Savoring St. Augustine- a journey of self-discovery, couture culinary creations and friendships from Flagler.

Back to Where It All Began

I always remember as a young girl-my Pop Pop telling me, “You’re a very lucky person if you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand.” During my time in St. Augustine, Florida, not only did I have more friends than ever before… I had the best of friends (and still do!).

It was a time in my life when I really stepped into myself. So let’s rewind- back to when I first found Flagler, and fast forward to the 20-year reunion that brought me full circle.

Finding Home at Flagler

I’ve never been the type of person to have a clique. I’ve always been a bit of a floater. After transitioning high schools, I was afraid I wouldn’t find my footing right away for college. My mom and I had been visiting several locations, finding that each of them had either a great school and a crummy town-or a great town with a lackluster school. Nothing was really hitting the spot.

I can remember the day I was standing in my kitchen in Ocean City describing this dilemma with my friend Drex, and he said, “You know what, Fletcher? I think you should go check out Flagler. I know it’s a little further away than you were thinking, but I really think you would like it there.” As an alumnus himself, and as a true friend, the recommendation was heeded and so my mom and I drove to St. Augustine, Florida shortly thereafter.

Somehow or another, we actually missed the college, which is right in the heart of the city, but we did see a cute boy walking down the street with a surfboard. I can distinctly remember us both looking at each other at the same time, and saying, “If the college is anything like that, it’s a shoe-in.” 😆 

As it turns out, the Flagler campus is breathtakingly gorgeous. It was small enough that I was able to be a name, not a number, and get assistance with my learning disabilities if need be. But it was large enough that it was definitely an expansion from the rural living I was used to here in Chestertown. It was a place I’d call home.

As we were doing our tour around the campus, I had a little embarrassing moment… I was glancing around, taking in all the sights, when all of a sudden I saw Matt, my friend Meredith's older brother (from OC), and then walked straight into a cement pillar in the pavilion. Matt became like an older brother to me, and his house became my safe off-campus escape when I was a freshman. His roommate Kiel was from Ocean City too.

Apparently, Flagler is quite a destination for folks from Ocean City. During the time I was there I would meet people from Maryland probably once every two weeks just haphazardly. When you’re away from home and meet people from your hometown, they become like kin.

Even as I made my current trip reservations I found out Wayne, the owner of Airport Express also lived in Maryland (and has a labradoodle!) Plus, my return driver lived in Salisbury, the town next door to Ocean City, small world eh? But just another synchronicity in mine.

Health Revelations & New Rituals

So since my Ocean City blog post, ‘Breathing, Blooming, and Boulangerie’ I found out that I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (on top of MTHFR, which is why I’m gluten free). So this explains the panic attacks, the sharp feeling upward energy felt in a histamine response; dizziness, heart palpitations, and the inability to focus. But now I am armed with more diet and lifestyle tools to manage my sometimes debilitating symptoms.

What’s wild is how deeply my yoga therapy training continues to show up for me- Apan mudra supports the apana vayu, helping draw energy down, and because of that it negates the catastrophized sensations of "am I about to die?". It’s been quite effective in bringing me back to center when things start to spike.

Because foods can be a trigger, I have a strong appetite and special dietary needs- I packed a ton of safe snacks (as I prepared to head back to my old college town of St. Augustine, FL for an epic and tasty reunion). But wait until I tell you about the girl on the plane! 

Airport Surprises

I've been flying out of BWI airport my whole life and somehow never set foot in the Silver Diner. This time, I wandered in and discovered a goldmine for anyone who’s gluten-free.

They use locally sourced ingredients like chicken and pork sausage, offer nitrate-free bacon, and have gluten-free bread and roll options. That means you can actually order any burger/sandwich without awkwardly saying “no bun.” Plus they have more rare finds like French toast and avocado toast. Everything’s clearly labeled, and they even list vegan options. I’ll definitely be making this a more routine stop in the airport, it was quite the pleasant surprise.

Additionally, while most people are grabbing coffee or cold drinks before a flight, I’ve got a cup of hot water in hand. It’s satisfying, easy to source, and keeps one from becoming dehydrated on the flight.

Hot water nourishes my agni (digestive fire), and helps regulate my Vata dosha- which can get totally thrown off while traveling. If you’ve ever felt anxious, constipated, or dis-regulated after a trip… that’s a Vata imbalance at work. This one small practice (especially combined with the mudra) makes a big difference.

So I get on the plane and there is an adorable young couple headed to St. Augustine for a wedding. The boyfriend got up to use the restroom and she pulls out the holy grail of snack boxes. I’ve NEVER seen anything like this. It’s like a tackle box, but bigger filled with all her favorite goodies- she actually had two, and explained that she gets hangry and didn’t want to have to constantly be seeking out snacks. She said her friends all thought it was overkill, but I think it’s genius.

Landings & Love

My college roommate from Flagler, (Laura) picked me up from the airport and brought me back to her home in Ponte Vedra. That first night, we had dinner with her lovely family-and she grilled chicken thighs (my favorite!), made tzatziki, and a cucumber-tomato salsa. After all these years, she still remembered how much I love Greek food. That kind of thoughtfulness touched my heart, and so did being with the family she’s done such an exceptional job raising.

But for some reason sleep challenged me and I tossed and turned most of the night until I remembered a new mantra that a ‘random’ stranger' in the grocery store gave me while prepping for this trip. “ Even tho I _____(fill in the blank), I love and accept myself completely”

I began filling in the blanks with every fear, insecurity, and shadow thought that had been keeping me from rest.

• “Even though my body looks different than it did 20 years ago, I love and accept myself completely.”
• “Even though my uterus is riddled with fibroids, polyps, and endometriosis, I love and accept myself completely.”
• Even though I’m not feeling my best right now and I’m afraid to tell anyone, I love and accept myself completely.”
  

One by one, I named them. And one by one, the weight they carried started to lift. It was deeply comforting, and eventually I ran out of things to say, and that was the moment sleep finally came.

Yoga Time!

The next morning Laura and I had plans to attend her local yoga studio- but first a little story about the first time we attended a class together. It was Bikram, over 100°, and a 90-minute class. Neither of us were experienced at all and we had certainly never been to anything like that before. At the end of the class, we were the last ones to get up from savasana, and the instructor told us that we could stay there until she was done cleaning up. We were still in the zone by the time she was finished and she kicked us out. Laura and I had to sit on the curb in the (relief of) the hot Florida summer sun for a while to regain our composure. It was quite the experience, and one thats left its mark in my memory.

Naturally I was a bit nervous to attend, wondering if I could hack it. We attended class with Kelly at Titanium Yoga in Ponte Vedra. It was their hottest class on the schedule, literally and energetically.

The class had no chaturangas (which was a surprise!) but focused on flowy standing poses, bouncing, and deep twists. Turns out that after a bumpy night of sleep and a day of travel, it was exactly what I needed. I walked in tired and left feeling like a completely new person.

The studio itself had a cool contrast in ambience. Industrial at first glance, but cozy and soft inside the studio. The front was mirrored; the walls were paneled with richly colored wooden boards and lit candles on shelves where the props were neatly arranged. The vibe was clean, intentional, and calming. I appreciated the floor being rubbery it was easier on my knees, and created an additional layer to aid focus during balancing postures. Each mat spot was marked, keeping the room evenly spaced without crowding.

And the music? A soft, nostalgic playlist of acoustic tunes from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Just enough to set the tone without pulling you out of the moment.

I sweated my you-know-what off, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this shared experience.

The Casa Monica

Around mid-day we took the scenic 16 drive down A1A from Ponte Vedra to St. Augustine. It’s not often you see the combination of live oaks, vibrant green ocean and beautiful homes.

We arrived at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, part of the Kessler Collection, downtown walking distance to our alumni events. We were greeted by valet outside, and were transported to Morocco inside.

The city of St. Augustine is the oldest in the nation, founded by the Spanish over 500yrs ago, the architecture is breathtaking, and the Casa Monica doesn’t disappoint. We were welcomed with a glass of champagne and the sounds of a grand piano. The foyer feels ancient but has all  the modern amenities. There is crushed velvet everywhere (you know I’m a sucker for that), the James Coleman Signature Gallery, Cordova Coastal Chop House, plus conference centers that contain spectacular chandeliers.

We got showered and headed to our Flagler College alumni events. To our surprise we didn’t see anyone we knew, but definitely felt the nostalgia of the other classes present. It was lovely to explore the new-to-us, state of the art student center. Afterwards, we decided to take ourselves on our own little tour, curious to see how the rest of campus had evolved.

History, Elegance & Eavesdropping

The school was originally a luxury hotel founded by Henry Flagler- a visionary of a man who was responsible for bringing the railroad into this area and further south. His doctor advised his wife it would be supportive to her health. We wandered into Ponce Hall, the architectural crown jewel and heartbeat of Flagler College.

This space still holds its magic, especially the dining hall. We learned that while many of the original high-backed chairs remain, a few have been replaced with replicas. The subtle differences? The new ones are filled with foam. The originals are stuffed with Spanish moss. The vintage chairs had small wheels on the front legs so ladies could be pushed into place easily. The irreplaceable windows lining the hall are genuine Tiffany glass, recently insured for over $125 million!

In true Gilded Age fashion, Thomas Edison himself wired the building for electricity. Nearly a decade before the White House even had power.

Guests of the hotel would once press a numbered panel at the entrance, be greeted personally by name, and escorted to their seat. That panel, and its original wiring still exist.

Of course, back in our day, the main thing you had to remember was: don’t gossip in the dining hall. Thanks to the room’s curved dome ceiling, a single conversation could be carried in perfect acoustics to the opposite end of the space. It was amazing what you could learn by listening!

The Columbia

For dinner, we headed to one of Laura’s all-time favorites: The Columbia Restaurant. It’s been serving Spanish-Cuban cuisine since 1905 and still feels like a place where stories linger in the walls. I’d only been once, so I happily let Laura take the lead. We started by splitting their signature 1905 Salad. It's made table-side with crisp iceberg lettuce, julienned ham, natural Swiss cheese, tomatoes, olives, grated Romano, Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire, and their famous garlic dressing. It is award-winning for a reason! Somehow, it reminded me of a most delicious and refreshing Italian sub! (This is a compliment.) It was tangy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

For our main dish, we split the red snapper, which came with perfectly crispy skin, artichokes, hearts of palm, and sun-dried tomatoes all resting atop what might’ve been the most perfectly cooked yellow rice I’ve ever had. It’s easy to eat when your bestie loves all the same foods, and has a sense of culinary adventure!

From The Colonial Quarter to the Beach and Back

After dinner, we strolled through the Colonial Quarter, letting our food settle, reminiscing of days past, admiring things we never noticed in our 20’s, and making new memories.

We made it back to the hotel early, and I even had time to put my legs up the wall-a favorite restorative yoga pose -before settling into bed right at 10 PM for the second night in a row. (Go us!)

The next morning, we let ourselves sleep in thanks to the blackout curtains. Eventually meandered down to Cordova, the fine dining restaurant inside Casa Monica.

Laura kept it light with a yogurt parfait and muffin, while I went full brunch queen; scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, roasted fingerling potatoes, and (because I'm always a lil extra when it comes to food)... a side of hollandaise.

After breakfast, we headed to the Poseidon Spa for fabulous pedicures. It was pure pampering, and I even snuck in my mudra without anyone noticing (just like on the plane, and at dinner).

We then headed to the beach to meet up with Dawnchele-another one of my college roommates who’s joining us from South Florida. The reunion continues, and my heart is already so full.

Once she arrived we strolled down to ‘Stir it Up,’ a local walk-up window with a cult like following. We all ordered the same things we used to get 20 years ago. I was pleased to find that they now make their own GF vessels, and I was able to indulge in the 'Pita Tosh’ safely. We spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool where Dawnchele’s local friend Gretchen joined us.

Then, later for dinner, her friend Megan (in the minivan) came down from Jacksonville. She wheeled us around in that thing like the boss babe that she is all while bumping to old skool hip hop and parking that thing like a pro. Honestly, that was a highlight for me and even Laura asked her if she had a previous career as a valet lol.

A Culinary Pilgrimage to Lotus

We then made our way to Lotus Noodle Bar, which other than the reunion, was the thing I wanted to take part in the most during my vacation. Chef Barry Honan and I worked together at Kingfish Grill back in the day. He then moved to New York and worked closely with many James Beard Award winning chefs, and making a name for himself in the culinary world. Now back in STA, he is importing the finest ingredients from around the world (and locally) then, placing them uniquely together while making his mark in his hometown.

Tucked away like a secret worth sharing, Lotus Noodle Bar is a true hidden gem. From the outside, you'd never guess what awaits you inside, a quaint charming space that immediately wraps you in comfort. With limited seating and high demand, reservations are a must. But trust me, it’s worth it. If you want a sense of home with the flavors and energy of a faraway place-this is where you go. Lotus doesn’t just serve food- it offers a transportive experience, one bowl at a time.

After building my Savor course, I’ve been dreaming about coming to this place and it’s culinary delights. My friends and I all shared, so I got to try a plethora of items.  Let’s dissect:

• I have to give a shoutout to the tuna sashimi we had, because wow! It was the perfect mix of textures and flavors; soft, a little crunchy, and citrusy in all the right ways. But the sauce? I could’ve honestly just sipped it straight from the plate. Light, yet somehow packed with full, mingling flavors that danced together without overpowering the fish. A true standout.
• The smoked tomato tofu. At first glance, it looked like a light, summery salad, but tasted like winter. The tofu had this rich, smoky depth that honestly reminded me of bacon. It was hearty, meaty, and a little surprising in the best way. Cozy, savory, and totally unexpected.
• The scallop dish was buttery smooth perfection. Each element played its part beautifully. The caviar brought a delicate pop of salt, the blood orange added a bright note of citrus and a touch of bitter. The apple chili was the flavor bomb that stole the show. Sweet heat with just the right amount of punch. The crunchy fennel garnish on top added the texture that balanced the scallop’s softness. It was like a built-in palate cleanser, crisp and refreshing. I used to eat raw seafood all the time, but lately, I’ve been averse- and to be honest I’ve never actually had a raw scallop before- so the fact that this scallop hit every spot? A surprising standout.
• My main course, and my personal favorite, was the lobster ramen. It came with a foam on top that is earthy. The broth feels wholesome and healing, like something I would want after recovering from illness, a hard day, or anytime you need to be soothed. The spice level was perfectly balanced, just enough heat to awaken, not overwhelm. That soft boiled egg though, wow! I got this dish because I love lobster, but all the other parts of this were soooo good. Thankfully they were able to use gf noodles. Pretty sure this ramen could cure anything!

We certainly did not end up back in bed by 10, the fact of the matter is we danced the night away followed by a late night therapy session. But ya know what? Sometimes the thing you really need is laughter, hugs and support in only a way that your friends can give you, and I didn’t realize how much I was so badly needing a night like that. Each of my friends are as beautiful and unique as chef Barry’s dishes and I appreciate them for it.

Truth Telling

I want to pause here and speak honestly. While I wish I could tell you I fully savored every bite of our Lotus Noodle Bar experience, the truth is, I didn’t. Not because the food wasn’t extraordinary (it was), and not because the company wasn’t full of joy (it was that too!) But because the energy wasn’t quite aligned with the mindful, intentional experience I had quietly dreamed of.

In a perfect world, I would’ve led a short grounding meditation before Chef Barry arrived at the table. I would’ve invited us to slow down, tune in, and let each dish unfold like a meditation-because that’s what it deserved. Instead, my friends were lively (i.e. tipsy, loud and vulgar), the mood was more party than presence, and while they swapped stories, I found myself trying to jot notes and hold space for a sacred meal. Though I admit they were patient with all my picture tasking.

By the time I was truly sinking into my entrée, that life-giving ramen, everyone else was finished and ready to keep the party moving. Their empty plates stared at me,  I felt rushed and sadly I didn’t even get to finish my dinner.

But here’s the thing: Lotus is more than a restaurant. It’s a language of intentionality. Chef Barry isn’t just serving food, he’s creating art. His dishes are delicate, layered, and soulful. Broths that feel like healing tonics. Sauces that sing. Every bite balanced flavor bombs without heaviness and richness without overwhelm.

It made me realize: what I really wanted was to host an experience like this. A mindful eating event that marries my teachings with food this inspired. I hope one day to learn more from Barry. To explore his kitchen, soak up his wisdom, and hopefully learn to make a broth like that in my own home. If I can do this, I know I’ll be able to take my health, and the way I serve others, to a whole new level.

The next morning the girls slept in, recovering from the night before. I headed down to the lobby and ate some not-so-farm fresh eggs and processed potatoes. It was certainly the opposite end of the spectrum from the night before, and great for perspective. Specifically how it sat in my belly like a brick and how it felt dead when I ate it. Then I meandered to the ocean for some sun, sand, and soul-soothing before the next culinary adventure I scheduled for lunch.

Asado Life

Tucked along the San Sebastian River, Asado Life was another hidden treasure, literally. You actually have to hop onto US-1, wiggle through a stretch of industrial marina roads, and follow the signage-but it’s absolutely worth finding.

We sat outside under shade with fans that kept the heat manageable. Around the corner, I spotted their outdoor bar and lounge area, complete with homey fire pits and sprawling grills.The grills are what first caught my attention on Instagram. It’s honestly straight-up food porn. They cook whole pigs, tomahawk steaks, and even hang pineapples over open flames. They weren’t stoked that day, but the vibes cul still be felt. I ordered the golden beet and goat cheese salad. It was a layered, alive kind of experience. Crunchy. Crisp. Soft. Chewy. Sweet. Tangy. Earthy.

Every bite offered a new texture or surprise. From the shaved onions and candied walnuts to the dried cranberries and 'sweety drop' peppers I’d never heard of before. The goat cheese? Light, fluffy, and somehow fresher than any I’ve tasted. It played perfectly with the earthiness of the beets and brightness of the arugula. I topped it with a juicy steak and added a touch of chunky sea salt. It was in a cute little spoon that elevated everything.

Laura had a French dip overflowing with beef, and Dawnchele’s burger was boldly flavored. There’s no skimping on meat here, and rightly so, considering asado means 'meat life' in Spanish. Oh and let’s not forget the perfectly seasoned basket of fries that came with their meals.

Inside, there’s a well-curated little market with grab-and-go items, house-made dressings, and local gifts, perfect for travelers or locals seeking something fresh and thoughtful.

The coastal landscaping was clean and intentional, our server was friendly and well-informed, the menu was clearly marked for gluten-free and dairy-free diners. All in all, Asado Life lived up to its name. I’d love to come back when the grills are fired up and the flames are dancing.

After lunch, Laura headed home and the rest of the girls had already left the night before- so it was just Dawnchele and I. We spent a quiet afternoon by the pool, catching up and easing into the slower rhythm of the evening.

Zen & Zento

Dinner was low-key, we went to Sushi Zento a nearby spot in the Publix plaza. The service was absolutely wonderful. We were even greeted with a complimentary bowl of soup, a most pleasant surprise!

The highlight of the meal was the Phoenix Roll, a vibrant mix of shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avocado, and snow krab, wrapped in soy bean paper and drizzled with eel sauce and spicy mayo. This roll had that same mouthwatering contrast you get from a hot fudge sundae—where hot meets cold in the most satisfying way.  The distinction between the cool ingredients and warm components was spot on.

After dinner, we curled up in bed watching old episodes of Law & Order: SVU, and turned in early.

That morning? Let’s just say… My rings were tight, my hands a little swollen, and my eyes puffy. I did a lymphatic drainage massage in the shower, and I can’t wait to hop on my vibration plate when I get home. A mini-detox is definitely calling.

The airport express shuttle picked me up early. Clean car, kind driver, and smooth ride. Buuut arriving at Jacksonville Airport, I was greeted by the lingering scent of something more intense: the aftermath of the electric car explosion that had occurred over the weekend, taking out nearly 50 other vehicles and leaving 1,200 more stuck in the garage. The whole thing had been shut down, and you could still smell the singed metal in the air.

Let’s just say… not the most zen ending.

Choices inside the terminal were a little bleak compared to the foodie heaven I’d been living in all week.

But, as I head home, I'm ready to regroup and get back into my routine. My body thrives on the structure of having a consistent bed time, meal times, and regular movement.  This trip gave me everything- nothing fills you up quite like good food, friends, and the freedom to savor it all.