Stroudsburg, PA

I seem to be making a lot of fast friends these days. So many very special people keep popping into my life in droves it seems. I recently blogged about one in my Humble Pie series but there have been many more.

I have a business associate that I know through a local networking group. We were talking one day last year about our kids and it turns out he has a daughter who is 15, same age as my son and they are both very passionate about music. He owns a video production company and recording studio in Stroudsburg PA, Tera Productions,...very cool so he suggest we get the kids together. Well, life happens and finally a year later, last Saturday we go over to see his studio.

His house and studio were like a fairytale! It turns out that he is an artist and a designer as well and his lower level where he works was transformed into a European street scene complete with columns and meticulously faux finished, antiqued walls...a man after my own heart!

We quickly discovered just how much we all had in common and really did become "fast friends"! His daughter, Francesca, absolutely blew us away with her talent. She was having her very first performance ever that night at an event at a local Pizzeria. I am so glad we took the time to come out and see this beautiful young lady perform as I know she has an extremely bright future ahead of her.

You Go Francesca..our new and very special fast friend!! :)

(Just click on the video to play)

Don't miss one of the biggest summer kickoff events in the Poconos! The Pocono Raceway Festival, being held Saturday June 11, 2011 in downtown Stroudsburg (Main St.) is going to be one of the best ever! (It always is). Games, prizes, Great food and drink, race cars, racing simulator, NASCAR merchandise and other various vendors all gather to combine with great musical acts capping off with a concert by the legendary rock band Blue Oyster Cult! This is going to be bigger than "Godzilla". I, Jason Feinman of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins and Associates will be there but not as a spectator. For the first time I have a sponsored vendors spot with tables where I will have vital Pocono real estate information for you, memorabilia and assorted merchandise for sale with proceeds benefitting various local charities, giveaways and more! I am a proud supporter of great local businesses and attractions such as the Sherman Theater, who puts on this great event and Pocono Raceway. For more information visit: http://www.poconoraceway.com/pocono-raceway-festival-coming-stroudbsurg.html

I have had the pleasure to have dined at Thai Thani for several years now and have never been disappointed. The place is a palace, like it was taken directly from Thailand, and overlooks the Cherry Valley section of Stroudsburg. I am finally getting around to doing a review after dining there tonight and it was as good as ever. I had the special occasion of dining with my father on this night and we were greeted nicely by our hostess. The booths and tables and the dining area is very large and comfortable. You can really spread out here. We started off with drinks. I had Thai Thani's signature Mai Tai, which was served in a nice tall glass that seemed to go on for ever. Made with just enough ice to keep cold, yet enjoy the whole drink without having all ice and no drink. My dad had a sake margarita which he enjoyed and I had a taste of it and found it to be a nice change of pace from the traditional drink that's made with tequila. On to the appetizers where I had the chicken satay, 3 meaty skewers served with Thai peanut sauce and a pineapple/bell pepper sauce with carrots and cabbage garnish. Delicious. My father had a shrimp hot and sour soup that he enjoyed as he was coughing his brains out from the spice. Funny to see someone enjoy something that spicy that it makes him cough. On to the entrees where I ordered the Pad Kra Prow which is your choice of beef, chicken, pork or shrimp sauteed with lots of fresh garlic, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, chili sauce, and fresh Thai basil leaves. My father had the Pad Khing which is sauteed with ginger, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and scallions, Both of us chose beef. Normally it is served with jasmine rice but I prefer noodles and was able to substitute them for the rice at no additional charge. Delicious food made for a content father and son, generous portions meant we had leftovers to take home and the bill was an incredible value as our entrees were only $12.95 each!!! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner when it comes to Thai food and it is Thai Thani in Stroudsburg, PA. Rating A++.

I had the pleasure to attend two events at Liquid within a week after never having been there before. When you have a young son, drinking establishments are not usually on the menu. However, Liquid is a lot more than just drinks although it isn't a "family" restaurant per se. Now the drinks, especially the martinis, are fantastic. I had a "Chocolate Covered Banana" martini that was delicious. It tasted just like a chocolate covered banana. While events aren't always the truest test of an establishment, the consistency shown in the food that was served (especially the Swedish Meatballs) was fantastic. Now I don't remember what was on the regular menu, but I have to say if it was anything like what I was gorging myself on, then you have to make Liquid a must go. Liquid has now been open a little over a year and it is a welcome addition to the downtown Stroudsburg (Main St.) area. Classy modern decor, and the bartenders and wait staff all fell in line with the classy dress and theme. They have a selection of fine cigars for sale as well as a gift area featuring the restaurants' merchandise such as golf shirts, tee-shirts, etc. I give Liquid a A for its, food, drink and decor. Being a little bit on the pricey side is the only reason I do not give Liquid an A+, but it is still a must visit for anyone.

I was so looking forward to today knowing it was going to be warmer than it has been for weeks here in the Poconos. While the cold and snow is great for the skiers... we had 2 properties to de-stage so the milder temperatures were a much welcome and anticipated blessing.

So, still rubbing the sand out of my eyes and stumbling to the sliding door on my upper deck, I peeled back the curtain to be greeted by the day and this was my

"Good Morning"...

Pinks and purples in full array...All I could think was that this was God's Valentine...His way of saying "I LOVE YOU!"

What better way to start the day?

LOVE, SWEET, LOVE!!!

There is nothing more Sacred...

...or more beautiful...

...Than LOVE!

Happy Valentine's Day...and Thank You God!!

( The Pocono Mountains, PA is an incredibly, inspiring and beautiful place to live and enjoy. Why not plan a visit? )