I’m cheap. I don’t like to spend a lot of money dining out. It infuriates me when I order steak and pay the hefty price tag only for it to arrive burnt or over cooked. I’m not a food connoisseur and I couldn’t tell you the first thing about cooking, but I do know my medium-rare Filet Mignon. I also know good service and if I’m at a high end restaurant, I expect it. It should be the standard but it’s not. I visited Flagler Steakhouse at The Breakers tonight and I had heard fantastic reviews. From the moment I walked in the door until I left, it lived up to the hype. My Filet Mignon was worth every penny, the service was the best I’d received in years and the setting was picturesque. I’m booked for The Italian Restaurant (the actual name) tomorrow night but I might change my reservation to Flagler Steakhouse again just to have the perfectly prepared Filet Mignon or to chat with Christine the waitress; the way she interacted with Athena was like she knew her for years. I always find something to say that a restaurant just isn’t worth the cost, but Flager actually is worth every finger-licking cent. Continue reading
Category Archives: Restaurant Reviews
Turned On by a Woman at the ESPA, Riga
I’m no stranger to massages. I’ve had more than a handful in the last two years. Normally, I lay on the table wondering if I should have established a safe word. The answer is usually “yes.” No need this time; she knew exactly the way I like it… maybe even a little too much. Admittedly, I was turned on by the female masseuse at ESPA, Riga. I left thinking if this is what massages are suppose to feel like, Darren is not allowed to go anymore. Continue reading
Why Not Start with Dessert First?
My favorite part of dining out is ordering dessert but by the time I try a few things on the menu, I never have enough room to finish it. Vessel Restaurant at Kona Kai Resort & Marina is known for its regional, coastal fare and unique cocktails but since I wasn’t ordering any of their signature dishes, I decided to start with the dessert, assuring I had room for my favorite part and then going back to the beginning with appetizers and a main course. Why not start with the dessert first when it’s my favorite part? Besides, I was on vacation and I was there to relax. I was going to make it all about my favorite things. Continue reading
Tastes of Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village introduced us to the flavors and tastes of Hawaii. We enjoyed a Kona Lobster Burger from Lagoon Grill, island fish at KPC, and an expansive Luau buffet at the Legends of Hawaii Luau. From fine dining to relaxed outdoor settings, we explored the local food creations of Hawaii. Continue reading
Not Exactly Roughing It
Beaver Creek Lodge, despite its name, is anything but an ordinary mountain lodge. Located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain in Colorado’s Vail Valley, this sprawling, 72-one-bedroom-suite property is known for its contemporary take on a traditional mountain resort. With endless amenities and a central location in the Beaver Creek Village, staying at Beaver Creek Lodge is not exactly roughing it. After only three days at the resort, I feel in love. I actually discuss the possibility of living in Colorado in the near future with my family because it has so much to offer.
It’s Your Choice: Bland or Orgasmic
We like to dine out. With a 9 month old and work and laundry and cleaning and getting ready for a new house and life, we like to dine out. It’s easy to say, “Darren I’ve been home all day. Let’s go out for something to eat.” But going out for dinner every other night of the week can be costly so we usually end up at fast food restaurants and eating unhealthy food, continuing the cycle of bland dining experiences. A chef recently said to me, “You can waste your money eating out regularly to fill the void or you can dine out once-and-awhile and make it an occasion. A celebration of food and life.” I liked that philosophy and I’ve been trying to incorporate it into our lives ever since. This past weekend we celebrated dining at Print Works Bistro. We ordered appetizers, entrees, and dessert; we had extraordinary flavors in a vibrant surrounding, making dining a true celebration. Continue reading
Better than Warm Apple Pie; Oh Wait… It was Warm Apple Pie
Pulled pork, BBQs, slow-cookers, mac n cheese, beans, smokers, and Brunswick stew are all North Carolina staples that I’d been dreaming about experiencing. Since moving here 6 months ago, I was on the hunt for the best southern comfort food that North Carolina has to offer. I tried everything from expensive, uptown restaurants to cheap dives in sketchy neighborhoods, but I still felt like I was missing the authentic experience. When I heard about Mac’s Speed Shop, part biker bar, part barbecue joint, filled with tables, chairs, and picnic tables out front, I didn’t expect to find “the spot”. From the time our appetizers arrived until the last bite of dessert, my taste buds were elated with the unique flavor-filled experience of true North Carolina cooking. Continue reading
More than A Dinner Out – Rockafeller’s Restaurant
With its casual elegance, fresh local fare, Rudee Inlet location, and family-friendly staff, it’s easy to see why Rockafeller’s Restaurant is loved by locals and tourists alike. Rockafeller’s is one of Virginia Beach’s dining landmarks, making it a must on our first trip to Virginia. Continue reading
Reeling in a Perfect Dinner at Five Fishermen Restaurant
The bustling and popular Five Fishermen Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia has an unsinkable history; it was once Snow’s Funeral Home and housed bodies recovered from the Titanic. The reviews for the restaurant are equally unsinkable, though, so I thought I would give it a try. On my last night in Canada, accompanied by my sister and her boyfriend, I reeled in a delicious dinner at Five Fishermen. Conveniently located next to the World Trade and Convention Centre, The Five Fishermen Restaurant & Grill is recognized as Halifax’s finest seafood restaurant. Known world wide for its fantastic cuisine, friendly staff and rich history, they provided exceptional quality, a downtown view, unparalleled service, and a memorable evening. Continue reading
Steak Money On It – The Keg
When it comes to steak, it’s undeniable that The Keg serves only the finest cuts. They are aged for tenderness. Then, a special blend of seasonings is added to lend unique flavor while still allowing the natural properties of the high quality, well-aged beef to be enjoyed to its fullest. This ensures that a tender, succulent, flavorful steak is guaranteed off the grill every time, but I often wondered if there was more than meets the “rib-eye”; is The Keg a cut above the rest in areas other than steak? Their menu not only features tender, juicy steaks, but vast appetizer choices, slow succulent chicken, and irresistible desserts. Quality, comfort, and superior service are three key ingredients that make The Keg Steakhouse & Bar experience like no other. Continue reading