Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Bar and Grill - Chicago

If you are looking for a cheeseburger in paradise, you don't have to look too far! I only had to look as far as Chicago. I have been craving one of those little delicacies since I had one at the Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in Orlando @ Universal City Walk. After slathering on the recommended Heinz 57 sauce and digging in, it was love at first bite. I was quite happy when I learned there was a Margaritaville in Chicago at Navy Pier.

The Chicago location is actually a bar and grill and is a lot smaller than the Orlando restaurant. When the weather is cooperative, they do have outdoor seating as well.

 

 

 Nothing better than a cool, sweet, smooth Mountain Dew to quench your thirst!

No ice for me - it melts down and makes the soda bitter. I prefer to drink it straight

up!

 

 

 You gotta have the 57 for your Cheeseburger in Paradise!

 

This is a Banana Pina Colada I ordered. It was all watered down

and had no flavor. I should have known just to stick with the Dew.

 

 

 Ahhh, and there it is in all it's glory! I present to you...the Cheeseburger in Paradise!

 

 

Amanda ordered the sirloin with Hawaiian butter and coconut shrimp.

 It came with two sauces - one was an

orange sauce. They were both delicious with the steak! 

Crown Candy Kitchen - St. Louis, Mo

I never knew Crown Candy Kitchen existed, that is until I saw Adam Richman do the 5 malt challenge on Man vs. Food! Giant malts, exquisite sundaes and "heart stopping" food had me at hello. During Brendan's birthday getaway Amanda and I decided to try it out. Luckily it was nice out on the day in question. If you want to visit CCK on most days, you have stand in a long line that sometimes goes around the corner and down the street. Seating inside is very limited so head over before you get to your starving point!

www.crowncandykitchen.net
1401 St. Louis Ave
St. Louis, Mo 63106
314-621-9650

 

I had the chili dog! They should have called it a monster dog, because it

was huge! It was very good, but I must admit Amanda's BLT kind of made

my mouth water!

 

This is Amanda's Heart stopping BLT. You can see from the picture

with all that bacon why they call it "heart stopping". Doesn't it look good!

 

 

Brendan and I got a sundae!

20's Hideout - Marion, Illinois

While we love our Applebee's and other chain restaurants, Amanda and I love to find new places to eat. Sometimes it is just fun to try something local. On a trip to visit my aunt in Southern, Il we stumbled across a restaurant called the 20's Hideout in Marion. The theme of the restaurant of course is the 20's. The hostess, servers and even management are all dressed up in pin striped suits. It kind of makes them look like gangsters, but it is a neat concept. They have a piano bar as well and the piano player takes requests. Our first experience at this restaurant started out great and ended up not so great. It was close to closing when we got there and as time went on, our very nice server began to get rude and obviously wanted to rush us out the door. She even ended up taking Amanda's appetizer without asking if she was finished, which she was not. Since we enjoyed the food, we did try it again and had a pleasant experience! If you are in the area, I would recommend giving the 20's Hideout a try!

www.hideoutrestaurant.com

(618) 997-8325
2606 W Main St, Marion, IL

Menu  Cover

 

Their version of a Bloomin' Onion!

 

 

This one was my main entrée -Chopped steak with grilled peppers n onions,

and steak fries.

Another view of the appetizer and yummy salad

 

 

 Amanda's mushrooms

 

 

 Amanda's Ribeye with baked potato and lobster

Artist Colony Restaurant - Nashville, Indiana

My family has been visiting Nashville, Indiana for many years. It is about 3 1/2 hours away from home so it's the perfect place to getaway for a weekend or a couple of days.  One of the best things about visiting Nashville is the local restaurants. One of my favorites to visit is the Artist Colony Restaurant. It is located inside the Artist Colony Bed and Breakfast right on Main Street. I have never stayed there as a guest, but I have had a few meals there!

 

Appetizer -Potato Skins

 

Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich with steak fries - this was so good!

 

Breaded Pork Tenderloin - This particular sandwich was Amanda's, however, we

went back again because I just had to try this tenderloin. It was so yummy! It

was like a breaded porkchop sandwich!

 

I love my salads! This one included. I'm not sure what it was

that made it so good, but the French dressing was very good here.

Harvest Moon - Nashville, Indiana

When hungry for pizza while visiting Nashville, there are not a huge slew of choices. Since it is just a small artisan town there are no Pizza Huts or Dominos to order from. There is the Harvest Moon restaurant, however! Since the last time I have been here, they have moved to a new location across town so I am not sure if the décor is still the same. I am sure the food has remained the same though..good!

Fettuccini Alfredo

 

The dining area of the old location

 

Yep, you guessed it...ham and pineapple!

 

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Steak on the (indoor) barbie w/Grilled onions...mmmmmm

Nothing is better than a yummy steak on the grill. My sister bought me a Wolfgang Puck Bistro griddle/grill combo for Christmas last year and I have put it to good use! I grilled up some sirloin and onions and added some veggies and a baked sweet potato! Good eats!

Momma's Cookin' - Christmas Dinner 2012

Of all the restaurants that I have been to, I have to say that my favorite place to eat is at my mom's house! I was lucky to have grown up around such great cooks as my mom and grandmother's! I consider myself not too bad of a cook, but nothing beats mom's cooking! These are the fantastic spread from 2012. I would have posted from Christmas 2013, however we haven't had our Christmas dinner yet! I was in the hospital on Christmas and then put on a liquid diet so once I am released from that I imagine I will be greatly enjoying a dinner that looks something like this!

 

 

The greatest thing on this plate is the mashed potatoes with ham gravy! So sweet and pineapply! (new word! lol)