Living 2 Eat |

Although I am not a morning person, I do enjoy breakfast… but I enjoy it about 6pm!   Yes, I am one of those people that enjoys fried eggs and bacon in the evening hours.   Rarely, do I eat anything more than a granola bar in the morning. 

While staying at the nice boutique styled Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, I was awakened early (by the bad sunburn I received the day before), and decided to get a bite to eat.   I ventured to the first floor and found myself seated at their beautifully appointed restaurant, Vernona.

Vernona is known for its organic offerings of regional cuisine.   The Eggs Benedict was the good choice, however, the Anson Mills’ Organic Grits were a great choice!  The grits tasted unlike any that I have ever eaten.  Very clearly, they must have been cooked in whipping cream as they were not course but more akin to Cream of Wheat.   The addition of a sweet cream butter made the bowl of grits almost souffle-like.    Again, they were the best grits that I have ever eaten.   My breakfast guest is not a Southerner and he ate every bite of his grits (I had to convince him to order a bowl).  

Ritz Carlton’s are known for five star experiences, and the Sarasota property is no exception.  Although smaller than most of its counterparts, this property is perfect for a weekend getaway.   Located in the downtown area of Sarasota directly on the bay, there is plenty to do and see.   Again, it is the perfect weekend getaway and the hotel boasts a very nice spa. 

About six years ago, I had the opportunity to join some friends in Hawaii for a week.   Our first stop was Waikiki Beach where we trekked to the top of Diamond Head, toured Pearl Harbor, and acted like tourist.

Nestled between our hotel, Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaiian is Duke’s.  This restaurant pays tribute to Hawaii’s favorite son, the legendary Duke Kahanamoku.  Duke was a champion surfer and embodied the best of Hawaii.

The food at Duke’swas extra special because of the surroundings… we sat outside, illuminated by tiki torches, feeling the warm breeze directly from the ocean, and gazing at Diamond Head.   It was kind of like the backdrop for a “Brady Bunch Goes to Hawaii” episode.   Everything a tourist could have wanted.

Ok, back to the food… we ordered seafood dishes that included fresh fish and shrimp.  It tasted as if it was just plucked from the arms length away Pacific Ocean.   The garnish on all the plates included a fresh orchid with brilliant color, and fresh fruit.  

Although I am not always a big fan of fish, I have come to enjoy fresh fish with fruit chutney.   Fruits such as pineapple, coconut, and oranges can be tastefully compliment fresh seafood and provide a filling but light meal.   Never would I eat raw fish of any kind, however, the ahi tuna looked incredible.

Waikiki Beach is very much a tourist trap, however, it will give you a stereotypical Hawaiian experience.   Duke’s is a breath of fresh air because it embodies the best of Hawaii with a great history lesson. 

By the way, order the Hula Pie!

Earlier this year, I was in La Jolla meeting with my California colleagues and they suggested a wonderful lunch spot… Jake’s.   The drive from La Jolla to Del Mar alone is breathtaking.   The Southern California coastline combines oceans and mountain (an interesting duo for a native Floridian!). 

From the time I entered into the restaurant, I was taken by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.  Huge glass windows allow for breathtaking pictures of the big blue expanse of ocean.   Jake’s could have served water and a toothpick and I would have rated it 5 star based on the view alone.  However, the food is awesome too!

The menu is rather eclectic blending fresh seafood with a California twist.   Each lunch special sounded terrific and offered something for everyone.   Fresh tuna, roasted scallops, Caesar salad with grilled jumbo prawns… just a few of their delicacies.

Although our meal ended after only two hours, I could have stayed for a week.   Southern California is a beautiful place and being able to combine it with a gourmet seafood meal thrust me into heaven.  I haven’t a clue as to their prices because a corporate vendor was paying…  however, it was worth whatever!

If are planning a trip to California, plan to spend a little time in the Del Mar area.   Travel up the Pacific Coast Highway, stop at the various seaside vendors and just enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.   The weather is generally an average of 72 degrees with no humidity.

 NOTE:  As I was preparing this review, I was surprised to learn that Jake’s is a sister restaurant to one that I love on Waikiki Beach.  

As someone who appreciates the family farm, I love visiting farmers markets.   Being a business traveler, I rarely take time to sightsee; however, I did make time to visit local farmers markets…  and the finest in the world is Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington.

Some history… “Pike Place Market is internationally recognized as America’s premier farmers’ market and is home to nearly 200 year-round commercial businesses; 190 craftspeople and 120 farmers who rent table space by the day; 240 street performers and musicians; and 300 apartment units, most of which house low-income elderly people. “The Market,” as the locals affectionately say, attracts 10 million visitors a year, making it one of Washington’s most frequently visited destinations.”  Read more, click here.

Perhaps the biggest drawing cards to this market are the folks who ‘throw fish’!  Yes, you may have seen these guys on the Travel Channel… they throw fish as a means of quickly doing their jobs, and drawing an audience to their incredible fresh seafood business.   Scores of tourists can be found surrounding this section of the market taking pictures, asking questions, sampling salmon, and… catching fish!

Folks old and young gather, and in the process they buy lots of fresh seafood.  The lobster tails are measured by the pound, not the ounce.   The prawns require multiple bites, and salmon is sold in every way possible (smoked, raw, cooked, salted, steamed, canned, etc.). 

Although this market is predominantly known for seafood to the tourist, it is a huge offering of everything – fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods, jams, jellies, herbs, etc.   Because it is the Pacific Northwest, the majority of the items are organic, locally grown on family farms and natural in every way.   I found that anything made with oats, honey, and fruits had an incredible burst of flavor because the ingredients were fresh, preservative free and 100% natural.   Very little refined sugar and flour in anything sold at this market.  

Going to Seattle and not visiting this market is equivalent to visiting Florida and not seeing Mickey & Minnie at Disney World. 

My first introduction to the Grand Central Oyster Bar was about 6 years ago.  I was traveling for Northwood University and was invited to meet Ralph Gaines for lunch.  Ralph is the son of my favorite Republican, Gay Hart Gaines.  

Ralph’s suggestion for a lunch bite quickly became one of my favorite New York hang outs.   The Oyster Bar is actually located in Grand Central Station, and is a fixture for every Big Apple gourmand. Tourists, locales, business executives and socialites all dine together in this architectural wonder.  

The menu is extremely large and features every possible seafood cooked 101 ways, and special requests are accommodated.   The lunch counter seating option reminded me of a simpler way of life and a perfect complement to the overall feel of the establishment… a rainbow of folks from every walk of life sitting side by side and bonding over a fine seafood meal.  

Over the years, I scheduled many gatherings at this location and always had wonderful experiences.   My guests were always happy for a laid back relaxed setting where the food is always fresh and plentiful.

If you are in New York, visit this restaurant and be sure to try the New England clam chowder… heavenly!

The Crescent Hotel is one that I became familiar with during my time with Northwood University.  We hosted many events at this five star property and they were always wonderful.  

The Conservatory at  the Crescent Hotel is always a favorite meeting spot for business meals in Dallas.   The stylish glass-enclosed sun-room overlooks the Crescent gardens, and is lead by Executive Chef Gianni Santin.   This location is always central and convenient.   My good friend, George Seay of Dallas, always knows two of three folks in the place whenever we get together, and this tells me The Conservatory is a favorite among the locals as well.

Breakfast selection is always Eggs Benedict with fresh squeezed orange juice.   Beautifully garnished and served, the presentation impresses everyone with understated elegance. 

As usual, for lunch I order a hamburger!   Ah, nothing like a gourmet burger at a five star property.   Nothing short of wonderful is how I described The Conservatory’s offering of this most basic staple of the American diet.

When in Dallas, head to the Crescent Hotel and tell Chef Santin that Ben sent you!   His food is terrific.

About 25 years ago, my family and I were in Fort Lauderdale and we dined at the Mai Kai.  I can remember the tiki torches, outriggers, tropical gardens, waterfalls and Polynesian dancers.  As young kid from Immokalee, this place was really cool!

Fast forward 25 years and I am back there again… and not one thing had changed!   The restaurant still exuded a pseudo Polynesian experience replete with dancers, pupu platters, and flaming batons.  My family and I loved every minute as it brought back a flood of memories.   

Although I do not remember everything we ate, I do remember the visit was more about the experience rather than the food.   Every visit of mine since has equated about the same.   The food is standard and American-ized to please our stereotypical thoughts of French Polynesia… sweet & sour, pineapple, coconut, and little umbrellas for garnish!

For a fun time and memorable experience, go and have a great time.  The attire is dressy casual (slacks and a Tommy Bahama was my attire) and will include a rather expensive meal that is not gourmet, but the surroundings (albeit a bit tacky at times) are exciting, nostalgic and represents a once grand Fort Lauderdale experience.

Believe it or not, I am NOT a buffet person.  I much prefer a dining experience where someone serves me.  Buffets are always known to have a quantity of food, but never a quality of food… until now!

For a wonderful gourmet buffet experience, visit Steve Wynn’s beautiful five star hotel, Wynn Las Vegas.   “The Buffet” offers sixteen different stations where the food is neatly portioned and displayed.   NEVER do you find huge pans of food, but smaller bowls that are garnished and symbolic of a family size portion. 

When I do dine buffet style, I avoid the salad section because I can eat salad at home.  However, this buffet offered about half dozen various specialty salads with exotic greens that were placed in individual serving glasses (not a large portion, but ample and beautifully presented… and delicious).   The seafood was fresh (or as fresh as it can be in the middle of the desert) – crab, oysters and shrimp were cleaned, spotless and plentiful.   Actually, the shrimp are size jumbo (about two “foodie bites”).

The two most outstanding things I remember about this experience… and they are both huge in my book… sweet tea, and Southern style mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans.   They must have a Southern chef on staff because these were perfect.

I dare anyone to find a truly gourmet buffet experience that beats Wynn… you cannot do it.  Wynn Las Vegas is five star in every single way.  Actually, it is the only casino to earn a five star rating by various travel guides.

NOTE:   If any of you follow business journals, you will know that Steve Wynn is credited with launching the Las Vegas of today in terms of mega hotels, theme resorts, etc.   Wynn is known for having the Midas touch in the industry because he is a stickler for detail and demands white glove service.   After selling his Las Vegas hotels (Bellagio, Mirage and Treasure Island), he became restless and decided to build a flagship property built upon his name and reputation, Wynn Las Vegas was birthed.   I have had the pleasure of being a guest at this property and no expense was spared in the guest rooms - computerized lighting, LCD screens displaying art, marble baths, phone systems that personalize with the guests name, etc.   After spending countless nights on the road for over five years, I can immediately define the shortcomings of any hotel within minutes of my arrival.  I saw nothing that needed improvement at this property! 

 As I write this review, I am heartbroken to learn that my favorite Miami Beach deli has closed its doors…  Ralph Wolfie’s Rascal House was legendary and commanded waiting lines that snaked around the building day after day after day.

In recent years, my buddies and I would head down to the South Beach / Miami Beach area for a quick weekend getaway and meals at Wolfie’s were a must.  Each time I had the pleasure of introducing my friends to this establishment and everyone loved it.   It was nostalgic, historic, and one of a kind.

As far as I am concerned, Wolfie’s had the best stuffed cabbage.   The stuffing was a gourmet meat seasoned with plump raisins.   Sweet sugary raisins gave the stuffing a unique flavor that was enhanced by a fresh tomato puree covering braised cabbage loosely wrapped and rolled.   One thing about Wolfie’s, the portions were all big enough for two.

My guests loved the Matzo ball soup, I preferred the old fashioned chicken noodle.   Soups were always hearty and fresh.   Before departing, no one could leave without a few rugalachs and famous Black & White cookies.   Just awesome.

Pickles were always on the tables, the dining counter had round backless stools, and the wait staff were elderly bleached blonds with sun damaged skin.  These ladies must have been blond bombshells in their day, and their long time employment allowed them to regale young customers with stories of visiting celebrities from a bygone era.

I have been unable to determine why this establishment has faded into history, but I am going to investigate.  I would assume the new generation might not fully appreciate a living legend.

Goodbye Wolfie’s Rascal House, you will be missed.

Caesar salad and fresh roasted duck… two of my favorites! And Maxfield’s at The Palace in San Francisco made both of them perfectly.

One thing about the West Coast is its dedication to organic produce and free range poultry.   The taste associated with these ultra fresh foods is almost magic.    My Caesar salad used a unique combination of greens with a bold (but not overwhelming) taste of roasted garlic.   The dressing perfectly coated each leaf and were adorned by croutons from a special baked focaccia.

My entree was an impeccably roasted duck with a berry reduction.   The meat was juicy and seemed to have been soaked and/or marinated in this special sauce.   As with any bird, the crispy skin stained with a thick berry compote made this dish divine.  Beautifully garnished and presented, it was perfect.  However, I felt like a slacker as I arrived at the hotel fresh from an East Coast flight wearing shorts!   Because it was very late in the evening and near closing, I begged to be seated and  was granted entry.    Everyone else was impeccably dressed.

Since The Palace’s opening in 1909, Maxfield’s has welcomed its guests with characteristic warmth and attentiveness. Named after the acclaimed Edwardian illustrator and artist Maxfield Parrish, the setting captures the detailed aesthetic of the early 20th century, evident in the original mosaic tile floor, the rich hardwood paneling and the superb stained glass ceiling. Maxfield’s lunch and dinner menu explores traditional and contemporary American cuisine, drawing on the local bounty of organic produce, dairy, beef and seafood.  

The Palace has attracted dignitaries, business moguls and celebrities alike. Presidents Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft, Harding, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Clinton all spent time here. John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan and Oscar Wilde were guests, and actress Sarah Bernhard caused a stir when she arrived with her pet baby tiger. Leaving its mark on the 20th Century, the hotel hosted President Woodrow Wilson in support of the Versailles Treaty and in 1945, catered the banquet honoring the opening session of the United Nations.