Oceanaire

Oceanaire
40 Court Street Boston, MA

If you are a seafood fanatic like I am - look no further than Oceanaire Seafood Room! I didn't even know how to get here, but once I found it - I went all out. The stuffed salmon, pan roasted mushrooms and key lime pie were to die for. Check it out during Restaurant Week though, or else it is mucho $$.

Blu

Blu 

4 Avery Street Boston, MA

If I were extraordinarily wealthy, had nothing to do all day, and wanted a beautiful view and amazing food - this is where I would get lunch, every day. I went here with a few close lady friends from work for a Farewell lunch - and it did NOT disappoint. Blu started with a delicious goat cheese salad, the main course was orange chipotle shrimp skewers over a spinach risotto. For $15 during Restaurant Week - this place is a MUST. 

Aragosta Bar and Bistro

Aragosta Bar and Bistro
Battery Wharf Boston, MA 02109

Well, it's Restaurant Week Boston 2012 and that could only mean one thing... that I am going to at least seven new spots. Aragosta was the first one of them! It's cute, on the water, and very cozy. My one qualm would be with the service. Our waitress kept insisting the "best selections on their menu were NOT on the Restaurant Week menu" um, hello - that is why I am here. Otherwise, all three courses (calamari salad, grilled fluke and olive oil cake) were delicious and I would definitely recommend it!

Lone Star Tacos

Lone Star Taco Bar
477 Cambridge St 

Allston, MA

Lone Star is new to Allston and I'm really hoping it does well (I may actually go there enough to ensure that it does...) Their tequila selection is outrageous and their classic sangria was amazing. The tacos are out of this world and the homemade guacamole and chips are a must! Check it out!

Panzanella Panini

Ingredients

• 1 baguette 
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 small tomato, sliced
• 4 fresh basil leaves
• Pesto
• olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat a skillet/panini press over medium-low heat.
2. Sprinkle cut sides of bread with balsamic vinegar. 
3. Layer one slice of mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, basil leaves, pesto and the remaining slice of mozzarella cheese on the bread. Close sandwich; rub outside with olive oil.
4. Place sandwich in preheated skillet; top with another heavy skillet to press. Cook until bread is toasted and golden, about 3 minutes. Flip sandwich; top with skillet. Cook second side until toasted, about an additional 2 minutes.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 402 | Total Fat: 24.1g | Cholesterol: 36mg

Broccoli Cheddar Braid

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Stir in mayonnaise. Unroll both tubes of crescent roll dough into one long rectangle on an ungreased baking sheet. Roll into a 15-in. x 12-in. rectangle, sealing seams and perforations. Spoon chicken mixture down center third of dough.
2. On each long side, cut eight strips about 3-1/2 in. into the center. bring one strip from each side over filling and pinch ends to seal; repeat. Brush with egg white. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until filling is heated through and top is golden brown.

Cheesecake Factory

This delicious grilled shrimp and bacon club was delicious! New to their menu and a
delicious combination. 

Poker Night Appetizers

1. Tomato basil mozzarella skewers
2. Spanakopita Bites
3. Rosemary and lemon roasted potatoes
4. Sophisticated Sangria (white wine, Fresca, peaches, strawberries and grapes)
5. Fruit Kabobs
6. Yogurt covered frozen strawberries (used a vanilla bean Greek yogurt)

Kielbasa Apple Kabobs

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup cranberry juice
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 medium tart apples, cut into wedges
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in cranberry juice, vinegar and soy sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
2. On metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternately thread sausage, apples and peppers. Grill, uncovered, over indirect heat for 8 minutes or until heated through, turning and brushing with glaze occasionally.

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 pinch dried parsley
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Place bacon in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. Add the mushrooms and onion to the skillet; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent and the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with the tablespoon of butter. Place potatoes in bottom of prepared dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic salt, and pepper. Top with crumbled bacon, then add the onions and mushrooms.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and parsley. Pour the beaten eggs over the casserole and top with grated cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
5. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until set.

Cook's Note
If you're baking this the same day you make it (so it's not refrigerated) reduce the bake time to 45 minutes.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 494 | Total Fat: 28.6g | Cholesterol: 238mg

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 6 slices ham
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Pound chicken breasts if they are too thick. Place a cheese and ham slice on each breast within 1/2 inch of the edges. Fold the edges of the chicken over the filling, and secure with toothpicks. Mix the flour and paprika in a small bowl, and coat the chicken pieces.
2. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until browned on all sides. Add the wine and bouillon. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
3. Remove the toothpicks, and transfer the breasts to a warm platter. Blend the cornstarch with the cream in a small bowl, and whisk slowly into the skillet. Cook, stirring until thickened, and pour over the chicken. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 584 | Total Fat: 40.9g | Cholesterol: 195mg

Cajun Shrimp Oricchiette

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked orecchiette pasta
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup chopped shallots
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup diced plum tomatoes
• 1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
• 1 cup baby spinach

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orecchiette pasta, and cook for 9 to 11 minutes, until almost al dente; drain.
2. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in shallots, garlic, and green onion. Season with Cajun seasoning and pepper, and cook about 2 minutes. Mix in wine, tomatoes, and shrimp. 
3. Continue to cook and stir until shrimp are opaque. Mix in the pasta and spinach, cover, and simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until pasta is al dente and spinach has wilted.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 327 | Total Fat: 12.2g | Cholesterol: 142mg

Upstairs on the Square - Brunch

Upstairs on the Square is one of my favorite spots in Cambridge. This was the first time I had ever been to their Sunday brunch and it was FANTASTIC. I always thought there should be some sort of "breakfast appetizer" and Upstairs on the Square sure does deliver. Mini cinnamon buns, mini muffins and mini cheese scones were brought with juice and coffee. This is the Old Fashioned Brioche French Toast with Warm Maple Syrup and House made Sausage Patties. I got the Goat Cheese and Herb Omelet everything was delicious. Would now recommend both Brunch and Dinner!

Red and Green Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 6 medium tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 4 medium green peppers
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup instant rice, cooked
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine tomatoes, onion, celery, tomato sauce, water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes. 
2. Meanwhile, cut tops off of green peppers and remove seeds; set aside. In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, basil and remaining salt and pepper; mix well. Fill peppers with beef mixture. 
3. Carefully place peppers in tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over tops of peppers. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until beef is cooked and peppers are tender.

Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 5 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, saute the chopped garlic in the olive oil until golden. Add green onion and jalapeno peppers; saute about 3 minutes.
2. Mix in the chopped tomatoes and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and stir in the parsley. Reduce heat.
3. In a medium saute pan, toss the shrimp with the olive oil. Cook over medium heat until shrimp become pink. Season with salt and pepper and mix in the tomato sauce.
4. To serve, crumble the feta cheese over the shrimp.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 466 | Total Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 362mg

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls

Ingredients

• 1 unsliced loaf of (round is preferable) sourdough bread
• 8-12 oz cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
• 3 oz bag Oscar Mayer Real Bacon bits
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix

Directions

1. Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. Do not cut through the bottom crust. Place slices of cheese in between cuts. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, making sure to get in between cuts. 
2. Mix together butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap in foil the entire loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. 
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Braised Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Season chicken breasts with ground black pepper and garlic salt. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet, and brown the onion and seasoned chicken breasts.
2. Pour tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken, and season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 206 | Total Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 68mg

Chipotle Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons chipotle chile powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 (3/4 pound) pork tenderloins

Directions

1. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
2. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chile powder, salt, and brown sugar. Place tenderloins in bag and shake, coating meat evenly. Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Lightly oil grill grate, and arrange meat on grate. Cook for 20 minutes, turning meat every 5 minutes. Remove from grill, let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 183 | Total Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 62mg

Woodstock Brewery

Woodstock Brewery
135 Main Street North Woodstock, NH

Ok, I know, I normally don't post just one meal - but believe me, this one was WORTH it. This Spicy Mac n' Cheese with Pulled Pork was unbelievable. We had just driven two and a half hours to Lincoln, NH to listen to a (waste of time) timeshare presentation. Three hours, a lame presentation, two free vacations and NO timeshare later we were mentally exhausted and starving. Met up with my boyfriends brother and his girlfriend to try out the Woodstock Brewery. What a delicious choice, this was just the type of meal we needed to make the long drive back to Boston (or to sleep...).

Burtons Grill

Burtons Grill
43 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA

I just went to Burtons for the first time last week (Burlington location, just opened) and it was delicious! Besides a minor snafu with the online reservation system I would highly recommend their Scallops in a Blood Orange Glaze, Land and Sea, Stuffed Chicken, and Haddock. Their signature Key Lime Pie is killer, while the Warm Chocolate Torte was also decadent. Try it for sure!

Gibbet Hill Grill

Gibbet Hill Grill
61 Lowell Road Groton, MA

Gibbet Hill Grill has been a family frequent for a few years now. This restaurant is wonderful for many reasons. Some of which include - atmosphere, delicious local food (with a produce farm on site), and desserts! My and my family's favorite appetizer is the grilled farmhouse cheeses (AMAZING) I always go with one of their three seafood options, this particular evening I went with the crispy Potato Crusted Haddock and Creme Brulee. All are always cooked to perfection and taste delicious. I would recommend this restaurant to ANYONE - just make sure to call ahead because any given night is packed.

Upstairs on the Square

Upstairs on the Square

91 Winthrop Street Cambridge, MA 02138

If I could only choose one restaurant to dine in for the rest of my life, on a regular basis, it would be Upstairs on the Square. I fall a little more in love with this place each time I go there. It first started as a great double date spot, then my roommate and I made it our traditional spot to hit up during both Restaurant Weeks in Boston and now it's just become a staple. It was love at first sight, truly. Walking in the door here takes you to a different place entirely. It has a very elegant 'Alice in Wonderland' thing going on. I will tell you that before I even tasted a morsel of food from Upstairs on the Square, I was already 100% enamored with the atmosphere. I cannot say enough about the Soiree Room (upstairs) if you have the chance, check it out on the way to the bathroom, as there are always private events going on in there. Ok, enough about the scenery. The food is out of this world. Their farmhouse cheddar grilled cheese and tomato soup serves as a wonderful appetizer and the swordfish is amazing. I honestly cannot say enough about this place - you have to try it! 

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille
250 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA

Their website says - be wined, dined and dazzle - and gee whiz I sure was. My boyfriend took me to the Capital Grille on the night of my 25th birthday. It was packed, the service was excellent the ambiance was romantic yet upbeat and the food was unbelievable. I have to say, the only thing is, I have had better calamari elsewhere. Other than that, the lobster and crab stuffed baked potatoes, swordfish and rich chocolate raspberry cake were awesome. A definite spot for a special occasion.

Zoe's and Berry Line

Zoe's Restaurant
1105 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

Zoe's Restaurant offers a spectacular menu of both Greek and American food in a fun retro atmosphere with breakfast served all day (my favorite part). My first time here was the afternoon of my 25th birthday. We got 'Greek Style' nachos and I got a chicken Souvlaki wrap with fries topped with oregano and feta. Conveniently located right across the street is Berry Line! Where I got an original flavored yogurt with kiwi, pineapple and strawberry. Great start to my birthday.

Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy

4 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02116

Maggiano's is a delicious spot for particularly large get-togethers. It's large, family style presentation makes it convenient to go with a lot of people. I went her after my graduation and have had several office Holiday parties here. The food is always delicious, rich and creamy. The most recent time I went I had the classic caesar salad, chicken parmasan, four cheese raviolis and an assortment of desserts. Yum!

The Gallows

The Gallows
1395 Washington Street Boston, MA

Located in the heart of the South End, The Gallows is fantastic. The atmosphere is loud and fun (I last went around Halloween and they probably had hundred of little bats hanging from the wooden plank ceiling, really cute) and the food is to die for. The cocktails are inventive and delicious, a little pricey but it's sure worth it. 

Fugakyu

Fugakyu

1280 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA

If you are looking for three floors of nice atmosphere, speedy service and delicious sushi - Fugakyu is your spot. Nestled right in Coolidge Corner, Fugakyu offers delicious drinks (I recommend the peach sorbet bellini) and a menu that spans approximately fifteen pages. Oh, and don't forget to touch one of the koi fish before you leave for good luck. 

Whiskey Priest

Whiskey Priest

150 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210

That same summer Sunday my roommate and I decided it was such a glorious day that we would just walk all over the city and eat! Whiskey Priest's nachos are one of the best I have had in the city (right up there with Sunset Tavern's nachos). They are never ending and delicious and who could refuse a game, the water, and a roof deck! 

West End Johnnies

West End Johnnies
138 Portland Street Boston, MA

This is probably my absolute favorite brunch spot. My roommate and I strolled down there one gorgeous summer Sunday morning and ended up with more than full bellies! West End Johnnies features one of the best Reggae Brunch bands I have heard. They are fantastic and the egg and avocado breakfast sandwich isn't all that bad either. 

Jim's Deli

Jim's Deli

371 Washington Street
Brighton, MA 02135

Jim's Deli is just about the best hangover cure. It is a staple of the Brighton area and the line is always super long especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings - so beware! The specialize in egg white omelets (as you can see pictured) but their wraps and melts are also note worthy. I would recommend this place for brunch any day of the week.
 

Aegean Restaurant

Aegean Restaurant

640 Arsenal St.
Watertown, MA 02472

This is a restaurant my family and I frequent. Especially on occasions like Mother's Day, Father's Day or grandparents birthdays. It is authentic Greek food and the portions are amazing. A must try if you're in the Watertown area - only downside, parking is almost always an issue as the lot is WAY too small. 

Phil's Baked Ziti

Phil's Baked Ziti and Homemade Marinara Sauce

As far as baked ziti goes, I have had my fair share. But this one was out of this world! So deliciously creamy, Phil really should reconsider his career in pharmacy. A+ in my book. 

Christmas 2011

Ok, how cute is my mom? Her appetizer spread outdid mine by about a mile and included cheese and crackers, roasted potatoes, loukaniko and tzatsiki. YUM.

Her dinner spread included - orzo zalad, spanakopita, pastichio, honey ham, kiftedes, stuffed roast pork, salad, rolls and more tzatziki.

What a sweet ending. 

Holiday Party 2011

Holiday Party

This year my best friend, boyfriend and I hosted a most wonderful holiday party. Our parents, grandparents and friends attended and it was wonderful. It was a day full of eating, drinking and playing Taboo. Appetizers included - stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped shrimp, warmed feta bread, caprese salad bites, the ever amazing buffalo chicken dip and other snacks. Main dishes included - roasted honey ham, pastichio, spanakopita, coleslaw and salad. While dessert included red velvet & peppermint whoopie pies, cannolis, multiple cakes, cheesecake and galatopita. Oh, can't forget the holiday sangria!

My Birthday Cake!

My 25th Birthday Cake

Artfully crafted by the ever-thoughtful Miss Pio - this cake was one of the best I have ever had on my birthday. The rainbow layers took her almost all night - but were SO worth it. Thank you, friend! 

Thanksgiving 2011

Greek Family Thanksgiving
This feast is always a team effort. The turkey, acorn squash, kiftedes (meatballs), spanakopita, bread, cranberry sauce, veggies and of course - feta - make this one of my favorite holidays. 



Rumford Family Thanksgiving
This sumptuous table is my second Thanksgiving meal - spent in Rumford, Maine. The mashed potatoes, coleslaw and green bean casserole really make this plate a dream! Yum.

 

Mom's Pastichio

For me, this is the ultimate comfort food. My mom's pastichio is near perfection. She always does something slightly different each time, which is awesome. Best way to describe it would be a Greek version of lasagna without all the ricotta and a creamy/crunchy top layer. 

Yianni's Chicken Souvlaki Wraps

My cousin invited me over for dinner after a particularly long day at work. To my surprise he had chicken souvlaki wraps, tzatziki, olives and a huge block of feta awaiting me. YUM! 

Aphrodite's Taverna

Tucked quietly in London's Nottinghill neighborhood - Aphrodite's Taverna serves up delicious appetizers, saganaki (fried kasseri cheese) and paithakia (braised lamb chops). It doesn't hurt that speaking Greek to the owner and wait staff basically made us like family. 

Eclipse

Well, well, well. Eclipse on Walton Street in London has (hands-down) the most outrageous cocktails I have ever consumed. Between the fresh watermelon martinis to the 'crack baby' (passion fruit) shots this place really impressed. Oh, and we got this tray of appetizers. That is pretty much all I have for this one...

The Folly

Ah, The Folly. My absolute favorite spot in London (I mean seriously, even the bathrooms were amazing). This inventive and gorgeous restaurant is located right at the foot of The London Monument and is nothing short of breathtaking. The ambiance and decor were like nothing I had ever seen. Beautifully creative, rustic and colorful we sat at picnic benches with dripping candelabras and fresh potted herbs as centerpieces. The mango mojito and passion fruit martini were fun and delicious - the warm bread oil and olives were delicious but the highlight was the Mediterranean flat bread and prawn cocktail. I would definitely go back and recommend The Folly to anyone in London!

Da Mario

This was supposed to be our big night out! Instead, we shopped and walked too much to want to do anything. We were initially on a mission. We searched high and low for a hookah bar in a strange neighborhood. No one knew where this place was, what it was called, who to ask. It was a disaster - then we FOUND it! Walked into a gorgeous mirage and were immediately told hookah is only smoked in the summer. Much to our dismay we turned around and walked out. That is when we found Da Mario. Delicious antipasto appetizers, bolognese pasta and gnocchis gave us full bellies. And possibly (worth it) heartburn. 

Red Lion Pub

The world famous Red Lion Pub. It was the only cold, dreary, windy day we had in London. Where better to mosey on into than the Red Lion Pub. Of course started with warm bread and olives, moved onto a creamy roasted vegetable soup (mainly mashed grossness) and the saving grace of a chicken Caesar salad. Oh, and a bottle of wine. Well worth it. 

Franco's

Well, after being dead-set on going to Little Frankie's and convinced they had closed down, we found a close alternative in Franco's. Classic Italian lunch complete with calamari, seafood risotto and canelloni stuffed with spinach. Oh YUM!

Pizza Express

This was our first full day out in downtown London. We had just come out of St. Paul's Cathedral and saw a strip of restaurants. After perusing all the menus - Pizza Express looked like our best lunch option! The bruschetta, white wine and flat bread pizzas were delicious!

The Duke

The Duke: located in Parsons Green, England is a great spot to sit down, relax and watch a Rugby game. They get super busy on game days so we were seated in a quiet back corner. We started with warm bread, olive oil & balsamic and spicy olives. Moved onto the cream of mushroom soup (not my thing). Frankie got the Caesar salad with prawn and I got the goat cheese salad with pomegranates. Delicious. 

Aguaviva

Saved the absolute best for last! Aguaviva is a tiny little restaurant in the heart of Old San Juan. It was drizzling rain the night that we went and many of the streets in the downtown area were shut down. We drove around for about 20 minutes before a homeless man flagged us into a parking spot (sweet right?). The best way to describe this area of Puerto Rico is that it's a more colorful, loud North End. The narrow streets are full of quaint shops, vendors and beautiful trinkets. Aguaviva is perfectly placed on a small side street, so small we almost walked by it - GLAD we didn't. The decor/ambiance of this place was unreal, you felt like you were in an aquarium with the jellyfish lights hanging from the ceiling, blue lighting and white tile floors and tables. We started with the crab cake appetizer that was to die for. I got the pan seared scallops over a mushroom and corn risotto (amazing) and my boyfriend got the jumbo shrimp (out of this world). Overall I would truly give this restaurant five stars - a MUST if you are in Old San Juan.