Visit Alaska: Palmer Alehouse

We went to Palmer Alehouse after visiting the Reindeer Farm.

Pretzel & Beer Cheese

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Steak Tacos

Raspberry Habanero Wings

Philly Burger

Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad Wrap

The food was typical bar type food.  I had the wrap, and it was good!  It was stuffed with chicken, tomatoes, red onion, bacon, and cheddar. 

It did take a very long time for our food to come out, however.  The Pretzel & Beer Cheese came out 25 minutes after we ordered, but our meals came out nearly 45 minutes after we ordered.

I did notice other tables had lengthy wait times too.  I just wish there was better communication from our server.  

Palmer Alehouse
320 E Dahlia Ave
Palmer, AK 99645

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Visit Anchorage: Simon & Seafort's

 I wanted to eat Alaskan Black Cod, and Simon & Seafort's had it on the menu.

Pan Seared Black Cod

You can opt for a variety of Alaskan Catch - black cod, wild king salmon, copper river sockeye salmon, and halibut, to be prepared grilled, baked, pan seared, or blackened.  The fish is topped with a beurre blanc and is accompanied by an herb couscous and veggies.  Everything on the plate was delicious - the cod was so tender and mild.  

Wild King Salmon

The menu also offers fish prepared in a variety of other ways if you prefer.

Oven-Roasted Chicken Dijon

Surf & Turf

The Surf & Turf included char-grilled sirloin and garlic shrimp, along with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Grilled Honey Chipotle Shrimp

The food, view, and service were all great!

Simon & Seafort's
420 L St,

Anchorage, AK 99501

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Shiro's Saimin Haven

I love Shiro's Saimin Haven.  I’ve been going to Shiro's in Waimalu ever since I was a little kid . . . it was a spot where my friends and I would go to for dinner during high school, and it’s still a go-to spot for whenever I’m craving comfort food.

I’ve always ordered either a Saimin or Wun Tun Min, and only in my adult life did I start ordering French Fries + Gravy on the side.

Wun Tun Min

French Fries with Gravy

Talk about comfort food!

Double Hula Bacon Burga

Orange Bang Float

It was nice to see so many local families dining, spanning generations, and loved how there were so many people running into others they know.

Shiro’s is a true community fixture . .

Shiro's Saimin Haven

98-020 Kamehameha Highway

Aiea, HI  96701

(808) 488-8824

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916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen

I recently met up with @melissa808 at 916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen, who said I needed to try the Honey Toast there.

They feature yakiniku and hot pot deals, or you can simply order a la carte or appetizers, like we did (plus dessert).

Banchan

All the appetizers were delish and I would order them all again.  If I had to choose a fave, it would be the mandoo.  They were extra crispy on the outside with a tasty, savory filling. 

916 House Fried Rice

Fried Mandoo

Agedashi Tofu

Honey Toast

The Honey Toast was enormous, topped with multiple scoops of ice cream, fruit, and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

I look forward to returning with the family!


916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen
94-818 Ukee Pl
Waipahu, HI 96797

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Visit Big Island: Volcano House Restaurant

Volcano House offers lodging at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and also has an onsite restaurant perfect for whether you're staying at Volcano House or just visiting the Park.  We dined at Volcano House Restaurant after exploring the Park a couple months ago. 

Tomato Bisque & Cheese Toast Points

Nothing really appealed to me on the menu, so I got the Tomato Bisque & Cheese Toast Points.  Unfortunately the bisque was very under-seasoned and the cheese toast points were squished and tough. 

Big Island Burger

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Ahi Poke Stack

Hawaiian Style Fish & Chips

The Fish & Chips were "Hawaiian Style" because the fish was crusted with mac nuts and coconut. 

Everyone else loved their food, fortunately.

Service was great, and you get amazing views of the crater (perfect during an eruption).

Volcano House Restaurant
1 Crater Rim Drive

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718

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Visit Utah: Zion Canyon Brew Pub

We worked up an appetite hiking for a few hours at Zion National Park, and one of the closest eateries was Zion Canyon Brew Pub.

Elevated Elk Burger

Buffalo Meatloaf Burger

My husband loved this burger.  

Bangers & Mash

The bratwursts were made with wild game and served with a mango-apple chutney.

IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club

I had the IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club.  The chicken wasn't very spicy, but it was juicy and tender. 

Chimichurri Fries

They offer seasoned fries or chimichurri fries with each burger / sandwich, or you could upgrade to onion rings, salad, or a cup of soup or chili for $3.

Service was overall good and we were happy and satisfied.

Notew:  There is a path from the Visitors Center to Springdale, so if you parked at Zion, you can walk to the restaurant, or even catch the free shuttle.  You simply need to make sure you bring your entrance fee pass with you to show proof that you paid for entry for when you return to your car.   We didn't realize there was a path, so we drove out of Zion, only to later drive back in to take the scenic drive (the entrance pass is good for 7 days). 

As for parking, there are some stalls that are paid parking in the restaurant lot (I'm guessing Zion visitors sometimes park there if the lots are full in Zion), but there are others that say "2-hour parking," which is free parking, as we confirmed with the restaurant employee. 

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Visit Las Vegas: Honey Salt

 One of my favorite restaurants from our recent trip to Las Vegas was Honey Salt in Summerlin. 

Banana Split Mocktail

Lobster Roll

Backyard Favorite Burger

Biloxi Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

I had the Fried Chicken Sandwich, since on the menu it stated it was "Named as one of Las Vegas Weekly's Best."  And it was really good, with a slaw and house Durkee dressing.   

Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Mary's Roasted Organic Chicken Soup

Sweet Potato and Regular Fries

Brookie

I loved the Brookie - a brownie + chocolate chip cookie combo, which was topped with salted caramel chunk ice cream.  The brownie was moist and the cookie was nice and chewy.

Service was excellent.  When our food was brought to our table, one of my kids remarked "They knew who ordered which plate.  We didn't need to raise our hands when they said what the food was."  I thought that was very observant of him and telling of the kind of service we received at Honey Salt.

Honey Salt is a charming restaurant with a chill vibe and great food and service!

Honey Salt
1031 S Rampart Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89145

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Visit Las Vegas: The Beast

While at Area15, we ate lunch at The Beast.  

12" Big Pepperoni Energy

The Big Pepperoni Energy Pizza was loaded!  They did not skimp on the pepperoni, that's for sure.  

Grill'N Me Softly

The Grill'N Me Softly sandwich consisted of a grilled chicken breast, smashed avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and aioli.  It was juicy and tender.

Flatastic Voyage Burger

Cheesy Rider

Sandwiches come with fries (regular or cajun), or you can upgrade to truffle mac & cheese or onion rings for $2 more.

Servings were generous and the food was good.  

Service was prompt and friendly.

We had no problems walking in and immediately getting seated.

The Beast is a great lunch option while at Area 15!

The Beast
3215 South Rancho Dr
Las Vegas, NV

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Visit Las Vegas: Good Pie

A quick Google search resulted in some mentions for Good Pie when it came to a good spot for pizza in Las Vegas.  They have two locations - one in Downtown Las Vegas and one in Henderson.  We went to the Henderson location.  

They specialize in Brooklyn-style pizza, but also offer Detroit- and Grandma-style pizzas.  

Grandma Quality Meats

Detroit-Stuffed Chicken Parm

Brooklyn Fila

I love Detroit-style pizzas, so I thought the Detroit Stuffed Chicken Parm would be my fave, but my fave was actually the Brooklyn Fila.

Don't get me wrong - the Detroit Stuffed Chicken Parm was delish, as was the Grandma Quality Meats, but the Brooklyn Fila was amazing.

The Fila Pie had simply, but quality ingredients - organic tomato sauce, Truly EVOO, stracciatella, basil, grana padano - on a Brooklyn-style crust.  It turned out to be the fave of our family.

Good Pie lives up to its name!

Good Pie
835 Seven Hills Dr

Henderson, NV 89052

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Visit Kailua-Kona: Chubby's Diner

Chubby's Diner is a popular spot for local faves.  They have a pretty extensive menu to satisfy all sorts of cravings.  

Corn Dog Bites

Oxtail Spring Rolls

Pork Chops

Traditional Loco Moco

They also offer a Beyond Burger Loco Moco, as well as a Super Loco Moco, which includes your choice of 3 different meats!

Keiki Saimin

The Keiki Saimin is a deal at $9.99, and it's a pretty nice size portion.  The menu states that the broth is housemade, and the noodles are topped with egg, SPAM, char siu, and green onions.  It was the best thing I ate during my recent trip to Kona.  

They do have a Chubby's Saimin, which I assume is a bigger portion, that also has kamaboko and cabbage.  

Chubby's is a great spot for local eats!

 

Chubby's Diner
75-5591 Palani Rd
KBXtreme, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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