Sluy's Bakery-Poulsbo, WA - 5 Stars

Searching for a little piece of heaven?? Just take a trip to Sluy's Bakery in Poulsbo, WA! It is AMAZINGLY delicious! The first time I went I seriously thought I found heaven. It is just perfect; you won't be disappointed.

Enjoying a cinnamon roll

I will never forget my first and only visit. I was walking down the street with my friend looking for a neat place to stop in. We chose Sluy's because we could smell it before even seeing it. It smelt so good, we knew it had to be delicious! I walked in, turned to my friend and said I'm in heaven! Seriously, I probably looked like a giddy schoolgirl. I was so excited to see so many amazing things. There were cinnamon rolls, donuts, German chocolate brownies, cookies, eclairs, bread, pastries galore, and the list goes on. I was so happy, yet I had a very hard time deciding what to choose because I knew I couldn't try everything. I went with a cinnamon roll, donut, German chocolate brownie, and an eclair. Yeah, I didn't narrow it down too much, but who could pass on trying any of those? They were heavenly! I enjoyed every single bite. My friend laughed at me because he couldn't believe I ate all of them (not in one day of course). I wanted to go back before I flew out, but we didn't get a chance. I left sad knowing I wouldn't be able to find those amazing treats anywhere in FL. And of course I never have.

Smiley Face cookie

I have been able to enjoy a little piece of Sluy's a few times since then. Before my friend moved, he came and visited me once. He melted my heart when he showed up with a Tupperware container of German Chocolate Brownies! I was so excited! They don't ship their brownies due to them not staying fresh, so he made my day. I honestly don't know if I shared with anyone...maybe my dad because he appreciates sweets and treats as much as I do. I have also ordered 3 times now from Sluy's for myself and/or my students. They make really cute Smiley Face cookies. I have ordered them twice for my students. I have also ordered their cinnamon rolls/buns twice. I ordered them once with my class cookie order and then this year I also ordered cinnamon rolls/buns to begin the school year and to share with some friends. Waiting for the package to arrive is so exciting. The box smells just as good as the actual bakery and my mouth waters from the smell. They are that amazing!

A couple more photos of orders.

If you ever take a trip to WA, Poulsbo should be on your stop list. They really are the best bakery I have ever been to. They make everything, and you can tell by the way it tastes, it is homemade. If you can't go, they also ship. They only ship specific things due to freshness, but you will still be happy. If you do get a chance to go, make sure to try the Viking donut and/or the German chocolate brownies. They are just amazing! 

More info...many people have posted tips and pictures on different travel/trip sites. They also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sluys-Poulsbo-Bakery/331792313564023 or just give them a call: 360-779-2798. If you do visit, let them know that a huge fan, Local Girl Eats, all the way from FL sent you.

Make your life sweeter, visit Sluy's Bakery!

Gnarly Barley: A Local Girl's Favorite

Here is an update on my ultimate favorite place to go eat, drink, watch football, or just have a good time! The Gnarly Barley is a great place and my Taco Tuesday stop! If you still have not been, then I will just have to show you again why you need to go.

Wanna eat some great tacos? Then go Gnarly! They have amazing tacos...you won't just eat one. They are soo good! Black bean, chicken, brisket...you won't be disappointed! This past Tuesday, they made me an even happier taco eater by accommodating my like for tomatoes, but dislike for onions. I always order the pico de gallo on the side because it is good, but I have always picked out the onions (still have not acquired a taste for onions). The server this last Tuesday offered to have them just cut up some tomatoes and add some cilantro (because she heard me tell my cousin I pick out the tomatoes). I was so thankful...so nice to see that they are really all about making the customer happy. I of course already knew this, but it's another great example of how awesome they really are! Black bean tacos with tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, cheese, peppers...my belly enjoyed it of course! 

Trying to get my friend to take a bite

Not a taco fan? Okay, then how about mac n cheese and roast beef on a sub roll, jalapeno popper flatbread, turkey bacon and cream cheese pressed sandwich, great grilled cheese with 5 different cheeses, brisket bacon sandwich, or a ham, turkey, bacon, provolone, honey mustard sandwich? Those are just a few of the other delicious choices they offer. I am a huge fan of several of their sandwiches! The last two Saturday nights I have indulged in the Johnnie Mac N' Cheese and of course was a very happy girl! The Johnnie Mac is my favorite sandwich. I love that two of my favorite things have been put together on this sandwich...it's like a cheese steak with mac n cheese...can't get any better than that! Their mac n cheese by itself is great and on the sandwich it's amazing! I could go on and on about their food, it is amazing!

Okay, so maybe you wanna just try their beer (or cider)...well they have multiple options for you! I have never been unhappy with either choice. They have really good ciders and craft beer. This month has been especially awesome! They have had Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers. Mmm just delicious! Last night's pumpkin beer was really good. Like pale ales or IPAs, they've got some great choices.The options are limitless! If you are a craft beer junkie or just like beer...then Gnarly is a place you should try; you won't regret it!

Now if my this update still hasn't sold you on trying my favorite local craft beer and food stop, then these pictures sure will. Enjoy!

  

Barley Brisket Bacon and Chicken Vinaigrette Flatbread

 

The 38 and a Black Bean Taco

Johnnie Mac N' Cheese (with a taco) and the Gnarly Dip

My dad enjoying his tacos and me enjoying The 38

Night out with friends? They have plenty of games to make for a great time! Jenga and Cards Against Humanity are two of my favorite games; the night always ends up being interesting with these two games.

Dessert! Not only do they offer great food, beer, cider, wine, games, but they also now have amazing desserts! They recently started offering Gnarly Desserts by Nina and they are really good! They have had peanut butter pretzel brownies, banana muffins, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cupcakes...it changes each week. Don't forget to try dessert when you go!

Pumpkin Nutella Cake and a Chocolate Cupcake

The Gnarly Barley is really just a cool place! The staff is always helpful and friendly and the owners are really nice. I really love the place!

One of the owners, Trace Pleicones

Still want more info? You can visit their website at http://www.thegnarlybarley.com/ or their Facebook Page.

Beer, games, football, fun night out, tacos, sandwiches, you can't go wrong if you choose to visit The Gnarly Barley! Don't forget to tell them one of their biggest fans sent you!

CHEERS!!

Santiago's Bodega - 2 Stars

My first visit

Hidden on Virginia Drive here in Orlando, Santiago's Bodega is a neat place. The staff is welcoming and friendly. The original Santiago's Bodega is located in Key West, but they opened one up here July 3rd, 2013.

Being a Tapas style restaurant makes it a neat experience! You can try many different things. I enjoy food, so tapas style restaurants are some of my favorites to visit.

I first visited on July 24th (three weeks after they opened). I went on a Wednesday night. I was surprised to find it was busy on a Wednesday night, but I can see why. The restaurant has a different type of atmosphere and with it being kind of hidden, it makes it a neat place to sit and eat at or just hang with friends or family while enjoying a nice meal. It can also be a nice place for a date. My friend and I were next to two big birthday get togethers, so it was pretty loud where we were, however, we still had a nice time.

Seasoned Grouper

Food, food, food...time to share the delicious food I got to enjoy! Well, to start we ordered a bottle of wine. You've got to have wine when enjoying a nice meal of course. The wine was good. We got a bottle of Riesling (my favorite type of wine), and it wasn't too sweet, just right for me. My friend is more of a red wine drinker, so he didn't like it as much as me. After that we decided to try a few things. Many things on the menu sounded really good so it was hard to decide. We eventually decided to get the Lamb Patties, Croquettas, and Seasoned Grouper. I do have to say we made some good choices. My favorite of the 3 was the Grouper. They are filets encrusted with coriander, fennel seed, and lemon pepper. I am a lover of grouper and wanted to try it to see if they made it well. I was very pleased! So light and tender, it was mouthwatering good. Next I would say the Croquettas are second on my list. They were absolutely delicious! Cayenne spiced pan fried patties of potatoes with prosciutto and provolone cheese (also includes scallion cream) equals yum in my book. Who isn't a fan of potato patties with cheese...then put in some prosciutto, scrumptious is all I can say. Third would be the Lamb Patties. They were good, but I'm not a fan of lamb so that is why I made it third. But if you like lamb, they are tasty (my friend said they were his favorite) and very tender.

Croquettas and Lamb Patties

After we finished eating, I was actually still hungry, which gave me a good excuse to try some dessert. The waitress recommended their bread pudding because they are known for it...so I got it. Well, after her recommending it and then reading the description on the menu, I was sold. Who wouldn't want to eat fresh baked croissants drizzled with a caramel bourbon glaze with English custard ice cream and fresh berries? Seriously, just reading that description made my mouth water. Oh, and I think I ate it all too...no joke. My friend may have had 2 bites, but I took over and he didn't get another bite. It was exquisitely delicious...seriously it's probably one of the best bread puddings I have had! If you go, don't forget to try the bread pudding.

Bread Pudding...delicious!

There are a few things I hope they will fix. First, the staff was very nice, however, they were confused as to where to bring the food apparently that night. We got our first tapas meal and then had to wait probably about 20-30 minutes for the next. During that time we probably had about 4 different visits with the wrong food...it got kind of funny after the second time. We looked at the guy and said we will take it (this did not happen the second time I went). The second thing I hope they would change is their Sangria. I love sangria and have never had a bad experience with it, but I do not like theirs. A couple of my friends were surprised that I thought it wasn't good because they liked theirs when they went. It tastes like a cinnamon candle, I know weird, but I couldn't drink it. I was disappointed...I know everyone makes their drinks different but it was not good. The second time I went, I tried their sangria again to see if it had gotten better. It still tasted weird. The waitress was nice and brought me out a glass without the cinnamon in it. All I could taste was syrup. I won't get their sangria again.

Will I go back...I may try it again one day to see if the food has gotten better. The second time I went, I had great service, but the food has changed. I wasn't as happy with the food. They had a good soup (it was a chowder) and the cheese and fruit plate were good, but the croquettas weren't as good as the first time and the mahi wasn't on the menu anymore.

It really is a neat place and I love the atmosphere, but it isn't on my list of places to go back to. The staff is very nice and their bathrooms are really clean. Those are important. My recommendation is for you to try it for yourself. I have friends who like it and go, but I have not been back due to my not so good experiences. I hope to one day try the one in Key West to compare. Sometimes the original just cannot be copied.

Visit their website for further information: http://www.santiagosbodega.com/orlando/

The Hammered Lamb - 1 Star

Hammered Lamb is located on North Orange Avenue in the Lake Ivanhoe area. It's a neat bar with a nice view and clientele.

Blue Moon

I first went the night Orlando Weekly had their Blue Moon Artfully Crafted Box Party there. It was a pretty cool deal! My cousin and I got tickets for free Blue Moon and then a ticket to vote for our favorite Box Artist. While there, we got to drink for free (of course we tipped), play a game (throw a ping pong ball in a cup to win a prize) and try some tasty hors d'oeuvres. Pretty cool set up for sure! The people we met and talked with were really friendly. The bartenders were also fast and on it for it being so busy. It definitely was a nice night out!

After the event finished, my cousin and I decided to stay a little longer and try some food. I ordered their House Baked Chicken Wings and my cousin got the Fruit and Veggie Flatbread. Both were really good. The wings were kind of spicy (I may be more sensitive than most) and flavorful. I enjoyed them. The fruit and veggie flatbread was my favorite though! It has peaches, apples, spinach, booseberry jam, with manchego, fontina, and goat cheese. When I took my first bite, it made my mouth water for more. It was pure deliciousness! It is one of the best flatbreads I've had.

House Baked Chicken Wings and the Fruit & Veggie Flatbread

All in all, we had a really good time! We got to meet one of the owners that night and take free shots (they give out free shots when a train passes by). The owner we met, Jason, was really nice and friendly and the free shot idea is really cool.

Since my first visit, I have been back. Some biking friends and I stopped by this past Sunday (2013) for drinks while on our bike ride. It's nice that they are bike friendly. We stayed for about an hour and had a nice time. There was live music playing and the drinks were refreshing on such a hot day.

I recently went to the Hammered Lamb for their brunch with a couple of my friends (back in February 2015). We have started started doing brunch on Sundays. A friend recommended Hammered Lamb because she wanted to try it out. I had been before and agreed that it would be a good place to go. Disappointment was to be had though. One of my friends and I ordered the breakfast pizza. It had no flavor. We ate it, but had to think of our own ways to doctor it up. My other two friends weren't overly pleased either with their meals. The food just wasn't as good as it had been the few times I had gone before. Their bathrooms are also not clean anymore. We were there in the morning/brunch time and it was dirty. That is not okay in my book. At night I understand they can get a little dirty or trashed due to it being a bar, but on a Sunday for brunch...no excuse for it to be unclean. One positive, they have a bloody mary bar (one of my friends enjoyed it) and their mimosas were good for the price. I was really looking forward to eating something great based off my previous experiences, but it was just a disappointing experience this time.

So...what do I recommend? My recommendation is, go for drinks, but not for brunch or to eat. They no longer offer the fruit and veggie flatbread. My favorite is gone, therefore, I will not go back there to eat. But, if you are looking for a bar to stop at when on a bike ride or to go out and drink with friends, then Hammered Lamb is an okay place. Will I be back again? No. It is not good anymore. In my opinion, it has gone from being a cool place to being like the dirty downtown bars.

If you want more information about The Hammered Lamb or to check it out for yourself...visit either their website at 

http://www.hammeredlamb.com/index.html or their facebook page. 

My cousin and I having a good time (first free train shot)

         Busy place....                             Me with one of the owners, Jason

Biking trip...drinks were refreshing!

*Pictures are from previous visits in 2013.

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards - 4 Stars

Located in Clermont, Florida, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a neat place. They have several different wines and offer complimentary tours and tastings all week long.

 

I recently went to Lakeridge for my first time last month with a couple friends. I have had their wine before, but never had been to visit the winery. They were having their 23rd Annual Harvest Festival to benefit Cornerstone Hospice of Lake and Sumter. There was live music, wine, tours, food, ice cream, arts & crafts booths, and stomping of grapes. I was excited!

When my friends and I drove up, it was a really neat sight! There were vines everywhere. It was

really cool. We parked on the grass and got out ready to have fun! They had golf carts to drive us to the winery since it was about a mile walk and really hot outside. The first thing we did when we got off the golf cart was of course, take a picture of the winery and use the bathroom. They had really nice porta potties...they were luxurious for a porta potty. Then we moved onto looking at the different booths. After about 15-20 minutes of walking around in the heat and humidity (good ole' Florida weather), we decided we needed a drink. So we went to get a glass of wine. Delicious! I got their Southern Red because it is my favorite. It was nice and refreshing (it's a chilled red wine)! From there we decided to enjoy the music and scenery for a little, so we walked around a little more.

After being at the festival for about an hour, we decided it was time to stomp some grapes! It looked like so much fun there was no way I wasn't going to try it. One of my friends and I decided we would compete against each other. We got in line and when our turns came, we took off our shoes and stepped into the bucket of grapes. It looked so gross! It was squishy and a little cold. When the timer started, we started stomping. At first you are grossed out by the inside of the bucket, but once you start stomping you forget, and just have a blast! I seriously had so much fun stomping the grapes; I got so into it. My friend and I laughed the whole 2 minutes we stomped. Our competition was fun, but the funny thing is we both lost to a young girl. Oh well, it is something we will never forget; a great memory! After we cleaned up our feet, we watched a few more people (and our other friend) stomp and then decided to get another drink. This time I went with the Southern White. It was good!

While at the festival we also went on a tour. We got to try all their different wines. It was really neat and the workers were extremely friendly and nice. We had a great time talking to them on the tour. After the tour, we decided to get our t-shirts that we earned from stomping the grapes and get some chocolate we heard was upstairs. Yum! We stayed at the winery for about 4 hours. It was so much fun! The wine, grape stomping, and music was great. Everyone was very friendly! We definitely made some great memories that we can always look back on and laugh about.

If you have never been to Lakeridge Winery, then you should definitely visit. It is a local. The history behind it is really interesting to read about. They also have some good wine and really neat events every month. To learn more about the winery and/or events you can visit their website...and don't forget to mention you read about them on here!

http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/index.php

Here are a few interesting pictures of our day!

 

Enjoying our first glass of wine

    The bucket                                    My friend and I ready to stomp

Just having a good time stomping the grapes!

White Wolf Cafe- 3.5-4 Stars

White Wolf Cafe is amazing! Everything I have tried, I have enjoyed! It is one of my favorite breakfast places...but it also has a great lunch and dinner menu. It is located on North Orange Avenue near Lake Ivanhoe. Every time I have gone, I never have had leftovers because the food is so good. :) You should definitely visit if you've never been!

I first started going probably about 3 years ago. I went with friends after a 5K in Winter Park. It was delicious! The choices on the menu all looked so good I had a hard time choosing, ha. After running your appetite is big so I was excited to eat there. They are known for their cinnamon rolls and so of course I had to get one that day. It was awesome! I ate one there and then left with a box of half a dozen for my two roommates (and maybe another one for me later). The breakfast was really tasty! Overall it was a great first visit and they definitely sold me on the place!

Egg, cheese, turkey bacon sandwich

Since my first experience I have been back to White Wolf many, many times. I have had breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the things I have enjoyed on their breakfast menu are cinnamon rolls, different egg breakfast meals, biscuits & gravy, french toast, breakfast sandwiches, and pancakes. Everything has been very good! I really love their cinnamon rolls (as I've mentioned before) and biscuits & gravy. They also have great mimosas to enjoy with breakfast (or brunch).

I have been for lunch and dinner a few times. One time I met my mom for lunch. I was happy to see that they had gluten free options because my mom has Celiac Disease, which means she cannot eat gluten. Gluten free choices are becoming a necessity with restaurants because people like my mom cannot go out to eat much if there are no gluten free meals. The few times I have been for lunch and dinner the food was really good. I really like their Fresh Fish Sandwich...it's delicious! But looking at their menu again, I definitely need to try a few more things that have caught my eye lately.

My cousin's meal (Caprese Sandwich)

White Wolf Cafe really is a great place. The atmosphere is neat and inviting! They have all kinds of cool decorations inside and a great outside eating area as well. The service has always been really good, I've never left unhappy. I even got to meet one of the owners the last time I went! I have been for breakfast after a race, breakfast with a friend, brunch on Sunday with friends, lunch with family, and even dinner on a date...it really is a neat place for any occasion or meal. Oh, and when you go, make sure (girls) to stop by the bathroom because they have really awesome hand salts to try when washing your hands. :)

So...if you've never been, give it a try! You will definitely be pleased, taste buds and all. If you happen to go for brunch on Sunday, there may be a wait. Just stop by their new place next door and have a mimosa or bloody mary while you wait. Enjoy!

Website for more information! http://www.whitewolfcafe.com/

My cousin and I with the owner, Michael (we visited while on a bike ride)

Mimosas!

On my days off and/or week nights I like to...

Run, run, run! I am doing a little more running lately. I've been eating REAL good lately at all the new and good old favorite places! The food has been delicious and very enjoyable. I actually have enjoyed it so much that I have eaten my whole meal almost every time. Oh my!

How do I enjoy my food and not gain too much weight...by running more. Running is actually a big hobby of mine and I enjoy doing it. I love to run around Baldwin Park or Lake Eola with a running group or alone. It is a great way to end a long day, begin a day, or release stress! It is also a great way to burn calories and fat. So...pick up your shoes and go outside and give running a try!

OLV in SODO - 3 Stars (due to lack of consistent schedule)

OLV is a really great place to eat, drink, and be merry! I love this place for brunch or dinner. If you have never been to OLV, then you are definitely missing out! I have been many times and keep going back for more.

So to begin... here is my OLV journey. I first went probably about a little less than a year ago. A friend of mine invited me to join him. My first thought was what is this place? With it being in the SODO area I was kind of shocked I had never been or heard of it before. I trusted my friend's opinion of course. I really liked it. I went for dinner and just really enjoyed the place. It was quiet and clean inside. They also have several wines to choose from to add to your dinner (Yum!). I had a flatbread (don't remember which one due to it being so long ago) and definitely remember liking it a lot. I also had a glass of wine...a delicious white wine. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. Overall, my first experience was really good. I went home telling people about OLV and then got responses like, yeah it's a really great place and their brunch is amazing! How was I out of the loop being such a foodie?

Delicious assortment at brunch

I decided I needed to go back to try out their "amazing" brunch (my cousin's response after my first visit). I went with a Meetup group of girls. We were a party of about 10 people and our table was outside. For us being such a big party, the staff was very nice and helpful. Brunch is amazing! So many choices for food and mimosa juices. I was so excited about being able to choose the juice I wanted to make my mimosa with. The even better part is it is all you can drink mimosas (or champagne if you just prefer champagne). Yum! Then I even found out I could order stuffed french toast...yum again! I was definitely pleased with brunch and so was my palate with all the delicious flavors I enjoyed. After that I haven't stopped going for brunch and you won't either once you try it!

The next couple of times I went, I again enjoyed the different choices of juices. A couple juices I have used are orange juice, cranberry, peach, and pear, but of course there are many other choices as well. I have even gotten creative the last few times and mixed a couple juices together to make my mimosas. I also noticed that they change the french toast. How often I don't know, but it is nice to try the different kinds of stuffed french toast. I have had strawberry cream cheese, pumpkin spice (or maybe it was pumpkin cream cheese), and regular cream cheese stuffed french toast. I always get the french toast because it is a fav of mine. And when you go to OLV it isn't about trying to be healthy so I indulge.

Great outside seating!

Each time I have gone, the service has been really good and the staff has been really nice and helpful. The last couple of times I have gone, I realized I could ask for strawberries even though they didn't have them out on the buffet table. I was definitely pleased that they accommodated my love for strawberries since I'm not a melon, pineapple, or cantaloupe fan (the fruit they've had out the last few times). All in all, OLV is a great place and a great deal for the price!

A couple neat and important things you should know before you go to brunch are... 1) Call and make a reservation for brunch before you decide to go (a day before is good for a small group) because it is a busy place on Sundays. 2) They have a live DJ there for brunch on Sundays and it can get loud outside with the speakers and music, but you can request a table inside or away from the speakers. 3) It is a popular place and can get pretty crowded on Sundays. 4) You should definitely go with an empty stomach and big appetite. AND 5) Enjoy yourself and the mimosa bar!  If you want to check out their menus or find more information about OLV before you go, I have included the website below. They also have other specials throughout the week that you can check out on their website. So...get a friend, boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, family, or a group together and experience OLV!

Website: http://olvcafe.com/

*Update: OLV is currently not open at the same times/days they used to be. I have tried to go once on the weekend and it wasn't open. Their website says they are open certain times and they aren't. You need to call them before you go to see if they are open! I unfortunately do not go anymore due to their inconsistent schedule. Once they can get everything worked out, I might go back. What they are going through is sad because they definitely had a good thing going a while ago.

A couple brunch pictures:

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast and...

Another picture of the choices on the buffet table

 

The Yummy Juice/Mimosa Bar!