Tommy Bahama

Had a great dinner and a fun time at T.B. in Naples last night. John and I enjoyed the young couple next to us celebrating their daughter's birthday...their son looked appropriately bored, but a good sport nevertheless.

The musician entertaining the diners had a playlist sure to satisfy everyone there, even if John did request AC/DC's "Hell's Bells." We "settled" for Tom Petty and The Eagles.

Our dinners came with sides of swarming flies, but that's to be expected when you're eating outside. The restaurant made every attempt to diminish the effects....lemon oil, citronella lamps, tiki torches, but to no avail. John's scallop slider appetizer seemed to attract more than a fair share of intruders, and although he was afraid of chomping on one, he seemed to avoid a mouthful. My Loki Loki Tuna Poke was exempt from the attackers, and I devoured every last bit. John had the snapper for dinner; I had the flatiron steak. The flies didn't really diminish our appetites or spirits. Speaking of spirits, my two Tommy 'Tinis with blue-cheese stuffed olives satisfied my tastes quite nicely, thank you very much.

Michael Franks - Eggplant (Live 1991)

Chocolate Wine?

"The right chocolate paired with the right wine can create a near-orgasmic experience."  Hmmm.  Certainly something to consider.  Chocovine.  When I saw this creation in Publix the other day, I picked it up--certainly chocolate and wine are God's gifts, but I just couldn't get past the chocolate milk look.  One would have to throw away all knowledge of what a good wine should look like in the glass, as even those of us with limited expertise don't want to see a thick, cloudy beverage in our favorite stemware.  But, perhaps if I can think along the lines of "dessert," I might give this a consideration.  The website lists some interesting cocktails to make using Chocovine, such as a "Treasure Island" with Banana Liqueur and Coconut Rum; and the "Midnight Rush" with Espresso Vodka.  All sound interesting for sure, but I'm not sure about the Cabernet mix....

You know I'm going to try this.  Just for curiosity's sake. 

Chocovine

Eat Pray Love

This book is a gem.  Written by Elizabeth Gilbert, it's a memoir described as "One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia. 

Well, I've just finished "everything" in Italy, and it was such a pleasure and an enticement to read Gilbert's salivatingly beautiful descriptions of her love of, and relationships with, Italian food, including the name of her new friend, Luca Spaghetti.  From her carpaccio rolled around hazelnut mousse to the "best pizza in Italy," I was ready to book a flight.  I can understand this affection for food, since eating is not just a means of sustaining life in an Italian family...it's more of a religious experience.  It's about savoring the tastes, the textures, and the aromas.  It's about sharing that passion with those you love. 

Yes, the book is primarily about a spiritual journey following her divorce and deep depression, but in her search and brilliant writing, I find myself answering and asking questions about my own life. 

I'm off to India; then Indonesia.  I'm tempted, however, to re-read Italy, since I hate to leave it behind. 

4th of July Fare

I'll be headed over to my sister's place tonight on Marco Island; we're going to enjoy a few cocktails and probably consume more food than two small-ish women should.  It's the Italian heritage.  I've always said that eating is a sporting event. 

I'm going to make coconut martinis.  Simple recipe:  Van Gogh's Coconut Vodka--about 1 1/2 ounces per drink shaken over ice with 2-3 teaspoons of Coconut Milk.  Strain into a martini glass.  Garnish as desired.  I've had a similar drink that was garnished with toasted coconut, but as coconut can be chewy when eating it, I don't find it a desirable addition to a drink.  Perhaps garnish with a piece of fresh coconut and a sprig of mint. 

Donna is making portobello burgers with roasted vegetables, and I'm making baby back ribs.  She has a Key Lime Cheesecake for dessert if we're not passed out from food or drink by that time. 

Have a great day, everyone!  Happy 4th.

Ode to Anonymous.....Part Deux

I should like to take this opportunity to thank "Anonymous" for his--yes, now I'm sure it's a "he" based on the choice of recent words--comment on my absolutley adorable great nephew.  Though you are, in fact, the only one to offer your congratulatory words and visions of virtual cooing at him, I take no offense, since I have been such an absent and infrequent blogger that I am sure the masses of people reading my snippets of life gave up on me or just fell asleep waiting for the next entry. 

So, I thank you, Anonymous for noticing.  Be well out there in Blogville.

The Sweetest Thing

I can't think of anything sweeter for my blog than to announce the arrival of the newest member of our family.

Jackson James Thomas, born today to my wonderful nephew Greg and his beautiful wife, Maggie.  Everyone in our family wishes our new little guy a healthy and wonderful life filled with joys-a-plenty and troubles a-few. 

Welcome J.J. 

Ridgway Bar & Grill

There is no shortage of enticing restaurants in Naples, Florida.  My sister and I enjoyed a lovely lunch at The Ridgway Bar & Grill on Third St and 13th Ave yesterday.  The atmosphere is comfortable, yet classy; the service was excellent, and the food was delicious.  I decided on the Goat Cheese Tart with Ratatuoille, Greens, and a Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette.  It was light, yet satisfying...the goat cheese melted underneath the finely chopped eggplant and onions. 

The owners, Tony Ridgway and Sukie Honeycutt, have many years of restaurant experience, and Tony's French culinary training was showcased with the pastry tart encasing the perfectly cooked vegetables and goat cheese.  Sukie's expertise is with their extensive selection of wines. 

I look forward to a future visit for dinner, as their menu and location are a perfect combination for an enjoyable dining experience. 

You can read more about this classic destination at:
Ridgway Bar & Grill