Winter Barn Owl

Winter Barn Owl
Life's a Hoot !

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Cruise Grub

My friend in England (you know who you are, S.C.) wondered why I hadn't written a blog in a while.  My response was simple:
 I haven't been anywhere lately!
However, I have been to plenty of places before I started blogging, so I will go backwards for a while and take you on a culinary cruise aboard Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam!

Upon arrival, my sisters and I booted it up to the lido desk to start our 7 day feast with a little something from the buffet line!
Started with salads as we knew the calories were coming!

On our first night, Dad treated us to a gastronomic evening at the Pinnacle Grill, which is the upscale restaurant that has an extra charge - boy was it worth it!
Chilled seafood medley

Extra JUMBO shrimp!
 
Melt in your mouth Filet Mignon

Succulent Lobster

Everyone knows I LOVE creme brule
The sunset did not disappoint
We visited a number of Caribbean islands and tasted everything the ship had to offer!
Beel Wellingston

Grilled tilapia

Beef carpaccio

Seared Tuna steak

Key Lime Pie

Just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite, another day dawned and we went at it again.
Tuna carpaccio


Ever had raspberry soup?


Battered shrimp

If you know me, you know this is what I had!
Another rendition of creme brule

One of our last ports of call was Costa Maya.
It struck me as poor place, 
but had pristine beaches and pretty houses.

Some of our last meals.....

The highlight of the cruise was the 'dessert extravaganza'.
The chefs spent hours preparing every sweet treat you can imagine.



A final sunset as we sailed back to reality!
We spent our last evening in Fort Lauderdale,
 so having been there before, 
dined at the sidewalk cafe
 of the Riverside Hotel on Los Olas boulevard.
This is the BEST club sandwich I have ever eaten!
Club on toasted cranberry/walnut bread slathered with spicy mayo!
It was a trip I will never forget. 
 Thanks to my sisters, D & B, brother-in-law M and niece M.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Autumn at Atwater Market

I love outdoor markets, with one of my favourites being
The abundance of produce and confections 
could be seen at every stall...


Colour, colour everywhere!



All ready for Halloween!


The french connection!
Trying to decide what cheeses to buy....such choices
 Fall blossoms at their brightest

Walking around the market made everyone hungry,
 so we head out for brunch.
Off to Allo Mon Coco
Just loved the chandelier...it was made out of whisks!
The food was fabulous....
Waffles....
..and smoked salmon eggs benny....
A final family photo
Goodbye, Montreal...until next visit!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

A Family Birthday Celebration

My youngest sister celebrated a milestone birthday, so this was a perfect opportunity to have a surprise party,
with the whole family gathering from all corners of the globe.

Each family member's arrival was a surprise,
 so tears flowed with each new arrival.....
 and smiles abounded....
A superb spread of homemade food, all prepared by my niece
 Most family gatherings revolve around food and this one did not disappoint...
Pulled Pork Poutine

Reuben with poutine
It was tough to choose our desert!
 But a decision was finally made....
 A visit with my Aunt from Belguim was a special treat
A trip to Atwater market up next.......