By Nanette wiser
TASTE OF SPACE From Oct. 2-Nov. 5, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will once again take guests on a flavorful journey through the cosmos during Taste of Space: Fall Bites! Adding to the foodie fun will be the return of special after-hours events: the third annual Marstini Shake-Off on Oct. 6 and the Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Edition on Nov. 3.
Taste of Space: Fall Bites! will take place at several eateries. The Space Bowl Bistro inside Gateway features The Deep Space Launch Complex® with a hand tossed arugula salad with fire-roasted peppers, onions, corn, and black beans; roasted Brussel sprouts with cranberries, pecans, parmesan, and Applewood bacon; and dulce de leche with pumpkin spice. On the menu at Milky Way are out-of-this world sweet treats (fried apple pie tossed in cinnamon and sugar and pumpkin spice bundt cake, both topped with salted caramel ice cream). At the Orbit Café, indulge in an Applewood bacon, gouda and arugula sandwich on a pretzel bun; a loaded sweet potato topped with maple cinnamon butter and Applewood bacon; or a jumbo apple cider cupcake with caramel frosting. The Moon Rock Café will offer a black bean salad with arugula, fire-roasted peppers, onions, and corn as well as a turkey brie wrap with arugula and cranberry mayonnaise. Local brews will also be available for purchase inside Planet Play.Quickly becoming a fan favorite event, the third annual Taste of Space: Marstini Shake-Off will take place Oct. 6 from 6:30-9pm inside Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. Recommended for guests 21+, Marstini Shake-Off promises guests a showcase of flavors for the season at each food station. Participants will mix and mingle with veteran NASA astronauts – Scott Altman, Chris Ferguson, and Anthony “Tony” Antonelli – while enjoying elevated items at food stations throughout Gateway. Then, they will cheer on local bartenders from Playalinda Brewing Company: Brix Project, Third Culture Kitchen, The Space Bar and Jack & Harry’s as they create their version of the perfect Marstini. Guests can sample drinks and then vote for their favorites. Tickets for the Taste of Space Marstini Shake-Off are $159 per person + tax, and are available for purchase online at www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/tickets#SpecialEvents.
SPA-SATIONAL Clearwater Beach’s Opal Sands Resort & Spa melds sophistication with serenity. The 230 Gulf-front guestrooms and suites and contemporary, beach-chic design approach featuring original pieces by master artist Christopher Still is the perfect staycation for you or visiting family. Relax on a lounge chair by the pool with a cocktail or salad from Reflections Poolside Bar, explore eclectic shops and Pier 60 or sunbathe on the shimmery sugar sands. After your adventures, unwind in your luxurious room with upscale bedding, coffee station, in-room safe, flat screen TV, under-counter cooler and upscale bath amenities. Enjoy a Gulf-view breakfast, lunch, or dinner (delicious crab benedicts, hand-made pastas, brick-oven pizzas, seafood). Step into Opal Sands’ luxe spa for an extraordinary experience that soothes the senses for customized treatments (facials, massage, body rejuvenation) from expert therapists. A spa certificate is a perfect holiday gift and now is the time to book your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year celebration here. Ask about the Florida-resident rates. www.opalcollection.com/opal-sands