Sabai - Yeah We All Need Some of What They Got

Enjoy Thai food? What about a tiki-like bar? Have you ever had a kick-ass Mai Tai? I mean one with lots of booze and none of the artificial sweet? What about sno-cones of the adult variety? If you answered yes to any of the above, then get yourself over to Sabai.

We sat at the bar and watched the bartenders work and listened to them jaw about vintage cars (think El Camino). We had a grand time.

The cocktails are heavy on rum, but also offer some fine tasting whiskies as well. We tried the Mai Tai because we were in a tiki bar. And over the top it was. Lots of rum, crushed ice, blue curacao with an orchid garnish. As pretty as the Caribbean sea. I'm sure the Pacific is just as stunning.  Next time I'll be aiming for the sno-cone.

The food was also tasty and reasonably priced. The fried calamari was plentiful and crispy with a lovely fish sauce.

The Basil Chicken with Fried Egg was slightly spicy with peppers, onions, and eggplant. The dish was so big, we took half of it home and enjoyed some wonderful leftovers the next evening.

Great place. Fun atmosphere. Ya gotta go.

Nightbell in Asheville

We stopped by Nightbell for a cocktail before dinner. This speakeasy bar and restaurant is the little sister to Curate (which we did not get to try).

The decor is eclectic with accents of turquoise.

And while we had bourbon and scotch based cocktails, the most popular and eye-catching concoction was definitely the Cold Roses.

Rose-infused Tito's vodka, St. Germain, lemon, soda, berry ice, and lavender foam. And garnished with dried rose petals. Wow. We sampled a bit of the lavender foam and it was divine.

A Brief Taste of Rappahannock

Oh, Rappahannock. Your sister introduced me to Virginia oysters, but you turned me into a fan. I am now an Old Salts fan and a true believer. Thank you for showing this middle-aged woman the true deliciousness of a raw Virginia oyster.

And then there is the cocktail menu and the awesome bartenders. I am completely smitten.

The bar is large. The vibe, upbeat. Go experience it for yourself.

Cheers!