Homeward Bound: Eating and Drinking, Odds and Ends

As seen from my previous posts, I had a great time while I was in Florida.  In addition to skulking around the Magic Kingdom and winning major awards at the March Mustache 5K, it was awesome just to visit with family I hadn’t seen in awhile, including Mom, Jim and Leigh, and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins.  It was also nice to hang out with Mom’s cat Lily, since I don’t get cat time very often.

So cute.  She’s fooled us all.

Helping Mom stretch.

On the Sunday I was in town, Mom and I headed to Hamburger Mary’s for brunch and the 1pm drag show, where we met Jim and Leigh and Uncle Doug. 

Jim and Uncle Doug, ready for foods!

Although a buffet was offered, I ordered one of their hamburgers, and I wasn’t disappointed; it was excellent.* We had a good time catching up and of course, the drag show was fantastic.

I am so excited I could seriously spit.

Work it, ladies!

After the show, we all headed back to Jim and Leigh’s house; they moved in last year, but since I haven’t been back to Florida since that time, it was my first time up in the treehouse.  What a cute place!  In addition to seeing all of the work they’ve done, I got the chance to visit with my nephdog Pavlov; it was nice to get my dog fix after not seeing my monkeys for a few days.  After hanging out for a little while, we retired downstairs to the yard to play a few rousing games of cornhole, all of which found Mom victorious.

Beer in hand.  The proper way to ‘hole.

Leigh and Pavlov, supervising.

What a beautiful day!

After we tired of Mom defeating us, Jim, Mom, and I wandered to downtown Safety Harbor, only a short walk away from Jim and Leigh’s house.  We bought some cupcakes and enjoyed drinks and nachos at a nearby eating establishment.  After heading back to the house to say bye to Leigh, Mom and I headed back to her house for the evening.

On Monday, Mom and I hung around her place for awhile, sorting through family pictures and telling stories.  

Like about the time Jim wore a bonnet.

Jim came over for lunch, and we headed out for a brother/sister bonding experience at a few local breweries.  Our first stop was Rapp Brewery in Pinellas Park, a newer brewery in the area and one that was highly ranked.

Tasting time!

The beer was okay, which was somewhat disappointing given the great things I’d read about the brewery.  However, it’s still a new place, so they’re probably working some of the kinks out.   I will give them props for having 20 taps on hand – all their own brews – and introducing me to some styles I’ve never tasted before (Mumme, anyone?).

After Rapp, we headed to the Dunedin Brewery, back in our old stomping grounds.  Jim’s a regular at the brewery, and I’ve been a few times in my trips back home.  While I remember it being good before, my tasting flight of different stouts and porters was absolutely excellent. 

I like my beer apparently the exact opposite of how I like my men…

I was thrilled to see that the brewery also had large bottles of beer for purchase, as that meant I could bring some home for Chris!  I selected Fox and Waller, a scotch ale flavored with figs and other stone fruits, and Sextant, a barrel aged porter.  We’ve already tried Fox and Waller, and it was outstanding.

After a quick stop at the grocery store for dinner provisions, Jim and I headed back to his house, where Leigh was finishing up some work from home.  Thankfully, she was feeling a bit better, and it was nice to hang out with them.

Um, and Lionel.  Of course.

On Tuesday, on the way to the airport to catch my flight back west, Mom and I stopped at La Terisita for good Cuban food for lunch.  As you can see, we had a ton of food, so I was even able to take half of my Cuban sandwich and the rest of my plantains for dinner on the plane!  Hooray!

So.many.noms.

We arrived at the airport with plenty of time before my flight, so after saying bye to Mom and breezing through security, I parked myself at the Cigar City Brewery’s spot in Concourse C and enjoyed a stout and slice of key lime pie.  A delicious pairing, indeed!

Me:  Is it...

Server:  Yes.  It's real key lime pie.

Me:  I'll have a slice!

Overall, my trip was wonderful, but as always, it’s lovely to be back home in Phoenix!

Later!

Amy

* Yes, the $5 endless mimosas may have had something to do with this, but the burger was seriously good.