Cheers, Westchase!

Cucumber 'Rita at Outback Steakhouse

Each week "Cheers, Westchase!" helps you kick off your weekend, highlighting either a beer, cocktail or wine you can find right here in the neighborhood.

Cocktail fads may come and go, but the margarita’s popularity has remained steady since its invention. This week for Cheers, Westchase, it's a margarita with a twist from the "Outfront Bar" at Outback Steakhouse. The Outfront Bar is new a concept that combines a bar and a kitchen, right out front, in the middle of the resaturant. Chefs prepare bar food and hand-crafted cocktails in the center of all the restaurant. The Cucumber Rita features: Fresh cucumbers muddled with basil and lime juice, Patron Silver Tequila, and agave nectar. I reccomend pairing it with their Avocado and Crab Stack Appetizer. Margarita Fun Facts: Whether it's Cinco de Mayo or de Deciembre (December), it's never a bad time to celebrate with one of Mexico's favorite …

• Photos (2)

Cheers, Westchase!

The Golf Club Features Simulated Golf Courses, Sensational Martinis

Each week "Cheers, Westchase!" helps you kick off your weekend, highlighting either a beer, cocktail or wine you can find right here in the neighborhood.

The Golf Club is a new bar in Westchase, in the location formerly known as Big Daddy’s. I can say without hesitation that it is a veritable golf lover’s dream, but it also has plenty going on that makes it appealing to non-golfers alike. Inside this chic and contemporary bar are four theater golf simulator rooms that can fit 12 guests (in comfy leather seats), an indoor/outdoor patio, an enormous wrap-around bar, and a martini list to rival any downtown bar. Enter the Cheers, Westchase pick of the week: the Orlando Encore Martini. This vibrant azure cocktail features Three Olives vodka, Malibu Rum, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and Chambord. What's in the name?  "I originally developed the recipe as the signature cocktail at my wedding," …

• Photos (3)

Cheers, Westchase!

Blend Lounge Introduces Pumpkin Pie Martini And New Menu

Each week "Cheers, Westchase!" helps you kick off your weekend, highlighting either a beer, cocktail or wine you can find right here in the neighborhood.

Finally! We're in the thick of fall season, which is the best time of year to enjoy a cockail outside on a patio Here's a drink that will surely get you in the autmun spirit: the Pumpkin Pie Martini at Blend Lounge. What's in it? Shaken with ice, then topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, the result is a creamy, pumpkin flavored delight -- like a slice of pie in a martini glass! Tonight (Thursday, November 8) Blend is holding a Menu Release Party from 8-10p.m.  Come dressed to impress and ready for some fun.  They will be giving  samples from their new menu, complimentary wine tastings, drink specials and more. Also, if you purchase two menu items and receive a different fall delight: a free shot of Finlandia Vodka, infused…

• Photos (2)

Cheers, Westchase!

Outback's New "Out Front" Bar Concept Brings New Drinks, Dishes

Each week "Cheers, Westchase!" helps you kick off your weekend, highlighting either a beer, cocktail or wine you can find right here in the neighborhood.

Typically in "Cheers, Westchase!", we focus on locally-owned small businesses serving up unique wines, beers and cocktails. Today we veer off that path, if but for one day, and highlight a behemoth in the restaurant industry. But the reason for doing so is actually some really cool local news: Did you know that the Citrus Park Outback Steakhouse is the exclusive location in the country featuring the brand new "Outfront Bar?" Outfront Bar is new a concept that combines a bar and a kitchen, right out front, in the middle of the resaturant. Chefs prepare innovative bar food and unique, hand-crafted cocktails in the center of all the action. If you visit the Outfront bar, be sure try the new Blackberry Mojito. With a deep purple-y hue, the …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

Surf Shack's Red Margarita to Benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Each week "Cheers, Westchase!" helps you kick off your weekend, highlighting either a beer, cocktail or wine you can find right here in the neighborhood.

Cheers, Westchase!

Black and Blue Martini at Blend Lounge

Each week "Cheers, Westchase!" helps you kick off your weekend, highlighting either a beer, cocktail or wine you can find right here in the neighborhood.

This week, we said enough with the wine -- and headed to Blend Lounge for a brightly-colored cocktail that will help get you through the mid-week monotony. Enter the Black and Blue Martini. In the mix? Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, made from freshly picked oranges. Essential orange oils from the fresh fruit are mixed with wheat spirit and distilled to achieve the signature vibrant citrus flavor. Add some Chambord Liquer, Blue Curacao, equal parts sour mix and cranberry juice and you've got yourself one delicious beverage.  Tart, sweet and garnished with a sugar rim, this is a must-try martini and perfect for a ladies' night out. When choosing the perfect food pairing for this cocktail, the sky's the limit -- because when you're hanging at …

• Photos (3)