Rule number one: never turn down a free meal.

Rule number two: always be up for making new connections.

Rule number three: when you're pregnant, ask a qualified bartender for a mocktail.

Those are three of the life lessons I gleaned from accepting a dinner invitation from the Mississippi Perks Pass team. I already love Mississippi; why wouldn't I want to learn more about getting a pass to enjoy the Magnolia State's best perks.

Bravo! Italian Resturant and Bar opened their kitchen to serve ten bright-eyed and eager guest the best they had to offer. From grilled portabella mushrooms with roasted red bell peppers and white bean hummus to fried brie, and more.

Pizza after wood-fired pizza kept coming around the table. The registered dietitian in me appreciated the Vegano pizza which has a gluten free-crust, and plenty of vegetables: sun-dried tomatoes, grilled portabella, asparagus, arugula, with a basicl pesto, pine nuts, aged balsamic and cashew parmesan. Hungry yet?

Bravo! has salads after my own vegetable loving heart. The chicken and sweet potato salad is a mound of amazing flavors drizzled with a delicate pomegranate vinaigrette. The seared yellowfin tuna fits perfectly onto mesclun lettuces layered with veggies, olives, gorgonzola, a touch of bacon and more.

Jeff Good, Dan Blumenthal, and their staff were the perfect host. While the food was on par, the mocktails were the highlight of my night. Expecting moms who appreciate good food paired with good wine can feel isolated when everyone else is enjoying sips of bubbly that accentuate the flavors on the plate. Judge me, but I miss my wine, dang it!

Tanya, Bravo!'s excellent sommelier, went the extra mile to make this mom-to-be feel included and extra special. She delivered me a "Virgin Bloody" a sparkling spritzer, and finished off my night with a coffee delight in a martini glass!

Utilizing Seedlip's Spice Non-alcoholic (NA) Spirit, she added a shot of espresso and Vanilla Tornai. Shaken (not stirred) and served chilled to perfection. Do you see that smile? That is not a fake smile.

All of this was made possible because of the idea behind Mississippi Perks Pass. It is a simple key card that you can purchase and show at the time of purchases to over 100 of the best places to EAT, STAY, and PLAY in Mississippi and receive exclusive deals and offers all year long.

Learn more by visiting www.MississippiPerksPass.com

HUGE Thank you to BRAVO! and Visit Jackson for their hospitality. But my love lies with Tanya and her mock-toni and the desserts! I almost forgot the desserts! I am no scientist but I predict that the peanut butter-chocolate pie and tiramisu at BRAVO! could cure mild depression and make your best day even better.