All American Diner, PCB

Outside the silver building is a sign that reads, "Steaks*Shakes*Pancakes." We went in looking for that diner experience and that's what we got. There was a nice breakfast buffet, which Larea and Nolan chose. Mom and I opted for "The Elvis" (ham and cheese omelet), and dad got some kind of breakfast sandwich on an English muffin.

For the most part, the food was good. Dad's sandwich had a tomato on it which was not really edible. Larea fixed that, though, by getting a fresh one from the buffet. Nolan had a waffle that was a little hard, but he scarfed down the pancakes. The omelets were bigger than we needed. LOL. But then, I don't think I've ever ordered an omelet that was smaller than expected. Mom and I could have shared one omelet. The only problem I had with the food was that the omelet was mostly egg, and I am not an egg fan.

Other than the food, the decor was what you would expect in a 50's style diner. I was not pleased with the cleanliness though. The bowl on the table that housed the creamer and sugar substitutes was dirty and there was something on the creamer cups (coffee or syrup maybe). The floors was dirty and in need of sweeping, with scrambled eggs resting under the table. It really looked like Robert Irvine should come in any moment and shut the place down for an overhaul. Dad even made the comment that he would be scared to see what the kitchen looked like.

But... with that being said, the food WAS pretty good. I don't know if I would visit there again, but it satisfied our hunger and everyone else seemed to really like it.

Pineapple Willy's, PCB

Smile Big. Eat Big. Drink Big.

That's the motto, and that's exactly what we did. We had these huge 24oz to-go cups filled with tropical mixes of rums, tequilas, and juices. Fill 'er up! Nolan had his own tropical drink and loved it. The food was just as good as the drinks. Mom and dad shared a bucket of ribs with the Pineapple Willy's signature barbeque sauce and pineapple slaw. They seemed to enjoy their dinner nearly finishing the entire bucket. Rea and I got the grilled chicken, which was also quite tasty. 

The best, though, was where we sat. We decided to go with "first available" when putting in our name at the hostess stand. After waiting about 15 minutes, we were seated outside at the end of the covered pier overlooking the Gulf. The warm breeze blew through as we talked and laughed and just enjoyed each others' company. 

I'd say Pineapple Willy's is a great place to go have some drinks with friends... it's also a great place to bring a family.

Hungry Howie's Pizza & Subs

"Original, sesame, butter, poppy seed, rye, garlic, hot cajun, and butter cheese."

Well, those were the choices 15+ years ago when I worked my nights and weekends flipping pizza dough and cutting slices. And you know what... it hasn't changed much. They nixed the poppy seed and rye flavors, instead opting for ranch and onion flavors. Now, I have not tried the new flavors, but that's only because I LOVE the cajun crust. If I could, I would put that cajun seasoning all over the pizza and not just the crust. It's delicious. We ordered so much food the first time that we had left overs to take back. The pizza is pretty cheap and the flavor is pretty spectacular. 

So spectacular that we ordered it again a couple of nights later... this time we had it delivered to the room and subs were on the menu. They've tossed out the old cheese (the swiss-american combo), which I LOVED, and stuffed their dough with a three-cheese blend. It was good, but not the same. I'd still go for the pizza and the three-cheese bread! 

I miss the Hungry Howie's we had here in town and I'd gladly stop at any Hungry Howie's along my travels.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Pier Park

I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes. Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer. Well good God almighty, which way do I steer?!

Yeah, I was singing this song as I ordered my lunch while overlooking the pier in Panama City Beach. The breeze coming off the Gulf and the tropical drink in my hand just made everything perfect.

This makes the third Margaritaville restaurant we have tried out in the past couple of years, though we have frequented the one in Nashville a few times since it opened. Every time we find it amazing. The atmosphere is the most fun. If you can't make it to a concert, this has to be the next best thing. And for those of you who deny your inner parrothead, you have no idea what you're missing.

Dad enjoyed his hurricane (It's 5 o'Clock Somewhere), while mom sipped on her margarita. Rea even ordered a drink that tasted pretty great (Orange Crush). I cannot remember the name of my drink or what all was in it... but I know that I could not finish it. Yes, the lush in me had trouble finishing a drink a Margaritaville. It was so strong, really. My face turned really red and I got really hot (something about the way it hit my stomach, I suppose). Anyway, it was good before the reaction hit a few sips in. Nolan even enjoyed his own "kid beverage" while we waited on lunch.

 

After we finished lunch, we checked out the shop to see what kind of fun they had in there. Mom liked the chair and decided to lounge for a minute. Too bad we weren't "lounging in the lagoon" with all the other Parrotheads. 

Anyway... as far as reviews go, this place rocked it quite nicely. But then again, I wouldn't have expected anything less from a Margaritaville. 

Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Pier Park

You know that SIX DOLLAR BURGER that Hardee's says they're comparable to?? Yeah, this would be the burger from which they are referring.

I had the pleasure of munching on some yummy grub at a Five Guys Burgers & Fries joint in Pigeon Forge, TN sometime earlier this year. There were no complaints there, and since then we have been looking forward to the opening of our very own in Bowling Green.

Over the past week, my family has put our travelin' pants on and headed out yet again on one of our spontaneous trips. This time, we ventured upon Panama City Beach, FL. After arriving late in the afternoon, we needed to fill our bellies before heading back to the room to unload. Five Guys at Pier Park?! Heck yeah! We drove on down the highway until we got to the strip mall which housed Ron Jon Surf Shop, Rum Runner's, and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. The line was long, but not quite out the door... yet. Most all the tables were occupied inside and outside the venue. After ordering, we quickly grabbed a table where a group of four had just got up. The atmosphere was a little loud, but the workers were so quick rushing around behind the counter preparing meals for patrons.

The burgers have numbers on them that correspond to the numbers on the receipt. That made it easy to see which burger belonged to which member of our party. Let me just tell you... these burgers are huge. Mom was the smart one by ordering a "little burger." Everyone else ended up leaving at least three bites. And the small order of fries we each got were barely dented by the time we finished. We walked in hungry and left extremely happy.

I can only hope the one opening in our hometown displays the same excellence in service and food.

Just. Shut. Up.

I'm still on my soap box, apparently. But another text from Tweedle-Dumb just came in and it reminded me of a situation a friend of mine has been put in lately... so I just wanted to hit on this one for a moment.

When I say I'm done with a conversation, that does not mean I want you to continue blabbing on about things I care nothing about. It means I'm done. Why can people just NOT shut up?? I feel like there is some sort of mechanism instilled in their brains that keeps them going on and on.

Now, I'm a talker. My mom always calls me her chatterbox, especially when I come home from a trip. I just don't stop talking. But I have major issues with people who just don't know when to stop. There should be some kind of manual on how to deal with idiots that just don't get it. They exhaust me with their stupidity. I mean, can they hear the stupid coming out of their mouths?? Ugh! Just. Shut. Up.

Whatever... You're Stupid... I'm Done...

I've gotten to the point that I really cannot stand drama in relationships. I try not to have drama in my life and I try to stay out of other people's drama. But sometimes, I feel like the drama just follows me around.

So here's the beef of this sandwich...

I do not answer to anyone. I'm sorry if you thought I did, but you would be wrong! I say what I'm going to do. I make the decisions on who I see or don't see. And I'm the one of has to answer for the decisions I make. So please do not disrespect me by trying to tell me who I can and cannot talk to.

It really bothers me when you get into a relationship with someone and they are controlling enough to decide who your friends are. Grow up! Stop acting like you are 13. The truth of the matter is this... if you are secure enough in your relationship, you shouldn't have to worry about who your boyfriend or girlfriend is talking to and what they're talking about. If you cannot trust your boyfriend or girlfriend enough to have an adult conversation (about anything) then  maybe you should rethink your relationship. But certainly do not go telling me what I'm going to do. I'm not in your relationship. No way, no how. And I'll be damned if you pull me into your pile of BS.

I just wish people would realize how completely stupid they can be. I'm so over trying to be a friend to people who allow these kinds of controlling situations to occur. Why can we not be grown up enough to NOT cheat on our significant others? Why can we not be an adult and say "I'll talk to whomever I want, whenever I want because NOTHING is going on?" Seriously... if you have to have the conversation about who you can and cannot talk to, maybe you should have the conversation where you get up and walk out. I'm just so over this crap. I mean... whatever! You're stupid... I'm done.