Key West Eats!

                                          Azure Restaurant
                                          425 Grinnell St.
                                          - Beef Carpaccio

                              - Whole Hogfish in Azure

                                          Santiago's Bodega
                                          207 Petronia St.
                                          - Delish Salad!

                                          Mathisons
                                          Duval St.
                                          - The $5 Cookie!!!!

                                          Schooner Wharf Bar
                                          Front St.
                                          Breakfast......

                              Poolside treats by Pam & Alan
            Gorgeous cheese and the amazing sweet bologna from
                                          Lancaster, PA.
              And a beautiful "cheese cake" (or Boursin to others!)

                                          915
                                          Duval Street
                                          - Steak & chips!

                       - Chicken and duck fat fried potatoes!

                                          Origami

                                          Duval Square

                                          - Sushi!

Weather is great in Florida - and not too bad in Ireland either!!!

We are currently on holiday in Key West, Florida. Unfortunately for Ciaran, even being in a different country doesn't mean he can't stop being involved in the build.   The following three photos were texted to Ciaran this morning and within minutes he was on the phone to the builder to reiterate certain building details that he needed done.  We are now in the Key West Library where he is sketching up some details which he will then send back to the builders so that they are fully up to speed with what needs to be done.

                          The new extension walls are being built up.                                                    

                                    Check out that blue sky!!!
                 December in Ireland and it is nearly as warm as Florida!

 The old brick wall will make a great contrast to the new extension!

If you are ever travelling to Key West we recommend that you stay with www.historichideaways.com.  They have great little cottages many with private decks and hot tubs, located really well - our place was a short stroll to the Southernmost Point in the USA.

Cinnamon

We had breakfast in Cinnamon this morning.  It is a new cafe/deli which opened about two weeks ago in Ranelagh.  Ciaran had French toast (made with brioche bread) and bacon while I had creamed oatmeal.  We both really enjoyed the food and the place as a whole.   Check out some photos that I took this morning.

                                                              Cute pink fascade!

                          Lots of lovely pastries and cakes!

              This was the breakfast menu which finished at midday.

   It's hard to see from this photo but among the tables and 

chairs there are shelves with lots of lovely food for sale.

Each time I write up a blog post I generally have a browse around blogger and read a few different blogs.  

This is one of my favourites:

Vintage Simple

I love this lady's style!

Wind, snow and we've got no windows. Eeek!

                                    Windows removed!

       Steel plate being welded to the structural steel.  After the
      under floor heating is laid concrete will then be poured on
           to the steel to create the floor in the bathroom.

Pinocchio's

Paolo Tullio reviews Pinocchio

We ate in Pinocchio's in Ranelagh after reading the above review by restaurant critic Paolo Tullio.  Ciaran had the bolognese while I had seafood pasta in tomato sauce.  My dish was a little salty but other then that delicious. Ciaran enjoyed his also.  After a main dish each we shared a tiramisu with coffee.  Dessert was lovely and the coffee was nice and strong.  You will find this restaurant housed under the Luas station and we certainly recommend it!

A quick visit today......

                           Fireplace in the second bedroom

                    Window boxes in the master bedroom - in the process
                of being salvaged in preparation for the installation of the
                                 new sash windows next week.

                         Back wall has been cleaned and exposed

                       Stairway down to the sitting room

              Bones sits on the dashboard when in the Smart Car!

Milano's

Milano's Restaurant is around the corner from our house. It is a casual place which does pizza and pasta. We've visited a few times on Sunday afternoons.  It has generally been relaxed and never too busy and it also has friendly staff.  It seems like the type place you could just drop in for a cup of coffee and a cake as well as for a pizza!     

Pizza!!!

A few pics....

The view out to the new steel from the master bedroom. The steel is the framework for the Artist's Studio. There will be a glass cantilevered stairs leading up to the glass floored room.

Original lime render removed and the brick fabric of the building exposed.  Ciaran has played with the idea of leaving it exposed but is conscious of sound proofing this wall which is shared between us and our neighbour.



Above are the new sash wooden sash windows which have been delivered to Ciaran's store room in his office.  They are an off white colour with brass latches.  The window details have been replicated from the original windows which were unsalvageable.

To the right is a picture of the back bedroom with the window removed.