Archive for July, 2015

New Tuesday menu at Bonefish

Sunday, July 26th, 2015

Bonefish Grill launched recently a special Tuesday-only menu called “Hooked on Tuesday,” and I accepted an invitation to try it out. The prix-fixe menu is arranged in three price points–$14.90, $17.90 and $20.90–and to my pleasant surprise, the portions are the same size as their counterparts from the regular menu, meaning you are getting a bargain.

Start with either the house or Caesar salad, then choose from nine entrees and three desserts. As an example of the deal you’re getting, the spicy tuna bowl is $12.90 on the regular menu, but only $14.90 on the Hooked on Tuesday menu.  You also can add Bang Bang Shrimp for just $6 (and I did).

In the mid-price point is the Fontina pork chop ($17.90), which is packed with many flavors. On top are Fontina cheese, garlic, prosciutto and mushroom Marsala wine sauce. Actually, I could have just eaten the pork chop with the Marsala sauce–that’s an excellent pairing. The accompanying potatoes au gratin (one of five sides) were nice and fluffy and absorbed the sauce well.

In the highest-price point is the sea scallops + shrimp ($20.90). You get four of the former and five of the latter. Both had a great grilled flavor, and they were brightened by the mango salsa (one of five signature sauces you can add).

Dessert choices are macadamia nut brownie (the nuts are actually sprinkled on top in this decadent dish), classic cheesecake and Jen’s Jamaican coconut pie (super strong coconut flavor; melts in the mouth). Honestly, it was everything in my power to finish such a large but delicious meal.

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Also worth noting is that Bonefish has added a few cocktails to its list. I really enjoyed the watermelon tini ($8.20), which is fresh watermelon muddled with cucumber and simple syrup and mixed with vodka. The frozen watermelon cubes were a nice touch. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something stronger, try the Kiwi Smash ($8.20), a unique mixture of mint, kiwi, tequila, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.

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See more photos in our Bonefish Grill Flickr album.

Portage Pi

Sunday, July 19th, 2015

When I received the press release announcing the opening of Portage Pi in May, I mistakenly thought it was junk email, as the pi symbol was in the subject line. In this case, “pi” refers to hand pies. Since I love pasties, calzones and empanadas, I was excited to visit.

Portage Pi, which is located inside the Graduate Hotel on campus, is very hotel-esque in design and feel, as evident by its communal seating,  its location adjacent to the lobby and the fact that it’s also a coffee shop.

You can choose from one of three savory hand pies ($7), all of which are in a delicious, flaky shell. I thoroughly enjoyed the short rib pi, which was stuffed with flavorful and tender meat along with onion, potato and carrot–you don’t even need the accompanying horseradish sauce. Compared to the equivalent Teddywedger, this pi wasn’t overly filled with potatoes, which I appreciated.

On the other hand, the Wisconsin pi didn’t do it for me. The eggs were dried out (a consequence of the pi being pre-assembled), and the cheese curds were almost non-existent.

To change the focus of your taste buds, move onto the sweet hand pies ($6). You can’t go wrong with either the apple pi, which has super soft apples and a balanced blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, or the cherry s’more pi, a creative, dense concoction of brandied cherries and chocolate–yum!

If you’re not into the pies, you’ll find other items such as salads ($7)–examples include the Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese and the Toasted Quinoa–pressed sandwiches ($7)–the banana Nutella caught my eye–an assortment of breakfast items and a soup of the day.

In addition to coffee, other beverages include smoothies ($6), beer ($6) and wine by the glass ($6).

Portage Pi is open every day. Worth noting is that Executive Chef Chris Cubberley once served as Martha Stewart’s personal chef, according to the press release.

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Hop Haus Brewing

Sunday, July 12th, 2015

I’ve come to think of the recently opened Hop Haus Brewing in Verona as an oasis. Since it sits near the Military Ridge bike path, you’ll typically see bicyclists stop in for a refreshment.

Greeting visitors are five beers on tap (plus guest taps), and that number should grow to 10 by year’s end, according to one of the bartenders (in fact, the fifth was added on a recent visit). Like many breweries, Hop Haus is following the trend/fad of emphasizing IPAs (already two with more on the way). I thought the El Andy was a good IPA for non-IPA drinkers, while the Super Big Time will be a hit for anyone who enjoys a strong hoppy flavor.

My favorite beer was the Allegedly Albino, a crisp and refreshing pale ale that’s perfect for a sunny day. My least favorite was the Wildcat Amber, which to me and my drinking companion, was puzzling in that it had almost no flavor. That contrasted with the Deuce Deuce Porter, which was distinct with its bold-chocolate notes.

Other than some pizza and popcorn, Hop Haus doesn’t really serve any food. Instead, patrons are encouraged to bring their own, or dine from one of the food carts that operates outside Thursdays through Saturdays.

Hop Haus is open Sunday-Monday and Wednesday-Saturday.

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