2025 March - Elite Resort at Citrus Valley - A Final Chapter

Elite Resort at Citrus Valley, Clermont, FL

March, 2025 - A Final Chapter 

Well, I thought my last blog post here at Elite had enough to add to my memories and share with friends but there was more and more.

As a kid, have you ever had a potato wrapped in foil and thrown into a fire?

Meh; better to lay them on the bed of hot coals. Still, with butter and/or sour cream added, the crusty (somewhat burnt) delicious result is enhanced by eating it outdoors while "camping."

Another Thursday Boy's Night Out at Outback. A "Bloomin' Onion" for the table. An Outback Original! Their special onion is hand-carved, cooked until golden and ready to dip into a spicy signature bloom sauce.

A crock of French Onion Soup. Delicious, full bodied and thick with onions and broth.

Victoria's 6 oz. filet mignon did not live up to my expectations and for what I think was the first time ever, I sent it back. The concerned manager comped me for the second full meal...with a better cut of filet. That meal came home with me and enjoyed the next day.

Ever hear of The McGinney?

The McGinney is a beer cocktail created in 2024 by Dave and Craig (son of Tony/Doreen). While traveling through Newark Airport and visiting the Polaris Lounge, they combined a Peroni (an Italian lager) and a Guinness (an Irish stout), reflecting their respective heritages—Craig being Italian and Dave being Irish. The drink is a variation of a classic Black and Tan, but with a unique twist due to the crispness of Peroni and the creamy depth of Guinness. To make a McGinney:

1. Fill a pint glass halfway with Peroni.
2. Slowly pour Guinness over the back of a spoon that allows it to float on top.

Enjoy the layered look and the smooth blend of flavors.

So Tony decided to try it.

Success, Sampled and Enjoyed

From Miami, before sunrise, granddaughter, Sara, spotted and staked out the first Leatherback sea turtle nest of the season.

From 2023, this gives an idea of the size of the turtle that makes it way from and back to the ocean. Flipper tracks can be seen at the right.

Another Thursday Boy's Night Out brought us back to the Crooked Spoon.

That night's special, Truffle Mac & Cheese had diced mushrooms. Outstanding.

Another trip to "I Love NY Pizza" and this time a Calzone...three lunches.

One last visit to The Friar Tuck, Jack enjoyed Fish & Chips while I again enjoyed their Cottage Pie and...

...for dessert we shared Roberta's favorite, Biscoff Bomb: Biscoff cookie butter melted inside deep fried puff pastry accompanied by vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

At the clubhouse, for one last visit, we enjoyed their Spaghetti Dinner Night. Spaghetti with a choice of meat sauce, meat sauce with sausage or plain marinara, a salad, slice of Texas Toast and choice of soda. Tony and Liz brought their own bottles of wine. I had Tony's Arboretto. 

"A noble red wine from the crest of a number of extraordinary fertile hills in the Abruzzo region. Dry, harmonic, full-bodied with an almond finish."

And finally, for our "Last Supper," we traveled north to Carrabba's Italian Grill.  Tonight's meal was a perfect reminder of George Bernard Shaw's words: "There is no love more sincere than the love of food."

L. to R. Tony, Doreen, Fran, Jack, Walter, Johnny, Liz, Jim, Charlie

The Caesar's Salad: cold, crisp and delicious.

Photo from the website: Roasted Vegetable Ravioli. 

On the presented plate: Ravioli filled with roasted red and yellow peppers, asparagus, Portobello mushrooms, ricotta, and parmesan (generously) tossed in a tomato cream-goat cheese sauce and topped with shaved parmesan. Half came home.

For dessert, Limoncello Bread Pudding with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. None came home.

As you may know, Carrabba's has a "$10 Take Home" policy. Have an entree and take another home of equal or lesser value for $10. My choice, for future meal(S) was lasagna.

 

From the website: Fresh pasta layered with pomodoro sauce, meat sauce, ricotta, romano and mozzarella cheese.

And to conclude the season, an annual treat for Winnie: A $13/foot Wash/Dry/Wax and Buff from Five Star Detailing.

Jose and Abi

Five Star Detailing. Visit the website.

Tires pre-cleaned, scrubbed and Armor All applied

Pre-cleaning solution applied on entire coach including roof and awning.

A sudsy wash

Awning pre-cleaned then power washed top and underside.

Before

After

Next, entire vehicle is rinsed with de-ionized water to prevent spotting and blown dry prior to waxing.

All windows washed, dried and buffed.

Wax then applied and buffed

After waxing and buffing, a final wipe down to rid any streaks from buffing.

Like brand new. Running you hand over any surface feels like a mirror.

And so ends my stay in Florida. I hope you've enjoyed my memories. My next stop is Richmond Hill, Georgia, for two nights, then on to Myrtle Beach for seven. The weather is improving daily and I hope it follows as I travel back home. A big thank you to Walter for the use of his Audi that proved most useful many times. 

"Good things end so better things can start. But honestly, I was pretty happy with the good things." – Unknown