Florida Lobster Feast

The weather was perfection in Florida. I don't generally do a whole heck of a lot when I'm visiting (since it's vacation), but I was excited when Dad suggested we rent a boat for a few hours. I really had no idea what to expect, but I was excited to get out on the water and enjoy the day. 

We packed a lunch of Italian subs, chips, pickles, a nummy bottle of Sancerre, and set out to discover the deep blue. 

To my surprise, Dad was the boat captain...so Bourgeois! The waterways off South West Florida are not as hard to navigate as South Carolina, which made for smooth sailing (or pontooning).

After a few hours of fun in the sun and a quick splash in the Gulf, we headed home and I slipped straight to the pool. I don't get to relax like this often, so I was planning on soaking up as much warmth as possible. I literally had the entire pool to myself the whole trip. I think all the people moved back up north for the summer...I was not complaining.

Just before turning into a lobster, I headed inside for dinner. These little pinchers were waiting, just begging me to crack them open and eat. Dad found an incredible fish market that flies fresh fish in from New England daily. The fish caught off coastal Florida are delicious, but I get how the variety can get a bit old. Dad was super excited when these guys opened and of course made friends with them quickly. 

I could have just eaten lobster, but we opted to add some fresh corn (so sweet), steamed broccoli and cauliflower and fresh baked rosemary rolls.

bon appétit

St. Balmain...where everybody knows your name.

Picture this...it is Saturday and you decide you want to head to Williamsburg Brooklyn for the day. The sun is out, there's not a cloud in the sky and the temp has finally breached 65 degrees. You step off the L train on Bedford and are hit by a crowd of hipsters, smelly euro-indie types that don't believe in deodorant and Manhattanites who had the same idea as you. Quaint Williamsburg isn't a hidden treasure anymore. The streets, stores and restaurants are generally packed on a nice weekend. You are beginning to wonder why you left the city to begin with.

Enter St. Balmain.

This newly opened cafe and now restaurant, is a diamond in the rough you do not want to pass by. Unique, healthy and flavor filled food, coffee just to your liking, and sweet treats to please every taste bud...it has much to offer.  The intimate indoor space lends for seating up to about 50 people. But, what you don't want to miss is their MASSIVE back deck. The space is littered with communal picnic tables and it gets sunlight pretty much all day. 

The Frans decided to head out for their grand opening this weekend. It was packed all day and I know once people get wind of what they have to offer, it is going to be one of the hottest brunch spots in Williamsburg this summer.

St. Balmain...where everybody knows your name. The owners do an incredible job of making everyone feel welcomed. It is an authentic neighborhood spot where you can come and lounge around for hours...just make sure you order! They also have free wi-fi so it is an ideal spot to come during the week to do work if you're a work from home type of person.

Mer and I both opted for the Green Breakfast Bowl. It is a mix of leafy greens, quinoa, almonds, avocado, grilled halloumi cheese, and a soft boiled egg.

You squeeze the lemon on top for a hint of citrus and dressing.

This is the Breakfast Sandwich. It is packed full with a fried egg, avocado, cheese, bacon and kale.

This is the remains of the LA Burger. It is a homemade veggie burger like patty over avocado spread, pickles, toast and topped with alfalfa. Hannah got the Avocado Toast (didn't get a picture), which she said is the best she has ever had.

This little treat is the 50/50...half homemade kale chips, half fries.

Suns out guns out.

This beauty is just shy of 9 months pregnant and was running things like a boss on opening day.

How could we resist dessert? We shared their Hipster Brownie. It is a gooey chocolate brownie with soft coconut inside and roasted on top. It is also sprinkled with a mix of nuts.

No better way to spend an afternoon than gathered round a picnic table in the sun with a bunch of Frans.

St. Balmain is open daily from around 9am - 6pm. Their all day brunch and lunch menu is in full swing. It is located in Williamsburg on N 8th between Bedford and Driggs.