Finding MORE in Amelia!
Jill: “Ok, so where are we going to go?”
Jack: “Hmmm? Perhaps we should venture to land that will find us living in?”
Jill: “Wha… wait! I TOLD YOU I AM NOT MOVING TO FLORIDA!”
Jack: “Exactly.”
Jill: “What?”
Jack: “That’s why I…”
Jill: “Not again! Why I oughtta…”
WE decided to tweak our vacation a wee bit. We wanted a ‘chillaxing, nice vibe, sun-filled, foodie-type, wine-filled’ getaway that we could drive to… again. Sounds familiar, huh.
After some consideration focused primarily on drive-time, we decided to visit Amelia Island on the east coast of Florida opting to stay at the Omni Amelia Island Resort.
The drive down was ‘clean smoothing’ as we like to say. Our entertainment focused on an audio book; Killers of the Harvest Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. To say it was gripping and disturbing would be an understatement. The events themselves are an absolute travesty! Yes, it is a movie now, though I cannot believe it does the book justice. Sad. Truly sad.
Back to business…
The Omni Resort is a very nice hotel with a stunning view of the ocean and wonderful amenities. In addition to being on the white sands of Fernandina Beach, they offered several pools- some exclusively for adults- with the main pool being absolutely huge! Their pool deck chairs are available at different levels similar to stadium seating. Of course there are bars with tasty ‘home made’ concoctions!
The staff were all very pleasant and accommodating. That being said, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention, we had an issue with our ‘first’ room; it was damp. Water all over the carpet. That being said, the staff addressed it rather quickly providing us with a new room, our second. They even moved our bags while we dined at one of the hotel’s restaurants, Oceanside. Casual and tasty, it hit the spot after a long drive. We (meaning, me) then realized we weren’t crazy about said room (ocean view was at an angle and that part of the hotel is rather secluded from the main part- not into it). With that, the next day, while we sunbathed, they moved us yet again- bags & clothing- to our third and final room. Though all the rooms come with a balcony and ocean view, this last room was ‘perfect.’ We were grateful for their commitment and flexibility.
There were plenty of things to do of which we chose none. Well, actually, we had our morning walks along the beach. Four miles. Yes, Jill wasn’t too happy one or two days. Outside of that, sun & waves. And drinks.
As our readers know well by now, Jill and I are all about the food & drink, especially when vacationing. And yes, Jill handled it all YET AGAIN. She’s really THAT good.
We dined at several establishments including some casual fare, though a few- three to be exact- took the experience to a higher level. They would be, Verandah and David’s Restaurant & Lounge.
The restaurants are both of an inviting atmosphere lead by décor and ambiance; the strikingly nuevo-southern flare of Verandah and the chic-in-style of David’s. That is followed by the food!
Both offer delectable twists on ‘standard’ dishes as well as unique plates bursting with flavor and scent! Their wine lists are respectable and lend themselves to the menu. Again, BOTH are a MUST if you’re staying in the area.
Of course, in the words of Highlander, “There can be only One!”
And that distinction goes to… wait for it… wait for it… Salt at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island.
Being the deep-diver that she is (figuratively speaking, that is), Jill managed to score us an experience that truly ranks with the best of them; the Chef’s table. IN the kitchen. The ONLY table IN the kitchen!
THE chef would be, Chef Okan Kizilbayir. Yes, the table was IN the kitchen. No, we did not have staff physically assaulting us nor did we get hit with any food items or culinary devices.
I will admit, it was both exhilarating and intimidating walking thru the “Employees Only” doorway into the kitchen. I wasn’t sure if washing dishes would be a part of the experience. But as I past thru, Jill going first- I’m no fool- I encountered the pastry chef and her delectable bounty. Sadly, I would have to wait, though well worth it, it was.
It was a multi-course food extravaganza and wine paring at a table for two, and only two, just outside the wine cellar, in a room offering the proverbial ‘front row view’ via a big glass in the kitchen. From our perch we could see all the various chefs and kitchen staff working steadily with the fluidity of a well-oiled machine, and the intense focus of artists, creating the various dishes for their guests. ALL plates are inspected and approved by Chef Okan. It truly was amazing.
The courses were all incredibly unique, fresh and bursting with flavor. The wines pared beautifully with each one. And the service.. though we had one specific individual assigned to us (forgive me as I forget his name), we did interact with some others who were all equally delightful. Chef Okan himself came in to check with us several times, more than open to answering any of Jill’s questions as well as to confirm our delight (confirmed!). And yes, several selfies were taken! As a side note, Chef Okan comes from a family of food professionals in Turkey (a food favorite of mine). So, I guess he was born with ‘the’ gift!
Truth be told, I would do it an absolute injustice if I attempted to run thru our courses line-item style, mostly because I don’t recall. What I do recall is, the food was amazing. Simply know, this is a premium experience and IT IS WELL WORTH THE COST! If you have the opportunity, cease it! Amazing.