NIZZA, New York

Devin, Christopher, and I were looking for a place to enjoy happy hour and dinner on Monday night before heading to Broadway for a show. We wanted to eat somewhere in or around Hell's Kitchen and NIZZA fit the bill. We sat at the bar so the guys could relax a little and unwind from work. I spent my day walking all over New York and was glad to be sitting anywhere. We sat down and ordered gnocchi and a pizza. Everything was good, not to mention filling (lots of cheese). None of us were able to try their desserts but are not opposed to returning for them another time.

NIZZA
630 Ninth Avenue
between 4th and 5th Streets
New York, NY
PH: 212-956-1800

NICE MATIN, New York

Two mornings ago I got to have brunch with Devin and Christopher in the Big City. We always try to sample a different restaurant, which is harder than you think because that means not going back to some of our favorites. More times than not, I order a Benedict of some kind - and a mimosa, of course. This time I tried the salmon benedict which was very good. The guys both ordered sandwiches that looked delicious. We sat outside and except for an annoying bumble bee, everything was perfect!










NICE MATIN
201 W. 79th Street
at Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY
PH: 212-873-NICE

AZURA, Delaware

On my last day at the beach, Zoa introduced me to a little boutique that I have probably walked by a zillion times without noticing. Once inside, we discovered most of the merchandise in the store was on sale. They have great clothes (for my taste), it was fun to walk around and play. The styles were like those I see in New York boutiques. The sales person couldn't have been nicer, making our shopping experience all the more pleasant. I will be returning when I can find some time (and money!).

AZURA CLOTHING
139 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
PH: 302-226-9650

NANTUCKETs, Delaware

This was a pitstop for us to rest our feet and tired bodies. Both Christy and Zoa have eaten here and in the future I hope to be able to say that as well. I looked at everyone's plates on their way from the kitchen, they looked delicious. The three of us sat at the bar and relaxed, enjoying each others' company, the baseball game on tv, and our bartender. I think this is one of those places you could classify as an Oldie but a Goodie.

NANTUCKETs
Rte 1 and Atlantic Avenue
Fenwick Island, DE 19944
PH: 302-539-2607

LIQUID ASSETS, Maryland

I often heard about Liquid Assets, but I really couldn't appreciate it until our girls' weekend visit. Located on Coastal Highway in Ocean City, it doesn't stand out from the stores connected to it. However, once inside, I could see why it stands out among other places to go. It's a package goods store with a bar and a restaurant. Or, is it a bar and a restaurant with a package goods store?? I couldn't decide. Regardless, it was wonderful. Zoa and Christy and I sat at the bar which sits in the center of the room with its lounge area. There is table seating in another room. The bar is not huge, but it seats patrons on all sides. There are tvs for sports fans which was perfect since this is football season. And, the best part, is the food. We started with an assorted cheese board that came out too pretty to eat (even though we did). My entree choice was scallops with risotto. It was amazing! In the course of our visit, we made a trip or two around the room to scan the wine bottles and choose one to take back to the bar. There is a standard corking fee, but how often do you get to choose what you want to pair with your food after you've decided what you're eating? Everything about it was great, can't wait to go there again!

Liquid Assets
9301 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842
PH: 410-524-7037

HOTEL ATLANTIC, Maryland

It's been awhile since I've written, time seems to have gotten away from me. Guess I was so busy being on the go that I didn't find time to sit down and write about it. A few weekends ago, Christy and I went with Zoa to Ocean City for a fun couple of days. One afternoon it was a little chilly for the Boardwalk, so we drove to Berlin, Maryland. Berlin is the town where the movie Runaway Bride was filmed. We strolled the streets and visited shops and enjoyed a relaxing lunch at the Hotel Atlantic. Our food was good and we sat by the window on the porch where we could take in the historic surroundings. I had one eye on my plate and the other looking for Richard Gere.

Hotel Atlantic
2 N. Main Street
Berlin, MD
PH: 410-641-3589