Have a Summer Fling

Sure, it's cold, but you can come inside and have a Summer Fling. There's enough vodka in it anyway...

WinterFest 2009

It's a little known First Coast competitive food event that draws chefs locally and from around the country. As I believe in informing foodies about all that the area has to offer whenever I can, I'm announcing WinterFest 2009 to be held in St. Augustine from January 15-17.

The events will be held on the campus of the The First Coast Technical College’s School of Culinary Arts.

You'll see everything from demos from Chefs like Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard of Bistro de Leon, to hard-core food competitions. Believe me, you'll be well fed. Even though the competitions have been around for 14 years, there are still St. Augustine foodies that miss this one.

Even if you can't make it out on Thursday (15th) or Friday (16th) do come out on Saturday(17th). Definately don't miss the Minorcan Cuisine competition on Saturday. Things kick off in the morning, so be there by 9 am.

If you need more info on this event, contact David S. Bearl at 904-829-1060 or
bearld@fcti.org; rotachef@yahoo.com

What: WinterFest
Where:FCTC School of Culinary Arts
The First Coast Technical College’s
School of Culinary Arts, Building C, 2980 Collin Ave, St. Augustine
When: Jan 15-17

Oral Explosion

I don't think I'm the only one with a dirty mind. Oral Explosion is not the name of a stripper or a strip club. It's the name of a company that's building a stand-alone food court on San Marco Blvd. The name already has connotations, but once you add what the old location is standing on, then it's hilarious.

As an interesting side note, I've been asking random people in my life what they think of when they hear "Oral Explosion." I got really fizzy candy, something to do with sexy mouth action and, of all things, vomiting.

I've no idea what sorts of foods will be in this center. Fast food, such as what you'd find at the mall, seems to be the consensus. I'm hoping it will at least be tasty fast food.

I do like the design of the building, though.

Check out what they're saying about it on Metro Jacksonville.

MOCA Jacksonville SALE

I'm a total sucker for a museum store. So when I saw the big SALE signs at the MOCA gift shop, I just had to cross the street and take a look. I got a vase from Roost for less than $8 and I was eyeing the reasonably priced Angela Adams glasses

It looks like people are catching on that there's a sale, but you can get some Angela Adams rugs for a marked down price. There are also an assortment of various glass work vases and ceramics that are marked down by 70%. They're a real steal and well designed.

Lovely Lamb

Maybe I love too many things. Lamb is one of them.

Here's a Lamb recipe I put together this past weekend. If you're an exact sort that craves 1/2 teaspoon measurements, go back to baking. This recipe is for cooks, not bakers, and honestly as long as you keep the lamb from burning and don't over marinade, you should be fine! Leave behind your fear of guestimation. You'll feel so free.

I used bone-in Australian blade chops.

I marinaded them in a mixture of pomegranate cherry juice, raspberry blush vinaigrette, roasted red peppers, rosemary and some left over bacon. (You can marinade from 1-4 hours.)

I took some pistachios and ground them up almost to a paste and tossed in some freshly grated garlic, sesame oil, finely chopped fresh rosemary and a few pieces of the roasted red pepper from the marinade to form a sort of tasty crust. Then I broiled it according to the package instructions.

Then my smoke alarm went off.

The lamb was not in the least burned, but I have an incredibly sensitive smoke alarm, which starts going off the moment I even think of frying bacon or broiling anything.

There are no pictures because we ate them. And they were very good and tender too.

Sweet Clothes

Found this clothing site that I absolutely love! It's rather Mad Men, I think.

My favorite dresses so far:








The shoes, skirts and shirts look cute as well, but I am stuck on the dresses.

I Heart Salmon

I love salmon. It's healthy but oh-so-tasty. Here are a variety of recipes I've found on the web:

Salmon Pesto Pasta

Salmon Cakes with Chipotle Corn Salsa

A Simple but Tasty Maple Mustard Salmon -- This one is great because it's only three ingredients!

Simple Smoked Salmon Dip -- replace the liquid smoke in this recipe with a little green tabasco!

And, here's a site devoted to salmon recipes!

Orange Decor is Underrated

Lately I’ve been attracted to the pop-sizzle of orange. It’s the accent color in my half-decorated bathroom.

Here are a few orange things from our own Nest-Living in Five Points (and online)







I plan to post other orange items from other retailers (not all will be local, of course). It's a sadly neglected color. Sure it's a little retro, but what isn't these days!