Shuckers Grill Deal Saver

You guys know there are few things I love more than a good deal and I stumbled upon a great one going on right now on Dealsaver.com! They are offering $40 worth of food for only $20 at the new Shuckers in downtown on Glenwood Ave. 

I know I will be buying the deal, what about you? I can't imagine why you wouldn't!

Here is the link, go get on that!

Shuckers Grill Deal Saver

Tuscany, Pretola Inn

While we stayed in Tuscany, we were able to stay at the Inn that my husband's family owns and what an experience it was. This inn offers the most spectacular views and the food. I could go on about the food for days.

We were able to stay in the upstairs in a quaint room with a nice sized bathroom and a queen bed. It was exactly what you think of when you conjure up images of a stay in Tuscany. There is so much history here, as the building was originally a farmhouse built in the 1600's in the medieval village of Gragnola.

The location is an easy drive to Pisa, Cinque Terra, La Spezia and Parma. You are able to gaze upon the Apuane Alps while taking a dip in the pool. You are close to castles and also the small village of Gassano. Which happens to be where our family is from and so many still reside.

On our first day at the Inn, we were celebrating the 80th birthday of my husband's great uncle and the food came and came and came. and somehow, each new dish brought about a new explosion of flavors.

We stayed up late in to the night drinking wine and the men enjoyed some Tuscan cigars. As I sat there, I was almost in dismay that I was actually experiencing this particular moment. It was as if it was a dream.

And each morning, Roberto created us a breakfast that you would be pleased to experience just once, much less five days in a row. Fresh toasted bread with homemade butter. Honey and jams. Cappuccinos. and my favorite part of each morning, omelettes with pancetta. And the pancetta is from their very own hogs!

Our last night there, we had another amazing meal with the most succulent dishes. The meats and cheeses seemed to never stop. Fresh pasta made that afternoon and a homemade chicken soup with cheese raviolis. Best soup I ever thought of having.

And the night ended with an amazing tiramisu.

If you are ever looking for a spot that is both relaxing and will tempt your taste buds, I fully recommend Agriturismo Pretola.

Get Shucker Punched

I actually did at one point this week;) Shuckers is predominantly a seafood restaurant that, to put it mildly, also does their cocktails rather well. And most recently my favorite one is the Shucker punch. And it's pink. I mean...yes, please. C'mon, I can't drink straight bourbon alllll the time!

But I digress as there is so much more to this place. The original was a literal stones throw away from us and a few years ago they moved more into Wake Forest. The location is nice and roomy and they have a fantastic patio. Everyone knows how I feel about my al fresco dining. All year long. 

And, the even better news is that they just opened a new location in downtown on Glenwood. Perfect place to start off your night. They have a huge bar and I am already trying to think of a reason to celebrate so we can have use of their private dining room. 

My husband loves their oysters, which I believe you can order in half a dozen or a full dozen. Or there are the moments he goes for The Big SOB. And it's as filling as the name implies.

 Although, if I had to stage a bet, it would be that his favorite menu item is the bacon wrapped scallops. We all know my thoughts on bacon, I think it is safe to say I think every meal should include it. And my pesky allergy to certain shellfish leaves me salivating at the table as he orders it. But if he couldn't order foods based on my allergies, the man would never eat;)

I try to change up my dish when we visit and I usually wind back up in the same place...salmon. They just do it so well there. I often times order the Jack Daniels salmon but more so get the plain grilled salmon and choose one of their signature sauces. I have tendencies to lean towards the pineapple salsa.  And each time I order the roasted red potatoes, so good. I just got hungry again. 

For dessert I think they have multiple items, I really do, I am not sure because I have been hypnotized by the bread pudding and my mind has only a one way track when it comes to the dessert. One of the best I have ever had. 

And if you are not the biggest seafood fan or if, like me, you have certain allergies...never fear, they offer so much more than just seafood. Wraps, sandwiches and I really enjoy their ribs.  So much more, just check out their menu on line!

If you are Gluten Free, they also offer a menu with a plethora of options, We had friends visiting from Boston a few years ago and ended up eating at Shuckers. He has a severe case of celiac and is always cautious of eating out and they took great care of him. 

However, let's not kid ourselves...their hushpuppies. I think they really should just change the name to crack puppies because I cannot stop. More than once I have gone and eaten way too many of those pops of perfection and then...had to box my meal to go. I wish I was sorry. I am not.

If you have a chance, I definitely recommend heading to either location! This will also be up on the Raleigh Revealed section of my other blog, The Whimsy One. 

This is my Friday Favorite of the week. What's yours?

Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox

One of the easiest things I usually choose to whip up for company is an icebox cake. I have made so many version and each one has been a hit. This is actually a twist on a dessert I grew up on called "chocolate eclair cake" 

If you ever need to make something quick that is sure to go over well with your guests, make this dessert. That is almost an order.

This is pretty similar, just missing chocolate and adding strawberries. I think the next time I will actually use chocolate wafers and have a "chocolate covered strawberry" of sorts. 

Here is my version of this tasty and simple treat. You can't go wrong.

1 package of graham crackers
1 package cheesecake pudding
2 cups milk
1 tub cool whip
1 cup sliced strawberries

make the pudding according to directions and let set up for about ten minutes in fridge. Lightly combine with cool whip. In a 9x9 pan, place a layer of graham crackers, top with a layer of the pudding mix, top with sliced strawberries and layer until you run out. Top with sliced strawberries. 
 Place in fridge for at least 6 hours. 

it melts together and tastes like the most delicious cake. I think my favorite is usually the second day...if it has lasted that long;)

notes***

You can easily double this for a 9x13 pan. I have used cherries and mixed berries in this recipe. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top. I have also made with flavored coffee creamer instead of milk. Your choices are endless.

The Holly Inn

On our last trip to Pinehurst, we had lunch at our usual spot, the historic Holly Inn. Established in 1895. This is where we usually stay when we are in Pinehurst overnight, but for this trip, we were only there for a few hours. 

I love the old bar and how they serve you house made chips as you sit down. I haven't quite figured out what seasoning they use, but I am addicted!

Wiki went with a burger and I chose the prosciutto, havarti and chicken sandwich on focaccia. Perfect choice as it is one of the best sandwiches I have ever tasted. The flavors pair so well together and, other than sourdough, I would choose this over a bun any day. Crispy bread just lends itself to a better sandwich.

Booth Bay Harbor: The Lobster Dock

The only thing that makes a delicious meal even better is the view from which you eat it. And this place serves up both. 

Last summer, we found ourselves in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine and after walking around this captivating town...all I had on my mind was food. There was no shortage of choices and on our walk, we came upon The Lobster Dock. 

I am not sure if it was the smells emitting from their kitchen or the view that beckoned us, but whatever it was that landed us there...thank the good Lord. Delicious!

Tony got a scallop po boy and a cup of chowder and I got the fish nuggets. I think it was fried cod.  We waited in line for what seemed like forever and then you give your order that you have studied from the chalkboard menu. We scouted and spied a couple getting up and had the perfect view to drink our beverages while we waited for food. 

Raleigh: Village Grill

One of our favorite sports bars is the Village Grill in Lafayette Village. It is located in North Raleigh off of Falls of Neuse. Lafayette Village is a shopping plaza that is made to look like a village from Europe. They have a plethora of fantastic spots to eat and drink at. 

They also host events all throughout the year. Just this past weekend they hosted a BBQ festival and had beer from the beer shop. 

But back to the topic at hand, Village Grill. I suppose it qualifies as a sports bar just by the sheer number of tvs. The food, however, is anything but your typical bar food. It is delicious. They use lots of local products.  And the set up is very spacious and comfy. They also have a really nice patio to dine on while watching the game. 

If you are looking for a full night in Raleigh, head on over to Lafayette Village, have dinner here and then head to either Vinos Finos or Beer World for drinks afterwards.

Pulled Pork Nachos

Short rib burger with fried egg and blue cheese

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Cordon Blue Sandwich

French Twist Martini