ANOTHER NEW SPOT

How do you know, unless you open the door?

Casey Rislov

We keep saying we need to try new places. Trouble is we get so used to our usual haunts it’s difficult to branch out. We get stuck in a rut, going to the same old, same old. Hard to give up places where you know the food is good for an unknown entity.

But we’re trying that this week.

Monday it was Hog Wild and today was The Sloop.

https://thesloopgulfshores.com/

The Sloop Galley and Spirits began as an idea from two local restauranteurs with over 40 years of restaurant experience. The location and timing came together in the summer of 2019. The Sloop prides itself on fresh quality foods made in house and exceptional service. One of the partners, James Gallen, from the Philadelphia area decided to incorporate original Philly cheesesteaks on the menus as they are not offered in the south. The other partner, BR Mock, decorated the establishment with authentic sailing tools, pictures, and memorabilia from his days sailing.

https://www.thesloop.biz/our-story

So off we went. With our friends from Minnesota.

I read online that The Sloop is loved by locals! They flock there for delicious food, great bartenders, and a chill atmosphere. That’s a good sign.

Unbelievable what happened in the parking lot. Got out of the car and at the same time three guys out of their truck saying to Richard. “Is that license plate from Prince Edward Island?” (Yes.) “Every year we go tuna fishing in Souris. PEI is so beautiful. When flying in it looks like a patchwork quilt.” So true. My thoughts exactly. Small world isn’t it. Certainly never expected this today.

Continuing with The Sloop.

The place was packed. Guess it is loved by both locals and visitors.

The Sloop is small inside but if the weather had been nicer theres a great outside eating area.

Unique spot. Rustic. And it is a sports bar. Lots of TVs.

Inside:

Outside:

Folk Art:

Great service. Nice to not feel rushed even though they were packed.

Our meals:

Sausage and Peppers: She loved it.

Saucy Meatball: He loved it. Just difficult to eat. But meatball sandwiches usually are.

Nachos: They were ok. The queso (melted cheese and chili peppers) poured over the tortilla chips made a lot of them soggy. I wasn’t a fan of the ground chicken topping either. I usually have mine meatless.

Sizzlin’ Shrimp: He looooooved it. Said it was the best meal he’d had down here. Now that’s something.

So three out of four isn’t bad.

Looking at our meals and the other’s around us I can certainly say they don’t skimp. Servings were substantial. You didn’t leave wanting.

Had to take a pic of the IPA beer. Cute bottle.

Glad we went. It goes on our ‘to return’ list.

Cold here but at least no snow. Tonight there’s a Wind Chill Advisory so we may have to run the taps again.

Sloop John B – The Beach Boys

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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EATING OUT: ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE

Not what we had to eat but had to share this.

Again playing catch-up. Both in my posting and in getting some final things checked off our to-do list.

Sunday breakfast.

Richard really wanted to return to Another Broken Egg this year so as we’re winding down off we went.

https://www.anotherbrokenegg.com/

We’d been here three times in various past years and the breakfasts were delicious.

The main reason for returning was the coffee. Richard says it’s the best coffee down here. And he’s particular about his coffee. Me? No thanks. I hate coffee. So if he says it’s good I’ll take his word for it.

Wish I could say the meals were good.

Richard liked his Deep South Chicken Sandwich – Fried chicken tenders, pimento cheese, over-medium egg, bacon jam on an over-sized biscuit. With a pickle & country potatoes. It was difficult to eat as a sandwich though. Tenders we’re falling out and eggs were very runny. Knife and fork did the trick.

Wish I’d been that happy with my Traditional Day Starter – Two eggs any style with bacon. Served with an English muffin. First, no English Muffins. Not a big deal. They substituted a biscuit. I added fresh fruit. Sadly I couldn’t eat the eggs. I asked for over medium but a lot of the white wasn’t cooked. Server never even asked if anything was wrong. I know. I know. I should have mentioned it but he was young so I didn’t.

My eggs looked good until I cut into them.

Won’t be returning. Worst breakfast I’ve had down here and by far the most expensive.

Monday’s Lunch

Friends go to Hog Wild every year so we went yesterday.

https://www.hogwildgs.com/

Now we’ve driven by it almost everyday and it never appealed to us. From a distance it sure didn’t look like much. But since they love it we had to go. Great BBQ.

Unique inside.

The man at the counter was so nice and helpful. Seems like they take their food and service seriously. Good way to be.

Orders.

We chose to eat outside as the weather wasn’t too bad. Only one other family outside. With three boys. Ages 4, 2, and 1. Sweet kids and we’ll behaved. Busy parents. I remember those days.

Food was great. Sweet potato fries were crispy. Score. At home we can never seem to make them crispy.

Wouldn’t you know my very last bite somehow got stuck going down. I wasn’t chocking but it felt like something got lodged part way down my esophagus. What a heavy feeling. Yuck. Coughed a few times, relaxed, took small drinks of water, and finally it went down. Thank goodness. Note to self – drink more when eating. Lesson learned.

Funny side note. The total came to $30.80. I gave him two twenties and a one ($41) as I didn’t want a lot of small bills back. (I already had too many in my wallet) Bad move. I totally confused him. I mean I really confused him. He looked at me, held up my money, and kept saying, “It’s $30.80.”. So I politely said (even though I just wanted to shake my head in disbelief), “I know. I don’t want small bills back.” Him as he punched it into the register? “Oh right. I never was good at math.”.

And lastly I loved seeing this today at Starbucks.

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

I’m gradually getting caught up with my posts.

Yesterday was the annual FitFair at the Bodenhamer Recreation Centre that we join when we’re here for the winter.

https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1162/David-L-Bodenhamer-Recreation-Center

Although the fair has decreased in size since our first year it is still helpful and informative with various health and wellness booths.

A positive is that the fair is open to everyone, not just members.

On this day they offer a variety of free classes so people can try them out.

Our usual yoga class was held in the gym to allow for the extra people. It was strange having it in such a large space especially since the instructor had to use a microphone. But it went well. There were some newbies and most stayed for the full class. A woman in front of me was really struggling and left after about ten minutes. It’s hard if it’s your first time. Everything is so foreign. I hope she gives yoga another chance.

We walked around the exhibits. Did our other workouts. And then enjoyed the nutritious food samples.

I love that they offer the recipe cards to take home.

Served in 1” pieces. I liked it but too sweet for Richard.
Very tasty and filling.

And after this I’m almost caught up with my posts. Yay.

Get On Your Feet – Gloria Estefan

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

Louis Armstrong

Amen to that.

A few weeks ago Richard saw this in our local snowbirds’ paper The Mullet Wrapper.

Who Hoo. How exciting. Love the music of both Louis and Ella.

The band was terrific. Five pieces: trumpet, trombone, double bass, piano, and drums. All superb musicians.

This is a long post but I’m including this info for you musicians and music lovers out there who enjoy knowing the musicians’ backgrounds.

Trumpet

Longineu Warren Parsons II is a classically trained trumpeter who plays in a wide variety of styles including jazzbluesjazz fusion and classical. He is currently an Associate Professor of Music at Florida A&M University(FAMU).[1]

Parsons played for Nat AdderleyCab CallowayDoc SeverinsenHerbie MannArchie SheppSun RaBranford Marsalis and many more. He appeared in the national production of Satchmo. He was a featured soloist in the Great Performances special “Three Mo’ Tenors.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longineu_Parsons_II

Drums

Longineu Warren “LP” Parsons III is a French-born American rock musician. He is best known as the former drummer of the American rock band Yellowcard.

Parsons has been playing the drums since he was five; he played with his father, Longineu W. Parsons II, in his band The Longineu Parsons Ensemble.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longineu_W._Parsons_III

Trombone

Robert U. Griffin is an American jazz trombonist and an assistant professor of music at Florida A&M University. As a musician, Griffin performed with jazz, rock and funk bands at shows and festivals across the United States and at French and Italian jazz festivals. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_U._Griffin

Double Bass

Brian Hall is a bassist and composer with a deep knowledge of and passion for diverse styles of music spanning jazz, classical, and world musics. His active performing and touring calendar sees him collaborating with international artists and regional symphonies. As Associate Professor of Music at Florida A&M University since 2014, he brings his wealth of knowledge and performance experience to his teaching practice. Mr. Hall holds an MM in Jazz Studies from Florida State University and a BM in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University.

Based in Tallahassee, FL, Mr. Hall has toured as a performer and educator up and down the East Coast for over 25 years and played with other renowned artists, including Nat Adderley Jr., Marcus Printup, Charles Davis, Longineu Parsons, Michael Bakan, Carmen Bradford, Scotty Barnhart, and Winard Harper.

https://cssah.famu.edu/departments-and-centers/music/choral-studies-and-activities/applied_faculty.php

Piano

Dr. Joanna Sobkowska graduated from the Fryderyk Chopin National Conservatory in Warsaw and earned a Master’s and a Doctoral Degree at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida…Joanna has performed on the concert series of the Warsaw Philharmonic, Poland, at the Festival Internacional del Piano in Bucaramanga, Columbia, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, the FSU Festival of New Music in Tallahassee, Florida, and CASMI International Summer Program in Prague, Czech Republic…Joanna is half of Duo Paloma with her husband, trumpeter Longineu Parsons II and they perform frequently in the United States and in Paris, France. Currently, Dr. Sobkowska is Associate Professor of Music at Florida A&M University.

https://www.javacyaarts.com/joanna

First half of the concert was the band. They were fine. Tight group. Loved their improvisational solos (most of them). Trumpeter was also the vocalist as it should be. He was a real showman. Great rapport with the audience.

BUT

Where was the female vocalist they advertised?

Not there.

And no mention of her. No apology for appearing without her.

Disappointed doesn’t even half cover how I felt.

Being a singer myself she was of course the main reason we wanted to go to the concert.

Here’s who we missed.

Tina Fabrique

From growing up in Harlem to midtown recording studios and New York City Cabarets, Tina has built a career as an actress and singer respected by her peers and in demand by playwrights, producers and directors alike.

Equally at home in musicals on Broadway:  ” Gospel at Colonus”, “Bring In The Noise Bring In The Funk”, “Ragtime”, and others…or straight dramatic roles such as: “Trouble In Mind”, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and  “Glass Menagerie”. She was honored to have received the Kevin KlienAward and Florida’s, Carbonell Award for her performance as Ella Fitzgerald in “ELLA”…

Tina’s television experience is just as varied; from the drama of “BLUE BLOODS” and “NEW AMSTERDAM”, to singing the original theme for “READING RAINBOW”, and much in between. She is also pleased to have been chosen to sing the title song for the Award Winning film “Mad Hot Ballroom.”

https://tinafabrique.com/

I feel we missed out on hearing quite a performance. What a shame.

Two music selections today.

Reading Rainbow Theme – Tina Fabrique

I’m sure lots of you remember that PBS children’s television series. (1983-2006)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_Rainbow

Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Take care and stay healthy

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

“All you need is love.”

John Lennon

Bought for New Year’s Eve.

Too tired after my long day of flying from PEI.

Today was the day. Delicious.

Had with leftovers. But who cares. .

It was still very special.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. ❤️

All You Need is Love – The Beatles (John Lennon)

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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CELEBRATING CANADA

So many great quotes. Here are a few.

Everything about American politics makes me proud to be Canadian.

Neve Campbell

I’m so proud to be Canadian. I’ve been to 58 countries, and they’re wonderful countries, but Canada is the best.

Paul Henderson (former hockey player)

When I’m in Canada, I feel this is what the world should be like.

Jane Fonda

I believe the world needs more Canada.

Bono

So far our country themed dinners have included British, Mexican, Mediterranean, and Polish meals.

Can you find my province Prince Edward Island?

What was I thinking. Why did I wait so long. But now more than ever it’s a perfect time to celebrate Canada. 🇨🇦

This week we celebrated Canadian cuisine.

I’m proud to be Canadian. 🍁 Especially more than ever in these trying times. Nothing else needs to be said.

As I’ve written previously I love researching for these meals. And I spend lots of time doing just that. Such fun. But so many choices.

So here was our menu.

Appetizer: Bannock with toppings. (Butter, strawberry jam, maple syrup, chutney, and cinnamon sugar)

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/bannock

I preface this by stating this is what I found online. Hopefully it is correct.

Bannock, an unleavened bread, was originally brought to North America by Scottish explorers and traders. Indigenous peoples in particular Métis adopted bannock in their cuisine in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries probably after their encounters with Scottish fur traders.

As a result, even today many Métis and aboriginal western Canadians often prepare this dish. In western Canada, bannock is much more associated with native and Métis culture than with its Scottish roots.

Entrees: Poutine and Hawaiian Pizza

Poutine is a Canadian dish made of french fries topped with cheesecurds and gravy. It first appeared in 1950s rural Québec snack bars and was widely popularized across Canada and beyond in the 1990s. Poutine may be found everywhere from fine dining menus at top restaurants to fast-food chains. It has become a symbol of Québécois and Canadian cuisine and culture.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/poutine#:~:text=poutine%2C%20a%20Canadian%20dish%20made,restaurants%20to%20fast%2Dfood%20chains.

Hawaiian pizza is a pizza originating in Canada, traditionally topped with pineappletomato saucemozzarella cheese, and either ham or bacon. Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-born Canadian, created the first Hawaiian pizza at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada, in 1962.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_pizza

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z2vftrd

Mine followed the original with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, and pineapple.

Dessert: Butter Tarts

These were a must for me to include as they were a favourite of my mum and she made them every Christmas. My daughter carries on the tradition also making superb butter tarts.

…one of the few pastries with a genuinely Canadian origin. A butter tart is a small pastry tart, which generally consists of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg, filled into a flaky pastry and baked until the filling is semi-solid with a crunchy top. The first published recipe came in 1900 with The Women’s Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Cookbook. However, the origin is believed to be much older, most likely the result of the filles du roi(King’s Daughters), in which approximately 800 young women were sent to Québec from France between 1663 and 1673 to help colonize. These young ladies brought with them their traditional European recipes but were forced to adapt them according to what was available. The sugar pie, a single-crust pie with a filling made from flour, butter, salt, vanilla, and cream, is a likely precursor to the butter tart.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/butter-tarts

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butter_tart

To offer variety I added pecans to some and raisins to others. Both were yummy. Of course I tried both. Three of us enjoyed them. They were too sweet for Richard.

I was happy. Everything turned out really well and was enjoyed by all.

Honestly I was worried.

Issues.

1. I tried a practice bannock run in the morning as I’d never made it. It was awful. Dry. Hard. I even messaged Richard while he was at the gym and asked if he had any alternatives. And I texted my daughter for her suggestions. Although I was given some great alternatives I decided not to give up and searched for a different recipe. Well. No wonder my first was so awful. Not enough liquid in the recipe. The second effort? Success. 😅

2. Timing. Bannock? Ready on time. Poutine? Fries took much longer to cook crispy that the instructions said. Hawaiian Pizza? Again it took much longer. That would be because apparently when I increased the oven temp I had inadvertently turned it of. Oops. Both tasted good, just took longer to serve. But great conversation passed the time.

3. Forgot to take photos of Poutine and Pizza. When will I ever learn.

This is my Home, O Canada – composed by Robert Buckley

I directed children’s choirs for over 37 years.

This was not my choir.

But in 1989 when the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup was held in Summerside, PEI I directed a 166 member Children’s School Choir and they sang We Are The World at the opening ceremony and then the Summerside Community Choir joined us in performing This is my Home, O Canada. What an experience. Powerful. Listen to the lyrics. You’ll understand.

What are some of your favourite Canadian songs? I’d love to hear them. Comment and let me know.

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.

MEDITERRANEAN

“Time doesn’t take away from friendship, nor does separation.”

Tennessee Williams

And that’s the truth.

My only change would be to have also included family. Family and friends. Lucky to have both. I value my family dearly.

I also value my friendships, those at home and those here during the winter.

Living down here for the winter I miss my family and friends from home but I’m extremely grateful over the past years to have met two wonderful couples, one from Michigan and the other from Minnesota. Our times together here in Alabama are valued. Blessed to spend time with them.

This past week one couple, as I mentioned in a previous post, prepared a tasty Polish meal for us. Lovely.

Yesterday the other couple invited us over for a delicious meal of various Mediterranean dishes.

How lucky are we. Another fabulous evening with friends.

Who could ask for more.

Hummus with veggies and crackers
Mediterranean Salad
Greek Pan Chicken
Gelato – Two flavours: Salted Caramel and Chocolate Peanut Butter
with Brussels Dark Chocolate Lace Cookies

Great evening, great food with great friends.

Both couples certainly spoiled us.

Forever grateful for friendships, old and new.

Friendship- Lucille Ball and Red Skelton (from Anything Goes by Cole Porter)

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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GOING TO THE ZOO AND A POLISH SUPPER

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Yesterday we decided to visit the local Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. We’d never been and since we’re often looking for a deal we chose to go on Wednesday as the entry fee for seniors was only $10 that day.

https://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com/#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjUxNjMiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D

118 species, 22 critically endangered species.

The inhabitants of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo are a richly diverse and decidedly unique population for a small-town community zoo. Every single animal has a name and a backstory. No matter their beginnings or their circumstances, they all have a loving and safe home at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

I’m always torn regarding zoos. Upset to see these beautiful animals in captivity yet lucky to to be able to see and learn about them.

There are numerous pros and cons on the subject of zoos. This article contains a video interview with Jane Goodall regarding zoos.

https://netivist.org/debate/pros-and-cons-of-zoos

It was a small zoo, only took us an hour to walk it but we saw quite a few animals etc.

One of the reasons I wanted to go was to take pictures to send to my grandson. He and his parents love to go to the Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, New Brunswick.

https://www.zoodemagnetichillzoo.ca/

I shared some photos with them. Not sure what he thought of them. Mainly I took the photos so he could look at them and name the animals.

Caught him yawning.

Being a singer I loved this.

Lunch was in their restaurant, Savanna. The best I can say is that it was mediocre.

But supper was certainly not mediocre. The complete opposite.

A great evening with friends who cooked us an authentic Polish meal. Oh my goodness. So delicious. Polish sausage, pirogies, cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, beets, fermented red cabbage, and sauerkraut. The meal ended with velvety smooth Polish chocolate. What an outstanding meal.

Stimulating conversations ended the evening. Not heated as we all have similar opinions about the latest news.

Going to the Zoo – Raffi

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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CATCHING UP

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

The above quote doesn’t refer to today’s blog. But it resonated with me. Especially now. People back home are making changes regarding their purchases. They are the small groups of thoughtful, committed citizens making a change. Bravo.

Now to today’s blog.

Sometime I’m lazy. Or should I correct that and say sometimes I procrastinate.

Not about all things.

I’m usually right on top of things.

But lately I’ve been a bit lackadaisical in my blogging.

So today I’m playing catch-up. I’m doin it right – now.

I often spot things I find new, different, or interesting to me. Well let’s be honest it’s mostly Richard who spots them, shows me, and I run with them.

One Sunday we went out for an early breakfast at Sunliner diner. I’ve previously blogged about this place. It has a fun 50’s vibe. Although of course I’m too young to remember the 50’s.

https://www.sunlinerdiner.com/gulf-shores/

We didn’t take a picture this year so here’s a previous one of us in the convertible.

When we were paying the server gave me this card to submit a review. First time I’d ever seen this. A QR code to leave a review.

Something we’ve noticed down here is Jeeps displaying rubber ducks on their dashboards. Many jeeps with varying numbers of ducks.

Why?

Google had some interesting information.

Jeep Ducking

Jeep Ducking began in Ontario in 2020 when a Jeep owner decided to do something to brighten both her and a stranger’s day. She went and bought a rubber ducky, and put the duck on a nearby Jeep.  

The Wave

…the Jeep Wave is awesome because it’s a great way to let fellow Jeepers know that you like their Jeep or simply a nice way to say hello to other Jeepers. 

The Wave comes in numerous forms: an energetic side-to-side motion of one or both hands, a raised hand waving or two or four fingers being lifted behind the steering wheel. 

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/duck-and-wave-a-look-at-why-jeep-owners-put-ducks-on-other-jeeps-and/article_0fc9f098-f54c-11eb-900f-4bf2dd5471e3.html

Jeep Ponds

A duck pond is a Jeep slang term for a big collection of rubber ducks. If you have owned a Jeep model for a long time, you will start stockpiling these toys and may even need to find a fun way to display them

https://www.darcarschryslerjeeprockville.com/why-do-jeep-vehicles-have-ducks.html

Who knew? Did you? Have you seen any Jeeps with Ducks where you live? Let me know. Oh the things I have learned.

Then I saw this cheeky post. Made me smile.

Yesterday I took these screen shots to compare the weather in Gulf Shores, Alabama to Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

It’s the same temperature here today as yesterday but instead of sunning on the deck in my bathing suit I’m in leggings, a jacket, and wool socks. What a difference the wind makes. But being from PEI I understand.

Some of you might remember this song. Especially those who would go to hear a Summerside band, Trixter (later changed to Under—- how awful I can’t remember the rest of the name, maybe Underfire?) They would do a live cover of it in the 70’s and 80’s at local dances. This recording is The Powder Blues Band, not Trixter.

Leave a comment here and let me know if you remember them.

Doin’ It Right – Powder Blues Band

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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MEXICAN FOOD? OLÉ OLÉ

Good vibes and Mexican food—name a better combo.

Who out there loves Mexican food? Do you buy it or make it? Favourite dishes?

Last night I carried on with cooking a meal from another country. Previously it was British. This time it was Mexican.

Some of the best Mexican food I ever had was of course in Mexico. First time was in Cancun when my late husband and I went with friends Diane and Bob. We took a taxi into town from our hotel. Found this small spot and if my memory is correct it was attached to a laundromat and grocery store. I like to think it was more of a locals’ spot than a tourist one. But we all know what happens to memories as we age. Then another time we went to Puerto Vallarta with friends Lynn and Garth. We went into the town every evening for supper. This one night the restaurant had delicious margaritas and fajitas. Returned to it years later when my daughter and I visited. Still delicious.

Wonderful memories.

Back to my Mexican meal.

More than 50% of my enjoyment, once I’ve chosen a country, is doing the research. What research? The recipes of course. I love scrolling through various dishes, checking out their recipes, and then creating the menu. I try to choose recipes that I think our guests will like but that also incorporate ingredients that we have. Cuts down on the grocery bill.

Menu

Appetizer: Tortilla Chips with Bean Dip, Salsa, and Sour Cream

Great starter.

Entrée: Chicken Enchiladas with Refried Beans

The plan was to also serve sliced avocados 🥑 but I forgot to take them out of the fridge so they were too hard. (We keep them in the fridge to prolong their shelf life.) The plates would have looked nicer with them but what could I do. Do you have ideas how to ripen avocados quickly?

Dessert: Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies) New recipe to me. I’m always nervous making an untried recipe for guests but I went for it. Turned out ok. A bit hard but heated them up slightly in the microwave before serving.

Meal went very well. Whew. Chips and bean dip were really enjoyed. Enchiladas were delicious. Polvorlones were a hit. They even took some home. Now whether they were being kind or really loved them? I’ll choose that they really loved them.

Issues?

Cooking in someone else’s kitchen.

Making the bean dip? No masher. Had to use a fork.

Enchiladas? All good just had to use two baking dishes as what they have here were too small for the full recipe.

Polvorones? Ahhh. Should have read the directions before choosing this recipe. Needed a food processor. None here. Had to mix by hand. And I really mean by hand. No electric mixer here either. Could that be why they were a little hard?

Drinks? Was late in the afternoon that I realized I hadn’t thought about drinks. Had no Corona or tequila. How could I have forgotten those essentials. Made due with wine.

The worst part of the dinner? I kept forgetting to take plated photos. Here’s the best that I could do.

Another fantastic evening with our lovely Michigan friends, including discussions about the “orange” one. Great that we’re all on the same page. Down here you have to be careful. Wonderful to have friends with whom we know we can discuss our thoughts and concerns.

Today?

18C and enjoyed reading and sunning on the deck. Nice to finally have some nice weather.

Sad part of the last two weeks is we’ve not seen any dolphins 🐬 from our deck. Maybe they won’t swim in the Gulf of America. Haha 😂

Guadalajara – Mariachi Sol De Mexico

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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