PANDEMIC PLEASURES

It’s an oxymoron, unthought of just 12 short months ago, but we have located some small diversions among the pandemic-induced restrictions.

Intimate Outdoor Dining

Shuga’s Restaurant and Bar is just plain funky and fun, and the outdoor tipi and private greenhouse are perfect for romantic dining. You can even sip some Brazilian coconut shrimp soup while spinning your favorite Roaring ’20s hits on vinyl. shugas.com

Out of Groceries?

Never fear! In addition to offering breakfast, lunch, and waffles all day, the Good Neighbors Meeting House stocks a selection of market items from bread, milk, and produce to batch cocktails and bottled spirits. goodneighborsmeetinghouse.com

For an intimate igloo experience, check out the Old (Train) Depot’s brand-new restaurants:

Brakeman’s Burgers (brakemansburger.com), The Sandwich Depot (thesandwichdepot.com), and Track Ten: An Urban Kitchen, offering farm to table dining (track10urbankitchen.com).

Live from the Margarita: Virtual Music Concerts

The Margarita has always been a place to enjoy the arts, local musicians, and eclectic eats. Now you can nosh on takeout comfort classics while watching the musicians and bands you’ve come to love, perform in concert—absolutely free. margaritaatpinecreek.com

Passionate About Pickleball?

North Side Social is offering a bubble tent with eight pickleball courts and a dining area, featuring burgers, small plates, pizzas, and breakfast wraps. northsidesocialco.com

Longing for a Taste of France?

From quiche to baguettes, The French Kitchen offers virtual and in-person French cooking classes for kids, teens, and adults. Shop the online store for everything from frozen soups to entrees and desserts or snack on their exquisite bakery delights. tfkcc.com