Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Boca Raton Tree Lighting Ceremony

©City of Boca Raton


I realize it is November.  Late November, actually.  I'm sitting outside as I write this, savoring the cool breeze, but still in a tank top and shorts.  I just learned that my old hometown is snowed in this morning.  Is it any wonder that it just doesn't feel like the holiday season to me yet?  If you are a northern transplant like I am, I wonder how you "get in the spirit?"  I haven't shopped a bit, I've hardly thought about my Christmas cards yet…I seriously need a good dose of mistletoe and holly.

I'm hoping that Thanksgiving will do just that.  It's possible that this may be my favorite holiday.  Everyone sitting around the table.  Lots of food, lots of love and everyone thankful for what they already have!  Plus, the weather report looks like it may cool down substantially!  This may be exactly what I need to get into the spirit!

Plus, I think Boca may help me out in that department…

On Wednesday, November 25 from 5:30-8:30pm, there is to be a Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mizner Park!  Cooler weather, a glistening tree, maybe some holiday music…hopefully, that will be just what the Doctor ordered!


Hope to see you there!

XO, Ami

Friday, November 22, 2013

Funny Find Friday: Only in Boca

I'll match my mittens with my bikini, thank you.

Perhaps the rest of the South Florida Population doesn't find this odd at all.  I, on the other hand, dodged ladies with babies and shopping carts to capture this image:



 You gotta giggle!


XO, Ami

Thursday, November 21, 2013

A Celiac Braving the Boca Restaurant Scene: First Watch




I very rarely eat out.  This is actually quite sad because I am a self-proclaimed foodie and, as much as I enjoy cooking, I really love for somebody else to do it for me every once in awhile.

A recent discovery of mine, thanks to the Find me Gluten Free App, is a place called FirstWatch.  This is a chain that promises to take your food allergies seriously, so I decided to seriously give it a try.  It is a breakfast and lunch place only, so I'm still on a quest for a good dinner joint.  I'd love some recommendations in my comments…yes, I mean it!

The place has the feel of a refreshed diner.  More modern, cleaner, fresher.  Less Grease.








 They have a separate Gluten Free menu, but you can discuss all your individual needs with the server, who will *hopefully* convey your needs to the chef, who will then look after you.  My issues are not solely gluten, but soy and dairy as well.  They did some checking for me to make certain I'd be safe.


FirstWatch Chicken and Cherry Quinoa Power Bowl sans dressing

My Husband's Gluten-filled breakfast

Notes for the chef

Cobb salade sans dressing, bread and Blue cheese substituted with goat

Greek Fetish Omelet sans Bread

This menu can also be found at FirstWatch.com



Daughter's Hot Chocolate (Contains wheat starch)
She proclaimed it to be the best hot chocolate in the world

Everyone was happy with their food.  Was it spectacular?  Do I dream of it at night?  No, but it sure beats Denny's.  My hunger was satisfied and I didn't feel like a heart attack waiting to happen afterwards.  The only real complaint was over the coffee.  A breakfast place should have really good coffee, just saying!  It came out quickly, but tasted very fresh.  Fast, inexpensive…and you can let somebody else do the dishes!


XO, Ami
First Watch on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Calling All Boca Raton Whovians!

©BBC


*Update:

This is event is currently over.  What a wonderful evening, though!  I had no idea there were so many Whovians in Boca Raton!  It was truly one of the best nights we've had lately!  Thanks to all who came out!



Can you just hear the theme music?  The call of the TARDIS?  We are a mere handful of days away from the 50th Anniversary Special: The Day of the Doctor!  About a month ago, plans for a simulcast were announced.  I have to admit that I was disappointed to learn that there were no screenings near me…until last week that is!  Yep!  The call for new locations to converge with other Whovians and watch the special on a big screen were answered!  Boca Raton made it on the new list! Alons y!  A note to Whovians everywhere, though:  The Simulcast is not actually simultaneous.  This experience takes place on Monday, November 25, while the original broadcast will be Saturday, November 23 at 2:50 est.  So, if I were you, I'd watch it twice.

You have your fez, multi-colored scarf and Sonic Screwdriver all ready to go, right?  Now how do you get tickets?

I went to my trusty Fandango.com and searched up Day of the Doctor in my zip code.  At last check, there was still availability!  So, go yell some Geronimo and get those tickets!

Then come back and watch the official trailer:



XO, Ami