Once a Funeral Parlor, Now a Bar

I've got no photo for this place, except one of the menu, so I'll pass on that. When in Springfield, IL and walking around down near the capitol building, make sure to swing in to Norb Andy's Tabarin (closest guess on translation is "tavern," but I have no idea which language). Monday night $5 martinis are super strong (try the caramel apple martini; girls at the bar said it was their absolute fave). I only found this place because my presenter had to pee, so we stopped in the only place that seemed open on a Monday night. Cool partially-underground bar with an Irish/nautical theme. Opened under new ownership just about a month ago, so stop in and buy some beer or other beverage.

Jeremy, the owner, is super nice and is a skilled bartender. Tell him you work with Josh, the guy from Gainesville, Florida, as in "The Gainesville Murders." He may remember the conversation.

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Don't Get Sand in Your Wine

Beachfront Italian cuisine. Sirena Ristorante.

Tucked away next to a group of high-priced condominiums above shops and other restaurants, this place is a little expensive for our general price range, but not abnormally expensive for upper class beachfront restaurants. Anyway, the food is really delightful and, on a Wednesday evening, the service was quick and friendly.

The mushroom ravioli was yummy and the view out onto the cold New Jersey shore was really peaceful after what had been a somewhat hectic day. When at the Holiday Inn in Long Branch, NJ (seminar hosted at Monmouth University), this place is only a short 5-10 minute drive away. Beware of the crazy left/u-turn setups in this small town; you've got to use arterial "exit ramps" in advance for either of the afore-mentioned turns. It's insane and will probably also drive you that way.

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Books, Books, Everywhere Books!

I have never been anywhere as uniquely- and well-decorated! Found out about Library ² from the front desk staff at the Hampton Inn in Voorhees/Cherry Hill, NJ and was surprised, when I got there, at their nonchalant attitude when telling me about it. This place has the epitome of a unique fine dining experience. The walls, shelves, and even parts of the ceiling/support beams are covered in books. Strange, however, for a place that is lit mostly by candlelight. Fine art, fine literature, and fine decor really make this place special, in my opinion.

Unassuming from the outside, Library ² is an upscale restaurant with a steakhouse theme. Looking at the partial menu above, you can see that many of the entrees at this place focus on meat and seafoods, but don't give up, my little veggies, the salad bar that is included in each entree price is to die for! About $12 on its own, the salad bar is worth every penny, even without a tender beef or chicken main dish. Super fresh ingredients, fresh baked breads and rolls; and rolls of cheese with knives to cut your own servings...this thing has it all.

It's a bit pricey to visit this place, but I would suggest going at LEAST once in your time with BER. I plan to return and will, most likely, just get the salad bar and fill up on that alone. Just trust me on this place.

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Bright Beacon of Bethlehem

Pizza, a staple of any meal, is one of your choices for a quick, cheap, meal while out on your lunch break in Bethlehem, PA. Ask any of the hotel staff or the locals and they'll tell you: Lehigh Pizza's the best in town. Luckily for us, it's also a very short walk from the Comfort Suites.

Sizable slices and fair prices can't really compare to the one thing I really love about their pizza; the relatively unique toppings choices and combinations. The veggie slice is my favorite so far, but there are lots to choose from. Also, they serve beer, but I wouldn't recommend that during a lunch break, haha!

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Ty Cobb's Cousin Made a Salad

I don't remember it being presented as such, but the in-house restaurant at the Hampton Inn near the airport in Spokane, WA has quite a delightful Cobb salad, pictured at right. Not only was it delicious and hand-made with really fresh ingredients, but it was not priced outrageously either. From what some of the participants said, most everything on the menu was served fresh and tasty, so it's worth checking it out, especially since you'll likely be at the hotel without a rental car and there are no options within a short walking distance.

Also, the complimentary food area (not just breakfast) is available to hotel guests 24/7. After main meal hours, the cereal, fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and etc... are still out and available to grab. Definitely worth a check to replenish your instant oatmeal/fruit stash in your luggage.

Southern Cookin' in Detroit

Yes, once again, I said Detroit.

Embassy Suites Southfield has become a bit of a home away from home for me, and the last time I was here, a participant came back raving about this amazing southern comfort food restaurant, Beans and Cornbread. With Rachel in town for a same city, we went to check it out. It's about a mile from the hotel on Northwestern Hwy, but it's tucked in a strip mall, so watch out for it or you'll miss it. U-turn and come back if you have to, it's a definite MUST EAT.

These truly tasty little morsels are sweet potato muffins. Rachel and I ate as many of these as our waitress would bring us (and she was definitely not stingy!). They also serve piping hot cornbread which is very tasty as well. But they were only the appetizer...

The entree options were mostly fried, but all looked amazing. I ended up with pork chops, "seasoned" (that means fried) and smothered in red eye gravy. Rachel had the roasted chicken, which was moist and amazing (and one of the not fried options!). We each chose 2 sides for our meals (you can also get them with 3 sides, or a vege plate of 3 sides, which I would definitely recommend!). The sides you see are: collard greens (the best I've had in a looooong time), country corn, mac'n'cheese (melt your brain good), and red beans and rice (again, eye-bugging amazing). See the pattern here? We have leftovers for lunch even.

Even if you're not in Southfield, this place is definitely worth going to. It makes everything about being in Detroit so much better!

Traditional Lobster Bibs (and rolls) at Dimillos

My last trip to Portland, ME pulled me away from Street & Co as my presenters wanted a real, full lobster-bib experience. So we went to Dimillos Floating Restaurant. A tourist trap for sure, but a tasty one. If you're determined to do lobster, this is a good place. Both of my presenters went for the full meal deal-- $38 for a 1 1/8 lb lobster, stack of maine clams, potato, vegetable, as well as chowder, salad, drink and blueberry cobbler. If that is what you want, this is an amazing deal. You won't pack any of it to eat the next day, it's all seafood, but damn if you won't still be full the next day! Just avoid the haddock chowder... it was mostly butter.

I went for their special lobster month special lobster roll and it was beyond divine (even if in the bad lighting it looks a bit disgusting). If you're more in the $13 range, that is definitely what you should get to get the most lobster without the bib.