As mentioned previously we do Birthday Week. On day 2 of my celebration we had dinner at our favorite local trattoria, Nonna’s Trattoria on Aviles Street. When I say favorite, seriously we eat there once a week and the food is always good with great service, and tonight was no difference. We shared a bottle of Cab; we both had the grouper which was delicious and tender with a lemon caper sauce. Phil had a side of pasta with the same sauce and I had a Caesar Salad. And because it was my birthday Adamo sent over a piece of tiramisu which is always a treat!
In our house we celebrate Birthday Week – not just one day. My birthday week began on my birthday – May 30. Having cocktails at our neighbor and friend James’ condo we came up with a great plan to start the celebrations. (Side note he is a great host and bartender!) The plan was to have lunch at the Alcazar as I have never been there and then do the tour of Flagler College – James is Flagler Alumini so he was arranging this. And then just play it by ear from there.
Pre Birthday Cocktails at James’
The Alcazar is in the Lightner Museum which was once a posh hotel in the Gilded Age of Henry Flagler. The Lightner is a beautiful museum and worth a trip just to explore the grounds and the exhibits. The Alcazar restaurant is actually located in what was once an indoor spring fed swimming pool. You can see pictures of the pool in all its glory at the museum. As one who loves to float, I can imagine floating there all day peacefully gazing at the skylight that provided natural light. You need to go see this for yourself.
Historic Pool at the Alcazar – courtesy of the St. Augustine Record
The Lightner Museum
Lunch was delicious and the service was attentive and impeccable. We started with wine: Phil had a glass of the Brunello Di Montalcino, James had the Redbreast Riesling—a lovely dry refreshing Riesling, and I had the Lafitte Rosé. To make you hungry we shared Classic Escargot in Garlic Herb Butter (done right, tender not ‘chewy’) with pita toast points. Phil started with the Avgolemono soup and James with the soup du jour: Cream of Asparagus. On James’ recommendation Phil had the Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich, James had his favorite the Cuban Panini, and I had the Asparagus Panini. For sides we chose the fresh made chips, Cajun Coleslaw and Yellow Rice. Everything was delicious. And since it was my Birthday, we had to have dessert (and more wine), so we shared a piece of the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Which was like eating a chocolate bar with a fork—dense, rich, chocolaty. While there I kept wishing Mother was still with us, she would have loved having lunch at the Alcazar.
After lunch we made a quick pit stop at our condo to drop off presents and then on to our next destination…the tour of Flagler College – formally the Ponce Hotel. (Stay tuned for A Birthday Celebration – Part 2.)
To give you a teaser…St. Augustine is full of beautiful architecture, history, and glamour of an age long gone. One can only imagine the lifestyle, guests, and soirées in that Gilded Age…if the walls could only talk.
Before moving back to America’s Europe we lived in a small ‘rural’ town. While it offered many things, it just wasn’t right for us. At night it was quiet; you heard owls, frogs, and crickets. On the weekend you could hear the bands that played at the waterfront restaurants.
In the city the sounds are different, and we are pretty much in the heart of the city—right off of the plaza surrounded by bars, restaurants, shops, galleries and B&B’s. Which means a lot of foot traffic.
Here we still hear the frogs at night, especially when it’s been raining, but no owls or crickets. Instead, we hear horse carriages on the cobble stone street. When the windows are open you can hear the guides pointing out the points of interest on the tour. The building next to us, was once the home of a Confederate Army General, it has a beautiful courtyard. Apparently, it is haunted as it is on one of the Ghost Tour’s. I have heard two different stories, one involves a woman ghost and one a little boy, the stories drift in and out. Perhaps we need to take the tour to get the scoop.
Bits and pieces of tourist’s conversations can be overheard: dinner reviews, tired kids, SIRI helping them find their parked cars, a restaurant or bar. Live music from local bars can be heard mixed with random musicians playing on the street or Plaza. On the weekends Bachelor or Bachelorette parties—always one person who still wants to stay out and party.
The night music of the city is a different jam; a beautiful cacophony of a city getting ready to sleep, and we like it.
Let me tell you about Asado Life. For a year now, we have seen posts about in on Facebook and have been curious. Everyone raves about it! Some feel the price at dinner is a bit high…still we were curious. Then someone told us how good their lunch was. And we had to go.
So, this is not a place we can walk to. But the drive is not far at all, and sometimes it’s good to take the car out for a drive!
You may ask what exactly is Asado? Asado is a traditional event in South America; in particular, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. But it is more than grilling meats, it is a social event. At Asado Life they have Asador Events at dinner time on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. And after experiencing lunch I can tell you we will be making a reservation for one of these events in the very near future – and you will be the first to hear about our experience. (Stay tuned.)
Wood for the grill.
As you have figured out by now it is all about the meat and all about the barbeque. And while they are not grilling on the patio at lunch, you can see the kitchen hard at work as it is an open kitchen concept. The restaurant has a modern fresh look to it – lots of bright white! The patio on the water’s edge is beautiful and offers amazing views and a nice breeze. Which is where we sat for our lunch.
We started with a drink, Phil had a Paloma and the bartender made it perfectly! I had a glass of the Pinot Noir. And then lunch…it was so hard to choose because everything on the menu sounded so good. Phil went with the special that day: a stuffed Chile relleno – three cheeses, served with grilled steak and arroz. On our server’s recommendation I went with the Caesar Salad (dressing made in house) and a grilled boneless chicken thigh. For me that was the best Caesar salad I have had in StA (unless I am making it at home). Neither of us were disappointed – and here is the thing, the portion was perfect, not too large that you have leftovers—which isn’t a bad thing; rather it was just the right size and priced accordingly.
And then to my pleasant surprise, on our way out, walking towards the door I saw the art on that wall and realized it was done by a local StA artist and our friend Laura O’Neal. Laura is a fabulous and talented artist, well known and respected in the art community, with a unique style, and in my opinion a bit whimsical. You can see her work at Asado Life and you can also see it and purchase it at ArtBox on King Street. Check out her work and all the other fabulous artists there, you won’t be disappointed. Tell them Phil and Dee sent you! And since June’s First Friday is coming up, 6-2-2023, they are open until 9PM, they have complimentary wine and live music. It’s always a fun ‘free’ time!
Laura’s: “Lit”. I’m trying to find your Asado life.
On Friday’s I like to take a ‘late lunch’ – around 3PM. I eat lunch at my desk so I can clock out around 3:00 for what I call Le Petit Plaisir—borrowed from the French, it is taking the time to stop and enjoy the simple small pleasures of life.
Les Petits Plaisirs can be fully enjoying the aroma of a fresh baked baguette, the sound of the birds in the morning, the sun on your face, the steam rising from your cup of tea, the smell of the sea…
One of my favorite ‘plaisirs’ is le macaron on Cathedral. The ‘dining room’ is pretty and pink, with chandeliers and very ooh la la Parisienne; which is perfect for Le Petit Plaisir. As the name suggests their specialty is authentic French macarons, but they also have French pastries like eclairs and Gâteau Opéra and beautiful chocolates, including one that looks like a tube of red lipstick—which would be great for a ‘favor’ at a bridal shower. Oh and they have gelato too!
My ’plaisir’ is to sit at one of their small tables with an espresso and one or two macarons—my personal choices are Sicilian Pistachio, Lavender White Chocolate, Basil White Chocolate and Rose. No phone, no email, no social media. A small moment in time to enjoy the taste and smell of the espresso which pairs so well with the macarons. And a lovely break at the end of the work week.
Having a wonderful time – wish you were here.
Phil and Dee
PS: What is your Petit Plaisir? Share it in the comments!
This past weekend we took a little getaway to Jacksonville. We stayed at our friend’s house on the Trout River. He has a beautiful slice of paradise featuring gorgeous Sunsets! We arrived late afternoon on Saturday, had cocktails on the dock and watched the sunset. And then we headed out for dinner.
As the sun sets on the Trout River, Jax
For dinner we went down to Five Points to dine at Hawkers—an amazing Asian ‘Street Food Style’ restaurant. We shared several appetizers: Roti Canai which was served with a delicious curry dipping sauce, Spiced Lamb Street Skewers with a scallion ginger ‘mayo’ sauce, Kalbi Short Ribs with a Korean BBQ Bulgogi sauce and the Crispy Pork Belly with Hoisin dipping sauce. All paired with a cold non-filtered Sake! Then on to entrees: on recommendation I had the Curry Laska Ramen, and it was delicious. Phil had the Duck Fried Rice, and our friends had Pad Thai and the Bulgogi Steak. And we also had leftovers! Sorry/not sorry…but we were in the moment, and I don’t have one photo of our dining experience! You will have to go experience it yourself. Go with a group, order a lot, and share everything! (Share your pics in the comments.)
On a side note, while waiting for our table, we took a walk around Five Points, the streets were closed that evening, and there were three Police officers on horseback, I just need to share I don’t know what breed of horses they ride, but they were huge! Maybe a Percheron…
Sunday started with coffee on the dock, a late breakfast made by ‘moi’, and then swimming/floating in the pool. It was so relaxing. And then came the rain; even in the rain it is still a beautiful slice of paradise. Later that day we finished off those leftovers.
On the way home Monday, we stopped at Jerry’s Artarama for a few canvases and portfolios. Whenever we go up for art supplies, we always stop at Cooper’s Hawk to pick up our member’s wine. We had 4 bottles waiting for us! And since we were there, we had lunch at the bar. I am normally not a fan of chain restaurants, but I have to say I have never had a bad meal at Cooper’s Hawk and Monday’s lunch was no different. We shared the Ahi Tuna Cruda appetizer special, Phil had his favorite, Ellie’s Chicken Picatta with Capellini pasta and I had the Gnocchi with Roasted Butternut Squash…and once again sorry/not sorry no pics!
Santé from Copper’s Hawk – Bin 92 Petite Sirah
It was a great weekend getaway, and it is also good to be back home in America’s Europe.
There are many Facebook pages with going on’s in the city, since you follow us, here are some things happening this weekend! Please feel free to add other happenings in the comments!
Every morning Phil makes coffee. I know I’m a Queen! It’s either a French Press Pot or an Espresso or Cappuccino using our Gaggia Classic. Spontaneously this morning, Phil asked if I wanted to go have coffee at Kookaburra’s. Why not. It’s been a while since we did that. And having coffee out, sitting on Cathedral watching the town come alive is always nice. The weather was beautiful—sunny, still in the low 70’s, a nice breeze. We arrived in between crowds: after the 6AM rush but before the 8AM rush. We sat at a small table outside with our coffees and breakfast breads. I had a Piccolo served in the traditional Italian style and a slice of orange berry bread and Phil had a large drip coffee and a blackberry scone.
StA received a ‘special delivery’ while we were there—two busloads of ‘little monsters’ on a field trip and the next thing you know the line is out the door with chaperones in need of a caffeine fix and excited children running around the plaza.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year already. But we recently renewed our lease on our FABULOUS apartment…so it must be true. And simultaneously it feels like we just got here and that we never left. We love living here.
Literally we love everything about living here: The fabulous artistic vibe, the abundance of great restaurants: our local bar/gastro pub, our local Trattoria, our favorite Sunday brunch spot – shout out to Forgotten Tonic; Nonna’s; and Roosevelt Room; our local wine bars, coffee shops, gift shops, art galleries, pastry shops, the beaches, our cool small Publix on Vilano Beach, the Saturday Farmer’s Market, the music scene, the beach bars, the Amphitheater, the festivals, the holiday parades, First Friday Artwalk….you see the list is endless. Always something going on and always something to do.
But more important than that is the people we have met and the friendships and relationships we are building. We are now closer to family, so we have been able to share some holiday celebrations together. We have reconnected with good friends that we maybe saw once a year, and now we see several times a month.
A few weeks ago, my nephew came to visit for a weekend. He is at college at Embry Riddle studying to be a Rocket Scientist (seriously!!!). He was overwhelmed with schoolwork and finals and wanted to get away for a weekend. So we picked him up in Daytona and came back to StA. We had a great time hanging out, walking Lincolnville, showing him around, and eating and drinking. But the funny part is he told my sister he had a great time and “Phil and Dee are famous.” LOL We are not famous, we just know those in our neighborhood; we our locals with our local hangouts, and there ‘everyone knows our name’. He also told her we took him to ‘fancy’ restaurants. Ok, maybe one was fancy!
Sometimes, late in the evening, when we have our windows open and our lights are still on, an employee from one of our local hangouts – better called a friend – walking past our apartment will shout up to us, “good night Phil and Dee, love you”. It’s sweet and genuine like a ‘Walton’s’ moment. It’s home for us. It makes our hearts happy.
Phil just had an art opening and is at Jensen Pottery gallery for May and June. Which is very exciting for him, he had a great turnout. It was also our 16th wedding anniversary making it a double celebration.
Phil at his opening. A beautiful installation.
I still take my morning walk along the bayfront and over the bridge. Every day is different, and I never get tired of that view. I love when I see something on my walk that I never noticed before. I love when I find small hidden side streets I didn’t know were there, or secret garden courtyards in the middle of the city. I love the smell of gardenias and night blooming jasmine in the early morning hours. I love the sunrises and the cloudy days equally. I love the briny smell along the bayfront at low tide, and the salt air aroma at high tide. On non-work days I love to stop at ChocoLattes at the end of my walk and have a Mimosa while I wait for my croissant and Phil’s bagel, egg, bacon, and cheese sammie to go.
Rose Mimosa at ChocoLattes
This is the life we are building. I’m so happy to be back here. Did I mention we love living here?
America’s Europe, one year later, we are ‘still’ here, and we ‘still’ feel alive.
St. Augustine does not lack for live music options—there is always something going on. The weather this weekend was so beautiful we decided to go out for lunch and do a Music Crawl – similar to a bar crawl, but live music is involved…you knew that. Phil had a list of venues, performers, and times in his pocket. In theory we were going to listen to music from 2:00 in the afternoon until Midnight. First stop Meehan’s Backyard for lunch and Dewey Via. If you haven’t seen him—solo or with his band – check him out. The band is at the Dog Rose Brewery every Sunday. I had the Wedge Salad and Phil had the Fish and Chips (can’t go wrong with that choice). From there we walked to Casa de Vino 57 on Treasury. Phil had a beer, I had a glass of Italian Red. We sat under the pergola and listened to the band. Tray and Josh were the duo playing, drums and guitar; mostly country mixed with a bit of rock. They are there every other Sunday. During their break they sat with us, and they shared their cheese plate with us. The triple crème brie was amazing! After their set we went home; because a friend called saying he was in town; so, change of plans—Music Crawl cut short. But there are many weekends ahead for a future Music Crawl(s). Stay tuned…
Living in America's Europe 
