TAKING COMFORT FROM A DEAD LOBSTER

I know, I haven’t been cooking much lately, but it’s a little awkward with one wing in a sling. That’s why I’ve been seeking refuge and the easiest way out lately.

Tonight, we celebrated (early) my daughter’s 41st birthday at the Dead, I mean Red Lobster.

I usually stick to the usual Admirals Feast, all fried and such, but tonight I decided to spread my wings (so to speak) with something new from the menu:

- Margarita Lobster, Shrimp and Scallops - Skewered and fire-grilled with southwestern seasonings, then topped with tequila-lime sauce and pico de gallo. Served over wild rice pilaf.

My granddaughter chose:

- Crab Linguini Alfredo - Sweet crabmeat tossed in a Parmesan cream sauce on a bed of linguini. It was a hit with her, as you can see by the toothpick (at the table) she’s using.

My wife and daughter stuck to the traditional “have it your way” fried shrimp!

FIRST RIDE IN THE GONDOLIER

Ms. Mushy and I took our first ride in the Gondolier Restaurant today. It hasn’t been open that long, but the county has been needing something like this for some time. There are a couple of other in nearby cities, but to have one in Midtown, Tennessee is just too tempting.

- I tried the “House Special Pizza” - Cheese, beef, pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers & onions.

- While she tried the “Baked Cannelloni” - Noodles stuffed with fresh ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, lightly seasoned and baked with our homemade meat sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese.

My only compliant is that they only have domestic beer on draft. My taste runs a little darker, so the Bud and Bud Light tasted like water.

RUBY’S TRIPLE PRIME BURGER

I know, as I am prone to do, I took a bite, or two, before I remembered I wanted a nice shot of the plate as served. However, I was so hungry that my instincts took over and I lunged for the burger. It really is a nice burger and it goes well with the Sierra Nevada draft served there.

If you go though, Ruby will be glad to give you one without the missing bites.

A LITTLE FREEDOM AT CARRABBA’S

Six of us went out tonight to celebrate a little of the freedom I am beginning to enjoy again after my shoulder operation. I am still on the Cipro, but decided to indulge in a couple of Newcastle Brown Ale’s and not worry about it. By the time I finish the regiment, I will have been on the antibiotic for around 21 days, and enough is enough!

Carrabba’s was menu of choice tonight and everyone got something different. My wife and I decided to share the following items, and it was wonderful!


SPIEDINO DI MARE
Shrimp and sea scallops coated with Italian breadcrumbs, grilled and topped with lemon butter sauce.

Lobster Ravioli
Ravioli stuffed with tender Maine lobster in a white wine cream sauce with diced tomatoes.

I will have to say, that I have wanted a cold beer for over 15 days now and tonight’s two were the highlight of the evening to me!