A Fun Lunch in Florida at Ford's Garage

I guess you could say I'm a sucker for any themed restaurant.

This one - Ford's Garage - is at the top of my list!

Not just for the fantastic, it's-all-in-the-details decor,

but also for the primo food they offer!

Both outside and inside, the look is a retro automotive service station,

complete with vintage Ford cars, antique gas pumps, and racks of tires.

We highly recommend this fun eatery!

Above the copper-topped bar is a Ford automobile up on the lift.

Wheels are spinning and the headlights are shining.

A mosaic of pennies is behind the craft beer taps.

Juicy burgers grilled to perfection, topped with a branded bun,

with killer onion rings on the side!

Here's the optional European Pretzel Roll.

I decided to have a veggie burger and go no-bun with the "Low Carb-uretor!"

Switched the fries for the Sweet Potato Tots.

In the wash room -gotta love it!

There are several Ford's Garages in Florida,
as well as one in Dearborn, Michigan.
Website
Twitter


So long, Sunshine State!
We'll look forward to seeing you again soon!

Fabulous Seafood at Somers Point, New Jersey's Crab Trap Restaurant

In Somers Point, NJ, just before you cross over the 9th St. Bridge into Ocean City,

is The Crab Trap Restaurant, a terrific place to eat fresh seafood!

Since I'm a true fan of crab cakes, their sign pulled me right in.

 Their dinner menu was full of wonderful possibilities.

Also consider the 3 p.m.-5 p.m. twilight menu. 😉

The crispy crab cakes with chardonnay cream sauce were fantastic!

The "Second Mate" broiled combination platter was divine!

 No other word but decadent!

You might enjoy sitting out by the water at their deck bar!

The Crab Trap

2 Broadway

Somers Point, NJ

Highly recommended by this food critic at My Paisley World!

You may also be interested to read this post:
Memories of September in Ocean City, New Jersey

A Lovely Afternoon Tea at the Duke House in Wellsville, NY

The Duke House Tea Room & Bakery - what a find!

We couldn't help but enjoy ourselves in this elegant home-turned restaurant.

The sweet buttercup yellow beckoned us to come inside. 

Notice the curved roof line above the front porch; 

an intriguing detail of this 1850 Georgian revival house.

It was unfortunate that our timing was between lunch and dinner, 

but when we learned that they served afternoon tea, we were tickled!

My daughter and I were in store for a real treat!

I loved the gorgeous mantel display in the front salon!

40+ loose leaf teas from which to choose!

We decided on Yoga Blend~ tulsi, chrysanthemum blossoms, saffron, marigold petals, 

green cardamom, hibiscus, peppermint, sarsaparilla, raspberry leaves, and lemon.

It was fabulous, believe me!

First we were served an out-of-this-world cranberry-rosemary scone.

The Duke House is well known for its scones. I see why!

Next, a selection of tasty finger sandwiches.

They were happy to accommodate our request for vegetarian selections.

Decadent blueberry cream cake was the perfect finishing touch!

This unusual wall hanging caught my eye.

When the home was renovated in 2015, these boards

revealed 3 layers of wallpaper, peeled back to show 

changes in decor through the years.

What a clever idea to display them as wall art,

paying homage to the history of the house!

In addition to several inside dining areas, 

a cozy covered patio was available for outdoor seating.

We look forward to returning to the charming The Duke House!

The Duke House is located at 244 N Main St. in Wellsville, New York.

View their website and Facebook page.

El Camino Real: A Great Mexican Eatery in Philly

On the recommendation of my friend Dana,

the hubby and I stopped in for a bite at El Camino Real in Philly.

Known for delicious Mexican food and Texas BBQ,

it's located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood at 1040 North 2nd Street. 

Very cool hand-painted window murals!

Carnitas?

My vegetarian choice - yummy cactus & sweet potato burritos.

The casual, hip atmosphere and bandito murals brought to mind

Clint Eastwood and spaghetti westerns.

As I turned a corner, the vibe was confirmed~

Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

A Fabulous Lunch at St. Augustine, Florida's Ice Plant

If you travel to St. Augustine, Florida and want to try something 

different at mealtime, head to the Ice Plant at 110 Riberia Street. 

Trust me when I tell you that it's a must on your to-do list!

This farm to table restaurant serves local seafood and grass-fed beef that's superb. 
In addition, the atmosphere and ambiance knock the ball way outta the park!

Like me, you're most likely tired of the same-old, same-old eatery.

This place provides a unique experience you'll long remember.

Upon walking through the doors, we were swept back to another era.

Carefully curated decor and accessories gave a vintage, industrial vibe.

The architecture is exceptional with soaring ceilings!

The restaurant's name, of course, is from the building's original use as an ice plant.
 It was built in1927 with a railway running right up to it
 to provide ice for the boats of the local shrimping industry.

Renovations hold tight to its period of origin, actually lending it

a feel of the Prohibition era, which took place from 1920 to 1933.

Gazing overhead, we saw the original bridge crane

 that was used to pick up the enormous blocks of ice.

Two bars, back-to-back, serve house-made syrups and hand-squeezed juices

in their interesting selection of artisan cocktails.

Potato Leek Soup for starters.

Grilled Ricotta Cheese On Sourdough with

Roasted Pear, Fig Jam, Hazelnuts, Arugula

St. Augustine Shrimp & Anson Mills Grits

Here are the Ice Plant website

and Facebook page. 

With thanks to Roger for his recommendation! 

Little Sis & Me.