As soon as we cross the border into the sunshine state a wave of heat hits us like siafu ants (sorry, for the odd comparison, but it is ant week on Discovery) when we open the car doors to stop at a service station. 
This evening we were going to see an oldie, but a goodie – a good friend who has been living in Atlantic Beach for a few years now. We meet at a local bar, Sun Dog along a beach strip type, laced with bars and restaurants. Interestingly enough as narrow the road which ran through this palm sized district, the yellow line that divided the road also distinguished Atlantic Beach from Neptune Beach. A quick drink at this 50’s diner type bar, we decide to head over to another spot, as the band seems to be warming up, and it didn’t look like the type to compete conversation with.
However, before we head over to the restaurant, we quickly side track over to the beach, to feel the sand in between our toes and dip our feet into the water. Amazing! I have never felt ocean water so warm. It felt luke warm, the ideal skinny dipping temp, for sure. We didn’t do that though.
Still with the fine, sugar like sand stuck between our toes, carefree, we put our shoes back on and had toward the Ocean One Hotel to Azurea, and ocean side restaurant with a killer patio. We walk through the lobby and then through the corridor with blue and white mosaic tile, aqua marine colored rocks and sea shells. It was as though we were entering Poseidon’s palace.
We decide to do drinks (please notice the pluralization on that) and apps, as the menu selection is too delicious to commit to a single meal for the evening. To begin we order the Seafood Platter - 4 oysters, 2 whole shrimps, complete with heads on, and tuna and pineapple tartar. All flavors did something different for the pallet and the tartar was definately provided a pallet cleanser with a fresh surprise because of the pineapple factor in it. The second app that we order are the Lamb Lollipops. An amazing flavor with a badass reduction. We were definately smacking our lips together.It was a great night full of stories from way back when and now. We even learn that St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city. Huh, go figure. As we look up into the star filled sky, we also realize that we have been having all this fun under the careful watch of Venus.
Special Thanks: Derek Frey
