Day 132 – Gios Cafe in Sanford FL

Gios Cafe Sanford

To be honest, our plan today was to try out this new Sushi restaurant but they were closed (well, we were late, it was already getting close to 3pm). So we quickly switched our mood to Italian food and walked next door to Gio’s Cafe.

We were lucky because even though we were a bit late for the daily lunch menu we were offered dinner menu items at the lunch menu price. Sometimes the late bird catches the bigger worm… I have to say though that this was very nice of Gio’s Cafe and the service was great, too!

I was pleasantly surprised with their food. I had the Chicken Cordon Blue (see picture below) and Jose the Veal Saltinbocca, both meals were excellent. Well, as it turns out when I checked out their web site, this family owned restaurant has already won three Silver Spoon Awards.

For the curious ones, here is their menu.

Inside Gio's Cafe

Gio’s Cafe specializes in Italian and Greek cuisine. The restaurant is located in one of the new plazas off 46 in West Sanford, right next to Lake Forest and Terracina.

Here is their info:

Gio’s Cafe I
5040 West State Rd. #46 Suite #1102
Sanford, Florida 32773
407-302-1444
Monday – Saturday 11am -10pm
Sunday 11am – 7pm

Chicken Cordon Bleu at Gio's Cafe in Sanford

Day 131 – Construction Zone on First Street in Sanford

Road Construction on First Street

Pavers for the front end of First Street in Sanford

Many of you may have already noticed that the road construction on First Street is still not quite completed (on the front end of First Street that meets French Avenue). I think though this project will soon be completed and we will then have another beautiful pavered addition to First Street. That will add even more “downtown flair” to Sanford. I’m looking forward to it already!

Please note that all businesses are still open in downtown Sanford on First Street. You will just have to take a little detour to get there…

Day 130 – Building in Downtown Sanford in January Dark Blue

Building on Park Avenue in Sanford

It’s amazing how crisp and clear the sky looks this time of the year. I really like the strong contrast this almost dark blue sky creates in this shot. The combination of grayish white, orange (of the fire stairs which I love by the way), green and dark blue makes the picture perfect for me

When you’re downtown next time look up into the sky and notice how absolutely beautiful the buildings of Sanford look against it. This building is located on Park Avneue in downtown Sanford.

Day 129 – Lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse

Longhorn Steakhouse

Today I had my first experience at Longhorn Steakhouse. The picture above was taken at their location in Winter Garden where I was doing business today.

Even though I am against hunting of animals (and believe me, I hope the bull was fake), I thought the scene had something cozy and of the “American West” to it that I enjoyed. In fact, the interior of Longhorn Steakhouse in general was very pleasant, almost like a cottage in the mountains (kind of goes well with the low temperatures lately, I don’t think it would have had the same effect on me had it been 90 degrees outside…).

I have to say I quite liked this restaurant for lunch (despite my usual reluctance towards chain restaurants…). I was not only positively surprised by their very affordable prices but also their fast and friendly service. For less than $12 I had a good size Parmesan crusted sirloin steak, cooked to order and a tasty baked potato with sour cream and butter. Before the meal they served bread and butter (very good, and let me tell you, I am picky when it comes to bread) and my meal came with a salad (good size and fresh taste).

The closest location to Sanford is the one in Lake Mary, but there is also one in Altamonte Springs. Here is their info:

LAKE MARY
3700 LAKE EMMA ROAD
LAKE MARY, FL 32746
Phone: 407-444-3001

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS
149 DOUGLAS AVENUE
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL 32714
Phone: 407-862-7711

Take a look at their lunch menu here!

Longhorn Steakhouse Interior

Day 128 – What Florida Frost Does

Poinsettias on our patio - before Florida Frost

The picture to the side was taken a couple of days ago, before “Florida Frost” (January 20-22, 2009) hit the Central Florida area.

Not knowing better (even though I should have) I did not cover up those beautiful poinsettias that were planted on our patio right after the holidays. They had been doing really well, even in the rather fresh evening temperatures of the past weeks.

Unfortunately I underestimated the power of “Florida Frost”…

Below you see the result of my mistake… “Florida Frost” killed my poinsettias I am deeply sorry and promise to take better care of my plants next time. Hopefully we won’t see temperatures that low anytime soon.

I am ready for the warmer Spring like temperatures that Florida usually spoils us with this time of the year

Florida Frost Killed My Poinsettias...

Day 127 – New Patisserie in Lake Mary

Patisserie in Lake Mary

I have been wanting to try this new Cafe in Lake Mary (Park Place at Heathrow by the Mariott Hotel, right across from Colonial Towne Park) for a while now. When I was on the plaza yesterday I saw their sign advertising fresh baked bread and, of course, that did it. I LOVE fresh bread! Ever since I failed on a low carb diet I vowed to never deny my “lust for bread” again

I was lucky and bought their last baguette which tasted wonderful by the way. Other than fresh baguette and croissants (those are their fresh baked breads) there is a lot of “patisserie” to choose from. I saw dishes like creme brule, tarts and Eclairs. Patisserie is a European-style Bakery and Cafe (they offer a variety of Lattes, like Hazlenut, Caramel or Vanilla, but also teas, including Chai Latte and regular coffee).

From the menu I could also see that they offer breakfast and lunch and I am now dying to try their Quiche. Lunch and afternoon offerings include various sandwiches and a soup of the day. Needless to say, I will be back soon for more! If you are in the area sometime, stop by to check it out, I think you will like it, not only because it is a cute and authentic place.

Inside Patisserie in Lake Mary

Their web site is not up yet but if you would like to reach them call 407-333-2777. They’re open Tuesday – Saturday from 8:30am-8:30pm and Sundays for a Bakery Brunch from 9:30am-2:30pm. Closed on Mondays.

For future reference visit their web site here (once it is up of course)

Patisserie Cafe in Lake Mary

European Style Bakery in Lake Mary

Day 126 – Our New President in the Sanford Herald

President Obama in the Sanford Herald

Wow, that was quite a day yesterday! I was able to see the inauguration live (well, who wasn’t…as far as I heard many companies had viewings over lunch) and was impressed by the huge amounts of people in the streets of Washington D.C. You could feel what a historic moment this was. I’m excited to see what comes next and happy for all of you!

Walking by this newspaper machine on First Street today I couldn’t help but take a picture of this historic headline. I love how the red brick background makes the machine and newspaper pop. I really like this shot a lot

Day 125 – New All Souls Catholic Church in Sanford

All Souls Catholic Church in Sanford

Driving on State Road 46 from the Seminole Town Center towards downtown Sanford you have certainly noticed this huge church building on the left hand side. This is the new church building of the All Souls Catholic Church. They used to be located in Sanford Downtown but outgrew their building. Now they have this beautiful new church. Congratulations!

For more information about this church click here to visit their web site

Their new address is 3280 W. 1st Street, Sanford, FL (that is basically State Road 46, close to where it meets Airport Boulevard)

Here is their current mass schedule (but verify at 407 322-3795, just in case):

Saturday – 5:00 pm
Sunday – 7:30 am, 8:45 am (Spanish), 10:30 am, 12:00 pm

Since I drive by here a lot I couldn’t help but stop to take a picture. Due to the cooler temperatures and time of day the sky is so gorgeously blue this time of the year, it makes every building pop. I love taking pictures this time of year

Day 124 – Riverhouse Pottery and Arts Center – Pottery Classes in Sanford

Riverhouse Pottery and Arts Center in Sanford

The Riverhouse Pottery and Art Gallery in downtown Sanford is not only a good place to find gifts for family and friends but also to learn a bit more about art. I just walked by their business on Palmetto Avenue and saw their banner advertising art classes (see photo below).

Call them at 407-323-9272 to sign up for arts classes. I think it’s a fun idea and I am curious to hear how those classes are. Feel free to post here and share your experience if you know more.

At the Riverhouse Pottery you will not only find beautiful and creative clay pottery and oil paintings but also other unique art pieces. It’s worth while to stop by next time you are downtown – this place is not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside!

Art Classes in Sanford

Day 123 – Slingapours at Wall Street Plaza Orlando

Slingapour's Orlando

After starting a fun night at the Monkey Bar across the street, Slingapour’s, which is also located at the Wall Street Plaza in Downtown Orlando, makes a great club to end the night.

The music is a good mix of pretty much everything mainstream and the club doesn’t seem to “have an attitude”. So it is stress free fun, dance as you like and pretty much dress as you like environment.

We ended our birthday party night here (technically the shot was taken on the next day, that’s why I posted it here).

For more information about Wall Street Plaza and their clubs visit this web site. There are yet some bars that I have not visited (other than shortly stopping by during one of their street parties), but I am very curious to visit One Eyed Jack’s Karaoke Night on Thursdays or The Globe’s Guitar Hero/Rock Band/Karaoke Event on Tuesdays. Once I have been I will definitely post my experience here, along with a nice video because Karaoke is always fun

Wall Street Plaza holds street parties (often with live entertainment) almost every weekend ($5-10 cover). Once you gained access to the plaza you can visit any of the bars.

Inside Slingapour's

Wall Street Plaza offers you the following nightlife hot spots:

• Monkey Bar
• Slingapour’s
• Waitiki
• The Globe
• One Eyed Jack
• Wall Street Cantina
• Loaded Hog
• Tuk Tuk Room