Let’s be honest….sometimes your week can be rather….draining. By the time the weekend arrives you don’t always feel like going out for that drink with friends. Sometimes you just want to hide in your bat cave and not be bothered with any motherfucker.

Other times you just wanna get creative and have no set plans. This is one of those times.

Though this first one on the list isn’t something you can do on weekends, it’s worthy enough to include. Why? Because when you’ve finally come across that special someone that you choose to invite over your place for good music, fine wine, and a home cooked meal, the last thing you want is plopping a sodium filled TV dinner down in front of them.

Wouldn’t exactly be romantic.

Kinda kills the mood.

So my suggestion is this: spare yourself the potential future embarrassment, and take up a proper culinary class.

As in, the type that actually teaches you how to cook something impressive. The guys over at Shikany wanted to make sure this aspect was taken care of, so they thought, “we’re bored – let’s start a cooking school.”

Quite enthusiastic, I know. (side note – I’m totally not guaranteeing that was what was said – but my wild guess is it very may well have been)

The classes are set to begin this summer 2014. I’m considering going just for the fun of it – so if you’re also thinking about it, you may very well run into me.

What really piqued my curiosity about this culinary course are the options provided. You can choose between savory and sweet (pastry) classes, both of which last 2 to 2.5 hours. Considering I’m the “cook book” style chef, I’d say that’s nice and intensive for a course that only runs 4-6 weeks, but manages to teach so much information. With enough practice, you’ll find yourself taking more time out to be in your kitchen and create.

Classes are going to be every Tuesday and Wednesday, and at the end of the semester you get a nice gift (I won’t spoil it for you).

Oh and don’t be fooled – culinary schooling isn’t the only thing Shikany does. They also have a pretty epic menu and wine list. I highly suggest you check out their small plates Cognac Vanilla Waffles and Wahoo Crudo, “Beet is On Fire” for dessert, and your choice of wine from their extensive list.

So just in case you’d rather not try your hand at a romantic dinner for two at yours, they’ve still got you covered. No reservations here – but please, do dress well.

…however let’s just say you’re not trying to impress anybody – and all you really want is to stuff your face with an old fashioned favorite – something you never quite were able to grow out of since childhood (hint: not gummy bears).

Remember when mom used to make you a grilled cheese? Remember when you used to be outside and she used to call out to you to come in, and half the time you wouldn’t until she mentioned the words “grilled cheese” – to which you’d then proceed to bolt past her near breaking the hinges off the screen door?

Yeah. Now you get to relive the most important part of those memories – that one delicious sandwich you haven’t been able to kick the craving for, no matter how much you work out.

Daily Melt caters to this specific craving with a nice little twist – it’s not just about the cheese, butter, and bread anymore. They’ve taken grilled cheeses and turned them into art…which is pretty much like someone discovering unicorns, if they were even half as important.

Small but simple, their menu is comprised of some pretty kickass grilled cheese variations. Splitting them into categories, if you ever hit them up for breakfast, be sure to check out their Veggie Frittata if you’re not a pork fan, and Bacon Turkey Melt if you are.

Lunch wise? Check out the whole menu. Seriously. Just pick one month and allocate two “cheat meal” days every week, then go through the entire thing.

If you’re too lazy to do that though – I recommend the Chicken Pepper Jack Melt, White Truffle Butter, and Garden Melt. All at the same time, or separately. Throw in a nice side order of soup/salad, grab a good dessert, sweet tea and BOOM. You’re 8 years old and back home.

When you’re done stuffing your face, it’d be a good idea to turn your attention to something far more important, far more Miami.

At least 1980’s Miami. If you’ve been watching Archer Vice, used to be a fan of Miami Vice, and just like the sound of the word “Vice” in general, this one’s written especially for you.

So picture this – you’ve touched down in Miami and ended up staying at the Mayfair. You’re bored, as it’s your fifth time going to the 305, and you wanna try something different. Something unique. Something retro, for lack of a better word.

While you’re pouring your feelings out about your boredom to the faintly interested front desk clerk they offer you an interesting package – a three night stay in one of Mayfair’s suites, complete with [private] terraced Japanese soaking tub for two (you know, for when you have those extra friendly “guests” over during your stay). Interested, you ask them to elaborate more – they then hand you keys to a classic Ferrari for you to cruise around town in.

By this point, you’re pretty damn elated. Until like a high school fan girl you quickly find out you also get access to that speedboat you always drooled over but never really took the initiative to buy (it’s okay, you can scream inside. I won’t judge.)…bet you wish you’d taken up those nautical lessons eh?

Once you successfully manage to not capsize the boat, hop in your new-found Ferrari and hit up all the great night life you were informed about but never really knew existed, then unwind with your S.O. or “vacation squeeze” and enjoy a rooftop massage while you relax thinking about how a little random conversation went a long way, introducing you to a new, memorable experience.

You’re welcome.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.™

For The Weekenders: Culinary School, Grilled Cheese, Miami Vice is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

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