Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 07:51 PM
I’m feeling so much better! 
I’m not 100% quite yet, but my fever is gone and my energy level is almost back to normal. I still have a runny nose, but the head-cold pressure is mostly gone. An early bedtime is on the agenda for tonight, so hopefully, some quality rest will help me make a full recovery by tomorrow.
The BEAUTIFUL weather also made me feel much better! 
When Mal got home from work, we took Murph for a long walk around the neighborhood. We walked and talked and soaked in the sunshine. It was nice.
Gorgeous weather obviously calls for flip-flops! 
Dinner
Mal and I worked up an appetite after walking with Murphy for more than an hour, so we headed to Finian’s for dinner.
Finian’s has been on my “Need to Try” list for years now. Everyone who I have talked to about this restaurant has raved about it, so I was excited when Mal suggested it for dinner tonight.
Finian’s is a restaurant and pub with an “old-fashioned” vibe. You won’t find funky entrees or trendy cocktails, but Finian’s serves up some quality, homestyle food.
Tonight, the dinner crowd seemed to be mostly families and retirees. Mal and I were easily the youngest adults in the whole place– although, we felt totally welcome! Finian’s has an extensive menu of mostly American-style, comfort food at very reasonable prices.
Our meal started with dinner rolls and corn bread muffins. I ate one of the corn bread muffins and Mal ate the rest!
After we ordered our food, Mal and I filled out our brackets for March Madness. This year, we’ve decided to strategically diversify our efforts so maybe we can win some money!
For dinner, I ordered the salmon salad (in honor of last Friday’s “For the Health of It” event 
). The salmon was very tasty with a buttery, herb-crusted seasoning on the outside. It was tender and “meaty.” I ate every last bite of it!
I was pretty impressed when this salad was served to the table. It was huge, but also packed with veggies– tons of tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, red onions, and sauteed onions.
Now, Mal and I are watching American Idol and eating ice cream. Aren’t you suppose to feed a cold?
Enjoy the evening, blog friends! Normal blogging to resume tomorrow.
G’night!
Posted by: Tina
Posted in: restaurant
Tags: Finian's Restaurant, Quincy
Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Andy’s birthday get-together at Big City was such a blast! It was so fun to see everyone, drink a few beers, and celebrate together.
When Mal lived right down the street, I used to go to Big City all of the time, but I haven’t been back in ages. I’m glad that I had a chance to visit again last night. I forgot how much I liked spending time there.
Big City has 40+ draft beers. Sweet!
After checking out the menu of beers, I chose a Mad Elf Ale, which was a combination of cherries, honey, and chocolate malts. The flavor was sort of fruity and spicy. I liked it a lot.
Happy birthday, Tebo!
M & T.
The group ordered a bunch of appetizers to share, so I munched on a few nachos and a bite of a cheese-stuffed pretzel. I LOVED the cheese-stuffed pretzel! It tasted like a super cheesy grilled cheese sandwich with sea salt. It was awesome.
And, of course, the night included plenty of shenanigans.
Yay for puffy coats!
After the bar, Mal and I chowed down on some late-night snacks at home. We broke into a bag of Uncle Jerry’s pretzels and Salsa Con Queso Cheddar Dip. At least they were somewhat healthy, right?
It was such a yummy combination, especially after drinking 2 beers! I ate, like, a million pretzels + cheese dip.
Breakfast post coming soon. I made something especially delicious this morning!
Posted by: Tina
Posted in: Uncategorized, restaurant
Tags: Allston, Big City, Mad Elf Ale, Salsa Con Queso Cheddar Dip
Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Tonight was all about good friends, good times, and good food!
I’ve definitely said this before, but I love, love, love The Publick House! It might just be my favorite restaurant. And, it’s even more amazing when you can enjoy it with a group of friends.
Mal + Tina.
Beth + Corey.
Dave + Marie.
My first beer of the evening was a Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine.
Ever since the Black Beer Affair at Gordon’s Wine and Liquors, I’ve been sort of obsessed with barley beers. The ones that I tried at Gordon’s were smooth and sweet, but the Bigfoot Barleywine was pretty bitter. I didn’t love the beer, but I drank it anyway. The Publick House has a strict “I didn’t really like that beer” policy, which, of course, I always obey.
For dinner, I shared The Publick House’s Famous Mac and Cheese with my husband. The Mac and Cheese was made with orrechetti pasta in a five cheese sauce with pieces of bacon mixed in. Omg, it was delicious and, oh, so cheesy!
I also dominated the paper bag French fries. My favorite!
My second beer of the evening was a Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout, which was nice and smooth with hints of chocolate and coffee flavors. Mmm! I enjoyed this beer a lot!
Right now, the guys are up watching the Olympics, but Beth and I are already in our PJs and ready for bed. We’re such old ladies, but we have another fun-filled day ahead of us tomorrow and we need our beauty sleep!
Goooood night!
Posted by: Tina
Posted in: restaurant
Tags: Black Beer Affair, Brookline, Famous Mac and Cheese, Gordon's Wine and Liquors, Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine, The Publick House, “I didn’t really like that beer” Policy
