As a self-proclaimed foodie, I enjoy eating delicious things. The chopped judges are not wrong when they say, “Presentation is everything”.
A great food presentation, will most definitely make me want to eat your food, but more than likely, I will also want to take a picture of said food. However, those pictures always seem to sit in my camera roll for all eternity. That is why I’ve decided to take you on a food journey from the past year and share those photos that never made it to instagram (and a few that did, but were too good to not share again).
February 2016
Now, this particular dish can’t be found in any restaurant except for the one in my kitchen. My lovely boyfriend, chef Jonathan, made this dish for me on Valentine’s Day morning.
Western omelet served with a side of thinly sliced potatoes, turkey bacon, garnished with a touch of parsley and sliced kumquats. Accompanied by pineapple and champagne mimosas (not pictured because we drank them too fast).
Artisan-style empanada, swimming in roasted pepper reduction and pesto, garnished with a deliciously tangy lime. Our Valentine’s dinner appetizer.
Sage Restaurant – Tallahassee, FL
For Jonathan’s birthday, we could not decide or agree on a birthday restaurant. “Nothing too fancy” “I want to sit down in a booth” Blah Blah Blah. We ended up at the Ale House, where we had a delightful waiter that was most definitely a character. When he learned it was Jonathan’s birthday, he ran away quickly and returned with this Reese’s pie, a DIY happy birthday sign (see below) and a Happy Birthday poem, which he proceeded to read aloud. Mr. Waiter, you made our night.
It’s the little things man.
March 2016
Whiskey apple cocktail on the rocks, garnished with an apple crisp.
Liberty Bar – Tallahassee, FL.
Every since I was a little girl, my mom would put together Easter baskets for my brother and I. Even now that I’m an adult and live away from home, she still sends me something every year. This past Easter, she had cupcakes in a jar sent to my apartment. YES, CUPCAKES IN A MASON JAR. So millennial of me.
“Cinnabon Crumb Cake Cupcake”
April 2016
I wish I could remember exactly what this was but it was just too pretty not to share. Thai Basil cocktail, garnished with a sliced lemon.
Southern Public House -Tallahassee, FL.
In mid-April, Jonathan and I traveled to Atlanta to see one of our favorite bands, Mumford and Sons, play in concert. On the way, we made a few detours, like every good roadtrip requires. What would a drive through Georgia be, without stopping at Peach farm to eat cobbler and pick strawberries?
Strawberry Fields at Lane Southern Orchard – Fort Valley, GA.
May 2016
One of our favorite spots in town to eat a well-deserved, expertly crafted meal, is Food Glorious Food. They really know how to put together a delicious dish. I mean, look at that glaze (I’m drooling just thinking about it).
Glazed Duck served with mashed potatoes and topped with micro-greens.
Food Glorious Food – Tallahassee, FL.
On Mother’s Day weekend, I met my parents in Orlando to go to the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. The Sunday I was returning home, we visited the Raglan Irish Pub in Downtown Disney to grab some brunch. Scrumptious eggs Benedict and fingerling potatoes were my choice.
Raglan Road Irish Pub – Disney Orlando, FL.
Occasionally, my work as a PR gal takes me to awesome locations – in May, I had the chance to visit the peaceful outer banks of the Crystal Coast in North Carolina. We tasted and adventured our way through the trip and dined at the Mayor’s restaurant, Pescara. This savory pasta dish was enough to ruin canned pasta sauce forever.
Pescara Wood Oven Kitchen – Atlantic Beach, NC
This local breakfast spot is famous for their sticky buns and I don’t think I need to explain why (drooling).
Banks Grill – Morehead City, NC
In the historic town of Beaufort, NC there is an adorable couple that hosts culinary bike tours. Betsy and David Cartier lead you on a cruising history lesson, stopping to munch on the local foodie finds. This carrot cake was the last stop of our tour, dessert. And yes, I ate it ALL.
Hungry Town Culinary Bike Tour – Beaufort, NC
June 2016
This year, our family vacation took us to the bustling city of Toronto, ON. YAY to bacon and maple syrup! Our first night there, we went to a small restaurant in the heart of downtown called, Bannock. This delicious looking dish below is a loaded grilled cheese sandwich with caro chips, accompanied by a small fresh arugula salad and garnished with tomato bisque and pickled jalapenos.
Bannock Restaurant – Toronto, ON
This towering cone of goodness is from a insta-famous creamery called Sweet Jesus, and SWEET JESUS was it delicious.
Steak grilled-to-perfection, on top of a bed of garlic potatoes and pesto drizzle. What more could a girl ask for on her birthday?
Backwoods Bistro – Tallahassee, FL.
July 2016
In the summer, we visit my boyfriend’s family vacation home in the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River. The town on the Canadian side of the river is called Gananoque and every July they host a Rib Fest. We ate and sampled our way through four different styles of ribs and if this photo doesn’t fully encapsulate smokey tangy flavor, then I don’t know what would.
August 2016
Chef Jonathan makes yet another appearance on this list with this masterpiece. Greek yogurt with a peach and strawberry slice flower, granola and a drizzle of Florida honey.
September 2016
Work travels took me to NYC in September. Caught up with a childhood friend over something called a deconstructed sushi bowl? NYC food is always inventive to say the least. (Forgive me if this is a thing and I just never knew it.)
Kaoru Japanese Restaurant – New York, NY.
November 2016
One of the best things about Tallahassee living, aside from the football, is the food. Believe it or not, we live in a happy little niche for farm-to-table/seasonal menu style restaurants. One trip to Miccosukee Root Cellar will convince you that farm-fresh ingredients are the bomb.dot.com.
Roasted eggplant and vegetables served with curry sauce, accompanied by a small leafy salad dressed in lemon-dressing paired with roasted root vegetables and a satisfying glass of Noir.
Miccosukee Root Cellar – Tallahassee, FL.
Ahhhhh, the holidays. My office’s annual Thanksgiving Dessert Day strikes again. Just take a look at the sweetness on this table.
This was my contribution. Mini Pilgrim Cupcakes. Nom Nom!
Stay tuned in food & drink, for a monthly series that I am extremely excited about. You’ll get to see quite a few dishes prepared by my favorite personal chef. 😉
These are great stories. Good luck on the new adventure ?
Thanks! I’m glad you like them so far. 🙂
Chef Jonathan ❤️
Great job O. Can’t wait to read more!
Yes! My favorite chef. 😉
Stay tuned!!