LEGAL SEAFOODS

LEGAL SEAFOODS

WASHINGTON, DC

Many years ago I spent a week in Boston. Everyday during that one week I ate at Legal Seafoods. It was just that good. I went back each day for a bowl of chowder or some fresh fish. When we saw that Legal Seafood was in Washington, DC, I made it a point to visit this place first. I knew that we would return more than once and we did. Twice in one week. Legal Seafood does it right. Fresh ingredients, great service and reasonable prices. The Oysters here are incredible. Fresh as they come served on a platter of ice. We tried the fresh clams too. These were huge clams that were meaty and delicious. The clams were around 12 bucks for a half dozen. The oysters were $12.95 per half dozen. Our waitress was not happy that the oysters did not come out of the kitchen fast enough so she gave us an additional 6 pieces for free. Turns out we have an Oyster monster living with us. Our daughter can devour a dozen on her own. I have not meant too many eight year olds that love fresh oysters, clams and crawfish. She opted for the kids menu whole main lobster ($16). Yes the kids menu here has lobster on it. The kids meal is a one pound lobster served with corn on the cob and fresh grapes. On another visit our daughter ordered Ravioli filled with cheese ($5.95). These Ravioli were molded into the shape of a fish tossed with cheese with marinara sauce on the side. It was a hit and finished. On our two visits we enjoyed the Seafood Antipasto Salad ($16.95). This is enough for two people and our waitress happily split up the order for our table. The salad includes grilled shrimp, calamari, marinated clams, mussels and huge pieces of provolone cheese and tomatoes. We requested that no mussels be included and they added more clams without a question. Both visits also included Legal's New England Clam Chowder ($6.50). This is some of the best chowder you will ever have. Thick and rich, filled with nice pieces of clams and potatoes. On one visit I just had to try the lobster roll ($22.95). The lobster roll price is not on the menu. I should have asked before ordering. Was a bit surprised when we got the bill. At $22.95 it better be good. And it was......Huge chunks of lobster with a hint of celery and mustard, mayo served on the perfect piece of brioche bun. The bun does not overwhelm the lobster and does not fill you up. All you taste is lobster. Clean, fresh lobster that is heaven. There are many items on the menu here that I would love to try. There is a page of fresh fish options and tons of fried favorites such as clams, calamari and fish and chips. Legal Sea Foods is a gem that should be enjoyed as often as possible. I guarantee if we had more days in DC we would have been back again.

LEGAL SEAFOODS OYSTERS

GREAT LOBSTER ROLL

GREAT SEAFOOD SALAD

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL AND TOWER

CHICAGO, IL

From the moment you drive up to the new Trump International you are transformed into a world of Five Star surroundings and service. When you enter the building there are two entrances. One is for the hotel and the other is for those fortunate few that actually own a unit in this beautiful building that is almost 100 stories high. It is the tallest building in Chicago just ten stories less than the Sears Tower. We arrived early one morning to enjoy breakfast at the Hotels signature restaurant called "16". 16 simply represents the floor that the restaurant is located on. We took the elevator to the 16th floor and when the doors opened we were met by a smiling receptionist and the ever sophisticated Manager Mr. Vito Paran. Vito is a twenty year veteran of the food industry and has served as Maitre D on cruise ships around the world. His passion for service is a rare find. He truly understands what "service" means and does everything possible to make your visit to his restaurant a memorable one. Vito sat us at a window seat overlooking the city. The restaurant features a huge outdoor terrace that will be the "place to be" when the weather allows them to set up tables for service here. The dinning room is split into three sections. A main section and then two smaller rooms that can be used for groups or meetings. All flow nicely and infused with natural light and views that are dramatic. The main dining room has a huge chandelier that falls from what looks like a forty foot ceiling. The morning specialties include your basic omelet, quesadilla, eggs benedict, frittata and eggs with corned beef. One item jumped out at me like a light. It was the Lobster Tostada with Poached Eggs and Bearnaise Sauce ($32). I had to try this. The dish was absolutely fantastic. Huge chunks of fresh lobster topped with a poached egg and covered in Bearnaise. Served on top of a lightly fried tostada shell. This was truly indulgent but one of the best breakfast dishes I have ever enjoyed. We also tried the Vegetable Frittata with crispy zucchini and spicy tomato sauce ($18). My wife said it was really delicious and I agree. My daughter had the French Toast with Berries. This dish not only looked great but tasted equally good. The chef here is good and I would love to try his lunch and dinner menus on another visit. Now back to Vito. Vito took us for a tour of the hotel which included the spa, pool area and rooms. Wow.....this place is first class all the way. And so is Vito. During our tour Vito would always stop and pick up any little item he saw that was on the floor or out of place. He sees everything and is always doing his part to make this a five star property. Our thanks to Vito for his kind and humble personal service.

HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE RESTAURANT - NEW YORK

HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE

NEW YORK, NY

When it is 30 degrees outside, you can find some bikinis at New Yorks Hawaiian Tropic Zone.

I was invited by Fujitsu representatives to enjoy a great dinner and show. While the girls were good, the food at this place was fantastic. It is an upscale restaurant with incredible food and service. The girls are not only pretty, but really trained in service. Everything coming out of the kitchen was great. Our appetizer platter included a burner to heat your food. Great presentation. Several people ordered the ribs which were delivered to your table on a hanging rack. I had the veal chop which was really good. The kicker to to the evening was the bikini contest held on a stage around the tables. Each table is given ballots to vote. You would think this was enough, but the dessert menu was awesome. They actually give you a viewer to see the desserts on film. I shared the cheesecake balls that we served on a hanging rack with a bubble gum dipping sauce. Really good.