Saturday: September 18

BEGINNERS PRIMITIVE POTTERY WORKSHOP
Learn the history of local Native American pottery and try the techniques used for thousands of years at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine. The workshop is from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $40 per person - including all the needed materials and you take your pottery home! Registration required for these limited spots. Call 904-829-3168 to register today or email veryhoppy@gmail.com.

BLACKBEARD'S TREASURE
Sail with the rollicking crew of the pirate ship Black Raven on an action-packed treasure hunt that will lead into the wild unknown searching for one of the most famous treasures left to be found! Captain Jack and his crew will set sail at 2 p.m. from the St. Augustine City Marina to search for Blackbeard's fabled treasure. Tickets for this unique adventure are $35 and include your passage aboard the Black Raven, a light meal with a drink (soda/beer/wine) at the hunting hot spot and loot from the chest's content. This cruise is for adults only, and will have limited seating. Duration: 3+ Hours, rain or shine. This trip will sell out quickly. Reserve your seat NOW, call 1-877-578-5050.

GAMBLE ROGERS FALL FUND RAISER CONCERT
Get a sample of the exceptional Folk music that is part of the annual Gamble Rogers Folk Festival during this Fall fund raiser. The Morse Family Band, Jamie DeFrates and Susan Brown, Charlie Robertson, and Men in the House will perform on stage at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for upper tier seating and $35 for Stage-front VIP seating and can be purchased in advance by calling 904.794.4163, or visit Music Matters or Simple Gestures in St. Augustine. For more information and more upcoming plans for the 2011 Gamble Rogers Festival, visit http://www.gamblerogersfest.org/.

O.A.R PERFORMS AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Enjoy a performance by O.A.R., the band that has come to stand for authentic rock music that reflects the collective triumphs and tragedies we all experience in this world: real people making real music that resounds deeply with their fans. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A in St. Augustine. Tickets are $32.50 in advance and $35 day of show. For more information, visit http://www.staugamphitheatre.com/ or call 904.471.1965.


Sunday: September 18

SAIRA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Enjoy tasting more than 100 wines and the signature dishes presented by 17 of St. Augustine's top chefs at this afternoon event created by St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association to celebrate the city's unique culinary and cultural diversity. The Festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the COA River House, located at 179 Marine Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $50 per person and proceeds from the Festival benefit the Boys and Girls Club. For more information, visit http://www.staugustinerestaurants.com/.

SEPTEMBER 21 - A TALE OF TWO NEIGHBORHOODS, SOUTH BEACH & LE MARAIS
Art Historian, journalist & architecture tour guide Veronika Pozmetier, lectures on the parallels of Miami Beach's "Art Deco" Architectural Historic District and the celebrated Le Marais neighborhood in Paris. Admission is FREE at the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive, 7pm.

SEPTEMBER 23- FREE FRENCH WINE TASTING
Sashay over to the Alliance Francaise on Thursday for a tasting of various French wines accompanied by an explanation from a French sommelier. To cleanse your palette a buffet of cheese, saucisson, paté and French baguette.

Time: 6:30pm
Address: Alliance Française South Florida - 618 SW 8th Street - Miami, FL 33130


Featured Wines :

Colbert Cannet , Haut Médoc Bordeaux 2007
Domaine Mazurd , Vallée du Rhone 2003
Les Jamelles Chardonnay, Pays D’Oc 2009
Baronne Chatelard , Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2007
Les Oliviers , Côtes de Provence 2009
Pouilly Fumé ,Alphonse Dolly, Vallé de la loire 2007

RSVP: 305-859-8760
SEPTEMBER 26 - Macy's Culinary Kitchen, Dadeland Mall
The newest Member of the Macy’s Culinary Council, Celebrity Chef Michelle Bernstein is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Macy’s at Dadeland Mall.

WHAT: The award winning chef, restaurateur, author and Miami native, steps out of her two successful South Florida restaurants, Michy’s and SRA. Martinez to share the magic she creates in her restaurants with Macy’s customers. Come see her demonstrate how you can create some of her favorite, Latin inspired dishes at home! Michelle will be preparing Mexican style shrimp ceviche with toasted garlic, tomatoes and avocados; spaghetti carbonara “my way” with fresh peas, Serrano ham and St. Andre cheese; and a caramelized banana panna cotta with dulce de leche cookies.

Michelle Bernstein is a Miami native of Jewish and Latin descent. Since the late 80’s, this passionate culinaire has dazzled diners and critics alike with her sublime cuisine and a personality as bright and vibrant as the Florida sun. “My food is luxurious but approachable,” says Bernstein, a James Beard Award winner (Best Chef South 2007) and author of Cuisine a Latina (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2008).

Following her demonstration, Michelle will sign copies of her cookbook, Cuisine à Latina, which will be available for purchase on the day of the event.

TIME: 2pm
PLACE:
Macy’s Home Store at Dadeland Mall
Culinary Kitchen, 2nd floor
7675 SW 88th Street
Miami, Fl 33156

Reservations are required as seating is limited. To RSVP, call 1-888-MACYSNY or visit www.macys.com/events.

SEPTEMBER- MIAMI SPICE
The most celebrated dining event across South Florida continues in the month of September. Savor cuisine prepared by Miami's top chefs at their perspective highly-regarded restaurants for a reduced price. Miami Spice is a pre-fix 3- course menu including appetizer, entree and dessert. Portions may be smaller than the regular price but it's still a great way to sample the savory fare without overeating or overspending. Lunch is $22 and Dinner is $35 not including tax or gratuity. Click here for more information.

SEPTEMBER, Tango Lessons Every Tuesday at the Biltmore
Enjoy unequivocal class and elegance and an evening of passion by taking tango lessons at the landmark Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Beginner lessons commence at 9pm-10pm and Intermediate from 8pm-9pm. Cost is $15/person for the class and milonga which starts at 10pm. There is valet parking or free parking on the east lot. Contact the elegant and competitive winner, Monica Llobet at monicallobet@yahoo.com. Follow them on Facebook. Every week a different theme, a new surprise, and a memorable evening.
September 14 Theme: Glitz & Glamour; elegant attire for red carpet evening

SEP 3 - GALLERY WALK IN THE GABLES
Take a trolley through the historic and charming gables, pause, and walk into numerous art galleries. Enjoy complimentary glass of wine at each gallery and preview the range of art.
Offered the first Friday of every month. 6:30pm-10:30pm

SEPTEMBER 10 - LINGERIE & LACE, Bal Harbour

In honor of Bal Harbour Shops’ block party, Agent Provocateur will be featuring models in their finest bras, panties, garter belts and corsets. What's a little lingerie without bubbly? Complimentary pink champagne will be served at Thomas Pink. Sep 10, 7-10pm, no cost, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave, 305-866-1816.

SEPTEMBER 16- SCHAKOLAD DAY, Davie, FL
Join a celebration of Schakolad's sweet success all day Thursday, from 11am-7pm. Enjoy a cascading chocolate fountain, and tasty drinks from chocolate champagne glasses. Get 15% off your holiday purchase just for attending and treat your clients, friends and family to hand-made European style chocolates.

7740 Nova Drive, Davie, FL 33324 ; 954-472-6155

Thursday-Sunday: September 2-5
The birthday celebration gets underway on Thursday, September 2 in the town's Plaza de la Constitucion. Free birthday cake will be distributed to everyone attending the free 7 p.m. Concert in the Plaza.

Beginning on Friday and continuing through Sunday, the Fountain of Youth will feature an encampment with re-enactors portraying Timucuas and the Spanish soldiers and colonists who lived here during the early days of the city's history. The re-enactments will begin each day at 9 a.m. The colorful and dramatic re-enactment of The Landing will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday when Menendez will arrive by boat at Mission Nombre de Dios on San Marco Avenue, adjacent to the Fountain of Youth. The Spanish colonists landed along this shoreline in 1565. After the landing, Dr. Bonnie McEwan, director of Mission San Luis, will speak about the importance of Mission Nombre de Dios, the first mission established here by the Spaniards. Bishop Victor Galeone will conduct a Celebration Mass at the mission's outdoor altar -on the grounds where Father Lopez performed mass on the day of the City of St. Augustine's birth 445 years ago. Following mass, a procession of 16th century Spanish soldiers will carry the actual casket of Pedro Menendez in a solemn procession to its new home in the new Mission Nombre de Dios Museum. Bishop Galeone will provide a blessing and dedication ceremony for the new museum. All of these events are free and open to the public. For more information about the landing re-enactment at the museum, go to http://www.missionandshrine.org/ or call 904.824.2809.

On Saturday at 4:45 p.m., the First Thanksgiving will be re-enacted on the grounds of the Fountain of Youth. This well-documented event occurred on this site on September 8, 1565 when Timucuas and Spaniards shared their food in a Feast of Thanksgiving. The re-enactment will include a cooking contest with entries limited to ingredients that would have been readily available on that date at that location. The public will be invited to sample the entries. Admission to the Fountain of Youth is free for St. Johns County residents. For more information about the encampment and cooking contest, call 904.829.3168. Full details on all of the Birthday Celebration events can be found on the City of St. Augustine's website http://www.staugustinesbirthday.com/.

Friday: September 3

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery, 131 King Street. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Let the staff at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm entertain your kids in a safe and educational environment while you enjoy a night on the town. From 6 to 10 p.m. kids will enjoy pizza, drinks, hands-on animal presentations, twilight zoo tour, a craft, nocturnal games and lots of fun! Open to kids ages 5-12. Tickets are $30 ($25 for members). For more information, call 904.824.3337.

CHANGE IN THE WIND
The Andrew Young Foundation will present the new documentary Change in the Wind at 7:30 p.m. in the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. The film tells the little-known story of a secret friendship between Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, former president of the traditionally black Morehouse College. The event is free and doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, call 904.819.6400.

ARTISTS AND ART CLASSES AT RIPLEY'S
Talk to local artists and even take an art class at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine. During First Friday Art Walk, artist John Koehler will provide paints, brushes, canvasses and expert instruction for $45. Ripley's offers free parking and the Art Walk Tour Train stops there for easy access to the complete tour throughout the city. For more information, call 904.824.1606.

SECOND NATURE EXHIBIT
As part of First Friday Art Walk, a new exhibit of works created by Flagler College art professor Donald Martin will open at the college's Crisp-Ellert Art Museum. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display through September 17. For more information, call 904.826.8530.


Friday and Saturday: September 3-4

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE

Direct from Hebei, China, this acrobatic company has traveled to all 50 states and to over 65 countries on five continents. The Golden Dragons will perform each night at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, located at 1340 A1A in St. Augustine. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for seniors & children under 12 years old. For more information, call 904.471.1965 or visit http://www.staugamphitheatre.com/.

History and Mystery book signing at Ripley's
The history and the mystery of Ripley's Castle Warden will be highlighted with a pair of book signings. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, Karen Harvey, author of Oldest Ghosts - St. Augustine Haunts, will be signing copies of her latest book, St. Augustine Enters the Twenty-First Century. On Saturday, starting at 2 p.m., David Lapham, author of Ghosts of St. Augustine and Ancient City Haunts will be signing copies of his newest book, Ghosthunting Florida. The signings take place at the original Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, 19 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.824.1606.


Saturday: September 4

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE NATURE WALK
Join GTM Research Reserve Volunteer Rick Edwards for this "Beaches 101" experience; an informative and fun walk and learn about the sand, the importance of the dunes, and the animals that call the beach their home. The walk departs at 8:30 a.m. from the Guana South Beach Parking area, located approximately 2 miles north of the Environmental Education Center on 505 Guana River Road at Ponte Vedra Beach South. Admission is $3 per vehicle. For more information call 904.823.4500.

SATURDAY IN THE PARK MUSIC FEST
Come spend a Saturday in the park listening to live music, enjoying art exhibits, tasting beer & wines, viewing vintage cars - there's even a special kids zone. It all takes place from noon to 9 p.m. at Francis Field, located behind the Historic Downtown Parking Facility on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Admission is $3, children under 5 free. For more information, contact the Music & Arts Foundation of St. Augustine at 904.814.8010.


Sunday: September 5

TOBY KEITH IN CONCERT AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
With 19 number one hits, Toby Keith is one of country music's true megastars. Beginning at 7:15 p.m., see Toby's American Ride Tour live on stage at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Ticket prices range from $40 to $87 with a special 2 tickets for $40 to sit in the Hell Raiser section. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A in St. Augustine. For more information, go to http://www.staugamphitheatre.com/.


Monday: September 6

LABOR DAY CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA
The St. Augustine Jazz Society performs a free concert from 1 to 5 p.m. in St. Augustine's Plaza de la Constitucion. For more information, call 904.825.1004 or visit http://www.plazaconcerts.com/.

For mom's birthday celebration it was an easy choice--a dinner for three, our cozy little family. I invited her and my uncle to a special dinner celebration at Francesco.

This was my first visit to this unexpected Peruvian restaurant. The name led me to believe it was Italian food. But we loved it all.

Located on Alcazar street, the storefront was a charming cottage house front with lattice-lined windows, framed by curtains, and wooden door. Walking on the sidewalk from our parking space, you could miss the entrance in the blink of an eye.


Upon entering, a warm, cozy nook with upholstered seat benches welcomed any patrons to rest while they wait.  But tonight was a Tuesday night in the slow summer months. We were the second guests.

For my  mother and uncle, it's not about crowds. We welcomed the serene calm, a break from the day's hustle and bustle. We relaxed, enjoyed catching up on personal updates, and the food just topped the evening.

For starters we ordered the grilled octopus appetizer. Francesco's got it right. Not too chewy, lightly fried and the seasoning was perfect. Did I order the traditional cebiche? No I did not as my mother is not big fan of uncooked fish and I didn't want to fill up on two appetizers. Next time for sure. My curiosity is burning to know if Franceso rivals my favorite ceviche at the Crab Shack at the Cavalier Hotel in South Beach.



My uncle, if you'll recall, eats homemade soups daily. A tradition I believe keeps him healthy for peaking 70 years of age. My uncle Mauro ordered the "Aguado de Pescado" (Watered fish soup). Indeed it was more liquidy than a cream based soup. The thickening agent here was cilantro. Definitely on the "watery" side but that's intentional and stocked with chunks of fish.  Different and delicious.



For entree we ordered the "Lomo saltado" (lamb) with a mushroom sauce, accompanied by a medley of red peppers, red tomatoes, and red onions, and a compote of white beans, rice and white mushrooms. This specialty is called Tacu Tacu and it was the best part of the meal.  The lamb was tender and the mushroom sauce was your traditional dark sauce.



My uncle ordered the special of the day, the corvina fish topped with shrimps accompanied by sauteed asparagus.  The fish melted in your mouth but the light sauce didn't mask the fishy flavor for my preference. My uncle devoured it! Our favorite was the side asparagus sauteed with garlic, olive oil, and salt/pepper according to the waiter. 

For dessert we selected the Suspiro Limeño to share.  Now in my limited culinary repetoire I actually prepared suspiro which is whipped egg whites but in this dessert instead of airy, froth it's more dense like a thick cream atop a syrupy dulce de leche. All around it was super sweet, too sweet for me. Maybe the "two spoonfulls of sugar" as Mary Poppins recounts will help the food go down. Next time I'll try sponge cake with nuts!

I recommend Francesco for  home-made Peruvian cuisine, where portions are reasonable, and food is not heavy in filling. Entree prices average $30. One could even order tapas style and choose several appetizers, average price $15.  More to sample and more to share.

Memorable: grilled octopus, the white bean and mushroom compote that accompanied the lamb, and the corvina and sauteed asparagus.

Bon apetit!