Center'd Things to Do Blog

Get the scoop on things to do with a little local flavor

Happy Hour Deals in Houston

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New Orleans Happy Hour Specials

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Boston Hair and Beauty Salon Deals

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Anaheim Deals During the All-Star Baseball Game

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Standing Offers at San Francisco Restaurants

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According to the National Restaurant Association, one out of five meals consumed by Americans are prepared in a commercial setting. This means that despite the economy, people are still enjoying their dinners. And now that summer is fast approaching (at times it may seem unlikely given the Bay Area’s temperamental weather patterns), people want to enjoy their lazy June, July and August days and explore the city.
However, eating out does cost money, and as much as we all love to do it, our wallets do not. Many restaurants in San Francisco are now offering various deals to mitigate financial worries, luring diners to their eateries. So if you are looking for San Francisco deals, be sure to check out these standing offers at various restaurants. Your wallet will thank you, and so will your stomach after you indulge in a delicious meal at a portion of the price.
40% Off Wine at Maverick: Every Monday, Maverick offers 40 percent off all half and full wine bottles. All of the wines are selected personally by Mike, the owner, and they are meant to pair well with any item you order for dinner. In addition, the servers are very knowledgeable and can help you maneuver your way through the wine list to find an appropriate one. Mondays are generally quieter for the restaurant, so look forward to enjoying a nice and leisurely dinner comprised of California and Southern food; and that inevitably means fried chicken. But this place is very small and tucked away into the Mission district, so it will likely be full anytime you go.
Whole Roasted Pig for $25 at Betelnut: Located in the Marina district, this place boasts Asian fusion cuisine, which means items such as firecracker shrimp, dragon dumplings, and spicy green beans. On Pig Out Tuesdays, there is an additional item not shown on the menu: A whole roasted pig. Beginning at 8pm, you can look forward to noshing on some tender and juicy pork. Paired with jasmine rice and green beans, you can get yourself a wonderful meal for two people for just $25, which is a deal considering the usual price levels. The Pinot Noir pairs great with the pork and is just $5 a glass for that night only, so take advantage.

Firefly 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner for $36: This Californian restaurant in Noe Valley has a range of foods fit for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. And the best part is that you, the diner, get to design your own menu for the night. From Sunday through Thursday, Firefly offers a three-course, prix fixe menu for only $36. All you have to do is tell your server which three courses you want, so you can assure that your meal is exactly how you like it, whether that means shrimp pot stickers, rustic chard lasagna, plum sorbet, or anything else on the menu. The restaurant’s getup is an additional plus; the candles placed in jam jars and white drapery create a quiet, whimsical atmosphere.
$10 Morning Prix Fixe Meals at Tacolicious: The Morning Bender is a $10 prix fixe menu that includes a shot of El Jimador Reposado tequila, a can of Tecate beer and a choice of a taco con huevos y rajas or taco tejano gringo. The Responsible Citizen is also a $10 prix fixe menu that includes a cafe con leche, agua fresca of the day and the same two taco options. You can’t go wrong either way; it merely depends on how adventurous you are feeling.

Fried chicken at Maverick

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Best Cupcakes in Pittsburgh

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While most major cities were quick to embrace the cupcake trend, such was not the case in Pittsburgh. In fact, it appeared extremely doubtful that the city would ever pick up on the craze. Statistics show that people here spend less money on food than in other cities, making it difficult to introduce a new food successfully. However, time proved that Pittsburgh was as willing to eat some cupcakes and soon boasted its own repertoire of shops. All these shops pride themselves on being local, so if you are looking for great cupcakes in Pittsburgh, do not miss out on these hometown favourites.

Coco’s Cupcake Cafe: One of the most well-known places in Pittsburgh, Coco’s is host to many local celebrities and artists throughout the week. The cute tables and banquettes make for a fun atmosphere where you can nosh on cupcakes. Flavors change everyday and can range from Dark Side of the Moon, Vegan Green Tea and Cinnamon Bun. There are traditional ones too such as Vanilla on Vanilla. Many of the cupcakes are named after nearby neighborhoods to capitalize on the local theme, and there is fair trade coffee to pair with your dessert. Since this is a cafe, there are other items on the menu; at night, it transforms into a dessert bar that serves dessert sushi. And if you find yourself overloaded on cupcake boxes, bring in twelve empty dozen-boxes and receive 50 percent off a dozen cupcakes.

Dozen Bake Shop: This is a local chain that has five locations, so you are bound to find yourself walking into at least one of them. The cupcakes here are dense, but they are so delicious that it is hard to stop yourself from eating more than one even though your stomach is full. There are over 25 flavors, with the chef’s choice on Monday that could be anything from Cosmo, Thai Iced Tea, Root Beer Float or Pancakes and Syrup. A glass of strawberry lemonade is an excellent refresher while you sit upstairs on the balcony. The entire shop has a whimsical feel to it with the red and blue color scheme and the various eggbeaters on the walls. Dozen also does catering so you can bring your favorite cupcakes with you to your next party.

Vanilla Pastry Studio: Located in West End, Vanilla Pastry Studio prides itself on using the finest ingredients, whether they be Madagascar vanilla beans or European butter. Everything is organic here, and you can taste the difference. The cupcakes remain moist throughout the day, and the icing is so fluffy that it simply melts in your moth. The shop also has a whimsical touch to it; there is pink everywhere and large chairs that are extremely comfortable to sit in and scarf down a treat. Some of the best flavors to try are mocha, praline, peppermint chocolate and coconut caramel. If you feel like you are on a cupcake overload (which is near impossible), you can try their other offerings like cookies and Lollys (desserts on a stick).

Sweet Tammy’s: This place is absolutely gorgeous. The stained glass door opens into an array of candy jars on the walls and a huge chandelier upon the vaulted ceilings. There is always jazz music playing, and there is free Wi-Fi so that you never want to leave. It is the only certified Kosher non-dairy bakery in the city, and the cupcakes are delicious. Every flavour is wonderful in its own sense, whether it be the apple spice with honey buttercream, lemon coconut snowboall, pumpkin pecan or zucchini ginger with Tofutti cream cheese icing. All the frostings are light and creamy; it is difficult to believe that such high-end products can be so fresh and innovative yet contain no dairy. All the cupcakes are finished with little icing decorations, and they are packed in individual boxes to enhance the homey appeal. The shop is located at Squirrel Hill, which prides itself in its local roots, and Sweet Tammy’s makes sure you get the full Pittsburgh experience.


Red Velvet cupcake at Coco's
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Happy Hour Drink Deals in Chicago

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Happy Hour began in the 1920s as a way for military sailor personnel to let off some steam when they were away at sea for long periods of time. It was to be a period of entertainment, filled with drinks, music and merriment.

Soon, Happy Hour began to take on a political role. To protest the 18th Amendment (which banned alcohol), citizens began to drink in small, non-restaurant venues. These places also served small bites to slow the absorption of alcohol so that customers could remain for hours rather than just a quick visit. Happy Hour became a way for friends, neighbors and co-workers to come together to discuss relevant topics over a beer or two and relax.

Today, Happy Hour is no longer politically charged, but the underlying purpose remains the same: to unite people in a common state of relaxation and contentment. And what better place to do that than in Chicago?

Downtown Chicago, known as “The Loop,” is home to a variety of Happy Hour locales ranging from sports bars to Irish pubs. Below are the top three in this area. If you are looking for Chicago deals, then be sure to take a look at all the drinks and deals offered!

$2.50 Burgers on Mondays at Poag Mahones: This Irish pub is marked with witty signs all over the walls that make for quite an interesting read. Listed as one of Oprah’s favorite joints, it does not disappoint with drinks or food. There are daily specials every day after 3 p.m., so check the Web site to find out what is good that day. But you can’t go wrong on Mondays when burgers are $2.50 and the portions are gigantic. There are frequent promotions on beer as well; you can get anything from a discount on Guinness to an entire free bottle. There is lots of street parking as well, making it an easy place to get to right after work.

Daily Beer Specials at Brando's Speakeasy: While this place advertises itself as a wine and martini bar, its Happy Hour says something different. Everyday, there are specials on beer: $4 Blue Moon and $2 domestic bottles on Monday; $3 imported bottles on Tuesday; $4 martinis on Wednesdays; $1.50 BPR on Thursdays; and $4 Bloody Marys and $5 chocolate martinis for “Rehab Sundays.” The drinks are inexpensive but strong, so watch out. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff to find what is best for you, as they are very attentive and helpful. While you are there, you can watch as people engage in karaoke, or you can just bring in a group of your own to try your hand at it.

$4 Goose Island Special at Monk's Pub: Established in 1969, Monk’s is an eclectic-looking place that draws in an equally eclectic crowd. When you walk in, be wary of the floor, for here it is perfectly normal (and in fact, encouraged) to eat peanuts and throw the shells onto the ground. During Happy Hour, there are specials on Goose Island for $4, and certain beers are available for $4 a pint. In addition, each month, there is a featured draught beer that is sold for $4, so you can keep trying new drinks as the year goes on.

$3 Miller on Wednesdays at Sidebar Grille: This sports bar isn’t in downtown, but near North Side, close to Merchandise Mart. However, it boasts some of the best deals when it comes to Happy Hour. There are specials everyday such as half-off appetizers after 7 p.m., 3-dollar Miller on Wednesdays and discounts on wine bottles for Ladies Night; the Web site has the full list of bargains. The martinis are very original with flavors like S’more, Samoa and Pumpkin Pie, but don’t let the names fool you, as they are strong drinks. Every Monday is trivia party day, and it can get pretty crowded. On game days, all appetizers are buy-one-get-one-free, and being a true sports bar, there are television screens everywhere so there is no way for you to miss the action. If you have a group of six, try to come early and reserve the round table right next to the front window, as it is the best seat in the house.

Photo credit: flickr cc drrt

Best Cupcakes in San Francisco

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Ever since Magnolia Bakery made its debut on ‘Sex and the City,’ an ongoing trend of cupcakes began. However, unlike other food trends, this one is still going strong. Instead of cupcakeries shutting down, even more are opening across the country, bringing with them fresh new takes on the traditional miniature dessert and drawing in more customers than ever.

It is uncommon for any culinary trend to persist more than a year. As new chefs and new gastronomic technologies appear, the foods of yesteryear tend to die out; the margarine mania of the 1950s and the comfort food craze of the early 2000s are proof of this. So why are cupcakes still around?

Simply put, cupcakes have something for everyone. They are small enough to not count as gluttony, they are cheaper than purchasing an entire cake and the flavour combinations are endless. All that is left is the pastry chef to put his or her own spin on them to make them unique.

Cupcakes have become an essential component in every major city in the United States. Here is a look at the patisseries that stand out in some of those cities, beginning on the West Coast. If you are looking for things to do in San Francisco (or things to eat!), here are the places you should not miss:

Kara’s Cupcakes: What began as a small catering venture has grown into a five-store business all around the city without sacrificing quality. It prides itself on using all-organic ingredients and refuses to sell red velvet because of the artificial food colouring. It is also certified green, as is proven by the utensils and cups for beverages. There is a sizeable variety of cupcakes ranging from java, chocolate velvet (the red velvet alternative), banana caramel and fleur de sel. But it is Kara’s Karrot that stands out with its silky cream cheese frosting. And while it may sound odd, a cup of Blue Bottle coffee is the perfect complement.

Miette: Meaning “little crumb” in French, this place specialises in just that - small, delectable desserts such as cupcakes. You will not find red velvet here, either, due to the artificial food colouring, but with the cupcakes and vast arrays of other confections available, you will not miss it. The selection of cupcakes is small, with only six varieties (Chocolate chocolate, chocolate vanilla, old-fashioned, yellow-lemon, gingerbread and carrot), so if you are in town long enough you might be able to sample them all. The best one is the chocolate chocolate, made with Scharffenberger, a local chocolate manufacturer. It comes in its own Chinese takeout-style box, a gold sticker seal and if you are lucky, a bright tote. And if you still can’t get enough, sign up for the monthly cake classes and learn how to bake and decorate them yourself.

Citizen Cake: Any shop that derives its name from Orson Wells must produce stellar cupcakes, and Citizen definitely does so. While there are other sweets available, nothing is better than their signature cupcakes that always manage to be moist and yet deliciously fluffy at the same time. Nearly all the cupcakes come with some sort of filling, so be prepared for an extra surprise as you bite in your lemon, pineapple, toffee-date or coconut cupcake. You can also get your red velvet fix here, but only during the Valentine’s Day season. The flavours change frequently, so you are sure to try something new each time you come, and it is one of the few pastry shops that is open until 10 p.m., making it a perfect place to satisfy a late-night craving.

Delessio: This is actually a full-fledged market, but the cupcakes produced in the bakery section are so famous and delightful that they cannot be overlooked. All of the cakes are miniature, making them a dainty dessert after a hefty meal in their market. Each one-inch beauty is satisfying by itself, but there are so many flavours to choose from that it is impossible to eat just one. Your best bet is to purchase a dozen of them so that you can try them all. The menu changes based on the monthly specials, but look out for combinations like orange creamsicle, ginger carrot, and Guinness chocolate; and make sure to try the salted chocolate at least once. There are two locations as well, so you have twice the mini-goodness as you roam the city.

That Takes the Cake: If there is any place that has perfected the cake to frosting ratio, it is here. Located in Union Square, the husband-and-wife team churn out cupcakes that sell out so quickly that you need to be there early if you might miss out on your favourite flavour. The staff is patient and will help you navigate through the creative combinations until you find your ideal choice. Names like the Alfred Hitchocolate, Opposites Attract, Prom Queen and Three’s Company conjure up memories of the past and have a nostalgic appeal about them. You can satisfy your red velvet craving here with the Gentlemen Prefer Reds or go traditional with the Blonde Bombehell. TTTC doesn’t waste anything, either, selling day-old cupcakes at half the price which are still just as delicious. Its claim to fame is the slew of liquor cupcakes that are offered during Happy Hour, ranging from mint mojito to white Russian. But get there are on time or there won’t be any left.





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