Day 6

Well we made it through the weekend beer free. It’s almost been a week and I must say it wasn’t too difficult. I’m sure I’ll regret those words at some point this year, but with only 51 weeks to go I’m feeling pretty optimistic.

Last night we passed the first of many testsl – dinner out. We kept it local and tried out the new Matchstick Grill in Largo. It opened a couple of months ago and bills itself as a “western restaurant”. They had pictures of cowboys on the wall and everything! If you want to read about their “Matchstick Concept” feel free to go to their slick new website –www.matchstickgrill.com.

The food was average at best nothing that would make me want to go back. I had a sirloin that was cooked decently, but was over all rather bland. My better half went with the “Margarita Mahi” that she said was pretty good (well the chipotle cream sauce that came with it was pretty good).

All in all it struck me as yet another unremarkable place to eat. It replaced a Durango’s that used to occupy it’s territory in Largo Mall. I wouldn’t say it brings anything new to the table. While it might not be a chain restaurant in name it did have the feel of a chain. According to the menu it’s owned by the Bullard Restaurant Group which appears to own a lot of restaurants based on the 6 minute web search that I just conducted. As you can see you get nothing but in-depth investigations on this blog.

Needless to say I don’t think we’ll be darkening their doorstep anytime soon. There are enough family owned and independent restaurants in the area to try. To be honest there are enough chain restaurants offering better food in the area as well.

During the dinner I did manage to cross off the first drink in the Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s and Party Guide.. kind of. Kind of you ask? Well thank you for asking. I ordered what they called “Grandma’s Sidecar”. It was Grand Marnier with a splash of lemon, a splash of lime and a sugared rim.

Mr. Boston’s describes a sidecar as having brandy, triple sec and lemon juice. So Matchstick takes liberty with the recipe which is probably why they get to charge $8.00 for it. As far as the taste…errr…well lets just say it’s not going to be my drink of choice from here on out. It didn’t help that the drink came out with salt on the rim instead of sugar.

So for now that drink is checked off the list, but may get another shot later in the year.