Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: July 11 - 13, 2008

Sounds as though the Mockingbird Cafe will be having a "Special Musical Friday" event (July 11) this week. Enjoy a dinner and a show, seatings at 6 and 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 12, is open seating.

Highlights for the weekend menu include: Start with Miniature Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles and Premium Greens, $10; Main Course: Grilled Mahi-mahi with Orange-Ginger Beurre Blanc, Steamed Couscous and Balsamic Reduction, $22

Friday entertainment: Lis & Lon Williamson with Dick Kraft & Bill McGuire
(Acoustic Folk)

Saturday entertainment: Doug & Lisa Jernigan (Acoustic Folk)

Sunday, July 13: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SUnday Entertainment: All musicians welcome to join in the Second Sunday Acoustic Jam Session - rock on!

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla., closed Monday and Tuesday.

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: June 19 - 22, 2008

So have you taken my advice yet and headed out to the Mockingbird Cafe in Havana? I'm not going to scold anyone if you haven't because it's your loss. This is what's happening this weekend:

Thursday, June 19: Seating 6 - 8 p.m., Grilled Summer Vegetable Lasagna with tomato basil sauce, $10

Entertainment: Thursday Night Jam Session - Check out the local talent and rock on!

Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21: Candlelight dinners, 6 'til 9 p.m. Highlights include: Crab Meat Stuffed Baby Eggplant, $8 (doesn't that sound delish?), Sauteed Gulf Grouper with baby bok choy, coconut rice and ponzu sauce, $23 and Pan Seared Tenderloin of Angus Beef with grilled veggies, jicama slaw and roasted pepper aioli, $23. Reservations strongly recommended (850- 539-2212).

Friday entertainment: Wrecken' So (Acoustic Folk)

Saturday entertainment: Doug Jernigan (Acoustic Folk)

Sunday, June 22: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Afternoon entertainment: Bill McGuire (Acoustic Folk)

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla., closed Monday and Tuesday.

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: April 24 - 27, 2008

I'm back with what's happening at Havana's Mockingbird Cafe. As usual, entrees and entertainment sound yummy!

Thursday, April 24: Southern Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Biscuits & White Gravy, $11.

Entertainment: Thursday Night Jam Session - Check out the local talent and rock on!

Friday & Saturday, April 25 & 26: Candlelight dinners, 6 'til 9 p.m. Highlights include: Chicken, Shrimp and Crawfish Gumbo, $8 (having just returned from New Orleans, this sounds right up my alley), Grilled Gulf Grouper with Blue Crab Guacamole and Mango-Jalapeno Sauce, $23 and Barbecued Double Cut Pork Chop with Stewed Collards, Fried Green Tomatoes and Black Eyed Pea Timbale, $18. Reservations strongly recommended (850- 539-2212).

Friday entertainment: Larry Walker and Ric Edmiston (Acoustic Folk)

Saturday entertainment: Doug Jernigan (Acoustic Folk)

Sunday, April 27: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Afternoon entertainment: Wreckin' So: Glen & Sandy Hopkins playing guitar and bass with Bo Lawrence on the fiddle (Acoustic Folk)

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla.

Words, Whales, Worms and a Whole Lot More Happening in and around Tallahassee, April 2008

April is full of all sorts of activities in and around Tallahassee. Here’s what’s piqued my curiosity:

Wakulla Wildlife Festival, April 3 - 5: Tonight kicked off the annual event which seems to be growing each year. The main festivities happen at Wakulla Springs State Park with educational seminars from birds to reptiles and flowers and caves. Get a little culture during Art on the Terrace Friday and Saturday evenings.

Various field trips are being offered but chances are, they’re sold out. Still, it doesn’t hurt to check and see what’s open. Field trips travel to various parts of the Wakulla area and include an evening “Owl Prowl” at Wakulla Springs, a photography session at St. Marks Refuge and the Sinks of Wakulla. Tours run from sun up to sundown. Check out the event Web site for more info.

Whale of a Sale, April 4 & 5: Kick off the ultimate garage sale with food, music and fun at the North Florida Fairgrounds on Friday. The Junior League of Tallahassee presents the 33rd Annual Whale of a Sale. If you’re in the need of “stuff,” stuff you know you need and stuff you’re not sure you need yet, this is the place to be. I scored a box full of books last year for less than five bucks. Friday night, admission is $25 for the party and early bird shopping, Saturday it’s $1. Check out the site for more info.

2008 Florida Wine Festival, April 10 – 12: I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in the turn out to last year’s Wine Festival but hey, it meant I didn’t have to wait in line to taste the Florida wines. The festival, with a Viva Las Vegas theme, is three days of food, wine and music at Kleman Plaza. What could be better? Sorry I’m going to miss this year’s event. The celebrity grape stomping is a must-see. Check out the site for more info.

Worm Gruntin’ Festival, April 12: This is an event I’ve missed for the past three year’s I’ve lived here. One day, even if I move away, I will get down on my knees in Sopchoppy to summon the worms with a bit of worm gruntin’. As it’s been explained to me, worm gruntin’ has something to do with a wood stake, some metal and rubbing the two together so the earth vibrates which causes the worms to rise out of the earth. I liken it to a snake charmer.

Plantation Ball, April 19: Are saddle shoes and poodle skirts appropriate for this ball at the Pebble Hill Plantation? The theme is “Relive those Maltshop Memories” and Charlie Brown’s Coasters (You know, “Yakity Yak (Don't Talk Back)” ) are the featured performers with Nightfire opening. Tickets are $85 each and includes buffet dinner, valet parking and open bar (cheaper than the prom, right? Plus, I know several folks who could drink $85 worth). Wish I was in town to rock around this clock! Check out Pebble Hill Plantation’s site for more info.

Word Traffic Books always has something going on each month. Here’s a highlight for April:

High School Writers' Guild Saturday, April 12 2-4p.m. This is an opportunity for young writers to share their work and support each other.

Local Author Norma Sundberg will read from her children’s book An Odd Fable on Saturday, April 12 at 4:00 p.m.

Carabelle, Fla. author R.G. Hilton will read from and discuss her new book, The Legacy of Gale Ann Ralston on Saturday, April 26 at 5 p.m. Hot beans and cold beer will be provided (I’m not sure what hot beans are and if they’re tied to the story or if it’s a Tallahassee thing).

Word Traffic Books is located at 1227 E. Lafayette Street, Tallahassee between Lindy's Chicken and Wooly Bully and behind New Leaf Market.

And who says there isn’t anything to do in Tallahassee?

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: April 4 - 6, 2008

Here's the can't miss menu for this weekend at Lori's Mockingbird Cafe in Havana:

Friday & Saturday, April 4 & 5: Candlelight dinners, 6 'til 9 p.m. Highlights include: Chilled Cucumber Soup with Avocado and Tomatoes (sounds refreshing!), $7, Crispy Blue Crab Cakes with Dill-Fennel Slaw and Spicy Tartar Sauce, $21 and Penne Pasta with Grilled Chicken, Ricotta, Button Mushrooms, Baby Spinach and Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce, $16. Reservations strongly recommended (850- 539-2212).

Sunday, April 6: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday entertainment: Ric Edmiston (Acoustic Folk)
Saturday entertainment: Bill McGuire (Acoustic Folk)
Sunday afternoon entertainment: Charlie Kirbo (Acoustic Folk)

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla.

Read my other posts about things to do in Tallahassee.

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: March 28 - 30, 2008

Here's the can't miss menu for this weekend at Lori's Mockingbird Cafe in Havana:

Friday & Saturday, March 27& 28: Candlelight dinners, 6 'til 9 p.m. Highlights include: Tempura Fried Oysters (sounds heavenly!), $8, Sesame Crusted Mahi-mahi with Ginger Soy Butter Sauce and Shiitake Snow Pea Stir-fry, $22 and Crab Meat Stuffed Chicken Supreme with Mushroom Risotto and Garlic-Thyme Sauce, $18. Reservations strongly recommended (850- 539-2212).

Sunday, March 29: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday entertainment: Charlie Kirbo (Acoustic Folk)
Saturday entertainment: Bill McGuire & Mark Leadon (Acoustic Folk)
Sunday afternoon entertainment: Pat Jones and David Bowlin (Eclectic Acoustic)

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla.

Read my other posts about things to do in Tallahassee.

Mockingbird Cafe Happenings: March 20 - 23, 2008

Yum! Lori's Mockingbird Cafe in Havana is serving up some fab food and music this weekend, sorry I'm not going to be in town:

Thursday, March 20: Featuring Roasted Garlic and Basil Lasagna with Marinara Sauce (OK, this sounds tastier than last week's BBQ Shrimp & Cheese Grits), $10.95 Seating is 6 'til 8 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, March 21 & 22: Candlelight dinners, 6 'til 9 p.m. Highlights include Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Oven Roasted Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions and Andouille Sausage, $16 and Seared Ribeye of Organic Angus Beef Au Poivre with Rosemary Beurre Rouge and Duchess Potatoes, $21. Reservations strongly recommended (850- 539-2212).

Easter Sunday, March 23: Champagne Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday entertainment: Wreckin' So (Acoustic Folk)
Saturday entertainment: Doug Jernigan (Acoustic Folk)
Sunday afternoon entertainment: Charlie Kirbo (Acoustic Folk)

Mockingbird Cafe, 211 NW 1st Street, Havana, Fla.

Read my other posts about things to do in Tallahassee.

Something's Cooking in Havana: Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio

When I took my parents to Havana last weekend, I noticed a storefront promoting cooking classes, food writing, food styling, catering, corporate team building cooking and all sorts of other good things. Turns out it's Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company and last weekend was its grand opening. The studio, founded by Kathi Dameron, plans on opening its doors to the public during the weekends so they can taste the delicious creations. Yum!

I'm excited because Canopy Rose plans to lead culinary tours. During a conference I attended earlier this month, I learned Florida ranks #2 in the nation as a culinary destination and culinary travel is fastest and largest growing niche in the tourism industry. And, I fit the demographics of the typical foodie to a tee.

So if you're in Havana, check out Canopy Rose located downtown. In the meantime, check out my article on some of my favorite Florida foods.

Showing My Parents Tallahassee

As I try to get my life back to normal, my parents are in town and I spent the weekend showing them some of the Tallahassee I know. They visited last year and I wanted to show them something different.

Friday night was Salman Rushdie. They dropped me off and picked me up at Ruby Diamond Auditorium. (I know, sounds as though I'm 12-years-old but there's a logical explanation - the office handed over budgets at 4:15 Friday afternoon, meaning I worked past 5, pushing back dinner, oh, never mind. I'm a geek!)

Saturday was a full day of sightseeing with a visit to the Knott House, the Tallahassee Visitors Center, lunch in Havana, shopping in Havana followed by a visit to Bradley's Country Store.

Lunch at Havana's Mockingbird Cafe (211 NW 1st Street, tel: 850.539.2212) was fabulous! I was hungry and opted for the Cuban-style black beans and rice. It was served in a rustic looking clay pot topped with fresh green scallions. The main course was even better, the house salad topped with tender lamb. The salad was yummy and pretty at the same time, hence the photo on the left. To the right is a photo of the back entrance to the cafe.

Ordering was a bit different, you order at the counter and the staff brings out the food. Don't forget to pick up your silverware, etc. Being a perfect chamber-of-commerce-day, we sat outside. Inside is an eclectic mix of local artwork like pottery, paintings and hand-knit purses and scarves.

We browsed the Havana shops like The Planter's Exchange, The Wanderings and Cindy's Chapeaux.

It was fun browsing the costume jewelry, antique trinkets and kitsch buttons and petting the little stuffed seal made from seal fur. I love the shop's presentation and snapped this photo of tiny ribbon flowers.

Bradley's Country Store (10655 Centerville Road, tel: 850.893.4742) is a nice slice of old Tallahassee. A wood-deck patio with wooden rocking chairs welcome visitors. In the back of the store is what we came for, the sausage. After browsing the collection of the store's essentials, we left with a pound of small sausage links, devoured this morning for breakfast.

Dinner at San Miguel (200 West Tharpe Street, tel: 850.385.3346) rounded out the day. I just love their $2 margaritas!

Sunday was a little mellow with running errands and showing them a bit of local color at the Tallahassee Flea Market on Capital Circle. I'm happy to say the American dream is alive and well, guys wearing mullets, plaid shirts and cut-off jeans while drinking Budweiser at 11 a.m. are still a plenty.

The Snakes are Coming! The Snakes are Coming!

Alright, the snakes necessarily coming to Tallahassee, they're heading out to Whigham, Ga. for the Rattlesnake Roundup. The event is this Saturday and is bound to be a biting good time.

I won't be able to make it but my visit last January has me set for at least another year or so. If you do go, be sure to taste the snake, heard it tastes more like fish than chicken. Better yet is bringing home a lovely rattlesnake memento, such as a key chain (as pictured).

Need a summary of the event? Check out my article about the Roundup.

National African American Read-In: Feb. 3, 2008

Saturday, February 3, 2008 is the Nineteenth National African American Read-In, sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the NCTE. The event is to celebrate African American literacy and make it an important part of Black History Month.

Locally, you can participate at the Wakulla County Library on Feb. 3 between 3 and 5 p.m. Local African American authors, including Barbara Joe-Williams, will read from their written works.

Participate and be part of something big!

Green Guide Class: Bitter Sweet

It's hard to believe this semester's Wakulla Ecotourism Institute is over. It's been a fabulous ride and I'm looking forward to finishing up next semester.

Last weekend was a field trip to explore some of the sink holes in Wakulla State Park and Apalachicola State Park with Cal Jameson. Cal's a self-proclaimed hippie from the 1970s who skinny dipped in many of the sinks he showed.

Oh, the tales he told!

It was a great day hearing a slice of Wakulla history with another resident who lived. He talked of how the hippies camped near these swim holes in the 1970s and how the sheriff would try to bust them up. He talked about the raising of a car found at the bottom of a sink (and explained how sink holes end up being dumping grounds for stolen items, like stolen cars).

Some of the sinks were crystal clear and very tempting to jump into. Some were covered in duck weed and some topped with fallen leaves. He gave us a map and pointed out which ones are still swimming holes and showed us where we can drive, park and ride a bike (or walk) to the cooling off spot.

The next day, the class graduated, all but me. I'm a part-timer, remember? It was bitter sweet. One after one each student gave their presentation. I was so proud of them. I got a little teary-eyed here and there.

A celebration followed at Melody's and Norm's place, bonfire and all. It was a great way to chill, meet some of the family members of students and end the semester.

I'm looking forward to the next set of classes which begin in January. It'll be interesting to see how the next group of future green guides are.

If anyone's interested, be sure to get in touch with Tallahassee Community College. Check out the video below, too.

Be sure to check out my latest article on Ecotourism Travel to Wakulla.

Green Guide Class: Creatures from the Black Lagoon

Sunday was another beautiful day in paradise, at least another beautiful day in Wakulla County. Green Guide Class was at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

I arrived early to grab lunch at the Lodge's restaurant (mmm, fried chicken) then met up with the rest of the group and Jeff Hudd with the Florida State Park Service. First was a glass bottom boat trip (see the photo of the manatee tail, other classmates and me with the camera?) in which we had different tasks (I had to look for the secchi disk, no, not pronounced "sexy disk"), followed by sampling collecting - dipping our nets in native water plants and non-native (hydrilla) and comparing the number of species found, then a river cruise up the Wakulla River.

It was a fabulously, gorgeous day, not too hot, not windy, just perfect. Saw woolly mammoth bones at the bottom of the springs (from the glass bottom boat), the invasive impact of hydrilla (it's everywhere!), three manatees (including a calf - awwww!), a big ass alligator along with loads of birds, turtles and other gators.

I'm taking a break from classes over the next couple of weeks, I have too much going on this week to make it down south and Sunday I head to Italy for a week (yes, already).

Soon I'll have photos organized for everyone's viewing enjoyment. For now, enjoy snapshots from the day in Wakulla Springs State Park!

Oh, and for you movie buffs. Creature from the Black Lagoon was one of many flicks filmed here in the park.

Green Guide Class: Critters in the Air, Sea and Land

Despite a 6 a.m. wake up call, today was awesome. Finally, the temperature has cooled down and the humidity has dropped making being outside enjoyable.

My day began at Mashes Sands Park on Hwy. 98 past Panacea. We met up with George for some early morning bird watching. (Stupid me, I forgot my binoculars, but honestly, I have no idea where they are. Well, I know which room they're in, just not which box).

I also learned something new about horseshoe crabs - usually the shells found washed up on beaches is just that, a shell. The crab inside most likely shed it for a new one. Pretty cool!

Next was lunch at Posey's - grouper sandwich, yum!

Then, Jack Rudlow, founder of Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories gave us a tour. I have to say, this place is pretty cool. There were several touch tanks to feel all sorts of sea critters, from starfish to scallops and sea urchins to seaweed. There are also non-touchable tanks to observe and watch the sea life, such as sea turtles, sharks and fiddler crabs.

While there, a fisherman had hooked a Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle and brought it in to have the hook removed. The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab is the only authorized turtle rehap center in the area. I've enclosed a photo of the turtle and circled the hook. Luckily, the hook was easily removed and the turtle will soon be released.

We were also at the lab during feeding time, which was fun to see the reactions of the sea critters. Enjoy the video below of the spider crabs feeding. They really are ugly creatures but fun to watch. Over on my QuirkyKitschGirl site, check out the video on the remora (suckerfish) feeding. These are the fish which attach themselves to the bottom of sharks, manatees and turtles.

Since I was already in Panacea, I decided to head over to the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola. I love that town! Indulged in gumbo and oyster stew, saw a crab race and enjoyed great music. A band was even playing on a boat! (Not in the boat below, I just liked this boat.)

Got to tour the newest hotel in Apalachicola, Water Street Hotel & Marina. It only has 30 rooms but they're huge and very comfortable. It's not in the downtown area but an easy walk to the action. Nice property, I'd definitely stay there sometime.

What a Wild and Crazy Week It's Been

Can't believe the weekend is already half over, where did it go? Last weekend was awesome, it began with the Talla Festa parade and festivities (pictured) then off to Madison to visit O'Toole's Herb Farm (pictured). Guess it would have been more productive if I purchased some herbs but was afraid I'd kill them. I enjoyed browsing the herbs and chilling out in the garden. A late lunch at One Eleven Grill at 307 SW Pinckney Street in Madison followed. Oh, and save the date: Feb. 2, 2008 is O'Toole's Herb Farm's popular Just Because Festival.

Over the weekend I did pick up my "Keep It Tallahassee Sassy" t-shirt at Lake Ella's Quarter Moon Imports. The shirts are "one size fits most" and although I can fit into it, I won't be wearing it in public, it's a bit more form fitting than I like but goes to a good cause, supporting locally owned businesses.

And the week? I house sat for most of it, which means I didn't sleep well (but did pick up another client) and the fire department visited the office twice - don't ask.

So it's Saturday. Tonight it's the Tallahassee Rollergirls at the Fairgrounds then tomorrow a visit to TCC's Wakulla Center for the Ecotourism Institute Open House and finally back to Monticello for the FREE open house at Monticello Vineyards & Winery.

Visiting Monticello Vineyards & Winery

The things to do in Tallahassee keep surprising me. Maybe you already know about this but I just discovered the Monticello Vineyards & Winery (in Monticello) and spent Saturday morning picking luscious, sweet certified organic grapes. (I bet you thought I was a lush, sipping wine before noon, ha!) The winery produces no sugar added muscadine wine (as explained to me, the grapes are sweet enough and "want to become wine."). Dr. Cynthia Connolly is owner of Ladybird Organics, which operates the vineyard and winery.

During August and September, visitors can pick the grapes ($4 per pound) when the organic vineyards are open, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or by appointment).

I met Dr. Connolly, a lovely, smart, enthusiastic women who's been into organic farming before it was cool (the farm's been operating since 1989). She's quite proud of her operation, as she should be. She sells organic (chicken) eggs ($4 per dozen), too. More than a dozen varieties of muscadines are up for the picking and it doesn't take long to gather enough to do something with them (I've made muscadine jelly and muscadine grape butter, seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, yum!).

Haven't been to the Monticello Vineyards & Winery? It's an easy 30 minute drive east of Tallahassee and guess what? Sunday, September 23, the winery is holding an open house between 2 and 5 p.m. See ya there!

It'll be a busy weekend, the day prior I'll be at the Tallahassee Rollergirls last home game of the season (and I see they're still recruiting, hmmm, I've considered it...)

Puppies & Flowers: What a Beautiful Day

So yesterday, the Tallahassee Area CVB coordinated "Get Out & See Tallahassee," an opportunity for residents to enjoy some FREE area attractions in hopes of them becoming unofficial tourism ambassadors for the city. This also kicked off the beginning of National Tourism Week (May 12 - 20).

How did I spend my day? At Pebble Hill Plantation (I better not be getting any lip with the fact it's in Georgia) and Maclay Gardens State Park. Enjoy my little day here.

May I just had how humid it was? I don't think the smoke from the wild fires helped but when it rained early in the evening, I went and splashed in some puddles.

Pictured are puppies at Pebble Hill and the cemetery on the plantation.