Monday, November 26, 2018

Costa Rica

In June 2013, we met a couple in Atlanta and the discussion turned to our mutual love of travel. We were trying to decide where to spend a 9 day break for Mauricio's birthday. They offered to rent us their 2nd home in Cobano, Costa Rica. We were up for an adventure away from the city and jumped at the chance! Three weeks later we landed in Liberia and, following detailed directions, set out.

After four hours of driving on mostly dirt roads, we found the property tucked into the trees. Our location was remote and a perfect place to unwind. It was inside the jungle hills, and came with some rambunctious spider monkeys, but very close to the water. We found some beaches where there wasn't a soul in sight. At others, people set up make-shift bars where you buy a cold beer. 


We were about a 20 minute drive over some mountains from Montezuma. Some exciting moments happened on the dirt roads that were flooded out! Montezuma is considered the happening place in this part of Costa Rica, which is full of surf camps, fishing villages and yoga retreats. 

Montezuma is not your run-of-the-mill vacation spot. You have to want to go there. It's a good three hour drive from anything related to Liberia. We were able to find an amazing steak at Cocolores and a nice bar at Habanero. Click the photos below for the reviews.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Austria

As we have only had the opportunity to visit Vienna, once and for just a few days in 2016, we only had the opportunity to visit two restaurants and eat steak. I am sure there are loads of other restaurants that I can recommend after future trips and we do plan to make future trips!

Vienna is a beautiful city with a rich history. It is full of gorgeous architecture spanning back centuries. 



We found the people to be friendly and eager to communicate. Having traveled to many countries where we didn't speak the language, we have found people can almost always find a way to convey what it is they want to say.

The Straßenbahn is a tram that runs in both an inner and outer ring in the city. It's an easy and affordable way to get just about anywhere in the city. No need for Uber! 

We were lucky to spend our first two nights in Vienna at the beautiful Hotel Bristol on the opposite side of the street from the world famous Vienna State Opera House. Taking the tram was perfect as there is a stop right outside the front door.


On the first day, we had reservations at Plachutta. It is an authentic Austrian restaurant with typical Viennese dishes. Click the photo for the full review.

Plachutta - Vienna




The final night was spent at Vienna Hotel Marriott. This is a modern area of the city with construction being done and just across the street from a beautiful park - Stadtpark. The tram does not run as close to this hotel which required more walking. 

We set out on foot and - a stroke of luck for us - we stumbled upon Wild . The restaurant has been in business over 100 years. It has a casual atmosphere and the staff was superb. Click on the photo for the full review. 

Wild - Vienna



Friday, October 26, 2018

China - Hong Kong, Macau

In 2015, we spent our honeymoon in Hong Kong. We had never been to Hong Kong before so we wanted to explore as much as possible. We stayed in a few places, including a couple of nights in Macau. We found some steak worth writing about. 







We enjoyed an amazing steak at Morton's in Hong Kong. Click the photo for the full review.
Morton's Hong Kong


We also stumbled upon excellent steak tacos at Tacos in Macau. Click the photo for the full review.

Tacos Macau


Monday, October 8, 2018

Alabama - Mobile

Briquettes Steakhouse



During our seven day cross country road trip from Tacoma, Washington, to Florida's Space Coast, our last overnight stop was in Mobile, Alabama.We didn't want to drive into downtown Mobile or to the bay, but we did want to have a nice dinner and a nice steak. 

We arrived in Mobile early and decided on an early dinner so we could get a fresh start for our longest and last day of driving. Our search turned up Briquettes Steakhouse 0.2 miles away from the hotel. The moment you walk in Briquettes, you smell the aroma of steak being cooked on a wood fire grill. The restaurant was almost empty due to the time and we sat at the bar as we typically do. It started to fill up with an after work crowd ordering cocktails and some couples on date night in the bar area. There is a separate dining area for families and those who prefer table seating away from the bar.


I decided on the New York Strip with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus for $21.99. Mauricio had a Porterhouse with grilled rosemary red potatoes and a salad for $28.99.


Wow! This meal was amazing! I am pretty sure that we also had appetizers but it has been over a year since we ate at Briquettes and all I remember is how delicious those steaks were. 

Here is a close up of my New York. The wood grill gives the cuts an outstanding flavor. The sides were made from scratch and almost good enough to out do the steak. We paired our meal with one our favorite Malbecs - Doña Paula 2014.


My recommendation is if you ever find yourself in Mobile or even driving through on I-65, make the trip to Briquettes. It is worth every cent!

Texas - Fort Stockton


K-Bob's Steakhouse


During our seven day road trip across the country from Tacoma, Washington, to Florida, we had a stop over in Fort Stockton, Texas. It was the fourth night and we had not ventured away from our hotel for dinner yet.

Since we were in Texas, we thought it would be sacrilege to not eat a steak. We were staying at La Quinta in Fort Stockton and did a Google search for a steak house. We found one half a mile away.


 K-Bob's Steakhouse was the restaurant of choice and it was a good choice. K-Bob's.com states they currently have 11 locations around the Southwest but the restaurant was unknown to us. I ordered the 10 oz. "Rodeo Ribeye" with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus for $19.99. The steak was cooked to the right temperature (medium-rare) and the flavor was good. Mauricio loved his. I thought this was a steak I couldn't find anything wrong with but it didn't blow me away. 

The restaurant has a massive salad bar and a fun atmosphere. The sides were fantastic. I was also happy to see there were more wine selections than expected with some Italian choices and a couple of local vineyard options, not just the typical California fare.

As far as recommendations go, I would recommend K-Bob's if you find your self on I-10 in Fort Stockton, Texas. I wouldn't call it the best steak I've ever had, but worth the price.