I'll Drink To That...

Rhode Island and Nearby Massachusetts has some wonderful restaurants.  And it's always nice to accompany a good meal with a refreshing cocktail.  Here are a few of my favorites!  

Strawberry Martini - Cheesecake Factory

You can't go wrong with a Strawberry Martini at Cheesecake Factory in Providence, especially if Angela is tending bar.  Spring Rolls and Avocado Egg Rolls are a delicious accompaniment. 

Espresso Martini - Cafe Itri

Michelle and James make awesome espresso martinis at Cafe Itri in Cranston, RI.  They have a secret, (Godiva chocolate liquor) but don't tell anyone.  The food is consistently excellent and I LOVE their arugula salads.

Scorpion Bowl - Quan's Kitchen

Shrimp Tempora - Quan's Kitchen

Beef Satay - Quan's Kitchen

Quan's Kitchen in South Attleboro, MA has fresh Chinese food, outstanding sushi  and Cindy our waitress provides impeccable service.  Danny makes fabulous scorpion bowls!  All in all, a perfect night out.

Key Lime Martini - home recipe

A friend gave me the recipe for a killer key lime martini which I adjusted a bit to my taste.  The secret to this is the Ke Ke liquor, which is a key lime cream liquor.  It is not sold in RI, but luckily we can get it in Massachusetts.

Key Lime Martini

2 1/2 oz vanilla vodka

2 1/2 oz Ke Ke Liquor (key lime cream liquor)

2 1/2 tbsp pinapple juice

1 tbsp light cream

lime slices

crushed graham cracker crumbs

Serve in a rimmed martini glass rubbed with lime and dipped in crushed graham cracker crumbs.

Grape Martini - Zooma Restaurant

This grape martini was spectacular, however I think it depends on who is tending bar.  The second time I went, the martini was not as good and quite honestly, the food is so-so.

Salem Witch Martini - Rockafellas, Salem, MA

A tasty treat at Halloween, you can't go wrong with a Salem Witch Martini at Rockafella's in Salem, MA.  The place is always hopping and the food is consistently great!

Pomegranite Margarita - Longhorn Steakhouse

L-R - Wild West Shrimp, Firecracker Chicken Wraps, White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms

Longhorn Steakhouse features a terrific Pomegranite Margarita on their drink menu.  Longhorn has many locations, but the bartender in Warwick, RI served mine with a watermelon sugar rim and it was total perfection. We had these with appetizers including the White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms and Wild West Shrimp, which is shrimp made like fried calamari.  The Firecracker Chicken Wraps looked better than they tasted.

Margaritas - Cancun Restaurant, Johnston, RI
  

Warm Bean Dip - Cancun Restaurant

Flan - Cancun Restaurant

Cancun Restaurant in Johnston, RI has an extensive menu of margaritas.  Their mexican cuisine is fantastic.  They serve a complimentary warm bean dip and salsa with chips.  We always save room for their delectable flan for desert.

So if you're in town, be sure to check out these great places.

BOTTOMS UP!