Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse - Charlotte, NC - March 22, 2012

66 beers on tap and a lot of local options.  I had Olde Hickory Bourbon BA Seven Devils (Hickory, NC) and it had anintensebourbon flavor.  It was good, but I couldn’t finish it since we were in a bit of a rush.

Ben also tried the Smokey Beef Brisket Hoagie (Hearty slices of smoked beef brisket with caramelized onions, fresh garlic & sliced sweet gherkin pickles. Brushed with a stone ground mustard spread & held together with melted muenster cheese) along with Sweet Potato Fries.  The meat was AMAZING!  I had a few bites atop my side salad (I wasn’t very hungry).

22 Degrees North - Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii - October 19, 2012

Special Birthday dinner while on honeymoon in Hawaii!

22 degrees North is a Farm to Table restaurant with an ever-changing seasonal menu.  Unfortunately it was too dark to get good photos of our food, but everything was delicious!  I especially loved my Cucumber-Fennel Mojito!

Bicycling to Breweries #1 - Bent River Brewing Company - Moline, Illinois - March 16

A delicious pint of Mississippi Blonde enjoyed on the (full) patio on an amazingly warm March evening in the middle of a 14 mile loop!

dinedriftdream:

Two of my favorite travel buddies.

Madrid, Spain.  April 2011.

Agreed!

Though it’s been an extremely mild winter here in the Midwest, I’m still beginning to notice signs of Spring!

First off, a new Spring beer from Sam Adams, their Alpine Spring.

My initial thought was that it tasted a bit citrus-y like a Blue Moon and malty like any good Belgian-style beer.  However, this beer is much lighter tasting, not the thick feeling or cloudy look.  Ben and I agreed that it’s a delicious and refreshing move away from the stout beers of winter.

Description for the Sam Adams website:

Brewed especially for the season, this bright citrusy unfiltered lager is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s the perfect transition from winter’s heavier brews to the lighter beers of summer. Borne of our brewers’ many trips to Germany, Alpine Spring features a unique blend of lager attributes: the balanced maltiness and hoppiness of a Helles, the smoothness and slightly higher alcohol of a traditional spring bock, and the unfiltered appearance of a Kellerbier. The beer is brewed with Tettnang Noble hops to add a unique, bright orange-citrusy aroma and flavor.

In other signs of Spring, this guy is elated to get to sit on his Ben made kitty shelf outside on the front porch!

Russia House -Washington, DC - January 2012

My first Moscow Mule (Vodka, Ginger Ale, Lime Juice) - in foreground of upper right picture.  Also, the pictured Mango Martini (Mango Orange Pineapple Vodka Infusion, fresh Mango puree, fresh Raspberry Puree, cream) was to die for.  We were definitely feeling good after these strong cocktails!  And then they brought out a whole tray of (mystery) shots to celebrate our lovely Bachelorette, Gudrun!  They were delicious and tasted a bit like a Washington Apple shot.

Regular 7up - mixed drinks by Sammy while hanging off the back of our moving tour truck - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - September 2007

Coconut Porter - Enjoyed on the beach in Kauai on my simultaneous birthday & honeymoon - Kauai, Hawaii - October 2011

Pizza Sandwich & Pimms at the incredible Borough Market - London, England - May 2009

Perfect for a Friday… but perhaps better once the weather warms up. 

Skinny Mango Margheritas from Cooking Channel TV
via Iowa Girl Eats

Frozen Mango Margarita

Yield:4 servings, serving size 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen diced mango
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2/3 cup tequila (preferably silver, 80 proof)
• 2 tablespoons Cointreau or other orange liqueur

• 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 2 cups ice water

Directions

Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.