Martinis and Macaroons?! Yes, please.

So if you’re around and about in the downtown Wilmington area and it happens to be Thursday night you have to go to Caprice Bristro sofa bar (when you walk in, staircase is to your right).  It’s over by Kilwin’s where Market and Water Street meet.  Can’t miss it.

They have $5 martinis (normally $9) and each martini comes with your very own macaroon.  OMG.

Charlotte, Samantha, and I indulged tonight.  I had 2: my old standby, a mint chocolate martini followed by a beautiful orange creamsicle-esque I-can’t-remember-the-name-of-it-but-it-was-really-good martini.  It’s the only orange one on the menu, you won’t be disappointed.

The best part of the night?  It’s all happening.  Samantha is going on a mission trip to the country of her dreams, Italia, in October.  I have good vibes about this.  Charlotte found an amazing guy (so far, it’s new) which is more of a Mr. Goldenblatt than a Mr. MacDougal.  Miranda’s got a second interview and if all goes well, she’ll be back in the Port City before the 1st leaf turns colors.

I don’t know what my next adventure entails – but in the meantime….I’m enjoying the glow from my friends.

Linx

I also made it to Sugar on Front Street – finally!  OMG, their frappuccino is to die for!  I think I will dream about it tonight.

And if you happen to be in Carolina Beach, check out this place on the south end of the Boardwalk.  It’s a great place to balance out all the saltiness of spending the afternoon on the beach.

I also picked up some of these for my flower bed at the farmer’s market.  My goal this week it get them planted and finish the last battle against greenbriers and stubborn shrubs along the driveway.

Attack of the amazing sandwiches in downtown Wilmington

I am not a critic by any means, but I do want to draw attention to some fabulous eateries downtown ILM….

Wayfarer Delicatessen
Tucked away on Front Street, south of Dock Street, is this gem of a place.  They have paninis and sandwiches of all sorts, something for every taste.  The menu is quite large for such a little spot.  Here’s a quick peek:

I went vegetarian with The Verduras Asadas – which means “roasted vegetables” in Spanish.  It was marvelous, one of the best I’ve had.  I traded in chips for potato salad (I’m nearly 75% German, I cannot resist der Kartoffelsalat!) for an extra $2.50 which I didn’t realize, but it’s printed several times in the menu, I was too distracted by the awesomeness of their food.  I was not impressed with the potato salad.  It was way too creamy for my tastes and I am hooked on The General’s family recipe, which is more traditional.  Oh, and the best part about all this European inspired fare?  The tax is included in the price on the menu.  Ah, so lovely.  I wish this would catch on in America beyond the gas pump.

Behold, The Verduras Asadas, in all it’s chlorophyllic glory!  The pesto did it for me.  I would eat drywall if it came with the pesto they used.

Chop’s Deli
After Bible study, I was looking for a new place to grab lunch.  My friend suggested Chop’s, over by the post office, also on Front Street. I decided to try it out.  I made a quick decision once I got there, all the choices were so good!  I didn’t know what to get!  I got one of their signature sandwiches, The Chicago.  The picture below only shows half the sandwich — the other half was eaten at this point.  My tastes are not used to medium rare roast beef, but it’s something I could get used to!  It was a very refreshing sandwich on a hot summer day in the Port City.  This place only takes cash or check, but luckily they have an ATM outside for those of us who only carry plastic.  I will totally go back.  And they have a veggie wrap, too!  Next time, Gadget, next time!

ILM

The other day, The General and I found ourselves randomly walking around downtown Wilmington and we found 2 very awesome spots that are new….to us.

First was Filthy Rich, a jewelry store on North Front Street that has authentic replicates of famous jewelry pieces, from the earrings Vivien Leigh wore in Gone with the Wind, to a necklace Jennifer Aniston was seen wearing.  It’s expensive jewelry in my book ($55-$100+), but the pieces were beautiful.  I especially loved the ring from Casablanca — it’s still my favorite movie.

The second one had been around for many years, Old Books on Front Street, but they have a new location and a cafe among all the stacks!  I had no idea a cafe, Sugar on Front Street, was in there!  They only use whole ingredients too!  I didn’t have the chance to experience a drink there, but it is high on my list of places to go.   It’s such a chill place and the people there are very awesome — and off beat.  They’re not pushy corporate drones, they truly know their craft and do it well.  The General was looking for a particular book and they were most helpful!  I have a few books still left on my summer reading list, but when I’m done, I’m heading back there!

 

Yum!

Today I had Italian ice for the 1st time ever! Despite the lack of rum, it was amazing! Rita, I shall return!