A Couple Brazilian Treats...

It has happened. I am becoming my father. As long as I can remember, he has been taking his parishioners (he is a pastor) out for a day of boating, fishing and conversation calling it "work". I would always smile and say, "Sure Dad, call it what you want."

Just a couple days ago, I went out for cocktails with the girls and called it just the same; work. After realizing how many amazingly refreshing summer cocktails the various restaurants around Hilldale have to offer, I thought it only fair and helpful to you, my loyal readers, to search out the best of the best. This of course meant vigorous research on my part, many grueling hours spent sipping and critiquing. But I was willing to accept such a laborious task, if it meant that you, dear reader now will know exactly which bar stool to grab when craving a local brew or a chilled margarita...

With that said, I started at the Great Dane, one of my favorite spots at Hilldale. Yes, there's the ridiculously tasty food, great service and their famous house-brewed beer, but I have a more important reason for visiting...the Brazilian bartender, Filipe, (my secret crush) and one of the sweetest bartenders in the business. As if stopping in for a smile and great conversation is not enough, this charmer has also got his own signature drink...and a fabulous one at that.

It is called a Capiroska and it's one Brazilian treat you shouldn't miss this summer! Filipe starts by muddling sugar and limes in the bottom of a rocks glass before adding a lot of ice and sweet Reyka vodka to complete the cocktail. I heartily suggest you enjoy your Capiroska on the Dane's outdoor patio in one of their very comfortable loungers. Also, take a cue from me, grab some coworkers and find some way to call it work. Happy sipping!

Finding the Golden Ticket

Growing up, my mom used to claim I couldn't really be her daughter because I didn't like chocolate. I was a vanilla girl and proud of it. Over the years my tastes have changed and much to my mother's great delight I now adore dark chocolate almost as much as a new pair of heels. Almost.

This recent obsession is why I am excited to tell you all about the recent opening of David Bacco Chocolats here at Hilldale! Bacco has been one of Madison's most respected chocolatiers, most recently creating edible delights for Cocoliquot. Now closed, he has opened his own shop right here at Hilldale, and is creating quite the stir around the mall. After repeatedly hearing about the endless, beautifully-crafted sweets the shop has to offer, I was more than excited to go explore.

I was not disappointed. From the second you walk into Bacco's quaint little shop, it is impossible not to feel like a small child in a candy store. It is the refined wood finishing and glass cases of decadent chocolates that pull you back to reality and make you realize that you are no longer a child, and this is no kid's candy store.

I encourage everyone to stop in and taste a few (or all) of the exotic chocolates themselves. They might look too good to eat, but trust me, the experience goes way beyond the visual!

Spice Up Your Monday

It's the Monday morning after a beautiful weekend and, if you are anything like me, you would rather be back outside enjoying the sunshine and grilling some burgers. My suggestion is to spice up your Monday (or Tuesday or Wednesday...) by grabbing some Southwestern fare at Pasqual's over your lunch break. Already serving devoted patrons in two locations (on Monroe Street and in Verona), Pasqual's recently opened a new location at Hilldale. Serving up the best southwestern food in town (I highly recommend the guacamole burrito), Pasqual's is dedicated to incorporating original recipes that "brought the southwest to the midwest." Pasqual's Hilldale location also features Gallup!, their little jewel of a cafe that serves locally roasted Ancora coffee and a host of delicious, fresh bakery items. Now, along with your scrumptious lunch, you can scoop up a cup of some of the best coffee in town for a caffeine kick sure to get you through the rest of your afternoon.

P.S. When warmer weather arrives, you'll be able to sip Margaritas and dine 'al fresco' on their outdoor patio. Just one more reason to be excited that summer is finally on the way!