travel

Dining Outside the Home: Mama’s Pizza in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Mama’s Pizza in Manhattan, New York City, New York! When it’s late at night, in the city that never sleeps, stumbling across a no frills food court filled with oven-fresh New York-style pizza-by-the-slice is shear heaven. No reservation needed in this counter-served eatery, known as Mama’s Pizza. The challenge came in choosing which toppings to indulge, on a crust that was crisp along the edge and soft enough in the middle to fold in half to eat. That’s the way it’s done in New York City. In the end, I went with a four-cheese and fresh basil White Pizza. The hubs stuck to the classic standby, Pepperoni. And then we satisfied our sweet tooth with a chocolate chip cannoli for dessert. Yum!

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: Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan’s Theatre District, New York City, New York! Step inside the doors and be surrounded by hundreds of celebrity caricatures adorning the walls from top to bottom dating back to the 1940s. Be amazed as you sit in the company of greatness. Some you will recognize, others you’ll find simply intriguing. And because Sardi’s is a great place for pre-and post-theatre activity, you never know who you’ll find dining at the table next to you. Don’t forget to eat. For openers, try the Sardi’s Special Appetizer plate: Bruschetta; Prosciutto and Melon; Asparagus rolled in Smoked Salmon; Roasted Bell Peppers; Mozzarella and Capers; Truffled Chicken Liver Pâté; and Grilled Shrimp with Green Olive Tapenade. I know, right! Is it any wonder celebs are drawn to this legendary Times Square restaurant?

Dining Outside the Home: Plaza Hotel Food Hall in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Plaza Hotel Food Hall in Manhattan, New York City, New York! Located on the Concourse Level of the Plaza Hotel at Central Park West, is a diverse collection of specialty food stations inspired by European traditions. Look around at the mosaic marble floors, the bistro tables, and seasoned chefs. Whatever your mood, be it succulent seafood, decadent desserts, savory pasta, artisan breads, or high quality tea blends, it’s all there. My word of advice? Share. After all, a sampling of several items can be very satisfying. 

Dining Outside the Home: Tavern on the Green in Manhattan, New York City, New York!

Dining Outside the Home: Tavern on the Green at Central Park in Manhattan, New York City, New York! Be captivated by a breathtaking view, in a bucolic setting, while dining al fresco in the beautifully manicured floral gardens of Tavern on the Green. Catch a glimpse of a horse-drawn carriage meandering by. The muscular draft horse practically nods its red-plumed headpiece as its melodic hooves clip-clop past the charming landscaped terrace. Sunlight dapples the outdoor tables in anticipation of quiet celebrations and romantic interludes. In the flurry of New York City, pause long enough to embrace the history of such an iconic landmark. It is definitely worth bookmarking in your travel journal. 

Dining Outside the Home: The Shrimp Factory in Savannah, Georgia 

Dining Outside the Home: The Shrimp Factory in Savannah, Georgia!  Stroll along the thriving riverfront in Savannah, Georgia until you come to River Street’s former cotton warehouse built in 1823. Here you will find Low Country favorites that give The Shrimp Factory its claim to fame: BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, She Crab Bisque, Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp and Grits, and Low Country Boil. Blueberry muffins arrive in the bread basket for savoring early on with refreshingly sweet tea. Don’t forget to inquire about the Chatham Artillery Punch. There’s quite a story about Savannah’s secret weapon. If you ask kindly, you may get a sample of the cocktail known to be “seductively smooth with the kick of a colonial cannon.”

Dining Outside the Home: Conroy’s at Marriott Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 

Dining Outside the Home: Conroy’s at Marriott Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina!  When you receive special attention from the talented kitchen chefs at Conroy’s, sit up and take notice. Culinary delights, high on presentation and exquisite in taste, make an evening meal one worth remembering. Never mind that the oceanfront view is drop dead gorgeous; that’s merely a bonus. The melt-in-your-mouth flavor of the Chilean Sea Bass drizzled with a rich Béchamel Sauce practically made my eyes roll back into my head. If you’ve never tried it, the next time you find it on the dinner menu, order it without hesitation. Chilean Sea Bass is tender, moist, buttery, and sinful. Try it anyway. It is high quality and honestly, you’re worth it!