Angela Elliott, REALTOR® C21 Classic Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Real Estate

Liquid Ginger is another one of Gainesville, FL's independently owned, ridiculously good restaurants. The prices are phenomenal for the quality of food that is served, as well as the portions. Unfortunately, Liquid Ginger does not have an online menu, but I will outline just a few of their tastings below:

Soups & Salads:

Your choice of Miso or Tofu & Spinach soup, both of which are good. Salads come with a choice of ginger, sesame, lime or soy vinaigrette dressing.

Appetizers:

Some of the appetizers you will find on the menu include Calamari (tender, not chewy, cooked to perfection, fresh and flavorful. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Served with a spicy dipping sauce that I liked but didn't eat), garlic eggplant, fried eel with spicy sauce (eel in a light panko breading, drizzled with spicy saucy, recommended), fried tofu, spring rolls, crispy soft shell crab, etc. Prices on appetizers from $5-$9. The calamari is a good sized portion at a very affordable $6.

Entrees:

I have not yet been to Liquid Ginger for dinner, but I've heard your plate is surrounded by various nibblees and that it's a really fun experience. The lunch menu is priced from $7-$9 and you will get full. All lunches are served with soup, salad, rice and a spring roll. Some of the entrees you will see on the menu are:

• Crispy Tilapia with lime sauce (I felt the panko breaded tilapia was cooked to perfection but was in need of salt. I thought the lime sauce was a little off putting and tasted like sprite reduced. This is the only dish from Liquid Ginger that I've felt non-plus about).
  
  
• Pad Thai Noodles
  
  
• Singapore Rice Noodles w/yellow curry: This dish is quite good and the portion is very generous. The noodles are not the thin/fine "rice vermicelli"/mei fun that you would expect, but rather a thicker cut rice noodle like udon. The curry flavor comes through and is well balanced. Recommended.
  
  
• Thai Coconut Curry w/ chicken, beef or tofu: When I go to a restaurant and find a dish I like, I usually stick with it and order it time and time again. This dish with tofu was my "usual" and I've only recently started branching out. The coconut curry sauce is very good, especially when you sop up the rice with it. Recommended. (I have a new "usual" that I mention below)
  
  
• Spicy Cream Shrimp: Yep, I'm stuck on this dish. I can't find a negative thing to say about it, other than I can't get enough of it. Good sized shrimp battered and covered with a slightly spicy cream sauce with a hint of sweetness. Oh my lord. Red and green bell peppers intertwine and are sauteed in just enough to heat them yet maintain their crispness. This is my new usual and I can't seem to try anything new to review for you good folks.
  
  
• Some Other dishes: Thai Pepper Steak, spicy red curry chicken, beef or tofu, basil chicken, beef, or tofu, etc.
  
  

The dinner entree selection has the items listed above and several other things to choose from. Now, for some food shots...

Spicy Cream Shrimp Dish with rice, salad and spring roll. I already devoured my soup. Excuse the fact that I dove right in and remembered to take a picture after the fact. I pretty much had a one-track mind when it came to this meal and it's a good thing I even remembered to take a pic:

Calamari in the foreground. In the background you will see seared scallops with a dipping sauce I can't recall, but the scallops were fresh and cooked perfectly. I'm salivating just putting this blog together:

Walking into Liquid Ginger's reception area:

Sun Center Courtyard pictured below. This is the courtyard directly behind the Hippodrome State Theatre. This is also the courtyard where the Gainesville Downtown Farmer's Market takes place (also known as the Union Street Farmer's Market), every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m.

If you like a restaurant with "different" cuisine, definitely give Liquid Ginger a try. Great food, great service, clean and a trendy yet casual atmosphere. When you're all done and sloppy full, you can meander about the Sun Center and browse local shops or go have a cup of coffee and perhaps dessert at Maude's Cafe.

Location:

101 SE 2nd Place SUITE 118, Gainesville (behind the Hippodrome Theatre)

352.371.2323 For Questions or Carry-Out service

Google Map to Liquid Ginger

Best to call for hours. I believe it's 11-2 for lunch and 5-11 for dinner, M-Sat and Lunch 12-4 and Dinner 5-10 p.m. Sun.

Are you a Gainesville local with something to say about Liquid Ginger? Did you try Liquid Ginger on my recommendation and wish to share your experience? Shout out in the box provided below (if you're viewing this on Active Rain), or click the "comments on active rain" link if you're viewing from Localism.

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Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com. A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement).

The good news is that the Gainesville real estate market has remained relatively afloat as compared to the rest of the country. However, we are being affected by the media's constant barrage of negativity and buyer's from out of town are having trouble digesting the fact that they are not going to get a bargain basement deal here. It takes some educating to show the buyers "what they can get away with", and the greatest tool is a CMA (comparative market analysis) to show the buyer's what comparable properties are selling for.

Since buyers are being tough on the market, home seller's need to come out with guns blazing. No, don't shoot the Realtor! The Florida Association of Realtors posted an article today outlining some things sellers really should consider to not only capture a buyer, but to maximize the sales price for their home.

Time and time again, when I show property, the buyer's want to buy the home on our tour that is in the best condition, preferably updated, and is priced to sell. Obviously a buyer doesn't want to pay more to get less! When taking comparable properties (size, location, price), the buyer is going to gravitate towards the one that shows the best, is clean, has curb appeal, and is well maintaned. Kitchens sell, in my opinion. My buyers never fail to comment on the dated kitchen. Most buyers will look at the asking price, consider the amount of money out of pocket to upgrade/update/repair/etc. and decide they just aren't willing to pay the asking price if they immediately have to dump money into it.

The FAR article recommends seller's consider some of the following things to make their home stand apart from the competition and try to grab a buyer. These are suggestions I make to my customers, and most of us are aware of these things, yet this news seems to have eluded some of the homes I've seen on the market. These tips are relavant for any homes on the market, and not just for you folks in Gainesville:

1. Curb appeal - Like everything, a first impression is a lasting impression. Make sure the yard is kept up and choose attractive landscaping to accentuate the home and make it pop.

2. Kitchens & Bathrooms - The FAR article also agrees that kitchens are the #1 seller of a home for most buyers. Try to do anything within your means to update your kitchen, whether it be refinishing or cleaning existing cabinets, replacing dingy, damaged or dated countertops, cleaning appliances or replacing appliances that are older and not operating efficiently. Consider offering an appliance allowance at the very least if your appliances need updating.

3. Doors - Make sure your front door is painted and cleaned if necessary. Doors inside should be oiled if squeaky and painted or replaced if necessary. Make sure the hardware matches your home's other hardware. I was showing property to a customer who could not believe the gold door knobs, silver kitchen knobs and brushed nickel lighting fixtures that obviously did not harmoniously go together.

4. Flooring - A lot of buyers find wood and wood laminate to be a very attractive solution for flooring in the home. Make sure you clean any existing carpet you have in the home from offensive odors and stains. Make sure to have other flooring in the home swept, mopped, and clean so buyers don't get distracted with a mess!

5. Lighting - Dated lighting can be a distraction. Updating the lighting can help the home look more modern and attractive. Lighting can be an inexpensive touch to update the home.

The FAR article contains several more tips, but I think these are some of the most important, especially #1, #2 and #4.

Other Important things I'd like to add for your consideration are:

1. Declutter!! - I can't stress this enough. I have shown homes that have an overload of stuff and they tend to sit on the market a lot longer as they simply don't show well. A ton of stuff makes the rooms feel smaller and is extremely distracting to the buyer. You want the buyers to look at the architectural details, natural lighting, any of the positive things about your property, but most certainly not your clutter!! This is why homestaging can be so successful. Stagers choose tasteful furnishings and accent pieces that attract not detract. Minimilism can be a good thing. Also make sure to define the space's proper use with the appropriate furniture (hint: Your dining room is a place to eat, not your computer room).

2. Depersonalize - We are thrilled that you have a new dog, got married, had a beautiful new baby arrive, collect antique cars, etc. etc., but while your home is on the market, know that buyers get extremely distracted with tons of personal pictures on the walls and magnetic letters on the fridge, dog and cat toys, figurine collectibles, etc. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves in your home. They don't need to get caught up with what a cute _______ you have or what a nice ________ you have or what a nice (couple, family, eligible bachelor/bachelorette, etc.) you are. I've been in homes with tons of personal memorabilia/photos and buyers focus more on that than on the home itself. You DO NOT want to develop the stigma as the "home with all the ______ ." You want to be the "home we want to write an offer on!!"

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com. A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement).

Are you a first time homebuyer? You may be trying to decide if buying a home is the right move as compared to continuing to rent. You have concerns about what kind of downpayment you're going to be responsible for, what your closing costs are going to be, what other costs are associated with buying a home, and a multitude of other questions flooding your mind in the quest to determine if this is the best option for you.

I have compiled a list of articles I wrote specifically geared toward First Time Homebuyers, but those who have already purchased a residence before might pick up some interesting information/refresh themselves to the process.

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER'S INFORMATION PACKAGE/RESOURCES:

• Things to know about buying a home/understanding the process
  
  
• Costs associated with buying a home/Downpayment assistance programs
  
  
• A less expensive listing price DOES NOT always mean a less
  expensivemortgage payment
  
  
• Current FHA approved Condos in Gainesville, FL/FHA info

If you would like to receive any of the articles by fax, please call or e-mail me with your fax # and cite which articles you would like and to whose attention I will put on the cover sheet. If you would like any of these articles mailed to you, please contact me and provide your address. If you have any questions about buying a home, please don't hesistate to contact me. I promise I don't bite. Alternatively, if you would like to know what properties are available in Gainesville, FL, feel free to browse my website, or contact me for a more specific search (including any features you desire such as a fenced yard, pool, garage, etc.).

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com. A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement).

Click to view Slideshow & Information for Haile Plantation Neighborhood Part 1: Community and Golf Course

HAILE VILLAGE CENTER:

The second portion of the slideshow features the Haile Village Center. Here residents can walk shady brick lined sidewalks and enjoy restaurants like The Third Place Pub and Grille, Sisters for Breakfast, and The Village Market, as well as browse shops and boutiques such as The Village Jeweler and Blue Bird Boutique. Relax and pamper yourself at Escape Day Spa and Hair Salon or perhaps indulge in a pedicure at Charm Shoes and Pedicures. The charming Village Center even has condos above and around the action if you'd like a New Orleans type feel but with a much quieter atmosphere. Don't miss the Haile Farmer's market!

The Village Center is pictured in the slideshow below:

Other Haile Links:

Haile Village Farmer's Market (Saturdays 8:30-12:00)

Cacciatore Foods

The Village Market at Haile (gourmet foods, coffees, etc.)

Charm Shoes and Pedicures

Escape Day Spa

Sweet Paws Bakery (for your special pet(s)!)

Olive You Catering

The Village Jeweler

Alter Ego Fitness Center

Interested in what Haile Plantation has to offer? Please contact me for more information!

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com.

Ichiban Sushi is my recomended sushi restaurant in Gainesville, FL. I have been going here for almost 8 years, and it has become a tradition to celebrate anything (a closing, birthday, etc.) by getting sushi from Ichiban. There are other good places to get sushi in Gainesville such as Dragonfly, Kotobuki, Miya, Yamato...the list goes on. However, I've been coming here for years, it is conveniently in my "quadrant" of town, the prices are great and the food is wonderful.

Sushi and sashimi not your thing? Ichiban offers everything from Teriyaki to tempura, to katsu and Udon dishes. Ichiban also offers Pad Thai, a variety of appetizers including spring rolls, kimchi, fried tofu, edamame, gyoza, etc., salads (the wakame salad is excellent, as is the spicy tuna salad with wakame added to it), and miso or onion soup.

If you've read my other profile about Chutnees Indian Cuisine, you know I'm into two things: take-out and ordering the same things over and over again.

Tonight my boyfriend and I picked up some sushi, the same 6 rolls we always get:

Florida Roll - Salmon, tuna, cream cheese and avocado

Spicy Salmon Tempura Roll x 2 - Salmon tempura, avocado and spicy sauce, topped with tempura flakes

Crispy Roll - Grilled salmon, cream cheese, crab meat and scallions, deep fried in tempura flakes

Bagel Roll - smoked salmon, scallion and cream cheese

Eel Roll - sweet (eel sauce) smoked eel and cream cheese. It used to be cucumber rather than cream cheese, which I prefer and order instead of the cream cheese since we have so many rolls with cream cheese.

1 order each of spicy sauce and eel sauce, for extra dipping pleasure.

Photos of tonight's spoils:

You can find Ichaban Japanese at:

Ichiban Sushi Map

I've never had an item here I disliked. Ichiban also offers a full bar and dessert.

*Make sure to visit my Article Index for more Gainesville Restaurant Profiles, Gainesville real estate and other Gainesville Info.*

Active Rain members: Make sure to join Active Rain Foodaholics!

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com.