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Monday, February 27, 2006
Feb 27: A Morning Meditation
The Greater Fort Lauderdale area offers many ways to spend your money. You can spend money for a relaxing spa treatment followed by a seafood dinner at a chic restaurant and a great performance at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. But I think that this area’s very best feature is free.
The sea. It is always there, always beckoning to tourists and residents alike. And fortunately, I’ve rediscovered it lately because of this blog. You may recall that some weeks ago I wrote about my first solo morning walk along the shore in Fort Lauderdale. Just the ocean and me. It was something of a revelation. Now, morning visits to the ocean have become a regular part of my life and I’m grateful for it.
This past weekend, for example, the sun was trying to break through the clouds when I arrived and the air was warm with a pleasant wind coming off the waves. The windsurfers were out and the usual walkers and runners and roller bladers too. I was early, about 8 a.m., and there was plenty of parking along A1A and lots of open beach where I could find a spot to just be quiet with the sea, alone.
I had carried in my pocket a small plastic bag, which I pulled out to use as a seat, settling down as near the water as possible without getting wet from the rising tide. The surf was heavy and beautiful, wave after wave rolling in and shattering against the sand. A few people wandered past me along the water’s edge but left me alone with my thoughts.
The salt spray slowly fogged my sunglasses and cooled my face with its mist and the scent of the ocean was the only thing I could smell. A sea gull stood 10 feet away from me, looking at the sea just as I was, as if also admiring the sunlight on the foam. I find it a perfect place to clear my head for the day, collecting my thoughts, focusing my energy, letting go of my worries. Morning meditation with nature, just at the edge of a bustling, vibrant city.
After half an hour on the beach, I took a brisk walk and ended up eating a luscious large bowl of fruit for breakfast at St. Bart’s Café, a charming funky spot just south of Las Olas. Tourists were there too, talking excitedly about getting tickets for the Tut exhibit. “People are flying down here for this Tut thing. It’s really a big deal,” one of them said to the others.
Two pretty young ladies asked to share my table, and I was only too glad to agree of course. We had a nice chat, then I drove home, feeling much more tranquil and together than when I’d left.
Somehow, I couldn’t resist putting on Debussy’s La Mer after I got back. I wanted to carry that feeling of the sea with me a while longer. And already, I can’t wait to go back.
Feb 27: Making A Night of It
More exciting news from me today (I know, I’m just full of information). Well, at least it’s exciting to me and I need to expel my excitement somewhere…what better place than here?
As you probably can gather by now, I’m a country music fan. It’s not all I like, nor is it number one on my list, but I enjoy it along with most all types of music. 99.9 Kiss Country is programmed in my car, let’s put it that way. Chili Cookoff, ring a bell?
And it was in my car that I heard that tickets went on sale Saturday to see Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, and Sugarland perform at the BankAtlantic Center on April 17! More specifically, Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. If you’re a fan of any of these folks, make a mental note to get your tickets if you still can. But even if you’re not, that’s not really what this is about anyway. My point is, a concert is a concert and concerts are fun.
Especially at the BankAtlantic Center. There’s so much in the area besides the venue itself that it’s hard not to make a night of it. I've done it myself many times in the past, so from experience I can tell you it’s a pretty good time.
From what I recall, every time I’ve attended a concert there it hasn’t just been a go-to-the-concert, go-home kind of thing. Oh no, it’s much more of a complicated affair. You want to arrive early, of course, so you think to yourself…why not have dinner beforehand? The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills is only a hop, skip, and a jump away, with restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Legal Sea Foods. And while you’re there, if you still have some time to kill you can do a little shopping at the Polo Ralph Lauren Factory store or the Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet. And that’s only at the Oasis. Sawgrass Mills itself has many more stores to browse and restaurants to choose from if you’re up for the challenge, not to mention the surrounding area.
When it comes to going to the actual concert itself, the BankAtlantic Center is quite the venue. Having been there so many times, to me it is very familiar, yet it gives off that vibe even to a first-timer. The place is easy to navigate and almost every seat in the house is a pretty good one.
And if you’re up for even more after an already full evening, you’re right down the road from all the Fort Lauderdale nightlife! It really doesn’t get much better.
So if you’re not completely exhausted just reading this, the next time your favorite musical talent comes to town think about attending. But don’t just stop there, because with such an array of entertainment at your fingertips, it just might be worth it to go all out and make a night of it.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Feb 23: Venetian Romance, Close to Home
I have motored among the canals of Fort Lauderdale in a boat. I have floated among the canals of Venice in a gondola. But until last evening, I was never able to appreciate the beauties of South Florida during a romantic gondola trip. It was exquisite!
If you want to stir the romance in your soul, give this a try. I could rhapsodize for pages about the hour-long gondola ride I took with my lovely date, sipping from glasses of Hahn chardonnay as we silently slipped along the water. But here I must be brief so … where to start?
Fort Lauderdale calls itself the “Venice of America.” In fact, Fort Lauderdale has many more miles of canals than the great Italian city. But until December, this area lacked something Venetian visitors always remember – a ride in a gondola. Enter Angelino Sandri and his wife, April, who brought the real deal here from Venice, genuine hand-carved gondolas just like the ones in Italy. We’re not talking the plastic, motor-driven imitations that ply the “canals” in Las Vegas. These are authentic. And so is Angelino, who is Italian. He tells stories in his charming accent, or sings lovely songs about love as he rows the gondola past multi-million dollar waterside homes.
In between songs and pleasant chat with Angelino, you sit back with your arms around your significant other and just … ahhhh, relax. A gondola is the watergoing equivalent of a glider in the air, utterly silent. In Venice, you can hear the nearby clatter of knives and forks on plates. In Fort Lauderdale, you hear the wind in the palm fronds. We left the dock for our hour-long excursion at about 6:30 p.m. It was still light, but the dusk soon began to turn the sky into deepening blue. By the time we returned, Fort Lauderdale was twinkling with its evening glitter along Las Olas.
Angelino and April’s new tour company is called Gondola Servizio, appropriately enough, conveniently located at Las Olas and SE 12th Avenue at Stork’s Café, which itself has a delightfully Italian feel to it. You can buy wine there for your trip – or bring a bottle and glasses from home. Half-hour trips for two go for $50. The gondola operates Wednesday through Sunday, 5-11 p.m. on the weekdays and 11a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends. For a reservation, call April at 954-561-7650. Or just drop by and see if Angelino can take you after a nice cappuccino and pastry at Stork’s.
This truly is a special experience. With the new gondola tours, Fort Lauderdale really lives up to its billing – the Venice of America.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Feb 20: A Gaggle of Galleries
It’s Sunday afternoon as I begin this. I’ve had my coffee and breakfast, waded through two newspapers, including the weighty NY Times, and now I’m sitting in my office, Haydn’s String Quartet, Opus 20, playing in the background. My windows are wide open and the weather is absolutely perfect!
Part of me wants to stay right here and write all day. Another part of me knows I need to get out of the house. This is my continuing dilemma. I always have a lot of writing to do, of course, but I’m also aware that I’m still sometimes in a divorce-induced funk. So staying cloistered away at home alone can feel like the easier choice.
But no, I’m going to make myself get outside today. I can’t resist this exquisite sunshine. I’m not entirely sure where I’m going. When I’m back, I’ll let you know.
***
Ta-dah – I’m back! It’s a couple hours or so later now, and I had a delightful time … gallery hopping!
Fort Lauderdale and many other parts of Broward County – this whole area is packed with art galleries. Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale is a focal point for many of them and that’s where I ended up today.
The street was buzzing with people, folks riding their bicycles or roller blading or sitting in the outdoor cafes for lunch. I strolled into several galleries, but I’ll tell you here about three of my longtime favorites.
First was MAC Fine Art & Design, where you can buy artworks from $295 up to more than $40,000. Featured artists include Tomasz, Rut, Zaluski, Hill, Barnhart and Gockel. It’s a warm, friendly gallery, I’ve always found, with dramatic modern sculptures and paintings. Gockel’s work, for example, often uses musical themes among a palette of bright colors and angular designs. (If you visit, ask for Gaby, a knowledgeable young woman with a charming smile. She’ll be glad to show you around.)
Next, I wandered over to a fun gallery called American Royal Arts, which offers a range of cartoon and photographic artworks. I can stare at these photos for days, especially some great shots of the Beatles – images I’ve never seen before, and I’m a huge Beatles fan. They’ve got other pieces from the archives of Sinatra and Elvis and much more. Prices at ARA go from about $295 up to around $25,000.
From there, it was on to New River Fine Art, a bit farther east on Las Olas. Some interesting art here by a few fellas struggling to make a name for themselves – Picasso, Miro, Dali. New River actually has an original charcoal drawing from Picasso’s blue period … tucked away in the back. Pricetag: $175,000. Other works on the walls now include aquatint etchings and lithographs by Miro and some hand-colored etchings by Dali. But you can also find pieces by other artists for as little as $500.
So how to follow up this mini-tour of local art galleries? I thought a nice cappuccino was in order. And what better place to go than to Joe Picasso’s, also on Las Olas, where you can create your own work of art. Or try to create one anyway. It’s a do-it-yourself pottery painting studio with a pleasant café. I sipped my coffee at an outdoor table, breathed in the warm sunlight and enjoyed the fascinating parade of passers-by as they ambled along the sidewalk.
And yes, I was glad I made myself get out of the house today. Every time I do, I end up thinking, “I really have to do this more often.” I’m working on it.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Feb 17: Bravo! Meravigilioso!
Bravo! Marvelous! In Fort Lauderdale, Bravo really is, well, meraviglioso. It’s hard for me to write about this special restaurant on the 17th Street Causeway without sounding like I’m hyping the place. I’m not. I just happen to love it.
I’ve been going to Bravo regularly for about 12 years. My former wife and I ate here at least weekly for much of that time. These days, I go with a date, or sit at their charming bar alone or get takeout, which is what I did last night. Mmm, my favorite – pasta fagioli, rich with beans and a thick broth, and angel hair pasta, al dente with one of the best marinara sauces around. With a nice red wine, I couldn’t have had a better meal as I watched the Olympics at home.
Everything is priced modestly. Bravo is a very affordable place, which is great when you’re on a budget as I am in these post-divorce days. But the atmosphere is upscale and the food is superb. See, what I mean? Already sounds like hype, doesn’t it? I’m sorry, but I just can’t help getting enthused about Bravo.
Part of its appeal is Bravo’s friendly staff, especially general manager and co-owner, Russ Dickson. He’s been the face of this restaurant since I began coming here and he’s one of the real pros in his business. This should tell you all you need to know about Russ: A lot of his waiters and waitresses have worked here for several years. He’s a great guy and his customers appreciate Russ’s warm, attentive style.
I’ve had big birthday parties here, and anniversary dinners and celebrations of all types, and lots of intimate romantic meals. When my ex-wife and I were regulars, the bartender had chilled martinis at our table shortly after we were seated, without our placing any order. It’s that kind of place.
There’s usually a great list of specials each night and many fine wines to go with them or with the regular selections. Their seafood is excellent, including the grilled calamari appetizer, another of my faves. The daily menu offers everything from Scaloppina di Vitello Piccata (veal sauteed in white wine, lemon, butter, with artichoke hearts and capers) to Meditterraneo pizza (which includes roasted chicken, spinach, caramelized onions and goat cheese) to their own Penne Bravo (penne, homemade Italian sausage in white wine and garlic with pomodoro sauce).
Getting hungry? I am! Fortunately, I have leftovers from last night. Really now, would I be leaping for some day-old soup if I were exaggerating Bravo’s virtues? I’ve eaten meals in Italy that weren’t nearly this good, quite honestly. Bravo 'e meraviglioso!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Feb 14: Cruising into the Week
No, I’m not on a cruise. Just wish I was!
I love cruising. I’ve been on many cruises all over the world, mostly in my former role as contributing editor and cruise columnist for Newsweek’s travel magazine. But I was reminded again this past weekend what a cruise mecca Fort Lauderdale really is.
On Saturday, I hopped into my old Mustang and headed for the beach. It was a glorious day, sunny and warm. I counted at least seven ships in Port Everglades at around noontime, and that was just a quick tally as I motored north over the 17th Street Causeway drawbridge. (I know, I know… What was I doing counting ships when I should have been driving, right? Hmmm, ok, good point.)
And this got me thinking about how lucky I am to live in a place where I can just board so many different ships from so many different cruise lines so simply – and how lucky those vacationers are who decide to embark or disembark in Fort Lauderdale. It’s much quicker and easier than most ports to drive into or out of, for one thing. There’s plenty of parking, for another. As a cruise veteran, I can tell you these are big advantages.
But maybe best of all, there’s so much here in town to do before or after the cruise. It’s one of those home ports that really justifies some extra time. And extra time is worth the extra money. That’s been my pattern whenever I’ve left from overseas ports, for example. A couple days in Rome before leaving from Civitavecchia, or in Istanbul or in Stockholm. It’s like two vacations in one.
I always find that spending some additional days ashore at one or both ends of a cruise serves another purpose too. As much as I love cruising, I sometimes feel that there isn’t enough time to explore some of the ports adequately. But I don’t have that problem from the home port because I can arrive early, or extend my vacation, by as many days as I like. This gives me the opportunity to enjoy a more concentrated experience in one spot so I don’t feel that my whole trip raced by me in a seagoing whirl.
There’s too much to take in around Broward County during your stop here, too many possibilities, to even mention some of them today. That’s what this blog is for most of the time anyway, really, some good advice from locals about what out-of-towners might want to see and do or great places to eat and drink.
But as someone experienced in cruising, I can tell you this much. If Fort Lauderdale is the home port for your cruise, you’ve made a good choice. Just plan to spend some extra time at one or both ends of your trip to explore the area for yourself, a mini-land vacation included with the shipboard adventure. It really adds that much more to the whole experience.
Oh, and let me say one more thing I can’t resist adding today: Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope you’re all doing something special around town with your sweetie!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Feb 12: Yoga Meets Golf
I would like to share with you one of my favorite times of the week. Early Sunday morning, in the early dawn, I go golfing with my husband Gary at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club.
Fort Lauderdale Country Club is heaven on earth -- right in the middle of Fort Lauderdale. Opened in 1920, the golf course is exquisite. There are more than 80 varieties of trees on the two 18 hole golf courses, the south course having been completely renovated. Fort Lauderdale Country Club epitomizes the best of South Florida living -- beauty, tradition, grace, fun. However, I am not a golfer. My husband is. In fact, he is really good -- a three handicap. But, I love yoga. So when my husband gets out of the golf cart to hit his next shot, I get out onto this perfect carpet of soft green and do my yoga. As my husband masters his game, I connect with my body and the earth. I call this Organic Yoga. At the Second Tee, I do the Purification Breaths. My husband hits a great drive. At the Third Tee, I do the yoga series known as Salute to the Sun. My husband ends up in the sand trap! At the Fourth Tee, I hug a mighty ficus tree. Gary gets a birdie. And so our Sunday morning goes. On this particular day, at the 18th hole we see a full double rainbow framing this paradise. Then, we go into the clubhouse and Cheryl makes us a perfect omelet. Golf, like yoga, like life, is all about balance.
My best,
Ina Lee
P.S. Gary is now practicing yoga to improve his golf game.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Feb 10: Beachin' It
In light of our last entry, I’d like to stay in the “heat” of the moment, so to speak.
Our out-of-the-ordinary February weather really is something to stop and take a minute to talk about. And I’d like to let you know where I plan to be this Saturday with that in mind.
The beach, of course! It occurs to me that I have not stepped foot on the sand in much longer than I care to think about. I mean, I lived in Gainesville -- an hour from the beach no matter which way you go -- and still didn’t make it there. So I can only imagine all those poor people…bundled and booted and beach-less.
But since I’m not beach-less (very far from it), not taking advantage of this ideal location is just ridiculous. Shame on me!
So Saturday, which the weathermen and women out there are touting as the warmest (high of 79 degrees) day before “chilling temperatures” in the 50s and 60s Sunday and Monday (I can practically hear the Northerners snickering), is the perfect beach day.
And I will be on Deerfield Beach, a straight shot down Hillsboro Blvd. for me, soaking up some much-needed rays. I can see it now…towel, sunscreen, some tunes and some snacks, the traditional 7-Eleven slurpee that accompanied every high school beachy half-day…
And maybe I’ll even introduce some new traditions into my day. Deerfield Beach has changed quite a bit from my pre-college days, and there are some additions I need to check out. JB’s on the Beach, perhaps, which I’ve actually eaten at once and just adored…or maybe The Pink Moon Bar (part of Ristorante Luna Rosa) for some outdoor cocktails.
It’s an intermingling of old and new that I am greatly looking forward to. I can hear the beach calling my name!
I urge anyone else who can take advantage of our sublime sun, sand, and surf to do so…whether it means hopping on a plane, into your car, or just right out your front door. After all, not many people can say they spent a February Saturday on the shore, but I know I sure can…and will.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Feb 9: Warming Up
I have lots of fond memories of living in Vermont, but not many from February. It was usually cold, dreary, snowy. And endless. Winter was never going to be over, I felt sure.
I worked as a TV news reporter and I can recall wistfully watching our cute weatherlady talk to the camera about the February lows in Florida. “It only got down to 68 degrees today in southern Florida, their low if you can believe it,” she’d say. I would have given anything at such moments to beam myself down here.
My first winter in Broward County was heavenly! I lived in Plantation at first and I would walk onto my balcony overlooking one of those manmade lakes, wearing a t-shirt and shorts, and suddenly feel like doing some happy little dance. I’d think, “Is this really February?” It was.
And is. I’ve never quite gotten over that feeling of euphoria about South Florida’s winter weather. Honestly, I really don’t mind the summer weather either. Sit near the water and you couldn’t find a more pleasant place to sip a cocktail, as far as I’m concerned. The tropical heat feels sensual and the breezes are cooling.
But the big payoff for us locals, or anyone who visits this time of year, is the “nyah-nyah” factor, of course. You know, as in calling your friends and relatives up north and casually reminding them that you’ve got the windows open with bright sunshine streaming inside your home or hotel room. In February! “And how’s your weather? Nyah-nyah!”
I’ve spent most of today sitting at my computer screen, rewriting a play that will have its first public reading next month at a major South Florida theater. But baby, I’ve got the windows open and that bright sunshine is streaming inside my home, you better believe. I made a quick trip out for lunch, a great place near me I’ll tell you about sometime soon. I may step out for another gulp of air before a friend comes over for the evening.
Inside or out, in your home or hotel or on the beach or at an outdoor tiki bar, you really can’t go wrong this time of year. I can wear jeans, or I can wear shorts. I can go workout in nothing but my gym clothes and feel perfectly comfortable. Or I can wear a sports jacket for the evening. Is this amazing or what?
I can only hope that some of my northern friends and relatives stumble across this little blog of mine in the coming bitter days as they endure their February freeze. If they mention this entry about the weather to me, I’ll be gracious of course. But inside, part of me will be thinking, “Nyah-nyah!”
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Feb 8: A Happy Start
What better way to start the week than with a little happiness, I always say! The best way to make a writer happy? Happy Hour, of course!
So with this in mind, I invited a lovely lady to join me Monday evening for a get-the-week-going cocktail at Timpano’s, on Las Olas in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. I think I’d only been to Timpano’s maybe twice following my divorce last year. This seemed a good chance to get reacquainted.
It’s got a real Manhattan-y sorta feel to it --- a downtown watering hole frequented by people who know a good martini when they taste one.
And Timpano’s always has great martinis! You can sit at its long dark-wood bar or one of the high-top tables for four. Or enjoy the more secluded couches, where we ended up. These couches are plush and comfortable, covered in a rich maroon velvet and set off in a room of their own. Hanging over the fireplace in this room is a huge portrait of Sinatra, the classic Frank with trenchcoat over his shoulder and hat at a rakish angle. That should tell you something about Timpano’s.
We got there early, just after 5 pm and had the bar pretty much to ourselves. Briefly. Soon the after-work crowd, dressed in business attire, settled in for their own cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. For us, it was margaritas and they were, believe me, wonderfully made. On the rocks, salt around the rim, just the perfect blend of tart and sweet and salty.
For something to complement the margaritas, we picked one of Timpano’s signature appetizers: mussels, served sizzling with lemon and a butter sauce. You get a generous portion and they are tender and succulent. I love mussels but only if they’re very good. Timpano’s mussels always are. And the mussels seem even tastier by scooping them out using the shells as utensils.
No live jazz last night, at least not during Happy Hour. But when the band isn’t playing, the old school jazz is drifting from the stereo speakers, the great old standards sung by people like Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday and, of course, Frank!
We relaxed, talked, laughed – and it occurs to me now, as I write this, that I really am going at those New Year resolutions of mine. Remember those, which I posted on this blog after the holidays? “Eat more, drink more, laugh more,” etc. So far, so good. And Happy Hour at Timpano’s was another step in the right direction for me.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Feb 7: Feeling Festive
I came upon a bit of information today from a little birdie that I’m excited to be able to pass on to you. This wise little birdie told me that coming up right around the corner was an event that takes me back in time in more ways than one.
Yup, you guessed it. The 14th annual Florida Renaissance Festival is once again setting up shop at Quiet Waters Park for six weekends, beginning Saturday, February 11 and running through Sunday, March 19, 2006. It will also be open on Monday, February 20 (President’s Day), and two school days during the week: Wednesday, February 15 and Thursday, February 16.
The festival, from what I hear, will have a different theme for each weekend...whether it’s romance, pirates, or wine and food tasting that piques your interest.
Arts and crafts, games, food, and live entertainment at every turn are just some of the things you can look forward to in the weekends to come. Patrons are also invited to engage in the “Knight’s Quest” competition or eat like a king at “The Royal Feast,” which includes a five course meal and endless refreshments.
Now I must say, hearing about this festival really brings me back to the days of yore. And by “days of yore,” I mean about fourth or fifth grade. Ahh yes, back in the day was the last and only time I have attended the festival. But if I reach back far enough into the recesses of my memory, I do recall it being lots of fun. I imagine years later it can only be just as great if not better, not only for kids but all ages.
And while we’re in a festive mood, once the Renaissance Festival runs its course there won’t be long to wait before another festival comes to town. On May 19-21, also at Quiet Waters Park, the 2006 Cajun-Zydeco Festival will be bringing music to the ears and mouth-watering Cajun dishes to the hungry stomachs of many.
This is one I haven’t yet been to, but for a colorfully cultural weekend (and what I’m most interested in – really good food!) I would suggest checking it out.
For more information on the Florida Renaissance Festival, go to www.ren-fest.com, or give them a call locally at 954-776-1642 and toll free at 1-800-3-REN-FES. To check out more on the Cajun-Zydeco Festival, visit www.cajun-fest.com, or call 954-771-7117.
I’m anxious to take a foray into these festivals and experience both something I’ve seen before and something completely new. Hopefully you’ll decide to take a weekend – or even just a day – and see what they’re all about, too!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Feb 3: Sampling the Good Life
I don't know about you, but anytime I can try 22 wines in a single evening, life is good!
That's what I did last night at one of the best wine tastings in Broward County -- and this is a place I'd recommend whether you're a tourist or a local. I've attended five or six evenings here, at a spot in Wilton Manors on Wilton Drive called The Best Cellar.
It's not much to look at from the outside. Ah, but inside you'll sample some wines that aren't just hard to find -- they're impossible to buy anywhere else in South Florida. The owner and master of ceremonies for this sit-down evening is Richard Stetler. Very knowledgeable, but also just a very genuine, fun guy. He makes each tasting into a mini-party with different wines every week.
Wednesday through Saturday night year round, he hosts tastings that start at 8 p.m. and often go on for many hours. Last night, seven wines were promised on the written menu, including a terrific 2005 Selaks Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. (I bought two bottles and I'm not really a white wine drinker.)
But Richard always pulls out what he calls "bonus wines" and they're usually great! Ever tried a variety of wine called a malbec? A delightful red that's fruity and much lighter than a cab or zin. Richard served two incredible "bonus" malbecs late in the evening, right before he pulled out the dessert wine by LaPlaya and some chocolate truffles.
As you can imagine, no one was in a hurry to leave. The wines kept flowing, sipped one after another along with bites of crusty baguettes, cheese and crackers. And no, I'm really not exaggerating -- we tried 22 wines! After a while, everyone was feeling pretty good and the conversation was punctuated by lots of laughter and lots of talk that would sound like music to the ears of oenophiles.
"Cassis, I would say, is not a common characteristic of a Washington cab!" (Sounds good to me.) "No, it's the other way around in that region: the nights are cold and the days are warm." (Really? I didn't know that!) "This '98 cab tastes just like their '02 merlot!" (You took the words right out of my mouth!)
If any of this sounds pretentious, honestly it's really not. I enjoy fine wines but know relatively little about them but always feel totally comfortable at The Best Cellar and always learn a lot. It's kind of like stepping into the movie, "Sideways," without the Paul Giamatti character.
If you want to do your own sampling, you can call Richard at 954-630-8020. Or check out his website at www.beaconmgmt.com/rsfwt
Oh and the price? Usually these great wine tastings go for a $10 cover charge. Of course, nearly everyone buys wine to bring home. I purchased a case last night, mixing some of the new labels like the Selaks with brands I'd tried and loved before. Most of Richard's wines at The Best Cellar sell in the $12 - $20 a bottle range.
So there's your hot weekend tip from this wine-lovin' writer. I may not get out of my home office enough yet, but no one ever has to drag me to a good wine tasting!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Feb 1: A "Chili" Day in South FLA
So to take this thing outside the realm of Fort Lauderdale and into the surrounding Broward County area…I’d like to share with you my quite interesting Sunday.
I, for the first time, attended the annual 99.9 Kiss Country Chili Cookoff. Now, I’m not sure how many of you have heard of this event, so let me give you a quick blurb of an explanation.
This outdoor, all-day festival began 21 years ago in Quiet Waters Park, which some of you up the Deerfield Beach way may be familiar with. And it’s been going strong ever since. While it used to be a weekend of chili contests and country crooners, now the event is one day only, which only means the same amount of fun is packed into one day instead of two. Now, hosted by long-time local favorite 99.9 Kiss Country, the Chili Cookoff pries country fans from all over South Florida out of the woodwork and reels them in droves into C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines.
Ok so I went for “blurb” and ended up with “long-winded.” I’ve never been good at that.
I was not aware of just how serious people take their Cookoff until this experience. But I must say, I am glad that my fellow (experienced) country comrades took charge and led the way.
So at 6:00 a.m., an apartment full of bleary-eyed guys and gals woke up, attempted to shake off their hangovers from the night before at where else – Davie’s own Round Up – and started loading up their pick-ups. By 6:30, we were on our way- but we weren’t the only ones. After waiting in line with rowdy crowds of people tailgating in the streets (7 a.m. by this time, folks…that’s early), we finally got into the park and set up a tailgate of our own.
We did the tailgate thing for awhile: sausages, elk steaks (yes elk, no cows here), chips, and as much beer as you could imagine, football…and of course, cranked up country and trucks.
Fast forward a couple of hours, and while things may have gotten a little hazy, I can tell you this much: Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Trick Pony, Van Zant, and Craig Morgan make quite a lineup. And I wasn’t the only one who thought so. People were everywhere; there wasn’t an inch of grass to spare among the crowd gathered in front of the stage.
But even if all the honky-tonk and “yeehaw” isn’t for you and “Redneck Woman” doesn’t get your juices flowing, it’s a day to do something different, enjoy the outdoors, and be around all types of people, which were most definitely present at this shin-dig. I saw young and old, families and friends, and everything in between.
It just goes to show that greater Fort Lauderdale isn’t all beaches and sunshine, although that isn’t half bad. It’s also diverse people with diverse interests and diverse activities to fulfill their needs.
And in this case, if your interest would’ve been a day in the park with music and boozin’, the Chili Cookoff would’ve been for you.
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