After posting my updated baseball stadium map and debating about what to do with Spring Training stadiums, I found an acceptable symbol and added Spring Training sites. I have visited 10 Spring Training stadiums; nine in Arizona and one in Florida.
All nine of the Arizona stadiums came during March 2011 while the lone Florida stadium came during March 2001. In Arizona, I have visited nine of the 10 active Spring Training ballparks. In Florida, there are 14 active stadiums with 15 teams playing there. Ideally, I can visit some of the Florida stadiums in the next two years. It is much more difficult to catch all the Florida parks because the locations are more spread out instead of residing in one metro area like Arizona, where all 10 stadiums are within metropolitan Phoenix.
Just so you don't have to scroll down to an older post about my baseball stadium visits, you can conveniently find my map here.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Frommer's on South Florida Eats
Whenever I travel, I typically use two publications as guides: AAA tourbook for the place and a Frommer's guide. I don't always follow suggestions closely for dining experiences, but on my recent trip to Miami I followed some of Frommer's recommendations.
Versailles in Little Havana received one star, but got high marks because of its historical importance to the community. I had a classic Cuban sandwich, which was a bit short on the pork but overall lived up to expectations. The café con leche capped deliciously capped the meal. I probably could have one every morning and evening. It is definitely important to the community, but the food was average. Overall, it merits one star.
Randazzo's Little Italy in Coral Gables earned three stars (Frommer's highest rating), but fell well short of my expectations. I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. The pasta was homemade and delicious, and while the four shrimps were gigantic I would have preferred slightly smaller shrimps instead of having to cut up the jumbo shrimp into smaller bites. The serving size was BIG, but overpriced at $32. Sorry, but it's just pasta. Although some folks may find the numerous flat screen TVs showing The Godfather on DVD charming, I don't think it's appropriate for children in the restaurant to see some of the gratuitous violence at 7 p.m. The service was stellar, but the ambiance didn't charm me. It seemed overdone and kitschy. Overall, I'd give it maybe one and a half stars.
Burger & Beer Joint in Miami Beach garnered no stars (Frommer's lowest rating with just a listing in the guidebook). It's removed from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, but isn't that far either. So it's a good spot for some well-priced burgers a bit removed from the sands. I had the Hotel California, which is a 10 oz. prime angus patty with guacamole, grilled red onion, sharp cheddar, and a sunny side up egg on a brioche bun. It comes with sides of ranchero salsa and cilantro sour cream, which add a nice zip to the burger. It was messy, but a delicious meal. The parking situation (metered street spots) wasn't great, the food was excellent and the restaurant takes pride in its wide beer selection. B&B touts 99 beers on their web site, but only 4-5 are on tap. I had a Magic Hat #9, which went great with the burger. It was messy to eat, but any good burger would leave you with blood and grease dripping from your fingers. Overall, I'd give B&B at least one star if not two, especially because the recommend all burgers be cooked medium rare!
Oceanaire Seafood Room in downtown Miami received two stars. The restaurant is located in the middle of restaurant row in downtown across from two or three spots and down the road from a few more. So even if you can't get a seat here, you have plenty of options available. Truth be told, Oceanaire was not the original selection for dinner that night. I'd intended to dine at The River Seafood & Oyster Bar, but didn't make it there after confusion over its address. So not wanting to run through a brief downpour, I ended up at Oceanaire. I had swordfish Louie, which was excellent. The sourdough bread was outstanding as well, but the Hollandaise asparagus was lacking. I received oversized asparagus with Hollandaise sauce on the side, and the vegetable cooked al dente. It may be common at upscale restaurants to have a la carte side dishes, but the asparagus was very disappointing. Service was prompt and timely, which compensated for minor disappointment. Overall, two stars is probably the proper rating for the restaurant.
El Toro Taco Family Restaurant in Homestead, not far from Everglades National Park's Ernest Coe Visitor Center, got three stars. The restaurant is clearly owned and operated by a family, as I saw young kids watching TV while rolling silverware during lunchtime. I'm not a sophisticated Mexican eater, and usually go for the staples like enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, etc. So I got one of the lunch specials that had an enchilada and a taco. The tortilla used for the taco was definitely homemade, and was delicious. I wouldn't trek to Homestead JUST for this place, but it is a GREAT place to stop for lunch after exploring Everglades National Park or anywhere west of Miami. It was probably one of the better Mexican restaurants where I have eaten, but I wouldn't rate it above one star. It's very good food, but not worthy of Frommer's highest rating.
So over 5 days, I ate at five restaurants recommended by Frommer's. I would eat at all of them again, except for Randazzo's Little Italy. So I'd give Frommer's a two out of three stars for their suggestions. Most places lived up to the expectations laid out in the guidebook. If I had to recommend just one place out of these five, I would go with B&B Joint. The food was great and I would gladly go back again the next time I visit Miami.
Randazzo's Little Italy in Coral Gables earned three stars (Frommer's highest rating), but fell well short of my expectations. I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. The pasta was homemade and delicious, and while the four shrimps were gigantic I would have preferred slightly smaller shrimps instead of having to cut up the jumbo shrimp into smaller bites. The serving size was BIG, but overpriced at $32. Sorry, but it's just pasta. Although some folks may find the numerous flat screen TVs showing The Godfather on DVD charming, I don't think it's appropriate for children in the restaurant to see some of the gratuitous violence at 7 p.m. The service was stellar, but the ambiance didn't charm me. It seemed overdone and kitschy. Overall, I'd give it maybe one and a half stars.
Burger & Beer Joint in Miami Beach garnered no stars (Frommer's lowest rating with just a listing in the guidebook). It's removed from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, but isn't that far either. So it's a good spot for some well-priced burgers a bit removed from the sands. I had the Hotel California, which is a 10 oz. prime angus patty with guacamole, grilled red onion, sharp cheddar, and a sunny side up egg on a brioche bun. It comes with sides of ranchero salsa and cilantro sour cream, which add a nice zip to the burger. It was messy, but a delicious meal. The parking situation (metered street spots) wasn't great, the food was excellent and the restaurant takes pride in its wide beer selection. B&B touts 99 beers on their web site, but only 4-5 are on tap. I had a Magic Hat #9, which went great with the burger. It was messy to eat, but any good burger would leave you with blood and grease dripping from your fingers. Overall, I'd give B&B at least one star if not two, especially because the recommend all burgers be cooked medium rare!
Oceanaire Seafood Room in downtown Miami received two stars. The restaurant is located in the middle of restaurant row in downtown across from two or three spots and down the road from a few more. So even if you can't get a seat here, you have plenty of options available. Truth be told, Oceanaire was not the original selection for dinner that night. I'd intended to dine at The River Seafood & Oyster Bar, but didn't make it there after confusion over its address. So not wanting to run through a brief downpour, I ended up at Oceanaire. I had swordfish Louie, which was excellent. The sourdough bread was outstanding as well, but the Hollandaise asparagus was lacking. I received oversized asparagus with Hollandaise sauce on the side, and the vegetable cooked al dente. It may be common at upscale restaurants to have a la carte side dishes, but the asparagus was very disappointing. Service was prompt and timely, which compensated for minor disappointment. Overall, two stars is probably the proper rating for the restaurant.
El Toro Taco Family Restaurant in Homestead, not far from Everglades National Park's Ernest Coe Visitor Center, got three stars. The restaurant is clearly owned and operated by a family, as I saw young kids watching TV while rolling silverware during lunchtime. I'm not a sophisticated Mexican eater, and usually go for the staples like enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, etc. So I got one of the lunch specials that had an enchilada and a taco. The tortilla used for the taco was definitely homemade, and was delicious. I wouldn't trek to Homestead JUST for this place, but it is a GREAT place to stop for lunch after exploring Everglades National Park or anywhere west of Miami. It was probably one of the better Mexican restaurants where I have eaten, but I wouldn't rate it above one star. It's very good food, but not worthy of Frommer's highest rating.
So over 5 days, I ate at five restaurants recommended by Frommer's. I would eat at all of them again, except for Randazzo's Little Italy. So I'd give Frommer's a two out of three stars for their suggestions. Most places lived up to the expectations laid out in the guidebook. If I had to recommend just one place out of these five, I would go with B&B Joint. The food was great and I would gladly go back again the next time I visit Miami.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Baseball Stadiums: 2011 Update
It's been almost 3 years since I posted anything about my treks to various baseball stadiums across the country, and I have a handful of entries to add. I've kept updating my map, but have not posted anything in ages.
I've now been to 5 more MLB stadiums, adding Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Twins), Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (self-explanatory), Great American Ball Park (Reds), and Sun Life Stadium (Marlins) to the list.
I've also visited 3 more AAA parks: AT&T Bricktown Ballpark (Oklahoma City RedHawks), New Cheney Stadium (Tacoma Rainiers), and Coolray Field (Gwinnett Braves). Three more AA stadiums joined the list: Drillers Stadium (Tulsa, Okla.), Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco RoughRiders), and ONEOK Field (Tulsa Drillers).
My trips to independent league stadiums have also blossomed over the past few years, as I've gone to four new indy league parks. I visited Midway Stadium (St. Paul Saints), QuikTrip Park (Grand Prairie AirHogs), LaGrave Field (Ft. Worth Cats), and Champion Window Field (Florence Freedom).
Additionally, I have been to two more collegiate parks. I've been multiple times to Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, home of Oklahoma State baseball. I also saw Packard Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Capping off my baseball adventures over the past few years, I went to Spring Training in Arizona this spring and saw 9 MLB games in 9 stadiums throughout metropolitan Phoenix. I have not added those stadiums to the map, but will do so once I can find an appropriate symbol.
Here is an updated list of my ballpark tallies...
I've now been to 5 more MLB stadiums, adding Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Twins), Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (self-explanatory), Great American Ball Park (Reds), and Sun Life Stadium (Marlins) to the list.
I've also visited 3 more AAA parks: AT&T Bricktown Ballpark (Oklahoma City RedHawks), New Cheney Stadium (Tacoma Rainiers), and Coolray Field (Gwinnett Braves). Three more AA stadiums joined the list: Drillers Stadium (Tulsa, Okla.), Dr Pepper Ballpark (Frisco RoughRiders), and ONEOK Field (Tulsa Drillers).
My trips to independent league stadiums have also blossomed over the past few years, as I've gone to four new indy league parks. I visited Midway Stadium (St. Paul Saints), QuikTrip Park (Grand Prairie AirHogs), LaGrave Field (Ft. Worth Cats), and Champion Window Field (Florence Freedom).
Additionally, I have been to two more collegiate parks. I've been multiple times to Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, home of Oklahoma State baseball. I also saw Packard Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Capping off my baseball adventures over the past few years, I went to Spring Training in Arizona this spring and saw 9 MLB games in 9 stadiums throughout metropolitan Phoenix. I have not added those stadiums to the map, but will do so once I can find an appropriate symbol.
Here is an updated list of my ballpark tallies...
- MLB = 18
- AAA = 8
- AA = 11
- Low-A = 2
- ShortSeason-A = 6
- Independent = 5
- College = 16
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Good Eats in Nashville, Tenn.
I've been meaning to do this for a long time, but I guess it's better late than never. I've been to Nashville, Tenn., a few times and there are two great restaurants I want to tell people about.
#1: The Pancake Pantry. As the name indicates it's a great place for breakfast, but be sure to arrive early! On my first trip to Nashville, I arrived with my friend Stefan and found that the line was already out the door and wrapped around most of the building. This was on a Sunday morning around 10ish. I finally got indoors and had a meal on my second visit.
The pancakes are truly great. The service is fast, and the wait staff is attentive. I never lacked for refills on my coffee nor did I ever have to ask for extra any. I'm a firm believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this place proves me right!
#2 Sole Mio. As a young boy, I lived in Italy. So I'm extremely picky when it comes to "authentic" Italian cuisine. However, this place delivers! How good was the meal? Even my mom approved! The gnocchi is handmade and the gorgonzolla sauce is incredible!
Want further proof that this is a great place to eat? On another trip to Nashville, I took two coworkers there. One of them is of Italian descent, and even he agreed that the food was excellent and lived up to his expectations.
#1: The Pancake Pantry. As the name indicates it's a great place for breakfast, but be sure to arrive early! On my first trip to Nashville, I arrived with my friend Stefan and found that the line was already out the door and wrapped around most of the building. This was on a Sunday morning around 10ish. I finally got indoors and had a meal on my second visit.
The pancakes are truly great. The service is fast, and the wait staff is attentive. I never lacked for refills on my coffee nor did I ever have to ask for extra any. I'm a firm believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this place proves me right!
#2 Sole Mio. As a young boy, I lived in Italy. So I'm extremely picky when it comes to "authentic" Italian cuisine. However, this place delivers! How good was the meal? Even my mom approved! The gnocchi is handmade and the gorgonzolla sauce is incredible!
Want further proof that this is a great place to eat? On another trip to Nashville, I took two coworkers there. One of them is of Italian descent, and even he agreed that the food was excellent and lived up to his expectations.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Two More Shirts, Two More Shot Glasses
People collect all sorts of trinkets, and one of the items I collect are the Hard Rock Cafe "City T-shirts" and their cordial shot glasses. I don't recall when I started this collection, but it's been going on for at least the past 10 years. I specifically remember going to the Hard Rock Cafe near Copley Square in Boston and purchasing a "city shirt" and shot glass in 1999.
During the holiday break, my collection of Hard Rock Cafe paraphernalia grew yet again. I received a shirt and shot glass from Honolulu for Christmas from my German friend Stefan, and a classmate of mine bought me a shirt and shot glass from Nassau, Bahamas, while on his cruise.
I also decided it was time to display my map of Hard Rock items from around the globe. I have bought some of the T-shirts and shot glasses, but a majority have been purchased for me as gifts. Unfortunately I have not always received a shot glass with each T-shirt, so the map reflects that I only have a T-shirt from a certain city or that I only have a shot glass from that location.
Below is a map legend. If there is a black circle at the center of the marker it means that cafe has either closed or moved to another location in the same city.
During the holiday break, my collection of Hard Rock Cafe paraphernalia grew yet again. I received a shirt and shot glass from Honolulu for Christmas from my German friend Stefan, and a classmate of mine bought me a shirt and shot glass from Nassau, Bahamas, while on his cruise.
I also decided it was time to display my map of Hard Rock items from around the globe. I have bought some of the T-shirts and shot glasses, but a majority have been purchased for me as gifts. Unfortunately I have not always received a shot glass with each T-shirt, so the map reflects that I only have a T-shirt from a certain city or that I only have a shot glass from that location.
Below is a map legend. If there is a black circle at the center of the marker it means that cafe has either closed or moved to another location in the same city.
- Teal = Have both "City Shirt" and shot glass
- Pink = Have only "City Shirt"
- Green = Have only shot glass
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Baseball Stadiums Galore
In an effort to help my own memory and show off a little bit, I've taken some time to put together a list and map of all the baseball stadiums where I have seen a game in my life. Some stadiums have been renamed (BellSouth Park in Chattanooga is now AT&T Field) since I visited them and some no longer exist (Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh).As in life, not all baseball stadiums are created equally. I've seen some poor fields in remote regions of the country and some of the most palatial ball fields imaginable in major cities. Regardless of the location or the state of the field, one common thread ties all the fields together: baseball.
For those interested in seeing a map with the dispersion of the stadiums where I've seen a game, click here.
From the date of this post, I have visited 48 stadiums. Below is a breakdown of the various levels where I have seen a baseball game.
- MLB = 13
- AAA = 5
- AA = 8
- A = 2
- Short-Season A = 6
- Independent = 1
- College = 13
Additionally, here is a key explaining the significance of the various markers on the map. If a stadium has a dot on its marker, it is no longer in use.
- Sky Blue = MLB
- Red = AAA
- Green = AA
- Teal = A
- Yellow = Short-Season A
- Purple = Independent
- Pink = College
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