I like to look back on the week that has just ended every Sunday. I can only tell you that this past week has been magical! A trip to Eagle Island, one of several owned by Private Islands of Georgia, where I met with three other travel/lifestyle writers and time with publicist Leigh Cort and owner of the island, Andy Hill. There are no words to express the feeling of gratitude I have over being included! I’ll be sharing my experiences there with you over the next several weeks. There is so much to write about…I’m sorting through it all! In the meantime I’m sharing music by Debussy for your Sunday morning. I hope you enjoy it and your day of rest.
Cross Fit Grit!
I’m featuring a post from the past as I continue my trip on Eagle Island. With the holiday’s coming it seemed “fitting” to repost “Cross Fit Grit”. The season of over-indulgence is coming and we’ll all be thinking about getting rid of a couple of extra pounds! Enjoy this again and THINK FIT!
I finally have the answers I’ve been searching for in regard to the fitness rage known as “Cross Fit”. I met with Todd Thompson of “Cross Fit Grit” here on St. Simons Island and he shared his story as well as the history of the program first started by Greg Glassman, Olympic gymnast who sought to strengthen his body in order to meet the demands of competition.
Todd began Cross Fit Grit in 2008. Always athletic, which goes with being a firefighter, but missing something. He continues his work with the Fire Department today, but his fitness program has changed since he found Cross Fit. As trainer, Todd sees results in his clients. He sees them shed their problems, their worries and issues as they begin to workout and see results. Cross Fit is a great form of therapy, leave your troubles at the door and get into the moves…it all melts away.
He refers to it as functional fitness. He works with clients through high intensity integral training to improve their cardiovascular as well as respiratory systems. They learn about the proper form of movement and how to create movement that works with their bodies to strengthen their core and increase their endurance.
This is not just another gym…far from it! The space at 201 Skylane Drive is referred to as a “box”. It is a large, square room filled with various training equipment and a sound system that gets ramped up to fill the room with a beat you just cannot be still too when a session begins.
Each member of Cross Fit Grit is getting personal training. A program that is specifically put together with their individual needs in mind. Yes, they work out together, but even if you’re the last to finish you are cheered on.
There is a sense of community here. The ninety plus members of Cross Fit Grit congregate for workouts on the beach over weekends, then gather again for cookouts with a healthy emphasis on lean animal protein, locally bred, fed and humanely processed. Lots of fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts. We’ll get to the actual eating program next week. I have to say I’m intrigued.
The glow of health that emanates from Todd is impossible to miss. He walks his talk and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and training with others.
Todd speaks specifically of women and the loss of inches, accompanied by a vast increase in self confidence he witnesses each time a female client finds her zone with the workouts and begins to experience the physical changes that are inevitable.
Cross Fit pushes you to your limit, but you are not alone. You’ll be surrounded by your friends, pushing theirs as well. It’s about fitness, it’s about health…..it’s about community. Cross Fit provides workouts for the fit as well as for those going through rehabilitation for various sports injuries and joint issues. But when you begin to look awesome and feel the energy….you just have to keep going! To read more about Cross Fit click here: http://www.crossfitgrit.com
Cross Fit Grit – 201 Skylane Drive – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-996-4091
Old City Charm
Our journey begins with a drive south on I-95 into Florida. It’s a short getaway for us, something we love to do. Seeking out charming, historic places in Coastal Georgia is fairly easy, yet, very few places have the charm and history of the oldest city in America, St. Augustine. Upon driving into the city and nearing the historic area we feel like we’re in another country. Could it be France….Spain….Portugal? Sailboats sway in the light breeze as they sit, moored in the Intracoastal waterway that winds its way down to Miami.
The Bridge of Lions makes me think….Paris! Spanning the waterway, this drawbridge is its most charming at night, fully lit and magical!
A right turn on Cathedral Place and we feel immersed in history. Unique shops, art galleries and restaurants fill both sides of the boulevard, some sharing their wares street side.
Then left on St. George and the scenery changes to charming turn of the century homes as we make our way down the brick street that reminds us of cobblestone. Our destination? The fabulous St. Francis Inn, a charming bed & breakfast where our reservations for The Wilson Suite await us. We turn into the designated parking lot and feast our eyes on this historic structure, the oldest B&B among twenty-seven to be found within the city. Our hosts, Joe and Margaret Finnegan have created a welcoming, warm environment which makes us feel instantly relaxed and pampered. Our room consists of a living area, bedroom and bath complete with whirlpool tub. We are drawn to the balcony with its porch swing and comfy rocking chairs. The perfect place to have a glass of wine and toast our time together.
A trip on the Old Town Trolley gives us the opportunity to sit back and let someone else do the driving, J.P. is our guide .We drive down streets canopied by ancient oak trees, past the Fountain of Youth and into the Mission of Nombre de Dios and the Shrine of Our Lady of Le Leche where countless women have made pilgrimage to pray for the birth of a child. The cross on the grounds towers more than 200 feet over the Matanzas River.
Our first day ends with a nightcap, courtesy of the St. Francis, a lovely decanter of sherry that we share as we sit in the cool evening air, quietly listening to a ghost tour that is being led just below us. I resist making any sound that might provoke thoughts of the supernatural as we sit, unseen, on our lovely balcony, surrounded by trees. During daylight we strolled through the gardens, so beautifully appointed and filled with local plants and flowers all lovingly placed and cared for by Jill Ziebell the master gardener responsible for the award for Civic Beautification given to the Inn.
The St. Francis is full of special amenities, all included in the price of the stay. Breakfast is served buffet style with so many delicious choices, accompanied by a latte or specialty coffee of your choice! The evening social time includes a glass of wine and treats of the savory variety. Bicycles are available at no charge if you’d like to get some exercise while sightseeing. We opted for walking, feeling like we were in New York’s Greenwich Village or some other lovely old world city as we made our way through the historic district. For reservations and more information: http://www.stfrancisinn.com/
Last week I told you all about Chef Jean-Stephane and his fabulous Bistro de Leon where we enjoyed a first class meal. There’s more to share next week as I tell you about our amazing lunch of tapas and sangria which followed a tour of the Colonial Quarter. And dinner at an Irish Pub, so delicious….I’m still remembering the Scotttish Salmon en papillote.
Cocktails and a Movie
I am a big believer in sustainable farming and eating as much local produce as possible. We’re lucky here in Coastal Georgia to have several providers of organic produce from which to choose.
Gilliard Farms, owned by Chef Matthew Raiford and his sister, Althea Raiford, is a Georgia Centennial Farm, African American owned and certified organic. On Saturday, November 16th, the farm will open its heart to guests attending a Farm Cocktails and Film event to raise funds to support the farm.
Included in the event will be the screening of the documentary film, Ground Operations, that features Farmer Althea Raiford. Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields. ‘Ground Operations’ follows the stories of an ensemble of visionary vets who are creating a new life in organic farming and ranching.
The menu of appetizers to go along with cocktails promises to be quite delicious. Joining Chef Matthew will be guest chef, Jennifer Booker. Chef Jennifer was recently named, one of only four Georgia Grown Executive Chefs for 2013 by Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black and Georgia Restaurant Association President Karen Bremer. Here’s a peek at what will be served!
Food:
*Buttermilk Biscuits with Gilliard Farm’s Pulled Pork
and Homemade Slather
*Roasted Root Vegetables with Honey Glaze and Red Quinoa
*Herb Stuffed and Roasted Gilliard Farm’s Pastured-raised Chicken
*Margarita Shrimp
*Nana’s Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Drinks:
*Peach Brandy Cocktail with Lavender Syrup
*Pomegranate Brandy with Vodka Lime Twist
*Muscadine Shrub
*Assorted beer
This farm has been in the Raiford family since 1874. Jupiter Raiford, great, great grandfather to Matthew and Althea, began the agricultura journeyl. Go here to read more about the farm: http://www.gilliardfarms.com/index.html
You can purchase tickets through the website link above. You can also find out how to volunteer and have a hand in the success of this great farm!
From the farm to your table…..this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Click If You Care!
Georgia Gives Day is this coming Wednesday, November 13th. This annual event gives all residents of our great state the opportunity to contribute to your favorite non-profit organizations.
Whether you are concerned with domestic violence issues and the groups that help care for victims……
Hunger, which strikes more families in our state than I’d like to imagine……
Or animal wellfare.
Georgia Gives Day is your chance to give to the non-profit of your choice. It just takes one click and it is so very important!
It only lasts for 24 hours so go here: https://gagivesday.org/c/GGD choose who you would like to help as the holiday season gets underway.
We’re all in this together and we can all make a difference!
Simple Sundays
Sharing one of my favorite composers today, Erik Satie. This work is so simple and soothing. It’s one I actually love to play on the piano when I can. Enjoy as you begin your Sunday! I’m off on another media trip tomorrow, gathering wonderful photos to share from Eagle Island, GA! Loving what I do….each and every day.
Finally Friday!
This is the perfect meal for a busy weekend when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The pork can roast for eight hours, get it ready to go in the oven the night before and first thing in the morning. Pop it in the oven and you’re set. The side dishes are easy and can be prepared an hour before you’re ready to eat.
Roast Pork
Smashed New Potatoes
Autumn Salad
Pumpkin Dip with Ginger Snaps
Roast Pork
I’m one for giving credit where credit is due. I first found this recipe through the Food Network and one of their celebrity chef’s Michael Chiarello. Chef Chiarello is an outstanding chef, based in the California Wine Country. His “Napa Style” business always catches my fancy! The use of aromatic spices he incorporates into this recipe make it heavenly. Dinner guests will come through the front door and be instantly captivated by the sensual smell of the pork, sauteed onions and the special spice blend. I’ve made a couple of changes over the years, but left the recipe close to its original version.
1 five pound pork butt or shoulder
Rinse the pork off and blot dry. With a sharp knife, separate the fat layer from the meat itself, but do not remove.
2 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cook the sliced onion in olive oil for 10 minutes, tossing to brown lightly.
Rub:
2 tablespoons of your favorite jerk seasoning
2 tablespoons fennel seeds
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat the fennel seeds in a small skillet until they are just “popping”. Place the seeds in a grinder (I have an extra coffee grinder I use exclusively for spices). Mix with the other spices and set aside.
Sprinkle half of the rub mixture on the meat and top with the cooked onions. Pull the fat over the meat and secure with butcher’s twine or clamps. Top with the remaining rub mixture. Line a shallow baking dish with foil and place the meat in it. Bake for eight hours at 275 degrees.
Smashed New Potatoes
4 – 6 potatoes (one per person
12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Yukon Gold Potatoes)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Sea Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley and fresh chives, combined
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.
On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato.
Press down gently on each potato with a potato masher until it slightly mashes.Turn the potatoes around and mash from the opposite direction. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil.
Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped herbs
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Autumn Salad
1 head organic red leaf lettuce
1 small bag organic baby arugula
1 small bag organic baby spinach
1 granny smith apple, cut in thin slices and then in thirds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 small log goat cheese crumbled
Cider vinaigrette
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
sea salt and pepper to taste
Whisk together and pour over the salad, tossing to mix well.
Pumpkin Dip with Ginger Snaps
1 large can pumpkin
2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese softened
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
4 cups confectioners sugar
Mix the pumpkin and cream cheese, blending well. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Put the mixture in a half of a small, hollowed out pumpkin and chill until ready to serve. I use our local Harris Teeter brand ginger snaps, placing them around the bowl of pumpkin dip on a serving plate. Serve with a steaming hot cup of coffee with a bit of Irish Cream added for a delicious dessert.
The Little Golden Bush
For as long as I can remember Mr. T has talked about wanting a “butterfly bush”. Specifically one with yellow blossoms. I mentioned this to my mother who told me he must be talking about a “Cassia” bush, one that grows quite well in warmer climates and that I remember seeing in Florida. Their beautiful yellow blooms cried fall and brightened any corner of a garden. Just the right size to accent other plants and flowers.
Two years ago, mom gave us a small bush she picked up at her local nursery in North Central Florida. It had no blooms, only one small “stalk” with other leaf covered limbs coming out from it. I decided to plant it at the corner of my new “friendship” garden at the edge of our driveway, thinking it would be the perfect accent for all of the plants I had growing that friends gave me cuttings of or that I transplanted from other areas of my garden.
I now call this the little bush that could!
The butterflies love it! They swarm around it by the dozen, savoring the slightly sweet nectar the blooms produce.
The little bush has grown beyond all expectation to our surprise as well as that of our neighbors!
I see this as a sign of abundance. I originally planted this garden as a sign that I believed in the tomorrow of our life in our home, that we would always be safe and secure here. Gardens signify hope for the future, they are part of the cycle of nature, so very important to our well being. I’m pleased to share the tree as it is today….blooming in all of it’s autumnal glory! Now, to decide how and when to trim it! Any suggestions?
The Art Of Golf
As the McGladrey Classic gets underway I am reminded that golf is much more than just a game. The game of golf has inspired artists since the sport first began.
Charles Lees finished his painting, “The Golfers”, set on the St. Andrews Golf Course in 1847, which depicted one of the first grand matches.
Sir John Lavery painted this colorful piece, “Golfing at North Berwick”. Both pieces have been part of “The Art of Golf” show which has been shown in major art museums all over the U.S. over the past couple of years.
St. Simons Island is no exception when it comes to getting in the game!
Davis Love Jr.
Marion Snyder, local artist, offers two of her paintings to commemorate the 2013 McGladrey Classic. Her portrait of Davis Love Jr is so life like it looks like a photograph.
Jim Jones is also one of the artists displaying his work at the Left Bank Art Gallery. His technique reminds me of some of the works displayed in The Art of Golf show, beautifully painted and framed.
Marion Snyder
The island is into the game, residents have their tickets for events and the actual tournament tees off on Thursday, November 7th. If you live in the area or are here just for the tournament take the time to see this lovely exhibit! Any of the works would make the perfect addition to a collection and serve as a reminder of a great event!
The French Chef
Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard came to the United States with a dream. A dream of beginning a restaurant based on his French training and upbringing. He studied with such great stars of the French culinary world as Paul Bocusse and worked at his father’s side before moving to this country, leaving his beloved Lyon behind. Chef Poinard is a fifth generation food devotee, immersed in the French tradition that he now treats his vast clientele to. We stumbled over the bistro a couple of years ago on a long weekend getaway and were thrilled to revisit on our recent trip to the area.
When Chef stepped foot in the St. Augustine area, destiny spoke to him. The rest is history. Bistro de Leon is his creation, his brain child and his marvelous gift to the St. Augustine area.
We dined on terrine with homemade made sweet pickles.
French onion soup made in the traditional style….ooooo lala!
A main course that I will share in a later post….something innovative and sure to place this talented chef on the culinary map in a big way. I think the Chef may have discovered the art of channeling his talented ancestral line in the art of pastry making!
Dessert was a delicious serving of fresh berries with handmade Madeleine’s, crisp and delicious….the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
Bistro de Leon is a little piece of France, beautifully transplanted onto 12 Cathedral Place, right in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, easy walking distance from hotels and B&B’s.
Experience the charm of Chef Jean-Stephane in this video.
If this doesn’t make you feel like putting St. Augustine, FL on your bucket list, I don’t know what would! Charming, cozy and so very delicious….Bistro de Leon serves up a bit of Lyon every day, except Wednesday.
Bistro de Leon – 12 Cathedral Place – St. Augustine, FL – 32084 – www.bistrodeleon.com – (904) 810-2100
