Gulfport Harbor Lights: Best Holiday Light Display in the South!

Photo by Shad Bookout

I have now seen the second best holiday lights display of my life. Nothing beats the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival at Jones Park is my second favorite. 

This massive holiday lights display, which takes up more than a city block near the water, is unlike anything I have ever seen. This year's underwater theme sported huge displays of oysters, octopuses, crabs and other sea life. The beautiful ferris wheel at the center of all the action is very popular - as is all the fair-type food such as funnel cake.

But the centerpiece of this holiday light display is the 15 or so dancing and singing Christmas trees. Seriously, I don't know how the City of Gulfport pulled off this technologically-advanced and stunning feat, but you can watch a variety of Christmas pictures and designs displayed on these trees to the timing of a variety of Christmas songs. A set of bleachers allow you to sit there as long as you want - always with a different song and light display. 

The "dancing Christmas trees" and other fantastic attractions at the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival were made possible by a $2.5 million donation from Island View Resort and Casino, right next to Jones Park. "It is the largest light show in the state of Mississippi and maybe beyond," said Cathy Beeding, vice president and general counsel of Island View. 

Delicious Seafood & More at Island View

Best of Three Worlds - Beach Blvd. Steamer

We recently had the pleasure of staying in the gorgeous, new modern rooms at Island View Casino Resort's South Tower in Biloxi, Miss., and dining at some the resort's outstanding eateries.

One of the best dinners we have had in a long time was at the Beach Blvd. Steamer. This beautiful restaurant across from the casino/ resort is known for its plates full of steamed Royal Red Shrimp, Alaskan crab and other delicious shellfish and accompanying vegetables.

We started with the housemade, warm bread, which is just to die for. We love the addition of cheese and herbs on this bread! Beach Blvd. Steamer's gumbo was one of the best we have had, with the most heat. Very comforting - especially on a chilly night.

For entrees, we would highly recommend The Best of Three Worlds Platter, with steamed Royal Red Shrimp, fried Gulf shrimp and Broiled Crabmeat-Stuffed Shrimp. The crabmeat stuffing is so scrumptious and the Gulf shrimp is fried perfectly. The Royal Red Shrimp is very flavorful and is best with lemon and dipped in drawn butter.

We will definitely be back for the Wood Fired Charbroiled Oysters - delicately cooked over pecan wood flame. Many meats and seafood served at the restaurant are cooked this way, and the flavor is just delicious.

Don't forget dessert here - the Chocolate Bombe was oh so decadent and our favorite, but we want to return to try the Key Lime Pie, the huge three-layer Strawberry Tall Cake and the Southern Pecan Pie.

Blackened Snapper - With Cream Sauce & Crab

We also had an impeccable meal - from start to finish - at one of Island View's other eateries, Beach Grill. When you visit, the Blackened Snapper with Cream Sauce and crab is a must as well as the restaurant's New Orleans-style Char-Grilled Oysters. Both were delicious! Also save room for dessert here - the warm Berry Cobbler is now one of my favorite desserts. I wish I could have it every day.

At both restaurants - and throughout our stay at Island View - we were so impressed by the friendly staff. Employees who are just passing you in the hallway are incredibly friendly! This definitely sets Island View apart from other hotels and resorts we have stayed at.

Why you need to eat at Hemisphere restaurant

Photo by Shad Bookout

The renovated Hemisphere restaurant at the Hyatt Orlando Airport screams modern and comfortable - but not just in the "wow" design. The menu reflects the current dining trend: small plates that are shareable over great conversation and even better cocktails. But these are not your typical small plates. After working in several different cities across the U.S., executive chef Jeff Powell and Sous Chef Jason bring completely original and flavorful dishes to the new menu.

For example, the Chef's Signature Pork Belly is unlike any pork belly dish I have had, and the pork belly itself is probably the best one I have had. It is served with succulent slow-pickled blueberries, a sun choke puree and candied jalapenos. Another revelation was the Avocado Toast, which again, is unlike any other avocado toast dish. The sweeter tomato jam complements and contrasts the avocado toast nicely - as does the radish and tangy queso fresco.

Pork Belly - Photo by Shad Bookout

We also tried the most unique Haricot Verts (green beans), which have a delicious earthiness from nduja spicy Italian salumi, and sauteed red onions. It is served with a sunny side up organic egg - a perfect complement to this dish! We also loved the Soft Shell Crab dish, which is served with fried green tomato, boursin grits and arugula salad. Both the crab and tomato were perfectly breaded and fried and so flavorful!

Every dessert we tried also stood apart from any other restaurants. For instance, the Molten Lava Cake is ooey-gooey like you want it to be, but has a nice surprise with the gingersnap crumble. The Key Lime Pie Choux au Craquelin is unlike any Key Lime Pie you have had - and more delicious. We also tried two outstanding signature cocktails that are different than those offered at any other restaurant: Hendricks Pink Fern Gin and Silver Basil - sort of like a margarita, infused with basil.

Photo by Shad Bookout

While the atmosphere inside the restaurant is outstanding, many travelers through the airport dine at the eatery for the incredible view. It is so fun - for kids and adults alike - to watch planes arriving and departing. And when there is a launch from Cape Canaveral, you can see that, too! Before our next flight, we plan to forgo the fast food options in the main terminals and relax with outstanding food, wine and cocktails at Hemisphere.

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An unforgettable dining experience at 1921 by Norman Van Aken

Photo by Shad Bookout

If Mount Dora's charming shops and spectacular lake background are not enough reason for you to visit this town, I have discovered a restaurant that will make Mount Dora become a destination for you and your family.

My husband and I had a completely unique, memorable experience at 1921 by Norma Van Aken. We started out at the restaurant's partner across the street, the Modernism Museum - a visit that I would highly recommend. Once you immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of the works at this museum, you have a greater understanding of the philosophy and modern wood and metal decor featured throughout the restaurant - including the authentic chairs and tables that are used.

In addition to gorgeous art pieces scattered throughout, the stunning drapes in one of the dining rooms really help you feel the drama and "Old World" American feel of the eatery. 

1921 by Norman Van Aken's cuisine is equally as dramatic and unique - and I mean that in a very good way. Chef Van Aken, also the founder of Norman's at Ritz Carlton, is lauded as the founder of "New World" cuisine, a celebration of Latin, Caribbean, African Asian and American flavors. 1921's dishes feature some of these flavors, but with more of a modern Florida and local seafood focus.

In fact, the restaurant uses only Florida, sustainable seafood - including some lesser-known species that are very tasty. Kudos to Chef Van Aken for keeping Florida fishermen working, while providing outstanding meals and atmosphere to guests. I would highly recommend 1921 to anyone - especially for a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday party. With the high level of service here, you will definitely feel special and pampered.

We started with a Roasted Beet Salad with burrata, toasted sunflower seeds and a citrus-vanilla vinaigrette. The burrata mozarella provided a nice creaminess against the golden and red beets and the crunch of sunflower seeds. We paired this dish with a Muga 2015 rose wine - a wine which we really enjoyed and paired perfectly with this dish. For snacks and starters, you also need to try the Conch Fritters and the Spiny Lobster & Rock Shrimp Dumplings.

Photo by Shad Bookout

Next, we feasted on Cape Canaveral Wreckfish over a Charred Zellwood corn puree with potatoes, mussels, chorizo and sauce mer noir, as well as the Ponce Inlet Golden Tilefish in a coconut curry sauce with conch fritter, charred pineapple and acorn squash. In both dishes, the fish was absolutely cooked perfectly. The wreckfish was seasoned simply with salt and pepper. With the tilefish, the coconut curry sauce was so light, it did not detract from the flavor of the fish; instead, it added to the complete meal.

For dessert, we would highly recommend the Zellwood Corn Panna Cotta, with popcorn tuile and maple crumble. The crunchy maple crumble was the perfect texture to mix with the smooth panna cotta. And a cookie made from popcorn: what a revelation!

The restaurant just started serving Sunday brunch, and I will definitely be back for that. Among the unique and delicious brunch dishes: S'Mores Doughnuts with Chocolate & Fluff Sauces, 'Korea Town' Chicken & Waffles with Asian Spiced Syrup and Smoked Brisket Hash with Confit Potatoes, Pickled Sweetie Drop Peppers, Thyme & Vinaigrette & a Poached Farm Egg.

Top 10 Veterans Day Deals in Central Florida

The Orlando restaurant industry always helps others in a time of crisis (remember them offering free meals and water following the Pulse shooting?). Now, they - along with outstanding retailers - are doing something nice for active military and veterans on Veteran's Day, November 11.

Here are the top 10 deals we found:

1. Publix stores - 10 percent off the grocery bill for military personnel and veterans.

2. Walgreens: 20% for active military, veterans and their families.

3. Twin Peaks in Altamonte Springs: a free entree from a special menu for service members.

4. Tijuana Flats: Free entree.

5. Krispy Kreme: Free coffee and a doughnut. Yum!

6. Applebee's: Free entree from a special menu plus $5 off coupon to use on a future visit.

7. Restaurant Ash: Free soup with purchase.

8. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers: Free Red's Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.

9. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free meal under $12.95.

10. Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch from a special menu for active military, former military and veterans.

If you know of other great restaurant and retail deals for veterans, please post them in the comments below!

Election Day Restaurant Deals in Orlando, U.S.

I love when restaurants and bars make the process of voting so much more fun. Whoever wins the presidential election this year, we should at least go out and celebrate the fact that we took part in the process with food and drinks, right?

Here are the top Election Day restaurant and bar deals in Orlando:

1. $1 burgers all day at Restaurant Ash. Yes, if you come in with your "I Voted" sticker, you can get a grilled burger and side salad for only $1. Plus, enter to win other prizes. This is a great promotion from a restaurant that serves craft sandwiches and other yummy fare. The chef/ owner of this fabulous location is Ashley Nickell of Hell's Kitchen fame.

2. Free drinks from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. when you show your "I Voted" sticker during Southern Nights' viewing party. Doors open at 9 p.m.

3. Free doughnut at Krispy Kreme locations all day when you show your "I voted" sticker.

4. Free cup of coffee at participating 7-Eleven stores. The catch? You have to use their mobile app.

5. 30% off your order at Bob Evans.

6. Free cookie at Great American Cookie when you show your "I voted" sticker.

I am actually surprised not to see more local, independent restaurant deals on Election Day. If I have missed any, please comment below!

Top 10 Dishes at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine

Photo by Shad Bookout

There are many more than 10 delicious dishes to enjoy at the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - not to mention all the lovely wine and cocktails - but we wanted to give you a quick list of items that you should not miss when you go this year. Hurry, though - the Festival only lasts through November 14!

1. Loaded Mac 'n' Cheese at Farm Fresh. This was our favorite "comfort food", and we loved the addition of pepper bacon and peppers!

2. Buttered Chicken with Micro Cilantro and Naan Bread in Africa. One of our favorites last year, too, we loved the flavor of this dish, and it was fairly filling, making it more of a value than some of the other dishes.

3. Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese at Wine & Dine. At $11 for three delicious wines, along with small cheese and bread tastings, this was a pretty good deal and we enjoyed trying new flavors. If you like blue cheese, you will love the blue cheese with walnuts!

4, Sweet and Spicy Shrimp in Australia. This is the dish we thought of if you want to be adventurous and try something new. The flavors were spot on, and the pineapple and snap peas in the dish were cooked just right and very scrumptious.

Duck Confit - Photo by Shad Bookout

5. Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-Roasted Salsa at new pavilion The Greenhouse Guru. The duck was tender and delicious and made a perfect, flavorful bite with the polenta and fresh salsa.

6. Boeuf Bourguignon, Cabernet-braised beef short ribs with mashed potatoes, in France. The beef had sort of a pot roast texture, and the sauce was delicious.

7. Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce at Canada. We get this every year. The filet is outstanding and the wild mushrooms had such flavor!

8. Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri in Patagonia. The salmon was tender and delicious and that chimichurri sauce is everything!

Photo by Shad Bookout

9. Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel and Ghiradelli Chocolate Raspberry Torte at Chocolate Studio. I did not try these desserts myself, but were told both were a perfect way to end an evening at the Food & Wine Festival!

10. Chocolate Baklava in Morocco. The inside was a little weird tasting, but the dark chocolate and crispy phyllo dough make this dessert worth trying!

Related: 

Photo album: 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Dishes

Top 10 Favorites at 2015 Epcot Food & Wine

What's New at Epcot Food & Wine Festival