Showing posts with label Seafood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seafood. Show all posts

Sunday, October 5, 2014

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?

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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.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} Bloody Mary Mussels + Bloody Mary Cocktail using @murphsfamous #foodie #photography

Murph's Famous Hot & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix, Mussels, Seafood, Bloody Mary Cocktail


I used Murph's Famous Hot & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix to make BOTH the Mussels and the cocktail.

Bloggers feel free to post your Wordless Wednesday URL as a comment to this post so we can check out your photos as well, no giveaway links please!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions are expressly my own experiences. I was provided with Murph's Famous for Editorial Consideration. 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.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: The What Happens in New Orleans STAYS in New Orleans Edition + @AcmeOyster #NOLA #Travel #Food

Royal Praline Company, French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2012 - What Happens in New Orleans stays in New Orleans!
Some more way overdue photos from my trip to New Orleans for the inaugral year of the Niche Mommy Blogging Conference in New Orleans in 2012! (My New Orleans Wordless Wednesday Series got seriously interrupted so I promise I'll get them through all, at least before #NicheMommy13 that is!) I definitely hope  it's true that What Happens in New Orleans stays in New Orleans! LOL (as well as Vegas and Atlantic City,  Just Saying!) I'm glad that the Royal Praline Company agreed with us! I regret not buying that towel when I had the chance!

Acme Oyster House, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2012 - Prepare for super long lines to get in,  but the food is THAT worth it!

A larger group of bloggers headed out to Acme Oyster House, but only some of us could handle the wait, but I think I speak for all of us who made it, when I say this place is well worth the wait. the food really is amazeballs, great drinks, great service, perfect mix of locals and tourists (and when a local turns around and tells you, 'yes this is the line, even with reservations, but don't leave because you'll regret missing that meal, its the best advice ever and now I'm paying it forward and passing it along to you)

Char-Grilled Oysters at Acme Oyster House, French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2012 - We ordered  one to share, and boy was that a mistake, everyone ended up ordering their very own order of these, they are so good. The long lines were worth it,  seriously just for THIS!!!! The sauce (let it cool a bit) will make you want to lick each of your fingers for the stuff that stuck to your fingers besides the bread. So delicious they are almost sinful! and I mean that in a GOOD way! :) Oyster Nirvana can be found at Acme Oyster House!

The Char-Grilled Oysters were a HUGE hit, let's just say that quite a few of these platters were ordered to share! And sadly when you leave NOLA, you will see these and taste these in your dreams, your taste buds will salivate at the sheer thought of them! This will be my first stop when I go back to New Orleans!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! 

Bloggers feel free to comment with your Wordless Wednesday links, we are not formal enough for an official Linky Widget around here, so just join in the fun, get laid back, and most of all, get Wordless (someday I promise I'll keep it entirely wordless).


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored, this is a recap of my experiences during my visit last year to New Orleans for the Niche Mommy Blogging Conference in it's inaugral year. I was sponsored by Britax as a member of their Latina Digital Advisory Board and Latina Hispanic Outreach Blogger and Brand Ambassador. No Monetary Compensation has been received for sharing my experiences at the conference.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Pictures from Vapiano's 10th Birthday Bash in New York City! {Photos}



On Monday, October 22, 2012 Vapiano's Restaurant celebrated it's 10th Birthday with a Blow Out Bash in New York City where bloggers, patrons, editors and New York's Social Elite enjoyed great food, great drinks and great service in style! Here are my photos from the birthday bash!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash, Wideshot of Bar as guests arrive!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash - The Aperol Spritz and Summer Sangria were the Signature Drinks for the Bash!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Close Up of Aperol Spritz Signature Drink! Prosecco and Bitters and an Orange Garnish are all a part of the magic in this cocktail!
Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash - And then there were two! Aperol Spritz Signature Event Drink with an Orange Garnish!


Above: Signature Drinks and Appetizers for two at Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash! Read more here: 
Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash DJ Mixes Music during the Bash!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash - This Little Cutie tried to make off with the Balloons!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Menu!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Pizza Americana - Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Spicy Italian Sausage, Sliced Sicilian Pepperoni

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Granchi De Fiume - Crayfish, Lobster Sauce, Fresh Vegetables and your choice of pasta, I selected the Penne Pasta - YUMMO!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Staff and (Center) Managing Partner, Christophe Scherman and patrons mingle during the Birthday Bash!

For my fellow New Yorkers you should definitely check this place out and for those visiting New York City, the proximity of the Restaurant to NYC Landmark Union Square makes this a must visit! I greatly enjoyed the Birthday Bash and thank the team at Vapiano Restaurant for their amazing hospitality and attentive service!

Butterfly Bloggers be sure to link up your Wordless Wednesday Posts as a comment to this thread, and if you haven't already done so, don't forget to enter our Nicole Miller Designer Handbag Giveaway of the 'Addison' Style Crossbody Leather Handbag, you have until October 31st to put in an entry to win, the bag has an ARV of $295 and there will be ONE winner!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received to share my event recap of the Vapiano Restaurant 10th Birthday Bash.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

MaineLobsterDirect.com - Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two Giveaway! ARV $130! Ends 02/08

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor MaineLobsterDirect.com! We look forward to working with you again! The winner has been notified and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
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'Today's Butterfly' Valentine's Day Buying Guide Countdown sponsored by:



They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but I say the way to anyone's heart is through their stomach! Mine included! And as a life long seafood lover many the special occasion has been celebrated with 'fruta de mare', so I thought why should Valentine's Day be different, what better way to celebrate love day than with a special surf and turf and dinner for two?

It's February and our annual countdown to 'Lve Day' is here! We started you off with 'wine', and so I figured the next logical step is the 'dine' part!

And better still, having that meal show up directly to your door. No Reservations to deal with, and what better surroundings than the comforts of home?  (And cheaper than going out on the town!)

You can be a frugal foodie, and still eat FAB!


Nor-East Feast

What I Tried: Nor-East Feast

Want a complete Lobster Dinner? A Lobster Dinner with your choice of Appetizer, choice of Chowder, Lobsters and Shellfish and choice of Dessert - all from Maine?

The Nor-East Feast Dinner includes: live Maine Lobsters, fresh Maine Steamer Clams, Shrimp or Mussels, Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque, fresh Vegetable, and choice of your favorite Cheesecake from the dessert cart, Butter, Lemon, metal shell cracker(s), seafood forks and lobster bibs are also included. All is packed with care in a heavy duty reusable enameled Lobster pot. Price includes FedEx Delivery!

This was the first time I tried my hand at making live lobsters, and I will admit to being a bit nervous about it at first, but it all worked out fine! When the delivery arrived I put the cooler in the fridge while I did my prep work. I knew in advance I was going to boil not bake them, so I made a 'boil' of my own, part water, some old bay, fresh herbs (including Dill and Thyme), crushed garlic and white wine. After my boil, well, came to a boil, I removed the pot that had the lobsters inside it, removed the mussels and clams and transferred the boiling water from the pot into the enameled pot with the lobsters, no fuss no muss, no actual 'touching them'. :)

A little before the Lobsters were done, I added the mussels and clams to the pot. I will warn you the mussels and clams made an audible sound when they hit the water, the lobsters did not make a sound. (And Yes they were alive. Make sure whenever ordering LIVE Lobster, that they are very much alive when they arrive! If they arrive dead do not eat them!)

I reversed the order and had the Lobster Bisque later in the day and greatly enjoyed it. With this cold weather it really hit the spot. So you ask, What about me? Well I'm very glad you asked!


Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner

Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Easy to prepare, the Sweetheart Surf and Turf comes with Two 6-7 oz. Maine Lobster Tails, Two six ounce Filet Mignons and your choice of Maine Lobster Direct's award winning New England Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque, and Jewell Island special Heart-Shaped White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying this romantic meal for two!

My Take
Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's a taste of Maine right at your doorstep!  - Seafood lovers know that it doesn't get much better than seafood from Maine. And if you can't get to Maine yourself, this is like having Maine come to your door! It just doesn't get better than this. It was seafood dinner nirvana!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Taste, Presentation and Nothing Left To Chance - With a burst of the sea in each bite, and excellent packaging/presentation, what you will also appreciate about Maine Lobster Direct is that they literally include everything you could possibly need! I'm a Lobster Lover and have my own cracker for the shell, but the ones included in my package were WAY better than the set I own!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And a cherry on top! - in the form of a moist and delicious Cheesecake Dessert!

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have to admit I am much more used to eating seafood out than preparing it myself. It does take getting used to making Live Lobsters. And hearing the sort of 'hissing' sound when the clams and mussels hit the pot did make me jump at first, but the results? So Totally Worth it!!! So I will leave it to you to decide whether or not this is a pro or con! :-)

If you are totally squeamish about making live Lobsters, then I would advise you to stick to the surf and turf that includes the tails instead of the Live Lobsters. But if I can do it, You can too! :) (And live are of course incredibly tender! Not to mention you really don't want to miss out on the claw meat!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at MaineLobsterDirect.com want you to win a Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for twoDon't you just ♥ MaineLobsterDirect.com? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win:  Here are the Easy 1,2,3 Steps to Winning!

(1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and

(2) MANDATORY entry- Visit our friends at MaineLobsterDirect.com and LINK us to another item that they sell that catches your eye! REMEMBER: You CANNOT post a link to the The Nor-East Feast Dinner or the Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two or the entry will be automatically disqualified.

(3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. We are  no longer sending courtesy reminders when entries do not qualify, make sure you are following publicly and your entry comment complies with giveaway win it instructions or it will be deleted.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Tuesday, February 01, 2011 until Tuesday, February 08, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Maine #Lobster Direct  Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two #Giveaway! ARV $130! Ends 02/08 Enter Here  http://tinyurl.com/4z9d8os

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Maine Lobster Direct on Facebook and don't forget to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you  HERE (Since they are not on twitter yet, I would really appreciate you showing them some extra facebook love!) - Remember to leave the link to your facebook post as your comment - see instructions above for how to get a link on twitter, it applies to facebook too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)



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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the product and the sponsor are my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate the review and giveaway. Sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment, rests with the sponsor.
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