Ancient Olive, A St. Augustine Experience

Last night, I had a foodie "experience".

I'm not talking about a dining experience, either. I'm talking about an experience full of flavors, and scents, and great discussions about amazing food. It's just that there wasn't a lot of food there.

Besides some dipping bread, of course.

The Ancient Olive on King Street specializes in olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They have a ton of each--literally filling the store with stainless steel containers holding the mysterious liquids. There is cubed bread for the tasting, but they also provide small plastic cups so that you can dip your tongue in the goodness as well.

What do they have? Let's start with the olive oils. There are olive oils from around the world, and the very helpful staff (ask for James, who actually ran down the street to get me some ice cream so that I could taste a blood orange olive oil on top of Claude's vanilla bean ice cream) will walk you through where each is from (the processing standards vary dramatically from region to region, and James is happy to explain the intricacies to you in a way that's entertaining and enlightening all at once).

There are infused olive oils, with the light taste of basil, lemon, herbs, butter, or any number of other interesting flavors.

Then there are the vinegars--a delicious array of deep balsamic vinegars with hints of espresso (I bought a bottle), strawberry, blueberrry, lavender, apple, vanilla, and many many more. (You can see all of their offerings at www.theancientolive.com).

You can taste as many as you like, and the staff will make suggestions for usage at home. For instance, on First Friday Artwalks, the Ancient Olive staff makes a delicious salad with pears, strawberries, and a strawberry infused balsamic vinegar and a basil olive oil. Delish!

You can buy their products in 375 ml bottles, or in small tasting-sized bottles (hint, hint--stocking stuffers, anyone??) They also sell homemade pastas, as well as a small selection of beautiful serving pieces (I am lusting after a tray I saw there...and I may have to go back this weekend to pick it up!)

I could go on and on all day about the wonderful staff (James got married in St. Augustine 2 years ago, and a lot of his guests stayed at the inn, so of course we were fast friends!), the amazing flavors, and the expert suggestions, but really--you have to "experience" it yourself.

Supper with the Spirits: Call for Tickets!

SUNDAY SUPPER WITH THE SPIRITS

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH

AT THE DOW MUSEUM OF HISTORIC HOUSES

1790 – 1910

THIS EVENINGS TOUR, “SUPPER”, AND ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORED IN PART BY SAVOIR FAIRE

Tonight you will be having your supper in the 173 year old Dow House, one of the 9 historic houses on the beautiful Dow Museum grounds.  These last 200 years, many folks have lingered here for a night or a fortnight; however tonight, we will sup with spirits of two famous ladies who brought the Gilded Age to St. Augustine.  

At 6:30 PM guests will arrive at the gate and be greeted by their guide in period clothing, then shown to the 1906 Worchester House where wine and cheese refreshment will open the evenings’ festivities. 

As the guests enjoy the refreshment and mingle, the atmosphere changes, suddenly it is 1906; the flamboyant Dr. Luella Day Mc Connell sashays onto the scene in her Barnum and Bailey fashion, introduces herself as Diamond Lil, and her fascinating St. Augustine story unfolds.  When the Diamond Lil energy fades, the real life guide steps in to bring everyone back to the present, it is time for the lantern light tour of historic homes and gardens.   

At 7:30 PM, after the tour of homes, the guests will be seated for a lovely plated supper.  The candlelit, linen covered tables will be set with chilled salad and carafes of wine.  Candles are flickering; soft music is filtering through the cottage as the main course is efficiently served.  Tables cleared, desserts and coffees served. 

Suddenly another woman appears from the dark, she looks to be a contemporary of Diamond Lil.  Could it be that infamous Ida Alice Flagler, the second wife of millionaire developer Henry Flagler? The wife who hosted the most elaborate balls St. Augustine has ever seen!  Disheveled but determined, clutching her Ouija Board, it is evident she has been here before, in the dark and quiet, looking, looking.  Tonight however, you are here!

Tonight all guests will receive a copy of author Karen Harveys “Daring Daughters”!

·         When: September 30th 2012

·         Time: “Activities” begin promptly at 6:30; you don’t want to miss anything!

·         Place: Dow Museum, 149 Cordova St. St. Augustine, Fl. 904-823-9722

·         Menu: Sliced beef tenderloin with steamed prawns, with horseradish sauce. Potatoes Maison: herbed, whipped, piped and baked. Steamed fresh carrots with butter and dill. Nantucket salad. Key Lime cake with fresh berries,

·         coffee, red and white wine.

·         Price: $ 59.00 per person, cash or charge, includes a copy of “Daring Daughters”.

·         Reservations: Required reservations paid 3 days prior to event.

Contact: Dow Museum 904-823-9722 or Melissa Stuart 904-501-1253

 

 

It's Friday, and I'm Going to the Beach

I don't plan on sweating today, and I certainly don't plan on crying.

But a walk by the water sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

Happy weekend, everyone!!

Breakfast in Bed

You know my favorite part of vacation?

 

Room service.

 

I'm serious; my husband may want to hike a beautiful trail, or swim with dolphins, or tour some spectacular house, and I like all of that just fine. But my all time favorite thing is to just open the door--while I'm still in pajamas--and have someone bring a nice tray of yummy yumm-yumms into the room (I like room service for dinner, too--but my very favorite is breakfast).

 

I don't even care what's on that tray--because I haven't met the breakfast food that I don't like. Last time I was on vacation, I was determined to eat healthy meals the whole time (I must have been on drugs). So I ordered oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast, along with green tea.

 

I will tell you, even oatmeal tastes extra special when you eat it in bed.

 

Anyway, this is all just my way of reminding you that we do serve breakfast in bed. It's an extra $20, and it's $30 if you want homemade mimosas. Of course, you also can eat it in our gazebo, or on our gorgeous patio, or in our dining room--and there's no charge at all for that.

 

Of course, in my mind, twenty bucks is a small amount to pay for a total indulgence to start the day. What do they say on the commercial? It's *priceless*!

 

 

 

Whether or not you like The Weather Channel, You Have to Like St. Augustine (And they definitely like us!!)

St. Augustine was featured yesterday morning on The Weather Channel, as their meteorologists broadcast from our lighthouse from 6am til 10am.

You can check out the whole story in the Record here.

Speaking of weather, it's absolutely beautiful this morning. I need to get to the store to buy some things for our new bathrooms (they should be ready next weekend!), and then I'm headed to the garden.

Enjoy the weekend!

Local Secrets: Where to Eat

If I had a dollar for every time someone says to me, "Wow--Saint Augustine has the most amazing restaurants. It must be great to live here and eat at them all the time!!"

If I *did* have a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I might have enough money to eat at Saint Augustine restaurants all the time.

Which is why I was so excited when Mojo's finally opened (their contractors may have moved even slower than our own--and that's sayin' something). Mojo's is a barbecue place...the kind of casual, laid back joint that offers pulled pork sandwiches and a row of 5 different sauces to enjoy with it (Chipotle, Sweet, Vinegar, Mustard, and Mojo BBQ). I like to douse the pork in vinegar, then dot with a little of the sweet sauce.

They have awesome sides, too--like pit baked beans (smoky and just a little sweet), collard greens (so good with chunks of bacon), the best french fries in town (I put a little vinegar on them too), mac n' cheese (haven't tried it yet, but people moan when they taste it), black eyed peas, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, and a bunch of other ones that I also haven't tried. They've only been open about a month; give a girl a little time.

But you know what's really awesome about it? It's huge, for one, which means that you can actually go there on a Saturday night (we locals NEVER go out to eat on a Saturday night--it only makes us cranky to wait in lines), and you can get a sandwich and side for just nine bucks.

That's right--nine bucks. In addition to the pork, the hub loves the blackened catfish, even though you can't load it up with sauces. I plan to try the maple salmon entree next time I go--sure, it's a whopping $15, but sometimes even us locals have to live it up.

Getting Crafty: My Latest Wreath



This wreath doesn't suc-ulent.

 Every now and again, I get inspired to do something a little crafty.

Last week, inspiration struck and I created this wreath for our back patio area. It's where we keep the bicycles and beach chairs, and it's not a very trafficked area--but I think every space has the right to be beautiful.

What do you think? Is it beautiful or what?

(Want to make your own? I got a grapevine wreath, then glued green "grass" to it, as well as some natural moss. I then wired--and hot glued--2 sizes of terracotta pots to the wreath, and filled them with succulents. Because I know I'm not great at watering! Then I tucked in/glued some little birds, a couple of butterflies, and finished it with a raffia bow made out of two colors of raffia, a pinecone, and another bird for good luck. I bought everything at Michael's, except the plants which I got at Home Depot. It was about $25, plants and all).

Happy Fourth (On the Fifth)

It was a beautiful night last night for fireworks (and for a wedding, which we happened to have).

You can see the fireworks from our front lawn (and from the front porches, of course). It's a perfect place to enjoy the holiday!!

And that's exactly where our bride and groom sat after their ceremony was over: right on the front lawn, in front of the display.

We said they'd see fireworks!!

Summer in Saint Augustine

Surely I've told you that Saint Augustine was named one of the prettiest cities by Forbes Magazine. (I didn't? Check it out here).

Well, this photo reminds me why I love my new town so much.

Want to know the best way to see the ancient city? On foot. Just start wandering around...you'll be sure to come across down-home scenes like this one before too long. (This young entrepreneur set up her shop on Saragossa Street).

If your feet are too tired for another walk, just ask to borrow one of our bikes. It's the second best way to see the town.


See you in the streets!

First Friday ARTWALK!

Tonight is Artwalk, folks!

Grab an umbrella and join us at one of the 16 art galleries in Saint Augustine. The galleries will be open until 9, and many will be showcasing new artists.

See you there!

Sailing, Takes Me Away...

This is what a "not so spectacular"
St. Augustine sunset looks like!!

Have you ever noticed how many songs there are about sailing? There's John Fogarty's Sail Away, the Enya classic Sail Away: Orinico Flow, my Randy Newman fave Sail Away (he often closes with it), and the Styx classic Come Sail Away.

But that's just the beginning...there are tons of sailing songs and books and movies. (I only know because I had to look up the "real" name of Enya's song and I found this huge list on wikipedia). Honestly, I don't understand intellectual copyright laws at all, because it doesn't seem like you should be able to have 100 songs with the same name.

Legalities aside, there's a reason all these singers want to harmonize about life on the high seas: it's because it's mesmerizing. It's relaxing. It's like going to another world.

Last night, the hub and I enjoyed a sunset sail with a few friends, going out with the awesome Captain Chuck and First Mate Rose Ann of St. Augustine Sailing. (That's them above...the woman in red is our friend Mrs. Locklear, whose birthday we were celebrating). We took a 41' Hunter sailboat, which has a very nice cabin below deck, as well as plenty of room for the six of us to spread out and enjoy the lazy evening.

It's hard to be uptight on a sailboat. I mean, I guess if you're on the Bounty and Fletcher Christian is coming towards you with a big rope and a pistol, it might be a little nerve-wracking. But the likelihood of that is pretty low.

A relaxing sail is so nice, in fact, that the hub thought our guests might enjoy the outing. So he put together a great package--a two hour sunset sail on a sailboat, just for two people (plus the crew, of course--you don't want to help sail the boat). It's a totally blissful getaway, and it's only $129 with a three-weeknight stay. You can see all the details on our website.

If you're interested in learning more about the package, just give us a call at 904.824.4301. We'll be happy to give you the whole scoop.

Unless, of course, we're out sailing. (Check out some of the photos from our trip below...and yes, all of the photos on this blog are really from our trip. And Rose Ann apologized that it wasn't a spectacular sunset!)

The marina on Vilano Beach is beautiful in its own right.
 Our captain's favorite boat name? THE LAST BOAT #4.

The dolphins followed us all night--I didn't even have to zoom for this shot.

Saint Augustine: Beautiful any time of day!

Don't Hate the Players, It's Next Week!

The Players Championship

May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012

Ponte Vedra Beach

TPC Sawgrass, 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

http://www.pgatour.com/

 

The game's greatest players compete at TPC Sawgrass THE PLAYERS Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach. THE PLAYERS Championship is recognized by PGA TOUR members as their championship tournament. It features one of the most coveted titles in professional golf, the strongest field of competitors and the richest purse. Previous winners of THE PLAYERS Championship include K.J. Choi in 2011, Tim Clark in 2010, Henrik Stenson in 2009, Sergio Garcia in 2008, Phil Mickelson in 2007, Stephen Ames in 2006, Fred Funk in 2005, and many other greats.

This year's tournament schedule includes Monday through Wednesday, practice rounds, Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday and the main THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP Tournament Thursday through Sunday, which will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel from 1 to 7 p.m. and on NBC on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. For ticket package information, call 904-285-PUTT or 800-741-3161 or visit www.pgatour.com. http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r011

And don't feel like you have to stay in Ponte Vedra to see the action--lovely St. Augustine is just 15 minutes away. In fact, I've heard that there are still some very nice rooms at the Bayfront Marin House.

Rhythm and Ribs and Other St. Augustine Tastes

Is there a better feeling than sleeping in on a Saturday? Heck, who cares if it's Saturday, is there any better feeling than sleeping in EVER????

I woke up at 10:45 this morning (!!!), grabbed my suitcase from yesterday (that's why I was so tired--I was up at 3:30am yesterday and then didn't get home until about 11), and started my laundry. That's really all I do at home lately--stumble in, kiss the hub, wash some clothes, then pack another suitcase.

I thought I was still half asleep when--just a few minutes after starting a load of whites--I heard music. Cool, rhythmic music, coming from St. Francis Field (just about two blocks from our house). YES!! Today is the second day of Rhythm and Ribs!! Thank goodness I didn't sleep through that!!

Assuming that you're not still in bed, you should run over for some awesome barbecue (lots of napkins provided) and even awesomer music. As I type this, I can hear Swanky Mo's wrapping up their set, but after they vacate the stage there are six more acts to come (including Eager Beaver, The Committee, Yankee Slickers and JJ Grey & Mofro).

The festival goes til 10 tonight, and 11 til 6 tomorrow. Admission is $5 (and that starts at 3). See more info at http://www.rhythmandribs.net/.

Today is also the Taste of St. Augustine, held at the Amphitheatre from noon til 8. It features tasty morsels from about 20 different restaurants, including Gas, Gypsy Cab, Raintree, Creekside Dinery, and lots of our other favorites. Admission is $5, and food tickets are additional.

Want to park at the garage, but then don't feel like running over to the island? There's a shuttle that runs between the two events, hosted by the Green Trolley. The trolley holds 25 people--so line up early if you want a seat!

I've got a wedding on the beach at 3:00 (look for photos on Facebook later), but I'm going to want to hit both of these events. Good thing I got a lot of sleep, because I could be up late eating ribs!!

Hope to see you there, well rested and well fed.

Mr. Christian, That is Mutiny!!!

One of the hub's favorite movies is Mutiny on the Bounty. He likes all kinds of water movies, and this is a water movie with a good story. His favorite is the 1984 version with Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson (this was back when Mel Gibson rocked a mullet and just acted, instead of just acting crazy like he does now). There's a Marlon Brando version from '62, too...he's made me sit through that one at least twice.

Well, this Thursday is the hub's lucky day because the HMS Bounty--built for the Brando movie--is on the high seas and headed to Saint Augustine!! It will be docked at the City Marina (about 100 steps from the Bayfront Marin House, coincidentally) from Thursday, April 26 til Monday, April 30.

The crew will be on hand to answer any questions about the ship, life at sea, and even maritime movies. (Maybe I can convince one of them to do their Brando impression, too!)

There's more information at http://www.tallshipbounty.org/.

Who's Your Farmer?

Feeling hungry? Join us tomorrow from noon til 5:00 for the Tour de Farm, an annual tour of more than 20 farms in Northeast Florida that offer a great look at the food we eat, the farmers who grow it, and the chefs who make culinary magic with it.

Now wait, before I get ahead of myself, I should rephrase that: join us tomorrow to visit *some* of the 20 farms that are open to guests, because there is no way that you can physically visit all 20. You can see the full list of participating growers at www.slowfoodfirstcoast.com. I personally recommend that you go through the list and choose your favorites.

Admission to the farms is free, and the activities at each farm vary. There are cooking classes, plant sales, petting zoos, hayrides, and tastings. Just make sure that you register with the volunteer working at each farm so that we can keep a count of attendance--last year, more than 8000 people visited the farms during the five hour event.

There should be lots of seasonal produce to pick up. Here's a list of some of the things in season right now: squash, kale, mustard greens, collards, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, white and sweet potatoes, turnips, yellow and green beans, eggplant, and lettuce and herbs.

See you down on the farm!!

Egg-Citing Plans for Easter!!

Easter is this Sunday and the Easter Festival Committee is ready.

The big push is at 3 p.m. April 8, when the Easter Parade makes its way through downtown St. Augustine.

Bands, floats and Easter bonnets are the drawing card for this annual event, begun in 1959. What’s special is that the holiday hats are worn by horses pulling the sightseeing carriages in this oldest city.
The parade begins at the Mission of Nombre de Dios on San Marco Avenue and follows along to Avenida Menendez.

Easter promenade
Also on tap Easter Day is the annual promenade in the Plaza de la Constitucion, between King Street and Cathedral Place. The free event begins at 12:30 p.m. with visitors and residents strolling through the Plaza dressed in their Easter best. Prizes are awarded for Easter finery ranging from the group traveling the farthest from home to the oldest city to the best Easter dress and most original hat.

Other festivities
This year’s Easter Festival concludes at 2 p.m. April 15 with the Fromajardis Serenade at the Spanish Bakery on North St. George Street; and the 3 p.m. Royal Family Tea, which follows at the bakery. There is no charge for either event.

Presiding over the Easter Festival is the Royal Family, portraying the ruling family in Spain in 1672, year construction was begun on St. Augustine’s fort, Castillo de San Marcos.

Let's Paws for a Moment on March 31

Do you feel guilty when you drop your dog off at the kennel? Don't you cringe when you see your pup wag his tail, even as you're sneaking out for a nice vacation? Don't you grimace when you hear her bark optimistically as you walk away, as if she expects you to turn around and just say "Kidding!"

You don't have to leave your four legged friend at home. The Bayfront Marin House is pet friendly. So pet friendly, we serve organic puppy biscuits for happy hour! (Separate from the people food, of course).

And Saint Augustine is pretty pet friendly, as well. In fact, we have a whole list of restaurants that are happy to serve Fido, beaches that love fur bikinis, and activities that welcome your little four-legged friend.

So, if your pup will be in town on Saturday, March 31, there's an event just for the two of you. The dog walk at Butler Beach Park East is a family friendly event that will include music, food, prizes, and a cool demo by the K-9 division of the sheriff department.

You can register online and read all the details at www.360fundraiser.com/124. Or call the Humane Society at 904.829.2737.

The event goes from 10:00 to 1:00 pm. Bring your dog; look how happy *this* little guy is:

Francis Dunnery in the House!!

We sent this email out to a bunch of press-type folks tonight. Just wanted to make sure that you all know first!!

English Musician to Play Intimate House Concert at Local Bed and Breakfast

Saint Augustine, FL—March 23, 2012—Francis Dunnery, an English musician, singer-songwriter, record producer and record label owner, will be performing a house concert on Sunday, April 22, at the Bayfront Marin House in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Dunnery is best  known as a solo performer, and for fronting the original lineup of the band It Bites between 1982 and 1990. His credits include co-writing and singing the #6 UK hit single, "Calling All the Heroes", in 1986.

“My wife and I have been fans of Francis Dunnery since we saw him perform in Philadelphia several years ago,” says Mike Wieber, owner of the Bayfront Marin House on Avenida Menendez. “When we heard that he was interested in performing in very small venues in the United States, we contacted him to see if he’d be interested in playing in America’s oldest city.”

Concert promoters contacted the Wiebers in early March to tell them that their inn had been chosen as a concert venue. The concert will be held in the bed and breakfast’s dining room at 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm. Dunnery will be playing from his “Tall Blonde Helicopter” tour.

Dunnery served as a sideman and musical contributor for artists as diverse as Robert Plant, Ian Brown, Lauryn Hill, Santana and Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. He has worked as producer and/or collaborator with David Sancious, Chris Difford (of Squeeze), James Sonefeld (Hootie and the Blowfish), Erin Moran (better known as A Girl Called Eddy), and Steven Harris (ex-The Cult, Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction). In addition, Dunnery owns the Aquarian Nation record label.

For more information, or to order tickets, please contact the Bayfront Marin House at 904.824.4301 or info@bayfrontmarinhouse.com. Tickets are $30 for the general public, and $18 for bed and breakfast guests.

Do You Like to Sea Food?

You remember that joke, right?

Your best friend (or worst enemy) in second grade asks if you like seafood. When you say yes, they open their mouth and show you all the chewed up food they could shove in there.

I'm embarrassed to say that the hub still sometimes asks me the same thing. I always say "No".

But I won't say no this weekend...not with the annual seafood festival taking place on Francis Field.

The festivities begin Friday at 3:00. I plan on heading over there around 6 for the first of many crab cakes I will try this weekend.

More info at www.lionsfestival.com.

Menorcan Madness

Our neighbor is a Menorcan (meaning that her family is one of the town originals from the Spanish island of Menorca).

I don't know a whole lot about the group, but I know that they make an amazing clam chowder and I am a big fan of their pilau as well. Pilau (at least the way I've had it) is a single pot dish with rice and meat and onions and probably anything else sitting on your countertop.

I mention this because tomorrow is the Menorcan Festival. It's held right down the street at the Llambias House and admission is FREE. They're going to have pilau (the flyer says "various kinds"), clam chowder, and baked goods.

I plan on checking it out--it's open from 11 til 2.