Amy's On the Bay: Elegant Dining & Delicious Seafood - Port Orchard, WA 98366


Lemon Drop Cocktail
 


Grandpa Casey's Seafood Feast
The view from our table.
The windows lift up in the summer to let in the breeze.

The other night my husband and I were in the mood for trying a new restaurant.  I had previously noticed television commercials for Amy’s On the Bay, and after viewing their menu online, we decided to check it out.  As we wound our way through the streets of downtown Port Orchard, we realized that we had passed this restaurant many times without noticing.  The restaurant is tucked away behind other buildings along the main street in order to provide a beautiful view along the Puget Sound.  After turning into the parking lot, I could definitely agree that Amy’s has the best view of the bay from downtown Port Orchard. 

Upon entering, we immediately took in the wonderful scent of fresh food being cooked in the kitchen as the hostess politely asked, “Would you like a table with a view tonight?”  Absolutely!  After being seated, I immediately noticed a delightful drink menu and decided upon the Lemon Drop cocktail.  A few moments later, I was sipping on my drink and taking in the beautiful bay views.  Amy’s view is quite breathtaking.  Our salads arrived soon thereafter, and I was quite pleased with the presentation.  Even the carrots were expertly sliced in curly waves floating atop the salad greens. 

After studying the menu, I noticed a grand array of different types of fish entrees, which piqued my interest.  My husband ordered Grandpa Casey’s Seafood Feast, and I decided upon the two-piece Alaskan Cod Seafood Basket.  The fish arrived in a mouthwatering display of fresh and hot seafood.  Our favorite!  The server politely explained each of the types of fish, and then left us alone to eat to our heart’s content.  The fish was fabulous.  We are happy to announce we have found our new favorite seafood restaurant on the west side of Puget Sound, Amy’s On the Bay.  According to my husband, the jumbo prawns were some of the best he has ever had.  I was also impressed by the selection of sauce samplers that were brought complimentary to our table during our meal. 

Overall, the restaurant was extremely clean with fresh modern décor, and the staff was polite and friendly.   I left Amy’s with a grin on my face, a full tummy, and a thankful heart that we finally found the seafood restaurant we had been missing. 

Critic’s Note: Look out for summer.  Amy’s has outdoor seating.  Get there early once the weather warms up because the great seats won’t last for long! 



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Café Spiaggia: Classic Sophistication Meets Grand Italian Cuisine – Chicago, IL 60611




A trip to Chicago must always include a meal at a fabulous downtown Chicago restaurant.  After all, if you have ever walked Michigan Avenue, it not only screams wealth with its architecture, but also true sophistication.  See below for a recent pal’s review of 
Café Spiaggia.  

Upon entering, the service was warm and friendly; even for us out of town sort of people.  The dress code was casual.  The hostess seated us by a large glass window with a nice view of Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan in the background.  Since it was only 11:30 central time on a Monday, we were some of the first guests to arrive for the day.  After being seated, couples trickled in, but the restaurant remained relatively uncrowded for a Monday.

First serving was warm bread and flat cheese bread with our choice of drinks.  Complimentary oil was offered on the table for dipping.  I had a salad first, which was quite amazing.  The Italiana came with curly endive, Treviso, frisée, red onions, and ricotta salata for nine dollars.  Next, I ordered the Ravioli, which was good, but a bit too pork tasting for me.  The Paste – Ravioli came with pork, ricotta, abalone mushroom, Granny Smith 
apples, rosemary, and apple balsamico for eighteen dollars.  The coffee was absolutely amazing and my favorite part of the meal.

Overall, would I eat here again?  In a heartbeat!  It was great.  We were treated very nicely. 

~~~Contributing author, Sara Smith 



Critic's Note: View Spiaggia's menu here.  

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Laurie Hamm: Prompt, Professional, & Courteous Realtor - Port Orchard, WA 98366

                                                      ("Laurie Hamm", 2012)


In light of the bottomless interest rates on mortgages, we recently decided to look into real estate.  As we have all heard in the news, “it’s a buyer’s market”, and it certainly is from our recent observations.  After scoping through several listings online, we sent emails to various offices and found a realtor that was not only available, but prompt as well.  Laurie Hamm of Reid Real Estate met us on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon.  We had originally called another office to look at houses, but found many realtors in the area do not work on Saturdays or by “appointment only”.  This was a bit disappointing due to the fact that we work during the week and often do not make plans ahead of time due to constant schedule changes for my husband’s work.  So we were more than happy to find a realtor that would meet with us on a Saturday with minimal notice and show us the ropes in the market.  Laurie not only came prepared with listing details and paperwork, but she was also on time.  I appreciated her follow up emails and prompt communication on the details of properties in the area.  She was also very knowledgeable about VA financing and qualifications for military families, which I found to be very helpful.  Together we combed houses and examined the pros and cons of every property that would meet our needs.  Thank you Laurie for your time and patience in our property search.  We appreciate your kindness and most especially the handwritten note in the mail.  I would highly recommend Laurie for your next real estate search in Port Orchard, WA and the surrounding areas. 

Critic’s Note: Laurie Hamm can be reached at (253) 278-5557 and laurie@reidrealestate.com.  View Laurie’s listings at http://www.LaurieHamm.reidrealestate.com


(2012). Laurie Hamm, realtor® "committed to excellence". Retrieved April 5, 2012, from http://www.lauriehamm.reidrealestate.com




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The Olympic Mountain Range - Washington



Every now and again Washington state has beautiful clear skies in the month of March, and this day was no exception.  As we passed over a hill on our usual route to the store, we caught a glimpse of the breathtaking Olympic Mountain Range.  Several other cars were also pulling over as I jumped out of my car and snapped this picture.  Far away, the mountains seem more like a blue and white snowy dream, but on a brisk spring day in Washington, it's worth waiting through the rainy season for this gorgeous view.  More beautiful pictures coming soon.

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Free Pie Wednesdays at Shari's - Washington

Peanut Butter Chocolate Silk

I know that I already posted a similar photo of this pie earlier in the month, but I just had to share this mouthwatering pie one more time.  Shari's offers free pie on Wednesdays with the purchase of an entree from 4pm to 10pm.  Don't miss your opportunity to try Shari's pie for yourself.  

Critic's Note: Send Shari's pie to your friends by clicking here.

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Hale’s Alehouse Restaurant & Pub – Silverdale, WA 98383


The bar



Finally, I have found a great restaurant that is clean, serves great beer, and includes homemade meatloaf on their menu.  All items served by Hale's Alehouse are made from scratch.  Deep fryers are not allowed in here!  My meatloaf was outstanding and very flavorful.  The waitress was attentive and friendly.  After I explained that I prefer wheat ales, she brought me a sample of their “El Jefe” Weizen Ale.  It is a smooth wheat ale with a touch of orange.  The "El Jefe" is similar to Blue Moon, but much better.  Overall, Hale’s was a terrific experience, and we are definitely coming back to try more flavors from their brewery.  This restaurant may be connected to the Kitsap Mall, but it is definitely not your typical mall restaurant.  Thank you Hale’s Alehouse for the tasty beer and scrumptious food.  See you next time!


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