West End Cafe: Fajita Fish Tacos

I am a big fan of fish tacos, and it seems like every restaurant puts its own twist on it. I found the fish tacos on the appetizer menu at West End Cafe. The menu describes them as " slaw, crispy jalapeno, and two sauces. The description doesn't do these fish tacos justice. They are simply amazing. Fresh grilled white fish topped with diced tomatoes, onions, crunchy cabbage, a spicy cilantro red sauce, a creamy sour cream sauce, and topped with lightly battered jalapenos. The textures are so diverse but compliment each other with every bite. The spicy sauce hgives it a little kick but is quickly cooled by the cream sauce. The fish is tender and full of flavor while the cabbage gives it crunch. It was enough for a meal and more. These babies are loaded and highly recommended. I may be spoiled for all others now.

Skippys: Hot Dog and Fries

Miss Mel and Doug frankly relish Skippy's hot dogs. I prefer the Chicago dog (left) and Miss Mel likes hers all the way (right).

-Contributed by Doug G.

Roasted Veggie Pizza at First Street Draught House

I can't believe that I haven't posted about First Street Draught House until now. I say this because First Street is down the street from my house and I drop by a couple of times a week. It is convenient and the food is good. O likes the selection of beers. We shared this pizza the other day for lunch. It was a great choice. You should drop by and try one yourself.

Mozelle's: Chicken, Portabella and Spinach Pasta

After reading the description of Mozelle's lunch special on my Facebook feed, I knew that is where I would be having lunch. Great garlic flavor, mild cream sauce, fresh tomatoes, tender chicken and giant slices of portabello mushrooms made this a wonderful dish.

If you would like to get Mozelle's specials on your own Facebook feed, you can "like" them. I would love them, but Facebook won't let me have that kind of relationship.

Dinner and Dioli's Trattoria...again

Dinner at Dioli's for the 4th time last Saturday, I'm working my way through the menu! I took 3 Dioli's noobs this time. The resturant was busy in trattoria style. We sat in the back room for the first time and the 3 story high ceilings into the Steven's Center with ornate moldings and columns lends itself to the Italian style. The waiter was informative and made suggestions in the wine as well as menu items.





Heather wanted the pesto tagliatelle (pasta is house made), but also wanted to try the meatballs. The waiter suggested not to add them to the tagliatelle, but how about a side of meatballs? Brilliant.












Scott followed suite with the Spaghetti and Meatballs (meatballs and marinara also house made).

Kelly had the Spaghetti Carbonara (diced pancetta, eggs, garlic, parsley and parmesan cheese-its on my list for next time...).

I was about to order my favorite item, the stuffed pork loin, but made a game time decision switch to the Seafood Risotto and I am glad I did (and I have a new pic to post!).

Desserts were shared, a Raspberry Torte, which has been posted on before, and the Tiramisu which I have been wanting to get since my first visit. Both really good. Dinner was followed by a movie at A/perture, Solitary Man with Michael Douglas, unexpectedly brilliant.

New Town Bistro: Quiche Brunch Special

We were back at New Town Bistro for brunch last Sunday. Joe had to get the sweet potato pancakes again. He was very pleased with his meal, once again. There wasn't a lot of conversation until he finished, they are THAT good.

I ordered the special quiche of the day that was filled with cheese, artichoke hearts, basil, and sundried tomatoes. The quiche was very light and fluffy and had great flavors from its components. The breakfast potatoes are delicious, the sweet potato biscuit was devine and the fresh fruit was a light compliment to the reast of the meal with sweet cantelope, pineapple and green grapes.

Our server, Jack, was Johnny-on-the-spot with the coffee and water refills and made sure that we had everything that we needed. Joe mentioned that he was impressed that Jack never touched his straw with the "community" water pitcher and he liked that a lot. The food was fast and delicious, definitely worth the trip. If New Town Bistro is one of those restaurants that you may not think about off the top of your head when choosing a restaurant, I suggest putting it in your phone, or on your fridge, or signing up for their VIP Club and they will remind you!

Bernardin's Fine Dining

This weekend the beau and I dined at Bernardin's. This was our first visit and we were not disappointed. Per usual, the boyfriend opted for the dish with the most seafood per square inch. He was very pleased with his selection and politely cleaned his plate. That bounty below was filled with clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and salmon. There was also some pasta hidden in there somewhere.

I was feeling a bit fishy myself and chose the Diver Sea Scallops with English Pea Risotto. Yes, it was lovely as well. The risotto was a cheesy pile of goodness and the scallops were cooked oh, so perfectly. The folks at Bernardin's also know how to prepare their veggies. That asparagus was well seasoned and crisp.

You should go sometime.