Doctor Recommendations!

This has been a long time coming - I'm not doing a great job so far of keeping up, but I wanted to make sure that I posted my recommendation on my medical professionals.

The thing you should know about me is that I'm uber-picky when it comes to doctors! I want to be completely and totally involved in the healthcare of myself and my children. I do not stand for the "just because" answer.

I have to trust my doctors and I love consistency of care.

I have to believe that they really want to take my concerns into consideration when they make my medical decisions.

I'm not "against" modern medicine by any stretch of imagination -- I vaccinate, I will not put my children at risk for the sake of alternative medicine, but I am cautious and minimalistic - I don't take all medical advice as gospel.

I believe in knowing your own body well (just one of many reasons why I love NFP!).

I can be skeptical and I do my research.

That being said, perhaps you'd be interested in my personal recommendations?

Pensacola Pediatrics - Dr. Amy Foland, she is as sweet as can be, has formed trusting relationships with both myself and my children, she is very thorough, she gives me all the information I need and is not judgmental when I question things (alternate doctors I like if Dr. Foland is out: Dr. Dean or Dr. Beasley, or Dr.Cubbs - NOT Dr. Linga) - 850-473-0100

Dr. Andrew Taylor (Dentist) - 850-478-8005 - Jen is my hygienist and she is really great!

Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Laura McAuley - 850-505-9778. Again, amazing with the kids as all the hygienists there are. She goes by Dr. Laura for the kids which is kind of nice and less intimidating for the little ones. She has 4 children of her own which says a lot in my book!

OBGYN, Dr. Jarian Duke (or second choice would be Dr. Lile, Lyle sp?) - 850-416-2550 - All the things I have stated I need in a doctor, she's got! I love having a female OBGYN!

I like all of my doctors a lot and I've been going to them for 3 years, so I feel good recommending them. Check them out!

Brian's Po Boys!

This one is short -- I am tired. But, I just realized that I have yet to tell you about a very good secret: Brian's Po Boys. Best po boys and homemade gumbo I've ever had and decent prices also. The menu is simple and I usually get them to go, but if it's a nice day outside they do have picnic tables outside. Otherwise, there is no real restaurant to eat at as they serve these babies up out of a fair-like RV-type vending place if that makes any sense.

They are located under the bridge on your way from Innerarity Pt to Perdido Key and worth the trip even if you are coming from in town (follow the snow cone sign).

My favorites are the grouper and shrimp. Others have been known to enjoy softshell crab and sausage. All of these are served on fresh, fresh bread. Please make sure to get at least a cup of gumbo! Found this online if you want to get the picture: http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-photos-p328305-Brians_Po_Boys.html

Brian's Po Boys: 492-1234

Atlas Oyster Bar vs The Fish House

Let's just start by saying that I was just about to write off The Fish House (www.goodgrits.com) when I (a) realized that their sister restaurant Atlas Oyster Bar was awesome and (b) they have a pretty decent Sunday brunch. Since I like pretty much any and all brunch, that kind of pulled me back in for another visit. Plus, they have the "good" mints.

Why so hard on the poor Fish House you ask? I just think that it's overrated and over-talked about when you arrive in Pensacola. It's NOT the best restaurant around here, but "we have to go to the fish house!", "I love The Fish House!" ... oh, please... I think a lot of their dishes are pretty generic and yes, they have the famous "shrimp and gouda grits", but I personally think that Madison's Diner has a much better version.

ALL that said, they do have the best ever key lime pie (if you like it like I do). Nice, thick graham cracker and sugar crust, heavy key lime filling, and a creamy, fat topping of meringue. It's made "in house" and you can tell.

However, you can go to Atlas Oyster Bar, get a much more unique menu and still enjoy their sister restaurant's key lime pie (yumm again!). You also get the same great atmosphere and a few of the same signature dishes.

By now, you are probably wondering what I then must like about Atlas. I really like their oyster sampler, but if you like 'em raw, of course they are there for your taking - and they are good and fresh you can be sure. I'm also a big fan of their weekly specials - each time I go they always sound amazing and stick with what the server suggests. It hasn't failed me thus far. If you're in the mood for some sushi, they've got that also. They have a good selection of sushi, though don't forget about Dharma Blue (www.dharmablue.com)!

Now that you're done, do you remember what you are supposed to get for desert?

Lillian's Pan Pizza

Lillian's Pizza on Perdido Key is a total Mom and Pop joint that has turned me into a complete pizza snob. I am pretty sure I haven't ordered chain Pizza during the past 2+ years I've been in Pensacola. Lillian the owner is a complete hoot - her phone manerisms are always there to count on (order one and you'll see what I mean).


They have a wide variety of pizza choices, but my two highest recommendations are Chances Island Delight (shrimp, sausage, onion, roasted Garlic) on the pan (regular) crust and a plain old cheese pizza on the thin crust. Everything is made so fresh it's so good!


If you're feeling like some Italian comfort food, you might be better suited for the chicken parmesean. I was a big fan until recently when they weren't quite as consistent with it. It's worth a shot as I've had some excellent deliveries of this meal, however, once in a while, it's just OK. Same thing with the alfredo - try it and see what you think!

One last thing - this is the perfect place to bring kids, so if you guys want to go out for dinner, this is a place where you don't have to feel awkward when you walk in with three kids in tow. Let me know what you think!

"We'll send it over!"

http://www.lillianspizza.com/
14514 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507-9519 (850) 492-0131

Bikini Wax Anyone?

Ok, you ARE in Pensacola now (or you're planning to visit), so let's all ponder the bikini wax for a moment... you want someone who's quick, does a good job, makes you feel comfortable, and most importantly - the bikini wax is something you want to have a good referral for, right? I've had some bad ones in the past (Headdress in Goldsboro, NC = bad), and some awesome ones as well, so I have much to compare to.

For the best wax in Pensacola you want Lindsy at Izzo Cutter & Co. She is all of the above and does an amazing job. She's also young and fun, so you definitely don't have to worry about feeling ...eh ...umm ...weird? If you've never done it before, go for it! Afterall, you are at the beach now.

Visit them at: 4700 Bayou Blvd, right near the Cordova Mall. Call to make an appointment 850.912.8826.

You can also visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pensacola-FL/Izzo-Cutter-Company/122637332012

PS If you happen to be in Wellington, FL, Evelyn at Sam John's is THE lady to go to. She's amazing as well.

Artfully Delicious - Special Occasion Cakes and Cupcakes

This is what I've been looking for! This is my favorite place on the west side of Pensacola for special occasion cakes and cupcakes. Owned and operated by Heather Sutton, a Pensacola native, who has been baking as part of a family tradition pretty much her entire life. She is very artistic and has done a lot of work with clay, etc previously, so the cross-over to fantastic fondant creations was a natural one for her. Not only do they look good, but they taste even better which is most important! Please give her a buzz for your next baby shower, birthday party, wedding, hankering for a sweet treat - anything! You will not be disappointed.

Visit her at www.buymycake.com to see some of her amazing creations. Email her at heather@buymycake.com.

Sweet Home Farm - Elberta, AL

Talk about a diamond in the rough! This locally owned and operated cheese farm, not far from the FL-AL border, is more than worth the trip. Yes, they have a website (sort of) http://www.southerncheese.com/Pages/sweethome.html, but unfortunately they left off two of my favorites: the habanero cheese that you will never match anywhere else and the garlic blue cheese - the name pretty much says it all. I also really enjoy the montebella; it's pretty mild, but I still think is has a great flavor that's not quite like what you get in the stores. They also carry Amish butter in 2 lb logs which I keep telling myself I really need to try (I'll keep you posted).

Since the website pretty much describes their product as well as their farming philosophy, I'll let you check out the link above for more on that. However, they failed to mention the cute, quaint shop. The man and woman working there are picture perfect for the scene. Really, I feel like I'm in an episode of Anne of Green Gables or perhaps Little House on the Prairie. It's pretty entertaining - in a good way. Oh and they let you taste anything you want to try so if you are unsure from a trip to their website, just go and see for yourself.

For entertaining the kiddos, this is pretty easy if you have a second adult. Because the shop is so small I like to let my friend or husband hang outside with the kids while I go inside and then switch. They have lots of chickens that the kids love to look at and the best part for them is the real, live turkey that hangs out in front. In fact, we really got a show the other day when we visited. I guess he wanted to show off his feathers and felt he needed to show who was boss. He was just gobbling away and everyone was fully entertained long enough for every adult to take a turn tasting and buying cheese. I now realize why in the American language we say the turkey says "gobble gobble". It really sounds like that!

Bon Appétit!

Pensacola Pastry and Sandwich Shop - Sweet Things Bakery

I hate to say it... BUT it took me almost 2 years to find this place! And isn't it a shame because it's amazing and I only have one year to enjoy it!?! Owned by Tuan, a Vietnamese man if I'm not mistaken, Sweet Things Bakery is the kind of place where everything is special and the service is friendly. This isn't your hole in the wall pastry shop where things are simple (see J's Pastry Shop for another day)... no - each pastry is decorated with embellishments. Like the petite tiramisù with it's small square of chocolate decorated with gold and sitting "just so" on top the little delicacy. Carrot cake, assorted cheese cake, eclairs, cream horns, fruit tarts, espresso logs (yum chocolate and coffee - need I say more?), chocolate cake (and raspberry sauce), and the list goes on and on.

But, that's not all. Tuan also serves up a tremendous lunch - most of which are served on his freshly baked croissant, baguette, rosemary-garlic focaccia and more. Are you hungry yet? If you're in the mood for some Asian food, he's got great fresh spring rolls and the grilled beef noodle salad is delicious as well. Asian not your style? Maybe the mozzarella & tomato sandwich is more your mood - excellent on the focaccia I spoke of earlier. And there are the classics: clubs, Reuben, Italian and more.

For those looking for a coffee shop, he also has free WiFi and serves coffee and breakfast sandwiches (again those fresh croissants, my daughter's favorite!).

He's located at 5330 Mobile Hwy (between Fairfield and Brent). M-F 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm
www.tuanscuisine.com

West Pensacola Housing

Here's a quick, useful bit of information. I created the map below for an aquaintance moving to the Pensacola area and who wanted to be close to NAS Pensacola so that her hubby could come home for lunch often. If you are house hunting and don't know the area, you might find this short and sweet map useful when you want to know which developments correlate with those house listings you are looking at.

Pensacola Reviews #1 - Madison's Diner (and other little tid bits)

So, I'm always thinking "hey, I'm a military wife and wouldn't it be nice if someone would give you ALL the info for all the best restaurants, shops, pastry shops, doctors, churches,... ummm... EVERYTHING?!" And, now that I've been in Pensacola for 2 years I feel I should pass my knowledge on to those coming here... whether permanently, because of the military or even for tourists looking for the locals' favorites. At first, I thought perhaps I'd make a booklet of some type and hand it out to my new neighbors or squadron wives as the arrive. But figuring it might take me forever to do so, I'm starting with this blog. This way, I can review one restaurant, shop, etc at a time and give my take on it.

So, where else to start but restaurants? Yes, Pensacola has so many amazing local restaurants, there is no excuse to visit one single chain when here! There's such a great variety of seafood, southern flair and the New Orleans influence everywhere. My top picks are Atlas, Dharma Blue and Madison's. At the very top of my list is Madisons, pretty much my favorite restaurant here. First, the atmosphere is amazing. It's located in the Old Sacred Heart Hospital, built in the early 1900's if I remember correctly. The outside is gorgeous and the inside of the deserted hallways, creepy. But the restaurant itself is quaint with great service and simple tables.

Let's get to the important part... the FOOD. We've got a French-Southern Fusion going on here giving us a very eclectic menu. Yummm... I love just about everything there from their multiple variations on Eggs Benedict for their Sunday Jazz Brunch (try the Eggs Chesapeake or Eggs Escambia with bottomless mimosas) to the Fried Green Tomato BLT for lunch and finally on to the Ivey's Filet for dinner (placed atop Brie cheese and crowned with a framboise demi-glaze). There are other favorites as well - Espresso Duck with vanilla sweet potato mashers, crab cakes, and yes, though I don't care for grits, they have the Shrimp & Gouda Grits dish, well-known around the Pensacola area restaurants.

Now, not to leave off deserts they have excellent cheesecake and the best for last is the bread pudding; it's the best bread pudding I've ever had.

More to come on my other favorites later. If you are in Pensacola you have to try this! Click on the menus below for a larger view. Until my next inspiration...