Sweet Melissa's Sweet Happy Hour

I have found a cheaper happy hour than Fat Cats and it is not as crowded.  I actually take concern in writing this blog for fear of this place becoming over crowded for that wonderful happy hour. Happy hour prices are only good at the bar of the two tables in the bar area.  Sit anywhere else and no such luck on pricing.  Trust me, sit in the bar area!!!!!!

To start with there are select beers for $3 and wines for $5.  But then we get to the food.  Order any two items and it makes a dinner.  Most items are only $3.  The $5 items are crab cakes and burger.  Feel free to pass, these are boring items compared to the $3 menu.  So at our table we ordered a fish taco which had a large piece of fish and was packed with Mexican goodness including beans, sprouts, and avocado.  Another member of the table ordered the mussel that were sitting in a chili lemongrass broth that you could eat like a soup.  It came with about a dozen mussels for $3.  Personally I had the chicken taco.  It was perfectly cooked chicken, black beans, cheese, avocado, sprouts, and deliciousness in a flour tortilla.  On the side we split the orders between fried brussel sprouts and fried green tomatoes that were topped with a crisp apple compote.  The green tomatoes needed some salt, but other than that they were fried perfectly and tasted delicious.  You received 4 in an order...again for $3. 

I have seen many reviews on line regarding Sweet Melissa's most stating how bad the service is there or panning the food.  While I can understand some people may not like the slower service, the food has never disappointed.  I have gone for years for lunch, dinner, brunch and now happy hour.  The food quality is well worth the price- especially when you are paying $3 for a plate of mussels.  And for those who are Gluten Free they do offer some options!

My friends an I enjoyed the experience and look forward to returning soon to try some of the other items on the menu.  They also serve calamari and house cut fries for $3 each.  It is a great meal for a glass of wine, 2 plates, tax and tip is $15 out the door!  Now shhh...keep this little secret between us!

Weekend Brunch Johnny Mangos

A few weeks ago, after an early morning game of touch football, several members of the team were looking for somewhere to have breakfast.  We decided to go to Johnny Manos.  While we had all been there before for lunch or dinner, brunch was a new experience for us and it did not disappoint.

To start with I ordered the margarita of the day- jalapeno and cucumber.  It was delicious! One of my other companions orders a mimosa- this was not a one glass of champagne mimosa it was a full pint size glass.  But we were there for breakfast so let's move on.  We had a young child with us and he was happy with his happy beans and snagging some corn bread and other items from the rest of us.  I indulged in the smoked salmon scramble with the side of corn bread and home fries.  I loaded all of it with the green hot sauce, my favorite, and for under $8 it was a healthy and satisfying breakfast.   They have old staples live Huevos Rancheros and eggs and cornbread as well as various types of whole wheat waffles.  For those slightly more daring for breakfast they have a Vietnamese Rice Crepe folded over shrimp, mushrooms & sprouts; sweet and sour dipping sauce.  And as always they have their regular menu available during brunch. 

Johnny Mango's never disappoints.  They have great food, great prices, and the quantity matches the quality.  It is always changing and unique, yet you could order the same thing each time and be completely satisfied.  I actually want to go back and try a different flavor margarita and maybe some pineapple granola whole wheat waffles.

  I have some Gluten Free friends and this is a Gluten Free Friendly Restaurant.

Lava Lounge

So another adventure in Tremont. I love Fat Cats happy hour so decided to check out their sister restaurant on the other side if Tremont, Lava Lounge. The happy hour is not as good but there are still some solid deals.

They have multiple items for $3-7 each. I was with a friend and we ordered the wings, burger and goat cheese. The wings had 5 in an order and with a spicy Asian inspired sauce. They were a good size and cooked well. The burger was just ok. We ordered it medium and it was well done and not juicy. The meat tasted a little old as well. I would not order it again. The goat cheese was delicious. Nice herbs and crust with a spicy chopped tomato garnish and perfect crostini. I would order 3 of these next time.

The drinks were ok. Creative but nothing special. The bartender was friendly and attentive. For two drinks each and enough to call it dinner our bill was about $25 each including tax and tip. It was an affordable enjoyable night.

The last plus is their happy hour goes until 8 so no need to rush out of work.