Chilly Day at the Beach

Sometimes you need to get away from the commotion of life and appreciate the beautiful world around us.  For a Floridian, the beach is a perfect solution to do just that.  

In celebration of my best friend's 16th birthday, we spent a relaxing Saturday evening at Melbourne Beach.  

We ate dinner at Sand on the Beach Bikini Bar, situated by the beach shore.  With patio side seating, the restaurant  provided a spectacular view of the ocean.  

Sand on the Beach Bikini Bar

Piña Colada

Blackened Mahi Tacos

Later we went to Melbourne Square Mall and indulged in some lovely macarons at Le Macaron.

Link for Mobile

Ciao,

       Monique

Tracks of the Month: January

A tad late (sorry) but here are 5 tracks I've loved during the month of January 2015:

1.  Wrong Direction by British India (Indie Rock): 

2. East Harlem by Beirut (Indie Folk:

3. Lost That Easy by Cold War Kids (Indie Rock):

4. No Type by Rae Sremmurd (Rap):

 5. Make Me Wanna by Thomas Rhett (Country):

 *Links for mobile:
1. Wrong Direction ~ British India
2. East Harlem ~ Beirut
3. Lost That Easy ~ Cold War Kids
4  No Type ~ Rae Sremmurd
5. Make Me Wanna ~ Thomas Rhett

Ciao,

       Monique


Photo Creds:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/BI1.jpg
http://www.clevescene.com/binary/0c87/1322573575-beirut.jpg
http://wttsfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Cold-War-Kids1.png
https://allhiphop.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/rae-sremmurd1.jpeg
http://forthecountryrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/thomas-rhett.jpg

Flat White Craze

Flat White: an coffee beverage developed in Australia and New Zealand; similar to a cappuccino and consists of coffee and milk with two ristretto shots; noted for its strong taste and velvety consistency  

Starbucks recently came out with their version of the traditional flat white.  Since then, the drink has been trending in the American coffee community.  Let's face it, Starbucks is basically the voice of the American coffee community by practically monopolizing the U.S coffee industry.

When I heard Starbucks came out with the drink I was ecstatic to try it.  The drink was quite delectable and something I would definitely order again.  However after visiting Whole Foods Market and seeing the Allegro coffee bar selling their rendition, I had to partake.  Turns out, I actually preferred Allegro's version of the drink and the price difference is quite shocking.

Starbucks Tall Flat White (12 oz): starting from $3.75 (price varies in different regions) = strong and smooth, but not necessarily tasty
Allegro Flat White (12 oz): $1.75 = strong and smooth with a tasty finish

More bang for you buck in my opinion!

Ciao,

       Monique

Gallivanting in Winter Park

I love making trips to Winter Park.  So much so, that this is my second post about it!  The quaint suburb is always a great place to spend a nice Sunday evening.  
Park Avenue is a fantastic venue for purchasing unique pieces at cute boutiques or eating lunch at its lovely sidewalk cafes.  
Ironically, the town of Winter Park was quoted as "The worst city in America" by the Jason Bateman's character in the hit comedy Identity Thief because of Melissa McCarthy's character residing there.  The quote is funny to us Central Floridians since in real life that statement is a bit on the contrary.  
Winter Park, in reality, has a certain elegance to it.  It's sophisticated ambiance sets it aside from the other locations surrounding the city of Orlando.  

Adorable Boutiques in Park Ave:

Definitely took home this fluffy sweater.

Aside from Park Ave:

Trader Joe's is a fairly new addition to the Orlando community.   Our only current location happens to be in Winter Park (they're building one in Dr. Phillips).  The store is truly unique and carries products you certainly would not find elsewhere, or at least not in the convenient way that it can be obtained within the store.    

Light and delicious with a subtle hint of sesame.  I love the fact that it is not too salty!

Healthier alternative to traditional sesame candy with the same type of taste

Although an acquired taste, seaweed actually offers quite a few health benefits (if you like sushi you'll most likely enjoy this)

Legit the best water I've ever tasted with a pH of 9.5 and added electrolytes + potassium

Magic in a jar.

The only Shake Shack in Central Florida also happens to be in Winter Park, right across from Trader Joe's.  Shake Shack is a burger joint with locations thriving across the globe.  The first Shake Shack I've been to happened to be in Covent Garden, London.

Shake Shack in Winter Park

My burger from the Covent Garden location

Charming bakeries are also destined to be found in the surrounding Winter Park area; such as Backhaus German Bakery.

The bakery serves traditional German bake goods and sandwiches as well as imported European products.

If you ever find yourself in Orlando, you should definitely make a trip to Winter Park, just make sure to bring enough cash. Winter Park's sophisticated shops come with slightly sophisticated prices.   

Ciao,

       Monique

Ciao, 2014

Happy New Year//Feliz Año Nuevo//Bonne Année//新年快樂//سنة جديدة سعيدة

2014 has been quite the year. I attended a crazy YouTube convention called Playlist Live.  I embarked on a 14-day European trip with friends that I've had since 2nd grade.  I finished off my freshman year of high school and began sophomore year.  

But most importantly, 2014 was the year I embraced my love for writing.  After searching and searching for my niche, I realized that writing is it.  After several people encouraging me to start my own blog, I decided that 2014 was the perfect time to start.  My first blog post was in December 2013 (I know not 2014, but still close haha).  

Since then, I've felt like I've truly found my place in life.  I was so lost and confused about what I wanted and enjoyed in life, but blogging changed all of that for me.  

What I'm mostly proud of during 2014 is this right here.  2014 was the year I embraced blogging as not only a hobby, but one of my greatest passions.  

I'm so excited to go into 2015, more confident and persistent with my blogging.  That is my New Years Resolution.  I hope to elevate my blog to make it more pleasing and enjoyable for you, my readers.

Thank you all for being a part of my journey.  For supporting me in doing what I love.

Lots of Love,

Monique

Tracks of the Month: December

Here are 5 tracks I've loved during the month of December 2014:

1.  Make Me Wonder by Klo (Electronic/Soul): 

2. Kiss Me Again by The Drums (Indie Rock):

3. Nathalie by Gilbert Bécaud (1960's French):

4. Slow It Down by The Lumineers (Indie Folk):

 5. Only by Nicki Minaj (Rap):

 *Links for mobile:
1. Make Me Wonder ~ Klo
2. Kiss Me Again ~ The Drums
3. Nathalie ~ Gilbert Bécaud‏
4. Slow It Down ~ The Lumineers
5. Only ~ Nicki Minaj

Ciao,

       Monique


Photo Creds:

http://www.broadsheet.com.au/media/cache/a0/62/a062d8e63e3a934515a50b8474e6e41c.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/vice_asset_uploader/files/1405435035the_drums_magic_mountain_2.png
http://muzica.rfi.ro/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/gilbert-becaud.jpggnature=885f6GQ4%2Bt3DI%2F71pB1H67TLODw%3D
http://www.sicario.tv/recomendaciones/the-lumineers-sesion-acustica/
http://celebmafia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/nicki-minaj-fader-magazine-august-september-2014_3.jpg

Chef John's Place

As one enters Chef John's Place in Kissimmee, Florida, they are embraced with its cozy and inviting ambiance.  

Chef John's menu can satisfy various taste palates with its options ranging from barbecue, seafood, grilled steaks and even some Mexican influenced plates.  

The relaxed, quaint environment, as well as the delectable food, makes it a wonderful place to share a delicious, intimate meal with the one's you love.             

Clam Strips

Fried Mushrooms

Both appetizers were the perfect options to satisfy our watering mouths.  They came to our table hot and fresh.  Although both the clams and mushrooms were fried, they were not greasy.

Rib Eye with hericot vert and roasted potatoes

Both my aunt and father decided to order the rib eye.  I stole a bite, and it was really up to par.  The meat was flavorful and tender.

Blackened Grouper Linguine 

I ordered the Blackened Grouper Linguine.  The pasta was rich with flavor and laced with a delightful beurre blanc.  The vegetables was crisp and the grated cheese (not sure which kind) suited the dish perfectly.  The grouper was perfectly cooked, being crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. The fish had a great kick to it, which is great since I love spicy food!     


Chef John's place hasn't just charmed us local Floridians with its delicious food, but also has grabbed the attention of the media.  Not to mention celebrity chef Emril Lagasse's attention who featured the restaurant in his show Emril's Florida (aired on the Cooking Channel and Food Network).


Ciao,

       Monique