Going to aquariums is one of those things both Dann and I really enjoy! There is just something about exploring the creatures that live underwater and seeing what they look like close up. The Aquarium of the Bay is located on Pier 39, right at the end, and is one we have passed by a few times in previous years. This year, however, Dann booked up tickets excited to walk through the area. The aquarium is across several floors, creating a real experience of walking around.
While in San Francisco, we got stuck for a few extra days, which was a whole ordeal. But, due to this extra time, Dann and I actually got to meet up with my uncle Bekket and his partner, for a meal out. Bekket picked The Brickhouse Bar and Grill primarily because the food looked good and it was dog friendly, as they brought their little dog. The place itself was very small-town-bar-and-grill feeling, with smaller-sized booths, sports on TV, and lots of decorations.
[Ad- gifted products] Robin is a huge fan of teddies, of things that are slightly strange, and of blind bags – so she was pumped to hear about the third series of Deddy Bears launching, which included not only new bears to collect, but also jumbo versions of the smaller bears! Now, you can collect key chain versions, smaller plushies, medium plushies and large plushies, each with their own back stories and some with little coffins to sleep in.
Though Kai and Amelia are far too old for soft play, Robin is still just in the age where she is interested and wants to play. So, on one of the days when just she was off school, Robin and I went to Wowland Soft Play to see what it was all about! This location just opened that month, so we didn’t know much about it or what to expect. Robin very much loves going to new places, so was excited to take a look. We booked online, which was pretty simple, giving us an hour slot. There is a pop-up, which is worth noting, that you cannot escape from and need to read, each time you go to the website. This was slightly annoying, but I do understand why they do it as it contains information needed about your booking.
On our way back from Alton Towers, we often go out for food. This time, Dann picked out a place on the way back that wasn’t too far out of the way and that made sense with our timeline. That’s how we ended up at Revolucion de Cuba Derby – which had tacos, small plates, a fun kid’s menu, and some cute drinks that Dann thought I would very much like. Hungry and excited to be somewhere new, we all ordered far too much food and had a fantastic time. About halfway into our dinner, a live band came in and started playing fantastic music, which was really a huge highlight to our day.
Jamón Croquetas, Crispy Pork Belly & Cuban Fries
Whenever we go to somewhere new with new types of food, we often order a few things for the table, so that everyone can try new stuff. So, we grabbed some jamon croquetas, which are mash potatos and ham, coated in breadcrumbs, fried. We have had these before with our children, but it had been a while, so they were excited to see them again! We also got cuban fries, which were cheesy, seasoned fries that Robin ended up eating more of then her fries that came with her meal, and some Crispy Pork Belly. I didn’t love the pork belly, but Dann did. I think the sauce, with the rum and fennel, was a bit much – but everyone did try it.
Build Your Own Taco Kid’s Meal and Mushroom Tacos
Robin wanted to order two types of tacos, but I was pretty sure she wouldn’t want the second one she picked out. She is not a big eater, but we always want to encourage her to try new things, so she got the chicken build your own tacos with fries and beans, as well as a small order of mushroom tacos. The build your own tacos were fun for her; cheese, tortillas, salsa, and some juicy chicken. The mushroom tacos came with a gravy dip that was very interesting and the tacos were crispy, from being fried. Robin tried both tacos and decided the chicken was the best, and ate it all up.
Burritos two different ways; Amelia got the Beef Burrito which came with salsa on top, guac on the side and a bunch of chips. She quite enjoyed this and finished it all, saying it was very delicious. Kai got the same burrito as a bowl, along with a Cuban salad as he wanted to get more veggies in his diet, and some Revolucion de Cuba Derby house coleslaw. Kai found all of his food to be very filling and delicious – he quite liked the salad dressing as well.
Beef Ropa Vieja & Cuban Style Seabass
For our mains at Revolucion de Cuba Derby, I got the Beef Ropa Vieja, which was stunning! The beef was slow cooked, the plantains were perfectly cooked, and the amount of rice was idea. Dann got the Cuban Style Seabass, which he said was very well cooked and flaky, with great seasoning. There was also broccoli and rice on the side. We were both quite hungry, so were very much enjoying all of the different food.
Chocolate Caramel Brownie, Churros, and Drinks
Now, when it came to desserts, everyone was pretty full. Kai had saved room for dessert, Robin had churros included in her meal, and the staff gave us two free churros for dining with them, as one of their promotions. These churros with strawberry sauce were the same ones that Robin picked out, with a vibrant and sticky sauce. Amelia and I both had a few bites of the churros and Robin ate all of hers. Kai quite enjoyed the brownie, though it was very decadent and he ended up drinking a lot of water with it. To be honest, I do not remember what the names of the two drinks I had were, but one was very fruity and delicious, where as the other was deep and interesting.
We had a fantastic time at Revolucion de Cuba Derby. It feels a little like a bar first, then a restaurant, but the food is absolutely stunning. I quite enjoyed the live music and dancing, as well as all of the different specials and deals they had listed. It feels like a very fun place to go for some interesting food.
