Wanderlust Wednesday – Hanson’s Shoe Repair

July 22, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

Hanson’s Shoe Repair is the latest craze for a hand crafted cocktail. It is a small and hidden prohibition style bar that requires proper attire and a password to get in. Located in downtown Orlando, you will pass through an artsy bar to find a door upstairs. You cannot come in and order a rum and coke or a vodka and Redbull. Instead, you are going to try something new and special that fits the speakeasy vibe. The lights are dim and the atmosphere feels like you stepped into a time capsule or are in NYC for the evening.

For thirteen years, the sale and manufacturing of alcohol was prohibited starting in 1919. During this time, people got very creative in finding ways around this new law, thus inspiring the “Speakeasy.”

I tried the Au Revoir Ete which is made with St. Augustine Gin, Salers Aperitif, orchard peach, lemon, honey, and rosemary. Very strong and uniquely flavored. It was perfect.

27 E. Pine Street in Orlando, Florida

Call 407-476-9446 to get the password!

If you love bourbon as much as I do, try Through The Looking Glass.

Foodie Friday-Crush Eleven In Cocoa Village

July 17, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

*Photo by Misti Blu

*Photo by Misti Blu

Crush Eleven, in Cocoa Village, is the sister restaurant of The Fat Snook in Cocoa Beach. This rustic restaurant offers a very urban and modern vibe with fresh, local food and creative handcrafted cocktails. Nathan is our favorite bartender, who takes his passion home with him and is constantly crafting new spirits. They have taken bartending to a whole new level by creating artisan cocktails with a mix of prohibition and farmers market flare. My favorite was the Scotch with the chamomile tea ice ball.

*Photo by Misti Blu

Next, we tried a fresh cucumber and aloe martini that was surprisingly delicious. It was fresh and crisp and went down very smooth. There were so many jars with fresh herbs and fruit for their many mixology needs.

*Photo by Misti Blu

*Photo by 360 Enable

We had an amazing platter featuring their Smoked Pork Terrine with a deconstructed pickle slaw and cheddar drop biscuit. The Fried Marcona Almonds are warm and coated in rosemary and sea salt. The platter also featured the Kale Chips with a sambal aoili. I love the fact that I can come here and switch up the normal burger and pizza routine with foodie options. If you have not been yet, they also have an amazing brunch! You can get banana pancakes with maple bacon brittle ice cream and salted caramel with a Patron XO Latte with a candied orange zest. Foodgasms!

*Photo by 360 Enable

*Photo by 360 Enable

Foodie Friday-Fourth of July Sangria

July 3, 2015July 20, 2015 / Blu Owl Gypsy / Leave a comment

Fireworks, BBQs, and drinks with friends and family are our favorite ways to celebrate independence! It is hot out there and the best way to cool off is with a refreshing holiday inspired sangria. Ginger Beer has been very popular this year in Moscow Mules but why not find more uses for it? For my sangria, I used Pinot Grigio but of you prefer sweeter wines then I suggest a Moscato or Reisling. I noticed the Simply Juices were on sale and was inspired to use the Simply Blueberry Lemonade. For each glasss, fill with ice and fill halfway with wine and top it off with equal parts of the blueberry lemonade and ginger beer. I could not find any starfruit so I got crafty and cut out a star using honeydew melon. I garnished the cocktail with the melon, raspberry and a blueberry. So easy and refreshing!