Anacapri on Ponce Restaurant - Coral Gables, FL

Always in search of new places to go, I stumbled on Anacapri on Ponce.

 

The energy I got entering the restaurant was an authentic little Italy experience. Miami Spice is about to come to a close and they are a participant so I decided to partake. Off the Miami Spice menu, I choose the Tuna Tartare to start off my meal. I loved the presentation. For me, the fish wasn't cold, and so it did not taste as good but I liked the combination that was created.

 

For my entree, I had the Duck Cannolini. It was enough duck, al dente pasta and the right amount of sauce but had a little too much cheese for my preference.

 

My friend didn't do Miami Spice and instead just ordered a meal off the regular menu which was the Lasagna. Unlike me he loves all the cheese and the sauce so he found it to be very good.

 

 

Although he didn't order Miami Spice and didn't deserve to get any dessert, I shared my Cannoli anyways. I shouldn't have because it was very small and I was left wanting more.

 

 

My personal preferences aside, the food at Anacapri was very good. The hostess to the server as well as the other staff were very gracious and welcoming and for that I would go back.

Anacapri on Ponce Restaurant

2530 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 443-8388

www.anacaprifood.com

City Hall Restaurant - Edgewater - Miami, FL

 

After a long week at work, Friday was finally here and I needed happy hour in my life. City Hall happened to be the right choice because they were offering a Miami spice menu and happy hour.
 

Walking into city hall was a welcoming experience. The hostess there is awesome and makes sure you feel good from the start to the finish of the meal. Since my fiancé was joining me, we both ordered off the Miami spice menu and shared. The first appetizer was the Steak Carpaccio. I am not really a huge fan of steak and I'm scared to eat it rare so this was a huge leap for me. I actually loved it and it made me want to eat steak. Guess raw is the way to go.

 

The other appetizer was the Shrimp Tempura. In comparison it was blah, well in itself it was blah.

 

My entrée was the Mediterranean Seafood Pasta. It was a big plate of food and a decent amount of seafood. The sauce was nice; creamy, but not thick and milky.

 

My fiancé had the 12oz New York Strip. They overcooked it so he had to sent it back, but they gladly obliged and made it how he had requested without issue.

 

First up for desserts was the Chocolate Crunch Cake. Chocolicious!

 

Then was City Hall's Famous Chocolate Chip Croissant Bread Pudding which was delish.

 

While it was not an extraordinary experience, I had a good time and a good meal.

 

 

City Hall Restaurant

2004 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137
(305) 764-3130

www.cityhalltherestaurant.com

Product Review: InstaNatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask

 

After just one use my hair was noticeably softer, shinier and manageable and I have really coarse hair. This is a good product and does help to control (but not totally eliminate) frizz. Not only that, but it smells really nice. Overall it is a good product and easy to use.

For more information and to purchase.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Product Review: Graindrops Organic Probiotic Beverage

If you are looking for a more convenient and easier alternative to yogurt, Graindrops has you covered. Not only does it have the same benefits of yogurt, it tastes just like yogurt, but comes in smoothie form. Now, if you are already a yogurt eater you are probably saying to yourself why drink Graindrops, if it is basically the same thing as yogurt, but if you are lactose intolerant or eat a gluten-free diet, you can go back to eating "yogurt" again. Graindrops is organic, gluten-free, and surprisingly dairy-free. It is powered by koji, an ancient Japanese culturing tradition.
 

Graindrops is available at select Whole Foods markets. For location and information visit their site, Graindrops.com.

 

 

 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Product Review: InstaNatural's Deep Cleansing Facial Oil

I fry my bacon oil and I guess, I use oil to lotion my skin as well, but I never thought of oil to cleanse my face. Although I found this product to be efficient at removing makeup, since I do not wear makeup up everyday, I would not use it was a daily cleanser. It is however very efficient as a toner to remove dirt, impurities, makeup and hard to remove mascara. It even does it without stripping your skin of its moisture and smells pretty good too.

 

 

For more information and to purchase.

 

 

 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thai Spice - Oakland Park, FL

 

I had been to Thai Spice once many years ago. I don't really recall my experience good or bad, but still ended up here again anyways. The restaurant has an odd location in a shopping center, but a very warm, inviting and appealing atmosphere on the inside.

At the recommendation of our server (who was very friendly by the way) I ordered the Chang's Mai Tai as a drink. 

 

We also ordered the Steamed Dumplings to curb our appetite.

 

The restaurant was extreme dark which made it difficult to see the menus, but the hostess passing by our table noticed and gave us candles to illuminate the menus a little bit. With more of the ability to see I was able to order and select the Long Island Crispy Duck with Tamarind Sauce. It was extremely good (had a little to much sauce though). The duck was perfectly cooked.

 

My fiancé had the Whole Fried Yellowtail Fish with Sweet and Sour sauce. He devoured the fish like it was his last meal.

 

It is safe to say Thai Spice is a reliable restaurant with very friendly staff and a great place for an appetizing and fulfilling meal.

Thai Spice

1514 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

(954) 771-4535

www.thaispicefla.com

Product Review: Andovia's Natural Daily Moisturizer Cream

Before saying anything else about this product, just know that this is another fabulous  product from the Adovia skincare line. Most creams are very heavy that on the days that I wear makeup, my makeup feels like it is melting off my face by mid day and even on the days I don't, in this Miami heat, I feel like my face is greaseball by noon. However, with Andovia's Natural Daily Moisturizer Cream it is just so light and creamy on my skin. I am so happy to finally have found a moisturizer for my face that provides a great primer for my makeup.

 

For more information and to purchase.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Destination Grand Lux Cafe: Duck Triangles, Empanadas and New Orleans Beignets

Duck Triangles
Crispy Wrappers Filled with Minced Duck, Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Soy and Sesame

 

Crispy outer coating with an Asian sensation on the inside.


Empanadas
Flaky Pastry Filled with Beef, Chorizo, Peppers, Onions, Herbs and Spices
 

Spicy, flavorful pockets of yummy!
 

New Orleans Beignets
Served Warm with Three Sauces

Not the same as what you would find at Café Du Monde, the restaurant that made the beignet famous, but still very good and extremely delicious.

BlueMoon Seafood And Chophouse - Coral Springs, FL

I went to their former affiliate in Lauderdale By The Sea about two years ago, and as I recall it was not too bad of an experience, but overpriced. Now that this location has decided to separate and revamp itself, I decided to give it a try. This locations is definitely not as nice as the Lauderdale by the sea but it was nice enough. I did however find the staff to be more laid back and a bit more friendly though.

 

We were starving so we decided to jump right into our food. My fiancé had the 16 oz premium choice NY Steak. As a steak lover he was very satisfied with the size and cut. He like the taste of the port wine demi very much.

 

I had the Lobster and Shellfish Pan-Roast. It had a little bit of everything in a spiced brandy-tarragon cream. It was not spiced, but still had good flavor. I was very happy with the amount of seafood that was in the dish.

 

What we missed out in an appetizer, we made up with dessert. Instead of sharing, we decided to order two desserts. The first was the Icky Sticky Caramel Torte. It was sticky but not icky and really good.

 

The other dessert option was the Jamaican Coconut Rum Crème Brulee. It was tasty (its not too difficult to make a crème brulee), but promises of coconut rum flavor failed to deliver. It was pretty basic.

 

My final take on BlueMoon Seafood And Chophouse is while the food is good, the prices are a bit outrageous. The restaurant is located in a shopping center and is not offering anything out of the ordinary so I am not sure they warrant charging almost $50 for a plate of food. However, it is up to you to decided.

 

 

BlueMoon Seafood And Chophouse

10317 Royal Palm Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33065
(954) 755-0002

www.bluemooncoralsprings.com

Product Review: Pure Luxe 80% HCA Pure Garcinia Cambogia

 

I was interested in Garcinia Cambogia because of its claim that it decreases your appetite. As a foodie, that means that I am able to still eat the things I love (in moderation and without getting hungry) and not have to give them up completely. Don't get me wrong, I do not expect to lose weight without a proper diet and exercise, but it is important for me to not overeat and gain weight.

 

There are many Garcinia Cambogia products on the market, in fact, I have tried other brands. While I wish I could say this one is better than the other, I found it to be just as effective as the others I have tried. In any case, it does what is expected and is still a good brand.

 

For more information and to purchase.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Product Review: Cleopatra's Choice 100% Organic Pure Ivory Shea Butter

 

Shea Butter is a great alternative to argan oil if you do not want that shiny residue you get from putting oil on your skin. That said, it can be a bit difficult to use and does leave a smell when you don't doctor it up (although personally I use it in its natural state), but if you want it be more like a lotion, here is what you can do:

1. Empty the contents of the plastic container into your stand mixer.
2. Starting at a low speed mix the contents (gradually increase the speed).
3. At this point you can add any essential oil for scent or another oil like argan for additional moisturizing power.
4. In the end, you will have a smooth butter that is much easier to apply.

For more information and to purchase.

 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Product Review: XIUM's Raspberry Ketones - Weight Loss Booster

 

Recommended by Dr. Oz but at this point, it would seem that Dr. Oz recommends just about anything. While Raspberry Ketones may work for some, my case was different and it did not work at all.

 

While if you love raspberries, you will have that wonderful taste in your mouth for hours after taking the pill, for weight loss, it does not seem to have much effect. You may want to give it a try yourself, since it seems to have worked for many people besides myself, but don't ever take this or any other pill thinking it would work miracles, because there is no such thing as a magic pill!

 

For more information and to purchase.

 

 

 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Things I Made: Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein



Product Review: Paradise 100% Organic Coconut Oil

 

Great for beauty, cooking, and even as topical treatment. Frankly, you could probably use it for almost anything. Use on your hair, your skin, use it to make a coconut cake.

This product has a smooth texture and does not carry a strong coconut fragrance.

For more information and to purchase.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Moon Thai & Japanese - Weston, FL

You would think that since Weston is a pretty affluent community, that you would find some really nice restaurants, but there virtually is not any. I usually order takeout from Moon Thai & Japanese and it pretty good so we decided to head there for the evening to have a little family dinner.

The restaurant has a beautiful setup up and since we had such a large party, we were seated in the back in a semi private area which made the ambiance even more appealing.
 

I have the need to ease into my eating with a bit of alcohol (really I just like drinking) so I ordered a Sake Mojito. It was pretty good. The sake blended well into the drink.
 

I have ordered from here countless times, but never had their sushi, so as an appetizer we ordered a Mexican Roll. It of course was good and I am disappointed that I hadn't ordered sushi from here years ago.
 

I didn't want to get the Pad Thai and Fried Rice as my main because that is what I always get, but others in my party did and like always it was very good.
 

I decided to instead get the Crispy Duck. The duck was awesome, but even though I ordered the lunch portion, it was very small.
 

My sister and I have an obsession with Thai Donuts so we ordered two for the table. Not even five minutes passed before they were all gone because clearly everyone else has an obsession too.
 

A little family, a little food equals an amazing time.

 

 

Moon Thai & Japanese

2818 Weston Rd, Weston, FL 33331
(954) 384-7275

www.moonthai.com