Blu Cantina

Atlanta is such a versatile city. I found a dope "Latin American Fusion" spot by the name of Blu Cantina, I feel everyone should visit them. From the outside of the restaurant you see the lively art on the building's walls. The vibe inside is mixed with a DJ booth, some space, a bar, and booths with a few tables inside and out. The food is great and they have a sweet variety and great prices. Music may make you change from a light bounce in your seat to a sweet stand up twerk... balance.

My go to drink at Blu Cantina every single time will be the Henessey Margarita. Now I know that Margarita is associated with tequila, but this cognac in there will give you a new outlook. Ask your server about a pitcher if you are 21. 

I went to Blu Cantina a few times while in Atlanta this last trip. My official introduction was with Kirstie and we had a nice array of delicious finger food. We started off with the ultimate sampler. You can always mix up the options, but we chose some golden chicken empanadas with a light chipolte kick drizzled over top, the veggie filled southwest egg rolls and the queso to dip it all in. 

Next were the flavorful variety in tacos that we had. We had a tender brisket taco, I had a fried fish taco with some nice hints of mango in it, a grilled shrimp taco that also has some great mango slaw, Kirstie had a surf and turf taco which has brisket and shrimp in it. All of these we ate with rice and beans. I also went back a couple other times, added wings, fries and other things I stated above. All of it was so filling and flavorful.

And of course I had a few churros after dinner because a meal is not complete if desert is not present.

MAKE SURE YA'LL FOLLOW THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO FIND OUT ALL THEIR NIGHTLY DEALS IG: @BluCantina_eav

I appreciate everyone that catered to me and my friends in Blu Cantina. My sister and favorite server Diamond works here and she is a gem to say the least. Everyone here from the boss Gally (G) to the cooks are all welcoming and on point. I can always appreciate black owned businesses flourishing. Hope this establishment continues to grow and kick ass everyday. As I finish typing this I wish I was able to down a Hennessy Margarita and a chicken empanada, just a quick pick me up snack is all. I hope you all enjoy this chilled restaurant lounge next time you're in the A. I am glad to be back in the writing wave, I appriciate ya'll continued support and patience. Remember to always Love and Allow to be Loved xo  Tell them Ms. Mars sent you!

H-Town, It's Goin' Down

First time in Texas, of course a road trip was in order. Taking a car sometimes saves you more money, than grabbing a plane ticket; especially if the trip is planned in little time. Hope ya'll enjoy a few fun Houston spots. Contact me if you have any extra questions.

My cousin Bebe's birthday came around, so we decided driving up to Houston would be inexpensive and a blast; boy was she right about this one... Kinda. To start off she has a kick ass, eco friendly car. So it was literally under $100 there, and under $100 back in gas. That is already less than a round trip ticket for ONE of us. So I will be honest, the drive was total sh**! Damn near 15 hours of pitch black curves, swaying truck drivers and back cramps. Now, I may just be acting like a total cry baby about it; others may love this. I will say though, this is the BEST way to go to save money.

We decided to stay with family a couple of nights for peace and modesty. Then the very exquisite Magnolia Hotel for a few long nights, and early mornings. This hotel was decked out; it was a total mom and pops luxury package. The staff was the sweetest, they were all so helpful with everything. I loved how they didn't limit themselves to their property when guiding us. They worked so quickly, professionally and all with a bright smile on their faces. I love to stay on a property where every level of staffing has great energy towards you. Want to give personal shout outs to some of Magnolia's staff; to Chantay H. because she gave me great service as soon as I called, very detailed and hands on. Reginald S. was on the night shift and acknowledged us every time we were around with a smile. I don't have much of a favorite anything, but Iris, was just super kick a**, she referred to me as Ms. Mars, offered things before we even asked, her multitasking skills blew me away. Even Carlos out front with his contagious smile, and helpful services. Thank you all for the great treatment to myself and my guests. We were placed on the 21st floor of the hotel, overlooking beautiful Downtown Houston. The city is so beautiful, the locals are so friendly and catering. We enjoyed all the amnesties at the Magnolia hotel. They had free WiFi and snacks, happy hour, room service, gym, roof top pool and more. We even had a mini photoshoot on the roof, great view. They do have $30/day parking; we just parked at a meter right across and paid $7 for the whole day though (budget life). I got a great workout in while at the Magnolia, their equipment was all new and advanced; they have a fruit, water, and towel section for guests. I want to extend my gratitude to them 20 times more. Ms. Mars will be at the Magnolia hotel next time in Houston hands down!!

Tried to grab my Caribbean roots in a meal while out in Houston. Cool Runnings, mi soon come back man. I grabbed a very classic plate; rice and peas, oxtails, cabbage and sweet plantains large plate ran about $14. All the food tasted fresh, the meat was nice and tender too. Grabbed a beef and chicken patty for the road that Marie made sure was fresh. Marie put Bebe onto their rum punch for happy hour. Two of those bad boys and you will have to dutty wine once or twice. They are always offering lunch specials under $10. These plates are big enough to eat some, and take some too. They have the cool food truck in the front that stops in different places, they offer catering for affordable prices. Met some gentlemen at the barber college next door, I am all for people bettering themselves.

The laid back, drink specials, dance all night vibe place is The Flat for sure. The Flat has themed nights whenever they're open. I love the variety in music that they offer. Any place that plays the Goonies on the wall while Madonna is playing on the table is A1 in my book. As soon as you walk up to the door the security greets you extra friendly with a kick ass studded vest. You make your way inside and already see people dancing like an OG club. I am a total dancer, so I received the perfect energy when I saw everyone in groups feeling the beat. They always have drink specials, in which case budgets are attainable for a good night out at this place. I went on a Monday night which is Maniac Monday's where Dj Fredstar kills his sets with 80's music. Dj took me in a total time machine dancing daze, must hear if you're into the type of music to get it. Maybe you're more into smooth jams, like jazz. In which case head out for Tuesdays Jazz Jam this includes live music too. Wednesday's are made for my island lovers for reggae night, Thursday's are for on calls, these days are announced as they get closer. Friday's are for for house music lovers, edm, and electronic. Drink specials are too long to list, not too many bars can say the same.

This post is dedicated out to my cousin Sharlene, her fiancé Freddy and my perfect God kids Arri and JJ!! Houston trip was made for them and Bebe's birthday, I am just blessed enough to have family that know work must be done in between the fun. Thank you to all my supporters; I appreciate the ongoing support in everything. Soon Mars Madness will have pre orders so that you all are able to have a piece of me, wherever you go. Next stop is San Diego and Los Angeles. Be on the lookout for more posts near you. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved.

Magnolia Hotel

1100 Texas Ave Houston, Tx 77002

713-221-0011

Cool Runnings

8270 W Bellfort Blvd Houston, Tx 77071

713-777-1566

Monday-Thursday 8am-10pm Friday 8am-12am Saturday 8am-230am Sunday 11am-10pm

The Flat

1701 Commonwealth St Houston, Tx 77006

713-360-7228

Daily 4pm-2am

Daily Happy Hour 4pm-7pm

Ember Vibes

I recently went to a sweet place with a great ambiance. Ember is a little indoor, as much as outdoor venue in Downtown Orlando. They have many drink specials and tasty food with a great staff to cater to you. Happy hour may never be the same for you all!

I will begin with my personal experience at Ember. Even on a rainy Friday they had a packed house. That did not stop the staff from being on their toes throughout the night. Even from the host at the front, she greets you with a smile and points you to the right place. The whole place is perfectly spaced, nice big tables too. Lots of areas to hang out with friends, and to make new ones too. There is a DJ there for the night, the music selection had me dancing a bit more after each drink. Our bartender was Jeremy, he was very attentive and friendly. He was very patient with us and our questions too, all with a genuine smile on his face. I could tell that their whole staff are probably similar in that sense, but he ultimately was the face of Ember that day. Friday's are 3 for 1 (no typo). There is no entry fee and the drinks are all premium liquor, bottled beer, and select wine; call the Uber there and back. Use Uber code "UberMarsUe" for a free first ride. Use a new email, same card for a free ride.

Ember's week of great food and drink specials start early. Sunday sets it off with Sunday Funday brunch. For $29.95 you get bottomless mimosas, red and white sangria along with an all you can eat brunch. This is from 10am-3pm be on time. You want to be able to eat and drink, then head over to Lake Eola for a nice stroll if wanted. For others it may just be the last hooray before the Monday blues take over.

Don't be too sad, Ember has Wednesday's covered too. Let's make our way to the Wine Down Wednesday greatness. From 5pm-9pm for only $10 you get bottomless mimosas, sangria, select beer and wine. This also includes endless appetizers. For $10 you must text "WINE" to 25827 and must be there before 7pm. Other than that, ladies are $15 and men are $20. You spend more than that on two drinks anywhere else, NO food included. Make this your new and light hump day entertainment.

Can't wait to continue coming out and enjoying the ember vibes. I want to thank the professional staff of Ember for showing myself and my friends a great time. Below are a couple of pictures of when we went there Friday. Thank you to all my supporters for your ongoing love. Hope to see pictures of you all at Ember @ me or tag me in them please. ALL feedback is welcomed, and appreciated. Remember to always love and allow to be loved. Xo

Ember

42 W. Central Blvd. Orlando, fl 32801

407-849-5200

Monday-Friday 11:30am-2am

Saturday 4pm-2am

Sunday 10am-2am

Pinchos Factory

I enjoy to have my full blown cheat meal once a week. Going steady on sticking to healthier eating habits, but know I still have work that needs to be done. I went with one of my best friends, Laura to grab a bite to eat and catch up.

We went and visited Pinchos Factory, I loved this place as soon as I walked in. The total vibes were giving me eco-friendly and homey. The seating is pretty well spaced out which helps if you go to eat alone, or 6 other people. The best service we had was from a young woman named Brooklynn. She was so amicable, respectful and attentive. I noticed her as she attended to other customers and it was the same for everyone. Loved the energy she gave us, wish her nothing but love and light. They have a selection of wines and beers to enjoy with your meals. Their meat is 100% humanely raised, anti-biotic and hormone free too. 

Laura grabbed a rice and chicken bowl, chipotle style. I am a big baby for anything spicy, so I just took her word on it being hot. She had rice, chicken, jalapeno, pico de gallo, homemade chipotle mayo and she got a side of cilantro sauce. She said that the side of sauce helped subside the intense spices. It was a great portion size as well, she felt full, but not bloated. If you like you food with a kick, this may be it. $8-$9

I of course, grabbed something a little out of the ordinary. Mine was called a toston burger. They use tostones which are fried plantains, as buns. Inside it came with jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and their homemade cilantro sauce. The first bite was filled with great flavors. Tasted like something that we should all have at our barbecues. I also grabbed a side of sweet potato tots, with a kick ass apple butter dip. $8.49 $4.49 All their burgers are cooked at medium well, my favorite. I was fond of them being 100% fresh and natural. Also they won the 2015 Burger Bash Champion. If you're winning awards, then it definitely has to account for something.

Overall this is a great place to enjoy with family, some takeout or even a solo date. They have 7 locations and seem to continue to be growing. I can not wait to hear the feedback you guys have for this place. Hope to see some pictures of your tasty meals. Thank you all for the ongoing support you give me. Excuse my absence last week. Been hectic with graduation around the corner. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xoxo 

Pinchos Factory

7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. #102 Orlando, Fl 32819

407-275-4462

Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm

Saturday and Sunday 11am-12am

Hot Momma, Bahamas

Who can't appreciate a sweet getaway to a Caribbean island? I know I can, and that I did. Last weekend was one of my best friend Buse's birthdays. She wanted to celebrate with sand between her toes, and a golden tan to come back and show off. Her, her boyfriend Kash and myself took a 3 night cruise out to the Bahamas. I will go more into detail about the cruise next Sunday. This entry I will talk on the couple of places we visited while in Nassau, Bahamas. 

First stop was a fish fry. It was such a funny story behind it. I made sure to ask all the locals where the best type of food was, what did they eat on lunch breaks? So everyone was saying "fish fry" I automatically thought this meant this was the actual name of the establishment. Turns out that was a whole area of different eateries. Luckily we had a great taxi driver that dropped us off in the best one in Arawak Cay. This spot was called Fish Central, had the pleasure of meeting the owner Dave. They had been opened only 9 months and a day when I went, and I see nothing but success for this business now, and in the future. Great hospitality, fast service, and nice prices. Can't ever go wrong with that triple combo. We grabbed some fried shrimp that was so nice and juicy. They had a perfect chili sauce for dipping them in. It was such a nice balance to have the crunch and tenderness of the shrimp with the tangy spice of the dip, it is a must grab for a starter $9. Buse enjoyed some fish fingers $8, simple lunch but clean nonetheless. The oil they use is so clean and perfect, every fried meal was so delicious and did not feel totally unhealthy. I grabbed the best fish sandwich I have ever had. Came with a batch of fries and some great dips to dabble in $10. It was in a light batter, so you can still fully taste and see the fish, it was just again fried to perfection. Kash had the big man plate, a cracked lobster snack $18. Now just the picture alone lets you see how amazing it must of tasted. The lobster was extra meaty and clean. You could taste the freshness without feeling like you drank a gallon of beach water. This whole establishment was great, I advice to sit upstairs it is way cooler and you have a beautiful view. This eatery is near it all, shopping, beaches, bars. Free wifi, food and drinks can't ever go wrong. Let them know the Blogger from Orlando sent you, and enjoy.

Next pull up, you know I had to grab a brew from the Island. I did not want the typical beer that comes in a bottle. Instead we found this dope crafts beer bar near our dock. This place was called Pirate Republic. They make beer right on the Island. They hold these dope beer pong offs on Fridays. They always have the tables out though, if you are ever in the mood for some friendly competition, loser buys the beers. I had a sweet brew for about $7 and a cigar from up the street. Started downstairs and worked our way to the top. They have a very nice view, and some unique art work on the walls, extra detailed too. They are always holding different types of events all the time. If you know you will visit look for their Instagram to see what events will be on when you go. I want to thank this place for the hospitality as well. I feel so bad for not remembering the name of the gentleman that assisted me. He is in the picture below, just know he is the BEST.

I had such a great time on the Island, can't wait to go back sometime. The people were just so beautiful, helpful and happy. Was so nice to be around such good energy on such a breath taking trip. Want to thank both businesses and the locals I met around the way for all the awesome hospitality. Next week I will let you all into my cruise, what I did on it, and how to book one for a great price. Thank you all for the continued support and love, remember to always "Love and allow to be loved". Xo

Fish Central

Number 22 Arawak Cay Nassau, Bahamas

242-603-3474

Monday 11:30am-8pm Tueday-Sunday 11:30am-11pm

Pirate Republic

Woodes Rodgers Walk, Nassau, Bahamas

242-328-0612

Sunday-Tuesday 11am-7pm Wednesday-Thursday 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday 11am-2am

Instagram: PirateRepublicBrewery

 

Jack and Mary's

With this cloud over my city, I tried to bring an old school spot to my blog. Jack and Mary's has been around for years. Anyone who lives in East Orlando has ate here at least one, if not for sure know where it is. This a super mom and pops diner. They are the ones to close at about 2:30pm and reopen at 5:30am.

To me the service was fast and great. Had a sweet bilingual woman who was on it. She was a one woMAN show for real. She was getting everything on point from drink and food orders to cashing people out and asking people how their kids are. The food comes out fairly fast too which I love because I had class that morning. I had the meat lovers omelet, it had sausage, ham and bacon, real cheesy too with home fries, and a biscuit. I love the food here because it is from scratch. What you would eat at home, you get made here for a low price. My plate was $9.95 and that is because I was extra hungry. Their breakfast/lunch specials range from $4.95-$7.00 plates. The most expensive thing on the menu is the Greek omelet $11.95 because it has Lamb in it.

This is a great place to go to for a quick morning/brunch meal. They have a great variety of different meals and everything is fresh. I can not wait to continue to go to Jack and Mary's for a nice meal and not hurt my pockets afterwards. Hope you all make it out and continue to show support for beautiful Orlando. We need all the prayers and love we can get from everyone. I appreciate all the ongoing love from you all. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xo

Jimmy Hulas

Food with lots of flavor is where it's at. I am not one to eat some plain a** food. So I want to always try new places, with different type of flavors. My friend Charles, from UCF put me onto this place. The owner is someone who travels all around the world and takes foods from all over, and brings them back to the states. Enjoy my Jimmy Hulas experience, and see what it is that you want next time you're there.

I went out here with my dad Rafael, and little sister Rakel. We started off with the Cabo trio. This consisted of a lot of tortilla chips and three dips, queso, guac and salsa. $4.59 My little sister had the Crack'd corn. This was corn on the cob with crema, chili powder, cotija (cheese) and cilantro. $3.29 Not spicy, extra creamy and boiled to perfection corn. Rakel ate on the light side, grabbing a filling Caesar salad. You can choose to have your chicken fried or grilled. $6.29

My taco loving self, of course I went taco crazy. I grabbed the Wipe-out taco. In it they had steak, shrimp, and fries. Inside came jack cheese, salsa, avocado, and baja sauce. $4.25 I also grabbed a Street taco, this can be done with beef, chicken, steak and pork. I chose the chicken one with onions on the side (yuck) cojita, and sirracha one the side. $3.59 My OG (Dad) grabbed a juicy burger called the Aloha Burger. This had Teriyaki, pineapple, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and creamy Teri. $7.35 I took a bite of it, it was super BBQ style meat with juicy meat all around. I enjoyed how much tenderness and flavor it had to offer.

One thing I also loved were the drink specials, they are all below in the last picture. They had amazing drink specials all week long. Week days 4pm-7pm they had their happy hour. Then on Weekends they had the happy hour all day long. Some of the drinks are down below. The main weekends one were $3 Mimosas, $3 Screwdrivers, and $3 bloody Marys/Marias. 

Jimmy Hulas

12400 Lake Underhill Rd. Orlando, Fl 32828 (have other locations)

Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm

407-930-6511