Daiquiri Deck

Daiquiri Deck
5250 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34242

325 John Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL

Recently, we took a vacation to the Tampa area to visit one of my best friends.  The first place we visited was called the Daiquiri Deck.  During our trip, we actually visited two different locations.

We chose to sit outside on the deck.  The view was beautiful.  

On my first visit, I had the strawberry daiquiri.  It was perfect on this hot day.  

Because we were hungry, I decided to have the steak and blue cheese salad, and it did not disappoint.  

On our next visit, I wanted to try a drink that was more fun, so I ordered the Kryptonite, which was electric lemonade, green parrot and grain alcohol.  

This trip happened to be happy hour, so we got two for the price of one!  Bargain!

Garrett ordered the calamari as an appetizer.  It was perfectly seasoned.  

Being that is was so freakin' hot, I really enjoyed the frozen daiquiris.  If I was in the area, I'd definitely revisit, especially if it was hot and humid!  

 

Golden India

Golden India
2097 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38104

Golden India has been a staple in Overton Square.  The other day we decided we wanted Indian, so off we went.  

They give you some free crunchy bread.  

It comes with two sauces.  The green one tasted very fresh and the other has a slight reminder of barbecue sauce.  

We also had an order of vegetable samosas.  

Our meals came with rice.  

We also ordered the garlic naan.  

Garrett has the delicious palak paneer, which is spinach and an Indian cheese.  

I wanted to try lamb korma.  I saw it on a tv show and had been wanting to try it.  I had a nice Indian spice to it.  I really liked it and would order it again.  

Mulan Bistro

Mulan Bistro
2149 Young Ave
Memphis, TN, 38104

One of Cooper Young's newest restaurants is Mulan Asian Bistro.  They have sushi and Chinese food. They also have a nice bar area.

They have a cheap happy hour from 2pm - 7pm:  $3 drafts, bottles, and well drinks.

They have a nice inexpensive lunch, too.  

I enjoy their edamame.  

They also have good sake.  

Go there if you haven't!  

Tunica Queen Riverboat

Tunica Queen Riverboat
One Riverpark Drive
Tunica Resorts (Robinsonville), Mississippi

For my high school reunion, we took a dinner cruise in Tunica.  It was fun to do something out of the ordinary.  They have one in Memphis, too.  I went on that one years and years ago.

They have a dancing chef in Tunica.

The food was good.  It was not amazing, but it was good.  They had rolls, caesar salad, red beans and rice, cranberry sauce, turkey breast, and roast beef.  

I really enjoyed the dessert.  It was very rich.  It seemed like a brownie, topped with pecans and caramel.  

After dinner, it becomes a dance floor.  They also have a full bar.  You can also get some amazing views outside for pictures.  

Ink Bar, Lounge, Restaurant

Ink Bar, Lounge, Restaurant

948 S. Cooper St.

Memphis, Tennessee 38104

Ink Bar and Lounge is a new restaurant in Cooper Young, in the space formerly occupied by Cortona and prior to that, Dish.  

Cortona was more of an upscale restaurant.  Now there is some lounge chairs and some more vibrant paint colors.

Part of the menu is set up as shareable plates.  

I had a Kettle One martini, which was good.  

They have an outside patio.  

They had tinchos for $5.  I had never heard of them; they are wine on ice topped with a garnish.  The white and the rosé were good.  

They also have some cocktails made with sparkling wine.  

I had the 8675309.  It was tasty.  

Next time I go back, I need to try the food.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
1100 Ingram Blvd
West Memphis, AR

For my class reunion, we spent the first night hanging out at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant.  I started with a margarita, of course.  It was tasty, but not very strong.

They give you chips and salsa, like most Mexican restaurants.  My friend ordered the cheese dip.  It was delicious.  I'm addicted to that cheese.  

Of course, they have standard Mexican fare.  I ordered Eduardo's special.  It is rice with onions and peppers and your choice of meat.  I got all three:  chicken, steak, and shrimp.  The best part is that it is topped with cheese sauce!  So good!  I can't remember the price, but it's under $10.  

I cook, not just eat out!

With all these restaurant trips, it looks like I never cook.  Well, I do!

Recently, I made a Green Bean Casserole.  I took a recipe and doctored it up.  I took a large can of green beans and boiled them with Benton's Bacon.  Then I mixed the green beans with a can of cream of mushroom soup.  I put the ingredients in a pan greased with real butter.  Then I topped it all with cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.  Seriously, it was probably the best green bean casserole that I've ever eaten.

Another day, I also took ground meat and made mini burgers.  

We had a potluck brunch and I cooked Benton's bacon.  I ordered it online and it took 5 weeks to receive it.  They seriously had to wait for the big to be big enough and for the smoking process.  It was worth the wait.  Farm fresh bacon.  I have also used it to make BLT's.

For brunch, I also made scrambled eggs with cheese, onion, and mushrooms.  Yummy!

I've also been cooking some Japanese food.  I made two beef dishes.  I don't know what it says, but it was good.  I know it was beef.  

This was some kind of seafood and rice.  

My favorite though was this curry rice!  I made it with carrots, onions, and snow peas.  

I also made some type of soup/stew.  I don't know what it is, but it was good.  It vegetables and a cream sauce.  

As you can see, I don't just eat out!