cocktails

Dining Outside the Home: Olympic Café in Kapaa, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Olympic Café in Kapaa, Kauai. Even on rainy days you have to venture out for a bite to eat. For starters, a slightly salty/savory-rimmed Bloody Mary with a spicy kick is in order. Perched on the second level of the Olympic Café overlooking street activity has proven to be quite entertaining as more clouds rolled in and the sky opened up. A guy on a bicycle got drenched from the pounding rain. He nestled a paper bag under his armpit while his legs pedaled full speed through potholes filling with street water. Meanwhile, a steaming hot humongous burrito lunch arrived, so the open air seating was perfect for watching passing showers at a warm and dry distance. After all, you can’t rush perfection.

Dining Outside the Home: T.G.I. Fridays in Indianapolis, Indiana

Dining Outside the Hone: T.G.I. Fridays in Indianapolis, Indiana! It’s not often you hear the story of a restaurant owner opening a bar that would help him meet women. But that’s exactly what happened in 1965 when Alan Stillman opened the first T.G.I. Friday’s in New York City. He probably figured a cocktail-style atmosphere with a unique décor would be more appealing than a dark tavern. He was right. Today, no matter the location, everyone has a good time for drinks and a casual meal. An upscale menu provides tempting appetizers that are a meal in itself, like the Spinach Florentine Flatbread. It’s A+, in my opinion. For a heartier appetite choose a popular entree such as the Half Rack of BBQ Ribs. Either way, you may find yourself unable to resist a nibble of everything on the table. Just remember to save room for dessert. The Brownie Obsession is exactly that!

Dining Outside the Home: Rum Boogie Cafe in Memphis, Tennessee!

Dining Outside the Home: Rum Boogie Café in Memphis, Tennessee! Take a stroll down Beale Street for smooth drinks, southern food, and toe-tappin’ Memphis blues. Try not to cause a gaper’s block as you walk through the door of the Rum Boogie Cafe. More than 200 autographed guitars are displayed in plain sight from a horde of living legends. But that’s not all. Notice memorabilia connecting the past to the present appears at every turn. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat before the live entertainment shuffles in. My recommendation? The farm-raised Catfish Fillet sandwich. The waitress swears by it. This two-handed southern specialty is dredged in breading and fried to a golden brown. One bite and you’ll find yourself hooked on a local favorite.

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio! With a stunning view of Fountain Square and a wait staff that aims to please, it’s easy to see why Morton’s Steakhouse on Vine Street sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. For starters let’s try a modern “Mortini” like Pimm’s Cup. Oh, my! A peek at the extensive menu, known for their aged prime beef and signature dishes, leaves one already planning another visit. But for now, relax and enjoy the anticipation of lavish delight. Perhaps a nibble or two of Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, engulfed in a misty fog of dry ice as it makes a grand entrance to the table. Sublime. Prepare to share generous side portions for the ultimate dining extravaganza. After all, the grande finale is Soufflé for Two. 

Dining Outside the Home: 110 Grill in Nashua, New Hampshire 

Dining Outside the Home: 110 Grill in Nashua, New Hampshire! Restaurants face the challenge of offering a menu that encompasses the diversity of palate as well as creativity in diet. Rest assured, 110 Grill raises the bar. Vegan choices as well as Gluten-free options show commitment to customer needs and satisfaction. Even the Beverage Book features creative cocktails, craft beers, and New World wines. Check in and see how they’re catching on. From business to pleasure, 110 Grill creates an ambiance that makes any occasion feel festive. 

Dining Outside the Home: The View Restaurant and Lounge at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: The View Restaurant and Lounge at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, New York! This is where to go for a perfect vantage point of the Manhattan skyline at sunset. The View is a revolving rooftop restaurant inside the Marriott Marquis, and the only one of its kind. You really don’t want to pass up a rich culinary experience against an unforgettable backdrop. Take your time to locate points of interest as well as landmark skyscrapers. The revolving floor makes a 360° turn every hour. The Three-Course Prix-Fixe menu offers an unsurpassed Beginning, incredible Main attractions, and a stunning Finish to the meal. Don’t forget to order a signature Manhattan Cocktail. After all, it’s a toast to Manhattan!

Dining Outside the Home: Playwright Celtic Pub in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Playwright Celtic Pub in Manhattan, New York City, New York! On a beautiful night, head up four flights of stairs to the rooftop in the heart of NYC’s Theatre District for a classic Irish pub experience. This is Playwright Celtic Pub in Hell’s Kitchen, where patrons rave about the best Fish ‘n Chips in the city and the brews to match. The beverages are ice cold, the music is loud and lively, and the skyline is unbelievably Manhattan. Absorb the ambiance. Appreciate the tradition. Wet your whistle. Grab dinner under the stars. It’s all about the journey. 

Dining Outside the Home: Skull Creek Boathouse on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 

Dining Outside the Home: Skull Creek Boathouse on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina!  Nestled along the waterfront, on the banks of Skull Creek bordering the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, sits a landmark restaurant known for its ultimate Seafood Extravaganza! You name it, it’s there: snow crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams, and shellfish. But that’s not all. Fresh seafood is featured daily. Don’t take my word for it. You may have already recognized Skull Creek Boathouse from its exposure on the Food Network, the Travel Channel, or National Geographic’s televised programming. Magnificent oak trees dripping in Spanish moss along the marina create a charming backdrop for casual outdoor dining and live music. Whether it’s a sunset dinner or midday meal, one visit and you’ll understand this “Boathouse State of Mind.”

Dining Outside the Home: Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 

Dining Outside the Home: Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina!  Now we’re talking, a place for every food craving. Here is a restaurant that serves up the traditional Tex-Mex fare as well as Lowcountry favorites and All-you-can-eat Crab Legs. In addition, Aunt Chilada’s eatery hosts a daily Happy Hour and food specials to tide you over for a night out on the town. A covered patio makes outdoor seating a popular choice when live music “gets the party started”. Ask the wait staff about the Kennedy Half Dollar. It’s just another way they have of rewarding your visit for choosing to stop at Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café.