No softball, to Chico’s we go. Chico’s is a great Mexican restaurant on Stock Island. The quality and the service are consistently wonderful, fairly inexpensive and can eat inside or out. The homemade chips and salsa is so awesome, you barely have room for the actual entrée. They serve Mexican soups and salads, burritos, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas. I had the beef fajitas with rice and beans and of course a couple shared pitchers of Dos Equis.

Chico’s Cantina: 5230 US Hwy 1, Stock Island Phone:  305-296-4714

Birthday party at Benihana. We actually celebrated 2 birthdays at the same time (gotta love that) and another great experience. Benihana is back and great as usual, had closed for over a year after Hurricane Wilma left about 4 ft of sand in the place. The atmosphere and ingredients were of high quality. I had the Hibachi Steak with chicken fried rice. I’d go to Benihana and day of the week.

Address: 3591 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040-5209 Phone:  (305) 294-6400

Santiago’s Bodega is a tapas style restaurant located in Bahama Village. Everything we ate was great, the table ordered: spicy lentil soup, avocado and pear salad, lamb chops, roman meatballs, puff pastry and seasoned grouper. Highly recommended, 5 stars.

Santiago’s Bodega is located at 207 Petronia Street in Key West.

I have a friend that helps out all the time and will never willingly take any gratuities. So we plan a diner and treat. This time (usually all the time) it is for sushi at Ambrosia.

For a start was Anatomies, followed by Sashimi (Tuna, Yellowtail and Mackerel) a couple Playmate rolls and a SWP (stingy women’s purse) For the rolls all on wheat wrappers were Spicy Tuna, Keys West, Hot Bagel, and California. Ambrosia never  disappoints, the freshness of the food, the service is always there if you need it, but definitely not pushy, and the sake and beer selection is plentiful. Highly recommended, 5 stars.

The new and improved Ambrosia is located at 1401 Simonton Street in the Santa Maria Suites Resort lobby.  Phone: 305-293-0304.