Halfway through June

Nick and I were Islanders last weekend, Merritt Islanders that is. We were there through Sunday hanging out with Vance and Elizabeth, eating out, exploring and discovering new spots.

The disco volador at Cuba Bistro, and a ham croquette, of course.

Looking out from the end of the short boardwalk at Kelly Park West.

Longer boardwalk/nature trail at Kelly Park West.

We stayed busy on Friday that’s for sure. After I finished my blog and Vance was done with work, he and I went to lunch at Cuba Bistro just across the street where I was transported back to my childhood when I bit into and finished a “disco volador” sandwich, something my Mom used to make for me as a kid. Now I want to go out and buy the round-shaped, long-handled contraption needed to create that deliciousness. Afterwards, we picked up Nick at the townhouse went to Kelly Park West, what has become one of our favorite parks. They shot hoops while I walked around the perimeter of the park and then we walked together through their boardwalk/nature trail and looked out on the Banana River.

Here we are, having a great night at The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park.

After a nice afternoon out, we drove over to Orlando, picked up Elizabeth and went to dinner at The Ravenous Pig, a great spot in Winter Park. The weather was so pleasant we opted to sit outside in their beer garden where we ordered several things to share. The place didn’t disappoint, we loved the food, the craft beer they brew onsite and the atmosphere. It was a nice night.

View at Jetty Park Beach.

Spotted this cutie while walking onto Jetty Park Beach.

Saturday after running some errands, picking up a few plants for the townhouse and hanging up a few new black and white photos we hung out and waited for Elizabeth to arrive from Orlando. As soon as she arrived we packed up the car and headed to Jetty Park Beach where we spent the afternoon chatting and relaxing in and by the water. I also wanted to check out their camp store which was really nice and where Vance and I chatted with the friendly cashier.

That night, Vance made fajitas on the flat top grill and we ate on the patio before heading to Salty Sister’s in Cocoa Beach where Vance’s co-worker Todd was playing with his band Wicked Garden Gnomes. Again, it was another great night with perfect weather.

Sunday I spent the morning watching the French Open then Nick and I split some tacos Vance brought back from the new little Mexican spot we like that’s nearby.

Inside O Cinema, which is currently at a historic Miami Beach building but will be moving to Little River.

The gorgeous lobby, chandelier and staircase in the historic Old City Hall building in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco District. O Cinema is moving out of the gorgeous structure which was built in 1927.

Captured this prior to movie time to show the intimate setting of the O Cinema theater.

Tuesday I drove over the causeway to Miami Beach and went to O Cinema, one of our best independent theaters in Miami, where I watched “Steal This Story, Please,” a documentary about radio and broadcast journalist Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of Democracy Now! a “national, independent, daily news program that airs on over 1,400 public television and radio stations worldwide.” To see Goodman’s story unfold before you is a tale in journalistic excellence from a woman who refuses to conform or hold back, no matter what the odds. She definitely gets her drive and passion for the truth from her parents, both social activists so It’s a classic case of “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Her story is truly remarkable and she continues the fight to this day, never relenting. I also read in the New Times that she purposely chose O Cinema to screen the film in Miami, because their unrelenting nature of screening thought-provoking films no matter what the odds, aligned with her core journalistic values.

Before the lights went down, I met a really nice couple from Wilton Manors in Broward County who drove all the way to Miami Beach to see the film. We had such a lovely conversation and they told me about the Wilton Manors Art District up there that I must check out.

Wednesday I went to another movie, a highly recommended big box office hit that everyone has told me is amazing so I had to check it out for myself and… it was! “Project Hail Mary,” is a heartbreaking, moving, emotional, funny, marvel of a film. I laughed, I cried, I awwed and I saw true humanity reflected on the screen. Warning… it clocks in at 2:38 but it’s so worth it. I also loved that I had the entire theater to myself.

Me and MAMP Conference MC George Neary.

L-R Catherine Cathers from the City of Coral Gables Arts & Culture, Arts & Business Council of Miami Executive Director Renee Pesci, me and George Neary from Tours ‘R Us.

Then yesterday, I attended the annual Arts & Business Council’s Miami Arts Marketing Project (MAMP) Conference at Miami Dade Wolfson Campus. It was great to reconnect with so many familiar faces I hadn’t seen in a while. And networking brought a few great nuggets of info for possible future articles and also another possible catering gig thanks to Andrea Arthur from the South Florida Theater League who approached me about providing lunches for one of her upcoming events. She also said she’d recommend me to other organizations that need small catering jobs like the ones I can provide. I left excited about these future opportunities.

Looking ahead to this weekend, tomorrow night we’ll be at Wynwood’s Bakehouse Art Complex for the Bookleggers Library 14th Birthday Celebration. I went with Nicholas last year and had a great time and this year all three of us are going. They’ve got a lot of new stuff planned this year and I’m looking forward to it.

Also, either today or tomorrow, we’ll be getting some ice cream at the new Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in North Miami owned by our friends Mike and Cathy Palma who we have known for years from our church. It’s located at 13724 Biscayne Blvd.

And a couple of other cool things that happened. My neighbor Matt texted me to ask about the food rescue volunteering I do on Mondays with Food Rescue US South FL and actually signed up to pick up and then deliver a donation! Yay! Also, a Facebook group I belong to Readers with Attitude which was started by Miami Herald’s former Book Editor Connie Ogle, really stepped up with some great bookstore recommendations in NYC for my friend Monica who is there this week. If you’re gonna be in the city at some point let me know and I’ll be happy to share them with you!

L-R: Phil, Jim, Sandra and Vance enjoying a day out on the water.

That’s all for this week. I leave you with a photo of a blooming, fiery red royal poinciana tree which I’m seeing all over Miami and of Vance with his friends Phil, Jim and Sandra who he got to spend time with in Sarasota on Wednesday.

That’s all for today, I’ll see you right back here next Friday for a Father’s Day weekend post!