So much to tell you

Unlike last week, I’m back to regularly scheduled programming. Meaning, writing my blog on Friday night.

Here’s what transpired since last Saturday and other stuff I want to let you know about.

Vance and I split this delicious Pan fried crepe/Bahn Xeo filled with beansprouts, onions, shrimp and grilled pork. The mint added freshness and the sauce a delicate finishing touch. The romaine leaves served as a crisp vehicle for it all.

This was the combo Pho Bac Diet with slices of rare steak, brisket and the most delicate, light beef meatballs in a beef broth. The Thai basil and bean sprouts added herbiness and crunch and the lime a pop of freshness.

My husband and I did see Oppenheimer last Saturday and did dine at Basilic Vietnamese Grill that night. Oppenheimer was amazing and I highly recommend seeing it. Yes, it’s three hours long but to me, it was definitely worth it. And the food at Basilic was fantastic, it lived up to the hype. We’ll definitely be back. The leftovers were great too.

The gang at 53 St. & Collins Ave. That’s Yvonne (Ita) in front of me, behind me in the pink hat is my nephew’s wife Teri and their son Tony Jr. in the Diet Coke shirt. In the cool specs are Michelle and her son Jake.

Monday I played a little hooky and went to the beach with the girls (and Jake and Tony Jr.). It was glorious. We ate, laughed, enjoyed the water and even spotted a couple of dolphins. It was a great way to start the week.

Little sushi rolls filled with tuna, crab and salmon. This abundant portion was so satisfying and came with a soup or salad.

Tuesday I drove up to Fort Lauderdale and met Vance for lunch. We ate at 17 St. Thai Sushi where they’ve got some fantastic lunch specials. I loved the sushi special I ordered and the side of noodles. I actually had leftovers. Elizabeth ate the sushi and the noodles got tossed in with the leftover Pho from Saturday night which made for a great dinner. It’s so nice to repurpose leftovers for lunch or dinner, it’s one of my favorite things to do.

Wednesday I met my buddy Tom Taylor for lunch at Pastry Is Art right in my North Miami neighborhood. He’d never been and loved it. I had their quinoa salad with chicken. It was packed with flavor and again, there was enough to bring home. Plus, they gave us a couple of complimentary mini desserts. I had the tiramisu and it was yummy. Elizabeth had the leftover salad and loved it. (I did not snap a pick, oops!) Vance and I are regulars at this place because it never disappoints.

Gema on the left, Monica in the middle and me. We’ve been friends since college, that’s over 30 years of memories with these beautiful ladies. They are the absolute best.

Thursday was lunch out again, this time to meet my friends Monica and Gema. Gema who lives in Virginia, was in Miami with her husband Shane, their son Daniel and her Mom who lives with them. They were leaving on a cruise on Saturday and so made time to meet for lunch. We ate at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in Dania which I’ve mentioned in this blog before. The food was great as always and the company was even better.

Today was a quiet day at home, getting work done both on the computer and around the house. Then tonight I paid a visit to the Yanez Family on Miami Beach, who I adopted through the Adopt a Family non-profit and who I hadn’t visited in way too long. I brought them Pollo Tropical for dinner and some gift cards to help with Back to School supplies.

This afternoon’s beach view.

And I couldn’t be on Miami Beach without getting my toes in the sand and in the water. I snapped this beautiful view while closing out this Friday at Surfside beach.

Tomorrow I’ll be helping out Be The Change South FL at their back to school event in Liberty City during the day and at night I’ll be attending Sandrell Rivers Day at Sandrell Rivers Theater, also in Liberty City. Click here to read about the evening event in my article for Artburst Miami.

As I bid you adieu this Friday I’m already thinking about all the great stuff coming up next week including my brother Mario coming to stay with me and all our family gathering on Saturday for my niece Elena’s baby shower. Can’t wait!

Until then… be well and all the best.

Josie Gulliksen

Writer, lover of all things cultural, bike rider, nature lover, tree hugger, composter, lover of farmers markets, always working to make the world a better place, empath, avid reader, mom, wife, friend.

https://josiegulliksen.com
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