I know that I have previously written about KOI, but after an invite to dine with the head chef, it deserved a re-write.

It was a never ending flow of everything amazing. Roasted Shishito Bisque, Crispy Rice topped with Spicy Tuna, and Salmon Capriccio began our meal. We went on to have the KOI Dragon Roll, and an award winning 'special' roll not listed on the menu that was magic to my lips. Oh yes and then the Grilled Sea Bass, Seared Salmon, Peppercorn Filet Mignon, and Sauteed Tiger Prawns. The filet came with shishito mashed potatoes that were hiding under the flower, finding them was like striking gold. The one bite left over that was in my fridge this morning .. dream.

To boot, Chef Robb was so nice. We had great conversation and amazing food. How I had room to demolish 3/4 of the DESSERT PLATTER, I know because I barely fit in my skinny jeans. Here is the before and after ...

Pictured: Flourless Molten Chocolate Volcano Cake, New York Cheesecake, Vanilla Creme Brulee, Hot Fudge and Carmel Sundae, Vanilla Custard Tart, & Mochi Ice Cream

Wonder what's been going on with these warm afternoons? Yesterday I went to the Living Room inside of the W for a some Mediterranean Caipirinhas and a light lunch. Light turned in to a cheeseburger, but it was a good one. Our chicken caesar was too doused in dressing to enjoy, but our bartender was so sweet I didn't care. These new digs are fresh and bright - The daytime jaunt was nice, but at night it's definitely the perfect place to grab a drink and a bite before heading out on the town ... or up to Drai's ( coming soon..)

SO DOUGHBOY FRESH:

This is where it's at for brunch. Doughboys has the best people watching, bomb food, and great service. Despite the fact that they were slammed on this Saturday afternoon, everyone on staff made such an effort to give us a great experience. We started with the after school special, then went on to breakfast with the blueberry flax seed griddlecakes and a caponata egg frittata. It was all great, and probably one of the best grilled cheese's of my life. That says a lot to because my mom always said I should write a book called Grilled Cheese Across America. ( I was a picky eater, and would only order grilled cheese off of every menu on every vacation we ever went on for about 10 years...) Great coffee too!

When you think of Jamaica what comes to mind? Having never visited I was thinking leathery tans, Rasta braids, and Red Stripe.

I was pleasantly surprised by the rich culture of Caribbean food and drink. Fresh lobster dipped in garlic butter, curry conch, seasoned steamed shrimp, and of course, jerk chicken were just a few of the meals I loved so much! On our adventure to the Appleton Rum distillery we stopped at a few places along the side of the road and bought fresh seafood from ladies peeling shrimp for the mango shrimp soup (pictured above) and loved fresh fruit rum drinks from the local bars in Negril (pictured below). My favorite meal(s) were the lobster dinners at the resort we stayed at called Tensing Pen, listening to the waves crash feet away from us warm from the day's tan. If and when you go, be sure to wonder out ( with someone who knows their way around ) and try something new.