July 1, 2023
July 3 is our anniversary! So, what better way to celebrate than with some of our favorite family members (and one of our favorite restaurants) in Florida!
Florida has always held a special place in my heart, but not because of the weather or heat, nor Disney or the beach. But, instead it’s because it’s where my oldest and dearest friend and her family lives. She, and her family are truly the definition of friends becoming family. Her and I have known each other for more than 35 years and we have experienced almost everything life has to offer together. Her sister is my sister, her parents are my parents and the kiddos are my nieces and nephew. Our lives are enmeshed together as family and I’m so thankful for her and them all.
This trip was meant to be a vacation and to celebrate our second anniversary, however, because life is unpredictable, it quickly turned into a work trip for Jay. However, we are still thankful for this traveling opportunity we have had since this will be the last of the trips on our traveling journey. Jay has been recalled back to the office and so we are heading back to Virginia. But, while we are a bit disappointed we are also excited – we miss our family and friends in Virginia and we are excited to get back into a normal schedule and groove of things. But, with all of that said – that means we are definitely thankful we are spending these last few days in Florida.
If you haven’t ever visited Bern’s Steakhouse in Florida, you are missing out!
Their outstanding service, food choices, wine cellar, dessert room (with a piano player) and more all create the most wonderful experience from entrance to exit. It is truly wonderful!
This time, we were lucky enough to spend our anniversary with some of our best friends to celebrate our anniversary and her birthday at one of both of our favorite restaurants, Bern’s Steakhouse!
It was a night of amazing talks, wonderful food, delicious desserts and the best dessert drink ever the Cappuccino Bern’s Steakhouse.
As best described by an article in Tampa Magazine,
“It takes 10 weeks to make this cup of java. A blend of finely ground, freshly roasted coffee beans are soaked in Kahlua and other flavored liqueurs for 70 days before they are ready to be brewed into the tastiest cappuccino in Tampa.”
All around this place is fun, fancy and unique! It’s the restaurant that the local professional sports teams visit, that famous visitors frequent and it’s just a great upscale place to celebrate.
As a tip, when making a reservation, if you want a busy weekend, or a specific time (that’s not too late), make sure you set your alarm for midnight 60 days in advance for the date and time you want. They ONLY take reservations 60-days in advance and yes that means down to the minute. You can make your reservation online easily. But, don’t forget this is an experience! So, you can expect to be at dinner and then dessert for roughly 3+ hours. And, no you don’t have to choose to do dessert – but you DON’T WANT TO MISS THE DESSERTS OR THE DESSERT ROOM!
And, looking for a place to stay? There is LITERALLY no place better than the Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection Tampa, Florida. It’s directly across from Bern’s so you can just walk to dinner and walk home – no need to valet, and no need to drive home so you can enjoy some libations during or after dinner. Not to mention, the Epicurean has a great outside bar area with music and great drinks, as well. So, it’s a fun place to close out a great evening after dinner – and that’s exactly what we did!
Well, we passed year two in our marriage with more love than I even knew was possible, so now on to year three! Cheers to us!
Life with Mary and Jay 