Blackfin Bistro Key West

Blackfin Bistro Key West
918 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
http://www.blackfinbistro.com/

We went to Blackfin Bistro on a recommendation from our hotel. The place had a upscale but laid back vibe. In the back was a casual patio area, perfect for lunch dining. We had two appetizers from the specials menu and both were stellar. The Tuna tartar, served with crustini might have been my most favorite thing. Crumb crusted goat cheese balls on a bed of Caramelized red onions with a honey drizzle - what can I say, heaven.

My lobster salad with truffle infused dressing was what I liked least. Sounded good, but was just ok. The fish sandwich that E ordered was just what you would expect it to be, tasty. All in all I think it was good dining.
























*** We went back again because I wanted the tuna tartar. Everything was delicious again. New things we tried, cheese plate, carbonara and key lime Pannacotta. All of it was good!

La Granja Restaurant Key West Florida

La Granja Key West
1000 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040

So we arrived in Key West late, flight delays and all that nonsense. E was hungry and we got a tip from the cabby to try La Granja. All I have to say is, anyplace you can get a half chicken meal for seven dollars is alright by me. That includes rice, beans and plantains. It was tasty too. This place also stays open until 11pm-- plus plus plus.

Orchid Key Inn Key West

Orchid Key Inn
1004 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
http://orchidkeyinn.com/

First off let me tell you that when I go on vacations, I like to rent a house. When I can't do that, I search for a boutique hotel. We decided a few months ago that we wanted to come to Key West. What we didn't realize was that most things would be booked-- so a house was out. We lucked out finding a room at the Orchid Key Inn, our room was one with a sitting room attached. It's was, is, very clean and comfortable. We are right near the main strip so that's a plus as well. There is free continental breakfast in the morning, and they give you quite a few free drink vouchers as well. I would say it's more than nice.

The most important thing to note here is the staff, everyone was beyond helpful. You will feel right at home at the inn.

Saledo Texas

Saledo Texas is a cute little town about 40 miles North of Austin. I happened to stop in on a Sunday on a drive home with a friend of mine. First thing to note is that Saledo closes down on Sunday's. Shops may be open, but most all of the restaurants are closed by the evening. This really didn't bother us that much, but it may be a problem for some. There did seem to be a lot of really great places to eat there. The shops were mostly antiques and chachkies, something akin to a small Canton.

http://www.salado.com/






We stayed at the Inn on the Creek. We really enjoyed it, quant and quiet.

http://www.inncreek.com/





















Breakfast was nice and yummy.













We made friends with the resident kitty. Really he just wanted Salami.





The creek provided nice scenery.

Cover 3 Austin Texas

http://cover-3.com/
2700 W. Anderson Ln. Ste #202 Austin, TX
512-374-1121

Don't let this sports bar fool you, Cover 3 in Austin has some serious good eats. Surprised? I was. We stopped in at Cover 3 on a girls trip to Austin. My friend said she had always heard great things about the food. I was unsure, but I went. I was more than surprised to find not only beautifully modern decor, but stellar food as well. I've been to some five star restaurants with food less inviting. The best thing on the table was the half pan seared chicken my friend ordered. This was just comfort food elevated to great. The Tuna appetizer was amazing and the peanut butter cheese cake-- well, words are hard to describe it.

Do yourself a favor and stop in for a visit.

Magnolia Cafe Austin

http://themagnoliacafe.com/

tel:512.478.8645


Magnolia Cafe in Austin has the typical laid back eclectic vibe you expect from this towns eateries. The menu is varied with a brunch type feel. You can get eggs or you could have fish tacos. If I had a recommendation it would be the chocolate chip pancakes-- they are to die!

Dresser Palmer House Savannah Georgia

My sister rented out the top half of the Dresser Palmer House for the weekend of her wedding. We had already gotten comfy in the luxury Savannah rental-- but she and her fiancé were gracious enough to have us at the DPH, so we went.

It was beautiful, super clean and cozy. The staff was beyond nice. If a bed and breakfast is what you are after, the Dresser Palmer is for you.

One caveat, I would ask which rooms had claw foot tubs and steer clear of them. Not fun for showering.

The breakfast was always wonderful, and they have a nice cheese and wine happy hour as well.

dresserpalmerhouse.com

Elegant, storied inn in Savannah's Historic Landmark District offers the finest in bed and breakfast vacation accommodations.