One of the things I do like to look at is a Christmas tree all decorated. I just love how everyone decorates them so differently. There is no pattern to follow. Some of us have a colour scheme and some are a collection of nostalgic memories. I received three new ornaments this year from a friend - shoes. I love them. They reminded me of the tree in Boston that was decorated with high heeled shoes. Now that's a thought. If I can collect enough, I can do the same thing - not sure others will appreciate it though. Mine is its usual red - the colour I like on my tree. The bulbs are red as are most of the decorations. There are two that aren't, and they are the oldest decorations on my tree, but each year I put them on. They say "baby's first Christmas" - one for my daughter and one for my son. That's the nostalgic part of my tree. Here are a few pictures of trees in one of the shops I was in when in the states.
Sunday 18 December 2011
CHRISTMAS TREES
The lights are all up, the baking is done, the kids have arrived home, and the gift buying is just about done. I think I am way ahead of the game this year - and still about a week to go. I still have some last minute things to put in the mail (yes I know....they won't get there for Christmas but maybe New Years).
One of the things I do like to look at is a Christmas tree all decorated. I just love how everyone decorates them so differently. There is no pattern to follow. Some of us have a colour scheme and some are a collection of nostalgic memories. I received three new ornaments this year from a friend - shoes. I love them. They reminded me of the tree in Boston that was decorated with high heeled shoes. Now that's a thought. If I can collect enough, I can do the same thing - not sure others will appreciate it though. Mine is its usual red - the colour I like on my tree. The bulbs are red as are most of the decorations. There are two that aren't, and they are the oldest decorations on my tree, but each year I put them on. They say "baby's first Christmas" - one for my daughter and one for my son. That's the nostalgic part of my tree. Here are a few pictures of trees in one of the shops I was in when in the states.
One of the things I do like to look at is a Christmas tree all decorated. I just love how everyone decorates them so differently. There is no pattern to follow. Some of us have a colour scheme and some are a collection of nostalgic memories. I received three new ornaments this year from a friend - shoes. I love them. They reminded me of the tree in Boston that was decorated with high heeled shoes. Now that's a thought. If I can collect enough, I can do the same thing - not sure others will appreciate it though. Mine is its usual red - the colour I like on my tree. The bulbs are red as are most of the decorations. There are two that aren't, and they are the oldest decorations on my tree, but each year I put them on. They say "baby's first Christmas" - one for my daughter and one for my son. That's the nostalgic part of my tree. Here are a few pictures of trees in one of the shops I was in when in the states.
Wednesday 14 December 2011
DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
So it's not quite looking like a white Christmas here in Northern Canada. Where is that white stuff? It does look beautiful on Christmas morning when you wake up and it`s just lightly hanging on the trees. After the holidays are over though, personally, I can do without it - It's the shovelling and snowblowing that I hate. Having to get all bundled up to go out to get rid of snow on the driveway - looking like Nanook of the North in my winter garb covered head to toe. My fingers get cold, my hair gets wet, and I come in looking like a drowned rate. (not a pretty picture)
I added an extension to my driveway (what was I thinking?) this year so now I have even more area to remove the snow from. I tried my snowblower two weeks ago when it did snow, but it wouldn`t start. I must be doing something wrong...Me and technology - good. Me and snowblowers, lawnmowers or any other kind of mower - bad. I will have to try getting it up and running before we really get a lot of snow. Today the forecast says rain, so I'm alright for now. Not only do I need to find a lawn boy (to cut the lawn in the summer), but I need to find a snow boy. Even with a snowblower, I am soooo not looking forward to this.
I have my sister and her family coming up next week from Toronto for the Christmas holidays. They are so looking forward to skiing the slopes and snowboarding on our ski hill. Really? I hope they are checking the weather channel because at this rate they may need to pack their rainboots instead of skis. We will have to skip the skating, skiing, and snowboading in favour of the apres ski activities (which include a bottle of Baileys, a cosy warm house, and some relaxation). Now that I am up for.
I added an extension to my driveway (what was I thinking?) this year so now I have even more area to remove the snow from. I tried my snowblower two weeks ago when it did snow, but it wouldn`t start. I must be doing something wrong...Me and technology - good. Me and snowblowers, lawnmowers or any other kind of mower - bad. I will have to try getting it up and running before we really get a lot of snow. Today the forecast says rain, so I'm alright for now. Not only do I need to find a lawn boy (to cut the lawn in the summer), but I need to find a snow boy. Even with a snowblower, I am soooo not looking forward to this.
I have my sister and her family coming up next week from Toronto for the Christmas holidays. They are so looking forward to skiing the slopes and snowboarding on our ski hill. Really? I hope they are checking the weather channel because at this rate they may need to pack their rainboots instead of skis. We will have to skip the skating, skiing, and snowboading in favour of the apres ski activities (which include a bottle of Baileys, a cosy warm house, and some relaxation). Now that I am up for.
This cold is tolerable. |
Sunday 11 December 2011
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
The Christmas parties are winding down now and that gives me time to get to the task of buying my Christmas gifts, getting the tree up, and baking some cookies. I don't know if you are like me, but I seem to be putting less and less up for the holiday season. I figure if I get my tree up and actually get it down before March, then I am doing good. I am finding the Christmas holiday very commercialized so I try to stay out of the malls as much as possible and I shop online instead.
My favourite part of the holiday is getting together with my family and having a chance to spend some time with some close friends I don't get to see too often. Oh, I can't forget the food. The hours spent around a dinner table set for, lets see...we will be 14 this holiday season, all gathered at my parents' place (I have to treasure these times) with the smells of my mother's Italian cooking filling the house. We don't really eat for hours on end, but we do sit around after dinner and talk, laugh, catch up, and we watch the Canadian Juniors play hockey. Yes hockey will be playing on many of our TVs during the holidays. Most of our clan gathers in the living room to watch, but some of us are also in the kitchen. There is a few second delay on the TV in the living room, so those of us gathered in the kitchen usually erupt in cheers at a Canadian goal before the others, which I think takes a bit of excitement out of their cheers. It's a Canadian tradition and sometimes our meals have to be delayed just a bit so that we can catch some of the game. It reminds me of my American family on their Thanksgiving when they watch football pretty much the whole day.
This year will be one of the first years that on Boxing Day (a holiday after Christmas Day) I am not flying off to Boston as it has come to be tradition for the three days between Christmas and New Years. Boxing Day here in Canada is probably equivalent to Black Friday right after Thanksgiving in the United States. This started over 20 years ago as my way to escape the madness of Boxing Day. My sister was a bit surprised I wasn't doing my "usual" this year. She joined me one year. She'll get to see more of me now....
Last year I headed to Boston with a close friend of mine who had never been there before. We got there just in time for one of the worst winter storms. The whole city shut down. We didn't quite notice the storm though because I had booked a hotel inside the mall, so the two of us girls were able to spend time shopping until we rode out the storm. Sad to say she did not get her trolley ride because they don't plow the city but just wait for everything to melt....a bit of a mess.
My favourite part of the holiday is getting together with my family and having a chance to spend some time with some close friends I don't get to see too often. Oh, I can't forget the food. The hours spent around a dinner table set for, lets see...we will be 14 this holiday season, all gathered at my parents' place (I have to treasure these times) with the smells of my mother's Italian cooking filling the house. We don't really eat for hours on end, but we do sit around after dinner and talk, laugh, catch up, and we watch the Canadian Juniors play hockey. Yes hockey will be playing on many of our TVs during the holidays. Most of our clan gathers in the living room to watch, but some of us are also in the kitchen. There is a few second delay on the TV in the living room, so those of us gathered in the kitchen usually erupt in cheers at a Canadian goal before the others, which I think takes a bit of excitement out of their cheers. It's a Canadian tradition and sometimes our meals have to be delayed just a bit so that we can catch some of the game. It reminds me of my American family on their Thanksgiving when they watch football pretty much the whole day.
This year will be one of the first years that on Boxing Day (a holiday after Christmas Day) I am not flying off to Boston as it has come to be tradition for the three days between Christmas and New Years. Boxing Day here in Canada is probably equivalent to Black Friday right after Thanksgiving in the United States. This started over 20 years ago as my way to escape the madness of Boxing Day. My sister was a bit surprised I wasn't doing my "usual" this year. She joined me one year. She'll get to see more of me now....
Last year I headed to Boston with a close friend of mine who had never been there before. We got there just in time for one of the worst winter storms. The whole city shut down. We didn't quite notice the storm though because I had booked a hotel inside the mall, so the two of us girls were able to spend time shopping until we rode out the storm. Sad to say she did not get her trolley ride because they don't plow the city but just wait for everything to melt....a bit of a mess.
Walking from Copley to Prudential Centre |
Got to love this tree It's a shoe tree |
The day after the snow storm |
Friday 2 December 2011
PAUL BRANDT
I went to see Paul Brandt and High Valley the other night at the Capital Centre and I swear I thought the roof was going to lift right off the building. It was one of the best concerts that they have had there in a long time. And I totally didn't get the email that said I was to wear a plaid shirt- and red at that.
I was actually surprised we didn't trip a breaker in that place as well. Paul Brandt had so many lights lit up on that stage that you could feel the heat. It had been about ten years or more since I had last seen him and not much has changed. He still sings just as great with his wife as back-up singer. The opening act was new to me...but they were pretty well known to the screaming girls in the audience who bought up autographed T-shirts and pictures of the three young brothers. I opted for Paul Brandt's latest CD which he kindly signed after the show.
It was a great evening of music and it sure reminded me that North Bay is really very country (but I like rock and roll just as much).
I was actually surprised we didn't trip a breaker in that place as well. Paul Brandt had so many lights lit up on that stage that you could feel the heat. It had been about ten years or more since I had last seen him and not much has changed. He still sings just as great with his wife as back-up singer. The opening act was new to me...but they were pretty well known to the screaming girls in the audience who bought up autographed T-shirts and pictures of the three young brothers. I opted for Paul Brandt's latest CD which he kindly signed after the show.
It was a great evening of music and it sure reminded me that North Bay is really very country (but I like rock and roll just as much).
Sunday 27 November 2011
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE
Since moving to the new hospital here in the city - a new building housing both general medicine and psychiatric medicine (not sure but we might be one of the first with this new innovation), - I am really quite enjoying it. Although I have to do a lot more walking within the hospital (and I am not getting lost anymore), you never know who you might run into. Sometimes it's friends you rarely get a chance to see and sometimes it's colleagues who work at different ends of the hospital.
Now if anyone was actually paying attention last week as they walked down the hall of C2 and D2, they would have noticed that there was a special someone touching up the figures of some famous cartoon characters (the Pattersons) giving them a fresh look. The Pattersons along with their dog, Farley, have found a new home in our little corner of the world. Lynn Johnston, the creator of the cartoon strip "For Better or For Worse" diligently worked at touch ups on the family as they are set to take a permanent place in our new hospital. As a patron of the arts - albeit music (I can't draw if my life depended on it), I admire Lynn Johnston's work and am envious of her talent. That gene must have been a recessive gene in my family.
The story here is that John and Elly are exhausted. Elly is rubbing her foot from too much walking. Michael is carrying a grocery bag with groceries. Unbeknownst to him, there is a hole in the bag. Farley sees this and sees that some sausages have poked their way through the hole. Only the two kids have noticed this. Farley is being held back by Michael while his sister sees what Farley wants to do and does not pay attention to her ice cream dripping all over her shoes.
Wednesday 23 November 2011
WARM WEATHER AND SANTA CRUZ BOARDWALK
With the cold weather setting in, pretty soon I will start hibernating.I really don't think this Mediterranean body is made for such cold weather...in fact I know it isn't. Although, contrary to what some of my friends may think, I have spent my share of time in ice arenas watching my nephews play hockey and my niece figure skate. If it wasn't for the Tim Horton's coffee, I really don't know how I would have survived.
It's really hard keeping warm when you are dressed in the latest stylish boots looking fashionable when your body starts to feel the pain of the cold as it slowly starts to set in, and your fingers start to freeze and you don't realize it until it's too late. And then you have to run out of the arena, and hope that there is some heat somewhere in the building so you can warm up your body again until the next time when you step out onto the other side and do it all over again.
Give me the hot weather...the hotter, the better. I have never complained that it is too hot. So today, I am thinking of Santa Cruz and being out on the boardwalk, the smell of the carnival food from the deep fried Twinkies, the giant size donuts, and lazing on the beach. Old-fashioned carnival games and snack booths can be found throughout as well as carnival rides. With so much to do, your day will go by pretty fast leaving you with just memories. Warm memories - not cold ones, and they are the best kind.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an oceanfront amusement park in Santa Cruz,California. The Boardwalk extends along the coast of the Monterey Bay,
It's really hard keeping warm when you are dressed in the latest stylish boots looking fashionable when your body starts to feel the pain of the cold as it slowly starts to set in, and your fingers start to freeze and you don't realize it until it's too late. And then you have to run out of the arena, and hope that there is some heat somewhere in the building so you can warm up your body again until the next time when you step out onto the other side and do it all over again.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an oceanfront amusement park in Santa Cruz,California. The Boardwalk extends along the coast of the Monterey Bay,
Emery with the biggeest donut ever |
Thursday 17 November 2011
AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION WITH JAMIE OLIVER
That's what Jamie called it..."an informal discussion with Jamie Oliver" where you could ask him any question about his cooking, his life, and his interests along with taking home his new book "Jamie Oliver's Food Escapes". He told us he was in "our front room" and while he sat and talked to us and answered our questions, he would take a sip of his beer (I'm pretty sure that's what it was) every once in a while, and in the middle of a thought he would tell us about his evening the night before with Mario Batali and how they had had a little too much to drink.
Now I have to say I was very surprised at how many people were actually at the Roy Thompson Hall just to see him. That's more people than we can fit in our Capital Centre for any concert. He was quite humorous when telling us about what he hates to eat (but ate it anyway because it was a Navajo Indian tradition) - "lamb's asshole" - as he put it (oh and he reminded us it wasn't cooked or prepared in any manner either). But he said he did eat it, "and it wasn't good". I don't think I am going to be running out to try this either. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee it. Oh and his answer to "briefs or boxers?" - Well he said "anything that makes my genitals look good". So I guess he didn't quite answer that question for us. I had to pay extra attention and listen a bit more attentively because of his English accent but I was
able to catch most of what he was saying.
He also spoke about his new book as well and how they test each recipe about 6 times, and each recipe ends up costing about 1800 pounds. And he talked about politics and how hard it is to try to get a healthy America when you have so much politics interfering.
All in all, Jamie is quite a humble guy hoping to change the world to eat a little more healthy and learn more about where our food comes from. I quite enjoyed my evening with him.
Not only did I get to see Jamie the past few days and get his new cookbook, but I also received a signed copy of David Rocco's new cookbook - "Made in Italy". Could it get any better?
Now I have to say I was very surprised at how many people were actually at the Roy Thompson Hall just to see him. That's more people than we can fit in our Capital Centre for any concert. He was quite humorous when telling us about what he hates to eat (but ate it anyway because it was a Navajo Indian tradition) - "lamb's asshole" - as he put it (oh and he reminded us it wasn't cooked or prepared in any manner either). But he said he did eat it, "and it wasn't good". I don't think I am going to be running out to try this either. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee it. Oh and his answer to "briefs or boxers?" - Well he said "anything that makes my genitals look good". So I guess he didn't quite answer that question for us. I had to pay extra attention and listen a bit more attentively because of his English accent but I was
Here is his newest book |
He also spoke about his new book as well and how they test each recipe about 6 times, and each recipe ends up costing about 1800 pounds. And he talked about politics and how hard it is to try to get a healthy America when you have so much politics interfering.
All in all, Jamie is quite a humble guy hoping to change the world to eat a little more healthy and learn more about where our food comes from. I quite enjoyed my evening with him.
Not only did I get to see Jamie the past few days and get his new cookbook, but I also received a signed copy of David Rocco's new cookbook - "Made in Italy". Could it get any better?
Monday 14 November 2011
GETING EXCITED FOR JAMIE
Well today was another Monday. Why is it they are always so busy? Before they start, the day has ended with so much jam packed into the day that you don't even have a chance to catch your breath. A couple of days in Toronto is going to do the trick and seeing Jamie Oliver will be quite the treat as will some retail therapy.
There are not a lot of chefs I run out to get tickets to see. I usually like to go to their restaurants and try out their food, but since Jamie doesn't have one anywhere near here, this is about as good as it gets. And it doesn't hurt that he is easy on the eyes as well. And that English accent....Oh yes it's the cooking I am going for.
A few years ago during the Toronto Film Festival, we got lucky and landed tickets to a Hello Canada Magazine Party. We saw various celebrities as we as we mingled, but I got so excited when I saw David Rocco in the room, that I didn't even notice his wife with him. (hard to miss because she is quite pretty, but I did and only noticed her later). Now David Rocco isn't exactly a chef with a restaurant, but he does write cookbooks and travels through Europe filming his TV show. Of all the things to say to him, I told him that my mother loved him and watches his show all the time. (Imagine...I said that - not that it wasn't true, but of all the things to say to him). He actually was quite nice. And the picture actually turned out. You see my friend who usually goes to the film festival with me really has a hard time taking pictures...I really mean it. She has a bad habit of putting her finger over the flash - and I have many a picture to show you that has me (or half of me) with some actor or actress or half the actor or actress. So she was in good form this evening, even after a few drinks.
There are not a lot of chefs I run out to get tickets to see. I usually like to go to their restaurants and try out their food, but since Jamie doesn't have one anywhere near here, this is about as good as it gets. And it doesn't hurt that he is easy on the eyes as well. And that English accent....Oh yes it's the cooking I am going for.
A few years ago during the Toronto Film Festival, we got lucky and landed tickets to a Hello Canada Magazine Party. We saw various celebrities as we as we mingled, but I got so excited when I saw David Rocco in the room, that I didn't even notice his wife with him. (hard to miss because she is quite pretty, but I did and only noticed her later). Now David Rocco isn't exactly a chef with a restaurant, but he does write cookbooks and travels through Europe filming his TV show. Of all the things to say to him, I told him that my mother loved him and watches his show all the time. (Imagine...I said that - not that it wasn't true, but of all the things to say to him). He actually was quite nice. And the picture actually turned out. You see my friend who usually goes to the film festival with me really has a hard time taking pictures...I really mean it. She has a bad habit of putting her finger over the flash - and I have many a picture to show you that has me (or half of me) with some actor or actress or half the actor or actress. So she was in good form this evening, even after a few drinks.
David Rocco ....Just as nice as he is handsome |
Wednesday 9 November 2011
SERENDIPITY
Serendipity....a happy accident or a pleasant surprise. Ever since I first saw the movie "Serendipity" with John Cusak and Kate Beckinsale, I had been eager to visit its namesake restaurant. Maybe because the movie has connotations of "what ifs" and "possibilities", but also because I thought that John Cusak was quite gorgeous and funny in his role.
I had seen Oprah on her show once while she was at Serendipity 3, and having the frozen hot chocolate was on the list of one of the "must do" things in life, and that this was one of those life experiences not to be missed. Now if you know anything about me, you will know that I do a lot of things because they are "once in a lifetime experiences" and you never know what is coming round the next corner or exactly how much time we all have to enjoy any of these things. So while visiting New York, I tried quite a few times to get to Serendipity 3 but was never in the right area of town or I was just too busy and didn't get there. (there was probably a sale at DSW and I couldn't tear myself away from the shoes).
So it was a pleasant surprise to find that while visiting Las Vegas, they too had a Serendipity 3 - but this time it was right at Ceaser's Palace and oh so very close to me. There was no missing out this time. On one of the hottest days there in early July I sat with a friend while being lightly misted with water to keep us cool - we should have gone there sooner. The menu is huge and quite varied, but the one thing I knew I wanted was the frozen hot chocolate. Anything else was bonus. I can't remember what I did end up eating before I had the frozen hot chocolate, but I know that whatever it was - it was on a huge scale. My friend had the foot long hotdog and it was exactly that. We ended up starting with a frozen hot chocolate shared between the two of us while we waited for our food and then we each had one for dessert - gosh we were stuffed. So whether you are in New York or Las Vegas, it is worth a trip to cool down for one of these treats. A must on the list of "must haves".
I had seen Oprah on her show once while she was at Serendipity 3, and having the frozen hot chocolate was on the list of one of the "must do" things in life, and that this was one of those life experiences not to be missed. Now if you know anything about me, you will know that I do a lot of things because they are "once in a lifetime experiences" and you never know what is coming round the next corner or exactly how much time we all have to enjoy any of these things. So while visiting New York, I tried quite a few times to get to Serendipity 3 but was never in the right area of town or I was just too busy and didn't get there. (there was probably a sale at DSW and I couldn't tear myself away from the shoes).
So it was a pleasant surprise to find that while visiting Las Vegas, they too had a Serendipity 3 - but this time it was right at Ceaser's Palace and oh so very close to me. There was no missing out this time. On one of the hottest days there in early July I sat with a friend while being lightly misted with water to keep us cool - we should have gone there sooner. The menu is huge and quite varied, but the one thing I knew I wanted was the frozen hot chocolate. Anything else was bonus. I can't remember what I did end up eating before I had the frozen hot chocolate, but I know that whatever it was - it was on a huge scale. My friend had the foot long hotdog and it was exactly that. We ended up starting with a frozen hot chocolate shared between the two of us while we waited for our food and then we each had one for dessert - gosh we were stuffed. So whether you are in New York or Las Vegas, it is worth a trip to cool down for one of these treats. A must on the list of "must haves".
They also have an opulence $1,000 sundae. Seriously.... |
Now doesn't this just look sooooo good. |
Tuesday 8 November 2011
National Cappuccino Day
Today, November 8th, is National Cappuccino Day. Cappuccino was created in Italy in the 1600s and got its name from the order of Italian monks known as the Catholic Capuchins. This group of friars wore small capuchins (caps) and dark brown cloaks (similar to the colour of the drink). The popularity of the coffee grew in the 1900s with the advent of the large espresso machines which we have become accustomed to seeing in restaurants and cafés creating the brew.
While in North America we drink cappuccinos throughout the day, in Italy, it is sinful to have a cappuccino with a meal and is meant to be enjoyed in the morning, usually with a sweet pastry, cornetto (an Italian croissant) and sometimes filled with creama (cream), jam, or Nutella.
Antico Caffe Greco or Caffe Greco as they usually call it in Rome is the perfect place to have a great cup of cappuccino with a pastry on the side. It is a historic landmark which opened in 1760 on 86 Via dei Condotti in Rome, Italy. It is perhaps the best known and oldest bar in Rome.Today it remains a haven for writers, politicians, artists, and notable people in Rome.
Now I happen to see that the latest thing with McDonalds is McCafe. I first saw a McCafe in Rome a few years ago which only makes sense because what Italian doesn't like cappuccinos with fresh baked goods. So now I see that they starting to put in the cities here in North America. I wonder if I can get a cornetto here in North Bay. I'll have to try one day.
Anyway, if ever in Rome, I do suggest you either head over to Caffe Greco or to McCafe for some great cappuccino.
Cheers All.
While in North America we drink cappuccinos throughout the day, in Italy, it is sinful to have a cappuccino with a meal and is meant to be enjoyed in the morning, usually with a sweet pastry, cornetto (an Italian croissant) and sometimes filled with creama (cream), jam, or Nutella.
Antico Caffe Greco or Caffe Greco as they usually call it in Rome is the perfect place to have a great cup of cappuccino with a pastry on the side. It is a historic landmark which opened in 1760 on 86 Via dei Condotti in Rome, Italy. It is perhaps the best known and oldest bar in Rome.Today it remains a haven for writers, politicians, artists, and notable people in Rome.
Now I happen to see that the latest thing with McDonalds is McCafe. I first saw a McCafe in Rome a few years ago which only makes sense because what Italian doesn't like cappuccinos with fresh baked goods. So now I see that they starting to put in the cities here in North America. I wonder if I can get a cornetto here in North Bay. I'll have to try one day.
Anyway, if ever in Rome, I do suggest you either head over to Caffe Greco or to McCafe for some great cappuccino.
Cheers All.
Monday 7 November 2011
Jamie Oliver Soon
I am getting pretty excited for next week. I get to spend two hours with Jamie Oliver at the Roy Thompson Hall. I don't know what he will be doing. Will he actually be cooking? or do a demonstration? All I know is we get his new book to take home, and I get to spend about two hours with the Naked Chef. Yippee! A couple of days in Toronto with some shopping and some dining are a good break to look forward to.
I hear his new book has recipes from Spain, Italy, and I think a couple of other places - not too sure. I haven't read the reviews yet. In fact, I am not even sure the book is out on the shelves yet. But I haven't googled it, and maybe I will just wait until I am actually there and they hand it to me.
So my excitement will live on for another week. Maybe actually being there and seeing and hearing Jamie talk about his experiences and how his recipes came about might entice me to cook more of the recipes in the book. It will be another book to add to my ever exploding number of cookbooks that I have accumulated. I have a passion for cookbooks and probably own over one hundred of them. There are just so many good chefs now with their own books - and when did they all start looking so good? Wow it's a whole new world and I think it started with Jamie Oliver years ago. So it is only fitting that I get to see him. So stay tuned and hopefully I have some good tidbits to tell you about Jamie.
I hear his new book has recipes from Spain, Italy, and I think a couple of other places - not too sure. I haven't read the reviews yet. In fact, I am not even sure the book is out on the shelves yet. But I haven't googled it, and maybe I will just wait until I am actually there and they hand it to me.
So my excitement will live on for another week. Maybe actually being there and seeing and hearing Jamie talk about his experiences and how his recipes came about might entice me to cook more of the recipes in the book. It will be another book to add to my ever exploding number of cookbooks that I have accumulated. I have a passion for cookbooks and probably own over one hundred of them. There are just so many good chefs now with their own books - and when did they all start looking so good? Wow it's a whole new world and I think it started with Jamie Oliver years ago. So it is only fitting that I get to see him. So stay tuned and hopefully I have some good tidbits to tell you about Jamie.
Sunday 6 November 2011
SLOW RECOVERY
You would think I would rember to put the clocks back an hour so that I could have that extra hour of sleep, but I totally forgot that this morning when I woke up after being out all night and just did not remember. But that was okay, because I wasn't up for long. I took a Gravol and went back to sleep.
So slow moving is an understatement today. The wine gala was all it should be - a fun night out, good friends, good entertainment - Rick Emmett crooned, and lots of wine and food. They had Absinthe for us to try - which I did and found out that there is only one place you can get it at a restaurant in North Bay for about $15 a shot (or a drizzle because that's about as much as you get and then add the cold water to it). It was okay - reminded me of anise and what Italians used to add to cookies a long time a ago. There were many wines to try as well. Honourable mentions were Peller Estates and Cave Spring Cellars.
I enjoyed listening to Rick Emmett as he sang Eric Clapton songs and did indulge us with some of his Triamph music. Can the years really have gone so fast? He was quite a gentleman as he mingled throughout the rooms and spoke with guests as did the rest of his band. Hopefully, they enjoyed the evening as much as we did.
But the best part of the whole evening was spending time with friends as we laughed and smiled and held each other up as the wine we had been drinking started to take its course and the food we had been eating had just not been enough. I thank those friends for such a fun night out and hope they had just as much fun as I did.
So slow moving is an understatement today. The wine gala was all it should be - a fun night out, good friends, good entertainment - Rick Emmett crooned, and lots of wine and food. They had Absinthe for us to try - which I did and found out that there is only one place you can get it at a restaurant in North Bay for about $15 a shot (or a drizzle because that's about as much as you get and then add the cold water to it). It was okay - reminded me of anise and what Italians used to add to cookies a long time a ago. There were many wines to try as well. Honourable mentions were Peller Estates and Cave Spring Cellars.
I enjoyed listening to Rick Emmett as he sang Eric Clapton songs and did indulge us with some of his Triamph music. Can the years really have gone so fast? He was quite a gentleman as he mingled throughout the rooms and spoke with guests as did the rest of his band. Hopefully, they enjoyed the evening as much as we did.
But the best part of the whole evening was spending time with friends as we laughed and smiled and held each other up as the wine we had been drinking started to take its course and the food we had been eating had just not been enough. I thank those friends for such a fun night out and hope they had just as much fun as I did.
Friday 4 November 2011
WELCOME EVERYONE AND COME JOIN THE RIDE
So I have decided to document my travels, my life, and my experiences. Hopefully, you at the other end will enjoy reading my stories. Sometimes they will be about food and cooking. Sometimes they will be about my travels and where I am at any given moment. Life to me has always been an adventure and you never know what is just around the corner.
In my spare time, I have started writing a book. Well actually, it's a cookbook. I have so many friends who say they can't cook and it takes too long, so I am going to prove them wrong. I thought that if they heard my stories about certain foods and cities, they would join me in trying to recreate the experience themselves. So, you are going to hear a bit about my book and you are going to hear about places I love and a bit about my life in general.
Now tomorrow I am going to the wine gala. This is a time to try many of the new wines served with food from our local eateries here in North Bay. Is it all about the wine? Well yes, but it's all about having fun. We are starting our evening with Rick Emmett performing. This will also include a silent auction which sometimes, if I have had enough wine, can get a little bit out of hand as I bid way too much on things - but it's a fundraiser and isn't that we are to do. One year two of us were bidding on Michael Buble tickets to his concert, a one night stay and a vehicle to get us there. When we hit $950, I think we finally stopped - and it's a good thing too. That would have been a rude awakening the next morning, but Michael Bublie is worth it.
Hey it was only a month ago at the Ritz Carlton that I was bribing someone with $100 to get me closer to George Clooney who was partying in the bar there (where three of us girls had ended up that evening) after his Toronto Film Festival debut of his Ides of March....see it does getter. I told you this would be exciting. And throw in Ryan Gosling for good luck - yes he was at the party too, with his mom, and you can't get any better than that.
So back to the wine gala. After trying on 17 black dresses in my closest, I still don't know which one I will be wearing, but I am sure I will figure it out tomorrow. It's a day of primping to look our best - you would never guess that by the end of the night though. We have a trusty driver picking us up to make sure we get there, and who will bring us all home so we make it in one piece. So stay tuned as I tell you about our evening and I will try to remember some of the names of the wines I drink tomorrow night.
In my spare time, I have started writing a book. Well actually, it's a cookbook. I have so many friends who say they can't cook and it takes too long, so I am going to prove them wrong. I thought that if they heard my stories about certain foods and cities, they would join me in trying to recreate the experience themselves. So, you are going to hear a bit about my book and you are going to hear about places I love and a bit about my life in general.
Now tomorrow I am going to the wine gala. This is a time to try many of the new wines served with food from our local eateries here in North Bay. Is it all about the wine? Well yes, but it's all about having fun. We are starting our evening with Rick Emmett performing. This will also include a silent auction which sometimes, if I have had enough wine, can get a little bit out of hand as I bid way too much on things - but it's a fundraiser and isn't that we are to do. One year two of us were bidding on Michael Buble tickets to his concert, a one night stay and a vehicle to get us there. When we hit $950, I think we finally stopped - and it's a good thing too. That would have been a rude awakening the next morning, but Michael Bublie is worth it.
Hey it was only a month ago at the Ritz Carlton that I was bribing someone with $100 to get me closer to George Clooney who was partying in the bar there (where three of us girls had ended up that evening) after his Toronto Film Festival debut of his Ides of March....see it does getter. I told you this would be exciting. And throw in Ryan Gosling for good luck - yes he was at the party too, with his mom, and you can't get any better than that.
So back to the wine gala. After trying on 17 black dresses in my closest, I still don't know which one I will be wearing, but I am sure I will figure it out tomorrow. It's a day of primping to look our best - you would never guess that by the end of the night though. We have a trusty driver picking us up to make sure we get there, and who will bring us all home so we make it in one piece. So stay tuned as I tell you about our evening and I will try to remember some of the names of the wines I drink tomorrow night.
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