Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Father’s Day in Jacksonville, Florida

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THINGS TO DO FOR FATHER’S DAY IN THE JACKSONVILLE

This weekend it’s Father’s Day.  For Mother’s Day many of us like to take our parent out for breakfast, lunch or dinner – and fathers will enjoy a nice meal to.

I have found a few interesting things you can do in the Jacksonville area with your Dad.

 

Father’s Day at the Jacksonville Zoo

On Sunday June 19th, 2011, the Zoo has a special “Buy One – Get One Free”, so for Dads who want to take a child to the Zoo, or vice versa – Father’s Day could be the day to visit the zoo.  Please note, for the special price on admission you need to print out the coupon from their website. Click here to get to the coupon now!

 

For the Ice Prince and Princess
Looking for something fun and unusual to do with Dad? How about a spin on the ice, it’s the perfect way to cool off in the summer heat.  Jacksonville Ice & Sportplex has a matinee session from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sunday June 20, 2011. The cost is $9.00 which includes skate rental. Located off of I-95 at the Emerson (#347) exit!

Sunday, June 20, 2011 Event Time: 11 am – 1 pm 
Click here for more information!

 


World Golf Hall of Fame on Father’s Day

If you’re Dad is a golf enthusiast, why not take a road trip to the World Golf of Village for Father’s Day.

The World Golf Hall of Fame will offer complimentary admission to everyone who visits the museum on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 2011,  from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate the final round of the U.S. Open, the museum will be featuring its U.S. Open memorabilia with self-guided tours and storytellers in the building.

The first 500 fathers will receive a goodie bag and enjoy free admission at the Hall’s 18-hole, natural-grass putting course and half price admission to the IMAX Theater. Contests will also be conducted throughout the day on the Hall of Fame’s Challenge Hole, indoor golf simulator and indoor putting green.

The World Golf Hall of Fame offers free admission for everyone for its annual Community Day which takes place on June 20th.

World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village I-95, Exit 323, St. Augustine, Fla.

For more information, call 904-940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org .





Armed Forces Day at Jacksonville Landing

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Armed Forces Day Concert at the Jacksonville Landing

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, Armed Forces Day is celebrated with a special joint concert with First Coast Wind Ensemble and Navy Band South East. The concert takes place  at 4:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Landing.

The Navy Band Southeast is led by Musician First Class Jose Acosta USN. The performance includes military and patriotic music and video presentations that pay tribute to the brave men and women who serve our country in all our uniformed services.

First Coast Wind Ensemble
First Coast Wind Ensemble

First Coast Wind Ensemble and Navy Band Southeast
Captain Jeffrey Maclay USN, Commanding Officer, NAS Jacksonville
Saturday, May 21 @ 4:00 p.m. . onlyfan free miamiddleton

Opening remarks will be delivered by Captain Jeffrey Maclay USN, Commanding Officer of NAS Jacksonville. The concert will include the Presentation of Colors by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Honor Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by vocalist Laurie Orth.

The program will feature vignettes by the Jacksonville Historical Society’s Executive Director Emily Lisska, who will highlight the role of Jacksonville’s service personnel during the different phases of World War II. The Landing’s jumbo tron will bring photos from the war period, most never publicly shown before.

The 60-member First Coast Wind Ensemble is an organization of community musicians led by principal conductor Artie Clifton and associate conductor Don Reynolds. The organization is celebrating its 21st season of concerts offered as a cultural service to the greater Jacksonville area.

Beach Safety Week in Charleston

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National Beach Safety Week in Charleston, South Carolina, takes place May 23-30, 2011

Every year the United States Lifesaving Association sponsors National Beach Safety Week in an effort to remind beachgoers to use caution in the aquatic environment. The objective of National Beach Safety Week is to make citizens aware of the need to be safe while in and near the water.

This objective stresses the following:

· Learn to swim

· Swim near a lifeguard

· Swim with a buddy

· Check with the lifeguards

· Use sunscreen and drink water

· Obey posted signs and flags

· Keep the beach and water clean

· Learn Rip Current safety

· Enter water feet first

· Lifeguards are your friends

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission provides lifeguards at the three county beach parks and at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier in an effort to reduce the number of beach accidents. The agency employs around 50 lifeguards to keep the county beach parks at Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Kiawah Beachwalker safe. Nevertheless, an informed public is essential to maintaining adequate levels of beach and water safety. In conjunction with National Beach Safety Week, the following beach safe demonstrations will be held on Saturday, May 28. Beach-goers and the general public are encouraged to attend and watch these demonstrations. ISLE OF PALMS COUNTY PARK – May 28, 2011 Visit our info table on the dune crossover for beach safety tips. All activities will begin at Stand 11. Beach safety demonstrations will be performed throughout the day. SCHEDULE: 11:30 a.m. – Swim Rescue Scenario 1:30 p.m. – Marine Life Information 3:30 p.m. – Board Rescue Scenario KIAWAH BEACHWALKER PARK – May 28, 2011 Visit our info area on the beach for beach safety tips. All activities will begin at Stand 42. Beach safety demonstrations will be performed throughout the day. SCHEDULE: 11:30 a.m. – Swim Rescue Scenario 1:30 p.m. – Marine Life Information 3:30 p.m. – Board Rescue Scenario FOLLY BEACH COUNTY PARK – May 28, 2011 Visit our info table in front of the Dunes House for beach safety tips. All activities will begin at Stand 32. Beach safety demonstrations will be performed throughout the day. SCHEDULE: 11:30 a.m. – Rescue Scenario 1:30 p.m. – Marine Life Information 3:30 p.m. – Board Rescue Scenario For more information contact Cole Thomas at (843) 886-3863 or cthomas@ccprc.com.

For more about Charleston:

For a list of annual events and festivals in Charleston, SC, click here!

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival

Charleston CariFest

Spoleto Festival

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in a Flash

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Cinco de Mayo is a great excuse for a party.  Many bars and restaurants have special events on Thursday May 5, and why not?
Cinco de Mayo – the 5th of May – is a day of celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the US and around the world. A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is the “Mexican Independence Day”, it is not. Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico, not an obligatory holiday. The national holiday is actually on September 16th.

If you are not planning a night out on the town, gather friends and family around the table to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these specially selected recipes. They’re fast and easy to prepare, so you can relax and share a festive meal with those you love. And if you don’t have time to create  fiesta during the week – how about the weekend?

Chipotle Chicken Taco Cones

Chipotle Chicken Taco Cones

Prep Time: 10 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 20 minutes

Makes 8 cones

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 pound ground chicken

3/4 cup water

1 packet (1.25 ounces) Ortega Chipotle Taco Seasoning Mix

1 can (16 ounces) Ortega Refried Beans 8 8-inch Ortega Flour Soft Tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded or grated Cheddar cheese

Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 3 minutes or until translucent. Add ground chicken; cook and stir 5 minutes or until browned. Stir in water and seasoning mix. Remove from heat. Warm refried beans in saucepan or in microwave. Wrap tortillas in lightly moistened paper towels. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) 20 to 30 seconds, or until pliable. Fold tortilla in half; spread with refried beans.

Form tortilla into cone shape;* press to adhere outside corner with refried beans. Fill cones with chicken mixture, lettuce, tomatoes and Cheddar cheese.

*To form cone, lay tortilla on work surface. Holding one pointed end down, grasp other end and bring point to round edge, twisting point under slightly. Curl opposite end around outside of cone and press to adhere with refried beans.

 

Mini Crab and Cream Cheese Flautas

Min Crab and Cream Cheese Flautas

Prep Time: 5 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 15 minutes

Makes 24 mini flautas

2 cups vegetable oil

1 package (8 ounces) pasteurized crab meat, drained

1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fired-Roasted Diced Green Chiles, drained

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

6 8-inch Ortega Flour Soft Tortillas

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup Ortega Salsa Verde

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat to 375∞F. Line platter with paper towels. Combine crab meat, chiles and cream cheese in medium bowl. Spread about 1/4 cup mixture down middle of tortilla and firmly roll like a cigar. Keep tortilla roll closed with 4 tooth-picks. Cut between toothpicks into four equal pieces; set aside. Repeat with remaining filling and tortillas.

Place pieces carefully into hot oil. Cook 1 minute or until golden brown, turning once. Remove with slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.

Combine sour cream and salsa verde in small bowl: mix well. Serve with flautas as dip.

Tip: Serve some Ortega Guacamole Style Dip too, and encourage double dipping.

 

Beef Taco Salad with Guacamole Dressing

Beef Taco Salad with Guacamole Dressing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 15 minutes

Makes 6 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 pound lean ground beef

3/4 cup water

1 Ortega Whole Grain Corn Taco Kit – includes 10 taco shells, 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix and 1 packet (3 ounces) taco sauce

1 head iceberg lettuce, diced

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup Ortega Guacamole Style Dip

1/4 cup mayonnaise

Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir 4 minutes or until translucent. Add beef; cook and stir 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain and discard fat. Stir in water; add seasoning mix and taco sauce from taco kit; mix well. Cook and stir 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened.

Break taco shells from taco kit into bite sized pieces in large salad bowl. Add lettuce, tomatoes and cheese; toss to combine. Add meat mixture; toss to combine.

Combine guacamole dip and mayonnaise in small bowl; pour over salad. Toss lightly. Serve warm salad immediately.

Tip: For more color and nutrition, add other fresh vegetables to the salad, including shredded carrots, sliced radishes, sliced cucumbers or broccoli florets.

 

Chocolate and Cinnamon Tortilla Pudding

Chocolate and Cinnamon Tortilla Pudding

Prep Time: 40 minutes

 

Start to Finish: 1 hour 40 minutes

Makes 8 servings

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

10 8-inch Ortega Whole Wheat Soft Tortillas, divided

1 cup diced fresh pineapple or canned pineapple, drained

2/3 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

3 eggs

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Whipped cream

Combine sugar and water in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar melts and begins to bubble. Pour into 9-inch square glass baking dish; tilt pan to evenly coat bottom and sides with sugar.

Tear 5 tortillas into bite-size pieces. Place evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle pineapple and 1/3 cup chocolate chips evenly over top. Tear remaining 5 tortillas; place evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips.

Whisk eggs, milk and cinnamon in medium bowl. Pour over layered tortillas in baking dish. Cover surface with plastic wrap, and press down lightly to distribute egg mixture over assembled tortillas.

Set aside 30 minutes to allow egg mixture to soak into tortillas. Preheat oven to 350∞F.

Bake 53 to 55 minutes or until pudding is firm. Cool 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Tip: For a Dulce de Leche version of this pudding, replace the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips.

Photographs: (c) 2011 Publications International, Ltd. All rights reserved

Find more ways to celebrate at www.ortega.com and www.facebook.com/OrtegaTacos.

#10533_UF Source: Ortega

Fun Things To Do in St. Augustine, Fl – April 28 – May 1, 2011

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GAMBLE ROGERS FOLK FESTIVAL
This weekend you can listen to the best in folk and Americana music at this three-day Gamble Rogers Folk festival in downtown St. Augustine. Starting Friday April 29, 2011.

 

LIVING HISTORY DAYS AT FORT MOSE

On Saturday April 30, 2011 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m you can meet real-life St. Augustine’s 1740 residents, Los Presidiales de San Agustín. Fort Mose was established back in 1738. It is the site of the first, legally-sanctioned free black settlement in the continental U.S.  The re-enactors portraying townsfolk will present 18th-century Living History Day programs at the fort. Fort Mose State Park is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $2 per person. For more information, call 904.823.2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose.

 

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT

On Saturday April 30, 2011, from 5 to 9 p.m., you can experience a fun, Uptown Saturday night  in downtown St. Augustine along galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. Read more here about Uptown Saturday Night in St. Augustine, Florida.
RUBBER DUCK RACE Don’t miss the rubber duck for a good cause at the Sixth Annual Rubber Duck Race to fight cancer. Presented by the American Cancer Society, the race will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Johns County Pier Park and Pavilion in St. Augustine Beach. For more information, call 903.307.3638.

MENORCAN DAY TEA

On Sunday May 1, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. you can learn about unique Menorcan customs while enjoying a traditional Menorcan tea hosted by three natives who can trace their heritage back through nearly 445 years of St. Augustine history and into antiquity in Spain. These heritage natives portray the city’s Spanish Royal Family – Queen Maria Anna, her son King Carlos, and her daughter Princess Margarita Maria – the royal family of Spain during the construction of the city’s Castillo de San Marcos.  
For more information, call 904.824.4991. corina kopf nudes

 

EMMA FREE CONCERT

How about a free concert? Violist Jorge Peña Portillo has performed with the National Orchestra Institute, Washington D.C., the Grand Teton Music Festival, Jackson Hole, WY and others and was the Assistant Principal Violist for both the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. The free concert takes place on Sunday May 1, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.797.2800 or visit www.EMMAConcerts.com.