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?