My adventures in gastronomy and cocktailonomy..........

Last week, I found myself sitting in one of my favorite restaurant-hot spots....not one time, not two times but three times.

We've celebrated many moments there over the years--from the Sex In The City premiere to We Need a Happy Hour to St. Patrick's Day. They have all been fun. It's a place where we can go as a family or just Toni and I or just Carmen and I or just my spirited friends and I. It's a good place when you need a good place to go.
It's got a nice vibe--with a busy bar crowd of familiar (but not too familiar) faces, a friendly wait staff, a few knock-out bartenders, cushy surroundings, big windows, a welcoming patio and just enough noise to make it feel alive but not intrusive.
As a frequent visitor, I definitely have my menu and cocktail favs. It was the first place I ever tasted--and fell madly in love with--Fish Tacos. And, I'm bonkers over their lettuce wraps, nachos and caesar salad. But, it's their potato soup that has reeled me in time and time again--especially during tight Lapband times.
Their bar offerings are sweet as well.....they've given me just what I needed--so many times. Especially last week. Perhaps that explains my three visits.
They have a lush Chardonnay that I often gravitate to and they have a Sauvignon Blanc that I order when I'm not in the mood for something so strong. Plus, they make a killer Tangueray Gin martini. And, I stand by their talent with Cosmo Martini's as well.
I go for the Chard when I'm feeling like I need a little extra something-or-other, I go for the Sauv Blanc when I'm feeling like I need to refresh, I go for the traditional martini when I'm feeling like I need to take the edge off and I go for the Cosmo when I'm feeling girly. It's what I do....
But, last week---all of a sudden, I found myself perusing the menu, really reading the descriptions and wanting something different...
On my first visit--I played it safe with the food--I ordered my standard potato soup. But, I asked for cocktail suggestions from the bartender. We settled on me needing a Pomtini--Grey Goose vodka with pomegranate and cranberry juices. After that, another.
On my second visit--I changed things up immediately--I got the French Onion Soup. From there--a French Martini ensued--Sky vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice. After that, another.
By my third visit--all bets were off--who even knew what I would order! It was truly a thrilling feeling. Within minutes, I embraced the idea of sharing a few fancy desserts with the girls and then I enthusiastically dove into studying the cocktail menu in earnest. This time, really trying to tune into what I really wanted. That's when I landed on a Strawberry Basil Lemonade--made with Level Vodka, fresh lemonade, fresh strawberries and fresh basil. Yum....

I'd like to go back tonight.....just to see what happens next....