Taste of St. Augustine 2014 - They Came To Play

There were not as many restaurants at this year's Spring tasting event. But, the ones that did present let the tasters know that they had come to play and left taste buds dancing.

There was the Fudge Lady with delightful treats that of course pulled in a couple of face painted kids eager to taste 

And the future Olympian just having fun in between visits to various tables. I promised his mom that the future star would be featured.

The Culinary School was not be outdone and presented a wonderful assortment great treats as well.

But the restaurant that really took the gloves off and walked away with the victory was The Casa Monico with an offering of local shrimp resting on a bed of cornbread and Zucchini muffins, with cilantro creme fraiche.. It was truly heaven!

La Cocina collected style points in addition a tasty offering of Kale crusted Flounder over purple mashed potatoes and Tequila cilantro citrus sauce.

Of course my friends from San Sebastian Winery were there offering their great local wines.  

All in all it was a foodie's dream day. I walked away with a joyous feeling and numerous great tastes still dancing on my tongue. But the best part of it all is that a hotel restaurant agreed to do a full spread once they develop their new menu for my podcast. Great sights and sounds are in the future.

Low Country Cooking

I always knew there was Southern cooking but The Taste of St. Augustine introduced me to what is called Low Country Cooking! As usual, click each photo for a better view.

First a little history, Low Country Cooking is primarily associated with the coastal area between South Carolina and Georgia and chiefly one of my favorite cities, Savannah. The food reflects the history of the area in that it features rice and okra, brought over from Africa in the 17th century, tomatoes and corn grown in the new world, spicy ingredients such as hot pepper sherry from the West Indies, and seafood that was plentiful in the coastal area near Savannah.

Also from Africa, by way of the islands came sesame seeds, an East Indian herb used as a charm that was suppose to give secure entrance and exit through any portal. These seeds arrived in America on the necks of slaves, who wore them for good luck and planted them near their quarters on the plantations. Cooks in the "big" kitchens knew how to use the aromatic seed to make deliciously flavorful dishes that became low country cooking.

First I encountered "A1A Ale Works", which specializes in hand crafted beer and low country cooking using local area seafood.

I was driving so I didn't sample the beer but the dish featured below was very tasty. It combined what tasted like grits, various herbs with nice sized shrimp. Tasty, very tasty!

Next came "The Creekside Dinery." They offered their low country award wining oysters and shrimp St Johns which melted in my mouth.

And what would a meal be without a little wine... and there was my favorite winery San Sebastian's Winery. I have always found the people at the winery fun and informative, this group was no different. I had a glass of Rosa which went well with the tastings. It is a "must visit" on any trip to St. Augustine.

And finally desert!

I hung around two places... "The Hilton Bayfront, Arviles Restaurant" for their orange cheesecake,

and the "Purple Olive" for their chocolate covered macaroons that dissolved in your mouth creating a sweet sensation without being overpowering.

And then I was ready to leave, full and happy. Crossing over the Lion Bridge was well worth the effort and paid dividends.

I met some wonderful people, tasted some great food, and discovered a few restaurants that will add a whole new element to my visits to St Augustine!

The Present Moment Cafe

When someone says cuisine I normally do not think vegan, but the Cafe "The Present Moment" takes it to a whole new level. In fact, the food is so attractively presented and tastes so magnificent you will find your taste buds actually dancing. As usual click each photo for a better view.

I had been wandering around the "Taste of St Augustine" for awhile sampling and the young man pictured above caught my eye. He was talking to a couple earlier about organic wine and seemed quite busy, but turned to me with a friendly smile and just started telling me about the place.

Despite the fact I am always in St. Augustine I had never heard of them. It seems they have been around since 2006 providing what he described as unprocessed, gluten free, living food (translation.. raw) or as he put it "kind cuisine."

I guess he could tell I was skeptical because he sprang into action and made me what looked like a huge sample of their Kale salad and then topped it off with candied pecans. I've done a blow-up so you can experience it as I saw it. And then I began to eat... and my whole face lit up. The greens were oh so tender with a wonderful blending of flavors and just a hint of sweetness as it went down. I would expect to find something like this in Denver, but right down the road from me in my favorite city! I was in heaven!

I could not seem to get enough and made the rounds near their booth a couple of times to sample more of their offerings. And a funny thing... I did not miss the lack of meat.

I guess you could say no one was surprised as to who took the Grand Prize? You got it... The Present Moment Cafe.

Later I did a little research on them and learned that a lot of people felt the same way I did about their wonderfully fresh and exciting food. Here is a link to a number of reviews they have received. Notice everyone says pretty much the same thing, that vegan or not, good food is good food and eye pleasing presentation is always a plus.

So if you are ever in St Augustine, by all means drop in because I know where I plan to be on my next visit! Don't believe me? Click on their highlighted name above and view their menu.

A Taste of St. Augustine

My visit two weekends ago to the Flower and Garden Expo also netted me tickets to "A Taste of St Augustine." The event was suppose feature a number of offerings from restaurants in St Augustine. As usual click each photo for a better view.

I arrived at the grounds full of anticipation because there are some really wonderful restaurants in St. Augustine and there should be all kinds of delights for me to sample. I arrived later in the day and as I approached the amphitheater where the event was held, it seemed to almost float up in the distance like an oasis. All kinds of exotic smells drifted through the air and I knew I was in for a treat.

There was a great band that only added to the festive atmosphere. They played one popular tune after another and there was plenty of dancing in the aisles.

The place was packed and people were having a great time going from one great tasting booth to another.

In fact the food was so great and I learned so much that I have decided to do a series where I can talk about the different restaurants and feature pictures of the very eye pleasing food they provided.

So check back in the next few days to find out why so many people crossed the Lion Bridge for A Taste of St. Augustine...