Key West Discovery

One of the benefits of having friends in Key West is that we get to visit rather frequently and it doesn't get too expensive. Another benefit is, every time we go, we end up trying something new.

This time, El Hombre and I shucked our bikes for a bit and borrowed a scooter. I generally don't cruise Duval because it's overcrowded and overdone. Instead, we like to scope out side streets and all the cool stuff they have. This past weekend, we shot down to Green Street, which is right on the marina near the charter boats and a bunch of bars. We like that part of town because it's a little more local and there's a bunch of different things going on. This time we walked just to find some relief from the heat when we stumbled on an amazing discovery: the Key West Ice Cream Factory.

Now, typically I don't like ice cream. It's just too heavy and I hate eating heavy foods in the summer. But they offered air conditioning and an amazing smell. As El Hombre was ordering a soda, I discovered something I had to try, key lime sorbet. It's everything you need on a hot day, it's crisp, with a sweet, tangy, almost sharp flavor that instantly cools you off. And you have to try it with a waffle cone, which they make fresh in the store, it's an explosion of amazing in your mouth. And it's sorbet so it's light, and doesn't leave you feeling heavy and bloated afterwards. Plus you can sit inside and watch the boats, and people stumbling from bar-to-bar, which is entertaining all in itself.

Robert is Here

Ever since I discovered the Homestead Farmer's Market I have wanted to go a little further south to hit up Robert is Here. I had been hearing about this fruit stand for a bit, and then when a few other local bloggers hit up the area, I decided to do the same.

Robert is Here is a fruit stand located down in the Redlands and it's been around since 1959. If you go now, it's much more than a fruit stand. They have canned jams, honeys and sauces, much like a shop you would find in the Carolinas, and in the back they have several types of animals.

When you arrive on the weekend, like we did, you will see vintage tractors and cars:



and depending on the time, you may be greeted by live music. As you walk into the stand, you are hit with the scent of fresh citrus fruits, slightly sticky and sweet, yet refreshing at the same time. As you walk further in, you discover a medley of local veggies and crafts:




They also are known for their shakes. If you are there on a weekend, it's best to order your shake, and then wander outside to see the animals:



(cutest things ever!)






You can also scope out the fields, in case you had doubts that their produce is locally grown:



All in all, it was a fun experience. Much better than fighting traffic to the boat show or the Coconut Grove Arts Fest. It's especially fun if you have kids, because they get a kick out of the animals and the shakes. We ordered our (extremely tasty) Key Lime shake, and while we waited, we devoured a mango from Peru. Because on a warm 80 degree day there's nothing better than sweet fresh mangos and shakes. mmmmm

Cookies!

Hello all,

So if you haven't seen in the Herald, CBS4 (two days in a row), Channel 10 (also two days in a row) and Channel 7,

Girl Scout Cookies are here!

I personally, am pumped. But I am also a cookie/chocoholic. Cookies are just a way of life for me.

I can't wait to get some Thin Mints and Samoas and crush them up into some vanilla frozen yogurt!

Exploring South Miami-Dade County (Part 1)

I have been talking about going to the Homestead farmer's market for awhile now. I have been cajoling El Hombre to go with me, and we could never find a reason to drive so far.

Well, that reason finally came about with the seasonal opening of Knauss Berry Farms in the Redlands. Knauss Berry Farms is known for their baked goods, particuarlly their cinnamon rolls.

Nobody else had that idea:

After waiting in line, drinking our strawberry shakes, we got into the building. In addition to breads and rolls, they also sell some fresh flowers, jams and oddly-named veggies:




El Hombre and I bought some fantastic oatmeal raison cookies, honey wheat bread and cinnamon rolls, which we promptly took outside, sat in the grass and ate a few.


It was definitely worth the wait. mmmmmm

Tastalicious Report: Gusto Fino

Today I left work early because I was "asked" to support a cause yesterday, and in the process I got sick. So on my way home to the Gables, I stopped at a little local boutique restaurant called Gusto Fino for some comfort food (I'm Italian America.)

I've been here several times before and have nothing but good things to say about it. It's tiny, embraces it's Italianness, and the food is always good (my favorite day to go is Wednesday because the soup of the day is Italian Wedding Soup.)

I always order a panini, which, while expensive, is totally worth the money. You get freshly-sliced meats and veggies on Ciabatta bread, friendly service and enough sandwich to fill you up for the rest of the day. yummmmm

Cupcakes

This place is delish. I LOVE cupcakes and we stumbled across this store by accident, on our way to get a smoothie and go trampling around Coconut Grove.
yummmm