Get Off The Ship - we are running out of towel animals! Update 10/25 Day 31

[jedijill]

Your pics are making me want to be in Key West right now! Gorgeous!

Jill in CO

 

[franandaj]

Guess what, we have never been to an In-N-Out, maybe I should make a note of it for 2016!

I would definitely put it on the list for 2016. There is one not far from Disneyland (since you're there for a week), it's just up Harbor Blvd one block North of the 91 freeway. I'm sure you could also find one on your way from Anaheim to San Diego as well. They have a secret menu (which is really not so secret), http://www.in-n-out.com/menu/not-so-secret-menu.aspx I get the protein style burger, it's quite tasty.

Relaxing on the balcony sounds like a nice way to enjoy the last evening. I don't blame Tom for pouring those drinks down the drain. They looked kind of gross to me.

 

[Flossbolna]

I would definitely put it on the list for 2016. There is was not far from Disneyland (since you're there for a week), it's just up Harbor Blvd one block North of the 91 freeway. I'm sure you could also find one on your way from Anaheim to San Diego as well. They have a secret menu (which is really not so secret), http://www.in-n-out.com/menu/not-so-secret-menu.aspx I get the protein style burger, it's quite tasty.

I agree with Alison!! I already scouted out all the In-N-Outs around our route through California!!

I like the idea of the protein style burger! I wonder whether I can order the protein style burger Animal style but without onions? I guess that should not be a problem...

 

[jenseib]

I LOVE five guys. Their burgers are awesome and the fries are to die for. I could go for some right now....but not on my diet.

 

[Leshaface]

Seen what?
There had been a tornado out on the ocean, clearly visible from the bar, but we had been on the other side of the hotel.
But we did see it lateron on TV.

Oh that's just scary. I think I would freak out and go hide ....seriously!

How cute is this!

Guess what, we have never been to an In-N-Out, maybe I should make a note of it for 2016!

Woah! You guys DEFINITELY need to visit an In-N-Out in 2016, like make that first on your list! It's so incredibly fresh and delicious. They also have a 'secret' menu (although not too secret anymore since everyone knows about it!) but you can get animal style with grilled onions faint and animal style fries with melted cheese, grilled onions and their secret sauce... So so good1

Looks so pretty with the colored chairs!

 

[dizneeat]

Your pics are making me want to be in Key West right now! Gorgeous!

Jill in CO

Last week was a long rather challenging week, so I could easily do with a few day in Key West myself.

I would definitely put it on the list for 2016. There is one not far from Disneyland (since you're there for a week), it's just up Harbor Blvd one block North of the 91 freeway.

I already have put it on my list. I am ashamed to say that we have seen them before, but never went there. But with all those recommendations here we cannot go wrong, I guess.
And I don't think getting to one will be a problem. We like to explore the area anyway and it has been 10 years since we were last in California. SOOOOOOO excited to finally be going back "home".

They have a secret menu (which is really not so secret), http://www.in-n-out.com/menu/not-so-secret-menu.aspx I get the protein style burger, it's quite tasty.

OMG - I looked at that menu and it looks amazing. Guess we will have to pay more than one visit.

Relaxing on the balcony sounds like a nice way to enjoy the last evening. I don't blame Tom for pouring those drinks down the drain. They looked kind of gross to me.

We are always sad, when we have to leave Key West. And enjoying that large balcony is the best way to enjoy the last evening.
Those drinks were SO disgusting! We both like to try new things if we see them - Tom goes for the beer variety - me, I am more someone with a sweet tooth. We have come across some awesome things that we like to try over and over again, but also some things where one sip or bite were more than enough! Apple pie beer comes to mind.

I agree with Alison!! I already scouted out all the In-N-Outs around our route through California!!

Great thinking! I hope we can fit in everything we want to see, do and eat in that short week we have in California.

 

[dizneeat]

I LOVE five guys. Their burgers are awesome and the fries are to die for. I could go for some right now....but not on my diet.

Thank you for giving your thumbs up too, Jen! We checked the menu and it looks yummy. Wish there was one in Florida, so we would not have to wait for over a year.

Woah! You guys DEFINITELY need to visit an In-N-Out in 2016, like make that first on your list! It's so incredibly fresh and delicious. They also have a 'secret' menu (although not too secret anymore since everyone knows about it!) but you can get animal style with grilled onions faint and animal style fries with melted cheese, grilled onions and their secret sauce... So so good1

And another post recommending in-N-Out - it MUST be good. I wish there was one in Florida, so we could try it before we head to California.
And that secret menu sounds really tempting!! Alison posted a link to it and it sounds YUMMYYYYYYY!!! We really need to hook up with you California girls (and guys) so we can just get the best out of our short stay there before the cruise.

Looks so pretty with the colored chairs!

It is such a beautiful hotel, located right at the ocean. And those chairs are not just pretty, they are comfy as well.

 

[dizneeat]

​

Day 26, September 1​

We should have known ……. Fort Lauderdale revisited - Part 1

Our last morning at Key West had dawned and we were up and had taken showers and were ready to go by 8am.
As we usually do we headed over to the Southernmost Beach Café, but they were full and told us it would be at least 45 minutes until we would be able to get a table. So, what to do, we didn’t want to wait around for that long.
Well, what about trying to get into Camille’s again. It had been really good the day before. We hotfooted it over and there was a line as well, but there prognosis was that the wait would be around 10 minutes and that was okay. Soon enough we were seated towards the back of the restaurant and ordered some Diet Coke to be brought out while we were still studying the menu. And after ordering it did not take long until we were served our breakfast choices. Tom had ordered the

Special Buttermilk Pancakes, made with Abita Purple Haze Beer and blueberries and pecans and served with syrup. I had ordered something that I had been debating on the day before, the

Special French Toast served with Bourbon Pecan Maple Sauce. Can you say sweet? Yes, but so delicious. Both were really good and really huge portions and we both were not able to finish them. After breakfast we walked back to our hotel and while we looked through all the drawers we had the TV on and what would they show? A report of a mudslide and the tornado we had missed to witness the day before.

Check out was at 11am and so we spent a little time out on the balcony and then hauled all our stuff down to the car. We left soon after, checked out and started our drive back to the main land. As always we took the long drive that passes the beaches

and when we did so we drove right past a groom who was getting ready for his beach wedding.

Didn’t take long and we reached the first bridge and then another.

We made good progress, even though we stopped ever so often to look out over the ocean. ​

To be continued ............​

 

[jenseib]

That's a cute "just married" beach van. Fun idea.
Those bridges are so long! Glad you are making good time though.
Breakfast looked delicious!!!

 

[Leshaface]

So I was going to say, these look delicious! and then I scrolled down...

Special French Toast served with Bourbon Pecan Maple Sauce. Can you say sweet? Yes, but so delicious.

UGH! THIS! So a few months ago I recently discovered 'Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast'. I'm actually prepping it tonight so we can have for a lazy Saturday morning. And oh my gosh, is it absolutely delicious and so easy to make. I'll come back and post a link in case you ever want to try it!



http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe2.html

Instead of the Challah bread (cause I can never find it!) I use 2 day old french bread and cut 8 1inch slices to fit in a 13X9 pan. And instead of the Grand Marnier, I use triple sec cause that's what I have on hand. A lot of the reviews that I read say to turn it over to broil after it has baked. I tired it both ways but much prefer skipping that part and just baking it the whole way through. It's so sweet that there is no need for syrup!

Yep, no thank you.

This is absolutely the cutest thing ever!

 

[dizneeat]

That's a cute "just married" beach van. Fun idea.
Those bridges are so long! Glad you are making good time though.
Breakfast looked delicious!!!

It was such a cute sight. I wish we had seen the bride as well.
Some of the bridges are pretty long and driving over them is just so awesome - we really love the 7 mile bridge. The water underneath has an awesome colour.

So I was going to say, these look delicious! and then I scrolled down...

UGH! THIS! So a few months ago I recently discovered 'Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast'. I'm actually prepping it tonight so we can have for a lazy Saturday morning. And oh my gosh, is it absolutely delicious and so easy to make. I'll come back and post a link in case you ever want to try it!

I am not a huge pancakes fan, but Tom loves them. I really enjoy French Toast though.
I saved the recipe you posted for the Creme Brulee French Toast and we are going to try it once the heatwave here is over. It is VERY hot for Austrian standards right now and Tom and I live off salads at the moment.

This is absolutely the cutest thing ever!

I was happy I had my camera already in hand as it is moments like passing that "just married" VW that make trips such a unique experience.

 

[dizneeat]

​

Day 26, September 1​

We should have known ……. Fort Lauderdale revisited - Part 2


We made good progress, even though we stopped ever so often to look out over the ocean.
Around 2pm we made it to our next stop, Marker 88.

This is a restaurant which we found thanks to Trip Advisor some time ago and have stopped at, at least once every trip.
We drove down to the beach where the restaurant is located and were stunned. The parking lot was pretty full and so was the restaurant. We got out of the car and walked over to the hostess and she told us that an outside table would be at least half an hour’s wait, but they still had empty inside tables. We did not mind sitting in an air conditioned room so we went inside.

There was a nice 4 top in the corner waiting for us and a server was quickly on hand to fill our glasses with icy cold water and took our order for drinks. And soon we were just sitting there having a look at the menu and relaxing. Despite the fact that we actually just wanted something small we ordered quite a lot of food.
We started out sharing the

Lobster Basil Pesto Pizza. Okay, it was nice, but nothing special, as the pizza base was a pre made one and the Basil Pesto killed the taste of the lobster. Soon after our main courses arrived. Tom got the

Crab Cake Sandwich, all crab, served with lettuce, tomato, red onion and Key Lime mustard on the side. I had ordered the

Fresh Mahi Sandwich, served on a Kaiser Roll with tartar sauce on the side. Both came with a choice of fries and we both opted for the sweet potato fries. Now these were as yummy as we remembered food at Marker 88.
Tom’s crabcake was full of yummy crab and my fish was very fresh and nicely cooked. I think we both left part of the Kaiser roll as we have much better rolls in Austria but dug in on the rest. Once we had finished our mains Tom reminded me of their

Key Lime Pie. I had tried it on a previous trip and it had been to die for. So, even though I was not really hungry any more we ordered a slice and it was the exact same heaven on a plate that I remembered from last time. We made a quick bathroom stop and discovered the wine room

on the way there before we walked back out and explored the pier that belongs to Marker 88.

It is just beautiful out there and we stayed around longer than we thought we would. You are actually invited to use the beach if you eat there, but again, we did not have enough time. We were on our way again around 4pm and soon passed Doc’s Diner, where we had had breakfast on the way down. The closer that we got to Miami the worse the weather got and after the last key it again started to pour down.

It considerably slowed us down as it was hard to see anything as it was actually raining buckets. The rain lasted for a few miles, then finally the blue skies reappeared. We had been driving for an hour and a half when we finally reached the outskirts of Miami. I knew that the Krispy Kreme we had missed on the way down had to be somewhere around there and needless to say that we spotted it and stopped.

Tom had some coffee, while I had some

Diet Coke and we both enjoyed one of the

hot doughnuts, which had come right of the conveyor. It was nice taking another little break before heading through Miami and off to Fort Lauderdale. When we left there was a beautiful rainbow right above the shop

and there was another one in the opposite directions once we had driven a little way into Miami. As always, traffic was pretty heavy in Miami and we were both happy to leave it behind us. Again it was smooth sailing until we reached Fort Lauderdale. Traffic picked up and we slowly made our way into the city. Finally we found the Hampton Inn where we were to spend the night. It was a bit off the city centre in an industrial area, but we only wanted to spend the night, so no problem. We parked the car in the check in area and headed to the front desk. ​

To be continued ............​

 

[dizneeat]

​

Day 26, September 1​

We should have known ……. Fort Lauderdale revisited - Part 3

We parked the car in the check in area and headed to the front desk.
Boy, were they unfriendly. There was no greeting for us, the young lady behind the front desk planted a form on the counter and grunted “fill out and sign here” and took a step back to watch her TV.
Once we had filled out the form she wrote the room number unto a slip of paper and handed us the room keys before she turned her back on us to watch TV again. We just looked at each other, shook our heads and off we went to inspect the room. We followed the signs on the walls since we had not been given directions and it was quite the walk until we finally found our room at the end of the hall. It didn’t look brand new, but it would do for the night.

So we left our hand luggage there and used the stairs at the end of the hall. We ended up close to the pool and a parking lot and could see our window from there. So Tom drove the car over and we unpacked and hauled our luggage to an elevator which was at the end of another hall.
Finally we had everything in our room and we got to look around a little more.
It was not as clean as it had looked at first sight, especially after reading all the signs that had been stuck everywhere in the room. Funnily enough we were warned that the water had a yellow tint

and that the bed linens had been clean before our arrival.

We had a look and yes, the water was yellowish and the linens clean, but it made us think why someone would put up such a sign. That was the moment I started looking for bedbugs, but luckily we didn’t find any.
In the meantime it had gotten dark and we still needed dinner. We had thought about going downtown and have dinner at Bubba Gump, but we didn’t really want to take that long trek so we just found the closest Publix and went grocery shopping. It was only a five minute drive, but it went through some really lonely parts of the town and was a bit scary. We made sure we would choose another way back to the hotel. The shop was pretty huge and we found everything we needed and then some. They had some beers we had never seen anywhere before, so we picked up a few in a mix an match 6 pack. Soon we were on our way back to the hotel, laid the table and had some picknick dinner again.

And after that we watched a little TV before we finally crawled into bed.


To be continued ............​

 

[jenseib]

We drove through some semi scary looking areas in Ft. L too last Fall. Actually where we stayed didn't look like the best area either, but not as bad as some areas we drove through. I think our area was safe, but did have a few run down looking buildings not to far away.

 

[dizneeat]

We drove through some semi scary looking areas in Ft. L too last Fall. Actually where we stayed didn't look like the best area either, but not as bad as some areas we drove through. I think our area was safe, but did have a few run down looking buildings not to far away.

Somehow we just can't get lucky in Fort Lauderdale. Even though I had checked the area we were not prepared for it being such an industrial and scary corner of FL. And I am sure the area was safe but with the sun setting and it getting darker and the "friendly - not" welcome it just wasn't what we had expected.
But that seems to be FL for us .... remember the hotel with the broken door latch the year before?

 

[englishrose47]

Your meals at 88 looked good especially Tom's crabcake sandwich !! How rude that Front Desk Clerk was !!! Did you report her ?? Glad you found a big Publix !!

 

[franandaj]

I'm sorry you had bad luck with FL, we actually had some really good luck with it last year. We took a Disney cruise out of Miami and stayed the first two nights in FtL before the cruise and had a band conference that we came back to the same neighborhood when we got back. We stayed at the Extended Stay I believe on 17th Street, but the conference was at the Embassy Suites just a few doors up the street. There was a wonderful little fish restaurant that originally Fran thought she got food poisoning from, but it turns out it was the beginning of the whole medication fiasco that I have been covering in my latest TR. That was just the start where her last medication went bad on her, which is why she thought she had food poisoning, it was really a medication reaction. So the restaurant is still good. I can look up the name if you plan to go back, the neighborhood was good and it was nice bunch of restaurants.

 

[dizneeat]

Your meals at 88 looked good especially Tom's crabcake sandwich !! How rude that Front Desk Clerk was !!! Did you report her ?? Glad you found a big Publix !!

We love Marker 88. If you ever get to the area, please make a stop there. Not only is the food really good, but they have a lot of outside tables right at the water's edge and it is so pretty just sitting there, sipping a drink and enjoying the food. And even with an inside table it was worth stopping there.

Rosie, I usually travel with a list of all the Publix, Krispy Kreme and CVS stores. It's a "being prepared" thing for us.

I'm sorry you had bad luck with FL, we actually had some really good luck with it last year. We took a Disney cruise out of Miami and stayed the first two nights in FtL before the cruise and had a band conference that we came back to the same neighborhood when we got back. We stayed at the Extended Stay I believe on 17th Street, but the conference was at the Embassy Suites just a few doors up the street. There was a wonderful little fish restaurant that originally Fran thought she got food poisoning from, but it turns out it was the beginning of the whole medication fiasco that I have been covering in my latest TR. That was just the start where her last medication went bad on her, which is why she thought she had food poisoning, it was really a medication reaction. So the restaurant is still good. I can look up the name if you plan to go back, the neighborhood was good and it was nice bunch of restaurants.

I guess FL doesn't like us much. First time we went we hit kind of a holiday and everything was closed. It was ridiculous.
Second time we went I had booked a hotel right at the ocean and it was beautiful even though I had made the mistake of not booking a view and our view was the back alley. But we did not mind much as we had gone out and enjoyed the beach. The thing was that the next day when we picked up our car from the garage, there were swarms of mosquitos and while we just ran to the car, jumped in and left, we both got bitten. Tom got bitten in the foot and it resulted with him going onto sickleave for 10 days after we came back. He had to buy flip flops as he could not fit into any other shoe. I got bitten on the knee and it started to ooze a yellowish bloody liquid. We needed to find a pharmacy and some medication as it swoll up so bad.
Visit three we checked into another ocean front property and when we got into the room the latch to secure the door had been ripped off. It was the last available room that day and we ended up baracading the door with luggage and chairs.
And you just read about our experience this last time around. So, I could definitely do with a good recommendation. Thank you for offering.

How scary about the medication issue. That is horrible when it happens.

 

[jedijill]

You guys find the best food! It always looks so delicious! Sorry you got the hotel with bad service in the not so great part of town. At least it was only for the night.

You should buy stock in Krispy Kreme!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

You guys find the best food! It always looks so delicious!

We have been pretty lucky with food in the US. But then I do a lot of research on Tripadvisor and here on the DIS. And some of the best recommendations come from my friends over here.

Sorry you got the hotel with bad service in the not so great part of town. At least it was only for the night.

It looks like FL does not really like us, as we have never had a great experience there. But it was only for the one night and we were off early.

You should buy stock in Krispy Kreme!

Hm, I need to think about that.