Hanging Out on the North Shore
Living on the island of Oahu afforded me the time to discover the hidden treasures of the island. I enjoyed three years of exploring the island and made time to discover some favorite places. Read more
Restaurant Review – P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
What I love is when a recommended restaurant lives up to the recommendation. I’ve been hearing about P.F. Chang’s China Bistro for a while now…in t.v. shows, from friends, from family. The nearest location to home is well over two hours away. So, on a recent trip to Phoenix, I was happy to finally have a meal at P.F. Chang’s. We visited the mothership location in Scottsdale, and there was nothing disappointing about the experience.
Our meal started with the very popular Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Then, we sampled two meals served family style with white or brown rice. The two entrees were Chang’s Spicy Chicken (P.F. Chang’s take on General Tso’s Chicken) and Orange Peel Chicken. Both were spiced to both our tastes and there was adequate not only for dinner but for lunch the following day! Delicious meal. Two thumbs up for both entrees AND the lettuce wraps!
Of note is the large number of gluten free items on the menu, including a recently added gluten free beer. Service is spectacular. Ambience is warm.
Visit P.F. Chang’s website to find locations, see the menu, make reservations, order take-out, see the new line of P.F Chang entrees in your grocery’s freezer section.
Photo credit: wolfgrins
Texas Roadhouse
As a rule, I don’t tout chain restaurants. There’s too much room for inconsistency from store to store. I believe I’ve found an exception. I recently had the opportunity to dine at Texas Roadhouse in two different states. The quality was consistent. It was fun…unlimited peanuts in the shell and an invite to drop those shells to the floor (warning to those with peanut allergies). The food was fresh and delish — I had pulled pork once and a remarkably tender and perfectly prepared sirloin on the other occasion. The service was great — friendly, attentive wait staff, and a quality check at the end of the meal.
Above and beyond the dining amenities, a notable plus for the budget wise is the list of 10 meals offered for 7.99 during the week for early diners. Hours vary by location.
All-in-all Texas Roadhouse is an enjoyable dining experience. I have no complaints and look forward to my next visit, no matter where I may be.
Photo credit: BKM_BR
Three Money-Saving Tips for Dining Out on Vacation
We all love dining out on vacation, but who has an unlimited budget? Here’s how to spend less on your full-flavored vacation fare. Read more
Restaurant Review: Yoder’s in Sarasota
Recently, my sister and I went to Florida to celebrate her birthday. We have a 92-year-old uncle who lives there, and any trip to Florida includes a visit to Uncle Frank. Similarly, any visit with Uncle Frank includes a meal out. This time was no different. I did not know there was a robust Amish community in Sarasota, but there is. Having grown up in Northeastern Ohio, I know a little something about Amish. I know they know how to cook!
After dinner at the nearby Dutch Heritage House, we went down the street to Yoder’s and waited in line for the opportunity to indulge in a piece of Yoder’s pie. It was worth the wait. Regina and I split a piece of chocolate pecan pie. It was amazing, and one piece was adequate for the both of us, because the slice was huge! I’ll bet they don’t get more than five pieces out of one pie.
Dessert isn’t the only thing on the menu at Yoder’s, but if dessert is on your mind and you’re in Sarasota, don’t take that appetite anywhere else.
Photo credit: TheSeafarer
Krongut Bornstedt
Krongut Bornstedt in Potsdam, Germany is one of those destinations that leaves you feeling like you stepped away from every day life. The grounds of Krongut Bornstedt are filled with beautiful flowers and plants and there’s a rose garden where weddings can be held. Krongut Bornstedt has a wonderful old world restaurant which serves good german fare and offers a nice selection of Bornstedter beers made on property.
Krongut Bornstedt By: GertrudK Flickr Creative Commons
Along with the restaurant and garden are a row of cobbler style shops where you can hand dip your own candles, watch a loom weaver, see hand blown glass pieces created and so much more. It’s a day trip to savor in all seasons. I particularly enjoyed the Krongut Weihnachtsmarkt held every Wednesday through Sunday from Nov 27th until December 26th. The Weihnachtsmarkt has many wonderful European creations and German treasures for purchase. While you shop you can listen to groups singing Christmas carols, take a photo near the oversized Christmas tree or pause for a moment at the manger scene. Along with treasures, music and festivities you will find food, beer and spiced cider a plenty. My sweetest memory of Krongut Bornstedt is of eating German sausages and drinking spiced cider in freezing temperatures as snow fell around us and seeing everyone celebrating the season with laughter and fun. It is a magical place and enfolds visitors in the spirit of European Christmas.
Krongut Bornstedt also offers outdoor activities to enjoy with friends and family during the warm, sunny summer months. This years Krongut Bornstedt Summer Concerts Series will include the Philharmonic Orchestra perfoming Pink Floyd rock music, an outdoor performance of the stage play Carmen and a performance of Nabucco accompanied by a 100 person choir and the orchestra.
Dutch Heritage House – Amish food in Florida
I grew up in the northeast corner of Ohio, and Sunday drives were part and parcel of that growing up. Several times a year, we’d end up in Amish country. Our sole purpose was to pick up fudge made with goat’s milk, a remarkable treat if you’ve never had it. Anyway, I’ve never forgotten the fudge nor those rides. Recently, my sister and I celebrated her birthday in Florida. Our 92-year-old uncle, who lives in Sarasota, took us to dinner, as is the tradition when one visits Uncle Frank.
The Dutch Heritage House buffet provided one of the best home-cooked meals I’ve had away from home. Although there is a pretty robust menu, the buffet won my attention hands down. Fresh roasted pork and broasted chicken, real mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, home made noodles and dressing, a salad bar, home baked bread, and a really interesting peanut butter at the end of the buffet. If you are a fan of this nutty delight, do NOT pass on a least a little of this on your dinner plate! I don’t know what makes it different, but it most definitely is…
If you are anywhere near Sarasota, hungry, and wanting a solid taste of home cooking, go to Dutch Heritage House.
Photo credit: stevendepolo
Hosteria La Cienega: A Hotel and Restaurant Review
Where you can you find a heavy dose of rustic, old-world elegance with a shining view of a snow-capped volcano, complete with practically perfect weather all year round?
Hacienda Pinsaqui: A Restaurant & Hotel Review
On a recent trip to Ecuador, we took a day trip to the world-famous Otavalo market. When the subject arose as to where to have lunch, a friend told us this place was a must to try. Want to know how we made out? Read on. Read more
Restaurant Review: Cactus Café in Cumbaya, Ecuador
Just outside of Quito in the suburb of Cumbaya is a quaint and welcoming restaurant called the Cactus Café. We had a chance to try out the menu on recent trip there. Read on to find out about our experience and reactions. Read more
