tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21519639196733533592024-03-13T06:03:11.580-04:00A Savory SpoonfulA collection of my tasty travels and mindful musings.asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-45959227913518954082023-04-16T15:50:00.000-04:002023-05-06T08:16:47.308-04:00Casa Santo Stefano in Tampa is a Sicilian Masterpiece!<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AdksalGx0GMi2l3_mkJRu-kY0neWjG_sxu3ZUoBHj4T5rOfvor-M38JdQYM-QO4vOCWBFqLVe4xue1cygKgWXzNHuyxl3zhmBCxcI482qaW4_GcN2kgy_lQuZfWci1jqisGKgQnpYx0s/s812/topbar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="812" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AdksalGx0GMi2l3_mkJRu-kY0neWjG_sxu3ZUoBHj4T5rOfvor-M38JdQYM-QO4vOCWBFqLVe4xue1cygKgWXzNHuyxl3zhmBCxcI482qaW4_GcN2kgy_lQuZfWci1jqisGKgQnpYx0s/w678-h110/topbar.jpg" width="678" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>"The dinner table is the anvil on which we forge our relationships."<br /></span><span>- Stanley Tucci</span></span></div><div><p>Food in Tampa is in a constant state of refinement and reinvention. Sometimes looking back and far away is the best way to bring home traditions, talent, and true Tampa Sicilian tastes. We had the absolute honor to dine recently at <a href="https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/The-Columbia-Experience/Family-Bios/Richard-Gonzmart" target="_blank">Richard Gonzmart's</a> and the Columbia Restaurant team's newest gastronomic success in the heart of Tampa called <a href="https://casasantostefano.com/" target="_blank">Casa Santo Stefano</a>. (Have I mentioned my husband's middle name happens to be Santo!!) This new gem has exploded onto the food scene in several delightful ways. You may <a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-history-of-this-building-that-in.html" target="_blank">recall a post I wrote about one of his other incredible local restaurants called Ulele, besure to check out that post as well.</a> During our lunch, we noted serious business lunches, a few leisurely ladies who lunch, and a relaxed family gathered around a special lazy susan table sharing appetizers and family sized portions of pasta. Cocktail hour starts revving up as the sun goes down on the rooftop bar named Santo's Drinkeria. What a special place to meet with famiglia & amici!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5RpL576zV803s3gDVh90vzAHB0Jc7V8arVbks9UAorvaS_90tBNkFVpU5Q5iXyJdMkhXpVKknU8umvZ8IIywRFEzL_wLlHCwCN-lgUzAOq6eFcoxObuJV58RLVYtGH3LzmKDRSqX7fEO/s4032/20210421_131753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5RpL576zV803s3gDVh90vzAHB0Jc7V8arVbks9UAorvaS_90tBNkFVpU5Q5iXyJdMkhXpVKknU8umvZ8IIywRFEzL_wLlHCwCN-lgUzAOq6eFcoxObuJV58RLVYtGH3LzmKDRSqX7fEO/w640-h480/20210421_131753.jpg" width="640" /></a><p>The restaurant makes its home in a former 1925 Ferlita Macaroni factory appropriately. What a way to pay homage to pasta which is hand made daily here. As you enjoy your meal you will observe the hand-painted tabletops and plates that go along with the open kitchen with gorgeous backsplashes and volcanic rock counters signed by the Sicilian family who custom made this practical artwork. Clink your glasses beneath an original signed Picasso. Richard's photographs along with many local decendents line the walls of this cherished and historic building. This wonderful photograph was taken by Richard while on a research trip to Santo Stefano called "The Watchmen".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15BAL-1rx01IDRPRTIczjQSS6GMIW9YZUmAViJ66-PAfDiAzI9XiXE2khA6gIb4X3UZHwsBcqhlu4loDZJBkmrV9F9nT7KsU3i0bR84koSymHV_fOt6vqr3uqK_ZHDbT78dPpS3yd6ljR/s2048/img20210430_08105194.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2048" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15BAL-1rx01IDRPRTIczjQSS6GMIW9YZUmAViJ66-PAfDiAzI9XiXE2khA6gIb4X3UZHwsBcqhlu4loDZJBkmrV9F9nT7KsU3i0bR84koSymHV_fOt6vqr3uqK_ZHDbT78dPpS3yd6ljR/w640-h470/img20210430_08105194.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Spend a few minutes lingering around the art and vintage photographs and you'll see the deep roots of Sicilian immigrants who made it to Tampa, Florida years ago. Their culture and recipes are still thriving through the hands and hearts of people like Richard. His touch went into every single design piece throughout Casa Santo Stefano, one of which is the name of the town that so many of them came here from. Richard inquired of locals what their favorite family handed-down recipes and ingredients were in forming his delicious menu.We started with a delicious Sicilian red called Lignum and the most delicious Sfinciune which is a focaccia style bread that is so light, airy, and crunchy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTpyWEsC-Nd7tMzlqSrWalWnmecW0l_h6PoFqUGs4TlRk75XrJ2z5OYgJSZ0iUikUsHZRxfr1T_4ZO41f3kLmT2nbcfsbxPFjiRrYALB51vI0mbj0hdt65jFdurjMUiE1RcvavtqSxRA/s4032/20210421_125943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTpyWEsC-Nd7tMzlqSrWalWnmecW0l_h6PoFqUGs4TlRk75XrJ2z5OYgJSZ0iUikUsHZRxfr1T_4ZO41f3kLmT2nbcfsbxPFjiRrYALB51vI0mbj0hdt65jFdurjMUiE1RcvavtqSxRA/w640-h480/20210421_125943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then enjoyed the Valentis Burrata cheese whose interior creaminess melts in your mouth. It was accompanied by heirloom tomatoes, picked red onions, and balsamic drizzled arugala. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmNh9RQDPLRdhB-Ux6D7jPrzqwMchn6dPYZoG-Pi4NkGxKPYCLFXTQUuK_Jy51sGBBTA37jQzGmdbejah5IWLxytbPuLPibRsHLy3HDqG0r4w0L6wag6qTgBGsblK-MHMHVmoMjqVHG7B/s4032/20210421_130039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmNh9RQDPLRdhB-Ux6D7jPrzqwMchn6dPYZoG-Pi4NkGxKPYCLFXTQUuK_Jy51sGBBTA37jQzGmdbejah5IWLxytbPuLPibRsHLy3HDqG0r4w0L6wag6qTgBGsblK-MHMHVmoMjqVHG7B/w480-h640/20210421_130039.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The side of Polpette Della Nana was a great choice. Two healthy-sized meatballs braised in their house tomato sauce were light and full of flavor.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0P2VeCdsWv6DPKcyRzzC5QpFofqBiKIEbxzfJQFIFnIrX-VZBJb2wfxUkKs2nj5u-x9XTnz0kItDjJ5hkNpN1tODXKeabR_0Fs-NtnTSbBTjsIaazKgy95owS7S7XAABeQthfSLKt7sn/s4032/20210421_130518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0P2VeCdsWv6DPKcyRzzC5QpFofqBiKIEbxzfJQFIFnIrX-VZBJb2wfxUkKs2nj5u-x9XTnz0kItDjJ5hkNpN1tODXKeabR_0Fs-NtnTSbBTjsIaazKgy95owS7S7XAABeQthfSLKt7sn/w480-h640/20210421_130518.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I enjoyed their unique take on Ravioli Di Ricotta which is also stuffed with a light pesto and served with their homemade tomato sauce and dusted with Grana Padano cheese. </div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBNxCAeQb5Mu0qGWVlVdobJRRnZVCJwbUOV7bFfHxIS2iWsrTXir93qrQoccSY5yyS1p7IxKxNg9Ajc1M6pWgUbgCzMvSEYTwd3dazlIUNTN2f_qHdQ4h3kTe8bsU8AjKUjlovvaCcGq3/s4032/20210421_131741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBNxCAeQb5Mu0qGWVlVdobJRRnZVCJwbUOV7bFfHxIS2iWsrTXir93qrQoccSY5yyS1p7IxKxNg9Ajc1M6pWgUbgCzMvSEYTwd3dazlIUNTN2f_qHdQ4h3kTe8bsU8AjKUjlovvaCcGq3/w480-h640/20210421_131741.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next was their Cotoletta Parmigiana which was chicken breasts with a deep and delicious smoky flavor with just the right amount of mozzerella and homemade sauce and a delectable side of homemade maccheroni pasta. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR4sPW15gK7Eyr-cUyU83sDbKpYJWJkpIJBRkDqhz0pfaWrgWJa_RV1UgAGKvGYzJEMX4REPoXHAsN5CT6RciQ4WqhTt8dX-w23HiWXxzWgalEj27ElFnKJ3qGo4mY29eYs9IBSw5-IpH/s4032/20210421_131745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR4sPW15gK7Eyr-cUyU83sDbKpYJWJkpIJBRkDqhz0pfaWrgWJa_RV1UgAGKvGYzJEMX4REPoXHAsN5CT6RciQ4WqhTt8dX-w23HiWXxzWgalEj27ElFnKJ3qGo4mY29eYs9IBSw5-IpH/w480-h640/20210421_131745.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We were far too full to enjoy one of their amazing desserts, but we will e sure to get their cannolli or gelato on our next trip which will be quite soon! </div><p>There is an old saying, "<b>Ripe bananas are the mark of a good produce section. A good produce section is the mark of a superior store. A superior grocery store is the mark of a good man,".</b> Well Richard, your fresh garden outside has a good bounty, your kitchen is of superior quality, and all of Tampa knows Casa Santo Stefano is the mark of a good man with a heart devoted to preserving history and recreating your legacy over and over with your restaurants! Although these walls speak volumes as it is, if they could give the customers some of Nana's advice, they would certainly be saying, "Mangia! Mangia!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchcREQlHjrkkJC9zNRC6aOnZapH_Fy9alhZnjdkF3adlAdAoRM03b964U6YWVIP_uu8EeCociqKiw7p9L7PZA3UMRp2d0l_Asp5BC6SLeSS7lr4_eTXxVhBNe-IiK45VcSOU8_eRHNUcU/s4032/20210421_125659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchcREQlHjrkkJC9zNRC6aOnZapH_Fy9alhZnjdkF3adlAdAoRM03b964U6YWVIP_uu8EeCociqKiw7p9L7PZA3UMRp2d0l_Asp5BC6SLeSS7lr4_eTXxVhBNe-IiK45VcSOU8_eRHNUcU/w640-h480/20210421_125659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpGIU6cKTiJaRGWxaZKvAZ8GP54E5FtEBcEpNV8vqkK4A36krumPXfDjyt6-TBWeZiDT26wa-9cpI1ohoEbT1e31XZoFKCEWgLVYOhaQKGtoJhK0sQYZH4Re-xk0Kbj9mVkJm1DDO3FNs/s1606/bottombar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="1606" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpGIU6cKTiJaRGWxaZKvAZ8GP54E5FtEBcEpNV8vqkK4A36krumPXfDjyt6-TBWeZiDT26wa-9cpI1ohoEbT1e31XZoFKCEWgLVYOhaQKGtoJhK0sQYZH4Re-xk0Kbj9mVkJm1DDO3FNs/w712-h197/bottombar.jpg" width="712" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /></div>asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-966613519501614292023-02-11T17:21:00.000-05:002023-05-06T08:17:20.623-04:00The Island Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2Kqx9kiVGKVS-ovWLJjXyeiuHXsvuigvKnsLnviL5dB1dYN3zzBxQAI0vp2ZHT9Z5E_z1fG7ls8hvprNHFB8Cy2yfOmqM_z8RYzpt78gUvwgAM4lVDLMV9jaGGWRfW9QGtrZSVXN3O_v/s1600/20190206_152225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2Kqx9kiVGKVS-ovWLJjXyeiuHXsvuigvKnsLnviL5dB1dYN3zzBxQAI0vp2ZHT9Z5E_z1fG7ls8hvprNHFB8Cy2yfOmqM_z8RYzpt78gUvwgAM4lVDLMV9jaGGWRfW9QGtrZSVXN3O_v/s640/20190206_152225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Beaches, wild horses, a secluded island, historical ruins, naturalist tours, all inclusive meals, picnic lunches, daily social hour, a full honor bar, dolphins, bird watching, a mostly 1st edition library, the most comfortable front porch ever, and endless relaxation! Yes, this place truly exists and it is every bit as heavenly as you'd think!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Join me on my journey to the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.greyfieldinn.com/" target="_blank">Greyfield Inn at </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.greyfieldinn.com/" target="_blank">Cumberland Island, Georgia. </a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private boat ride over from Fernandina Beach, FL There is also a daily ferry from St. Simon's, Georgia for campers and day visitors. Free parking for inn guests at the marina as well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted our first of many horses during our stay while approaching the main inn, just a 3 minute walk from the boat dock.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8kT-b47Q3OFyaU8dQBX-YFfoto5ZUnsFlTu3JLfFlg2LKe70xX154L3O2lTr0U6SBQfp7_dA8sVZqRsiNG2VPH5uW3ngefeqMoxolxFy2fEQdxwemFV1YTJdPY8giOtS0r8t9o0VkUe_/s1600/20190206_131024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8kT-b47Q3OFyaU8dQBX-YFfoto5ZUnsFlTu3JLfFlg2LKe70xX154L3O2lTr0U6SBQfp7_dA8sVZqRsiNG2VPH5uW3ngefeqMoxolxFy2fEQdxwemFV1YTJdPY8giOtS0r8t9o0VkUe_/s640/20190206_131024.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the ruins just at the old inn, built by the Carnegie's for their Granddaughter. They give great history lessons here, for example John F. Kennedy Junior was married at the church here and they rented out the whole island!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NFeLO99uJEpx1N_XWyC4jPSTFz-ziifYELy27EiQVwK_QfFyvuzZEC8pRXji38mcSsNavZxhk6ZRG8JCc92rnGQi3UtsbSn6x-MKrKUuhqwfSOhza79jZVDNPHLsjW_PwgOEAqR4SIkB/s1600/20190206_134845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NFeLO99uJEpx1N_XWyC4jPSTFz-ziifYELy27EiQVwK_QfFyvuzZEC8pRXji38mcSsNavZxhk6ZRG8JCc92rnGQi3UtsbSn6x-MKrKUuhqwfSOhza79jZVDNPHLsjW_PwgOEAqR4SIkB/s640/20190206_134845.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite place to relax on the front porch, 2 huge swings adorned each end and plenty of rocking chairs in the middle. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqvCmp88pS3mfnkiOyyV_dttVpwR7r1LnQsIz4w68yPv6lWs0hLHfcH5F6BujOkx5ffChsjo2fbnz_l-ELY7DLNKYsNTgqYOSQr2jz374nw5JEh62X0sZAq74J1_spVySPfRsH83DneFL/s1600/20190206_140646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqvCmp88pS3mfnkiOyyV_dttVpwR7r1LnQsIz4w68yPv6lWs0hLHfcH5F6BujOkx5ffChsjo2fbnz_l-ELY7DLNKYsNTgqYOSQr2jz374nw5JEh62X0sZAq74J1_spVySPfRsH83DneFL/s640/20190206_140646.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4u9Rjo5NK0-HbGxETgTo3QZYunWxleTc9nc7yu_4eW-70KyS0qh-Yal_DouIM7eKN0FEj7fNo9Oy6wbfN0_JmYiJJuUZ1yq1aZVl6jUDGYWerfApdgNdc7_6CSYkrBQeFPIYg1TkHL9Ui/s1600/20190206_140707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4u9Rjo5NK0-HbGxETgTo3QZYunWxleTc9nc7yu_4eW-70KyS0qh-Yal_DouIM7eKN0FEj7fNo9Oy6wbfN0_JmYiJJuUZ1yq1aZVl6jUDGYWerfApdgNdc7_6CSYkrBQeFPIYg1TkHL9Ui/s1600/20190206_140707.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's hand stitched and says Greyfield! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8sd9AOczTEgYLAI_gIPgbJ2k5MVGevtFNYJzoa2almMHnrll4QQ3UFGeZWdcXzT_7mBUpFzybcYi8wS0D1dbX6HxuE7JkX7TxJ-QRzhzMwpkZy8_lztx7q0dgs6J-kta68jOJNr5YgjY/s1600/20190206_143249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8sd9AOczTEgYLAI_gIPgbJ2k5MVGevtFNYJzoa2almMHnrll4QQ3UFGeZWdcXzT_7mBUpFzybcYi8wS0D1dbX6HxuE7JkX7TxJ-QRzhzMwpkZy8_lztx7q0dgs6J-kta68jOJNr5YgjY/s640/20190206_143249.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took an included naturalist tour via truck out to the Dungeness mansion ruins, spotted plenty of horses, deer and armadillos along the way. There were several tours a day offerred we will want to try next time like the fully furnished plum estate (which is on the national park part of the island, so if there;s a government shut down be aware). </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qYm-EYR0NW3GvB7XtE0HEAno-nDrrRBmWzzke5wLBL-q8CjsffYUD4GDpk_mTwfF7iQY7X6JXStvIj4ywwWKpqDYeC-cKrFa2FkAeEl9WHkN3dqm-nkPU5ZKPTyCD31CCFwoHQYnWUWj/s1600/20190206_143303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qYm-EYR0NW3GvB7XtE0HEAno-nDrrRBmWzzke5wLBL-q8CjsffYUD4GDpk_mTwfF7iQY7X6JXStvIj4ywwWKpqDYeC-cKrFa2FkAeEl9WHkN3dqm-nkPU5ZKPTyCD31CCFwoHQYnWUWj/s640/20190206_143303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGcoeuP4jjTOY66J1ieh9V1JhLv5wfgrnH0281R-6yN2DnsK9ZLo-Z4a0bMpuwlU2PoESuUrWMMPNpCe3R6MScBW2OapUSEWpojdCXOjmk9TUwdGBWT1GbmQHpNpJZ6dTN3hcyRQ0As14/s1600/20190206_152343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGcoeuP4jjTOY66J1ieh9V1JhLv5wfgrnH0281R-6yN2DnsK9ZLo-Z4a0bMpuwlU2PoESuUrWMMPNpCe3R6MScBW2OapUSEWpojdCXOjmk9TUwdGBWT1GbmQHpNpJZ6dTN3hcyRQ0As14/s640/20190206_152343.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dungeness Mansion Ruins, huge and beautiful - the interior photos are amazing too!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfruCF1OkSwTZ40NYNQqvqKaGbd2rF-BfJfDBhCnxwsPm8UpvPIBCFzrifaSXq-DNlqZIBz3Z4H2LVqDasU46tiYd3llU_wOMQKki72BeqI8Z2jr8Eys8dXNoZRVGidzKjGsTyc4UoTGuk/s1600/20190206_151827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfruCF1OkSwTZ40NYNQqvqKaGbd2rF-BfJfDBhCnxwsPm8UpvPIBCFzrifaSXq-DNlqZIBz3Z4H2LVqDasU46tiYd3llU_wOMQKki72BeqI8Z2jr8Eys8dXNoZRVGidzKjGsTyc4UoTGuk/s640/20190206_151827.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzTd7-jkwtCbsfHl0ASrUPq9R39t4xb3HxMUt-I9Ft2ZQSJg-0vhoOhAtVpNNYgxQyk7O-4TSlP0YH2oZTFWGlwX7rbG17FS43cCuj7oBB8jT3wB7afXYdFiRa2jqEYsFi415A14MXGiB/s1600/20190206_153209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzTd7-jkwtCbsfHl0ASrUPq9R39t4xb3HxMUt-I9Ft2ZQSJg-0vhoOhAtVpNNYgxQyk7O-4TSlP0YH2oZTFWGlwX7rbG17FS43cCuj7oBB8jT3wB7afXYdFiRa2jqEYsFi415A14MXGiB/s640/20190206_153209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of deer- we kept searching for elusive albino one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQaCWu_y_SnqAAFXHD33QmtQLuD1h2egv-oSnNph6WBTfmDXJTL3j3xTinbEbe3RkejLK2BtX-La7Vq6Bq_LQqGdlrSbnByP0LIh-__qa1728oNqgPe2xmt2qRCAaUj3yoZyDgdNBgb-f/s1600/20190206_154154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQaCWu_y_SnqAAFXHD33QmtQLuD1h2egv-oSnNph6WBTfmDXJTL3j3xTinbEbe3RkejLK2BtX-La7Vq6Bq_LQqGdlrSbnByP0LIh-__qa1728oNqgPe2xmt2qRCAaUj3yoZyDgdNBgb-f/s640/20190206_154154.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The massive trees were simply incredible!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgw8rPBEy90qwpxDjOBmmKfEb7FGI8WR7_5299zz902wlVgpXI8TAdDz73bYo4QMpBuMrT3jkPKQFfK2Z8bkC2BawiHhTu1Z4BEWHMe8KmXWtIMKYhlJs3S2-SzUvXJPMNksjYde60oce/s1600/Screenshot_20190206-180450_Messages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgw8rPBEy90qwpxDjOBmmKfEb7FGI8WR7_5299zz902wlVgpXI8TAdDz73bYo4QMpBuMrT3jkPKQFfK2Z8bkC2BawiHhTu1Z4BEWHMe8KmXWtIMKYhlJs3S2-SzUvXJPMNksjYde60oce/s640/Screenshot_20190206-180450_Messages.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxation - time for wine and social hour!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmehOzQm5CkOCuFaBxqaGeeV6OjTvCg9YSP87a7GHT0UM6PWrQTWxy0meT3hwZbTskYAge2-J1NBZtnCtX0v2HZCdpMprc0Ycpzawq0nC9B1ugwMeUc3wNqUHz_ctlwGLbVnaTJG316Soj/s1600/20190206_171441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmehOzQm5CkOCuFaBxqaGeeV6OjTvCg9YSP87a7GHT0UM6PWrQTWxy0meT3hwZbTskYAge2-J1NBZtnCtX0v2HZCdpMprc0Ycpzawq0nC9B1ugwMeUc3wNqUHz_ctlwGLbVnaTJG316Soj/s640/20190206_171441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fires lit for the 50 degree evenings!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCODXngJiBTMR_pCXdEgGI-by4pKpKvJKmlhIRM5J6u1DshpsUUH1nqVThsgSFwuCnvxdibFg3vTRBGW1T0msy4QytP8zvLSjsE9K4dAgPdGvOSr_puJfkInStWR4umcEaWLn8i9w6vFDV/s1600/20190206_175405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCODXngJiBTMR_pCXdEgGI-by4pKpKvJKmlhIRM5J6u1DshpsUUH1nqVThsgSFwuCnvxdibFg3vTRBGW1T0msy4QytP8zvLSjsE9K4dAgPdGvOSr_puJfkInStWR4umcEaWLn8i9w6vFDV/s640/20190206_175405.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetizers with cocktails</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 2 Garden Tour & biking</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vZY4IW3v22xnoIcxE9in-TMLofeB5C91AfGF5VbRp9opdDAvvqteeg94ealGkU2Fm2KlQ5h2dBx5nfi4AEpVq91KP_DgQ2RoWbADQF-MCxokiXhendL83AYxm_Rsk1s5vVAY_OfmRQJ_/s1600/20190207_110755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vZY4IW3v22xnoIcxE9in-TMLofeB5C91AfGF5VbRp9opdDAvvqteeg94ealGkU2Fm2KlQ5h2dBx5nfi4AEpVq91KP_DgQ2RoWbADQF-MCxokiXhendL83AYxm_Rsk1s5vVAY_OfmRQJ_/s640/20190207_110755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCxqCRAagxfJkKOI2bA9uiBIsWvOgjndiuZ1eTrZVyed-mnJE14IgcknH4fyNHFvNkt3lmsriTlmNNehlmTL3IEcwXtFYy6DrvDyif-C6oq-imKm-kZ-ez99BvmG4l9sSB8GcfyiSDtLO/s1600/20190207_112851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCxqCRAagxfJkKOI2bA9uiBIsWvOgjndiuZ1eTrZVyed-mnJE14IgcknH4fyNHFvNkt3lmsriTlmNNehlmTL3IEcwXtFYy6DrvDyif-C6oq-imKm-kZ-ez99BvmG4l9sSB8GcfyiSDtLO/s640/20190207_112851.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee hives- they sell their delicious honey here too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMARF9Dy0y6SHrfRQk9ypCY3hcNl5gqIxDwIEjz6cEX8MqMfZfCjqmyqRR73EtQRz8mCcUNi1gieeW-yaKLkok_-HoW6H7nllWqiLlmvI-dqBXJvIDvjVqHXX3U79VPash-aSYNlhWH1J/s1600/20190207_112522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMARF9Dy0y6SHrfRQk9ypCY3hcNl5gqIxDwIEjz6cEX8MqMfZfCjqmyqRR73EtQRz8mCcUNi1gieeW-yaKLkok_-HoW6H7nllWqiLlmvI-dqBXJvIDvjVqHXX3U79VPash-aSYNlhWH1J/s640/20190207_112522.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">edible flowers - very delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E-81Nn2YBoGYOpUNrxq3uy2NV0pk1GsWlx7QAYlNOtia_A8cqKl-xCTNCa42eBy-zEMSfcSkUV-vnEMZmVUKs5vdwG73totQuJ-yeo2JNPbjg9FiP-3I7XZuWuRVQRxpS9xiu-rFRJvA/s1600/20190207_114111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E-81Nn2YBoGYOpUNrxq3uy2NV0pk1GsWlx7QAYlNOtia_A8cqKl-xCTNCa42eBy-zEMSfcSkUV-vnEMZmVUKs5vdwG73totQuJ-yeo2JNPbjg9FiP-3I7XZuWuRVQRxpS9xiu-rFRJvA/s640/20190207_114111.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituapRsYLOGaCl_BoRU99s2BQM0AhyphenhyphenbsXTeC-x1hii_dpQBdd5aiSsDQ1g1vSK4dnJXMOGRokVZFxKOUdWfMhs6McKklARBbtSls8ezEcIkAEWmiLTzIJ5pHCuVw1Lh2M2GNbdiHwJ9-aS/s1600/20190207_121014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituapRsYLOGaCl_BoRU99s2BQM0AhyphenhyphenbsXTeC-x1hii_dpQBdd5aiSsDQ1g1vSK4dnJXMOGRokVZFxKOUdWfMhs6McKklARBbtSls8ezEcIkAEWmiLTzIJ5pHCuVw1Lh2M2GNbdiHwJ9-aS/s640/20190207_121014.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this on the boat dock looking for the alligators we kept hearing, this is 2 lights on a pillar but the shadow speaks about casting "light" versus casting fishing lines. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaSJGSlvhpJIrMWCAxciR5Qvsxz_-1Gblg9Ulhya93JHQ8vkBqVzV8r_PYRp0GULh9bvoZEefOtpt0-LEr3VUoh4ffRa0c_L3TUKkCE3hw0VM532FUT4E-KjXobtehAh-lu5oxLSUBg6E/s1600/20190207_123607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaSJGSlvhpJIrMWCAxciR5Qvsxz_-1Gblg9Ulhya93JHQ8vkBqVzV8r_PYRp0GULh9bvoZEefOtpt0-LEr3VUoh4ffRa0c_L3TUKkCE3hw0VM532FUT4E-KjXobtehAh-lu5oxLSUBg6E/s640/20190207_123607.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic lunches at your leisure for lunch. Their homemade salads were fantastic and they were accommodating about special requests.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24uGLIL_4DCJ3dMoFxmfrTnh0pnAMu6HrJPEzqLebK5_PHtqENHhf02RJ9MKAgcmEOD_swPYJi2zTFKodUu8JRYIWz1pBKZ4CVVuYk4w71dWH62JfNyO9rQJGJgvEee1Tw-IUFFIna8fz/s640/20190207_154138.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look who is coming right up to the main house! They definitely don't have a fear of humans, but no feeding or riding around here. You can pet the adorable dogs that will greet you on the porch though!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24uGLIL_4DCJ3dMoFxmfrTnh0pnAMu6HrJPEzqLebK5_PHtqENHhf02RJ9MKAgcmEOD_swPYJi2zTFKodUu8JRYIWz1pBKZ4CVVuYk4w71dWH62JfNyO9rQJGJgvEee1Tw-IUFFIna8fz/s1600/20190207_154138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="466" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_2Avgesf5Q225KHOWsfu5LZq5ubESkfEWt06D2qNwsj-iFgtyWV01N4Wd5E9uhrLNAH8UyIU7yqOwryJIl9zbQ-QtHylxulBGSvO9bB0LeVUQERgVTPFE1xYErqPywEdSa8BLj4ycXX/s640/pup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="310" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog day afternoon on the porch after a bike ride</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_2Avgesf5Q225KHOWsfu5LZq5ubESkfEWt06D2qNwsj-iFgtyWV01N4Wd5E9uhrLNAH8UyIU7yqOwryJIl9zbQ-QtHylxulBGSvO9bB0LeVUQERgVTPFE1xYErqPywEdSa8BLj4ycXX/s1600/pup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_2Avgesf5Q225KHOWsfu5LZq5ubESkfEWt06D2qNwsj-iFgtyWV01N4Wd5E9uhrLNAH8UyIU7yqOwryJIl9zbQ-QtHylxulBGSvO9bB0LeVUQERgVTPFE1xYErqPywEdSa8BLj4ycXX/s1600/pup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSWBChyZSVya6zhYHZFJc4S_pWgUOK5LsQEyxMMjUdoKIPjUCjiSV_c6oEWbCCnwoOc5Y1k9Hy20faqIDl-D8XOxtKUJURMIEyztMKQzoChsEqKx6VDmzoJLZocWW4Gi_6YuM8OvgaPvC/s1600/20190207_155659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSWBChyZSVya6zhYHZFJc4S_pWgUOK5LsQEyxMMjUdoKIPjUCjiSV_c6oEWbCCnwoOc5Y1k9Hy20faqIDl-D8XOxtKUJURMIEyztMKQzoChsEqKx6VDmzoJLZocWW4Gi_6YuM8OvgaPvC/s640/20190207_155659.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8f91GYkrWSmYah_S3MDVVBhHDOZh9jIGM4sH4u_gqXq6F8W6XnotsU4HMeQa8CJ9OPG4c4Y_vhY2E2JUoB9ajJm3Je-52yGpD15RohB-hXq63g3YC5_WEl8_H8BT3RdDRWYipndLDtbt/s1600/20190207_154303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8f91GYkrWSmYah_S3MDVVBhHDOZh9jIGM4sH4u_gqXq6F8W6XnotsU4HMeQa8CJ9OPG4c4Y_vhY2E2JUoB9ajJm3Je-52yGpD15RohB-hXq63g3YC5_WEl8_H8BT3RdDRWYipndLDtbt/s640/20190207_154303.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rattlesnake plant - those leaves are stunning!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtZtdbf3cP8NAFVxaKs6fhQhH8KnWDTGYGOpgOXfxqr1Da2BbWaEfgOXaaDd4kLGqWZ0sS3rSqiXVtuj4nAL1zJDiX-UCFP2zJSD3gqp6vtQ_D5Tl1Q3vxVE26jUMt7hZMr0kEIikh4-w/s1600/20190207_162931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtZtdbf3cP8NAFVxaKs6fhQhH8KnWDTGYGOpgOXfxqr1Da2BbWaEfgOXaaDd4kLGqWZ0sS3rSqiXVtuj4nAL1zJDiX-UCFP2zJSD3gqp6vtQ_D5Tl1Q3vxVE26jUMt7hZMr0kEIikh4-w/s640/20190207_162931.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honest John Bar - they had every mixer, wine, and cocktail ingredient you can imagine - even bitters and syrups! You could self-serve anytime and they had a mixologist with a daily specialty drink during social hour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFi2woOe4q-KIe2Ab1X1FcXCTQZmOiI1QnfoS1sd0LtgTohFJbeJRn24y2AYu4yytDl7DlWiTHvZvt_55uaVrxqTVmYkwQ-vIq77955XO3yhCwssWJEn7dmnuKH_ysuX4U0PG922wHn7N/s1600/20190207_163013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFi2woOe4q-KIe2Ab1X1FcXCTQZmOiI1QnfoS1sd0LtgTohFJbeJRn24y2AYu4yytDl7DlWiTHvZvt_55uaVrxqTVmYkwQ-vIq77955XO3yhCwssWJEn7dmnuKH_ysuX4U0PG922wHn7N/s640/20190207_163013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The library was full of 1st and 2nd edition books- you were welcome to read any of them!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgK1wDPHaW7CssDBtHjfZOWUqtTp50SbedtqI_WhFJ9Em8FKIl6gGLl-SGe590pyKYE8ouz7u9a1AedfKcR4zHO8q4TliB8eORu6UVMFhs8A5U-2onHEx2B1BKkUSCbIUBieYDMb7a1wR/s1600/20190207_163022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgK1wDPHaW7CssDBtHjfZOWUqtTp50SbedtqI_WhFJ9Em8FKIl6gGLl-SGe590pyKYE8ouz7u9a1AedfKcR4zHO8q4TliB8eORu6UVMFhs8A5U-2onHEx2B1BKkUSCbIUBieYDMb7a1wR/s640/20190207_163022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ziVZdIP3bffDmoePjXekQpO5YE2yKV6IIEExBhG-nLuGXyq7cgRnJiHaCbfvsqWb_Y5xNNpXrrelGE-KedHPOSiyge5tQwCiErvpULQoyB7Yy8f8zA7dmYPuZHvzdxyaCnoK4YIKpacu/s1600/20190207_163054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ziVZdIP3bffDmoePjXekQpO5YE2yKV6IIEExBhG-nLuGXyq7cgRnJiHaCbfvsqWb_Y5xNNpXrrelGE-KedHPOSiyge5tQwCiErvpULQoyB7Yy8f8zA7dmYPuZHvzdxyaCnoK4YIKpacu/s640/20190207_163054.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Harpers Collection was the only thing hands- off. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbOxjoN5fFKNjyOxu5YDrYQcYWKfohwfH8ljKqBwQqNDoHhCGPgB51gy5i7c3dNcqTGq1PUwPdtpa74TVrUwfoSW1-c3qe-Y_MVIm2DY0Wr4RvtBEobO_ATCVnY8xg_RGZtUFZwiHst2_/s1600/20190207_163059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbOxjoN5fFKNjyOxu5YDrYQcYWKfohwfH8ljKqBwQqNDoHhCGPgB51gy5i7c3dNcqTGq1PUwPdtpa74TVrUwfoSW1-c3qe-Y_MVIm2DY0Wr4RvtBEobO_ATCVnY8xg_RGZtUFZwiHst2_/s640/20190207_163059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the porch inside the library</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7CTginQQX59a1XSNUB2pCvdGwI9f5nNjUwFUuiuXXUR_QHRcIcXI7Di35NGXY5dIV59FLUC3xvznubQ10arbdb7y3-3n3uKEBKBfSPrAiMAxYEVwrhM1UH16BrqDsISN3WarJ9-bHgGp/s1600/20190207_172138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7CTginQQX59a1XSNUB2pCvdGwI9f5nNjUwFUuiuXXUR_QHRcIcXI7Di35NGXY5dIV59FLUC3xvznubQ10arbdb7y3-3n3uKEBKBfSPrAiMAxYEVwrhM1UH16BrqDsISN3WarJ9-bHgGp/s640/20190207_172138.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sitting parlous had a beautiful fireplace and lots of games and original furniture pieces. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1NySVpiY_C3IdzJiu3W3BDosppPIVdITpssjrFCNMHI2QMSMEC967287b3HCiJjyGpT4Uof0jRyzna7K2gjoz8XqtfMF13JsvTswWIWAOkZaUF8-QPMlWwi_mcex4kzfZDeD_ha4q953/s1600/20190207_174629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1NySVpiY_C3IdzJiu3W3BDosppPIVdITpssjrFCNMHI2QMSMEC967287b3HCiJjyGpT4Uof0jRyzna7K2gjoz8XqtfMF13JsvTswWIWAOkZaUF8-QPMlWwi_mcex4kzfZDeD_ha4q953/s640/20190207_174629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCKYHdke6RB6fy8zbE9l91bW6yE12QZbKRBVwzdIg566CJv5fLE38YkGCYhxR1ubz_ALkL8iV7vJbW27tfTvM-7cfmqE8E9ghxFY1KSNVqEtBYr44Uunkx19ZcrxdgYkKQWFFAvb5kKfq/s1600/20190207_175803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCKYHdke6RB6fy8zbE9l91bW6yE12QZbKRBVwzdIg566CJv5fLE38YkGCYhxR1ubz_ALkL8iV7vJbW27tfTvM-7cfmqE8E9ghxFY1KSNVqEtBYr44Uunkx19ZcrxdgYkKQWFFAvb5kKfq/s640/20190207_175803.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the water from the parlour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUfuIXrZ-9EnWfeCIzlqwpWpiHRTwz2bxB3NN6pb-SP_fgDe3KcE7PP2RHHOlASZmHPyY3j7T96qd6vgWDOmMrBjGyeooLPbtkXJXtEhYvVYksKIqumhVxxDtLS6zpVDGB7C_cYETVVvh/s1600/20190207_193027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUfuIXrZ-9EnWfeCIzlqwpWpiHRTwz2bxB3NN6pb-SP_fgDe3KcE7PP2RHHOlASZmHPyY3j7T96qd6vgWDOmMrBjGyeooLPbtkXJXtEhYvVYksKIqumhVxxDtLS6zpVDGB7C_cYETVVvh/s640/20190207_193027.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made it into the dining room downstairs before the other guests so you can see the beautiful room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP9lMfd7gWaluewBT3uWBlHqxveaY6XtVJI8jtVJxyFQqAjhqG9wUTzvlpXrOfsLg1fbp2831fIK9bIYnrdXnFl-dXlF6rOQ2MPU3EG8RMYVJyOXK8N60-LyI4YyCkSo9cfIY93bM2uDa/s1600/20190207_194242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP9lMfd7gWaluewBT3uWBlHqxveaY6XtVJI8jtVJxyFQqAjhqG9wUTzvlpXrOfsLg1fbp2831fIK9bIYnrdXnFl-dXlF6rOQ2MPU3EG8RMYVJyOXK8N60-LyI4YyCkSo9cfIY93bM2uDa/s640/20190207_194242.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tasty Barbera was our choice and their homemade bread was melt-in-your-mouth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-i-69JvRRMriybpzqfJghMLrOYkFGDLb9p2p6TqzBUe4iwGRw1Q6cc5GhuLKJTBqa6Kott8BhR9sZNy8tamqx9CeJx4zzMRAb2H7nm075NPavPxmTcIuJJNuURPvWob3VOIxn7A5A8ixC/s1600/20190207_203102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-i-69JvRRMriybpzqfJghMLrOYkFGDLb9p2p6TqzBUe4iwGRw1Q6cc5GhuLKJTBqa6Kott8BhR9sZNy8tamqx9CeJx4zzMRAb2H7nm075NPavPxmTcIuJJNuURPvWob3VOIxn7A5A8ixC/s640/20190207_203102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a beautiful steak</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5NHG23JLqmgVNWxWFbch7m7HkD-zGg3cKen7ahW4fC4HsKV1j_AdCObRlGQD9Dm3l910JYm_qabiVfGGDnHggaTeRkY7Qwo2iEoc_LDzeTLQBi4xcQ_NhQZV15aM0gqVJEYKb7dLMkm9/s1600/20190207_203148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5NHG23JLqmgVNWxWFbch7m7HkD-zGg3cKen7ahW4fC4HsKV1j_AdCObRlGQD9Dm3l910JYm_qabiVfGGDnHggaTeRkY7Qwo2iEoc_LDzeTLQBi4xcQ_NhQZV15aM0gqVJEYKb7dLMkm9/s640/20190207_203148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most un-gamey Pheasant was prepared</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OWfeaX83JisjwOa_COlgGNz_hFUXQVUIQ5NDX1njxgMWrKUI4tjvooKfH43EOzNGjm_hgi9_fVceW4AKOsRX8oIrySXG8sDxUaLrqf9F8TZfZjozDGnYAulHp8V-m2AFKKevQIAOiUBg/s1600/20190207_205939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OWfeaX83JisjwOa_COlgGNz_hFUXQVUIQ5NDX1njxgMWrKUI4tjvooKfH43EOzNGjm_hgi9_fVceW4AKOsRX8oIrySXG8sDxUaLrqf9F8TZfZjozDGnYAulHp8V-m2AFKKevQIAOiUBg/s640/20190207_205939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesecake our second evening, their famous lemon pie was served the first night along with fish - I forgot to bring my camera (phone lol). FYI there is no wi-fi here but data works if you really must, also no TVs. It was SO nice to get away from news and socialize with new friends. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly2e8h7lqsEmr7u9fz0GLWKOaW6-MCaG8qvIrzADT10Amhhn2Jlt6Y28MrmjlwmYE0yAF2lVlINngYCwso0GVa-Hpur2mi_QxS4UZjML1Hei1Hjhq4vQfgfcDms_hyphenhyphenq3oABLT5d30kqP0/s1600/20190208_085041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly2e8h7lqsEmr7u9fz0GLWKOaW6-MCaG8qvIrzADT10Amhhn2Jlt6Y28MrmjlwmYE0yAF2lVlINngYCwso0GVa-Hpur2mi_QxS4UZjML1Hei1Hjhq4vQfgfcDms_hyphenhyphenq3oABLT5d30kqP0/s640/20190208_085041.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TOMATO PIE! Omg it was every bit as good as their recipe, which I am including here taken from their website blog. Thanks to the Chef and staff for accommodating my request- it was outstanding!</td></tr>
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<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Sorts Mill Goudy", "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 2.0625rem; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.2rem 0px 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
TOMATO PIE</h3>
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Adapted from <a href="http://greyfieldinn.com/blog/" target="_blank">Greyfield Inn's blog</a>, thanks to <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whitneyotawka.com/" target="_blank">Chef Whitney Otawka</a></strong></div>
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Yields 1 Pie, 8 slices. You can use any pie crust recipe or one that is pre-made. There is a great receipe located on their blog as well.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Pie Filling</strong></div>
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2 Heirloom Tomatoes, medium sized<br />
¼ cup Olive Oil<br />
1½ teaspoons Kosher Salt<br />
1½ cups Sharp White Cheddar (Cabot is a good starting point), shredded<br />
4 Egg Yolks<br />
6 Eggs<br />
½ cup Heavy Cream<br />
¼ teaspoon Dried Harrisa (If you don't have this no worries)<br />
¼ cup Parmesan, grated<br />
1 teaspoon Parsley</div>
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Preheat the oven to 375 F. Slice the heirloom tomatoes to around ¼ inch thick. Lightly oil a sheet pan with olive oil. Lay tomato slices on oiled pan in a single layer. Use a ½ teaspoon of salt to season the tomatoes. Roast for 40 minutes. Set aside.</div>
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Reduce oven temperature to 350 F. In a bowl whisk together egg yolks, eggs, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk well, until slightly frothy.</div>
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To assemble pie, layer 1 cup of shredded white cheddar into the pie shell. Add in a single layer of roasted heirloom tomatoes, around half of the tomatoes. Next, add remaining ½ cup of shredded white cheddar. Top with remaining roasted tomatoes. Sprinkle dried harissa over the top tomato layer. Pour egg and cream mixture over the tomato and cheese filling. Top with parmesan and parsley. Bake for 45-55 minutes. The pie filling should be set and the top, golden brown. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUqy-TdPn38mIQAkWpUC-41X-FlSuNNs7VydfRzbF_Ogx48dv-fX_bkZMFf_WAjLwMpfDtPxuJyOoVXfa7UTsDAv7a8bqCJrds_7ywVFEhqRsmRqINTuZj89O1crJYTg7JL-iY9X6tAa4/s1600/pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUqy-TdPn38mIQAkWpUC-41X-FlSuNNs7VydfRzbF_Ogx48dv-fX_bkZMFf_WAjLwMpfDtPxuJyOoVXfa7UTsDAv7a8bqCJrds_7ywVFEhqRsmRqINTuZj89O1crJYTg7JL-iY9X6tAa4/s640/pie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Greyfield Inn Blog at <a href="http://greyfieldinn.com/category/a-day-in-the-life/">http://greyfieldinn.com/category/a-day-in-the-life/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ubnKvXRSfDdCWrt6Jp0c2x3-pWAB4TAA2tthS3BVRM5FOfSQMKqH_5MacmOqXDbxNACf_3OnwebGCKP28O-zPZIeotWUAb3n_zk9DBf8GZIAN_HmhuWpScHgJ0E8nNAbNIbGYgp0u-mM/s640/20190208_094020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We so enjoyed celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary and the Greyfield sure knows how to make each guest feel special!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsCzCF96u_If0aRF8DqeoQMf5S8uMA3xpEVA0ftI2Rlyu8xucX-AQ_QgxI0S9-Ivf54LSDmdP9mRfrji4Ztj_77n33j2qVdbKKfL2o8Hld1qH2sKk-ZM4xIaSnicMp0gL-0wMQrvSJYdU/s1600/20190207_144733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1070" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsCzCF96u_If0aRF8DqeoQMf5S8uMA3xpEVA0ftI2Rlyu8xucX-AQ_QgxI0S9-Ivf54LSDmdP9mRfrji4Ztj_77n33j2qVdbKKfL2o8Hld1qH2sKk-ZM4xIaSnicMp0gL-0wMQrvSJYdU/s640/20190207_144733.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greyfield Inn photo credit WSB-TV</td></tr>
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Be sure to reserve early, we enjoyed the south porch room on the 3rd floor. I recommend the master bedroom by the library on the 2nd floor or if you don't mind walking stay in one of the cottages. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you get to go and be sure to request that tomato pie in advance!</span></div>
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asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-39195137075986961692022-09-15T21:03:00.000-04:002023-05-06T08:18:39.293-04:00When life gives you lemons... make Limoncello!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-5TzqLstlHWvwUkqYcRmX7dQzF5tsGuAlZf6G7SYbR1PuII2SOOTghlLvt8_XYOoyjj7OYfg5lvSBch2JgrC9333FLCS2a0O4iwzyMLF3ouB0dK3e-qjXzu65BYrP-rnuLnJM-6jAqFl/s1600/2cc507f16bd73f6354b5138068356b9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-5TzqLstlHWvwUkqYcRmX7dQzF5tsGuAlZf6G7SYbR1PuII2SOOTghlLvt8_XYOoyjj7OYfg5lvSBch2JgrC9333FLCS2a0O4iwzyMLF3ouB0dK3e-qjXzu65BYrP-rnuLnJM-6jAqFl/s1600/2cc507f16bd73f6354b5138068356b9e.jpg" height="640" width="437" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband fell in love with Limoncello when we visited Italy a few years ago and I never realized how absolutely simple it is to make - and what a great gift it makes as well! Limoncello liquor is smooth and sweet with an intense lemon flavor. All you need for a really fantastic limoncello are some good lemons (10), a bottle of vodka (the better, the better), some sugar and some patience!! It turns out smooth and sweet with an intense lemon flavor. To make it we're simply infusing lemon peels into vodka! When you begin peeling your lemons (Meyer lemons are preferred but not required) it's important to try not to get any pit on your peels (the pith is the white part and it is quite bitter). </span></div>
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Reserve the lemons for another recipe. My preference is to squeeze them and put them juice into small ice cube trays and once hard drop the cubes into a freezer bag. It keeps extremely well and I drop one cube everyday into my morning smoothie! Fresh and healthy and fantastic!</div>
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Pour the peels into a 2 Qt pitcher. My preference is to use a beverage dispensing jug which makes it a lot easier to help with the post-infusion straining! </div>
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Pour all of the 750ml bottle of vodka over the peels, close tightly and store while it is infusing and steeping in a room temperature and non-brightly lit room. Countertop is fine, but the pantry is even better! </div>
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And then we wait....... a month!!!!!!!!! Some people are good to go ahead and make their actual limoncello in just under a week (check out <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/limoncello-recipe.html" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentis's version on food network's site here</a>). The longer you let the flavor seep though, the more deep your flavor will be which is preferred by most <i>Limoncello Lovers</i>). Now onto the fun part!!</div>
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Make a simple sugar: Take 3 and a half cups water and 2 and a half cups sugar and dissolve into a saucepan. Using medium heat, stir occasionally and after about five minutes everything should be dissolved (don't let it come to a boil). Let the sugar water come to a complete cool down before doing anything with it -preferable pour it out of the saucepan into another container to help with the cooling. Note: sugar water is used in many mixed drinks and can be easily stored in a tightly lidded jar in the refrigerator for up to a month). </div>
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While your sugar water is cooling down, strain your vodka and peels. I used a coffee filter over a small strainer to get the best clearest remaining liquid! </div>
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Take a DEEP breath... because it smells AMAZING!!!!! You can now discard the peels (they will make your disposal smell wonderful). You are left with a lemony concentration of infused vodka. </div>
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Now, simply add your sugar water to the vodka and carefully pour into pretty bottles to keep in the refrigerator up to a month or even better in the freezer for up to a year -but it won't last that long!</div>
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Here are some other great ways to serve your limoncello aside from just being served chilled straight up in a small glass..... </div>
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How about some <a href="http://trumatter.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/limoncello-ice-cream-recipe/">limoncello ice cream</a> from Trumatter's blog</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Czjat3yFbfuELOq2w2NmBY8CI5n5lUcCBdgYU4z1brUhM6PAJjh5HWTTRXF9u-yb1s07l1ciGDXBZOuur6093QIg5g77ck1YpG3XdngekC9DSfmMFix3wKLbxJA5wARWrVX4i6yNt9jJ/s1600/limoncello-icrecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Czjat3yFbfuELOq2w2NmBY8CI5n5lUcCBdgYU4z1brUhM6PAJjh5HWTTRXF9u-yb1s07l1ciGDXBZOuur6093QIg5g77ck1YpG3XdngekC9DSfmMFix3wKLbxJA5wARWrVX4i6yNt9jJ/s1600/limoncello-icrecream.jpg" height="640" width="503" /></a></div>
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Or some <a href="http://www.circle-b-kitchen.com/food-and-recipes/2011/3/10/limoncello-pound-cake-with-mascarpone-lemon-frosting.html" target="_blank">Limoncello pound cake with marscapone icing</a> from Circle B Kitchen</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniyYTFnE55f3_NoBE1Jh7FDueVGFVvn7gJ8HziSIFGWOIkiHMWJYsRLjAl4Y_aUlZaLfzrfcCesrEd9RBhiWdUcNhIAyx0qCHTfItPPf0dCwYdLCG6z_KjNr5ApNcXTEqXIyJgYPT6thw/s1600/limoncake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniyYTFnE55f3_NoBE1Jh7FDueVGFVvn7gJ8HziSIFGWOIkiHMWJYsRLjAl4Y_aUlZaLfzrfcCesrEd9RBhiWdUcNhIAyx0qCHTfItPPf0dCwYdLCG6z_KjNr5ApNcXTEqXIyJgYPT6thw/s1600/limoncake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the heavenly sounding <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/drink-recipes/limoncello-gin-cocktail-grilled-thyme.aspx" target="_blank">Limoncello Gin Cocktail with Grilled Thyme</a> from Fine Cooking</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggwjO0iv9HBpJ6Qy8b4UabmXSwDpybWAiqmk6oRjwfB7X3grFc8d_APmb98whGK1SQLmHY3wW2ihC6JYc2-OWvmCJutUcB2P0E_mGUqNu1iCjqNkSny8TIi6ax3Sz8spN9g5S3NLRmvA1/s1600/b9da9fe8415af6faef454240d9f8fef1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggwjO0iv9HBpJ6Qy8b4UabmXSwDpybWAiqmk6oRjwfB7X3grFc8d_APmb98whGK1SQLmHY3wW2ihC6JYc2-OWvmCJutUcB2P0E_mGUqNu1iCjqNkSny8TIi6ax3Sz8spN9g5S3NLRmvA1/s1600/b9da9fe8415af6faef454240d9f8fef1.jpg" height="628" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What is your favorite way to deal with life, when it hands you lemons?? </span></div>
<br />asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-83363274050205869972021-04-03T15:55:00.000-04:002021-04-03T15:55:34.977-04:00Pasta Making Fun!<p> We got to learn how to make homemade pasta recently at a local shop! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/achefscookingstudio" target="_blank">A Chef's Cooking Studio</a> in Jacksonville is a great local place to either observe, take an immersive class, or their take & bake classes are neat too! </p><p>My husband had a ton of fun rolling and then shaping the pasta. We made homemade lasagna noodles and also fettuccine. Then we made a simple tomato sauce and baked the lasagna with only provolone (no ricotta- yikes- that part I'd change at home) and also made an alfredo sauce and served it with the boiled fettuccine. It was delicious and served with a salad with homemade dressing and bread and an open wine bar. Definitely a fun date night out! Check out the fun that we had!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpiwK4DaDkJnpAHMRkL31TOIOC1t6cqHD1QnHdd98FtWaJ1Y3rsjnOs_KP6BlI4Nz0slpYZQahmJiDSdBa7Q8CWxM1sF4xYEHX6wCvxMaBsfTgNN8O9MHa9WEkNOmdD2he21CIjlLSh7B/s4032/20210312_185425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpiwK4DaDkJnpAHMRkL31TOIOC1t6cqHD1QnHdd98FtWaJ1Y3rsjnOs_KP6BlI4Nz0slpYZQahmJiDSdBa7Q8CWxM1sF4xYEHX6wCvxMaBsfTgNN8O9MHa9WEkNOmdD2he21CIjlLSh7B/w480-h640/20210312_185425.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCckNPvzprZMRywI9n-T4x5nwiPgOilU2FY99npfH03VjU_5ikoa3UVb3XkzOfRmI6lDro7p_Y292f41leku1oKmHwoaLVXl0AndERDL38zRshoFzxzk5DVypb0J4vnooq8NvixTUwx0u/s4032/20210312_185441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7yKjdnkwZc165Roh-Gc2ds9_guNS3jnp-IfRGCy64VA4fGxT07mjjZnhb557M_qyS5RflC7mCyW4vroNROauSR2X0lv8DJuR4yH5VUqrLQ9-sCEHKxbk9lXW0gpwzX-Pxx6Tu75gGNTS/w480-h640/20210312_191002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RNuhujKaSwbcp0Drfgu-1-tLvBz-X5CR0G6yFrbZrRz3ZGTngZfQ4faDRvm3nmHo0nw87JXwvcaOHSbfPd3Y_r8rVsU7Zkm7-ksV-GIh-a0esm8J8byItuqxnrMJOtcBCqwCXKJsSbZN/s4032/20210312_191031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RNuhujKaSwbcp0Drfgu-1-tLvBz-X5CR0G6yFrbZrRz3ZGTngZfQ4faDRvm3nmHo0nw87JXwvcaOHSbfPd3Y_r8rVsU7Zkm7-ksV-GIh-a0esm8J8byItuqxnrMJOtcBCqwCXKJsSbZN/w480-h640/20210312_191031.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you want to sign up for any of the classes offered go to <a href="https://www.achefs.com/" target="_blank">A Chef's Cooking Studio here! </a><br /><p><br /></p>asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-65293273098010673872020-04-12T17:51:00.002-04:002020-04-12T17:51:38.452-04:00Homemade Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't like some reeses and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> similar creamy or crunchy deliciousness this time of year? Since so many of us are cooking and baking more lately, here is a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large;">n easy one to satisfy your wallet and your tastebuds! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE PB EGGS:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">16 ounce jar creamy peanut butter (crunchy is allowed)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3 cups powdered sugar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1/4 cup butter, pre-melted</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Outside 'Shell':</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1 -2 tablespoon shortening (butter is fine, full fat though) add as needed for efficient melting</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">HOW TO MAKE:</span></span></h4>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the bowl of your mixer, add peanut butter, powdered sugar and melted butter until the mixture is well combined and looks like dough. </span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Using about a tablespoon and a half of dough, form into an egg shape and place on a cookie sheet layered with parchment paper. (You can use also egg molds from ip) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr39beLQpiNn6krqc0QscR9DusKhzJPTJdgbPixrDw0QTt34x6zy-r7qb0JSYG48AmawfSvVEt8pEGxF0rrlBLsQDIP_muEb36u_o3uTzPfRhBVlpsYIhAl3URdHYMjLMVpKogj4UwrJx/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="932" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr39beLQpiNn6krqc0QscR9DusKhzJPTJdgbPixrDw0QTt34x6zy-r7qb0JSYG48AmawfSvVEt8pEGxF0rrlBLsQDIP_muEb36u_o3uTzPfRhBVlpsYIhAl3URdHYMjLMVpKogj4UwrJx/s320/eggs.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to allow the eggs to harden before dipping into the chocolate mixture. </span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">While the eggs are hardening in the freezer, melt chocolate and shortening/remaining butter in a small bowl in the microwave. ENSURE you do this in 30 second intervals and stir or it will burn. You may need to reheat it if it starts to harden. TIP: </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">other option is to just use store bought magic shell!</em></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After 15+ minutes, take PB 'eggs' out of the freezer, dip eggs into the melted chocolate covering all sides. TIP:<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"> To assist in the dipping process, place a toothpick into one end of the egg.)</em></span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Place dipped eggs onto cookie sheet with parchment paper.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once all eggs are dipped, place in the freezer for 30+ minutes to allow the chocolate to harden. If you lost shell on one side, then redip that side and leave it faceup in freezer for 20 mins again. Optionally add some coarse sea or kosher salt to top of chocolate! </span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To store, place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2 months. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.75px;">Enjoy - and watch out for rabbits and PB loving family members! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh932Ob41qQFjfq4V0x7zm6ryDIAUkoBQoZDncqnvPs_alJbSO-74xN8ONa6gP6SRuaLe8htaWsPR1PZdUnpi7rkQLzoSXpQYRavDKKYUmhm5-A-JA6ITA9d8gd87hdIlJPOqZ9c6T49GXh/s1600/Instant-Pot-Reeses-Peanut-Butter-Eggs-7-1-of-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="766" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh932Ob41qQFjfq4V0x7zm6ryDIAUkoBQoZDncqnvPs_alJbSO-74xN8ONa6gP6SRuaLe8htaWsPR1PZdUnpi7rkQLzoSXpQYRavDKKYUmhm5-A-JA6ITA9d8gd87hdIlJPOqZ9c6T49GXh/s640/Instant-Pot-Reeses-Peanut-Butter-Eggs-7-1-of-1.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-56299269883206461142019-01-24T19:18:00.000-05:002019-01-24T20:00:22.948-05:00A SOUPer Secret Is Out!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The greater St. Augustine area has a super supper option</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> now available for delivery! </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from ChefDamian.com</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.chefdamian.com/" target="_blank">Chef Damian Kemper</a> has been warming the bellies of many happy households lately with his homemade soups. These soups are perfect for lunch, dinner, or your freezer and are made weekly with love in a commercial kitchen using only the freshest and local ingredients available. The savory soups come in quart sized glass jars with wooden spoons and would make an adorable gift for yourself or others- hand delivered weekly like the good ole days!<br />
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These are not just your grandma's chicken soups either... here are just some of the savory options offered recently with more options being added regularly:<br />
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Cream of Wild Mushroom & Leek</div>
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Chicken and Vegetable with Orzo</div>
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New England Clam Chowder</div>
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Roasted Butternut Squash</div>
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Creamy Corn and Lump Crab Bisque with Sherry</div>
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Split Pea and Smoked Turkey</div>
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Creamy Chicken and Rice</div>
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Minorcan Clam Chowder</div>
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White Turkey Chili</div>
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Broccoli and Aged Cheddar</div>
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Apple Cider Infused Sweet Potato Bisque</div>
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Creamed Carrot and Ginger</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lrmk7gNI9KGEin8AIi41wZaaY4Vg2x9tcm5auU4DjHjygtBie35Apow8QaEQey2lEdDXH3nb-Fe-iArHM-scgPgtv75bmLUaGFsq-mP9iL0VT5CEdMzn7-eFblB6rOhB_iWnu4AW1_4/s1600/soupmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lrmk7gNI9KGEin8AIi41wZaaY4Vg2x9tcm5auU4DjHjygtBie35Apow8QaEQey2lEdDXH3nb-Fe-iArHM-scgPgtv75bmLUaGFsq-mP9iL0VT5CEdMzn7-eFblB6rOhB_iWnu4AW1_4/s640/soupmain.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Chef Damian's' facebook page</td></tr>
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<b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The rules are simple and the reward is great:</span></b></div>
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Ordering is easy via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChefDamian904/" target="_blank">Facebook messenger</a>, through submissions to their <a href="http://www.chefdamian.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or by <a href="mailto:ChefDamian904@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a>. Free delivery is offered within St. Augustine city limits and outside of town it is a 2 quart minimum plus a nominal delivery fee - Chef even goes to parts of Jacksonville and delivers himself with a smile!<br />
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They offer 1 soup per week delivered to the location of your choosing- so it can be work, your home, or as a surprise gift for someone who needs a yummy smile. Instantly ready to be heated! I was so lucky to win a chance to sample soup for 10 weeks from Chef Damian!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/442092482973602/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="640" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0XyFV4mdjDJBMfvrIWp6GuD4FNuISLcLPHlOj4-Am-HwB-6RtR560b4k85R17gp0QScT_8KteXTL6UvwVO7P62Qpc2fNh3NyVuPZ5gTt-HgkqNpyFxliFan-uaMefQ7R0TFfE6TFun4/s640/fof.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/442092482973602/" target="_blank">Photo from Auggie's Fresh or Frightening Facebook Page</a></td></tr>
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I entered and won a philanthropic contest (just a $5 donation per entry) from the popular foodie group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/442092482973602/?hc_ref=ARSsNcf_6pXoBP4mF1kyAyufYJFGr7FIY89S72mphBHr9hWZ3wEUiuyqfGRSYPA8Pxc&__tn__=CH-R" target="_blank"> Auggie's Fresh & Frightening Food Reviews</a> and am receiving 10 quarts of Chef Damian's soups this "winter". Side note- I have not received any compensation for this post nor was I asked to write this, it was completely my personal choice based on my positive experience. </div>
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Auggie's group is affectionately referred to locally as #FOF and is made up of thousands of locals and visitors sharing experiences, photos, and advice on local restaurants in the area overseen by St. Augustine's 2018 Man of the Year, James Taylor. James helped setup a donation option to enter some local foodie giveaways that benefits hungry children and also benefits local restaurants to gain some exposure and new customers- thus my learning about this awesome chef and his services. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">THE SAVORY FLAVOR EXPERIENCE!</span></u></b></span></div>
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This week's Italian Sausage & Lentil Soup arrived right at the prescheduled time and day and it was ready to go right into the fridge as it had already been chilled down. I spent the afternoon debating how long I could wait to crack it open for us for dinner. It didn't take long to decide that after the rain and chilly winds today, that soup needed to be rescued pretty fast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSBeCTxbSvjG_KnDyP6MWpmdZ-N9TU-UE5iQWfxZBj1FAeeiLompgg7DzoY8eUEiAunj9rCmBwcBMrHIbpqObPfq4DKt_yIiAKYTm0crzcvhSrwmHXiXabgipCotuKTkjdP6AOOFh8is/s1600/20190124_170426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSBeCTxbSvjG_KnDyP6MWpmdZ-N9TU-UE5iQWfxZBj1FAeeiLompgg7DzoY8eUEiAunj9rCmBwcBMrHIbpqObPfq4DKt_yIiAKYTm0crzcvhSrwmHXiXabgipCotuKTkjdP6AOOFh8is/s400/20190124_170426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The </span><span style="text-align: start;">soup was chock full of just the right amounts of sweet Italian sausage, tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions, corn, garlic, and zucchini along with a delightful herb blend that was absolutely perfect in ratio and not at all spicy or oily. I consider myself a bit of a soup connoisseur and happen to be extremely light on my salt instake usually and this did not go overboard like you might find in a can or at some restaurants. There was plenty for two people and still enough for a bit of lunch tomorrow (if it lasts that long which I doubt). Everything was sauteed and simmered just right and still had individual exact flavor in each spoonful. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i>It was easily the best lentil and sausage soup I have <u>ever</u> had. </i> </span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">What's next?</span></b></u></div>
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Here is a glance at next month's menu- if you order early or go on a regularly scheduled delivery service you will be guaranteed to get your favorite soup before it sells out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJVtfzPVNyNB3ZW81Xuk45Fbw3x1UiUVv8Ti_v2ozcfxqL4RWiGPH3OuNhgXXaZ_zP1_guKeSfYiCm4RiqTQCqIb9Z5GZa5qGeh7sJMgkXQfBhqxSTIHnI6WGzSqvMeu268HKNf2XZUc/s1600/febsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="960" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJVtfzPVNyNB3ZW81Xuk45Fbw3x1UiUVv8Ti_v2ozcfxqL4RWiGPH3OuNhgXXaZ_zP1_guKeSfYiCm4RiqTQCqIb9Z5GZa5qGeh7sJMgkXQfBhqxSTIHnI6WGzSqvMeu268HKNf2XZUc/s640/febsoup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chef Damian also offers other services including chef service by the hour, weekly dinner or vacation meals, event catering, cooking classes, and special occasions! Chef Damian also works with <a href="http://www.thetastingtours.com/" target="_blank">a local tour group</a> that will definitely be a post for another day! <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetastingtours.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0Uym5-f4lrRmTyCX0sVy1-xikeHKU6jTkHG3FIsXfK9JUZz9BK6BUahnw&h=AT2nMEZ1I1ijU4y1peTlEkyE-sY-Uqm1JWKdhmu94wKV8-OGjpIrSN34YT1Lg2KOh9v6lSgmm3AqpU7x5FyWuUeQO6S-R6jMfO050EJ487k_k-ZBphZ45Ke2T-_j_QEvm3thZ6aOlfkOYfWVl9Gxsgt-vI2A90vXLS2umok4zKRXwQtacLfjZ9MmNkR7DTkQZGWEHrZB55q41F4QgSGtLef-LPF9Gpxx7mpFtUjURPYR12okID8jXSEyWQusnECd4gxPdq656ET6IriBVcwkEp_Pzme_iyMexSGkJQiPZeqEYIev5o3yZonbd0o2CCVKBjcukhE0Vf_qeXUMZC7Iu8eV7Vm-urGcCrVNbb8ZjOjb7ZHXwrw6pPCcHH7u4obWXeslBUytv6dle9ZC2wCej6fiTS0xyZj6dKya04RLYUaaF3Wr-psbZ4PtzU70ughiUKoMAdDDQi8D4odv7bNm0IAtF3ZSFWth1ZzHL58__PZY821Tu_0tJO8G_9fvYk2eKtH45fuXxubWuKqpYBMX3GS6q-h7Kchu44Cs1MJ4AbApUIozaPBO2nrT2C3BqrHXSJw-6rzCxlg8U5TFuHbghl6dfAOgoRgqKqxs_W7Xj3n8laWzQDUFzXqmbYku0yp-B30Er4sG1rr9APFUppCP43eEHVuU9UK36PfNJNJzi9ygB_CEGBRHbCyGY0mnkn_oB9e9ETN9XDnPcPLioBuD6fGimEFN8CD977lSm3W-tGiFWFHHIHLA-S9aLJAYpCEOjSQIwotl1dHDA7IGLKmcAZ86NljbdQyDfcl9fRF0eez2Xx7zVc9eMWIkOV4kNyvSDUiXGB0Ph41p_cQHZsl1RO1-Sq6LZR9v5XFjwovNnSg" rel="noopener nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" target="_blank">www.thetastingtours.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4RNFxMQyBvYAdGlUvfFi2_E_sx3LUdIbOWJK_MAFhNcRwGHjtpqn18kV3460P2MEF6HptdHieA-DvBtqTDlcZCzOzqesjyAI3k9Iw4KVqsHPkETDTZe1dcTkLmaSSgLLHujqqF-e8CM/s1600/january+calendar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="630" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4RNFxMQyBvYAdGlUvfFi2_E_sx3LUdIbOWJK_MAFhNcRwGHjtpqn18kV3460P2MEF6HptdHieA-DvBtqTDlcZCzOzqesjyAI3k9Iw4KVqsHPkETDTZe1dcTkLmaSSgLLHujqqF-e8CM/s640/january+calendar.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once you try ordering from Chef Damian let him know if you heard about him from my blog and be sure to leave him a good review if you feel the same way so many of us do about his food! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>It is truly mmm mmmm great! </i></b></span></div>
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You can follow me regularly on my blog's facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/asavoryspoonful">https://www.facebook.com/asavoryspoonful</a>.</div>
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<i>Thanks! <a href="mailto:cathy@asavoryspoonful.com" target="_blank">-Cathy</a></i></div>
asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-84961889922239373462017-11-12T16:54:00.001-05:002019-01-24T20:39:40.238-05:00Diner En Blanc - Tres Magnifique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vXQWOzh-TD2R9k4DNJlheoM_9Vfl2pPs_cFjc-fiuLe7HTou7BqUDJfQjogVFPcIMl0E1U9yZ0GQqzUBvoglGzQouHhCDeN6F5IUwr_iD17EDf043YzFTo8a-62-_hHEBxuDVBVP8NDL/s1600/20171110_212341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1133" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vXQWOzh-TD2R9k4DNJlheoM_9Vfl2pPs_cFjc-fiuLe7HTou7BqUDJfQjogVFPcIMl0E1U9yZ0GQqzUBvoglGzQouHhCDeN6F5IUwr_iD17EDf043YzFTo8a-62-_hHEBxuDVBVP8NDL/s640/20171110_212341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had another amazing time at the annual Diner En Blanc this year- put on by JAGA Productions! Diner En Blanc is a pop-up dinner set in a secret location with over 1000 invite only attendees that started in Paris and has spread across the world in recent years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4niSS2OrMEx6om_jjg-GretLlcrgRGH2w2emd-2AY5FUqg-47QvB1W_GluaaT1brXlKjXpfxA27Hse6zx-cSProu9qgnreu_zXmBQZzQv13zkw1gLa2pI2A_z3YSrwsIuVDmWW3NxyYZ/s1600/20171110_195904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="1366" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4niSS2OrMEx6om_jjg-GretLlcrgRGH2w2emd-2AY5FUqg-47QvB1W_GluaaT1brXlKjXpfxA27Hse6zx-cSProu9qgnreu_zXmBQZzQv13zkw1gLa2pI2A_z3YSrwsIuVDmWW3NxyYZ/s640/20171110_195904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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JAGA Productions outdid themselves for the 2nd annual one in Central Florida this past Friday night by hosting the event at the amazing Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. The beautiful atmosphere was enlightened by all of the white clothed lucky attendees and elegant white decorated tables and the sounds of corks popping and musical performances and the glow of sparklers and happy friends- both new and old. Click here for: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZgtnX7FeZqUoef0w2" target="_blank">Sparkler Time video! #DEBORL2017</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6CsuIVwL65mLtPwDAJDfVVAzwn7jYVSX_ySOYe_NBXPNa2FUnAhnetleSM-4HUKDKDWsGF-P1v4Z-Agp5kFSZRatjhgfPuuim62mTegx7oFumJVCDPtFZWMc6pPUpkmHoA1sSQe9PnO6/s1600/20171110_210503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="331" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6CsuIVwL65mLtPwDAJDfVVAzwn7jYVSX_ySOYe_NBXPNa2FUnAhnetleSM-4HUKDKDWsGF-P1v4Z-Agp5kFSZRatjhgfPuuim62mTegx7oFumJVCDPtFZWMc6pPUpkmHoA1sSQe9PnO6/s640/20171110_210503.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Here is another brief video clip of the traditionally dinner knapkin waving time! Click here: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/XELzejzVCkcXSZmE2" target="_blank">Knapkin time #DEBOrl3017</a><br />
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Check out some of the highlights we got to experience this year... and if you want to be invited next year post a comment and I will select someone to receive an invite.<br />
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Look at some of these gorgeous table setups and delectable foods:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cannoli cake on top tire of our table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our appetizers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at our table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En Blanc, en magnifique</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0Oyycb_LrSG-AYrckFX8QPHYXHEoNfiGrljwIK2h3am0bSsXqFBxemjyHOARFxTIqpYJ7LPfFwlkXVUxNOsJdzUa5RbVTj3jAivS_50xUPeguwFfIKXzb-bLzj2qOSZ0L-NIpwrvRhnw/s1600/20171110_200738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="331" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0Oyycb_LrSG-AYrckFX8QPHYXHEoNfiGrljwIK2h3am0bSsXqFBxemjyHOARFxTIqpYJ7LPfFwlkXVUxNOsJdzUa5RbVTj3jAivS_50xUPeguwFfIKXzb-bLzj2qOSZ0L-NIpwrvRhnw/s400/20171110_200738.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE9-02Y8N__M67dhhUMy9uteeifYD5XQGT7gFy7xGyQmwlWM5irrtYDW2bUddwCvdH_Tg1GLju0BQ4GX4JxO3sYqyG4DJVAR_B8aeoEQcpe0LwP4uvLEYMZvDodguFX5vHM_On2loX_sn/s1600/pre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE9-02Y8N__M67dhhUMy9uteeifYD5XQGT7gFy7xGyQmwlWM5irrtYDW2bUddwCvdH_Tg1GLju0BQ4GX4JxO3sYqyG4DJVAR_B8aeoEQcpe0LwP4uvLEYMZvDodguFX5vHM_On2loX_sn/s400/pre.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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We had a tres magnifique time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkozFZDUSWo5KDH2m3Ls-sfqqc9B-dI_VyxfWMTHhmm2MOe_-5A0byEup1ePyszuXaiM7T0Lzn4VbfvFiv5gI_1Lu9tk7WI05ahCiRFwPRSsCNLoUMrkBZ2qY7ajsuFedY77A18DuDOcU/s1600/20171110_211932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1046" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkozFZDUSWo5KDH2m3Ls-sfqqc9B-dI_VyxfWMTHhmm2MOe_-5A0byEup1ePyszuXaiM7T0Lzn4VbfvFiv5gI_1Lu9tk7WI05ahCiRFwPRSsCNLoUMrkBZ2qY7ajsuFedY77A18DuDOcU/s640/20171110_211932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward already to #DEBOrl2018<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out more about Diner En Blanc at https://www.facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.Orlando/</span></td></tr>
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<br />asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-25867669714393962182017-04-17T16:11:00.003-04:002017-04-17T17:16:22.790-04:00The JourneyToday, unexpectedly went uphill so far it started in my heart and then hit the sky. It's been a year since I've posted here, only posting occasionally on my Facebook version of my blog page -because, well- life happened- and someone reminded me today that those obstacles-those ARE what make my life, MY life.<br />
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Today, THIS happened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkykewYLD8cwVVYvxjxCKU9II2zRCbqSwZOzwTmFBYIEl6owzd-AqMh9i2-sITnZHrIEY7S2PzOuGF1O7FKEQqAKAiZkGNGM_8sF5_ZaHYjSoZoLQZ8p7F7hX_wyREAbzBJBkA9AmRwdkK/s1600/20170417_145019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkykewYLD8cwVVYvxjxCKU9II2zRCbqSwZOzwTmFBYIEl6owzd-AqMh9i2-sITnZHrIEY7S2PzOuGF1O7FKEQqAKAiZkGNGM_8sF5_ZaHYjSoZoLQZ8p7F7hX_wyREAbzBJBkA9AmRwdkK/s640/20170417_145019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I nonchalantly got the mail... and a delightful surprise card, a package, and 2 simple yet profound red balloons fell out. </div>
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A quote from the heartfelt letter inside the card, "<span style="color: red;">... <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">The enclosed gift jumped out and into my hands with only you in mind. Tell Robert to buy you a helium tank and an unending supply of red balloons... choose to be happy every single day... we all love you."</span></b></i></span></div>
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At first the wave of tears was what the 2 red balloons reminded me of and how on earth could this sweet friend and former co-worker (who has lived in another state for a few years) even know what it symbolized to me. And then....then- I opened this original artwork she sent to me because it "spoke to her..."!</div>
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I am sure my neighbors could hear me bawling for what seemed like a lifetime. Of course! Two balloons can help me fly, seek happiness, find and spread my wings when I feel like I cannot go. Imagine what 99 red balloons can do for me? For you? Imagine what sharing some balloons with someone else can do for them?!! <i><span style="color: red;"><b>(Imagine if there are penguins involved too....... WOW!)</b></span></i><br />
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And then, the symbolism on top of it. As many of you may know my mother in law and father in law both passed away last fall within 3 months of each other. We loved them dearly- she truly was the mother I didn't get to have in my 30s when I needed advice or to vent about certain things. I was lucky to have multiple mothers in my lifetime and still have one very special mother- Robert's mom. For me, Michele though as my (step) mother-in-law was a confidant a lover of all family no matter what you said or did and a reality checker (in a BIG WAY, which you'd easily know if you knew her).</div>
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This is the perfect example..... you see, when Michele was ill with leukemia last year in her final month in all practicality she was making jokes and also trying to make plans for all of us for the future. She was adamant with a smile on her face....."The only way I'd agree to a funeral is a celebration of life, first of all here take this- I have a coupon (and SERIOUSLY she pulled out a Banfield Coupon for a discount off of cremation services!)...(insert shock and awe for all of us 'kids' who were sitting there at that moment!). Apparently the Banfield Veterinarian hospital shares the same name with the Banfield Funeral Home in their suburb.... yet another hilarity). THEN, she said, "...And the ONLY way you are going to have a celebration of MY life is if you get those red blow up crazy waving flying balloon guys that gets your attention outside of a car dealership!" Well.......... </div>
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Needless to say, not only did we use her coupon but...... she got her RED balloon guy! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjeZrMlkF66PngpAZdeZU2YXrX__0VAu_wiGJkoN5tkDcBhVYQLiynDJf3oXQzxpjSz8IukQZamRfYUtwdXMJLXekwAWWqoWRk38ABOoRv_XHEatTIlCQ9PI6QiO26RjFnrvvoHQeWoOy/s1600/14484872_10157391260440167_4617213220618343414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjeZrMlkF66PngpAZdeZU2YXrX__0VAu_wiGJkoN5tkDcBhVYQLiynDJf3oXQzxpjSz8IukQZamRfYUtwdXMJLXekwAWWqoWRk38ABOoRv_XHEatTIlCQ9PI6QiO26RjFnrvvoHQeWoOy/s400/14484872_10157391260440167_4617213220618343414_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actual red balloon guy outside of Michele Billoni's celebration of life October 2016</td></tr>
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And so, as I dry my tears and focus on the blessings I have like my remaining family, my friends and loved ones and people like my friend Sandy who go out of their way to think about others, pray for others, support them through and during and AFTER the tough times..... giving that extra time or sending that extra card or gift or call, including a penguin in it on top of everything.... it gives me renewed faith and belief that happier times are to come. They may not always be with the same old friends, same old best friends even, same old company, same ole family members even.... but during the times I am down and out,<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>I will learn to LOVE the skies that I am under. </b></span><br />
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<i><u><b>Thank you Sandy </b></u></i>for reminding me that the sky is not the limit, the door is never closed, the day is never done and those gone are not forever. There are always the red balloons, the red cardinals, the butterflies, the dimes, the breeze that lets you know that you aren't alone and you can always find a way to fly. I do believe I can. Thank you!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy 2016</td></tr>
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<br />asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-54807877165235248662016-04-02T16:11:00.002-04:002016-05-09T20:06:35.484-04:00Develop Your Own Compass, And Trust It.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Not to be morbid, but a new month also means one less month on earth. Just as a new years means the ending of someone's life sooner than later....<br />
<br />
Recently, a friend and I sat down and chatted about life and meaning behind things.<br />
<br />
We’ve both been alive for 40-something years. The first decade was somewhat a blur, but also our foundation and the fundamental character-building years. The second decade—our roaring twenties—we made impulsive decisions, fought for love, fought for career, saved some money, spent a lot more than we made. My brothers and I lost our mom to breast cancer and it was a huge eye opening and difficult time accepting and then telling her it was okay to let go. Then one day we woke up and we were 30.<br />
<br />
Now, in our thirties, we had (some) clarity and, finally were investing a little in retirement funds, built a house or two, moved, possibly changed careers or started a new business and found structure. Some of my siblings had children, others did not by choice or chance and we all were making the best of our situations come heck or high water and sometimes amid both.<br />
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And suddenly we were in our forties and when the heck did that happen?? According to my calculations and family history, we are about halfway through our lives. If we count on our good gene pool, and a little luck, lots of healthy eating and exercise, we are still about halfway through the most active years of our life.<br />
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<br />
I told my friend what I wanted to do during this next decade of my life, and he responded without hesitancy:<br />
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<i><b>Do it.</b></i><br />
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But, I said.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Do it.</span></b></i><br />
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I sat and stared. The list of all my responsibilities came to mind (many job/travel/family commitments, schedules to follow, meals to cook, places to be)—all of which did not seem as important as the fact that, no matter what, I have to live my life, so how do I want it all to look? Feel? Be experienced?<br />
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He turned to me and said, <i>we get one chance to walk this planet.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This. Is. It.</i></span><br />
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Today, I feel empowered to make all the changes I want to make in order to live my most vibrant life. Tomorrow, I may be scared (actually, I’m sure I will be scared). Either way, those dreams and desires are beckoning. They are calling. They are waiting to be lived.<br />
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In the spirit of the new month, new quarter of the year, new beginnings, many new moons, know your vibrancy.<br />
<br />
Know that you are given one chance to really experience life in this unique body, in this unique form.<br />
<br />
You are given one chance to roam with these phenomenal legs and tremendous eyes and unique voice.<br />
<br />
In another decade, you might not have the ability to do what you love. You may not be able to write furiously or teach yoga with agility; you may not be able to travel with ease or make love with fervor. You might not have the love of your life by your side through a purposeful separation or through a terrible loss. I cannot imagine life alone but we must imagine ourselves living with fervor while we CAN. <br />
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So today, <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">I encourage you to do it.</span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i>
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Do it <u><b>all</b></u> with <b><u>no</u></b> regrets.<br />
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Do it all without asking for permission.<br />
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<i>“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”</i><br />
<i>~ Rumi</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-90292509900192223572016-02-16T14:28:00.002-05:002016-02-16T14:49:10.635-05:00My Comforting Shepherd's Pie Means "I Love You"It has been a long hiatus for me and I thank you for your patience.... lots of traveling so the good news is I have lots to blog about coming up this spring! Adventures everywhere from Paris to London to Dublin to Vegas to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the northeast and even a glamping adventure on a dude ranch!! Think of all the yumminess and great places I have to share!<br />
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<br />
During my time traveling away from my blog, I have shared quite a few tips and fellow bloggers great recipes and ideas on my face book page over the last few months and I hope you will check them out at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/asavoryspoonful">www.facebook.com/asavoryspoonful</a><br />
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In the meantime, I have a special treat in honor of the heartfelt love that is shared during this month of February and chilly days and lots of savory spoonfuls of deliciousness!<br />
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This week I made the most amazing Shepherd's Pie for my husband (if I do say so myself) and a few extra for the freezer. Wow -you have truly got to make this ASAP -it really can be simplified or as complex as you would like!<br />
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You can use ground turkey and lamb like I did or any variation of meats- the key is in the farmer's market rainbow carrots and a great stout beer! In the recipe I provide to you below I tweaked a little from the original and also added two splashes of worcestershire sauce and halved the original suggested full bouillon cube and a couple splashes of a good red wine to further deepen the flavor.<br />
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The original called for instant mashed potatoes but why not take the extra few minutes and slowly boil your own. I was a bit surprised to see that the mashed potato mixture called for an egg yolk but boy did that make a nice difference in richness of these beauties! I went with some chives and maybe a tad or two more cheddar handfuls than in the original recipe.</div>
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You can use one long casserole dish or baking pan but I opted to split it up for several meals easily frozen and easily broken down for just one person if needed.<br />
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Of course it is all about the layers of meaty juicy saucy veggie filled goodness, followed by those potatoes but nothing in the world beats a whopping layer of cheddar falling off the ramekins and overflowing from your pan with a splash of paprika.<br />
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The layers are a thing of beauty - this can go right into your freezer since it is completely cooked through or right into your oven and in 30 minutes you will have your family devouring it!<br />
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I think I may have to save one of these for my dad with heating instructions- I have a hunch he will adore it!<br />
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I may even have a few friends and neighbors knocking on my door -if you could just smell the incredible aroma in my home.<br />
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<i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">So, in this month of sharing love to your significant other and friends- consider sharing a love pie right from the heart!</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Recipe (ingredient list is below):</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Start with bowl of mashed Yukon potatoes. Add sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chives, egg yolk, teaspoon of salt, and teaspoon of black pepper and stir until smooth. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add lamb and/or ground turkey and cook until browned. Pour off any excess grease, and season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes with liquid and any preferred vegetable medley (it can even be frozen) and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While that is cooking, in a small saucepan heat beer and add beef bouillon (consider using only half- the salt just isn't worth that flavor). Bring up to a simmer and add cornstarch mixture. Then add that to lamb mixture and simmer until thickened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour in lamb mixture. Spoon mashed potatoes over and make sure the potatoes cover all meat mixture. Top with 1 cup cheese and sprinkle paprika over the casserole. Pre-heat oven to 350'F.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cook covered with foil until hot. If the the ingredients are still hot when it goes in the oven, bake 25-30 minutes. If the casserole ingredients are cold, bake for about 45 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Uncover and place under broiler until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 2 minutes, optional chive or parsley garnish.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">-My recipe was adapted from Al Roker at </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-cheddar-crusted-shepherd-s-pie-t69586</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients</u></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #525252; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 18.225px; list-style: none; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><ul style="list-style: none; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 cups mashed, boiled Yukon potatoes (shortcut: You could use instant potatoes)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">½ cup sour cream</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 ounces cream cheese</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 egg yolk</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">½ teaspoon kosher salt</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">½ teaspoon ground black pepper</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tablespoon of olive oil</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 pound ground lamb</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 can of diced tomatoes with juice (16-ounce can)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 small bag of frozen vegetable medley (carrot, peas, onion, corn) or cut up fresh carrots, celery, etc.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 bottle of good stout beer</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cube beef bouillon (try using only a half)</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with a enough cold water to make a paste</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon smoked paprika</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0.85em 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 tablespoons chives</span></li>
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Enjoy and let me know what your secret is to a great valentine's homemade comfort food!<br />
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>xoxo, Cathy</i></span></b><br />
cathy@asavoryspoonful.com<br />
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<br />asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-75115101464456035982014-11-26T08:40:00.000-05:002014-11-26T09:04:01.214-05:00Illumineati Dining Society: Dinner #2, Bleu Acier<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, </span>but with others,<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>drink the whole bottle.<span style="color: #cc0000;">”
― Paulo Coelho, Brida</span></b></i></span><br />
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The secretive <a href="http://www.illumineati.com/" target="_blank">Illumineati</a> dinner number two was finally upon us- and we clasped our hands in delight not knowing what, where or who we were to dine with yet again! You can check out my <a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2014/09/secret-dining-with-illumineati.html" target="_blank">earlier blog post here about the first dinner </a>where we were first treated to this mystical and delicious experience earlier this fall. The suspense for tonight's dinner was joyfully rewarded. We were to be whisked to another <i>terre</i> to enjoy a collaboration of southern and french and art and wine- and of course it all paired incredibly well! The new and old friendships flowed as easily as du vin.<br />
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As we gathered for this secret yet unforgettable meal in a setting truly unique on its own, the word terrior caught my ear as we discussed wines, great foods and regions of France.
<i>Terrior </i>: (French from terre, "land") is the 'essence of a place'... a set of special characteristics that the geography, geology and climate of a certain place, interacting with plant genetics, express in agricultural products such as wine, coffee, chocolate, hops, tomatoes, heritage wheat, and tea. You certainly got a real sense of the terrior of our dining venue -which was both someones home, work studio, art gallery and a one-of-a-kind setting for our meal. The essence of this place was comfortable and lived in yet you could almost hear the grind of a welding machine, the plank of the press or the satisfied stretch after completing a true work of art.</div>
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<a href="http://www.bleuacier.com/" target="_blank">Bleu Acier </a>is owned by Erika Schneider and Dominique Labauvie who exhibit works of all disciplines. Their collaborative and contract studio supports many printmaking techniques as Erika is a Master Printer including: Intaglio, Photogravure, Lithography, Photolithography, Relief and Monotype. Dominique is a fascintating metal sculptor, known for his lyrical interpretations and their related prints which adorn their work and home spaces. They aptly named their studio <a href="http://www.bleuacier.com/" target="_blank">Bleu Acier </a>which is French for <span style="color: blue;">blue steel - the transformational moment when intense heat turns metal blue.</span><br />
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Our fantastic dinner was prepared that evening by Price Evans, an accomplished Tampa Chef who has worked with the astute team at <a href="http://havenwinebar.com/" target="_blank">Sidebern's</a> (soon to be Haven winebar) and <a href="http://www.elevagerestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Elevage at the Epicurean Hotel</a>. Price and his team were a show to behold working efficiently and patiently plating each of the nine courses with adept hands and a careful eye. <br />
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Our <a href="http://www.illumineati.com/" target="_blank">Illumineati </a>hosts were again Jimmy Breen and Johnny Ciani who greeted everyone warmly as we first gathered on the back art studio patio to start the festivities.<br />
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We then toured the expansive art studio and work spaces where Erika and Dominique demonstrated the beautiful presses they brought over from France-- you could tell that these massive machines take much time and love poured into them as they created the beautiful wood inlaid menu sleeves for tonight's dinner- each one unique, numbered and signed by the in house artists. <br />
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The menu itself was also a piece of art with the magical Illumineati logo again done by graphic artist and co-host Jimmy Breen.<br />
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We were to enjoy a vast array of French wines to accompany the dishes as well thanks to our very passionate wine sommelier. <br />
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But first, the evening began with a specialty cocktail - their spin off of the delicious French 75. </div>
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It was divine, truly something you could go back for seconds or thirds-and-before-you-knew-it you were transported to a park bench on the banks of the Seine listening to Parisian music and watching the twinkling Eiffel lights........ but I digress.... and the food awaits us......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YwU851lchU9e538O9NMOkO1kS24q666d3NXfAwrJRBIOTdcHWaysIuxMv0pgLoc2SuxlCNW0Jg5hWvzAmdMhs-GpoX5PszZjfBrybAPN8eOEpSAwR8cwLGTvPcUE1AjEXuRjveP95xNW/s1600/20141123_193521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YwU851lchU9e538O9NMOkO1kS24q666d3NXfAwrJRBIOTdcHWaysIuxMv0pgLoc2SuxlCNW0Jg5hWvzAmdMhs-GpoX5PszZjfBrybAPN8eOEpSAwR8cwLGTvPcUE1AjEXuRjveP95xNW/s1600/20141123_193521.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Duo: An oyster po boy with remoulade, arugula, country ham with iron skillet, cornbread, pepper jam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut dusted trout with smoked peach and wilted cabbage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a closer look next to that trout - and you will gaze upon deconstructed peanuts- I kid you not folks- this was heavenly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow cooked hen egg with matsutake mushrooms, creamy grits and pork ragu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paneed quail with creole mustard, green tomatoes, tasso and fettuccine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourbon laquer foie gras, pork belly, applewood smoked bacon, brioche and aged balsalmic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTWjY4Y7zXRnuivV54g5tvl24t_yfWNl5qdxDeWKboVEF1cwXBg1_XZhiUnVCbsi_e7cw7jcHvgOrLmKupjsb27F-555C8t1fVniNRX1u8vSv_KXNOQS-FH5E8I9J4FGEdz8FyhyfDXwP/s1600/20141123_222304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTWjY4Y7zXRnuivV54g5tvl24t_yfWNl5qdxDeWKboVEF1cwXBg1_XZhiUnVCbsi_e7cw7jcHvgOrLmKupjsb27F-555C8t1fVniNRX1u8vSv_KXNOQS-FH5E8I9J4FGEdz8FyhyfDXwP/s1600/20141123_222304.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted prawn etouffee - (incredibly huge) Galveston prawns and dirty rice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XVIYsstUveh4wSUo47v_4uX0gpFhht8jpE2tXorLLVJ1appVnFqjbboMjPB5blzhcSCJMMycGsMhDr6iz_j73euYYbYRVro9VrpbmPVtH-i0k20WwUU8F48PoP0wuCTKe_ivVBlDn5ag/s1600/20141123_225105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XVIYsstUveh4wSUo47v_4uX0gpFhht8jpE2tXorLLVJ1appVnFqjbboMjPB5blzhcSCJMMycGsMhDr6iz_j73euYYbYRVro9VrpbmPVtH-i0k20WwUU8F48PoP0wuCTKe_ivVBlDn5ag/s1600/20141123_225105.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoked jerk short rib with Beecher's cheddar potato au gratin, bitter greens and plantain chip</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfuFPNMy3dx5U4BTS5nn5OglToR0nAcJ8OWrvZHSR3RamWT1cAeLGQHAzkhfNZ8a8CfdsC5G5j4riCsadbX2H-6wDzwkvQmOpmnFA2X0RlSjuF3o1n8UIL7GiUvy5TR9n-TxWUPODG77F/s1600/10801807_10103363202427221_2335048608762984507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfuFPNMy3dx5U4BTS5nn5OglToR0nAcJ8OWrvZHSR3RamWT1cAeLGQHAzkhfNZ8a8CfdsC5G5j4riCsadbX2H-6wDzwkvQmOpmnFA2X0RlSjuF3o1n8UIL7GiUvy5TR9n-TxWUPODG77F/s1600/10801807_10103363202427221_2335048608762984507_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jimmy Breen of Illumineati.com</td></tr>
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But wait - there were still two courses left!!!! Countless hours later we were to arrive at our cheese pairing.... buttermilk bleu, Abbaye de Belloc, fig jelly and sour cherry compote<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x45D6mDU7K1m_WJe2-op7Xt3ncpYKxBq6PVY07PtotymwxdDS3bvAmdBNWzUBfSAuga1PAAS-jezPEboTSz1Wnh1t0qtjUEtvWC41txBrp1ltPQCfFuXb1KJZE2fZbjZQheMdSP2qjkp/s1600/10346369_10103363204338391_3993047237294251747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x45D6mDU7K1m_WJe2-op7Xt3ncpYKxBq6PVY07PtotymwxdDS3bvAmdBNWzUBfSAuga1PAAS-jezPEboTSz1Wnh1t0qtjUEtvWC41txBrp1ltPQCfFuXb1KJZE2fZbjZQheMdSP2qjkp/s1600/10346369_10103363204338391_3993047237294251747_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jimmy Breen of Illumineati.com</td></tr>
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Followed by a beautiful farmer's cheese pie with lemon curd, cornmeal crust and blueberry and thyme ice cream! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSNbnRyiq6mZmZGQLcxeo3z4n8oN5fti4IskV_h6G1mAv9b8tztiKqAubrWhgLhMF2ixVoBst252ekQ4fyYNmd2jdZ5rzNxmKslVBXdk-2fOa1RC2EY1ziIJLQxpmRaVgPd7-aTT1pT5_/s1600/10805556_10103363204428211_5656784806411352210_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSNbnRyiq6mZmZGQLcxeo3z4n8oN5fti4IskV_h6G1mAv9b8tztiKqAubrWhgLhMF2ixVoBst252ekQ4fyYNmd2jdZ5rzNxmKslVBXdk-2fOa1RC2EY1ziIJLQxpmRaVgPd7-aTT1pT5_/s1600/10805556_10103363204428211_5656784806411352210_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jimmy Breen of Illumineati.com</td></tr>
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And still, before the clock could strike midnight - one of our generous fellow guests brought with him a treat beyond all hope in the spirit of the holidays....<br />
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A gorgeous 1983 Sauternes to share one and all! Many thanks for this beautiful glass of gold!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPoDaO_ZGkbxNFgbDWr4V1OkIHryN0Agjt7ZS1dPpfTMrg19fJ58Iwig34M63TEjqlaOY_16AQfkGoCk6JSOuLj9rdLCYCVLZMe2RQJf2CEzIHvhJTqxqJ1WA9d-Hf7SaraGV8u0atTRz/s1600/20141123_234721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPoDaO_ZGkbxNFgbDWr4V1OkIHryN0Agjt7ZS1dPpfTMrg19fJ58Iwig34M63TEjqlaOY_16AQfkGoCk6JSOuLj9rdLCYCVLZMe2RQJf2CEzIHvhJTqxqJ1WA9d-Hf7SaraGV8u0atTRz/s1600/20141123_234721.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It twas a beautiful evening that held the exceptional essence of a place to treasure...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>terrior</b> </span>of delicious art </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> - both on the walls and on our plates! </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxGNz3C-u8UEY1k-M2ffuqzNiZlM0BBP8OwE3gMNXXIf9Ob1RS6Jr8UvK35CHHzuvwM1qzApnrUQW0EEn6q3URRfJOywRYf2OOO3OpHomDuepTByb6M-BOmKTTtiHzyQgWNFt1VUFO9Jk/s1600/10384736_10152891762127760_8532161450882407292_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxGNz3C-u8UEY1k-M2ffuqzNiZlM0BBP8OwE3gMNXXIf9Ob1RS6Jr8UvK35CHHzuvwM1qzApnrUQW0EEn6q3URRfJOywRYf2OOO3OpHomDuepTByb6M-BOmKTTtiHzyQgWNFt1VUFO9Jk/s1600/10384736_10152891762127760_8532161450882407292_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Noah Blaustein of the Southern Gun in the midst of the Bleu Acier Studios.</td></tr>
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<i>cathy@asavoryspoonful.com</i></div>
asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-42308285507539650242014-11-19T15:56:00.001-05:002014-11-21T09:27:02.692-05:00It's dinner time - where Y'At? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Trick question - What is it called when you whisk butter and flour and blend in a subtle broth or a crisp white wine or perhaps some fresh cream?....... </div>
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So then, what is it called when you combine old school New Orleans recipes and trending new tastes in the French Quarter- redefining creole expectations while still paying homage to tradition?....... </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.rouxtampa.com/" target="_blank"><i>ROUX! </i> </a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIRkf0CXaEs2gON4gNiwRoLhsDHrZzzgYaRDKQ9mKX0_5ej1ecbHF_MBa6kGE8rd1xphyphenhyphenZUSxxvprhLkpXMBqeNC9f0IoPqLdquObAG-JOkb9BIiTyYBsbYkctcSxKUUJQ9Q54cNMj3Cw/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-19-20-18-47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIRkf0CXaEs2gON4gNiwRoLhsDHrZzzgYaRDKQ9mKX0_5ej1ecbHF_MBa6kGE8rd1xphyphenhyphenZUSxxvprhLkpXMBqeNC9f0IoPqLdquObAG-JOkb9BIiTyYBsbYkctcSxKUUJQ9Q54cNMj3Cw/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-19-20-18-47.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
This fall, <a href="http://www.rouxtampa.com/" target="_blank">Roux</a> opened amidst many parties and eager patrons waiting to explore this new wave of Creole cuisine by the team that brought us <a href="http://www.datztampa.com/" target="_blank">Datz</a> and <a href="http://www.datztampa.com/dough/" target="_blank">Datz Dough</a> Bakery! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTb_raR8hiLWKPOsfknKtZAOSsLOfsKsyIZ66de98fU_Ppm0NHWj7_HFq8GXzrokRjCtOTxlvFsPwoW_JykJDcqQRDGs_9YdToNXjXC2IWvDz0ob-7Ymh_SRnq3g-fgHzTrcfKAMPUfdDo/s1600/20141026_121042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTb_raR8hiLWKPOsfknKtZAOSsLOfsKsyIZ66de98fU_Ppm0NHWj7_HFq8GXzrokRjCtOTxlvFsPwoW_JykJDcqQRDGs_9YdToNXjXC2IWvDz0ob-7Ymh_SRnq3g-fgHzTrcfKAMPUfdDo/s1600/20141026_121042.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Suzanne and Roger Perry and their experienced team took traditional Italian, Spanish, French, German, African, American Indian and many roots of Creole and added their own touch of southern soul. They call it Creola Nouvelle with a touch of Asian influence in conjunction with the vast knowledge they learned shaping up their other menus at their Datz empire. They bring in many products directly from New Orleans and continually visit there to taste and experience what might be next on their own menu in South Tampa. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP4LhpPn0PrwmVJXzFlkxgOyCr8aElNfmWtdNql5R0NOo_l0BoQkeE3y_Cec6UHeUQTb7_bQdF_EM_k0lLthTA5WcJ-kYBmhU1QRm0IB6v1q5B8UrfJjGNTPjaPvLOF17c440P0ePLS_m/s1600/20141026_121037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP4LhpPn0PrwmVJXzFlkxgOyCr8aElNfmWtdNql5R0NOo_l0BoQkeE3y_Cec6UHeUQTb7_bQdF_EM_k0lLthTA5WcJ-kYBmhU1QRm0IB6v1q5B8UrfJjGNTPjaPvLOF17c440P0ePLS_m/s1600/20141026_121037.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Here you will find the gas-lit lamps at the beautiful entry where you step into another world. Beautifully decorated, the restaurant boasts a long bar, main dining room and private back room filled with romance and some whimsy. Be sure to saunter over to the bar and reward yourself with a French 75 - a delightful concoction of Bombay gin, lemon, champagne and zest. Disclaimer- too many of these may find you with some extra beads by the end of the evening! <br />
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Missing 'Nawlins? Try the Roux skilllet cornbread, albita battered crab beignets, and better yet how about some bayou frog legs or Duck and Andouille gumbo! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXIPh8mkOa9-fiDWfZ9I_fADXts_6_TCJQhFj5h1OS2LwO9XlpqoP4guxOY_F_J7GbMm7Lv0hEm8xt2i8dM5hKn2C9NeTp4RTylsE-ursGIOKcDMYkwNFZPWflK0CcjgUIe9cqhvQP6CM/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-19-20-10-24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXIPh8mkOa9-fiDWfZ9I_fADXts_6_TCJQhFj5h1OS2LwO9XlpqoP4guxOY_F_J7GbMm7Lv0hEm8xt2i8dM5hKn2C9NeTp4RTylsE-ursGIOKcDMYkwNFZPWflK0CcjgUIe9cqhvQP6CM/s1600/Screenshot_2014-05-19-20-10-24.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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You have not LIVED until you have tried the most special and melt in your mouth treat that you probably has never slipped past your lips before..... my new Favorite dish - "Old Sober Yakamein". Angel hair, beef broth, shaved beef, green onions, hard boiled eggs, and crystal hot sauce- it is making me lick my lips as I type this!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B3DB7yiXqfvP0gJbI-e-KRv8Mq6_GQTOKCbAFK_Ior1QskW04X2TpYO6MdCfGsWdzkb2pN1oL0fRym_u6B2bp7Ci8I76nuvclVhCfOGw10Zkz-hhyQUqqK49ah3bEuKluujBiUrr-pp4/s1600/20141026_123600ergerg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B3DB7yiXqfvP0gJbI-e-KRv8Mq6_GQTOKCbAFK_Ior1QskW04X2TpYO6MdCfGsWdzkb2pN1oL0fRym_u6B2bp7Ci8I76nuvclVhCfOGw10Zkz-hhyQUqqK49ah3bEuKluujBiUrr-pp4/s1600/20141026_123600ergerg.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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They have plenty of Po Boys to choose from as well as their own sauces ready to take home! Gumbo, fried chicken, jumbalaya and much more!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CMvyvJ15TGEQdHASfrh01LCY4_8hJGtV3mF3fMFXMeDevTXEmMU722NGJknmIe7kBLF7qIdC6SPiOoIVHTyJ0tOFG-lMSWBTc45njKjxZPhdYmsWFUT443Nzw9gKVCKkBYFmH-uTw3uH/s1600/20140519_194421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CMvyvJ15TGEQdHASfrh01LCY4_8hJGtV3mF3fMFXMeDevTXEmMU722NGJknmIe7kBLF7qIdC6SPiOoIVHTyJ0tOFG-lMSWBTc45njKjxZPhdYmsWFUT443Nzw9gKVCKkBYFmH-uTw3uH/s1600/20140519_194421.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Definitely do not miss one of their many baked desserts- I loved their Baked Alaska... melt in your mouth !!<br />
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You can find Roux at 4205 South MacDill Avenue in Tampa as they are open for lunch and dinner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As they say in New Orleans.... Laissez les bon temps roulez!!! Just be sure to do it at Roux!</span>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/30/1824794/restaurant/Tampa-Bay/Gandy-Interbay/Roux-Tampa"><img alt="Roux on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1824794/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-32412200329322764412014-11-11T11:52:00.001-05:002014-11-21T09:25:34.783-05:00"The history of this building, that in itself is a story..."<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>If Norman Rockwell visited right here he would surely drop everything and pick up his paint brush. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A little boy walking</i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> his dog. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>.... A couple sitting on a park bench watching the sunset.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>........The laughter of children on the swings.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>.............A breeze rippling the waters of a babbling spring .</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">................. And the best part, a family sitting down together to enjoy a hearty meal.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Picture it in your mind.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>A snapshot of Americana.</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This truly exists today and we are blessed to have it here in the very heart of Tampa, FL. </span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Honoring the American spirit - much like Rockwell - Richard Gonzmart and his team named this beautiful place <a href="http://www.ulele.com/" target="_blank">Ulele </a>and it is now open for all to enjoy.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>In fact, I believe that Richard Gonzmart and Norman Rockwell have a lot more in common than one might think. Rockwell was an American artist with a talent to capture personal moments and places -his art often gracing the popular covers of The Saurday Evening Post. America went through numerous changes during Rockwell's sixty year career and many times he illustrated these transitions from an old way of life to a new future by combining something traditional with something modern. This too rings true with the beautiful Ulele restaurant and of Gonzmart -being a man with a deep appreciation of the genunine good life we are all striving to preserve. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Richard Gonzmart with his granddaughter, Amelia Turner. She had just finished throwing food pebbles to the catfish in the spring from </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/slideshow/2014/08/25/inside-theulele-vip-party-new-restaurant-promises.html" target="_blank">Inside the Ulele VIP Party slideshow</a> from the Tampa Bay Business Journal - picture by Eric Snider.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>You can read a tremendous a<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/print-edition/2014/11/07/richard-gonzmart-finds-himself-on-the-top-of-the.html?ana=sm_tbay_ucp52&b=1415304191%5E15882241" target="_blank">rticle here written by Eric Snyder in the Tampa Business Journal</a> about Gonzmart and his endeavors - who is the fourth generation owner of the famous <a href="http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Columbia Restaurant</a> (which undoubtedly is one of the most historic Florida restaurants). But Richard is so much more than an entreprenuer... he is a survivor, a family man, a genuine philanthropist, and lover of life. Once you've met him, you feel like you are family. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXl8cUxynDJJatwQy6h_0ftLWoNwYgpBBWLrY02Sg3DuytZGXvK-kylZilO1Vre_lYrC3FeljCYi_ZUePxGBzBJMystPv_KDlkT6w7MJHBsYTusM_jZ0WRz4PWEdp9Os0W0r22RxgeTPI/s1600/susanrichard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXl8cUxynDJJatwQy6h_0ftLWoNwYgpBBWLrY02Sg3DuytZGXvK-kylZilO1Vre_lYrC3FeljCYi_ZUePxGBzBJMystPv_KDlkT6w7MJHBsYTusM_jZ0WRz4PWEdp9Os0W0r22RxgeTPI/s640/susanrichard1.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good friend Susan Hausler and Richard Gonzmart celebrating the opening of Ulele.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>As Richard says, "I guess I take after both my grandfather and father. Like them a lot of Don Quixote lives within me. Their history is frequently on my mind. It echoes in many of the choices we make in our business even as we create new memories and new history." </i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Pretty Rockwell-ish don't you think?</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw4BBR0qGU60PSbSS34urSTnkxHVLLww2UTZcL0MfJKoN_FXM7uhyFmdpohY20hZgs6QWiSpEF-Ooz5uoYXHqi4B3jledizqqLUQPyHUSKS-B7A7gUp6ZYsT9oTOMMMx__PvFJZRV9nE9/s1600/20141024_172355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw4BBR0qGU60PSbSS34urSTnkxHVLLww2UTZcL0MfJKoN_FXM7uhyFmdpohY20hZgs6QWiSpEF-Ooz5uoYXHqi4B3jledizqqLUQPyHUSKS-B7A7gUp6ZYsT9oTOMMMx__PvFJZRV9nE9/s640/20141024_172355.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained glass windows from Gonzmart's personal family collection that found an amazing home in the restaurant, just above the doors to the executive kitchen. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ulele is located at 1810 North Highland Avenue in Tampa on the historic and beautiful Hillsborough river just north of downtown. It is beautiful both inside and out. </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Art pieces were delicately chosen with care- many of them specifically made for their place of honor in this restaurant's decor. </i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">There is much history to the name Ulele both personally for Gonzmart and historically for Florida. </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>You really can picture it all and it is hard to put it all into one photo or paragraph. The river and the babbling spring, the lively conversation in the bar, the heat searing from the open kitchen, the clink of glasses in the beer garden, the whispers on the couches of the rooftop terrace, the almost unreal and lush landscaping, the water works park with giggling kids, puppies playing in the dog park nearby, and a view worth the price of a Rockwell painting... and I am not exaggerating here. You can<b> FEEL</b> the history and new memories being born here. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3xiHA-TKu0Uvr5iQbEvcTTGhShw_D45JO_ThlKBLLNCx4pWS_yVpKswL3MMdBMO2vgyr1g0BOZ-_qZrLcRkmATjbQveWw6IhuQSMhznmyxczE9LeQL8Gbq_Y32ZQKlYe46Lq3ZiVDndx/s1600/20141024_184850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3xiHA-TKu0Uvr5iQbEvcTTGhShw_D45JO_ThlKBLLNCx4pWS_yVpKswL3MMdBMO2vgyr1g0BOZ-_qZrLcRkmATjbQveWw6IhuQSMhznmyxczE9LeQL8Gbq_Y32ZQKlYe46Lq3ZiVDndx/s640/20141024_184850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the interior is just as beautiful!</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbK0ymtv7D6CsZ1E7TTMcVsbLIFvTIIWhB_93ebD_G514YttMZKRNWruOrlJys8khiXcKTJIZf_nQgUAhmGyIvXgKBHmuv2oRAwMCq6Ww8xqnMF-r-zvXtw6E6MbVHdHABygNa3mYGuc9/s1600/20141024_172420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbK0ymtv7D6CsZ1E7TTMcVsbLIFvTIIWhB_93ebD_G514YttMZKRNWruOrlJys8khiXcKTJIZf_nQgUAhmGyIvXgKBHmuv2oRAwMCq6Ww8xqnMF-r-zvXtw6E6MbVHdHABygNa3mYGuc9/s640/20141024_172420.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG5f1jVB_6HnJSlYb44z7alCzDlXzICI3inQ1xOHm6avsAAlWJ1KYbDWVIbWqmqkMK1Se73ZWuWQdPt20KykJcwqPt5nUib6zRGnsgtW2Vv6xn3shEyXJQj7cwqnkUW5mGKKRKaXY7d7r/s1600/20141024_172437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG5f1jVB_6HnJSlYb44z7alCzDlXzICI3inQ1xOHm6avsAAlWJ1KYbDWVIbWqmqkMK1Se73ZWuWQdPt20KykJcwqPt5nUib6zRGnsgtW2Vv6xn3shEyXJQj7cwqnkUW5mGKKRKaXY7d7r/s640/20141024_172437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is from www.ulele.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“Commonplaces are never tiresome. </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">or appreciative...[We] find that it is not a new scene </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which is needed, but a new viewpoint.” –Norman Rockwell</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Managing partner Keith Sedeta also said it well, "The history of this building, that in itself is a story..." The Ulele spring was in much need of some TLC and the old waterworks building that Ulele now occupies will certainly be Gonzmart's legacy.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA2pjr56E5FQeV1K-mH9tpqv-nZbC9-vERslGe0bmZAAN9Q1qPIREwAgku8FIQ1FBKBoz87StvyTlc8pOEIjreqrDL-JYbLXGjyXnurJyB4-PpvG42WmlCiBRSmHl4iOJ622FlhK5CTqh/s1600/20141029_103208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA2pjr56E5FQeV1K-mH9tpqv-nZbC9-vERslGe0bmZAAN9Q1qPIREwAgku8FIQ1FBKBoz87StvyTlc8pOEIjreqrDL-JYbLXGjyXnurJyB4-PpvG42WmlCiBRSmHl4iOJ622FlhK5CTqh/s640/20141029_103208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKotQgA6L1rdYHLnjq2mjyC4JAx49d5KrNdR-88bswlbz4oXsx9tw9YuwO3PS8CZHs5sfjkUW4pPphVHEvUkBG2v_wUTlaJ1oYaFHW7anj8Uha8abD8cFb9I9Y7QrynLkNBEz8_3Wt0UNO/s1600/20141029_104435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKotQgA6L1rdYHLnjq2mjyC4JAx49d5KrNdR-88bswlbz4oXsx9tw9YuwO3PS8CZHs5sfjkUW4pPphVHEvUkBG2v_wUTlaJ1oYaFHW7anj8Uha8abD8cFb9I9Y7QrynLkNBEz8_3Wt0UNO/s640/20141029_104435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brewmaster Tim Shackton enjoys his huge state of the art onsite brewery making craft beer only available at Ulele (just ask em for a brewery tour after dinner). </span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBu80xVjD-wMi7id9ENxkMskTfYsCLHBRrf9TfYp0pTYGiJ3oilxfhZ7umSzTZRiPs2hdQ4ge9p9ZSC4uHk-tLHTpPDcmsicX5LyLVIQ4IyZZh46TxQXG7tFfWeU5ShDbqkcGF1h4KHq5/s1600/10626563_696901867050291_7038037938642737471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBu80xVjD-wMi7id9ENxkMskTfYsCLHBRrf9TfYp0pTYGiJ3oilxfhZ7umSzTZRiPs2hdQ4ge9p9ZSC4uHk-tLHTpPDcmsicX5LyLVIQ4IyZZh46TxQXG7tFfWeU5ShDbqkcGF1h4KHq5/s640/10626563_696901867050291_7038037938642737471_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I snagged my friend's camera and took this picture of our good friend Gerardo Luna and Brewmaster Tim SChackton during our behind the scenes brewery tour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltr0qvutx22aiw4mZbKQ3DDiMEjz_gIfxlmZcJ4x6LPO7Eq_oQwmCjx-0I456YesS8KAAf8-VeEI28jlNFbBs3hZTzlcBE3333nx9-6RETNgbIbUYjrYb9_Rl1QKiX0lHLkIFxTZn2YtM/s1600/Beer-Flight-at-Ulele+from+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltr0qvutx22aiw4mZbKQ3DDiMEjz_gIfxlmZcJ4x6LPO7Eq_oQwmCjx-0I456YesS8KAAf8-VeEI28jlNFbBs3hZTzlcBE3333nx9-6RETNgbIbUYjrYb9_Rl1QKiX0lHLkIFxTZn2YtM/s640/Beer-Flight-at-Ulele+from+site.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is from www.ulele.com</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the roof top terrace and downstairs beer garden offer a delightful variety in al fresco dining. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vUCL_8rtF50AQ_zpqZXkq-5MbI4M6wNtR5mhU3mLlqFm4bjzgzLU7ln6tXEkyDtb5Bd3E7emoXwWsUhWN2hJbFfI08tlIsSmCuYUgHPb-o_Oc6lgOQToKFpqJg4VZ4nG8gI3ur1uJpi6/s1600/20141024_180716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vUCL_8rtF50AQ_zpqZXkq-5MbI4M6wNtR5mhU3mLlqFm4bjzgzLU7ln6tXEkyDtb5Bd3E7emoXwWsUhWN2hJbFfI08tlIsSmCuYUgHPb-o_Oc6lgOQToKFpqJg4VZ4nG8gI3ur1uJpi6/s640/20141024_180716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrpFmMF31qHxqkArUVXE-a4kpbeiNoFI4UJvWuZZP8uE9j0-QgQn2o-fdpC-LeF_XmRacwfUIToJqPxzMBzqtq_GBxJNysZlKn3ZcdRVnelw0oE4bOKDjSPHIxgXTC4mhItg1Z-BMjFTt/s1600/20141024_180708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrpFmMF31qHxqkArUVXE-a4kpbeiNoFI4UJvWuZZP8uE9j0-QgQn2o-fdpC-LeF_XmRacwfUIToJqPxzMBzqtq_GBxJNysZlKn3ZcdRVnelw0oE4bOKDjSPHIxgXTC4mhItg1Z-BMjFTt/s640/20141024_180708.jpg" width="640" /></a>'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-vpx0DGlxrAQoWXEUgXesvYLxk1UDPGVz3e1E_WrvlpxDp8OFsrnbg1TFbgmvlg8YSM9VAmT9RUBNT1X3Gg2rRin7Pi1zkYvoAfVvRBIUs3xlxfaZ1WMOfkvMCQaY2Qxco80WVhuddLE/s1600/20141029_110613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-vpx0DGlxrAQoWXEUgXesvYLxk1UDPGVz3e1E_WrvlpxDp8OFsrnbg1TFbgmvlg8YSM9VAmT9RUBNT1X3Gg2rRin7Pi1zkYvoAfVvRBIUs3xlxfaZ1WMOfkvMCQaY2Qxco80WVhuddLE/s640/20141029_110613.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is -at the same time -great for romantics as well as for foodie groups or corporate events too! </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iYsw0I7sKwpSdhDBoI1Wll1KxNn29RBQqFqNUA3Px3lmg9pwWsKbq0ZboG-cER2yWSrvK3wiiVP_9gghFBM_SqCiUUCYRXY7NJsKCu_oOSqkY3my_K0_6IWrH_Z7uPRWHZt8Z46O0Iux/s1600/20140827_195544_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iYsw0I7sKwpSdhDBoI1Wll1KxNn29RBQqFqNUA3Px3lmg9pwWsKbq0ZboG-cER2yWSrvK3wiiVP_9gghFBM_SqCiUUCYRXY7NJsKCu_oOSqkY3my_K0_6IWrH_Z7uPRWHZt8Z46O0Iux/s640/20140827_195544_LLS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xAUF3H_qiMNtXfHvCI5_cWwauUWypM53vcA38DbpRzGmqk_EHiZQR9EHXlK6KQvYboBIhRbmpqN9NmOFYirr-YIFHth4pry1z7EBDcKnwdg6bs6bzDdPi_e9z-OfrkumEz1P591tgL1B/s1600/MCB_7788_89_90from+website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xAUF3H_qiMNtXfHvCI5_cWwauUWypM53vcA38DbpRzGmqk_EHiZQR9EHXlK6KQvYboBIhRbmpqN9NmOFYirr-YIFHth4pry1z7EBDcKnwdg6bs6bzDdPi_e9z-OfrkumEz1P591tgL1B/s640/MCB_7788_89_90from+website.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is from www.ulele.com</td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They also have a striking wine cellar right under the stairs specializing in wines from the US. (Don't mind the beautiful models posing in front of it for our fantastic local photographer, <a href="http://gerardolunaphotographs.com/" target="_blank">Gerardo Luna</a>.) Check out more amazing photos of Ulele on his <a href="http://www.gerardolunaphotographs.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GerardoLunaPhotographs" target="_blank">facebook page here</a>. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTMtbMUpSB2CpspmEGX5pMGa_Kfcs2Skst8qjNSYuECuTgDcRRes5BiotGopniKhBV3ZdF-s1iXMzmhsREpJ7Ke0uE1SOMvlftQ2GMpr7Dpoa2ESJr12VHGxEV6gOZCuKODJmAEcY2lnK/s1600/10620646_696903273716817_4320608642469902032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTMtbMUpSB2CpspmEGX5pMGa_Kfcs2Skst8qjNSYuECuTgDcRRes5BiotGopniKhBV3ZdF-s1iXMzmhsREpJ7Ke0uE1SOMvlftQ2GMpr7Dpoa2ESJr12VHGxEV6gOZCuKODJmAEcY2lnK/s640/10620646_696903273716817_4320608642469902032_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>And then there is the food.... OH The Food!!!...(clearly I went back three or five times to enjoy and get all these yummy pics- ahh a blogger's work is almost never done...) </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSpD3M_9dp7j3RV_6fivHHm91DHRIcb8C3SpBbHAEdkWsJXvcYxzQKl2pkPBAcogKnC9mKWfCRLPzk_Yvz8MpW2recuoEvht-IlCfosDQCmMo0DYlI5PXZXNCHh635WJyPiC90sBohgTY/s1600/20140819_123137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSpD3M_9dp7j3RV_6fivHHm91DHRIcb8C3SpBbHAEdkWsJXvcYxzQKl2pkPBAcogKnC9mKWfCRLPzk_Yvz8MpW2recuoEvht-IlCfosDQCmMo0DYlI5PXZXNCHh635WJyPiC90sBohgTY/s640/20140819_123137.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Florida lobster claw cocktail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO0gnSYSY-KOqluLPiXy5KWZVkh26GeV9hDENqENL9C7nx8bpM_IwpcvOYE7UDUkUGlaQkbPiQjWOBBsu1ARXogXqmaCXJAz_NrH8rOpSxA-43QNH1V0ZVfGRMpmV5CYVneM2lXKJOZ1V/s1600/20140819_122853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO0gnSYSY-KOqluLPiXy5KWZVkh26GeV9hDENqENL9C7nx8bpM_IwpcvOYE7UDUkUGlaQkbPiQjWOBBsu1ARXogXqmaCXJAz_NrH8rOpSxA-43QNH1V0ZVfGRMpmV5CYVneM2lXKJOZ1V/s640/20140819_122853.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jalapeno corn beer bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLCIFs3HZEgGn6x95XIwpeWma1bOXr1Sdha9BBp5KHw2mRicYNCX-SgElxKcff7uoyexYaLXziVIOyLgaLDPLMSKDICaHL_Omfq6VL2RhSBAjHfTJzRt2RGHcwcauz61fUrD7whadb70X/s1600/20140819_123215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLCIFs3HZEgGn6x95XIwpeWma1bOXr1Sdha9BBp5KHw2mRicYNCX-SgElxKcff7uoyexYaLXziVIOyLgaLDPLMSKDICaHL_Omfq6VL2RhSBAjHfTJzRt2RGHcwcauz61fUrD7whadb70X/s640/20140819_123215.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy calamari</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwckJhNtaejHdnzKJ61DtQnUGNr0T499Tv-gajdCvsaVQNTE7Fzl3AuOXWYJB1IpmM5hKzRcl9pF6QYx7R_b6mTzGWpZ7PlmhsYaMSBZUEdNrxos0bGmkqLFqxAdXvTFnB7mnrHwi1Acn/s1600/20140819_130457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwckJhNtaejHdnzKJ61DtQnUGNr0T499Tv-gajdCvsaVQNTE7Fzl3AuOXWYJB1IpmM5hKzRcl9pF6QYx7R_b6mTzGWpZ7PlmhsYaMSBZUEdNrxos0bGmkqLFqxAdXvTFnB7mnrHwi1Acn/s640/20140819_130457.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top sirloin and fresh salads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Bj2k5PNjKmZn9TMtDbncLqgEFaZ7eZYM1NStKzecuwyDM5A-mJkXlnx7hr6x97KhgQRUyEVWaIDambHpBsgsOK2azhS64OtT8_eT6_1HrUFt17i-Y_lVs-TbfJRDhPPqeHhuXOt4GQA7/s1600/20140819_130533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Bj2k5PNjKmZn9TMtDbncLqgEFaZ7eZYM1NStKzecuwyDM5A-mJkXlnx7hr6x97KhgQRUyEVWaIDambHpBsgsOK2azhS64OtT8_eT6_1HrUFt17i-Y_lVs-TbfJRDhPPqeHhuXOt4GQA7/s640/20140819_130533.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flank steak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvSfZeYewTFlz-40IX8itnoED2_zDDrUfKocoNx3PLJnEBSy_-1GhZJcJ1bVi2VspSn_RFCWhlZAtiPyOjTw3JRyh6lVO9I1oT9984LCw-ZJhFnzuLcET-rvGnVz-5uxVG6JWFSf9I7wh/s1600/20140827_205459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvSfZeYewTFlz-40IX8itnoED2_zDDrUfKocoNx3PLJnEBSy_-1GhZJcJ1bVi2VspSn_RFCWhlZAtiPyOjTw3JRyh6lVO9I1oT9984LCw-ZJhFnzuLcET-rvGnVz-5uxVG6JWFSf9I7wh/s640/20140827_205459.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seafood pot pie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx3f8QRzsShQWW1Ll0feOmiMGSTe_NGTnj0QuKVNtVbiB6Wx1nA8_fdCNMK31LmxqvcLGPxsJcVDmRT5FE-gZ0sN2XopxUF6OHExeG2ihgLJheT36xrsdWn8MM453s7uf9ZlzfIdcFyTD/s1600/20141024_174823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx3f8QRzsShQWW1Ll0feOmiMGSTe_NGTnj0QuKVNtVbiB6Wx1nA8_fdCNMK31LmxqvcLGPxsJcVDmRT5FE-gZ0sN2XopxUF6OHExeG2ihgLJheT36xrsdWn8MM453s7uf9ZlzfIdcFyTD/s640/20141024_174823.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water works meatloaf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPFfH_SR5pp-GoZQtUwQ_5lOsubYIEYlPOP-WPRPk3avR7tHlQOHtRgaUgWKGBM6ORDZCNjvruYDmYQOCZUx6xGT5gaN5DjdGUcJs4v2gvzNAC8U0gZAfRpgvqZGXUAsgKUgNR5vkp0Ko/s1600/20141024_174857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPFfH_SR5pp-GoZQtUwQ_5lOsubYIEYlPOP-WPRPk3avR7tHlQOHtRgaUgWKGBM6ORDZCNjvruYDmYQOCZUx6xGT5gaN5DjdGUcJs4v2gvzNAC8U0gZAfRpgvqZGXUAsgKUgNR5vkp0Ko/s640/20141024_174857.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beer pan chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh and did I mention they are now open for lunch too....</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgeqy1lWACA11WCFz0C3MyQeQ27WZtgB0Enk0wGr4D7Mjx6pRqgOVrnouNoRadLCbds2s8Li0vplazYGJjE7K1opxgo9i8Auy1SNDQsB9vy4WMBTaGg3OOo_b9Nl3iAq34vaSmqc4nHcK/s1600/20141029_112211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgeqy1lWACA11WCFz0C3MyQeQ27WZtgB0Enk0wGr4D7Mjx6pRqgOVrnouNoRadLCbds2s8Li0vplazYGJjE7K1opxgo9i8Auy1SNDQsB9vy4WMBTaGg3OOo_b9Nl3iAq34vaSmqc4nHcK/s640/20141029_112211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But wait!!! How about some completely unqiue and amazing desserts?</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZS-I16Ji2yfNJifqe2vlxVxtI4q5uzVf0mlxI-n4u_9K31FYaQs0ApSiGhAZRHi-eG8o6y-DssmJadEvox0njiVX73_pZMPtAHzjXSzfcjI4DXMiFUQxgR8NvdaHWnahp9wh8dB7xErb/s1600/20140819_134910+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZS-I16Ji2yfNJifqe2vlxVxtI4q5uzVf0mlxI-n4u_9K31FYaQs0ApSiGhAZRHi-eG8o6y-DssmJadEvox0njiVX73_pZMPtAHzjXSzfcjI4DXMiFUQxgR8NvdaHWnahp9wh8dB7xErb/s640/20140819_134910+(1).jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guava pie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpqmi6Lh1hZmTc_5-hh8dwH33TgZYbfDtMejiGGwDJV3FbdI5-PH57wV6k4yUri0s3Ofv4U4-_boVFPBi6ecNReJXNA1ofTh980-gDdwtLgfO0zExKhLnjbZyKIAXtgM6mb2NdFmPQMcC/s1600/20140819_134946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpqmi6Lh1hZmTc_5-hh8dwH33TgZYbfDtMejiGGwDJV3FbdI5-PH57wV6k4yUri0s3Ofv4U4-_boVFPBi6ecNReJXNA1ofTh980-gDdwtLgfO0zExKhLnjbZyKIAXtgM6mb2NdFmPQMcC/s640/20140819_134946.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amazing homemade ice creams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDJp51w6OCOv8MrTHCWw-CxK54H4QYVtH9YbDwYczruMgW9iYa8YobjKtoQltfh-VBFPYIB40Q_hCgS3TbWoLpCg8cBbX2Umyl8HU_aiDaiv5wm_68_QiDX0GnnQQId8RMms2jJ3i4LqV/s1600/20140819_135215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDJp51w6OCOv8MrTHCWw-CxK54H4QYVtH9YbDwYczruMgW9iYa8YobjKtoQltfh-VBFPYIB40Q_hCgS3TbWoLpCg8cBbX2Umyl8HU_aiDaiv5wm_68_QiDX0GnnQQId8RMms2jJ3i4LqV/s640/20140819_135215.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">delicious coffees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Why YES, this IS "candied duck bacon maple fried ice cream".....</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5rjRH83UCgfRoFm14vtXbl63Hd8jX8-oY9fZfW6vPNMq9QlQYFqcd4ERt7lO86BqvYHZ_9aLQKH-oLTiO-jwLM-6RdzsTAfB-x0z3F3qwNnIm7aoiaD364WbqVjchDLf5yBQQtIruAc8/s1600/20141024_183341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5rjRH83UCgfRoFm14vtXbl63Hd8jX8-oY9fZfW6vPNMq9QlQYFqcd4ERt7lO86BqvYHZ_9aLQKH-oLTiO-jwLM-6RdzsTAfB-x0z3F3qwNnIm7aoiaD364WbqVjchDLf5yBQQtIruAc8/s640/20141024_183341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Executive Chef Eric Lackey keeps the entire ranch-to-table process on the forefront of the menu. I can attest to their marketing being completely on point on their site, "The restaurant and brewery serve unique foods and spirits by fusing elements from a rich variety of Native American and multicultural influences, including those of European explorers. The menu features items indigenous to this area's waters and farms." <a href="http://www.ulele.com/" target="_blank">The complete menu is available here.</a></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQam5O-GWyZtEWy1Da_C4Jp8K7bNfKe1tZ9yrRgH91NEqYQMrnJrgvLYOrFhyYM24EpsSmWrlsr4RQkbC03bj5hRHHdQH4037KMKoi6wgnwNLhGx0zsLp-m3pWYBr5pv9tHstyOow6GW8P/s1600/20141024_175010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQam5O-GWyZtEWy1Da_C4Jp8K7bNfKe1tZ9yrRgH91NEqYQMrnJrgvLYOrFhyYM24EpsSmWrlsr4RQkbC03bj5hRHHdQH4037KMKoi6wgnwNLhGx0zsLp-m3pWYBr5pv9tHstyOow6GW8P/s640/20141024_175010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">Chef Lackey in front of a custom made gas grill that does up to 800 degrees right in the front of the dining room. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTVCBXphLyULZnVSnnughyphenhyphenUOMMwyiA2rFt5Fpu5oqF4sZ4FUNdVPloEtSYapkEF37MkQezISWp8mjfHIeiua1ZSyLoi2Tq07UQICTIjl5_BfQE59F7P1tNhIHvyhNErv5qsY8dovqv8kK/s1600/10383945_856110827732820_4585931202277920649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTVCBXphLyULZnVSnnughyphenhyphenUOMMwyiA2rFt5Fpu5oqF4sZ4FUNdVPloEtSYapkEF37MkQezISWp8mjfHIeiua1ZSyLoi2Tq07UQICTIjl5_BfQE59F7P1tNhIHvyhNErv5qsY8dovqv8kK/s640/10383945_856110827732820_4585931202277920649_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">Chef loves to hear great feedback from his customers and is often moving from the front grill to the dining floor to the back kitchens on the go and concentrating. Myself, Chef Lackey, Susan Hausler and Mimi Batcho - Photo by <a href="http://www.gerardolunphotographs.com/" target="_blank">Gerardo Luna</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This Americana - this beautiful place is now restored to what it should be. I am pretty sure Richard Gonzmart would agree with Norman Rockwell, who said it well...</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"I paint life as I would like it to be." </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6sFF7hNxqM2nptSsWrdYRUsCOddlDBzJIJdgy3bV_7Ok5hsBv5zIKRX4xrhU0522BmDM6eTqm0EW6H7-I-nquWdMGKT1r8Tgh8CROAFE4NHJNcKCv54obn1wPxWdi0IwMnouSAikNVhn/s1600/20141024_191738_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6sFF7hNxqM2nptSsWrdYRUsCOddlDBzJIJdgy3bV_7Ok5hsBv5zIKRX4xrhU0522BmDM6eTqm0EW6H7-I-nquWdMGKT1r8Tgh8CROAFE4NHJNcKCv54obn1wPxWdi0IwMnouSAikNVhn/s640/20141024_191738_Richtone(HDR).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>And Rockwell certainly would find Ulele to be fresh inspiration as well. As Richard says,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>"Here's to life and embracing each day with passion, compassion, integrity, faith and purpose!"</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBwKqIQD5OfLwOdVvake3UZ3n9u_bUehicJyEVSmkhKvpm9NjcLof8tJ9xvspTDK-ET5D5kjd0iG5y1Sqj-PKDoc8piZpy9nQK1C05XIxWbdN51do7ZwgKBWn6oNsnPfvspR7EYbRkWTQ/s1600/20140819_113734-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBwKqIQD5OfLwOdVvake3UZ3n9u_bUehicJyEVSmkhKvpm9NjcLof8tJ9xvspTDK-ET5D5kjd0iG5y1Sqj-PKDoc8piZpy9nQK1C05XIxWbdN51do7ZwgKBWn6oNsnPfvspR7EYbRkWTQ/s640/20140819_113734-EFFECTS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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cathy@asavoryspoonful.com<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/30/1848445/restaurant/Tampa-Bay/West-Tampa/Ulele-Tampa"><img alt="Ulele on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1848445/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-8559615842987741482014-10-20T17:07:00.003-04:002014-10-21T08:11:59.371-04:00A Farm to Table Distillery <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, you've all heard about farm to table.... but how about a Farm to Table Distillery?! Right here in Florida!! Talk about a great way to break the ice! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHw5mJslPTOCJsXty6s9nqyFo_tBEMQAJFdIdP8Yhgh7DvLMwjnKxc4SYcH8IvRer2ltlzblfAETtnhEBNzRKgM_tuwCTWgbb-zjtFBKOXNwgO-xPgbNxjLHFQZJJx0UNmAdIsB_nZB9j/s1600/20141016_143714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHw5mJslPTOCJsXty6s9nqyFo_tBEMQAJFdIdP8Yhgh7DvLMwjnKxc4SYcH8IvRer2ltlzblfAETtnhEBNzRKgM_tuwCTWgbb-zjtFBKOXNwgO-xPgbNxjLHFQZJJx0UNmAdIsB_nZB9j/s1600/20141016_143714.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.iceplantbar.com/" target="_blank">The Ice Plant Bar</a> and <a href="http://staugustinedistillery.com/" target="_blank">St Augustine Distillery</a> are actually two entities at one historical location open just barely one year. To begin with, the building is literally that- an old renovated ice factory. The décor early is early twentieth century with an authentic speakeasy feel right down to the server and bartender uniforms and the somewhat nondiscript yet historical exterior.. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3rNC43jJ5n51moewkgj3SMBd2awplAhLH8CLT6-XvwdYyt_ezwdEXMElv2f8IDgC9hAnLVjAdmiEZU-7l5axBG-Z2ZXlCU4FrK1mTB2kQGuQzqkIDsqXaMuiQZxwcWPFleuWl7eJE0zJ/s1600/20141016_125919crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3rNC43jJ5n51moewkgj3SMBd2awplAhLH8CLT6-XvwdYyt_ezwdEXMElv2f8IDgC9hAnLVjAdmiEZU-7l5axBG-Z2ZXlCU4FrK1mTB2kQGuQzqkIDsqXaMuiQZxwcWPFleuWl7eJE0zJ/s1600/20141016_125919crop.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Ice Plant restaurant is located on the second floor with two large bars separating two open airy rooms. <span style="text-align: center;">The original "Ice Plant" building dates back to 1927 and still has the original bridge crane on rails overhead the bar. The crane was used to pick up huge blocks of ice to then be broken down and sold to local customers and the shrimp boats. Check out all of the ice holders on the wall of the bar.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCTgSAP9TIqKnLID66_9mgHPM2dsfHnsqeAp43z623yY-Mvsfi-byvJKSFqKA7zJBqTBkgozJluAACOm8-a2O3aJ_0z8sogY6LgO9Z2suPL8bytbvTDbKopczUo2lmAHaNI6kxAQwBv63/s1600/20141016_125822bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCTgSAP9TIqKnLID66_9mgHPM2dsfHnsqeAp43z623yY-Mvsfi-byvJKSFqKA7zJBqTBkgozJluAACOm8-a2O3aJ_0z8sogY6LgO9Z2suPL8bytbvTDbKopczUo2lmAHaNI6kxAQwBv63/s1600/20141016_125822bw.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The restaurant is a very comfortable space with large wood tables and you can just imagine the roar in the air during happy hour or the clinking of freshly stabbed ice for their drink concoctions. They don't just stop at the drinks, however, their food is amazing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5iHCpQm0L-8rwaIcP9vl-Nxu7n3rEeq7AGBvRBMKp9Sy-Hq4uBRr4oX2DdC9Ffiz4QDlqEUVr_UsmR78DCWswJd12c-Ogblt7UCjA5BONYA-_NQL1vwgjKKbK36bQw3zAzhER-gA_rjF/s1600/20141016_125857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5iHCpQm0L-8rwaIcP9vl-Nxu7n3rEeq7AGBvRBMKp9Sy-Hq4uBRr4oX2DdC9Ffiz4QDlqEUVr_UsmR78DCWswJd12c-Ogblt7UCjA5BONYA-_NQL1vwgjKKbK36bQw3zAzhER-gA_rjF/s1600/20141016_125857.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9-lQoY75CEioEU5ES4MRGAXqngkWJWZse2sfvUcevXWlcg-PmBa-T-8clyLbOcr1-Rz_EcKcKRGjNkalDxNqw3hDUNZfKj3wYMpr7OYQX4Zs3WCG4h9IpkH-YdKCIPJZ0BI4vMkamWj5/s1600/20141016_125938r.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband picking out some amazing food and drinks</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They are focused on the art and craft of mixing exceptional local ingredients in precise measurements to create perfect and unique flavor profiles and according to their website they utilize fresh, house-pressed juices and bitters and specially developed syrups- which I can verify result in very sexy cocktails. Attention is paid to the smallest of details with three different kinds of ice and custom cubes. Their mission is to return to the craft of ice harvesting by freezing purified water in large blocks. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfMPosL5A_rV3wh2egg6o8mGiqBiifW8AqJD4hwxhxN-PGK94x-a_ctJKU_XSlwY-nIhdwkXRgUsm2vHb7ehKrY3S2xZ2lEX7GUks2kQnXa5I8g80hhVpZwpFRpi2k7-8xXE3lv2ceTYy/s1600/site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfMPosL5A_rV3wh2egg6o8mGiqBiifW8AqJD4hwxhxN-PGK94x-a_ctJKU_XSlwY-nIhdwkXRgUsm2vHb7ehKrY3S2xZ2lEX7GUks2kQnXa5I8g80hhVpZwpFRpi2k7-8xXE3lv2ceTYy/s1600/site.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Photo from IcePlantBar.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The farm to table restaurant and bar is open for lunch and dinner so we enjoyed a mid-afternoon lunch and frosty beverage before touring the place. The service was outstanding as well! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk64hdJOOp3mL4tAkXgfUP22wafK2kxmNmxEy85dh_h1RuWvadGhxFIePC-UI7b5JLUKjUSn2EBK-4x_C_VEmKVuvih8oqMldJNV48I3cHUp3S5ZB1k6DyJW6AhExtpikTQ0QfkPGP8l-A/s1600/20141016_130943m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk64hdJOOp3mL4tAkXgfUP22wafK2kxmNmxEy85dh_h1RuWvadGhxFIePC-UI7b5JLUKjUSn2EBK-4x_C_VEmKVuvih8oqMldJNV48I3cHUp3S5ZB1k6DyJW6AhExtpikTQ0QfkPGP8l-A/s1600/20141016_130943m.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed a Gin's Cup made of St. Augustine Distillery New World Gin, Pimm's No. 1, cucumber, ginger, lemon, honey, bitters and amazing teeny tiny ice pebbles.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmrOEWTsXJpaWXE823XGp1JhMpPyxULmId1p8lCPH3refzDbVNzLdRGWPdPvEOl_L01Zq_JYt4GEItxegU1S8H3RgVs4dIzUp_xC9sl4BS7DiNQrMSEidtQfo42-eBOx14MZYptVp5WLH/s1600/20141016_131037d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmrOEWTsXJpaWXE823XGp1JhMpPyxULmId1p8lCPH3refzDbVNzLdRGWPdPvEOl_L01Zq_JYt4GEItxegU1S8H3RgVs4dIzUp_xC9sl4BS7DiNQrMSEidtQfo42-eBOx14MZYptVp5WLH/s1600/20141016_131037d.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But here's another one to try sometime... DEATH IN THE MORNING - Pierde Almas Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, Luxardo Maraschino, lime, grapefruit, Hellfire bitters... wow! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For lunch, I enjoyed a truly delicious, crispy, cheesey "Old City Melt" which had gruyére, mozzarella, cheddar, tomato, pesto, on a most fantastic fresh and crunchy multi grain bread and perfectly seasoned side pasta salad!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmXpnJz5xBPF0EC12PHCN6PLF0H31KRRzYZJRuEfFhslkd9s4aUP_-NkXpWTjvV1I7Z9sccKrAv-m6FqHUbvPxMA1f6h-Gy5oFiMuA7IiG5mHoxiKPi7DPoqe9BWuNsf21NArq7gjBwIu/s1600/20141016_133042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmXpnJz5xBPF0EC12PHCN6PLF0H31KRRzYZJRuEfFhslkd9s4aUP_-NkXpWTjvV1I7Z9sccKrAv-m6FqHUbvPxMA1f6h-Gy5oFiMuA7IiG5mHoxiKPi7DPoqe9BWuNsf21NArq7gjBwIu/s1600/20141016_133042.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh and by the way.... it's good to know that their menu lists the following: 1/2 MEATLOAF SANDWICH - Grass-fed Georgia beef, smoked bacon and tomato jam, cuban roll. BUT the catch here is that it is NOT a half sandwich - it's a whopping half pound of beef in each sandwich!!! :0 </span><span style="font-size: large;">I also love their spin on some great foods - like "T.A.B.L.E." - Tomato, avocado, smoked bacon, lettuce, fried egg, aioli, Texas toast. Next time my husband is looking forward to going back for dinner to try their BBQ BISON BACK RIBS - Sweet and spicy house bbq sauce, smoked potato waffle, and local green beans. For me- it is all about coming back just for the bar snacks...... ready for this???</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>WILD BOAR SALAMI with Spiced candied pecans, marinated olives, crostini</i></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>PISTACHIO AND GOAT CHEESE "TRUFFLES"</i></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>SOFT PRETZEL BREAD with beer cheese fondue, dijonnaise</i></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>DEVILS ON HORSEBACK - Bacon wrapped dates, buttermilk blue cheese purée</i></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can also come during Saturdays this fall to take some great cocktail classes too:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J3ZSsgW-VrmG5GGWDrSaZ4GCXKL_rvEWglzQdWWO5L9Ad-OGGdbErsn1B8RLaaGmDfXqdGmRF2lUecYuZ2NgHfOKsC2ajG7AcBJMaHuXCyv_ErI4zgOvZo0VSaH7AZuvb3K9zoOcS-YO/s1600/20141016_135321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J3ZSsgW-VrmG5GGWDrSaZ4GCXKL_rvEWglzQdWWO5L9Ad-OGGdbErsn1B8RLaaGmDfXqdGmRF2lUecYuZ2NgHfOKsC2ajG7AcBJMaHuXCyv_ErI4zgOvZo0VSaH7AZuvb3K9zoOcS-YO/s1600/20141016_135321.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No matter what though, don't miss the complimentary Distillery Tour and fantastic tasting of the handcrafted, small batch spirits distillery. Currently they offer the Florida Cane Vodka and New World Gin for purchase in addition to various bar ware, momentos and recipe books in their gift shop.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x1Mg79h8fD7zV2zKxq_A4u_XuotTgCAUWnimq82nQBlFvSALdqlp2rDSBW4WlUa-r0sutOifnpOeJ2qIJn0bLz2g3owxTI2JhzDxZY6ZMj1whBfqmEnjhA1AaTcXlPDSDOfUaWp1vCKI/s1600/20141016_142038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x1Mg79h8fD7zV2zKxq_A4u_XuotTgCAUWnimq82nQBlFvSALdqlp2rDSBW4WlUa-r0sutOifnpOeJ2qIJn0bLz2g3owxTI2JhzDxZY6ZMj1whBfqmEnjhA1AaTcXlPDSDOfUaWp1vCKI/s1600/20141016_142038.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They walk you through the history of the building complete with a museum, short film and walking tour.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ26CNldOpZUHjbv2nPhuVsYmbDCrEQwOfMQLKX74Zde64TfI7WWXLPYne_CkbimGNkrCCDCDF7hWbq83QPI_OM0HpJcH10CdHgr0TV1YLk_RoD_vXOb0Wr4NjGVwz9laxr3Jan5JxpqB/s1600/20141016_142054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ26CNldOpZUHjbv2nPhuVsYmbDCrEQwOfMQLKX74Zde64TfI7WWXLPYne_CkbimGNkrCCDCDF7hWbq83QPI_OM0HpJcH10CdHgr0TV1YLk_RoD_vXOb0Wr4NjGVwz9laxr3Jan5JxpqB/s1600/20141016_142054.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z-ovSiBOTMCcTSnfXIOp3a_nJGJ2zAfjw4ufFqYIcYLAvxwViV3ho08wW9eldUikaQRtoGkw7k22wnYs2sBT48vAaFXJQ3lIIe8bUpeFDyrCYpZTwRyjiTHBvjUfqHQ2tma4oc0Lm9dK/s1600/20141016_143008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z-ovSiBOTMCcTSnfXIOp3a_nJGJ2zAfjw4ufFqYIcYLAvxwViV3ho08wW9eldUikaQRtoGkw7k22wnYs2sBT48vAaFXJQ3lIIe8bUpeFDyrCYpZTwRyjiTHBvjUfqHQ2tma4oc0Lm9dK/s1600/20141016_143008.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then there was the educational and fun tasting room:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6IRjTewzOoJGJT72O26JDaXlQfCcthRYdQKCKHHQ8EJJhxs3BPNtnLcF-wucqfRMhLQyf7hQf6C_Nao7Vl4XpRgUCcM_vqCPdKhghcs5s3py6Wz5jcFNZNVGkbPJx6otPahuxDZUO3NC/s1600/20141016_143208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6IRjTewzOoJGJT72O26JDaXlQfCcthRYdQKCKHHQ8EJJhxs3BPNtnLcF-wucqfRMhLQyf7hQf6C_Nao7Vl4XpRgUCcM_vqCPdKhghcs5s3py6Wz5jcFNZNVGkbPJx6otPahuxDZUO3NC/s1600/20141016_143208.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD4PheZ_Qqn7LAtw8oasRbsIJi56ccC7t-pOty8rza8paEYvygJxgW87BYkG2XWR1WobK2ZYXY9Jm5qkWchcixJs9rNcobUyLJMfL3ZNWeO3ZMCF3K_qBaZI_PkRPGVNQsKUTXpfMtxjo/s1600/20141016_143839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD4PheZ_Qqn7LAtw8oasRbsIJi56ccC7t-pOty8rza8paEYvygJxgW87BYkG2XWR1WobK2ZYXY9Jm5qkWchcixJs9rNcobUyLJMfL3ZNWeO3ZMCF3K_qBaZI_PkRPGVNQsKUTXpfMtxjo/s1600/20141016_143839.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Both the St. Augustine Distillery Co. and Ice Plant Bar received the 2014 Award for Excellence for the Reuse/Repurpose Sector by the Urban Land Institute of North Florida - what an honor!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkROi2uSnuQroNoiDu-K2OaJVFXUmPHfwYZhRWpic9CC_ij_DjS8zZuBdtiEd5m8a8JlVe6Q-RMQPb08oH_wDRRHjvAqWycE_JF8K6CQlAi6ZVx5x64yPRpZsMDlAABAzAm78Mlyynx8kv/s1600/20141016_144453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkROi2uSnuQroNoiDu-K2OaJVFXUmPHfwYZhRWpic9CC_ij_DjS8zZuBdtiEd5m8a8JlVe6Q-RMQPb08oH_wDRRHjvAqWycE_JF8K6CQlAi6ZVx5x64yPRpZsMDlAABAzAm78Mlyynx8kv/s1600/20141016_144453.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Distillery craft spirits are now available at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Publix Liquor Stores, and Winn Dixie Wine & Spirits locations throughout Florida! Don't be "bitter" if you're not a Florida resident, you can order online from Broudy's, who can ship to most states. Be sure to make your way over to St. Augustine soon as this place is truly getting lots of "buzz"!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ice Bar & St. Augustine Distillery</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">110 Riberia Street</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">St. Augustine, FL 32084</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(904) 829-6553</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday- Friday 11:30am– 2am</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday & Sunday 5pm- 2am</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Location is approximately two blocks south of King Street in the historic district (down the street from the San Sebastian Winery). Special thank you to the <a href="http://peaceandplentyinn.com/" target="_blank">Peace and Plenty Bed and Breakfast</a> for letting us know about this great new <i><b>old </b></i>place!! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQSPWHJsSxArl4l-tJxSQMfXHcI8gCydl2v66NXdR9u2UsB2W4KZLXbHDC9OPyr65wtaLtBrtzDrn-GWlywFsg5CQe4pCzWgRaJwc4uaY8M0frDBQlK0x6lNo50FWUvL98FEWY_b9uXDi/s1600/403431_391478910902275_1730491805_n-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQSPWHJsSxArl4l-tJxSQMfXHcI8gCydl2v66NXdR9u2UsB2W4KZLXbHDC9OPyr65wtaLtBrtzDrn-GWlywFsg5CQe4pCzWgRaJwc4uaY8M0frDBQlK0x6lNo50FWUvL98FEWY_b9uXDi/s1600/403431_391478910902275_1730491805_n-300x300.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://localsguidesa.com/the-ice-plant-bar-in-st-augustine-is-so-hot-it-needs-to-be-put-on-ice-review" target="_blank">localsguidesa.com</a></td></tr>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">“She had never known that ice could take on so many shades of blue" - Malinda Lo, Huntress</span></i></b><br />
<b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Like this post? Please like my page on facebook and check off that you want notifications about future posts: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/asavoryspoonful">www.facebook.com/asavoryspoonful</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>thanks!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>-Cathy</i></span>asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-91737121406872333082014-09-27T12:27:00.003-04:002014-09-28T09:14:29.969-04:00Secret Dining with Illumineati<br />
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Can you imagine getting an exclusive invitation to join a secret dining society whose only goal is to bring people, chefs, wines and an evening of surprises together. Well, in Tampa, Florida that is happening now (Shhhhhh!). If you can keep a secret I can tell you more....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2JPxKyPI9ijAMl2GOPsOo8_qO_k_ndDLj47iNZqnnECWD3nSD35N0DQWhUVehc6u4plPhfEXkZywmxOwhHVF00qyLfVpSuM4hBHC8FcArqokkUW99CWqEQU5ZDco_nFryD7Sui62WiqC/s1600/sds-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2JPxKyPI9ijAMl2GOPsOo8_qO_k_ndDLj47iNZqnnECWD3nSD35N0DQWhUVehc6u4plPhfEXkZywmxOwhHVF00qyLfVpSuM4hBHC8FcArqokkUW99CWqEQU5ZDco_nFryD7Sui62WiqC/s1600/sds-logo1.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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I read a <a href="http://cltampa.com/potlikker/archives/2014/09/07/secretive-suppers-redefining-dinner-for-chefs-eaters#.VCbc4vldVNM" target="_blank">great article </a>recently by Meaghan Habuda about this awesome group of three friends who are entreprenuers in the restaurant and marketing fields who came up with the idea for..... wait for it.......</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvLdh-whHJmQfiHQqLj5NAICmGM83dDHyAq8_crRqY-ig2gnEmO-_t1FqKNUYr4XVAg5iLWrX44GAOebXPhBZHUfBIdlzk55yyl0Bbn5hShi1eMqw-0giJSc1_CSPj9Ytnck8XD1xFYoy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+3.39.27+PM+(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvLdh-whHJmQfiHQqLj5NAICmGM83dDHyAq8_crRqY-ig2gnEmO-_t1FqKNUYr4XVAg5iLWrX44GAOebXPhBZHUfBIdlzk55yyl0Bbn5hShi1eMqw-0giJSc1_CSPj9Ytnck8XD1xFYoy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+3.39.27+PM+(2).png" height="202" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illumineati logo by Jimmy Breen</td></tr>
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Illumineati is the brain child off <a href="http://www.jimmybreen.com/" target="_blank">Jimmy Breem</a>, <a href="http://cltampa.com/potlikker/archives/2014/02/04/socials-johnny-ciani-becomes-partner-at-the-bricks-in-ybor-city" target="_blank">Johnny Ciani</a> and <a href="http://reubenpressman.com/" target="_blank">Reuben Pressman</a>. Together they wanted to further enlighten the Tampa area to a fast-becoming-trend in the foodie world of underground supper clubs and pop-up restaurant dining.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZaQ1hSYw4U0u8nY07xM3Ch4sXYARXJ6iiapjBsWhF-Hy1YYfzSfn-M1UWfQ9e77zenJ2u-8LMDJLGgcZLNYuYrtWAiBfTWqVEt8_H92J7hu07MPXv2y2A63BsSN7Mk9X4ePgGYlC3xpq/s1600/20140921_221339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZaQ1hSYw4U0u8nY07xM3Ch4sXYARXJ6iiapjBsWhF-Hy1YYfzSfn-M1UWfQ9e77zenJ2u-8LMDJLGgcZLNYuYrtWAiBfTWqVEt8_H92J7hu07MPXv2y2A63BsSN7Mk9X4ePgGYlC3xpq/s1600/20140921_221339.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Founders Johnny, Jimmy, Reuben and myself (and a photobomber) all smiles after the inaugural dinner</td></tr>
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We have seen several pop-ups in Tampa such as <a href="http://cltampa.com/tampa/pop-up-powerhouse-master-chef-jeannie-pierola-is-back-but-youd-better-act-fast-to-catch-her-latest-act/Content?oid=2188752#.VCbMefldVNM" target="_blank">Jeannie Pierola's KitchenBar</a> a couple of years ago who now owns <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EdisonFoodDrinkLab" target="_blank">Edison Food Drink Lab</a>. Then there was the launch of the <a href="http://www.epicureanhotel.com/" target="_blank">Epicurean</a> Hotel's main restaurant Elevage at a pop-up that was done at Side Berns last year (<a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2013/10/elevating-your-palate.html" target="_blank">check out my earlier blog post all about it here</a>). We have seen fantastic pop-up farm to fork dinners at the <a href="http://www.kingfamilyfarmandmarket.com/" target="_blank">King Family Ranch</a> by AJ Latteri of <a href="http://www.theloft5.com/" target="_blank">Loft 5</a> (<a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2013/05/bringing-table-to-farm-florida-style.html" target="_blank">check out my previous blog post about it here</a>.) There have been a couple of groups that have come and gone with ideas of bringing people together to dine and drink and expose chefs and breweries to new groups of foodie friends. <a href="http://www.datztampa.com/" target="_blank">Datz</a> owners Suzanne and Roger Perry have long been participating in louring us happy foodies into their restaurants and home for tasting events that we lavishly enjoyed the last few years as one of many examples.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyRtFJHNf1cp4yMd-NnFCIpEt38R7Gp56VAAwaLMu-4oRdNS_PmoyoF2q5E7b38sYYW5P_SsLu6Ai_1lEqfJiIpxV82tvXgtvoYMBg1Ci5e5sP2Y9dGJIzRsyyDzaEgh3euwzgTeh17dN/s1600/TASTING-TABLE_300x250_3+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyRtFJHNf1cp4yMd-NnFCIpEt38R7Gp56VAAwaLMu-4oRdNS_PmoyoF2q5E7b38sYYW5P_SsLu6Ai_1lEqfJiIpxV82tvXgtvoYMBg1Ci5e5sP2Y9dGJIzRsyyDzaEgh3euwzgTeh17dN/s1600/TASTING-TABLE_300x250_3+(2).jpg" height="201" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.illumineati.com/" target="_blank">Illumineati</a> feels different than these previously wonderful dinners and in a very cool way! Illumineati is invitation only and even then you might not get into the next dinner depending on space and date. You won't know where it will be until two days before, you won't know the chef or the menu, and you won't even know who else will be dining with you that night. The vibe in the room is very relaxed and made conversation easy and interesting. There was much laughter, applause for the chef and his team and as many smiles going around the room as there was wine being poured. </div>
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We delighted in the gorgeous view of the water from the front porch of our very gracious hosts. We were greeted by bartender Chris Marsicano of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RedDwarfHospitality" target="_blank">Red Dwarf Hospitality</a> who was enjoying making our cocktail hour memorable. We were treated to champagne or even better by the signature starter drink "One For Tucker" which was named by Illumineati co-founder Ciani in memory of a dear friend who had passed away. Ingredients included <a href="http://www.angelsenvy.com/" target="_blank">Angel's Envy Bourbon</a>, orange blossom honey water, lemon juice, lavender and bitters. It was divine!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrp5d_7LsAziSgnC0dvP1EwJfWrHNJZWx8QJAsLGZwzsMAjo7aLFRfGdCkb9f4uaPDFrEC6cuHzv35X2iL7upA8lE7d357MYV0oQyDiEpsDyFF8TU3pPSEROnxQLtomdbHXy-dMjp4ICS/s1600/drinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrp5d_7LsAziSgnC0dvP1EwJfWrHNJZWx8QJAsLGZwzsMAjo7aLFRfGdCkb9f4uaPDFrEC6cuHzv35X2iL7upA8lE7d357MYV0oQyDiEpsDyFF8TU3pPSEROnxQLtomdbHXy-dMjp4ICS/s1600/drinks.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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We mingled with other guests (sorry I cannot reveal my fellow club members, but safe to say they were amazing locals who enjoy great food, wine, restaurants, art, culture and were lucky enough to be welcomed by the club founders early on).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_FwfloFi0KwQFJCs4Oj33DeD7LO4hJks_ADmk4h8IZQUJK2uGyKx0E-FvehdqRNZAS6y8X0trtu8y5E2VHagi9sObF1mwngT4Zfe3hPVzVCgrnthqZa9Rch3QCGEw47VcX_0vaVr0-xp/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_FwfloFi0KwQFJCs4Oj33DeD7LO4hJks_ADmk4h8IZQUJK2uGyKx0E-FvehdqRNZAS6y8X0trtu8y5E2VHagi9sObF1mwngT4Zfe3hPVzVCgrnthqZa9Rch3QCGEw47VcX_0vaVr0-xp/s1600/table.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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We sat at a long communal table for twenty and then came the introductions. Our chef turned out to be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ilritornodowntown/posts/1433041903590037" target="_blank">David Benstock</a> of <a href="http://www.ilritornodowntown.com/" target="_blank">Il Ritorno restaurant</a> which was an incredibly good sign! <span style="color: #404040; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.9647998809814px;"> </span></span>The Chef and his team along with our wine expert for the night introduced us to the nine course meal and pairings we were about to indulge in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVURPODVrtaoUM_pmkfIP_vk410vjYUu25-OavfN6MomMljJoswyKzTx3J8rggS2r3OfZ-kdXN38AKc9Ji13bIJcqQVZMIktjgt4U10dubG9azfcfQZLr3DY926UBt0xQH18QmFh0saBg/s1600/20140921_184158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVURPODVrtaoUM_pmkfIP_vk410vjYUu25-OavfN6MomMljJoswyKzTx3J8rggS2r3OfZ-kdXN38AKc9Ji13bIJcqQVZMIktjgt4U10dubG9azfcfQZLr3DY926UBt0xQH18QmFh0saBg/s1600/20140921_184158.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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The menu looked incredible.... the food was even more so.... check out the beautiful job that co-founder <a href="http://www.jimmybreen.com/" target="_blank">Jimmy Breen</a> did on designing this menu that the Chef created! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6neEB0oCVicdEJiosZukSwG9luEPfyakbWnIU-WqgudsXZrE97lQO3x6Vpa7cBSUc5oUTN9CLs4CeSf5J1BF4s9OLL_OQUraVZJLu20By1d6-RxjqbdFzfYHXlstt2rOc8bl0v6r7_NkU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+3.39.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6neEB0oCVicdEJiosZukSwG9luEPfyakbWnIU-WqgudsXZrE97lQO3x6Vpa7cBSUc5oUTN9CLs4CeSf5J1BF4s9OLL_OQUraVZJLu20By1d6-RxjqbdFzfYHXlstt2rOc8bl0v6r7_NkU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-23+at+3.39.27+PM.png" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
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The wines poured with each course were superbly paired and they were provided by <a href="http://www.pernod-ricard-usa.com/" target="_blank">Pernod Picard.</a></div>
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I hope you are hungry.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amuse Bouche of Oysters and Pancetta</td></tr>
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After the oyster amuse bouche appetizer, we began with a tuna tartare, bone marrow, watermelon relish, toasted ciabatta and meyer lemon</div>
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Charred octopus, smoked potato crema, kalamata olives, confit tomatoes and capers.</div>
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Pan seared foie gras with pear jam, pickled beech mushrooms, onion caramel, and mustard greens.</div>
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Ricotta gnocchi with rabbit bolognese, roasted shishito peppers, and faithful farms herbs.<br />
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Tagliatelle pasta, smoked venison and pear ragu, and calabrese chilis.</div>
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Seared scallop,crispy guanciale, smoked corn and pickled ramps.</div>
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A Chetta duo: lamb bell, pork belly, and spiced quince puree.</div>
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And finally a pistachio semifredo with champagne peach compote, caramel pistachios and a 10 year aged balsalmic.</div>
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Creative Loafing's Meaghan Bahuda who wrote the original article that piqued my interest also recently posted her follow-up article on her take on our amazing evening. You can check out her work and great details on our inaugural dinner <a href="http://cltampa.com/potlikker/archives/2014/09/25/covert-cuisine-tales-from-the-first-illumineati-dinner#.VCbI3PldVNM" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgratoAcKtdqiAzxNQHawKfg28vjWuhzOzt18oEZ8bGhXK_LFst-ZFKBZWRW6exj4UcMYaO72Tag0U66dBFy1Ri5MgI2fu97_y4nQyyv_4ofo__vGGiGuakFK0zx6zRp8WO_a3IE3RwHIbm/s1600/How+Can+I+Join.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgratoAcKtdqiAzxNQHawKfg28vjWuhzOzt18oEZ8bGhXK_LFst-ZFKBZWRW6exj4UcMYaO72Tag0U66dBFy1Ri5MgI2fu97_y4nQyyv_4ofo__vGGiGuakFK0zx6zRp8WO_a3IE3RwHIbm/s1600/How+Can+I+Join.jpg" height="286" width="640" /></a></div>
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Co-Founder Jimmy Breen said, "People will be able to attend the dinners through a referral system. During each dinner, current members will fill out a card with contact information for those they think might be interested in the next one." Locals without an "in" must email <a href="http://www.illumineati.com/" target="_blank">Illumineati via their website </a>and they basically undergo a one-question interview. "It's what you bring to the table," says co-founder Pressman. "You can answer it in any way you can think of." If the trio of founders like your answer, you become a member. You may not initially make it in, but there may be a wait list that you can snag tickets last minute like I was fortunate enough to. Now... which of my foodie friends wants to be referred at a future amazing and top-secret dinner?</div>
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asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-20994072203653931232014-09-19T16:39:00.001-04:002014-09-29T13:39:07.545-04:00Traveling on a dime!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>“Travel provides us with the distance required to see what it is we are habitually doing and the anonymity to risk new ways of being in the world.” - Robert Fuller</em></span></div>
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My husband and I travel a great deal for our company and thus I have become quite the self-appointed expert at finding the most incredible deals while planning. Today, I am sharing with you my favorite top 10 ways to hit the road and save a wallet full of money. Even if you only learn 1-2 new things it should help you stay somewhere amazing for a steal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5437sxWkJ1uurJycpuBGGwDGuzg4y81EBzIDDKiDgWgmtNomWvUuvLO_nBzOnqGMrNTSQn5rJ2CJiIUy1OGg6es-GCS54jb49_tw14OS24eyZCMM5nlxKDpJp7fthQHfPzWQ0sahXA1Vy/s1600/vacation-work-family-trip-farewell-ecards-someecards.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5437sxWkJ1uurJycpuBGGwDGuzg4y81EBzIDDKiDgWgmtNomWvUuvLO_nBzOnqGMrNTSQn5rJ2CJiIUy1OGg6es-GCS54jb49_tw14OS24eyZCMM5nlxKDpJp7fthQHfPzWQ0sahXA1Vy/s400/vacation-work-family-trip-farewell-ecards-someecards.png" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>1. Plan ahead and save a ton</u></b><br />
This may seem pretty straightforward and logical but if you can play around with your trip and consider ADDING on an extra overnight stay (at the front or back end) you may end up actually saving yourself more in the long run; this is the best time to use that 'flexible dates' option they give you for flight costs too! Many hotels offer a discounted 3rd night or even buy-two-nights-get-one-free. You can also save many times by booking 3 weeks or more in advance- just be sure to double check that you are getting a cancellable/ fully refundable reservation. Almost all hotels now offer cancellation by 4pm the day before or day of arrival option even when booking from kayak or hotels.com. I was surprised recently to find The Marriott Beachplace in Ft. Lauderdale had a fantastic option of $125 per night with a water view with balcony. Compared to staying further inland at comparable hotels at upwards of $200 per night - simply because I booked from the Marriott website and chose the Marriott rewards package price instead of AAA or "best price" option. Did you know that you should also separate out your trip when researching and sometimes a weeknight or weekday is less than the other nights - many times I book a couple of weeknights as needed and book a separate reservation for my weekend part of the trip for a lower cose that won't be offered to you if you book it all as one reservation. This happens particularly with disney hotels and big chains! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QVdL2VLBIJt0ZhgPcLaL4AwZsl__yf4V4mqgl5U8cM_6sghHeAXv3IgrlpF4pElligSd09g4Oi-V70kMkQi4N3B5oBIred6Tm2Gwq-JHhdm9Ir1gSGwSnjHoCZLsb7OU9szyDu-pSc6W/s1600/rp-2-nights-3-free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QVdL2VLBIJt0ZhgPcLaL4AwZsl__yf4V4mqgl5U8cM_6sghHeAXv3IgrlpF4pElligSd09g4Oi-V70kMkQi4N3B5oBIred6Tm2Gwq-JHhdm9Ir1gSGwSnjHoCZLsb7OU9szyDu-pSc6W/s400/rp-2-nights-3-free.jpg" height="191" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>2. Compare, compare, compare...... (ok and location, location, location too)</u></b><br />
Before I ever book something using one of the social media or discounted sale sights, I always go to the hotel or airlines direct page and compare. Recently I saved significantly by doing this in searching for a hotel in south Florida for a business trip. I was intrigued by an email from the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Fl for deluxe kings starting at $125 plus a $50 food/drink credit and free valet. Not knowing our meeting dates yet and knowing the deal was only good for 3 days - I booked two separate stays a week apart from each other knowing that I could cancel one of them anytime. A couple weeks later, I cancelled one of the reservations and we are set now with an upcoming stay ultimately only costing my company $75 per night plus tax to stay at a gorgeous hotel with a ton of amenities very centrally located - for a steal! It is great to note that for this particular hotel -had I chosen two queens/doubles instead of a king the price would have gone up higher so keep that in mind too when playing around with your selections.<br />
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<b><u>3. Utilize groupon, living social, travel zoo, kayak, etc.</u></b><br />
In addition to these popular discounted travel sites, consider that there are even more of these sites that you may not know about, such as cldeals.com (creative loafing/ new times, those free paper magazines that come out every week in many communities). Amazon local also has some unique deals not found on the other sites. Crowd savings and half off depot offer an extensive list of deals that change daily. I found that jetsetter had some fantastic deals and when I referred a family member (even if booking under my husband) I received $25 off my next booking. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9SDKcE9U_tWCWq9eL7tz8YgBvAzBj52zIT8tTQGJ5kjhlg3eEbcdH7qDw6nimuKtHyVBFi9rJD3LwFLESJwJuTkABvPv095sjXRVjULuGwslbswFbjlrqCp5VaQLV888GgKjMiJy7KLu/s1600/1717_105279370166_1572_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9SDKcE9U_tWCWq9eL7tz8YgBvAzBj52zIT8tTQGJ5kjhlg3eEbcdH7qDw6nimuKtHyVBFi9rJD3LwFLESJwJuTkABvPv095sjXRVjULuGwslbswFbjlrqCp5VaQLV888GgKjMiJy7KLu/s1600/1717_105279370166_1572_n.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vista Verde All Inclusive Ski Resort Colorado Springs, CO</td></tr>
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<b><u>4. Do yourself an <i>extra</i> favor</u></b><br />
On sites like crowdsavings.com or halfoffdepot.com if you sign up for the email list and wait a couple days look for just the right daily discount code and save another 20%-50% off. Also if you look at some travel options and then go to close the site you will sometimes get a pop up window or an email shortly thereafter saying "Wait! Don't go - we'll give you another $25 off if you come back and book now!") Great example: The Sirata Beach Resort in St. Petersburg, Fl was being offered at a very cheap $66 per night on halfoffdepot.com, a few days into the offer they ran a plus 20% off and with tax we stayed on the ocean, with a cabana and welcome drink for $52. I was very leery of booking any hotel at this kind of rate so, as always I checked reviews out on tripadvisor.com and yelp, etc to see what we were getting into first. I was very pleasantly surprised and cannot wait to see if this hotel advertises more deals again - they used a company called aniomod.com for the bookings. Here are some views of the property and I can tell you that the service there was fantastic! I went back online while we were there and booked 3 more nights at this steal of a rate (The only caveat here was it had to be used before 12/31/13 and they said mostly weeknight stays were bookable). I didn't have any issue booking any of the dates we needed and it was an excellent way to not worry about driving an hour home after a Rays baseball game, a day of work meetings in the area, and a place to meetup with family and friends by the beach. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC71p-WNksvT9IYI-F5556GHUZafOi-LYp-DPJhjzbZcqIyf66c-WS-2mDw8k_2npugY7rqLF5hg1POE-Z9eQHL3UcuZrv-6x5_e6BgzzRBzcRKgRd7MAkauIAsMYo6dZ30EPv8_PIEX9V/s1600/20131104_172255_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC71p-WNksvT9IYI-F5556GHUZafOi-LYp-DPJhjzbZcqIyf66c-WS-2mDw8k_2npugY7rqLF5hg1POE-Z9eQHL3UcuZrv-6x5_e6BgzzRBzcRKgRd7MAkauIAsMYo6dZ30EPv8_PIEX9V/s400/20131104_172255_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sirata Beach Resort Clearwater, FL</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sirata Beach Resort Clearwater, Fl</td></tr>
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<b><u>5. A no-brainer- get AAA. </u></b><br />
Seriously - on top of getting roadside service we easily make up for the low cost membership with hotel discounts. Whenever I login to Marriott's website I select the AAA rate option and always see a significant savings (although sometimes the marriott rewards or package deals are better at times). Also you can book and peruse many AAA rated hotels and cruises right on their website when comparison shopping.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwxbXnyhN4wO89SeJXTXaqeWUcxdjc_uDUOoaHqf_SvL4eK42d3jwgtl0Gm6Mg-pPbIGGS86MBcttFZ-ar5_ed_FsAqqO5dkBsl0tjmLzWe8cqrOtO-ocuaYi4IivxLMnaXmpUW1kEkgQ/s1600/216890_5800300166_6241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwxbXnyhN4wO89SeJXTXaqeWUcxdjc_uDUOoaHqf_SvL4eK42d3jwgtl0Gm6Mg-pPbIGGS86MBcttFZ-ar5_ed_FsAqqO5dkBsl0tjmLzWe8cqrOtO-ocuaYi4IivxLMnaXmpUW1kEkgQ/s1600/216890_5800300166_6241_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevi Fountain Rome, Italy </td></tr>
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<b><u>6. Subscribe to your favorite hotel and airlines rewards clubs and e-newsletters</u></b><br />
Trust me, you can always unsubscribe or use unrollme.com to stop being hassled. They will send out last minute deals to entice you. One great place we've stayed a few times is the Bayfront Marin House in St. Augustine - and by liking their facebook page and or being on their email list you can get amazing water front rooms (including drinks, appetizers, 3 course breakfast and more) for $159 on a weeknight!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMO2gKAfQQxNtTABB93HMB0_W5qp8UqMnjQd4UTplNTN1V4oORGBgtFlDpdSTtd7mKfqeXiL2131aUSfPL0TUO_4r2rgtLQG0auohJikYUFUZ_S5VVFkagoAclSb1futWWF6-klcF2Oqa/s1600/44470_10152319677365167_926765416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMO2gKAfQQxNtTABB93HMB0_W5qp8UqMnjQd4UTplNTN1V4oORGBgtFlDpdSTtd7mKfqeXiL2131aUSfPL0TUO_4r2rgtLQG0auohJikYUFUZ_S5VVFkagoAclSb1futWWF6-klcF2Oqa/s1600/44470_10152319677365167_926765416_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balcony of our Royal Caribbean Cruise leaving Tampa, FL</td></tr>
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<b><u>7. Change your groupon home town</u></b><br />
When I know ahead of time that I am traveling out of state especially I spend a few minutes on groupon logged into their area and sometimes find a deal for a local attraction that I had wanted to see anyways for half the price. Just because a restaurant uses these deal sites to market themselves doesn't mean they are low quality -sometimes they are brand new places looking for business and sometimes they want the exposure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hell, Cayman Islands</td></tr>
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<b><u>8. Earn free gift cards and dining checks</u></b><br />
Use <a href="http://www.opentable.com/" target="_blank">opentable.com t</a>o make reservations even if it is last minute and you can quickly earn a $20 gift card. They offer 1000 point tables in most cities which means if you reserve a table during certain hours or certain days of the week you are halfway to a $20 dining certificate - book one of these twice and you made $20! You can also use open table right from the<a href="http://www.yelp.com/" target="_blank"> yelp </a>website or app now too which is fantastic! Whenever I am booking at a bed and breakfast I check <a href="http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/">www.bedandbreakfast.com</a> for their current gift card or online booking deals. I almost always book with someone who takes their gift cards, because I save at least $20 for every $100 spent on a b&b gift card. *Important- you must buy your B&B.com gift cards 8 days before you want to redeem them on a trip so no last minute planning here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqFFQfYa_GWTp8u1fMd-8N0AknJugVAqHjm3sjZiodNfqbiVlTh50HtQuCG3OjbHuRZLAhENuBvdWmdmYDV_XqmZ8LveVJM5bNuTCIdget25g1GbQH_muijXzTIXD51WeYW4n8Lfi1F87/s1600/169054_10150389524335167_6916365_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqFFQfYa_GWTp8u1fMd-8N0AknJugVAqHjm3sjZiodNfqbiVlTh50HtQuCG3OjbHuRZLAhENuBvdWmdmYDV_XqmZ8LveVJM5bNuTCIdget25g1GbQH_muijXzTIXD51WeYW4n8Lfi1F87/s1600/169054_10150389524335167_6916365_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secrets Maroma Beach Resort, Cancun, Mexico</td></tr>
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<u><b>9. Call the hotel last minute </b></u><br />
Ask if they can top the lowest rated deal or go to www.lasminutedeals.com. By the way a package deal may not be the best value so do the math - you don't necessarily need all the frills if you just want to add on a bottle of wine or a spa massage to your trip - but sometimes there is a lot of value in those packages too. I just booked the Marriott County Hall in London England for a trip for next year and I am keeping my eye on the current exchange rate. To begin with I can book an upgraded room there on hotels.com for $50 less than on the marriott website (and cancel anytime) but even better I can pre-purchase it at a locked in US Dollar amount whenever the dollar is a little stronger than the pound. Also they had a package for 40pounds more that included dinner, champagne, chocolates and breakfast...... what a steal!!!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Collesium, Rome, Italy</td></tr>
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<b><u>10. Utilize your connections</u></b><br />
Sounds easy enough- but I was surprised to learn during a recent trip to Boca that alumni of my University get a discount by calling and just saying they went to the school. Imagine if you utilized this tactic every time you had to book a hotel in Gainesville or Tallahassee.... not suggesting that you should be dishonest here, but if you have an alma mater then say so when visiting a college town- it cannot hurt. Ask the hotel concierge or desk clerk for ideas and always look at the coupon racks in the hotel lobby- if you already know where you want to go for a drink or dinner and if it is nearby I can tell you at least a quarter of the time they have a coupon in one of those magazines for a free glass of wine or dessert, etc. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pb_hj_DG9k2JeLjifh3a_0TsoU9qN6XPB7PViEknNA8X68mfRc6PmYiM4IBYOQJ4qxHXaFZdEimNLayWmD62Y1z-CKhs1_M35JsHDb6OZR7yz-0a8wraieHkvhxIrWXccWa2TSt8wa3-/s1600/17147_437359370166_2293913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pb_hj_DG9k2JeLjifh3a_0TsoU9qN6XPB7PViEknNA8X68mfRc6PmYiM4IBYOQJ4qxHXaFZdEimNLayWmD62Y1z-CKhs1_M35JsHDb6OZR7yz-0a8wraieHkvhxIrWXccWa2TSt8wa3-/s1600/17147_437359370166_2293913_n.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vista Verde Resort Colorado Springs, CO</td></tr>
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Above all - have fun! IF you have the time to research you can save a LOT of money.... if you have good credit consider getting a couple of travelers credit cards like American Express Blue Sky (I made a $1200 profit off of them last year). Delta Amex is sending me to Paris next spring..... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sirata Beach Resort, Clearwater, Fl</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>What are your best travel tips to save money and get to see the world?? </i></b></span> </div>
<br />asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-39270321768259043382014-09-12T10:52:00.002-04:002014-09-12T17:23:29.763-04:00"Wine is bottled poetry." -Robert Louis Stevenson<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We found a wonderful place outside of Tampa, FL that allows you to make your own wines. Luckily, with the <a href="http://southshoreuncorked.com/" target="_blank">Southshore Uncorked</a> wine making shop located in Apollo Beach, FL for a mere $50 you will have the assistance of a professional and all of the sanitized tools necessary to make, ferment, and finally bottle and label your own creation! <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.2;"> Kathy and Steve Lieberman are the owners of this great shop, and with the help of Lora we made it look so easy! </span>Check out the fun we had and what we made!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First, you select your grapes (*juice). <span style="text-align: center;">These range from $50 to $200+ per kit depending on varietal, vintage, etc. We liked a lovely California Trinity Red Blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes which was around $100. Keep in mind, this ends up making between 24-30 bottles of wine, so when all is said and done you have a fantastic deal to enjoy or give away as corporate gifts or to friends for under $10 per bottle! They have samples of many of the grapes so you can test drive your taste buds before you decide.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first step is making sure that anything that comes in contact with the wine is sanitized. You want to continue to sanitize everything as you move on through the wine making process including the fermenting container, spoons, etc. We the combined the ingredients together with our wine making pro and we followed the directions that come in the kit. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first packet to go in contained bentonite, which is a clarifier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We then added about a 1/2 gallon of warm water to the fermenter. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrs0TIb73RN3peGcf_qHjfMta_xVsumDJaFRnnNFrDkB0mnrM9DHJ3d851weua-da9DZPcbzHCIEgNHXPprpcTI0mgUbxbvAiVq-9G1HsnpO5de9-4I3xBgOVkzpVjciKjMwNI_WU6CvW/s1600/20140731_105308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrs0TIb73RN3peGcf_qHjfMta_xVsumDJaFRnnNFrDkB0mnrM9DHJ3d851weua-da9DZPcbzHCIEgNHXPprpcTI0mgUbxbvAiVq-9G1HsnpO5de9-4I3xBgOVkzpVjciKjMwNI_WU6CvW/s1600/20140731_105308.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next, we poured in the juice from our kit and topped off our wine with water to the 6 gallon mark.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFve_pp1_Iv0vZ8dXUBt_ujdu75OtvQ_1jAX_7FZL7dVGoplHebItzzqAmBV23YP7FJ5qgKFNjTHq5LQvyo9ppire4sygi_oOtcqMMQzgCeubOfSkCf5vzjy6Naoh7iT2LD41-JuHikbO/s1600/20140731_105346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFve_pp1_Iv0vZ8dXUBt_ujdu75OtvQ_1jAX_7FZL7dVGoplHebItzzqAmBV23YP7FJ5qgKFNjTHq5LQvyo9ppire4sygi_oOtcqMMQzgCeubOfSkCf5vzjy6Naoh7iT2LD41-JuHikbO/s1600/20140731_105346.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then it was Rob's turn to stir everything together really well. This helps blend everything, but also introduces air to our wine. Air is a good thing at this stage because the yeast will need it to ferment the wine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILiNzoV0sEGMtj-H981Ot23LPOlfi7WT1_uWf8oY5un4tZgLclt8gC6FZGQZkCSs5ivpSCzKRB5beAq571Or9s6tMxQXFiZKo0cY3F4J5dynU2ov5nBlGy_wmooVjN2z70kdTVbJGe3yx/s1600/20140731_105631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILiNzoV0sEGMtj-H981Ot23LPOlfi7WT1_uWf8oY5un4tZgLclt8gC6FZGQZkCSs5ivpSCzKRB5beAq571Or9s6tMxQXFiZKo0cY3F4J5dynU2ov5nBlGy_wmooVjN2z70kdTVbJGe3yx/s1600/20140731_105631.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After everything has been stirred up, we added the yeast. You do not stir the yeast into the wine because if you stir too hard, you are beating up the yeast. Just simply sprinkle it in, or pour it in and place the lid on top of the fermenter. This is also a good time to add some natural oak for flavor - it will turn your wine into an oak barreled buttery concoction but will add depth and complexity to your grapes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_jkOPEVXxFPD8E0TR_P6rzD_w9j0J6lMPjSnZSQ5Ac7ylEcWOQqI8BkQBOJazv4ndIjVYxpLmnlYAlxCNS0H6e7LZl2QBgIbdavtmG44Vx60UfdIJUO4n5yaLT1Hn2Mf0WWNDeEWNhAQ/s1600/20140731_110315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_jkOPEVXxFPD8E0TR_P6rzD_w9j0J6lMPjSnZSQ5Ac7ylEcWOQqI8BkQBOJazv4ndIjVYxpLmnlYAlxCNS0H6e7LZl2QBgIbdavtmG44Vx60UfdIJUO4n5yaLT1Hn2Mf0WWNDeEWNhAQ/s1600/20140731_110315.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fill an airlock half way with water (or vodka....) and inset it into the rubber grommet on the lid. This helps gases escape. Place fermenter in an area that maintains a 65 °F to 75 °F consistent temperature. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCHeevl_OBPPeyq7DtNzF3s0fx7MpA1R9oY52aCC06r3dgoVGyTNdLMLSMG8a8TPBWUz8sSUolXmVh5gad9FlGwmhjXvBNobT49Q_hTadhlE2cBMvzK_EUE39bV1aSJkg8Vj05oZxzF_Q/s1600/20140731_110612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCHeevl_OBPPeyq7DtNzF3s0fx7MpA1R9oY52aCC06r3dgoVGyTNdLMLSMG8a8TPBWUz8sSUolXmVh5gad9FlGwmhjXvBNobT49Q_hTadhlE2cBMvzK_EUE39bV1aSJkg8Vj05oZxzF_Q/s1600/20140731_110612.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That is it, our part is done for about a month.... except for all the bottles we wanted to work on getting empty for our final product!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X8UHKJ7M7cvTcsvju0zRF5KRK5wJjdEhpQoQAneJ-vEChvJwv_pWXAkvIeSQGpPK9LZ4AxMkwVqYIqvCwcfLMA5UYDC4IB0UqHeCsFOepUXk29TL6kSbkQAfHVQln4eJPtYCZk-LmV6d/s1600/20140909_103951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X8UHKJ7M7cvTcsvju0zRF5KRK5wJjdEhpQoQAneJ-vEChvJwv_pWXAkvIeSQGpPK9LZ4AxMkwVqYIqvCwcfLMA5UYDC4IB0UqHeCsFOepUXk29TL6kSbkQAfHVQln4eJPtYCZk-LmV6d/s1600/20140909_103951.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a labor of love getting those 30 bad boys all ready- lots of hot water, vinegar, baking powder - but it worked! Of course, if you prefer less elbow grease, you can have Uncorked provide you bottles at around $1.69 each. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Au7FKIU29Av-ZDxxDjJZC-C_DdQKAAY0nyOhluqGeSKYVxcSQvlYU9hKtJcUD95o8w5RsuLgI4xMm56spuc5-47hyEWsVy7bwxCmQOwRLq-Ffq3S8VlalzAIb3X2VCkYRY9xWpvklHq1/s1600/20140909_120408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Au7FKIU29Av-ZDxxDjJZC-C_DdQKAAY0nyOhluqGeSKYVxcSQvlYU9hKtJcUD95o8w5RsuLgI4xMm56spuc5-47hyEWsVy7bwxCmQOwRLq-Ffq3S8VlalzAIb3X2VCkYRY9xWpvklHq1/s1600/20140909_120408.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, the team at Uncorked will transfer the wine from the primary fermenter into a secondary fermenter to leave as much sediment behind. As the wine sits and ferments they add the additional kit ingredients such as potassium metabisulphite and potassium sorbate. These work together to kill off the yeast and stabilize the wine to help preserve it once you are ready to bottle. Speaking of bottling time.... we got the call a month later and went to create our final product! Time to sanitize the bottles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgAU7vwOFExao9ieGMEXIETR625CfV4A8VL6_SbUrvhCBnoZ277Bga_IfayQK9RQT9zPLkuTcFM6yu46dVsFhk3A467BYBr7oBKbGukaL4eOH-knlXYLozMZjOlI5Qh_0oNz7-xz8hBLB/s1600/20140909_115814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgAU7vwOFExao9ieGMEXIETR625CfV4A8VL6_SbUrvhCBnoZ277Bga_IfayQK9RQT9zPLkuTcFM6yu46dVsFhk3A467BYBr7oBKbGukaL4eOH-knlXYLozMZjOlI5Qh_0oNz7-xz8hBLB/s1600/20140909_115814.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is a wine tree to aid in drying out the bottles after we squished them down onto the sanitizer sponge.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNyA11CMxdUBoVyN4sjoI4FVoGBAPgdzgoR1-jy3tdycUjtodqkQnmUW2w6D0741viMX9hZGdcFk49sHz4ZxwFzUIyF9Ji-BDLMV7GyImUeyx5wt_IcqP-fH2Ev5Urz_5GrgTIFUzrJk7/s1600/20140909_120402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNyA11CMxdUBoVyN4sjoI4FVoGBAPgdzgoR1-jy3tdycUjtodqkQnmUW2w6D0741viMX9hZGdcFk49sHz4ZxwFzUIyF9Ji-BDLMV7GyImUeyx5wt_IcqP-fH2Ev5Urz_5GrgTIFUzrJk7/s1600/20140909_120402.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We began filling the wine right from the main fermenter through what looked similar to an iv line... after sampling some of course! It was fun to move from bottle to bottle watching them fill to perfection!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jqwAwch_1Og4ljwTvrgOwV-VeJbonSwgDC6zZ2OSw27uiMyLA2vld3MEb4AIUFG3y9g-KJ4Z4FyF-X3Z1ZkP8dIoa7DzWYyxvPmH26Ot4U42Yd34sjMpCULNe29KB0zh9lO_HW_WrIge/s1600/20140909_120835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jqwAwch_1Og4ljwTvrgOwV-VeJbonSwgDC6zZ2OSw27uiMyLA2vld3MEb4AIUFG3y9g-KJ4Z4FyF-X3Z1ZkP8dIoa7DzWYyxvPmH26Ot4U42Yd34sjMpCULNe29KB0zh9lO_HW_WrIge/s1600/20140909_120835.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul-tf01X-OljDQiiD6PsBbWBwV9tLhkpBAc_XqW8I4hsboftNi256H3o2tFZ8yGL0_2tDNxiDDGzxjEZjf2tat-m01p23eQWoA1eM6T-GEVV1fHXHN9IqDymsf6DnXwGIrvje5lixptF_/s1600/14+-+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul-tf01X-OljDQiiD6PsBbWBwV9tLhkpBAc_XqW8I4hsboftNi256H3o2tFZ8yGL0_2tDNxiDDGzxjEZjf2tat-m01p23eQWoA1eM6T-GEVV1fHXHN9IqDymsf6DnXwGIrvje5lixptF_/s1600/14+-+9.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next we went on to cork the bottles. They offer you unused corks (which they sell for a few cents each) imagine that- using the corks from my own private collection was not worthwhile - don't your leftover corks have holes in them too? ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvUhEWFN_h1K1RRmLuIprSH3WbvRDQr3GntacCtnpMG1iMHnlFtBShz2U1qmyBPWks-x2FsguCa7gEBIJ2Sofuv-9GNGwVnMnxUCUyaBTGq7HRCacQTqnRMROWKX8spyLD1Cy7QKWdlHS/s1600/14+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvUhEWFN_h1K1RRmLuIprSH3WbvRDQr3GntacCtnpMG1iMHnlFtBShz2U1qmyBPWks-x2FsguCa7gEBIJ2Sofuv-9GNGwVnMnxUCUyaBTGq7HRCacQTqnRMROWKX8spyLD1Cy7QKWdlHS/s1600/14+-+8.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using their corking machine we leveraged ourselves and closed them up! </span><span style="font-size: large;">You can have Uncorked do all or some of these steps completely for you.... but what's the fun in that?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci-ki9AEDTZzv-Czhv4nnNgVzpKdpFcHmDJECQudyP9Eq05rLACbv_5zvn9drdHzCD7DTJLDR-5lzxRAFTONKuRVZStIvnDxfDwJC9avF3RyKYHOmKRtEjdcmV8HdSHCvSHLGU9bmk9SM/s1600/20140909_121538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci-ki9AEDTZzv-Czhv4nnNgVzpKdpFcHmDJECQudyP9Eq05rLACbv_5zvn9drdHzCD7DTJLDR-5lzxRAFTONKuRVZStIvnDxfDwJC9avF3RyKYHOmKRtEjdcmV8HdSHCvSHLGU9bmk9SM/s1600/20140909_121538.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We washed the bottles off with glass cleaner and it was time to apply our custom made labels. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01lR7MImXFwuvCN64sfuUHlL1rLRMk0k_Gr2sckhUDLSsLN4OQYu5Xuh3l6_sveV4QQqDkSBFMVs_dGNPEVJ1g5fJzGKH8yvq_9fwxBXvjH9hp8VTf-orwlLXqwmO_ZHRlUU_u98cp4Ge/s1600/20140909_123535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01lR7MImXFwuvCN64sfuUHlL1rLRMk0k_Gr2sckhUDLSsLN4OQYu5Xuh3l6_sveV4QQqDkSBFMVs_dGNPEVJ1g5fJzGKH8yvq_9fwxBXvjH9hp8VTf-orwlLXqwmO_ZHRlUU_u98cp4Ge/s1600/20140909_123535.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We chose a photo of us in front of the vineyard from our recent trip to Napa and Sonoma and Robert added a special touch with our family crest right on the top! This will still make for a great corporate gift to some of our business clients but with a personal touch! You can use a generic label that comes with the kit, design and bring your own or let them design it for you based on whatever name, photo, idea you want for only $20! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5gBUB2wFo0lpXriinaOtwWIBYyC4SzNJBTkRq7Xu-xn8Bl63ljGypWVs3SRW2jwmypnnOKoYcyBNg3fiLBFeFdYvMImFAgSkTvzjSLxjwIo0wpb8Smiu3R8ql3b7QdEh_w91Tm2cAndZ/s1600/14+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5gBUB2wFo0lpXriinaOtwWIBYyC4SzNJBTkRq7Xu-xn8Bl63ljGypWVs3SRW2jwmypnnOKoYcyBNg3fiLBFeFdYvMImFAgSkTvzjSLxjwIo0wpb8Smiu3R8ql3b7QdEh_w91Tm2cAndZ/s1600/14+-+11.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Applying the labels was very easy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJhVgNStKmcRJmopbltkHTMvDvRxkoQivLl5QZtRPKNV3MPCZr4cD6m3NMuUOFBp4YqBsaUM34V_M758-wkEPEUMHYPtxKwzGvLbcY_f5iWmjWj2cUi8CcSEnuZLN3Sqn_j6UUd7wmccN/s1600/20140909_123518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJhVgNStKmcRJmopbltkHTMvDvRxkoQivLl5QZtRPKNV3MPCZr4cD6m3NMuUOFBp4YqBsaUM34V_M758-wkEPEUMHYPtxKwzGvLbcY_f5iWmjWj2cUi8CcSEnuZLN3Sqn_j6UUd7wmccN/s1600/20140909_123518.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And last but not least we used their hot coils to add a pretty top seal for a few cents more. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69CtO0CPJP_IpYSln_-aUlMMPAr-b4Y8BNsJ3Cc1jei5JGg521ZcWE0itg0vnJzVbpglsyUBWEV6tTDHnm4W9Yb3Y4OmYYNLE70fvskYCn2UprCzCZVbB-mnFLdzcxsQn_BcUuwAKOPyN/s1600/20140909_124401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69CtO0CPJP_IpYSln_-aUlMMPAr-b4Y8BNsJ3Cc1jei5JGg521ZcWE0itg0vnJzVbpglsyUBWEV6tTDHnm4W9Yb3Y4OmYYNLE70fvskYCn2UprCzCZVbB-mnFLdzcxsQn_BcUuwAKOPyN/s1600/20140909_124401.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will be enjoying our lovely wine in only one more month and because they do not add any additional sulfites other than what naturally occurs with the grapes, etc it will hold on the shelf for 1-2 years. Less sulfites means less headaches the day after - f you've ever drank wine in Europe you will know the value in less sulfites = more vino time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJdzrgur06-WhdTyxToifVEQ3cW3LAfYdwQ7ixBJM7bxYU2RAAEpQ9qtblCmp-WejPX3eoQup6kcyN6UcA8J25vvzwYaG9LQQr8XgwGrHxRk2QSTIgfEXy03U3Em7qq6vzU93RTM8kcsS/s1600/20140909_123845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJdzrgur06-WhdTyxToifVEQ3cW3LAfYdwQ7ixBJM7bxYU2RAAEpQ9qtblCmp-WejPX3eoQup6kcyN6UcA8J25vvzwYaG9LQQr8XgwGrHxRk2QSTIgfEXy03U3Em7qq6vzU93RTM8kcsS/s1600/20140909_123845.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our finished product is ready to go on our shelves! Just in time for the upcoming holidays... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYDiWW5MN2cYDY3qLs6yxyiGm7flW8E8lU0qTL6DzHY1uwhyphenhyphen-_bk6PBpHFXtLz8TnikWmXjwyACbTQqzJbltLTx5XBFNC6yFTqNaqZF5LTWrNigT1W4PAKc6DTjsLD7BzolIo-YCpgNPz/s1600/20140909_124538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYDiWW5MN2cYDY3qLs6yxyiGm7flW8E8lU0qTL6DzHY1uwhyphenhyphen-_bk6PBpHFXtLz8TnikWmXjwyACbTQqzJbltLTx5XBFNC6yFTqNaqZF5LTWrNigT1W4PAKc6DTjsLD7BzolIo-YCpgNPz/s1600/20140909_124538.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRr0GTQc94kcdQFiXv4YtWK9OaX1wK-Mriup9z0DXKh1Z8kKj40-Gi3lEw_5G5uqZmdszOJCPJB0v0HnUPLoJoazrvve0SnrQ9wOSmUeb9PZ8eY6UZuUiQ4iMMTPNSGE2CsslSEeXr_yE/s1600/MjAxMi1iOGYxMjQ2N2I5MGUxZmNk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRr0GTQc94kcdQFiXv4YtWK9OaX1wK-Mriup9z0DXKh1Z8kKj40-Gi3lEw_5G5uqZmdszOJCPJB0v0HnUPLoJoazrvve0SnrQ9wOSmUeb9PZ8eY6UZuUiQ4iMMTPNSGE2CsslSEeXr_yE/s1600/MjAxMi1iOGYxMjQ2N2I5MGUxZmNk.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Who want to go back with us next time and make some more wine?</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJEsIphbdmQk8mqxYX5uGFpv3qguZxrvRKmd0j6wJ8kK5ka5vstO6qyOF-1PB6HDKmLE72NBZ_e3l8ysoHQi0fypvdOQyAYKuBRrk7ErevHNfMzhXjbx1MVeA8s-LeG0oNj7RYNCoEmfY/s1600/20140815_114103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJEsIphbdmQk8mqxYX5uGFpv3qguZxrvRKmd0j6wJ8kK5ka5vstO6qyOF-1PB6HDKmLE72NBZ_e3l8ysoHQi0fypvdOQyAYKuBRrk7ErevHNfMzhXjbx1MVeA8s-LeG0oNj7RYNCoEmfY/s1600/20140815_114103.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Francis Ford Coppola said it best about his winery, "A wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life - food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life." He was certainly right! </span><span style="font-size: large;">We had already planned a visit to the <a href="http://francisfordcoppolawinery.com/">Coppola winery</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> and were delighted to also be invited to enjoy a wonderful complimentary seated flight especially of some of their fantastic reserve wines (thanks again to the advice from Carolyn at Cline Winery in Sonoma and her daughter Jeannine)! </span><span style="font-size: large;">We tasted and brought home some of their Director's Cut- which you cannot buy in stores- and it was divine! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can also experience an incredible hosted wine tour which can include the Coppola winery by checking out <a href="http://www.jennswines.com/sommelier-escorted-wine-experiences">Jenn's Wine Shop</a> in Carrollwood just north of Tampa, FL where they also have a great shop and carry some wonderful brands and offer great advice! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0OKGvELlMkf1Tu9_dLAd56NKnT3sB6zZuWalpToCYCVGJXc9dUAMIfSVBH0hOzLB6pimVJz3n8Yw-veEJsfEW_GG0RtenWuUHEIriwXtqBfSjRlVjyuyDco1bLYt2OKHKbHvUKCmWWyW/s1600/10441451_10204751297646627_8888228005311805426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0OKGvELlMkf1Tu9_dLAd56NKnT3sB6zZuWalpToCYCVGJXc9dUAMIfSVBH0hOzLB6pimVJz3n8Yw-veEJsfEW_GG0RtenWuUHEIriwXtqBfSjRlVjyuyDco1bLYt2OKHKbHvUKCmWWyW/s1600/10441451_10204751297646627_8888228005311805426_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Coppola's awesome and knowledgeable staff walked us through the different notes and gave us the background stories on the types and names and history of the different wines. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1EGKD4X3irgdavGrId3cXRP-hdJ1N5jQWXi6uyGK5YwDwZWwbwAKiyPkMb-po3h679sbaPEnIwBaO-xMhIhHJpMdc51QZCFSdC6J_F8ccftR29_3XTRMIsvAdFor-XUSdCSUlj3O0ayJ/s1600/20140815_115443+coppola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1EGKD4X3irgdavGrId3cXRP-hdJ1N5jQWXi6uyGK5YwDwZWwbwAKiyPkMb-po3h679sbaPEnIwBaO-xMhIhHJpMdc51QZCFSdC6J_F8ccftR29_3XTRMIsvAdFor-XUSdCSUlj3O0ayJ/s1600/20140815_115443+coppola.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite was the Eleanor which I will patiently wait to open when the perfect evening arrives.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_pqb4_o8YEpf5OtNjEpc9oYT__-Oaj-PL3Fe1Sk3On2fh-5S9BZzKwDXDb8UGBFub45BbsSIajcs3hlBipgqmobmjrEVoKW6oj26CxGV9llG5bUluD2k_rbpS5VvYrKpfBQHK-dnEUIE/s1600/20140815_115702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_pqb4_o8YEpf5OtNjEpc9oYT__-Oaj-PL3Fe1Sk3On2fh-5S9BZzKwDXDb8UGBFub45BbsSIajcs3hlBipgqmobmjrEVoKW6oj26CxGV9llG5bUluD2k_rbpS5VvYrKpfBQHK-dnEUIE/s1600/20140815_115702.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In addition to the magnificent wines (of which a large variety of tasting and tour options are available) there is a beautiful museum of Coppola's movie memorabilia as well as a gift shop to peruse. Francis' film making career spans five decades and they have several of his academy awards and endless pieces of his collection. Much of the memorabilia is placed throughout the grounds so you can enjoy it while tasting or making your way to their restaurant or pool. Two large boats are on display which were props from Sofia Coppola's 2006 film <i>Marie Antoniette</i> which are replicas of 18th century vessels- a beauty to behold. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4fOZP80g5HTFJuRadrB_3acqyjN4lmkmwwNV5rm9CtlhvC38WMQ-26AiEbtqu2_-u_HabBnCGA-h6BxulvOvcWmEE4_T9K3Ili93wSS1pi9GBV9NC6Yl6WsZg-k1W8S7i22TdEucOb4s/s1600/20140815_115117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4fOZP80g5HTFJuRadrB_3acqyjN4lmkmwwNV5rm9CtlhvC38WMQ-26AiEbtqu2_-u_HabBnCGA-h6BxulvOvcWmEE4_T9K3Ili93wSS1pi9GBV9NC6Yl6WsZg-k1W8S7i22TdEucOb4s/s1600/20140815_115117.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #36302a; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> Don Corleone’s original desk from </span><em style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); border: 0px; color: #36302a; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">The Godfather,</em> was there- ripe for our touristy photos!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_1tPX_A1PoekCxw39cjvS7KUvi5-2apG3B_BgczU9xZLzfxWn9qgUqX6n_Jb_jsFAOqfmhCn2SUI-TtVj0TYRIp3eQWI1MoDM04PJLApK012wDvQ4okOkYr_JZGFFN1Xsjxh_n3EUHPe/s1600/20140815_130147+copla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_1tPX_A1PoekCxw39cjvS7KUvi5-2apG3B_BgczU9xZLzfxWn9qgUqX6n_Jb_jsFAOqfmhCn2SUI-TtVj0TYRIp3eQWI1MoDM04PJLApK012wDvQ4okOkYr_JZGFFN1Xsjxh_n3EUHPe/s1600/20140815_130147+copla.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The original automobile from <i>Tucker: The Man and His Dream</i> was rotating impressively on a turntable in the middle of the gift shop. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbPLggZL3x-5i170e3Xa30SdV2ti3W1v1iaTYLZ4tFpb5Adym-IgtWmc4T2TugNMj6bM-A67E5DzhyTINJZ9Lzf-K_U2EzGlmIPx17Pqr9PYbYm-OYBMKvZYL1vp86bjrgImIjMKhCGpY/s1600/20140815_131108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbPLggZL3x-5i170e3Xa30SdV2ti3W1v1iaTYLZ4tFpb5Adym-IgtWmc4T2TugNMj6bM-A67E5DzhyTINJZ9Lzf-K_U2EzGlmIPx17Pqr9PYbYm-OYBMKvZYL1vp86bjrgImIjMKhCGpY/s1600/20140815_131108.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeZYHIsKEuXUanyzfhUx0BufrSoMgvOPbmqwsJzrtLSyFv90j9zI723yrEOrgcsxpOZIXk_ukjkNmNCW9emjx7cxS-PifKmOhNKrHMeSGN8_7kWQgAbEQhJntYbsDIC3Bg0-LNJwqcwD9/s1600/20140815_130729+tucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeZYHIsKEuXUanyzfhUx0BufrSoMgvOPbmqwsJzrtLSyFv90j9zI723yrEOrgcsxpOZIXk_ukjkNmNCW9emjx7cxS-PifKmOhNKrHMeSGN8_7kWQgAbEQhJntYbsDIC3Bg0-LNJwqcwD9/s1600/20140815_130729+tucker.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is even more fun to be had at the winery, as they offer a huge pool and cabanas for daily use. Here is a photo from their website showing the expansive cabana options.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrBG1XwOctJHrFgr9yfnE2PkopZzzgCis4e4miGqNMa_MUg-LlbfUH0iTFY5jKDA8cEsgIBoB5mIy3iZWLBO40Kx7UiZXFXJBnkxdzTv16OFHmQhVgNgfr-DXfgi7nUZzuHaLKJVOtrlw/s1600/cabines.jpg" height="223" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">Then we dined at their beautiful r</span><a href="http://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/visit/dine/rustic/" style="text-align: center;">estaurant onsite called Rustic</a><span style="text-align: center;"> - it was wonderful; their calzone was gigantic and full of flavor! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTAsz5HpV2RNM4kdJdm-KQxGwY36ncgrSQekdMNDK_wD9yoyl1T6kZukKwiyaSaLuKHvjlyMfJQuL-3Dl67sa0qEuiklIRagXFCzllU-HgW2AERmVCSpRo_3TLjMxKJ9KxbA8hIsUosr_/s1600/10610683_10204751300246692_6641723180198489600_n+coppola+calzone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTAsz5HpV2RNM4kdJdm-KQxGwY36ncgrSQekdMNDK_wD9yoyl1T6kZukKwiyaSaLuKHvjlyMfJQuL-3Dl67sa0qEuiklIRagXFCzllU-HgW2AERmVCSpRo_3TLjMxKJ9KxbA8hIsUosr_/s1600/10610683_10204751300246692_6641723180198489600_n+coppola+calzone.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The views were breathtaking! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZblNKybCwQ0ehL4XIgWwe2VZVXwdvyxe9glp4-lPgLOkv5gsWirDo5WCq11ym_rYcTgNJNXpakC1snLfBP3OXkTefuQaRsg-59a_eqRhPYeIsN8EecQeBGEklUpMKiWsQRLQYPoO1qhL/s1600/20140815_134435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZblNKybCwQ0ehL4XIgWwe2VZVXwdvyxe9glp4-lPgLOkv5gsWirDo5WCq11ym_rYcTgNJNXpakC1snLfBP3OXkTefuQaRsg-59a_eqRhPYeIsN8EecQeBGEklUpMKiWsQRLQYPoO1qhL/s1600/20140815_134435.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I am sharing with you one of their wonderful recipes from their restaurant, <i>Rustic</i>- and then I want to tell you about our beautiful bed and breakfast stay.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1-8EB3LnRqTf7-ZwLdwKnBregaYmPKnCsxYzAvCtP_QYNskjA34zhmtxN1fE8Sd1HnBOHZBBh0_91U52OjUuvDgLSbKAU-S7tli1DM-1MUXqWQ1rn60XoCRAboBWQRn5IMZ692QWI0Tx/s1600/apple+jam+and+ham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1-8EB3LnRqTf7-ZwLdwKnBregaYmPKnCsxYzAvCtP_QYNskjA34zhmtxN1fE8Sd1HnBOHZBBh0_91U52OjUuvDgLSbKAU-S7tli1DM-1MUXqWQ1rn60XoCRAboBWQRn5IMZ692QWI0Tx/s1600/apple+jam+and+ham.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from francisfordcoppolawinery.com as shared on pinterest.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); border: 0px; color: #36302a; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Apple Jam & Ham Melt</span></u></strong><br />
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INGREDIENTS:<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong></div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 slices of Pumpernickel bread, toasted</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">16 thin slices of smoked cut ham</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup grated Havarti cheese</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 sweet onion</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 ½ TB butter</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 green apples, peeled and chopped</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2/3 cup sugar</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 TB lemon juice</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ tsp grated nutmeg</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">¼ tsp cayenne pepper</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/8 tsp cardamom</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/8 tsp cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<ul style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); border: 0px; color: #36322c; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; list-style: inside; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></ul>
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PREPARATION:</div>
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In a microwave safe bowl, combine chopped apples, sugar, and lemon juice. Cover and cook on high for 3 minutes. Let apples cool before putting into blender; pulse until smashed. Return apple smash to bowl, cover and cook 2 more minutes in microwave. Stir in nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Cool and store until ready.</div>
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Thinly slice onion and sauté in butter until soft and browned. Set aside. On a foil lined baking sheet create four ham stacks of sliced ham and top with grated cheese. Place in 375° oven 7-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.</div>
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Toast bread slices. Smear with apple jam. Use a spatula and remove melted ham stack from baking sheet and place atop jam. Top with sautéed onions and serve hot. <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Find other great recipes on their ‘Chef for Everyday Life’ <a href="http://francisfordcoppolawinery.com/PinterestRBChef">Pinterest board. </a> </em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We went on to enjoy a magnificent yet very comortable bed and breakfast in walking distance of downtown Napa. Behold the Churchill Manor!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEbccjqJbCaosJY4ATxar589eb4qN5pjMk7KZNbmQhKRyUPy0siUkz0wf7le2UOaHHmrPht3qtweUfDkSY9S1fWDgVX_88Gatrr7yT1wItI3OXPkwG0mT0LTxkwi79Tu2RskwINKDSmSG/s1600/20140816_081019-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEbccjqJbCaosJY4ATxar589eb4qN5pjMk7KZNbmQhKRyUPy0siUkz0wf7le2UOaHHmrPht3qtweUfDkSY9S1fWDgVX_88Gatrr7yT1wItI3OXPkwG0mT0LTxkwi79Tu2RskwINKDSmSG/s1600/20140816_081019-EFFECTS.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dimitri was an absolutely gracious host and we were delighted with the home, stunning rooms, gracious grounds and fantastic nightly social hour of wines, cheeses and snacks and then there was the breakfasts...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was our room for one of the nights - the Stag's Leap room.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyZ6oLCEjpzXzQUF90U-056fH30X1Bv39c4Vv7iGwZbFedKrRa3PWqKC1EtO2zcARvvbyXgMwfrHWd1bqGrrHgeimRiQPKcPvrSHN2WPTK6UECQ0Xbw7PuDM6o-zCnYS3_I8M_EpTFLAr/s1600/91763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyZ6oLCEjpzXzQUF90U-056fH30X1Bv39c4Vv7iGwZbFedKrRa3PWqKC1EtO2zcARvvbyXgMwfrHWd1bqGrrHgeimRiQPKcPvrSHN2WPTK6UECQ0Xbw7PuDM6o-zCnYS3_I8M_EpTFLAr/s1600/91763.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from churchillmanor.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was setup for relaxation after a rough day at the vineyards.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgzCaYSGpjKtgSSHopoQHKmiF3QmzP9Eg8XLWtyadYMP5hHlXQ5RXFRk90dnYK8DIM9YNdwt5ulruvcZTESA8dUxn0AWc9m0UPcS4_DJVVph070wH_ipCWjf4TNkgbz31lni6x-fVjHGx/s1600/c655bc3358ecf99faa51d829bad29469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgzCaYSGpjKtgSSHopoQHKmiF3QmzP9Eg8XLWtyadYMP5hHlXQ5RXFRk90dnYK8DIM9YNdwt5ulruvcZTESA8dUxn0AWc9m0UPcS4_DJVVph070wH_ipCWjf4TNkgbz31lni6x-fVjHGx/s1600/c655bc3358ecf99faa51d829bad29469.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from churchillmanor.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the gorgeous mural over our tub! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialWvDRcHnvp5iifpd-hXOJZRA-pNu2eRQklCwUsXrFLHOiyRuoap_g8ShPToJU8XoZROkUccQBJ26FNxmDlhInuw3_sRL-N8PLpNL0wKkhYDwrE4CsR_M1MJr2-jMgx6Ym_JC7dPH98dz/s1600/churchill-manor-bed-and.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialWvDRcHnvp5iifpd-hXOJZRA-pNu2eRQklCwUsXrFLHOiyRuoap_g8ShPToJU8XoZROkUccQBJ26FNxmDlhInuw3_sRL-N8PLpNL0wKkhYDwrE4CsR_M1MJr2-jMgx6Ym_JC7dPH98dz/s1600/churchill-manor-bed-and.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The grounds were so pretty with wraparound porches and they host many weddings in the courtyard. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwxLyFHmRJBSYjyB82Doqi3Y6Y3u66En3USWBNZenEwupPdR4hHrZGPnNMiBs0b0uuuB6GO7if2x5muaZfmHbKLSX4QaO_FeGxH5Q92RznnNcwKbqy0kbmb4omXDUHjN4RDlFHEVZqO21/s1600/20140815_182151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwxLyFHmRJBSYjyB82Doqi3Y6Y3u66En3USWBNZenEwupPdR4hHrZGPnNMiBs0b0uuuB6GO7if2x5muaZfmHbKLSX4QaO_FeGxH5Q92RznnNcwKbqy0kbmb4omXDUHjN4RDlFHEVZqO21/s1600/20140815_182151.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XIJeuJogJWOdJ1qd0J6cA4EOuaB_w4UqTs1293B3SlXxlc4qgBOiSV1ipURchQ477PzCgt7VjSEYjbunXNTaRwXqeF6J3oXijLn_DnrNnwqNNukrRpYVEjUjLE4ehFSe4MTHCQMkRdBu/s1600/20140815_191404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XIJeuJogJWOdJ1qd0J6cA4EOuaB_w4UqTs1293B3SlXxlc4qgBOiSV1ipURchQ477PzCgt7VjSEYjbunXNTaRwXqeF6J3oXijLn_DnrNnwqNNukrRpYVEjUjLE4ehFSe4MTHCQMkRdBu/s1600/20140815_191404.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also stayed one night in the Tulocay room which was beautiful as well. The fireplace helped us drift off to sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_qo9X0X-IXalloCyqawRv3NSEOczCfeww4Purd0dSBurnYOir_LXbHQcYCZBFxTduFQefsCGc2fbL1AswUbZabv1JsVav2BXlu3WaIJkU5pkCb6-d0At41KSuFdiYuu0wFfEmLQcItq9/s1600/20140815_213258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_qo9X0X-IXalloCyqawRv3NSEOczCfeww4Purd0dSBurnYOir_LXbHQcYCZBFxTduFQefsCGc2fbL1AswUbZabv1JsVav2BXlu3WaIJkU5pkCb6-d0At41KSuFdiYuu0wFfEmLQcItq9/s1600/20140815_213258.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffaD7GpmTOyPYemdZVBrCmpJL2YJB9UHFMQR3SMZUvSMqwcE3UtENbqbl4bV77_X1P9RVBej1IDllOxea8pjQ5ErBa0eo-jT_E28wzcVm5GX5S2wwMnYH8RxxkISSeM2y5nMVnxeUA8cW/s1600/tulocaymain+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffaD7GpmTOyPYemdZVBrCmpJL2YJB9UHFMQR3SMZUvSMqwcE3UtENbqbl4bV77_X1P9RVBej1IDllOxea8pjQ5ErBa0eo-jT_E28wzcVm5GX5S2wwMnYH8RxxkISSeM2y5nMVnxeUA8cW/s1600/tulocaymain+(1).jpg" height="207" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from churchillmanor.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Breakfast gave us two entree options as well as fresh fruit and our option to bring some bubbly to toast to 21 years together! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdRwWcI5TxqxtLY3pO2cxI51sWESwybRHrzbdQCrLkW58V8dZWbq0WoNotqinLzkqsFPr8sl7rz4K2NYU01uvU8z7Tlu1nTOpin4fougYzpda_etVs5AozndcT0ZhJQVc25piVeTasp_y/s1600/10343046_10154429019495167_8348739166889590323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdRwWcI5TxqxtLY3pO2cxI51sWESwybRHrzbdQCrLkW58V8dZWbq0WoNotqinLzkqsFPr8sl7rz4K2NYU01uvU8z7Tlu1nTOpin4fougYzpda_etVs5AozndcT0ZhJQVc25piVeTasp_y/s1600/10343046_10154429019495167_8348739166889590323_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hospitality was A-plus! We had options of using their complimentary tandem bikes for a short a short ride to the river or downtown and they made great recommendations for us for dining and tastings. We highly recommend Churchill Manor when you are visiting Napa! </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Wine Country Visitors Tip: Be sure to check with your B&B about tasting passes and coupons- we were able to score many passes that saved us hundreds in tasting fess for around Napa! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't yet read my previous posts about our adventures in Sonoma and the beautiful train rider down from Portland, <a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2014/08/wine-is-sunlight-held-together-by-water.html">check them out here.</a></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time California - CHEERS!! </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">What has been your favorite place to go out in Wine Country - share the great ideas in the comment section below - and if you haven't been where do you want to go the most? - cathy@asavoryspoonful.com</span></div>
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asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-44539538988363674672014-08-28T11:24:00.001-04:002014-08-28T12:47:20.982-04:00Wine is sunlight, held together by water - Gallileo <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ahhh- the sun, the sweet vines, the savory cheeses and the silent breezes. We were on to our next adventure all around the Napa Valley area. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We began at the Oxbow market and then on to some of the quaint wineries all in walking distance of downtown Napa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Oxbow market is made up of gourmet shops, tasting rooms, restaurants and all kinds of whimsical distractions. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhVUR2vYqdrd60T9NDzGuTy7Z2isvI0HbkMEWIMv8WT0wOmGh5xxiXghRzFIllrSiXXbwbwZpgV8Q2wkJ4sXSb2l3krcBUp8BfdGa9vy9P0ymBLB8ap0qwIzEbkWj6n0EAqu8Sgx0K7vd/s1600/20140816_110447+xobow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhVUR2vYqdrd60T9NDzGuTy7Z2isvI0HbkMEWIMv8WT0wOmGh5xxiXghRzFIllrSiXXbwbwZpgV8Q2wkJ4sXSb2l3krcBUp8BfdGa9vy9P0ymBLB8ap0qwIzEbkWj6n0EAqu8Sgx0K7vd/s1600/20140816_110447+xobow.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite was Napastak which just opened this past spring and I am pretty sure I would have bought one of EVERYTHING if my husband had let me. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H8kuJ5y3GUTKxF2V4hO-0Opp_DqlKOxiYMcbmoQ2OeQlUG1UupJuaKCpuquwizRHgRn46xJQwm9WB0jchJ53Rtz6LCT-kzmICkBoDQb0MdpWtsb__8gwgKSUydOGspAL7Ds9EjH6ECGo/s1600/10464201_602890846484620_1246317998085550010_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H8kuJ5y3GUTKxF2V4hO-0Opp_DqlKOxiYMcbmoQ2OeQlUG1UupJuaKCpuquwizRHgRn46xJQwm9WB0jchJ53Rtz6LCT-kzmICkBoDQb0MdpWtsb__8gwgKSUydOGspAL7Ds9EjH6ECGo/s1600/10464201_602890846484620_1246317998085550010_n.jpg" height="358" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gourmet treats and gadgets overflowed here- too much to take in for any foodie!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIMDhA9rzPINQY5JV7vSmB4KdSR45UO5IQqb2absUOSir1tjU3iOAS-EmdA76iHet-10gl42D2YbzsFFSHKzWyNBRHMuBb01u5dRWQwSu8B2Ac0i5GM3FrHpF7JlgOP-Lcc0KEKZiSKCY/s1600/10462932_602890649817973_6857813765147260809_n+oxbow+napastak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIMDhA9rzPINQY5JV7vSmB4KdSR45UO5IQqb2absUOSir1tjU3iOAS-EmdA76iHet-10gl42D2YbzsFFSHKzWyNBRHMuBb01u5dRWQwSu8B2Ac0i5GM3FrHpF7JlgOP-Lcc0KEKZiSKCY/s1600/10462932_602890649817973_6857813765147260809_n+oxbow+napastak.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Elderflower Syrup is always a great addition to prosecco, I was pretty sure that was going into my shopping bag.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikca3cvreBB4RNTpGt9ctMLbZ2kHoTiYa7H38EyllxxUSBL3cO-S9RgbFFMUjz610Z6dBQ2eCeEpqK2SVRL3AH6f6Fy2vvoZIAl8C-h-n2d11fr66m0FwS1nSGRGF07v96rpqMWDRF2TE9/s1600/1560671_602890679817970_3502638343445132085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikca3cvreBB4RNTpGt9ctMLbZ2kHoTiYa7H38EyllxxUSBL3cO-S9RgbFFMUjz610Z6dBQ2eCeEpqK2SVRL3AH6f6Fy2vvoZIAl8C-h-n2d11fr66m0FwS1nSGRGF07v96rpqMWDRF2TE9/s1600/1560671_602890679817970_3502638343445132085_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My take home finds from the market were some wonderful freshly dried pasta, some beautiful olive oil and balsamic, that elderflower syrup, and the most delicious porcini and truffle spread you will ever have melt in your mouth! I also purchased some delicious handmade chocolates to bring home to friends at <a href="http://www.anettes.com/">Annette's Chocolates</a>! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDVh3EM9TSN6t3JP2TvrqFJbMqiKGXhltpw-fwOwBuy4VymHatCTYxNAB2__RTqnTgSc77TCv5pRnN4JtETwR9AOqIXxqn-uGw1fCR_F6a9l5vbvlGzg1QYYnhktCkJCQYmLZ8_al1e7G/s1600/20140828_081839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDVh3EM9TSN6t3JP2TvrqFJbMqiKGXhltpw-fwOwBuy4VymHatCTYxNAB2__RTqnTgSc77TCv5pRnN4JtETwR9AOqIXxqn-uGw1fCR_F6a9l5vbvlGzg1QYYnhktCkJCQYmLZ8_al1e7G/s1600/20140828_081839.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Downtown Napa has some other quaint shops and beautiful views of the river with flowers blooming year round right on the river.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5NaoJ2dEit1korz-FQWhLVeOxq5EUjeUd2NsXt0VFKmNQaTI9_LgWM3hFUoJHyg13DYZY7erLHxMU3yoxHZKbSmM0_Ki-WvXQBe2gAGMUo6GAg9eEoNq-dwncO5i-rIZQPpyd3jBl-6x/s1600/10407591_10154432896965167_6193510496440315673_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5NaoJ2dEit1korz-FQWhLVeOxq5EUjeUd2NsXt0VFKmNQaTI9_LgWM3hFUoJHyg13DYZY7erLHxMU3yoxHZKbSmM0_Ki-WvXQBe2gAGMUo6GAg9eEoNq-dwncO5i-rIZQPpyd3jBl-6x/s1600/10407591_10154432896965167_6193510496440315673_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGgYrJhzbVlRKisRAjwERCQ_xQKnVDB17TRdhWu8xqrF5qyW0HCtmRL0rTUnW1apuG9CitACKmfOLfdweYgDbWBO2xEMgzBzb5bfHMnvVQRvHFUfrZw1-vTw0xxuADNXPvhUk9HjACEvR/s1600/0c1101f57b3377e2d0e2ae42deeb49b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGgYrJhzbVlRKisRAjwERCQ_xQKnVDB17TRdhWu8xqrF5qyW0HCtmRL0rTUnW1apuG9CitACKmfOLfdweYgDbWBO2xEMgzBzb5bfHMnvVQRvHFUfrZw1-vTw0xxuADNXPvhUk9HjACEvR/s1600/0c1101f57b3377e2d0e2ae42deeb49b6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cute artwork is around every corner, even on the sidewalks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was a tremendous classic car show going on when we were in town- very impressive!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of our favorite tasting rooms in the walkable downtown area was <a href="https://markheroldwines.com/">Mark Herold</a> Wines. This shop was quite small but don't let it fool you. We had a TOP NOTCH tasting here at the bar and brought home some delicious Acha and Metaphora. The decor was fantastically fun with a huge "infant" trap under the sink and other fun touches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few other places we stopped in for a sip that I found worthy of mentioning were<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Capp-Heritage-Vineyards/249839911808988"> Capp Heritage</a> (very art deco decor but very friendly people with some good wines). <a href="http://www.waterstonewines.com/">Waterstone</a> was also enjoyable albeit a little more low key. They were gracious enough by the way to make a wonderful lunch recommendation of dining at <a href="http://rodneyworth.com/the-pear-southern-bistro/">The Pear</a> -which I highly recommend. Thank you to Jesse at the Pear who even sent over a complimentary appetizer which was absolutely fantastic - as far as I am concerned this is a <u><b>Must Try </b></u>next time you are in Napa: their Potato, Jalapeño & Cheddar Cheese Croquettes</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4bfkN3vyIjqGjEgiWU_TYkcUK1GybDOo1caHDR93SgntukyqID222J4pHhamT53Np31Bii_QswQW1y9HqZgw7OscTdgP8KdqEO_zr7kZM8_lJ85TGfEWwaSJ_PYSjrkHiuiRDVBfLvBH/s1600/10378307_10154433612495167_5315503859810876478_n+pear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4bfkN3vyIjqGjEgiWU_TYkcUK1GybDOo1caHDR93SgntukyqID222J4pHhamT53Np31Bii_QswQW1y9HqZgw7OscTdgP8KdqEO_zr7kZM8_lJ85TGfEWwaSJ_PYSjrkHiuiRDVBfLvBH/s1600/10378307_10154433612495167_5315503859810876478_n+pear.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These "tator-tots" of sorts were so crunchy and yet so cheesy and tender inside - heavenly! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMxY9al5pVhvLzqBKAd0IrWNSKPKjuJXFqE6RJi2RyCWLffm8PPlzzhQaJdE-Np5Plu8ExGaedOSkdpJNJY6I05jJxlxmxCqYhesvf1iVr1HsqK2FGG4aJm1NJ_N1UsG4ZszTFUB-hZdA/s1600/10622818_10154433612355167_2542882847760888727_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMxY9al5pVhvLzqBKAd0IrWNSKPKjuJXFqE6RJi2RyCWLffm8PPlzzhQaJdE-Np5Plu8ExGaedOSkdpJNJY6I05jJxlxmxCqYhesvf1iVr1HsqK2FGG4aJm1NJ_N1UsG4ZszTFUB-hZdA/s1600/10622818_10154433612355167_2542882847760888727_n.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Their crispy chicken and waffles were amazing as well! Can you taste it.... Buttermilk Fried Boneless & Skinless Breast over a Bacon-Spiked Belgian Waffle with Pear-Bourbon Maple Syrup!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R_CbTMF6UUBmbd5MRvMIfqKTbcgkNqM-PMu-UqFLBBi2DvDV2QCEa_SmL0LwkzB4MWHBkN_dh97EL6xsIbr7azsUHnMXrc4AbiOiwoQlfFyHpALkn8k7HY9REUzxTzSuWewdfXjp-9QU/s1600/20140817_142010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R_CbTMF6UUBmbd5MRvMIfqKTbcgkNqM-PMu-UqFLBBi2DvDV2QCEa_SmL0LwkzB4MWHBkN_dh97EL6xsIbr7azsUHnMXrc4AbiOiwoQlfFyHpALkn8k7HY9REUzxTzSuWewdfXjp-9QU/s1600/20140817_142010.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was time to head just south of Napa to Domaine Carneros and try some tiny bubbles and beautiful views....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tZKafWXsU-eXvcsZhtWcxhGlnly4aRvaIPDuadrl1LFaLVwB-qkRxswR5Hf9w9JcH-q3c4X3TuBr3yEwGmBZxwvq1pRjzHpCJub3lbS-XhB8yWmXEO1Lz22KDjT4QXhosl8SgXzZl3Yo/s1600/10509770_10154434012285167_2038072429015724926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tZKafWXsU-eXvcsZhtWcxhGlnly4aRvaIPDuadrl1LFaLVwB-qkRxswR5Hf9w9JcH-q3c4X3TuBr3yEwGmBZxwvq1pRjzHpCJub3lbS-XhB8yWmXEO1Lz22KDjT4QXhosl8SgXzZl3Yo/s1600/10509770_10154434012285167_2038072429015724926_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItzO28Sl_mDymmmliRDDS-UOwS8w7V9kDnHuMYEpdI0gs35LY0rHuCypgaNxebhlDFxKiSMcpXpX-AuDqrSezDoGl9Ue1aGvQKpXy4V3nsLziJc0pQQZ0ZFAUDBVLNqdWhbPcsJIiSrsT/s1600/20140815_143053+us+shady+fix+coppola+bottle+fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItzO28Sl_mDymmmliRDDS-UOwS8w7V9kDnHuMYEpdI0gs35LY0rHuCypgaNxebhlDFxKiSMcpXpX-AuDqrSezDoGl9Ue1aGvQKpXy4V3nsLziJc0pQQZ0ZFAUDBVLNqdWhbPcsJIiSrsT/s1600/20140815_143053+us+shady+fix+coppola+bottle+fixed.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At last we drove up to <a href="http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/">Castello di Amorosa</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- known as being the captivating castle on the mountain. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YrdjmVrB934-tHPcEJVcMvbv6vmdCGnmMXD-ImQ5ifLmV9-QENuSsMjEHN7PxYv9Q-MCiTugkzTtfCcztjg-p6DC32DuUF2tfuAMZ_dWhNRLOiDGD7MY8Fx96ZxKls-Z8a6RhEzyB-0i/s1600/20140815_164845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YrdjmVrB934-tHPcEJVcMvbv6vmdCGnmMXD-ImQ5ifLmV9-QENuSsMjEHN7PxYv9Q-MCiTugkzTtfCcztjg-p6DC32DuUF2tfuAMZ_dWhNRLOiDGD7MY8Fx96ZxKls-Z8a6RhEzyB-0i/s1600/20140815_164845.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thousands of feet of cave after cave were filled with barrels, bottles and tastes! Lots of history here! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX_NVGH1Od8qjSChyphenhyphenYOCv8jc0NIwJW31boqqMc3T0eQuW6nOmsWGVe27piPeNLDPvreRhFEw9iXCTmpEGzSAE5fytDIKz4WMZmDgJ4_UeHGLKQtzYdDB38un5JBLb_mxO-7MAeF1lWjpX/s1600/16024_10204751302246742_8294939003559385469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX_NVGH1Od8qjSChyphenhyphenYOCv8jc0NIwJW31boqqMc3T0eQuW6nOmsWGVe27piPeNLDPvreRhFEw9iXCTmpEGzSAE5fytDIKz4WMZmDgJ4_UeHGLKQtzYdDB38un5JBLb_mxO-7MAeF1lWjpX/s1600/16024_10204751302246742_8294939003559385469_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My final post about our great trip to wine country is coming soon which includes our exclusive tasting at Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Museum and our fabulous stay at a beautiful manor! Stay tuned! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>*This post is dedicated to the Napa Valley community who just endured a 6.1 earthquake this past week - glad to hear that everyone is ok and the cleanup is underway. Keeping you all in our thoughts across the country! </i></b></span></div>
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<i>Wine Vacation Tip: When purchasing various bottles at multiple wineries, ask around to purchase a shipping box and buy some packing tape. It was much cheaper and very protected for us to pay the extra $35 for another checked bag and have our wine intact when we got off the plane than having it shipped home. We bought ours for $12 at Uncorked at Oxbow.</i></div>
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asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-60586685403622405452014-08-24T08:34:00.001-04:002014-08-24T08:34:16.864-04:00Sonoma Wine Country - Pour yourself into it!!! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Whatever you do, pour yourself into it.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> -Robert Mondavi</span><span class="fcg" style="background-color: white; color: #9197a3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> — </span></i></span></div>
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Our journey on the Coast Starlight Express train from Portland, Oregon down to the Napa Valley area was a blast and we were ready bright and early to get into wine country! (Check out my <a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2014/08/riding-romantic-rails-on-coast.html">previous post HERE</a> to learn more about the beautiful and scenic train ride we took).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_WA0ktXQEzzY4X1DmeV4OGFXAVFVdVrsePA3-qcPG30kypzOiEdwYWuQQdBNP30siUAo9y8C9VwcBgPMQ6rrIIHJDklE1KZdlA3SS1LGkHnYGPKT3FYEgC951J77fMUVoxSN0z16jC08/s1600/20140814_165957-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_WA0ktXQEzzY4X1DmeV4OGFXAVFVdVrsePA3-qcPG30kypzOiEdwYWuQQdBNP30siUAo9y8C9VwcBgPMQ6rrIIHJDklE1KZdlA3SS1LGkHnYGPKT3FYEgC951J77fMUVoxSN0z16jC08/s1600/20140814_165957-EFFECTS.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
From the train station, we rented a car and made our leisurely way up into Sonoma County less than an hour away for some tastings and lunch before checking into our inn for the evening. Our first stop was <a href="http://clinecellars.com/">Cline Vineyards</a> and we had the pleasure of having Carolyn help us with our tasting. Turns out working at wineries runs in her family and we so loved the wines and her hospitality that we joined their wine club! By the way be sure to check with your inn or hotel as many times they have complimentary tasting coupons- there are also apps you can download too and it exposes you to some places you might not have known about! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJu1vA9W8Se8wgsAuzpKZXf52MEbfGN5ZUOfqCxsVrP7rsnZuD078nfNE7wXVPY8qBDtyp2sV9jaQbZHalzSXLRFKQrn5CtOw3v-n5oADpBziEmts4gQG41KFuKhCC-rVTNw_WHsTufjN/s1600/20140814_205552+robert+credit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJu1vA9W8Se8wgsAuzpKZXf52MEbfGN5ZUOfqCxsVrP7rsnZuD078nfNE7wXVPY8qBDtyp2sV9jaQbZHalzSXLRFKQrn5CtOw3v-n5oADpBziEmts4gQG41KFuKhCC-rVTNw_WHsTufjN/s1600/20140814_205552+robert+credit.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artistic photo at Cline taken by Robert Billoni</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI2nuIEdEotjUA-0wIod96OFY2bZrYboiNeqvPaKy2RATogny4ew6dnbck28J9ITkSgTbOWZAK3H5gGA8HXf2LbRjBDDX0lz34HvnU7U890JnXoxlntUxKg8e0Zso30oNU0IxH5shAJ29/s1600/10381988_10154422653495167_8223442402263239703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI2nuIEdEotjUA-0wIod96OFY2bZrYboiNeqvPaKy2RATogny4ew6dnbck28J9ITkSgTbOWZAK3H5gGA8HXf2LbRjBDDX0lz34HvnU7U890JnXoxlntUxKg8e0Zso30oNU0IxH5shAJ29/s1600/10381988_10154422653495167_8223442402263239703_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty property at Cline, interesting caution signs ;)</td></tr>
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We were off to a fun start already..... so many choices, so many wines, so little time it seemed. </div>
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Another great winery worth mentioning was the<a href="http://www.gloriaferrer.com/"> Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves</a>... sparkling goodness and bright vistas! </div>
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We took a stroll through downtown Sonoma as well and enjoyed a fantastic lunch at <a href="http://www.thegirlandthefig.com/">The Girl and The Fig</a>. Here was a delicious sparking cocktail flight - and their quiche was out of this world!!</div>
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Then we ventured into <a href="http://www.vellacheese.com/">Velle Cheese Company</a>- not on the main square but a five minute worthwhile walk! </div>
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Here is Robert at <a href="http://www.untivineyards.com/">Unti Vineyards </a>playing around with the wines.</div>
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At last we were delighted with the beautiful place we chose to stay for the night, just under ten minutes north of downtown Sonoma is Glenn Ellen- a great little town with wonderful wineries. We had stayed here before but at the <a href="http://oleahotel.com/">Olea Inn</a> up the street and loved it. This time we found a super great price at the <a href="http://www.glenelleninn.com/">Glen Ellen Inn</a> which has a wonderful restaurant and martini bar onsite and seven cottages to choose from. I recommend cottage 7 or cottage 5 for the most peaceful, comfortable and romantic stay! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room 5 view from the jacuzzi from glenellen.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rXLpHkotwMJ2ibqmTKtwotDd9MzB5Hksu3JFkvEga_NbKbSrv6sV8ucXpG-nfJoi1jPA6I0PEzz5znVmLX1bGfnzxnXZr2BlOSTLQlxSBV3QsTPwGYENF2QmeaOlkT77BQCz6H0Kzl2T/s1600/photoRoom7_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rXLpHkotwMJ2ibqmTKtwotDd9MzB5Hksu3JFkvEga_NbKbSrv6sV8ucXpG-nfJoi1jPA6I0PEzz5znVmLX1bGfnzxnXZr2BlOSTLQlxSBV3QsTPwGYENF2QmeaOlkT77BQCz6H0Kzl2T/s1600/photoRoom7_4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room 7 view of wraparound fireplace between bedroom and sitting room from glenelleninn.com</td></tr>
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Here we are in their beautiful courtyard enjoying the twilight before the chill comes into the air. We would definitely stay at either place next time we are sipping our way through the area.</div>
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Good morning sunshine! Woke up to the fireplace, a basket of goodies and ready for another <b><i>fruitful</i></b> day! </div>
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Check back soon for my next post all about NAPA!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napa coming right up...... champagne flight at Domaine Carneros</td></tr>
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asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-9520890142692833442014-08-23T17:27:00.002-04:002014-08-23T17:28:04.073-04:00Riding the romantic rails on the Coast Starlight Express!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We just got back from a wonderful week in Oregon and California and I have so much to tell you about! Today I want to tell you about our beautiful train ride from Portland, Oregon down to Napa, California on the <a href="http://www.amtrak.com/coast-starlight-train">Coast Starlight Express train</a>. What a wonderful trip to cross off my bucket list! All Aboard....</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is from amtrak.com</td></tr>
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The Amtrak Coast Starlight Express train runs daily between Seattle and Los Angeles and was truly every bit as awesome as you might think. We picked it up in Portland, Oregon at 2:30pm and arrived in Emeryville, Caliifornia at 8:30 the next morning. Emeryville is the closest station to the Napa Valley and is just outside of Sacramento.</div>
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Here is the waiting area for sleeper car passengers at Portland's historic Union Station. It felt like we had stepped back in time.</div>
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By the way, Portland and the entire Willamette Valley has some spectacular vineyards; the town of Newberg where we stayed for a work meeting was neat. This quaint shop called <a href="http://www.pulp-circumstance.com/">Pulp and Circumstance</a> had adorable items.</div>
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Of course I'm the crazy Florida girl taking pictures of the freshly fallen apples on the ground... honestly I must have lived a sheltered (southern) life because I don't think I've ever seen this except in the movies and it made me smile with joy! :0</div>
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If you do ever make it to Newberg, check out the restaurant called <a href="http://www.recipenewbergor.com/">Recipe</a>, it's a wonderful local place in an old house- their bathroom fixtures show you what whimsy they have.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5UHp5Ey-6stwXkLvtH9D_oixN6aXMflcuM-je5sDOFkebopFcLFQpmIJXoMnWlU5UOcXFD-dpv8D98FEbx36cNVIWOUsvfFPXzIaVMlcvAV5CwyAIGYqwJf7SXxpux0LzsVqRpbaoqcI/s1600/20140812_114244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5UHp5Ey-6stwXkLvtH9D_oixN6aXMflcuM-je5sDOFkebopFcLFQpmIJXoMnWlU5UOcXFD-dpv8D98FEbx36cNVIWOUsvfFPXzIaVMlcvAV5CwyAIGYqwJf7SXxpux0LzsVqRpbaoqcI/s1600/20140812_114244.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, what you are really here to read about was riding the romantic rails, right? Here is our sleeper car complete with charging stations, wifi, turn down service, two seats, a table, closet and nearby showers and bath (they have larger ones that sleep 4 with private baths as well). Our attendent was great, brought us a filled ice bucket and waters and turned our beds down after dinner.</div>
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As the train begins to roll South through Oregon we find Robert contemplating the scenery in the lounge car.</div>
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This is the coach lounge with a little less comfy seating but a little larger windows</div>
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Here I am in the sleeper class parlour (oooh an upgrade: notice the difference -we have curtains, wood paneling and couches in here). I'm just patiently waiting for the wine tasting to begin.... did I ever mention that I <i>Love</i> wine?</div>
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The tasting menu:</div>
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A beautiful ride before sunset of mountains, rolling fields, rivers and forest valleys.</div>
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Dinner and wine are included if you get a sleeper car, and we enjoyed some (fuzzy but still tasty) steak, potatoes and green beans along with salads and dessert.</div>
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More photo ops came along which just do not do justice to our views. You never knew what was coming next and barely had time to snap a pic if you also wanted to pause and enjoy the majesty of the west coast.</div>
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Before we knew it the sun was setting over the mountains and we were peacefully being rocked to sleep, tucked into bed with a gentle sway and click clacks of the tracks.</div>
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The sunrise came gloriously across the river waters and we were excited to roll past Sacramento soon.</div>
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Desert hills arose on the horizon kissed by the sun...</div>
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Sadly yet eerily beautiful were the wildfires and massive smoke clouds in the distance which have ruined hundreds of homes and communities and forests the last few weeks.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEPop2sVK8kqE_Lmuzvr_GaE8r926uQwGkEYdfa0Ygc3FcGldhD45jvU5Z4pK4ZszpGNO6T1ua6R-rTMpb1sRxR9VnkKEcT-1_BxujOsfVzMXdQVW2B74malPOxoFGb78MDbGRTDXVJ_t/s1600/10590680_10154421746665167_2787269150003890429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEPop2sVK8kqE_Lmuzvr_GaE8r926uQwGkEYdfa0Ygc3FcGldhD45jvU5Z4pK4ZszpGNO6T1ua6R-rTMpb1sRxR9VnkKEcT-1_BxujOsfVzMXdQVW2B74malPOxoFGb78MDbGRTDXVJ_t/s1600/10590680_10154421746665167_2787269150003890429_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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We arrived in Emeryville refreshed and on time for a full day of wineries and delicious California cuisine. </div>
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I hope you enjoyed the ride, check out my next post coming soon about our adventures in Sonoma!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckjMTxk7W4Qor6UOYuy_dqVtwCnxYQtZ0-UnU3J3QcjR50QUpaDP_7Jw42sOz8Al-tLJXNhkRmmsndCi4BAWvMQzL_mrnm1bq7z70evvkm-MCu-WTO2D2kqMYd4MM-nVz2Phb-Mka_Ybc/s1600/14182_10154434815420167_2410226545322204290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckjMTxk7W4Qor6UOYuy_dqVtwCnxYQtZ0-UnU3J3QcjR50QUpaDP_7Jw42sOz8Al-tLJXNhkRmmsndCi4BAWvMQzL_mrnm1bq7z70evvkm-MCu-WTO2D2kqMYd4MM-nVz2Phb-Mka_Ybc/s1600/14182_10154434815420167_2410226545322204290_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>P.S. Thanks for reading, will you let me know what you think by leaving a comment below?</i>asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-18243820222625675322014-06-07T10:20:00.000-04:002014-06-07T10:28:57.365-04:00Double Bacon Pretzel Yumminess!!! With a side of beer cheese dipping sauce - why not! <br />
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The new (and insane looking) Falcon's Fury ride at Busch Gardens has been delayed so they can ensure everyone's safety (thank heavens!). In the meantime check out the new food options near the ride area (between the carousel and the German Brauhouse). BACON PRETZELS!! Did I mention they are also offering craft beer flights here too! (Although it was sad to see the old spider claw ride go away).</div>
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And for some whimsical charm, don't forget to look up for your beer mugs and chairs....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign above the entrance to the new Falcon's Fury Area.</td></tr>
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I recommend the fury bacon pretzels, the bacon was of a very good quality (think: neuske) and you can see they weren't overly salted which helps. The beer cheese dip was meh - should be served warm and not cold, but nonetheless a unique spin on your typical amusement park food. This place will be crazy busy and it was nice to see some shaded areas, adirondack chairs and lots of areas for people to wait while others are in line for the fury ride. I'm going to leave it to someone else to review that ride, I'd rather not plunge face first towards the ground for fun.... you will find me munching on my bacon pretzels and sipping my beer instead :) <br />
<br />asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-69925281770736803162014-06-03T14:22:00.000-04:002014-06-03T14:22:04.516-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is part 3 of 3 of my posts about our recent trip to the Disney's Magic Kingdom. I wanted to do one final post about our fun stay at the DisneyTreehouse Villas! If you did not yet read posts 1 and 2, check them out <a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2014/05/its-yummy-world-after-all.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></h1>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;">When I was very little (circa 1979) my family stayed up in a Treehouse at Disney and I will always remember how much awe I was in staying in this circular home up in the trees. Here is a </span><a href="http://micechat.com/25170-disney-treehouse-villas/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">wonderful blog recap </a></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by George Taylor that I came across with plenty of photos of the "old" treehouses with the spiral staircase going up the middle and the retro marketing they did to beckon corporate trips. I wish we had photos of our family vacation from back then but my memories were definitely reinforced by our recent stay!</span> </span></span></div>
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A few years ago I tried to research the treehouses and was sad to hear they had closed them down. Thankfully, Disney brought back the magic a couple of years ago and rebuilt 60 of these beautiful pieces of natural heaven and connected them to their Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa right on disney property! They used the original footprint and locations and theme but made some changes with access doing away with the spiral stairs and shag carpets :0. When I came back across the treehouse idea I knew instantly it was what I TRULY wanted to do for at least one night of our mini-vacation and it was an opportunity for us to get to spend a day visiting with my family. The treehouses sleep up to 9 people which was perfect for our group! They are located just across the water (but tucked into the trees) from Downtown Disney. The secluded cabins in the sky are 10 feet off of the ground with a base structure in the very center</div>
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Here are a few pictures from our fun day and night around the treehouse and resort, you can see the floor to ceiling windows really gave a gorgeous view!</div>
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Each treehouse comes with a deck and patio setup to enjoy the outdoors comfortably.</div>
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A fully stocked kitchen with seating for 6 at the indoor dining table, 4 at the outdoor table plus a bench, and 3 at the breakfast bar counter makes it easy to enjoy a family meal. <br />
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Each treehouse also has its own BBQ grill right downstairs so we enjoyed an awesome dinner! </div>
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This was the water view from the family room- we were right next to the boat dock that ferries guests over to the main resort area and downtown disney. </div>
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The resort also had some fun extra activities that we got to enjoy too! My sister in law Elizabeth Sniegocki took these great shots of my nieces enjoying the evening s'mores campfire at the main part of the resort and the fun water slide at one of the three pools! </div>
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Here are another<a href="http://allears.net/acc/faq_treehouse.htm" target="_blank"> great link with details </a>about the treehouses from Disney. In addition, Jack Spence does an amazing blog about all of the resorts, etc at disney - this great post includes neat construction pics of the remodel of the treehouses and detailed photos of the inside too that make it easier to see the inside layout more than my handful of pics do -<a href="http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/05/treehouse_villas_at_saratoga_s.html" target="_blank"> check it out here</a>.</div>
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Finally, on a fun disney-esque ending note - I want to share a favorite story involving a tree of sorts. This short story below was written by my brother Joe and his wife Robbin as part of our wedding gift 16 years ago. I love this whimsical story and the pictures it conjures up in your mind of a suessical disney'esque world that we all dream to live in. I hope you enjoy this too, leave a comment and let me know! </div>
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(You may want to click on the scanned in picture to enlarge and better read the story). </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>
There is always music amongst the </i></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>trees in the garden, but our hearts</i></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> must be very quiet to hear it. </i></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>- Minnie Aumonier</i></span></h1>
asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-56541156673709844492014-05-16T06:50:00.003-04:002014-05-16T06:50:51.563-04:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Delicious Disney Celebration! </span></span></h2>
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<i>This post is part two of my 40th birthday Disney Celebration trip, to read part one <a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2014/05/its-yummy-world-after-all.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</i><br />
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The Disney Contemporary resort renovated their prized rooftop California Grill in 2013 changing almost everything about it = but the spectacular view. <br />
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I was excited to try it out since reading a lot about it on some fellow blogger posts and articles like in Jeff Houck's 33 B<a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/life/comments/the-33-best-things-i-ate-in-2013-thanks-for-the-calories/" target="_blank">est things I ate in 2013 article which you can read here</a> or in Ricky Ly's Tasty Chomp's full <a href="http://tastychomps.com/2013/09/disneys-california-grill-opens-with-new-renovations-still-beautiful-sunset-views.html" target="_blank">review of the pretty restaurant here</a>. <br />
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We were so excited to get to enjoy amazing and romantic views of the parks, castle, lake, sunset, electric boat parade and fireworks all while celebrating my 40th birthday dinner!<br />
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They also have two observation decks outside that extend pretty far out to allow maximum viewing for those who dined early in the evening and stayed for the show or for those who eat in the lounge and want a better view of both the Epcot and MK shows! We scored some of the best seats in the house for some pre-dinner wine and the sunset and then an amazing view for dinner and the sparkling night show. Here is a panoramic shot of the deck and park area.<br />
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Just to get into the restaurant you have to check in on the second floor to ensure you are on the list and then take a separate elevator to the top floor to arrive in their beautiful wine-clad foyer.<br />
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We chose a delicious Round Pond Estate Merlot that we fell in love with on a trip to Napa which you can read more about in one of <a href="http://asavoryspoonful.blogspot.com/2013/08/some-wine-with-my-cheese-please.html" target="_blank">my earlier blog posts all about our wine adventures here</a>. (I highly recommend both their wine tasting and vineyard tour and especially their olive oil tasting which was amazing!) Here is a good tip - don't just go by their regular wine menu at the California Grill, when I noticed Round Pond was available in a white wine but we preferred red, I inquired and our excellent waiter Topher grabbed a completely different (and huge) wine list which he promptly showed us they did afternoon have the Round Pond Merlot available - score!!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> They did a lovely job with their menu and it was difficult to make choices...</span><br />
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For appetizers we enjoyed the spicy meatballs and some delicious salted butter and breads.<br />
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Followed by a highly seasoned bell & evans chicken, asparagus gratin, olive oil potatoes in a cabernet demi.<br />
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And a bison tenderloin that was dreamy!</div>
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The most special surprise was a two-tired mini cake that my husband had planned into the evening ahead of time with the Disney bakery team. You can <a href="http://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/order-cake/" target="_blank">get more information about their adorable cakes and exquisite celebration ideas here. </a><br />
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What a SWEET surprise and an adorable Disney Penguin from Mary Poppins helping us celebrate. The cake was (absolutely positively-without-a-doubt) the best cake I have EVER tasted! <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">This two dimensional penguin was adorable (and delicious) they decorate and customize them with edible printer paper and fondant - they can customize practically any request and my hubby said they were a pleasure to work with! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Apparently you can get these mini-cakes for two (or a regular size or massive cake for a crowd) made by the same delicious Disney bakers who make their awesome wedding cakes too and have one delivered to many of the park restaurants or hotel rooms for a special occasion. Here is a fun cake they made for my friends <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152173270155167&set=t.508490072&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Wendy & Bill</a> for their wedding at the Grand Floridian last year - beautiful and delicious!</span><br />
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Then the lights went dim and they piped in the music from the magic kingdom and we saw everything from tinkerbell descending from the castle to the best view right in front of us of the fireworks. Awesome!<br />
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Talk about turning 40 with some magic!<br />
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In a couple days, check out my next post where I will review the Treehouse Villas at Disney- what fun to stay up in the air among the treetops with some special family and great memories in a unique circular tree home Stay tuned~!</div>
asavoryspoonful@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02286094437306245503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151963919673353359.post-12603472940370676682014-05-13T13:28:00.001-04:002014-05-13T13:28:15.715-04:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>It's a yummy world after all...</b></span></h2>
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I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 40th birthday this month at the "happiest place on earth"! Although the bright glaciers and dogsleds of Alaska were very tempting (and certainly still on my bucket list) I opted to stay close to home and be as laid back and stress free as possible. We planned an extended long weekend of resort hopping, park hopping, savoring some new favorite food and wines, special time with family & friends and lots of that relaxation thing! <br />
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I must have changed my mind 20 times when it came time to select where to eat and where to stay. I learned some interesting things along the way that I'd like to share among my photos on this post. <br />
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With as much as I travel for my regular job, I have learned a tremendous amount about researching hotel values (note that didn't just say pricing, but value-- because to me, location and amenities are usually way more valuable than price when you are away from home). I was perfectly happy with changing hotels each night in order to suite our location and amenity desires. I love having new experiences and a change of scenery - although this is not the easiest if you are toting small children it can lead to some fun surprises! I tend to be a huge planner when it comes down to details but this trip and lately in life in general I have found myself relaxing my need for complete structure and went with the flow for the most part which was a nice change. For this trip we chose to resort hop to 3 different experiences based on what we wanted to do each day.<br />
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Disney has some wonderful amenities for those staying on resort-properties which are no big secret but for those who may be unaware here are a few: extra magic hours means that one park opens early or stays open later for just resort guests, you can utilize their website and <b><i><a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/" target="_blank">My Disney Experience</a></i></b> where you can organize every moment of your trip from tickets/ passes assigned to you, fast pass requests to allow you to avoid some waiting in lines (neat tip - you can now select the exact hour you prefer for each fast pass and rearrange what you want to do by the hour instead of the time they assign you). We also learned the little known fact that even once we picked our times we could go to a kiosk at any park and add unlimited extra fast passes for that day depending on what was left available and even pick times for rides at other parks while we still had some for a different park- none of which you can do online currently. Utilizing Disney's mobile app on your cell phone allows you to adjust times on the spot which was nice for staying flexible.<br />
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We decided to hit a couple of parks on our arrival day and had chosen to stay one night at the Dolphin hotel located on the lake next to the Boardwalk property and Epcot. For us being able to walk/take a boat back to the hotel was the biggest win- plus not spending extra on a deluxe resort when we'd be at the park all day was great too. We opted for a hotel that is technically not considered Disney property- BUT you get the same amenities as if you were including: extra magic park hours, fast pass wristband setup an extra 30 days earlier than just pass holders get, etc. and proximity without having to get on (much less wait for) a magical Disney bus.<br />
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Two weeks before our stays we were mailed out my-magic wristbands for everyone who would be staying on any part of our trip reservations. These are ours to use for any future Disney trips as they contain a chip which keeps track of any passes or even day tickets we buy, serves as your hotel room key, allows you to make purchases on any property or park using a pin number and a wave of your hand, and is waterproof for the pools and comfortable to wear.<br />
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Non-resort guests who have passes can purchase these wristbands as well for about $13 each. What a nice replacement for not worrying about your cell phone deactivating the magnetic strip on your hotel room key card or carrying around your passes - worry no more!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Elizabeth Sniegocki of <a href="http://anaturalnester.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i>A Natural Nester</i> </a>took this picture of my niece Sage using her magic wristband to open the door of our Treehouse Villa....more about that fun hotel stay coming up.</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the Dolphin early in the morning they already had a room available for us! It was wonderful to take the Disney boats right from their dock over to both Hollywood Studios and also directly over to Epcot. We enjoyed seeing the Epcot Illumination fireworks on the boat ride back. It is also an optional 15 minute walk if you prefer that -and a pretty one along the lake and Boardwalk and its fun atmosphere. This location was also perfect as we had planned to check-in next door at the Yacht & Beach Club resort the next morning for a day of pampering & relaxation. </div>
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We dined at the Hollywood Brown Derby for lunch the first day at Hollywood Studios. I enjoyed a delightful sparkling wine and champagne flight and spectacular service. </div>
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Their Zellwood corn soup with lobster ravioli was delicious!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Their Char-glazed </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Filet</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> of Beef with a Red Wine Reduction and truffled potatoes and haricot verts were nice too!</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span><br />
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For our day of relaxing, I was pretty torn between the Yacht Club and the Boardwalk Inn - and only opted for the Yacht and Beach Club because we knew how amazing the pool area was and that won me over. We had stayed at the Beach Club previously and found it be fantastic. We also opted to upgrade ourselves ahead of time to enjoy the Club Level at the resort. For only $100 more, the amenities were wonderful especially if you weren't going to a park for that day and I cannot wait to tell you about them. This is all on top of their fantastic deluxe Disney service - we were even able to snag a lake/ pool and boardwalk view with a pretty balcony that we enjoyed greatly while sipping on our complimentary wine. What was better was that we didn't have to pay for the upgrade based on availability and we were able to enter our room as early as 11am the day of check-in before heading into the sun. I must mention that a Thursday night stay here was double the cost of a Friday night stay - strangely enough. A great tip is to absolutely book your stay as individual nightly reservations instead of multiple nights as you will save greatly for certain dates - otherwise you will pay the higher or average price for every single night. As the weeks grew closer to our stay the rates went down quite a bit too so that is something to keep in mind and Florida resident and AAA discounts help too!. This hotel also has a convention and conference center which can impact availability and rates too. The beach club and yacht club are 2 separate hotels that share a vast pool area - which has a phenomenal sandy bottom, lazy river, pirate ship slide, hidden hot tubs, and some great casual dining options.</div>
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Here was something we found rather hilarious in our room too - you all know about "turn-down" service... well at Disney I guess it is known as "turn" service instead- it seems they think moving the pillows from being ready to use and instead turning them up and sideways in the evening for you is supposed to somehow make it easier when crawling in after a long magical day :) <br />
This pic is before turn "down" service.<br />
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And this pic is from after just the "turn" service... lol! At least the chocolates were good!<br />
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On to the YUMMY stuff!</div>
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Club level is available at most of the deluxe Disney resorts and sometimes honeymooners, etc receive a free upgrade. It is full of nice extra perks if you plan to spend a day at the resort vs. using a park pass or if you prefer to lodge a little more VIP. They are all run pretty much the same way - you get a special welcome and separate check in area without the long lines in the regular lobby, the club lounge is open all day from 7am to 10pm except for 2 one hour breaks midday for restocking. They offer 4 different complimentary food experiences including breakfast, mid-day snacks, afternoon happy hour and nightly dessert and cordial time. We were offered breakfast both our check in and check out mornings and enjoyed all of the concierge service and an extra place to escape from the sunshine mid-day for snacks. </div>
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They offered us a glass of wine and beer during the snack hour when took breaks from their awesome spa areas and they then put out a full selection of wines, beer, hot and cold appetizers in the afternoon and then and some amazing little desserts and spirits and cordials as the day progresses too. The area can get quite full and there are tables and couches or you can bring things back to your room too.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk96I68biKhJPt2cE-xbZLpwDE2_zirDBPU2J9_CbX69zC799jrdMEtNmn5z4MB3HfEmNDV0DrLHSLF5cXI2n1RyO_XDoTfLQTwnUUS3hAIAKx9h6fPGHq_N7DMZ2CCS4hasyifunPWk7i/s1600/20140509_180422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk96I68biKhJPt2cE-xbZLpwDE2_zirDBPU2J9_CbX69zC799jrdMEtNmn5z4MB3HfEmNDV0DrLHSLF5cXI2n1RyO_XDoTfLQTwnUUS3hAIAKx9h6fPGHq_N7DMZ2CCS4hasyifunPWk7i/s1600/20140509_180422.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy snacks as well as a variety of hot and cold appetizers were available throughout the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTom6LRIsovt-Sl1xeKo1QVdhOXLoWKHMFw0-YEq6nqGwfIpg4FgZrzt-zz6KC1uHowpLhG0-miW5kdCdYEmXos_vrCU5_-Q-91X6C3PX_GKaenVNtaYCbDvrvV5FahW6SEuQ96xC06x8l/s1600/20140509_180441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTom6LRIsovt-Sl1xeKo1QVdhOXLoWKHMFw0-YEq6nqGwfIpg4FgZrzt-zz6KC1uHowpLhG0-miW5kdCdYEmXos_vrCU5_-Q-91X6C3PX_GKaenVNtaYCbDvrvV5FahW6SEuQ96xC06x8l/s1600/20140509_180441.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of mini plates to choose from for kids of all ages.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWI9jiIVyrJuRCcs6O4cffeLQeQD6fKgROVZWGX5ah1uc31iOgOF5UVihmMT0-9Uind_eJP2NJTKAQyEnIZtuhe3ut9NUJiKv8o_igy093C8JUk1glXg9-LbKHdk4Is4iJDk8A4x66tzJ/s1600/20140509_180449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWI9jiIVyrJuRCcs6O4cffeLQeQD6fKgROVZWGX5ah1uc31iOgOF5UVihmMT0-9Uind_eJP2NJTKAQyEnIZtuhe3ut9NUJiKv8o_igy093C8JUk1glXg9-LbKHdk4Is4iJDk8A4x66tzJ/s1600/20140509_180449.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refreshing watermelon shooters!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAuF0CGAomrN0LiFp3baE72k1NARjTMPHxh0e5-xlMDvMle80-mr27h7XMTJCV58KJeWgfIgbqQI4nxJslWms1PaZGdIbD2kCuALuj7CpgePk6MTknSkVBK7-vLBgxeQSisPmk2w6WNul/s1600/20140509_180457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAuF0CGAomrN0LiFp3baE72k1NARjTMPHxh0e5-xlMDvMle80-mr27h7XMTJCV58KJeWgfIgbqQI4nxJslWms1PaZGdIbD2kCuALuj7CpgePk6MTknSkVBK7-vLBgxeQSisPmk2w6WNul/s1600/20140509_180457.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut butter and jelly dippers served with fruit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYljtPBOV96MpETdjqId5hsm_xqGLrE4cyLp-E-gmvBQkXRbIjEsW3u6vVjXTOO3rYG1j8bBO4l0SzqhSRYjH2XF0koVdIESQ1g7jENOpgdp85Opi6fKW3rUTRXlOO_JhGkESCQNS9Aj5K/s1600/IMG_0356-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYljtPBOV96MpETdjqId5hsm_xqGLrE4cyLp-E-gmvBQkXRbIjEsW3u6vVjXTOO3rYG1j8bBO4l0SzqhSRYjH2XF0koVdIESQ1g7jENOpgdp85Opi6fKW3rUTRXlOO_JhGkESCQNS9Aj5K/s1600/IMG_0356-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of cordials and nightcaps in addition to a full selection of complimentary wine and beer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQi2X5YPRaM1LA6XmJmcVpZSgyJzK5FmDaqZOFeWAzEL18M23bwRqjqKPadSdddov_Y5Moy5TmyEDWgqblQBJRaojGNmHzJ6s3MNvI2krl4-tgrYNn17TUk2jFwWn8IQOqV4_FsEZ0uZu/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQi2X5YPRaM1LA6XmJmcVpZSgyJzK5FmDaqZOFeWAzEL18M23bwRqjqKPadSdddov_Y5Moy5TmyEDWgqblQBJRaojGNmHzJ6s3MNvI2krl4-tgrYNn17TUk2jFwWn8IQOqV4_FsEZ0uZu/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jars of candies, cookies, crackers were there to tempt your salty or sweet tooth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvXsYxq_ooZSFklWdvQOykH2uQxdK6HytnOJVR5r1cswXyaDg0RWy8F9ZrBtH3WOj4NxjS_UT47JKpy6nc1d2oY8iS-rsPmiBWgnVkHJo9X_pR80VYTasmWs-Ou14_zJeErsx3IsxPM_b/s1600/unnamed+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvXsYxq_ooZSFklWdvQOykH2uQxdK6HytnOJVR5r1cswXyaDg0RWy8F9ZrBtH3WOj4NxjS_UT47JKpy6nc1d2oY8iS-rsPmiBWgnVkHJo9X_pR80VYTasmWs-Ou14_zJeErsx3IsxPM_b/s1600/unnamed+(2).jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of tea, lemonade, juices and a fridge stocked with canned beverages too</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctGsJ9IjyQhVMYRbby0SClIdpDLuN7i_O2XxK2-LZqW_ATiCS7GE0ChZkSByOnpCIhPJnqG8xvNVvWu5qeFK46N_avAXt9NdFF83RcAjDOLiYDQZTJArcJO46wdrifj3lsg1svgIgktlJ/s1600/unnamed+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctGsJ9IjyQhVMYRbby0SClIdpDLuN7i_O2XxK2-LZqW_ATiCS7GE0ChZkSByOnpCIhPJnqG8xvNVvWu5qeFK46N_avAXt9NdFF83RcAjDOLiYDQZTJArcJO46wdrifj3lsg1svgIgktlJ/s1600/unnamed+(3).jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffees, cappucino and more</td></tr>
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Before we get to the special birthday dinner pictures - some more tips for you..... I cringe a teensy that I'm sharing this next batch of Disney advice with so many of you as you may get a table I had wanted, but since I learned some of these from a fellow blogger I am sharing the love.... there is surely enough magic for everyone in this small, small world right?!<br />
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<li>If the restaurant you want is not available the time frame you want to go, try changing the number in your party... I was able to snag an extremely-hard-to-get table at Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom by requesting a table for 4 instead of 2. Trust me there will be a long line of new friends clamoring that they are in your party just to go beyond the velvet ropes -very happy to become <b><i>your</i></b> guest.</li>
<li>If you are staying at a resort they are currently testing a fast-pass of sorts for Be Our Guest for their lunch service - <a href="https://beourguestlunch.disney.go.com/" target="_blank">you can reserve your spot here.</a> What is also good about this test they are doing currently is that no credit card is required and if you don't show for your lunch time window there is no issue either (we opted to give up our reservation on our final day and get our sleepy selves home early vs another day at the parks - so my review on "BOG" will have to come another day).</li>
<li>Keep trying!!! I wanted pretty badly to try out the newly renovated California Grill on the top floor of the Contemporary Hotel overlooking the castle & lake - and arguably the best spot to view the fireworks show. We tried multiple times a day in the weeks leading up to our trip to get a table even though they were booked solid and lo and behold got a table at the perfect time on my exact birthday just through pure diligence on their website. Meal reservations must be cancelled by 24 hours beforehand to avoid being charged $10 per person so many people overbook themselves and cancel meal reservations right before they arrive -so check often and especially last minute.</li>
<li>Reserve your dining & fast passes up to 180- days in advance, if you don't know exactly when you will be visiting. For example, if you are 110% positive that you will be visiting sometime during let's say the <a href="http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/" target="_blank">Epcot Food & Wine Festival in the fall</a>, book yourself for every day you think you might be there and guarantee yourself a fast pass for the soon-to-be-coveted Seven Dwarf Mine Train that is opening this month at the magic kingdom. We were able to book 60 days past our last resort stay-date for a potential day trip back to Disney to try out this ride later this month. Fast passes don't have to be cancelled or used - so no harm done. By the way, for more details on how to best utilize the fast passes and more details on this newest roller coaster, check out <a href="http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/05/09/disney-world-seven-dwarfs-mine-train-fastpass/" target="_blank">Seth Kubersky's great blog post here</a>. </li>
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Come back soon for part 2 and read all about our wonderful dining experience and incredible view of the park and also to get to read more about our very fun and special Disney Treehouse Villa hotel stay with some family!!</div>
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