Dining Out: Eating Local, Part 1

Analise Gregory July 30, 2018

“You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food.” - Paul Prudhomme

Visiting local restaurants is one of my favorite things to do. I'm a foodie and really like exploring new restaurants! We make a list of new places to try and make it a point to share our experiences with friends.

Today, I'm sharing a few meals that I love at some amazing restaurants in my hometown of Hampton Roads, VA.

Commune

Commune is so delicious. The best thing about this spot is, that they only serve fresh and local produce. You can always count on this restaurant cooking with quality ingredients. Also, the little bakeshop is to die for, and the small little grocery in the front of the building has yummy goodies!

Tinto Wine & Cheese

G & I enjoyed an amazing cheese and wine pairing class, at our favorite little wine shop, Tinto Wine & Cheese. They have the most delicious light fare, and have wonderful wines. There are three locations in Hampton Roads, you can find them in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake.

Cobalt Grille

Cobalt Grille has been one of my favorite restaurants for years. My Grandmother introduced me to this restaurant when I was in college, and it's now a family favorite. Everything on the menu is delicious, and I have never had a bad meal here! Also, they have wonderful specials - Beef Wellington, Rock Fish with Lump Crab Meat, and it's all to die for. Also, they use local fresh ingredients! If you are looking for a nice spot, for a cute date night, this is the place!

Bay Local

Bay Local is my favorite spot for brunch, and I'm there at least once a week. There is always a line out the door, and for absolute good reason! They don't take reservations, so get there early to enjoy their specials and amazing mimosas. This avocado toast with a side of tots, is my go-to dish right now. Everything is made with the best ingredients and super delicious.

Fruitive

Plant-based meals have been on my radar in the past year, and Fruitive is my absolute fave. They have three locations in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and two spots in Norfolk. I love their juices and this Charcoal Limeade is so refreshing and delicious, it's my go-to drink whenever I need a detox.

Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream

My favorite pie from my childhood pizza shop in Virginia Beach, VA - Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream. I have been getting pizza from this place since I was in middle school. It's not far from house, and I cannot get enough of it! The pepperoni pizza is to die for, and their garlic knots are even more delicious!

Mannino's Italian Bistro

Seafood is my absolute favorite, and I'm in love with fried oysters. This fried oyster appetizer is amazing, and I always order it as an entree and get veggies on the side. Mannino's Italian Bistro is one of the hidden gems in this city. Also, this little place holds a special place in my heart - the day G proposed, we went to this sweet place the night we got engaged.

What are some of your favorite places to eat in your hometown?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

COVA's Best of Party

Analise Gregory July 27, 2018

"Virginia is for lovers"

*Best of Party by Coastal Virginia at the gorgeous Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center*

This past Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of being invited to Coastal Virginia Magazine's Best Of Party! It was filled with amazing people, live music, and super delicious food! Even, Williamsburg Winery was doing a tasting of their summer wines - and you all know I love some vino. The year COVA's event was a luau theme, and they totally nailed it. As you walk into the room, you are given a lei and ushered into the large banquet hall - truly a wonderful moment and so much fun!

*Arriving to Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center to kick-off the big event!*

Coastal Virginia had so many wonderful food vendors at the event! The food was amazing, and the variety was on point - from Meatballs to Cupcakes, the flavors were amazing! I'm really thrilled that I was able to learn about new restaurants and happy to see some old favorites present!

Today, I will be sharing my top three food tables at the event as well as my ratings for each item.

Swan Terrace Grill at The Founder's Inn

Rating: 5/5

*Volcanic Crab Cakes - Chesapeake blue crab, fire roasted corn, cilantro, pickled green tomatoes with a bacon aioli*

Okay, so I had a couple of these Volcanic Crab Cakes and I'm not ashamed. These goodies were so delicious and worth it! The ingredients blended so well together and packed a huge flavor punch. Also, they were flying off the table super fast! Many of the guests, raved about this item - the crab meat was fresh and everything complimented one another so well.

Also, I've been to the Swan Terrace for their amazing Sunday brunch, but trying this yummy item, I may need to go back for their lunch or dinner very soon!

Alkaline

Rating: 4.5/5

Dinuguan Nachos - Filipino-style pork blood stew with shredded cheddar cheese, pickled thai bird chillies, cilantro, served over corn chips — *Dinuguan Nachos - Filipino-style pork blood stew with shredded cheddar cheese, pickled thai bird chillies, cilantro, served over corn chips*

This was my first time enjoying Alkaline's food, and honestly I've been missing out this gem. Everything was so delicious and amazing. The pickled thai bird chillies on the Dinuguan Nachos stole the show - it was the perfect balance of heat and it complimented the flavors so well. These nachos were super popular, and many guests were raving about it all night!

*Miso Butter Cake - Chocolate chip miso cake, topped with miso caramel and candied pecans*

Not to be outdone by the nachos, the Miso Butter Cake by Alkaline was delicious. G absolutely loved it, and he's not a huge sweets person! This item really blew us away, and definitely was a surprise favorite of the night.

Carolina Cupcakery

Rating: 4.8/5

I've been a huge fan of Carolina Cupcakery for awhile now, and trying their yummy dessert bar reminded me that I need to visit a little bit more often. The star of the show for me were their delicious cake pops! They were incredibly moist, and the distribution of icing was absolutely perfect!

There were so many outstanding vendors at the event. We were able to try so many unique dishes. Below are some of the fantastic restaurants who participated.

The night was filled with great food, wonderful entertainment, and so much fun.

XO, Analise

Uncorked: Wine Q&A

Analise Gregory July 24, 2018

"I do like my wine." - Christine McVie

Happy Wine Wednesday everyone!

Recently, I've gotten a lot of questions about wine from you all! So, I figured today I'd share the top inquiries I get on a regular basis. By no means am I sommelier, but in all honestly - wine is one of my fave things. I really love learning and sharing some of my knowledge with fellow wine lovers.

Check out my Q&A below!

Vegas Vibes

Analise Gregory July 19, 2018

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas ..." - Unknown

G & I have been planning a Vegas trip for a little while now, and we met up with my best friend and her husband, for a quick weekend getaway!

We all wanted to do new activities that everyone hadn't experience in their previous Vegas trips. So, it was a blast creating new memories with one another.

Today, I am sharing a few highlights on our recent trip!

Checking into the gorgeous Palms Casino Resort.

G & I stayed at the Palms Casino Resort it is currently under construction, but the parts that aren't are simply stunning. Renovations should be fully complete sometime next year, but the staff did an amazing job in ensuring our safety, as well as the venue being fully functional. They have really upgraded the hotel and it looks great, also there is in on-site movie theater! The staff was great and very accommodating. They have included some wonderful art installations - including the large piece outside that I'm standing in front of, that really elevate the facility!

Enjoying the music and vibes at the Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Our favorite day club and pool party was the Marquee at Cosmopolitan. The set list was amazing, and DJ Mustard was the guest DJ for the event. Pool parties typically start at 11 AM and end at 6 PM. We actually bought our tickets in advance, and were able to skip the super long line! I do recommend getting on a guest list, or having tickets prior to arrival, so you can get right to the party. Also, the dress code is pretty strict, and make sure to take as little items into the event as possible.

This pool party had about five bars, a poker table, and food made to order. Also, they have a cool down station, which included plenty of water, and space for you to relax as you are dancing and drinking all day. The best part, is that the day club has an indoor and covered dance floor - this section connects to the pool and outside space. Which is perfect, because it does get pretty hot, and having access to air conditioning is a must!

Grabbing a quick bite to eat at In N Out Burger.

The best kept secret is off the strip - The Linq Promenade has the best shops and restaurants. Also, the area is shaded, and it was nice to walk down this cool alleyway and see all that it had to offer.

One of the greatest finds was In N Out Burger. I opted for the secret menu item - Grilled Cheese! The line for this place was very long, but they turn out orders very quickly. Also, there is inside and outside seating!

Strolling down the Linq Promenade, and hopping onto The High Roller!

After we indulged in some fast food, it was time to continue the adventure - The High Roller was our next stop!

This wheel soars about 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. The wheel is massive and the 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip are breathtaking. We spent about 30 minutes on the observation wheel. Also, we selected the Happy Hour option - $40 for unlimited drinks, and a complimentary shooter when you reach the peak on the wheel! The cabin is spacious, and our bartender was fantastic, and had plenty of drink options to choose from on the ride. Also, they make you a to-go drink upon exiting the cabin!

Enjoying a live concert by Future at Drai's Nightclub at the Cromwell Las Vegas & Casino.

Our favorite nightclub was Drai's, where we were able to see Future perform live. Again, we did purchase our tickets ahead of time, which was very helpful. Also, they are very particular about what you can bring inside the venue - so check out their site upon arrival.

Also, similar to the Marquee, Drai's has an inside and outside section. So if you prefer to stay inside on the dance floor or go outside by the pool, there are plenty of options to choose from! The weather was much cooler at night, so we hung out by the pool. Also, there are huge monitors that showcase what is happening on the main stage!

Enjoying the most delicious meal at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen.

This was the first big activity we did upon our arrival! Hell's Kitchen was absolutely heavenly. Our group loved everything there - from the food, wine selection, and incredible staff, this place is a total winner! If you want to read more about our restaurant experience, feel free to check out my previous post highlighting this gem.

Ordering the most delicious cocktail in our hotel bar at The Palms Casino & Resort.

Our hotel bar had the absolute cutest setup! They had an amazing selection and the staff was so kind.

Overall we had an amazing time in Vegas, and there is so much to do there as well! We are definitely looking forward to our next getaway.

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

To Hell & Back

Analise Gregory July 17, 2018

"I don't run restaurants that are out of control. We are about establishing phenomenal footholdings with talent." - Gordon Ramsay

Our Vegas crew was really excited about this event on our trip - going to Hell's Kitchen and enjoying a super delicious meal. My best friend made reservations about a month in advance, and so glad that we did. The restaurant was packed, and we went around peak dinner time. Also, the ambiance is totally reminiscent of the exact restaurant on television - the cooks have on red or blue chefs jackets, and the establishment was decorated with little pitchforks. The staff was professional and phenomenal, they were knowledgable about everything on the menu, and gave excellent wine pairing selections!

The iconic Hell's Kitchen logo lit up at night.

This restaurant was everyone's absolute favorite, and we were so glad we kicked off our trip with this place! It was the highlight of our adventure in Las Vegas.

Today, I'm sharing our ratings for each dish we ordered!

Appetizers & Sides

Lobster Risotto

Rating: 5/5

My friend Alisha ordered the lobster risotto, and she really loved it. The lobster tail was butter poached. Also the risotto had a delicious saffron flavor with tomato confit. The risotto was tender and super yummy.

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Rating: 4/5

This dish comes with crispy prosciutto, but our friend James opted to have it removed. The cheese used in this dish is smoked gouda. He really enjoyed the dish, but the only downside is that it wasn't super creamy and cheesy. If you like your mac and cheese to be a bit more indulgent, then this may not be for you. Overall, the side was super yummy and he really enjoyed it.

Entrees

Crispy Skin Salmon

Rating: 5/5

This is probably the best salmon I have ever had. I had the chef cook it medium-well, and it turned out absolutely perfect. The skin was very crispy, and one of my favorite parts. Also, the citrus herb beurre blanc sauce totally elevated the dish and paired perfectly with the fish. The lentils and fennel salad really complimented the protein. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay to enjoy with this entree, and it was perfect selection.

Beef Wellington

Rating: 5/5

Everyone at the table ordered this dish (with the exception of me), and they all loved it! The potatoes were super creamy and the vegetables were fresh - they were the perfect addition to the dish. Also, the wellington was perfection, and had a huge chunk of beef - so you definitely get your money's worth! The red wine demi-glace was the star of the dish, and everyone was wanting more of it!

We met Michelle Tribble, the most recent winner of Hell's Kitchen, Season 17.

G and I are huge fans of the show, and he spotted out Michelle in the restaurant immediately! Our waiter was so amazing, and offered to take a photo of our group with Michelle! She was super busy that evening, but was so kind and gracious to take a photo with us.

Overall our dining experience was phenomenal, and I totally recommend this restaurant to everyone!

If you are interested in learning a little but more about this restaurant, take a look here!

Enjoy!

XO, Analise