Food: On the Bone, Wyndham Hotel, Andover, MA

August 30, 2012 -- On the recommendation of AP (remember him from San Diego?  He's terrorizing Andover too!), he said that I needed to try On the Bone at the Wyndham Hotel.  With anticipation of yet another stellar meal, a coworker of mine, let's call him Papa Jim, and I visited the restaurant a couple of weeks ago.  Well, let's just say I didn't share AP's enthusiasm.

First off, I can say that we didn't have very long to wait for a table.  Now I know Tuesday night isn't a big dinner night, but me and Papa Jim arrived around 7:00 PM and there was NO ONE in the restaurant!  Needless to say, we were seated immediately.  After sitting and ordering our drinks, we both turned our attention to the menu.  The prices are ridiculous and this is coming from someone whose company is paying for meals!  We both had to calculate how much we could spend (and our per diem is generous) before ordering.

Being known for its steaks (it's not called On the Bone for nothing!), I figured a good steak was in order.  I ended up getting a NY Strip steak for $29 and Papa Jim ordered a scallops dish.  The waitress first brought us our salads, which were probably the best part of the meal.  The salads for cripe's sake!  The bread that was brought to our table was hard and not to my liking.  Finally, the main entrees arrived.

My steak was fine, but it had too much fat and grizzle for a $29 piece of meat.  It was OK, but for the price and reputation I expected spectacular.  Nope.  The vegetables were fine but the baked potato was hard and not fluffy.  Again, this might sound knit picky, but when you spend over $45 for a meal, it better be good.  I was very disappointed.  Even Papa Jim's meal was below average and overpriced.

AP, I know you liked the place, but I can't justify the cost.  Too expensive, even for per diem.  Maybe that's why there was no one in the place.  I'm all for giving second chances to places, but the only reason why I would give On the Bone another chance is because someone else is paying for it.  Sorry.

Food: Sushi Restaurants, Andover, MA

August 30, 2012 -- If you had read any of my San Diego posts, you know that I love sushi.  With that in mind, I set out to find sushi restaurants that can compete with their West Coast brothers.  Not an easy task to live up to, since sushi arrived and thrived on the other coast before coming here.

My first sushi bar I visited was Mootone Fine Japanese Cuisine.  I went with two co-workers, Donna and Sue, and we had a great time.  I still believe that sushi places in La Jolla and San Diego were better, but I did like the California rolls and rainbow rolls, as well the Beef Negima.  Not bad, but still below SD.

The next week I visited Kyoto Japanese Restaurant.  This place had sushi and traditional Japanese and Chinese food.  It also had a hibachi area if you wanted to partake in that arena.  My coworker enjoyed the beef teriyaki and I had my traditional rainbow rolls.  I liked this place better than Mootone, just because of their wider menu.  Still nothing compared to La Jolla!

The last place I've tried is Thyme Japanese Cuisine and I really like this place! From what I gather it's a new place in town with a sushi bar, restaurant, and hibachi.  The sushi is fantastic, the atmosphere nice, and the wait staff very attentive.  Plus, it's just around the corner from the Merrimack Valley YMCA, so I can easily get there after my workouts.  And, don't let this get around, it rivals my West Coast sushi joints!

Be sure to check out these places if you're in the Andover area and are looking for good sushi.  Enjoy!

Food: Longhorn Steakhouse, Tewksbury, MA

August 29, 2012 -- I don't usually blog about chain restaurants but I have to put my two cents worth for the Longhorn Steakhouse in Tewksbury, MA.  I drive to work early Monday morning, work all day, and go to the Merrimack Valley YMCA after that, so by the time the workout's over I'm starving!  The Longhorn Steakhouse is right next to the Residence Inn where I stay, so it's the easy choice for dinner.  The steaks are always good as well as the seafood dishes.  I've had the filet mignon, prime rib, salmon, trout, you name it!  All the dishes have been great and I have no complaints.  Sara, the bartender, is starting to notice that I'm a regular, even though she did just come back from a honeymoon in Aruba -- and still recognized me.  I must have a face you can't forget!  :)

If you're working up in the Andover/Tewksbury area, I'd give the Longhorn Steakhouse a try.  The place does get pretty busy around dinnertime since there are a lot of local businesses in the area, and the bar is smaller than I'd like, so be sure to give yourself some extra time.  See you there!

Sports: The Red Sox Reset

August 28, 2012 -- You knew I had to weigh in on the happenings in Boston after the mega-deal went down this weekend.  To be honest, I think this is a good deal for both sides.  The Dodgers, fresh with billions of dollars to spend (or so it seems) have put together even more pieces to their championship puzzle.  The Red Sox relieved themselves of about $260 million of unproductive salary.  Now, let's see what happens.

In my opinion, Ben Cherrington is blowing up Theo Epstein's vision in Boston.  Hey, don't blame John Lackey, Adrian Gonzalez, Dice-K, and Carl Crawford for taking the Sox' money -- I would have too!  Now, Ben is putting his stamp on what should be his club, though one could argue that the ownership group (i.e. Larry Lucchino) calls the shots.  However, after last season's epic collapse and this year's unproductive start, it seems that ownership is giving Ben a chance to start over and clearing salary space is the first step.  As for the prospects Boston received in return for the big name stars, time will tell.  As with most prospects, not all of them reach the big leagues and become stars, but this situation is different.  Don't get me wrong, if Boston couldn't find a way to clear so much salary space, then this deal would make no sense.  Just don't expect miracles to happen until 2014.  And don't expect Bobby Valentine to be around much longer after the season; he wasn't on Ben's short list if you recall and the GM will want to work with HIS handpicked manager and staff.  (Jason Varitek maybe ...)

As for LA, well they remind me of another favorite team of mine, the Washington Redskins.  Dan Snyder acquired the Skins several years back and he immediately went into a free agency buying frenzy.  Bruce Smith and Deion Sanders happily took the money Mr. Snyder offered, but the franchise went nowhere.  Sure there was a lot of fanfare and tickets were sold, but the team never advanced in the playoffs very far and have become a cellar dweller way too often. Only until they smarted up, traded three first rounders and a second rounder for Robert Griffin III (RG3) do they have a chance to succeed (sounds like a reboot of Boston proportions.)

Can the same happen in Los Angeles?  The new ownership group invested over $2 billion dollars to acquire the club and they are determined to make a big splash, to rejuvenate the franchise, and bring the fans back to the ballpark.  In one tumultuous season, the Dodgers have traded for Hanley Ramirez, Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino, Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, and Carl Crawford (forgive me if I missed anyone!)  We're talking mega-millions here folks!  Their desire is obviously to win now and with this team they should at the very least make some noise in the playoffs.  But as history tells us, nothing is for certain.  What should worry the fans is what's going to happen a couple of years down the road when these bloated contracts hinder the club to go after more players and rebuild, which all teams need to do in time.  Unless, of course, they "have a plan."  I'm not sold on that idea, other than the win now scenario I just mentioned.

At the very least, this trade has given baseball something new to talk about, a new "Evil Empire" on the West Coast, and a very interesting post season to be.

Fitness: Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover/North Andover, MA

August 22, 2012 -- Being on travel again, I knew I needed to find myself another new fitness regiment.  That said, I looked about the Andover area for a YMCA and was pleased to find the Merrimack Valley YMCA of Andover/North Andover. I have utilized their reciprocal program with my home YMCA of Newport County, RI, and all has worked well.  Now, I will admit that I will always feel that the Newport County YMCA is the nicest Y I've been to, but I'll agree that I'm biased.  So, if I rate that Y and A and use that as my benchmark, then the Merrimack Valley YMCA of Andover/North Andover is a solid B.  In comparison, I'd rate the La Jolla YMCA an A-, so this place is pretty good.

There's plenty of fitness machines, a free weight room, group exercise classes, spinning, yoga, pool, basketball court, decent locker room, and a lot less elderly people than in La Jolla!  My only gripes are that their equipment is a bit dated and could definitely use an overhaul, and that there are no running routes that can come close to Newport, RI.  However, I'll be starting a new TRX Training routine when their next session begins on 9/4.  Next week they're making upgrades to the facilities, so maybe their rating will go up to a B+!

All in all, I'm very satisfied with the place, it's a short drive from work and my hotel, and I get my much-needed workout every day.  Couldn't be happier!

Lodging: Marriott Hotels, Andover, MA

August 22, 2012 -- Well I've been working up in the Andover area for the better have of five weeks and I'm starting to know my way around.  The first thing I needed to do was to find a place to stay and being a Marriott Rewards member I looked for the right Marriott hotel.  The first week I stayed was the Courtyard Marriott in Andover, MA.  Not a bad place, but a little out of the way of everything.  Knowing that, I looked for something a little better for my subsequent weeks.

Not too far from where I'd be working is the Residence Inn in Tewksbury, MA.  This place is far better!  The rooms have a kitchen, living area, two flat screen HD TVs, and bedroom with a king size bed that's separated from the rest of the living quarters by sliding doors.  And if you know me, you know that I get acquainted with the right people.  Victoria Ashworth, Marriott's Director of Sales, was kind enough to book me for the next eight work weeks, in the same room!  It's like my home away from home!  If you need to go on travel or if you're looking for a place to stay north of Boston, give this place a try.

NEWS: Reports from Andover, MA

August 17, 2012 -- With my blogs about San Diego finally behind me, I can now start blogging about my latest work assignment area, Andover, MA.  Over the next couple of months I'll be writing about places I've seen and visited in hopes of helping those out that might be heading to this area for work or pleasure.  Check in from time to time, I'm sure I'll have plenty to say!

Nightlife: The Gaslamp District, San Diego, Day 26

July 13, 2012 -- "All good things come to an end."  That's a quote that we've all heard, and when I hear it I make sure I make the best of the situation.  With tonight being the final night in San Diego, me, Enrique, and Rocco hit the Gaslamp District.  Of course the first place we went to was the Rockin' Baja.  Did I mention before that we love Brooke?!?  Once her eyes locked on us, she started pouring the beers!  Being Comic-Con weekend, we saw plenty of sights, including the Zombie Walk down 5th Avenue.  Keeping in the spirit of the day, Brooke made me where a crown with horns -- how could I refuse.  I told her that if I needed to wear the crown, I wanted a picture with her.  Nice shot, huh?

Believe me, I hated having to leave my favorite spot in San Diego, but you know the phrase.  I said goodbye to Brooke, Drew, and Jay and vowed to be back sooner than later.

We ended our night at the Searsucker one last time where we saw Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots.  I tried to get his attention -- I was even wearing a Patriots shirt, just look at the picture above! -- but he was too busy heading to his table of friends.  I didn't recognize any other pro athletes and I'm not one of those guys that gets all stupid when it comes to celebrities and athletes.  At least Rocco saw him as well and confirmed that we had a celebrity sighting.

With a 6:30 AM flight out in the morning, I headed to the Residence Inn in La Jolla for my last quiet night in one of the best places I've ever been.  Twenty-six days went by faster than you might think, but it was time to come back home to RI.

Food: Yummy Maki Yummy Box, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 25

July 12, 2012 -- It's the second to the last night in San Diego.  I've chosen to lay low, get my final load of laundry done before flying home (a suitcase full of dirty clothes is not a good thing) and get some sushi.  I called Enrique, he comes out to dinner every night and he's NOT on per diem, and we went to Yummy Maki Yummy Box.  I found this little hole in the wall last time in La Jolla and I make sure I stop by for Rainbow and California rolls all the time.  Enrique didn't know about the place and he lives in La Jolla!  Not to sound like a broken record, but I needed to come here one last time.  Now, I head to bed and await my last night downtown ...

Food: The Spot, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 24

July 11, 2012 -- The days are winding down ... sadly.  Knowing that the last night in San Diego will in the Gaslamp District, I needed to go to La Jolla Cove one last time and check on my seals.  But before checking up on my flippered friends, I called Enrique and we went down Prospect St. to The Spot.  I've been to The Spot a few times and it's a reasonably priced, sports bar-like restaurant.  I had a nice meal and a ridiculous slab of five layer chocolate cake.  Enrique once again picked a wonderful dessert -- he's never seen a flambe he didn't like! -- then we left to check up on the seals.

I love downtown La Jolla, Prospect Street with all the eclectic shops and boutiques, the perfect sunny weather, palm trees, and exquisite views.  We strolled along the Ellen Browning Scripps Park, taking in the rolling waves ...

 until we came up to the Cove's main attraction -- the seals!

Though it was my last time here on this trip, I won't be my last time ever.  I fell in love with La Jolla and the next time I come I'll be bringing the family.  Bye for now seals, take care and watch out for Great Whites!

Sports: 2012 MLB All-Star Game, San Diego, Day 23

July 10, 2012 -- Being a huge baseball fan, and fantastic knuckleball pitcher myself, there was no way I was going to miss the MLB All-Star Game.  The nice thing about being on the West Coast is that you get to go home around 9:00, after the game is over.  The bad part?  The game starts at 5:00!  I told Rocco and Enrique to meet me at the Tilted Kilt -- where else do you think we'd go? -- and we made it just in time to see Justin Verlander give up five runs in the top of the first inning.  I didn't give the National League a prayer in the world to beat the AL's formidable line up.  Boy was I wrong!  Not only did the NL squad win, they shutout the AL 8-0!  Surprising doesn't even begin to tell the story!  At least the wings were great, the clams were fresh, and the waitresses looked great.  See:

Unfortunately, this would be my last time visiting the Tilted Kilt while in San Diego on this trip, but you bet I'll be back some day!!!

Lodging: Residence Inn, La Jolla, San Diego, Day 22

July 9, 2012 -- The end is near!  I checked out of the Manchester Grand Hyatt for the last time this morning and after work I checked in to my home-away-from-home, the Residence Inn in La Jolla.  I really do enjoy staying here; it's quiet, central to everything in the San Diego area, next to the La Jolla YMCA, and not as noisy as being downtown.  Don't get me wrong, being in the Gaslamp District has its advantages, but when you realize that most people at the hotel are on vacation and you need to get up at 5:15 AM to get ready for work, it makes for a difficult combination.

Sadly, this is my last week in San Diego, so I need to see my spots one last time before I go.  I called Enrique, who lives in La Jolla, and we went to the Rock Bottom restaurant to catch the Home Run Derby at the 2012 MLB All-Star game.  I frequented this place many times since it's walking distance from my hotel.  They serve a great spicy shrimp and chicken jambalaya, which I had to have, and washed it down with some local brews.  The Home Run Derby was entertaining, but we made it an early evening; 5:15 AM comes pretty quick!!!

Food: KC BBQ, San Diego, Day 21

July 8, 2012 -- After spending almost three hours at Point Loma, I was starving!  Right across the street from the Manchester Grand Hyatt is the Kansas City Barbecue.  This place serves the best barbecue ribs and pull pork sandwiches in the city.  However, the establishment's claim to fame is that the dive bar scene filled in Top Gun was shot here!  The decor hasn't changed since the '80's and it's a quaint place to visit.

With lunch taken care of, I needed to hit the laundromat again.  Get It Clean was the spot once again, and I was able to reach Enrique for a drink afterwards.  With my belly still full of pulled pork, Enrique and I found a local watering hole called True North.  Not a bad place if I do say so myself!  Alas, it was a Sunday and I needed to pack since I would be leaving downtown San Diego for La Jolla once again ...

Events: Point Loma, San Diego, Day 21

July 8, 2012 -- Everyone kept telling me that I needed to go to Point Loma while I was out in San Diego, and being a Sunday with nothing else to do, I figured this would be as good a day as any to take in the sights.  I was not disappointed.  Point Loma is on the opposite side of San Diego Bay and climbs about 400 feet above sea level.  There's an information center with a lot of history about the lighthouse that sits at the top of Point Loma, the Cabrillo National Monument, and the Point Loma Tide Pools.  Parking for the national park is only $5 and your receipt is good for a week, so money is not an issue here!

I went to the information center first to get a feel of what was around the national site.  The views from here are unbelievable.  I did my best to get a shot of me with the city of San Diego behind me.

I then walked over to the Cabrillo National Monument.  Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to step foot on the West Coast back in 1542.  The monument in his memory might not look all that large, but you can see it from just about anywhere in San Diego.  I recall being able to see the monument from Pacific Beach and Coronado as well as downtown.

Next, I visited the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.  It's amazing to think that a man and his family operated the lighthouse from 1855 to 1891.  The picture of the beacon doesn't do it justice -- it's huge!

After the lighthouse visit, I walked the trails that gave me a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the huge kelp forests that slosh around the sea.  The colors were unreal, better than can be seen in the photos, again!

Finally, I drove my car to the Point Loma Tide Pools and walked around the area.  Once again, I was amazed by the beauty of the landscape and ocean.

If you're in San Diego, be sure to make a stop at Point Loma, it's well worth the trip!

Sports: Padres vs Reds, Petco Park, San Diego, Day 20

July 7, 2012 -- There's nothing like going to the ballpark, but Petco Park is truly something special.  Rocco and I went to cheer the Padres against the Reds.  We had $20 seats in the 300 level, but take a look at the view we had.

This marked the fourth time I was able to catch a Padres game while staying in San Diego.  Though the Padres lost again -- I haven't seen them win yet! -- I was able to see the Reds phenom, Aroldis Chapman,  close out the win for Cincinnati.  He struck out the side in the 9th inning, with his last pitch hitting 102 mph on the radar gun.  Unreal!

Food: Gaslamp District, San Diego, Day 20

July 7, 2012 -- It was nice to sleep in this morning, especially after such a fun night!  I didn't want breakfast food, but didn't feel like fajitas or hamburgers either.  Whenever I'm feeling that way, shellfish is usually the answer.  Luckily, down the boardwalk of Seaport Village rests my destiny -- Joe's Crab Shack!  You really can't go wrong with steamed crabs, now can you!

Having my fill of seafood, I took a stroll along the harbor.  Get a load this, for lack of a better word, yacht.  That's a helicopter sitting on the helo pad on the back of the vessel.  The picture doesn't do it justice; that boat was big!

Later in the day, I met up with Rocco for dinner before heading out to the Padres game.  We ate at Henry's Pub on 5th Avenue.  The food was great, I had a chicken dinner, and we were able to sit outside in the nice, warm San Diego air.  After dinner, it was game time!

Nightlife: Gaslamp Bars, San Diego, Day 19

July 6, 2012 -- We love Brooke!  Rocco and I started our Friday night at our favorite watering hole, The Rockin' Baja.  Brooke served us ice cold beers with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes!  It's nice to know that the staff at the Rockin' Baja make you feel like you have a home away from home.  Love you, guys!  The shrimp fajitas filled our bellies -- a must since you need something other than beer in your belly for a night out in the Gaslamp District!  We bid Brooke, Drew, and Jay goodbye, promising that we'll be back again soon, and decided to check out some more hot spots.

Half way up 5th Avenue is the Searsucker, and eclectic bar and restaurant that caters to the young, chic professionals, like us!  Me and Rocco quickly took a liking to the place, grabbing some pints of local brews and mingling with the crowd.  You know those times when you're just "on"?  Yeah, this was the night!  Having an outgoing personality has its upside and me and Rocco made friends with just about everybody tonight!  If you're looking to meet some pretty people, drink fresh local beers, and sample some fine cuisine, the Searsucker needs to be on your list.

After spending a few hours at the same bar, Rocco and I decided to leave and check out a new place.  I was feeling fine, but Rocco was getting a little wobbly.  Across the street was another of our new staples, the Barley Mash.  We crossed the street and found a line wrapping around the corner waiting to get into the place.  I looked at Rocco and said, "We're not waiting in this line!  Come with me."

I walked up to the front of the line, approached the bouncer, and said, "I've been here the last five of seven nights.  I really don't have to wait in this line, do I?"

The bouncer asked, "Who else is with you?"

I jerked my thumb in Rocco's direction.  "Just him," I said.

The bouncer unclipped the velvet rope, waved us forward, and said, "Come on in!"  We walked in,to the chagrin of the others in line and without paying!  Rocco was dumbfounded and kept saying, "I can't believe we just walked right in!"  Enrique and AP would have been proud!

Alas,we lasted only about a half hour; Rocco had had enough, let's leave it at that!  All in all, it was a great night.  Boy, do I love the Gaslamp District!

Food: The Yard House, San Diego, Day 18

July 5, 2012 -- Man, are we tired!  Ever since AP left we kind of ran out of steam during the week, but that doesn't mean we sit in our hotel room!  Enrique took the rest of the holiday weekend to visit friends and relatives in San Francisco, leaving me and Rocco to fend for ourselves.  Rocco was a bit tired still, so I looked for food solo.  The first night sans Enrique found me heading to one of my favorite restaurants, The Yard House.  Again, with tons of beer on tap, how can you really go wrong?  As with my other visits to the Yard House, the Jambalaya was excellent and the beer was cold.  If you're in San Diego, get here if you can at least once, it's worth it.

Being a Thursday, and without Rocco to hang with, I decided to call it an early night, for the weekend was right around the corner ...

Event: Big Bay Boom Fireworks, San Diego, Day 17

July 4, 2012 -- After a successful sail on Mission Bay, we all went to the Tilted Kilt for wings, beer, and kilt viewing!  To be honest, we just needed some solid food and the Kilt did the trick.  We then said goodbye to Raul and Natasha, and after a few hours we found ourselves back at the Rockin' Baja for beers and Brooke! Our favorite bartender kept pouring the beers, which is what we love about her!  Alas, nighttime had come and it was time to head to the Seaport Village to see the Big Bay Boom fireworks.

OK, the Big Bay Boom was supposed to be a simultaneous firework display from five barges strategically placed in San Diego Bay.  It was hyped to be an unbelievable fireworks display, costing over $400,000 to put on.  Did you hear about this?  Five minutes before the show was supposed to begin, a software glitch triggered ALL the fireworks to go off at the SAME time!  The "show" lasted 14 seconds, leaving us all to wonder what the heck just happened!  After twenty minutes of waiting for the real show to begin, we and the rest of the crowd were told that the show was over!  What a bummer.  This looked like it was going to be a really good fireworks display, but nada, zippo, zilch!  Better luck next year!

Event: Sailing, Mission Bay, San Diego, Day 17

July 4, 2012 -- Happy Fourth of July!  To be honest, I'm a little bummed since I'm on work travel over the biggest holiday in my hometown, Bristol, RI.  The Fourth of July in Bristol isn't just a one day event, but lasts a good week before and barbecues and parties last long after.  In RI, it's the unofficial kickoff of the summer, so I was sad to miss all the events with my friends and family.

To forget about all the fun, parades and fireworks I'm missing, Enrique, Rocco, and I were invited to go sailing on Mission Bay with, let's call him Raul and his wife, hmmm, Natasha!  Enrique and Raul were a little confused on where to park, the place was packed!

Fortunately we found a parking spot right in the marina, and while we waited Raul secured our sailing vessel!

We all made it to the docks safely and began our two-hour tour of Mission Bay!  Raul was our well experienced captain.

Me, Natasha, Raul, and Rocco on the Bay!

Even Enrique assumed the helm for a bulk of our trip!

All in all, a great day was had by all.  Thanks Raul and Natasha!!!!  After a fun time on the water, it's off time find some grub!

Food: Rockin Baja, Nicky Rotten's Bar & Grill, San Diego, Day 16

July 3, 2012 -- Rocco was STILL tired from his cross country endeavor and early morning lab shift, so we decided to make it an early night the day before the Fourth of July.  We went to the Rockin Baja to start the night, as usual, and Brooke was tending bar with a smile on her face!  I'm really starting to like her!!!  After a few beers and shrimp fajitas, which are awesome if I might say, Rocco and I left our favorite place behind and trekked up 5th Avenue of the Gaslamp District.

Looking for a new sports bar to catch the Red Sox game, we found Nicky Rotten's Bar and Grill a few blocks up the street.  Even though we had just eaten, the smell of buffalo wings clinging in the air got our stomachs going again.  Yup, they were good!  I just wish the Red Sox could have played as well.  Either way it was a nice evening and we got to sleep in with the holiday tomorrow.  Ah, tomorrow ...