Garcesbros Creatives Spotlight: Xavier Moss @xmossart

Today we cover a cool story about Xavier Moss, this is a Garcesbros Creative Spotlight.

Xavier majored in Biological Illustration and minored in Entomology/Nematology. He has integrated his Christian faith with his love of nature, to his art. Making his style unique. He is still as big a Star Wars fan as he continues to create pieces inspired by that franchise, as well as several other fandoms like Marvel and DC Comics. Xavier's perspective is his wonder of the natural world, faith, love of science-fiction, and comics continue to influence his art.

We did a small documentary video on Xaviers success on creating an amazing illustration for one of Oviedo’s landmarks.

Go check the postcard wall art at Oviedo on the Park located in Oviedo, Florida.

Make Sure to check more of his work here:

https://www.instagram.com/xmossart

https://www.xmossart.com/

Follow us here:

https://instagram.com/garcesbros

https://instagram.com/bryanmgarces

https://instagram.com/redbeards_adventures

Wako Taco one of the best authentic Mexican food in Orlando Florida!

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating."   

  ― Luciano Pavarotti

If you ever had that unyielding hunger or that roaring craving for authentic Mexican food but with a cool masked luchador themed eatery with popping colors; well look no further, go and check out Wako Taco authentic Mexican eatery.

Wako line and people are hungry

They have the best tasty tacos in the longwood area, they are close to the intersection of Ronald Reagan and State Rd 434. For some its a travel, but let me say that you will not regret getting there and having a luchador taco.

Everything is freshly made to the order, they are swift with your order. It also depends on the time of day, I went after rush hour so no wait time, but if you do wait no worries their food will not dissatisfy you, your taste-buds and you will be in taco heaven before you know it.

They have your favorites white rice, black beans, refried beans, cilantro, guacamole, pico de gallo, and freshly sliced avocado, and they happily customize in accordance your likes/dislikes.

Amazing delicious food edited with VSCO

All the menu items do not come with chips but you can have a side order of blue tortilla chips for $2, or even better $3 for chips and a dip

Definitely try the free homemade hot sauce at the counter, there's a mind and hot. I really liked the hot sauce, it didn't seem to spicy at first but it has a after kick, I did love it though.

So definitely make it over to Wako Taco! you will have great time, you can also buy luchador masks at the counter a super plus for anyone that like wrestling.

Giannis Cafe Italian Restaurant

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

― Hippocrates

You know when you been to a town like many times but then its like you find this hidden food gem, and you are like “why have I missed this before”. That is exactly how I felt like when I found out about Gianni’s Cafe.

I came to Mt. Dora just to chill and hang out, cause Mt.Dora is the most laid back fun town to take photos of wildlife and just historic finding and things. So at one point I got hungry and wanted pizza, but I didn’t want to go to far, so I pulled up google on my phone and search for an Italian restaurant near me. Sure enough Giannis pulled up in the search. I was like “Giannis what is this place that I never heard of it before”. Unknown to me and to my luck was in walking distance from where I was at that moment. So I decided to take a walk; because walking is good for you of course.

Giannis Cafe (Inside the restaurant)

When I was disappointed that they didn't have pizza. However, the waiter suggested the pasta creation, OMG!!! That was heaven. I got a caesar salad and spaghetti ( cause I love spaghetti). The pasta was delicious and fresh, cooked al dente to perfection!. I mean everything on my table was tasty and wonderful.

Freshly made spaghetti at Geanni’s

This is definitely one of those hidden gems, asloif you didn’t know Giannis, is a family owned and operated, full service Italian Restaurant. The chef Gianni Liverotti is the owner of the place and is Italian. The food really tastes like you are dining in Italy. and service is fast and friendly.

My first time at Giannis and will definitely be back. Food was excellent, prices are great and service was outstanding. I will definitely will make this restaurant one of my favorites. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion. Finally found a good place for fresh Italian food with great atmosphere.

An Ending to a Beginning

​“It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

Playa Tamarindo, Guanica, Puerto Rico Photo taken by @bryanmgarces

Had just arrived at Playa Tamarindo, about mid-day. The playa was vacant with no people in sight. Golden sands and clear blue waters captivated my eyes as I gazed into the scenery.

With an ever so gentle calm voice, the sea spoke with its waves crashing and pulling into the sand like a rocking chair. Back and forth, its warm waters washed and hugged the shoreline. The winds behaved with a sweet-tempered breeze which brought comfort to my soul.

Wandering around the horseshoe bend of the beach. I came across to an uneven terrain. Not knowing what I may find, my determination was to climb and find what was in the other side. Even if I had to stumble through a narrow beaten path covered with thorny beach flowers that were withered and gray but could snip like a paper cut if you got to close for comfort while escalating up the terrain.

Playa Tamarindo, Guanica, Puerto Rico Photo taken by @bryanmgarces

Almost coming to the end of the trail, I started to notice the foliage of the beach flowers started to morph from a grey withered to vibrant green with a hint of yellow and safe to be admired.

Reaching the top became a surprise; the end of my small adventure became the beginning of another great one.

Playa Tamarindo, Guanica, Puerto Rico Photo taken by @bryanmgarces

As the narrow path became wider and vastly open. It welcomed me with bright blue majestic skies and robust ridgelines where the sea crashed and came to a halt. And a golden orange wider terrain that I could easily walk and not stumble and continue to explore with ease.

Playa Tamarindo, Guanica, Puerto Rico Photo taken by @bryanmgarces

I knew then and I know now that I'm never alone in my adventures.

I just have to have trust and count in my Lord Jesus.

Where does your journey end and start again in your life, are you making sure to pray and ask for guidance even though you don’t know where you are going?

Ask Jesus to help you, to find assurance and courage in your narrow beaten path. For he can give you determination and guidance to reach a wider path and not stumble.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you don’t know..- Jeremiah 33:3

Road Trip: Visit St. Augustine, FL

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”                           – Ibn Battuta

On today's post we talk about this awesome place called St. Augustine, FL. I’m sure most of you have gone to visit but have you really visited St.Augustine and its hot spots? Well stay tune after a quick history lesson and we will talk about some of the many awesome places to see and visit and eat in St. Augustine.

Sail Boat on Matanzas River, St. Augustine, Florida - iphone 7s by Bryan Garces

Attraction Spot Numero 1: Castillo de San Marcos

Quick History

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is a city on the northeast coast of Florida. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S., and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches like sandy St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach. Anastasia State Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary. The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet.

Did you know? that you can use one tank of Gas to go to St.Agustine.

Yes, believe it or not, you will only use on tank of gas going and coming back from St. Augustine. These are the estimated travel times from 2 of the many popular cities in Florida.  (other cites that are further from these cites might need some extra gas)                  

From Orlando: 2 hours, 5 minutes and From Tampa: 3 hours, 15 minutes 

The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the city of St. Augustine, Florida, the fort was designed by the Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza. 

Castillo de San Marcos - The Gunpowder Room - The room was built to protect the gunpowder from enemies or fire. To get in to the room you squat down and lay flat on your belly on the floor and crawl into the room

We can go all day talking about this fortress and it will not end how much grim history is in this place, this one of the most sought out attractions in St. Agustine. Make sure you get there early to grab parking, also parking is about $10.00, they do take credit and debit cards. The Admission fee to the park is $10.00 for anyone above the age of 16 and up, 15 years old and younger is free. The admission ticket is good for 7 days.  On national park day is free all day. At night there are ghost tours in the castle be sure not to miss that attraction.

Castillo de San Marcos- Watch Tower - Fuji X-A2 - Color Grade VSCO by Bryan Garces

Attraction Spot Number 2 : Ripley's Believe it or Not

Ripley's Odditorium in beautiful St. Augustine Florida is proud to be the very first permanent Ripley'sattraction! Set in a beautiful historic castle. Photo by Wiki Pictures

This is the most weirdest attraction yet but its really fun! We actually got a good groupon it was $20 dollars for 2 people! Their website also has great online vouchers, and it combines the Red Trains and The Ghost Train in the voucher packages. Be there early because it gets packed, best time to visit is during the week. We went on a Friday during the day and it was awesome! You will see shrunken heads, weird disease stories, space robots, weird cases and near death survival stories and a giant. Trust me you will not be bored. 

Attraction Spot Numero Tres : Florida Water Tours

On the Osprey - Matanza River, St. Augustine, Florida

Sunset - Fishermen on the Matanzas River, St. Augustine Florida, 

"Based in St. Augustine, Florida Water Tours offers amazing ecotourism cruises for vacationers year-round. Offering private and public services, Florida Water tours encourages you to explore the fun side of learning about nature and history through our travel packages."  - Florida Water Tours

Groupon does wonders when you are traveling to the next attraction, I advise you to save some money grab the Groupon off the water tours Groupon site and go and sail to the sea. We did the sunset boat tour for $25. On get there 15 minutes early before your boat leaves. By the way, you do travel in style the boat that you sail in is called The ‘Osprey’ it is certified to hold 49 passengers with comfortable seats all around. There is also life jackets above your seat. The boat is fully enclosed and shaded except for the bow, with windows that can roll up or down and a restroom on board for your convenience. When you are sailing in the Matanzas river you will or might see Dolphins and Manatees, trust me is a sight to see. You will pass under the bridge of lions, which is beautiful architecture, and the beautiful sunset will have you at awww, so if you have a wife, girlfriend or a girl you like then take her on the sunset tour, its also great to experience with family and loved ones too. 

Attraction Spot Number 4: St.Augustine Lighthouse

St.Augustine Light House Museum, St.Augustine Florida - Iphone 7s - VSCO film grade

"The St. Augustine Light Station is an active lighthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. The current lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island and was built in 1874; it is the most recent of a number of towers built in the area." - Wikipedia

The lighthouse is subject of numerous ghost stories and supernatural legends. But is it all really real? You will have to find out yourself by going on one of the lunar ghost walks or tour.

The Museum keeps the light burning as a private aid-to-navigation. In 2016 the museum changed its name to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. 

Ready for a great work out? The lighthouse stands 165 feet above sea level, it has no elevators since it was build it 1874. So there is a total of 219 steps until you reach the observation deck. If you do take the challenge just pace yourself, some people have been known to get lightheaded and winded. 

Admission is $12.95 and $10.95 for seniors and kids. There is a shop to buy souvenirs and a snack stand to buy some light snacks and park food. Parking is free but it is first come first serve.

Attraction Spot Numero Cinco: Lightner Meuseum

The Lightner Museum is a museum of antiquities, mostly American Gilded Age pieces, housed within the historic Hotel Alcazar building in downtown St. Augustine - By Wiki Commons

Lighter Museum is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. Today it is home to one of the best collections of fine and decorative 19th century art in the country. 

Did you know? that the 1st floor inside museum it used to be an olympic sized pool, the pool is nestled in the center of building so that everyone from all the quadrants of the hotel could see the pool. Now a days the first floor is reserved and rented out to do weddings and receptions, very romantic sight to see. 

Photo from Lighter Museum Website

View fullsize

By Jeanie Owen - The Silhouettes Lady

Groupon will save the day once again! If you are looking to go the Lightner Museum, you can snag a Groupon that pays $20 for 2 people instead of the $20 each for adults. The Groupon is available usually after the holiday seasons. Outside and Inside the museum, plan to bring a camera or your phone camera, and travel light cause they make you leave your belongings at the front desk.

One of the many cool things at the museum is the The Silhouette lady, she is usually sitting by the entrance before entering the front desk to redeem your vouchers. Jeanie Owen does amazing work, and she is very quick too! She is a certified master in making Silhouettes. The photo below does not give it justice, is an experience to witness and live.

Next stop...Food!! After all that exploring and walking you must be hungry, well you are in luck. Below we will be recommending our top 3 spots in St.Augustine to eat some delicious grub!! Our recommendations are based on cheap, quality, wholesome food!

Food Spot #1: Pizza time

Photos provided by Visit St.Agustine

Photos provided by Visit St.Agustine

Our first eating spot is Pizza Time, St.Augustine's legendary pizza restaurant, where the line goes out the door and outside around the corner. The pizza is handmade with fresh ingredients every day!  Make sure you go there when its not peak time, cause you will have to wait, but words of reasoning says that this is the best New York Style pizza in town, believe me I have been there. 

Pizza Time located on St. George Street in historic downtown St. Augustine serves great New York style pizza! This Italian restaurant creates pizza with fresh ingredients and a true New York style crust. They also serve calzones, cannolis and other Italian dishes but pizza is the most popular choice. They do not take credit cards so bring cash with you and you can have your own great slice of Pizza Time pie.

Food Spot #2: Burrito Works Taco Shop

Burrito Works Taco Shop Logo

UFO and Burrito - Photo by Rachel S. on Yelp

Store Front in St. Augustine's Historic Downtown 

Kung Fu Taco - Photo by Throving S. on yelp

Burrito Works Taco Shop was founded in 2006 by Nicolas Kimball and his wife Robin. Today, they make all the the salsas, sauces, meats and beans with organic and sustainable products everyday, Everything is made fresh daily, all of their UFO's, Tacos, and Burritos are delicious and fulfilling. Their best thing in their menu that really pairs up with any of their featured food items is their guacamole! Its finger licking good and addictive. 

I advice to visit them on a time that is not in peak season or that there is no major events going on in St. Augustine because its a tiny food shop. So the line will go out the door. Burrito Works Taco Shop is best place to grab some grub and it does not make a hole in your pocket. Its Cheap, Quality and Fulfilling food! 

Food Spot #3: Mojos Tacos-Taco Vida

Mojos Taco on Anastasia Blvd, St.Augustine, FL Photo by Mojos Tacos

We are leaving the Historic Downtown District of St. Augustine and heading over to Mojos Tacos, another awesome and delicious food shop on Anastasia Blvd. Literally just drive over the Bridge of lions and once across the bridge like heading towards the St. Augustine's Light house, Mojos Taco Shop will be on your right hand side you can't miss it.

Patrick the Gold Fish

Mojos Tacos menu, it never changes.              Photo by Mojos Tacos

Mojos Tacos is a small stop that offers some amazing tacos, taco salads, and burritos, they also offer fresh vegan-friendly options . The place is clean and it has wonderful customer service. It's always busy any time you go, but like other restaurants it has its peak times and slow times, we got lucky cause it was right before dinner time and it was calm. The service and food is just very great. Finally, Mojos Tacos grub it's just wholesome delicious food. 

Chicken taco salad, with black bean, avocado, pico de gallo and rice. Photo by Bryan Garces

The cool fish Tank with Patrick the Gold Fish

Well we hope you enjoy your trip to St. Augustine, now there is many other options to go and explore. From Castillo de San Marcos, to the Lighthouse, then Mojos Taco shop, that could be a day of Fun, just saying. Its a wonderful city and on its festive time is just wonderful, it will be crowded but enjoy it and have patience with others. 

If you have any suggestions or ideas on a place you would like for us to do a post about let us know and we will be happy to talk about and recommend more places to see, and places to eat and make memories that will last forever.