summer vacation reflections

Thinking a lot about summer vacations. J and I have done some amazing trips:

On our first summer getaway, we headed to Chicago. We stayed at the W Lakeshore and spent the weekend shopping and eating (of course!). It's a great two night trip if you're looking for a U.S. city besides NYC.

The following year was Portugal. We opted to spend the majority of our trip in Lisbon and Madeira. Our hotel in Lisbon ( www.solardosmouros.pt) was an extraordinary place. It was small, artist-focused and at the top of a hill. It was incredibly clean and offered a hot, strong cafe latte every morning. Most importantly, you really got a feel for the local culture. Madeira was absolutely lush and gorgeous. Our accomodations were quite formal at the Casa Velha (www.casa-velha.com) but what else can you expect on a honeymoon? Before we landed in Madeira we travelled to a small island, also off the coast of Africa, called Porto Santo. It was dreadful. Our hotel stank, the weather was crummy and it was ugly. The best thing on Porto Santo was a hole-in-the-wall local restaurant that served skewered beef. Those meals were delicious...really yummy...some of the best beef, we've ever had...but it couldn't make up for the rest of the island.

Next summer trip, was probably my second favourite. We went to a dude ranch...a luxury dude ranch but still a dude ranch! I'm hopping that H and I will take my mom there for her 60th birthday. Paws Up (www.pawsup.com) was fantastic. We went horseback riding and rafting down the Blackfoot River. It's so fantastic that, on our rafting trip, we stopped on the side of the river for lunch. Lunch included filet mignon, grilled chicken breasts, an assortment of salad and homemade carrot cake with marscapone cream icing. um, hello?!? It was awesome. And, the cabins rocked! Even J was happy in Big Sky country.

Last year's vacation was the most life changing. We spent almost two weeks in and around Vancouver Island. Our first stop was in Victoria and then we drove up the island to Tofino. The drive was amazing and enlightening. However, my favourite part of our time in B.C. was on Salt Spring Island. We stayed on an organic farm with the Abelman family. We learned about everything from composting toilets to Waldorf education. The Saturday market was a real treat! I think about going back to Salt Spring Island everyday. We finished our B.C. vacation in Vancouver. Food highlights include Vij's Restaurant and Lumiere. Look them up and let your mouth start watering!

This year, we'll spend a few days in Michigan with Marni and Josh. We spent all our "summer trip" funds on art while travelling on the Caribbean Princess with my family.

happy travels!

P.S. You must must must try the Asparagus and Potato Salad recipe (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070623.WAVERMAN23/TPStory/?query=lucy+waverman). Even the mother-in-law was happy!

wicked veggies

I feel compelled to recommend Bonnie's Gazpacho. But I suggest that you use more hot sauce than recommended. It's not that spicy. Now, Lucy Waverman's potato and asparagus salad was OUT OF THIS WORLD. We didn't have chives so we used green onions. It was just devine and will definitely be a repeat on our summer menu.(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070623.WAVERMAN23/TPStory/?query=lucy+waverman)

You don't have to care but I'll tell you anyway

I'm always the first to tell anyone about my favourite things. And, most of those things involve food, fashion or other fun stuff (think travel, pets, community causes!).

Today as J and I get ready for an evening to celebrate his mom's 60-something birthday, I've tried a few new recipes. One was Bonnie Sterns Spicy Gazpacho from her Heart Smart cookbook and the other was a potato and asparagus salad that appeared in Lucy Waverman's column from Saturday's Globe and Mail (June 23). I'll critique them after dinner.

Before I forget, if you live in the Windsor area, be sure to head to Mamo Bistro(http://www.mamobistro.com/) ASAP to get a taste of fresh wild salmon. Ryan is preparing it on an Asian slaw with fingerling potatoes. mmm!

bye for now.