B.E.D., Miami

by Adrienne Wilson on

Tonight, things are quiet here in Tampa. Just the clicking from my computer keyboard and some light music plays, but in the distance, some 300 miles away, I hear reggaeton, salsa, hip-hop and feel the pulse of Miami. It rests in my thoughts and tomorrow night I will do it BIG! I’ll take to the streets like the most untamed tourist, belting out lyrics from classic G. Estefan songs and when I’ve exhausted myself I’ll tuck myself in for B.E.D.

That’s right I’m going to B.E.D. for the first time ever. Should I be excited? I don’t know. Going to B.E.D. in Miami wasn’t part of my original plans which were basically no plans other than a wedding I must attend, but I’m game for the concept restaurant where the dinner, dessert and drinks are all served in beds throughout the establishment. Located in the heart of South Beach at 929 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL, B.E.D. has been known to attract a slew of celebrities and aspiring young, beautiful people from around the globe. Certainly sounds a little high-profile for a sheepish blogger like myself. Perhaps I should just stay in my hotel bed, eh?

So what do you say? To go to B.E.D. or not to? That is the question? (If not, feel free to toss out some rec’s please.)

Tongdang Thai Kitchen – Brentwood, CA

by Adrienne Wilson on

There is no shortage of Thai restaurants in Los Angeles. In fact, there is an overabundance of places tucked in here and there, and around the corner from almost any neighborhood in the city. To taste test them all is a feat I can only dream to accomplish one day, but for now I cling to my favorites and venture out to a new one when the right opportunity presents itself. My most recent sampling comes from Tongdang Thai Kitchen located in Brentwood. While the food didn’t knock my socks off I wouldn’t not recommend it to someone in the area with a taste for Asian cuisine.

I ordered the Red Pineapple Curry with Chicken (pictured to the right) which was affordable, tasty and felt like a pretty healthy choice. The interior smelled of an assortment of Thai aroma and dishes making their way from the server’s hands to the tables that ordered them. Brightly colored in red and gold, spacious, open and highly welcoming the atmosphere is a huge plus for this Thai spot. The staff is super polite and will even teach you a bit of the language if you throw out a word or two. Overall, a nice place to fill up after raiding the shops in Brentwood.

Tongdang is located at 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, CA 90049. Ph. 310-820-3200. Hours of operation are 11:30 AM to 10 PM daily.

The Rib Co – Yucca Valley, CA

by Adrienne Wilson on

Never imagined I’d wind up in the Yucca Valley area of California one day on foot, so in the event that you too find yourself there by way of plane, train, automobile or foot you may wish to know where to grab a bite. My answer – The Rib Co. Now because I’m not a huge rib connoisseur I won’t venture as far as saying they’ve got the best ribs on the planet, but I will say they’re pretty darn close. Known as the Best Little Rib House in the Desert, the Rib Co. offers a large variety from the menu and right out of the kitchen. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, fish and chicken can all be located somewhere in the establishment, though it is suggested you go for some kind of rib dish. It was my first time in a long time to have a half rack of my own and they were falling off the bone, finger-lickin’ good, and down right delicious. The service at this spot could have been a lot better, but I wouldn’t hold it against them in giving them another try. If you’re in Yucca Valley give them a chance for yourself.

The Rib Co. is located at 56193 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley, CA 92284. Ph. 760.365.1663.

Oriental Garden Grill & Sushi – Scottsdale, AZ

by Adrienne Wilson on

Talk about a pleasant surprise! From the outside I easily mistook the Oriental Garden Grill & Sushi for your typical Chinese buffet type of joint and from the inside, the interior was pretty standard, but the buffet was amazing to say the least. I’m the kind of person that packs their plate so tight he first time that I never really have the full opportunity to make multiple runs back to the buffet, but I made a bug exception this time. For one, the food didn’t taste as greasy and unhealthy for you compared to a lot of Chinese restaurants I’ve dined at in the past. Secondly, they offered such a large variety of fare from Japanese dishes to Korean, Chinese and American that it any single attempt to sample them all nearly impossible.

To sum it up the food was highly delicious and reasonably priced, so if you’re hungry, in the mood for Asian cuisine and in the Scottsdale area you should certainly check them out.

Oriental Garden Grill & Sushi is located at 8909 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250. Ph 480.362.1530.

Columbus Fish Market – Columbus, Ohio

by Adrienne Wilson on

My trip into the Columbus Fish Market was a last minute idea and a darn good one to boot. With only one day to spare in the Columbus, Ohio area I was desperately seeking out exciting things to do while in town as some of you may recall and with the rainy weather putting a cap on some of my fun the only thing left to do was find shelter and eat. A friend of mine lived pretty close to the spot and had heard very good things about it, so we were left to try it on our own. When we arrived around 8 PM the place was humming full of patrons. Fortunately my pal had made reservations as recommended on the website and we were shown to our cozy dimly lit booth.

Ordering at the Columbus Fish Market may take a few moments if you’re unfamiliar with the menu. If you really haven’t an idea of what to order the wait staff is very attentive to your tastes and does a marvelous job helping to select the perfect dish for you. I went with the Yellowfin Tuna Shang-Hai style, a signature preparation steamed with ginger and scallions, served with sticky rice; spinach and rice wine soy sauce. Mmm… To keep from posting one of my long foodie type tales I’ll just leave you with this: If you’re in Columbus, Ohio – GO!

The Columbus Fish Market is located at 1245 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43212. Ph. 614.291.3474. Lunch hours are M-F 11AM-4PM. Dinner hours vary throughout the week (see website). Prices range from $16-$35.