{#TheatreThursday} The Rhythm is Gonna Get You! Go see @OnYourFeetBway #OnYourFeet #Broadway

Photographer: Chad Griffith

Remember when I shared that I have been stalking the new Broadway Musical On Your Feet!? If you don't remember, check out my post HERE! - I finally got to see it - and I have to tell you, The Rhythm is Gonna Get You!

Each year I can't help but pick a play that was my favorite, last year it was Kinky Boots! 

On Your Feet!, The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, is a Musical directed by two-time Tony Award Winner Jerry Mitchell of Hairspray AND KINKY BOOTS! (Three-time Tony nominated Scenic Designer, David Rockwell also worked on Kinky Boots - you can check out my review of Kinky Boots HERE). I left On Your Feet! feeling as uplifted and happy as when I left the theatre after seeing Kinky Boots and I have a strong feeling that On Your Feet! is going to be my front runner for my favorite play/musical of 2015.

Even mega fans will find this is the story that they both know and DON'T know, it is touching, heart-warming and triumphant, everything a Broadway experience should be! ~ Ascending Butterfly

Making her Broadway Debut is Ana Villafane as Gloria Estefan (Ana looks so much like Gloria). Josh Segarra (who may you know as Billy Cepeda in the comedy series 'Sirens' on the USA network), plays Emilio, both were hand selected by Gloria and Emilio respectively. Alexandria Suarez plays 'Little Gloria' (her voice is AMAZING by the way - she is going to be one to watch!) and Eduardo Hernandez plays both Little Emilio and Nayib (Emilio & Gloria's son). Alma Cuervo (whose NYC credits include: Allegro, Road Show, Cabaret, Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, The Heidi Chronicles and more) also put in a strong performance as 'Consuelo' (Gloria's Grandmother/abuela) - honestly there really isn't a 'weak link' in the cast, everyone truly 'brought it'.

MY TAKE:

I have been following the progress of this show since I first heard about it, and well before I was even approached to consider writing about it. It definitely lived up to my expectations and I hope to see it soar. To finally see not only Latinos on stage, the story of a Latino power couple no less that overcame tremendous obstacles to see their music done their way - but most importantly a Broadway show for Latinos BY Latinos for me will always be absolutely priceless, and the joy of watching fellow members of the audience of ALL ages and races dancing in the aisles, singing along to every word, and even watching people be moved to tears during the more sentimental moments is something I won't soon forget. I highly recommend On Your Feet! (It is certainly an amazing date night experience or just a girls night out! And for my fellow cocktail lovers, there are signature drinks for the show you can enjoy, my personal fave was the "On Your Feet A Rita" which includes Sauza Tequila!)

"The American Dream" doesn't come wrapped in a cute box with a pretty bow, it is something that often comes with great sacrifice and struggle, while our faces may be different, our dreams are very much the same - wanting a better life for our families, wanting to enjoy creative self-expression and personal and professional fulfillment. The Estefan's road to the American Dream comes with many relatable highs and lows. There were moments that brought the audience to tears (a touching scene with Gloria and her Father), and moments that are incredibly heart-warming (the wall of thousands of fan letters that were written to Gloria after her horrific bus accident while she was on her road to recovery) and triumphant ones (When Emilio gets in the face of a record company Executive who thought they should stick to the 'Latin Market' and he exclaims: "This is what America looks like." - there were literally people cheering out loud!).

What I wrote on the My Take for my pre-coverage of this show very much still stands:

"THIS is exactly the story about our culture that we want out there, that we are passionate, focused, driven men and women with so much to contribute. Let's put aside the where a Latino/Latina is from nonsense - the country of origin separation thing does more to hurt our community than help, that's not what is important, this is a human story, an inspirational and powerful story, and one we should rally around seeing be told, and being told BOLDLY on the Broadway Stage no less." (I normally don't quote myself so much in a piece, but I couldn't quite help myself this time!)

I have two small 'cons'

(1) I suggested a Latino/Latina Bloggers themed night, particularly since the show is still in previews, but I never got a green light, I think a Q&A with the cast and the Estefan's by NYC based Latino/Latina Bloggers would have been amazing!

(2) They don't yet have a show soundtrack (I am hoping that post previews this will be remedied!) - there are two songs in the musical that are original to the show and I want them so I hope a soundtrack is coming.

On Your Feet! is currently in previews at The Marquis Theatre in New York City and opens November 5, 2015.

****I do hope to be able to bring you all a tickets giveaway as well, so please stay tuned!****

In the meantime get social with On Your Feet! The Musical here: and don't forget to use the hashtag: #OnYourFeet

Twitter - @On YourFeetBway 
Facebook - On Your Feet The Musical
YouTube - On Your Feet Bway
Instagram - OnYourFeetBway

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical? Do you have a favorite song from Gloria Estefan, if so which one?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received, however ALL opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

@worldmarket is opening a store in New York City and I've got the Scoop AND some #discounts! #WorldMarketNYC #ad

Ad: This Post Is Sponsored By:

A little something for everyone? I would say so:

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✔ Wines

With over 270 retail locations (in 33 states) and a strong online presence, Cost Plus World Market is already known for their broad and unique assortment of home goods (and MORE including over 500 international wines!), as a New York City girl I am super stoked to share with you that Cost Plus is coming to NYC! They have a location in Livingston, New Jersey, but that one is a bit too far for me so the fact that one is coming to New York City couldn't make me happier!

The 5,000 square feet wonderland of shopping nirvana will be housed in the eclectic Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan and will showcase lifestyle vignettes that serve to provide inspiration on how to design your space, and even better still: NEW YORK area customers will have the opportunity to see in person select 'online-only' offerings (don't you just love an exclusive?).

The Manhattan Store is located in Chelsea at 620 Sixth Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets and the official store Grand Opening begins on Thursday, August 20th 2015 at 8:00 am. The first 100 customers through the doors from Thursday, August 20th through Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 will receive a re-usable canvas tote bag, NOTE: Each day 10 totes will contain a $50 World Market Gift Card (which can be used in store AND online at www.worldmarket.com), but wait there's MORE!

DISCOUNT: During Grand Opening Weekend Only shoppers will receive a 20% discount on all purchases made in the Chelsea Store! You can nab the coupon HERE!

Check out the cool video for the NYC store:



Remember how the title of this post talks about 'scoop'? If you are not already following Cost Plus World Market on their social channels, you want to be sure to stop and take a moment to do that right NOW because on Thursday, August 20th there will be special surprises around the city in conjunction with the opening weekend, and the only way to find out WHERE these surprises are going down and when is by following Cost Plus World Market carefully on their social media channels, be sure you are following me too, I will be keeping you abreast of all the happenings on my channels as well, and I will be hitting the Press/Media Preview so I'll get to see the store before it opens and will be posting on my social channels as well!

GET SOCIAL: 

Be sure to follow and use the #WorldMarketNYC hashtag to keep track of all the fab happenings and the special surprises around the city on 8/20 (and get glimpses from the Press Preview by following me as I will be posting on Tuesday evening 8/18).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Cost Plus World Market on FACEBOOK
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Cost Plus World Market on  TWITTER
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Cost Plus World Market on INSTAGRAM

MY TAKE:

Anytime I can shop globally but do so LOCALLY I am all for it. I like to march to the beat of my own drummer and I want my space to be unique and eclectic, finding items that aren't 'cookie-cutter' and be bought anywhere just appeals to me greatly, always has, always will. I am looking forward to having Cost Plus World Market accessible to me locally, as much as I love shopping online, there are just certain purchases where I need to see, touch/feel and now I have the opportunity to do just that.

Have you ever shopped at Cost Plus World Market? What room in your home most needs a makeover?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated/sponsored post in conjunction with Cost Plus World Market, and all my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#TheatreThursday} @OnYourFeetBway 's journey to Broadway this Fall, previews begin October 5th! #OnYourFeet

This post is sponsored by:

Photographer: Chad Griffith

When my blogging world and real world collide and I can shout from the rooftops about something I am truly passionate about, it's a GREAT 'day at the office' in my book. As a born and raised New Yorker I can say the theatre is in my blood and so is music.

Being contacted to share the journey of Emilio and Gloria Estefan's journey to Broadway and their upcoming musical was something I have been following along with very closely anyway and I couldn't possibly be more excited to share about this with you butterflies. I saw some coverage on TV about this show months ago and I have been following it's progress since with baited breath.

While I am sure many of you know Gloria and Emilio from Miami Sound Machine, their marriage and partnership have endured such tremendous highs and lows and their new upcoming Broadway Musical On Your Feet! set to debut at the Marquis Theatre this Fall, shares the story of their true love and international success on a new stage, the Broadway stage to be exact.

The site has a wonderful timeline of photos that span their career, which you should definitely check out, HERE.

With all the recent 'un-coupling' these days - Ben and Jen, Gwen and Gavin and now even Miss Piggy and Kermit there are very few love stories standing the test of time - The Estefan's give me HOPE! Piggy and Kermie may have thrown in the towel at the 40 year mark, so watching Gloria and Emilio beat the odds is giving me life right now!

ABOUT:

Her Voice. His Vision. Their Story

Here is Episode One - Here We Are - of their Journey to Broadway for your viewing pleasure:

I have to admit re-watching the news footage of the accident in her tour bus still gives me goose bumps to this day!

Here is Episode Two - Writing The Show:



As I writer myself, I can't even say enough how these words from the video resonated, I just had to quote it:

"In America You Can Dream Big - And if You Are Willing to Sacrifice It All, there's A Chance!" ~ Alexander Dinelaris, reveals how he captured the lives of the Estefans in his writing for the show. (Alexander is an Academy Award Winner for Birdman)

Here is Episode Three - Casting the Story:



Here is Episode Four - Directing the Musical:

It's full of passion, it's full of color, it's full of people, it's full of life - it's going to be really incredible! ~ Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (of Kinky Boots! You know how much I love that play, see my review of Kinky Boots HERE!) BTW, choreography is by Olivier Award Winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys)

My Take:

Episode 5 reveals the actors portraying Emilio and Gloria, and for that episode my lovely butterflies, you will have to check out the show's YouTube Page. I can't give it ALL to you here! This post is meant to entice you, the rest is up to you!

I am looking forward to seeing On Your Feet! The Musical and my hope is this post will make you want to see it too. I want to see this show surpass it's own box office sales expectations and literally SWEEP the TONY Awards. I want to see the Latino community rally around this one hard. We can't complain that there aren't show's 'made for us' where we can see people 'we can truly identify with' and then when they are produced not support it. Latinos please join me in putting your money where your mouth is with this production. THIS is exactly the story about our culture that we want out there, that we are passionate, focused, driven men and women with so much to contribute. Let's put aside the where a Latino/Latina is from nonsense - the country of origin separation thing does more to hurt our community than help, that's not what is important, this is a human story, an inspirational and powerful story, and one we should rally around seeing be told, and being told BOLDLY on the Broadway Stage no less.

As a Latina I feel an extra sense of pride seeing their story hit the Broadway Stage, they are a Latino 'Power Couple' (sorry bae and jay but the Estefan's were doing it FIRST!) and that is to say the least, they have been making amazing music together and they have also been giving back, supporting charitable organizations such as We Are The World Foundation and Disaster Relief among others.

They are hardworking, focused, determined and driven and that drive has been channeled into this Production, I have no doubt in my mind it will be an amazing night on Broadway. One that I can't wait to experience for myself. The show will be in previews starting October 5th 2015. I may or may not be camped out by the theatre the night before! (Will have to check my closets for a sleeping bag!)

****I hope to be able to bring you all a tickets giveaway as well, so please stay tuned!****

In the meantime get social with On Your Feet! The Musical here: and don't forget to use the hashtag: #OnYourFeet

Twitter - @On YourFeetBway 
Facebook - On Your Feet The Musical
YouTube - On Your Feet Bway
Instagram - OnYourFeetBway

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical? Do you have a favorite song from Gloria Estefan, if so which one? Did any of my Chicago based readers catch the show there? - If so PLEASE spill the tea here!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received, however ALL opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Did you miss #FleetWeek in New York City? I can still hook you up with some fun sailors! #onthetown #spon

This post is sponsored by:

On The Town Playbill

Maybe it's the iconic V-J Day Sailor and Nurse 'Smooch' Photo that has been seen around the world, or the thrill of Fleet Week that still associates New York City with Sailors and a touch of Romance. While this year's 27th annual Fleet Week has already passed, apparently the ship sailed without a few of it's sailors! (If you are not familiar with the V-J Day Sailor and Nurse photo, read more about it HERE, it's a good read actually!)

On The Town Lyric Theatre Broadway New York City

This week I got to see "On The Town" on Broadway and before we delve any further into my actual review, you know how the title of this post offers to 'hook you up with some fun sailors!'? I am hosting a giveaway for a pair of tickets to see On The Town, in case you missed it, click HERE enter the giveaway, and then come back and finish this review! This one ends soon as the tickets are specifically for the June 23rd performance, so enter right NOW! You don't have to live in NYC to enter, but you do have to be in NYC on that specific date as the giveaway does not include air or hotel!

Part of the charm of any show is the actual theatre, it's all about looking around and noticing the details!

Above: Lobby Floor of the Lyric Theatre!

Above: Lobby Ceiling!

Above: Inside the theatre!

Above: The Stage, before showtime!

Above: Literally looking up from my seat inside the theatre!

Below: Tony Yazbeck lets New York, New York know he's "Feeling Lucky To Be Me"



My Take:

On the Town is high energy, funny, and the entire cast literally 'brings it'! Much like Sex and the City, New York is just as much a part of the cast as the performers are. As a born and raised New Yorker it can be easy to overlook just how 'magical' this City can be, seeing it through the sailor's eyes is a wonderful reminder not to overlook the beauty that NYC has to offer.

To have a show that first hit the theater in 1944 remaining this relevant to a modern day theatre-goer is a tribute to John Rando (Director) and Joshua Bergasse (Choreographer) and it's amazing cast! Keep an eye on Megan Fairchild who plays Ivy a Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet making her Broadway Debut, Tony Yazbeck who brings a very dimensional performance to the role of Gabey, Jackie Hoffman who will literally keep you laughing out loud as 'Madame Dilly', and Alysha Umphress as 'Hildy', a New York City woman that knows EXACTLY what she wants!

Another thing I really need to mention as an avid theatre lover, the seats at The Lyric Theatre are generously spaced out, and that is super RARE. Most of the time a Broadway Show ends in numb legs for me as most of my height is actually in my legs, so being cramped up for any length of time is hard for me, my legs were not numb by intermission or the end of the show which was another pleasant surprise for me. and while I didn't get to avail myself of it, the theatre also has an Ambassador's Lounge where you can sit before the show, hang up your coat/jacket and enjoy a welcome glass of prosecco and you can also enjoy the lounge again during intermission. (I could definitely see myself wanting to do that during winter that's for sure!). You can also pick up a 'Variety Box' from Lyric Theatre's super cute 'Darlings Sweet Shop' filled with snacks and either wine or of course a non-alcholic version, it is included in the Ambassador Experience, but you can also get it directly with your regular ticket too. You can read up on the different levels of the Ambassador Experience at the theatre HERE.

And by the way my post-theatre ritual of hitting Junior's Cheesecake is just between us OK!

Don't forget to enter our giveaway for a pair of tickets! Can't wait to find out if you won? Use code SOCIAL to get orchestra seats starting at $79 on select performances through June 28, 2015: http://ottbway.co/OTTOffer

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received and Press Passes to On The Town were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. However all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} Highlights from Sip Japan's Sip SHOCHU spirit tasting event in #NewYorkCity!

Butterflies you know how hard it is for me to go completely Wordless, but I promise to keep this post as word light and picture pretty as possible since it's Wordless Wednesday and all, but I attended a unique tasting event here in New York City that I just had to share!

You all know I have a fascination with Asian Art and culture, this definitely extends to the food and spirits too, and while I have covered many a Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) Tasting on these pages (Check out my coverage of Sake and the City as an example HERE), this tasting definitely took the cake on uniqueness and versatility!

I had the opportunity to attend Sip Japan's Sip Shochu tasting event in New York City and learned all about what has to be one of the most diverse spirits I have ever tasted! It can be made from a number of base ingredients including rice, sweet potatoes, barley, buckwheat and sugar and depending on what it is distilled from, shochu can take on the characteristics and flavor of other spirits such as Vodka, Rum, Brandy and even Whisky!

I found the shochu varieties I tasted to pack quite a powerful punch so be careful with your pour on these for sure! But because they took on quite a wide variety of taste profiles, they can be paired with a wider variety of foods and enjoyed for the most part throughout all of your meal.

Here are some photos from the tasting event:

Above: SATSUMA SHUZO exhibitor booth at Sip Japan Sip Shochu Immersion Tasting Event in New York City

Above: Watching my sample being poured!

Above: When you get a chance to speak to the maker of a spirit you are about to try you learn that so much more goes into it than the ingredient list, SHOCHU makers shared their love and passion for the spirit and what goes into it!

Above: Just some silliness and fun at the Satsuma Shochu booth, I think a bottle this big would knock you out for a few days! LOL

My Take:

Shochu is amazingly versatile and diverse, because of it's diverse characteristics it is equally wonderful enjoyed straight as it is blended into a cocktail, I would be interested to see if more venues and bars stock it!

Fun Trivia: The Chinese Characters for SHOCHU literally mean 'burnt liquor' (Just fun to note, however, the Shochu's featured above are Japanese).

Happy (Not So) Wordless Wednesday - Bloggers feel free to leave your links here so we can visit your photos too! (NO Giveaway links here, WW only please, thanks!)

Have you tried Sake or Shochu, what do you think of them?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, this is an event recap. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} How a #Foodie survives #Snowmageddon2015

While it didn't come down in New York City nearly as bad as was predicted, the MTA Public Transportation System as well as local airports did shut down. Supermarkets and Super Stores in general sold out of food and essentials very quickly and I spent my time making comfort food like this hearty seafood bisque pictured above (I normally don't but I added fresh organic mushrooms to this one because I love mushrooms and didn't want them to go to waste!)

Did you get snow where you are butterfly?

Happy Wordless Wednesday, bloggers feel free to link us to your photos today, leave a comment here, just no giveaway links please!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Hey YOU!, Yeah YOU, Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The Only Cure for @ItalianInsanity #Theatre #Comedy

For my New York City Based Butterflies (or those who plan to visit here for the holidays this year), who want to inject some laughter and levity into your Sunday and start off your week right, check out 'SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT'!

Four of New York City's most sought-after stand-up comedians bring the hit comedy Off-Broadway after their sold-out performances at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and are now at The Anne L. Bernstein Theater at The Snapple Theatre Center in Manhattan, and after seeing it for myself I can certainly see why this 'PLOMEDY' was nominated by the Off-Broadway Alliance for "Best Unique Theatrical Experience of 2014"!

And because I know you are thinking it, as defined in 'The Urban Dictionary', a 'PLOMEDY' is a new theatrical event that blends the wit of stand-up comedy and the intensity of a one-man (or one woman) show presented in an innovative play format by professional comedians.

The Plomedy, SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT is written by and stars, Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione and was co-written by Tom Ingegno and Directed by Eve Brandstein. A comical take on emotional dysfunction when four Italian Americans show up for a group therapy session where the therapist never shows and they grow impatient and take their issues into their own hands delving into their true feelings about work, love, relationships and their Italian Families.

Preview/Peek:

My Take:

I truly enjoyed Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The stories shared are easy for anyone to relate to, some moments are nostalgic and others are simply laugh out loud funny, and you walk out feeling like you spent time with good friends, it just doesn't get better than that. Personally I think this one should be right on Broadway, it is well written, well cast and the performances are delivered to perfection, I can easily think of some snoozers that could be replaced by this show!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like the show on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on Twitter too

Discount:

Nab $35 Tickets using code LAUGHED through December 28, 2014 at Ticketmaster!

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened at one of your family dinners butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Perfomance Tickets were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration, this did NOT influence my opinion, and all opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Have you checked out the new #restaurant menu options @olivegarden? Fall into #OGTastes

Press in different cities have had the option to try out the New Menu Options at Olive Garden and the tasting was recently offered in New York City at the Olive Garden Restaurant in Times Square, I had been reading other reviews of the menu posted by blogging pals in other cities, and was pretty stoked to get the chance to try it all out too. 

There were old favorites that were re-configured and a few new noteworthy menu options for us to explore.

Menu Tasting Checklist! One hour, 9 courses + Dessert.

This is what went down:

Risotto Bites

Above: A blend of Italian Cheeses and rice that are lightly fried and served on top of Marinara Sauce.

Polenta Shrimp alla Greca

Above: Sautéed Shrimp on creamy Polenta that is topped with a fresh blend of olives, capers and tomato sauce.

Calabrian Wings

Above: Chicken Wings tossed with Garlic and chili peppers from the Italian region of Calabria served with a Gorgonzola dipping sauce. These will only be on the menu for a limited time, so catch it while you can! (These definitely have a spicy kick!)

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Above: Mixed Greens, Kale, Basil. Olives, Roasted Tomato, Croutons and Fresh Mozzarella with an extra virgin olive oil drizzle, make this Salad a Stand Alone Standout!

Smashed Chicken Meatball Sandwich

Above: Chicken Meatballs, roasted bell peppers served on a Focaccia Bun. (I have to say this one is really good! Perfect for a quick lunch!)

Bucatini with Spicy Three Meat Sauce and Meatballs

Above: This dish is included as part of the current "Never Ending Pasta Bowl". From September 22nd through November 9th you can enjoy more than 150 pasta combinations, plus home-made soup or garden-fresh salad and fresh baked garlic breadsticks - unlimited. Starting at $9.99!

Chicken Abruzzi

Above: This Olive Garden Specialty Dish of Grilled Chicken Breast in a savory broth simmered with cannellini beans, kale and garden vegetables, is part of the "Lighter Italian Fare" menu and comes in at under 575 calories. (Fall comfort food at it's best!)

Grilled Chicken Butternut Squash Alfredo Fettuccine

Above: Chicken Breasts served on a bed of Fettuccine tossed with creamy roasted butternut squash alfredo and fresh spinach. This is a Fall Menu Item that will be available for a limited time only.

Pappardelle Pescatore

Above: Sautéed Shrimp, Bay Scallops, and Clams tossed with Pappardelle Pasta, fresh asparagus and tomato in a creamy red pepper seafood sauce. I am a seafood lover, and this was by far my favorite of the entire tasting menu. I will be going back for this one!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Above: Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and ginger cookie crumbles which is available for a Limited Time Only.

Frozen Margarita

MY TAKE:

My top three menu favorites were the Pappardelle Pescatore, Smashed Chicken Meatball Sandwich, and the Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad. Sadly I'm not a 'gourd' lover so the Chicken Butternut Squash and the Pumpkin Cheesecake were my least favorite (and that breaks my heart to say as I'm a cheesecake fanatic, but just don't like pumpkin.)

I love that Olive Garden always encourages guests to try out their wines and allow you to taste any wine that catches your eye on their beverage menu, with no obligation if it doesn't appeal to you. I'm a fan of their Moscato! (The ones on the menu are actually quite different in taste, and the server will help you figure out which pairs best with what which I truly appreciate!) I wanted to hold on to the last fleeting days of warm weather. and ordered a Frozen Margarita.

Bye! Bye! Summer, Hello FALL! Cozy Sweaters, great boots and comfort food are all signs of the season!

Butterflies what is your favorite Olive Garden Dish?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  I was invited to experience the new menu to facilitate my review, this is NOT a compensated post/placement. All opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.