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St. Francis Inn

Oldest Inn in America's Oldest City

�Growing More Beloved Year After Year�

By Leigh Cort

 

 

 

 

In 1985, Joe Finnegan and his wife Margaret bought the St. Francis Inn (circa 1791) believing �If you want a successful business in the hospitality industry, everything you do is for your guest's pleasure and comfort.� Nearly 30 years later, they still believe in their philosophy along with a dedicated professional staff, many of whom have been employed at the Inn nearly as long.

Today, there are numerous ways the Finnegan's please their guests:

� Comfortable accommodations on quiet residential St. George Street, two blocks from the Bayfront view of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the famed Bridge of Lions and bustling historic downtown. Fresh flowers and sherry too!

Breakfast Served in Elizabeth's Suite

The Inn dates from the City's Second Spanish Colonial Period. Its architecture reflects the early residents' concern for their own safety and protection, so great was the threat of invasion. By order of the King of Spain, houses had to be constructed so that they might �serve as a defense of fortress against those who might attempt to occupy the town�. Thus, the Inn stands directly on the street, shielding the front entrance and peaceful courtyard enjoyed by visitors and residents today.

 

� Extensive culinary surprises and �farm to table' Breakfast, afternoon Social Hour hors d'oeuvres, Late Night homemade baked desserts, night time snacks, fresh fruit and cookies served all day and a Specialty Coffee Bar � PLUS special attention paid to every guest's dietary needs.

The St. Francis Inn prides itself on having one of the most delectable anticipated breakfast buffets in St. Augustine. It always includes two hot homemade entrees, fresh seasonal fruit or fruit �soup', freshly baked breads, signature and gourmet coffees & teas, fresh juice, homemade �1791' Granola, cereal and a FULL serving of Inn hospitality. The innkeepers are always �at your service' to attend to dietary restrictions and personal culinary preferences, including the following hours:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am to 9:30am

Saturday & Sunday: 7:30am to 10:30am

Guests may enjoy breakfast in the Inn's dining room, in your own guest room, on a breezy balcony, or in the Courtyard. For Inn guests who are staying at one of the two spacious beach cottages, a warm invitation to enjoy the Inn's breakfast daily at no additional charge.

� Florida-inspired gardens and koi pond on the inn's property recognized with a Wildlife Habitat Certification

From the second story verandah of the Wilson Cottage, guests can gaze at all of the beautiful gardens surround the historic inn. The koi pond is one of the most photographed memories of the St. Francis Inn courtyard gardens.

� Island beach cottages where guests can leave the inn and spend a day at the beach with thoughtful amenities at their fingertips.

What a perfect combination�old city ambience, bed and breakfast pampering and St. Augustine Beach fun! All this and just 8 miles from the Inn. Our Beach Cottage is set up to accommodate the Inn guests for a day at the beach with designated parking places, beach chairs, cold drinks, refrigerator and outdoor shower. There is thoughtful access to the day-guests' private bathroom, complete with shower, towels, soap and shampoo. St. Augustine Beach boasts 14 miles of wide sand, gentle waves and unes of sea oats floating in the breeze. Walk from the Beach Cottage over a sandy path through the dunes to the Atlantic Ocean.

 

� Complimentary amenities for which the St. Francis Inn is known ~ including bicycles to tour the city, solar-heated swimming pool, admission to the local fitness club and off-street Inn parking

Don't forget to consider the exquisite Romance of St. Augustine � which is at your doorstep � for those who want to enjoy a beautifully narrated tour in a dreamy horse & carriage!

�We have maintained the historic ambiance of this old Inn while also providing all of the comforts expected by today's savvy travelers� Finnegan states in 2012.

The St. Francis Inn mirrors the Old City � as a vibrant historic place that grows more beloved year after year.

**2012 Winner TripAdvisor Excellence Award

**Member of �Select Registry'

St Francis Inn has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places

by the United States Department of the Interior 1791.

Take a Tour and see why the St. Francis Inn has been charming St. Augustine for centuries!

www.StFrancisInn.com/video.htm

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

Ingredients for cake

3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

3/4 cup hot water

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter

2 1/4 cups sugar

4 large eggs, room temperature

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream, room temperature

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 9 inch round pans. Whisk together cocoa and hot water until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Melt butter with sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to combine. Remove from heat, and pour into a mixing bowl. With an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat until mixture is cooled, 4 to 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add vanilla, then cocoa mixture, and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the sour cream, and beating until just combined after each.

Pour batter into prepared pans, bake for 20-35 minutes, until set. Let cool on wire racks.

Coconut Pecan Frosting

Ingredients for frosting

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup of white sugar

3 egg yolks (mixed with one tsp of water)

1/2 cup melted butter

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups shredded coconut

1 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine milk, sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla in a sauce pan, bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil for about 5 minutes, remove from heat them mix in the coconut and pecans.

Spread on top of cake.