Drink beer, eat fish

“Butch” moved to an apartment in Normal Heights a few months ago. We enjoy exploring the neighborhood and experiencing everything Adams Avenue has to offer – unique shops, quirky bars and a variety of restaurants. Beerfish is the newest eatery along the busy boulevard. As one would correctly surmise, Beerfish focuses on two things –…

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Vive les changements!

I have a close friend and partner in crime who is “Ethel” to my “Lucy”, “Waldorf” to my “Statler”, “Butch Cassidy” to my “Sundance Kid” – you get the picture. We met for dinner at Pardon My French one recent evening to share news and gossip. “Butch” and I huddled in the large private booth…

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It doesn’t get any fresher than this

A heavy bowl-sized molcajete made of black volcanic stone is placed on the table. Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, garlic and cilantro are heaped inside. A whole peeled and pitted avocado is added to the mix with a squeeze of grilled lime juice then expertly blended. And that’s how guacamole ($7.99) is made at Ortega’s Mexican…

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Breezy casual sophistication

That’s how “Pierce” described the ambience at Parc Bistro-Brasserie, and I had to agree. Garo Minassian, known for numerous popular and award-winning restaurants, has transformed the space previously occupied by Croce’s Park West into a bright urban oasis. Off-white walls and judicious touches of seaside inspired muted pastels. White globe sconces and chandeliers. A mirror…

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The art of making Scotch

I’m not a Scotch drinker yet I was excited about attending a Scotch tasting. The tasting – a training seminar for team members, was arranged by TRUST’s co-owner and General Manager Steven Schwob. Schwob believes knowledge is essential to providing “exceptional service” for a “more enjoyable dining experience.” Michelle Fedor, brand ambassador for Bruichladdich (Brook-LAH-dee)…

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Bring your appetite

“Oh, he’s a cutie.” “Pierce”, his biceps straining the seams of his T-shirt, was scrolling on his phone. “Grindr again?” I teased. “No, the Humane Society’s webpage,” he replied. “I’m thinking about adopting a dog.” I had to admit the Staffordshire mix he admired flashed a heart-melting floppy-tongued grin. We were seated in Il Postino,…

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A friendly neighborhood pub

Step through the doors of The Ritual Tavern and you’re transported to a friendly neighborhood pub from another time and place. The hunter green walls, subdued floral print drapes and dark woods glossed with the patina of age imbue the intimate low-ceilinged space with a distinct “Ye Olde” vibe. “Pierce”, wearing a tight T-shirt and…

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Cocktails and meatballs

Polite Provisions puts the “craft” in craft cocktails. Since 2012, their knowledgeable mixologists have used the finest ingredients to create potent potables much the same way a pharmacist from an idyllic simpler time would compound powders and tinctures. A dozen or more beer taps stretch across a white marble wall behind a long white marble…

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Bang your head … with tofu

I must confess my initial skepticism about Kindred, a vegan restaurant creating a buzz in South Park. The usual clichés came to mind – patchouli, sandals and tie-dye, when I heard the word “vegan”. I would never have associated Death Metal, devilish cats and battling eyeballs with vegan cuisine, but I do now. I visited…

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TRUST the details

“Pierce”, sporting a loose V-neck sweater revealing his naturally smooth chest, smiled broadly when I arrived at TRUST. “Nice place,” he said after we were seated, obviously impressed. As a rule I wait 90 days before reviewing a new restaurant because eateries come and go so quickly in the greater gayborhood. I made an exception…

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