Dinner Cruise ~ Undecided

Thursday I went on an evening Octoberfest dinner cruise and I am stuck dead neutral when it comes to "rating" my experience. I am sure part of the problem is the fact we have a boat of our own and nothing beats the freedom of moving about with the wind in your hair. This brings me to my first con to the dinner cruise; the timing.

When you arrive and board the beer tasting begins. This is very nice. They do the beer tasting on the promenade deck and it's the perfect time of evening to be outdoors. They served local brews so we got to experience the taste of Tampa's finest. I'm not a big beer drinker but I enjoyed each one and all it's uniqueness.

As we pulled out towards Old Hillsborough Bay we were called down to dinner. Dinner was a pro to this adventure. An appetizer, salad, and entree are included in the price of the boat ticket. There is a gratuity you pay separately and a cash bar. The food was excellent. We had been a little apprehensive about dinner with a few special requests within our party. To our surprise there was a nice variety of choices. I had a baked Mahi Mahi. I prefer my Mahi Mahi blackened and tend to be picky when it comes to my fish. The slightest bit of fishy-ness and I'm done. This was a nicely sized, we'll baked Mahi Mahi filet. The sauce was light and it was very good. In addition, the broccolini and refreshingly small serving of mashed potatoes were all great. In the group there was a Cuban stuffed pork chop that was delicious although I could have done without the mustard in the sauce. There was a vegetarian salad that was great. The desserts were all very yummy. I also had a wonderful cocktail appropriately named Key Lime Pie and finished it off with another pineapple-y one named Love.

The boat ride itself is where most of the cons came in. Again, I want to be fair in saying my perception could be skewed since I am used to being out on our boat and have done the night's trip several times myself. The best time of the entire trip is and should be the sunset. Big issue here.. we were all down in the cabin for dinner during the sunset. We needed to be on deck for this. In true Florida fashion, it was another gorgeous sunset and we missed it. The dining area is surrounded by windows and we were lucky enough to get a window booth but it just wasn't what it could have been. In addition to the lowsy timing, they took the back route out to the bay. This puts Harbour Island in your view blocking the majority of the sunset. Moving on...you go out to the point where Old Hillsborough Bay and Tampa Bay meet, you linger, turn, then as dinner wraps up and everyone moves back on deck, you head back to dock.The ride back is actually one of my favorite routes. We headed back between Davis Island and Harbour Island. I was able to get a nice shot of Tampa Bay's skyline while we were out in the bay.

Tampa Bay, Fl

A dinner tip: if we were not paying attention, we could have been ripped off $50. I had a $50 tab and my friend had an $8 tab. I gave $50 cash and she gave a debit card. He brought back the receipts and gave us no change (my tab was really $47) and charged her $47. I told him of his mistake and offered an easy solution. I told him to give me back the $50 cash and I would just give it to my friend. Another friend at the table noticed the waiter pulled the cash out of his pocket when he returned it to me. I am sure he thought that because we were all having such a great time we wouldn't catch it. Thing is we have a great time anytime we are together and it has nothing to do with alcohol. We are just fun people who are comfortable letting our hair down and enjoying ourselves without worrying about being pretensious. Also, the cost of the trip isn't cheap. We snagged our tickets off living social for a great steal. So I am sure some people would have just signed their receipt. Unfortunately for him he ended up having to pay an $8 gratuity fee out of his own pocket. That's karma for ya. I didn't even think of that until now. I am sure he was just thankful we didn't report it to his boss. Now I am even more convinced it wasn't just a simple mistake.

If you want to have a nice dinner cruise experience, here is my advice. Hire a Captain who has his own boat to take you out or rent a boat (only if you know what you're doing). Pack a cooler with some champagne and strawberries and your favorite sunset picnic items. We usually take our favorite grocery's subs and some crackers. Find a spot out in the bay and drop anchor. Have some champagne and dinner as you watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you'll ever see.

Romano's - Fabulously Greek

There is this neat little place in town named Romano's. I hear people rave about it all the time but had never tried it. It's right next to our favorite bakery, Moreno's. Usually for lunch we go somewhere "just down the road" but the same ol' thing gets, well old. Today we decided to try Romano's and it was fantastic! They are actually a Greek Italian place. They have a nicely sized menu with plenty of variety. I got the H & H, half a Greek salad and a souvlaki chicken pita. I didn't even make it to the pita. I ate half the salad and was full. When she brought the dishes out I saw the salad dressing and it looked pretty pink. I wasn't sure I would like it. Ahhh..one bite and I was sold! Their dressing is heavenly. I am also not one for potato salad w/my actual salad but they layered it with the potato salad on the bottom. It was perfect. I ate the pita for dinner and it was scrumptious! My husband got the Cuban. He is not one to offer compliments. I knew he was as pleased as me when he said we would definitely be back and his compliments to the chef. He said instead of just throwing cold cuts on the cuban bread and pressing it, they seem to cook/warm the meat before putting it on the bread and then press it. It must have been good because he inhaled it and said he may go back while I am gone later this week.

So, if you live locally, do yourself a favor and try Romano's off 60 by Publix. It's right in between Auto Clinic and Moreno's Bakery.

*If you go, stop into Moreno's for dessert. They are amazing!!

Poblano's Mexican Bar & Grill

A new Mexican food place recently opened up in town. This happens often but rarely are they any good. Well Poblano's is a different story. It's very good.

Out here in Tampa, there aren't a lot of Mexican restaurants that do it for me. I grew up in Texas. I've had some of the best homemade Mexican dinners ever made. In fact, the best Mexican place in town is Miguel's. Funny thing is..it's styled after Ninfa's. She was his Aunt. So the best Mexican food in Tampa is courtesy of a Texas favorite.

While I would seriously love me some yummy Joe T Garcia's right about now; I am happily satisfied with this new place.

Poblano's is a cute and well decorated place with a wrap around patio with seating. The bar is in between in and outdoor. There is a sliding window for bar service from the patio. They have four different kinds of homemade salsas. They even have salsa verde, my favorite. It's spicy, just the way it's meant to be.

The first night a gal pal and I went after a fun evening @ a charitable event. We sat @ the outside bar. I enjoyed a swirl made with homemade sangria. It was great. My friend had a top shelf margarita. It was good. (She said it didn't touch my Tiffarita..blush..hehe) The hubs came up after work and you should have seen his monster beer, @ an excellent price. We got the table side guacamole, taquitos, and a taco salad between the 3 of us. They were all fantastic!

Later that weekend we went for lunch. The iced tea was perfect. The salsa was just as good. I like that consistency. I got the skinny chicken tacos. I actually enjoy the lettuce leaf shell. It's like a salad in your hand. Hahahaha They were wonderful. Hubs got a dual burrito dish and it was refreshing to see it was a reasonable size instead of a mountain of food. I'm sure he enjoyed it because it didn't take long before it was gone.

We will be frequent customers. We can walk or ride our bikes if we like which is nice. The food is great and both dining areas, whether in or out, are pleasantly relaxing and enjoyable.

If you live in town, check it out.

Thumbs Up & Thumbs Down

So here is my first attempt at the reviews part of recipes and reviews.

Thumbs Up

I want to give a thumbs up to Applebee's. I wasn't a big fan, always got the same thing whenever we went. That has changed. They have really expanded their menu and I am digging the new selections.

Their Weight Watcher's menu is fantastic! We live next to one of the testing spots. They get new menus all the time and test to see what will be added to the menu permanently. They are coming up with some great new additions. Check them out  if you haven't been in awhile. I think you will be pleasantly suprised. We go once a week & enjoy a great dinner and a real happy hour.

Thumbs Down

I have always enjoyed Tijuana Flats! I still do but I want to tell you, stay away from the Blazin' Chicken Tostadas. The chicken was absolutely disgusting!! It was little pieces of hard mystery meat! After I spent much time picking each little piece off my food, I wasn't real enthused about eating it. I've always been able to try various things at Tijuana and been satisfied with the results. I'm hoping this was a one time deal but I won't be trying that "chicken" again to find out.



Cinnamon Biscuits in the Morning

Mmmmm....Cinnamon in the AM

LOL...I know, I know, I spelled cinnamon wrong!

We'll blame it on the full tummy!

I love cinnamon rolls. I just don't love all the calories. I also love biscuits and honey, they remind me of sopapillas from TX. So, to compromise, I make cinnamon biscuits & I think I like them most.

What You'll Need:

Your favorite biscuits

Cinnamon (cinnamon sugar for folks who don't mind the extra sugar)

Your favorite honey (local is always best for folks who suffer allergies)

Baking spray with flour already in it

Following the instructions for your fav biscuits, heat up the oven.

Lightly spray your baking sheet.

Place biscuits on baking sheet.

Generously sprinkle cinnamon over biscuits.

Gently pat cinnamon into biscuits.

Flip biscuit over.

Follow steps again.

Pick up biscuit and roll sides through extra cinnamon around biscuits.

Bake for the appropriate length of time per your fav biscuit instructions.

I like to eat mine with a little "alternate to butter" spray and honey from a local farm.

I've never tried them with jelly but I'd bet they would be good with some strawberry or peach jelly/jam or some apple butter. If you try it, let me know.





4th Favorites

The 4th of July, Independence Day, is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. It's not just the purpose of celebrating our Independence but also the great food and beverages you find at the BBQs that are so wonderful. Burgers, Hot dogs, Steaks, Chicken, Ribs, Sausage, deviled eggs,fried garlic,  chips and dips, and we haven't even scratched the surface. This year it is only my husband and I. We decided to pick a few of our favorites for dinner before we watch the fireworks.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is a great appetizer because its great for snacking on while smoking the brisket.

Ingredient List:

approx. 4 cups shredded chicken breast

your favorite hot sauce - we use Franks

approx. 1/2 cup of cream cheese

approx. 1/4 cup of sour cream

just over a 1/4 cup of sweet vidalia onion - finally chopped

garlic (to taste)

4 mexican cheeses - shredded

sharp cheddar - shredded

In a casserole dish, mix chicken, hot sauce, and garlic together. Add cream cheese, sour cream, onion, and garlic and mix. Spread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle top with 4 mexican cheeses and sharp cheddar. Heat in oven @ 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Applewood Smoked Brisket

I love a well smoked brisket. The way it just falls apart and the robust flavors..Mmmm...

Ingredient List:

a lean brisket - it's always best to get it from your local meat market; better cuts for less

your favorite beef marinade -we use Stubbs

your favorite applewood rub - we like McCormicks

your favorite BBQ sauce - we use Stubbs Original

a cup of apple juice or apple cider

Tip: For added flavor mix Jack Daniel's Charcoal with Regular Kingston. Throw in a few applewood chips.The mix of the flavored barrels and applewood flavor are complimentary. In the last 45 minutes, pour a cup of apple juice or apple cider over the brisket.

Everyone likes to smoke their brisket a little differently so if you already know what you like, do it your way. If you're a first timer - the rule of thumb is 1 hr per pound @ around 200 degrees or if you prefer it cooked well 1 hr and 15 minutes per pound. Of course, you know your grill the best so use your best judgement. We cook ours for an hour per pound and our grill runs hot due to our climate.

 

Homemade Mac and Cheese

This is my absolute favorite sinful food.

Ingredient List:

a box of whole grain pasta

approx. 3/4 block of sharp white cheddar

approx. 3/4 block of monterey jack

a stick of butter - unsalted

garlic to taste

approx. 1 cup of sour cream

Tip: Bake in a casserole baking stone @ 350 for about 25 to 30 minutes.

While boiling the pasta; prepare the cheese sauce by melting the stick of butter and garlic in a sauce pan. Once the butter is melted start mixing in some sour cream. Next add some cheese. Stirring as you add everything. Keep slowly adding sour cream then cheese until it's all mixed together. The sauce should be smooth.

Put cooked pasta into the casserole dish and pour cheese sauce over it.

Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and put in the oven uncovered.

Add your baked bean recipe and a fresh sourdough roll to top the meal.

Sit back with your favorite cold beverage and enjoy the fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!!

Tiffaritaz

Good Ol’ Margaritas are my frosty beverage of choice!

I always have been a tequila gal. Most people, who don’t care for it, will tell you it’s because they got sick on it. I’ve certainly had my fair share and I’ve never gotten sick on it. I think the key is to the brand. This is liquor you truly get what you pay for. Maybe the reason I’ve never had a bad time with tequila is due to the fact I’ve never cheeped out when it comes to my ritas. 

Ingredient List:

√       Patron Silver

√       Grand Marnier

√       Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix

√       Rose’s Grenadine

*In place of the margarita mix you can use freshly squeezed lime juice. (don’t use concentrate)

*In place of the Grenadine, you can use a pomegranate liquor or a strawberry margarita mix.

For an 8 ounce glass (like the one pictured above):

√       Mix 2 ounces of Patron

√       Mix 2 ounces of Grand Marnier

√       Mix 4 ounces of Margarita Mix

√       & a splash of Grenadine

Tip: I use a tequila drinking glass; they are typically 2 to 2 and a half ounces.

 Salt your rim – Add some shaved ice – Pour your Tiffarita – Enjoy!