Month: May 2016

Happy Hour at Brio Tuscan Grille

categories: Happy Hour

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I’ve been in love with indoor décor and atmosphere at  Brio Tuscan Grille from the first moment it opened in Downtown Baltimore.    I’ve been there for dinner a few times, but I go there more for Happy Hour.  It’s definitely one of my go-to happy hour locations of choice.  A few days ago a friend and I decided to meet there for Happy Hour, while I sat at the bar waiting for her to arrive I realized I written about my first visit, but never written a post about their happy hour.

Let me start off by saying I enjoy the cocktail selection that Brio offers because they have a variety to choose from: Wine, Sangria, Martini, Mules, Mojitos and more for only $4-$6 each.  They also a variety of sharable food options for happy hour.

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Pepperoni and Sausage Flatbread
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Crispy Tuscan Tots
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Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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Crispy Tuscan Tots and Black Pepper Shrimp over Eggplant

My friend and I ordered the Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Crispy Tots and the Black Pepper Shrimp over Eggplant.  The really liked the Crispy Tots because they were served with a cheese dipping sauce and it was a pleasant surprise to the otherwise basic tater tot. I also liked the Black Pepper Shrimp over Eggplant.  The eggplant was soft on the inside and flaky on the outside and the shrimp were not too peppery but made with just the right amount of spice.   The pepperoni and sausage pizza I couldn’t fully enjoy because it was served warm at room temperature. I would have liked it more if it was served hot like the other items I ordered.

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Happy Hour Martini and Sangria at Brio Tuscan Grille

The one thing that Brio is consistent with is their cocktails.  They train the bartenders very well. Whatever drink I order it’s always mixed with the right proportions, the flavors are balanced and I always leave with a little buzz.

If you are looking for a restaurant to have happy hour cocktails with a co-worker or an out-of-town friend, Brio Tuscan Grille is the perfect place.

Be sure to follow my foodie and cocktail adventures on social media …  

  

GRAND OPENING: McHenry Row Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi

categories: EVENTS, RESTAURANTS

If you weren’t already drooling from my earlier post and photos about Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi in Horseshoe Casino, you definitely will be by the time you finish reading this post.  Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi has a new location in McHenry Row, Baltimore and I was invited to the soft opening celebration.

Walking into the restaurant,  I was excited to see a DJ spinning tunes at the end of the bar. It was a great addition to the party and it relaxed the after-work crowd.

Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi has a full bar available but the liquor was complimentary for the soft opening…sweeeet! There were three bartenders behind the bar and each created four signature drinks to choose from. My favorite was the Tsunami Jack and my friends seemed to like the Hot Chili.

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And of course what sushi restaurant would be complete without a fresh sushi bar.

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The restaurant has seating at the bar, there is a small lounge area with three large table and lounge seating and there is also the traditional restaurant booth seating.  As soon as we sat down the friendly and knowledgeable staff began to bring us various appetizer items.  Too many to name, so I’ll just post the photos below.  Please know that everything was delicious.

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My plate runneth over with deliciousness.
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Hawaiian Punch Cocktail created by Alla
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Lobster with Ginger, Scallion and Crispy Salt & Pepper

Writing this post has made me satisfied and stuffed all over again. If you haven’t done so already, please visit one of the Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi locations (Horseshoe Casino or McHenry Row) you won’t be disappointed.

Be sure to follow my foodie and cocktail adventures on social media …  

  

 

St. Regis Non-Alcoholic Wine and Champagne

categories: Liquor Reviews

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I was scrolling for my phone looking at pics as I often do,  and I came across the photo above that I’d taken at a natural/organic foods convention here in Baltimore, MD.  The convention featured various beverage stations offering samples of organic coffees, teas, energy drinks and various alcoholic beverages. Of all the goodies that I tried that day, I specifically remember sampling the St. Regis Non-Alcoholic Wines and Champagne because it tasted exactly like the real thing.

I know what you’re thinking… Why would anyone want to drink non-alcoholic wine?  I initially thought the same thing but I immediately remembered that my family is religious and they don’t drink at all.  This could be an exception to the rule during family gatherings and holidays.  Someone may want a mimosa without the alcohol content in champagne.  Also, some people are allergic to alcohol and can’t always celebrate with friends and family. And I know some doctors say it’s O.K. for pregnant women to drink wine occasionally but some women may miss the taste of wine but don’t want to harm their unborn baby. The list goes on… there are so many other reasons why someone would want to drink non-alcoholic wine.

St. Regis offers a variety of wines to choose from – Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet, sparkling Brut Champagne and Sparkling Kir Royal. They range in price from $5.99-$13.99. With so many choices at such low prices, I’m surprised St. Regis doesn’t have a direct website to order from.  You can always check with your local liquor retailer or google the wine and plug-in your city and state.

Have you ever tried alcoholic wine or champagne?  Did you enjoy it?  Comment Below!

Be sure to follow my foodie and cocktail adventures on social media …  

  

Viniq Pretty Purple Kiss Cocktail

categories: COCKTAILS

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Being born and raised in Baltimore, MD it’s a given that you must like the colors purple and orange – Purple for the Baltimore Ravens and Orange for the Baltimore Orioles. I’ve had a brand new bottle of Viniq Shimmer Liqueur on my home bar for a while now and finally decided to crack it open and make a cocktail.  If you’ve not familiar with Viniq it’s a shimmery liqueur fusion of vodka, moscato and fruit flavors. I was introduced to Viniq about three years ago when I went to their Baltimore launch party.  I guess you can say I was missing my Baltimore Ravens and feeling the purple pride when I came up with the Pretty Purple Kiss …

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Ingredients: 

2 oz Purple Viniq

1.5 oz. Citrus Vodka

1 oz. Lemon Juice

Instructions: 

Pour vodka, Viniq and Lemon Juice into a cocktail shaker

Shake well

Pour into Martini glass

*I added a little lemon zest to the drink above to add a little color.

Now I need to get my hands on the red Viniq so that I can make an orange cocktail.  Have you tried Viniq Shimmer Liqueur? Did you drink it straight or mix it?  Comment Below.

Be sure to follow my foodie and cocktail adventures on social media …  

  

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