Restaurant Review: Small Cakes

The first time I tried Small Cakes Cupcakery was in Thomasville, GA a few years ago. Now there are two Tallahassee locations and they're just as good as the first time I had it. They prepare some of the mostest cupcakes I've been able to find around town. Their fudge frosting found on their chocolate cream (made to resemble the Hostess Cup Cake's bigger and better sibling) is amazingly rich and smooth. We tried the Blue Moon cupcake with the orange on top and found it was light and refreshing. I haven't been disappointed yet, which is saying a lot for a dessert diner like me!

Events - Christmas Tree Shopping

I would suggest going to Springhill Christmas Tree Farm for your tree this year. It is family owned and operated and they have Santa Claus December 7th and 8th, 2-4pm each day. The trees may be more expensive, but it is a fun experience and great photo opportunity.

Hours of Operation: Saturdays 10am to 6pm, Sundays 1pm to 6pm, weekdays 12 noon to 6pm.


http://www.springhilltreefarm.com/index.php?pr=Christmas_Trees

Travel: Georgia Cost

I went on a road trip to the Georgia coast, more specifically Jekyll Island, for a couple of days. We stayed in the Villas by the Sea Resort, which in person wasn't much like what the pictures on their website depicted. It was a condo complex which owners may rent their condo's when they aren't using it. It was right next to the famous driftwood beach, which was like a massive photo spot packed with people. Romantic is not how I would describe it. I wouldn't go to Jekyll for the beach, that's for sure. There barely was one in fact. I've been completely spoiled with the beautiful beaches of the Florida Panhandle and the beach in Georgia was incomparable. 


There was an adorable historical resort which was once a private club with members including the Morgans, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts. The restaurant on the water was a great time, good food, live music, and the perfect view for the sunset. I would suggest dining outside in a more casual setting, the indoor restaurant wasn't worth the bang for the buck.

http://www.jekyllclub.com/
http://www.villasbythesearesort.com/

Review: Sweet Grass Dairy

Thomasville is home to several of my favorite things. Local shops with great jewelry, designer clothes, and unique finds. Jonah's, Liams, and Sweet Grass Dairy cafe are all wonderful tasty options for dining in this small town.

Rattlesnake Roundup

This weekend I rode out to the country, Whigham Georgia to be exact, to attend the Rattlesnake Roundup. It is basically an excuse for vendors to come to the area to sell their crafts while guests witness rattlesnake demonstrations and eat fried deliciousness. Items for sale included citrus, bras, sunglasses, belt buckles, candle holders, baby clothes, etc. Local organizations hosted tents of their own recruiting members for boy scouts, sons of confederate soldiers, and Whigham Baptist Church. It was a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while being face to face with the venomous creatures. If I had more time I would have like to make a few good buys from a local, but it was off to grandma's house for fried chicken. An afternoon on the porch in a rocking chair with a glass of sweet iced tea was the perfect way to end the day.

Christmas Activities I Partook In

Since I've suggested so many activities before the holidays, I want to recap and state what I actually went to and what I enjoyed.

1. Christmas in Narnia - Quincy, FL
I really enjoyed this performance, there were a few really talented ladies in this group. The companies performs the same play every year so if you didn't catch it this time, you can try again next Christmas. I would have liked to scope out Quincy more too, maybe grab a bite or a coffee before/after the performance.

2. Victorian Christmas - Thomasville, GA
I went, but we were a little late. We ate at my new favorite Thomasville restaurant George and Louie's and then went around the corner downtown to check out the activities. They had the streets closed off and it was flooded with people. The stores were still open which was nice, but I wouldn't have shopped if I wasn't serious about buying something. We browsed a few stores as we made our way to Sweetgrass Dairy for some wine and cheese (beer for the boys). That was the highlight of the night. There were a few people in costume, some performances but I think we missed a majority of the festivities since we were late to the party. I may try to get there earlier next year or may just skip the party and head to my favorite Thomasville spots a different night.

3. Downtown Christmas - Tallahassee, FL
I wish I had signed up for the Jingle Bell Run, but instead we walked along the streets of downtown listening to the performances and headed to Po Boys to watch the SEC championship game. There were a few groups that I was glad I got to see including a couple of the dances from the TCC company and a classic rock band jamming out. It was something to do, but wasn't much to see.

Thomasville Treasure - George & Louie's

I rode up to Thomasville last night expecting a romantic dinner at Liam's, but apparently Liam's is closed most nights so I got a pleasant surprise. A quaint seafood restaurant just around the corner from downtown Thomasville called George & Louie's. It's been in business since 1981, so you know they're doing something right. This restaurant appeals to the traditional Thomasville diners who want fresh food without the "fuss". They offer craft beers and wine, southern fried (or grilled) fresh seafood, in house sauces, and a hint of Greek heritage offered through their salads. The restaurant is a newly renovated large open dining space with polished concrete floors, solid wood tables, and aluminum chairs that complement each other effortlessly. The walls are bright white with oversized windows making the place feel open and inviting. The indoor space is accompanied with a handful of tables outside with umbrellas.

George greeted us at the counter as I took forever to read the menu, which was handwritten on 6 large chalkboards that hang behind the counter, he prepared our iced tea. I ordered the special which consisted of an entire mullet fried (two fillets), a deviled crab, cheese grits, and coleslaw.  The mullet was fresh with a thick and crispy fried exterior. I would not get the deviled crab again, but I don't think I've ever cared for deviled crab anyways. The coleslaw was crunchy and good, but was uncomparable to the creamy cheese grits which could have been my dessert. Everything was served in a basket with wax paper, sides are served in styrofoam cups, and plastic silverware to top it all off. My handsome date recounted his childhood memories growing up just around the corner while we shared the most amazing order of cheese grits I've ever had. I introduced myself to George who had been so attentive during our meal I was tempted to offer him a seat so I could hear about the history of the place. He told us that his parents were both from Greece; the photos on the wall leading to the restrooms corroborated his story. The frames were filled with old school photographs of a family holding hands dancing in a circle with smiles on their faces. They reminded me of old photos I had seen of my grandfather and his family. I told him I really enjoyed the food and the restaurant and couldn't wait to come back to try the greek salad.

As we were leaving I noticed they had a drive through!

The menu and pictures of the restaurants are on their website.

Home of the freshest Seafood, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Louie’s Famous Greek Salad!
http://www.georgeandlouies.com/