Fine Dining And Misplaced People

Many if us are misplaced at the moment! Some of us should be visiting holiday homes in our favorite places, and others should be with family but are unable to travel. We usually choose this time of the year to go away as it is our quietest time of the year. There is a long bank holiday weekend that means the schools are closed and it has just become our time take a holiday. 

Some years we have gone to the UK to spend time with the family and do some festive shopping, however the last two years have seen us jet off to Florida, a place that I have grown to adore. I just love everything about it, although I am particularly fond of Cocoa and Clearwater, maybe I´m just a beach bum at heart but I love it. I also love the shopping, everything is bigger and the Malls are just a great place to pick up some holiday bargains.  
On our last visit we visited Nasa, this is because we ran out of time and funds the previous year. We did the back stage coach tour and learned all about launches, shuttles, local wildlife and a whole heap of other stuff, it was truly magical and I loved every minute.
The weather in Florida is very changeable this time of year and we found that some days we needed warm coats and other days a pair of shorts and a T shirt was adequate.
One thing I am enjoying about being here is the inclement weather we are having. It makes such a refreshing change. I love wearing my jeans and my boots and I've even got my winter coat out. OK I'll admit its not quite cold enough by the coast for a winter coat but its not often it gets an outing and I love wearing it.  

This week we were invited to try the new menu at the Wine bar and Terrace and I couldn’t have possibly predicted the treat that awaited us. The new chef Klaus is just amazing. He is from Denmark and has lived on the island for many years. Some years ago he had his own restaurant in Playa San Juan, called Creativo, a name that perfectly suits the food he creates. His eye for detail, his food and his presentation are just fabulous. The new menu although smaller than the old menu contains some very carefully selected offerings. For my starter I had Cured Salmon with coriander and Sweet Chilli. Before this arrived we were presented with homemade bread and butter, this alone was delicious. For my main course I chose Fillet Beef in red wine sauce with Shallots, Mushrooms and Panceta. It was very tasty, and the fillet beef was cooked to perfection. Then came the dessert and although I was pretty full by now I chose the Lemon Mousse with White Chocolate. Again it was delicious. The service, as usual was spot on and if you are unsure about anything on the menu the staff will explain it to you. They can also cater for people with allergies and other dietary requirements.

I can honestly say that everything I had was just exceptional and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone that looking for a great meal.

It is completely different to what they used to serve at the Wine Bar, The previous menu was vast and it was aimed more at the British tourist, however Dodie has taken the situation we are in and made it work for her. This new menu is now aimed at the international tourist and I really hope it continues to do well.
  
We ate inside the restaurant on this particular evening as the weather was bad. but whether you choose to sit in or out, the setting and the ambiance is just perfect.

On a final note, I can't believe that December is almost upon us. I have a few things planned for the festive season but more about that in my next blog.
Whatever you are doing, keep that cheese on the cracker, look after each other and keep riding the storm.

Until next time

H x