St. Augustine in Christmas Splendor

Frank and I just couldn't let the holidays go by without our trip to SEE THE LIGHTS in historical St. Augustine.  So, we took our sleigh and traveled down A1A, past the Tini-Martini Bar at the CasablancaInn, and drank in the beauty of the lights on this starry night.  (http://www.casablancainn.com/)

A drink at the Casa Monica and Dinner at Habana Village Cafe with a little latino Christmas music and we were ready to go home and wait to hear Santa's reindeers.  (http://www.casamonica.com/)

Beautiful Christmas 2009.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.

A Saturday Morning

A clear, dry Saturday morning arrived finally! What to do?

Take a drive down our First Coast - heading south.

Only a short distance to St. Augustine and the weekly Farmers Market - we didn't need to go further. This caught our eye, so we stopped by to see what all the hoopla is about with the big doggone vegetables. Well, they were right about big veggies -- why oh why didn't I get a picture of those carrots. Oh well.


More to see -- a fun blue grass band filled the air with fun music and drums. Everyone was in a great mood with the nice Fall weather for a change.






After browsing the market, to ensure our return, we headed to lunch at my favorite place on "A" Street in St. Augustine Beach on the island. The Beach Grill. Right on the dunes -- with a balmy breeze keeping away the mosquito's and gnats -- I dug into a super duper hamburger.

It was another nice day only a short distance from home.


Remember -- visit our local cities.

You can't go wrong.

Hoop-ercise!

Years, I say, years have passed since I've Hula Hooped!

When I saw the article in the paper about a local woman making customized Hula Hoops for grown women....I couldn't resist. My own hoop, in my favorite colors.........I called her immediately and placed my order.

I call this Hoop-ercise because this works 'the core' (as they say) and is fun all at the same time. A perfect combination!

Check out the video -- I'm pretty good, eh?

Want your own Hula Hoop?
Contact christine.wysocki@gmail.com
773-369-7944 hipstarhoops.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/ .

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/

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?