No! Senora

No, No, Senor..........

Sorry - I was not impressed with Yucatan Taco Stand located on 3rd Street in Jax Beach.



Yes, the location is The Best.


Yes, the outside courtyard is Perfect.


Yes, the bar is Adequate.



The Food, not so happy about it.







Little selection.

Amateur Waitstaff

EXCEPT for our wonderful hostess!



Maybe in a little time -- the food will improve. I'll check back because I love the ambiance and we need more places to gather.

Hasta Luego! and Adios!

Nawlins and Me - Signs and Sagas!

The 'first' time my husband, Frank, and I planned a trip to New Orleans -- an impending hurricane storm redirected us to San Francisco instead.

This time, the storm brewing was in my stomach, and unfortunately, not enough of an excuse for the airline company to reschedule our flight.

So, our trip was set. Like it or not, sick or not, tired or not, we were off to New Orleans to meet up with an old high school chum and his wife (Frankie and Debbie Billeter) for 3 'fun-filled' days of eating and partying. Partying? ugh!

The Billeter's are seasoned travelers, having visited Nawlin's often; and, thus, were to have the pleasure of showing us the sights.

Hmmm......A churning in my stomach, however, caused me to wonder. Was it going to be a pleasure?

Using the airplane trip to our destination as a place to sleep and gain my energy, we landed and I claimed to be ready to go.


Me, being the good sport I am , managed.



So, here we go......the saga.


Arrival ..... at our hotel recommended by my friend, Paula Meyns -The Renaissance Art Hotel - on Tchoupitoulas Street.


Ready and rarin' to go! (I hope ;-0) )







Serendipitity....the first block, Canal Street, there was my drummer girl! leading me on. Ok - this was gonna be OK! I kept assuring myself. Afterall, there would be signs like this one to assure me I was on the right track and would make it.





Our friends....Frankie and Debbie -- they look like they need a good shot of 'marilynsonthemove' don't they? - were ready to begin the tour.


and, I'm up to it! or am I?


The walking tour began and while enjoying the different scenes, I was fading.


Things are looking up............just when I felt the need to rest my weiry bones and my rattling tummy, the horse and carriage appeared. Take me a-wa-a-a-a-a-y! Or at least around the French Quarters, please. I just need to sit.

The tour started off great until the driver started talking...........oh my goodness, we couldn't understand a thing the driver said -- Creole? No. English, yes, but Cajun English and FAST.

My year in Haiti listening to the French Creole language there, wasn't helping a bit!


Oh well, I just wanted to sit down anyway. ..... For the rest of the group, not so good.



Too bad, too, because I think he was telling jokes? We missed the punch lines, but laughed anyway. Ha!







Next day - on foot again -- the Riverwalk - and all the shops - The French Market and all the shops -- side streets and all the shops! Geez! When do we sleep? Ok, ok, I'll enjoy it -- afterall, when will I do this again!


I needed a sign........................ask and you shall receive...

My mom joined us......in spirit only though.


Within The first block we came across this 'sign.'

ADELAIDE -(my mom's name) and here she was on our first corner.

Now, is that coincidence or divine intervention. Watching out over her sick daughter -- a little reminder that all would be ok.

She was probably telling me to try to eat something to keep my strength. Funny and sweet. Hi Mom, I miss you.








No, dad, I'm not.......Okay, it might look like it, but I'm pretending, really.


My dad didn't gamble. Thought it a waste of $. I guess I do too, but the seat looked inviting, so I thought I'd have a little fun since I was fast beginning to fade and the A/C felt great as well as the seat.

Plus, I just had to see Harrah's.









Trying....yes, Debbie and I were trying to have some fun -- posers!














Another sign! A serendipitous moment -- this RED door (for those of you who know) is on my Vision Board that I created in December 2008.


On my Vision Board - the RED door is the symbol of the door I will walk through to new adventures. And, here it is. Wow, this is getting eerie.






While I'm standing right in the middle of the lobby of Mother's Historic Restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street having (or watching) breakfast with the gang and feeling a little nausea overtake me, I noticed this RED door.




The door is actually an elevator. It is used by the staff to go to the 2nd floor butcher market where the meat is being carved. But, for me, it was a metaphor and I was listening. I was still going to be OK!



Now, I must say, I didn't eat anything there, but the rest of our group did and nearly everyone in the city was there. Mother's apparently is delish and 'always busy.' It is tucked away 4 blocks from Canal right across from our hotel, serving all the regional flavors - morning, noon, and night!


Be sure to visit when you are there - a local haunt for sure.



Get there early, the lines forms and then grows.







I made it through the first day - hungry and weak, but I made it.



With the strength of another night's sleep, we were ready for the Garden District.





Today, we are taking the street car to the Garden District and Debbie is trying to get my Frank to check out the schedule. I don't think he is paying attention, do you?

The Garden District is a far cry from the downtown district and I must say - a nice change of scenery.







Beautiful homes line the streets and the 2 majestic universities - Loyola and Tulane stand side by side in their splendor.













While flying by the roadside sights, it is important to keep your hands and head inside the streetcar.












Never have I been so up close and personal with a tree -- a branch scratched my sunglasses and I was just sitting there in my seat. Now, that's close!






Sitting all day and not eating certainly isn't my idea of a good time, but about all I could conjure up for the day. Especially since we were hitting Bourbon Street that night.



Our friends thought it only fitting to try the World Famous Acme Oyster House. Uh, no!


Well, ok. I had to think of my Frank and the others, too - didn't I?


After a short wait in line, dinner was served (I had grits) and all enjoyed. I did check Acme out in my AAA Tour Book and it only had 1 STAR -- but it's World Famous, so -- Go Figure!

On to OZ, Dorothy!

Oz? Yes, Oz.........we couldn't do Bourbon Street without checking our referral from Barbara Marshall -- 'you must go to Oz, it is a blast.'

So, what could we do.....We went, we saw, and most of us conquered!


Even my Frank walked in with me, stayed awhile, and then joined Frankie #2 outside. Deb and I took in the sights and then joined our guys.


Another time and another place, I would've been a lot more fun!


One of our group refused to enter -- and it wasn't my Frank...need I say more, Billiter? So, back to Kansas (Bourbon Street) we went.

Oz was actually the only place on Bourbon Street that had any really good music and a crowd.

What is New Orleans, without VOO DOO.......

and here it all was right at my fingertips -- if I could just reach it........a good Catholic girl should not be seen near or in a voodoo shop, but I couldn't resist = the rebel that I am.

Yea, right! No dolls purchased, so you can all relax. :)

Bet you know what that is....................yup...it's Frank, enjoying his 'first' beignet at Cafe Du'Monde.

It was midnight and since we couldn't find any good music (all rock and roll) on a Sunday night in NOLA -- we walked another 10 blocks to the French Market and enjoyed the coffee and pastry.

That, I couldn't even resist either. My stomach didn't mind at all - Mmmm good!


Next day..............last day!

Then, just when I needed it as if we ordered it, another 'sign'..............Right across the street from us the whole time, was this fantastic little restaurant with outside bistro tables and a constant gathering of people. We had been watching it, but no chance to stop by.

This last night, we were on our own because I had spent the day in bed completely washed out and trying to gain my strength back after not eating anything for 2 days. So, we decided to let our friends off the hook and do our own thing that night.

"Let's check out Lucy's" we said, "and see how it is." So, we wandered over and were we glad!

As if it was there just to make us feel at home and to send us back on our way - there was Lucy's Restaurant owned by a Retired Surfer from Santa Cruz, CA serving all the typical American fare from tacos to hamburgers and even a salad for little ole me and a Po' Boy for my Po' Hubby and Loyal Companion Nurse - Frank.

Lucy's was perfect. We were both happy and felt that it provided the needed comfort and charm of the home we were beginning to miss. And, for me, the plain old unseasoned food from my kitchen and a good ginger ale.

Even had a landshark (*see previous blog) surf board sign up on the wall (giving me a sign) and an adorable little local waitress named Ellie who took care of us and made us feel at home.

A trip -- not the best one for me and naturally not for Frank -- but a chance to meet up with old chums and see a new place, experience different cultures and foods, and most of all, be glad to be home. I know I'm a Warrior after this trip and the spirits got me safely home.


All in all, it was priceless!


Til next time Nawlin's and Hello Ponte Vedra!

Local Fun!

The best evenings are still the evenings we spend right here in our beaches community.


Frank and I headed out to dinner last night with no real destination. Out of the blue - Frank decided he wanted to try Tama's in Neptune Beach (904-241-0099). A nice change, good food, and right in the heart of what's happening.
I had the Teriyaki Chicken and Frank had a shrimp dish. Presentation was perfect and we were happy.


Off we went for a stroll. To the bar at One Ocean and a little rest on their back patio overlooking the dunes and the ocean. Wonderful sea breeze night!

Heading back, we ended up at Shelby's Outdoor Courtyard where we listened to a great duo, ran into a friend from Newcomer's (Lindsey and Doug) -- then off to Ragtime to hear a more different sound from the Boogie Freaks. Before my ears burst - we did an about face and stopped by Mezza Luna for delicious desserts - mixed fruit cobbler and vanilla ice cream and New York Cheese Cake.


All of that we did within just a few blocks of each other. No doubt about it -- Atlantic and Neptune Beach have it going on!


Trick is to get there early - secure your parking space - and enjoy all that they have to offer. The shops even stay open for our wanderings! Love it.

(http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Shelbys.Coffee.Shoppe.904-249-2922)
www.oneoceanresort.com
www.ragtimetavern.com
www.mezzalunaneptunebeach.com
www.boogiefreaks.com/band

A Slice of Palm Valley.....A Slice of Delight!

We've been trying, and we finally made it to the Palm Valley Fish Camp.



Everytime we go by, the parking lot is full, so we snuck in on this Father's Day early evening to find 2 seats only at the bar with a 4 hour wait if we didn't have a reservation.



Now that's busy! And that's popular! And, that most likely won't change with all the delicious food and ambiance we experienced tonight.

I'm not a foodie, but Frank is and he is a happy camper! Couldn't hardly move after the wonderfully tasty feast we had tonight.



With no choice but the bar....we sidled on up and took our seats at the bar of bars! The beautiful Granite countertop held our attention as one of the many special touches throughout the restaurant. I'm not sure how many people were there tonight, but it was full. The bar, the booths, the two-somes, the four-somes and the bench tables were absolutely full and friendly.


The conversation didn't stop and the wait staff didn't either. (doesn't Zach look like Jack Black? :) )



With the heat index at 100 degrees easily at 530PM, the A/C was doing all it could to keep us happy and the waitstaff infused with the necessary energy for the crowd.




We were soooooooo happy with our waitress, Nicole. She was overwhelmed, hot, and tired -- but her smile lit the bar and we knew she wanted us to be happy.

Then there was the Prep guy in the kitchen (sorry, I didn't get your name) with at least 8 other cooks and staff -- all running like a clock. I didn't get their names, but you'll know who they are when you stop by -- and I know you will be stopping by.

The staff stopped and talked to us as if we were neighbors -- all young and ambitious kids (one from Phoenix - darn, I didn't snap her picture, who was fighting the humidity as compared to the dry west coast -- all with a smile.)



Frank tried the salmon and I tried everything I could listed under appetizers and I can tell you honestly -- WE LOVED IT ALL.



The salmon was perfectly crisp and moist with that special touch of excellence -- served with delish spinach and parsley potatoes. Yummy! I first tried the flounder ceviche (as I've been trying to duplicate the ceviche I loved in Hawaii -- and this was close, very close) -- then I had to try to peel and eat shrimp --- perfect. Need I say more?



The Fish House Chardonnay was the ideal wine to mix with my dishes. And the evening was a special ending for a Father's Day to be remembered.



As the owner of this and Marker 32, Lisa Groshell, said -- 'This is the baby of Marker 32 and it is experiencing it's Toddler Time! (sorry about this shot Lisa -- you were on the move!)
To me, that means, curiosity, adventure, openness, and wonder. I say, it is the magical combination of fine dining and palm valley..... How perfect!



We ended outside trying out all the seating areas that will be used when the temperatures change a little.

A chance to meet and visit with Rob Parham (travel photograper) was another highlight of the evening and a little insight on the variety of people who visit Palm Valley Fish Camp.

Do visit -- you'll be glad, very glad, you did!

We'll Make Reservations Next Time!!! Table for 8?

http://www.palmvalleyfishcamp.com/



http://www.robparhamus.com/

Irresistible Brazil!

We went,
We stayed
We enjoyed!

I'm not in the habit of ignoring good 'tips' from Leigh Cort, so when she told me to mark our calendars for May 15 at Tento's, I obliged and decided to drop by last night. (We went!)

Just 'dropping by' Tento's Churrascaria in Jax Beach last night was impossible. Once we walked through the doors, we were met with the charm and hospitality of one of Tento's owners, (gorgeous) Dan. He treated us as if we had entered his home. Dan ushered us in and hovered until we were comfortably seated at the bar and in the hands of the highly competent Tento's staff. (We stayed!)

Leigh, unfortunately,was out of town; but we were soon joined by her husband, Jay Greene, and two other couples Marsha and Craig Myers, Valerie and Daniel Callahan. We were all in for an evening of Brazilian pleasure.

It wasn't long before the voice of Monica da Silva filled the air at Tento's. We were hooked immediately.

Monica, who spent her life criss-crossing the world and different music genres, shared with us her diverse mix of Jazz and Brazilian originals to more upbeat rock and pop style tunes, thus spreading her irrestible music this special night.

While we enjoyed the Brazilian flavors of the variety of meats served by the gauchos and a full salad bar, we were able to chat quietly and enjoy the night. Frequently, we caught ourselves going with the flow of the music moving in the rhythm of Monica's sensual and smoothe music and distinct voice. (We enjoyed!)

If you missed this, Monica will be back at Tento's on July 10!

Thanks Leigh! It was quite a night!
Visit: http://www.tentochurrascaria.com/
http://www.monicadasilva.com/

MI CASA ES SU CASA

RECIPE FOR LIVIN' THE GOOD LIFE!!!!!

Ready for a wonderful treat? ...... Combine the following ingredients....


*a heavy dose of a warm, tropically humid, evening
*a gentle stirring of ocean breeze
*a roomy and cozy outdoor courtyard
*a resort hotel on the ocean
*a big dose of old friends
*a pinch of new friends too
*one special daughter joining her parents
*a dance floor on the dunes



Now, slowly and rhythmically mix together.

Then,





*Add a g-r-r-r-r-e-a-t big combination of music (no substitutions, add only The Johnston Duo AND the Hackers Band)

Name of Dish: HEAVEN on BEACH at the Casa Marina Resort Hotel
Serves: Only the Fun-Loving Party Animals


Feel free to share this recipe with all of your party animal friends.


Follow this recipe at http://kurtjohnston.com/; http://www.casamarinahotel.com/; http://www.hackersband.com/.

Mother's Day - Need Ideas?

It has been said that the French know how to romance women. Let's try it out by making the Bistro de Leon the place to take MOM for her special day.

The feast begins with the eyes and ends in the heart ~ a perfect reason to enjoy Mother’s Day with Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard.

The menu exudes love. The chef prepares a colorful 4-course meal specially orchestrated to please his guests!

Select between lunch or dinner. Lunch and Special Mother’s Day menu are served on May 10, between 11:30am – 3:00pm; Dinner and Mother’s Day menu served between 5:30pm – 8:00pm. The cost is $34 per person. Remember, on a special day like Mother's Day -Reservations are required.

You will enjoy a Mise en Bouche Creamy Asparagus Soup, Chef Jean’s Tomato Caprese
(recently see on Channel 4 TV), Duet of Salmon and Mahi Mahi in Lemon Emulsion Sauce, Crispy Basket of Seasonal Vegetables, and for dessert a Crème Brulee Aux Fruits Rouges (Berries ‘Crème Brulee’).

Who can resist? Jenna and I may be there too!

Bistro de Leon, #12 Cathedral Place. St. Augustine, Florida, 904-810-2100 or http://www.bistrodeleon.com/ .

Boo to Karibo!

Cafe Karibo (pronounced care-a-boo) is a very eclectic restaurant located just one block from Front and Centre in Fernandina Beach. The rockin' sounds of the TWO TONES drew us to their location as we wandered down Centre Street on the opening night of the Shrimp Festival.

Karibo is a seat yourself spot, so we did. Everything was going along just fine -- we could see and hear the band from our table next to the open patio and were very understanding when our waiter said it would be about 30 minutes for our food due to a busy night and kitchen.

Ok, we could adjust. We sat back and relaxed listening to the music and enjoying our evening.....until......after 50 minutes and the rest of the patrons being served, we were told our order had been lost (:0). But, no worry, as it had been bumped forward and would be here soon. (bumped forward???? not moved to the front????)

'Would we like something to nibble on or drink in the meantime?' 'Sure,' I said, 'I'll take a glass of wine and maybe some chips while we wait.' The wine came, no chips, but very soon our dinner arrived --- and that is where the story really begins!

Now, I'm not complaining about the food. No way! It was delish! I had Blackened Tilapia and my hunk of a man, Frank, had Shrimp and Grits (after all it was a 'shrimp' festival). Yes, we were hungry at that point and delighted to have any food at all -- but our selections were truly mouth-watering along with a very nice presentation.

Full to the brim and ready for the firework display and a little dockside music from the KGB Band -- we asked for the bill!

Are you ready for this? One would think they would have at least comp'ed the wine or a 10% discount on the meal for their admitted error and our 90 minute wait, but one would be incorrect in that assumption.

The bill came -- Full Price, No Discount, No Comp, No Nothing.

I say 'Boo!....to Karibo. Need I say more?

OK - I will. I give it high marks for quality, music, and friendliness of staff, and I hope I am correct in assuming that this doesn't happen too frequently.

What more can I say?

Cellars in Florida??

Yes, right here in St. Augustine, where the word 'cellar' takes on new meaning!

Cellar6 is the newest addition to St. Augustine’s nightspots – a sensuous lounge to ‘wine down’ that is cool, intimate and relaxing. It is tucked away on brick-paved Aviles Street and upon entering, guests are immediately drawn to the dazzling yellow glass wine cellar.

Cellar6 captures the speakeasy era, making this a must-stop for anyone wishing to find updated-old-school St. Augustine!

Craig Colee and Valerie Shubert, both native to this area and the owners of Cellar6, are committed to providing an 'at home' feeling with 4-star service - while offering a broad selection of fine wines and clever light fare. Nightly, guests enjoy the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz artists both in ‘surround sound’ and live. Enjoy Cellar6 every Monday thru Saturday ~ 4:00pm till ‘late.' Always complimentary valet parking .

Cheers!
Cellar6, #6 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, Florida, (904) 827-9055
RSVP@cellar6.net, http://www.cellar6.net/

La-TEA-Da!

Afternoons! Oh, how I love them - especially when it's Tea Time at Bistro de Leon.

Located within steps from the famous Bridge of Lions on Cathedral Place -this is a restaurant that fits into its neighborhood – Bistro de Quartier. It’s a small cozy café in a cozy town.

When you get there, please order for me.....I'll be there in a jiffy. I'll have the Yummy Raspberry Napoleon and possibly you could try the luscious Strawberry Tart.

This scrumptously decadent afternoon is all because of Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard. The Bistro de Leon is featuring Tea Time from 2:30 – 5:00pm every Thursday thru Sunday.

And, that's not all! The French pastries served are exquisite and are baked by Poinard and his staff of French chefs. Along with the pastry menu and tea, guests can order artisan breads, tea, coffee, espresso, beer and wine. Now, do I have you?

Tea Time in St. Augustine is the perfect time to relax and take a break from whatever activities have been filling your day. Learn more about the Chef at Bistro de Leon at http://www.bistrodeleon.com.

Together, Jean-Stephane and Valerie Poinard invite their guests to ‘Enjoy the Bistro at Tea Time and live the moment with us”.

Bistro de Leon, #12 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, Florida 32084, 904-810-2100,
http://www.bistrodeleon.com/

REMEMBER MOM!

A great idea for Mother's Day. The Casa Marina Hotel has the best venue and most delectable variety of food items at their always popular Mother's Day Brunch. Chef Aaron Webb has been at the helm of Casa Marina's kitchen for six years, and each season inspires him to create yet another healthy and exciting variety of specialty selections.

Enjoy Mother's Day this year, on May 10 between 10A and 2P, at this historical oceanfront hotel for only $38.95 per person. Reservations, please! (904-270-0025)

Casa Marina Hotel, 691 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
www.Casamarinahotel.com

For Your Dining Pleasure.....

Not My Aunt Kate!

She might not be my Aunt Kate, but I'm visiting her frequently! Aunt Kate's is a new restaurant on the intracoastal waterway in Vilano Beach.

Local beach residents may remember Oscar's Old Florida Grill that burned down a while back. Aunt Kate's was built right on the same spot. Built in a 'cracker' style -- it has a charm all of its own.

On Friday night, the crowd had already gathered and our wait was 50 minutes for outside and 40 for inside. With the no-see-um's beginning to buzz around, we decided to eat indoors. We didn't mind the wait though, because our timing was perfect. We strolled along the deck, boardwalk, and pier capturing this most beautiful sunset.

Aunt Kate's provides a wonderful new venue for diners. Open only 6 1/2 weeks, they are onto something grand. With good food, live music on the veranda, wicker seating scattered around the front and side porches, a friendly staff, and the ambiance and scenery to beat all, it's a 'not-to-be-missed' spot for our dining choices.

Just head south on A1A until you pass Cap's and see The Reef on your left -- immediately on the right is Euclid Avenue - turn right and go to the end. You'll see Aunt Kate's, proudly outlined in the sky!

Hungry?

Purple Olive Restaurant - St. Augustine, FL

RESERVATIONS, PLEASE!

You say toe-mah-toe, I say toe-ma-toe. You say po-tah-toe, I say po-ta-toe; you say creative dining - I say 'Purple Olive.'

An invitation from our friends to dine prior to the Joe Cocker concert on Friday sounded like a great idea. Leaving the restaurant choice to our friends from St. Augustine, we merely followed their directions south to 4255 A1A and then right into the Seaside Plaza. Our destination restaurant - The Purple Olive International Bistro.



We sauntered into the bistro hoping for a quick meal and then a dash to the concert. What we experienced was far from a quick meal, but a perfect meal, it was!




The Purple Olive International Bistro immediately transported us from the usual beachy-quaint to this charming bistro in just moments. Not knowing a thing about the bistro - we glanced around enjoying the bursts of purple in the tablecloths, napkins, and wall paint. When seated, we viewed the array of local art and art glass displayed to feast our eyes upon as we prepared for the feast to our palates.



The staff was aware of our sense of urgency, yet in no way compromised our service or dining pleasure. We were served quickly and were delighted with our selections -- seafood marinara, seafood bisque with just the right amount of 'bite,' a caesar salad like no other, and a few other delectable treats suggested by our waitress,Tara. In a way, we were sorry we had to dash off, but knew we would be back. Do yourself a favor and check out their website for their unique story and then hurry on by to treat yourself to this local bistro. http://www.purple-olive.com/index.htm

Our compliments to the chef!