2-19-10

18TH FLOOR VIEW OF MIAMI

PELICAN IN FLIGHT

WHERE'S WALDO, LIFEGUARD EDITION

KARI KICKS UP HER FEET

POOLSIDE SUNBATHING

PUT THE LIME IN THE COCONUT



We've been enjoying a few days of relaxation and sunshine in Miami Beach. Kari and Eric graciously opened their home to us while they vacationed in LA & Vegas for a few days. Tuesday there wasn't a cloud in the sky and we took advantage by sunbathing in their backyard by the pool. There were just enough surrounding trees to block the wind and make the air warm. We quenched our thirst by opening and drinking a plethora of coconut water. There were two big palm trees in their backyard that had dropped many coconuts at our feet, tempting us to splurge. For some reason Kari and Eric don't keep a machete around so we weren't able to split the fresh, young coconuts open to enjoy their meat, but the water was incredible. We managed to get a little foraging in.

Tuesday evening we treated ourselves to a nice dinner. One restaurant in particular, Escopazzo, was recommended to us by the farmer we are about to work for in Alabama. The restaurant uses only organic and local ingredients in their classic Italian dishes. The menu also features several raw and vegan dishes. We enjoyed the soup du jour, zucchini soup. It is quite unusual for us to be able to eat soup out, as most soups are made with chicken or beef stock. This soup contained neither meat stock nor any dairy. It amazed us how they managed to create such a creamy consistency without the use of any dairy. We tried one of the raw dishes, which was a medley of vegetables inside eggplant wraps. Eggplant has a tendency to be mushy and become a texture we don't enjoy, but since this was raw, the consistency was pleasing. Our third course was saffron risotto, cooked perfectly al dente. We enjoyed a lovely bottle of Sangiovese, which complimented our meal. At this point, we should mention that we discussed our trip with our waiter, who told us the chef would be delighted to speak to us about organic foods and farming. We dined late and were nearly the last table in the restaurant by the time dessert was served. Dessert, by the way, was on the house. They served us outstanding tiramsu, and an orange creme brulee, which had good flavor but is not our favorite dessert. Giancarla Bodoni, the owner and chef, chatted with us as we ate dessert. It was reassuring to hear a well-known and respected chef speak passionately about the importance of organic, local ingredients. She was thrilled to hear about our trip and we were thrilled to pick her brain. If you're ever in Miami, we highly recommend you dine here.

We left Miami this morning after spending the day with Kari yesterday. We drove as far as we could, taking back roads, and are camping tonight at Suwannee Valley Campground in White Springs. We took the scenic route passing Lake Okeechobee but somehow missed the lake despite driving literally next to it. We planned to enjoy a picnic lunch on the lakefront, but were on another road, beyond the lake, before we knew what happened. We ate at a picnic table in a school playground/parking lot instead. If we go the Grand Canyon, we'll be sure not to miss it.