Good friends, good food, and plenty of sunshine. What more do you need?
Thankfully, our weekend included all three. We drove to Naples on Saturday to visit our friends Ankita and Jayesh. They recently moved to Florida from Chicago (happy for them/sad for us!). A trip in either direction was long overdue, and since Vishnu and I wanted to get away from St. Pete for a couple of days, we gladly drove down!
After dropping our stuff off at A&J’s place, the four of us headed to The Counter for a late lunch. I decided to copy Ankita and opted for a veggie burger on top of greens, lots of veggies, and a grilled pineapple. The guys ordered burgers off the menu. We also shared shoestring fries, sweet potato fries, and onion fries. Oh and Vishnu and I also shared the Salted Pretzel Nutella shake. Everything was delicious, especially the veggie burger patty and the shake!
Since it was a beautiful day, we decided to take a walk around the neighborhood when we got back. Sunshine is good for the soul!
A&J had a work dinner to attend that evening, so Vishnu and I decided to make it date night and went to The Crust for pizza. I can see why this place was so busy…the pizza was delicious. The crust was thin and super crispy, the sauce had a sweet/tart combo thing going on, and the toppings were plentiful. We decided to go halfsies – my half included marinara, mozzarella, green olives, and pineapple, and Vishnu’s included pesto, sausage, smoked Gouda, and jalapenos.
We didn’t end up going to bed until 1:50 am because of all the deep (and good) conversation!
The next morning, we woke up, hung out for a bit, got ready, and headed to the local farmer’s market. In addition to all the other stalls and booths, this market had a book sale going on as well! Like hundreds and hundreds of books. I bought Don’t Try This at Home, Happier at Home, and When Things Fall Apart for FIVE DOLLARS!!!
Next up…a quick drive through downtown Naples and brunch at The Bay House! Ankita and I shared a traditional eggs/toast/potatoes dish, while the guys shared the Claw Bar plate. We also ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes for the table, and in my opinion, this dish outdid all the others! The lemon curd was tangy perfection!
After more chit chat at home, Vishnu and I finally packed up all of our stuff and headed back to St. Pete.
I feel so refreshed after a couple of days away. And it didn’t take a lavish vacation. This trip proves that a little change in scenery is all you need to replenish your energy!
What did you get up to this weekend!?
Khushboo says
February 29, 2016 at 6:36 amSo much good food in one weekend- especially drooling at those blueberries and the sound of that shake (er WOW)! My weekend involved a massage, a trip to the cinema to see Carol, a bit of eating out and a friend’s baby shower- all in all a good time :)!
Khushboo recently posted…Tatami Sushi & Sake Bar
Parita says
February 29, 2016 at 7:46 pmThe shake was delicious! The salt + sweet combo really hit the spot 🙂
And your weekend sounds amazing. I really need to find a good massage place here!
kenzie says
February 29, 2016 at 9:44 amall those pictures of food look amazing! UGH. x, kenz http://sincerelykenz.com
Parita says
February 29, 2016 at 7:46 pmIt really was delicious! 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
February 29, 2016 at 12:26 pmoh fun weekend- Seriously, the gold you find at farmer’s markets is insane!
Nutella milkshake is on my mind now. THANKS.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Healthy No Bake Cookie Dough Chocolate Covered Eggs + PROTEIN GIVEAWAY!
Parita says
February 29, 2016 at 7:45 pmPlease recreate STAT!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
February 29, 2016 at 5:47 pmi think getting away and little bit of sunshine can revive everything! i went to the other side of the town and had a lovely brunch with some family members..it felt great, like i was on a vacation 😛
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Wild Blueberry Ginger Kombucha Smoothie
Parita says
February 29, 2016 at 7:45 pmI wish you could bottle up sunshine 🙂 It’s really the cure to so many things! Glad you had a vacationesque weekend!
Kacy says
February 29, 2016 at 6:05 pmI completely agree, sometimes those quick getaways are the best! I love the idea of grilled pineapple on top of the veggie burger salad and that pizza looks INCREDIBLE!
Kacy recently posted…Remind Me Why I Live on the East Coast?
Parita says
February 29, 2016 at 7:44 pmI just love that I don’t feel like I need a vacation from my vacation!
Aparna B. says
March 1, 2016 at 7:42 amI saw your photos of the pizza on instagram, but the photo that really sparked my attention were the blueberries! How beautiful and fresh. Glad you had a fun weekend with friends 🙂 What a sad coincidence that they moved where you are and you’re moving where they were!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
March 1, 2016 at 7:55 amThat sounds like such a fun trip! It’s always nice to explore something new, especially with friends! 🙂 And of course, all the food sounds amazing!!