Debbie Summers - MoveToLakeMary.com or 407-758-1020

Contrary to popular belief you really can have another REALTOR as a close friend, it isn't all about competition. Last month my friend asked me to cover her business while she went out of town for a family emergency. While she was away I negotiated a contract on one of her listings, completed the inspections and held an Open House that she had planned weeks in advance. A thank you was sufficient, but she went overboard... she treated me to a massage at the Ritz.

A few weeks earlier she told me about a massage called Ashiatsu, a deep tissue massage that is performed with the masseuse's feet... yes I said feet. She walked up and down my back and it was the deepest most relaxing massage I've ever had and I have had a lot of massages. I can't say enough good things about my day at the Ritz... it is first class as expected but comfortable and friendly too. You immediately feel right at home and you can have one treatment and make a day of it. You have access to the pool, spa, sauna, steam room, lounge (I could spend the day there reading and drinking green tea alone), it is fabulous. I felt like a queen for the day. We had a late lunch in the Spa Cafe which offers seating out by the pool, it was the perfect day and I can't wait to be walked on again.

Considering a Move to Central Florida?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty

Please contact Cas and Debbie for all of your real estate needs in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka and Orlando.

407-758-1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com

Good news for Orlando...

Forbes has ranked Orlando the 9th Fastest Growing Large Metro City in the Country. According to Global Insight, Orlando is expected to have 2.9% annual job growth between 2007-2012, leading the Country in a tie for first place with McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas. The continued job growth and influx of new residents will have positive effects on the housing market over the next few years.

Considering a Move to Central Florida?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty

Please contact Cas and Debbie for all of your real estate needs in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka and Orlando.

407-758-1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com

The Elephant Bar Restaurant has just opened in the Altamonte Mall in Altamonte Springs. Located in the same area as the old Ruby Tuesdays, the Elephant Bar Restaurant is a welcome addition to the mall area eateries.

The menu is inspried by Pacific Rim cuisine, but has burgers and fries for the less adventurous diners. The interior is a soothing Asian inspired theme with an open kitchen and plenty of palm trees. The restaurant was very busy during our lunch visit and was a little loud, but still an enjoyable escape from shopping or work. The restaurant is family friendly and had an mix of shoppers and local business folks on our visit. The service was very efficient and our meals were great. I really have to recommend the Pad Thai it was very good and just spicy enough.

If you are looking for something new or need a break from a rough day of shopping, stop in at the Elephant Bar Restaurant. I hope that you give it a try.

Considering a Move to Central Florida?

Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty

Please contact Cas and Debbie for all of your real estate needs in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka and Orlando.

407-758-1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com

I have to applaud Disney's decision to establish a minimum age requirement at their AAA rated 5 Diamond restaurant Victoria & Albert's. The Orlando Sentinel reported on Saturday that children under 10 will no longer be welcome at the only 5 Diamond rated restaurant in Central Florida.

When you are spending over $125 for a 7 course, 3 hour meal, the thought of a unhappy child in the restaurant is enough to make you loose your appetite. I'm not sure that I can sit still for a 3 hour meal, let alone a 3 year old. There are so many great restaurants at Disney World to choose from... I'm hoping that there isn't a backlash for their decision.

What do you think... Would you like the children or non-children section when you go out to an upscale restaurant?

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty - Lake Mary, Florida. Cell 407-758-1020 or email Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka or Orlando.

Copyright © 2008 by Debbie Summers, All Rights Reserved.

Even though we live in Lake Mary, Florida (a quick 15 minutes to downtown Orlando and 45 minutes to the theme parks) we don't venture out much for dinner or entertainment, we have everything we want within 10 minutes of our house. I really try and stay away from the "tourist" areas unless I'm entertaining friends and family... it keeps it fresh for me and it's a treat for me as much as them when they visit.

We have rarely gone out on New Years Eve, but a friend of ours talked us into going to International Drive (tourist central) for dinner at Texas de Brazil. I've had a few friends tell me about the restaurant and the food and everyone says the same thing. WOW, it's a lot of meat.

If you are a vegetarian, you should just stop reading and go to the next post...

The restaurant is huge, I'm sure that they cater to a large number of tourists, but from the buzz that I've been hearing about this place... a lot of locals have been going there too. My first word of advice is go hungry! Second, do not eat meat for the two days prior to going. Third, dress comfortably, you will need all the additional room you can get.

Don't waste to much room on your plate with the salad bar... They were serving Lobster Bisque last night and yes, I had 2 bowls. You will be served rolls at your table, they are dangerously good and you could easily eat a half dozen without thinking about it. The garlic mashed potatoes and fried bananas at the table are to cleanse your palette between the meat presentations and they are good too.

Everyone had their own favorites. Cas like the Fillet Mignon, Becky and Joe loved the sausage... we were trying to figure out how to get some in my purse for breakfast the next day but Louis Vuitton and sausage just doesn't work. I have to say that the "house special" Top Sirloin was incredible, juicy and a flavor like no steak I have had before. Cas looked at me at one point and said "Are you really going to eat all of that".... ugh Yeah.

Did I mention that it is all you can eat? We left almost 2 and half hours later and very... very... full. I have no idea how I helped Cas eat the Key Lime Pie he ordered for dessert.

I hope that they have their own defibrillator... I can imagine that they might need it.

It's a great restaurant for a group, it's loud... but that is because everyone, including the "cowboys" who serve you are having a great time. It's pricey but if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate a special event and enjoy a variety of quality beef, chicken, sausage, ribs, etc... Texas de Brazil is a robust dining experience that you have to try.