Do you have a favorite food that gives you fond memories? I do. When I was in college, my friends and I hung out at our favorite burger place. We talked about homework, upcoming projects, our professors, our dreams for the future and relationships. We loved socializing, laughing and having fun. Big cheese burgers with all of the fixings, french fries and milkshakes were favorite foods that brought us together every weekend. There is nothing like fellowshipping and dining with loved ones and dear friends. When the food is good and the company is amazing, it creates unforgettable euphoria. Food is a connector. It connects people across all walks of life. What is your favorite food and what are your fond memories? Live life great. Stay connected. Eat good food. Embrace great friends. Create beautiful memories. Bon appétit!
Tag Archives: food
Kindness Always Wins
Repost: #throwback2019
Today, as I was standing in line at Publix to order a Sub, a beautiful elderly woman was in front of me trying to place her order. Because she was in a “Sitting Shopping Cart,” she was not able to see the Deli Technician. As both ladies were trying to see each and practically shouting over the large salad and meat service case with no communication success, I decided to offer my help. I leaned over and asked the lady what kind of sandwich she wanted and what she wanted on it. I relayed the message to the Deli Technician who was practically hidden behind the deli service case. Meanwhile, there was a long line behind us and some of the people waiting in line became slightly irritable. As the technician continued to prepare the elderly woman’s sandwich, I asked the elderly lady her name. She said her name was Mary. She wanted me to place her order as an Ultimate whole Sub on Multi-Grain Bread, all veggies, garlic pickles and all peppers, including Jalapenos with Mayonnaise and spicy mustard.
I noticed that Mary was sketching a photo on an index card. The sketch looked just like me. I said, “Mary, is that a drawing of me?” She said, “Yes, it is. I appreciate you for helping me to place my order today. I want to leave this with you.”
I thanked her and gave her my business card. I told her that I have a blog and would like permission to post a blog about this. She became so excited and exclaimed, “I’m gonna be famous!” I looked at her and said, “Well, over 50 countries log on everyday. If that is what being famous is, then your debut is tomorrow!”
I told her that it will be posted by morning and that all she had to do was to type in the website off of my business card. I had never seen such a more beautiful smile. She lit up like a Christmas tree. By this time, the Deli technician had completed preparing the sub and she handed it to me to give to Mary. I turned around and looked at the people in the line. They all were smiling and a few placed their hands over their hearts as if to say that this was such a heartwarming moment. Mary thanked me over and over and rode off with excitement.
There is nothing like being nice to people and helping them. I made a new friend today. Take the opportunity to help someone if possible. Kindness is always a win-win situation. It feels great to help others and it is such a blessing to give. Today was a great day! Until the next post, keep being nice and kind to others. Kindness always wins.
Patrice Tankard
The Parched Oak
If you are ever in Florida down in the Volusia County area, be sure to stop in and enjoy the great food and the ambiance of The Parched Oak Restaurant and Bar. I was treated to lunch and had the most amazing experience. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. This restaurant is rustic with beautiful textures of extravagant woods, fabulous flooring, an amazing bar, and there is outside seating. I chose the “Black N Bleu Burger” which consisted of a Blackened Flame Grilled Burger covered in crispy Bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onions, bleu cheese atop of arugula, and fried tomato on a Brioche bun with crispy french fries. The Steak Goat Flatbread “stole the show” with grilled steak tips, goat cheese, onions, and roasted red peppers. The appetizer was the best fried green tomatoes that we had ever had, and was crispy and topped with bacon and goat cheese! The beverages, food, atmosphere and vibes are top tier! The Parched Oak is located at 145 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720. Enjoy!
Patrice Tankard
Fried Green Tomatoes
The Black N Bleu Burger consisted of Blackened Flame Grilled Burger covered in crispy Bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onions, bleu cheese atop of arugula and fried tomato on a Brioche bun, and with crispy french fries.
The Steak Flatbread
I asked for a drink that was sour/tart-ish with coconut and mint. The bartender delivered! #toptier
Chilly Days
It is that time of the year. Fall is here and Winter is approaching. Delicious soups can warm our bodies and souls. What is your favorite soup? Enjoy great nutrition and enjoy your life. Here’s to great health! Happy soup dining!
Patrice Tankard
Vacation Getaway and Great Breakfast!
It is Summer vacation time and school is out. As educators, we are happily relaxing and having fun. Most of my friends are traveling and experiencing magnificent adventures. We are on vacation for two months before school starts again and it is absolutely wonderful. My out-of-town vacation adventure this week has been amazing. Numerous activities, laughs and fun are what I needed to regroup. One of the vacation days this week, we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Cracker Barrel is a country store with a restaurant that serves homestyle cooking. I tried a new dish and I really loved it. Cracker Barrel describes it like this: “Texas-Style Brisket Benny.” This delicious meal is “Tender BBQ beef brisket on our signature buttermilk biscuit cut in half, with over-easy eggs on each biscuit half and creamy Hollandaise sauce. Topped with a diced tomato ‘n green onion blend. Comes with your choice of two sides. Available all day. Available for a limited time.” I chose the fried apples and the Hash Brown Casserole Tots as sides. Magnificent! The service was great and the staff was very friendly. I live privately and experience amazing unposted fun behind the scenes of this website and my social media. But this experience was so good that I had to talk about it. I highly recommend this delicious meal and experience at Cracker Barrel Country Store. Hurry, because the “Texas-Style Brisket Benny” is only here for a limited time! Bring your loved one and enjoy! Here’s to more summer vacation fun! Cheers!
Patrice Tankard
Outback Restaurant
Well, it is the season for summer fun with friends and family. Today, we dined at an Outback restaurant in North Florida. I tried the loaded potato with bacon, cheese, chives and sour cream. The bone-in ribeye steak was medium well cooked and moist. Beef is not something that I normally eat. But today, it was a treat. The service at this restaurant was friendly, but they were short of help. Our order took over 35 minutes, but it was worth the wait. Check out Outback restaurants for family-friendly fun and a good dining experience.
Try This Vegan Fried Chicken From Atlas Monroe!
Atlas Monroe has the best Vegan Fried Chicken period! Summer vacation is super fun and this sandwich is delicious with Fried Vegan Chicken, pickles, vegan Mayo on organic seed-grain bread. Try this and you will love it! Live happy, live healthy and use your best China!
Patrice Tankard
Note: Here is the website. Log on and get on mailing list. If they are sold out, you will be the first to know when they are in stock again. It is more than worth the wait!
Carrabbas’ Take Home Special
Carrabbas Italian Grill:
Order any Dine-In Entree and Bring Home Another Entree for Just $10! Limited time only!
I am hanging out with friends and we are enjoying the Carrabbas Take home special. It is Summer and it is time to enjoy and have fun! Hurry and in to Carrabbas and Dine in and take an entree to go for just $10!
Patrice Tankard, Food Writer, Cuisine Reporter
Fire on the Bayou
School is out and my teacher friends and I got together to celebrate immediately after school. We decided to go to “Fire in the Bayou”, a Cajun, New Orleans themed restaurant. With cheers, laughter and joy we reminisced of the challenges and triumphs of the school year. The food was exceptional and our fellowship was everything!
Take time to celebrate moments in your life with people who appreciate and adore you. Until the next post, keep living and enjoying life! #diningchronicles
Patrice Tankard
