6 Globally Inspired North FL Dishes | Taste Travels

Photo by Kristen Penoyer

Wanderlust got you feeling restless? If you're dreaming of your next adventure (perhaps a Madrid city break), but stuck in the waiting place, why not travel with your tastebuds? Here are six First Coast dishes whose exotic flavors are sure to transport you to another land. 

1. Michael's Tasting Room

Photo provided by Greg Olech Photography 
Pan Roasted Scallops 
creamy leek risotto, carnival cauliflower, passion fruit vinaigrette

Featured in the pilot episode of my TV show "Like Love Want Need", the creations at Michael's Tasting Room will take you straight to the coast of Spain. Influenced by his family heritage and the cultural history of the restaurant's location in St. Augustine, Chef Michael specializes in Spanish Tapas in addition to authentic dishes that will make you feel like you are vacationing on the Mediterranean shore. Winner of multiple Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, be sure to explore the wine cellar.

2. IL DESCO

Photo Curtesy of Forking Amazing Restaurants
Carne Grande Pizza
capicola, sausage, mortadella, prosciutto, garlic, San Marzano tomato sauce, provolone and mozzarella
 

IL DESCO brings authentic modern Italian to Jacksonville, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Refined dishes prepared with finesse and technique please today's most discerning palates. The casual atmosphere keeps the restaurant down to earth and approachable drawing both neighborhood foodies, and date night diners. The wood fire pizza is a must try, as well as exceptionally fresh seafood displayed in the open kitchen for you to select from and approve. Taste the robust flavors of Italy and feel at home in one of Jacksonville's new favorites.

3. Eleven South Bistro and Bar

Photo by Amy West
Braised Lamb Tacos

Eleven South Bistro and Bar draws influence from the Mediterranean and all things wine country. The vino driven menu references vineyards from around the world. Whether the influence is Spain, Italy, California, or New Zealand you can be sure the highest quality ingredients will paint a picture in your mind of arid climes, earthy aromas, and romantic sunsets in some far reaching vineyard. 

4. Hobnob

Photo by Kristen Poneyer
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shakshuka house-made lamb sausage, pan seared and finished with tomatoes, olives and fingerling potatoes,
two eggs over easy, and served with crispy lavash bread

A globally inspired menu with local intentions, Hobnob hits the mark with its worldly diners in Jacksonville's trendiest neighborhood. Explore the eclectic tastes of Asia and the South Pacific, as well as the Middle East for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, or Late Night Happy Hour. 

5. Azurea at One Ocean Resort & Spa

Photo Curtesy of Azurea
Slow Braised Wagyu Short Ribs
with Truffle Parsnip Puree

One Ocean Resort's restaurant Azurea takes coastal elegance to the next level. Tastes influenced from the multicultural history of the First Coast can be seen throughout the menu selections. Executive Chef Ted Peters displays his exquisite culinary technique in a seasonal menu that highlights the finest ingredients. Look for Foie Gras, Pan Seared Scallops, Sea Bass, and these Wagyu Short Ribs to envelope you in the flavors of Europe and beyond. 

Bonus!! Slow Braised Wagyu Short Rib Recipe Here

6. Brixx Pizza

Photo by Amy West
SWEET THAI CHICKEN PIZZA
wood-roasted chicken tossed in sweet chili sauce, goat cheese and mozzarella,
roasted red peppers, pistachios and drizzled with thai satay dressing

Brixx Pizza offers wood fired pizzas in flavorful combinations you've never imagined. Think pimento cheese, BBQ, and the flavors of the Caribbean. This Sweet Thai Chicken pizza came as a lovely surprise combining ingredients I'd yet to experience together on a crust. Fresh salads, starters, and pasta also grace the menu of this family friendly locale in Riverside's Unity Plaza. 

Travel with your tastebuds and discover the flavor inspiration all around you. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

•  

Photo by Amy West
Grilled Octopus from Eleven South Bistro and Bar

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. 

A Day at Adventure Landing's Shipwreck Island | Summer Bucket List Series

If you are looking to achieve the perfect Florida summer, you are undoubtedly going to be spending a lot of time in the water. Naturally the beach will be on the list, but if you are truly looking for some thrills and refreshment, you will head straight to the nearest waterpark. For North Floridians, that path leads directly to the regions largest amusement park, Adventure Landing. 

I grew up on the First Coast, so Adventure Landing is fully ingrained in my childhood memories. I remember trips after school with friends, all night lock ins, and plenty of time chasing my friends around the laser tag arena. Just like it's original young visitors, Adventure Landing has grown up over the years adding more and more attractions for the whole family. Whether it's go-karts, roller coasters, putt putt, or thrilling water slides you are seeking, you can be sure they've got fun covered. 

Now that we have our own kids, it's a fact that summer is not complete, unless we have made our proverbial splash in the park's Shipwreck Island. Here are a few of our favorite spots in the park. 

The Pirate's Play Village

Even though Adventure Landing has evolved through the years, it's not without it's nostalgia. There was a time the entire park was Pirate themed. Today it reflects a more cosmic atmosphere, however the remnants of Pirates remain in The Pirate Play Village. Water spouts from a giant ship filled with colorful slides and hidey holes for children to explore. Connected to the ship is a looming multi level Pirate fortress that leads to larger intermediate slides for older children and adults. The entire Village is housed in a shallow pool of water no deeper than a few feet in some areas. Parents encircle the play area on the pool deck observing the crazy antics of their offspring while soaking up the summer sun or noshing on a hot dog from the refreshment stand nearby. 

This is by far probably the most populated area of the park, a great place to chill out after braving the 4 Extreme slides the park has to offer. 

Wave Pool

Enter the 50,000 gallon wave pool and ride the 3 to 4 foot waves with a hundred of your new best friends. Our kids love the wave pool, and thanks to the fully stocked supply of life vests, even little London can get in on the fun. 

The Little St. Johns River 

Adventure Landing's aptly named lazy river winds it's way around the Pirate's Play Village and provides ample opportunity to spy out the next attraction on your list. Grab a tube and lay back as you meander your way through waterfalls and under several of the park's colorful slides. 

We couldn't bring our go pro on any of the Xtreme slides so you'll have to check them out for yourself. With names like The Rage, Hydro Half Pipe, and The Eye of the Storm, you know you're in for an exciting ride! Visit for a day, or make it an action packed summer with the season pass. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 



Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Sunset in Kentucky | Must Have Maxi

From the moment I saw this maxi dress at Anthropologie I was smitten. I loved the color play, fabric, and fullness of the skirt. The charming front tie detail gives it interest but also shape. Dress it up and wear it out for date night, or dress down for a walk at sunset. During our recent visit to my family's farm in Kentucky, I did just that...

A Feast for the Eyes

One of the reasons I love returning home to Kentucky is the sheer beauty of the land. My dad is a cattle farmer and you don't have to look far to find cows grazing. Hay bales stand at attention awaiting the winter when they will provide a feast for the herd and their young. As a child, those hay bales were my play ground. My sisters weren't born until I was a teenager bordering on adulthood. As a result I spent a lot of time exploring the land on my own. Alone with my thoughts my imagination ran wild. The perfect haven for a young mind to roam. 

Things Remembered

This trip was a sentimental one. It has been years since I spent a summer in Kentucky. I was well into my own life at the age of 17 having graduated high school when I was 16. I entered the work force full time, then moved to Texas for a year. Before too long I married my husband at 21. It happened so fast, I'm not really sure I had time to make the transition or say good bye to my childhood. All too ready to grow up, I moved on. But in some places, time seems to stand still. A new generation is graduating now. My sisters are almost grown. There are things they don't remember. The way things were. Some things I'm happy to see left in the past. Some things are missed. A gathering of families, randomly stopping by to visit a friend unannounced, the view of the skyline without cell towers cluttering the horizon, or what it was like to live in an old farm home without central heat and air. 

Faithfully Yours

Can a geographic location be in your DNA? It certainly feels like it to me. No place captures me quite like this one. The hills, the sky, the valleys. The taste of a Kentucky tomato fresh out of the garden. It's a world built on blood, sweat, and tears. A few of my own have fallen on this soil. Perhaps in this my soul has claimed this bit of earth. For wherever I roam, I will always look to Kentucky as my home. 

It was a beautiful visit, and I have more to come from the trip. Returning home is possible, although it's not always easy. I loved seeing my daughters experience many of the things I had as a girl. More on that in the next few weeks. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Shop Here 

Plenty by Tracy Reese Spectrum Stripe Maxi Dress • Plenty by Tracy Reese • $168
Milly Strappy Stripe Maxi Dress • Milly • $475
Tularosa 'Toni' Stripe Maxi Dress • Tularosa • $180
Rebecca Minkoff 'Georgina' Studded Leather Sandal (Women) • Rebecca Minkoff • $87.50–99.90
Steve Madden 'Werkit' Gladiator Sandal (Women) • Steve Madden • $59.95
Sam Edelman 'Gigi' Sandal (Women) • Sam Edelman • $49.90
gorjana 'Cayne' Crescent Pendant Necklace • Gorjana • $78
Sea Life Stone Pendant • Banana Republic • $48
Déjà Vu Double-Sided Studs • $39

The Man Behind the Camera

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

What's in My Bag | Part 1

As a frequent traveler I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite new finds in my new ongoing series "What's in My Bag". This is my chance to reveal the best beauty secrets, my go to travel wardrobe, and the newest trends in the world of wanderlust. Some of these products have worked with me on collaborations, some I've found organically while shopping or talking to friends. However they fell in to my lap, you can be sure I'm smitten with them, otherwise they wouldn't be worth toting around with me on my adventures. Join me as I unveil my most recent favorite discoveries. 

By the Numbers

1. Panama Hat

2. Sarong (Similar to one Picture)

3. RISEGear Jumper Bag

4. Gladiator Sandals

5. Image Skincare

6. Citrine Studs by Anjolee

7. IConceal Foundation

8. Epic Wipes - Massive Wet Wipes 

9. Boho Suede Necklace

10. Watercolor Octopus Tank (Similar Tank That's Just as Cool)

11. Origami Unicorn TUO 

12. (Unseen in Image) The BrowGal Products found in Jax at Solé Spa

The Bag

The bag itself must be innovative, functional, and of course fashionable whenever possible. I love this RISE Gear Jumper Bag I recently reviewed. This brilliant concept saves you time when packing and unpacking. I also recently reviewed Origami Unicorn's TUO, which helps you organize and pack your undergarments. I was attracted to the fact that you can hang it up in your travel closet, something it shares with RISE Gear. 

Fashion

When it comes to travel and fashion, I'm all about a few statement pieces that can be worn many times. This may mean they are neutral and go with anything like these gladiator sandals (seen in several of my recent fashion posts), and my panama hat (which I wear all the time I know), or it may mean the item is exceptionally versatile like this sarong that can be worn as a scarf or cover up. In my cover image I also included my watercolor octopus shirt which is to date one of my most complimented shirts ever (should have heard how bananas folks went at the aquarium we visited). I also included a great neutral statement necklace and my Anjolee studs which both go with virtually anything. Whatever the reason, if it made the edit into my bag, it is likely to be timeless and eye catching. 

Beauty 

It's hard to feel fly when you are trying to travel light and you can't bring the whole beauty bar in your bag. Just like my fashion choices I focus on bringing products that make a statement, are versatile, and go with anything. Part of that philosophy is making sure you have the basics covered. I've talked about Image Skincare Products before however, it's worth saying again, I can't live without the IConceal foundation. This miracle formula is mineral based, long lasting, sweat resistant, and includes spf. It's a perfect fit and always on my packing list. 

A more recent find and now complete addiction are The BrowGal products. I'm sad to admit that for years I've been behind on my brow game. I shaped them sure, but I never really filled them in or enhanced them in any way. The last few years, brows have been back "in" big time and I've made an effort, but those efforts really didn't take shape until I found The BrowGal products. While at a regular waxing appointment at Solé Spa here in Jacksonville, I was given the full brow treatment with shaping, and color matching to ensure my brows were providing the natural framework to my face they were meant to. The pencil has a built in sharpener which is extra convenient when traveling!

Handy Little Things

These Epic Wipes are my new fav handy little things. 14x the size of normal wipes, these gems can really help out in a pinch if you are feeling the ick factor after a long day of travel, or if you have kids that know how to make a major mess (me, me, me). They are safe, healthy, and biodegradable so you can feel good about using them on the whole family. 

Another handy little thing I've discovered recently is the website Case2Fit built by Case Luggage. I'll be doing future round ups of useful travel sites I love, but this one deserves a little airtime pronto since it has to do with travel bags. Using Case2Fit you can put in the dimensions of your bag and find out if your carry on will fit in the cabin of any airline. This would have been perfect for me on my last flight when my carry on fit on one leg of the trip but not the second! Don't be caught unprepared. Use this handy little site! 

What are your go to travel must haves? I love learning new tricks and tips of the trade! Whether it be fashion, beauty, snacks, staples, or stuff for kids, sound off in the comments below. 

I can't wait to share more of my finds in the future, look for bags full of gear for solo, couples, and family travel coming soon.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Shop Here 

Haute Hippie Longhorn printed Micro Modal tank • Haute Hippie • $70.20

Topshop Suede Coin Tassel Necklace • Topshop • $22

MIA Shoes Mia Gladiator Sandal • $59

FINE JEWELRY Genuine Yellow Citrine 14K White Stud Earrings • $124.99

Panama hat • $58

Mumu Sarong ~ Auntie Em's Blue Paisley • MUMU • $42

Nolan White Elephant Tank • $28

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme, 2 Ounce • $34.13

RISE gear - Weekender Duffle With Collapsible Shelves • $139

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .

Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.