By Caron Schwartz
How often do you find yourself with a whole afternoon and no plans? Lenny was off rehearsing with the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band (he’s the cute trombone player). My tummy was saying “Feed me,” while my heart insisted, “Cardio! Now!” (Meanwhile, my head was, like, whatever.)
I headed toward my favorite gym, Planet Fitness. Although I’m fond of Journey Into Fitness, Anytime, Esporta, and others, Planet has the same arm bike I use during physical therapy. It’s also home to the amazing HydroMassage, which feels like relaxing on a bed of warm, gently bubbling water.
As I headed up 66th St. N. my stomach yelled louder. OK, we’ll go around the corner on 54th Ave. N to Mama G’s first, I assured her. The Kenneth City café, housed in a classic midcentury modern store, serves traditional (e.g., bratwurst and strudel) and not-so-traditional (empanadas and croissants) German delicacies. I settled on a spinach and ricotta croissant and a poppyseed strudel. Each was flaky and flavorful. Especially the strudel – sticky, chewy poppyseed filling is my favorite sweet. Strong, frothy cappuccino on the side and flowery old-timey tableware added to the ambiance. With my Kindle open to lightweight fiction – what could be better?
Hunger sated, with a German rye bread under my arm for later, I went back around the corner to Planet Fitness. Thirty minutes of arm bike and stepper later, my heart was happy. Even Fitbit was happy. Ten minutes of HydroMassage put me in heaven.
The next day Fitbit suggested I take it easy. More time for my sweetheart!
Note to reader: If a schlep to Kenneth City isn’t your thing, you can enjoy sweet and savory German delights at Mama G’s on Central Ave. in St. Pete. If you find yourself south of the Skyway bridge, there are two locations in Sarasota.