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Professional Help

I don’t often tout my professional value on the blog, but I have a story I’d like to share. I am a travel agent and spend most of my time sending people on vacation and hearing about how fabulous it was, upon their return. But it doesn’t always go so smoothly.  Continue reading Professional Help

Retire Mint Julep

Hunter Mill-20130615-00407This past weekend we traveled to suburban Washington, DC to spend the weekend celebrating my father-in-law’s retirement festivities. The weekend was jam-packed, leaving me badly in need of a nap, or three. After eighteen years as a rabbi at the same congregation, to say they were sad to see him leave is a gross understatement. Continue reading Retire Mint Julep

Caroline’s Cafe, Key West

2013-06-08_12-20-07_5Despite the prime people watching location on Duval Street, I had never been to Caroline’s before last week.I’m not really sure how that happened, but it did. Last week, I had this great plan: to stroll down Duval, grab some lunch and then head over to the Tervis store and buy some gifts. Alas, it was the hottest day of the year so far, so, in retrospect, perhaps it was not the best idea I have ever had.  Continue reading Caroline’s Cafe, Key West

The Flaming Buoy, Key West, New Summer Menu

2013-06-09_19-54-56_226It is summer, and you know what that means: the snowbirds have gone, the sun is (supposed to be) shining and it is time for summer specials to start popping up at restaurants. Nine one five has half off wines all summer (I’ll be reviewing soon!), Cafe Marquesa has two courses for $22 and, most recently, The Flaming Buoy announced a new small plate menu. Continue reading The Flaming Buoy, Key West, New Summer Menu

Southernmost Beach Cafe: Update (Not in a good way)

Tuna should not be grey around the edges, or anywhere else

I hardly ever re-review someplace I have been. Why bother? You already know all about it, and how many times can I rave about the food at the same place? But there are times when I need to update. Usually because (a) something new or interesting is going on, or (b) a previously good (or bad) place is now not good (or bad).   Continue reading Southernmost Beach Cafe: Update (Not in a good way)

Forecast is Gloomy

The past several weeks have been nothing but rain, or so it seems. You know why it seems that way? Because they have been nothing but rain. It is a topic of conversation at all times. (“My god! I have never seen this much rain in the thirty/sixty/eighteen years I have lived here.”) Photos get posted . . . → Read More: Forecast is Gloomy

Old World Gourmet: Easy Entertaining

It's a drink that makes you feel like you are on vacation, even when you're not.

It’s a drink that makes you feel like you are on vacation, even when you’re not.

The folks at Old World Gourmet were kind enough to send me some samples to try. But don’t feel left out, as there is something in it for you, too. We are giving away drink mixes. If you always want to entertain, but don’t actually want to exert any effort (come on, it happens to all of us on occasion), these OWG drink mixes and snacks are a good choice. Continue reading Old World Gourmet: Easy Entertaining

Topped Chef, by Lucy Burdette

I am not ashamed to admit how much I love cooking shows, especially the competitions. I love watching people sweat it out, come up with unique dishes and “stand by” their dish, even when it sucks. Naturally, when Topped Chef arrived at my doorstep, I was intrigued. This is the latest installment from Lucy Burdette, featuring Hayley Snow, food and, of course, murder.  Continue reading Topped Chef, by Lucy Burdette

Cecconi’s, Miami Beach

Champagne cocktail. Must have more of these.

Champagne cocktail. Must have more of these.

I will admit that I did not think it was going to go well as we exited the car and were told “That will be $22 on your way out.” Fortunately, our dinner at Cecconi’s was all uphill from there. I could go on about my hatred for valet parking, especially when there is no other option, but I will spare you. Instead, let’s focus on the important stuff: the food, and the service, and the decor. Continue reading Cecconi’s, Miami Beach

What Makes a Wedding Great?

The happy couple.

The happy couple.

This weekend we celebrated the wedding of my cousin, and as the big day approached, I got to thinking: what is it that makes a wedding great? Or awful? There are so many factors and I am glad to report that at this event, many more were in the first camp. Continue reading What Makes a Wedding Great?