Recent Posts

2003 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

July 4, 2014September 9, 2016

I had never heard of Emidio Pepe when I bought this bottle of wine. I was talking to a shop owner, asking questions and looking for something "interesting" and he pulled out this bottle. I was confused. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from 2003? My general rule was to drink Montepulciano nice and... Read More

Breakfast Recipe Sweets

Rye-Pastry Pop-Tarts with Cherry Amaretto Filling and Almond Glaze

July 2, 2014September 1, 2016 baking, fruit, pop-tarts, sweets

How to make Rye-Pastry Pop-Tarts with Cherry Amaretto Filling and Almond Glaze Experimenting in the kitchen today. I've been contemplating homemade pop-tarts/hand pies for a while now and I came across a fellow blogger who was doing just that, only she was using a rye pastry that really tickled my... Read More

Cocktails

Cheeky Negroni

July 1, 2014July 19, 2016 Aperol, Gin, Lillet

I remember the first time I tried a negroni. I was so excited. I like medicinal flavored cocktails so I thought I was going to love it. Then I tasted it. And I just... couldn't. It was too strong. I know when I'm beat, and I have no interest in... Read More

Orlando

Trader Joe’s in Winter Park

June 30, 2014July 19, 2016

Ah, Trader Joe's. Welcome. Orlando has been waiting for you. Like the rest of Central Florida, I was eagerly awaiting the opening of the New Trader Joe's in Winter Park. For the last few months, as construction progressed, I was giddy with excitement every time I drove by, knowing that... Read More

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Italy Sangiovese Syrah/Shiraz Tasting Wine

2007 Castello Banfi Summus

June 29, 2014September 9, 2016

Right off the bat, I've got to say wow. Not to be too cheesy, but Banfi sure put the super in Super Tuscan when they made this wine. I'd been holding on to this bottle for a couple of years, ever since I went to a seminar with the winemaker.... Read More

France Grenache/Garnacha Syrah/Shiraz Tasting Wine

2010 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone

June 29, 2014September 9, 2016

There are some regions, some grapes, some styles of wine that just naturally fit. That's the way I feel about the Rhone region of France. From the powerful and meaty Crozes-Hermitage in the North, to my favorite Chateneuf-du-Pape in the South, I find something about these wines extremely appealing. For... Read More

✷ Recipe Soups and Stews

Chicken Tortilla Soup

June 29, 2014September 1, 2016 chicken, Mexican, soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe I love soup, but hot soup in the summer doesn't really call to me unless it's chicken tortilla. The spiciness of the broth cooled down by cheese and sour cream, the fresh cilantro, these all scream summer. Although honestly, I wouldn't turn down a bowl of... Read More

Cocktails

Ginger Margarita

June 28, 2014July 19, 2016 Margarita, Tequila

I'm not much of a tequila fan. I'd usually prefer whiskey or gin. But who doesn't love a good margarita? I have 2 main problems with most margaritas. 1. They are too sweet. 2. I hate the salted rim. I know I'm probably going against the grain with both of... Read More

Restaurants Tampa

Oxford Exchange

June 27, 2014July 19, 2016

Across from the University of Tampa, and just a few blocks from Edison, resides one of the most beautiful restaurants in Tampa, the Oxford Exchange. It's more than a restaurant, it's an entire mini-community, including tea shop, coffee shop, bookstore, retail space, bakery, meeting/community rooms and more. Originally a stable... Read More

✷ Recipe Sweets

Jeni’s Splendid Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

June 27, 2014October 20, 2016 buttermilk, ice cream, strawberry, sweets

How to make Jeni's Splendid roasted strawberry buttermilk ice creamI have two favorite words when it comes to ice cream, and those words are "Jeni's Splendid." Jeni's Splendid is an artisan ice cream company out of Columbus, OH. I've never eaten ice cream from her shop. I've never eaten it... Read More