I’d been working at the computer all day and just didn’t feel like cooking dinner, so I suggested to my husband we check out a place I had seen several folks mention on Facebook.

I’d read a couple of good write-ups about the happy hour special at Il Pastaio, five appetizers for $25. It is in the space formerly occupied by Caruso’s, at 4165 N Dixie Hwy. in Oakland Park. We were heartened as we drove up to see a Pride flag mounted above the door. As we entered, we were further blown away by the complete remodel. It no longer looks like a deli with a few tables but like a real restaurant. We took a table in the nearly empty dining room (it was a Monday, a few minutes before 6 p.m., their happy hour runs until 7 p.m.). We were then informed that you had to sit at the bar or a high-top for the happy hour specials, and we were all set to do so. Until we saw Fox News blasting on the screen. NO THANK YOU. You can’t have a gay Pride flag and screen Fox News. We left and headed to Casa Monarca on Federal, which has been donating to The Pride Center. Nothing on the menu for my picky vegetarian husband. So, we left there. We ended up at Primanti Brothers, 516, E Oakland Park Blvd., because we were starving by then and we knew it’d be quick. What we didn’t know was how friendly and accommodating the service was, nor how good our dinner would be. I had the meatball hoagie and could only finish half of it. The meatballs were light and fluffy, the sauce was just tangy enough and there was enough cheese to make the dish gooey without overwhelming the sandwich. My hubby had the baked penne. I was surprised that he was able to finish it all, but then we were pretty hungry when we got there. Our server Marion was a doll. Best of all, it only cost us $30 and that included a generous tip for Marion.

This summer, special treats are being offered by local eateries. Check out some of these.

Corvina Seafood Grill, Boca Raton’s exceptional seafood-centric restaurant and bar, will host a wine tasting and small plate tasting on Saturday, July 27. The event starts at 1 p.m. and will feature a special multi-course tasting menu for $50 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. The event will include additional surprises including giveaways. For information, go to corvinabocaraton.com.

4 Rivers Smokehouse, in Coral Springs has “Rockin’ Summer” menu items available through Sept. 28. Among the treats available are a chargrilled footlong hot dog ($7.99), French fry nachos (fries piled high with pulled pork, melted cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, guasacaca, creme fraiche, queso fresco, jalapeños, and cilantro for $9.99), and pork belly burnt ends seasoned with 4R All Purpose Rub, smoked and finished with a sweet, caramelized signature sauce ($12.99) Also available with 2x2, Cowboy Combo and a la carte.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, with locations in Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, West Palm, South Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, takes you back to your childhood with juice pouches, with a grown-up twist. Bodega’s Summer Cocktail Pouches keep things chill! Cool off with cocktail pouches, available in-store and online for takeout and delivery. Flavor concoctions include Pico Picante (Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, lime, spicy agave, cucumber); Purple Paloma (400 Conejos Mezcal infused with butterfly pea flower, lime, grapefruit, agave, Owen's grapefruit); Margarita (Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, lime, agave) and Strawberry Lemonade (E11EVEN Vodka, lemon, agave, strawberry). The pouches are $14 each, for more information or to order go to bodegataqueria.com.