
Chocolates from Caffe Chocolat in Titusville make popular gifts. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
Chocolates from Caffe Chocolat in Titusville make popular gifts. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
You can see the video here.
Mixologists make cocktails for the Bombay Sapphire-themed lunch at August on July 22, 2011. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
Red and Yellow Snapper cocktail at the lunch at August on July 22, 2011. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
Grilled quail was glazed with honey and accompanied by Sapphire gin-fermented red pepper and Louisiana popcorn rice. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
Meanwhile, the gin allowed the mixologists to play extensively with sweet and savory flavors, as in the gazapacho-like Red and Yellow Snapper that started the meal. Herbal flavors were abundant. And all of it was beautiful.
Hedgehog's Delight cocktail, featuring Ron de Jeremy rum, was served with Gulf shrimp at Rio Mar's Spirited Dinner as part of Tales of the Cocktail. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
A country ham and fig creation at Rio Mar for the Spirited Dinner. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
Simply prepared Gulf shrimp went well with rum creations at Rio Mar. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
This plantain daiquiri was paired with grilled figs wrapped with country ham at the Rio Mar Spirited Dinner. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
Tales is a flurry of tasting rooms, fabulous meals, seminars and other events, a party where you can actually learn something. If you want to.
It’s always nice to hear about winning something other than millions from a Nigerian prince. Though if that were true, it would be nice, too.
Taryn Ireland's winning dish in the 2010 Bon Appetit Brevard contest, The Aunt's Tacos. Photo by Chris Kridler
Too often when on the road, I end up eating fast food or “convenience” food, like those Tornado things (probably because they are called Tornadoes) or string cheese and a banana from a gas station. So when I get a chance to eat a real meal, I relish the moment. Last night I enjoyed a fantastic Italian meal at Benvenuti’s in Norman, Oklahoma. Except for a bird bombing my outdoor table, it was a delightful experience.
I ordered off the seasonal menu. As much as I love traditional Italian food – after all, I was raised with it – I enjoy a fresh take, and Benvenuti’s offers new specials every few months.
Moppina at Benvenuti's in Norman, Oklahoma, lit by the blue patio lights. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
Chocolate Caramel Pot du Creme at Benvenuti's in Norman, Oklahoma. Photo by Chris Kridler, chriskridler.com
I wrapped up with the decadent Chocolate Caramel Pot du Creme ($6), a rich, chocolaty custard with just a touch of sea salt.
There are several more things I’d like to try at Benvenuti’s, which has a hip, friendly atmosphere … maybe the next time I’m in town, if I’ve survived the convenience store food in the meantime.
I’m in the process of doing our taxes, which means reviewing a year’s worth of expenses, and they can be kind of disturbing when grouped into categories. Especially “Restaurants.” One of our credit cards had enough restaurant expenses that they could be traded for a small used car. Granted, many of these were accrued as I reviewed restaurants for Florida Today, but given I had a limit even on those expenses, it still means we dine out a lot. I think as I become self-employed we will still enjoy dining out, but I hope we’ll also have time for more gourmet prep at home. And I still love shooting pictures of food and drink. This photo was from a holiday/champagne cocktail shoot in FT’s television studio.