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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

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....

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh Judi, you naughty girl!! I wish we had a place like that here,but we can barely afford to eat out anymore, so even if we did, we would not be able to go. I am jealous!! Plus I really dont drink, so....what good would it do to have a place like that anyway.

Are you having a bad week? is that why you went there THREE times? I hope not...I hope it was for the yummy bartenders!! Nothing better than having eye candy when you have a drink (or a soda in my case) in your hand!! makes the evening that much more better, right? lol

Anyway, here's hoping for a better week.

Jill from NY

Jody V said...

OK....That's it...I am moving to Pittsburgh...I want to go too!!!

Have fun and have one for me too!!

Jody

Kathy said...

Oh I wish we had a place like that here in our little town. Those drinks sound so yummy. And I love fish tacos. OK now that you've made me hungry I am off to find something to snack on. I hope you are happy now!!

Nola said...

Beautifully described....I feel like I am there and on the way out the door for a "sneaky smoke" with you!!!....how I wish:)
I have never heard of fish tacos....what is in them....besides fish I mean!!!! What sort of flavouring etc.....I might get onto my local favourite fish place to make me some!!!!

Irishembi said...

I AM from Pittsburgh and I need to know which Magical Place this is! I don't get out much anymore (thanks to three rugrats who shall remain nameless called Sabrina, Jamie & Meredith - Oops! Did I just name them? My bad.) but when I do, I want to go THERE!

Hell Judi whatever place it is they should hire you as their Marketing Director!

Irishembi said...

Ooooooh yes THAT Baked Potato Soup. I used to haunt the one by South Hill's Village in my youth. Not sure if that location is still there, but I may see you at the Mt Lebo location one of these days!