Southern Comfort

We spent the New Year in Florida visiting my parents and while we were there I got to enjoy some of my favorite southern things: sweet tea, spanish moss, sweet tea, cardinals, sweet tea. Did I say sweet tea?! I just can't get enough of it when I am there and order it everywhere we go. The closest I can get to sweet tea in California is an Arnold Palmer which is half iced tea and half lemonade. Good, but not the same.

While in Florida, I also got to do one of my favorite things and that is have lunch out with my mom. This is something I have sorely missed since my parents moved to Florida. On the Friday before we left, Mom took me to The Plantation Inn which is a golf resort and spa in Crystal River. Even though my parents are members, you don't have to be a member to eat at the Plantation Room.

Of course, I had to stop and rock in one of the porch rockers for awhile. I would love to have some of these southern rockers for my front porch.

                                            

Inside, Mom and I settled at a table in front of a large window overlooking the golf course and pool area. Even though they were getting ready for a baby shower at the other end of the restaurant, we could hardly hear a sound other than the soothing classical music that was playing. Mom ordered a chicken breast with wild rice and I ordered some She Crab soup that was flavored with sherry. It was so creamy and delicious and I could taste the crab and the mild flavor of the sherry. It was one of the best soups I have ever tasted! 

                                                                        

And a Traditional Crab Cake Caesar Salad

                                                                                       

And the salad did not disappoint - the salad greens were fresh and had just the right amount of dressing - the crab cake was superb! My mouth is watering as I am writing this and remembering what it tasted like. When we go to Florida again I will definitely ask to go back and have lunch here - maybe we will even invite the guys!