A Time for Tasty Little Indulgences
January 28, 2009
Don’t you just love the special little treats that make a meal or an evening oh so special? Sometimes it means spending that extra on a fine wine or on an extraordinary appetizer. And other times it means being included in having a special home made and off the menu limoncello while dining at a restaurant with friends. This weekend I had the pleasure of indulging in both!
After experiencing another incredible Master Mind in Tampa, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. A favorite appetizer of ours is their seafood medley pictured above- talk about delicious. This was a much awaited treat and we were not disappointed. Lobster, crab, shrimp, and more all pleasantly ready to be devoured- yum.
There is never a bite missed- and it makes for the perfect indulgence before our steaks. The best of both worlds, definitely a grand occasional treat. Makes it all the more special that we only have it with our friends.
Next, on the following evening Timothy and I were treated to a delightful dinner with his father and step mom at this hidden gem of a restaurant near their home. A wonderful Italian restaurant whose owner is from Italy- the food is always wonderful and better each time we go- quite difficult to do. The best part to me is the dessert, where the owner is kind enough to offer us some of his homemade limoncello- DELICIOUS! I love limoncello, and when properly done it is especially divine.
Yes, sometimes some special and oh so tasty indulgences are called for, and especially when loved ones can be involved. What are your special treats?
TINI Bigs With Finlandia Love
November 19, 2008
It was our last night in Seattle and it turned out to be one of those nights that is so perfect you couldn’t have ever attempted to plan it. Just one of those, wow- really nights.
It began simple enough- we did the tourist thing and took lots of photos, eating our way throughout the city (yum yum oh incredibly yum on another note!). On a great recommendation from a particular cigar smoking man, we decided to end our visit with a night at the famous TINI BIGS Lounge.
We had a red eye to catch back home, so it would be a night at the bar, some walking around, and then on to the airport for the flight back home. We walk in to this lovely little bar fairly early at about 5:15 in the afternoon or so. It was already dark, the time change does some wonders on that doesn’t it? So we were ready for some drinks. The bartenders were very friendly and introduced themselves as they welcomed us in. One of them asked if we would like to order, but if that we decided to wait five minutes drinks would be free.
… excuse me?
That’s right… apparently, and for this evening only, they were celebrating their official sponsorship of Finlandia Vodka. The international ambassador for Finlandia had flown in for the event and everything- so from 5:30 until about 8:00 any drink with Finlandia Vodka in it in any way was complimentary. Wow, how beautiful is that!
I must admit, when I first walked in and saw the drink list there were numerous bourbon and gin based drinks that had caught my attention- but how could I refuse complimentary drinks especially when there was a celebration to be had for the bar itself? It would be just rude.
The drink above was the favorite of the evening, the Pop 5. It contains Finlandia wild berries, midori, white grape juice, sweet n’ sour, and sparkling wine. It has quite the refreshing twist and pop- lovely drink! The Grapefruit-Tini pictured just below was also quite scrumptious with Finlandia Grapefruit vodka, campari, Cointreu and orange juice. These drinks were the features of the evening and so we felt it was appropriate to order them. Yum.
I will have to venture into the other drinks the next time I visit, and there will certainly be a next time.
As for their food menu- the mac and cheese is heavenly- crisped on top and creamy in the center- cheesy perfection. Definitely a must for the evening as well!
Some Aussie Love
November 16, 2008
Okay, so this lovely cookie somehow was only just introduced to me. Oh how yummy and delightful of a treat- we have much catching up to do.
We are still in Seattle, and some of our friends here with us are from Australia. They were missing the tastes of home, when one of them discovered a pub that seemed to serve authentic food and beer of their homeland. Well, we decided to give it a go and see for ourselves.
And one of the things we discovered upon entering the place was that they offered Tim Tam cookies- sounded interesting enough on its own to me, but our friends were ecstatic! And I can see why now- these cookies are so fluffy and moist and light… simply heavenly! Completely new to me, and I am quite thankful to have been introduced to them. How fun!
So next on the list for us was food- if we were going to be drinking then we first needed some food in our bellies. It had been quite the long day and we were all starving. Well, our Australian friend- one of them in particular, was more focused on the beers… returning to the table with 24 bottles in his arms of this..
Basically, he went ahead and ordered all the beers they had chilled… lol- not kidding. We asked him if he had bought them out, to which he answered “no, don’t worry, they are putting more in the chiller now.” Nice… I think the first eight disappeared rather quickly to him. Bottoms up. It isn’t my usual style of beer (I like mine black or Belgium for the most part) but it was pretty alright.
So then came a matter of ordering the food. I ordered an Aussie Floater, a meat pie served upside down on top of split pea soup. Meat and peas- thought it was a safe order as how could that be bad. And it wasn’t bad at all- quite delicious, I would order it again.
It was an incredibly fun and delicious experience- not to mention entertainment as our Aussie friend continued to drink and dance about the table. I had one bite left of the meat pie in the soup left- I was full as I was snacking all around… and he refused to let it go to waste, by digging his hands into the soup and finishing what was left of my plate- lol. Very entertaining indeed.
If you ever get the chance, do take a taste! You will love it and love the experience. Let’s look at those cookies again, shall we? I saw them again the next day while making a quick shopping stop, only they were being presented by Peperidge Farms cookies. Will have to look for them again once I am home.
Pike Place, Fish In Hand
November 15, 2008
We are now in Seattle, spending some time on business and pleasure- truly a delight. Above is a gorgeous view from the plane; you can actually see snow blowing off the top of the mountain, too. Very pretty.
So, a visit to Seattle to me also means a must visit to Pike Place! The oh so famous fish market is even greater in person- too delicious also- sooooo yummy, wow the size of some of those beauties.
Soooo, we are having an absolute great time here. They even let me go behind the counter- too cool. They are all very nice and you can tell they have fun doing what they do.
Here are some photos from Pike Place 
More to come, soon!
Barbecue Capital Of TEXAS Is Lockhart
September 18, 2008
This is the reason we drove 150 miles west out of Houston; Kreuz. It is worth it every time. We had sat around the house with no power or water for a day when we and the neighbors began talking of warm food and instantly we all agreed to drive to Kreuz before they closed for the night (which meant we had to leave right away if we wanted any chance).
We made it in record time and enjoyed the magical experience of what is Kreuz. The smell of the building when you walk in is like nothing else- Oh how I love it!
The rub is perfect and the rule of the house is “No Fork No Sauce.”
It doesn’t need it either. (Sauce is thought to hide the lack of quality in a meat). It just melts and falls apart lovely- especially the fatty brisket pieces. So yum. (Shhh, secretly, this place is my favorite)
(Less photos though, simply because the meat did not last in front of us- too delicious. We had limited timing too!)
So the next day (Sunday, and Kreuz is not open) we visit Smitty’S, the rivalry of Kreuz. When it all began they were both Kreuz, and then a man by the name of Smitty’s joined the family in business. After the passing of the father, the children argued and eventually one kept the Kreuz name to a new building while the other kept the original building and called it Smitty’S.
Three of the number one barbecue best are all located very near each other, two being in Lockhart and the third being in Lulling (only minutes away really).
All three use the same technique of having a fire with the smoke traveling a slight distance to the meat- it requires much patience and attention and so very few continue this style of barbecue but the results go extremely far. It is well worth it.
Next, finally, is Monday’s visit to Lulling’s City Market. I cannot recall the name at the moment, but the editor or one of the writers for Gourmet Magazine named this their favorite meal ever (stating even though you would think it would be something fancy and expensive, the meat was so true and divine nothing has been better).
It comes very close to Kreuz in my opinion, VERY close. In fact I absolutely love them all. Just look at it in its divine beauty- oh so perfect. Yum!
This is barbecue done to perfection and with love. It is always the same people you see working at these places, too. I love that. They know and truly love what they do and do it extremely well.
They have been doing this for years and years, and it shows. Even the cash register has soaked in the smoke throughout the years, lol. What a lovely place to be.
Little Bunny Fashion Find
August 6, 2008
Bunnies and kitties and puppies are delightfully cute, and speak volumes to my inner child. So when I came across this little find, I couldn’t resist the chance to indulge.
It is a sweater dress that is incredibly cute and cozy. The hood has little ears attached that flop on the side-when I purchased it, it was said to be a bunny, however my friends and I argue whether it looks more lie a bunny or a puppy. Either way I am pleased with it, but I like the idea of a bunny a little better.
Anyway, I think it is fun without being too childish or what have you. Its rather subtle at first, too, since if you are not wearing the hood the ears just dangle on the back. The only clue is the little bunny/puppy cloth pin on the front pocket. You can move it wherever you like, but I think it is cute there.
I wore it out to the Grand Canyon a little while back, mind you it was unexpectedly cooler than I was prepared for, and though it is a “sweater” it is not the warmest for this cool of weather.
Being on vacation means a limited wardrobe, and so a quick trip to an inexpensive shop and thus you have the strange mix of tights and scarf (haha).
That strangeness aside- you can get a better idea of the dress. I’ll be looking for more of the same, maybe a kitty next time?
Let me know if you see one before I do.
Much love, xx!
Museo Del Prado, My Greatest Love Of Art
June 7, 2008
A true love of mine has always been art; it began as a child and will never leave me. Of all the collections, by far, Museo Del Prado in Madrid, Spain is the greatest of them all. A humble collection perhaps when viewed against the Louvre in Paris; but a dear and exquisite collection if there ever was one.
Velasquez, Goya, Picasso and many of the Spanish old masters are found here with impressive paintings and sculptures at every step. The renown Las Meninas by Diego Velasquez is displayed and a must see by all.
I could spend a lifetime here and never be bored. It holds a dear place in my heart with the highest respect and admiration.
Of course other museums are grand and marvelous and should also be well appreciated, but there is something special about the Prado that just needs to be experienced and cherished.
Of your travels, don’t let this one slip you by. Madrid is a wonderful and beautiful city with many gems to show. Be sure to make Museo Del Prado one of them.
Key Lime And Vodka Luxury
May 17, 2008
Key Lime Martinis- not only a lovely drink but from my favorite hotel in Miami Beach, The Delano. It combines the two things I miss most since having moved away from Miami. My love of key limes and my love of the Delano.
Vodka is always a pleasure of mine, as are the drinks it inspires such as the lychee or in this case key lime martini. Its great on its own, but if you are going to mix it then mix it well.
If ever the chance you have to be in South Beach, relax by the Delano Pool (make a day plan and an evening plan) and relax with a luxurious drink. Locals and tourists alike mix comfortably in the beautiful designs the Delano brings, and the atmosphere is like nothing else.
Bring a little of Miami to your home with the Key Lime Martini- and make it your own. Use key lime juice, or even a flavored vodka if you prefer, and keep it simple or make it fun. I’ve seen variations with coconut or pineapple in the mix that all sound lovely. Even a little bit of vanilla can make for an interesting twist.
The point is to have fun and bring in a little luxury. Finding the recipe that works best for you is only the beginning of the fun, and experiment to create your own. The key lime pies of Miami are one of my favorite treats- and its not surprise to see it turning up on the drink menu.
Make it sweet or make it sour- make it your own and enjoy.
Seafood Dreams Of Bouillabaisse Travels
May 16, 2008
Food and travel- of all the things I have had there is one dish that has always stood out to me, a single dish I could have each day and never tire of. Quite simply- it is bouillabaisse. Seafood stew or soup if you prefer, another gem originating from Provence.
Returning home it is always the meal I miss. The freshest of seafoods best- mussels, clams, oysters, calamari, some wine and seasoning in a saffron broth- its velvety and just right. Nothing is overpowering, its not overfilling, and everything compliments each other so well. Absolutely satisfying- add a little bread and you are complete.
I’ll never forget my first trip to Madrid- sitting outside a cafe with a bowl of bouillabaisse and sangria- pure absolute heaven. I knew everything would go well from that point on.
Just the other night I had the luxury of finding a local restaurant which had just opened up to have a dish they called Mariscada on their menu. In their broth, they added coconut milk- sounds odd, but it worked beautifully and the taste was subtle if noticeable at all. It mostly added to the texture to make the dish complete. No wine, but it was a version I definitely appreciated. It was wonderful.
And it is becoming quite popular- by as many names as you can imagine even. The trend has been spreading and is starting to get noticed.
When it comes to seafood fresh is very important to me, and that being so I am not inclined to order seafood when away from the sea. If you can find a place that catches their own, you are normally in wonderful hands. I like to have a good relationship with the chefs of the restaurants I dine in. They keep you informed and are more than happy to take care of you as well as their cuisine.
So as you travel across the globe, or even when you return home- keep an eye for the seafood stews and local selections. Finding one you like best is only part of the fun.
Candy on the Chic
May 7, 2008
Pure divine fruit preserved in the traditional way of Southern France, still today is within grasp in a delicious way. Of my travels, Nice has such a wonderful feel that can really be noticed at the Confiserie Florian through their creations. Keeping true to history and tradition, the factory is more than happy to guide you through the process- samples along the way a delight to enjoy.
A favorite of mine is the ostrich eggs- a velvety smooth chocolate wrapped in a fragile candy coating. Its all the right textures and balances that melt in just the right way- impossible to ignore or save for later, I devour them in an instant.
Fruit and Chocolate is grand- however do not miss the selection of candied flowers and liquors. Rose and Violet have always been a favorite of mine as a child- simply beautiful and delicate.
Nice alone is quite beautiful, and the Confiserie Florian is a direct reflection. Visit their site www.confiserieflorian.com and you can have them delivered to your home- such a convenience especially when the flight is so long.
Candy lovers everywhere, this is one to indulge and adore.
Luxury of Spa V
April 27, 2008
Living in a world where luxury knows no bounds, a true gem and loving favorite of mine remains in Spa V of the Hotel Victor Miami. It is an underground world of serene luxury. Indulge in the eucalyptus steam room or simply melt away in the appropriately titled cool down room. STRETCH ME is a particular favorite of mine, consisting of a mix of anything from Thai massage to deep tissue- they construct the massage to your needs and desires. It is a must, not to mention the many treatments they offer to combine with it.
Pool and parking is complimentary to guests of the Spa and Hotel and are to be taken advantage of, especially as the beaches can become quite crowded and parking on a sunny day impossible.
Another indulgence I would recommend is having a bite or drink from the Vix- service is welcomed in the cool down room for a bite before or afterwards, meaning you need not move an inch for luxury. They’re menu is as beautiful as it is delicious; with so many playful drinks it is hard to decide. Though I must admit, when detoxing after a massage- drink plenty of water and avoid the tempting alcohol.
Make a day of it instead- arrive early and enjoy the pool with some lunch and a drink. Unwind in the cool down room and prepare yourself by relaxing in the steam room. It is a beautiful way to end the massage as well.
Find a time earlier in the day or week and you will often find the spa to yourself- another luxury.
