FoodFash

Adventure Begins in the Kitchen

Sunday Strolling

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I wasn’t the only one who was in Christmas party recovery mode this weekend! I woke up, feeling nice and rested, to a text from Val wanting to get some food and catch up on one another’s weekend festivities.  I convinced her to walk to Anthro first.

Take an extra 30% off of clearance items?  Yes, please!  Anthro dishes are by far my favorite.  I hope that one day my collection will be significant enough that I can easily set my table with perfectly mismatched goodness.  And yellow jeans?  Uh, yeah, couldn’t resist.  I had never tried on Pilcro jeans before, but I’m pretty happy with they way they fit (especially for the price point).  I may or may not be on the hunt for the green and gray pairs…

After shopping we headed to Hula Bay to soak up some of the last of this season’s warmth.  I ordered the summer citrus salad, which had a ton more fruit than I could have ever imagined.  Whether or not I actually read the description, I’ll never know.  Regardless, so much sweetness was a welcomed surprise!  And bleu cheese on salads…  My oh my.

Thankfully I didn’t have anywhere to be after lunch, because I somehow managed to get balsamic vinegar all over the place.  My shirt (in two places), both arms, my hair, probably some places I have yet to discover.  So gross.

Are your white shirts magnets to messiness?? 

Florida Misconceptions

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A Dallas friend, Justin, was in town for business and I felt it was my duty to show him a proper meal after days of conference food.  He requested somewhere scenic, probably thinking that would be easier to come by than it actually is.

So that takes me to Florida Misconception #1: cities on the water have lots of waterfront restaurants.  I could only think of two (off the top of my head) that had outdoor seating, Hula Bay and Rick’s on the River.  Hula Bay was the obvious winner.  I was later reminded of Jackson’s, but I think given the option, I still would have chosen Hula Bay.

Derailing for a moment to discuss Florida Misconception #2…  Earlier this week, Chrissie mentioned her sister had an interest in flying from Southern California to visit Key West.  I asked “Really?  Has she ever been??”.  The answer was neither of them had been and she was SHOCKED when I informed her that Key West is bar-full, but oh so beach-less.  Florida has a gazillion beautiful beaches, none of which are located in Key West!

And back to the meal.  I hadn’t eaten at Hula Bay in a while, it’s kind of far and the first five times you drive there, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a wrong turn.  It’s that far.  It’s the BFE of Tampa proper.

But after this meal, it’s back on my radar.  I sampled some of Justin’s ceviche, partly because I was starving, but mostly because I’m having a difficult time resisting fresh seafood as summer approaches.  I don’t see myself being a full on seafood eater again, but being flexible does make the lives of my loved ones a little less annoying when dining out.

And that brings me to my meal.  I saw that they offered grilled portobellos as a side and asked if I could substitute beef for shroom and create my own “burger”.  So glad they said yes!  My grilled portobello and pineapple burger with citrus BBQ sauce was divine.  I ate the whole thing and all I can think about as I write is how soon I can head back out there and order another.