Space Shuttle Endeavor and other Things to do in Orlando

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When we have been near Cape Canaveral, FL, we love to catch any glimpse possible of what is going on at the Kennedy Space Center. We have not been fortunate enough to view a launch in person, but have watched many ones through the years that bring back memories because of what we were doing at the time of the launch. Perhaps this is true for you also. This will be an historic launch for so many reasons, and it is a story filled with heroes. It is good to have modern-day heroes as examples before us, to encourage and remind us of what is possible. In perhaps the greatest comeback story of this year, I will be watching the launch not only because of my love of all things related to NASA and space launches. Gabby (Gabrielle) Giffords, US Congresswoman to Arizona, is truly an American hero who will be there watching her husband Mark Kelly commands the launch.  Allow me to recount and make that two heroes.  The official site provides the most up-to-date information for those able to attend. If this includes yourself, you will be among the anticipated 500,000 in attendance.

If you have family, watch it with them and remind them – not of the tragedy, but of the triumph. The triumph of the space mission and the personal mission being accomplished. If you have a personal story of recovery that is similar, share yours. Because we all need a few more heroes. I have also listed a site for information on visiting Cape Canaveral. It lists information both for this mission as well as information for touring throughout the year. This is definitely a must-see for your visit to Florida.

Update: The Space Shuttle Endeavor is delayed for now, until Monday, May 2, 2:33 p.m. EDT.  We will update this page when more information becomes available.

Other sites of interest in Florida while you are there include:

• Orlando Attractions
• Sports Information for Florida
• Shows, Events, and More in Orlando
• Information about Disney World
• Entertainment in Florida

Restaurant Rights and Reviews

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Zagat’s posted an article that struck such a chord with me. Every word rang true. Please. . . consider this link. Let me say upfront I am not in the restaurant business. I’m not an owner; I’ve never waited a table in my life. I would make the world’s worst waitress, hands-down. I love bargains like Groupon, which is mentioned. I just like treating others the way I like being treated.

I write the article because we tweet a lot about great restaurants to visit, new restaurants to visit, and some great recipes we find. There were some great reminders for me (one of the Martini Maidens), and may refresh your expectations some, also. Please and thank you, with a little patience? They are always in style. Bon Appetit!

On that note, here are some other great restaurants to check out across the country this weekend. We have tweeted about many, and will continue to do so. This is a short list. We will be updating it with more. Let us know if you have one to add, also!

• Top 15 Restaurants for Dining in Los Angeles for Easter dining, by Zagat’s
• Montauk Restaurants – check for opening dates, many are opening Easter/end of Passover weekend
• Paul Bakery coming to Washington DC – Just added!
• The Belvedere in Beverly Hills
• Evenfall Restaurant in Boston
• Navy Beach
• The Wellington
• Naples Tomato
• Montauk Yacht Club
• Restaurants with Healthy Options in Dallas, TX
• Mission Cheese in San Francisco, CA
• Upper Crust Pizza in Washington, D.C.
• New Martini Lounge opening in Palm Beach Gardens
• Serafina Restaurant Group

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Key Lime Pie Martini

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Key limes are the pink flamingos of Florida food, and they are a celebrated part of local color. Key West, Florida, is famous for its fabulous key lime pie, one of America’s best-loved regional dishes. Every restaurant in the Florida Keys, and especially in the city of Key West, serves this wonderful pie. There seems to be a key lime pie for every palate, with many versions made throughout the region. This pie is considered the official pie of the Florida Keys. The key lime tree, which is native to Malaysia, probably first arrived in the Florida Keys in the 1500s with the Spanish. Key limes look like confused lemons, as they are smaller than a golf ball with yellow-green skin that is sometimes splotched with brown. They are also known as Mexican or West Indian limes. When a hurricane in 1926 wiped out the key lime plantations in South Florida, growers replanted with Persian limes, which are easier to pick and to transport. Today the key lime is almost a phantom and any remaining trees are only found in back yards and their fruit never leave the Florida Keys. Key limes are also grown for commercial use in the Miami area.

• 3 heaping tablespoons Ciao Bella Gelato Key Lime Graham Ice Cream layered on bottom of martini glass
• Ke Ke Beach Key Lime Cream Liqueur – 3 oz
• Triple Sec – 1 oz
• Mix these ingredients together first, and pour into martini glass.
• Graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top
• Slice of lime on rim for garnish

It’s the perfect blend of a key lime flavor with graham cracker crust in martini liquid form.