Category: Restaurant Reviews/Recipes

The Half Door (Hartford, CT)

Leave a comment

IMG_8893

The Half Door is an Irish pub located in Hartford, CT on 270 Sisson Ave. This restaurant is not far from both the Mark Twain house museum, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe house. It is a 10 minute walk from both the museum to the Half Door. The atmosphere of the restaurant is comfortable and the staff is very nice taking great care of their customers. They have a good selection of food and beverages to choose from both beers and non-alcoholic drinks. When customers arrive, they will find seating in the dining room, bar, and outside patio. The food is reasonably priced and very delicious. Their open for Brunch starting at 10 am on weekends. Happy hour is from 3-6 pm Monday-Friday, and 9:30-11 pm Wednesday-Saturday. The pub is open until 1 am every day except Friday and Saturday, since they are open until 2 am.

fullsizeoutput_13da

fullsizeoutput_13db

IMG_6223

We had the Crispy Whiskey burger, the Stuffed French Toast, the Cobblestones, and the Frittata. The Crispy Whiskey burger is an 8 oz burger which includes cheddar cheese, fried onions, and whiskey burger sauce.

IMG_6225

The Stuffed French Toast, is stuffed with cream cheese with strawberries and whip cream on top with a side of bacon.

fullsizeoutput_13dc

The Cobblestones are rolls with steak, American cheese, caramelized onions, and mushrooms inside.

fullsizeoutput_13dd

Finally, the Frittata is an egg dish that is fried with asparagus, mushrooms, arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze.

fullsizeoutput_13de

Everyone enjoyed their meal, but my most favorite had to be the Crispy Whiskey burger. I definitely recommend trying it when visiting The Half Door. I would also recommend this restaurant to anyone who’s in the area looking for a great place to eat. If you are interested in checking out The Half Door online, click here: http://thehalfdoor.com

Sláinte!☘️

© 2018 Sundown Pointe

Stuffed French Toast

Leave a comment

fullsizeoutput_1208

If you love French Toast as much as I do, then this recipe is for you!  Stuffed French Toast is a quick and delicious recipe to make for breakfast. In fact, this is one of my favorite breakfast recipes to make, especially when you dip it in maple syrup. I highly recommend trying this recipe for breakfast. It will definitely change your view on French Toast. I look forward to reading all your comments! Happy eating!!!

Things you will need:

4 slices of thick bread ( I used Artisan Wheat bread)

2 mixing bowls

Cutting board

Cream cheese (You can also substitute the cream cheese for whip cream)

Sliced strawberries

4 beaten eggs

Blip  of milk or cream

Small dash of vanilla extract

Small pinch of cinnamon

Maple syrup

Whip Cream

Instructions for Stuffed French Toast:

  1. Using your mixing bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla, milk, and cinnamon.
  2. Place bread in egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated.
  3. Once both sides are coated, lightly grease your griddle and cook the bread until brown on both sides.
  4. Using your second mixing bowl, add cream cheese and cut up strawberries and mix well.
  5. Next, spread the cut up strawberries on two slices of bread.
  6. Finally, top with the second piece of bread like a sandwich.
  7. Squirt whip cream with fresh strawberries on top.
  8. Cut in half, and serve on a plate with maple syrup on the side or drizzle on top.
  9. Enjoy!!!!

© 2018 Sundown Pointe

 

 

Cheesecake Factory (Chestnut Hill, MA)

Leave a comment

fullsizeoutput_11ee

The Cheesecake Factory is an American restaurant that is known for their Cheesecakes. They also have a wonderful eat in or take out menu. Their Thai peanut lettuce wraps are my favorite. There are a variety of Cheesecake Factories across the states which include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Cheesecake Factory I visited recently was located on 199 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill, MA at the The Shops at Chestnut Hill. The Cheesecake Factory has always been a family favorite. We go at least two or three times a year to get a cheesecake. The atmosphere of the restaurant is comfortable and the staff is very nice and takes great care of their customers. They have a wide variety of Cheesecakes to choose from. This can seem overwhelming at times especially if you’re not sure which Cheesecake to get, because I know I feel overwhelmed sometimes when trying to pick out a Cheesecake.

IMG_5925

There are three different sizes of cheesecakes customers can choose from. They can choose between a six inch, seven inch, and ten inch. My family and I normally order the seven inch, which feeds 6-8 people. My favorite is the White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. They have an option to add fresh strawberries on top. If you are interested in checking out the Cheesecake Factory online, click here: https://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/ .

fullsizeoutput_11ed

© 2018 Sundown Pointe

Gluten Free: Garlic Basil Bread

Leave a comment

fullsizeoutput_11ec

Garlic Basil bread is an easy gluten free recipe if you’re looking for a quick and easy bread. I was impressed at how tasty this bread turned out. Therefore, I highly recommend trying this recipe. This recipe is also great with pasta dishes, dinner, and snacking. I look forward to reading all your comments! Happy eating!!!

Things you will need:

2 mixing bowls

1 baking sheet

Parchment Paper

1 c. shredded mozzarella (Or any shredded cheese)

1/2 c. almond flour

2 tbsp. cream cheese

1/2 tbsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. baking powder

Small pinch of salt

1  egg 

1 tbsp. melted butter

1tsp minced garlic  

Chopped fresh Basil

Note: Before microwaving your first six ingredients, I would place the shredded cheese on top as the last thing you add to the bowl.

Instructions for Bread:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Lay parchment paper on baking sheet.
  3. Using your mixing bowl, mix together the almond flour, garlic powder, baking powder, small pinch of salt, cream cheese, and shredded cheese.
  4. Place in microwave for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.
  5. Add egg to the dough bowl and mix well.
  6. Once everything is incorporated, place dough on lined backing sheet and press into desired shape.
  7. In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped basil.
  8. Brush over dough and place in oven for 20 minutes.
  9. Let cool and enjoy!!!!

© 2018 Sundown Pointe

 

 

Peanut Butter Cup Pie

4 Comments

fullsizeoutput_11b5

Peanut butter pie has always been a favorite of mine. This is my first time making this type of pie, and I’m really happy with how the pie turned out. There are a variety of ways to make a peanut butter pie, but for my creation, I used the same peanut mixture I used to make my peanut butter balls, and just added in the cool whip and coated it with chocolate to make a Peanut Butter Cup pie. This recipe is super easy to make, and is great for desserts and bringing to a gathering.  I look forward to reading all your comments!

Things you’ll need:

2 mixing bowls

Melting chocolate (I used Ghirardelli chocolate)

Peanuts

1 9 oz graham cracker crust. (You can also use an Oreo crust)

1 ½ cups of peanut butter

½ cup of butter (softened)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

3 cups of powdered sugar

1/2 cup of Cool whip

Instructions:

  1. Mix peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract together with the Kitchen Aid mixer.
  2. Slowly pour the powdered sugar to the creamy mixture, but making sure to mix well each time.
  3. Once the powdered sugar is incorporated into the peanut butter mixture, add in ½ cup of Cool whip.
  4. Melt two-three bars of Ghirardelli chocolate and coat the crust until crust doesn’t show.
  5. Place both crust and peanut butter mixture in freezer for ten minutes, or until chocolate is hardened.
  6. Next, spread peanut butter mixture into crust.
  7. Melt some more Ghirardelli chocolate and spread on top of peanut butter mixture.
  8. Finally, crush some peanuts and sprinkle on top of chocolate.
  9. Place in freezer until chocolate is hardened.
  10. Enjoy!!!!!

© 2018 Sundown Pointe