Thursday, Saturday & Sunday:  July 3, 5 & 6

Limelight Theatre Presents "Oliver!" - The well-loved musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale comes to the stage of the Limelight. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday & Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25; $22 seniors; $20 student and military. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org

Friday:  July 4

Schooner Freedom 4th of July Day Sail - Celebrate our Nation's birthday with an inspirational cruise aboard St. Augustine's premier tall ship, the Schooner Freedom. This two-hour sail departs at 12:15 p.m. from the City Marina.  Escape the heat and crowds, let the breeze run through your hail, enjoy a cool drink and see what makes sailing in St. Augustine so amazing.  Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for kids.  111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com 4th On The El Galeon - The El Galeon invites guests to watch fireworks onboard the vessel from 7 - 10 p.m.  A buffet and open bar will be provided by Culinary Outfitters.  Tickets are $125.  111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine.  904-829-2727  www.elgaleon.org Beer, Wine and Swine- Before the fireworks head over to Michael's Tasting Room for the annual 4th of July Pig Roast from 6 to 9 p.m. at 25 Cuna Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $75 and include all the Pig Roast fixins' plus drinks, seafood and specialty dishes.  www.TasteTapas.com Fireworks Over The Matanzas - The 4th of July Concert & Fireworks in St. Augustine starts at 6 p.m. with the All Star Orchestra performing in the Plaza de la Constitucion.  At 9:30 p.m., one of the largest fireworks displays on the East Coast bursts above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflects in the waters of Matanzas Bay.  Admission is free with the best vantage points along the bay front between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions.  www.FireworksOverTheMatanzas.com Victory III Fireworks Cruise - See the Fireworks Over The Matanzas aboard the Victory III!  Board at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina departing at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are limited and available for advance purchase for $25 per person. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. 904-824-1806 ext 210www.scenic-cruise.com

Saturday:  July 5

Old City Farmers' Market - Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more.  Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. Open 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Admission is free. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. 904-471-3733  GTM Research Reserve Guided Cultural Hike  - The first Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. take a Guided Cultural Hike that focuses on the Guana Peninsula's 5,000 years of human history  This 1.5 mile guided walking tour departs from the Trailhead Pavilion located just west of the Guana Dam.  The programs are free.   There is a $3 parking fee.  505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach 904-823-4500http://gtmnerr.org Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration - A celebration of a spectacular sunset across the bay featuring dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more at the Vilano Pier on the Intracoastal Waterway.   Activities are from 3 p.m. - dusk.  Admission is free. 260 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine 904-540-0402 www.vilanobeachfl.com

Sunday: July 6

Free Community First Night Owl Cinema at the Amphitheater - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the featured film to be shown at 8 p.m. on the big screen at the St. Augustine Amphitheater (gates open at 7 p.m.) The free cinema is presented by Community First Credit Union and the Amphitheater.  Admission and parking are free and no tickets are required.  A variety of concessions will be available for purchase.  1340 A1A South, St. Augustine  904-209-0367; www.staugamphitheatre.com

One of my favorite restaurants has a Living Social special deal. But first a proper introduction ...

ZenSai within the Essex House hotel, a fabulous Art Deco hotel, offers Asian fusion cuisine serve tapas style.

This Asian-Infused Izakaya brings a unique social dining experience to South Beach with small and large sharing plates of fresh seafood and Robata grilled items from Chef Mike Hiraga.

Signature items at Zen Sai include Fried Bok Choy, Black Cod with Yuzu Miso Sauce, Scallion Wrapped Ribeye, Pork Belly Sliders, Robata Grilled Octopus, Miso-Mustard Glazed Sea Bass and Spicy Rock Shrimp Tempura with Serrano Aioli and Worcestershire Sauce.

Zen Sai also features an extensive wine list, fine sakes and specialty sake cocktails to complement menu items. We suggest the Cucumber Martini or Lychee Martini. 

THE DEAL:  Purchase a $25 voucher and $50 to Spend on Asian Fusion Cuisine; or Book a Romantic Date with a Shared Plate Experience 

Click HERE to get the deal before it expires July 6, 2014.

CONDITIONS:
Reservations required and subject to availability.
Valid only for dine-in
Excludes Mondays & Saturdays
Excludes happy hour

Christine and Ashby in bar area outside main dining room

It's summertime in South Beach and two special friends were visiting from Virginia, Ashby and Jay.

They asked me to select a restaurant for dinner. On their last visit in February we ate at local and tourist favorites Monty's, Clevelander, and Mango's for traditional happy hour and party food but mostly for the South Beach music and energy. Across the spectrum for fine dining, we chose the newly opened Il Sole at the Versace Mansion.

While Jay prefers American food veered toward quality meats and steaks, Ashby is adventurous but eats small portions. In pondering what would encompass both their palates while showcasing the best Miami cuisine, I selected Bazaar by Jose Andres restaurant inside the newly renovated SLS hotel in South Beach.

THE RESTAURANT/ DECOR

This 1940 Art Deco gem was remodeled and reimagined by famed designer Philippe Stark. The main dining room, known as the Blanca room, is white and breezy in vibe anchored by a massive octopus-like chandelier encrusted in seashells. The walls are cloaked with a canvas imitating wallpaper with small black and white photos. The upscale quirky feel is vintage South Beach a- la- Philippe Stark.

Inside the main dining room "Blanca" at The Bazaar restaurant, South Beach

THE FOOD

To appreciate the restaurant food, it helps to know the chef behind the concept, James Beard award winning chef, José Andrés. From Asturias, Spain, Andrés came to New York City where he gradually introduced exotic molecular concepts alongside traditional dishes. Some guests may scratch their head at the fusion of flavors from Spain, Singapore and South Florida. It's actually brilliant. It coincides with the architectural history of South Beach, boasting the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings, with token influence of Asian Deco.

All plates are tapas style with very small portions where sharing is challenging if more than two people are dining. The key is to order three tapas and after sampling, order more of the same or keep exploring other dishes.

We started with a passion fruit cocktail and sangria. Kudos for the exotic and refreshing mixture of passion fruit and rum and the passion fruit foam. 



With out-of-town guests, I stayed closed to home with Spanish and South Florida plates. I was curious how Andrés elevated traditional and past-time favorites like Cuban croquetas. Expectations are high.

We ordered Secreto de Ibérico [Cuban croquetas], Spanish Jamón Serrano with Manchego cheese on Tomato bread, Bao con Lechón [pork belly sliders], Cuban steak, Sauteed Shrimp.

Jamón Serrano and manchego cheese on tomato break

A lover of jamón serrano (Spanish ham) and manchego cheese, this dish was highly recommended by another restauranteur who said the tomato bread alone was incredible. Sadly it did not meet expectations and I felt the flavors were comparable to other Spanish restaurants. The coffee rubbed Cuban churrasco steak and Sauteed Shrimp also left me desiring more. All were very good but perhaps not for the high price tag.

Sautéed Shrimp

Coffee rubbed churrasco steak

Pork belly sliders with pork rinds--DELICIOUS!

Our favorites were the succulent and tasty pork belly sliders on Chinese bun for an Asian twist, and most memorable were the croquetas! What are croquetas? Probably the most simple and humble bites of Cuban food. Breaded potato balls or patties sometimes with bits of ham inside. However, Andrés exceeded expectations and turned this staple food into ultimate gourmet. The inside filling was not your grandmother's potato filling--it was liquid cream potato. Jay was in heaven as we all were!

The breaded balls are the potato croquetas

For dessert we ordered Pan con Chocolate (chocolate cream, cocoa crumble, brioche ice cream, olive oil) and Cookies (chocolate chip, green tea, coconut financier, orange florentine, chocolate fleur de sel). While the flaming chocolate petal on the first dessert was an appealing presentation, the delicate orange Florentine cookies enamored us more. In the end it's all about the food.

Cookies (dessert) at The Bazaar

Plates range from $5 to $25 so order judiciously.

Only valet parking is available. Advance reservations are required for Thursdays-Sundays. 

Zoo Miami is offering a sweet summer deal of $5 admission this month for FIVE whole days, sponsored by   Ford Motor Company !

Guests visiting the zoo on these days will be treated to a ton of giveaways and activities – including freebies from Ford when they enter to win a new 2015 Ford Fusion.  

Sponsors Walmart, Greyhound and Tampico will also be keeping guests happy and refreshed with giveaways!  

Come join Zoo Miami for this HOT summer event!

Visit zoomiami.org for more info

Always dreamed to look as cool and hip flying an airplane as Tom Cruise in Top Gun or Leonardo Dicaprio in The Aviator? Well, Flyanairliner is now here in Virginia Gardens, FL to make it happen for you (well, the good looks and style is something you have to be born with, so they might not be able to help you there).

Flyanairliner offers flight simulators courses used by most of the airlines to train their pilots. But did you know you can reserve your spot to be part of this exciting course?  Now, through Flyanairliner's partnership with Boeing Flight Services Miami Campus, as well as with training centers in France and in the Netherlands, you can access the same flight simulators that commercial airlines employ to train and test their pilots. Experience the uber-realistic accelerations, ascents, descents, and landings, on the same equipment that your commercial airline pilot trains on.

Here is how your itinerary would look:

• Arrive at the Flight Services Campus, where you will be greeted by your pilot instructor. (ground transportation for you to the Boeing Flight Services Miami Campus is provided if needed).
• Once in the pre-flight briefing room, your pilot instructor will teach you the fundamentals of flying and operating the aircraft simulator (30 minutes).
  After your training is complete, you will be taken to your full flight simulator, where you will take the Captain's seat in preparation for your session. As the Captain, you can request different flight plans and scenarios. You can take up two people with you either to share the experience of flying or simply to accompany you.
• Upon completion of your session, you will receive a certificate of achievement for the simulator model flown, signed by your pilot instructor.

At the Miami location they have the following boeing flight simulators:

• Boeing 737NG
• Boeing 757/767
• Boeing 747-8
• Boeing 777

What are you waiting? cross that dream of flying of your wish list and reserve now at:

Flyanairliner
6601 NW 36th St
Virginia Gardens, FL 33166
702-927-2620
official website

Monday - Sunday: June 16 - 22

The Award-Winning Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience - Recognized by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation as an outstanding heritage education program, Journey: 450 Years of the African American Experience covers the long and storied history of African-Americans in St. Augustine. The story of African-Americans begins in St. Augustine with the first Africans both free and slave among founding colonists in 1565. The exhibition is designed for cultural and heritage visitors interested in the full history of America and its beginnings and comprises four themes: Genesis of the African-American Experience; Fortress of Freedom; Breaking the Chains; and Crossroads of Change.  Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; $3 for youth 7-12; under 7 free. Free admission for military in uniform. Located at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 West Castillo Dr., St. Augustine.www.Journey2014.com  El Galeón and Nao Victoria Tour - Tour full-sized replicas of 16th and 17th century Spanish tall ships. Docked at the St. Augustine City Marina, El Galeón Andalucia and Nao Victoria are both open for daily tours. El Galeón is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire.  Built in Spain, it is similar to the galleon that brought Pedro Menendez to Florida where he founded St. Augustine in 1565. The Nao Victoria is a replica of the first ship to successfully circumnavigate the world commanded by Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th century. The ships are available for tours beginning at 10 a.m. daily. El Galeón admission is $15 for adult and $8 for youth. Nao Victoria admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. A combo ticket for both ships is available for $20 for adults and $10 for youth. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-824-1606www.elgaleon.org.  "Islands of Lemurs: Madagascar" at IMAX Theater - This film takes audiences on a journey to the remote island of Madagascar to explore the diverse species of highly endangered lemurs that live there. the film shows through July 31. This IMAX Theater features the largest 3D screen in the Southeast. Adults $13, seniors/students/Military $12, and children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for show times.  One World Golf Pl., St. Augustine 904-940-4123 www.worldgolfimax.com St. Augustine Art Association Annual Honors Show - St. Augustine Art Association's Annual Honors Show through July 6 will feature new works by artists who have won awards at association exhibits during the previous three years. The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday noon - 4 p.m. andSunday 2 - 5 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org Katherine Parker Retrospective - The St. Augustine Art Association features a special, solo retrospective of the works of the late Katherine Parker through July 6.  The artist lived in St. Augustine for 30 years where she developed a unique technique creating monotype serigraph silkscreens overlaid with gouache, pencil and gold leaf.  The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday noon - 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 - 5 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine.  904-824-2310 www.staaa.org For a complete list of  eco/kayak, food, and history tours, and other special tours taking place on Florida's Historic Coast this week, visit Florida'sHistoricCoast.com/events

Monday: June 16

Schooner Freedom Privateers and Pirates Set Sail - Set sail on the Schooner Freedom and learn all about the privateer and pirates who sailed the waters of St. Augustine and the coast of Florida.  The schooner's captain and crew are joined by an educator from the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum to present tales of adventure beneath the Jolly Roger banner.  Plus, passengers get a chance to hoist the sails, see some artifacts and enjoy complimentary soda, water, beer and wine.  The schooner departs at 2:15 p.m. and returns at 4:15 p.m.  Tickets are $50 adults; $30 for kids 16 and under. Reservations suggested. 111 Avenida Menendez  904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com

Monday - Friday: June 16 - 20

Pastel Society Member Exhibition -The First Coast Pastel Society's 2nd Annual Juried Member Show will be on display at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach through June 26.  The exhibition features more than 50 paintings.  The Gallery is open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.   Admission is free.  50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614 ext. 203  www.ccpvb.org Under the Tall Sky Exhibition - Under the Tall Sky, an exhibition of the mixed-media work of Barbara Holmes-Fryefield and the ceramic sculptures of Fay Samim is on display at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach.  The exhibit will be on display Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614 ext. 203  www.ccpvb.org

Tuesday: June 17

Panel Discussion With Arrested Rabbis - The largest mass arrest of rabbis in the United States took place in St. Augustine on June 18, 1964. To mark the 50th anniversary of this event, six of the arrested rabbis will participate in a panel discussion of their participation in the civil rights movement and their resulting arrest in St. Augustine. The 7 p.m. event takes place in the Flagler Room of Flagler College. Admission is free. 74 King Street, St. Augustine.justicejustice1964@gmail.com  GTM Research Reserve Marineland Lecture - This lecture series is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 - 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Marineland Field Office.  The series is designed to help inform the public about their coastal natural world.  The lectures are free so space is limited and reservations are suggested.  9741 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland  904-823-4500 http://gtmnerrmarinelandlecture.eventbrite.com

Wednesday:  June 18

Farmer's Arts and Crafts Market - Farmer's Market located at the ocean-side St. Johns County Pier Park featuring selections of fresh produce, plants, baked goods, fine art, jewelry and more!  Open 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.com Music by the Sea Concert Series 2014 - Every Wednesday night through September 24, live concerts take place from 7 - 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion. This week's band is The Committee playing pop rock music.  La Strada Restaurant will offer signature dinners for $10.  Admission is free.  For comfortable seating, bring a folding chair. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.org Movie by the Bay - Ripley's St. Augustine Attractions and the St. Augustine Municipal Marina present free movies each Wednesday throughout the summer.  The movies are shown at 8:30 p.m. at the Marina behind Bayfront Mini Golf, 111 Avenida Menendez.  Bring beach chair and blanket for comfortable seating by the bay.  904-824-1606 www.facebook.com/saintaugustineripleys

Thursday:  June 19

Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry Concert - The multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated band Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry (four Grammy nominations and four No. 1 Top 40 hits) perform at the St, Augustine Amphitheatre.  Plus, they will be joined by Plain White T's to create a special summer night of great American rock music. The concert begins at 6 p.m. (gates open at 4:30 p.m.)  Tickets range from $49.50 to $79.50 (seated pit). 1340 A1A South St. Augustine 904-209-0367 www.staugamphitheatre.com  2014 Concerts in the Plaza - The 24th season of Concert in the Plaza continues with a 7- 9 p.m.performance by Bob & Joline and the Friends of Mine Band. Bring a chair or blanket for seating.  904-825-1004 www.plazaconcerts.com

Thursday - Saturday:  June 19 - 21

St. Augustine Music Festival - The Eighth annual music festival features free, classical music concerts including returning internationally-acclaimed guest artists The Diaz Trio, pianist Eugenio Urrutia-Borlando and violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen.   All concerts are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place. www.StAugustineMusicFestival.org

Thursday - Sunday:  June 19 - 22

U.S. Women's Open Championship at Hall of Fame - Watch the Championship in the Bob Hope Theater, get a photo taken with the U.S. Women's Open Trophy, and go on a special scavenger hunt. The World Golf Hall of Fame is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $19.50/adults; $18.50/seniors; and $10/students. 904-940-4123 www.worldgolfhalloffame.org Limelight Theatre Presents "Oliver!" - The well-loved musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale comes to the stage of the Limelight.  Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday through July 6.  Tickets are $25; $22 seniors; $20 student and military. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org

Saturday:  June  21

Old City Farmers' Market - Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more.  Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Open 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Admission is free. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. 904-471-3733  Guided Beach Exploration Guana South Beach - Join GTM Research Reserve Docents from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. for a beach walk at the Guana South beach location on A1A, South Ponte Vedra Beach.  Learn about the animals that call the beach home as well as seashells and other interesting facts.  This is a "Beaches 101" experience that the entire family will enjoy.  There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee.  1768 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach 904-823-4500 www.gtmnerrbeachexploration.eventbrite.com Photography Challenge Event - Photographers, from beginners to professionals, compete to take the best photo at three designated locations within Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.  Maps to the featured locations can be obtained from the Ranger Station or from volunteers in the main parking lot. Each month, park volunteers will select the winning photo which will then be displayed at the Visitor Information Center kiosk and the park's gift shop.  There is no cost to compete.  Park admission is $5 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist.  6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast 609-247-8146  www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks Children's Arts Festival - The Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (FOSAA) will host an interactive event for children to explore their own creativity while showcasing the diversity of the local arts community.  Each artist or art organization has a designated space to offer a unique interactive experience. Children will be introduced to a variety of art forms including drumming, creating a collage, painting, playing an instrument and storytelling that will hopefully inspire and encourage them to pursue new interests. It all takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Admission is free. 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine 904-471-4113 www.fosaa.org/artsfestival.html  Nocatee Farmer's Market - Featuring more than 70 vendors, Nocatee Farmer's Market takes place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 245 Little River Rd., Ponte Vedra.  www.nocatee.com Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour - Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in the State of Florida with burials starting during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763).   Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.  Tours are from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 16 Cordova St., St. Augustinewww.tolomatocemetery.com

Saturday & Sunday: June 21 & 22

Battle of Bloody Mose -  This 6th annual re-enactment of the June 26, 1740, Battle of Bloody Mose provides park visitors with an exciting look at this pivotal battle between the British under the command of Georgia's James Ogelthorpe and the Spanish militia composed of former British slaves who had been granted their freedom in Spanish Florida.  This award-winning historical re-enactment includes white, black, and Native American re-enactors and volunteers from across Florida and the Southeast, presenting living-history demonstrations and interpretations. This event takes place at Fort Mose State Historic Site, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augstine. Admission is free. 904-823-2232www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

Sunday: June 22

Lincolnville Farmers Market - Eddie Vickers Park hosts this farmer's market with farm-fresh vegetables, meats/fish, cheese, bread, treats, arts & crafts, prepared food, jewelry, picnic areas, playground and more! Live music by The House Cats. Every Sunday from noon - 4 p.m.  399 Riberia St., St. Augustine.  www.facebook.com/lincolnvillefarmersmarket Free Community First Night Owl Cinema at the Amphitheatre - Frozen is the featured film to be shown at 8 p.m. on the big screen at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (gates open at 7 p.m.) The free cinema is presented by Community First Credit Union and the Amphitheatre. Admission and parking are free and no tickets are required. A variety of concessions will be available for purchase. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-209-0367;www.staugamphitheatre.com     Maritime Heritage Family Fun Day  - The St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation, along with the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, present the 2nd Annual Family Fun Day.  Held at the Fountain of Youth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event features model boat building and races, shipwreck artifacts, youth sailboat rigging, demonstrations, exhibits, cannon firings, contests, prizes, food and much more!  Includes visits with Foundation boat builders who are creating a replica of a 16th century Spanish Colonial boat.  Fun Day included with regular admission to the park -- Adults $12, Seniors $11, Children 6-12 $8, ages 5 and under free.  St. Johns County residents admitted free of charge. 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine 904-599-3800 http://staugmaritimeheritage.org