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.

Bike ride and the beach

Now living in Florida is great for a few reasons but my favorite reason is the fact that after class I can hop on the bike with N and head on over to the beach.

I mean come on look at that view.

We got there around 5:30pm and there was actually quite a few people there. I was surprise, especially for a Wednesday. The weather was beautiful and the sun wasn't too hot, a perfect day to head to the beach.

We didn't stay out there too long, but it was nice just to get out of central Florida and head east. I love the water and I love being in the water. It's just so calming... until you fall in a hole and scream, which is exactly what I did. We messed around in the water jumping over and diving under waves as they came crashing in.

Look at that beauty! The bike is a Honda Shadow and please forgive me but I forget the year. And that is N standing in the back.

Of course before we left I had to get some pictures on her... so I handed the camera to N and told him to get snapping...

Now I must say that I have driven a motorcycle and I took the class to get my license. I still have yet to go to the dang DMV (which is 5 min away from my house) to get the motorcycle endorsement put on my ID. I really need to get that done *wink*

We headed home to have dinner that I prepared the night before...

But more on that later *wink*

Jeans / Top (I could not find the exact top, even though the chick in the banner is wearing it, but this is a similar top) and the shoes are an old pair of Pumas that I have had forever and love still. Suit is from VS.

*My Thoughts*
It was such a beautiful day out and I am glad we got to spend sometime together at the beach... and I cannot wait until the next time we go.
Thank goodness summer is approaching us, I can work on my tan and make many more beach trips *wink*
We do wear helmets so before anyone makes a comment on that we do ride safe.

xo Kelly

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