Getting Back Into Things!

Well, the birthday party is done and no, I’m still not fully recovered. BUT, better each day.

First tonight, all about food!

I was out at Home Depot on Lee Road on Friday for pavers and such and couldn’t resist being so close to La Spada (in the strip center adjacent to David Maus Volkswagen) and NOT going there. If you’ve never been to La Spada, am I wrong to say they are the BEST subs (hoagies) ANYWHERE? They are UNBELIEVABLE! And everyone I mention that to seems to always agree. I was surprised that the crowd in there was than I’ve seen every other visit, but the owner told me everyone was ordering early that day, with an order for 75 sandwiches before they got in that morning. If you haven’t tried La Spada, you, my friend, are missing out!

On that food subject . . . . we ordered 4 Rivers barbeque for the birthday party and I’m quite sure it was the best we’ve ever had. We got both pulled pork and beef brisket. If you worried a change of location would in any way impact the barbeque which had developed a Local cult following . . . if anything, it’s gotten BETTER! I’m going to throw in a favorite recipe here we made to go along with it. It is EASY, which means even a disaster in the kitchen like myself can pull it together. It is a PERFECT Florida food, great year round. We just call it Broccoli Salad, and it’s five easy ingredients: broccoli, red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits and ranch dressing. It’s delish!

Saturday morning I rushed out to the Winter Park Farmer’s Market to grab more sprucing up items, including flowers for outside and bromeliads for the entry and mantle. For me, hard to beat the drama and color of bromeliads with their leads bursting forth, that colorful center flower rising from the center.

Sunday early I was at the Maitland Farmers’ Market around Lake Lilly for an interview about Winter Park Honey for my column this week. Jeanette is a trip and I learned a lot, so look for it tomorrow on-line, through next week in the Observer. But I also ran across Julie Fisher, whom I’d met at the Winter Park High School get together in Hannibal Square over a month ago. Julie also operates Hidden Cypress Hollow Nursery and was there with some of her pinecone ginger. It’s not only a beautiful flower with intense red coloring, but also contains liquid – just squeeze – great for your skin and hair. Watch for Julie at the Maitland Farmers’ Market on Sundays, or contact her a [email protected] if interested in more info.

The whole birthday thing seemed to go on for days! Sunday evening the weather was so nice, we decided we’d go out for a bit, ended up at Dexter’s on Hannibal Square for beer and calamari. I cannot tell you how GREAT this calamari was. It came with a buffalo sauce and it was soooo good! And the calamari was FRESH, with a delightfully light breading. I guess I should have expected it to be good, but it reminded me of all the best calamari we’ve had over the years living in Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and now here. It was great! And, we had a nice server, Fredman. He said he calls everybody “man”, including his mom! Hence, Fredman.

And, on the birthday itself, we had a wonderful dinner at Bosphorous, including my favorites, the white bean salad, zucchini patties and chicken kofte kebab patties. Yum, yum and more yum! I’ve been a huge fan of Turkish food since visits to the country in 2000 and 2001. Interesting tidbit I remember from that tour . . . largely considered the three great cuisines of the world: French, Chinese and, yes, Turkish! I could debate those a bit, but won’t here. I was surprised Italian wasn’t on the list.

A few mentions for upcoming activities . . . . if you haven’t purchased tickets for this Thursday’s Sip! on Park Avenue, too late! It’s sold out. Procrastinators take note. If you wanted to do it this week and have missed out, always best to buy early in the future!

Next week, October 3 & 4, Casa Feliz features renowned Southern Design Expert and Author Susan Sully. She will be be speaking on Wednesday, October 3, 5:30 pm - 7 pm and on Thursday, October 4, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon. Tickets are $15, evening refreshments include light tapas and sangria, morning cafe con leche & Spanish pastries served prior to lecture. Reserve your spot by calling 407-628-8196, email [email protected].

‘Give A Dog A Home’ dog this go round is Tiger Lilly. She's a sweet black and white girl, weighing about 44 pounds and about 9 months old. She came to Pet Rescue by Judy via Local police, who found her with a homeless man unable to properly care for her, get her medical care. She's a sweet girl looking for her new furever home. Find out more info about Tiger Lilly or other available pets on the Pet Rescue by Judy website.