#giovanni's pizza bar menu

[everythinkfacts]

Upto 10% offer Giovanni's Pizza Hervey Bay Bar - Order Now

Get up to 10% off. Use Code: OZ05. Order Italian Food takeaway from Giovanni's Pizza Hervey Bay Bar Pialba Italian Restaurant menu, QLD. Pay online or cash. Pickup Only Available. Order now: https://ozfoodhunter.com.au/giovanni-s-pizza-bar Download the OzFoodHunter App:  https://bit.ly/3kIxaTE

[ozfoodhunterlive1]

[alistair-blackwood]

“But squid is good, right? Want to get the calamari as a start?”

“Yeah, squid’s okay.” Mia’s phone buzzed and she glanced at it. She sighed, a sound that spoke of endless suffering. “But I think I’d rather have the cobb salad.”

“Is that your dad? What, is the squid going to give us food poisoning?”

“Yeah.”

Natalie laughed, but Mia hadn’t looked up from her menu.

-

Natalie Wilson just wanted her date to go well.

For @there-is-no-right-way​

Chapters: 1/1 [Complete]

Words: 3,505

Tags:  POV Outsider, Parenthood, Fluff and Humor, Dating, Cryptid Dads Cramping Their Teenage Daughter's Style

~

Taking one last moment to fix her hair in the mirror, Natalie leaned back in her car seat with a haggard sigh.

It was just dinner and a movie. Her and Mia literally ate at a Red Lobster and watched the new Magician’s Crescendo just last week. This was the same thing.

She pressed her face into the steering wheel.

Except that it wasn’t.

They were girlfriends now.

It wasn’t the same thing at all.

Without giving herself time to put the car in reverse and speed into the nearby pond, she shouldered the door open.

Relax. This was Mia they were talking about. Even if the date ended in Natalie absolutely humiliating herself, Mia would just take it all in with that adorable, secret smile of hers. They’d be fine. Their friendship would be fine. It’s fine. Natalie was fine.

She pressed the doorbell, trying to focus on its pleasant chiming as opposed to the panicked dance of her heart. The door opened and Mr. Sims was there.

“Right on time, Miss Wilson.”

Some of the stiffness left her shoulders. Miss Wilson. So posh. Pip pip tickety whatsit, and so on. A hoot and a half.

Mr. Sims smirked, and a heat rose to her face. Was she being obvious?

“Is, uh, Mia ready?”

“Just about. I believe she’s finishing up her hair. Come in.”

Mr. Sims led them through their tidy living room and into the kitchen where Mr. Blackwood was crouching over a pan. Looked like fish. The smell of garlic and spices wafted over her and her mouth watered. Man, she was starving. 

“Smells good, Mr. B.”

Mr. Blackwood looked up from the pan and smiled. “Thank you.” Lowering the heat of the stove, he turned towards them, wiping his hands on his apron. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Aw.” She futzed with her short black skirt, which still had traces of cat hair, despite her efforts with the lint roller. “Thanks. The earrings are my mom’s, though. She’s letting me borrow them.”

“It suits you, love.”

Mr. Sims nodded his agreement. “Your mother was telling us about your violinist audition. How did that go?”

“Oh, man.” Her fingers had gotten completely tangled in the last bar and when the scout had said, Good luck on your performance, she had said, Thanks, you too. “I think it went okay. I don’t know, the scout was kind of standoffish. I don’t think she like the song I played.”

“You did fine. She was just battling a bout of indigestion.”

Natalie chuckled, but Mr. Sims’ expression didn’t change. He did that a lot, actually. Just saying these strange things, confident in stuff he shouldn’t be confident in. Perhaps it was just an unusual style of British humor?

Mr. Blackwood nudged his husband’s side.

“Go check on Mia, Jon. She won’t want to keep her date waiting.”

Thoughts of Mr. Sims’ oddities fled her head. Her date. That was Natalie, Natalie was Mia’s date. They were talking about Natalie and Mia. And their date. Their date.

She was so absorbed in the comment that she only somewhat processed the look Mr. Blackwood gave his husband. Something akin to the look her mom gave her when she rambled on too long about her true crime podcasts. Mr. Sims scrubbed the back of his head, the closest she’d ever seen him to looking sheepish, before making his way up the stairs.

Natalie prepared herself for more small talk with Mr. Blackwood, but there was a thumping sound, a yelp, and a moment later, Mia came charging down the stairs.

“I’m so sorry!”

Natalie was incapable of responding at first. Mia had curled her soft brown hair into ringlets and her eyes sparkled. She was wearing the necklace Natalie had gotten her for her birthday last year.

“So,” said Mr. Blackwood, “dinner and a movie, is it?”

“Yep,” Mia said as she rounded the corner, throwing her arm around Natalie’s shoulder. Natalie’s stomach swooped.

“Yeah, uh, we’re going to see that new Haunting’s Row movie.”

“Sounds like fun. Did I ever tell you where my husband took us on our first date?”

“Dad.”

“A library. And not even to the parts where everyone went to make out.”

“Dad.”

Mr. Blackwood laughed, either not noticing or choosing to ignore his husband’s scowl. “Well, you two have fun. Try not to stay out too late.”

“We won’t,” said Mia, herding Natalie towards the door. As Natalie walked down the drive towards her car, though, Mia turned to her fathers in the doorway.

“Be cool tonight, okay?” she said, her voice low. “Especially you.”

“Why especially me?” Mr. Sims asked. The glare he received from both his daughter and husband was enough to scorch Natalie ten feet away.

“I’ll make sure he behaves,” Mr. Blackwood said, clapping a hand on his husband’s shoulder. “Have fun, sweetie.”

Mia pouted scornfully for good measure, before leaning up to plant a kiss on both their cheeks and turning with a wave. The two of them loaded into the car and Natalie flipped on her selected playlist for the evening before backing out of the driveway.

“Oh, I love this song,” Mia said, and Natalia flushed at the praise, having carefully curated this playlist over the course of the last five days. Everything had to be exactly right, after all.

 “So,” Natalie started once they reached the highway. “I was thinking of that Thai place over on Victoria and 8th. What do you think?”

Mia was about to answer, but her phone dinged.

“Oh, just a sec.” Her phone clicked at she unlocked it. In the corner of Natalie’s eyes, she could see Mia’s nose scrunch, just a bit, the way it did whenever she was irritated.

“That your old man?”

Mia put her phone away with a sniff. “Yeah.”

Natalie raised a brow, waiting for an answer. Texts from Mia’s dad that got her to make that face were always interesting. Seeming to sense her expectation, Mia huffed.

“Giovanni’s place is doing free cannolis with a large pizza.”

“Oh, awesome,” Natalie said, flicking on her blinker to turn right at the next exit. “Your dad always knows the best deals in town. I don’t know why you get so grumpy about it.”

“I guess it’s not impossible he could have found it online or something. He's way too lame for that, though."

Well, yeah, where else would he have found it? The newspaper? Actually, Mr. Sims seemed like the type to still read newspapers.

“Your dads are awesome. My mom still shows off the doilies Mr. Blackwood made for her last Christmas. I love it when he calls me love, too. It’s so,” she tried to find the words and failed, “British.”

“Why, yes, British people in Britain.” Mia looked out the car window. “Have we moved countries since last I checked?”

“You know what I mean. You Englishmen with your adorable little accents.”

“We don’t have accents. You have an accent.”

“Don’t be silly.”

“Say aluminium.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Say it. A-lu-min-i-um.”

Natalie made a face. “A-lu-min-um.”

“You’re missing an entire I.”

“I am not. Americans don’t spell it with that I. We’re efficient like that.”

Mia settled back in her seat with a terse sound. “Efficiency, bastardization, whatever you want to call it.”

They both only lasted a few moments before bursting out into giggles. Their exit was fast approaching, and Natalie checked if the lane was clear.

“So, Giovanni’s?”

“Yeah, it’s hard to say no to a free cannoli.” Then, she added in a low grumble, “Even if it’s cheating.”

Natalie shook her head. She just didn’t get Mia sometimes.

As she drove down the darkening road, she glanced cautiously to her side. Mia’s hand was resting on the center console. Just sitting there. Probably cold, you know?

Holding her breath, Natalie crept one hand off the steering wheel and over to Mia’s (doubtlessly cold) hand. When she touched her wrist, Mia startled, and Natalie flinched back. Dammit. She should have asked first.

Then, Mia smiled and took Natalie’s hand, interlocking their fingers together. Oh, that was smooth. Mia was so smooth. Her heart pounded in her ears as her world shrank to the single point of their joined hands.

“Slow down!”

Whoops.

 Natalie’s only ever been to Giovanni’s once before, when she and the gang were skulking around downtown for carbs after Mia’s soccer practice. It was nicely decorated, and the lowlights set the intimate mood Natalie wanted.

However, the place was nearly empty, on a Friday night, no less. While it suited their purposes, she suspected there was a reason why the desserts were free.

The hostess jumped at the sight of them but led them both to their seats.

“So,” Natalie began, flipping through the menu. “Toppings.”

“Definitely green peppers. Onions, too.”

“No onions.”

“What? You love onions.”

“Yeah, but, you know,” a damning heat rose to her face, “for later.”

“Oh.” Mia’s lips curled as she stared at her menu. She cleared her throat. “I brought mints, okay?”

Oh, mints. Genius.  Why hadn’t she thought of that? “Okay, onions. Pepperoni?” Mia scrunched up her nose. “Oh, right. Miss I-Don’t-Like-The-Best-Pizza-Topping.”

“Look, you wouldn’t be so hot for it either if your dad was telling you about all the crazy butchers he’s run into as a bedtime story.”

“Right, right. The, uh, what was it? Bonepuller?”

“Boneturner. And he was a dickhead. Turned my dad’s bones right out of him.”

“My mom wouldn’t even let me watch that Disney movie about the kid vampire. You ever thinking about writing down some of those spooky stories? You and your dad are so imaginative with that sort of thing.”

“Nah, that stuff’s boring.”

Like a story about an invasion of parasitic flesh worms was boring. No accounting for taste. Perhaps Natalie would have to take it to paper herself someday. “But squid is good, right? Want to get the calamari as a start?”

“Yeah, squid’s okay.” Mia’s phone buzzed and she glanced at it. She sighed, a sound that spoke of endless suffering. “But I think I’d rather have the cobb salad.”

“Is that your dad? What, is the squid going to give us food poisoning?”

“Yeah.”

Natalie laughed, but Mia hadn’t looked up from her menu.

She took after her old man far too much, in Natalie's opinion.

 The movie theater, unlike the restaurant, was packed. They waited in line for fifteen minutes and when they entered the auditorium, only a few scattered seats remained.

How hadn’t Natalie seen this coming? It’s not like Haunted Row 3 wasn’t the most highly anticipated horror event of the summer! She shouldn’t have insisted on that cheesecake alongside the cannoli, but Mia loved cheesecake. What were they going to do now?

Mia’s phone chimed again. Natalie turned, hopeful, like a dog to a bell. Yanking her phone out, Mia scanned the text, lips puckered like she was sucking on sour candy.

“There’s some seats over there.”

Natalie turned around, and, yeah, there they were. Two seats shoved in the far back. Not ideal, but better than nothing. She was equal parts relieved because the night wasn’t ruined, and stunned, because how? She glanced around the movie theater, not sure what she was looking for, but sure, whatever it was, was looking right back at her.

“I’m going to make a call real quick,” Mia said as they claimed the seats. She brought the phone to her ear, turning away from Natalie and lowering her voice to a waspish whisper.

“Hello? Jon! You said you wouldn’t— It was implied— Give Dad the phone. Do it. Dad? Yeah.” Mia nodded. “Yeah. Bury him in a board game or something. Okay. Yeah. Yes, Jon, I love you, too. Okay. Bye.”

She turned back to Natalie with a smile, a smile Natalie tried to return, but she felt it came out rather shaky.

“You said your dad worked with security cameras or something, right?”

“What? Pft. No, he’s a teacher at Frederickson. Where did you get an idea like that?”

“Uh—”

The movie started. Mia shushed her and Natalie glared, but settled in.

 They only got halfway through the before Natalie fled the auditorium with trembling legs and a pounding heart. She splashed her face in the bathroom, trying to control her breathing. The door opened, and Natalie looked up to see Mia in the mirror, and she groaned.

“I told you to wait. You’re missing the movie.”

“It’s Haunted Row. Everyone dies but the virgin and the dog, the end.” Mia put a hand on Natalie’s back, rubbing in soothing circles. “I don’t understand why you take us to these horror movies when you get scared so easily. They always give you nightmares.”

“They don’t always give me nightmares.”

Mia lifted a brow. With a frustrated sigh, Natalie shook off her hand.

“I mean, I guess I just like it.”

“How can you like it? You were about to burst into tears.”

“I don’t know.” It was hard to put into words, how being afraid made her feel. “You know how you like spicy foods, right? It hurts to eat, but it still feels good?”

Mia nodded.

“Well, it’s like that. I just like feeling that way.” She turned to the mirror with a sniff, grabbing a bundle of paper towels. “The bit with the spider was a bit much, though.”

“Don’t tell my dad. He’ll go on for hours on how adorable spiders are and that everyone else is just mean.”

Oh, Natalie was aware of the monologue. With a wet chuckle, she patted her face dry, thankful her mother had suggested the waterproof makeup that night. “Well, let’s go back.”

“You sure? I think they’re playing that new superhero movie further down.”

“I’m fine. I want to see the dog live.”

They took their seats back, and as the movie continued, dread slowly slunk back over her. If she curled up a little tighter into Mia’s side, however, well, that was okay, especially when Mia wrapped her arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close.

Things weren’t so scary after that.

 Natalie pulled up into the driveway, and that was it. Date over. But her shoulders were still stiff with tension.

She knew what she wanted to do, but how did you go about actually doing it? None of the articles were clear on that tidbit, in her opinion.

“Here we are,” she said.

Mia hummed, making no effort to leave. That was a good sign, right? But Natalie was still frozen in place. Oh, god, this was a nightmare.

“Don’t move.”

Natalie jumped. Mia was reaching towards her with both hands and gently brushed her shoulder. Her face became hot, but when Mia pulled back to reveal a spider in her palm, she leapt back with a shriek.  

“How can you just hold it like that?”

“Dad used to have a pet tarantula when I was a kid.”

Oh. Yeah, that made sense. She wasn’t expecting an actual explanation.

She slumped in her seat. The hysterical giggles started small at first, before they began wracking her entire body. “You’re so cool. I can’t believe …” Sobering, she swallowed down the words. “Well, I’m just glad you wanted to, you know. Do this. Together.”

“Yeah, I, uh,” Mia ran a hand through her ringlets, which had slowly relaxed and fuzzed over the course of the evening. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a while. I think you’re pretty cool, too.”

Mia was still leaning over the console, much closer than before.

“Is it alright if I kiss you?”

Natalie could just barely manage a jerky nod. They had forgotten the mints, but that was okay. It was simple, just two mouths gently pressed together, but it was Mia, therefore, it was perfect.

“I should probably get you inside,” Natalie said when they parted, her insides warm and gooey.

"Yeah, maybe."

Natalie was halfway up the sidewalk when she turned, expecting to find Mia by her side, but Mia was by the car. With her hands still cupped, Mia was furiously whispering at the little speck of a spider. Good grief, she could be a strange one, at times.

Gently depositing it on the ground, Mia straightened, clapping her hands clean. When their eyes met, she smiled, before gesturing to the house.

Strange, yes, but there was something oh so loveable in that strangeness.

“We’re home,” Mia announced as she burst through the front door. Her parents were crouched over the living room table, playing a game with cards and dice. Mr. Sims was so absorbed, Mr. Blackwood had to nudge him with his elbow, and he reemerged with a confused mumble.

“Did you have a good time?” Mr. Blackwood asked.

Natalie nodded. “Yeah, we had a great time.” She turned to Mia. “I should probably head out, I promised my mom I'd come home right away. Study group tomorrow?”

"Yeah, sounds good," Mia said, dropping a kiss on Natalie's cheek. "Remind Greg it's his turn to bring snacks, okay?"

Natalie was too flustered by the kiss to come up with a response, and Mia waved as she raced upstairs. Mr. Sims got up from the table to walk Natalie to the door.

“I’m glad you had fun.”

“Thanks. And thanks for all the, uh, tips. They really helped us out.” She glanced down at her fidgeting fingers. “I really wanted tonight to go well.”

“Oh, don’t thank me. I’m rather in the doghouse for it. Nothing less than what I deserve, I suppose.”

“Yeah, I was wondering, though. About the, uh, movie theater seats?” She scrubbed her arm. How to phrase it? “Were you …?”

Mr. Sims stared. His eyes were so piercing.

“Never mind, it’s nothing. I should probably get going.”

Mr. Sims smiled, and there was a peculiar quirk to his lips. “Drive safely. And, again, don’t worry about the audition, I’m sure the scout loved what you played. Who doesn’t love Adele?”

He always had kind things to say. As he closed the door and Natalie turned to leave, she had a thought.

She hadn’t told anyone she was playing a pop song, not even her mom. It had been too embarrassing deciding to play such mainstream music, but it had been the only song she was confident in playing.

She turned, wanting to know who had told him, when she saw it.

Eyes.

Dozens and dozens of eyes.

The door closed with a definitive click!, but she could still feel it. Her legs were glued to the ground, waiting to be pushed into a fight or a flight. Forcing herself to move, she stumbled back to her car, and she had the most peculiar sensation that she was standing in front of an audience waiting to laugh at her.

Her hands shook on the steering wheel as her chest effused with fear. Real fear, not the pre-packaged popcorn fear from a scary movie, although she wouldn’t have even been able to make that distinction ten seconds ago.

A text tone pulled her out of her stupefaction.

>call me if u can’t sleep tonight, ok? <3

The tension hissed out of her body like a steaming kettle. She looked up and, in the window, she could see Mr. Blackwood and Mr. Sims arguing over something on the table. The board game, probably. Mr. Sims wasn’t looking at her. In any sense.

An old memory came back to her. It was only a few years ago, just before she started high school. Her dad had come to visit, and it had ended badly, as it usually did, and she had stormed out of the house, as she usually did.

She had walked and walked and walked until her legs hurt and the clouds turned from white and fluffy to dark and menacing. The road had stretched on and on behind her. She couldn't make it in time.

Then, a familiar car had rolled over the horizon and stopped just in front of her, and her mom's head popped out of the open window, crying and spitting fury and fire and ‘what-were-you-thinking’s. Mr. Sims was in the driver’s seat, watching her. Seeing her. His eyes had been soft and concerned.

She blinked. Mr. Blackwood and Mr. Sims were still in the window, only they were laughing now. Mr. Sims kissed the side of his husband’s head before they moved inside and out of sight.

She didn’t know what she knew, about Mia or her fathers or any of it. But there were a lot of things she didn’t know, right? The ocean was the epitome of unknowable, but she and Mia were still planning a trip to the beach at the start of summer vacation, you know?

Snapping the car in reverse, she craned her neck to make sure no one was coming down the lane.

And hey, her mom used to be in a cult when she had been a teenager.

Every kid’s parent had something weird about them, right?

[passionate-baker]

Italian Adventures Part I: Florence

Friends, welcome to Part I of our Italian Adventures: Florence!

I’m so excited to share this travel guide with you! It has been such a long time in the making and I’m dying to tell you about all of our favourite places in the Tuscan capital. 

Let me just start with this statement: we adore Italy. If Italophile is a word - which google has led me to believe it could be - then Boyfriend & I would definitely be described as such. We love the vibe, the food, the wine, the museums, the language, the atmosphere, the gelato, everything. This is the case for Italy as a whole, yes - but Florence in particular has something that other Italian cities just can’t compare with.. and I’m not just talking about the world’s best cheesecake - but there’s more on that below. 

There’s a huge amount of recommendations in this post. I’ve streamlined the recs into six sections: Stay / Coffee / Eat / Drink / Museums + Attractions / Places to See. The first four are self-explanatory, but the difference between the last two sections is an entry fee; Museums + Attractions are all paid entrance, while the Places to See are free. If you have any doubts about any of the places listed below, just know that we’ve been to each & every single place a whole bunch of times (some an embarrassingly large amount of times), so you know you can actually trust us when we say they’re reliable. 

Happy travelling, friends! 

STAY

Leonardo House  //  we’ve stayed at Leonardo House on our last two visits to the city, and - unless we win the lottery and splurge on a fancy hotel - we’ll definitely be returning again! It has an amazing location, it’s extremely budget friendly, and the manager is so so lovely. It’s more of a hostel than anything else, so it’s more pared back than what you might be looking for, but the private rooms are clean and quiet. Honestly, it’s the location that has us returning time after time - it is literally less than a three minute walk straight into the centre of the Duomo complex - what more could you ask for?

COFFEE

Caffe Gilli  //  we have a copy of Ruth Orkin’s fabulous American Girl in Italy photograph & I’d wanted to visit the spot it was taken in since the first moment I saw it. That place is Caffe Gilli. We were so far from disappointed upon walking in the doors that we went back for our morning hit every. single. day. and then some. Pro tip: drink your coffee & eat your pastry at the bar, it costs much less! .. and before you ask: yes, we tried to capture our own take of the iconic photo, and also: no, you cannot see it. A must-visit. 

La Rinascente  //  to be honest, I can’t actually remember what the coffee is like in Rinascente - but that isn’t why you should go there anyway. The cafe boasts a rooftop terrace - La Terrazza - that has a breathtaking view over the Duomo complex. It is the ultimate place for a romantic coffee date. Shout-out to Boyfriend’s parents for recommending!

EAT

4Leoni  //  we are obsessed with 4Leoni. It is hands down our favourite restaurant in Florence, and we have been back an embarrassing amount of times. The food is always impeccable, the location is stunning, the staff are extremely friendly, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and it’s home to the best baked cheesecake the world has ever seen. I’m not even exaggerating a little bit. A definite must-visit. 

Il Santo Bevitore  //  okay fine, we are also mildly obsessed with IlSB, and have returned a few times now. The food is always exceptional, and there is a level of perfection & professionalism about the place that 4Leoni can’t quite compare with. The menu is inventive, unusual - on our last visit there was a strong Japanese influence to the meals - and leaves us wowed every time. Our most recent culinary highlights included: an n’duja pasta starter that left Boyfriend drooling, & a mouth-wateringly thick steak that was cooked to absolute perfection. Another must-visit.

Trattoria Giovanni  //  I can’t remember exactly what led us to this restaurant, but we had an unexpectedly fantastic meal. The atmosphere wasn’t as comfortable as either 4Leoni or Il Santo Bevitore, but the place can’t be faulted on the food. We shared a delicious cheese board to start, and had two absolutely perfect pasta dishes for mains -  braised beef cheek for him, and wild boar for me. Overall, a surprisingly good find.

O’Munaciello  //  pizzeria in the Oltrarno. A large, quirky room decorated with fairy lights, candles, and puppets. A real no frills place, but the pizza is reliably good and not too expensive. 

La Carraia Gelato  //  our favourite gelato in city, and arguably the best of the bunch. We are repeat visitors and are forever opting for our fave flavours: nocciola & pistacchio - so. good. 

DRINK

Il Santino  //  extra chic wine bar connected to Il Santo Bevitore. An amazingly tiny space with a small handful of tables clustered together & stools lining the bar. The room is dark & moody, the vibe casual & hipster. The menu is minuscule and sans prices, but after a brief chat with our extremely knowledgeable waitress, we were brought the custom made charcuterie & cheese board of our dreams. We lingered over our tiny table with our various glasses of wine - which were paired with our food by our waitress - for as long as was socially acceptable. If you read our Edinburgh Guide, the place has the same kind of feel as Smith & Gertrude (but so much nicer and friendlier). We loved every single second, a definite must-visit. 

La Ménagere  //  I’ll be honest, I only wanted to visit LM because of the powers of Instagram. I saw it on my feed, I loved the style, & I had to see it for myself. The space itself is beautiful, and it melted my insta-eyes as soon as we reached the door. Initially, I had to drag Boyfriend inside - he isn’t as easily influenced as I - but once we spied the cocktail list, peace was restored. An ice cold margarita served in a silver chalice for me, an old fashioned garnished with shavings of chocolate for him. They were, honestly, the best cocktails of our entire lives. Win-win!

5 e Cinque  //  one night, after dinner in 4Leoni - which is literally a stone’s throw away - we wandered in here for a glass of wine. We enjoyed two glasses of the most delicious Sangiovese ever, for an incredibly reasonable price. Although we had just eaten, everything on the dinner menu sounded so enticing that we vowed to return.

Bulli & Balene  //  the perfect spot for an Aperol Spritz. I think we went to B&B every single day we were in Florence. Both as a pre- & post-dinner at 4Leoni drink, as an afternoon pick-me-up, as a “hey, that place was nice!” stop-off on a wander around town, as a perfect spot to people-watch over a glass or two, you name it. Added bonus: drinks are excellent value!

Archea Brewery  //  we love wine & all - don’t get us wrong - but sometimes you just need a good beer, and this is the place for that. We visit every time we’re in the city & have yet to leave disappointed. Think dark cavernous room with a cozy atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. Pro tip: go for the own brand lager, it’s delicious! A beer lover’s must-visit.

Antica Sosta degle Aldobrandini  //  a perfect people-watching spot. Small bar, cheap food, located across the road from the Medici Chapel, with cold Becks in fridge. We’ll take two, thanks.   

MUSEUMS + ATTRACTIONS 

Santa Maria del Fiore Complex  //  obviously, everyone visits the complex for one reason: the Duomo. The Cathedral itself is breathtakingly beautiful & probably worth some of your precious time, but definitely don’t miss the chance to climb the Duomo. If you’re an art history nerd like me, be sure to check out the Duomo Museum at the back of the complex - amongst other things, they have Michelangelo’s Florentine Pieta (!), and an exact replica of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise that you can actually look at without being hassled by hundreds of tourists. Pro tip: buy your ticket for the complex (you have to by an all-in-one ticket) the day before you plan to climb the Duomo; that way you can beat the majority of the queues by getting there before the ticket office opens for the day. For sure, a must-visit. 

Uffizi  //  like the Louvre, this is one of those museums that you just can’t miss. It’s home to some wonderful pieces of art by the greats: Botticelli, Da Vinci, Caravaggio etc, the list is endless. It always takes longer to work through the circuitous layout than expected, so be sure to allow extra time.

Accademia  //  obviously, when in Florence, you have to visit Michelangelo’s masterpiece: David... or more specifically speaking, you have to go marvel at that perfectly sculpted specimen of man. I made several return trips around the pedestal just to fully appreciate how beautiful he is. And to check out his butt, of course. Wowza. 

Boboli Gardens  //  although undeniably beautiful in their own right, we only bought tickets into the gardens for one reason: the Buontalenti Grotto. The grotto is at the end of the Vasari Corridor - which I’ve never had the opportunity to visit but would absolutely love to - & is honestly like something straight out of my imagination. We stood outside the gates staring in for an embarrassing amount of time - the sculptures inside are beyond amazing.

PLACES TO SEE

Loggia dei Lanzi  //  my favourite sculpture in the entire world - The Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna - is located in the Loggia, not a stone’s throw from the Uffizi. Basically, the Loggia is a free, open-air sculpture gallery filled with unmissable pieces of art. Whenever we visit, I stand mesmerized under Giambologna’s masterpiece before moving on to gawp at Cellini’s selfie in the back of Perseus’s helmet. For me, this is a total must-visit.

Palazzo Michelangelo  //  everyone recommends walking up here and it is easy to see why: you get to see beautiful Firenze from on high! The bridges spanning the width of the winding Arno, the red rooftops capping the city, the Duomo. Pro tip: head up there super early to avoid the crowds... or brave the crowds & go for that magical time right before the sun sets. 

Fiesole  //  we actually have Boyfriend’s mom to thank for telling us all about the small hilltop village of Fiesole, about a 20-minute bus ride out of the city. The bus ticket was super cheap (like, €1.50), and the journey alone was worth it - it takes these winding roads out of the city going up, up, up, leaving you gaping out the window at the views of Florence below. The village is adorable, and very quiet in comparison to the busy streets of Firenze. We hiked up towards the Monastery of San Francesco to get that view over Florence. Perfection!

Palazzo Stozzi  //  a breathtakingly beautiful space in the heart of the city. Used largely as an exhibition space - when we visited they were just about to start a Marina Ambrovic show - but open to the public to walk around. 

RELATED POSTS: 

Bremen, Germany  //  Paris, France  //  Amsterdam, Holland   //  Copenhagen, Denmark  //  Cork, Ireland  //  Edinburgh, Scotland  //  Westport, Ireland  //  Barcelona, Spain  //  Munich, Germany  //  Vienna, Austria  //  London, UK i - ii - iii 

[ozfoodhunter1997]

[josephinebardot]

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DINING ON A CRUISE WITH KIDS

The best part of a family vacation is all the new experiences you share together. But sometimes that same excitement doesn’t apply to mealtime, where new foods can be a challenge for the littlest travelers. At the Dolphin cruise in St Pete Beach FL, there are so many choices for delicious dining that every meal can be easy — even with a picky eater in tow. 

WINDJAMMER

When you’re on vacation with your family, it can be tough to find a casual, no-fuss restaurant that caters to everyone in the group. Windjammer is the perfect spot for just that. Every cruise ship in the fleet has one, and they all offer complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner in a laid back self-serve buffet-style setting kids love.

In the mornings, you’ll find stations heaped with traditional breakfast options like eggs, bacon, yogurt, fresh fruit and cereal, plus dishes from around the world, like Italian rope sausage, sugar-dusted Berliners, and southern-style fried chicken and waffles.

On some ships, there’s even a made-to-order omelet station. There is also plenty of choices for the little ones, including traditional pancakes and waffles.

THE MAIN DINING ROOM

Like Windjammer, the Main Dining Room is another fleetwide complimentary dining option that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with lots of variety to choose from.

While most cruises host a formal night that allows guests the option to get glammed up, the usual attire when having dinner in the Main Dining Room is resort casual — that means sun dresses, nice slacks, blouses and collared shirts. Breakfast and lunch allow for more relaxed attire.

With its sophisticated décor and personalized wait service, the atmosphere in the Main Dining Room is more upscale than the casual vibes you’ll experience at Windjammer, but it’s still a family-friendly dining option for anyone traveling with small kids.

Breakfast and lunch in the Main Dining Room both offer the choice between a self-serve buffet of classic hot and cold dishes and à la carte menu items.

The dinner menu features a rotating assortment of global selections and classic staples that don’t change, all of which are completely customizable to suit your preferences or dietary needs. And for little ones, a kids’ menu highlights easy-to-eat comfort foods like chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, spaghetti and more.

BEST BITES WHEN YOU’RE ON-THE-GO

CAFÉ PROMENADE

Café Promenade is another casual complimentary option available on all Oasis Class ships, as well as Quantum, Freedom and Voyager Class ships. Open 24 hours every day, it steals the title of ‘most convenient’ snack-spot onboard. Whether you feel like indulging in breakfast pastries with your morning cup of coffee, light sandwiches at lunch, a sweet treat or a glass of your go-to wine, you can count on Café Promenade to cater to every craving, no matter what time of day.

JOHNNY ROCKETS

At Johnny Rockets, you can treat yourself and your little ones to rich handspun milkshakes, perfectly grilled burgers, and crispy golden waffle fries served with an extra dose of quintessential Americana.

This iconic retro-inspired diner is the perfect place to stop in with the kids for a quick bite and a side of nostalgia. Johnny Rockets has a modest cover charge for lunch and dinner, and offers complimentary breakfast on Allure, Harmony, Oasis and Symphony of the Seas.

SORRENTO'S

Sometimes, nothing beats the classic simplicity of a well-made pizza — and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Sorrento’s. This popular onboard eatery elevates every slice to delicious new heights. Baked in a stone oven and topped with the freshest ingredients, the pies at Sorrento’s hit the spot whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack with your little ones in between onboard thrills, or satisfying late-night cravings after an evening spent dancing at Boleros or Club Twenty while the kids are having a blast at Adventure Ocean.

And while pizza is certainly the star attraction at Sorrento’s, you’ll also find a variety of antipasti, salads and desserts — all complimentary, of course.

PARK CAFÉ

All Oasis Class ships have a complimentary Park Café — you’ll also find it on some Radiance and Vision Class ships. In the mornings, Park Café serves cereal, sweet treats and some hot dishes. It’s also the only restaurant onboard with a full bagel station. But the real star of the show at Park Cafe is the legendary Kummelweck.

Featuring two slices of roast beef, slow roasted for 12 hours and placed on a fresh baked roll, this lunchtime sandwich has become something of a fan favorite. The restaurant also serves healthy made-to-order salads, fresh-pressed panini and deli classics.

DOG HOUSE

If you think this is your average hot dog stand, think again. A favorite among cruisers, The Dog House is all about making lip-smacking gourmet sausages packed with flavor and inspired by different places around the world — like “The Sicilian,” made with pork, garlic, oregano and Italian spices in a parmesan and cheddar baguette, “The Big Apple,” a chicken sausage blended with juicy bits of apple, and the bestselling “Wünderdog,” made in the traditional Austrian style with 100% delicate veal.

This quick and easy casual spot available on selected ships is a favorite grab-and-go dining option that’s popular among little kids, teenagers and adults. Dog House serves up specialty hot dogs and sides like sauerkraut, sautéed onions and potato salad every day for lunch and dinner, and it’s all included in your cruise fare.

EL LOCO FRESH

As far as grab-and-go dining options are concerned, El Loco Fresh is a proven hit among kids. True to its name, the all-new El Loco Fresh serves up insanely delicious Mexican fare like savory beef burritos, flavor-filled fish tacos, tasty carnitas and cheesy quesadillas — not to mention classic mole sauce, creamy and refreshing guacamole and a salsa bar that caters to all levels of spice lovers.

Open daily for lunch on Symphony and Navigator of the Seas, El Loco Fresh is a great complimentary option for explorers of all ages.

FAVORITES THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE

PLAYMAKERS SPORTS BAR & ARCADE

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade doesn’t just deliver on delicious food kids will love — it also offers endless hours of entertainment for adventurers in every age group. The à la carte menu spotlights game day classics like buffalo wings, sliders and the signature Playmakers Burger, which adults can pair with icy cold domestic and international drafts.

Kid-friendly options off the Pee Wee menu include cornflake-breaded chicken tenders and a juicy all-beef Home Run Hamburger that’s the perfect size for little hands and smaller appetites.

For dessert, kids can dig in to the Campfire Cookie — a warm homemade chocolate chip delight topped with gooey melted marshmallow and rich Nutella — or the massive perfect-for-sharing Touchdown Sundae, served in a mini football helmet. Once you and your squad are done chowing down, the whole family can get their game on in the arcade with a round of Skee-ball, Connect 4, Ms. Pacman or Super Mario Racing — the list goes on.

ITALIAN FAVES: JAMIE’S ITALIAN BY JAMIE OLIVER AND GIOVANNI’S KITCHEN

If you’re in the mood for homemade flavors inspired by the Mediterranean, it doesn’t get better than the two Italian dining concepts Royal Caribbean has brought to life onboard: Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver and Giovanni’s Table.

Helmed by one of Britain’s most famous celebrity chefs, Jamie’s Italian serves Tuscan-inspired dishes on Harmony and Symphony of the Seas, the Royal Amplified Mariner and Navigator of the Seas, and Quantum Class ships, while Giovanni’s Table spotlights rustic trattoria-style classics on Oasis and Allure of the Seas, all Voyager and Radiance Class ships, plus several others across the fleet.

Both are smart casual specialty restaurants that offer hearty Italian comfort food like lasagna, bruschetta and homemade focaccia, antipasti and salads, and a delicious selection of pasta often served family-style so that it’s perfect for sharing.

If you’re dining with a group at Jamie’s Italian, you should definitely order the Famous Plank — a shareable app loaded with cured meats, artisanal cheeses and tart pickles.

A SWEET BONUS ON SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

SUGAR BEACH

If you happen to be cruising onboard Symphony of the Seas or the newly amplified Navigator of the Seas and you have a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to check out Sugar Beach on the Boardwalk. Stocked from floor to ceiling with all kinds of creative confections and indulgent ice creams, this new addition to the Royal Caribbean roster of edible delights is a can’t miss stop for a decadent pick-me-up.

In this colorful candy oasis, both children and adults can treat themselves to tasty sweets priced by the ounce or per piece. The shop also regularly hosts family-friendly activities, like cupcake decorating classes.

[cinquecolonnemagazine]

Dimmi come passi la serata e ti dirò che birra bere: abbinamenti perfetti

Che sia chiara, scura, ambrata o speciale, la birra mette d’accordo tutto lo Stivale. In epoca Covid-19 il legame tra gli italiani e la bevanda rinfrescante, dalle mille sfumature e colori, rimane indissolubile e si rafforza, adattandosi al cambiamento delle abitudini di consumo. È quanto emerge dalla ricerca condotta recentemente da BVA Doxa per AssoBirra, dove il numero di italiani che acquista birra online cresce del 19%: di questi, 1 su 4 dichiara di aver iniziato ad utilizzare il canale e-commerce proprio durante il primo lockdown. Tra i numerosi vantaggi dell’acquisto in rete prevale la possibilità di informarsi più approfonditamente (69%) e di lasciarsi ispirare dall’ampia varietà di birra presente nelle vetrine virtuali (43%). A confermare la tendenza è anche Doppio Malto che nell’aprile 2020 ha inaugurato il proprio canale di vendita online, distribuendo in meno di un anno circa 30 mila bottiglie in tutto il territorio nazionale; il tutto con un importante tasso di fidelizzazione e il 29% degli utenti che ha effettuato almeno due ordini. Negli Stati Uniti, invece, secondo una ricerca di Nielsen pubblicata da Forbes, la vendita di birra in rete è cresciuta del 42% a marzo 2020. Oltre all’e-commerce, aggiunge AssoBirra, più del 50% degli italiani ha ordinato birra da asporto da locali, bar e pizzerie vicino a casa, supportando così il settore della ristorazione ancora in difficoltà. Fenomeno verificato anche in Spagna dove il mese scorso, come riportato da Ibero Economía, dopo la comunicazione della chiusura anticipata dei locali a Madrid, la vendita di birra è aumentata dell’11,3%: aumento significativo, seppur lontano dal 78% dello scorso marzo, quando all’annuncio delle prime restrizioni, gli spagnoli, come il resto del mondo, presero d’assalto i supermercati. Cambiano le modalità e il luogo di consumo, ma la birra continua ad accompagnare le serate di milioni di persone. Non a caso, più di 8 italiani su 10 pensa che la birra sia adatta a qualsiasi occasione (AssoBirra), dalla partita sul divano, all’aperitivo in call con gli amici, fino alla serata dedicata alla serie tv preferita. La birra è da sempre sinonimo di convivialità e di amicizia, simbolo dello stare insieme e rimane tale anche adesso che le abitudini degli italiani sono cambiate, regalando un po’ di socialità anche tra le mura domestiche. A confermare questo legame è Giovanni Porcu, CEO di Foodbrand, proprietario del marchio Doppio Malto: “Nonostante i tempi complessi e le restrizioni che ancora limitano la vita sociale, i consumatori non hanno voluto rinunciare alla birra. Il nostro EHI!-Commerce lanciato un anno fa durante il primo lockdown, è nato proprio dal desiderio di rimanere al fianco di chi già ci conosceva o di chi avrebbe voluto scoprire la vasta offerta del birrificio Doppio Malto: abbiamo cercato così di portare nelle loro case un momento di spensieratezza e leggerezza da gustare durante la visione di un film o un aperitivo in call. Abbiamo scoperto come la socialità, elemento che oggi sta cambiando per adattarsi alla nuova realtà, continui ad essere un valore fondamentale per milioni di italiani”. Ma come abbinare la birra al tipo di serata che si vuole trascorrere? Il mastro birraio di Doppio Malto Simone Brusadelli spiega: “Le tipologie di birra sono numerose e la scelta potrebbe sembrare difficile. C’è chi sceglie in base alla gradazione alcolica, al tipo di fermentazione, o alle sfumature del gusto, chi invece in base alla propria personalità. Predilezioni individuali a parte, la birra è la bevanda adatta a una molteplicità di occasioni. Ad esempio, tra le birre più consumate durante le partite di calcio c’è la English Strong Ale, una birra ad alta fermentazione con una forte personalità. Per la visione di film e serie tv si tende a preferire, invece, un gusto più ricercato, come quello della Triple Honey Ipa, un blend perfetto tra diversi stili, con spiccate note di miele di castagno e caramello bilanciate dalla luppolatura americana, o della classica Pils dal colore giallo paglierino, dal gusto delicato di cerali e crosta di pane, con un fresco finale luppolato. Per un aperitivo home made in videochiamata con gli amici suggerisco una IPA, una Ale che ha segnato la storia e che continua ad essere sempre alla moda, con note di caramello e luppolo in un perfetto mix. Una cosa è certa: la birra unisce e crea un’esperienza da condividere”. Una Triple Honey Ipa, ad alta fermentazione, è infatti perfetta da accompagnare alla visione di un grande classico cinematografico: intrigante, di carattere, generosa di emozioni, amabile ma allo stesso tempo delicatamente amara, ricca e complessa come un vero capolavoro (La Crash). Giornata piena di call, progetti da consegnare e l’unica cosa che si vuole fare è rilassarsi guardando la propria serie tv preferita? Una classica Pils: a bassa fermentazione, caratterizzata da un equilibrio perfetto tra la dolcezza dei cereali e la forza del luppolo che ne esalta la freschezza, è la birra che ci vuole (Oak Pils). Con il lockdown sono aumentati gli utenti che si ritrovano a giocare in gruppo a videogiochi online. Basti pensare che, secondo il report 2020 di Epic Games, il numero di utenti giornalieri attivi è aumentato del 192% rispetto al 2019, raggiungendo 31,1 milioni di giocatori attivi. Alla serata gaming si può abbinare un’americana, stile Extra Special Bitter, ambiziosa, secca e dissetante che sa dare la giusta carica per vincere ogni partita (Bitter Land). Ci sono invece coloro che, dopo aver scoperto la passione per la cucina durante il primo lockdown, cimentandosi nella realizzazione dei classici, ora vogliono conoscere ed esplorare nuove tradizioni e cucine etniche: se il menu prevede ravioli di carne al vapore, spaghetti di soia con carne e verdure e pollo alle mandorle, l’ideale è abbinare una Ginger Ale, ad alta fermentazione, dal colore ambrato e dal profilo spiccatamente balsamico, che possa rievocare i profumi e l’atmosfera di un lontano mercato orientale (Zingibeer). Che sia un compleanno, una promozione o un anniversario, bisogna festeggiare. E se il distanziamento sociale non permette di riunirsi, si può sempre fare una videochiamata di gruppo e brindare con una Ipa ad alta fermentazione, dal gusto lungo, equilibrato e importante, come l’occasione da festeggiare (Mahogany Ipa). Appuntamento con la squadra del cuore: divano, pizza e una English Strong Ale, forte e ad alta fermentazione, sono gli ingredienti perfetti per la serata del tifoso (Stone Ale). E se lui è concentrato a guardare la partita, ci si può ritagliare del tempo per sé stesse, dedicandosi a una skin care più approfondita, con in sottofondo la playlist o il podcast preferito, sorseggiando una IPA pigra e oziosa, dal colore velato, con una gradazione alcolica bassa, dal gusto intensamente fresco e agrumato (Summer Ipa). Dalla cura del corpo a quella della mente: per chi vuole passare la serata in compagnia di un romanzo da sogno, la compagna perfetta è una birra ricca di aromi in stile doppelbock (La doppia). E se l’idea di relax è una serata di chiacchiere infinite in videocall? Mentre ci si scambia consigli e si risolvono problemi, una classica Helles, birra a bassa fermentazione dal gusto morbido poco luppolato, è l’ideale (Leila senza glutine). Infine, non va dimenticato anche un incontro faccia a faccia, ovviamente con i propri congiunti: in questo caso una Ale dal colore ambrato, ben equilibrata con delicate note di frutti rossi, è ciò che serve (Rust Ale). Ecco le 10 birre perfette da abbinare a 10 serate, secondo il mastro birraio di Doppio Malto: - DIVANO, COPERTA E CLASSICONE: una Triple Honey IPA ad alta fermentazione, dolce ma allo stesso tempo amara, è ideale da abbinare a quei film che hanno il sapore di un abbraccio con gli amici di sempre. (Crash beer) - BINGE WATHCING DI SERIE TV: una maratona di serie tv mette sempre sete e quello che ci vuole è una classica Pils a bassa fermentazione, dal gusto equilibrato. (Oak Pils) - GAMING ONLINE: la noia va giocata ad armi pari, una Extra Special Bitter, ambiziosae dissetante, darà la giusta carica per sconfiggere i propri avversari online. (Bitter Land) - CUCINA ETNICA: se il menu prevede di viaggiare lontano con nuovi sapori, una Ginger Ale speziata ad alta fermentazione farà rievocare i profumi e l’atmosfera di un lontano mercato orientale. (Zingi) - VIRTUAL CELEBRATION: che sia un compleanno, un anniversario o una promozione, si può brindare in video call con gli amici con una IPA, dal gusto lungo, felice e importante. (Mahogany Ipa) - CHAMPIONS NIGHT: il divano che diventa la “curva”, pizza e una English Strong Ale, forte e ad alta fermentazione, sono gli ingredienti perfetti per tifare e spingere verso la vittoria la propria squadra del cuore. (Stone Ale) - HOME SPA: una Session Ipa preparata con scorze d’arancia è perfetta se la serata prevede skin care e podcast preferito. (Summer Ipa) - BOOK & DREAM: socializzare con un romanzo può essere meraviglioso, meglio se a farvi compagnia sono i profumi di caffè, cioccolato, liquirizia e tabacco di una Doppelbock davvero speciale (La doppia) - VIDEOCALL NO-LIMIT: ci sono chiacchiere che non finiscono mai e sono le migliori. Vanno accompagnate con una Helles, chiaraa bassa fermentazione, delicata. (Leila senza glutine) - FACE TO FACE: quando l’incontro non è a distanza e non ci sono schermi è il momento di una English Ale, affascinate all’occhio e al palato. (Rust Ale) Read the full article

[everythinkfacts]

Upto 10% offer Go Fish Fish & Chip Mornington- Order Now!!

Get to satisfy your cravings by having the best Restaurant in Mornington?? Visit our Website Go Fish Fish & Chip Shop Menu, VIC. Up to 10% Off,  

Order Now : https://ozfoodhunter.com.au/giovanni-s-pizza-bar Download the OzFoodHunter App:  https://bit.ly/3kIxaTE

[wikitopx]

Here are the best things to do in Savona.

[toc]

1. Museo d'Arte di Palazzo Gavotti

Set between two adjacent palazzi, Savona's premier art collection features an impressive collection of paintings dating back to the 14th century, including Madonna and Child of Taddeo di Bartolo, The Crucifixion of Donato de 'Bardi and Giovanni Battista. Carlone Venus and Mars.

Another area of the museum displays art in the 20th century, with works by Magritte, de Chirico, Man Ray, and Picasso. The museum also houses the best collection of Italian ceramics, with pieces spanning about six centuries.

2. Maama Bar

Never mind that the sign says the Mighetto Vini binhsti, the Maama Bar is one of the best places to spend an afternoon or evening. Join locals for an alfresco aperitivo on a hidden square tucked into the back streets of the old center. Excellent cocktails come with tasty bruschetta, and there's also a small chalkboard menu of pasta and bistro classics.

3. Fortezza del Priamàr

Among Savona's treasures to survive the destruction of Genoese forces in the 16th century was Fortezza del Priamàr. This imposing fortress, which has suffered some years of neglect, guards several small museums including the Civico Museo Storico Archeologico.

The city also has different terraces overlooking the coast, an overgrown playground, and a small cafe.

4. Cappella Sistina

Dating back to the 1480s, the Sistine Chapel of Savona (like in Rome) was created by Pope Sixtus IV. Though far less famous than its Roman counterpoint, this site – a funerary chapel for Sixtus' deceased parents – is a striking work of art. It's well worth seeing if you happen to be around the one day a week it's open.

5. Green

A popular gathering place for everyone - families, young couples, tourists, the elderly with small dogs - Green is an easy place to go with its spacious roofed terrace overlooking the ocean. The menu includes extensive seafood and delicious pizzas.

6. Vino e Farinata

  In the pebble center, this very popular place serves outstanding farinata (mung bean paste with mung bean paste), as well as simple, delicious seafood. It all comes down nicely with local wines.

7. Civico Museo Storico Archeologico

This small museum contains a limited but interesting collection of local archaeological finds.

8. Cattedrale di Nostra Signora Assunta

Savona's treasure is the Cattedrale di Nostra Signora Assunta. It's worth a look for its rare baroque beauty.

9. Pescheria Grigiomar

The city's large, bountiful fish market.

10. Mercato Civico

A good, local fresh produce market.

More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Saumur

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-savona-709844.html

[riberadelduero]

Corolla NC Restaurants, maybe the perfect opportunity to ask for Martin Berdugo Agave Roja, 807 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 453-0446 AQUA Restaurant, 1174 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 Bad Bean Taqueria, 785 Sunset Blvd, Corolla (252) 453-4380 Bambino's Little Italy, 1159 Austin St, Corolla (252) 453-4004 Barry'S Walnut Island Restaurant, 169 Walnut Island Blvd, Grandy, NC 27939 Beach Road Pizza, 1210 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 453-0273 Bubbies Burgers, TimBuck II 788 B Sunset Blvd, Corolla (252) 453-4010 Buddhalicious, 887 Albacore St, Corolla (252) 453-4503 Chachki's, 799b Sunset Blvd, Corolla (252) 597-3330 China King Restaurant, 807 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 457-0030 Chinese Restaurant, 109 Forbes Loop Grandy NC, 27939, Corolla (252) 453-9712 Coastal Cravings, 1209 Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 Corolla Movie & Bistro, 807 Ocean Trl # E, Corolla (252) 597-3068 Corolla Pizza & Deli, 1152 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 453-8592 Cosmo's Pizzeria, 1159 Austin St. Ste. 110A, Corolla (252) 453-4666 Cosmo's Pizzeria, 520 Old Stoney Rd, Corolla (252) 453-4666 Crafty Cow Burger Bar, 817 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 453-3094 Dockside North Seafood Market, Monteray Plaza Mall, Corolla (252) 453-8112 Donkey Hotay's Mexican Food, 1159 Austin St, Corolla (252) 453-8877 Fatcrabs Rib Company & Seafood Shack, 1159 Austin St #101a, Corolla, NC 27927 Gabriella's, 798 Sunset Blvd,, Corolla (252) 453-0069 Giovannis Inc, 520 Old Stoney Rd, Corolla (252) 453-4555 Homer's Fish Cakes, 501 Hunt Club Dr, Corolla, NC 27927 I Got Your Crabs Shellfish Market and Oyster Bar, 3809 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 J K's Restaurant Of Corolla, 811 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 453-9555 Lovie's Kitchen Table, 1130 Corolla Lgt, Corolla (252) 453-0912 Lucky's Pizza & Sub House, 815 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 597-3222 Mama Easley's, 799 Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27925 Metropolis Little Bar Bistro, 520 Old Stoney Rd, Corolla (252) 453-6167 Mike Dianna's Grill Room, 777 Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927 North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar, 794 Sunset Boulevard G, Corolla, NC 27927 Oh My Dog, 1159 Austin St, Corolla (252) 597-3294 Outer Banks Boil Company, 9501 suite d, 785 Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927 Pasquale Pizza, 1210 Ocean Trail, Corolla (252) 453-6111 Pizzazz Pizza, 603 Currituck Clubhouse Dr, Corolla (252) 453-8858 Route 12 Steak & Seafood, 786 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927 Salt Water Grill, 811 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 453-2101 Smokey's Restaurant, 501 Old Stoney Rd, Corolla (252) 453-4050 Steamers Restaurant & Catering, 1 Ocean Blvd #115, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 Sun Fish Grill, 813 Ocean Trail #B, Corolla, NC 27927 Sundogs Raw Bar & Grill, 807 Ocean Trl M, Corolla, NC 27927 Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 1264 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 The Currituck Club, 620 Currituck Clubhouse Dr, Corolla, (888) 453-9400 The Fin And Claw, 790 Ocean Trl, Corolla (252) 453-9287 The Lifesaving Station, 1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 The Oceanfront Grille, 1197 Franklyn St, Corolla, NC 27927 The Paper Canoe, 1564 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 Tomato Patch Pizzeria, Corolla, 27927, Corolla (252) 453-4500 Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill, 1159 Austin St, Corolla, NC 27927 Upside Restaurant, Timbuck II Shopping Village, 797 Sunset Boulevard, Corolla, NC 27927 Responsibility - Inspiring a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. http://bit.ly/2fSkclo Best Restaurants In Corolla NC Restaurants Near Me Restaurants near Duck NC Best Seafood Restaurants In Outer Banks Corolla Cantina Menu

[warrenlancaster3-blog]

Pizzaria Vila Leopoldina

Ivan Buffet atende de forma diferenciada prezando qualidade, bom respeito e higiene. Quero primeiramente pedir desculpas pela morosidade em agradecer a equipe toda da Pizza do Rio-grandense-do-sul, devido ao ótimo ajuda prestado para pessoal da CTI Adulto do Enfermaria Moinhos de Vento em um acontecimento realizado no sábado à tarde, em nome de toda gente estou agradecendo e elogiando ao serviço prestado de toda gente, muito prestativos, colaborativos, fomos muito bem servidos, e a motivação e carisma do pessoal nos chamou muita atenção, sem falar nas pizzas que estavam deliciosas, continuem desta forma, e suporte prestado pelo Kleber aguentando-se em contato comigo foi ativo, boas festas e um ótimo trabalho a o mundo inteiro. Buffet com rodízio de pizzas provido em sua vivenda, salão de festas, clubes ou playgrounds. Servimos todas e cada uma das pizzas do cardápio escolhido. Pizza gulodice do gênero de brotinho com 4 sabores diferentes servida já fatiada em prato descartável próprio. Levamos até você uma festa recheada com uma extensa variedade de pizzas. Levamos Pratos, Talheres, Copos, Toalhas, Bebidas e tudo que você precisa para um acontecimento maravilhoso. Nossa equipe conta com pizzaiolos e garçons experientes para atender seus convidados e fazer da sua festa um momento descontraído, aprazível e rememorável. Seja para comemorar uma data singular ou realizar uma reunião de negócios, a pizzaboa se destaca como uma óptimo selecção para quem prioriza a qualidade e bom atendimento. Contamos com mas de 50 sabores de pizza a sua escolha, são pizzas salgadas, doces e lights, e entre elas está a Sergio Guerreiro que levou a Babbo Giovanni a estar na final da Despensa Brasileira de Pizza sendo eleita uma das 3 melhores pizzas do Brasil, e também a famosa Pizza Babbo Giovanni. Além do treinamento frequente de todos os profissionais envolvidos, destacamos ainda a seleção minuciosa dos melhores fornecedores e ingredientes pra prometer sabor das delícias que saem de nossos fornos. A Pizza Party Brasil é companhia especializada em Buffet em Habitação ou Empresarial. Menu de Pizzas Doces para festas e informações. A melhor escolha para sua sarau ou evento - respeito em todo ABCDMR e grande São Paulo até 50 km, Valores diferenciados para litoral e interior. Levamos toda estrutura para necessário com intenção de seu evento seja um sucesso, seja com Pizzas, Crepes ou estilo Bar em Morada, nós tornaremos seu acontecimento memorável. Além da tradicional Sarau com Pizza, onde os convidados podem usufruir de um delicioso festival elaborado com ingredientes selecionados, a franquia também disponibiliza as opções Sarau com Crepe, com Volume ou com Churrasco, oferecendo, assim, um cardápio variado para conformar a todos os paladares. Com a organização e a experiência de nossas pizzadas, você e seus convidados poderão escoltar a preparação das pizzas que serão servidas como se estivessem numa pizzaria. Que tal saborear uma bela pizza com os melhores ingredientes saindo diretamente no seu forno? Trabalhamos com serviço de Buffet de Pizza, há mas de 15 anos. As melhores pizzas para os melhores momentos da sua vida. Seus convidados vão apaixonar a sarau que CARA DA PIZZA faz, pela qualidade das pizzas e pelo auxílio prestado. Além de nosso tradicional Buffet você pode fazer da festa do seu rebento um acontecimento rememorável. rodízio de pizza Cláusula 1ª. A CONTRATANTE deverá fornecer à CONTRATADA todas as informações precisas à realização apropriada do serviço de buffet, devendo especificar os pormenores do acontecimento, necessários ao perfeito abastecimento do serviço, e maneira como este deverá ser prestado. rodízio de pizza sp Nosso serviço de Buffet de Pizza em Estância inclui toda infraestrutura para a realização do seu evento. Levamos toda a estrutura de uma pizzaria tradicional até local onde seu evento será realizado, que pode ser em sua casa, empresa, salão, granja, playground de condomínio, etc. Levamos para sua moradia, empresa, feiras e eventos, um buffet de pizza com estrutura e logística do tamanho da sua premência incluindo fornos pizzaiolos, garçons, bebidas, chopp, vinho, whisky, cervejas, refrigerantes e todos e cada um dos utensílios, pratos, copos, talheres etc. rodízio de pizza em são paulo

[theladyjstyle]

What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

If you are going on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you might be wondering what aspects of the cruise experience are included in the cruise fare that you paid.  After all, there is a lot of components to any cruise vacation and not all of it is included.

We think Royal Caribbean does include a lot of activities, food, entertainment and things to do in your cruise fare.  A cruise remains a really good vacation value, especially when you factor in meals and entertainment.  Over the years, Royal Caribbean has realized some of its guests prefer to add onto the core experience, and began offering more options to tack onto their vacation.  As a result, it may be a bit overwhelming for someone new to Royal Caribbean to know exactly what is included and what carries a fee.

If you have been wondering what is included with your Royal Caribbean fare and what is extra, this breakdown should help clear it all up.

Accommodations

We will begin with something simple, where are you staying on your cruise.  Your cruise fare gets you a stateroom exclusively for your use.  This means you have a room and private bathroom to use throughout the cruise.

Depending on which type of stateroom you book, the exact size, amenities and layout of the room will vary.  But at the very least, you should know that your cruise fare assures you of a room just for you (and any friends or family you invited to stay with you).

Gratuities

Guests sailing on Royal Caribbean have two choices when it comes to gratuities to the dining room wait staff and stateroom attendants that provide services to them.  They may elect to pre-pay gratuities prior to the cruise, or have gratuities automatically charged on a daily basis to the SeaPass account.  Cruise fares in some countries, such as Australia, include the gratuities with your cruise fare.

As of January 2, 2018, guests will pay a $14.50 per guest per day service charge on a daily basis. For guests in a Grand Suite or above, the amount is $17.50.

Purchases and services rendered onboard a Royal Caribbean ship will have gratuities added at the time of purchase.  If you buy a drink, get a massage at the spa, eat at a specialty restaurant, etc, you will be charged an 18% gratuity automatically.  Your receipt will display the cost breakdown.

Drink packages and specialty dining packages will be charged an automatic gratuity upon purchase of the package, which means no additional gratuity is required when taking advantage of the package benefits (i.e. ordering a drink at the bar with a drink package).

In addition to the gratuities listed earlier, there are opportunities to give crew members an additional tip for excellent service.  Even crew members who receive an automatic gratuity can receive additional gratuities if you feel it is warranted.

Meals & Snacks

All Royal Caribbean cruise fares include most meals and snacks onboard your ship, and any private destination you visit (such as Labadee or CocoCay).  This means there will be ample opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks inbetween without additional cost.

The exact venues included with your cruise fare will depend on the ship you sail on, but here are some common ones that pretty much every ship has:

Main dining room

Windjammer buffet

Grab and go spots for food, such as Cafe Promenade, Cafe Latte-tudes, Sorrento's, Boardwalk Dog House, Park Cafe, etc.

Johnny Rockets (for breakfast on Oasis Class ships only)

While this list may seem short, you will find on your exact ship more options.  Moreover, it is quite easy to have plenty to eat at any of the complimentary dining locations onboard.

You may find a few for-fee items on the main dining room menu, such as a filet or lobster.  Steak and lobster are offered on other evenings of the cruise for no fee, but this is an option for those that want those dishes at other times.

Royal Caribbean does offer in addition alternative specialty restaurants, where you can opt to pay extra for food/meal.  Most specialty restaurants have a simple cover charge that includes most of the food on the menu, although there are a couple of specialty restaurants that forgo the cover charge and simply charge you for what you order.

Here is a list of the specialty restaurants across the fleet.  Depending on the ship you sail on, these restaurants may or may not be available.

Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner. A la carte pricing on Quantum class ships)

Chops Grille

Giovanni's Table

Sabor Modern Mexican

Izumi (a la carte)

Jamie's Italian

Wonderland

Rita's Cantina (a la carte)

Chef's Table

150 Central Park

Specialty restaurants offer cuisine options not otherwise available onboard your ship, as well as an opportunity to indulge in meals that you may prefer to enjoy at your own pace.  In addition, the ambiance is usually enhanced at these locations and the prices charged are usually not exorbitant.  As stated earlier, you should look at specialty restaurants as a way to enhance or splurge on your cruise, as dining at the complimentary venues is quite satisfying.

Royal Caribbean offers its guests pizza at some of its restaurants and buffets, as well as at Sorrentos on the larger ships.  Pizza here at these locations are included in your cruise fare.

Ice cream can be found at a self-service machine near the pool deck and is in operation for most of the day.  To be specific, it is actually frozen yogurt, but kids do not mind.  The Windjammer and main dining room will also offer their own selection of hand scooped ice cream.  Some Royal Caribbean ships offer Ben & Jerry's ice cream, which does have an additional cost to it.

Drinks

Royal Caribbean provides all its guests on all its cruise ships a few different drinks throughout the day that are included in your cruise fare.  These drinks are available at any time, and include:

tap water

milk

tea

coffee (regular and decaf)

lemonade

iced tea

flavored waters

juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed)

Hot chocolate (via instant packets)

These drinks are available throughout your cruise at a number of locations, so there will always be somewhere to get something to drink for free. And if you are wondering, it is very safe to drink the tap water onboard, as it is of high quality.

Alternatively, if you want alcohol, soda, juices, virgin cocktails and pretty much anything else not listed above, you can purchase them individually for an additional cost during the cruise.

soda

beer

wine

liquor

cocktails

premium coffee and tea, such as Starbucks

bottled water (still or sparkling)

fresh squeezed juice

For all of these drinks, you may purchase each drink individually or purchase a Royal Caribbean beverage package that will give you either a set allotment of beverages or unlimited access onboard to them.

Royal Caribbean does allow its guests to bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom with them onboard a ship.  It must be brought onboard on embarkation day, and it is subject to a corkage fee if opened in a public venue.

Room service

Room service on Royal Caribbean is available 24 hours per day, but there is a $7.95 per order fee.  

A continental breakfast option is complimentary and does not have an order fee.

Child programming and care

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program offers children between the ages of 3 and 17 years old, complimentary supervised programming during the day and part of the evening. From when Adventure Ocean opens until 10pm, there is no additional cost to use Adventure Ocean. From 10pm to 2am, Royal Caribbean offers an after hour ($7 per hour) option that has an hourly cost for parents that want to let kids stay a bit later.

While in Adventure Ocean, kids take part  in activities lead by the Adventure Ocean staff. There's a lot for kids to do here and the programs specialize for each age group. It's a mix of learning, play time and socializing.

Children between the ages of six months and 36 months old can participate in the Royal Babies and Royal Tots program. Most Royal Caribbean ships offer a nursery, where parents can drop children off throughout the day and evening. Use of the nursery comes at an hourly charge.

In addition to the Nursery, there is often a open play area set up during the day for parents to bring their young children to and play that has no additional cost. This is unsupervised play time, but does provide an opportunity every day for parents with toddlers to have space to crawl, play, and have some fun.

Activities and Shows

A vast majority of cruise activities are included with your cruise fare.  Your daily Cruise Compass will list a schedule of activities offered onboard, and most have no charge for them. These are the sort of activities you might expect to find on a cruise ship (as well as some that may surprise you).  Cooking demonstrations, pool games, movies, trivia, dance classes, and scavenger hunts are regularly offered on Royal Caribbean and have no additional charge.

There are some activities offered that have an additional fee, such as some fitness classes, bingo, casino tournaments (and pretty much anything in the casino), drink seminars, spa services and more.

The performances in the Royal Theater, as well as the Aquatheater and Two70) are included in your cruise fare.  Likewise, comedy shows, magic shows, live music, audience participation shows and more are included as well.  Even the Broadway shows on Royal Caribbean ships are included in your cruise fare.

There will be shows each evening, along with additional performances during the day on sea days.  Live music is a staple of Royal Caribbean's entertainment and is offered throughout the day at multiple locations.

Signature activities and Games

Royal Caribbean has built a reputation for itself with some of the signature activities offered onboard.  Watch any Royal Caribbean cruise commercial, and inevitably you will see people tackling the FlowRider, rock climbing wall, North Star and more.

Here is a breakdown of Royal Caribbean's top activities and any additional costs.

FlowRider surf simulator

No cost to use (first come, first served), although private and group lessons are available to book for an additional fee. 

Rock climbing wall

No cost to use (first come, first served), although private and group lessons are available to book for an additional fee. 

Mini golf

No cost to use

Zip line

No cost to use

Water slides & Ultimate Abyss

No cost to use

Aqua parks (H2O Zone & Splashaway Bay)

No cost to use

Sports Court/SeaPlex

Multi-purpose venues that offer basketball, tennis, volleyball, dodge ball, soccer and more.

No cost to use.

Ice skating

No cost to use

RipCord by iFly

Guests on Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas are able to reserve a complimentary session via the Cruise Planner during their cruise.

North Star

Guests on Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas are able to reserve a complimentary ride via the Cruise Planner during their cruise.

Fitness and Spa

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a fitness center that offers cardio machines, weight lifting machines, weights and more for no additional cost.  There are also some (but not all) fitness classes included in your cruise fare, such as stretch and abs workouts.

Each Royal Caribbean ship has a jogging track, which is available to use throughout the day and at no additional cost.

The sports courts (referred to as the SeaPlex on Quantum Class ships) also offer complimentary use of the facilities, with organized games often held throughout the sailing.

The fitness center will offer fitness classes for an additional fee, such as spinning, yoga, Pilates and more. The fitness center also offers personalized training and other services for an additional fee.

The spa is nearly available exclusively at an additional cost.  Spa treatments, salon services and day passes all come with an additional cost.

Some Royal Caribbean ships will have a sauna, hot tub and/or steam room available for no additional cost.

Tours of the spa are available at any time during your cruise and have no additional cost or obligation.  In fact, these tours are a great way to learn about what the spa offers.

Pool and sun decks

Access to Royal Caribbean's pools are included in your cruise fare, including the lounge chairs, hot tubs, water slides, aqua parks and more. The Solarium area has no additional cost, but is limited to adults only.

Some areas of the pool deck are reserved for suite guests only.  If you are a suite guest (Grand Suite and above), you will have complimentary access to these areas.  Depending on the ship you are sailing on, the suites-only areas can be reserved loungers or an entire deck area.

Miscellaneous services

If not mentioned in the post, here are a few more services that are not included in the cruise fare

Gambling (Including Bingo)

Art Auction

Any purchases made in the gift shops onboard

Shore excursions

Photographs

Video Arcade

Medical Services

Internet Access

Transfers (Unless guest has purchased our air/sea package)

Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services

Ship to Shore Telephone calls

Category: 

First Time Cruisers

https://ift.tt/1OdOVmr

[miamibeerscene]

Where to Eat in MiMo: 14 Great Spots

Where to Eat in MiMo: 14 Great Spots – Eater Miamiclockmenumore-arrownoyes

Where to Eat in MiMo: 14 Great Spots

All One Map

From hidden Mediterranean eateries to longstanding landmarks

MiMo — short for Miami Modern — is one of the most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods in Miami. Whereas many parts of Miami are all about the new, now, and next, MiMo strikes that rare balance between honoring local history and being relevant to the Miami of today.

The stretch of Biscayne Boulevard between NE 50th street and NE 70th street is internationally renowned for its unique mid-century modern style architecture, hence the name of this district. Many old buildings have been lovingly restored to their old glory and are now occupied by chic boutiques and some of Miami’s best restaurants. Here is our list of MiMo’s essential eats arranged in geographical order from north to south.

1 Paulie Gee’s Miami

Like most good things in New York, they eventually make their way down to South Florida. Such was the case with Brooklyn pizzeria Paulie Gee’s, which setup shop in the former China Palace spot. The restaurant serves up many of the pies that made it famous like the Hellboy topped with with soppressata and Mike’s Hot Honey, along with more Miami specific pies like the Cuban sandwich themed Cubano pizza topped with swiss cheese, yellow mustard, Canadian bacon, pulled pork, and kosher dill pickles. But make sure not to sleep on the off-menu eggplant parm, which can convert even the biggest eggplant critics.

Hellboy Pizza Photo Credit: Giovanny Guiterrez for Eater Miami

8001 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(786) 558-8315

2 Ironside Kitchen

Located in the northernmost reaches of MiMo, this Italian restaurant is tucked away a few blocks west of Biscayne Boulevard in a part of the neighborhood that feels very locals-only. This eatery features a concise selection of homemade pastas, as well as a handful of baked Italian dishes. The pizzas here, made in the Neapolitan style, have been drawing attention from locals since the place opened a few years ago. The pies stick pretty closely to tradition, and toppings are kept at a minimum so as not to weigh down the oven-fired creations. In addition to savory food items, the restaurant also offers desserts including a chocolate “salami,” as well as a wide selection of Italian coffee drinks.

7580 NE 4th Ct Miami, FL 33138

(305) 531-5055

3 Ms. Cheezious

A longtime darling of Miami’s food trucks scene, this missus of grilled cheese finally has a permanent venue right on Biscayne Boulevard. One could easily miss the small storefront if not for the sandwich shop’s seductive logo beckoning from the side of the road like some of the neighborhood’s residents used to do just a few decades ago. Ms. Cheezious is famous for its more unusual melted cheese sandwiches that sometimes feature unexpected ingredients. Take the oh-so-Miami Croqueta Monsieur, which features Cuban-style ham croquettes, ham, cheese and béchamel. Those wondering if there could be a dessert version of a grilled cheese should try the S’mores Melt featuring roasted marshmallows, chocolate hazelnut spread, and graham crack crumbles.

7418 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 989-4019

4 Vagabond Kitchen and Bar

The Vagabond Hotel can be seen as MiMo’s crowning glory, as well as the greatest example of this neighborhood’s revival. This example of the Miami Modern style has been restored to its original splendor, keeping the midcentury modern vibes very strong. The hotel’s kitchen keeps the spirit of hotel restaurants from the era, like Howard Johnson’s, while catering to modern conventions. Expect standard but well-executed contemporary classics like beet salad, braised short ribs, and duck breasts that feature small creative touches. Like the menu, the dining room is successfully designed to feel vintage yet contemporary.

7301-A Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(786) 409-5635

5 Ni.Do. Caffé

This Italian restaurant offers solid renditions of many Italian classics, but its mozzarella bar is what sets it apart from other Italian joints in the area. This eatery offers four varieties of the mild, fresh cheese, including buffalo mozzarella and burrata, which are served with cherry tomatoes and caponata and can be paired with Italian cured meats like prosciutto and bresaola. Just make sure to leave room for the fresh pastas and panini, including delicate mushroom and ricotta ravioli topped with a porcini sauce.

7295 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 960-7022

6 Doggi’s Arepa Bar

Miami’s Venezuelan population has infused the city with so much of its culture and cuisine, that it is only a matter of time until the arepa becomes the city’s official food after Cuban sandwiches and ceviche. This casual eatery specializes in the mild corn cakes overstuffed with creatively named fillings like “sexy queen” (reina pepiada) and “domino.” Doggi’s also features other typical fast foods, which include green plantain sandwiches and Venezuelan-style hoagies. The cachapa – a sweet corn pancake stuffed with Venezuela’s version of fresh mozzarella – should not be missed here. And those looking for a unique breakfast should stop by for the filling criollo breakfast starring shredded beef stew, black beans, and eggs.

7281 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(786) 558-9538

7 Moshi Moshi

This restaurant features some of Miami’s best Japanese fare late into the night. Open until 5 a.m. every evening (or morning), Moshi Moshi is an ideal spot to enjoy traditional nigiri sushi almost whenever the mood strikes, as well as creative American-style rolls that can be as large as a Swiss roll. Sushi is not the only thing offered at this restaurant, however. Diners can sit in the dining room or tranquil back patio and enjoy anything from ramen to velvety Japanese-style curry, as well as noodles and a large array of small plates. Moshi Moshi’s selection of premium sakes is also quite renowned in Miami, making it a preferred venue for connoisseurs and neophytes, alike.

7232 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 751-2114

8 Jimmy’s Eastside Diner

One of the few independent, old-school diners in Miami, this place is not only a neighborhood institution but also a Miami icon. Its fame has only grown since being featured in the Academy Award winning film, Moonlight. Despite its moment on the big screen, this eatery has not abandoned what has made it famous with locals and still serves up some of the best greasy spoon fare in the area. Its banana pancakes are a must-have, and its patty melts are made as if Jimmy’s Eastside Diner invented them. The best part is that the décor has not changed to fit in with trendiness that surrounds it, giving diners a visual glimpse into this neighborhood’s past.

7201 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 754-3692

9 Phuc Yea

Miami may not be known for its Vietnamese food when compared to places like Los Angeles, Houston, or Broward County, however chef Cesar Zapata has been looking to change that. In 2011 he and his partner Aniece Meinhold opened one of Miami’s first dining pop-ups named Phuc Yea, which has since found a permanent home in MiMo where it serves many of the same dishes that made it famous. Zapata not only makes a mean pho at dinner, along with other traditional fare, he also specializes in the uniquely Texan specialties that fuse Cajun and Vietnamese flavors. Brunch features a range of options from the chef’s take on a crab benedict to breakfast nachos and sticky rice with Chinese sausage and eggs.

Banh Cuon made with rolled rice noodles, minced pork, cha lua, dry shrimp, crispies and nuoc cham. Photo Credit: Facebook/Phuc Yea

7100 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 494-0609

10 Dogma Grill

This hotdog stand has been a landmark of the neighborhood since the early 2000s. While it has changed owners and lost a couple of old favorites since then (R.I.P. mint lemonade), the current Dogma Grill still offers diners a variety of classic and hotdogs, as well as a selection of snacks. This is perhaps Miami’s ideal venue for sampling the various regional varieties of sausage and bun combinations that exist in the United States. The Chicago dog has all the right elements down to the neon green relish, while Tropicale is a tribute to Miam’s favorite Colombian style “perros.” The menu also features Wisconsin brats, along with Cleveland Polish boys, making it a perfect spot to bring a homesick out-of-towner.

7030 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 759-3433

11 Lo De Lea Argentinean Grill

Argentine restaurants are popular throughout Miami — and for good reason. Few people seem to know how to instinctively grill a piece of beef like an Argentine. The cuisine can sometimes be a predictable offering an array of steaks and pastas, which is why Lo de Lea stands out. Housed in a free-standing red building, this Argentine restaurant adds unique touches to typical fare. A steak may come with a side of bok choy or escarole, for instance, or a plate of ñoquis (the Argentine version of gnocchi) may include a sharp surprise of Asiago cheese in each potato dumpling. Even the sauces to accompany the restaurant’s selection of meats go beyond the pedestrian chimichurri with such creations as a roasted jalapeño chimichurri and Dijon-chipotle sauce.

7001 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 456-3218

12 Blue Collar

Danny Serfer can now be seen as a member of Miami’s culinary royal court. But back in 2012 he took a gamble on a small lobby space in a MiMo motel that quickly became one of the cornerstones of this neighborhood. Five years later, Blue Collar is still known for its straightforward renditions on Northeastern American comfort food, with a few very Miami touches. The latkes here are legendary and there is always a rotating list of vegetarian entrees that never feel like an afterthought. And after five years, this tiny spot is still one of the most popular places for brunch on the weekends, which says a lot in Miami.

6730 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(305) 756-0366

13 ‘O Munaciello

This restaurant flaunts a pedigree as being quite a big deal in Florence, Italy, where diners flocked to the eatery for its renditions of Neapolitan favorites. Now in MiMo, ‘O Munaciello continues its tradition of serving carefully crafted Southern Italian dishes. Its pizzas are made in a custom made oven shipped over from Naples, and you can get anything from a classic margherita to a more creative Muna Miami that features yellow cherry tomatoes, provola cheese, asparagus, and bacon. Those not in the mood for pizza can find a variety of regional homemade pasta and seafood dishes.

6425 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138

(786) 907-4000

14 Café Roval

While many Miamians are saddened by the loss of Van Dyke Café on Lincoln Road, the shuttering of that Miami Beach icon made way for the opening of Café Roval. This new addition to Mark Soyka’s family of eateries is all about the ambiance, which is perhaps the most romantic in all of South Florida. The coral-walled building hides a lush garden in the back that is populated with candlelit tables. The menu features the same type of eclectic crowd pleasers that have made restaurants like News Café such icons – hearty entrees, fresh salads, and shareable appetizers – albeit with more Mediterranean touches that pay homage to Soyka’s Israeli roots.

5808 NE 4th Ct Miami, FL 33137

(786) 953-7850

15 Andiamo! Brick Oven Pizza

This pizzeria has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened in 2001, as well as one of the early pioneers in Miami’s gourmet pizza scene. It has been considered one of the city’s best pizza places for years, and the chewy crust and robust sauce are proof of it. Besides the traditional pies, diners can enjoy Andiamo’s creations like the Genovese with sliced potatoes, pancetta, garlic, and Gorgonzola. Although the pizza here is definitely a draw, the ambiance is perhaps the most memorable feature. Housed in a historic mid-century auto shop, Andiamo is the perfect introduction to what MiMo is all about.

5600 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33137

(305) 762-5751

Related Maps

The post Where to Eat in MiMo: 14 Great Spots appeared first on Miami Beer Scene.

from Where to Eat in MiMo: 14 Great Spots

[veronabay]

Little Europe - Businesses

Click on the name of each establishment to be taken to their respective post complete with longer descriptions, graphics, and fics with their location featured in them. Search the tag “#vb little europe” to find businesses, housings, and inspiration for anything relating to the Little Europe and it’s sub-district Little Asia

Café Ocaso

A Portuguese coffee shop and bakery. Café Ocaso creates a number of different drinks, pastries, and breads. They have different specials everyday so you’ll want to pop in often and see if there is anything new to try!

Flamenco

A Spanish dance club started by a couple of retired dancers from Andalusia. During the daytime they offer Zambra, Bambera, Fandango, Cachucha, and Farruca style dance classes. Classes offered from 10am - 7pm. Club opens 9pm - 2am.

Giovanni’s Pizzeria

If you’re in the mood for pizza there is only one place to go in town for the best kind. Giovanni’s takes the traditional pizzeria and places a unique spin on things. Instead of regular restaurants which make you wait for your food to be made after you’ve ordered it, Giovanni’s actually gives you the “create your own” option which allows you to go back to the kitchen and make it yourself. However, if this doesn’t suit you there is still a variety of pizzas to choose. Pastas, salads, and gelato are also available.

La Belle

The best French food in town. La Belle is a classy establishment, and proper attire is required to enter. They have the most amazing food though, so it’s worth it. Come here for a nice romantic dinner with someone you love, or friends or family for a quiet night out.

Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a family-run Greek grill and bar. The atmosphere is very laid back, the portions are enormous, and the staff treats you like you’re a part of the family. They often have games and karaoke making it a really fun way to spend a night.

The Golden Fleece

This bar is designed to look like a traditional Irish pub. A rougher crowd likes to hang out here and fights often break out because of their leniency on rules.

79th Street – Little Asia

The Delicate Fox

Enjoy healing herbal blends at this authentic Japanese tea house. Select from the menu based on ingredients, healing properties, or try one of the four-blend samplers. Be sure to stop by the small shop on your way out to purchase your favorite tea blend to go as well as kettles, teacups, and sets.

Shinda Sakana (The Dead Fish)

Who doesn’t love raw fish, vegetables and rice? A delicious sushi bar that isn’t too expensive and the seafood is always fresh. Try a sashimi sampler if you’re a beginner, or one of their signature rolls for a new favorite.

Bhindi Love

Get ready to spice up your life—or just your next meal—with a dish at this local Indian restaurant. Start each meal with their fresh naan and a hearty helping of your favorite halaal dish.

Tea for Two

Boba milk tea is growing in popularity with the Verona Bay residents. After starting off as a cart in the Southend Mall, Tea for Two opened up an official shop on 79th street a little over a year ago. Stop by every weekday from 2-3pm for happy hour to try a sweet new drink!

The Jade Moon

Authentic Thai cuisine is just what you need! This carry-out spot has been around for decades and has consistently stayed busy ever since it opened. If you’re craving some delicious Thai Panang Curry, but don’t actually feel like going to get it, you might want to call early as their delivery hours end at 8pm every night. Don’t worry though, they stay open until 11pm and the bus will take you right to 79th Street.

Umami Noodle House

As ramen restaurants become more and more popular, it seemed only right for Verona Bay to have its own ramen spot. Umami Noodle House has only been around for a few years, but recently had to buy the vacant business space next door and expand due to the rapid increase in customers. Much more expensive than those 5 for a $1 packs at Shelly’s, but also much more authentic as well.

The Market

Ever heard of a lychee? How about a kohlrabi or a cheongyang chili pepper? These international fruits and vegetables are just some of the things you’ll find at Little Europe’s farmer’s market. Be sure to stop by Bijoux’s Basket for organic, vegan, and cruelty-free hair, skin, and beard products. Grab food, handmade goods, and more every Saturday from 5am – 6pm. Be prepared because it will definitely be crowded.

[watchingthecitysleep-blog]

Italian Flavors

During Il Carnevale, which starts the day after the Feast of Saint Agatha on February 4th and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, kids and adults dress up in costume. Kids go from house to house, like they do on Halloween here in the States, to get treats and to throw confetti (i coriandoli). Grownups attend lavish masquerade balls, or house parties if the money is tight. This tradition , which started during the late Medieval Times masquerade balls, was later enriched by La Commedia Dell'Arte because of its popular and funny characters like Arlecchino, Pantalone, Dottore, Capitano, Colombina e Mirandolina. La Commedia is comedy shows performed for free at the town square during the seventeen century and even nowadays during festivals. La Commedia is often impromptu and has themes like the lord of the house wooing and pestering the maid.

Venice and Viareggio are known for their fantastic celebration of Il Carnevale, taken even to the streets. Treats like strufoli and zeppole (pastries) , and castagne (roasted chestnuts) are enjoyed by everyone. The mood is A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale (At Carnival time every practical joke is fine). Il Carnivale is the highlights of winter fun, besides skiing on the sharp Italian mountains like the Alps and the Apennines.

Spring, summer and fall make the evenings enchanting with house parties on the terrace under a smiling moon where music to dance to, finger food and pastry to please the ear and palate. Common pastries are cannoli, granita (Italian ice), briosche (Italian croissants). Common drinks are Campari or Cynar on ice. If you like serious liquor, have a Grappa or Strega. House parties are a great means for students to socialize, make friends and find a sweetheart.

Ferragosto is a month long summer celebration. Italians take all month of August off. People who live in the mountains go to the seashore. People who live by the beach go to the country side. City folks prefer the islands of Sicily, Sardinia or smaller islands like Capri, Alba, and the Aeolian islands.  Everyone loves and visits the major cities of Venice, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Rome for their history, art and fine cuisine.

During Ferragosto, Italy becomes the Garden of Eden where fruits and vegetables are everywhere: on every street stands and al mercato (outdoor market): delicious watermelons, sweet grapes, apricots, plums and peaches, all kind of tomatoes, oranges, tangerines, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchini, and squash. Italy is also the land of picturesque vineyards and olive trees. The Virgin Mary is honored during Ferragosto in the Feast of the Ascension on August 15. Of course when it's so hot, Italians like to take an afternoon nap.

As saying goes "When an Italian sleeps alone, he or she sleeps with the angels; when the Italian doesn't sleep alone, the angels look the other way." This is romance Italian style! Of course, the only reason Italians may take an afternoon nap is because they work from 8:00am to noon, go home for four hours to eat and enjoy romance then back to work at 4:00pm until 8:00pm. The evening is to have supper with the family then go out and socialize with friends at the bar. A bar in Italy is also an ice cream parlor, coffee house and pastry shop.

Halloween Costumes for Men

The fall is for wine making. Even though machinery have taken over, grape stomping is still going on at least for entertainment and to keep the tradition. The vineyard owner invites family, neighbors, and friends who hand pick ripe grapes; then grape stomping starts. The midday meal at grape harvest usually consists of spaghetti with marinara sauce, stockfish alla cacciatore, seasonal fruits, popular Italian cheeses and, of course, the prior season's wine. A beautiful tradition is the guests make toasts in rhyme while enjoying the meal. One guest toasts "To wine-making, to health and prosperity!" Going around the table another say "May the white wine have perfect clarity!", and another guest may continue with "The meal is delicious in true sincerity." Jokes and pranks add to the joyful event. Guys woo the present girls by making poetic toasts and by trying to get the girls drunk. All at the table joke, tease each other while older folks remember "the good old days". The fun is real and wine is made. Viva l'Italia!

Most holidays are the same like in America and in Europe: Christmas Eve/Day, Easter and New Year Eve/Day; others are unique to Italy and to Italy's neighboring countries, like La Festa della Befana. La Befana is a good witch who brings presents to kids on the Epiphany Eve. Another holiday is Easter Monday, which Italians take very seriously. Easter Monday excursions to the country side and stopping at a local trattoria (a diner) for a fine meal or alla salumeria (a deli) for sandwiches are quite refreshing and very welcome after the forty days of Lent, the season for penitence and introspection.

Other popular religious Italian holidays are La Festa di San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph's Day) on March 19, Il Giono di Tutti i Santi (All Saints Day) November 1, Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls Day) November 2, and L'Immacolata Concezione (the Immaculate Conception) on December 8 .

I must confess I am partial to Saint Joseph's Day, a popular Southern Italy holiday with a unique dinner (pranzo) menu: peachicks and rise soup, baccala (stockfish), fried calamari, stuffed artichokes, broccoli of rabe in garlic sauce, rise balls, and zeppole for dessert. Because Saint Joseph's takes place during Lent there are no meat dishes at the table where nineteen guests are invited and seated (19 because of March 19). The hosts and the guests recite a brief thanksgiving prayer before and several times during dinner: "Questa casa consolata sia con Gesu', Giuseppe e Maria!" (Let this house find always comfort in Jesus, Joseph and Mary!).

Italian baby naming conventions are quite simple: the first boy is named after his paternal grandfather, the second after his maternal grandfather; the first girl after her paternal grandmother, the second after her maternal grandmother; subsequent offsprings are named after a favorite uncle, aunt or very close family friend. In my case, I was named Joseph after my paternal grandfather. Italians celebrate also name days, besides birthdays.

The flavors of the Italian cuisine suit every palate. Northern dishes like risotto, osso buco, gnocchi, spaghetti with pesto sauce, and southern dishes like lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, baked ziti, stuffed shells, and pasta with marinara sauce are only a few. The list is far too long to be even mentioned here. What about pizza? Regular, Sicilian or spingioni. I knew I was going to catch you on this one! Ah, ah! Spingioni is a pizza made on the eve of major holidays when abstinence from meat is traditionally required: Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Good Friday. The pizza is topped with tomato sauce, sliced onions and peppers (previously sautéed in olive oil and butter), breadcrumbs seasoned with parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley, basil, rosemary and olive oil. The pizza is baked while it is pressed down by a skilled, which is removed a few minutes before the pizza is ready, to have a crispy top.

Italian is the language of poets: Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca, and Giovanni Boccaccio. It's the language of artists: Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raffaello Sanzio. Italians celebrate their patriots in Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giuseppe Mazzini, composers in Giuseppe Verdi and Gioachino Rossini, and in inventors like Guglielmo Marconi. What about love, passion and pure lust? Visit Verona and admire Juliet's balcony climbed by Romeo every night so he could be with his Juliet.

Like people of any nationality, Italians are proud of their heritage: they treasure it, they love it, and they perpetuate it. Beliefs, customs, history, culture, religion, arts and teachings make people who they are. They define and shape the individual in the continuity of history and civilization, and in the eternal flux of progress which makes the human soul reach beyond the heavens to touch the hand of God.

[oselatra]

Central Arkansas Bar Guide

Our guide to the drinking life.

Dive, watering hole, saloon, tavern, speakeasy, roadhouse, pub, ultralounge or plain ol' bar — however you say it, there's a good chance you've spent a memorable evening or two at a fine purveyor of liquid courage. Bars are spaces unlike any other, existing not for the sustenance of our bodies or the sale of material goods, but only for recreation, relaxation and the unique sensation caused by fermentation, that holy, microscopic intercourse of sugar and yeast that turns wheat, fruit, grapes, hops or barley into alcohol and questionable decisions. They say America was planned in a bar, the Founding Fathers diving deep enough into their cups that they came up with liberty in their teeth. If so, it's fitting. We're a nation that loves a drink, our dalliance with Prohibition and longer affair with Baptist teetotalling notwithstanding.

What follows is our survey of many of the bars, pubs and taverns in Central Arkansas, resulting from the Arkansas Times staff doing the hard work of boozing it up on the company dime during work hours. We made that sacrifice for you, Dear Reader. From the dimmest dive to the swankiest lounge, if you're into public drinking in service of a good time, there's something here for you.

109 & Co It's been several years, but some of our friends still haven't gotten the memo: 109 & Co., on the first block of Main Street and formerly known as Maduro, isn't a cigar bar anymore. It's a comfy, nonsmoking lounge with a broad list of classic cocktails. (Bonus points: It's right around the corner from Arkansas Times HQ.) If you like mezcal like we like mezcal, try the El Cantante ($11), made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, D'Aristi and Damiana liqueurs, fresh lime juice and Angostura orange bitters, and served neat in a martini glass. 109 Main St., 374-3710, 109andcompany.com.

610 Center Hospitality is the watchword at this downtown spot — and that's not only because it's a bar with a predominately LGBTQ patronage that extends an attitude of inclusiveness to all. The first time you go, you're likely to leave knowing at least one of the owners by name; the second time you go, chances are good one of the tremendously handsome bartenders will remember exactly what you ordered the first time. Monday night is trivia night (friendly, not cutthroat), smoking is allowed, and the full menu offers hearty snacks, like the Mac & Cheese Bites. A wide wine selection, too. 610 Center St., 374-4678, 610center.com.

Baja Grill Opened in May 2014, Baja Grill is a fave for those looking to take a day trip to Jimmy Buffett's favorite place. It features big house margaritas and 10 different specialty versions of the beachy drink, all available either frozen or on the rocks. They're especially a steal during Baja Grill's Margarita Mondays special, with house margaritas setting you back only 4 bucks (!) all day, while specialty margaritas are $2 off. Five beers on tap and tons of cans and bottles for those who aren't into that frozen concoction that helps you hang on. 5923 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, 722-8920, eatbajagrill.com

Bar Louie Tucked in the corner of a shopping center, Bar Louie is adorned with big-screen TVs and serves plenty of martinis. The go-to is the Diva — 10 bucks normally, but bumped down to $5.25 during happy hours 4-7 p.m. weekdays. It's made of SKYY Pineapple, PAMA liqueur and a pomegranate syrup and topped with fresh cut pineapple. 11525 Cantrell Road, 228-0444, barlouie.com.

Bear's Den Pizza Fondly nicknamed the "Dirty Den," Bear's Den Pizza sits across the street from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Server Chynna Stipe says, sure, they get their fair share of college students, "but also UCA professors, parents visiting the school and Conway residents. We have a ton of regulars." Stipe says the recent of arrival of Flyway Brewery's Bluewing Berry Wheat has been a smash hit and, predictably, happy hour prices — well drinks for $2 and domestic beers for $1 from 9-11 p.m. nightly — lure in budget-constrained collegians. Favorite drink: The "Bear Bomb," a potent mix of R&R Canadian Whiskey, peach schnapps and Red Bull. 235 Farris Road, Conway, 328-5556, bearsdenpizza.net.

Big Orange You surely know all about the food at this burger-and-fry stalwart, but don't sleep on Big O's bar program. In addition to keeping a diverse and always changing lineup of beers on tap, the cocktail crews at the Midtowne and Promenade locations are always whipping up inventive and delicious creations. The latest specialty, created by bartenders Jacob Jones and Luiggi Uzcategui, is called Devil's Advocate and features Plantation O.F.T.D. Rum, Lunazul Blanco Tequila, Madeira fortified wine, Creme de Cacao, pineapple and lemon juice, Angostura bitters and Copper & Kings Absinthe. Naturally, it comes in a tiki mug with an umbrella. Try it during happy hour from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and during reverse happy hour from 9 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. 307 N. University Ave., Suite 100, 379-8715; 17809 Chenal Parkway, 821-1515. bigorangeburgers.com.

Big Whiskey's The signature drink here is the Big Coconut: Parrot Bay rum, Cathead Vodka, pineapple, orange and cranberry juice. That'll cost you $7.50, just short of those Eight Pieces, as the parrot says. But beer is more popular. Get a buck off draft beers and $2 off well drinks and wine between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 225 E. Markham St., 324-2449, http://ift.tt/2sSuNEO.

Boulevard Bistro A casual, comfortable, family-oriented spot with an excellent menu, Boulevard Bistro has a full bar. There are eight beers on tap, with several local craft brews represented, and wine in pretty much every variety your vino-loving heart could desire, as well as specialty drinks. 1920 N. Grant St., Little Rock, 663-5949.

Brewster's 2 Out front, Brewster's 2 cafe lauds its catfish — as it should— but the drinks are a lure, too. In a family-friendly atmosphere, you can cool off with a Heat Wave — grenadine, gin, vodka and tequila — for $8. On the nonalcoholic side, the frozen lemonades are just about as refreshing as a drink can be. 2725 S. Arch St., 301-7728.

Bruno's Little Italy This Italian eatery's home in the Creative Corridor may be new, but the mostaccioli and the merriment within can be traced back to the early 20th century arrival of Giovanni Bruno on American shores. Thanks, Old Country! The grandson who carries his namesake, known to most as Gio, is carrying the torch, and directed us to bartender Jeff Jackson for a tour of the family business' booze offerings. Jackson notes that the handcrafted methods in the kitchen extend to the bar, too — Bruno's offers a house-made limoncello, which you can enjoy chilled in a brandy snifter after dinner ($6) or in one of the restaurant's popular warm weather drinks, the lemon drop martini ($10). There's Peroni beer, of course ($5.69), and an Italian margarita, a mixture of tequila, amaretto, triple sec and house-made sweet and sour syrup. For sweltering summer days, there are peach and strawberry Bellinis, a blend of fruit puree and Prosecco. 310 Main St., No. 101, 372-7866, brunoslittleitaly.com.

Buffalo Wild Wings You know the drill: Wangs! Zillions of TVs tuned to all the sports contests! Booze! You will perhaps be unsurprised to learn that Buffalo Wild Wings, at least at the Cantrell Road location (there are BWWs in Bryant and Sherwood, too) sells more domestic beer than anything else, but it's got cocktails, too. They include the Buffalo Zoo ('cuz it's wild!) made with rum, vodka, bourbon, peach schnapps and orange and pineapple juice. 14800 Cantrell Road, 868-5279, buffalowildwings.com.

By the Glass The vinous-oriented can choose from between 60 to 70 wines on the By the Glass board. Favorites change by season; in summer, New Zealand sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs are favorites. The tapas, such as the smoked salmon appetizer, pair well with any wine, proprietor Susan Crosby says, and all the wines are good: "If it's on our board, we like it." 5713 Kavanaugh Blvd., 663-9463, btgbar.com.

Cache Restaurant and Lounge Robby Wellborn, one of the first employees at the high-class watering hole Cache, has spent half his life as a bartender, working from Texas to Florida, where he's seen it all and done half of it. Still, Wellborn was momentarily stumped when a woman came in just after the restaurant opened and told the tale of a spicy/sweet version of the ubiquitous margarita she'd had while on vacation. "I don't know if it was in Mexico, but it was definitely [at] a salsa bar. I was like, 'I've got all that here.' I put it together." Thus the Cache-exclusive cocktail that has come to be known as The Roberita was born. Featuring top-shelf tequila, fresh jalapenos and juice, minced cilantro, fresh-squeezed lime juice, house-made simple syrup and other primo ingredients, word of mouth has transformed the unique drink from a one-off experiment to a sort of secret menu item that Wellborn can whip up on demand. For those who don't mind a little heat, it could easily become addictive, the bite of the jalapeno marrying perfectly with the tart lime, the earthy cilantro, the tequila burn and the sweet base to produce a drink that's muy caliente. 425 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, 850-0265, cachelittlerock.com.

Capital Bar & Grill Since it reopened in 2007 after the Capital Hotel's $24 million renovation, the Capital Bar has been the standard by which other cocktail bars in Central Arkansas are measured. Head bartender Tim Stramel has been on staff since just before the relaunch. The bar's philosophy is straightforward, Stramel says: "We try to do the classics. We always use fresh juice and premium spirits and try to do 'em right." The Debutante (vodka, St-Germain, lime juice, grapefruit bitters and basil) and the Seersucker (CBG's spin on the Sazerac), have been among the bar's best sellers for years, but Stramel reports that on an average weekend night, nearly every table will have at least one brass mug carrying a Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer and lime juice) or one of the CBG's many variations. When the weather is nice, take your drink to the hotel's veranda and watch the downtown revelers go by. The state's finest jazz trio, the Ted Ludwig Trio, plays from 7-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. It's also hard to go wrong with food here. 111 W. Markham St., 370-7013, capitalbarandgrill.com.

Cajun's Served in a large mason jar you can keep (with the Cajun's logo etched into it), Cajun's Play De Do is a twist on New Orleans' Hurricane. There's light rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine for only $8.50 with an orange and lime wedge to boot. If you go weekdays during happy hour (4:30-7 p.m.) you can knock a dollar off the price. 2400 Cantrell Road, 375-5351, cajunswharf.com.

Cañon Grill This Kavanaugh mainstay's been serving up standard Mexican fare in Hillcrest since 1998: cold beer and margaritas. It's got Dos Equis and Flyway Brewery's Bluewing Berry Wheat on tap, as well as the usual domestic suspects. For something with a higher ABV, there's the classic lime margarita or a blue margarita, which manager Krista Belote calls "a little less tart, but a lot stronger," or the Margarita Meltdown, a classic lime with a shot of raspberry, melon, peach, amaretto or orange liqueur poured on top. Happy hour lasts all day Saturday and Sunday. 2811 Kavanaugh Blvd., 664-2068, canongrill.net.

Club Sway Club Sway owner/operator Jason Wiest didn't hesitate when asked what the most popular drink at this vibrant downtown drag mecca was. "Red Bull and vodka, far and away," he said. After all, you'll need the energy; Sway's bombastic monthly parties and drag shows are high-energy affairs, and that Red Bull may well be what keeps you shaking your ass on Sway's multi-tiered dance floor far into the night. If energy drinks aren't your style, try the "Sway Me" ($8), which Wiest says is "kind of our answer when people say, 'Make me something fruity!' " Or try the bright green "Liquid Marijuana," a dizzying blend of Midori, spiced rum, blue curacao and pineapple juice. If you make it to Sway on Saturday's Latin nights, you can pick up a creamy shot of Rum Chata, a spiced rum liqueur that's well on its way to becoming the new Fireball. 412 S. Louisiana St., 777-5428, clubsway.com.

Copper Grill A rosé sangria on Copper Grill's spacious patio, camped out in the sort of luxurious patio furniture your rich friends have out by their pool, on the outskirts of the River Market district? We'll take it. Or if the sun is still blazing, Copper has comfy chairs and a sleek bar inside, too. Plus, a wine list that's gotten acclaim from Wine Spectator. 300 E. Third St., 375-3333, coppergrilllr.com

Ciao Baci A casual fine dining restaurant in a converted Craftsman-style house in Hillcrest, Ciao Baci's wraparound porch is one of the finest places to drink a cocktail in the summer months. Grab a Naughty Lemonade and some tasty bar snacks on a Wednesday, when it's happy hour all day. Excellent wine list, too. 605 Beechwood St., 603-0238, ciaobaci.org.

Core Public House Core brews its own up in Springdale, so that's what this little storefront bar in Argenta — with its ping pong table and foosball table and low-light, old-fashioned ambiance — serves. Most popular beer: Arkansas Red Ale. The hard cider is a good seller, too. FYI: The walls are hung with art by members of the Latino Art Project. 411 Main St., NLR, 372-1390, @corepubargenta.

Crazee's Cafe On Cantrell since 1997, Crazee's is another of the blink-and-you'll-miss-it places that have cultivated a loyal clientele as a quiet spot to catch a meal with a drink after a long workday. It has a full bar, but mostly serves wine and suds, with four brews on tap. The regulars keep coming back to what owner Linda Houff calls "the kind of place where everybody blends in." Her motto: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. 7626 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, 221-9696.

Cregeen's For the heat of summer, the Irish pub is going South Seas with the Bikini Bottom: a layered beer with Ace pineapple cider on the bottom and Guinness up top. No coddin'! 301 Main St., 376-7468, cregeens.com.

Crush Wine Bar On a hot Friday night, the proprietor of this friendly, low-lit little hole in the wall will offer you a "cold glass of Argenta's best tap water," help you select a wine from his broad menu and suggest the best tapas to go with. There is great variety in labels and prices; you might enjoy a glass of Cline Old Vines Zinfandel from California or a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for a reasonable $7 or order a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet for $120. The back garden, planted in grape vines, will set the mood. 318 N. Main St., NLR, 374-9463, @crushwinelr.

Damgoode River Market Try one of the local mini-pizza empire's three Damgoode Brews staples — Red Ribbon Golden Ale, Arkansas Amber and Damgoode Pale Ale — along with a rotation of specials at the River Market brewpub (and the other Damgoode locations). The deck is highly coveted during concerts at the First Security Amphitheatre. 500 President Clinton Ave., 664-2239, damgoodepies.

Del Frisco's Grille This national chain can seat 30 at its bar and there are "quite a few regulars," bartender Shannon Newcomb says. Those who imbibe split between beer and booze; a favorite of the latter is the VIP, which is a vodka infused [with] pineapple martini. Here's the recipe: Cut up a gold pineapple and soak in Clementine vodka for 14 days, strain through cheesecloth, serve. "I tell people it is dangerously delicious," Newcomb says. Showoffs can order an ounce and a half of Macallan 25 single malt whiskey for $155. Promenade at Chenal, 448-2631, delfriscosgrille.com.

Discovery Little Rock's legendary, 40-plus-year-old LGBT club — known affectionately as simply "Disco" — has trended toward an inclusive "alternative club" clientele in recent years, with drink specials, dancing and drag shows in three big rooms in a cavernous warehouse space in Riverdale. With one of the city's vanishingly rare 5 a.m. club permits, it's great for drinking with friends until the dawn's early light. 1021 Jessie Road, Little Rock, 664-4784, latenightdisco.com.

Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro One of the friendliest restaurants in the River Market district, Dizzy's has quirky decor and carefully constructed dishes that pair well with their equally quirky slate of signature cocktails: For example, limoncello martinis, basil and orange mojitos, and a drink called the "Big Menage a Trois Chill," made with red wine, blueberries and Bing cherries. Two dozen beers, a 30-label slate of owner Darla Huie's favorite wines (available by the bottle or glass), plus a small selection of sherries and ports mean there's something for anyone in the mood to drink. There's covered street-side dining for people-watching, too. 200 River Market Ave., 375-3500, dizzysgypsybistro.net.

Dugan's Pub Part of the area's three-leaf clover of Irish bars — along with Cregeen's and Hibernia — Dugan's understandably sells a lot of Guinness and Jameson's, but is no slouch on the craft beer, wine and mixed-drink front. Try its Irish Mule, an Emerald Isle take on the more familiar Moscow variety, with Irish whiskey instead of vodka. The people-watching at Third and Rock ain't bad, either, and the large street-corner patio is dog friendly, so you can get sloshed with your best friend. 401 E. Third St., 244-0542, duganspublr.com.

Electric Cowboy Electric Cowboy sounds like a fantasy invented by a middle-school boy, but it's real. It's open until about 5 a.m. Beer can be pretty cheap: It's usually between $1 and $2, depending on the night's special. The main thing is to know what to do after you've had a few: dance, dance, dance. 9515 I-30, 562-6000, http://ift.tt/2snLfco.

Envy Nightclub The name changed several years back, but the nightclub formerly known as Elevations maintained a longtime formula: big dance floor, Saturday night "sexy dress" contests and hours that stretch to the early morning. 7200 Col. Glenn Road, 569-9113, @envy.littlerock

Ernie Biggs Sing along to songs you know with people from near and far. 327 President Clinton Ave., 372-4782, erniebiggs.com.

The Faded Rose I asked a guy at The Faded Rose bar about how long he'd been drinking there and he laughed a bit. "I've been a regular so long I can't remember," he said. This isn't the type of bar where you come for a specialty drink; it's for folks who know what they want and trust the longtime bartenders to make it right. It's also a place where it won't be long before it's your regular haunt: "You can become a regular after two visits," said Jay Jennings, an editor at Oxford American magazine who was helping a reporter get to know the place. Jennings used to come here with Charles Portis, the legendary writer based in Little Rock, and chat about mostly anything but writing. He pointed out an Englishman's towel behind the bar that a patron used to stretch out as if he were in a pub. On the bar are two small gold plaques to commemorate where two former regulars used to sit (you'd get up if you saw them coming). There are $7-$8 drinks, like rye whiskey (for the "refined palate," the manager told me) and a good wine selection. During happy hour on Monday, most folks were drinking bottled domestics for about $3. 1619 Rebsamen Park Road, 663-9734, thefadedrose.com

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium The River Market's longest wall o' beer boasts 75 beers on tap and around 150 more brews in bottles, general manager Jason Davenport told us. We asked him if there was anything on tap that might be hard to find elsewhere. "That's probably half the wall," he answered. He should know, too — Davenport's been working there for nine years, enough time to have accrued three wall saucers with his name on them, designating that he's tasted over 600 beers there as part of the Emporium's "UFO Club." So what are people drinking this summer? "A lot of people are drinking seasonally, so that means wheat beers, Berliner Weisses, Gose." The chain, with locations in Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and the Carolinas, has been in Little Rock since 1998. 323 President Clinton Ave., 372-8032, beerknurd.com.

Flyway Brewing This popular North Little Rock brewery and tasting room does all sorts of styles right, but it's increasingly known for its Bluewing Berry Wheat, an American wheat with blueberries added after fermentation. Since Flyway introduced it as a seasonal, it's been far and away the brewery's biggest seller. Now it's being canned and widely distributed in Central Arkansas. 314 Maple St., NLR, 812-3192, flywaybrewing.com

The Fold Botanas & Bar The bar at The Fold is meant to conjure up a relaxing day on a Caribbean beach: Sun, sand, blue ocean, bay scallops and a watermelon mojito or a strawberry-infused margarita. Another cocktail tips its hat to international waters: The Francophone, which is a combination of cucumber sake, gin, lime juice and agave, served in a glass gift-wrapped in the funny papers and garnished with a flower and a lime. That's not all! The Fold also has a drink named after a bartender's three-legged dog: The Three Paws Tippin. The TPT — vodka, lemon juice, agave and Aperol — is served in a tulip glass and topped with gummy bears. "We try not to take ourselves too seriously," bartender Rob Armstrong says. There are beers on tap here, of course, including local brews, "but we're a tequila/mezcal bar at heart," Armstrong said. 3501 Old Cantrell Road, 916-9706, thefoldlr.com

Four Quarter Bar The still newish Argenta watering hole hits all the right notes, with an understated but classic decor, scads of local beers on tap (plus Pabst and other commercial faves), shuffleboard, dominos, a copper-topped bar that looks like it's been there since Hector was a pup and a cozy patio out back that seats 25. Four Quarter has become a fixture of the Argenta live music scene, with an eclectic mix of bands appearing Thursday through Saturday nights. Bar manager Jimmy Young said the place is also a favorite for those seeking late-night eats, with both booze and food served until last call at 1:30 a.m. 415 Main St., North Little Rock, 313-4704, fourquarterbar.com.

Fox and Hound With 27 draft beers between $3.75 and $7, Fox and Hound is a solid place for lubricated game-watching. If it's on a Tuesday, you're in for a real treat: Drafts are just $2 and there's karaoke. If you're looking for something more, consider the Kryptonite Margarita, served in a giant martini glass for $5 during happy hour. It's Cuervo Gold tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix and Midori liqueur. 2800 Lakewood Village Drive, 753-8300, foxandhound.com.

Grumpy's Too A classic neighborhood bar and grill hidden off the well-trod path, Grumpy's Too features pool, darts and shuffleboard, plus a nice selection of one-of-a-kind cocktails, including the Little Rock Old Fashioned, made with Rock Town rye; the Beggar's Market, made with Maker's Mark, pale ale and maple syrup; and a Bloody Mary made of hot-pepper-infused-vodka with Jamaican jerk spice on the rim. Old faves like the Moscow Mule and rum swizzle are here, too. Dine on salads, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads. 801 Green Mountain Drive, 225-3768, grumpystoo.com.

Gusano's A popular River Market district pizza place that does big bar business, too, especially when there's a big game or UFC fight on. Its big sellers are local brews like Lost Forty and Diamond Bear. 313 President Clinton Ave., 374-1441, gusanospizza.net.

Heights Taco and Tamale Co. Get some chips and Ark-Mex-style cheese dip and a frozen margarita or mojito and watch the Kavanaugh crowd from the patio bar. Or mix it up with a new spin on an old favorite: The HT&TEA features bourbon mixed with the restaurant's house-made tesote, a blend of black tea, juice, mint and honey. It's like a boozy sweet tea. 5805 Kavanaugh Blvd., 313-4848, http://ift.tt/2sSBczO.

Heritage Grille Steak and Fin This bar next to the lobby restaurant (not to be confused with the private lounge for Marriott Silver Elite members) gets its customers mostly from hotel guests in the evening, but the general public stops in around lunch. The specialty drinks include the popular Heritage Mule (Crown Royal, orange bitters, ginger beer and fresh lime) and the aptly named La Petite Roche, which, thanks to its mixture of Bacardi, Capt. Morgan and Myers rums with a splash of pineapple juice and grenadine, may get you a little stoned. You can nosh at the bar. Little Rock Marriott, 3 Statehouse Plaza, 399-8000, heritagegrillelittle rock.com.

Hibernia Irish Tavern Buried in a nondescript strip mall alongside a Goodwill outlet and an adult toy and lingerie store, Hibernia Irish Tavern is a dive-bar gem of a place. Dark, cozy and quiet, it is reportedly the only Irish tavern in the state run by a born-and-bred Irishman: Gerry Ward, who came to Arkansas via New York after bidding the Emerald Isle goodbye in search of greener pastures. Not just a place to get a Guinness, Hibernia has distinguished itself over the last three years as one of the primary incubators for new standup comics in the area, with its weekly Thursday night comedy open mic night. Started by the late Little Rock comic Billy the Pirate and now hosted by comedian Paul Hodge, Hibernia's open mic draws over a dozen would-be comedians to the stage every week, with skill levels ranging from the outright terrible to ready-for-prime time. Longtime Hibernia waitress Sarah Garber says, "One of the comedians calls us the 'Comic Gym.' It's a place where you can work out, try new material, and then maybe move on to The Loony Bin and some of the other, bigger venues." Signup is promptly at 7:45 p.m., with the show starting at 8 and running until the last rimshot. If comedy isn't your thing, the bar also hosts a weekly singer/songwriter open mic night on Tuesday nights. 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, 246-4340, hiberniairishtavern.com.

Hillcrest Fountain Drinking at the Fountain — whether in the fresh breeze of the outdoor porch with its patented view of the Kroger parking lot or in the smoky pool hall up front — is not about special drinks. It's mostly about good people, behind and in front of the bar, bartender Richard Dean says. But, the beer and wine can be sneakily enjoyable. Consider a $7 glass of Calcu Rosé or a $5 SweetWater Blueberry Wheat. Or, just kick back with those friends and grab a Miller Lite for $3.50. 2809 Kavanaugh Blvd., @thehillcrestfountain.

Jimmy Doyle's Country Club At the bar, a reporter turned down a cigarette offered by a truck driver from Austin who, smiling, said he was not a longtime patron — this was his first time at Jimmy Doyle's — but he wished he were. There's a truck stop next to the bar, so this could be a common sentiment of visitors to one of the last real honky tonks. "In the peak years, some 20 years ago," wrote former Times reporter Will Stephenson in his profile of the place and its owner, Jimmy Doyle, "they say you had to show up early to even get in the door." But, a group walked in on a Saturday with ease and went to one of quite a few empty tables right at the edge of the dance floor. The wood-paneled dance floor was almost empty; a few couples were spinning together. The men in cowboy hats moved with a controlled grace. "Friday nights are for karaoke, Saturdays are for the house band. There are no other nights," as Stephenson wrote. The specialty, the bartender Dwight says, is the OH MY GOD shot: Parrot Bay, Bacardi 151, grenadine and cranberry and pineapple juices. It's pink, smooth and fun. He made it by accident, served it, and a woman liked it so much she shouted, "OH MY GOD, that's good!" 11800 Maybelline Road, 945-9042, cash only.

Joubert's Guinness is on tap at Joubert's, $4 at night and $3.50 with the sun out. While you drink, you can admire the mural of bears in love (really, really in love). Folks are friendly and there are usually some sports on the TV, making it a nice spot for a beer after a long day. 7303 Kanis Road, 664-9953.

Khalil's It's the near-picture perfect corner bar where everybody knows your name, smack in the heart of West Little Rock, featuring cozy pub decor, flaming hearths in the winter, high-backed chairs and a well-attended karaoke scene on the weekends. Don't forget to throw a leg over the handlebar-mustache-shaped teeter-totter, which has likely given more drunk folks a ride over the years than that ex you hate. 110 S. Shackleford Road, 224-0224, khalilspub.com

Kings Live Music Kings has become known for its diverse music lineup and emphasis on local bands and songwriters, and the booze selection stays close to home, too. Kings keeps a stash of Rocktown Distillery goods on the shelf — the Rocktown basil, mandarin orange and grapefruit vodkas, as well as the Apple Pie Moonshine, which you can get for $4 a shot. Kings employee Brittany Labat reports the bar has been selling a lot of Flyway's Bluewing Berry Wheat these days, with the Diamond Bear Pale Ale and Lost Forty Love Honey Bock as close runners-up. 1020 Front St., Conway, 205-8512, kingslivemusic.com.

La Terraza Rum and Lounge The perfect spot for those who love them some rum, La Terraza features 20 different types of the sugarcane-based spirit, with different varieties available for tastings in flights of three or five. Befitting its signature liquor, La Terraza is best known for standout mojitos, offering several variations on the sweet and minty cocktail. 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite No. 202, 251-8261.

Local Lime If you've tried the house margarita, regularly heralded by Arkansas Times readers in our annual Toast of the Town poll, and run through mezcal and tequila flights, and sipped a Mexican Mule or Pisco Sour (all on separate visits, of course), the brain trust at Local Lime recommends the Gin in Bloom, made with Uncle Val's Botanical Gin, elderflower liqueur, house-made lavender simple syrup and lemon. 17809 Chenal Parkway, 448-2226, locallimetaco.com.

Lost Forty Brewing Look for the state's largest brewery to continue to expand its year-round and seasonal offerings as it keeps growing. We've got our fingers crossed that its Snake Party Double IPA makes the jump to year-round rotation soon. In the meantime, stock up: It was just rereleased this week. It's double dry hopped, double IPA brewed and dry hopped with citrusy Azacca hops. Pick some up after you grab a beer and some tasty pub-grub in the cavernous East Village taproom. 501 Byrd St., 319-7275, lostfortybrewing.com.

Maxine's The former brothel on Hot Springs' Bathhouse Row that's become known for its killer live music lineup, red-light vibe and enormous menu, is essentially a "bourbon bar," bartender Tercero Munoz says: "We have about four times as much bourbon as anything else." Locals also come in for the craft beer selection, much of which comes from Spa City locals Bubba Brews and Superior Bathhouse Brewery. Maxine's offers a special Sunday brunch from noon to 5 p.m., and the Bloody Marys are a mere $5. If you'd rather drink your Sunday dinner, fork over an extra 3 bucks and get the Bloody Mary "loaded." "There's literally a garden on it," Munoz said: A skewer balanced along the two ends of the glass rim comes stacked with olives, cheese, pepperoni, pickled okra, pickles, pearl onions, a piece of bacon and a small slice of pizza on the end. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs, 321-0909, maxineslive.com.

Mellow Mushroom With 40 beers on draft and another 35 bottled, including most all of the local and regional brews you'd want, this pizza chain is a reliable West Little Rock watering hole, with great pizza, too. 16103 Chenal Parkway, 379-9157, mellowmushroom.com.

Mike's Cafe Enter Mike's Cafe and you might think you're in a nightclub. The foyer's got everything a club entrance usually does: a little window where you'd show some beefed-up bruiser your ID, a liquor license taped to the wall. But don't stop and wait to be seated. Push on and enter the full glory of Mike's, with its white-curtained stage, where after 8 p.m. there will be a full-on light show and maybe someone singing karaoke. A neon-yellow board lists menu items and says "Well Come to Mike's Cafe." You've arrived: It's not a nightclub or a surrealist painting or even a hipster dive bar. It's just a solid Vietnamese restaurant with $3 Singha Gold and Tsingtao beers. Drink away, enter the void. 5501 Asher Ave., 562-1515.

North Bar Snee Dismang will mix you North Bar's favorite drink: a combo of Grey Goose vodka and mango and pomegranate juice, a.k.a. the Park Hill martini. That's the favorite; No. 2 is the Blueberry Lemon Drop, a blueberry-muddled vodka martini. The bar, which opened five months ago, has just added eight beer taps, bringing the total to 16. North Bar is proud of its culinary abilities, too: Check out the very tall fried chicken sandwich. 3812 John F. Kennedy Blvd., NLR, 420-1117, @501northbar.

The Ohio Club On Hot Springs' famous Bathhouse Row since 1905, the building that houses The Ohio Club has been many things over the years — including, reportedly, a casino and brothel. But most enduringly, it's been a bar. Even during Prohibition, says Ohio Club owner Mike Pettey, the joint housed a semi-clandestine speakeasy frequented by mafiosi and baseball greats come down for spring training. The place still has that classic speakeasy feel today. Its 15 sorts of suds on tap are heavy on Arkansas-made offerings, including a brew called Madden's No. 1 from the Superior Bathhouse Brewery and named after famous mob boss Owney Madden. Nightly music year-round encourages Ohio Club patrons to rouge their knees and roll their stockings down, and all that jazz. Bonus: Pettey says try the Reuben sandwich, which he claims is the best in the nation. A bold claim, but then again, Hot Springs is built on 'em. 336 Central Ave., Hot Springs, 627-0702, theohioclub.com.

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom An anomaly in once-dry-as-a-powderhouse Conway, Old Chicago is a temple of beers, with one of the broadest selections of liquid bread between Little Rock and Fayetteville. It brings in artisan craft brews from as far away as Memphis, and rotates in at least a dozen new varieties at least twice a month to keep things interesting. 1010 Main St., Conway, 329-6262, http://ift.tt/2sSJYOj.

One Eleven The Capital Hotel's fine dining restaurant just unveiled a new cocktail menu. Head bartender Loic Lautredou predicts the new Thyme Basil Martini will be the big seller. "It's very floral for the summer, very refreshing, with a not-too-sweet finish," he reports. 111 W. Markham St., 370-7011, onelevenatthecapital.com.

The Oyster Bar This downhome eatery serves up just enough beer and wine to whet a whistle otherwise employed in lapping up gumbo or chowing down on a po'boy: On the beer side, it's Lost Forty and Diamond Bear local brews, beers on draft and bottled ales. The black and tan — Bass Pale Ale and Guinness stout — is a favorite. There are six wines: three whites, three reds. 3003 W. Markham St., 666-7100, lroysterbar.com.

The Pantry (11401 N. Rodney Parham Road) and The Pantry Crest (722 N. Palm St.) David Timberlake (no relation to Justin, he says), who bartends at both of Tomas Bohm's successful Czech/German restaurants, sees a difference in the West Little Rock crowd and the Hillcrest crowd. "Honestly, people are a bit apt to drink and stay longer," consuming spirits, in Hillcrest; he thinks that's because Hillcrest is a walking neighborhood, so folks can just stagger home on foot. The West Little Rock customers, an older group, drink more wine. The favored drink is the Old Fashioned; folks in Hillcrest also really like the mules: The Moscow made with vodka, the Tennessee with bourbon and the Mexican with tequila. Another popular drink is the Negroni (equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth) and the Boulevardier variation, which uses whiskey. Both restaurants have a separate bar area; Timberlake said, "We keep food and drink prices reasonable." Happy hours are 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close. 353-1875 in WLR; 725-4945 in Hillcrest. littlerockpantry.com.

Petit & Keet The gourmand who enjoys a great meal at Petit & Keet will be tempted by the specialty cocktails from the huge bar, like the Smoking Gun, a blend of mezcal, pineapple juice and agave simple syrup. For Sonic soft drink aficianados, there is the surprising Cherry Limeade Mule, a blend of sweet, pucker and fizz. Enjoy on the patio or in the sleek dining room. 1620 Market St., 319-7676, @petitandkeet.

Pizza D'Action PBR is $1.50. At this point, you should have put down the paper and headed over to the lovingly smoked-filled and above-ground cavern for a drink and a random conversation. If it's Wednesday, grab a $3 Fireball shot with new friends or old. 2915 W. Markham St., 666-5403.

The Pizzeria General manager and bartender Dillon Garcia is obsessed with craft cocktails, and he's got a tattoo of a martini on his arm to prove it. At only 25, he's also got a handful of mixology awards and a side business, Arkansas Mixology Associates, where he consults with bars around the state. But most nights you'll find him at this Heights hotspot, mixing up classic cocktails — his Old Fashioned was excellent last time we were in — and dreaming up his own creations. Late night, 10-11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, is a particularly good time to drop in. It's reverse happy hour and cocktails, featuring a high-end well (Jim Beam Black, Bombay Sapphire Gin, etc.), for only $5. 4910 Kavanaugh Blvd., 551-1388, http://ift.tt/2snSscM.

Prost The calmer, loungy cousin to Willy D's and Deep, two bars that are connected to Prost via a hallway and stairs. With a strong beer menu and plenty of TVs. 322 President Clinton Blvd.

The RAB While the bar side of things at The RAB doesn't sound like it's going to set the world on fire, with the standard foreign and domestic beers on tap and bartenders willing to whip up a cocktail or mixed drink, there is a draw: pool. A classic bar/pool hall that draws everyone from college kids to retirees, The RAB features eight competition-grade Diamond Billiard pool tables, and hosts both league nights and a weekly 8-ball tournament on Friday that attracts up to 40 competitors, according to bartender Flip Tindall. If pool isn't your thing, there are 12 TVs, and you can always spend your time drinkin' if you feel behind the eight ball. 408 Hwy. 65 N, Conway, 336-8484

Raduno Is there a better Little Rock bar — like the actual bar top — than Raduno's marble counter? We haven't found it. Like the cool stone, the SoMa spot's new cocktail menu is a summertime dream. We were particularly taken by the Hummingbird (vodka, honey, lavender syrup and lemon juice) and will be back for Summer in SoMa (gin, grapefruit liqueur and watermelon juice) and a spin on the Pimm's Cup. 1318 Main St., 374-7476, radunolr.com.

Rebel Kettle Complimentary popcorn, a new outdoor stage, tasty Cajun-tinged pub grub and 16 beers on tap — what more could you want from your local brewpub? The blonde ale Working Glass Hero is a good starting place for newbies; it's long been the brewery's best seller. The week of the Fourth of July, look out for the rerelease of the hugely popular Summer Jam, a raspberry sour saison. Every week, head brewer and co-owner John Lee is cooking up something new. 822 E. Sixth St., 374-2791, rebelkettle.com.

Revolution Rev Room knows how to name drinks: The bar menu includes a "Latin Kiss," a "Fuzzy Thing" and something called "Dirty Juan Pedro's Bloody Buddy." There are over a dozen types of tequila, and you can supercharge your drinks with a "fruit fusion" puree — lemon basil, blackberry tangerine, pineapple vanilla bean, watermelon mint or mango chili Sriracha. 823-0090, 300 President Clinton Ave., revroom.com.

Ristorante Capeo To match its top-notch fine dining menu, Ristorante Capeo's wine list features over 125 labels, most by the bottle or glass, with prices ranging from cheap enough for Thursday night dinner to once-a-year special occasion rare. There's beer and a full bar, too. 425 Main St., North Little Rock, 376-3463, capeo.us.

Rocky's Corner A good place to drink off the sting of a losing streak at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming across the street — or buy a round if your horse comes in — Rocky's Corner bills itself as a family-friendly joint that's not afraid to have some fun. On tap are over a dozen beers and signature mixed drinks, including the Cannella ($7.50), featuring spiced rum, butterscotch schnapps, Kahlua and half and half, which bartender Andrew Carney swears tastes like "a cinnamon roll in a glass." 2600 Central Ave., Hot Springs, 624-0199, rockyscornerhotsprings.com

Samantha's Tap Room & Wood Grill As the name implies, Samantha's is tap happy, with at least 10 wines and 23 beers on tap, including Arkansas craft brews from Core, Bubba Brews, Diamond Bear, Flyway, Lost Forty, Ozark, Rebel Kettle and Stone's Throw. The fanciest wine: Witchery Reserve blend ($65 a bottle). The strongest brew: Rebel Kettle's Alphaholic (8.5 percent alcohol). Favorite mixed drinks: The blood orange and basil margarita and the White Linen (cucumber-infused vodka and St-Germain elderflower liqueur). 322 Main St., 379-8019, samstap.com.

Silk's at Oaklawn At Silk's you can order beer by the yard. That is, you can order a 96-ounce draft beer — advertised as two yards worth — for $21. Or you can go for the more tame 20-ounce drafts, domestics at $4.25 and crafts at $5.50. All are a good bet. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, 623-4411, oaklawn.com.

So Restaurant-Bar What is so special about So? The Hillcrest stalwart "definitely has the best wine list in town," bartender Justin Butler boasts. It's also got Butler's colleague Veo Tyson, perennial winner or finalist as the best bartender in Little Rock in the Arkansas Times' annual Toast of the Town. Killer bar menu, too: BBQ chicharrones; a bacon, egg and cheese; Alaskan King Crab? Yes, please. 3610 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-1464. sorestaurantbar.com

South on Main Bar manager Sarah Harrington, who spent a good amount of time working closely with former bar manager David Burnette before he took off for Ciao Baci, has mixed up some sparkling summer cocktail offerings: The Evening in Missoula — a blend of vodka, herbal tea, honey, orange, lemon, lime and mint — is a crowd favorite. 1304 Main St., 244-9660, southonmain.com.

Southern Table In July, when winemaker Margie Raimondo opens her "board and bites" restaurant in the space where cheesemaker Kent Walker once held forth, she'll be serving her own and other small farm wines and local beers, including brews from Lost Forty and Flyway. She'll also offer a Brewed Mary (a Bloody Mary made with beer instead of vodka), a seasonal sangria and sparkling wine cocktails. If you want to stay virgin, try Raimondo's special tea. All will pair with her boards of cheese and charcuterie and various tapas supplied by local farmer's markets. Think "shared menu type of environment," Raimondo said, for shared fun among friends. 323 Cross St., 379-9111, southerntablefoods.com.

Spectators Spectators wears the neighborhood vibe with ease. But unlike many neighborhood joints, it does so without being too small to fit in even a block's worth of friends. Over spacious tables and among a mid-life-crisis-level garage sale of items on the wall, enjoy an Arkansas-based beer on tap for only $5. This is a place to come after work and stay like you're home. 1012 W. 34th St., NLR, 791-0990, spectatorsgrillandpub.com.

Stickyz Rock 'n' Roll Chicken Shack This River Market district staple makes chicken its bread and butter, so the standout cocktail here is the Frozen Motherclucker, sort of like an adult Orange Julius. It'll run you $5 during happy hour and $6 regularly. July's Beer of the Month selection ($3.50 per pint) is the Lagunitas Pilsner, and you'll also find the Lagunitas IPA, Fat Tire, Diamond Bear Pale Ale, SweetWater 420, Lost Forty Honey Bock, Stella Artois and Flyway Brewery Bluewing Berry Wheat on tap. 107 River Market Ave., 372-7707, stickyz.com.

Stone's Throw Brewing Amadeus Vienna Lager is the beloved Ninth Street brewery's best seller, and you'll find it, along with Common Sense California Common and Shamus Oatmeal Stout, on tap year-round along with a rotating cider selection and three seasonals that change every three months. 4402 E. Ninth St., 501-244-9154, stonesthrowbeer.com.

Table 28 Table 28 has the elevated feel without the price. During happy hour (4-6:30 p.m. weekdays), swing by for $5 wine, $2 domestic beers and the well-known cucumber martini for $9. The cucumber gin is made in-house and mixed with elderflower liqueur, a little lemon juice and champagne. 1501 Merrill Drive. (attached to the Burgundy Hotel), 224-2828, theburgundyhotel.com.

Taco Mama The house margarita is definitely the ticket at Taco Mama, head bartender Holli Faulknor reports. Why? "There's not a bottle of sweet and sour in the house. All of our margaritas are made with fresh-squeezed juices," Faulknor says. Get 'em on the rocks or frozen. We can vouch for Faulknor's estimation; Taco Mama's margarita was an obvious fan favorite at the Arkansas Times Margarita Festival. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, all drinks and appetizers are a dollar off. 1209 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, 624-6262, tacomama.net.

The Tavern Sports Grill A craft-beer oasis in far West Little Rock, The Tavern features 16 beers on tap. Most of the biggest names in local craft brewing are represented, including Core, Flyway, Lost Forty and others. Try a few with the applewood-smoked chicken wings, which owner Ryan Brown said have won national awards, including a spot on USA Today's list of the best wings in the nation. 17815 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, 830-2100, thetavernsportsgrill.com

TC's Midtown Grill There aren't many bars where you might be served by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's sixth great-grandson, but TC's is one. Or at least that's what barkeep Nathan Tennyson says. TC's Tennyson creates a different kind of poetry, like his "Sex with the Bartender" and "Loudmouth Bitch" drinks. Seems like he's aiming for the female market with his concoctions of Watermelon Pucker plus a banana liqueur, orange juice and a Tropical Red Bull ("Sex") and coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple and orange juices and grenadine ("Bitch"). More patrons of this smoking bar are going for beers, Tennyson said, including locals Lost Forty, Rebel Kettle, Flyway and Diamond Bear. Restaurant servers get a special membership that reduces the prices of drinks at this private club. TC's is also known for its hamburgers. 1611 E. Oak St., Conway, 205-0576, tcsmidtown.com.

Thirst N' Howl Let yourself relax with an Absolute Stress Reliever for $8 at Thirst N' Howl. It's got Absolut vodka, Peachtree liqueur, Malibu and Myers rum, and orange, pineapple and cranberry juices. Drink it and bob your head to the local live music — a West Little Rock version of transcendental meditation. 14710 Cantrell Road, 379-8189, thirst-n-howl.com.

Town Pump About 10 minutes before the doors opened for lunch at 11 a.m. on a Friday morning, regulars were leaning on the wall outside waiting to get into this Riverdale dive. Bartender and server Sydney Daniels, who's been there four years, knew them all by name, and feigned surprise when one of them asked to see a menu. "You don't know it already?" she chided. Daniels pointed out some patron favorites from the beer list, which boasts over 37 brews in cans or bottles and Lagunitas IPA, Angry Orchard, Lost Forty Honey Bock, Shiner Bock, Dos Equis and, of course, Bud Light, on tap. "Tuesday is karaoke night," she said, "so our $3 well drinks are popular. And the SweetWater beers are popular right now. They're out of Atlanta." She produced two plastic containers from under the bar. "$2 Jello shots all the time. Right now, we have lemon and strawberry." In summer months, she said, people turn to cocktails with Tito's and Deep Eddy vodkas with grapefruit juice or lemonade. She mixed a small sample of something called "Red Tea," a bright pink blend of Jameson, peach schnapps and cranberry juice. "It tastes like Kool-Aid," she said, and it does. It's dangerously easy to drink, and even as a sip, probably a bad idea before noon. The regulars seemed to agree; they paired their burgers with a sensible Pabst Blue Ribbon. 663-9802. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road.

U.S. Pizza If you enjoy sitting on a patio and drinking, you probably already know this: U.S. Pizza has some of the best happy hour specials around. At all locations, select drafts are $2 on Tuesday and $2.50 on Thursday. On Saturday and Sunday, Bloody Marys are $3, mimosas are $2 and champagne buckets with a carafe of orange juice are just $7.49. Brunch runs 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Many locations all over Central Arkansas. uspizzaco.net.

Vino's Brewpub What do you get at a brewpub? Brew, of course. Vino's four mainstays are Firehouse Pale Ale, Pinnacle IPA, Six Bridges Cream Ale and Lazy Boy Stout, but brewer Hunter Tackett has got a batch of Rainbow Wheat coming on for the summer. Vino's also sells beer by the growler. Oh, yes, you can get a glass of wine here, too. 823 W. Seventh St., 375-8466, vinosbrewpub.com.

The Water Buffalo Taproom While many homebrewers long to see the name of their beloved custom suds on a tap handle in a real bar somewhere, it's rare for those dreams to come true: It's a costly leap from stovetop to commercial brewing. Rare doesn't mean never, however, as proven by the offerings at The Water Buffalo's taproom. The Water Buffalo, which started out as a beer and winemaking supplies store, opened a taproom in October 2016, allowing customers to both buy craft beer and the goodies to make their own in one stop. Among the 16 beers (and one root beer) on offer, there are also brews by what he calls the cooperative: a unique-in-the-region arrangement in which four former Water Buffalo customers have, through an agreement with Buffalo Brewing Co., effectively gone pro. Since he sells the supplies, Nolen Buffalo knows who is making good homebrew and winning brewing contests. The four homebrewers are now distributing commercially under the Buffalo Brewing Co. name. But don't go rushing down to the Water Buffalo with a growler of your favorite sure-fire recipe under your arm, hoping to make the team. Buffalo said the cooperative's roster is full right now, though he's likely to extend invitations to more homebrewers in the future. 106 S. Rodney Parham Road, 725-5296, thewaterbuffalo.com.

West End Smokehouse & Tavern A relaxed and comfortable place to meet and greet in West Little Rock — or to catch a game on one of its 50 televisions — West End features a big (and cheap) selection of over 50 beers, heavy on well-known foreigns and domestics. Rounding out the menu are 10 wines by the bottle or glass, plus a half-dozen signature cocktails (none over $7.50) and another half-dozen cocktails built around the Red Bull energy drink, for when you want both up and down in the same glass. 215 N. Shackleford Road, 224-7665, westendsmokehouse.net.

White Water Tavern The best damn bar anywhere does not do cocktails more complicated than whiskey and Coke. There's no blender and, as far as anyone can remember, there never has been. After Matt White and Sean Hughes and others bought the bar 10 years ago, the bar sold something like 400 percent more Jameson than it had before they took over. "Maybe because we're getting old," White, 34, says of his cohort. "But people don't drink Jameson like they used to." Fireball has become a go-to. Go figure. But forever and ever, the best-selling drink and the one we always turn to when we're stomping along to live music is Pabst Blue Ribbon: It's only $1.50 — among the best regular beer deals in town. 2500 W. Seventh St., 375-8400, whitewatertavern.com.

Willy D's Another longtime River Market piano bar (the other is Ernie Biggs), where locals and tourists congregate to get sloppy and sing. Bonus points: The nightclub Deep is in the basement. 322 President Clinton Ave., 244-9550, willydspianobar.com.

Zin Urban Wine flights, three half-glasses providing a few tastes of this specialty spot for between $12-$16, are the trick at Zin Urban. The Call Me a Cab — a trio of Cabernets — is a favorite, but ask the bartender, who should be full of good suggestions. 300 River Market Ave., 246-4876, zinlr.com.

Zack's Place Another local haunt whose bar side caters to those looking for a classic neighborhood feel, Zack's has been open since 1988, and features a full bar plus 14 beers on tap, heavy on domestic brews like Bud and Bud Light, plus a nice selection of dark beers. Drink up while watching any of 25 TVs, going Minnesota Fats on one of the three pool tables or throwing bullseyes on one of the five dartboards. 1400 S. University Ave., 664-6444, @zacksplace.

ZAZA We've long made stops at ZAZA just to get a scoop of impossibly creamy gelato on a hot summer night. Now there's a new attraction: the F'Rosé (frozen rosé wine). The grown-up slushy will be available at the Conway and Heights locations through the summer. Beer and wine and margaritas are here, too. 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd., 661-9292; 1050 Ellis Ave., Conway. zazapizzaandsalad.com.

It doesn't have to be a bar

Chipotle At Little Rock's watering holes, everybody may know your name, but no one cares that you're drinking, unless you are on the floor. But order an overpriced Patron tequila margarita at Chipotle for $7 and watch, in awe, as the clientele judges you (bonus points if you get one in the afternoon). As St. Augustine said of his infatuation with pears, "[It] pleased us all the more because it was forbidden." Sweet transgression; oh sin, for sin's sake. 100 S. University Ave, 404-2557.

Dickey-Stephens Park Some folks go for the baseball, others because they like to drink outdoors. But to most of us, the call of "cold beer" and the sound of cracking bats is music to our ears. The beer garden has draft beer; local brews are available on the concourse as well. 400 W. Broadway St., NLR, 664-1555.

Leo's Greek Castle It's rare you get to report cost in the range of cents, but here goes: 75-cent PBR's are served at Leo's. This tiny Greek eatery is not a typical place to drink, but why not? Maybe you'll be like Socrates, said to be able to "drink any quantity of wine and not be at all nearer being drunk." Or if the Pabst catches up with you, maybe folks will say: "Will you have a very drunken man as a companion of your revels?" Either way works at Leo's. 2925 Kavanaugh Blvd, 666-7414.

Professor Bowl If it's been a minute since you hit the lanes, here's an extra incentive to step back out: Professor Bowl has a list of craft beers to rival any in town. That'll help all those gutter balls go down easier. 901 Towne Oaks Drive, 224-9040, home.professorbowlwest.com.

Riverdale 10 In an age of movies on your phone, going to the cinema can be a dip into pure luxury. Especially around Little Rock, where the Riverdale 10 and other movie houses have tried to attract customers with big reclining leather seats. So, really go for it and get a beer or some wine. You'll pay $7 for a 12-ounce beer ($10.75 for a 22-ounce). The wines are $7.50. Is that overpriced? Yes; it's a movie theater. Honestly, it will help to be a little tipsy to get through the new "Transformers" movie. 2600 Cantrell Road, 296-9955, riverdale10.com

Taqueria Guadalajara The micheladas at Taqueria Guadalajara — Clamato juice mixed with your beer of choice and spices — come in giant steins with Tajín seasoning around the rim. The micheladas are strong and the stein's size is no joke: I've never been able to finish an entire drink in less than an hour's meal. Best to enjoy this refreshing gulp with the cheap, cheap eats of the taqueria, on a long summer afternoon. 3813 Camp Robinson Road, 753-9991.

Central Arkansas Bar Guide