Category: 3 Stars

Dirty Fork

Locally owned and operated, it’s another Hawaiian business bolstering the city’s claim as the “9th island.” The restaurant is located in the space formerly occupied by Norm’s Eggs Cafe. They’ve done a great job making the interior more inviting with darker woods and turquoise paint to give it more of an island feel. There’s a… Continue reading Dirty Fork

Poke Addiction

Located off of Lake Mead Blvd in the same complex as Whole Foods close to the 95, they have some suggested dishes/flavors but you can also customize bowls and burritos. Available ingredients are typical of what you’ll find elsewhere. Among their own creations I enjoyed their Gluttony bowl ($11.95). The combination of yellowtail, cucumber, sweet… Continue reading Poke Addiction

Cinnaholic

This national chain specializes in custom vegan cinnamon rolls. You can create your own concoction based on over a dozen frosting flavors and nearly two dozen toppings. If you can’t decide, choose from one of their preconceived flavor combos. I opted for the chocolate chip cheesecake. While I think it’s great that they use ingredients… Continue reading Cinnaholic

Papa Pinny’s Pizzeria

This small, locally owned mom-and-pop-type shop has several tables to dine in. You’ll be surrounded by lots of Chicago memorabilia hanging on the walls as you look through a menu that isn’t limited to pizza. There’s plenty of other Italian-American dishes ranging from pastas to calzones to sandwiches and chicken wings. The pizza is pretty… Continue reading Papa Pinny’s Pizzeria

Virgil’s Real Barbecue

No, this isn’t a restaurant from the south. It’s actually from New York, owned by the same company that created Carmine’s. The interior is what you’d expect from a BBQ joint — a rustic/country appeal with lots of wood and weathered signs. I was with a group of Instagrammers, invited by the restaurant, to sample… Continue reading Virgil’s Real Barbecue

Precinct Pizza

Located right near the terminal 2 cruise port in Tampa, in an area with other shops and restaurants, Precinct Pizza was a logical place to grab a bite before heading to the airport and back home to Vegas. Everything about this place screams NYC — all the decor, the menu, the indifferent service. The Big… Continue reading Precinct Pizza

La Cucina

La Cucina is located on deck 12 of the Norwegian Jade, past the buffet towards the back of the boat. Our first specialty dining experience of the cruise was on day 6. Surprisingly, the restaurant was only about a 1/3 full when we went. It wasn’t that large of a space, but nicely decorated to… Continue reading La Cucina

Pizza Nova

It’s a CA chain, but it’s convenience (across the street from our hotel) won out over going somewhere I knew would be better. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and on the water with a good view. All good points to bring your kid here as opposed to some other place that would be fancier and superior. This… Continue reading Pizza Nova

Soho Sushi Bowlrrito

Located just down the street from its sister restaurant, Soho Japanese Restaurant, this sushi burrito spot is one of many in the area. You can build your own bowl or choose one of their signature bowls. I opted for the Waikiki ($8.50) made with ahi tuna, red onion, green onion, furikake, seaweed and sesame soy.… Continue reading Soho Sushi Bowlrrito

Dirt Dog

Dirt Dog, an LA import, took up residence over the summer in a somewhat odd location — in the southwest suburbs off of Rainbow Blvd. where Cheeburger Cheeburger used to be. Back in June when they first opened I attended a preview dinner with fellow bloggers and Instagrammers. After trying three types of dogs, my… Continue reading Dirt Dog

Libre Mexican Cantina

Created by the same company (Clique) that brought Hearthstone and Salute to Red Rock casino, Libre is a decent, if uninspired, Mexican restaurant. I actually prefer its predecessor, Mercadito, to this place. At least Mercadito had a unique variety of tacos. The menu at Libre is more run-of-the-mill Mexican designed to appease the suburban palate.… Continue reading Libre Mexican Cantina

South Rims Wine and Beer Garage

What’s a beer garage? apparently it’s a restaurant with a car inside. South Rims Wine and Beer Garage has a real ’67 Pontiac GTO right inside the front door. It’s a thing of beauty but a shame that no one gets to drive it. The restaurant has several sections to it. There’s the front patio,… Continue reading South Rims Wine and Beer Garage

State 48 Tavern

This western-themed gastropub in Page, AZ offers more than just American fare. The modern menu also has Italian, Asian, and Mexican influences. Unfortunately, the execution could be better. The beet salad ($7, half order) suffered from too much of the lemon basil vinaigrette and not enough beets or goat cheese. The patty in the Cowboy… Continue reading State 48 Tavern

Ototo Sushi Co.

After a long and tiring day of sightseeing we opted to stay close to our hotel for dinner. A quick search pointed us towards Ototo and it was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting much from a sushi spot far from the usual dining hot beds in town, but the modern and elegant feel of the… Continue reading Ototo Sushi Co.

Salt ‘N Pepper Southern Comfort Bar and Grill

***Update: business closed*** Quickly taking over the short lived Tapas, Alex Stratta may have come up with a concept with more staying power than its predecessor. Serving up classic American fare/southern comfort food, this new spot addresses Tapas’s two biggest issues: price and portion size. Entrees here are all under $20 and portions for not… Continue reading Salt ‘N Pepper Southern Comfort Bar and Grill

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

If you’re a dog lover you’ll love the dog-friendly patio where you can order rice, chicken and water for your canine. If you’re not a dog lover you’ll want to avoid the patio altogether. There are dogs of all shapes and sizes and some are less well behaved than others. Some owners are completely oblivious… Continue reading Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Cedar Creek Inn

My recent trip to California included a stop at Cedar Creek Inn, a family owned and operated business with two locations. Arriving in the early evening for a private party, I was pleasantly surprised by the well executed food, stellar service, and cozy atmosphere. Their private covered patio is spacious and airy, perfect for cool… Continue reading Cedar Creek Inn

Social

***Update: business closed*** Occupying the spot previously known as Pizza Lounge, Social joins the ranks of restaurants that try, or have tried, to succeed in Tivoli. Walking in during happy hour one day not too long ago and the place was empty, except for a couple seated in a corner of the dining room. We… Continue reading Social