Horse Stamp Inn | A Holiday Retreat

The Holidays can be stressful. Rushing to and fro trying to finish everything on your to do list, wrapping up the first half of the school year, and trying to do your normal work on top of it all. I find it difficult sometimes to relax and take in the magic of the season. That's why we were thrilled to escape the hustle for a little bit this year and getaway to one of our favorite retreats, the Horse Stamp Inn. 

We always enjoy a little wine at Happy Hour after checking in

Time. The Ultimate Luxury.

When you visit the Horse Stamp Inn, it's all about you. Relax, unwind and find a quiet space for you and your loved ones. Reflect on your priorities, quiet your mind, and discover serenity in this peaceful escape where time seems to slow down, if only for a moment.

Sienna and Belle Fleur regard each other

Letting our kids run free. 

Find peace when you getaway to the Horse Stamp Inn

Be Yourself. Everyone Else is Already Taken.

In a world of marketing, air brushing, and perfect online families (guilty), we all need a place we can go to and be our authentic selves. No digital filters, no need to compare or compete. This is a place you can just be.

The perfect event space!

Our kids love exploring the barn

Find yourself at Horse Stamp Inn

Find Magic in the Moment 

We all have good days and bad days. I've come to terms with the fact that it's not about the sum of our days being without flaw, we have to take the good with the bad. For me, the magic is found in the snapshots, the moments between where love and kindness abound. It's important to stop and remember to embrace these moments. Don't let them slip away. Horse Stamp Inn is a place that allows you the space to do just that. Pause, and reflect.

The Holidays feel magical at the Horse Stamp Inn

Southern French Toast and Sweet Georgia Peaches from Horse Stamp Inn

Every season is special at the Horse Stamp Inn, but for us, Christmas season is the perfect time to stop and take time for what's most important. Remember who you are, set goals, give yourself a break, and let your soul embrace the impossible.

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.

Gilbert's Social | Where I'm Eating

A few years ago I covered one of my favorite Fernandina dining destinations, Gilbert's Underground Kitchen, where celebrity Chef Kenny Gilbert put his energizing twist on BBQ and Southern home cooking. I've sent more than a few friends up to Gilbert's to get a taste of his soulful creations, however if you live in Jacksonville, it is a bit of a journey to get there. That's why I'm thrilled to announce the opening of Chef Kenny's newest restaurant Gilbert's Social, situated right here in Jacksonville's Southside. Located just a few miles North of one of the city's hottest shopping and entertainment districts, Gilbert's Social is the ideal spot to escape the hustle, and refuel in a social environment where you can unwind in a space that feels like home. 

Gilbert's Social is now open on Southside Blvd in Jacksonville, Fla

Get Social

Gilbert's Social shares many similarities with his flagship location in Fernandina Beach. A homey aesthetic with accents and memorabilia reflecting parts of Chef Kenny's personal story. The open kitchen invites the eye to explore and the spacious room commands a sense of community with it's light and warmth. Guests are welcome, not just to dine, but to sit for a while and visit like the good ole days when time seemed to go just a little bit slower. Every detail, down to the music choice is cultivated to create a sense of ease, and authenticity. 

On the Menu:
Grilled Marinated Okra

On the Menu:
Flight of Sangria

Welcome to Chef Kenny's House

During our recent visit we were charmed by Chef Kenny's personal attention, not just to our table, but to every table in the room. Don't be surprised to find the Chef stopping by to make you feel at home. I loved hearing some of his personal stories of working as personal Chef for Oprah, and beating Bobby Flay with his Turkey and Dumplings dish now on the menu. Chef Kenny explained the origins of several of the dishes and broke down just what makes each unique item so special from the freshest ingredients to the infusion of exotic spices. 

On the Menu:
Charcuterie Board

On the Menu:
Local Wild Caught Shrimp & Grits

On the Menu:
Anna's Mac N Cheese (left) Local Wild Caught Shrimp & Grits (Right)

An Adventure for Your Taste Buds 

When it came to our order we chose a mixture of Southern Classics and innovative reinventions. We started with a flight of Gilbert's refreshing Sangria. Each combination was outdone by the next with my favorite being the "Vintage", a tart lemony concoction I quickly ordered a mason jar full of. Okra is always a must if you are eating Southern, and Chef Kenny went above and beyond with his Grilled Marinated Okra which was so good, I ate the leftovers for breakfast! Feeling adventurous, next we chose the Charcuterie Board on the Chef's recommendation. The tasty pickles, creamy cheese, toast, and smoked meats were as good as you would expect. What was unexpected was the choice of meat in the form of shoulder, heart, and a special head cheese made from scratch. The combination of creamy, tart, and smokey flavors were truly melt in your mouth. 

On the Menu:
Duo of Smoked Beef Brisket

For our main dishes I chose the dish Chef Kenny beat Bobby Flay with, the Smoked Turkey and Dumplings. I was not disappointed. If you know anything about Bobby Flay, you know that that nobody beats him and that the man likes heat. It's so special to get a taste of the dish that out did Bobby. Chef Kenny's creative combination with just the right amount of heat reinvented the classic Chicken and Dumplings and gave it loads more flavor, while keeping all the comfort. My husband ordered the Duo of Smoked Beef Brisket with a combination of burnt ends and sliced brisket. Served on Texas sized toast and topped with shaved onion and shishito peppers in place of jalapeños, the Brisket was perfection on a plate. The house made sauces were an extra special treat giving the dish that distinct Gilbert's touch. We ordered a flight of all the sauces to get a taste of each one. Not to be outdone, we simply had to taste the Mac N Cheese and Shrimp and Grits to see how the Chef adapted them. Large, wild caught shrimp donned the plate with creamy black pepper queso grits and sausage, a combination it was easy to pig out on. The Mac N Cheese was everything it should be, just like Grandma's with that extra Gilbert's touch.

On the Menu:
Smoked Turkey and Dumplings

Dessert was hard to choose from with Banana Pudding, Sweet Potato Pie, and KG's S'mores tempting us. Ultimately I went for my home state's signature pie, the Kentucky Derby Pie with a side of soft serve. Decadent, rich, and simply sweet it was the perfect ending to an incredible meal. 

On the Menu:
Kentucky Derby Pie with Soft Serve

With so many stand out choices gracing the Gilbert's Social menu, we can't wait to dine in again and continue our journey through Chef Kenny's imaginative take on our region's best fare. This time we'll be bringing friends and sharing! 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Chef Kenny Gilbert with Amy West

Although I was honored to be a guest of Gilbert's Social, the words and opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own. 

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.

Coast | Where I'm Eating

A scenic drive and a short ferry ride away from our home in Jacksonville Beach, sits the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island . It's easy to assume the Ritz-Carlton is simply an exclusive retreat for those looking for a top notch getaway. You may be surprised to learn, however, that there are many luxurious amenities open the public. One of those treasures is it's new restaurant Coast. Serving up Modern American Coastal cuisine for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Coast's casual sense of style and fresh local catch will please the eye and the palate and once. Here's what to look forward to when you visit. 

On the Menu:

Starters

Deviled Eggs, Shrimp Fritters, Poblano Chicken Flatbread

Fresh Local Ingredients 

with an Emphasis on Seafood

Look for a great selection of coastal themed dishes. The freshest local seafood finds a place on your plate alongside a strong presence of traditionally Southern creations. We started with crunchy shrimp fritters, seasoned to perfection in just the right amount of breading. Deviled eggs were given an elevation oscar style with blue crab, a combination that is executed with perfection. A never fail set of flatbreads appear on the menu in the form of Truffle Mushroom, and Poblano Chicken (complete with pork belly and pimento cheese). We tried the Poblano Chicken flatbread as well and I must say the flavors were perfectly balanced and distinct. 

On the Menu:
Burrata Caprese with Shrimp

For our mains we moved on to sandwiches (Swordfish, and Burger) and my lighter choice, a Burrata Caprese with wild caught shrimp. The flavors in my salad were overwhelmingly delicious. I'm always looking out for a destination salad, and this one certainly delivered.

On the Menu:
Swordfish O.L.T. Sandwich 

The sandwiches held their own as well with hearty portions and perfectly cooked proteins. 

On the Menu:
Bistro Burger
with Pork Belly

How do you make a burger even better? Add pork belly!

On the Menu:
Bistro Burger

Dessert at Coast

Casual Elegance 

At our meal's conclusion we enjoyed perfectly portioned confections created by the Ritz-Carlton's in house pastry chef. These delightful small bites were each a masterpiece in their own right. The best part is you didn't have to choose just one. We grabbed one of each and passed them around the table for a guilt free tasting. (Everyone knows small desserts are calorie free right?)

Enjoy a bite of dessert at Coast

We couldn't get enough of each decadent dish. I look forward to returning for breakfast and dinner, after all the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Enjoy selections from a full coffee bar at Coast 

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.

The Bearded Pig BBQ | Where I'm Eating

Situated in an unassuming corner of Jacksonville's historic San Marco neighborhood, The Bearded Pig BBQ has charmed it's way into the hearts (and stomachs) of First Coast foodies. Recently voted one of Jacksonville's most family friendly restaurants, The Bearded Pig just might be serving up the best BBQ in town. Our family recently ventured out from our home in Jacksonville Beach and headed across the ditch (that would be the intercoastal waterway) to discover for ourselves what everyone is raving about. 

The Bearded Pig BBQ is also part Beer Garden where refreshment, and pastimes are enjoyed by all.
Sienna is seen here making her mark on the surrounding fences. 

Austin Style BBQ

The Bearded Pig (TBP for the sake of this story) takes to task one of the South's most respected traditions. BBQ is serious business down here so if you want to make it, you better be serving up authentic flavor that will stand out. From the first bite I can say with authority that TBP delivers. I've tried BBQ all over the continent and even as far down as Brazil. I know good smoked meat when I taste it and believe me there is no substitute for the real thing. TBP's fast casual concept isn't a new one for the region, but it is a first for BBQ. Folks line up to place their order and find their own seat where their antibiotic and hormone free meat (by the pound or platter) is delivered to their table along with fresh sides made in TBP's scratch kitchen. The restaurant's BBQ is prepared in the style made famous by Austin, Texas (which I've had the pleasure of experiencing myself), and is completely on point. I was also encouraged to learn that  all the sides were exclusively vegetarian, certainly something new for Southern sides traditionally packed with pork or dairy of some sort. 

On the Menu:
Starter
Bearded Poutine
Fries, Burnt Ends, Pork, Curds, Pimento Cheese

On the Menu:
Starter
Pimento Cheese
+ Saltines

On the Menu:
Starter
Jalepeno Popper
Cream Cheese, Sausage, Wrapped in Bacon

London takes her turn with the chalk 

On the Menu:
The San Marco Platter
+ Some
Sides: Baked Beans, Slaw, Potato Salad

An array of BBQ Sauces at The Bearded Pig

On the Menu:
Made from scratch vegetarian Slaw

On the Menu:
Baked Beans
Prepared with more of the sweet and sour method (Sooo good)

Family Focused 

It was refreshing to take the kids to a dining location that encouraged them to let loose and enjoy themselves. We dined on a late lunch one Saturday and it was lovely to watch the kids be free. Feast at your leisure and cool off under the misters surrounding the outdoor patio. There's no rush, and the kids wont want to leave. Sienna was particularly impressed with The Bearded Pig's modern take on BBQ commenting several times on how tasty it was, and of course she had a blast chasing her sister around the lawn. 

Sienna chases London through the yard

On the Menu:
Banana Pudding
Made from Scratch  (like grandma used to)

David and Sienna cheese it up for the cam in The Bearded Pig's backyard

We all heartily enjoyed every bite of The Bearded Pig's BBQ and can't wait to return. I captured every tasty course on instagram stories in real time. Did you enjoy it with us? Make sure to stay up to date on all our adventures on social media and here on the blog. Find me on instagram under AmyWestTravel for more great behind the scenes moments. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo - Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Cover Photo: Pimento Cheese Corn Cake with Pulled Pork and Jalepeno Jam

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.