Havana Rumba

You know me and my Cuban food! Something about the lemon-garlic deliciousness always makes me happy! This particular example comes from Havana Rumba in Middletown. Say hello to the Lechon Asado: famous Cuban pork marinated in citrus juices, garlic, and Cuban spices, and slow roasted for hours, and served with congri (Cuban black beans and rice) and yuca with mojo criollo sauce. Soooo good!!

The Middletown location has a wonderful covered patio, and I had a delightful time lingering over my meal and catching up with a friend. I've also enjoyed multiple dishes off the Bardstown Road location's menu, although I prefer the outdoor option in Middletown when the weather cooperates.

Either way, who is in the mood for some Cuban food? 

Click here for their website.

Adrienne and Company

I'm here to say that Adrienne's is my current go-to spot for guaranteed delicious food. I should say "go-to spots," because I've enjoyed their scrumptious offerings at all three locations!

This is the combo from the New Albany location that set me over the edge: California grilled cheese with tomato, avocado, and bacon, sided with tomato-basil soup. Yes, it is July with swamp-like heat and humidity outside, but the flavors were amazing! And, I can't forget the cream-filled chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing finished with sprinkles. Sadly, there is no photographic evidence, as I inhaled it before pausing to click!

Earlier in June, I was craving an Italian sandwich. I checked the Italian restaurant in downtown NA (across the street from Adrienne's), and they didn't have what I was looking for. Adrienne's Mark Trane sandwich hit the ball out of the park! That's capicola, pepperoni, salami, roasted red peppers, and provolone grilled on the herb-crusted focaccia bread. Wow!!

And this was my introduction to Adrienne's in May, from the Jeffersonville address: my all-time fave caprese salad, with veggie soup, and here you see the hinted-at cupcake with whispers of pink frosting this time. YUM!

I am also happy to share that there are fabulous cookies and pastries at their Floyds Knobs location on Highway 150, too. It's the former location of Amazing Glaze, and Adrienne's maintains that amazing goodness vibe!

Who wants to join me for my next Adrienne's dining adventure?

Click here for their website.

Big Roots Lavender Farm

I wish this was a scratch-and-sniff post, because the lavender fields at Big Roots Lavender Farm smell AMAZING! The butterflies loved it, too!

My super-niece and I loaded up the car and headed to Hawesville, KY, to experience the wonderous scent from fields of fresh lavender. I had already missed one lavender variety, and I wasn't going to miss another one. We were going to each trim a bundle and take the experience home.

I approached the cutting task one lavender stem at a time, while my super-niece was much more efficient and collected the stems by the handful and cut them with her scissors. Either way we each walked away with a bundle of fresh lavender for $10, perfect for drying and retaining the scent and the memory.

In addition to the lavender fields, there are also giant stems of sunflowers. You can also cut and buy them, but we were there for the lavender. There is also a labyrinth to really enhance the calmness surrounding your visit.

Click here to plan your own escape. I'll happily go back with you!

The Sword and The Scone

I've always thought High Tea was a great escape, and The Sword and The Scone on Blankenbaker Parkway delivered it right to my table. This time, my dining companion was my great-niece, who was having her first tea experience. If I have anything to do with it, this won't be her last!

This was the perfect greeting artfully posted in the lobby gift shop. They had a variety of super-cute items, ranging from aprons, socks, purses, and even jewelry and tiaras. But we were there for the tea!

My super-niece totally got into having her pinkie out for her pink lemonade served in the pretty teacup! It was fun to get to pick a favorite from the mismatched designs on the tables. And our three-tiers of treats were impressive as well. Bottom to top, we shared these savories: turkey pinwheels, mini everything turnover, cauliflower parmesan muffin, and chicken in a biscuit shortbread (shaped like a chicken cookie, which was an interesting mental challenge). The middle layer of scones included: chocolate chip, garlic cheddar, cherry chip, and vanilla. Our top-level sweets were: orange creme mousse, green tea cookies, strawberry-lemon bars, honey and rose pound cake, and Reese's bottom cheese cake. Wow!

Oh, and my tea choice was Captain Jack: dried ginger pieces, hibiscus, peppermint and spearmint leaves. It was delicious over ice!

Who wants to return with me?

Click here for their website.

Baby Mae's BBQ

Since Shawn's BBQ on State Street in New Albany closed in January, I've been on the hunt for another great local BBQ joint. My new favorite is Baby Mae's on Graybrook Lane, near the intersection of Grant Line and Daisy Lane.

Here you see my fall-off-the-bone rib tips, with the most delicious baked beans (I am particularly fond of the green pepper chunks), and creamy macaroni and cheese. I've tried several sides and all were fantastic. The rib tips are soooo good, I haven't tried any of their other meats!

Be sure to ask about the dessert offerings. This chocolate/almost fudge pie was fantastic! I look forward to working my way around their full menu.

Their smoker is out in the lot, and everything is freshly cooked. It also means "when it's gone, it's gone." Another bonus to Baby Mae's is plenty of outdoor seating, with a number of covered spots to enjoy your meal. You will enjoy it, and you might just see me there for another incredible meal!

Click here for Baby Mae's website.

Hidden Hill Nursery and Sculpture Garden

No longer hidden to me, I'm shouting every chance I get about Hidden Hill Nursery and Sculpture Garden in Utica, IN. If you haven't yet visited, Hidden Hill is an 8-acre garden filled with rare plants and whimsical sculptures "hidden" throughout the grounds. Thanks to the efforts of Bob and Janet Hill (you may remember him from his Courier-Journal column), the property is gorgeous and continues to evolve with each visit.

These are just a few of the fun and fanciful creations planted among the trees and flowers.

Flamingo made from plastic spoons and forks.

A variety of colorful arrows.

I'm calling this one Nessie!

My friend wanted to buy this purple hippo, but got a "no go" response as it is part of the Hill family!

I can't recommend enough that you make time to visit. Some plants are available for purchase, and there are super-cute items in the gift shop. The Hills also plan blues nights and a monarch festival, and it would be a spectacular location for a wedding. Let's just go and explore, and see what's new!

Click here for Hidden Hill's website.

Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen

It is National Apple Pie Day, and there is no better place to return than Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen!

This is the Dutch Apple Caramel pie slice (to go). And that's at least a quarter inch of decadent caramel atop the already delicious apple pie. One day I'm going to try a slice warm with a scoop of their cinnamon ice cream, which is another dreamy combination I've gathered from fans.

I first started hearing the stories about HICPK from tour operators who were building itineraries around area attractions. When I moved to New Albany, I realized that the Blackiston Mill Road location was an easy pop-in to see what all the fuss was about. And, oh man, my taste buds will never be the same! As you'll see below, I've sampled from multiple areas of their menu, and each treat was spectacular.

Peanut Butter and Jelly ice cream hit the spot on one trip.

The Happy Birthday to Me chocolate cake from February. That's a seven-inch plate for perspective, and every morsel was inhaled!

The New Albany location also has a cafe (three of the nine locations do). So, on a recent rainy day, I treated myself to the Big Cheese Melt and tomato basil soup. YUM!!

Anyone else hungry?! Let's go!!

Click here for their website.