Staten Island NY’s Enoteca Maria

Just outside of the restaurant

Enoteca Maria we celebrate cultural diversity by serving cuisines from around the world, but the restaurant does it in the most uniquely authentic way possible. Real grandmothers from every country across the globe are invited and hired as chefs to cook the recipes handed down to them that they cook at home for their families, that make up the fabric of the culture they were born and raised in. 

Visit the website: https://www.enotecamaria.com/wp/

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

While visiting London and Paris, I found that the Aperol spritz was a popular item on the cocktail menus. A Spritz is a Venetian wine-based cocktail, commonly served as an aperitif in Northeast Italy. It consists of prosecco, digestive bitters and soda water. This drink is also called Spritz Veneziano or just Veneziano). Many Venetian towns had their own specific version of this drink.  Some may think it to be Italy’s answer to Pimms, a very popular British Cocktail. The Aperol spritz flavor is slightly bitter with a sweet hint of brand and slight tang of herbs.

Main alcohol: Prosecco

Ingredients: 1 1/4 oz Aperol, 2 oz Prosecco, Splash of Soda water

Preparation: Build into glass over ice, garnish and serve.

Served: On the rocks; poured over ice

London- Soho: St. James Tavern

Though this tavern has been around for hundreds of years, with the likes of Charles Dickens spending time there, this little American gal didn’t know these facts as she walked into the eye-catching tavern on a Sunday night prior to going to theater.

This charming is situated near multiple theaters in Soho and my dinner was amazing. Another chance, happening occurred. Whiles jonesing for Shepherd pie, the steak and ale pie caught my attention and it was amazing. Apparently, it is a popular menu option. As for my dining companion, she opted fo classic fish and chips.

Sunday night in the 6 PM hour prior to showtimes was packed. People seemed jovial in spirit while sipping on spirits.

45 Great Windmill Street Soho London W1D 7NE. View on Map. Telephone (020) 7437 5009

San Diego/La Jolla : George’s at the Cove

Dining with a glorious view of the Pacific Ocean is what you’ll find if you dine the rooftop experience at George’s at the Cove. The menu boasts of innovative cocktails and cuisine. It’s a tad on the pricey side but with one of the best seats to the Pacific Ocean, it’s worth it.

Longtime friend and Longtime San Diego Resident (R), Introduced me to George’s at the Cove

However, if you like the bar vibe then George’s at the Cove has that too downstairs. On the menu, you’ll fine modern fusion takes on cuisine At our table garlic parmesan fries were ordered by the teenagers, a Caesar salad and the unexpected impressive sized elegantly presented mussels.

Parking may be a challenge but valet is available.

Located at 1250 Prospect St. La Jolla, CA 92037

Find out more on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgesatthecove/

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Memphis: One and Only BBQ

I’ve been there one and only time but I’d definitely return. Tennessee boasts of barbecue joints. A friend of mine local to Memphis suggested One and Only BBQ.

One and Only BBQ has four locations, three are in Memphis and one in the neighboring community of Southaven, Mississippi.

While we waited for our main order, we munched on the delicious crispy fried pickles. This was a great moment for me as my first time trying fried pickles was disappointing at some joint in upscale La Jolla, California. But the South rose to the occasion proving nobody does fried better than them.

As crazy as it may sound, I was at the end of vacationing and I couldn’t stuff much more in my stomach so I ordered the New Brunswick stew. It took quite some time for it to come out. Given that it was July, they probably didn’t have many people ordering it.

As for my dining companions, their food came out in a timely manner. My friend ordered a starter, the bbq nachos. One can order chicken or pork, no matter what it is a bbq dry rub, and cheddar cheese slathered.

I believe my mother ordered the pulled pork shoulder sandwich. If you recognize the sandwich and I am wrong then feel free to leave a message in the comments.

Website: https://oneandonlybbq.com

Destin, FL: Crackings, A Superb Breakfast and Brunch Experience

Bananas Foster French Toast

Expect a long line and know that it’s worth the wait, Crackings offers creative and tasty breakfast options. I’ve been three times and it hasn’t disappointed once. I’m all about the breakfast and brunch but they do offer lunch too.

Featured in the first image is a cross between a croissant and beignet. Destin is located in the Panhandle and love for the gulf cuisine spills over into this part of Florida.

The second is image features cheesy gouda grits.

This last montage image features a dish comprised of fried green tomatoes, poached eggs, bacon and crawfish.

Morning cocktails are available too!

Crackings location in Destin

979 US -98 E

They also have a location in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Website: crackingsfl.com

Written by MCCN Editor, Crystal Johnson

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Hattiesburg, MS: Mo’Bay Beignet Co

In an article by the Thrillist, Mississippi ranked as the 13th least visited state in the US and then the article proceeded to tell why you should visit the state. Blues history, Elvis and soul food are the standouts but Mississippi shares a border with Louisiana and some passion for some of the same cuisine from the savory crawfish to the sweet beignet. In the city of Hattiesburg you’ll find a bakery/cafe where the star attraction are those delectable fluffy fried sweet treats covered in snowy confectionary sugar, the beignet.

Parents helping your college kid, get settled at University of Southern Mississippi don’t miss this spot located across the street from the campus. College students, get your coffee and sugar fix all in one place. Mo’Bay is located 2902 Hardy St.

When in NOLA: Empanola Bakery

When one thinks of New Orleans, Spanish style cuisine probably doesn’t come to mind; however, Spanish influence is a rich part of the New Orlean history. In the past few years Magazine Street in New Orleans has become a popular tourist spot and there you will find a bakery called Empanola. Yes, the title is quite clever embracing the nod to the classic empanada and the location of New Orleans which is often called NOLA.

Empanola is features non traditional filling flavors in their empanadas and they stamp the kind of empanada you’re eating. The petite snacks are great little nibble and at the time that I went, each was under $5 bucks.

The South American bakery has two locations:

3109 Magazine St, New Orleans

7321 Freret St, New Orleans