Archive for Orlando
Reason Why You Should Make Friends With Salespeople…
Posted by: | CommentsI always say when something stinks, I’m going to tell you and when something is amazing, I’m REALLY going to tell you. I may be tough but I only expect good customer service. Above average customer service really makes me take notice.
Here’s why I advocate being friendly with salespeople in your favorite stores – they will alert you to some good deals coming up, they will take care of you and other perks. I have stores I go to time and time again in Orlando – especially when it comes to all things kitchen and entertaining. At the top of my list, of course, is the Le Creuset outlet at the Prime Outlets.
Greg and his staff always take care of me. They know that I obsess over everything Caribbean Le Creuset and a couple weeks ago I got a call from one of his top salespeople going “Lys, we just got in the Le Creuset soup pot in Caribbean and we’re holding it for you if you want to drop by.” Can I tell you at the first opportunity, I flew to the outlets and didn’t make my usual rounds to Saks Off Fifth, Neimans or Stuart Weitzman – it was straight to LE CREUSET to see the latest addition to my household. And, mind you – I’ve had my eye on it for a bit since I saw it at Sur La Table a few months ago. (Sidenote – hello - Williams Sonoma – When are you going to *ahem* start carrying Caribbean? Seriously – love that color!) Not to mention, hello – the outlet had it on SALE! Double score. Let’s just hope the outlet gets more Caribbean because I still have a couple more things I need for my kitchen *cough* wide oval dutch oven *cough*
Ahhh – isn’t she lovely? Almost as lovely as my new Loubous but that’s another post for another blog on another day…
Much thanks to Greg and his staff at the Prime Outlets in Orlando. I can’t recommend a better store for all things Le Creuset.
One Of These Things Just Doesn’t Belong …
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"Crispy Caramel Chicken Salad"
Last week I went to lunch with some friends and we decided to check out Hamburger Mary’s. It’s a new spot that recently came to downtown Orlando and is definitely a fun spot. It’s perfect for this gal – I mean they even serve your check in a STILETTO!
SL had been coveting their “to die for” salmon salad and, well, who am I to argue. Plus – I do have a bone to pick with Downtown Orlando – lunch options are really limited. Whatever is really good tends to disappear. I mean, c’mon – Cafe Ritazza and Nature’s Table have gone downhill and if I’m going to spend $8+ for a sandwich, it better be good.
In between catching up with Mich and SL and checking out the latest dance vids on one of the many screens playing through Hamburger Mary’s, we decided to split an app. – Fried Mac ‘N Cheese. Delish! For my entree, I was brave, coming out of my safe shell and try something that had me intrigued – the Crispy Caramel Chicken Salad. I figured “Well, it’s probably sweet and savory” and thought that the caramel was an accent. Well either the chef had a craving for a caramel sundae or they seriously think this hot ass mess was definitely palatable.
From Hamburger Mary’s website:
CRISPY CARAMEL CHICKEN SALAD
Fresh chilled mixed greens topped with crispy fried caramel chicken, tomato, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, croutons with ranch dressing.
Let me be frank – there was no “CARAMEL CHICKEN“. It was caramel drowning every iota of this salad. It was just, for lack of a better term, horrid.
SL was so gracious when he tried it, commenting “Well, it’s not my favorite” and resumed attacking his salmon salad with gusto (more than likely to erase that swill of caramel swirled over the chicken like it was vanilla ice cream). I kept trying to find the good in it but I just couldn’t. I came to the conclusion that while they thought they were being innovative, quite frankly, the term “less is more” should apply here.
Hamburger Mary’s, I’m sorry but you get a “FAIL” when it comes to this idea. I think that the next time I come in, I’ll be sticking with something safe – like the salmon.
A Bounty of Fruits and Veggies…
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In my quest on eating healthier this year, I made a commitment to actually USE the produce I buy.
I am guilty of shopping for groceries sans list, going “ohhh – let me try this” and “Ooohhh, that looks great” and my bags are loaded with produce due to my impulse shopping (and you thought I was bad with shoes – not!). During the week, lately I have been so drained from the 9to9 that when I get home my fingers start dialing for takeout. Not to mention, I really don’t have much time to spend at Publix or Fresh Market these days – it’s that crazy.
Well, I found out about this great service called Orlando Organics where they deliver a plethora of organic goodies to you and you get to set the schedule for weekly or bi-weekly, all very reasonably priced. In addition to my normal order, I decided to add some extra fruit. The people there are so great, very personable and actually pay attention to what you may not like and try to help you out with your delivery. All in all, I’m thrilled so far. And, now that I have my Lotus system, I’m excited.
So, with that, let’s see what I got, shall we?
- Blueberries (just in time for The Chic Life’s Weekly Challenge)
- Strawberries
- Kiwi (Have to admit – never tried it but I’m up for a challenge)
- Bananas
- Apples
- Pears
- Cherry Tomatoes (roasted tomato sauce for tortellini)
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Winter (??) Squash
- Avocado
- Baby Carrots
The cooler was crazy full with a plethora of organic goodies. I felt like a kid on Christmas going “Iron Chef – Ingredient – I dunno!” If anything it spurred the creativity in me and I have some interesting things on the agenda this week.
Now, please excuse me while I am off to learn about all things Winter Squash…
A Night Out With Foodbuzz and Florida Foodies at Todd English’s bluezoo…
Posted by: | CommentsEveryone is “buzzin’” about it and let me tell you – it was an event to be remembered. Last Saturday, yours truly, along with a fabulous group of Florida Foodbuzz Featured Publishers had an evening out at Todd English’s bluezoo here in Orlando, Florida.
The event was amazing, to say the least. My buddy, SL, and I departed for all things Disney and something about the hotel just reminded me of Palm Beach. Calm, serene and decadent. The restaurant didn’t disappoint either. We met up with a host of fabulous people and, after a cocktail at the bar, we were ushered into the private dining room (Squueeee!) and treated to a 6 course menu prepared by their executive chef that was to die for. OK, VIP at the club, I have to say that I’m spoiled. VIP at a fabu restaurant – just lead the way. Thank you!
The staff at bluezoo left no need unattended. Their waiters were attentive, the wine was flowing and the conversation was fabulous. Attending this lovely evening were Jenn of The Leftover Queen, Judy of No Fear Entertaining, Ingar of Taste Memory, Chris of Pickles & Cake, Susan of Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy, Peter and Christey of Fotocuisine, Erin and Chris of The Olive Notes, Rachel of My Little Marshmellow, and Bryan of The Tattooed Gourmet. Also, joining the Florida crew was the uber fabulous Ryan of FoodBuzz and The Pink Spoon fame.
Now, you get this group together and fun is only the beginning.
I know you really want to hear about the food, though so, while these snaps were not professional (have you SEEN the photos on the other blogs – I so need to put back the stilettos and get a better camera), trust me when I say you are going to get a little hungry. The menu started off with:
My take: the bacon provided the perfect touch of smoke to something that was already near perfect.
The amuse was followed by:
My take: This was just stunning. I wish you could see it in person and, if you do get a chance to go to bluezoo, you MUST try. It’s a deconstructed shrimp cocktail that was just divine. You have to see some of the other posts to see the hilarity that ensued as everyone had their “shot”.
This was followed by:
SECOND COURSE
beet salad…candied walnuts, goat cheese fondue
My take: OK, I have to be honest. The salad was just fine but I am NOT a fan of beets. I don’t think I ever have been. It’s just me. That’s all.
This was followed by:
THIRD COURSE
spice route char…curried beluga lentils, zhataar carrot, yogurt spill
My take: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this dish. Did I tell you I loved this dish?? The char was perfectly cooked. The sauce had the right amount of spice and the carrots and lentils were flavorful. If I could pester the chef for the recipe, I would.
This was followed by:
FOURTH COURSE
sous vide amish chicken…parmesan polenta, picholine olive, deconstructed tomato sauce
My take: While the chicken was good, I was more of a fan of the polenta. (What can I say – I love polenta.) And you pair this with arugula, I’m sold. The deconstructed tomato sauce was also flavorful.
Finally, we were presented with:
FIFTH COURSE
warm chocolate cake with liquid ganache center……
maracaibo chocolate cream pudding, peanut ice cream
My take: Ummm… yes, it was BETTER than it looked. TRUST a gal. Thanks to this decadent treat, I am inspired to make the peanut butter ice cream.
Dinner was followed by coffee and cordials, more fabulous conversation and goodie bags courtesy of Ingar. Also, before Judy slaps me, I have to divulge a little secret. If you want a great after dinner coffee, add some Frangelico, Baileys and, I believe Amaretto, to the coffee and enjoy. If I wasn’t driving, I would have definitely had one or two. Now if only I can learn how to make a proper cup of coffee at home. :::sigh:::
Many thanks to all that came out. The camaraderie and conversation is only the beginning and I look forward to spending more time with these wonderful people. Also, I have to say a special thank you to Jenn, Judy and Ingar for putting this all together. Finally, we wouldn’t have had this fabulous opportunity if it wasn’t for Foodbuzz and Ryan. Thank you so much.
bluezoo rates high on my “must go to” spots here in Orlando and I know I will be going back often. I cannot recommend them enough. And, coming from a gal who goes OUT of her way to avoid all things Disney, you know it must be damn good. Tourists & I are non-mixy things, except when it comes to this spot.
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Check out everyone’s take on the evening:
- The Leftover Queen
- No Fear Entertaining
- Taste Memory
- Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy
- The Olive Notes
- The Tattooed Gourmet
- FotoCuisine
- My Little Marshmallow
