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larios on the beach

February 11, 2020

instrument decor

My favorite restaurant stop while in South Beach was to one owned by a famous person from the music industry – Gloria Estefan.

Larios

Gloria and Emilio Estefan have been promoting their Cuban Heritage through their restaurants as well as through their music since they opened Larios on the Beach in 1992 in the heart of South Beach.

Gloria portrait

The restaurant offers guests the opportunity to dine on authentic Cuban cuisine served in an atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of Cuba in its heyday while enjoying the view of famous Ocean Drive.

instrument decor

The instruments that make up this unusual wall hanging include those used by the Miami Sound Machine.

Gloria grew up in the kitchen with her grandmother and developed a love of cooking.  Gloria and Emilio opened Larios on the Beach, in honor of both Gloria’s grandmother and their beloved Cuban Heritage.

restaurant decor

Larios on the beach became their flagship restaurant as they expanded the vision by opening Bongos Cuban Cafe in Orlando, in Florida’s Downtown Disney in 1996 then Bongos Cuban Cafe at The American Airlines Arena in Miami,  Bongos Cuban Cafe at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL and Bongos Cuban Cafe at Miami International Airport.

Gloria's husband

A fun photograph of Emilio adorns the wall in the dining area at Larios on the Beach.

Estefan Hospitality also grew with the addition of the historic Cardozo Hotel on 1300 Ocean Drive in 1993 and in 2006 Costa D’Este, an award winning 4-Diamond property in Vero Beach.   It was named one of the top ten celebrity owned hotels in the world and is in Travel and Leisure’s top 100 list.  Its cozy oceanside restaurant, The Wave, was voted Diner’s Choice Winner Best Overall, Best Ambiance and Best Food on OpenTable.

tree wall decor

scallop wall decor

Gloria herself developed the crest that represents the brand.  Inspired by the Cuban Crest, it has the sun representing the Gloria Estefan Foundation, which has already donated millions of dollars to many diverse causes, a dolphin and a flamingo both Florida treasures, an American and Cuban flag laying side by side representing their dual patriotic nature and the Bongo man, logo for the Bongos Franchise.

logo on wine

The crest is surrounded by the Hibiscus and the Palm, native to both Florida and Cuba and is crowned with a pineapple, the symbol that sits high atop both Bongos Cuban Cafe Miami and Orlando.  The ribbon under the pineapple reads “to serve mankind”, which is something Emilio and Gloria love to do and was chosen by Gloria both for that reason and as an inside joke that they dare anyone to guess. Winner gets a free drink!

logo on chair

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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venice beach

May 3, 2019

Venice sign

I have one more beach to share from my last California trip!

beach in Venice

Venice beach – a ‘must stop’ when visiting southern California.  It is the iconic ‘muscle beach.’  The muscle beach part doesn’t really impress me…although, the guy this tribute was created for is iconic in my book!  The first one to really embrace the fitness craze!  You may not even know who he is, but generations ago he had a fitness show on television.  He was to fitness what Julia Child was to cooking!

Legend in Venice

Dreaming of beaches has been a big past time lately since, here in Connecticut, we finally have some warm weather!

Palm trees in Venice

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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hollywood swingin’

April 26, 2019

Sinatra at Chinese Theatre

I guess everyone needs to make a quick swing by the Chinese Theatre movie palace when in Hollywood!  After all, it is the most sought-after theatre in Hollywood for studio premieres!  And, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is right there!

I wasn’t interested in looking at every star on my visit, but I did find a couple I thought were pretty cool to look at!

Chinese Theatre

And a footprint or two were interesting as well!

Shirley Temple

Whose star would cause you to stop and take a photo?

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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cocktails in west hollywood

April 2, 2019

decor at Pump

Work trips don’t provide much free time but during my last trip to California, I scheduled in a little time to see a friend and visit a couple night spots in West Hollywood.

Our first stop was for drinks and apps at Tom Tom – a newer spot and one that is featured on the TV show Vanderpump Rules.  I was immediately enamored with the décor of the place.  Wow!  It is so cool!  The theme of clocks and gears is implemented in a really interesting way behind the bar – with working gears!

Click here for a short video at Tom Tom!

And, the light fixtures are awesome – you know I can’t resist a great light fixture!

cool lighting at Tom Tom

double light fixture at Tom Tom

pendant at Tom Tom

This bar is definitely worth a visit for the décor alone.  The drinks are really interesting (and really strong)!

drinking Madame Butterfly at Tom Tom

A quick stop two doors down proved to provide an awesome look at décor as well.  PUMP, in its pink haze and displaying an indoor garden, is beautiful!

Pump

As coincidence would have it, as I walked into PUMP so did Ken with Gigi under his arm!  (If you watch Vanderpump Rules or Beverly Hills Housewives, you know this duo!)

bar at PUMP

A couple of fun places to stop in West Hollywood!

Thanks for stopping by and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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more frank lloyd wright

March 15, 2019

 FLW winter home

For today’s Friday field trip, I am continuing the photo essay of my visit to Taliesin West, the architectural school and winter residence of famed Frank Lloyd Wright, designer of iconic buildings, including the Guggenheim Museum.

outside view FLW

outside long view FLW

This National Historical Landmark is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

FLW Winter lab

Wright’s intent was to use the facility to train architects.

fountain at flw

ornament at FLW

Regardless of what your personal opinion may be about Wright’s style, the way he embraced nature with his design of Taliesin West can definitely be appreciated by all who visit.

bathroom at FLW

Scottsdale FLW home

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

outdoors at FLW

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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Taliesin West

March 12, 2019

residence FLW Arizona

On a recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, I visited the city’s only National Historical Landmark – Taliesin West.  The landmark was architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter camp and desert laboratory.

FLW residence

Whether you are interested in design or are just fascinated by notable people in history, Taliesin West is worth visiting.  Today, I am sharing some photos from Taliesin West – what Frank Lloyd Wright called “a look over the rim of the world.”  The location still functions as a learning facility.

detail at Frank Lloyd Wright

light at FLW

Frank Lloyd Wright, as you may or may not know, led a very colorful personal life (some of this has been documented in the historical fiction by Nancy Horan, Loving Frank.)

inside at FLW

books at FLW

This week, I am sharing some photos from my visit to Taliesin.

pool in front of flw

Thanks for stopping by!

outdoor ornament FLW

cactus at FLW

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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anna rifle’s flagship store!

February 9, 2018

flowers at Anna Rifle

If you follow this blog, you may already know that I have a real love for paper products!  I still believe strongly in hand written thank you notes, as well as notes of condolence.  Especially in this age of technology, with rushed emails and hurried texts – who doesn’t appreciate receiving a personal note in the mail?  What better way is there to convey a heartfelt message?

rifle pins

Because of this love for hand written messages, I also have a love for great paper products.  When I think of my favorite paper product artists, a couple instantly come to mind.  On the top of this list is graphic designer Anna Rifle Bond.

anna rifle lotion love

Anna Rifle Winter Park meeting

Anna ‘taking a meeting’ at Rifle Paper Co. in Winter Park.

On today’s Friday field trip, I am thrilled to share photos from a recent visit to the place where Anna Rifle Bond and her husband Nathan started their company, Rifle Paper, in 2008.  This spot in Winter Park, Florida is also home to their flagship store.

anna rifle table in Winter Park

Anna Rifle tote bags

I developed an appreciation for Anna’s designs when she started her partnership with Anthropologie, early in her company’s 10-year career.

long table at Anna Rifle

Anna Rifle for Mast Chocolate

(To see more on Mast Chocolate, click here to see Friday field trip to Mast)

Feminine and colorful, with a little whimsy, Anna’s designs appear on a lot more than just paper!  Beyond calendars and cards, some of the items that showcase Anna’s quaint designs include phone covers, candles, wallpaper, books, candy wrappers, and sneakers.  Quite a repertoire from what began as designing posters for her husband’s band and wedding invites for her friends!

Anna Rifle books

pretty Anna Rifle pins

I hope you enjoyed today’s Friday field trip.  Thanks for stopping by!

Winter Park Rifle Paper Co.

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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dominique ansel bakery

June 2, 2017

May's Ansel Cronut Flavor

A trip to a bakery seems an appropriate Friday field trip today on National Donut Day!

We are not visiting just any bakery, but the bakery of James Beard award-winning pastry chef, Dominique Ansel.

Dominique Ansel blossoming hot chocolate

Blossoming Hot Chocolate at Dominique Ansel Bakery.

Chef Dominique took New York City by storm when he launched his, now signature pastry, the Cronut!  New Yorkers waited (and still do) in long lines for the opportunity to taste one!

The tasty croissant-doughnut Chef Dominique created was named one of the ‘Best Inventions of 2013’ by Time magazine in the year it was introduced.

raspberry Earl Grey Cronut at Ansel

May’s special Cronut flavor at Dominique Ansel Bakery – Raspberry Earl Grey with Earl Grey Sugar.

Chef Dominique’s unique, delectable treats have earned him international recognition with bakeries in Tokyo and London, as well as New York City.  Consistently creating innovative desserts, while maintaining an incredible level of deliciousness, is the Ansel standard.

raspberry coconut pavlova ansel

On my most recent visit to the New York bakery, the new, flavorful kiwi sorbet bar instantly became my favorite Ansel creation of the moment.  This refreshing treat is made up of a kiwi flavored sorbet paired with Tahitian vanilla ice-cream.

Dominique Ansel kiwi sorbet bar

A new, refreshing kiwi sorbet creation by Dominique Ansel.

With some added poppy seeds and a ‘fuzzy’ chocolate exterior, the confection closely resembles an actual kiwi fruit.  Magnificent in both aesthetics and taste!

Ansel Bakery kiwi sorbet bar

I hope you enjoyed today’s visit to the Dominique Ansel Bakery for Friday field trip.

Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things – like tasting a fabulous donut on National Donut Day!  xo Jackie

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congrats sift bakery!

April 11, 2017

mango pastry at Sift

Sunday night was the finale of Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship and today’s post is dedicated to finalist Chef Adam from Connecticut’s own Sift Bakery in Mystic!

baking championship on food network

Finalist Adam Young from Sift Bakery and his answer to the whoopie pie ‘creature’ challenge on Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship competition.

It was so exciting to cheer on a contestant from my home state – particularly from a bakery I so admire.  Creating everything about Sift – not just the baked products he sells, but the bakery space as well, Adam is a true artisan.

pastry case at Sift

A pastry case at Sift Bakery in Mystic, Connecticut.

Sift chocolate croissant

His unbelievable attention to detail is a turn-on for me!  This detail extends from the bakery products to the thoughtfully arranged display cases, beautiful packaging & display cards, and the shop’s impeccable cleanliness.

homemade granola at Sift

Trying to limit an order to one French pastry is a challenge – there are so many seductive choices!

Sift custom cake

A custom cake created at Sift Bakery in Mystic, Connecticut.

If sweets are not your thing, don’t despair!  Sift creates breads, quiches, and sandwiches as well.  In fact, you need not even eat a thing to enjoy Sift…you can enjoy a specialty latte that is sure to rival anything offered at your local coffee shop!

rosemary ginger latte at Sift

Rosemary ginger latte served at Sift Bakery in Mystic, Connecticut.

My favorite latte at Sift was the rosemary ginger…until, I tried the spring special!  Unbelievable!

rosewater latte at Sift Bakery

If you find yourself in or around Mystic, be sure to stop and visit Chef Adam Young’s labor of love called Sift Bakery.  It is worth the trip!

Sift in Mystic CT

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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wild about harry

November 4, 2016

harry-connick-show-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

If you know me at all, you know my favorite entertainer is Harry Connick, Jr.  I have watched him perform in person more than any other entertainer… in addition to seeing many, many of his concerts, I have watched him perform on Broadway  – from the front row…and,  I even sat in the audience for a taping of one of his holiday specials…and now, I can say I have seen a taping of his new daytime show, Harry!

harry-connick-show-on-cbs-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing a few photos from my first visit to a Harry show taping!

harry-connick-show-taping-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

If you live somewhere commutable to New York City, I definitely recommend requesting tickets to see the Harry show for yourself!  Not only is Harry Connick, Jr. a great guy and a wonderful performer, but his show includes his full orchestra!  A visit to a taping is like attending a concert…Harry singing with a full band…incredible!  The band even performs during the breaks!  And then, a few celebrity guests are thrown in.

harrys-band-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

Photos of Harry or the actual show to be aired are not allowed, so I can’t share that with you, but if you watch the show today, you may just catch a glimpse of me “backing it up” with Harry!

a-ticket-to-harry-show-pleasure-in-simple-things

Have a wonderful weekend!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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