Lunch at Sweet Basil

My sister was in town last week and we decided to do lunch to catch up on the latest.  The Shoals Area is sprinkled with wonderful little cafe's and restaurants, so a lunch date always involves a tough decision.  Well, someone had to do it, so we decided on Sweet Basil Cafe.  This has been one of favorites for years, so we knew we were in for a treat.



Sweet basil is combo of specialty grocery, gourmet catering, and hot lunch spot.  They have an delicious selection of specialty grocery items and unique wines. More often then not, if I am looking for something and can't seem to find it in the big box grocery store, I can find it here. 



They also specialize in both onsite and carry out catering.  In fact, they were in the top running to cater my sister's wedding last month!  You can stop in and pick up something for your family for dinner or for a special occasion, or they can cater functions as big as a wedding or reunion.



While Sweet Basil dabbles in different things, they are most famous for their delicious lunch menu.  This is how it goes.  They have a menu of scrumptious dishes that they have all the time; these are the staples that everyone goes back for time and again.  In addition, they have a weekly menu that is based on local and seasonal produce. I almost always chose from this menu, and Thursday was no disappointment.



This sandwich was ridiculous! The Brie was the perfect amount of creaminess and that ciabatta bread was the perfect holder for all that goodness.  Kalamata olive spread provided the perfect amount of saltiness to counter the richness of the brie. Served with a greek orzo pasta, it was the perfect lunch date with my sister!

Fort Lauderdale: Beachy Nights

We were so fortunate to have been able to make a super quick trip to Fort Lauderdale to visit my middle sister. We were there for only a couple of days, and lost a lot of sleep, but it was totally worth it.  And don't worry, we definitely made time for some excellent beach-side beverages...

So there I am, enjoying my absolutely delicious fruit filled concoction, and I notice something unusual swimming around the bottom of my glass.  After a quick careful observation, what do my eyes behold?

Yes, that's right it's a piece of paper.  I decided that if this paper was important enough to have made into my cocktail, maybe it had an important message, so I fished it out.  And what was written on this note?  It was my receipt!  HA!  I mean, talk about making sure the customer gets their receipt at the point of purchase!  While quite disgusting (and obviously they re-made the drink) I thought it was absolutely hilarious!  

Later that evening we took another stroll along the boardwalk and took in the ocean breeze, and completely our first amazing day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  

Maroon 5...and others!

I had an AWESOME! weekend at my very first concert!!  Yeah, I know it's lame that I am just now going to a concert for the first time, but I guess the opportunity just never presented itself.  Well, it definitely presented its VIP self this time.  Yeah, that's right...VIP, baby!  My sister had a very good friend who was unable to go, so I was the lucky one who got to fill the seat. 

V.V. Brown opened the show, and let me just tell you...she totally rocked it!  Have you heard her new song Shark in the Water?  A superb hit if I might add.  If you haven't downloaded this song,

I suggest you get on that...Pronto!

Next up, a little hangin' around and waiting...

Kris Allen was up next, and he stole the show...well, almost.  He was very good, and quite the performer.  One of my favorites was The Truth which is quite a good number for sitting around and drinking a glass (or a few) of your choice beverage.

And finally, Maroon 5!!  I don't even know what to say, except for they were just amazing!  They opened with Misery, and it was even more impressive live.  I don't think I will ever listen to that song the same way. 

My sister and I decided that the key to an excellent concert is knowing the songs, and I think we probably sang every syllable of every single songs.  There was even some unmentionable dancing by our fellow concert mates that kept us quite entertained distracted.  

We danced until our feet and legs were little aching with the pain of an superb party combined with less than superb shoes (in terms of comfort, not style) but it really was a blast.  We drove back to the city playing my sister's Maroon 5 mix and reliving every hilarious and amazing moment.

My sister and I had so much fun that we decided we would concert every year, and I'm pretty sure I'm already thinking about who were are going to see next.  If you have been to a concert lately (or ever if you are like me) I whole heartedly suggest making the move.  I am so thankful that G decided he couldn't make it, and that I was able to party with my sister Maroon 5 style!

Cruisin' to Mexica Part III

We landed...um, well, I guess technically we ported.  I'm not sure we were prepared for Cozumel, but it's okay, because I'm pretty sure Cozumel wasn't ready for us!

Me and Mikal riding the bus to the beach...and when I say riding, I really mean, hanging on for dear life!  Someone please tell me why I thought it was an awesome idea to sit in the first row.

Chef Dana...aka Rachel's Mom, making her debut as a genuine Chef de Mexico!!

Delicious!

Care for a cocktail in the ocean?  Of course I would!

Cruisin' to Mexico...Part 2

The second day of the cruise was just a Sea Day and boy was it fun!  We laid around, had some fruity concoctions, and had Rachel's lingerie shower that afternoon.  

What are vacations for if not for no makeup, crazy hair, and delicious drinks to sail the day away!

Rachel is one of the most fun people I know, and her lingerie shower was no exception...I'm pretty sure we were laughing the entire time!  P.S.  Check out her shoes, her mother bought her those slippers because Rachel had always loved her Mom's pair.  Rachel's Aunt said you absolutely cannot get married without a pair...Awesome!

Tracking our way to Mexico...Playa Mia Beach, here we come!

Cruisin' to Mexico

Over the Memorial Day holiday I had a blast on a cruise to Mexico with some of my best friends!  We laughed until we cried, shared oodles of gossip, ate more than we care to mention, drank more cocktails than we will admit, and had blast celebrating Rachel's upcoming wedding.  

This was this scene of the crime...R222.  Four ladies, with not so tiny suitcases, and not so few toiletries, pairs of shoes...you get the idea, shared this room.  Wow, I was kind-of glad to have my space back when I got home, but we did have a blast.  

Bon Voyage Mobile!

Finally, relaxing out on the balcony.  It was a gorgeous sunset, and the start of an awesome vacation!  I must say that my friends and I have been known for our balcony chats, and this cruise was no exception.  I'm not sure how we manage to do it, but oh if the walls of this balcony could talk...they would share a whole lot of gossip!

Perfect!