Reviews

Harper’s Nashville Review: Exceptional Steakhouse Dining with Cocktails and Classic Desserts

Posted on by Corey Gasman
Close up image of a steak from Harper's.
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Last updated: June 2025 by Corey Gasman · Rating: 5/5

Harper’s

Harper’s • 2 Lea Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, United States

Dinner at Harper’s in Nashville was outstanding from start to finish and easily ranks as one of our favorite meals in the city. The evening combined excellent food, polished service, and a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere.

Drinks and Starters

We started with classic martinis, the perfect way to set the tone. I then switched to a glass of Post & Beam Napa Cabernet Sauvignon priced at twenty-five dollars. It was smooth, bold, and an ideal pairing for steak.

From the raw bar, we ordered the Big Eye Tuna Sashimi priced at twenty-four dollars. It was fresh, flavorful, and arrived with a dramatic dry ice presentation that added a fun visual element.

We also ordered the Wedge Salad, which was thoughtfully split for us without asking. It featured cherry heirloom tomatoes, Nueske’s smoked bacon crumbles, blue cheese, and a creamy herb buttermilk dressing that brought everything together.

The Main Course

For the main course, we shared the sixteen-ounce New York Strip priced at eighty-five dollars. The cut was excellent, cooked beautifully, and served with a rich demi-glace.

On the side, we ordered a half portion of Brussels sprouts that were crispy, caramelized, and finished with a savory sauce.

Dessert and Final Touches

Dessert was the Crème Brûlée priced at thirteen dollars. The top was perfectly torched with a silky custard underneath, served alongside fresh berries.

As a generous final touch, the restaurant treated us to two complimentary glasses of Lambrusco, a classy and memorable gesture that capped off the evening beautifully.

Atmosphere and Service

Service throughout the evening was attentive and professional. The vibe at Harper’s feels modern yet cozy, making it great for both couples and groups.

A tip for visitors: request one of the booths. They are especially comfortable and well suited for conversation.

The only small drawback was the presence of flat-screen televisions visible from the dining room, which slightly distracted from the otherwise refined setting.

Final Verdict

Harper’s delivers on every level with top-quality food, excellent cocktails, strong service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

If you are looking for one of the best steakhouse experiences in Nashville, Harper’s is absolutely worth a visit.


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Rúibín Bar & Restaurant Galway Review: Harbor Views and Refined Irish Cooking

Posted on by Corey Gasman
Close up of halibut fish dish from Rúibín Bar & Restaurant
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Last updated: October 2025 by Corey Gasman · Rating: 5/5

Rúibín Bar & Restaurant

Rúibín Bar & Restaurant • 1 Dock Rd, Galway, H91 D7NE, Ireland

Rúibín delivered one of the best meals we had in Ireland. Tucked along the Galway harbor, this cozy yet refined restaurant offers an intimate dining experience, especially upstairs where candlelit tables create a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

On a quiet Tuesday night, the vibe felt calm, welcoming, and effortlessly polished.

Starters

The staff struck the perfect balance between friendly and low key, adding to the comfortable tone of the evening.

We began with marinated olives and seasonal oysters. The oysters were fresh and briny, clearly in season, while the olives carried a subtle citrus note that brightened the plate.

The only minor critique was that the mignonette slightly overpowered the oysters, which deserved to shine more on their own.

Mains

For mains, we shared the halibut and the duck breast, and both were excellent.

The halibut was perfectly flaky and paired beautifully with Asian-inspired flavors and charred baby bok choy.

The duck breast featured crisp skin with tender, medium rare meat underneath, showing real care and precision in the cooking. Every plate felt thoughtful and well balanced.

Wine and Atmosphere

Rúibín offers a strong selection of wines by the glass, making it easy to find a pairing that complements your meal.

This is an upscale Galway gem that feels special without being formal, earning top marks from both of us for food, atmosphere, and overall experience.

Note: Food photos may appear dark due to the low lighting inside the restaurant.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Galway with harbor views, seasonal ingredients, and refined Irish cuisine, Rúibín Bar & Restaurant should be at the top of your list.


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Reviews

The Temple Bar Pub Dublin Review: Lively Music, Guinness, and Iconic Craic

Posted on by Corey Gasman
The Temple Bar Pub exterior
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Last updated: October 2025 by Corey Gasman · Rating: 5/5

The Temple Bar Pub

The Temple Bar Pub • 47–48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725, Ireland

If you are visiting Dublin, a stop at The Temple Bar Pub is almost unavoidable. Yes, it is famously touristy. And yes, that is exactly the point.

This is not where you go for a quiet local pint. It is where you go for live Irish music, packed rooms, and the kind of energy that turns strangers into a chorus by the second song.

The Atmosphere

On the night we visited, the pub was buzzing. Pints of Guinness were flowing, musicians were rotating between traditional Irish tunes and crowd-pleasing covers, and the entire room felt fully committed to the moment.

Even though it was only October, the pub had already transformed into a full holiday spectacle. Bright lights, festive décor, and a Christmas wonderland vibe filled the space, adding another layer of over-the-top charm.

What to Expect

Prices are higher than many other Dublin pubs. That is the trade-off. You are paying for the atmosphere, the live music, and the experience of being inside one of Ireland’s most photographed pubs.

It gets crowded. It gets loud. Finding space can require patience. But that intensity is part of what makes it memorable.

Final Verdict

If you want an iconic Dublin pub experience with nonstop live music and a high-energy crowd, The Temple Bar Pub absolutely delivers.

Grab a pint, soak in the buzz, and enjoy the craic. Just do not expect it to feel like a hidden local secret.


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Reviews

The Lake Hotel Killarney Review: A 5-Star Stay on the Shores of Lough Leane

Posted on by Corey Gasman
The Lake Hotel Killarney room view
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Last updated: November 2025 by Corey Gasman · Rating: 5/5

The Lake Hotel

The Lake Hotel • Lake Shore, Muckross Rd, Castlelough, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

We spent four nights at The Lake Hotel, and it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our Ireland trip.

The setting alone is unforgettable. The property sits directly on the lake with sweeping mountain views and an old stone castle ruin just steps from the outdoor terrace. It feels like a classic Irish fishing and hunting lodge, full of charm and character.

Atmosphere and Service

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff were consistently friendly and genuinely helpful, always ready with recommendations for scenic drives, local sights, and dining.

After spending a full day driving the Ring of Kerry, returning to such a comfortable and peaceful hotel made the evenings especially relaxing.

Dining and Evenings

We ate several times at the Lakeside Bistro, and the food was excellent throughout our stay. The bar was equally inviting, cozy, relaxed, and the perfect place to unwind with a pint after a long day of exploring.

Live music in the evenings added to the traditional Irish atmosphere and made nights at the hotel feel special rather than routine.

Location and Nearby Attractions

The location is ideal for sightseeing. Killarney National Park is right nearby, with easy access to Muckross House and Ross Castle, all just a short drive away.

Being able to explore during the day and return to such a peaceful lakeside setting in the evening made the stay feel perfectly balanced.

Final Verdict

The Lake Hotel delivers everything you hope for when staying in Killarney: a stunning location, comfortable accommodations, excellent food, welcoming service, and a timeless Irish atmosphere.

It is a place I would happily return to and one I would recommend without hesitation to anyone visiting County Kerry.


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Baldamar Steakhouse Review: An Upscale Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner in Roseville, MN

Posted on by Corey Gasman

Baldamar

1642 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN 55113, United States
November 28, 2025 · Rating: 4/5

We rolled into the Rosedale Mall parking lot and made our way to Baldamar, which sits in its own standalone building with it’s own parking lot. Inside, we started with a couple martinis and the Wedge Salad. The salad ended up being the biggest disappointment of the night. The red onions were very overpowering and the flavors just did not come together the way they do at other top steakhouses. Things improved quickly with the Whisky Sauce Scallops. They were nicely seared, tender, and paired with a sweet and savory sauce that made the dish feel thoughtful and well executed. For our main course, we ordered the Prime Ribeye. It was cooked exactly to medium rare as requested. The steak was a solid cut, enjoyable and well prepared, although it did not rise to the level of being memorable or exceptional. The wine by the glass selection was surprisingly impressive. They offer some high-end red wines by the glass, which we ordered and really enjoyed. It is worth stepping up your wine pairing if you choose one of their prime steaks. The highlight of the night was the Roasted Brussels Sprouts. They were roasted and charred just right and finished with a fish sauce that added a deep and interesting umami flavor. This was the most memorable dish of the evening. The ambiance and service is exactly what you would expect from a steakhouse with premium pricing. It feels upscale, comfortable, and polished. Our total bill with tip came to about $300 dollars. Overall, it was a solid night-before-Thanksgiving dinner with a mix of hits and a few misses. The meal felt fitting for a pre-holiday splurge and what I’d expect from a suburban steakhouse at the mall.

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Reviews

Bodegas Monje Review: Is This Tenerife’s Best Winery Experience?

Posted on by Corey Gasman
From Bodegas Monje, you often get a clear view of Teide rising above the vineyards, especially on crisp days when the clouds stay low. It’s one of those rare winery views where volcanic history is literally part of the backdrop.
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Quick Take

My Rating: 5/5
Price: $$ (Approx €40-60 pp)
Date visited: October 18, 2025
Location: El Sauzal, Tenerife, Spain
Best for: Wine lovers, scenic tastings, relaxed lunches
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Vibe: Educational, relaxed, scenic

What Bodegas Monje Is

Bodegas Monje is a winery experience in El Sauzal on Tenerife that combines a guided tour, a thoughtful tasting, and an optional patio lunch with sweeping vineyard and ocean views. It is the kind of place that feels both polished and welcoming, with just enough history and craft to make the visit feel meaningful, not touristy.

My Experience

The tour and tasting: We had a perfect day here and enjoyed every part of the experience. The wine tasting and tour offered a fascinating look into their winemaking process and historic cellar, striking the right balance between education, history, and craftsmanship. It never felt rushed and it never felt like a sales pitch.

The tasting format: We sampled four different wines, each paired with four cheeses aged to different stages. That pairing detail mattered, because it gave the tasting a purpose. It was not just “try four wines,” it was more like a guided lesson in how flavor changes with age and pairing.

The setting: The views are the kind that make you slow down on purpose. Panoramic vineyards, open sky, and the Atlantic in the distance. It is easy to linger here, especially if you time it right and sit outside.

Lunch on the patio: After the tour, we stayed for lunch and it was just as enjoyable as the tasting. The croquetas de jamón made with Ibérico ham and cheese were excellent. The fire-roasted suckling pig was perfectly prepared and full of flavor. Both dishes paired beautifully with the wines we had just sampled, which made the whole experience feel cohesive rather than separate “activities.”

Logistics & Need to Know

  • Getting There: Located in El Sauzal, about 20 minutes from Puerto de la Cruz. The final road up to the winery is steep and narrow (typical for Tenerife), so drive carefully.
  • Parking: There is a dedicated free parking lot on-site, but it fills up by midday.
  • Booking: Reservations are essential for the tour and highly recommended for the restaurant. We booked about 2 weeks in advance via their website.
  • Accessibility: The main areas are accessible, but some parts of the historic cellar have steps.

What I’d Order Again

  • Croquetas de jamón: Rich, salty, and exactly what you want with a glass of wine.
  • Fire-roasted suckling pig: The main event. Worth building your visit around if it is on the menu.
  • Cheese-paired tasting: The pairing format is the highlight because it makes the tasting memorable.

Is It Worth It?

Yes. Bodegas Monje delivered the ideal combination of great food, well-crafted wine, and warm hospitality. If you are traveling to Tenerife and want something that feels local, scenic, and genuinely well-run, this is a must-do.

It is also a great escape from the tourist-heavy and overbuilt areas in the south. If you only do one winery-style experience on the island, this is an easy pick.

Local Guide Tip

  • Go if: You want a wine experience that includes education, scenery, and a real meal, not just a quick tasting.
  • Skip if: You are trying to do Tenerife in hyper-speed mode and do not have a few hours to relax.
  • Best time of day: Late morning into lunch is the sweet spot if you want the full tour and a long patio meal.