Pier W never lets me down.

From the fantastic Happy Hour to the incredible views this place is a winner every time.

Not only is the happy hour a great value; 1/2 price bar food and select drinks, but the quality is first class.

These calamari must be some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Light and crispy calamari are fried to perfection with delicate fragrant dipping sauces; a spicy mayonnaise and a tamarind sauce.

This is a far cry from the usual bar food you’d find elsewhere and you get the incredible atmosphere as a bonus!

The view!

The wine!

The scallops!

Pan seared scallops with goat cheese, thyme and lemon gnocchi with an asparagus coulis was amazing!

Sous Chef Jack Ahern was on board this night and his precision in the execution of this dish was out of this world.

The tempura fish and green beans looked yummy…

…but I couldn’t get over the flavor pairings of my scallops.

I usually feel that mushrooms with any seafood is a risk; the earthiness of the mushrooms can overpower and compete with delicate sea flavors but it was not the case tonight.

Lemon and thyme kept the gnocchi light and the mushrooms and asparagus lent smoky and bitter notes, respectively that were enhanced by the subtle creaminess of the goat cheese.

Asparagus coulis was a light sauce of everything beautiful about asparagus!

A dream come true!

Me in a sea of men surrounded by the most glorious pizzas, ever and tropical fruity cocktails served up by a cute bartender with attitude!

Luxe was host to the G2H2 Happy Hour event in Cleveland , Oh.

The food was amazing! I know it’s a social thing but given the “circumstances” I had plenty of time to focus on the food and drinks!

This portobello mushroom, spinach, goat cheese and balsamic reduction pizza was my favorite.

Chef Marlin Kaplan knows that a light touch of fresh potent ingredients is the way to go!

I couldn’t get enough of this pizza and made myself a fixture at the buffet!

This is definitley something that I want to try at home.

Chris was adorable and he knows the food.

This tomato basil was fantastic; fresh and delish!

The setting was elegant but casual.

Sweetheart! Jen kept the fresh hot pies coming my way

Tomato and herb.

Chicken, rosemary and goat cheese was a big hit.

What would the evening be without a spunky bartender serving up the one-liners with the best mojitos in town?!

Lee was a delight!

Le Colonial, Chicago is a treat for the senses.

The exotically luxurious atmosphere is the first hint that you are in for something special.

These Passion Fruit Martinis were incredibly fresh and delicious! Floral and fruity yet light and refreshing on a warm summer night.

Tuna Tartare with wonton crisps was light and satisfying and tasted fantastic with our cocktails….round 2!

Romance was in the air so sharing an entree of vermicelli and seafood in coconut curry seemed like the right thing to do!

What put this dish over the top for me were the copious amounts of fresh basil and cilantro; a garnish, I know, but for me a side dish or side salad!

The aroma of fresh herbs and the delicacy of the spicy coconut broth made my tastebuds tingle!

The music, the martinis, the warm summer breeze…

What to do when your favorite aunt comes into to town on a cold and rainy Spring day? Eat, of course!

And we did! Right up until we went to bed. It was sinful but the celebration just couldn’t end.

She lives so far away and comes to town so rarely…

Mushroom and Leek flatbread at 87 West, seated next to the fireplace was the perfect setting for a cozy chat.

The warmth of the fire took the chill off…

Arugula tops off the flatbread and adds nice balance to the creamy rich cheeses.

Off to my favorite spot, Tartine Bistro for great wine!

Reza, the amazing bartender knows how to pick his wines. He never dissapoints.

Peanut butter accents rich dark chocolate!

This honey ice cream was a pleasant surprise on warm berry cobbler. Mouth watering delicious!

They make it in house and it is subtle, creamy and delicious!

Dante was the scene of a fabulous late night supper and wine tasting.

Not only did Dante roll sushi just for us; Sushi is a happy hour hour item and we were well past happy hour! But he was gracious enough to accommodate my lust.

I find that it is best just to sit back and enjoy. I never order. I just graciously accept what this world class chef puts in front of me.

Hearts of palm with spinach, portobello and ginger vinaigrette was amazing with crispy fried red onions.

Our bartender kept the wines flowing as we took a world tour of reds from Italy to France, California and South America!

There were Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Pinot, Malbec…..

This was, by far, one of the best dining experiences that I have had in a while.

Dante is a true gem! In Cleveland or otherwise; world class!

Scallops and polenta are divine!

No stranger to boar sausage, or to a finely braised veal shank, Mario Batali however isn’t the first name that pops to mind when you think about vegetables. And that’s what’s so interesting about his decision to embrace Meatless Monday in all of his 14 restaurants across the country.

“The fact is, most people in the U.S. eat way more meat than is good for them or the planet,” maintains Batali. “Asking everyone to go vegetarian or vegan isn’t a realistic or attainable goal. But we can focus on a more plant-based diet, and support the farmers who raise their animals humanely and sustainably. That’s why I’m such a big believer in the Meatless Monday movement.”

Read Chris Elam’s article in Huffington Post for more on the enthusiasm and momentum that Meatless Monday! is gathering throughout the country.

When the likes of Mario Batali and Lydia Bastianich go meatless you know it’s time to get on the bandwagon!

The first outdoor dining of the 2010 season!

How exciting it is to sit in the warm sun for an afternoon lunch.

The gold and red beet salad was light and delicious with the added touch of pistachios.

The sun was a welcome ingredient after a long winter.

Tartine is the best place to enjoy al fresco dining in town.

Gorgeous beets and a light vinaigrette.

Stone Mad Irish Pub in Cleveland Ohio was the hot spot as we sipped on ice cold beers and enjoyed the steamed mussels in a rich broth with onions and red peppers.

Sunny skies gave way to a cool crisp night as the sun went down on the stone extravaganza that is Stone Mad.

The rich woods and carved stone create an ambiance that will have you thinking you are in the heart of the Irish countryside.

The mussels are classic and great with beer.

The salmon and noodles was one of Chef Michael Fadel’s specials and was very good and easily shared by two.

Romantic and cozy; this is a great date spot and will be even better come summer.

The gorgeous stone patio with fireplace and quixotic atmosphere beckons.

This fabulous appetizer or main, dish in my case, was a real find at Luxe in the Detroit Corridor on Cleveland’s West side.

Chef Marlin Kaplan creates a creamy texture and full bodied flavor with rich roasted peppers and sweet juicy currants.

I am a big fan of Chef Marlin and I am happy to see the vegetarian offerings at Luxe.

Hob Nob Pinot Noir was a great compliment to the sweet and savory flavors of this humble but, oh so yummy, dish!

Serve with pita or in Bib lettuce, radicchio, or in endive.

Ingredients:

Roasted eggplant
Roasted garlic
Pinch of chili flakes
Olive oil
Roasted red pepper
Fresh cilantro chopped finely
Touch of cumin
Shallots
Currants plumped in port or water

Courtesy of Chef Marlin Kaplan

Bongos Cuban cafe was a nice suprise in Disney World’s Downtown Disney Park.

Rice Pudding and Vanilla Pudding were fresh that day and fantastic!

Grilled onions are a favorite Cuban side dish and I am addicted to these in the summer. I make them on the grill; wrapped in foil.

Black beans and rice with sweet plantaines are a Cuban staple and the dish at Bongos is very good.

Tomatoes with Cilantro pesto is light and delicious

Mashed potatoes stuffed with ground meat is not my thing but was well received by my dining companions.

But the best part of all is the fried green plantaine. Served with a garlic, vinegar sauce which was amazing; simple but full of flavor.