Laughter is the Best Medicine

You know what they say? Laughter is the best medicine.

Nothing feels better than laughing until your abs are sore!

During last night’s performance by Sinbad, my family and I did just that.

Sinbad

Before heading to Hard Rock Live to see Sinbad’s stand up comedy routine, Ryan and I met up with my family at Emeril’s Orlando located in Universal’s City Walk.

Ryan 'n' Me

Since Emeril’s is a pretty pricey restaurant, my family and I ate dinner before meeting there and just ordered dessert (which is the best part of the meal anyway, right?).

The entire evening was organized by my mom, sister and I as a birthday present for my dad, so of course we had to have the restaurant staff sing happy birthday to the big guy! 😉

Birthday Boy

He was more than a little surprised. 😀

Ryan and my dad both ordered appetizers, and my mom, sister and I had a few bites and also enjoyed some  freshly baked corn and French bread before ordering our desserts.

For dessert we selected the strawberry shortcake and two slices of the banana cream pie, since Ryan and I loved it so much the last time we visited Emeril’s back in May.

Emeril's Strawberry Shortcake

Banana Cream Pit x 2

Check out those chocolate shavings!

I think it’s safe to say that between the five of us, we demolished these desserts!

Though I loved the banana cream pie in the past, strawberry shortcake took the cake (pun! 😉 ) for me. I’m a sucker for cold, creamy strawberry gelato, fluffy puff pastry and a plethora of whipped cream. Sign me up!

Once dessert was devoured, we walked to Hard Rock Live to head inside and laugh our little booties off all evening.

Me & Dad Outside Hardrock Live

The Ladies

We were really lucky to have amazing seats in the second row, so we actually made eye contact with Sinbad and were able to see his expressions and mannerisms.

He had the whole crowd cracking up as he talked about the insanity of amusement parks, the differences between men and women and his upbringing.

Stand up comedy is a wonderful way to sit back, relax and laugh until you cry! What an awesome night!

Today

My sister spent the night with us last night, so once she wakes up this morning we have plans to head to church after breakfast.

Also on the agenda:

• Church
• Dog park
• Outlet mall (?)
• Selecting the tuxes or suits Ryan and his groomsman will wear for our wedding
• Registering at Bed Bath and Beyond (?)

Time to get crackin’ in the kitchen! Lata! 😀

Straight No Chaser

Last night’s date night was SO much fun!!!

The concert was amazing and so was dinner… two for two! 😀

Dinner

Ryan and I kicked off date night by heading out to City Walk, an area of lots of restaurants, bars and clubs near Universal Studios.

City Walk

Orlando is huge (Disney World is about 25 – 30 minutes from our apartment downtown), and Ryan and I rarely do the “touristy” things.

Last night, however, we felt like we were on a mini-vacation, since we were surrounded by so many out-of-towners.

After parking in the King Kong lot (and paying $14 just to park! 😦 ), we walked around City Walk for a bit before crossing our fingers and venturing into Emeril’s restaurant to see if we could get a seat without reservations.

Emeril's Orlando

Luckily, the hostess said we could sit up at the bar which overlooked the kitchen.

Ryan and I have been to Emeril’s a couple of times before and we love sitting at the bar because you can watch all the behind-the-scenes action.

Within seconds of sitting, our drink orders were taken and we were provided with several fresh rolls to munch on before dinner.

Me + Cornbread

Cornbread

Ryan thought the sweet potato roll was tops, but I was a sucker for the cornbread (I had 2, plus 3/4 of a sweet potato roll).

We saved some of our rolls for dipping into the bowl of gumbo that Ryan ordered as an appetizer.

Gumbo

One of the cooks behind the bar said that when Emeril himself came to visit the restaurant in December, he complimented the gumbo, saying it was the best he’s ever had.

Ryan liked it a lot, but it was a bit spicy for me.

For our entrees, I ordered the sea bass while Ryan selected the duck.

Sea Bass

According to the menu, the sea bass was a “Seared Chilean sea bass bouillabaisse sofrito served with mussels, clams, toasted French bread with Florida orange-red pepper rouille.”

It was phenomenal. The broth was so flavorful, garlicy and delicious. I also loved the meatiness of the sea bass and the good amount of shellfish they included in the dish. Two thumbs up!

Ryan’s duck was also a great choice. He ordered the duck with caramelized sweet potatoes instead of the dirty rice it came with, which was a great decision.

Duck

We were both very happy with our selections.

Dessert

All through dinner we knew exactly what we’d be ordering for dessert.

Every time we’ve come to Emeril’s in the past, we’ve ordered the banana cream pie and been thoroughly impressed.

Last night was no different.

Emeril's Banana Cream Pie

The chef behind the bar told us that this dessert is the only one offered at all of Emeril’s restaurants.

It is so creamy and rich. Ryan and I finished all but two tiny bites.

Straight No Chaser

After a wonderful meal at Emeril’s, it was time to head over to the concert.

Date Night

Outside Hard Rock Live

We got there a little early but enjoyed people watching as the crowds entered the venue. There were quite a mix of people out to see Straight No Chaser, an a cappella group that originated at Indiana University.

The concert kicked off slightly past 8 p.m. and was full of energy!

We had great seats (4th row, dead center) and I got some awesome pictures and videos of the guys on my camera.

Straight No Chaser

These guys are so, so talented. It’s amazing what all they can do with only their voices.

Sing it Boys!

The show was energetic, fun and really funny!

Ryan and I both agreed that it was one of the best concerts we’ve ever seen.

Dessert x2

As we were walking out to our car, we walked past TCBY. I’m not one to just walk past a frozen yogurt store, so we popped in and split a small peanut butter and white chocolate mousse frozen yogurt.

TCBY

I love date night!

Today

Today I plan to tackle household chores (cleaning, laundry), get some sun, workout, run some errands, go to Ryan’s soccer game and possibly try a new recipe for dinner.

Catch ya lata! 😀