So what have I been up to since last week? To be honest, I have just been relaxing for the most part, switching off my phones, meditating and writing down ideas as I ponder on my future. If you are like me, at the end of the year, I reflect on all that I have achieved, all that I failed to do for one reason or the other, and what I would like to accomplish later on. The last few months have been challenging for me, so I am looking forward to the New Year and a fresh start.

I am not as familiar with Broward County as I am with Miami in Dade County here in South Florida, but this has been changing. Over the weekend I went to Las Olas in downtown Fort Lauderdale near the beach. Think of trendy South Beach, but a smaller and calmer version. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble into Galler Chocolatiers. Galler is a gourmand’s delight. Handmade imported white, milk and dark Belgian chocolates, fruit jellies, delicious spreads, Italian gelatos and teas. Belgium makes the best chocolate in the world, and this cute little shop is run by Jean from Brussels and his assistant Fabio who was born in Italy but raised in Belgium.

Realising I was a fellow foodie, plus a writer and food stylist, I ended up conversing with them for an hour in my funny French. I was over the moon being able to sample chocolate and learning that they ship chocolate all over the world. So ladies and gentlemen, if you would love to spoil the chocoholic in your life rotten for a special occasion, go to www.gallerusa.com to learn more about these chocolates plus email and shipping information. You know I bought some for myself with their details in tow as I promised to be a regular client.

Nearby, I walked into the New River Fine Art Gallery. Ed Weber, the art consultant present, invited me to take a look at what was on offer. I fell in love with the hand-blown glass from Dino Rosin of Venice, Italy, and the huge, colourful paintings by Hassam Abrishami which were cubist in style like Picasso. Speaking of the master, there were prints of pencil etchings done by him and also on offer there three featured originals, two etchings and one black ink drawing of his fellow Spaniard, Salvador Dali. The prices, as you can imagine, were mind-boggling and could buy a house.

I left there feeling light after observing all of those beautiful images and passed by what I thought was a standard coffee shop, but on closer inspection I realised that Joe Picasso’s, the name of the place, was indeed a coffee shop and an interactive artist studio. Basically, you look at the naked pottery and forms on offer, pay the price for what it costs on the tag, then you are given paints, brushes, glazes or bits and pieces of glass, stone, or ceramics and you become the artist and create whatever you like. It’s fabulous, and a great way to pass an afternoon. I will definitely go back before I return to Jamaica. While there and waiting on your piece to dry, you can enjoy coffee, tea, beer or wine, and if you feel hungry there are both savoury and sweet snacks plus ice cream. I think it is a great place to take your children if you are a parent. It’s a wonderful concept and good, clean fun.

Las Olas Boulevard is lined with boutiques and restaurants, many of which have outdoor seating. I learnt that many of these restaurants provide entertainment at night. I walked past Shizen, a Japanese restaurant where a live band was playing some funky jazz music. I paused outside for a moment, enjoying the sounds of the musicians. If I didn’t have to go home at that point, I would have sat down, ordered a glass of chilled sake and tapped my feet happily away to the beat.

You will also see many petty cabs, basically tricycles with a driver, if you want to take a romantic ride around the area. While I was admiring a British classic, a beautiful red 1958 MG, and taking a photo for my father who used to collect vintage cars (thus my passion for them), I struck up a conversation with Julian from Colombia, a petty cab driver who was taking a break between customers. He was telling me how busy Las Olas was during the night hours and how difficult it was to park. However, he loved his job as he met people from all over the world and his job kept him fit. He encouraged me to try an Italian place down the road, and I told him I would the next time I visited the area. Las Olas was a pleasant surprise for me, I experienced great chocolate, art and met some lovely people. Next time you are in Florida, and tired of the clubs at Seminole Hard Rock or the Miami Beach scene, try out Las Olas.

Bon Appétit!

Jacqui Sinclair is a Cordon Bleu-trained chef/food stylist & hotelier. She has worked in the world of food photography and film in Europe. A bon vivant, she is passionate about sharing her food secrets with enthusiastic home cooks.