Thirteen

Doesnt look like much on the outside, but this is the number three restaurant on TripAdvisor...

after almost two years of reading rapturous reviews, I finally ate dinner here last night. To say my expectations were high is a major understatement.

The bartender, Mary, could not have been more friendly and attentive. Explaining the difference between the Bar Menu and Restaurant Menu to us took patience, but I think we finally got it. I opted to indulge in one of their many inventive cocktails - the 'Spicy Prickly' Martini $13 made with Jalapeno-Infused Vodka (hot!), Cruzan Pinapple Rum, Sour Mix, Fresh Lime and Cilantro. Nice and strong!

My 'Leafy Greens' Salad - Arugula, Shaved Fennel, Kale, Red Onion, Parmesan, Pickled Blueberries, Onion Crunchies and Lemoncello Vinaigrette. I asked them to leave off the parmesan, but they didnt do it, so that was a bummer. Tasty Salad anyway and a good value for $14.

The Mr. said his 'Garlic Chili Edamame with Togarashi Sprinkles' $7 was overcooked. Didnt even eat it all, which is unusual for him, he loves Edamame.

While waiting for our mains, they sent out a little treat - Tortilla Chips and Beet Chips with Smoked Tomato Aoli. I can only vouch for the Chips which were good.

My main 'Sesame Tofu' $26 Soba Zucchini Noodle Salad, Miso Vinaigrette, Cilantro, Smoked Corn, Radish and Peanuts was completely meh. Hardly any seasoning on the Tofu, overcooked Soba, six bland Radish Slices for color. This is not a dish I can recommend, possibly wasnt even vegan, fortunately there wasnt much of it.

Additionally, most of the reviews rave about the view, and I guess if you look straight out it is good...

but looking down, I was majorly concerned by all the (assuming) homeless cats I saw. These are just a few...

also wasnt expecting to be looking at this apartment building from our table, another one of my assumptions was that the restaurant had an unobstructed view of the water. So in summation: while my expectations for dining at Thirteen werent quite met, I will continue to carry out  their cheeseless Veg Head Pizza because that has always been stellar.

Completely unrelated, an Egret on a motorboat in Frenchtown. Thanks for looking. Bye for now.

A Sandwich And A Pizza

Ten days since my last post, and the two culinary highlights have been another Pizza carried out from Thirteen...

and a Hummus and Veggie Sandwich I brought home from Baked In The Sun on St. John. Got a little squooshed on the ferry ride back, but tasted fantastic. Cant wait to get another...

to make up for what this post lacks in interesting grub, below are action pics of Molly rough housing with her little brother, Calvin...

once they finished shredding this box...

they moved on to some serious tug-of-war...

followed by paw to paw combat. They go at it morning, noon and night...

below is a sign that amused us. I am sure many folks have wanted to climb inside the ice chest to cool off...

Probably showcase some recent underwater pics in my next post. Bye for now.

More Weekend Food and More Fish

'Thirteen' is a restaurant near our house that is too high falutin for a website. The Mr. frequently gets Pizza to go from there and on Friday, they agreed to make a cheeseless Pizza as well. Really excellent (probably better with cheese), but a great new option for me to get...

below is their carryout menu, which offers some Edamame and a couple Salads that can be veganized. I will try those in the future (the Salads, not the Edamame)...

lunch yesterday was at Virgilios. Below is my 'Spaghetti Peasant Style' with Mushrooms, Garlic, Dijon Mustard,White Wine and Tomato Sauce...

as you can see, the interior of the restaurant is really fancy, which is why we usually get carryout. They even have a copy of the Mona Lisa. Service was outstanding, we felt welcome in shorts and t-shirts, a great place with great food.

some wild dogs we saw that would not let me get close. I keep saying I need to carry string-cheese in the car to lure these loose dogs...

here are the few pics that came out from yesterdays dive...a File Fish...

a Honeycomb Cow Fish...

a Sea Lettuce Sea Slug...

new vegan items procured at Plaza Extra today...Bee-less Honey $8.99 and Flavored Coconut Milks $1.69 each. Any recs for what to do with the Honey would be greatly appreciated...

Calvin swam at two different beaches today, in the morning with me and in the afternoon with his Dad. Still doesnt make a dent in his energy level but he is getting really confident in the water. We are proud.

Lots more to come. Bye for now.