Vacation Time!

My first cruise experience begins with a flight from Phoenix to Tampa. I arrive to pleasant weather - much like AZ really. On the hotel shuttle I met a couple going on the same cruise as me. They were lucky enough to have been bumped to first class on their flight from Atlanta so they were already pretty happy :)

Check into my hotel and off for some food and beverage. Grillsmith is right next to my hotel and had good reviews. I start with a new beer - La Fin du Monde - and am pleasantly surprised by the hoppy yet slight fruity taste. I figure of they don't have Yuengling then I might as well go for the alcohol content of 9%!

My classic cheeseburger came more medium well than medium however was still tasty. The jalapeno mac & cheese side was good though I would make it cheesier. The green chili mac & cheese at Carlsburg Tavern in Scottsdale puts it to shame though. The prices are reasonable and surprisingly the portions are also! Not your typical American restaurant where one plate feeds at least 2 people!!

For my second beer I switched to Bells Ale. Very tasty - a bit on the lager side though not too heavy. It rounded out my meal.

LOL! Two guys at the bar - obviously scoping out the women. They seem to be regulars and have been chatting with the bartenders. The funny part...woman alone comes in, sits one seat away. The guy giving off the most "player" vibes says "For a minute I thought Rachel Ray came in!" The woman said "Oh do not say that!!" - on obviously either a tired comment or not what she considers a complent. Player 0, Woman 1. The bartender was smart enough to say he didn't see the resemblence.

Player trying to recover. Both male bartenders and I are amused. Woman still ahead as Player compares himself to Hugh Jackman (No!), Brad Pitt (still no!), and Prince William. Woman advises she could help him with better hair as she's a stylist. LOL! Dinner and a show, who knew. Upon closer inspection the woman is close to Cougar age and really working to get him a new hair style. Wish the light was better for a picture of this!!

The service was prompt and friendly. The food good and beer tasty (for those non beer drinkers there was a decent wine and cocktail selection). I would recommend Grillsmith if you are traveling through.

P.S. I just may spring for a massage on the ship after the flight and lugging my camera through airports!!