The prime rib was excellent...

Thanks, Dave and Amy, Hunter and Blake--for the lovely Christmas gift certificate for a dinner cruise on the Marina Jack II!

After waiting for weeks to cash in on the certificate, we thought we'd picked the perfect evening for the sunset dinner cruise on Sarasota Bay. We arrived early so we could put on a mile or two of exercise around O'Leary's before stepping on board to indulge.

We had the perfect table for two on the upper level--close to the captain, the bar, the head, and the staircase to the buffet below.

When we were invited to go downstairs (this picture was taken before the buffet doors at the back were opened), Captain Jack's dinner buffet featured mixed green salad, freshly baked dinner rolls, a vegetable medley, the chef's rice, peppercorn crusted prime rib, and grilled salmon with all the sauces and dressings. The dessert table included key lime pie, double-layered chocolate cake and New York cheesecake.

A toast to you from Grandpa Al!

The clouds moved in on the sunset but the cruise around Bird Key after dark was GORGEOUS. As if they knew we would come by for a look-see, the rich-and-famous homeowners on Sarasota Bay kindly left all their interior lights on...a parade of lights, boats, rooms, docks, pools, and towering windows. It was thrilling to see how the other 2% lives.

Thanks again for the lovely treat! We TOTALLY enjoyed it!!!!!