Monday, December 29, 2008

Fun in the Sun!

Following the craziness of the holidays and my birthday, we ventured to Key Largo, Florida for a little R&R. Overall it was a great trip - perfect weather, relaxing atmosphere and good food. In addition to the below, we had some wonderful ice cream at Mr. C's Gourmet Italian Ice Cream. The owner is a real character who has been making his own ice cream for years.



We stayed at Rock Reef Resort, which was a charming small hotel on the bay side of Key Largo.



The grounds were beautiful.



Fish Matecumbe style at The Fish House. It was very tasty.



Excellent key lime pie from The Fish House.



View from the hotel. I went swimming in here despite it being a bit chilly. We enjoyed all of the hammocks around the property as well as the jacuzzi.



Breakfast from Harriette's. The biscuit was not as good as we expected, but the omelet and pancakes were passable!





Lazy conch at Chef Lupe's Mandalay Restaurant & Tiki Bar. This was really delicious - key lime butter finished it off.



As an entree, we split this hogfish dish served with shrimp. Delicious!



Another morning we ate at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen. They offer a champagne brunch option every day!



One day we went to a bird rescue center. The funny thing was that birds that didn't need rescuing were trying to get into the rescue area!



For the last few days of our trip we visited Coral Gables, where I couldn't resist sitting in the manger for a photo!


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Birthday Part Tres

On my actual birthday, December 23, Calvin surprised me with a sushi dinner at Nakato, followed by a performance of The Sound of Music at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. In addition to enjoying a wonderful show (and not being able to stop singing the songs!) it was neat to see this impressive facility. Overall this was one of my best birthdays ever. Thanks Calvin!



Amy's 27th!



Sauteed mushrooms and garlic.



Sashimi - white tuna, toro (fatty tuna), salmon and yellowtail.



Scallop sushi and rainbow roll.



Spicy salmon roll and unagi - very fresh and tasty.



Waitstaff played the drums...



and sang happy birthday!



Green tea ice cream and green tea creme brulee - delicious!

When we arrived home from the show, our friend Herb was there spending the night on the way to see his family in Mississippi.



Herb was quickly a friend of Quincy.



Nakato on Urbanspoon

Hanukkah/Birthday Part Dos

As the holidays approached we headed to Charlotte, my hometown, for some Hanukkah and birthday celebrations. We also attended a very neat Hindu wedding (see above post). It seemed like we were carried from one party to the next, celebrating with my dad's office, then a family Hanukkah party, then with my friend getting married and then for my birthday. Luckily my big day was not over yet!



Cooking latkes in Charlotte.



Amy with Cousin George.



Sticky rice with mango birthday "cake" from Monsoon Thai Restaurant - this is one of my very favorite desserts!



Calvin opening one of his presents as Grandma Sarah looks on.



The real cake! My mom's yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I'm feeling pretty good as you can see!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Birthday Part Uno

To begin celebrating my birthday I went out with several girl friends to Six Feet Under at their new location on Memorial Drive (only block or two east of their original location). The shrimp and grits were tasty, but my favorite item here is still the fish stew. The new setup is nice, with a huge bar area and more seating. We still waited about 20-30 minutes for a table for 5. For dessert we shared a key lime pie and a brownie sundae of some kind. We also tasted the Guinness Ice Cream, which was by far the most unique flavor I've had in awhile. I really liked it and I am not a big beer fan. I guess I need the cream to balance out the beery taste!




Gifts from friends during our dinner at Six Feet Under.



Shrimp & Grits.


Six Feet Under on Urbanspoon

Thursday, December 18, 2008

CO&S Holiday Shindig!



Our Holiday Office Party Feast. I made deviled eggs, lemon squares & butterscotch gingerbread cookies. I also helped put everything together!



Gifts under the tree. Since I never had a tree growing up I relish the office party tree!



Here's to a wonderful holiday season!