Martini at J.Alexander's Restaurant & Bar

I normally don’t order martinis as my drink of choice, but the drink menu at J. Alexander’s looked too good to pass up. The menu listed the prices of the drinks, which I really appreciate, because I feel embarrassed asking how much each drink on the menu costs. There’s nothing worse than having a good drink, then getting the bill and realizing that delicious specialty just cost you $14.

We sat down to dinner, and after seeing the list of specialty martinis at $9 each, I figured I’d go for one since the waiter (very chipper, Patrick) insisted I’d love it. I’m glad he insisted because my Orangy FruFru Martini (not the official name) was not only good, it came with a “sidecar” mini carafe of the excess mixed drink, chilling in its own ice water. For my $9, I got essentially a 2-for-1, and at a place like J. Alexander’s, that’s a great deal.

The menu was overwhelming with good-looking dinner options, and being the seafood lover that I am, I decided to try the Fish Sandwich. This was a daring move for me considering I was raised in the #1 Fishing Village in all of the Florida, and I know good fresh fish. At this point of the article, I’d like for any of you who live or have been to the Destin, Florida, area to please cover your ears. Read More »

The Blue Martini at Town Square

Las Vegas’s installation of The Blue Martini is perched aloft a the second floor of Town Square shopping center. Climb the stairs, ride the escalator, or get a lift from the elevator and head into this hip happy hour spot just off the Las Vegas Strip.

Although the company is based out of Florida, the place definitely has a Vegas feel. On a nice day, you can hit this spot for an after-work drink and instantly surround yourself with some of the city’s coolest and hippest locals. You can come with friends or hang out at the bar for a few minutes and you’re bound to make a friend or two quickly, especially if you have a look that enhances their decor.

Corseted cocktail servers glide through the indoor/outdoor space as they drop signature martinis at table after table. The bar is happy to make your favorite, but ask the server for specials and new concoctions offered weekly. The menu is decidedly weighted to the sweeter palates.  My favorite is the pomegranate. Well balanced and not too sweet, it pairs nicely with more than one of their appetizers. I’d suggest skipping the rather amateurish obligatory cheese plate and go for something they do well like the flatbreads.

The Blue Martini's cool, hip interior matches its customers.

If you make your stop earlier in the day, your summertime attire is not an issue. However, if you’re coming during the later hours, you’ll need to step it up or be sent home. They also offer a variety of live enteratinment on stage and special events throughout the week. Check their schedule for details.

Images by: Pocheco