Growing Green Edibles…AVOCADO!!

Thanks to my foodie roomie, Google and Mr. Jube- The chef/ philosopher who knows everything about everything-I received a lesson on how to grow my very own “Green Edibles”- avocado tree. So I have taken on the challenge to nurture and grow my very own avocado tree.

To Start you will need the following:

• Avacado
•  toothpicks
•  a cup
• water

Cut open the avocado and remove the pit.

Stick 3-4 toothpicks through the thickest part of the avocado pit, push each toothpick approximately 1/2″  into the seed.

The toothpicks should be evenly dispersed around the center of the pit. Then balance the toothpicked avocado pit on a glass. Be sure the pit’s point is pointed to the ceiling and the larger base is faced towards the water.

Fill the water up to the base of the avocado pit ( Above photo)

Set in doors where the sun indirectly hits it.

NURTURE:

Change the water frequently and watch that baby grow!

Hopefully if I do not kill this thing by next week I will be able to return with a report of her sprouting process. ( Yes, I did refer to this “pit” as a her- maybe next time I report “she” will have a name.)

If I manage to keep her alive and growing, the following will need to take place:

Once a stem grows from the seed it is time to plant the pit in the soil of mother nature. Place the sprouting pit in the soil leaving the top of the pit free from the soil. Water frequently.

Pictures of either my diseased tree or my sprouting tree to come…

Oil & Vinegar Tasting: Culpeper, VA

 

Exploring the quaint downtown of Culpeper, VA we came across ” TASTE“= Oil, Vinegar & Spice Tasting!

Usually you go on wine tastings or beer tastings..But not here… Oil and vinegar tastings!

This is always a great way to spend your afternoon if you have a tight wallet.. FREE to taste… but I am warning you now, after you taste French Champagne Balsamic Vinegar or Black Truffle Oil, you’ll be tempted to break open your wallet!

 You are given a sheet of paper to check off your favorite Oil and Vinegar as you walk down the isles of urns filled with unique concoctions of Oil or Vinegar.

Be sure to bottle up some Oily heaven before departing this unique expereince…

Visit “Tastes” Facebook page for more information: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-Oil-Vinegar-Spice/200310416707189

“Wicked Food- Cajun Magic” Ivy Lane Bistro

What a wonderful way to end a perfect girls weekend.. Louisiana Style!

Exiting Daytona’s beach side we hung a left from the bridge heading down South Beach Street passing whimsical shops (all appearing to be closed) on our Sunday trip back home. Making a last-minute decision to park and try out a quaint Bistro we spotted on our drive… Ivy Lane Louisiana Bistro…

Due to the perfect weather during this time of year,  it was necessary to get a seat outside. We chose a seat located in the restaurant’s make-shift outdoor dining space set up in the ally dressed up with plants and  an oriental rug… Even though I have never expereinced the French Quarter of New Orleans.. this is exactly how I imagined it!

We ordered bottomless memosas (Yes… Bottomless.. never-ending… for only $8… Yippie)

…And tuned into the Jazz players (live music for a Sunday brunch?? You betcha!!), rockin’ Christmas tunes and Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay”… Louisiana Style!

We were even accompanied by dogs dressed in their Sunday Best (They are dog friendly!)

Their menu had an ample amount of options with a Louisiana twist.  Take a look at our dishes:

Enjoy your next Daytona Beach trip ….Louisiana style!

Visit http://www.ivylanebistro.com/ or their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/IvyLaneBistro?sk=info

Giordano’s Italian Deli… “Our Sub Spot”

My dad and I have built memories, relationships and a great palate due to our frequent visits to Giordano’s italian Deli located in Vero Beach, FL off of 21st street and 8th Avenue.

We have been making our trips since early highschool on my “half-day” Wednesdays. Now when I come to town we always try to make a trip to visit “our girls”… AKA the Mother and daughter who own and operate the deli. Even though my trips are now less frequent, the owner still remembers my dad and I….and even our tuna sub order (split in two)!

I am unsure when we discovered this sub shop, but we have been hooked ever since! Nothing like perfectly baked, fresh bread, stuffed with mouth-watering ingredients and always served with a little love and a smile! (literally just thinking about the sub my mouth is watering!).. And yes… it beats a publix sub!

Occasionally we end with a cannoli Never frozen.. Always made fresh to order!

 

The above Giordano’s trip was our “ThanksGiving” this year and I wouldn’t want to spend it any other way… Great people and great food!

Happy ThanksGiving!