehouse BBQ and Blues in Richmond, Indiana. The “All American City” has hit the mark with slow-roasted barbecue, live blues music, and awesome drinks in a restored 1860s firehouse in the Depot District. Hand-painted murals simple add to the allure and charm of the cozy atmosphere. Not looking for a heavy meal? Choose Firehouse Chili. You know it’s tried and true. Swirl the cheddar cheese and onions into the thick savory soup. Crumble jalapeño cornbread in for a extra spice. Next time you’ll want the pulled pork barbecue or the hickory smoked beef brisket. After all, it’s what they’re famous for.

Hemingway Rum Company in Key West, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, Hemingway Rum Company in Key West, Florida! The mystique of the legendary adventurer, Ernest Hemingway, is revealed in Papa’s Pilar premium sipping rum. Visit the island distillery nestled in an original tobacco warehouse built in 1878. “Papa’s Pilar”, named after Hemingway’s private vessel which he often sailed to nearby Cuba in the 1930s, lent its name to the limited edition rums. Tours are certainly encouraged and tastings of both the blonde and dark varieties of rum are available. “Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.” ~ Ernest Hemingway.

Duetto Pizza and Gelato in Key West, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Duetto Pizza and Gelato in Key West, Florida! Just a stone’s throw off Duval Street is a cozy Italian eatery that serves New York-style thin crust pizza by the slice. Because a single slice can be bigger than your hand, you may see people folding it in half, especially if they’re peddling toward the beach or heading over to the waterfront pier. No judgement. If it keeps one from burning the roof of their mouth on the gooey cheese, I’m all for it. Whatever you choose, save a little room for fresh gelato. It’s made daily with milk, real fruit, and natural ingredients. No wonder it tastes so good.

The Green Room in Key West, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: The Green Room in Key West, Florida! When the locals tip you off with their favorite watering holes, you kinda pay attention. The Green Room takes pride in serving up thirst-quenching organic drinks in eco-friendly surroundings. Not only that, they believe is supporting the community as much as possible. It is an island, after all. Environmental sustainability is critical to survival. The bartenders are as laid back as a Florida sunset and the live music is cultural, no matter the performer. Stop by for a few. You’ll walk away feeling like family.

Paradise Restaurant in Key West, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Paradise Restaurant in Key West, Florida! “Behind every storm, there is a paradise waiting for you,” say owners Christian and Julian Velez. Together they created Paradise Restaurant, specializing in tasty Latin American food. Their hospitality alone embraces everyone who comes to dine here. Sure, the iguanas may come into view over your shoulder, but that only adds to the ambiance of outdoor seating. Sit back, sip on a salty-sugar rimmed margarita for good measure while deciding what to order. Ever tried sweet and succulent fried plantains? You must. They are simply delish caramelized niblets of green bananas. Pair them with pork carnitas and Cuban black beans. Talk about Paradise.

Nine One Five Restaurant and Bar in Key West, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Nine One Five in Key West, Florida. During the day you may walk by this charming whitewashed Victorian home, with ocean blue accents, thinking it’s a magnificent private residence. What a glorious sight. However once the evening hours roll around, every table seems to be filled with jovial guests on the wrap-around veranda before overflowing into the front yard beyond the white picket fence. Notice how the amber lights soften the mood for intimacy and celebration. Your first thought may be, “How do I get invited to the party?” My advice? Make a reservation because if you don’t, you’ll wish you did. Take time to enjoy every course. For starters, think about the raw Ahi Tuna Gravlax or fig balsamic Burrata. Delectable choices. Homemade pastas like fettuccine, cannot be resisted, especially when mixed with Key West pink shrimp and capers. The menu is varied to appeal to every palate. Go ahead, you’re worth it.