One Word: MARAVO

The Dancing Avocado Kitchen offered a
relaxing atmosphere perfect to enjoy
Chef Mario's culinary journey called Maravo!

No, I don't know what it means.

But I do know I LOVE IT!

What am I talking about? Well, last August I was lucky enough to of been invited by one of my fans, Lori, to a most fabulous local event called Maravo at the Dancing Avocado Kitchen down on Beach Street in Daytona.  

Thank you again Lori, I would have been so sad to have missed this!  In fact, this event was so special I can't believe I've taken this long before blogging it, but as you know life has preempted blogging.  That said, my goal was that I would get this done before the next Maravo that so that none of you locally would miss it!

That time is upon me.....

the next Maravo scheduled February 14th & 16th!

Of course I partook in the
perfect pairings offered by the
wine flight!

What was Maravo like?  Well..... the August one was movie themed [February is Couples Themed]. That is, each course had a tie to a film.... Fried Green Tomatoes, Ratatouille, Chocolat, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs... and the menu was without a doubt everything it could have been.  Complex tastes and textures in perfect harmony with pure fun & creativity!


A few of the
treats we enjoyed!

Did I mention it was VEGETARIAN!?! Yup, it was no small effort to make my carnivore husband go with me on his birthday weekend to a vegetarian dining event.  But he LOVED it.  He was simply amazed as each course surpassed the previous.  I hope that if you find an event like this in your area that you will have an open mind and give it a shot.  I never would've guessed in a million years how absolutely fabulous a 12 course all vegetarian tasting menu could be.  Just sayin'


Chef Mario: the creative genius
behind the DAK & Maravo.

Full disclosure: I'm no stranger to the Dancing Avocado Kitchen, it's a restaurant that I frequent weekly (if not more) for lunch.  And I love it.  Great sandwiches, great burgers, outstanding hummus.  Even so, I was very skeptical as I entered as I had never ventured to any of their evening events.  WELL!  I'll be sure I never miss another. Owners Mario & Angela and their staff were amazing.  Flavors, concepts, presentation were second to none.  Service was impeccable.  It was a dining experience.


As a treat local celebrity, Johnny Martino,
 a/k/a Paulie from the Godfather 
was mingling with the guests all night...
"Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."
Truer words were never spoken.

p.s. I wish my pictures from my iPhone were even able to remotely do this event justice but this night was not about me taking pictures but rather living in the moment that Maravo created.

BRAVO!

See YOU in February [which by the way is an OMNIVORE experience] I've already made my reservations!

Date Night Daytona Style {Ronin Review}

Ronin in Daytona Beach

Probably the "hippest" place you can eat in the Daytona area is Ronin.    I mean we are pretty old but we are not "early bird" age quite yet and finding anything cutting edge around here is no small feat... Ronin fits the bill.  They offer a full Sushi menu and have a fairly small "regular" menu {which I like} with well thought out and definitely chef composed offerings  {including Japanese Grill type offering served as plated dinners if you aren't a Sushi-lover}.  Located down on International Speedway just west of Beach Street with lots of parking behind it, it's convenient and in a great area.  Ronin has a very versatile atmosphere with efficient, friendly service: we've taken the kids, gone with friends and it's perfect for Date Night... a REALLY nice dimly lit place where you can quietly catch up with each other after a long week of doing for everyone else!
Last night I enjoyed a nice Pinot Noir but they have a fun Saketini that you should try if your in the mood for a fruity libation.  Drinks in hand, we started with a bowl of Miso this time, which was good but all things considered not their BEST offering.

Seared Scallop appetizer

We then moved on to the seared scallop appetizer.... now, THAT is something you really shouldn't miss.  I cannot go to Ronin without enjoying this.... pan seared Scallops with a Ponzu based sauce served with tempura asparagus, 4 each, so a perfect sharing plate.  

Kobe Roll

For our main course we have tried a pretty big variety of their rolls but always come back to the Kobe Roll.  It's possibly the best roll I've ever had, anywhere.  It's described as "Crunch, Krab, Spicy Mayo topped with seared kobe beef, avocado, truffle oil and eel sauce". We ordered two and were stuffed to the gills.... as an aside, I always order a Salmon Nigiri as my test of freshness of sushi and they always pass!
If you haven't checked out Ronin you really should, they offer fresh Sushi, creative rolls & appetizers and a nice variety of Japanese Grill items as well.  Two Yums Up!

Get your Motor Runnin' {Daytona Diner Review}

With Bike Week roaring up on us it seemed appropriate that I would give a shout out to one of my favorite haunts on Beach Street.  The Daytona Diner is hidden behind what used to be Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona shop and is now converted {or darn close} to a Harley-Davidson Museum.

That said, unless you are a biker this might not be the time to "check it out" {go week after next} but it's a great old school diner with a soda fountain style counter and booths, great waitstaff and an awesome short order cook.... everything is shiny and clean and the food is excellent.... breakfast until 11 then on to the blue plate specials.

TIP:  It's ALL good but the Biscuits & Gravy are my personal favorite.... WARNING:  if ordering pancakeS you better be hungry, otherwise perhaps you should stick with ordering just A pancake.

Stop by and check it out, you'll become a regular too :)

Bon Appetit or ขอให้เจริญอาหาร! (kŏr hâi jà-rern aa-hăan!) as they say at Zen Bistro

I love that downtown Daytona has such an eclectic atmosphere and so many choices for lunch.  Zen Bistro is definitely at the top of my list.  Being a believer I'm always shocked when I see a bunch of haters reviewing.... we do lunch at the Zen Bistro at least once a week.... sometimes take out, sometimes in person.... 
and enough of that hate, let's talk about LOVE.  We love Zen Bistro, it's a super small, locally owned Thai Restaurant down in the Beach Street area [on Bay Street just West of North Beach].  For starters the biggest tip I can give you is to get there by 11:30 a.m. on weekdays to insure you can get a table.... there's only a dozen or so tables and many are 2 seaters and by noon on any given day they are FULL with even more people hanging out front waiting.

Now, not to bash another establishment BUT there is another Thai restaurant across the street and it's significantly bigger and therefore you can always get a seat.... BUT there's a reason for that. It's simply not as good. Not the flavors, not the service. I've done practically side by side comparisons.  Pass it by and get take out from Zen before meandering over there for second best.

That said, when we decide on Zen we get there between 11:15 and 11:45 and are never alone but also never without a seat....

Gyoza

For appetizers I've tried a few and while none are "not good" the Gyoza is a personal favorite.... Chicken & Vegetable Dumplings Fried and served with Ponzu sauce.  YUM.  The Shrimp in a blanket and Fresh Rolls are close seconds on my list..... I need to try the mussels one of these days!  If you have, please comment I'd love to hear.

Pad See Eew & Beef Fried Rice

I'm a creature of habit so I'll tell you what I LOVE for my lunch but fear not I've sampled from others plates too and it's all been really awesome.  I used to be a Pad Thai junkie until I tried Pad See Eew.  I adore it.  Spicy sweet rocks.  I order it medium, which is a true medium, no sweat on my brow but flavorful.  I get just veggies but it comes with beef, chicken, or tofu also.  David gets the fried rice with beef which is also yummy.  I've tried the Pumpkin Curry, Masaman & Jungle Curry from friend's plates, all of which are INSANELY good and that from someone that says she's not a curry person. 

Now, I don't usually eat dessert with lunch, but the owner gave us Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango once as a gesture and OMFreakingG.... I could eat nothing else for every meal and be so happy [and fat] and so I took writing this review as an opportunity to order it.... I mean, I NEEDED a picture right?  Seriously, just once treat yourself.  Mango is not something I would usually pick.... but in this combo.... sticky rice, sweet coconut milk, mango, sesame seeds.... lordy, just try it.  You can thank me later!


Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango

Bottom line, great atmosphere, awesome staff, authentic menu.  Everything is cooked to order, super fast & fresh and to your specs.... ranging from no spice to Thai Hot and even Medium & 1/2 if you are so inclined!  Worth the trip to Beach Street for a little bit of awesome Thai.

ขอให้เจริญอาหาร! (kŏr hâi jà-rern aa-hăan!)

My Next Victim

I love that people can be so thoughtful.  TRULY.  I was the recipient of a couple random acts of thoughtfulness today.  That's a great day.  


Tonight Heidi the lawyer [not to be confused with Heidi that eats Risotto & drinks Mojitos] spoke with a Support Group.  Really, I was a friend of a friend giving some good people with full plates some information on how to run a marathon.... GOTCHA.  Ok, I was talking lawyer stuff, I can own it.  I hope I was helpful.  Much to my surprise, instead of a bunch of lawyer jokes I was gifted an awesome bit of sunshine from the leader of the group.  

a/k/a My Next Victim.

Everyone send good JuJu to this poor plant that I HEART so very much but that has some pretty bad odds of survival after doing the Heidi Death March.

That said, wasn't that REALLY sweet?  I thought so, I hope she didn't take it wrong when I announced it was My Next Victim.  I feel confident Mel will take it under his wing.

The second Random Act of Kindness was a good friend inviting me out to lunch, just because she wanted to make sure I was grieving Ruthie o.k.  Go figure.  We are ALL so busy but it was special to spend a little time chattin' it up about Ruthie.  Didn't know I needed it, sure glad someone did, cause I did.

But enough about me.  HA! like that's possible!  

wait for it.

wait for it.

yup, here's my restaurant review....

It is my humble opinion that the best part of lunching in downtown Daytona is that whatever you are in the mood for it's there and for the most part..... it's awesome.  NOTE:  I'm pretty happy sitting at my desk having the Jimmy John's guy deliver my order in less than 5 minutes but when you want something more interesting than an un-wich it's nice to have options.  

So, when Shirley invited me out and said I could pick, I decided to go old school... my FIRST downtown lunch spot... there's always something special about the first....

The Dancing Avocado

This place really is a must do for lunch in the newly revitalized Beach Street Area in Daytona.... We ate on the porch which is really lovely this time of year [kinda reminds me of Key West.... I know, it's a problem].  Truth be told, I truly haven't had anything I haven't loved.... Angel's sing here.  Great breakfast burritos, INCREDIBLE Dave Burger [over 109,000 sold or some crazy number] or the Dancing Avocado Melt... that's what I had today.  Avocado, red onion, tomato on whole grain wheat [I hold the sprouts]. It's my favorite. You will adore this place.  They have it all offering a Vegan menu, Gluten Free or full on MEAT.  We didn't indulge today but their deserts are To. Die. For.  House made.  Everything about it reeks grassroots, hippie inspired: Cool decor, bohemian waitstaff.  Check it out.... it's SO 1970 you will L-O-V-E it.

oh and if nothing else, stop by and grab a couple ducks & a veggie burger to go.....