2025 February - Elite Resort at Citrus Valley

 Elite Resort at Citrus Valley, Clermont, FL

February, 2025 

"Phil" does have just a 37% accuracy rating

We've heard the news from up north with the repeating winter storm, watches, warnings and advisories" as well as the six weeks of bad weather. But from Clermont, Florida...

And our wonderful experiences continue. Naturally, one must be present to truly enjoy the experience.

The sun is hot, low 80's in the shade but the breeze makes it comfortable. The typical Florida humidity isn't with us yet, so life if good.

While shopping, Dan and Mel caught a good deal for wood at our nearby Lowe's, so our evening get-togethers will continue with comfortable evening temperatures. 

Dining out continues as well. One afternoon, friends, Mark and Mya stopped by from Port Orange. Jack and I joined them at Mito Sushi & Grill and they remained for our evening campfire.

I enjoyed the Black Dragon Roll: Shrimp tempura, cucumber, cream cheese inside, topped with eel, avocado, eel sauce and spicy mayo.

Having enjoyed a "Boys Night Out" last month, we returned to the Crooked Spoon, this time with the ladies.

I had the 6-Cheese Mac & Cheese: a most unique and flavorful blend of provolone, parmesan, fontina, asiago, gorgonzola, and Swiss with bacon, roasted red and yellow peppers, and parmesan gremolata. Parmesan gremolata is a topping made by combining finely chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and sometimes garlic. This dish provided me with three more meals.

We continued to visit the Clubhouse Saturdays when breakfasts were provided.  $8.00 breakfast donations went to Toys for kids. One of the breakfast highlights, however, was helf right next door on Tony/Doreen's site. It was the combination of "Guys and Griddles." We sat nine and there were very few leftovers.

Tony's grill: bacon and eggs anyway you want them.

Dan's griddle serving special recipe pancakes

Jack's griddle featuring thick cut bacon.

My contribution, a huge herbed roasted potato omelet.

Texas Roadhouse

Another trip to the Friar Tucks

Cheese and Onions Pasty: Whipped potatoes with cheddar and onions baked in a puff pastry.

Biscoff Bomb: Buttery pastry filled with a Biscoff filling, deep fried and topped with vanilla cream. The Biscoff filling is a creamy or crunchy spread made from crushed Biscoff cookies. It has a texture similar to peanut butter but tastes like sweet, spiced cookies.

Roberta's Biscoff Bomb was quite different.

Super Bowl Sunday.

Doreen, Roberta and Charlie walked away with proceeds the sum of which did not change life styles.

Valentine's Day at Amore

Early (4:00 p.m.) reservations were necessary for our crowd of eleven at Amore's on Valentine's Day. As expected, the restaurant was packed in no time. From my vantage point, I was very impressed with the servers and wait staff as they took orders, served and maneuvered the narrow aisles; all very quick and efficient. It was noted (and should have been expected) that their special Valentine Menu reflected holiday price increases and reduced portion size. 

I enjoyed the Chef's special, Valentino Cheese Ravioli: Heart-shaped ravioli served with a creamy Alfredo sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Not photographically appealing but I was interested in how red ravioli were made. Owner indicated it was the chef's recipe and didn't know.

Well, that's it for February; on to March, my last month here at Elite. We've received good news from the owner of our two lots: we will be able to rent again next year, January through March, 2026.

“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.” — Erma Bombeck