Oktoberfest's 'Round the Corner: Check out Bark and Wine Art for the Animals

Touching base on a previous post about Oktoberfest Puppy (and Kitty) Style. The folks over at the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center have shared with me the line up of fabulous artists exhibiting between Oct. 12 and Jan. 7, 2008. Come kick off the art exhibition on October 12 with one heck of a bash.

Participating artists displaying their artwork:

Kathleen J. Bell
Debra Brienen
Alice Cappa (be-ewe-tiful work)
Pamela Casey
Carla Deterding
Colleen Fahey
Judith P. Felder
Alfreda C. Green
Yoshiko Murdick (fluid, dreamy watercolors)
Rachel Sandler
Sarah Thompson
Mike Vanderberg

Remember, there'll be brews and wine to savor, delish nibbles and desserts along with music to unwind. See ya Oct. 12 at 1125 Easterwood Drive, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. For more info, call: (850) 891-2966 or visit the site.

Made in Tallahassee: My Brother's Keeper

Remember my April article about Spike Lee speaking in Tallahassee and how a filmmaker gave Lee his DVD of a show called "My Brother's Keeper?" Well good news, Tallahassee! My Brother's Keeper "The First Impression": An Introductory Short Film to the Hit New Drama Series is now available here in Tallahassee at:

Vinyl Fever
2256 West Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL

CD Warehouse (Next to FAMU)
803 Railroad Ave.
Tallahassee, FL

If you can't get out and shop locally, pop over to Amazon.com. The DVD has the first two episodes of the six-episode season dealing with a gritty, realistic look at college life. Support the local talent and check it out! So, did Spike Lee help out? Dunno. But if/when I find out, will report back.

Embracing the Inner Tree Hugger

Today I took the steps to earn TCC's Green Guide Certification under the Wakulla Ecotourism Institute. I've enrolled in the Ecotourism Institute and my first class is tomorrow. My purpose in enrolling is to help make me an expert in ecotourism, especially Florida ecotourism, and hopefully give me the tools I need to someday open a green/ecotourism business. Will this happen soon? Probably not, but slowly, I'm figuring out what I'm suppose to do with my life.

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.

An Evening with Tallahassee's Newest Ghost Hunters: S.I.T.E.

Remember this post bragging about the cool evening I had with Anna and Mike with S.I.T.E., Tallahassee's newest group of ghost hunters? Well, I finally got the article written and published. Enjoy it here.

And, if anyone is interested in joining the group, they're recruiting members! And how cool would that be to be a Tallahassee ghost hunter???

BTW - the photo is my hand holding the "ghost detector" (read the article to understand).

What's on Tap for My Weekend?

I confess to planning my weekends as soon as the previous one is ending. So what's in store for me this week? Updated Sept. 13: Well, the Democrat and the Mary Brogan Web site have been promoting speed dating this Friday, but after calling the Brogan this afternoon to find out more about it, I was told "We're not having speed dating and we're not sure where the paper got that info." I informed the gal that it's posted on the Mary Brogan calendar. Good news, thought. Was was told it should come back sometime after the first of the year, so guys and gals, you have one shot at it...

Also happening is TallaFesta: Tallahassee's International Festival. Some gala is Thursday night with the Carnival Village open Friday and Saturday but bulk of the festivities taking place Saturday....moving to the rest of the weekend...Of course, there's the Friday Night Bounce downtown at Clydes and Costello's (a place to chill after the speed dating).

Saturday, I really want to head over to Madison to O'Toole's Herb Farm. I've heard it's a bit on the "granola" side, which means I'll love it! (Did you see this blog post? Feel free to share your comments!). Of course I'll let ya know how it is.

And if you haven't already joined, be sure to join the Tallahassee Area Kite Runners group so we can all receive a private, advanced screening of "The Kite Runner," based on the book. Check out my blog post about it here.

Private Screening of "The Kite Runner" in Tallahassee???

It could happen. I've taken on Paramount Vantage's challenge to set up an online community as part of the "The Kite Runner Loyalty Program and Competition." As the Kite Club Captain, I need to gather at least 100 members to the Tallahassee Area Kite Runners group and our handsome reward will be a private, pre-screening of "The Kite Runner" in Tallahassee. How cool would THAT be?

It's free to register and the screening would be sometime in October.

Why did I do this? I read the The Kite Runner because I was planning to join a book club. I found the book beautifully written yet ugly and dark, yet real. It sparked an interest in Afghanistan, which led to my March 2006 trip to Kabul. The book piqued my curiosity of what life is like for the Afghans so as crazy as it sounds, I made the journey. If you haven't found it yet, I kept a blog at: www.QuirkyKitsch.com.

I encourage anyone who's read the book, has an interest in good stories and films or just a curiosity about people to join the Tallahassee Area Kite Runners group. Hopefully, we can watch the film together and how cool would that be?

Message to Tallahassee Drivers: Breath and Slow Down!

Over the past week, I've seen three accidents HAPPEN, not just the aftermath, but actually happen. Driving to and from the new offices each day is exposing me more to Tallahassee drivers and frankly people, you need to simma down, breath and chill.

Yes, the traffic sucks, it takes me 30 minutes (used to take 15) to get home or the gym at night from work but cutting people off, speeding through "pink" lights (between yellow and mostly red) and my biggest pet peeve, "blocking the box" - you know, the INTERSECTION at a red light - isn't going to improve anything. And pay attention, people! Two of the three accidents I saw were caused by people on their cell phones, rear ending cars at red lights (the other was a motorcycle rear ending a car at a red light, hope the dude wasn't on a cell phone!).

Yesterday, I saw a pissed off driver follow a female driver into my gym parking lot so he could scream at her for stopping at a green light (she was making a right turn but couldn't because a pedestrian was in the crosswalk; the truck behind her slammed on the brakes and got pissed, guess he's a driver into obtaining points...). Road rage is pretty frightening.

Things you can do on the evening drive? Listen to NPR, either soothing music or commentary, turn on 87.7 and listen to the news on WCTV (for traffic reports), tune into Hank FM (my fave Tally radio station right now) and sing along with the classics or pop in a CD and learn a new language (which I should be doing for the Nov. trip to Italy). Alright, I'm a geek, but find something soothing during the drive time. Getting pissed off isn't going to change anything, it only makes things worse. Why can't we play nice on the road?

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...)

ABC Wine & Spirits Wine Tasting

When I left for the office this morning, I was planning on hitting the gym after work. Later in the day, I remembered seeing a listing by the Tallahassee Democrat's Calendar Girl about a wine tasting at ABC Wine & Spirits on W. Tennessee tonight.

My friend CJ joined me for an evening of sampling dozens of wines, liqueurs and spirits, all for $5 (there were more than a dozen wines to sample, I was just at my limit). Best of all, the $5 included an ABC wine glass (to add to the collection) and a $3 off coupon on any purchase. I ended up taking home a bottle of St. Brendan's Irish Creme Liqueur, tastes just as good as Bailey's but less expensive.

The crowd was a youthful one but the twenty-somethings didn't dominate the scene. There were patrons of all ages mixing and mingling.

This particular ABC store has about three and four tastings a year but among all of them in Tallahassee, there's one about every month.

I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for the next tasting in town and will have to keep my eyes on the Calendar Girl's listings.

Pizza and Pirates - Yum!

I realize it's only Wednesday but I feel the week has gotten off to a slow start. Tried lunch today at Mellow Mushroom (1641 West Pensacola St.) - yummo! It's a chain with restaurants located throughout the country but O-M-G! My pizza (Magical Mystery Tour - pesto base, spinach with Mozzarella with Portobello and button mushrooms, feta and jalapenos; $11.55 for a 10" pie + $2 root beer) was awesome and plentiful. Best of all, it tastes great cold so the left overs were my dinner. The outside is fun, bordering on quirky and inside is a dab of mystic whimsy with Nole influence. Look for the Jerry Garcia painted in a corner. While the pizza was amazing and service friendly and well, mellow, food is cooked to order and takes a while, in comparison to other lunch spots. If not on a schedule, I highly recommend the Mellow Mushroom.

Arrrr! Don't forget tomorrow is WCTV's Double Dollar Deals and 100, $50 gift certificates, sold for $25, valid at Pirate's Tiki Hut on Timber Island (Carrabelle River) go on sale. Being a fan of pirates (because International Talk Like a Pirate Day is coming up on Sept. 19 - if you didn't click the link then, do so now to learn the five basics of pirate talk!), I may have to scoop me up a certificate.

Speaking of food, I just published an article about the 8 flavors of Buffalo - enjoy!

Message to Tallahassee Dudes: Big, Loud Trucks Don't Impress Me

Tallahassee has a healthy population of trucks and over sized cars. My peeve isn't necessarily with their gratuitous size but the loud base which vibrates my little economy car. I'm afraid the paint's going to shake off the poor thing!

Yesterday I was somewhere on Tennessee St. waiting for the light in my little silver Saturn Ion, easily recognizable by the Brillo pad scratches on the hood (no, I didn't really use a Brillo pad on my car, last Sept. I road tripped up to Savannah and Charleston during the peak of love bug season and got a little zealous in saying goodbye to the buggers. So happened some of the paint rubbed off with them...). My daze into the red stoplight was shaken by vibrating bass to my left AND right. On either side of me were large trucks decked out with loads of bling and gadgets and young men behind each wheel.

I wondered why guys do this, deck their vehicles out with bling and blare the stereo? I honestly can't recall seeing a woman doing this. Hey, I enjoy a good bass every once in a while but I'm a modest chica, I don't feel the need to share it with everyone. Plus, isn't there some state law against this, passed last year???

Anyway...my theory on the subject: big vehicles are an extension of the Animal kingdom (no, not Disney's). In the animal world, when a male wants to attract a female, he needs to show her he's got the goods and he's the loudest and proudest. In the bird world, it's the male birds with all the color and flash. And, come mating season, it's the males who make the noise, take elk bugling (okay, for you Floridians, the male alligators bellow).

Humans are the superior members of the Animal kingdom, yet, do we still rely on basic animal techniques for courting a mate?

Delta Must Love Tallahasse (But Doesn't Love Me)

I flew Delta twice this month, once for business and the other for pleasure. Flipping through the in flight magazine, Sky, Tallahassee has mentions not once but TWICE (good job Tallahassee CVB). The first snippet is about the semi-private SouthWood Golf Club, boasting about the rolling fairways and other important golf amenities (I'm not a golfer, if I'm on a golf course, I'm either on a cart or at the 19th hole).

The second Tallahassee mention is about Jack's BBQ (4176 Apalachee Parkway; 850-671-5300) and how it's the area's best kept secret. That little morsel was submitted to Sky by Tallahassee's Jon S. Baile. Since the new offices are out that way, perhaps I'll have to sample what Jack can do.

As for my relationship with Delta, I wanted to boast how the flight crew rocked on both legs from Buffalo to Tallahassee on Monday, but when I arrived at TLH, my luggage hadn't. And I'm a special person, granted not a Platinum member, but Silver. I almost burst into tears when the Delta lost luggage agent told me it was probably stolen. But, my luggage arrived the next day, all of it.

Now that I'm home for a while, I'll be getting caught up on my writing and blogging, I have the really cool story about my evening with the S.I.T.E. folks. Stay tuned, really!

Chilling in Buffalo

Just thought I'd rub it in that I'm sitting in Buffalo in a non-air conditioned house with the windows wide open. A slight breeze wafts in, the outdoor temperature is about 80 degrees and I'm not sweating. Burrr, think I need a sweater. To my Tallahassee friends, don't melt this weekend!

Bark & Wine Art for Animals: Celebrate Oktoberfest Puppy (and Kitty) Style!

In July, I attended the Bark & Wine event at the Animal Service Center. I sipped great wine by Killearn Liquors and noshed on excellent nibbles by the new, boutique catering company called Saucy.

Well animal and art lovers, save the date! The 2nd quarterly Bark & Wine - Art of the Animals is being celebrated Oktoberfest style on Friday, October 12, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Animal Service Center (1125 Easterwood Drive). Art admission is FREE (and FREE is a beautiful thing). Select pieces will be on display Oct. 12 through Jan. 7, 2008.

While the details are still being firmed up, Saucy will once again provide tasty bites, Bob Smith will be baking up Bavarian desserts (yum!) and Killearn Liquors will be providing wine and brew tastings Oktoberfest-style. Award-winning musician Tina Larkin will top off the evening with elegant tunes to sway by in the (hopefully) cool(er) autumn air. (Stay tuned for fees for the beverages, advanced tickets will be available for purchase).

Remember, this just isn't about meeting new friends and sipping fine brew, the event's about the animals. Thirty percent of the gallery's art sales benefit the Animal Shelter Foundation. If you're an artist, why not answer the call for artists and gain some additional exposure? Just follow the link for additional information. Applications must be postmarked by Sept. 12, 2007.

As for Saucy, they're catering intimate events right now. While they're working on their Web site, drop them an email at saucycatering@hotmail.com if you need your event catered.

Are the Cool Things Planned When I'm Outta Town?

Obama's coming back to town and I won't be here! The Presidential hopeful is the Leon County Democratic Club's keynote speaker this Friday (Aug. 24) at the second annual Collins-Steele Dinner at the University Center Club. It's not that I can afford to attend but thought maybe I could stalk him a bit and get a glimpse of the man. Visit the Leon County Democratic Party site for more info.

Yesterday at the gym (Women's World) I saw a sign for the Tallahassee Boomers and Seniors Expo featuring Suzanne Somers and Oprah's man Stedman Graham this Saturday (Aug. 25). Okay, maybe I'm showing my age (I'm by far a Boomer or Senior - not that there's anything wrong with that), but I remember Somers as the ditsy Chrissy on "Three's Company" and purchased a Thigh Master when it first came out (my sister is getting some good use out of it).

Anyway, the expo looks really cool and I'm outta town for a family affair. I checked the site out today and looks like it's been postponed - not because I won't be here - but due to "unforeseen circumstances." Hope I'll be in town for the rescheduled date.

Where can I get one of those "Keep it Sassy Tallahassee" t's? At Lake Ella or the Downtown Saturday Market? I saw a gal wearing one on a flight last week. I need to look into that. I have way too many t-shirts but always have room for a groovy one. "Keep it Sassy Tallahassee" is the initiative to encourage shopping locally and if you haven't noticed, there are great boutiques, markets and shops here in town.

And, I finally got my butt into the Tallahassee Area Visitor Information Center (located at 106 East Jefferson Street, Downtown) last week (be warned, parking in front of the center sucks and but if you're not lucky to grab one of the sweet spots, ample parking is nearby). Great resource if friends and family are coming to visit and need some ideas on what to do. They also have a nice selection of Tallahassee souvenirs, but no "Keep it Sassy Tallahassee" t's.

Been Traveling...

I hope to be back in the swing of posting Tally things in a couple of weeks. August just seems to be packed with "must do" things on the weekends and during the week. Feel free to stop by my main blog to see what I've been up to: www.QuirkyKitschGirl.com.

I will say, I'm ready for cooler temps!

Cheers!

Is Tallahassee an Expensive Place to Vacation?

This month, Frommers.com ran an article titled, "Where Does the Dollar Do Best? Frommer's Global Price Index for August" and guess what? Tallahassee's listed!

The article compares cities around the globe showing where the U.S. dollar has the most bang for the buck. The price of a Tallahassee cup of coffee (among other things) is compared against the price of coffee in other cities such as Split (Croatia), Pembrokeshire (Wales) and Pierre (South Dakota). While hotel rates may be cheaper in say Vientiane, Laos, remember to factor in the cost to travel there. Tallahassee is still a deal.

Keeping Cool in Tallahassee

I'm over these outrageous heat indexes of 100 degrees and more. It's a workout going outside and cutting through the thick humidity. No need to visit the sauna at the gym, it already IS a sauna outside.

I wonder if anyone has tried to fry an egg on the Tallahassee asphalt? When living in Death Valley, we had the crew from Good Morning America come out and our chef (attempted to) fried an egg in the parking lot. Problem was it was 5:00 a.m. and although overnight temperatures were in the 110s, it hadn't reached peak heat, so the chef ended up scrambling the egg. I bet we can make some nice poached eggs this week in Tallahassee!

Other ways to keep cool? Some gal pals and I met at Los Compadres (2690 N Monroe St) earlier this week to chill over $1.99 margaritas (they have free Wi-Fi, too!). Although they were a bright green color, they were mighty tasty. I was excited most of the staff speak Spanish, giving me time to practice my muddled Spanglish, and the cashier told me he'd give me private lessons twice a week *wink*wink.* It's been a long time since someone's flirted with me, or that I've recognized it...

...and other ways to keep cool? There's always the swimming pool and my apartment complex neighbors seem to find the need to cool off at 2:00 a.m. each night, along with scream, yell and have a jolly good time while the rest of us sleep. Now, the point of swimming is to cool off, right?

Check out these swimsuits from WholesomeWear.com. From the name you can guess what they sell. One of my African-American co-workers exclaimed how she wouldn't wear them (and neither would anyone who's white, black, yellow, purple, etc. in the office). Of course she wouldn't! I found another site with demographics, stating mostly youthful, Caucasian women visit the site. Would you wear one of these during the Tallahassee heat wave?

Tomorrow Will Be...

...for catching up: emails, writing, etc. My offices are moving this week so we have the next couple of days off. Which means, sleeping in until 8 a.m. (YES!), morning workouts and writing, writing, writing. I then leave for Chicago Saturday for a conference.

Of course, with the Tallahassee heat index over a hundred (this is almost as bad as a Death Valley hot), I'll be finding a place to keep cool. Ciao for now!

Touching the Paranormal with S.I.T.E.

Last Friday I did one of the coolest things I've ever done in Tallahassee, interacted with the paranormal with the folks of S.I.T.E. (Supernatural Investigations/Technical Evaluations). Anna and Mike, co-founders of the group, found me through this post, we communicated and met up so I could see what the group does. I brought along my friend Michele and you'll just have to wait for my "official" article to learn more about the experience.

All I can say is, if I hadn't had seen what I saw that night, I would be a non-believer in Earth-bound spirits. If you wonder about life in the after life, have an interest in the paranormal or maybe a skeptic and don't believe in ghosts, the S.I.T.E. group may be for you. This is their hobby and looking for at least a couple of people to join them on their investigations.

Or, if you suspect your house, office, shed, etc. is haunted, the S.I.T.E. folks will come out and asses the situation for you and how you can live in harmony with the paranormal, for free. They're not out to make money, they're out to helping people. They're about the science and craft, not the entertainment value. While they capture the visual, they specialize in the audio, called Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). Yes, the spirits spoke to us that night and I heard some of the recordings this week, ran chills up my spine.

And if you do invite S.I.T.E. over, don't worry about your neighbors finding out and thinking you're crazy (you're probably not crazy), S.I.T.E. keeps their assessments confidential.

Stay tuned! The experience was amazing!

Don't Forget the Sales Tax Holiday!

I've been out of town for most of the week, up in the north Georgia mountains. Returning to Tallahassee, advertising reminded me about the sales tax holiday this week - yippee! If you're not sure of the dates, they're 12:01 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 4 through midnight, Monday, Aug. 13. Items eligible are:

• Clothing and related items with a sales price of $50 or less
• Books with a sales price of $50 or less
• School supplies with a sales price of $10 or less
  

For more info, visit the Florida Department of Revenue's Web site here.

Since I'll be out of the state next weekend, I knew today was my day to find a dress for a wedding I'm attending in Buffalo later this month. First was a stop at the downtown market for fresh fruits and veggies then off to Macy's to use a $50 gift card. Wandering through the store I was reminded how much I loath shopping. Suppose my shopping hatred is because:

• My youngest sister inherited the fashion gene, leaving me fashionably challenged.
• I'm between sizes and things don't seem to fit quite right. I'm too small for "fluffy women" clothing and while I can fit into "regular" sizes, my body hasn't been losing inches proportionally so things don't fit right.

Because of those two factors, I have a limited box I shop in - I usually look for black, dark and practical. But I wanted to get outside the box today and shop for something with color.

I found a dress I LOVED and I felt like a super hero wearing it. It was a polyester, spandex blend and something Supergirl would wear out on the town. It fit me perfectly and was peacock blue with big black circles, hemline above the knee, skirt flared out and neck line tastefully showed off the girls. Unfortunately, the price was over $100 (of course). *sigh*

I found a comparable dress, not as eye-popping as the peacock-super hero dress, but it's nice a few steps outside my fashion box. Best of all, with the sale and no tax, I have a little bit left on my gift card. Happy shopping!

What's Been Shakin'?

I meant to follow up sooner with my Tallahassee adventures during my friend Kathy's visit last weekend, but I've been busy reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Sooo...

Saturday morning we wandered through the Tallahassee Downtown Marketplace. I love getting my produce for the week from the local vendors. This week I picked up some figs. Another female asked what I was going to with them. I wanted to reply, "How should I know?" But politely replied I could saute them up in brown sugar and butter to top some ice cream. In reality, I ate them in their natural state.

Lunch followed at Barnhill's and I hate to admit, but it was my first experience at the eat-until-your-pants-split-country-style-buffet and we were thoroughly pleased. A stop at Goodwill's new used bookstore on Thomasville was next (the store is new, not the books) followed by an afternoon of browsing and minimal shopping in Havana. We chilled at a friend's place, reading Harry Potter and napping (well, I napped, we were up until 3 that morning).

Dinner at Carlos' Cuban Cafe was the most interesting part of the day. The meal rocked and I'd definitely visit again. We even got to meet Carlos, a pleasant and entertaining character, not shy about sharing his perspectives about relationships. We'll just leave it at. Heading back to our evening dwellings, Krispy Kreme had the "fresh" light on so we HAD to stop and pick up a dozen.

We stuffed ourselves with a late lunch on Sunday at the China Super Buffet, another Tallahassee mainstay I hadn't tried, then Kathy was on her way home. I'm so glad she visited and I realized how much I miss my friends.

And the rest of the week? I'm happy to say it went by quickly, beginning with Zumba class on Monday at Women's World. It's a bit of Latin dance and aerobics, excellent workout! My legs still hurt, that's how I know it does something.

Tonight? Well, something really cool I hope! Sssshhh...can't tell...yet!

[Photos are from downtown Havana]

When Friends Visit

My friend Kathy is visiting this weekend which means I come outta my shell a bit. We had a blast!

Started off with dinner at San Miguel (mmm, Mexican food and margaritas), laughed our asses off at the Comedy Zone Tallahassee (Spanky Brown, the headliner, is an extremely funny guy), chilled with Italian sodas and hookah at Aladdin's Sheesha Cafe (I felt a little old) and went to Barnes & Noble for the Harry Potter festivities.

It was crazy! So many kids, young adults and adults dressed up. B&N did have it pretty well organized and the lines moved quickly. Got home around 1:30, read two chapters and called it a night. Off to read more Harry Potter...


BTW - even after talking to the dude, still didn't get the connection between Harry Potter and the Freaky King, other than he's a big fan; I on the other hand, am disturbed by the Freaky King...

Who Do You Meet?

Moving to a new town without knowing anyone is intimidating. We're lucky to live in the 21st century and have more means to meet people, like using MeetUp.com.

MeetUp.com is an international site broken down by city, almost like Craigslist. Within each city, various clubs and organizations are listed. These range from groups to study Wicca to the Republican party and "single again" to "bee keeping." Anyone can join a group, registration is free. What I like about it is the weekly calendar emailed to me so I can see all the happenings going on this week.

Another site I like is Eventful.com. I originally registered because I "demanded" to have John Edwards visit Tally. (That's what you do on the site, "demand" performers, politicians, etc. to visit your town.) Like MeetUp.com, a weekly calendar of events is emailed but the Eventful.com list contains things like concerts around town, outreach programs and parties. It crosses over with MeetUp, too.

Stay in the know!

Boo! Ghost Hunting 101 - Wish I Could Go!

I have to give kudos to the Tallahassee Democrat's Calendar Girl. She really does find some cool stuff to do in Tally and posts an awesome weekly calendar in the Democrat- keep it up girl! One thing which caught my eye for tomorrow is the:

Ghost Hunting 101 Workshop at the Monticello Chamber of Commerce.
Cost is $35 to learn how to photograph ghosts, capture their voices (which would be kinda spooky) and learn the tricks of the ghost hunting trade. The class is during daylight hours, 10 a.m. and reservations required. Call: (850) 508.8109.
Historic Monticello Chamber of Commerce
420 Washington St.
Monticello, Fla.

Monticello is one of the most haunted/spiritually active places in Florida. Went on a ghost walk last October and was fascinated with everything I learned. Yet, I haven't returned. I sure hope another ghost hunting class will be offered. I'd go tomorrow but have this yard sale thing going on.

Hello? Any Campers Out There? Writing Contest!

I received info on this today. Even though I'm going to enter (and win; I have a great story!), I'm still sharing this with my outdoor writing buddies. But hurry, submissions are due Aug. 31, 2007. Good luck!

Calling campers, wannabe campers, and writers with a sense of humor. Have a run-in with a raccoon? Forget your camp stove at home? Wake up to find your tent pitched in the middle of a trail and piss off a lot of hikers . . . wait, that happened to me.

To celebrate the publication of Let’s Get Primitive, Ten Speed Press is running a 500-word essay contest. Tell us your worst camping trauma. Share your backcountry disaster. Spill the beans and you could win a nifty 2-person Coleman tent, an unbreakable camp cocktail set (complete with shaker), and a copy of Let's Get Primitive: The Urban Girl’s Guide to Camping!

Essays will be judged on originality, humor, writing style, and degree of calamity by the Queen of Camping Mishap, me! (That would be Heather Menicucci)

No purchase (or chest-beating) is necessary, just email your very best camping disaster story of 500 words or less to camping@tenspeed.com between July 1 and August 31, 2007.

Visit www.tenspeed.com for more details and www.letsgetprimitive.com to read more about the book.

Things One Finds While Walking

Sunday afternoon I walked over to the Tallahassee Mall, about a two mile walk. It was hotter than Hades and humidity a brick wall, but I made the trek. Coming back, I cut across a parking lot and I found something new to me, Aladdin's Sheesha Cafe.

It's a hookah bar and yes, I've smoked a [legal] hookah or two in my time, especially in Afghanistan. Desserts and hot tea are served, too. Anyway, it's located on Silver Slipper Lane off of John Knox. I don't know how long it's been there (at least a year, I guess) and would have never found it unless I was walking. I just wish Tally was more pedestrian friendly.

Speaking of walking, ran some errands with a friend today and we past Kim Denmark of Ohio. She's walking across America raising awareness about welfare reform, homelessness and poverty. God bless that woman! Today was another hot and humid day but determination was on her face as she walked for her cause.

I am curious, though. The Tallahassee Democrat ran a clip about her on June 19 stating she's in Tallahassee, today's July 11. Maybe she enjoyed Tallahassee so much she spent about a month here?

Keeping Cool in Tally

The hot, humid days of a Tallahassee summer are here. This summer marks my second anniversary living and working in Florida's Capital City. It's been an interesting ride, to say the least.

Getting caught up on things, last week's Bark & Wine seemed to be a success. I "heard" the Animal Service Center was anticipating around 50 people and from what I saw, there were well more than that. The wine tasting byKillearn Liquors & Fine Wine was fun, the wines had either animals names or animals on the labels, to fit with the event's theme. Wines like Porcupine Ridge Sauv Blanc from South Africa and Arrogant Frog Chardonnay from France were served.

Although it was hard to reach the catered food provided by Saucy, it was probably some of the best catered food I've tasted in a while (and I mean outside of Tallahassee, too). Most of the ditties were vegan and I can't remember a single thing, other than it was really tasty.

The artwork ranged from colorful and abstract to classical. Many great pieces are on display (and for sale) now through Oct. 1, 2007.

I received an email from someone asking me about my blueberry picking adventure two year s and if I'd remembered where I went. I replied and discovered this weekend Publix has five containers of blueberries for $10. I'm all for manual labor to pick my own stuff but when it's easier to pick it up in the grocery store than off a spider-infested bush, I'm going with the grocery store!

I see that the Comedy Zone Tallahassee is now open, has anyone been yet?

Sharing a few things brought to my attention lately which I think are pretty cool:

Nolefood.com: If you're the total recluse (or just don't feel like leaving the house for an evening), order a meal from area favorites like Po' Boys and Bella Bella and have it delivered to your door. Pretty cool.

Are you a creative living in Tallahassee? The Council on Culture & Arts is asking all the creative-types to fill out this survey (www.artspacetallahassee.org) as part of the Artspace Project to study the needs of the cultural and creative community.

Oh! And those paintings posted around the Lake Ella area, I think I MAY be a step closer in figuring out where they're from (still clueless about why). When I was at Railroad Square a couple of weeks ago, one was posted there, maybe it's a trail leading to Railroad Square? But what's the connection?

And if you're trying to save a few bucks here and there, here's my latest article about free things to do in Tallahassee.

Bark & Wine: Art for the Animals

I've been a slug lately, but am planning on attending the opening reception for "Bark & Wine: Art for the Animals" this Friday. Can't miss it, some of my favorite things will be there: groovy and colorful art by pet-loving artists, music and wine, all for ten bucks. The Animal Shelter Foundation, Inc. is the benefactor.

Since I don't have any fur-children of my own, I gonna have to see if there's an image of one I need for my pad. The exhibit will be available for FREE viewing June 29 - October 1, 2007 at the Animal Service Center.

More info can be found on the Tally Government Web site: http://www.talgov.com/dncs/asc/news.cfm

Animal Service Center
1125 Eastwood Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32311
Gallery Hours:
Tues. - Fri.: 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Mon. closed

Laugh Often and Much: The Tallahassee Comedy Zone is Almost Here!

Over the past month or so, I've noticed storage units outside the Chinese-looking building which will house the Tallahassee Comedy Zone. I've seen people go in and out and there's even a porta-potty in the parking lot today.

I was sooooo happy to get this comment today. The Tallahassee Comedy Zone is opening next week, July 7. So add one more cool thing to do in the Capital City. Have to say, next would have been my ninth wedding anniversary, so going somewhere for a few laughs would be a great diversion.

I hope they have improv and hope they'll be offering improv classes. I'm sharing a secret, on my life's to-do list, being on stage doing comedy is one of them. We'll see if it happens in Tallahassee...

Anyway, check out the site, looks like they're giving away tickets during the grand open.

Spam I Am Not (and I Like Blueberries)

June's been a wild month and I can't wait for it to be over. Vacation out West rocked. (Photos are still being uploaded) but searching for "other opportunities" has drained me. Anyway, I went to make this post but Blogger had this blog locked as a potential spam blog! Long story short, Blogger has now verified this is NOT a spam blog so I can go on my merry way to posting...

And what do I have to say? Well, it's blueberry season so ya better get pickin! One of the first things I did when I moved to Tallahassee two years ago was go blueberry picking. Somehow I missed blueberry season last year and was determined not to miss it this year. So, off I went this morning to Beare's Berries in Havana (7858 Havana Highway, Havana, FL 32333, Tel: 850 539-5346).

Was told the bushes had been picked over but to reach high in the bigger bushes. About an hour later, I left with four pounds of luscious little berries and a few spiders in my hair (yuck!). If you head over to Beare's Berries, call to make sure they have berries, bring some bug spray if you can't tolerate bugs, sunscreen and water.

Not sure what I'll be doing with them but read on Tallahassee.com that this Tuesday, June 26, there's a blueberry wine making workshop at New Leaf Market. Begins at 7:30. Don't think I have enough blueberries to make wine but should be interesting.

Since it's been a while, enjoy a recent article I wrote called, "Guide to Trashy Tallahassee: Three Must-See Attractions."

Color Me Happy

Things have been "interesting" in my life lately and hopefully I can say what it is by mid-June. Anyway, I visited the Aveda Institute today for a fabu pedicure. It was my first visit and was pleased.

If you haven't been, the Tallahassee Aveda Institute is located in the same plaza as Sumo Sabi Rolls & Bowls on the corner of Ocala and Pensacola. Students train in the art of making people pretty - hair, skin and nails, primarily. They dress in all black and I love everyone's hair. I imagine the students all practice on each other and experiment with funky cuts and multi color. Almost in a goth-chic way. I really think theAveda peeps should hook-up with the MAC folks (they like to dress in black, too, with their bold, goth make up - which I love).

The salon has a hint of feng shui going on with its natural look. It smells nice, too.

Services are discounted, well, discounted if you compare to visiting an Aveda salon. But, it's well worth it. My toes are pretty and feet are revitalized for my big trip tomorrow, which I'll be blogging about (hopefully) along the way at my other blog: www.QuirkyKitschGirl.com.

When I return from my trip, I'm trusting an Aveda masters student with my hair - cut and multi-color for a very important "appointment."

Do I Really Live in the Ghetto?

When I moved to my Tallahassee apartment, I joked it was "ghetto-kitsch." It's not bad, I actually love my apartment and its spaciousness. I can live without "dance party U.S.A." on one side and "head banger's ball" on the other (note: I'm referring to the volume - I don't want to FEEL music at midnight on a Tuesday).

Anyway, last week when heading to work, I noticed the trash dumpsters were "decorated." Hmm. Was this the only available canvas in Tally?

When I returned home that afternoon, the graffiti was gone. Does this indicate I live in the ghetto or just have some really creative neighbors looking for an outlet?

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.

A&J Blues Cafe

I finally got myself over to A&J Blues Cafe over a week ago. Couple of gals from the office and I enjoyed a tasty lunch. Needless to say, we rolled outta the cafe. I posted my review. Can't wait to try it for dinner during the live entertainment.

Jelly Bracelets, Lace Gloves and Aquanet: It's an 80s Prom!

Mark your calendars, Party4Purpose Tallahassee is hosting the 80's Prom June 9 in downtown Tally. The 80's rocked! Duran Duran, Wham!, Culture Club, Big Country, The Romantics *sigh* the memories! I suppose an 80's party today is equivalent to the 60's parties we HAD in the 80's. What's old is new. Get your date and see ya downtown at the prom. (Oh, and funds raised go to charity). Check out MySpace.

It's OK to be a Tourist (Really)

National Tourism Week is May 12 - 20. To mark the occaision in Tallahassee, this Saturday, May 12, several attractions are offering (my favorite thing) FREE admission! The promo is called Get Out & See Tallahassee and you can check out the list of attractions waiving admission fees that day. Pretty cool. Think I'll check out Pebble Hill Plantation (I know it's outta the state).

It's Been So Long...

...at least it seems like a while since I last posted. I'm really enjoying the awesome weather but can feel that sweet kiss of humidity. Is summer here?

Had lunch at A&J's Blues Cafe on Friday and my review will be coming in a couple of weeks. But the short version is: YUMMY!

OMG! Tomorrow's Friday!

Where, o'where has the week gone? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Fridays (who doesn't?). It means I can sleeeeep in on Saturday. Anywho...

If you're into sports, and come on. This is Tallahassee, who ISN'T into sports? The Tallahassee Titans need your support. They seem to be in a bit of a financial pickle and are asking fans to help fill the seats at the Civic Center Friday night and show their support. I heard on the radio each seat is only $10.

Something I won't be attending over the weekend (well, we'll see) is LeMoyne's Chain of Parks Art Festival April 21 & 22. Why am I not planning on stopping by? I spent TOO much money last year buying a beautiful "princess ring" (which reminds me, I think I'll wear it tomorrow) and some pottery. The artists who exhibit are local and from throughout the country.

Did anyone see the piece on WCTV tonight about the homeless man who's been riding his bike across the U.S. to raise awareness about Hurricane Katrina homelessness? You really need to read the story here. He's on his way to South Carolina with his pooch, which rides in a little cart behind the bike.

Gyrate, Shake and Pump It Up to Get in Shape

Tallahassee ladies - do you know of all the cool ways to get in shape around here? Other than awesome walks in the area, there are the standard gyms, but have you tried a women's-only gym? Or, how about shimmying those hips while learning to belly dance? Better yet, find your inner sexy kitten and get fit with a little exotic dancing (you can even pole dance!) Check out my latest article about ways women in Tallahassee can get in shape.

Review: Sumo Sabi Rolls & Bowls

Yummy! Sushi! I finally headed over the Sumo Sabi Rolls & Bowls to see what they have to offer. I have to say, not bad. Check out my review.

Voyeuristic Foodies Will Love This!

Save the date and get your aprons out! On May 5, 2007 the Junior League of Tallahassee presents the 2007 Cook's Tour of Kitchens 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is when it's OK to peek into those homes you always wondered what they looked like inside, at least the ones on the tour. I wonder if it's OK to peek in the drawers?

The tour will feature the latest in entertaining, groovy kitchen gadgets and cooking techniques.

Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance. They can also be purchased at the participating homes. For ticket information and specific info (like the list of homes), call the Junior League of Tallahassee at (850) 224-9161.

What Did You Do Over the Weekend?

There was soooo much going on in Tally last weekend, it was difficult to choose which to do. From eco-fairs to worm gruntin' in Sopchoppy, I ended up at the Florida Wine Festival on Saturday. I'm not a wine diva (although I proudly wear the shirt), I do appreciate learning about wine.

I had read that 5,000 traditionally attend the Saturday event, but I'm not sure if that many showed up on April 14. I arrived just after the celebrity grape stomping (damn!) so I missed that. Some dude was handing out flyers to look at a giant colon (to raise colon cancer awareness), but I never got to see it.

But, I did sample some of the wines. My favorite Florida winery wasn't there, Schnebly in Redland's, Florida (my own stomping grounds) but I think I found a couple of favorites closer to Tallahassee. [Note: to appreciate most Florida wine, you need to be a fan of sweet wines].

Sea Breeze Winery in Panama City Beach, doled out all sorts of samplings of their luscious wine, including Blueberry, Blackberry and Island Red. I left with a bottle of Blackberry and Island Red. Blackberry is pretty self-explanatory and Island Red, as described on the flyer is "the new taste of the South." It's made with muscadine grapes and is a full-bodied sweet and acidic red.

The other winery I enjoyed was the Panama City Beach Winery. They were giving out samples of a couple of spirits but once I heard they had "Hurricane Class 5 Florida White Sangria," they grabbed my attention. Pure wine connoisseurs probably won't appreciate the sweet, refreshing flavor of pineapple, watermelon, passion fruit, key lime and mango all fused together. I left with one bottle.

I definitely need to get out to their winery for a tasting because other wines they make include: Chocolate, Coconut, Carrot and Tomato. With flavors that bizarre, they deserve a sampling!

What a Kid Can Do with a Dream: Film Camp this Summer

This summer, the next Spike Lee, Halle Barry or Cass Henderson will be discovered during a film camp called Reel Dreamz. This not-for-profit organization will teach the basics of film making, from acting to writing and directing to editing and everything in between to Leon County and surrounding area children ages 10 - 17.

Reel Dreamz was born from the success of Double Vision Pictures founders, Cass Henderson and Kenaya Edghill. Think of it as a "pay it forward" camp. Double Vision Pictures seeks to gain positive exposure for women in the film industry and so far, the movie trail has been good to the duo. They're giving back to the community with this film camp.

Reel Dreamz's goal is to expose underprivileged children to the creative film environment and help them tap their imagination.

• Class sizes will be limited to 20 students, are FREE (my favorite thing) and everything needed for the films will be provided. Registration opened January 1, 2007 and closes April 30, 2007 (SOON!)
• The 10-week film camp begins June 9, meeting on Saturdays.
• There is a household income cap of $50,000.
  
• How cool is this opportunity? Do you know a creative kid who could benefit from this program?

For more information and registration, visit: www.doublevisionpic.com.

Reel Dreamz
PO Box 604
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Tel: (850) 264-2346
info@doublevisionpics.com

Tallahassee Doll Camp at the Knott House: June 11 - 15, 2007

If you have children in the third or fourth grade, consider the Museum of Florida History's Tallahassee Doll Camp at the Knott House this summer.

I was never one to play with girly dolls, I had the Bionic Woman and Wonder Woman dolls and played Johnny West with the boys when growing up. But, I'm sure I would have been welcomed
at Tallahassee Doll Camp when I was a wee one. Here are the details:

Dates: June 11 - 15, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Knott House Museum, use east-side entrance
Participants: Children entering third and fourth grade
Cost: $135 for members; $150 for members
Lunch: Pack a brown bag lunch. Lemonade and cookies will be provided at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Make checks payable to: Friends of the Museums of Florida History.

What to expect at Tallahassee Doll Camp:
Learn what life was like in the 1930s with period clothing, games and music.
Create an outfit for a doll and write a story about the doll's life in Tallahassee.
Ice cream social (!!!) and share the doll's story with parents on the camp's last day.

For more information: (850) 922–2459 or bwcotellis@dos.state.fl.us

Dance in the Streets this Saturday at the Knott House

Get those dancing shoes out for a swinging good time Saturday, April 14 outside the Knott House. Can't Swing Dance? Lessons begin at 6:30 p.m. and the main dancing begins at 7:00 'til 9:00 p.m.

Park Ave. between Calhoun and Gadsden St. will be closed for this 1940s style street dance.

For more info call: (850) 922–2459

The event is sponsored by Embarq and Pauline Hurst and the Tallahassee Swing Dancers

Oh! Almost forgot, the event is FREE!

What Are You Doing in Tally This Weekend? April 13 - 15, 2007

Got plans for the weekend? If not, how about:

The Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science's 5th Annual Florida Wine Festival, April 12 - 14, 2007. There's apparently a fee for the Friday night event - sip wine from a handful of wineries and sample food from Tallahassee's best restaurants. But, if you're looking for a cheap evening (that would be me), Saturday night is FREE. This includes a morning grape stomping by local celebs, musical performances and lectures focusing on good eats and vino.

Any birders around? Check out the Pinewoods Bird Festival at Pebble Hill Plantation April 13 - 15. While activities are each day, most events are on Saturday, including wagon rides!

And what better way to spend Friday the 13th than experiencing "Rocky Horror Picture Show." April 13 & 14, the Tallahassee Film Society presents the flick at my FAVE Tally movie Theatre, Starplex Cinema (aka: almost a dollar theater). Not sure of the cost to see RHP, though.

What's Up with the Paintings Around Town?

Has anyone else noticed the paintings randomly placed around Tallahassee? I've seen them nailed to trees and utility poles but don't understand if they mean something collectively or just enjoy them individually?

Is it the work of an artistic college student? A starving artist? A rogue group of gang members with a new definition of graffiti?

While I don't understand the paintings, yet, I actually like them...

More Cool Things in Tallahassee

After about two years here in Tallahassee, I'm still trying to figure out where I fit in. I have to admit the community is a kitsch mix of old-Floridian tradition with college-capital culture.

I mean, there's the flea market on Capital Circle where you can buy things like guns, bows with arrows, chickens, jewelry and produce.

Then there's the kitsch, whimsical folk art of Mary Proctor. Have you visited her yet? Head south on Monroe and look to the left - the glittery sparkle from the junk yard is eye-catching. Don't be afraid to visit. Ms. Proctor is a lovely woman and passionate about her art.

Of course, there's the powerful draw of the area's universities. Last night I saw Spike Lee lecture at Ruby Diamond Auditorium (pictured). Even though I've been outta school for oh, too many years, he was inspirational. Hope you enjoy my take on the evening.

What's coming up in Tally?
The First Friday Gallery Hop is this weekend (already?!?!). Tomas Eads Art (www.thomaseadsfineart.com) will host a reception 6 - 9:00 p.m. with the Still Lifes exhibit of Noah Verrier. The gallery describes the still lifes as: "Simple in composition, economically rendered, and beautifully illuminated."

Learned "The Full Monty" playing at the Tallahassee Little Theatre April 12 - 14 at 8:00 p.m. and April 15 & 22 at 2:00 p.m. I haven't seen this on the stage but the movie had me laughing hysterically. I just wonder how they will show the full monty?????

Big Bend Hospice presents "Wind in the Willows" on Thursday, April 12 at the Quincy Music Theatre. It's a benefit performance in memory of Dr. Jessie Furlow:

"Wind in the Willows"
Quincy Music Theatre
118 E. Washington Street
Quincy, FL
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2007
Reception: 6:30 p.m.
Benefit Performance: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20 general admission
For tickets and information: (850) 701-1341 or www.qmtonline.com

Guns! Guns! When Do We Get Guns???

If I were to be in town for the required classes, I would definitely be applying to attend the Tallahassee Citizen's Police Academy this spring. I BELIEVE applications are being accepted for the academy through March 13, 2007, but don't quote me on that. There is another citizen's police academy slated for the fall. Only 24 Leon County residents can attend.

The schedule includes forensics, use of force and narcotics. There's even a patrol ride along! Sounds pretty cool. Maybe next year.

Dancing with the Governor

So, did anyone else get this invitation "requesting the pleasure of your company at the Governor's Symphony Soiree"? I know I'm not the only one. Somehow I've gotten on the cultural Tallahassee mailing list. Anyone going?

Cool Things Coming to Tallahassee

On the way home from work, stopped to pump over-priced fuel into my Saturn and noticed a defunct Chinese-looking restaurant will soon be a Comedy Zone (www.comedyzonetally.com). There's not much on the site and not sure when the Comedy Zone will be open, but I'd say it's a very cool thing for Tallahassee.

Comedy Zone Tallahassee
401 East Tennessee Street
Tel: (850) 575-4242 (HAHA)

I'm really excited about a new sushi restaurant opening up in Tally, too. It's called Sumo Sabi Rolls & Bowls. Not sure if they're open yet (last I knew it was scheduled to open in late February). The menu has all sorts of specialty and traditional sushi rolls, along with bowls of Asian dishes like spicy tuna, ultimate eel and seared tuna. There's even sake! A green sumo wrestler is in the logo, how sweet. Wonder if their menu will meet up to what I ate in Japan.

Sumo Sabi Rolls & Bowls
2020 W. Pensacola St., #62
Tel: (850) 219-7866

AND, can't forget about the Tallahassee RollerGirls (www.tallahasseerollergirls.com). If I were a year or two younger, I would be a rollergirl - come on, a chance to wear fishnets while kicking some ass on the rink? Who wouldn't love it? March 24 is the Tallahassee RollerGirls's first game of the season at the North Florida Fairgrounds against the Panama City RollerGirls. Rock on!

Yummy! Children's Home Society's 22nd Annual Chefs Sampler

An excellent workout deserves an excellent reward and a visit to the Children's Home Society's 22nd Annual Chefs Sampler at the Leon County Civic Center was the right treat last night. Although still feeling a bit under the weather, I pulled myself together and joined thousands of others grazing my way through the Civic Center. More than 40 restaurants served up their finest.

I didn't over indulge and hardly indulged because I'm not a fan of grazing functions but it gave me an opportunity to taste a few Tallahassee restaurants. I overheard some people say, "this is smaller than last year's function." It's my understanding the 2006 event was at one of the malls. And yes, it was a bit crowded, but the culinary treats were worth it. My favorite tastes of the evening were:

Fusion Cafe - Squash empanada (at least that's what I thought they were); definitely vegetarian and pleasant tasting. I love squash, it's a terrific comfort food but Fusion Cafe took this veggie up a notch by blanketing a light crust around the smooth acorn squash (either that or butternut squash - it was orange). I passed on their dessert, which actually looked yummy. It looked like a mini-hamburger but was a round brownie on a donut-like bun topped with a slice of white chocolate, strawberries and I believe mango.

Paradise Grill & Bar - She-crab soup. In the words of Rachael Ray, "Yummo!" The soup was rich, thick and had the perfect amount of she-crab flakes. It hit the spot with my cold. Just wish it was a bit warmer, but hey, feeding thousands of people isn't easy.

Ali's Strawberry Shakes and Farmers Market - Strawberry shortcake. How can anyone not enjoy this classic? 'Tis the season for strawberries!

The photo below shows the panel of judges for the event. I didn't stick around to see which restaurant was voted the tastiest, but I did see the judges chowing down on the delicious bites. Although I can't verify this because I can't seem to find anything about the event on the Net, but from last week's newspaper insert and doing some Googling, I believe from left to right are: Julie Montanaro, WCTV6; Brad Johnson, Minnesota Vikings (well, up until Feb. 28 he was); Peter Boulware, Baltimore Ravens; and Loranne Ausley, State Representative, House District 9. I forgot to ask who was who (I know, pretty dumb) so if anyone can verify, I'd appreciate it.


Contact for the above mentioned Tallahassee restaurants:

Fusion Cafe
1225 N. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850)284-6119

Paradise Grill & Bar
1406 N. Meridian Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850)224-2742
www.paradisegrillandbar.com

Ali's Strawberry Shakes and Farmers Market
3031 Crump Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850)878-2319