Florentina's - Branson, MO

I know that most of the folks who actually read this won't have much occasion to visit Branson or to try this place out, but I figured I'd throw my thoughts out there because, well, it's my blog! And this place really is worth checking out if you have the chance!

I got the chance to dine at Florentina's on a Thursday evening with Jeff and 6 other people, including 3 children ages 11 and under. The first part of our group (including myself) arrived right at 5pm and the parking lot was filling quickly. Although there were no other people waiting to be seated, the dining room was pretty obviously getting to be on the full side. (Insert your own old-folks joke about Branson here) We were seated almost immediately at a large (10-top) table in the back of a smaller, more private room that held three or four other large tables. We were the first ones in that evening and were encouraged by the hostess to simply spread out however we would like and make ourselves comfortable, which was nice. It was also much more quiet in our little back corner, which made conversation an actual possibility. The general ambiance was casual, but not exceptionally cliche. Although one of the big advertising points was the brick-oven pizzas, it definitely did not feel like a pizza place.

Our server, Tanya, was excellent. Very friendly and prompt. We were able to sit down and get comfortable, and she immediately came over with two pizza paddles with several loaves of fresh, hot bread and plates of parmesan cheese and herbs to be mixed with olive oil for the bread. She took our drink orders, and after the brought our drinks didn't bother us again until everyone else arrived. Although the menu was pretty extensive, it didn't take long for everyone to find a familiar favorite. Throughout the meal there was plenty of bread, drinks stayed full, and we stayed very happy.

The food was really great. The menu was quite extensive, combining a lot of classic favorites and some not-so classic but very tasty-sounding dishes. One thing I noticed that was really nice was the option for family-style (and family-sized) options. Not just entrees either, but appetizers, salads, and sides as well. We had too many differing tastes to be able to do something like that, but it was definitely a nice option to have. I had the chicken saltimbocca (which had a much fancier name) served with green beans and roasted red potatoes. My only complaint was that I wished there was a little more of the lemon cream sauce because I really couldn't taste it at all, but the chicken was tasty, the sage was fresh, and the potatoes were perfect. I can't comment on the green beans because, well, I don't eat green vegetables. I offered them to others but they didn't want them either because green beans just aren't something I associate with italian food! I simply wanted the potatoes instead of pasta!

Jeff had the "Paolo's Favorites" which consisted of lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, and spaghetti with marinara and italian sausage. Other dishes on our table included a spaghetti that seemed to be a souped-up version of Jeff's spaghetti, and a carni pizza. The kids kept it simple with pizza and fettuccine alfredo. Everything was absolutely wonderful. I got to try bites of the fettuccine, lasagna, and pizza in addition to my dinner and it was all wonderful. I wasn't overly impressed with the fettuccine, but it was still very good. No complaints here. Even our pickiest little guy finished off his entire pizza (which I don't know if I could have done!) We never made it to dessert because the portion sizes were generous, but not insanely huge. Most of us finished off our meals, but we definitely did not leave hungry!

My biggest gripe was the fact that they didn't have sweet tea! I know that we are kind of on the line between being in the south and not being in the south, but it seems that most places around here have sweet tea. I was a little surprised this place didn't. However, I also discovered this place has been open less than three months, so that may change soon!

The prices were very reasonable. It definitely would not qualify as a "cheap" meal, but it was absolutely a great value! Although food around here is plentiful, I definitely have not encountered this quality of food or of service, especially for this price! It certainly would have been easy for us to get sub-par service (in fact, I was almost expecting it) considering that not only were there several children, but the gratuity would automatically be included since we were a larger party. However, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this was not the case!

I really have no complaints about the whole evening! It was great food, a great setting, great service, and great company!

I really wanted to try the fried ravioli but didn't get a chance (and frankly, I'm kind of glad we didn't get any because I probably wouldn't have been able to finish my dinner if I had!) so if you ever go and try them, let me know what you think!

My Favorite Things - p.26

It's hard to believe that I have done six whole months of this! I want to see if I can keep going for a whole year, so suggestions for topics area always appreciated.

These are a few of my favorite children's books. I love children's books because the pictures are beautiful and the simplicity of the language is refreshing. Plus, I have lots of happy memories associated with books.

The Country Bunny and the Little Golden Shoes - this is a great story that combines a lot of my favorite things. First of all it has a great moral/message. It's not just about having physical abilities, but about having the mind and heart to go with it and having the drive and determination to try and to keep going in the face of adversity. Secondly, it's about a girl keeping up with (and even doing better than) the boys! Thirdly, it's about an amazing working mother who proves that your life and your dreams don't end when you have children! And of course it has beautiful pictures of a sweet little brown bunny who saves Easter for one child! I guess that is a not-so-hidden (but also not so obvious) message - that it's not about just doing for the majority, but about the fact that every life and every person matters. Just trust me, you should read it.

Once Upon a Potty - educational and entertaining. Although I would venture that most people reading this really don't need the instructional part of it, it's still a cute book. There is even a "his" and "hers" versions. And there are lots of pictures of poo, which every kid likes!

The Polar Express - this was my family Christmas Eve tradition rather than reading "the night before Christmas". I was very disappointed with the movie. I understand why they added a lot of stuff to it, because it's a short book and you had to fill in more of the story to make it long enough for a movie. But they changed the climax, and I didn't like that at all. I had a good time riding the ride at Sea World last year, but the book will forever be the "right" way to hear this story. It's a nice reminder about the importance of believing in magic, even when you "should know better".

Peter Rabbit - actually, I love everything by Beatrix Potter. I think the thing I love best (now) is that none of the characters are furry humans, their homes, foods, and activities are largely those of the animals you would observe in the English countryside. However, the way they often go about these things has a distinctly human twist that makes it relatable. They also have wonderful interactions with great things to be taught. They are well over 100 years old, and still doing great things in the world of literature.

Lambert's Cafe

One of the places I was really excited about re-visiting while we made our pilgrimage to the coast was Lambert's Cafe. You know, the place where they throw the rolls at you?

It's a neat place, but it definitely has a "herd" mentality about it. Everything is about quantity. Don't get me wrong, quantity is a great thing at times, but there really can be too much of a good thing.

The atmosphere is very laid back. I mean, it kind of has to be when part of your dinner comes flying through the air. A big part of the whole experience is the attitude and the energy. There is a lot more of this when they are busier. This is also one of those places that is actually a lot more fun the more people you have with you. Jeff and I were there with just the two of us for a late lunch. It was nice because we didn't have to wait but lacked a bit of the charm that the experience has had for me in the past. I have dined both at lunch and dinner in the past and I definitely enjoy dinner more!

The food itself is very good. Definitely "home cooking" and all you can eat! The menu selection isn't huge, but it's definitely varied enough to keep things interesting. I ordered the country fried steak which came with mashed potatoes and cream gravy along with a baked sweet potato and fried apples. Jeff got a hamburger steak with mushrooms, onions, and brown gravy along with mashed potatoes and green beans. Both were the same price ($11.95 I think) but mine was definitely the better deal. My steak became lovingly known as the "deep fried frisbee" because it was roughly the size of a salad plate. It hung off the edge of my plate even after being partially buried under my other food as well. Definitely good, but I could hardly eat half. Of course we can't forget the "pass-arounds" that the servers bring around to any and everyone. There was macaroni with tomatoes, black-eyed peas, boiled cabbage, fried okra, and fried potatoes with onions. And the flying rolls with apple butter and sorghum. We didn't have to snag our rolls like baseballs since they weren't busy and the little cart came around, but they still got flipped to us!

The service was not bad, but definitely not the best I've ever had considering how slow it was. We barely got our rears in our seats before there was a girl at our table ready to start dishing the fried okra to us! Our "real" waiter was pretty quick on getting our drink orders to start with, but we saw a lot less of him than we wanted to! He got our drinks and then disappeared for a long time so it took a while before we were able to order. After we did the food came quickly and he refilled Jeff's tea but not mine! Then, as we were eating he was never seen again! There were lots of folks coming by with "pass arounds" which was nice because there was always more of whatever we wanted, but it took a long time to get a box for my leftovers and our check. I noticed a table near us who came in shortly before we did, and it seemed as though some of our service was put on hold to coincide with theirs (so we got our boxes, checks, etc. at the same time). I don't blame the guy for not wanting to make a ton of extra trips, but we were done a good 10-15 minutes before they were and we were past ready to go!

One thing I have always loved since my very first visit was that, despite the fact that the place is mostly booths, they are pretty wheelchair accessible. Ever since my mom got sick, I really started noticing things like that and it does matter to me a lot more than I ever thought it would. Best of all, the policy of the restaurant is that "if you bring your own chair, you don't have to pay for dinner", which translates to - if you are in a wheelchair, your food is free. This isn't something they really advertise, I suppose to keep people from taking advantage, but it really is a fantastic thing. I think it made my whole family life-long fans, and I'm sure has done the same thing for others.

They don't take credit cards, which to me is a little odd, but they do take checks (which is really rare these days!) and they always have an ATM, so you're pretty well covered. As for the food - it's good. Not especially spectacular in my opinion, but good and plentiful. The one thing I really wish they had that they don't is mac and cheese! Considering the type of food, it's kind of surprising! Like most good southern-ish home cooking places, it's not especially vegetarian friendly. They have plenty of vegetables to choose from, but a lot of them are beans and I believe most of them are cooked with some sort of meat (pork in particular!) For the most part, the staff seem to really enjoy what they do and want to make sure you really enjoy yourself while you're there too!

There are three Lambert's Cafes in the US - Sikeston, MO; Ozark, MO; and Foley, AL. Check one of them out on your next vacation if you haven't already.

Why we celebrate...

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among People, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem more likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that humanity are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariable the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guard to their future security.

Just something to think about between hot dogs and fireworks...

Gettin' Out of Town!

"I'm grabbin' my hat a coat, I'm leavin' the cat a note. Quick! Call me a ferry-boat. Gettin' out of town!"

Sorry, I'm so excited I couldn't resist the urge to burst into song. If you don't know that one, it's from the musical 42nd Street. Check it out.

Anywho, I am leaving tomorrow right after church for Branson, MO. Yes, I know I just got back from the beach. But that was spontaneous, this is our "planned" vacation. I'll be gone a week. I'm not entirely sure what we're planning to do while we're there. I know there's a theme park that's on the agenda, possibly a river boat cruise, a winery tour, and I'm sure a show or two. Best of all, it's a week away from home and stress!

On the way home we will be stopping in Tupelo for the Jeffreys Family Reunion. I'm not quite sure what to think because my family doesn't do reunions. I'm sure it'll be fun.

I have a few posts scheduled and I will have my computer so I can update about our adventures. Now, back to laundry, packing, and doing my happy dance...

Friday Five - A Church That...

Today's Friday Five challenged us to consider the type of church we would like to be a part of of. I have thought of this many times before but have never verbalized it, so here goes!

I want to be a part of a church that welcomes and loves ALL persons, simply because they are also a child of God, not because of what they look like or can give/do for anyone or anything except the kingdom of God.

I want to be a part of a church that does not fear death because of their absolute faith in the truth of the resurrection and feels free to rejoice in all of life because it is not the extent of our story.

I want to be a part of a church where every single person is recognized to be called by God to their own unique ministry of the gospel and is more interested in making true disciples than preserving members.

I want to be a part of a church that is motivated by passionate worship, a desire to change the world in which we live, and experiences of the kingdom.

I want to be a part of a church that is not distracted by petty differences but remembers the principles of unity, tolerance, and love.

Greetings From The Coast

Actually, we came home today. Jeff's aunt, uncle, and cousins got a condo down at Gulf Shores. They invited Jeff's grandparents, and even though they didn't have room for us to stay with them, invited us to come down and hang out with them! So we packed our bags, got a great deal on a hotel in town, and headed down to the coast for a few days, oil spill and all.

There are not words for how much I needed those few days. I don't care anything about getting in the ocean. I do care about listening to the ocean and hanging out with family! I did incorporate a little bit of my family tradition in with Jeff's, and made a chocolate pound cake to take with us. I almost made cheese straws, but since we were only there for a couple of days, I figured I'd save those for another time. I'll share the recipes for both later in the summer.

It was a lovely trip. We headed down on Tuesday and got a little later start than we intended, but it was a good, easy trip anyway. We didn't stop at Peach Park, but did stop at Priester's Pecans. I had never stopped there before and it was a nice pit stop. Then we had lunch at Lambert's, which is an experience that also warrants its own post later on. After lunch we checked into our hotel and had dinner with the rest of the family, including baby Isabella, and went for an evening walk on the beach.

Wednesday we got up and headed out to the condo, where we spent the whole day. It was wonderful to sit on the balcony and do nothing, hang out in the pool and hot tub, and relish the peace and quiet! First thing we tried to go down to the beach, and it was nice but a little overcast and windy. After a few minutes we felt like we were getting sand-blasted, and it started to rain. Jeff and Jerry got in the ocean. Sherrie and I toughed it out on the sand. I put on my beach towel snuggie, pulled it over my head, and enjoyed it until I felt like I was going to blow away! We had lunch at the Original Oyster House which was nice, although getting there and back was interesting since it was pouring rain and some of the streets started to flood! I got to read a good new book, too. I'm definitely going to have to download a few things before Branson!

Thursday morning we checked out of our hotel, went over to the condo for a while, then headed home (with a pit stop at the outlets in Foley). It was exactly what my little heart needed! I have to admit, I'm now head over heels in love with Bath Junkie. More info will come on this.

As for the oil spill - I did see some tar balls, but the whole thing was not an oil slick. I saw a few clean up crews out near the public beach but nothing out where we were. It didn't stink. I couldn't smell a ton because of the Funk anyway, but I did catch an occasional whiff of the ocean and it simply smelled like the ocean! There wasn 't sludge all over the place. We could still walk barefoot on the beach. Everything was very quiet, but everything was open. We had great food without having to wait, very little traffic, and an overall fantastic visit. The only thing you couldn't do was use a boat, and that wasn't anything we needed/wanted anyway. We had more problems from the wind and the rain than we did the oil! Seriously, go visit!