We had no set agenda, just got in the car and started driving toward the ocean.  After stopping at an antiques shop and a butcher shop, we decided to spend our afternoon in Newburyport.  We had been here once before and remembered that there were a number of interesting shops and restaurants.

After several hours of browsing, we asked for a recommendation for a restaurant at which we could find a good cocktail and possibly a snack.  Thankfully, we asked at the right shop and were directed to Ten Center.

We arrived at 3:50, which was the transition time for the restaurant.  Lunch ends and dinner begins at 4:00.  However, the hostesses assured us that the chef would be accommodating to whichever menu we chose.  (This was refreshing; we have been to several restaurants at which we have been told that we needed to order quickly off the lunch menu or we’d have to wait for dinner to start.)  To allow us freedom in choosing, we were given both menus.

We were served by Cory, who also was the bartender.  She provided excellent service:  giving us time to consider our drink choices, delivering the drinks in a timely manner, and checking on us at reasonable intervals.  We had plenty of time to talk without interruption but never needed anything.

As we were stopping for a late afternoon break, our order was small.  I chose the Strawberry Lemondrop, and my husband chose the Gin and Ginger.  My cocktail was a combination of house infused strawberry vodka, muddled strawberries, and limoncello served in a cocktail glass with a sugared rim. If you read my articles, you know that I have some preferences in my drinks: slightly sweet and not syrups; this cocktail was a perfect fit for me!  The sugared rim and strawberries provided a nice amount of sweetness, the limoncello added some tartness, and the ingredients were combined in such a fashion as to make the drink non-syrupy.

My husband enjoyed his drink; it was a cocktail not seen on many menus of restaurants that we visit.  Made with Tangueray Rangpur Gin, ginger beer, and lime, it had a definite ginger flavor.  Served in a highball glass over ice, it was refreshing and light.

We weren’t very hungry, so we only ordered an appetizer of Crispy Fried Calamari. They were delivered within minutes of placing the order and were delightfully hot.  Although fried there was no greasiness to the calamari.  They were served with two different sauces: a garlic aioli and a sweet and spicy pepper relish.  While the aioli was good, the relish was phenomenal.  Its flavor and texture complimented the calamari wonderfully.

Although we could have stayed and relaxed at Ten Center for longer, we wanted to do a little more shopping before driving home.  Our first dining experience at this restaurant was excellent.  I am sure we will return there on our next trip to Newburyport.

I had been to Long Trail a few years earlier, and it was nice to return.  The ride up Route 4 to Bridgewater Corners was a scenic one, and the weather was great to boot.  We arrived at Long Trail and noticed a long wait. This was due to the fact that kitchen couldn’t handle the large crowds, so if you wanted a beer that was cool but if food was in your future you’d be waiting.  We waited.

I’m not going to critique the food, frankly, no one goes to these places for the food; they want the beer.  My friend opted to get a sampler while I enjoyed the Long Trail Ale then noticed that the Pollenator was on tap.  This is one of their hard-to-find beers that you need to take advantage of when the opportunity arises, and it arose.  This was a great ale with a smooth honey flavor blended in and went well with the bratwurst I ordered.

No matter what you get, try not to drop your ketchup cap in your pint glass, trust me it does nothing for the flavor, but if the waitress is cool she’ll bring you another beer to replace the tainted one.  Long Trail is in a great location and makes for a nice afternoon ride with some treasure at the end of your journey.  I picked up a 22-ounce Pollenator and a 22-ounce Imperial Porter for future sampling.  Happy trails, everyone.

With our hotel located literally steps from Dupont Circle, we knew we would find a great dining destination quickly.  Approximately halfway around the circle, we saw Circa, which was one of the restaurants recommended by our concierge.  It seemed quite popular, as it was standing room only.  However, the hostesses were pleasant and organized, which made the wait feel painless.  With not a bit of room at the bar, we waited in the foyer for a table and were seated in little time considering the crowd.

Given a table on the covered patio, we were able to enjoy the slight breeze and view of the circle.  Although we did enjoy dinner at this restaurant, the highlight for both my husband and me were our cocktails.  With a menu of Signature Cocktails that had many fruit-based drinks, it was a torturous  menu for me.  Torturous in that there were so many drinks that I wouldn’t be able to sample!

I had my husband order first, so that I could have 10 more seconds to decide.  Luckily he chose one of the drinks I was contemplating, which meant I’d get to sample at least two from their list.  The Berry Smash was made with vanilla vodka, homemade turbinado simple syrup and freshly muddled berries.  He loved the flavors in this drink, which were a nice combination of sweet vanilla and berries.  For me, it was a pinch sweeter than I like, but a fine summer cocktail nonetheless.

I still was debating the benefits of two drinks, so I asked our waitress for her preference between the Organic Pomegranate Martini and the Pear Martini.  She said that she liked the flavors in the latter option, and with that my order was placed.  This concoction of pear and cinnamon-infused Stoli vodka with pear purée was delicious.  Served warm, you might think you were consuming a liquid pear pie.  Although the  purée made the drink a little heavier than I typically enjoy, with its light flavors it was a wonderful libation.

Although it would be an eight to ten hour drive to return to Circa, it might be worth it.  There are quite a few cocktails on that menu that I still would love to sample.  Maybe it’s time to plan another road trip for my husband and me!

However, in the past week, summer seems to have arrived.  So, with the sun shining and nothing scheduled last Sunday afternoon, we decided to find a restaurant that had outdoor seating for an afternoon drink and snack.  Some of the restaurants we frequent do have tables outside, but we wanted to try something new.  Although it took some perseverance in our Internet search, we were able to find a new to us restaurant that had a patio, Blue Taleh.

Located on the Merrimack River, Blue Taleh is a Thai-Japanese restaurant with an almost overwhelming menu.  Arriving in the midafternoon, we were greeted promptly and seated at a riverside table at our request.  We were given menus and an appropriate amount of time to decide.

We decided to sample cocktails from their decently sized drink menu.  My husband chose the Dirty Goose.  Made with Grey Goose vodka, olive juice, and blue cheese stuffed olives, it was declared a hit.  I chose the Pomapolitan, which contained Three Olives pomegranate vodka and pineapple and cranberry juices.  My drink was excellent, having a fruit flavor that was slightly sweet but not overbearing or syrupy.

To accompany our drinks, my husband chose our first appetizer of Scallion Pancakes.  They were delicious with a tender inside and crunchy outside.  Served with a green curry sauce, they were eaten quickly.   With  no need to rush, we took time to enjoy our cocktails, views of the river, and good conversation.

Ready for another round of food, I chose the next munchy:  Love Triangles.  With a name like this, how could I resist?  The triangles were pieces of tofu that had been fried and were accompanied by a peanut-topped sweet sauce.  These were my favorite nibbles of the afternoon.

With two appetizers and a round of cocktails finished, we decided to indulge and try another cocktail.  I chose Mango Madness, as my first fruit cocktail had been well made.  Delightfully, so was this drink.  A combination of mango vodka, triple sec, and orange and pineapple juices, it had a great tropical taste.  My husband ordered the Cuke Margarita on the rocks.  This was a refreshing drink made with Patron Silver tequila, cucumber slices, simple syup, lime juice, and watermelon schnapps.  Served in a lime-salt rimmed glass, it was appealing to taste and sight.

With our appetites still not quite satiated and having decided that this mid-afternoon snack would be our dinner, we chose to end our dining with some sushi.  They had a great menu of creative maki choices that we enjoyed immensely.

Although it is about a 30 minute drive for us to visit Blue Taleh, I am certain we will return on another quiet, sunny afternoon.  A great place to relax and dine, it also had excellent service.  Our water glasses never were empty, orders were taken promptly, dishes were cleared in a timely manner, yet the waitstaff was unobtrusive.  It was a perfect place to celebrate the arrival of summer.

Although I praised our dining experience on Tasty Thoughts, I thought their cocktails were worthy of a separate article.  And from a glance at their lounge area, it seems that many locals would agree.  At 7:00 on a Friday night, that part of the restaurant was packed with the shirt and tie crowd.

As the bar seemed vastly popular and the drink special menu was enticing, I decided to order the Ale House Cosmo.  From its description it was perfect for me:  pineapple vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime.

My drink was served in a patron-friendly manner.  About a third of the drink had been poured into a martini glass for my sipping pleasure.  The remaining portion of the drink was in a petite carafe atop a dish of ice.  With so many martinis served in a glass filled to the rim, it can be difficult to take the first sip or two without spilling.  Not a problem with this presentation method!  Plus, every sip of my drink would be ice cold.

Taking my first sip, I knew I had chosen an excellent drink.  The pineapple vodka and triple sec provided sweetness, while the cranberry juice and lime offered a nice contrast of bitterness.  Together, the ingredients created a drink that was light, fruity, and full of flavor.

The next time we are in Wilmington, I know where I will plan on going for dinner and a drink.