Date Night at Emeril's Tchoup Chop

My hubby and I had the opportunity to treat ourselves to a night out to Emeril's Tchoup Chop.  Our original restaurant was booked for the time we wanted to eat so we decided on taking this place up for a change.  I have to say, it was a pretty good choice.


As we waited for our table, we headed over to the restaurant bar.  There was an extensive wine list but I thought it was better to try the homemade sangria.  And because the pitcher was about the same price as getting 2 glasses, I ordered a pitcher.  How sad because I looked like a lush!  I did finish all but maybe a glass.  Can you say yum?

After we got seated at our table, we immediately glanced at the menu for appetizers and agreed on the on Pork Belly.  If you are Filipino, you can say it resembled an open siopao except the meat was pure deliciousness and you were able to identify what type of meat it was. 

Mongolian Glazed Slow Roasted Pork Belly in Chinese Style Steamed Buns with Spicy Napa Slaw

For my main entree, I was debating on which fish I should go with.  For some reason, whenever I see Sea Bass or Grouper I can't help but want it.  Some places can make those types of fish just melt in your mouth.  But then I saw the Seared Yellowfin Tuna Steak.  I love me some sushi grade tuna.  But what really got me was the "smoked bacon-wasabi  butter infusion."  Say what?  So you can guess which one I picked.

Hot Iron Seared Yellowfin Tuna Steak
with Thai Sticky Rice and Smoked Bacon-Wasabi Butter Infusion

Josh decided to go with the pan roasted Maple leaf farms duck breast (AKA the quack quack).  I have to say it was pretty good.   

Pan Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast
with a Sweet Potato Gratin, Gingered Pear Chutney Chutney and Umeboshi Plum Glaze

Finally to end our delicious meal we decided to take a peek at the desserts.  Luckily we quickly agreed on the 

crispy guava & sweet cream cheese dumplings.  I have to say that was the HIGHLIGHT of my meal.  I am not a dessert girl.  I hardly ever get dessert so you can imagine how much I highly recommend this dish.  I honestly could have had 10 of these.  So stinkin' GOOD!

Crispy Guava & Sweet Cream Cheese Dumplings
Mango and Lilikoi Sauces

So if you are out and about in the Orlando area, I highly recommend this place.  Great atmosphere, decor, & staff.  I would LOVE to try out the rest of the menu.  

Celebration, FL- Snowing Nightly Event

On the evening of December 12, 2011, my family went to Celebration, FL to enjoy the annual holiday festivities.  Because it had been raining all afternoon, we made a last minute decision to head over there.  If you haven't heard of Celebration, it is a quaint town that was originally developed by The Walt Disney Company.  It's one of those perfect little towns you see on T.V.  It's absolutely beautiful and comes with a price tag.  I have never been to any events at Celebration however I hear they always have fun things year round for the family.  During the holidays, they have a "snowing" nightly event in which it snows 3 times a night.  Of course the snow is not real snow, but from far away, it looks like flurries.  They also have a small ice skating rink and a "train" trolley that takes you through the beautifully lit town.

We arrived just in time for the 7:00 pm nightly snow.  I have to say, even though it wasn't real snow (it was more like bubbles), the kids enjoyed it.  Okay northerners, don't laugh.  We live in Florida.  My almost 3-year old son has experienced real snow when he was 9 months old but of course he doesn't remember that.  Real or fake, if it makes my son happy, it makes me happy.  We later had a pizza from a local pizzeria and enjoyed the last snowing event before we headed back to the time share.

Hopefully next year we'll be able to visit again on a day when it is dry out and we could enjoy more activities they have to offer.

Enjoying the "snow"

Who says you can't dance in the snow?

Kisses to my son

My Family

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

During the holiday's, Disney holds a Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom for a limited time. Just like the Halloween Party they hold during the autumn, it is an extra ticket on top of the entrance fee but since I have an annual pass, I decided to take my son.  And since the Halloween Party last September was a hit for Julian, I thought it would be a great experience for him .  

Sunday, December 4th was a very, very busy day.  After unsuccessfully trying to get Julian's haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop at Magic Kingdom at 9:30 in the morning, I went and did a photo shoot in nearby Celebration.  After that, Julian and I had a quick bite to eat at Cici's Pizza, went home to change and ventured all the way back to Disney property to try to get Julian's haircut before they closed.

There wasn't much of a plan for the night.  I just wanted to see the fireworks, eat as many free cookies and hot chocolate as I could, see the parade and of course take Julian to the dance party.  And if we were able to fit a ride here and there, that would be cool too.  We met my "Disney friend" at the Harmony Barbershop where Julian was receiving his haircut.  After that, we watched the end of the parade from Main Street.

Here's one of Julian's favorite rides.  Can you guess what it is?

Julian enjoying a snickerdoodle cookies and apple juice treat.

Julian had such a blast at Woody's Dance Party during Halloween so of course I had to take him again for Christmas.  Watching him dance and enjoying himself makes this evening so worthwhile.

Luckily Julian was able to stay awake for the fireworks display.  Even though I had to hold him during the show, he didn't shutter every single time the fireworks burst into the air.  It was pretty spectacular.

Unfortunately he fell asleep before the parade but I enjoyed seeing all of the characters and entertainers parade through the streets of Frontierland, just outside of Woody's Dance Party.  We luckily found a front row seat.

The Christmas Party was a lot of fun, not as much fun as the Halloween Party but you do get that nice holiday spirit/environment.  Looking forward to more Disney experiences with my son.