Carmel Cafe

Last night I had a date with my Ashley. She is a friend that I met at UCF and we like to keep in touch and get together every now and then.

Well I knew of this new restaurant opening near me and asked Ashley if she would like to make the trek over to check this place out.... A few of the people helping out to open the restaurant came in to my job last week and told me about the opening. I thought it would be a fun opportunity.

So Tuesday night around 8:45 pm Ashley and I met at Carmel Cafe and Wine Bar in Altamonte Springs near the Jamestown Publix. We walked in and immediately got a table. 

The wine list is very extensive so if you enjoy wine (or you are looking to get into wine) this is the place to be. They serve wine by the 3 oz (this is the best way to taste many different wines *wink*) and also by the glass 6 oz and 9 oz.

I got a 6 oz glass of Malbec from Mendoza Argentina, Elsa Bianchi. It was very delicious. Ashley went for the 6 oz Riesling from Washington, NxNW. She said it was delicious. 

We then started off with calamari and complimentary bread sticks with a kalamata olive spread, very olivey but good. They also offer sparkling or still water at no extra charge.

I have never had fried calamari that came in sticks... who cares they were delicious and that sauce was yummy. Ashley did not like it as much (but then again she said she's not very adventurous when it

 comes to food.) Me on the other hand was like give me more *wink* The sauce is a zesty tomato aioli.

For my main course I had Grilled Shrimp and Pasta with a horseradish tomato jam. I was skeptical at first about the horseradish tomato jam (even though I enjoy horseradish and tomato). I ordered it anyways... and this beautiful master piece is what came out.

The shrimp were delicious perfectly seasoned and grilled. The noodles were excellent, even though at first they reminded me of ramen. That's what I get for judging a book by its cover, I guess. The sauce was outstanding. I wanted more of it. It was a sweet jam, but I didn't really taste any horseradish. Oh well still a very good choice for dinner.

After dinner A and I decided on a refreshing cocktail. A watermelon granita. OMG this drink was freaking out of this world. I sucked that thing down quicker than I would have liked to *wink* A drink that I will definitely order again. 

If you are interested in going details can be found on their website Carmel Cafe.

*My Thoughts*

They close at 10 pm which, to me, is very early. I am a late night person and like to stay out late to enjoy a few cocktails after my meal. Especially if I am with company that I do not get to see very often. Other than that the food was good as were the drinks.

I am sorry about the terrible quality of the photos they were taken with my iPhone. I left my DSLR at home because I thought the restaurant would be packed and I didn't want it to get broken. However I will be making another trip back to Carmel Cafe and I will snap some better photos. But for now these will have to do.

Norm's Palette

I had the night off... after a slow shift at work. Of course I was responsible and worked on some homework before I went out.

But before I get into what I did last night I want to start out with this beautiful picture of the flowers that I bought my mom for Mother's Day... they have bloomed.

No editing needed look at those gorgeous flowers.

Okay now back to the real reason for this post. This lovely place called Norm's Palette.

Norman Rinne is the owner of Norm's Palette. He is an artist, cook, and business owner.

After walking in to the beautifully decorated place I sat down at the bar. Natalie, the bartender, was immediately friendly. And offered me a glass of wine. I was not sure which to choose she recommended one and gave me a sample. She did well, the wine was delicious. She filled up my glass with more. I sat for a little while enjoying my glass of wine and reading my book. But then I started to get hungry...

They have a short list of food. I ended up ordering the steamed clams. Natalie offered to put them over linguine, of course I said yes.

I mean come on... just look at that big pile of clams just waiting for me to eat. I worked on them one by one enjoying the taste of each clam. The linguine was a good choice since I enjoy pasta, a lot. 

After I finished my dinner and drank my glass of wine. I ordered another glass of wine and Norm took me on a tour around his second home.

He showed me all of the art and told me a little about each artists. Each piece of work is so unique.

I took this picture because I love this giraffe and I want it in my house. He is just so tall and look at that neck.

Happy!

These photographs are beautiful and the one above is actually in 3D. That's why it looks so trippy, is the word I used. You put on the 3D glasses (that are hanging in that silver bag) and the photo pops out at you, like it is coming to life. I love this photograph and the fact that it comes to life makes it all that more beautiful.

Norm has books on art, language, artists, etc. all over his second home. And that is exactly what Norm's Palette feels like, a home. There are comfy couches, chairs, and tables. So pull up a seat, get lost in a book and enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer.

You will have to ask Norm about this piece.

I met some wonderful people and we enjoyed some great conversation and of course a few too many cocktails. I can't even put into words how much fun I had at Norm's... so grab your friends and head on over to Mount Dora to see Norm.

 He also started teaching art classes. So if you enjoy art, wine/beer, and good conversation... this place is for you.

Information on Norm's Palette can be found here. 

xo Kelly

P.S. this post was supposed to go up last night, sorry for the delay

Trains, the Wolf, and hidden bars

Mom and I went on what you can call an adventure on Tuesday. Central Florida finally got a railway train that goes to Orlando; mostly it is a commuter train. On this day every one decided to ride the Sunrail.

Mom and I left in early afternoon and thought we were going to be late and miss the train. We were rushing and running marathon style to the tracks. We arrived on the track just in time... to find out the train was 40 min late. After an hour of waiting the train finally arrived. Hooray Hooray!! The train came to a stop and the doors opened excitement reached up into my throat. And then I saw what was going on inside.

People were packed like sardines rubbing shoulders with the folks next to them, hot as heck outsides and bickers unloading their bikes... ahhhh! It was a mess... did that stop me? NO. I was determined to get on this train and experience this history in the making. Mom and I pushed our way onto the train and road it to Orlando. We got off at our stop and walked up to a newly found restaurant that I enjoy being at very much.

White Wolf Cafe.

As you walk up you see the wrought iron detailing with the hanging flower baskets and the beautiful Tiffany lamps. I love this place and the beautiful detailing. I mean just look at this place!

Then you step inside to the restaurant and beautiful bar.

Something I forgot to mention in my introduction post and something you will continue to see on my blog... I love going to antique stores, so of course I love this restaurant. I mean the sign says it all "We are always interested in buying Antiques." The open ceilings and visible wiring and workings are just another added touch to this wonderfully quaint place.

We sat in the corner by the window by the china hutch. Hump that's a mouth full *wink*

The tables are all big chunks of granite and the chairs are wrought iron with big cushions placed on the seats. Tiffany chandeliers hang from the ceiling and light up the restaurant and bar. Causing that dim beautiful light, that makes you think you are hanging out at an old gentleman's club. But then that bright Florida sunshine shines in and lights up the entire front half of the restaurant and bar. White Wolf glimmers in that beautiful light. There is seating outside for those who are up to that Florida heat and humidity.

After soaking up the antiquieness of the restaurant (yes I made up that word *wink*) it was time for lunch. Yum my favorite part.

Burgers and wine... what a perfect pair! My burger was gooey and messy (see pictures above hehe). But who cares? Because I ate the crap out of it and enjoyed every bit. Again YUM! It was a little bit over cooked for my preference but I think you can tell by the pictures that the sauce, onions, cheese, and veggies more than made up for that... Or maybe it was the wine? or the fact that I was hungry? Hmmm I don't think so, but you be the judge of that. Go check the folks out over at White Wolf Cafe on Ivanhoe in Orlando.

I will leave you with this photo just to show how beautiful this place is...

*It's not a very good picture, I apologize, but it does capture the beauty.

Lunch Mom and I walked down Ivanhoe and checked out the stores they had to offer. The best one of the day had what I would call a secret inside. It is this gorgeous India  inspired furniture store on the corner. With huge pieces of furniture; that were interesting to mom and I.

Isn't this furniture neat? And of course I had to get a picture of this sign... I mean just look at that guy! Hehe. There was much more furniture and other knick knacks but I was more interested in this...

There is a working bar inside this furniture store. They even have food! What the?! I never saw anything like this before. If you have please let me know in the comments. I want to check this place out! Anywho back to The Imperial Wine Bar. It opens at 5pm. They serve microbrews and boutique wines. Also according to their reviews they have patio seating. Mom and I did not stay to have a brew seeing as the bar wasn't open yet and only about 3:00 pm. We headed on our way.

We walked back to the train and waited because it was yet again late... ugh! It was hot and humid and my sinuses were acting up so to say the least I was a bit cranky. Finally the Sunrail arrived and it was time to head back home. Once in the car I fell right to sleep... don't worry mom was driving.

xo Kelly


*My Thoughts*
It was a wonderful afternoon spent with good company. Thanks mom! I hope to get there again soon because I hear their hummus is amazing. Next time I will definitely be sitting at the bar, as I haven't tried it yet. Like I said this is a newly found restaurant.

I don't know how many times I can say it but I love White Wolf Cafe.
And I want you to enjoy it too so here are the details... White Wolf Cafe

The information about the Imperial Wine Bar can be found by clicking the link.