Q-Tips Reviews

Apollonia Mediterranean Grill– University Shopping Center, 8235 Cooper Creek Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34201, (941) 359-4816, www.apolloniagrill.com

Q-Tips say: We really liked: The complimentary olive mixture w/ olive oil and drizzles of balsamic vinegar and our appetizer SAGANAKI Opa…! Grilled Kasseri cheese flamed with brandy at table side, with grilled pita bread. Mrs. Q liked her entree: LAMB KABOB – A Kebabs on a skewer with onions and bell peppers, seasoned and char grilled & a cup of AVGOLEMONO – The famous Greek Chicken, Lemon & Rice soup. Mr. Q enjoyed his GYRO Sandwich – Slices of rotisserie Gyro on a pita with onions, tomatoes, lettuce and house made Tzadziki sauce. Served with hand-cut fries. The Fries were delicious. Our friends had the GREEK SALAD – Fresh lettuce garnished with tomatoes,olives, cucumbers, pepperoncinis, beets, green peppers, onion and Feta cheese with Gyro Meat. The other had: the Greek Chicken, Lemon Soup and SEARED SCALLOPS – Ocean scallops seasoned and pan seared served over creamy leek & mushroom orzo, with arugula vinaigrette mix.

The only disappointment was the Pita Bread. Mr. Q was unable to cut it for his Gyro Sandwich.
The Happy Hour House Wines and Drinks were good and very reasonably priced. Service was good and our server was appropriately attentive.

Mrs. Q says: GO on Weds. for $5.00 Saganaki.

The Fremont Diner – 2660 Fremont Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 938-7370,
thefremontdiner.com

Love going to off the beaten path restaurants and this is one of those places. We enjoyed breakfast at The Fremont Diner with “The Son” and “the soon to be favorite daughter-in-law.” Good, fresh, quality food (much of the food is locally grown), coffee, and service with a funky kind of ambiance. The owner originally opened “The Diner for locals”, but little would he know how fast the word spread and now people come from all over to eat here.

Will definitely go back for lunch/dinner when in the area.

Winchester Mystery House – 525 S Winchester Blvd., San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 247-2101, winchestermysteryhouse.com

Treated the “adult kids” to the Winchester Mystery House and had an enjoyable time. Children age, 7 and up, are allowed. Won’t say it is inexpensive but definitely worth it. You can buy discounted tickets on Groupon. Parking is free, and so are the walk thru Gardens. Of course, there is a Gift Shop and small restaurant. They have very knowledgeable tour guides.

The person who commissioned the mansion was a rich widow who was married to the heir to the “Winchester fortune.” “There are a few “ghosts” lingering here and there to add a little extra spookiness.” Stairs that lead to ceilings and many doors that lead to nowhere. No photos are allowed and, believe it or not, it is owned by a private party whose name they are not allowed to mention.

Mrs. Q says: Talk about someone who had so much money, did not know what to do with it and was not quite mentally adjusted as most. If in the area, see it. You will enjoy.

Ryde Hotel – 14340 Hwy 160, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, (916) 776-1318
rydehotel.com

Ryde Hotel Sun Brunch has a great selection of fresh food, seafood, meat, eggs, fruit, etc. along with Champagne Mimosas and other drinks along with musical entertainment. Voted in the top 5 places for Brunch in the Sacramento Area.

The Ryde Hotel was built in 1927 was an opulent establishment, complete with beauty salon and Historic-Ryde_Frontbarbershop, that served as a riverboat way station. It was also rumored to be a bordello. The lower level was a speakeasy, offering bootleg whiskey and jazz to a clientele in search of a good time.

There was even a trap door in the floor that allegedly opened to reveal a tunnel running under the road to a hidden doorway at the river’s edge. It’s not difficult to imagine the type of nocturnal activities that secret passageway has seen!

Speculation mixed with fact generated a good amount of notoriety that brought with it a certain cachet. The Ryde attracted celebrities of all types from President Herbert Hoover to local and state politicians to movie stars and mobsters. In later years the Hotel became a boarding house for the men and women who built the Delta levees and pioneered the area’s thriving agricultural industry. Over time, the Ryde has experienced many incarnations and owners including the Lon Chaney, Jr. family. At one point the name was changed to the Grand Island Inn. During the 1980’s it was even a rock’n’roll mecca!

Casa Nostra– 9217 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005, (831)609-6132
ristorantecasanostra.com

Mrs. Q says: Sounds like a restaurant you might find in Chicago, but not so. It is in Ben Lomand, Ca.

Nice place which has good food/a nice wine list. Service was good and has live entertainment. Our entrees consisted of LINGUINE ALLE VONGOLE.   They do not offer a “Children’s Menu” but will make half of anything on the menu and adjust the price or they ask if the child will share the adult’s entrees.

Went on Super Bowl Sunday and it was crowded in the bar area watching the game. The Vongole was a bit spicy for Mrs. Q but Mr. enjoyed it. Next time Mrs. Q will have the Carpacio and a Cesear Salad – her go to meal at Casa Nostra. It was great!    Go and enjoy! Mangia! Mangia!

Ophelia’s on the Bay – 9105 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242 opheliasonthebay.com Ophelia’s offers a Happy Hour Drink specials and Bar Bites between 5 and 6 – Only in the bar area. Their menu changes daily. They offer a $30.00 menu which other restaurants call their “Pre-Fix Menu.” The parking lot is very small but they offer Valet Service, which solves the problem.

Q-Tips say: A must try for “Special Occasions.” Located at the far south end of Midnight Pass Rd., Ophelia’s offers a beautifully romantic ambiance, plus we had great service, fabulous drinks, and great food with a slightly over-priced menu but worth it.

We ordered our drinks and enjoyed the warm bread and shared their great Caesar Salad.
Our entrees: New England Diver Scallops – A hearty serving of large Scallops with a delicious sauce, each topped with small pieces of bacon. The other entree was Red Snapper. Enjoyed both.

Despite the fact we thought it was a bit over-priced but worth it.  We would definitely go back for that “Special occasion” or to try their $30.00 menu or the Happy Hour and Happy Hour Menu.
“So many restaurants, so little time!”

Cortez Bait & Seafood Market –They have moved to:
12110 Cortez Rd. W, Cortez FL 34215 941-794-1547

Q-Tips say: Heard Cortez Village is drinking town with a fishing problem. Don’t know about the drinking part but they offer a seafood market and restaurant. The market offers fresh caught & frozen fish, shellfish, clams, sashimi tuna, etc. along with a variety of accompanying sauces, etc. The also have menu cards which have suggestions for cooking your fish. The Bait/Seafood Market has moved but the restaurant has not.

The restaurant has outdoor seating and a decent menu, service and drinks & OUTSTANDING Clams.

So if you are in the Anna Maria, Cortez Fl area, stop and and buy some fresh seafood to take home or eat at the restaurant. We have done both and enjoyed.

SUPERDOG Drive In -333 S Milwauke Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090, (847) 459-1900, superdawg.com

Q-Tips say: WE LOVE this Place. Been around for a long time. Began when a college student opened this restaurant to work his way thru college. Well the rest is history. The absolute best hot dogs, fries, drinks and service. They have tables to eat outdoors and also indoors. Most people drive up and order from their car like the olden days.

Mrs. Q says: LOVE this place! We had a Groupon, of course, and decided to order two Superdawg Hot Dogs (the juiciest creation of pure beef hot dog (no pork, no veal, no cereal, no filler) and a Whoopskidawg to take home. If you have never had their Whoopskidog, what are you waiting for? Christmas?
The Whoopskidawg is a char-broiled version of a Romanian/Hungarian, Polish sausage; basted in a special sauce, and served on a Whoopskiroll™ with grilled onion and a pickle. I was in Whoopski heaven! Soooo GOOD! Can’t miss Superdawg – it has two humongous HOT DOGS on top of the bldg whose eyes light up. GREAT PLACE to take the family, visitors or just go yourselves and enjoy. WE DID! Also has great Chile and small tamales.

The Cremer House – 6256 Hwy 9, Felton, CA 95018, (831) 335-3976, cremerhouse.com

Q-Tips say: We enjoyed it. They have a varied menu – small & big plates, Veggie Burger for those who don’t eat meat and Grilled Cheese, etc. The also have a good selections for the carnivores. Mrs. Q had the delicious Fried Chicken. Happy Hour is from 3 to 5. Nice selection of wines, beer and breads are made with organic ingredients. Also offer outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful weather. However, they don’t do take out – but should. Great for families/kids/couples.

This time the visit wasn’t as pleasant. Went for lunch and it was so so and a very loud server.