If you read this blog, you already know that Tuesday is Sister Day. I must tell you this past “Sister Day” was totally different than our normal sibling layout. It was the kick-off for KristieMiss’s week long birthday celebration. The two of us played like the Rockafella’s (family joke) for a few hours. Turning it up a notch, we excepted a formal invite from our friend, Bill, to The Ritz-Carlton at Amelia Island. Letting Precious One attend an educational learning center was even a big change but gave us opportunity to stretch out and live large and live large we did.
One fun part was that Kristie was unaware of the lunch plans at The Ritz-Carlton however, she did know we were going to Amelia Island. She just didn’t know the details. Departing Jacksonville around 10:45 a.m. left us plenty of time to take the scenic route for our 12:30 p.m. lunch reservation. The day was quite dreary, with overcast skies and mist in the air, therefore outside seating was not an option.
It was exciting to see my sisters face as Bill, the coordinator of this event drove up to The Ritz-Carlton. She was totally surprised which was the goal- to surprise her! It worked!
We really enjoyed the services as the car was valeted and when we entered the “Ritz” we were greeted by such a friendly staff.
Why wouldn’t they be friendly? These folks are paying at least $400 for a night’s stay. GASP! Now to some of our readers, we know you pay this but to the folk, like ourselves, this is really living “high on the hog” as my Grandpa used to say!
The restaurant that was chosen for lunch was Cafe’ 4750. We were seated next to a window with a view of pool and of the Atlantic ocean. It was lovely even with the sun hiding. We could see the crashing ocean waves and the sea gulls swaying in the wind.
The meal was fabulous. Kristie had the Cobb Salad (grilled chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, bacon, egg, ranch dressing). Bill and I enjoyed the Salmon BLT (tomatoes, crispy onions, avocado remoulade, sourdough bread, french fries). I did capture a few photos and I must admit, I felt like “country girl come to the city” and a little awkward taking a great deal of photos of the food in such a fancy place but I wanted to show you! (And so I clicked away!).
We finished the meal off with homemade cupcakes that I brought and a latte’. Kristie’s favorite cup cake is Pillsbury Funfetti with buttercream icing and I do have a little secret for making store bought icing taste like homemade from scratch. (Mix Pillsbury butter cream and vanilla icing together. It tastes remarkable but don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself.)
Before leaving the hotel we visited the candy bar. I promised my seventeen month old a treat when I returned and what could be better than a bag of goodies from The Ritz-Carlton. (Cha-ching- teaching him to “live high on the hog” early!).
A big thanks to Bill for arranging such a wonderful kick-off to Kristie’s birthday celebration. We could have not done it without him and his knowledge of this great place.
Let the festivities begin.
Katie Girl