Hey folks, get ready for the time of your life at Tobacco Road. Tobacco Road is a restaurant, bar, blues club, eclectic music spot, and meeting place for generations of people from every walk of life. This is not only one of the best bars and restaurants in Miami, it is the oldest. Established in 1912 they are quickly closing in on the century mark. No place stays in business for 100 years if it doesn’t have a ton of great things to offer.

Like any place that has been around for a while, Tobacco Road too has gone through some hard times. Yet today some of the world’s finest blues and jazz musicians perform here with regularity. Just a sampling of those includes: Koko Taylor (also known as the Queen of Blues), national blues treasure John Lee Hooker, George Clinton (self-proclaimed Emperor of Funk), Dave Bromberg, and blues master guitarist and New Orleans own, Dr. John.

Tobacco Road has an eclectic a crowd as it does entertainment, food and drinks. On any given day they have tourists from all walks of life rubbing elbows with celebrities, professionals and famous sports figures with live local bands and live music 7 days a week.

The history of Tobacco Road itself is cool. The Road started and remains a neighborhood watering hole, but today with a little bit of international flavor. The Road has lived from The Capone Era, to the era of the cocaine wars, to the soaring success of South Beach and re-gentrification of Miami’s Brickell area. The Road was once even fronted as a bakery and sold hooch in the back. The speakeasy gave way to gambling, a gay bar, a strip joint, and finally back to blues bar and fantastic hang out. Come toss back a few where Capone and “Tony Montana” characters hung out, be surrounded by black and white photos and décor from the generations!

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It seems like bars and music have always gone hand in hand. And nowhere more so than at a honky-tonk. A piece of traditional Americana, the honky-tonk has been part of Southern culture for generations. Well there are honky-tonk bars, and then there’s Billy Bob’s Texas. We all know everything’s bigger in Texas, and Billy Bob’s is no exception. With a total enclosed area close to 3 acres, space for over 6,000 patrons, a 1,650 square foot stage for performances, a 4,800 square foot rodeo arena, plus a restaurant and shopping, Billy Bob’s is the largest honky-tonk bar in the world. And as manager Marty Travis says, “It’s not just a place, it’s an attitude”. Here is the place that country music lovers from all walks of life come together to drink up and party down.

Once home to a barn, a cattle yard, and later a factory and a department store there is no doubt that Billy Bob’s is pure Texas. And true to the spirit of the honky-tonk there is plenty of great live music. Some of the tremendous acts that have played here include Garth Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Johnny Cash and many, many more. Merle Haggard even recorded a live album here! Fans love the Guitar Bar that is covered with the donated instruments of some of country and western’s biggest stars. And the drinks aren’t half bad either. Lots of fantastic local acts play here as well so check ahead to see who’s on tap.

Oddly enough, unlike a lot of country and western places, Billy Bob’s Texas does not own a mechanical bull. That’s because they have the real McCoy Friday and Saturday nights in their bull riding arena. The contests are extreme and intense offering excitement for all ages. And no, not just anyone can ride a bull. They have a strict “NO ‘Have a Few Beers and Ride a Bull’” policy and to enter the ring you must have a valid riders card from an official rodeo sanctioning body. They can arrange to have a mechanical one brought in for special occasions, however if advanced notice is given. What Billy Bob’s does have on hand is a comical fake bull you can pose with to entertain your more gullible friends.

If all this excitement has gotten you hungry, you’re in luck, because Billy Bob’s Roadhouse Café has got you covered with a mouth watering selection of authentic barbecue favorites including ribs, smoked beef brisket, ribs, barbecue chicken, baked beans, and plenty of other savory fare to quell any cowboy’s appetite. And there are numerous bars to wash your hearty meal down with. Admission is variable and typically under $5.00 unless there is a big name act performing and they’re open until 2:00 am every day to make sure you get every last ounce of dancing and partying out of your system. So if you’re in the mood for a down home friendly atmosphere where your boots are the fanciest part of your outfit and your biggest concern is cheering louder than your neighbor, Billy Bob’s Texas has got an awesome night in store for you.

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Sitting about 100 miles south west of Oklahoma City is the tiny hamlet of Meers, Oklahoma; a once a bustling town filled with earthy miners and lots of Wichita Gold. Over the years the gold ran out and most of the locals moved on, but a few hearty folks have stayed behind to run the only building still remaining of the old town: Meers Store and Restaurant. It’s hard to say exactly when or where Meers Store and Restaurant appeared on the scene because the building actually jumped around town and owners a few times having served in such positions as a gas station, post office, pharmacy, print shop, and grocery store. We do know that in 1949 the store was purchased by the Myers family who brought the first fresh cooked food, particularly hamburgers, to eager travelers.

Today, if you are lucky enough to find yourself in the foothills of the Wichita Mountains, you will see that Meers Store and Restaurant is still a gold mine; for great food that is! In the 1970s Meers made the switch to becoming a full time restaurant. The treats were in such high demand that diners often traveled out their way specifically to scoff down some the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Being a hot spot for hungry cowboys, burgers were selling two to three at a time so the newest owner, Al Foster, created “The Meersburger”. Voted by Bon Appetit Magazine, Food Network, Travelocity, and numerous other groups as one of the best hamburgers in America, it is truly a sight to behold. Half a pound of specially bred super lean grass fed Longhorn beef topped with dill pickles, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and mustard (plus American cheese, if you ask nicely) served on a buttered bun it is heart attack heaven. When other burgers grow up, they want to be Meersburgers.

Despite the Meersburger being the best hamburger you will ever taste in your life, they do, surprisingly, serve other mouthwatering items at Meers Store and Restaurant. Prime rib, T-bone, and Rib Eye steaks cut to order table side show up at 5:00 pm and are mindbogglingly good. There is also a fantastic mesquite smoked beef brisket that has received rave reviews from everyone fortunate enough to have tasted it. Sides are pretty traditional and tend to be on the fried side (french fries, fried green tomatoes, fried corn on the cob, etc.) but blend seamlessly with the other fare they offer. Open 6 days a week (closed on Tuesdays) this ramshackle building has been named on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a cash only establishment (which really isn’t a big deal considering how reasonably priced everything is). If you are going to be even remotely close to Oklahoma, it is your duty as a human being to drop by Meers Store and Restaurant and experience hamburger nirvana.

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Alexandria, Virginia is home to some of the key pieces of the dawn of the United States. Children study in history classes how the Founding Fathers met in taverns and pubs to draft the nation’s earliest laws and shape this nascent country. Did you know, however, that you can sit and dine where some of the greatest of these men ate, drank, and contemplated America’s future? Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria showed up on the “it scene” in the late 1700s serving the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Andrew Jackson and James Madison. A major center for social and political life in the 18th and 19th centuries you can almost picture Lieutenant Colonel Washington (he was still over 30 years from the presidency) recruiting like minded young men for the French and Indian War.

Gadsby’s is actually two buildings: a tavern and a hotel. The original tavern (constructed a few years before the hotel) has been turned into an amazing museum and the hotel is now an elegant and stately ballroom and restaurant. Refurbishment of the Colonial style brilliance of both buildings was begun in the 1920s, reopened to the public in 1976, and have been meticulously maintained to reflect their original splendor. The ambiance is romantic and immediately takes you back to the days of yore. There is even an antique ice well built in 1793 that was recently renovated. This particular ice well held about 68 tons of ice and served many purposes, including preparing ice cream for the presidential households.

Today at Gadsby’s Tavern you can enjoy many interesting food combinations and the servers will go above and beyond to make sure your selection pleases the palate. Items vary from more conventional modern fare like shrimp cocktail (with a light citrusy dipping sauce) and crab cakes (the rémoulade is delectable) to traditional period dishes such as grilled duck with corn pudding and rhotekraut (filling and absolutely delicious). The majority of the meals here are pure comfort food and really satisfy on a cold, rainy Alexandria evening. Portions are hearty and prices are actually quite reasonable considering the gorgeous historic setting and quality of the offerings (dinners are all under $30.00 and come with plenty of sides). Exceptional on every level Gadsby’s Tavern is an absolute whenever you are in the Washington, DC area.

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Here is a distinctively Canadian take on the famous Spanish tapas bars that everyone seems to love. Salt Tasting Room in Vancouver, Canada is an undercover treasure trove of delectable eats. First you need to find your way to the beautifully picturesque Gastown district. Now, if you are not a local, you’ll probably have to ask one of the friendly residents how to get to Blood Alley. Don’t let the name scare you off, your payoff is just a short walk away. Just keep an eye out for the upside down neon salt shaker and you have arrived. And let us tell you, getting there is part of the fun.

Salt Tasting Room is a great destination for lunch, light dinners, and especially drinks with friends. Vegans need not apply here. This is a meat and cheese lover’s paradise. Step inside and check out their chalkboard to decide which of their always changing selection of delectable flavor sensations you want to enjoy. All of the meats are hand picked and prepared in small batches and most are gleaned from local vendors. All are cured to tasty perfection. The cheeses here are unmatched. Gathered from around the world, they are works of art unto themselves. Now it is time to build your “Tasting Plate”. Tasting Plates are made by first choosing three meats and/or cheeses. Then pick three wines. Finally select three condiments and sides to complete your meal. If you’re feeling indecisive with all the yummy offerings, they also can design your perfect feast for you. Servers are well versed in the subtle flavor pairings and are great at working with patrons to satisfy your cravings.

The fun communal tables in the main dining room are a great way to meet new people. Or if you are in the mood for something more intimate, check out the Salt Cellar with its selection of small tables and a funky cave like feel. The ambiance is kind of butcher shop chic and very welcoming. And with their amazing wine collection, you’re not going to want to leave any time soon. If wine isn’t quite your thing, they also have an interesting beer and whisky collection or try a thirst quenching fizzy blood orange soda (for those teetotalers out there). Salt Tasting Room probably isn’t the best choice if you are looking for huge portions, however the flavors and atmosphere are well worth a stop inside. Truly the perfect happy hour spot or weekend getaway joint Salt, plain and simple, is delicious fun.

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Welcome to the home of one of Orient Express’ world premier restaurants. Here they offer diners a sumptuous treat within a treat. There’s New York City and all its glory, and you here at the center of one of the city’s most popular restaurants; for that matter one of the world’s most renowned restaurants. The 21 Club!

The Club 21 is located conveniently at West 51st Street, just off famous 5th Avenue, in the heart of the city’s midtown! It is here you will find yourself immersed in the ubiquitous lights of Broadway and New York’s Theater District. Dinner and a show take on a whole new meaning when you can see the world’s premier actors plying their trade live just a short walk from your table!

The 21 offers a suburb menu with Continental American cuisine at the core. There are no other words than that the food here is quite simply delicious. Well, what else would you expect when even the wine list is a Grand Award winner? Service at the 21 Club is attentive and unassumingly discrete. One may select one of two spectacular dining areas: “The Bar Room” or “Upstairs at 21”. And you are guaranteed something fun and unique as this is a famous spot for marriage proposals and many other grand displays. This is all because the staff goes above and beyond to make any event special!

At 21 they offer dining for any occasion and in a variety of settings. Take for example their Prohibition era wine cellar or any of their ten private banquet rooms. They each offer uniquely exquisite cuisine in a truly fantastic atmosphere in an eatery of world famous renown. The 21 Club also offers a host of hands on food preparation and serving classes given by John Greeley their world famous Executive Chef!

The 21 Club is one of a conglomeration of luxury properties brought to you by Orient Express. You know when you hear that to expect nothing but the utmost in luxury. So take in a show and then make a bee line for a divine meal with the ultimate in service at the 21 Club.

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One of the most popular places to let loose during those hot Las Vegas days is Wet Republic, the Ultra Pool at MGM Grand. Enjoy the day at a place that mixes the ultimate nightlife vibe with great poolside pampering and relaxing. This adults-only playground attracts partygoers from all walks of life and is a celebrity hotbed. Guests can bounce to the beats of world famous DJs or cool off in one of Wet Republic’s eight refreshing pools, including two saltwater pools. Wet Republic’s fills 53,000 square feet with an exclusive nightlife vibe in the middle of the day.

For guests who just feel like hanging in the pool, Wet Republic provides 18 water lounges scattered throughout the shallow ends. Don’t want to spend the entire day in the pool turning into a prune? That’s ok too, with chaise lounge chairs laid out around the place, there is plenty of room to enjoy a drink and relax while you get some tanning in. For those who can afford to spend a little extra, Wet Republic also offers daybeds that give comfortable lounging accommodations for 4-6 people as well as cabanas that sit along the main pool and put you in the heart of the action. The cabanas feature HDTVs , refrigerators and Nintendo Wii’s along with sofas and chaise lounges. Of course if you’re a VIP, you may want to check into one of their VIP Bungalows which are completely decked out with all kinds of things like it’s own Jacuzzi, HDTV & Nintendo Wii, a misting system to keep you cool and a shared spa area and bathroom. These Bungalows give you the best view of the action and are usually where you’ll find all of the celebrities and high rollers.

If you want to get out of the sun for a while The Lounge is the place to go. With table seating for 6-10 guests, the lounge keeps you close to the DJ Booth and Main Bar while giving you shade and a view overlooking the pool. Unlike most pool venues, Wet Republic also has its own dedicated kitchen serving out munchies like chicken tenders, fruit salads and Kobe sliders as well as some unique delectable desserts. Wet Republic is located at the MGM Grand pool area and is open daily during season from 11 am to dusk. It has its own parking area behind the hotel so guests can avoid the traffic issues usually associated with a visit to the strip. The 2010 Grand Opening is taking place on April 17th and will be hosted by LL Cool J so come dressed in your most fashionable swim attire and enjoy a day at Wet Republic.

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When foodies mention “down home Southern cooking” you can always expect buzz words like “warm” and “welcoming”. What you may not expect is that same warm welcome from the proprietor of a restaurant serving the calorific grub. Well, walk into Alcenia’s in Memphis, Tennessee and that is just what you’ll get; a big ol’ hug from owner Betty Joyce “B. J.” Chester-Tamayo. Every bite of her delicious menu is served with heaps of love. Opened in the late 1990s after the tragic death of her only son, B.J. chose to celebrate his life the best way she knew how, cooking from the heart. Choosing to name it after her grandmother and the daughter her son never got to meet, Alcenia’s has meant far more than a good meal to those who cross the threshold. Visitors from around the world have formed a deep emotional attachment to B.J. and the unbelievable delights she creates. Step into this soul food heaven and you’ll instantly know what everyone keeps coming back for.

The menu here at Alcenia’s is sweet and simple. B.J. learned from her mother how to create these classic southern favorites and perfected them. Trust us when we say you haven’t had a fried pork chop until you’ve had one here. The outside is wonderfully brown and crispy leaving a juicy and flawlessly cooked chop in the middle. Just thinking about it makes your mouth water all over again. If pork isn’t your thing, there’s also chicken, catfish, and tilapia. Be your meal fried, baked, or barbecued B.J. and her crew of two promise your cravings will be satiated. But make sure to save space as the desserts here can not go untasted. Number one recommendation, any cobbler they have available. Every single one is a meticulous melding of filling and doughy goodness. And if it’s available make sure your dining buddy orders the bread pudding (with the sauce of course). You’ll be ooohing and aaahing over these sweet treats to anyone who will listen.

Saturdays at Alcenia’s are an extra special pleasure. Their Saturday brunch, complete with chicken and waffles, is a guaranteed stomach filler and crowd pleaser. And for $10.50 (the most expensive meal available) it’s pleasing to your budget as well. This restaurant overcompensates for its petite size with its bold flavors and the excellent service provided. A glass of sweet tea, great conversation, and a casual homey vibe leave a warm spot in your heart and a mental GPS to get there whenever you’re near Memphis. Unpretentious, extremely reasonably prices, and down right delicious, you simply can’t go wrong at Alcenia’s.

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Hell’s Kitchen in Minneapolis is a must see if you find yourself lucky enough to be in Minnesota’s most populated and beautifully unique city. Super close to the Orpheum Theater, The Target Center, and the Minnesota Shubert Performing Arts and Education Center, it’s the perfect place to visit after a fun night out. The name of the restaurant would suggest a bill of fare right from a volcano, but don’t let the name fool you. The food is damn good and plentiful. Hell’s Kitchen is located underground and it is open 7 days a week. Frequented by chefs, the food is original, fun, bountiful and freshly prepared for each individual diner. The results are tasty and best of all it was created for you in the most casual of settings. The restaurant boasts of award winning peanut butter, homemade ketchup, and other sundry items as well as a full bar and great service.

The best time to visit for some is church time on Sunday (aka Salvation Sunday). The entire waiting staff is decked out in their pajamas, and they serve copious amounts of devilishly good food and hearty drinks. While others may be being put asleep by a long boring service you won’t be. The service here is excellent and the music is fun. Anyone can join in and usually does. Unfortunately the gospel music is no longer allowed because it was considered sacrilege. The bigger sin would be to miss this place! Hell’s Kitchen will try ridiculously hard to please even the most finicky of folks with a variety of fun and food and freedom to dine comfortably. This restaurant is available with anything from the catering of events like bachelor parties and to private rooms and parties for any or almost any event. The owner chefs will create anything you ask for, to match exactly your taste, budget and dietary restrictions and it is all done with devilish glee!

The people of Minneapolis know that public transit can easily get you to Hell’s Kitchen you now know too. There is ample parking supplied by the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant where you can elevator directly into the place, and there is also surface street level parking so you can just walk in. It should be noted that reservations should be made because of the high volume of the many fun crazed people that come here every day. For additional details on different venues or room, food and booze selections (such as the Fireplace Room) and additional options give them a call at 612-332-4700 or check them out online at www.hellskitcheninc.com.

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Mention Amsterdam to most anyone and they will conjure up images of the marijuana cafés, the glowing windows of the red light district, and perhaps the many museums that have filled the city. Rarely though will their minds go to food. This, however, is a mistake as one of the most unique and delicious restaurants in Europe resides just outside the hustle bustle of the famous city. Built inside the greenhouse what was once Amsterdam Municipal Nursery, De Kas (literally translated to The Greenhouse) is a fantastic little alcove of extremely fresh and wonderfully inspired dishes. The building was originally constructed in 1926 and due to be razed, but the combined efforts of Chef Gert Jan Hageman and architect designer Piet Boon have converted this into a crystal cathedral of culinary excellence.

With each dish being the birth of the light and airy surroundings you know you are guaranteed something spectacular. Though you’ll be surprised each and every time as De Kas’ prix fixe menu changes daily depending on what looks nicest in the garden and the mood of Chef Hageman. The three courses consist of three small appetizers, a main course, and an always unique dessert. Some past dishes include oven smoked halibut with lentils and cream sauce, grilled veal with Jerusalem artichokes and baked onion, roasted chicken with carrot oil, and a lovely grilled pheasant with a perfectly paired salad. Appetizers such as potato croquette, scallops with pumpkin puree, and savory thin sliced ham enveloping heady pieces of chicory are some of the surprises Chef Hageman has developed. Desserts always involve some fresh seasonal fruit and should not be missed.

For a special treat, De Kas has a singular table in the kitchen (seats up to four) that provides a wine pairing with each serving and a glorious cornucopia of tasty fare selected and customized by the chef. Their wine parings are quite good too, with a very comfortable list of vintages ranging in price from about $35.00 to $135.00. The service at De Kas is simply divine with the wait staff, runners, and maître d’ all extremely warm and personable only adding to the quality of the dining experience. Meal prices start around $50.00 USD a person for lunch up to $170.00 USD a person for the special kitchen table dinner. It’s not a cheap affair, but the price is definitely worth it for the excellent food, impeccable service, and sleek, modern, romantic atmosphere. Call ahrad for good directions, as De Kas is a bit set back from the main road and this is definitely a dining opportunity you don’t want to pass up!

De Kas Restaurant Website

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