The Ravenous Pig

Over the weekend we joined some foodie friends known as the Mitsi at a buzz-worthy gastropub in Winter Park. When they told us about The Ravenous Pig, the name made us laugh out loud. But after finding nothing but impeccable reviews, we were excited to give this place a try. From the smores flavored caramel corn at the bar to the outstanding charcuterie platter with its bacon lard smothered sourdough toast, everything we tried was moan-inducingly good. I devoured the Pub Burger topped with blue cheese, carmelized onions and roasted peppers. The truffled shoestring fries served with it made me weep. My husband drooled over his Bay Scallops with Berkshire Pork Belly. Our next trip to Orlando will definitely require a return to The Ravenous Pig.

More Venice

I can't stop daydreaming about Venice, so here's another pic. This is a view from the Rialto Bridge. Maybe if I stare long enough I'll magically appear in one of those gondolas... Nope, I'm still here.

Gritti Palace

I'm totally smitten with the terrace at the Gritti Palace in Venice. Morning, noon or night it's the prettiest spot to sit and watch life float by on the bustling Grand Canal. There are two options: Club del Doge is an elegant restauant featuring seafood and Venetian specialties, and Bar Longhi serves cocktails and lighter fare. Cienti Anni!

Meersburg

Gutsschaenke in Meersburg, Germany, is a place I love to sit and enjoy a glass (or two) of White Burgundy. The wine from this region is crisp, fruity and quite sip-able! Meersburg is a medieval town built along a hillside in Southern Germany. Quaint shops and restaurants line the steep, cobble-stoned streets. You can shop and dine on traditional cuisine while enjoying a stunning view of the Swiss Alps.

Baja Shrimp Tacos

I love Baja-style shrimp tacos in the summer. They are light and easy, and you can come up with your own variations to change things up. First, season shrimp with sea salt and fresh black pepper and sear them in a tablespoon of olive oil with a smashed clove of garlic (alternatively, you could grill shrimp). Meanwhile, warm some corn tortillas in a small skillet sprinkled with sea salt to keep them from sticking. Stuff tortillas with the cooked shrimp, top with some home-made guacamole and serve with black beans and/or chips and fresh salsa. A pound of shrimp will make about 8 tacos.

Water Lilies at Jax Zoo

I'm always amazed by the beautiful flora at the Jacksonville Zoo. This sweet water lily pond is nestled between the giraffes and the monkeys, and makes the perfect backdrop for a pic of the little ones.

Guacamole Saturdays

It is too hot to do much of anything during summer in Florida. So it has become our family ritual to spend weekends vegging by the pool with some icy cold beer and a batch of home-made guacamole. Going to college in San Diego, I became good friends with a girl named Brenda from Mexico. She was an amazing cook, and her guacamole was SO good! This is the recipe that she gave me all those years ago.

2 ripe (but not too soft!) Haas Avocados
Juice of 1 lime
1 small jalapeño, finely diced
1 tbs finely chopped red onion
handful of fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
1 tsp course sea salt
fresh ground pepper to taste
1 roma tomato, seeded and diced

Roughly mash avocados into a bowl. Squeeze in lime juice. Add salt, pepper, jalapeño, and onion. Mix together. Add in cilantro and then tomato. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with tortilla chips. Buen provecho!