Cheeseburger in Paradise...la la la!

A few weeks ago Tom and I enjoyed a long weekend in the Florida Keys. That's right, just the two of us in paradise. Tom was already in Fort Lauderdale for work, so I flew in Friday morning and we made the 2 hour drive down Highway 1 to the Florida Keys. As the mile markers were counting down, we knew it was time for lunch so we stopped at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen in Key Largo. It was so busy that we had to wait for parking. You know you found a good spot when a place is that packed! The interior of the restaurant is really kitschy with tons of license plates plastered all over the walls, but Tom and I decided to enjoy the warm weather while we could and ate outside. We enjoyed fresh fish and crab cakes with all the trimmings and for dessert we tried the restaurant's specialty, a Key Lime Freeze.

After lunch we continue down Highway 1 to our home for the next three nights - La Siesta Hotel and Marina in Islamorada. Our room wasn't ready, so we decided to take a dip in the pool, soak up the sun and relax to the island tunes (the XM station Margaritaville was constantly playing). The resort is a little tired, but it sits right on the water and features a heated pool, marina, free kayak rentals, breakfast in the morning has a variety of rooms that all include a kitchen. We were lucky and stayed in a one-bedroom oceanfront cottage that had a little patio and a hammock. What's not to love?

Our little cottage

We had a great view from our cottage

That night we did a little shopping and had dinner at Lazy Days which sits right on the water. We once again ate al fresco and if it had been during the day we would have had a great view of the ocean. The food was great and Tom even got to eat an entire fish!

Tom's perfect meal

The next morning we took a kayak out and it was a really good workout, especially when the wind picked up. It was also very peaceful, just cruising along looking at the ocean, the sea life and checking out the oceanfront homes. For lunch we went to Shula Burger to have our cheeseburger in paradise, but when we walked back to the car we had a very flat tire on the rental car, apparently very common in the Florida Keys. We had to wait for a new tire, so we wandered over to the Tiki Bar and had a couple tropical drinks. We could have waited there all afternoon, but we had places to be! The tire guy eventually showed up sans tire, so that meant we had to put the spare on and switch the car in the morning.

Flat tire? No problem!

In the afternoon we went to Robbie's Marina for a snorkeling trip. The Happy Cat boat took us to two different coral reefs where we saw tons of colorful fish and even a crab. The waves were about two feet high and we were bobbing all over. Both of us drank our share of the ocean that day!

After our busy day, we were looking forward to a relaxing dinner at Morada Bay Beach Cafe. We noticed it the night before when we were shopping and knew we had to come back. It's situated right on the beach, lit up with tiki torches and there is a live band playing most nights. They don't take reservations, so we made sure to get there early. While we waited we enjoyed some cocktails, live music and watched the sun set. Pretty perfect, but it got even better. We had a prime table on the beach and the food was amazing, especially the conch chowder and key lime pie.

Morada Bay Beach Cafe

Table isn't ready yet? No problem!

Sunday was our last full day and our first stop was in Marathon to switch cars. After that we met up with Tom's friend who was staying at Bahai Honda State Park. Kyle has been traveling around North America for over four years and lives full-time in an Airstream trailer. I have to say it is one of the nicest trailers I've ever seen. Not to mention he gets to wake up to an amazing view every morning. Bahia Honda State Park is immaculate and has real sandy beaches. Most of the Florida Keys doesn't have actual beaches, because of wear and tear from hurricanes and other natural forces.

Once we said good-bye to Kyle we continued down Highway 1 and stopped for lunch at Boondocks in Ramrod. If you go, try the truffle chips. You won't be disappointed! Our next destination was Key West and on our way we went through the Key Deer habitat. Unfortunately no sightings.

Key West is party central. They even allow drinking in the streets. Since it was Sunday, it was a bit tamer than normal, but I don't think we'll be taking Isabelle there anytime soon. We did a lot of walking, popped into a bunch of shops and even went to the southern most point in the continental US. Before we left, we went to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for a bite to eat. The bite to eat turned into the worlds largest nachos, the Volcano Nachos, and a some fruity drinks. No Buffet sightings...maybe next time?

On our way home we stopped by Lazy Days for a light dinner, drinks and key lime pie to go. The next morning we had breakfast by the pool and then it was time to head back to the frozen tundra. It was a wonderful trip and I can't wait to visit again...one of these days!

If you're wondering how Isabelle fared, well she had a lot of fun with my parents. They took her to the Jelly Belly factory, to a civil war museum, the outlet mall, toy store and she had lots and lots of play time!


WHERE TO STAY

La Siesta Hotel and Marina
80241 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 80.2 Oceanside
Islamorada, Florida Keys 33036
305-664-2132 | 877-278-0369
http://lasiestaresort.com/


WHERE TO EAT

Mrs. Mac's Kitchen 
99336 Overseas Hwy.
MM 99.4 South US HYW. 1
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-3722
www.mrsmacskitchen.com

Lazy Days
79867 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 79.9 Oceanside
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-5256
www.lazydaysresturant.com

Shula Burger
84001 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 84.5
Islamoradoa, FL 33036
305-664-5300
www.shulaburger.com/

Morada Bay Beach Cafe
81600 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 81.6, Bayside
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-0604
www.moradabay-restaurant.com

Boondocks
Mile Marker 27 ½
Ramrod, Florida
305-872-4094
www.boondocksus.com

Sunset in the Florida Keys

BEER. It's what's for dinner.

Today I finally had a chance to make the De Halve Maan Beer Soup and it turned out even better than I expected.  It's a savory soup, chock-full of vegetables and the Bruges Zot blond beer really shines. I'm being modest, I know, but even Tom said it was a ten. Did I mention our house smelled amazing? The recipe is down below and my notes are in brackets. I will definitely make this again.

Here's how I got the recipe, still can't believe it! Thanks again De Halve Maan Brewery!

Recipe for De Halve Mann Beer Soup

Ingredients:

2 leeks, 5 carrots, 1 stick of celery, 2 onions, parsley (finely chopped) [I used 1/3 cup]

Butter [2 T], pepper, salt [to taste]

1 liter Vegetable stock [about 4 1/2 cups]

1 slice of boiled ham, chopped

1 slice of mature cheese, chopped [I used Gouda, recommended by my French sister-in-law]

1 bottle of Brugse Zot blond [Binny's in Chicago sells it]

A dash of cream

Prepare:

Brown the chopped vegetables in butter, add the vegetable stock and leave to simmer. Add pepper and salt and the beer. [I added the pepper, salt and beer with everything else.  Brought to a boil and then let simmer for a half hour.]

Serve the soup, add per bowl a spoon full of cheese and ham, serve with a dash of cream and parsley.

Enjoy [Enjoy we did!]

Brugse Zot blond

Pricey - $18.99 for a 4-pack at Binny's.

 

Lots of veggies!

Adding the special ingredient.

The finished product.

"Happy New Year!" - Frosty the Snowman, 1969

Happy New Year!  Time does fly by, but I'm learning to stop and enjoy the moments.  2012 brought a lot of memorable moments and of course many involved traveling. We made road trips to see family in Michigan and Iowa.  We survived our trip to Europe and looking back I'm so glad we did it before Isabelle started walking.  Our little girl likes to run free these days.  We went camping in Door County - an Emmons family first, and we'll make sure it's not the last.  Tom and I even made a kid-free trip to Ohio for a friends' wedding.

I can't wait to see what 2013 brings!

Relaxing in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
May 2012

Sometimes all you have to do is ask...

My sister-in-law was in Europe a few weeks ago and during her trip she went to De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges, Belgium to sample their delicious beer and amazing beer soup.  I've been to Bruges a few times and I didn't try the beer soup until this year.  Boy did I miss out, because it is one of the best soups I've ever had.  Hearing about it again made me want some, so I decided to search for a similar recipe. No luck.  Everything I found was more of a stew.  So on a whim, I decided to email the brewery and guess what...they sent me the recipe!  No joke!  I'm busy with holiday baking, so I haven't had a chance to make it, but when I do I'll let you know how it turns out. 

At De Halve Maan Brewery waiting patiently for our soup

Gobble, Gobble

Sometimes it seems like Thanksgiving is all about stuffing the turkey (and yourself), while planning your Black Friday shopping list. More importantly, it’s the time to be thankful for all the blessings in your life. So, here’s what I’m thankful for…

A wonderful husband who is an adventurous travel partner

A beautiful, smarty pants daughter who loves to explore

A wonderful expanding family full of parents, sisters, in-laws, my grandma and tons of nieces and nephews

Great friends – old and new

And of course, the opportunity to travel!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Let's bowl, let's bowl, let's rock-'n-roll

Our tour of the Midwest continued last weekend with a trip to my home state of Iowa. We packed in a lot of snuggle time with our new nephew, ate a ton of birthday cake (Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!) and on Saturday afternoon we went bowling with the whole family at The Hotel Blackhawk* in Davenport.

The hotel first opened in 1915 and for a long time it was the hip, happening place to be. Cary Grant was even staying there when he died in 1986. As the years wore on the hotel fell into disrepair, but after a fire in 2006 the hotel was sold and renovated. It reopened in 2010 and now it feels like the jewel of downtown Davenport.

The Blackhawk Bowl and Martini Lounge is located on the lower level of the hotel and it definitely has a lounge feel to it with the lights changing colors, music thumping (but not too loud), and sleek furniture. In the main area there is a large bar and six lanes with big screen TVs at the end of each lane. There is also a private VIP area with two lanes.

The bowling alley is surprisingly family friendly. There was a child’s birthday party going on while we were there and the kids all seemed like they were having a blast. There is also a ton of room by the lanes and plenty of seating. Isabelle was on her best behavior and sat on the sofa perfecting her high five while we bowled. I don’t think it gets much better for a 16-month-old who loves balls!

If you go:

Blackhawk Bowl and Martini Lounge
200 E. 3rd Street (lower level of The Hotel Blackhawk)
Davenport, IA 52801
563.484.5908
www.blackhawkbowl.com

Price Range: $35-$45 per hour/lane – reservation required
Great For: Birthday Parties, Fun Day/Night Out, Date Night

*The Hotel Blackhawk was previously called The Blackhawk Hotel and I’m scratching my head as to why they changed the name. 

Just a spectator...this time!

Michelle and Janell rocking their NON rental bowling shoes.

Wining and Dining on High Street

Last weekend Tom and I were in Columbus, Ohio for a wedding (congrats again Ann and Nick!). We flew in Friday night and stayed at The Blackwell, owned by The Ohio State University and located right on campus. We lucked out with a deluxe room on the executive floor – free breakfast, refreshments and afternoon snacks, plus excellent views of the stadium. After settling in, we ventured into the cool, cloudy night to find a place to wine and dine. It started to drizzle moments into our walk and that drizzle soon turned into a downpour as we went by BW3, Dominos Pizza and countless college bars. After turning around to buy umbrellas at CVS, we ventured on with the help of Yelp. We walked away from campus, down High Street and checked out a Mexican place, a sushi place, an Indian place that advertised $1 shots, and finally we came to Alana’s Food and Wine. This restaurant is located in a large old house with a wide front porch and loads of character. Because we walked in off of High Street, we had to wind our way through the restaurant to find the hostess stand, which is situated in the back, by the parking lot and bar area.

We didn’t have a reservation, but they had an open table for two, so we were seated immediately. There was the requisite candle on the table, tablecloth and unique artwork all around. The artwork was very bright and colorful. Not modern, not traditional…more like folk art and it was all for sale.

Our waiter was very friendly and answered all of our questions about the menu, which is seasonal and changes daily. We ordered a bottle of Cotes du Rhone that was delicious and very reasonably priced. The waiter brought out artisanal bread and olive oil infused with herbs. The bread “bowl” was made from denim and I might have to try to make one. What a great way to use an old pair of jeans!

For the appetizer we ordered the $7 Surprise (there was also a $10 version). They wouldn’t tell us a single thing about it and when it came to our table we were pleasantly surprised. In fact, I think it was the highlight of our meal! It was a version of corn beef hash, but the chef used short rib meat, with spaghetti squash, in this sweet sauce with an egg on top. IT WAS AMAZING!!!

For our entrees Tom was going to order the Meat Surprise, but they ran out - a testament to the popularity of their surprise dishes. Instead he ordered the Vegetarian Surprise which turned out to be a version of succotash with lots of beans, greens and tofu. Tom’s entree was good, but I ordered the brussels sprout risotto and it was better. The chef visits the local market daily, so the brussel sprouts were the best of the best. I would definitely order it again!

We skipped dessert and after two hours of wining and dining, Tom and I left dry, happy and full!


If you go:

Alana’s Food & Wine
2333 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43202
614-294-6783
http://alanas.com/

Price Range: $30-$60 per person
Great For: Foodies, Special Occasion, Intimate Dinner

We didn't get a photo from our Friday night out, but
here is one from the next night.  Fun in Ohio!

Visions of Pink Elephants

Tom’s brother and sister-in-law live just outside of Brussels and it’s a great excuse to visit Europe…like we need one. During our 2009 trip we spent a day in Brussels where chocolate, waffles and beer were freely consumed. One of our last stops was the Delirium Café, home to over 2,004 beers. While we didn't have any actual Delirium beer (we can get that at home), we did enjoy a nice variety of unique beers. Each one was served at the right temperature and in the proper glass - perfection! If you love beer like we do, especially Belgium beer, add the Delirium Café to your travel list.

Is this heaven? No, it's Belgium!

Certified!

I wanted to take a tray home.

Matching glass - love that!

Princess for a Day (or Two)

The first time I went to Germany was in 2001 with my parents and sisters. We were obsessed with seeing castles and that trip did not disappoint! In my opinion, the best castles are in the Mosel and Rhine River Valleys, so when we went to Germany in April, we spent two days exploring the area. My favorite is Burg Eltz, a medieval castle that’s been in the same family for over eight centuries. It's situated in a forest by a small river and you have to walk down a steep hill to get to the castle gates. Burg Eltz is furnished as it would have been 500 years ago and during the guided tour you see where the nobles slept, where they relaxed, where they dined and where their servants cooked. During our two-day castle bonanza, we also saw Rheinfels Castle and took a cruise on the Rhine River. I definitely recommend visiting this region of Germany!

Burg Eltz

Contender for the Christmas card.

Our princess!

Rheinfels Castle was built in 1245.

It's still standing...barely!

Views from the Rhine River

Don’t Forget Your Sword

During our last trip to Europe, we went to the village of Appenzell, Switzerland. Appenzell is home to really smelly cheese, lots of cows, beautiful mountains, great beer and an interesting voting tradition. Appenzell Inner Rhoden or Appenzellerland is also the name of the very traditional canton (aka district) where the village is located. Rick Steves said, “In Appenzell's towns kids play "barn" instead of "house," while Mom and Dad watch yodeling on TV.” I think that sums it up pretty well!

We arrived in Appenzell the day before the big voting assembly. Every year, on the last Sunday of April, every man and woman of voting age gathers in the main square of Appenzell for open air voting, known as the Landsgemeinde. There is a grand parade to the main square with officials in their robes, flag bearers from every community in Appenzellerland and a marching band. Everyone who votes is dressed to the nines and the men all carry swords, which show they have the right to vote. Women received the right to vote in 1991 and they receive a slip of paper that lets them into the voting area.

It was fascinating to see the voting process and we weren’t the only people to think so based on the number of fellow tourists eating, drinking and watching the proceedings.

There was definitely a festive feeling in the air and the percentage of people in their late teens/early 20s was high. After the voting was over, it was time for everyone to let loose. Most of the restaurants and beer gardens were full of young people drinking the local Appenzeller beer and I’m sure the festivities continued long after we went to bed!

Swords and Suites

Isabelle enjoyed the parade!

Pageantry

Voting in action