Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Well...it's Restaurant Week here in the Big Buff. What a brilliant idea. Here's the deal....a bunch *ok about 150* local, independent restaurants got together and said, hey...March is traditionally slow month for dining out, howzabout we get some kind of schtick going here to get people in....and restaurant week was born. For $20.09 *get it? it's 2009 and the price is $20.09* you can visit these establishment and get a really good meal. Most of these places, not all of them mind you, but a good number of them, are generally upscale places that local schlubs don't frequent too often. It seems to be working too. By all the accounts I've been hearing on the radio, each day a couple of local radio stations have had chefs and/or owners of these places on air promoting the concept, it's been a rousing success. They've all been packing people in. So, anyway, back to my story...Offspring #1 and I went to Cecelia's Ristorante and Martini Bar *operative word in making our choice being martini* tonite. Their deal was an appetizer or salad and an entree for $20.09. Can't beat that with a stick. And it was delicious! Of course our bar bill...two martini's each, French Cosmo for me and Pomegranate Martini for the kid, was just about as much as the food bill, but totally worth it.

I have to close now and hit the sheets....two martinis and food and now I'm tired!

For My Maternal Unit....who couldn't open this in the email I sent her

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Wearin' O' The Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day. If I don't see another piece of corned beef for a while it'll be too soon. 4 days straight we've been looking at it.

Saturday after the parade in the Old First Ward, there was a party at the bar. Reuben Sandwiches and corned beef on rye at that one. Plus some fried bologna and sausage pattys...but mostly beef.

Sunday after the Big Parade down Delaware Ave downtown, we had the Irish Firemen for there annual after parade soiree. Reubens, corned beef on rye, pizza and potato soup at that one

We had it yesterday at lunch in the form of Reubens and again today at lunch...Reubens and corned beef sandwiches again, along with dinners, with cabbage, potatoes and carrots.

I hope I can get the smell of it out of my hair.

So..anyway...The Irish Firefighters always have this pipe and drum corps from Canada march in their parade, and they always come to the bar after for food. And they usually play a couple numbers before the Irishman of the Year Award is given. And they usually play inside. I usually head for a door jamb cuz it feels like this 100+ year old building might just come down with all the banging. *sorta, but not really, if its not down yet, its not coming down...but y'know..better safe than sorry* This year, it was so gorgeous out they played outside. Way better. Here's a few shots...

Irishman of the Year












check out this guys pants...little leprechauns all over them

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Florida Stuff

I go to Florida for a little warmth and sunshine. Yeah, it didn't do that till yesterday, the day I left. 50's for the most part while I was there. I kept telling myself...'it's not freezing and it's not snowing'.

Our friends belong to the Moose Lodge. I know I know!!! A Moose Lodge? I always equated your Frank Barone type with the Moose....not so! The one they joined is right on the beach...I mean...right there! Good fish fingers at that one. At another, on Sunday, we went for breakfast. 2 eggs any style, sausage or bacon, grits if you want 'em, 2 pancakes or french toast, hash browns, biscuits with sausage gravy and toast. Guess how much. $4.95! Can't beat that with a stick!

Tampa has a nice airport. Best part...these....




Yeah...a place to smoke without having to go completely out of the airport and back in thru security and the maze of concourses. They also have this cool concept. "Cell phone lots" where your ride can sit, at no charge, and wait till you call and say 'pick me up'.

There's a lot of stuff for sale in Florida. Especially homes, and more specifically, homes in foreclosure. They've got it pretty bad down there, economically speaking.

There's a lot of trailer park manufactured home communities.