April 2014 ~ Adventures of The Foodaholic: New Shake Shack in Coral

Who doesn't love goodies?

Dinner at TGI Fridays' in Dallas

If you caught my Twitter and Instagram feed this past week, then you were probably wondering what the heck I was talking about when I said I was now going to be a Brand Ambassador for the old-school favorite restaurant TGI Fridays', Inc. As a matter of fact, I got a lot of friends and fans that sent me messages asking what that meant. So, I decided to write a post to tell you a little bit about it, and bring you up-to-speed on what's coming up.

So do you come here often?

Did you know TGI Fridays' invented
the loaded potatoes?

Sweet just as I like it

I was contacted about a month ago by the TGI Fridays' brand and asked if I'd be interested in being one of their Brand Ambassadors. I happen to love the brand and its world famous cocktails, so it didn't take much convincing at all. I'm sure you've all visited the restaurant at one point or another; whether to get some grub or hang out with friends. They're pretty hard to miss with hundreds of locations in over 61 countries, including the United States.

Once upon a time...

Cotton Candy and alcohol?
Sign me up.

Short Rib Tacos

The fun would start with a trip over to their headquarters in Plano, Texas (near Dallas) where a group of 8 bloggers from across the nation (including myself) would be immersed with information on everything we ever wanted to know about TGI Fridays', but were afraid to ask. Giddy with excitement, I donned my Donald Pliner cowboy boots and prepared to visit the place that made the term "Who shot JR?" famous.

My room kind of reminded me of a NYC loft

More drinks, more joy, oh boy.

Outdoor concert at the
Dallas Arboretum

To give you a few highlights of the kick-off event, we were whisked away from the airport in a black SUV to our cool-retro hotel, the Nylo, where a welcome gift from TGI Fridays' awaited us at the front desk. (Don't you just love those?) The rest of our evening included a cocktail-filled Happy Hour and a dinner tasting at a local TGIF in Dallas, where the chef explained all about the new dishes currently on the menu and the healthy approach TGI Fridays' is now taking in the preparation of their food. After we were all content to our hearts' desire with extremely satisfied tummies, we boarded our party bus and headed to the Dallas Arboretum for an outdoor concert that rocked - literally. The place is beautiful, by the way.

Jack Daniels Burger was unbelievable

Back at headquarters...

All of a sudden I want
to sing a Beatles song.

The next day was an intensive ride through the history of TGI Fridays', including a memory stroll back to the beginnings of the restaurant in 1965, where perfume salesman Alan Stillman opened the first location in New York City, as a place for singles to meet and unwind. (No internet dating during these times.) We reminisced through a gallery of pictures in the corporate office's lobby, capturing images of the first menu and the phenomenal evolution of the place. It was evident by the passion we heard from everyone we talked to, and the proud display of memorabilia, that TGI Fridays' has a deep rooted love for their product. By noon, we were all excited to check out their "Little Fridays" located inside the building, where we were treated to a lunch showcasing the drink and food items that will be coming out in their new September menu. Get ready for some impressive food that will make your Instagram feed an instant hit. Sort of makes your mouth water, doesn't it?

Coming soon...

Shake shake shake

Before we left for the airport, we got the opportunity to learn a few bar tricks from a finalist at their annual World Bartender Championship. Now that was a sight for sore eyes; watching me spin that mixer in the air. Not bad for an amateur though. After learning some more about the restaurant, it was time to board a flight and head back home to the 305.

Will work for drinks...Just learned the Figure 8.
Anybody hiring?

What will I be doing as a Brand Ambassador for TGI Fridays'? I'll be sharing all the exciting changes, new menus, and events with you guys for the next 12 months. Be prepared to see foodporn you would never have guessed was shot at a chain restaurant, and get a first look at "clean" dishes whose nutritional value and no preservatives approach will make your jaw drop. Next year will mark TGI Fridays' 50th anniversary so I'm excited to get the scoop on what goodies they may have planned and bring them straight to you.

Lots of surprises are definitely in store, so you better believe we're going to have some fun, you, me and TGI Fridays'. In the meantime, you don't have to wait till Friday to start the weekend vibes...just drive to one. "In there, it's always Friday". And remember, this Cinco de Mayo, grab your amigos and a Horny 'Rita at TGI Fridays' for only $5 for the entire month of May. I know, I know... I just gave you the best news of the day.

Back in February, I had the chance to pack an overnight bag and board the newest ship in the Norwegian fleet, the Norwegian Getaway, to take part in its inaugural sailing. I grabbed my BFF and we boarded the magnificent ship, ready to partake in an itinerary full of good food, great music and just plain old fun.

Bon Voyage

Gym

One of their dining spots

If you've ever sailed on Norwegian Cruise Lines, you know they offer a variety of exciting features. There are a number of restaurants to choose from on each ship with the option of free-style dining, plenty of entertainment, and the rooms are comfortable. With a passenger capacity of close to 4,000, the Norwegian Getaway is definitely a cut above the rest.

A look at the Promenade

Our room

Now that's what I call a welcome

We were impressed from the moment we boarded and saw the beauty of the ship. It has an open-air promenade that connects guests to the ocean while they are strolling the shops and figuring out where to stop for one of their many bites of the day. Our room had a nice balcony, which made it extra special to take in the view of the Magic City as it left the port. We arrived to find a welcome treat of chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us and we made it disappear rather quickly.

View from our balcony

Atlantic Crab Salad

Open Air Beef Burger

After touring the ship for a bit, we skipped over to one of the restaurants that was open for lunch. Fun fact: there are over 28 dining options to choose from on the ship, including Sushi, Italian, French, and Dim Sum.

Shrimp and Arugula Salad

Mr. Worldwide Himself: Pitbull

Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders

For those days at sea, there are five multistory waterslides kids of all ages can enjoy, including Free Fall, the fastest drop slide at sea. I didn't get a chance to use it but it looked insane. Instead, I got to move my hips to Mr. Worldwide who performed for us as the ship sailed, along with "El Rey de los Timbales", Tito Puente. Needless to say, I was in oceanic bliss and totally mesmerized listening to Pitbull tell me he was going to "take me home if he could...tonight". (What? That wasn't to me?) Dale.

Beautiful Pool and Waterslides

Trilogy of Sweets

Surf & Turf

When you sail on the Getaway, you totally have to dine at Illusionarium, a breathtaking dinner experience where world-class magicians transport guests to another place and time through their unbelievable illusions. We were transfixed by the show and the food was delicious. After dinner, we went to watch seven-time Tony Award-nominated musical Legally Blonde, and then headed out to experience the amazing fireworks at sea while sipping Mojitos.

Loved the Illusionarium

Thinking of stowing away over
breakfast

Party time...Fireworks
and then drinks & dancing

Seriously, I didn't want to get off the ship after breakfast the next day. Would you? However, we had no choice being that it was going to set off on its sail through the Caribbean, and sadly, we wouldn't be on it. That's OK though... there's also summer. In the meantime, I am going to practice the Bend and Snap I learned during the musical to see if it gets me the same results. Check out some more of my Photo Gallery of the Inaugural Sailing below.

Photo Gallery: