{life} hashtag: i'm definitely not in madrid anymore

As I take the first sip of my iced coffee to go, I smile. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

An unobstructed sunset glowing behind the tall, swaying palm trees. The quiet, empty streets of suburbia, broken up only by the laugh of a child or the low hum of a lawn mower. The pool in my backyard. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

The conversations with friendly strangers. "How are you doing today?" "What are your weekend plans?" "This drink is free because it took way too long to come out." "Oh, excuse me. Sorry!" "You have a wonderful day, honey/sweetie/darling/my love!" I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

The five minute drive to the grocery store? A 20 minute walk. The twenty minute drive to a restaurant? A 60 minute walk. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

The abundance of cultures and cuisines. A twenty mile radius on Yelp showing great Vietnamese! Korean! Colombian! Peruvian! Mexican! Lebanese! Italian! Cuban! and finally American! restaurants. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

The hours spent sitting in a car. But on the other hand, that glorious, glorious one stop shopping. (Hello Target. Hello Publix.) I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

Slowing your car to allow a deer to cross the road. Waving hello to an alligator in the pond. Stopping and patiently waiting as an owl decides whether it wants to stay chilling in the middle of the road or fly away to the nearest tree. Seeing unidentifiable animal prints in the backyard. Was it a fox? Or a raccoon? I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

The extremely predictable afternoon thunderstorms and the extremely high humidity. Blegh. I'm definitely not in Madrid anymore.

It's the slight withdrawals from plaza life and 2 euro glasses of wine. From tapas and jamon, rooftop drinks just because, and the Spanish language. But making up for it with happy hours with friends and $5 craft beers (helllo my pretties). With delicious sub sandwiches and smoothies, rooftop drinks just because (somethings never change), and being asked on your first day back, "Hablas espanol?"

Here's to you, America. You're pretty darn cool.

xx, Jen

{life} a roaring good time - ciro's speakeasy & supper club

I love getting dressed up. Whether it is in a silly costume from my costume bag for sorority functions, or all glammed up in heels and a dress, I'm all about it! I also happen to be slightly obsessed with the 1920s, so when I heard about a fun new restaurant and bar open in Tampa that is themed as a speakeasy I knew I had to try it out. I threw a little wine and apps party with my best friend and college roommate at her new adorable apartment for a group of our girlfriends, and then we headed on over to see what Ciro's was all about!

{dress} H&M in Madrid {heels} TJMAXX - old

My best friend!

One of the appetizers I threw together before the girls came over! It is super easy & delicious. I also made my go-to spinach balls and an addicting jalapeno popper dip by Closet Cooking.

Black Bean, Corn, & Feta Salsa:

Ingredients:

• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 bunch green onions
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 oz. feta cheese

Directions:

1. Combine sugar and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until sugar has dissolved. Whisk in olive oil.
2. Combine corn, black beans, and green onions in a bowl. Stir in dressing. Add cheese. ENJOY!

I served this dip with tortilla chips, but I have a feeling it would be delicious on top of fish or chicken. 

So after enjoying some {cheap} wine & appetizers, we left the apartment to make our 9:00 reservation at Ciro's. In true speakeasy fashion you have to make a reservation in order to get that night's password. When you knock on the front door of the secluded restaurant, you then have to whisper the password to the door guard. So much fun!

The drinks and food are definitely not in my budget for a weekly visit, but they were just right for a fun night out with friends. Ciro's likes to stay true to their era and specialize in drinks with gin, whisky, bourbon, and rye, but you can also find vodka, tequila, beer, wine, and the likes on the menu as well! 

I ordered two gin drinks. They were ridiculously delicious.

So, after entering the restaurant with a password, we were whisked down a dark hallway to the large private room at the end. After our waitress left, she closed the curtains to ensure our privacy. We were all seriously gushing about what a fun environment it was!

I can't wait to go back in December when I'm home again for the holidays!

Have you ever been to a speakeasy or 20s themed restaurant?

xx, Jen

{life} home sweet home

Guess what? After more than a month of counting down, I'm finally back in America! I am so excited to be back in my hometown with my parents and childhood friends. The coolest part about coming back to the States after being away is the new found love you discover that you have for your country, state, and hometown.

My goal while I'm home is to revisit my favorite restaurants, bars, and places, but to explore new things my city has to offer as well! I plan on staying extra busy during the next six weeks... and probably gaining 10 lbs as well. #eatallthefood

Here's an InstaRecap of my trip home so far --

Thursday:

I teared up quite a bit as we were flying into Tampa. I could see downtown Tampa, Raymond James Stadium, and all of the little houses on the water. Home sweet home indeed.

Friday:

A few things I severely miss while living in Spain: indoor shopping malls, American candy, and gooood Mexican food & margaritas.

check, check, aaaaaaand check! top left: international plaza (tampa); bottom: the green lemon (south tampa)

More things I severely miss while living in Spain: happy hour, live music, and craft beer.

check, check, aaaaaaaand check once again! top photos: WOB SoHo; bottom: MacDinton's SoHo

Saturday:

My students often ask me what I consider to be "American food." I tell them that there is no right answer - unless we are counting BBQ of course! ;) I talk about how different "American food" is state-to-state, and how different cities within a state can be influenced by different cultures as well. I always give the example of my hometown, Tampa, FL. We have tons of Cuban immigrants in Tampa, so Cuban restaurants and Cuban cigars are everywhere.

I knew I had to get a Cuban sandwich while I was home. Luckily for me, the new Cigar City Brewpub opened up while I was away. A Cuban sandwich + a delicious Tampa-made beer made for the perfect classic Tampa outing with my parents. PS. if you have never heard of Cigar City beer before, you should check it out! It is gaining popularity like crazy in the States!

Sunday:

Today is my momma's birthday so I made breakfast for my parents this morning.

sweet potato hash with an egg sunny side up, breakfast sausage, and sliced peaches - recipe coming tomorrow! :)

We wanted to go to the beach today, but it decided to be all overcast and sad, so we headed off to the famous Dali Museum in Saint Petersburg instead! They had a temporary exhibit with paintings borrowed from the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid. It was pretty cool to sit there and think, "Hey I've been there in person!" 

The garden outside of the museum has a unique tree called "the wishing tree." People tie their wristbands onto ribbons hanging from the trees with their dreams and wishes written in. 

Happy birthday to my wonderful momma!

After the Dali Museum, my mom wanted to go to a restaurant that she and my dad hadn't been to in 30 years. Enter Ted Peter's Famous Smoked Fish.

It has been open for 56 years, and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives last year. My parents said that nothing had changed in the restaurant since they went 30 years ago. My dad ordered the smoked fish spread sandwich while my mom and I shared the smoked mullet dinner platter. It came with tomato, onion, pickle, coleslaw, German potato salad, and two horseradish sauces. Yummmmmy. Florida simplicity at its finest. :)

I've had such a great time at home so far. I can't wait to see what else I'll be able to do in the next 6 weeks.

To see these kinds of pictures in real-time, follow my Instagram. :)

PS. I've created a Facebook page for this blog. I'd love you if you would like it. :)

xx, Jen