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Life in the DayngrZone

Serving up real-life adventures along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast one adventure at a time.

Date Night at Nu Asian Bistro in Jacksonville, NC

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We all have these restaurants we never notice until we’re on our way to somewhere else, right? Well, Nu Asian Bistro in Jacksonville, North Carolina, has been that place for me for quite a while now. From what I can tell, they’ve been open for almost 2 years now, but for some reason, they never come to mind when the hubby and I are fighting discussing where to go for dinner.

The stars finally aligned for me to try out Nu Asian Bistro when a good friend of mine invited us to a sushi dinner date. Turns out she had been there many times before, and it’s one of her go-to places! It was fate. Fate for a sushi date. Fate for a sushi date with some of my mates. Feel free to stop me anytime here.

Nu Asian Bistro in Jacksonville NC

Great Food and Deals

Now on to the good stuff –  We happened to go on a Thursday night which also happens to be one of their BOGO sushi nights! Finally, I could try different kinds of sushi without it costing me an arm and a leg. I’m usually a Shrimp Tempura Roll kinda gal (which, of course, I got because it’s my favorite), but I also got their Volcano Roll, which I was very excited to try. Both were AMAZING, and I almost couldn’t finish them both (I said almost).

Shrimp Tempura at Nu Asian Bistro

© Nu Asian Bistro

My Volcano Roll even looked like a volcano which I loved. I admired it for a total of 5 seconds before I destroyed it. Our friends got an undeniably large platter of sushi rolls that put my little plate to shame, and they loved their choices as well. If you don’t like sushi, they also offer many other dishes, including a special Thai menu that is out of this world. I’ll definitely be sampling that one soon. The hubs isn’t a fan of sushi, but he was super pleased with his Teriyaki Beef. I almost regretted not getting it, but we’re married so of course, I stole a bite or two or three.

As if the night wasn’t perfect enough with our BOGO sushi rolls, the dinner gods continued to shine down on us with $5 martinis… need I say more? There were four of us in our group, so we asked the waitress to surprise us with four different martinis. We spent the evening sampling almost their entire menu of martinis – Death by Chocolate, Sour Apple, Washington Apple – you name it, we probably tried it.

My Favorite Picks at Nu Asian Bistro

My personal favorite was the Lemon Drop Martini complete with sugar on the rim. The Sour Apple was a close second. This chocolate lover was sure the Death by Chocolate martini would rock my world, but I suppose I’m just not a big fan of chocolate with my alcohol. Martinis and sushi; this is my heaven, I’m sure of it! The service was great as was the atmosphere of this cute little restaurant. It’s complete with some nice, low lighting to really set the mood before you chow down on some delicious food.

Martini, Martinis at Nu Asian Bistro

Perfect Date Night at Nu Asian Bistro in Jacksonville, NC

We had a great time for our first trip to Nu Asian Bistro! Yummy food, great friends, good atmosphere – it was the perfect date night. I may or may not have had one too many martinis… But hey, who I am kidding, it was totally worth it. Word on the street is they have BOGO sushi rolls Monday through Thursday, and different drink specials pretty often! We’ll definitely be returning to NU Asian Bistro for my sushi fix, but also to try some of my other Asian favorites like Mongolian Beef or a Thai Stir Fry. YUM.

If you’re new to the area or a local and haven’t tried this spot yet, Nu Asian Bistro should be on your list of places to have lunch or dinner. You can find them the next time you visit Jacksonville, NC at:

Nu Asian Bistro
2100 N Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546

Loved this post? See more great finds along my Crystal Coast.

This guest post was contributed by Ragan Chambless. What are your favorite local restaurants in North Carolina? Do you have any places you love or haven’t gotten around to trying yet? I’d love to know what tickles your fancy so I can add some new places to my slew of places to visit. Help a sister out.

Celebrate National Donut Day with Dunkin Donuts!

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This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Dunkin’ Donuts

National Donut Day is right around the corner!

My kids love Dunkin’ Donuts, and if I’m being honest, I always have. When we lived in South Florida we had a Dunkin’ right down the street from us. We could walk there if we wanted to and often, as a teenager, my friends and I did.

Raising my kids in the same home I grew up in, they grew to love how close the local Dunkin’ was, and how it was occasionally a treat on the weekends for breakfast.

Much to our delight, our current home in North Carolina is also located quite close to a Dunkin’ Donuts store as well. We could easily ride our bikes there – and that’s something we should probably consider doing if I take into account how often the kids ask for donuts on the weekends! 

National Donut Day

Friday, June 1st is #NationalDonutDay. The perfect way to end the week, if you ask me. I’m collaborating with Dunkin’ Donuts on National Donut Day to make sure everyone gets a chance to celebrate by grabbing their favorite Dunkin’ beverage and a FREE classic Dunkin’ donut!

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Are you ready for #NationalDonutDay, June 1st? We’re getting the party started early! 🍩We’re happy to collaborate with @DunkinDonuts to give away 2 gift-cards! To enter, follow along, drop a comment below and tag a friend who’d like some donuts, too! (Giveaway open to U.S. Residents Only – Deadline to enter is May 31st @ midnight eastern) . 🍩 Best of all, we can all score yummy donuts! On National Donut Day, with the purchase of any beverage, you’ll get a FREE classic donut all day on June 1 (while supplies last) 🎀 . . . . #NCBloggger #NC #SouthernBlogger #FoodBlogger #LifestyleBlogger #TravelBlogger #RaleighBlogger #DIYBlogger #BeautyBlogger #StyleBlogger #StreetStyleBlogger #FashionBlogger #Blog #Blogger #Bloggerlife #BlogLife #BloggerStyle #BrandInfluencers #CLTBlogger #Donuts #Doughnuts #Donut #Doughnut

A post shared by NC Blogger Network (@ncbloggernetwork) on

Plus a few other NC bloggers are participating, too. They’re already enjoying their donuts and it’s been fun to follow along and see what everyone’s choosing.

Dunkin’ Donuts Giftcard Giveaway

If you love Dunkin’ as much as we do. Make sure you take a moment to enter the fun giveaway I’m hosting over on Instagram. Take a moment to swing by and enter for a chance to win a Dunkin Donuts gift card that you can use anytime – not just on National Donut Day.

Burgers and Cupcakes in NYC

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Fancy decorated cupcakes

I’m a sucker for a good burger and a delicious cupcake so when I found Burgers and Cupcakes in NYC I knew I had to try it out. You’ll want to, too! 

Burgers and Cupcakes

If you’re ever in New York City’s Garment District, be sure to stop into Burgers And Cupcakes for a burger and of course, a cupcake or two. I found this spot while on business in NYC and colleague and I gave it a try. The burgers were out of this world. Just phenomenal. So good in fact, that I was so eager to dive in, I didn’t snap a picture! I know, I’m awful, But it looked so good and tasted even better. 

The Burgers and Cupcakes Menu

They have a wide variety of burgers to choose from like their Turkey Burger, Veggie Burger, Grilled Salmon Palliard Burger, Lemon Grilled Chicken Breast Burger, Crispy Chicken Breast Burger, Portobello Mushroom Burger, and the traditional Beef Burger. They also offer a daily burger special, too. There are plenty of toppings to choose from and lots of options for sides, too. So good! My mouth is watering just thinking about this place. It’s become one of my favorite restaurants to go to whenever I’m in New York City. 

Berry Fizz

Raspberry Fizz Drink

If their burger selection was impressive, even more impressive is their variety of cupcakes that ill surely satisfy your sweet tooth. They offer daily specials and also offer some cupcakes that are decorated to celebrate the seasonal. As you can see, we were there close to Halloween (hence the decorations on the cupcakes) so I picked up a four-pack to bring home to the kids. They’re going to love them – guaranteed.

While ordering my burger, I couldn’t resist trying one of their berry fizz drinks. It was so cool and refreshing. It reminded me of a spritzer. I’ve got a plan to try to recreate them at home with my own mason jars. I’ll keep you posted if that ever happens!

FourCupcakes

2Cupcakes

Over the years, I’ve gone back to Burgers and Cupcakes many times and even had the opportunity to bring the kids. They loved seeing it in person. You will, too.

Burgers and Cupcakes NYC

Burgers and Cupcakes is one place you won’t want to miss for a casual bite and a cupcake (or two!) to go!

Burgers and Cupcakes
458 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(212) 643-1200

South Florida Summer Fun Spot

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South Florida Summer Fun Spot
 
Looking for some South Florida Summer fun, that will please the whole family and allow you to beat the heat? I’ve got a great recommendation for you! No South Florida summer would be complete without a trip to Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor. They’ve got the biggest scoops in town and it’s such a fun place to eat and bring the kids. 
 

One of Our Favorite South Florida Summer Fun Spots

Located in Dania Beach, Florida, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, Restaurant and Country Store has been a Dania Beach landmark for 63 years! Using the finest ingredients available and time-honored methods, Jaxson’s has attracted generations of faithful Ice Cream lovers. Bonus, they’ve got ice cream and air conditioning. Perfect after a long day of Summer fun at the beach.
 
Summer-Fun-Ice-Cream-Sundae
 
Jaxsons Sundae

Served with a sweet little American Flag

 
There’s never a shortage of things to look at while you’re there. Not only is it a fun old-fashioned ice cream parlor, but it also boasts one of the nation’s largest collections of rural American memorabilia, including a world-class automobile license plate collection. Plus, it’s the home of the original Kitchen Sink! What’s the Kitchen Sink? The Kitchen Sink (an original created by founder, Monroe Udell) is served up in a kitchen sink of his design. This ultimate ice cream creation features approximately one pound of ice cream per person, you need at least 4, and you choose your flavors!. Then they top it off with bananas, homemade whipped cream, mixed nuts, and lots of cherries. Then, just before it gets to your table, they add a sparkler or two. I’ve never seen anyone finish it and I’ve always wanted to order one. 
 
Jaxsons Ice Cream Parlor Decor
 

Nothing Says Summer Fun More Than Candy and Ice Cream

Jaxson’s reminds me of a place that was a little closer to home when I was growing up. Sadly, that place (Farrells Ice Cream Parlour) closed before I could ever take my kids there. But don’t be too sad for them. Jaxson’s is pretty amazing all on its own. It’s not just a place for tasty treats, it’s an entirely visual experience that might send your kids into sensory overload. From Beanie Babies to Jelly Beans, there isn’t much that your kids won’t love. And if I’m being honest, its as much fun for adults as it is for kids. 
 
jelly-beans-jaxsons-ice-cream-parlour-fl
 
They have plenty of kid-friendly options on their menu as well as items adults would enjoy, too. The portions are a good size so you’ll absolutely get your money’s worth. Even the hungriest dads will be satisfied.
 
Jaxsons Cheese Steak
 
Hot-Dogs-Summer-Fun

Do you see the size of that hot dog?!

 
For years, we’ve enjoyed Jaxsons as one of our favorite summer fun spots. I hope you will, too. If you’ve been there, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’re planning on going, I’d love to know that as well.

About Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour

For 63 years, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, Restaurant and Country Store has been a favorite Dania Beach landmark, attracting generations of faithful Ice Cream lovers.
 
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour
128 S. Federal Highway
Dania Beach, FL. 33004

(954) 923-4445

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like these other posts covering Florida, or these covering restaurants. Enjoy! 

A Visit to Shiver’s BBQ

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My kids, like many, aren’t all that adventurous when it comes to food. In fact, they’d probably eat peanut butter and jelly for every meal if I allowed it. That’s why it’s important to me to try to get them to taste different foods and experiment with different flavors. Granted, barbeque isn’t that exotic but for kids who only order chicken fingers and cheeseburgers whenever we go out, I figured I’d give it a go. They like chicken and burgers so why not?

Shiver’s Fried Mac and Cheese Wedges

This was our first visit to Shiver’s BBQ. We found it on our way down to Coral Castle. The restaurant is family-owned and operated in Homestead, Fl. and has been serving authentic hickory-smoked barbecue for over 50 years! Shiver’s specializes in slow-smoked meats such as baby back ribs, pork spare ribs, beef ribs, chicken, beef brisket, pork, and more. If you’re a big fan of BBQ, it’s worth a drive down to check out. I hear that it’s a popular stop to and from the Keys.
 

Shiver’s Jalapeño and Cheese Grits

While we were there we tried burgers, chicken fingers (of course), BBQ, fried mac and cheese and jalapeño grits. All of which were delicious. I’d never had grits before so I stepped outside my comfort zone, too. 

Overall, I’d say lunch was a parenting win. The place was family-friendly with picnic-style tables, and rolls of paper towels to keep even the messiest of hands clean. Kids enjoyed it and so did the adults. We’ll definitely be back when we’re in the area.

Visit Shiver’s BBQ in Miami

If you’d like to take your turn at trying Shiver’s BBQ in South Florida, here’s where you can find them. Enjoy! 

Shiver’s BBQ

28001 S. Dixie Hwy
Homestead, Fl 33033

(305) 248-2272

Pei Wei Does Social Media Right

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I love Pei Wei. Lucky for me, I have one in my neighborhood. Though the place is usually really great, the last visit wasn’t as good as it could have been. The food was great, service was fast but the place was super messy, there was no one cleaning tables, there were no napkins to be found and the booth seats were ripped. Ick!

spicy-thai-dynamite

I’m a huge social media enthusiast. I create and consume. When I go out to eat I snap photos to share on Foursquare and UrbanSpoon and I usually write a review or two when the mood strikes me. So, it was normal for me to comment on Foursquare about what my experience was during my last visit to Pei Wei in Miami Lakes. What was unusually surprising for me was that a few days later, Pei Wei reached out to me on Twitter to help make amends. Bravo Pei Wei! They apologized, noted my concerns and offered me a goodwill gesture.

pei-wei-gift

Pei Wei gets it. They do social media right. They monitor their brand mentions and act upon the findings. They didn’t have to reach out to me but they did. It’s so hard to find good service anymore, so I wanted to make a point to write about this. The fact that someone at Pei Wei took the time to go the extra step and reach out to me AND listen to what I had to say made all the difference. I haven’t had a chance to get back to Pei Wei in Miami Lakes yet, but when I do I’ll be sure to follow-up with a post. Thanks again, Pei Wei! The ten-dollar gift card is appreciated.

Bizarre World with Andrew Zimmern in Miami

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Airing tonight on the Travel Channel at 10 PM EST, Bizarre World with Andrew Zimmern in Miami! Yes, Miami! Andrew takes a trip down south, where he’s fitting in with Florida’s funkiest, and going from drag queen to drag racer overnight.

One of the first places Andrew visits is Miami’s only public VooDoo temple. There are a lot of misconceptions about voodoo. Their main belief is that there are no good or bad people, but that we all have the capacity for good and evil. Andrew watches a traditional voodoo ceremony with dances that lead to possessions.

Fifteen miles outside of Miami, there is an abandoned airport with miles of unused roads. The roads have been converted into Countyline Dragway. On Friday nights, Miami residents can race head-to-head with police officers. Countyline Dragway was created as an alternative to illegal street racing. Drivers can perform high-speed maneuvers in a safe and legal environment. Andrew to tests his driving skills against a seriously beefed-up police cruiser.

Legends about mermaids have been passed down by Florida fishermen for generations. The staff at Weeki Wachee Springs have been doing their best to keep the legends alive for 60 years. They have a team of 10 well-practiced mermaids who put on choreographed shows below the surface of a natural spring lake. They can be underwater for 30 minutes at a time, so they use pressured air hoses to breath during the show. The head mermaid provides Andrew with a specially made merman suit so he can give it a shot. However, Andrew quickly learns that being a mermaid is much harder than it looks.

Love Andrew Zimmern and Bizarre World as much as I do? Then be sure to stay in the know!

 

Connect with Bizarre World

Web: http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Bizarre_World/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/azbizarreworld

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BizarreWorld

P.S. Don’t miss this season’s exclusive missing scenes from Bali and Germany!