A little rainy out there ... discussed a trip along Lincoln Street in South Beach, but Jason and Jen wanted to try a little of the much-talked-about Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. That's what we did! We took a trip to the same area we had been to when Jonferes was visiting ... the tiny Vietnamese restaurant, Hy Von, was across the street from The Versailles, an eatery noted for fine Cuban cusine. And, indeed, the cuisine was absolutely delicious ... in terms we've heard stated before, there was "ample sufficiency". Of course, when you test the light Cuban bread dipped in oil and spices, and wash it down with mojito or sangria or soda, you tend to eye the plates with an"o-oh, my" attitude. We feasted on roast pork with yellow rice, paella, Cuban assorted-food platter (everything served with fried plantains) and espresso-sized cups of Cuban coffee ... Whew!
With a couple of styrofoam containers in hand, we piled into the car for a constant "oh-I'm-so-full" ride home. Hate to tell you what's in store for the final evening of the J Bullocks' stay in Miami! You've probably already guessed part of it ... I'm ashamed to mention food again so soon; but, that's exactly what was in store for us Friday evening. We all retired to our respective rooms for a little rest before we began another marathon of sorts ... just seems to wear on you, all that climbing in and out of the car!
Heard sounds of activity and laughter in the kitchen ... Jen had opened wine and Paul was making whopping pina colodas while Jas' opted for a brewski ... just gearing up for a dinner engagement (yep, you're reading that correctly!). Vivian and Mary, the gals across the yard, (they seemed to have gained that title permanently - for shortened identification) invited everyone over to bid farewell and safe trip to the "relatives from Chicago". Very fun and congenial evenng ...
Last year when I came to visit and met the gals for the first time, they had told of their many trips and purchases they brought back with them. Mary took Jen & Jason to their"Moroccan room" at the front of the house. The area is furnished with all things eclectic ... two sofas covered with textiles from Morocco; three stunning enlongated lights of amber crystal, in graduated sizes, hanging from chains from the two-story high ceiling; over-sized mirror and painting of "Girl with the Pearl Earring" sitting atop a high ledge by the stairway; hand-pierced bronze sconces on each side of the doorway; a huge, actual window frame of intricately-carved hand-rubbed walnut resting floor-to-ceiling in the passageway from kitchen to dining room; and, of course, many accessories - small original paintings, colorful ceramic bowls and tiny plates; and, as Jason asked, "Is that a hookah?" Indeed is was - beautiful - from Morocco. (Should have taken a picture of it for Emily's repertoire!)
Mary and Vivian told us many tales of their travels Mary brought in her prized possession from Peru ... an authentic, boiled-wool hat she purchased from a native as they went through a village. It was a very small size ... we all tried it on; it just sat on top of our heads. Mary was proud of it because it was a difficult purchase ... the natives do not want to relinguish their native finery.
We dined on roasted flank steak, rice, black beans, haberno sauce (for all the Bullocks), spiced curry (not Indian curry, according to Vivian) and, a favorite, plantains. Mary's mother had made us the MOST delicious flan you've ever tasted ... even gave Jen and Jason a container to take home. Being that it is not "flyable", the three remaining Florida dwellers are enjoying it to the nth degree, (Thanks, fellow diners!)
After many hugs and hospitable "thank yous", we all waddled through the back gate, sank into our own TV room seating and talked about the next morning's trip to Chicago ...
Saturday dawned (earlier than we're used to), Jason & Jen pulled their luggage to their car and our farewells included "good luck" wishes for Jen in her new job; better-look-for-another-car advice for Jason (else he'll be stranded as Jen commutes to Oak Brook); and our own promise to keep all advised of the non-progress of the still-to-be-finished pool.
We had homemade waffles for breakfast and just lazed around the rest of the day ... just thinking about (and digesting) all that food.
That's it for now,
Marma
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