the deck.

{head on up via the gondola}

{view from the top}

{views of the mountain}

{mmmm sliders}

{live music}

{huckleberry how pow}

{chilled edamame}

{dessert. always.}

happy hours are a great summer-time tradition that i very much enjoy partaking in.
with the long days here in jackson, its always fun to grab drinks/apps and soak in the mountain sun.
the views from the top of the gondola are absolutely breathtaking over looking the valley.
add a slight mountain summer breeze and my happy hour is complete.
the ride up is free when heading to The Deck starting at 4:30pm (closed on saturdays)
the Huckleberry How Pow might just be my favorite summer cocktail.
huckleberries get me every time.
and don't even get me started on the grass-fed beef sliders.
the deck closes September 10th so there is still plenty of time to head up to The Deck!

locals note:
2 for 1 drinks are daily from 5:00 - 6:00 on draft beers, margaritas, mojitos and wines by the glass.
nibble on yummy appetizers and drinks while listening to live music all summer long.

thanks to Dishing JH for teaming up on this post!

a bbq recipe.

for me, the ultimate summertime bbq session is making pizzas with friends.

za parties are just the best on the grill, 

especially when someone knocks your socks off with a new creation.

i discovered this balsamic reduction pizza last night at my dear friend molly's.

she's a doll and offered her recipe which is sure to win over everyone at your next dinner party.

balsamic reduction pizza

 - pick up pre-made dough from your favorite pizza spot. 

my personal favorite is mountain high pizza pie

to make balsamic reduction sauce...

- add 2 cups of balsamic vinegar and 1/4th cup of brown sugar to a sauce pan

- bring both to boil, then reduce to a simmer

- stir often for 10 to 15 minutes until sauce thickens and ready to drizzle on pizza

meanwhile...

- cook up some bacon strips and dice up once cooled

- caramelize yellow onions in the bacon grease 

(or just olive oil)

- slice a few pears to add as a topping

when reduction sauce is ready...

- spread dough out evenly and pour sauce evenly

- add chopped pears, bacon, and onions

- sprinkle with a little blue cheese and a little mozzarella

once pizza is ready...

- light one side of the grill and brush the other side with olive oil

- place the pizza on the oiled side and cover

(you don't want direct heat under the pizza or it will burn)

- cook until the crust starts to turn golden brown and rotate if needed

enjoy the goodness!  

here are a few other recipes from my favorite ladies of the mountains: here, here, here, here, and here

a very concerned father.

so as many of you know, i recently started blogging for these girls.
i get to write and photograph all things delicious around town.
a few of my posts here and here.
my dad is my biggest supporter of the egg and apparently, very concerned for me.
an email over the weekend from my pops:

Meagan. I'm really enjoying your blog. Lately I've noticed some beautiful pictures of delictable food entrees and desserts. Please be careful! I don't want you to get fat!

Love, Dad

the guy seriously cracks me up.

oh, the almond joy!

recently i ate at the famous cowboy steakhouse for the first time since i've lived in jackson.

after eating an entire steak to myself, i wasn't sure i had any more belly room.

being one of those people who doesn't pass on dessert, i ordered the new almond joy sundae.

i couldn't help but smile as our waiter brought out this monster of deliciousness.

let me outline this delight for you from bottom to top:

the most perfectly baked chocolate brownie covered in gooey chocolate sauce.

homemade coconut ice-cream. 

more amazing gooey chocolate sauce.

fluffy whipped cream.

topped with coconut shavings, crunchy almonds, and two cherries. 

best to share with multiple people but don't be too generous, dive in to get a spoonful of everything!

the bistro.

the second best thing about the off-season is the food.

but since i didn't globetrot this fall (click here) the restaurant specials definitely take the cake.

pun intended.

one of my favorite eateries, Rendezvous Bistro, is celebrating their 10th year anniversary

and they are currently offering a kick-ass $10 menu for the month of november.

yep, 10 bones for everything on the menu.

it's my fourth time this month...

i highly recommend the pork adobo. 

the perfect place to relax with friends while sipping great vino.

and the bartender is pretty cute too.

{a full house!}

{only ten buckaroos. nom. nom. nom.}

{over 150 wines to choose from}

{my favorite painting in the bistro}

{so we drank a lot of wine. mmm malbec}

{who doesn't love a sophisticated restaurant that lets you color?!}

besides the full bellies and small tab,

there was a little celebrity spotting as well last night.

i may or may not have made intense eye contact with Harrison Ford,

a regular and big fan of the Bistro.

i think its meant to be.

p.s. don't forget to enter into my little okin giveaway here.  winner will be chosen tomorrow!