PERFECT ISLAND PARADISE POST ELECTION

An island jaunt proved to be just the thing one needed, especially with an early-morning departure November 9th.  Nothing like gorgeous white sand and pristine turquoise water to provide a respite from all the noise that surrounds the never-ending news (especially in my political household).

Five glorious nights in Turks & Caicos, just 1-3/4 hours southeast of Miami. Only wish it had been longer, but I'll take whatever time we had.    

Turks & Caicos -- located in the North Atlantic, southeast of the Bahamas

Does it seem like a long way to go for a relatively short trip?  Maybe. Perhaps for some.  But when you think about one longish plane ride and one very short one with little time in between, it passes quickly. Since the Hubby and I decided several years ago to add a November trip that would be the antidote to the non-stop movement of our big April trip (i.e., pretty much find white sand and do nothing), it's been fun ticking off various island resorts visited.

Waking up with much anticipation after an evening arrival is fun ... will the setting be as gorgeous as depicted on the website and in magazines? Happily that answer is yes! Grace Bay Club (part of Leading Hotels of the World) is one of three T&C resorts offered via Amex Platinum Fine Hotels.  An Aman property is at the top of that list, but their rates are staggering. Nothing in T&C would be considered "affordable" by most (more on that later).  We discovered from our patio doors, it was a straight and short path directly to the beach. That's about as close as one can get!  The accommodations are not the most luxe experienced (even with the upgrade to a one-bedroom suite), but very spacious with a comfy bed and vast cable selection on two SmartTV's.  No, we're not here to watch TV but it's nice to have that available. College football is in the thick of the season, and the hubby was happy to watch important games late at night (local time is an hour later than east coast). But I'm thinking someone quite tall came up with the idea to locate the room safe on the closet's top shelf -- not the best idea.

Straight from our patio to the beach.  Pool is off to the left.

In the relaxing and quiet "Adults Only" pool --  there is another one for families

Service is attentive, welcoming and very friendly but not what I would consider polished (like blowing our wake-up call).  We were given a cell phone with a direct line to our duo of dedicated concierges who help with anything and everything ... typically restaurant reservations and outdoor activities.   All accommodations include a mini-kitchen (coffee maker, small fridge, microwave and even 2-burner cooktop).  I literally run from hotel rooms equipped with anything that reminds me of what I do at home, but it can be convenient -- especially with a simply curated checklist of staples ready to be acquired and delivered (milk, cereal, diet coke, spirits).  Careful, though -- the cost for the aforementioned soda six-pack was an eye-opener.  In fact, with just three things native to T&C -- conch, lobster and sand -- costs are high as everything must be imported.  

Two conchs right out of the shell.  One is male and one is female.  Pretty obvious which is which.  Most of the front portion is removed and thrown back in the sea (eaten by fish); the rest is deliciously evidenced in the ceviche (below)

  

Having no agenda other than pool time and a spa visit (excellent), we were fortunate to encounter T&C guru Marty at the pool for restaurant recommendations (Coyaba; Caicos Cafe; Le Bouchon, Coco Bistro)  We figured he knew the area fairly well as he had just made his customary return to the resort from his home in Boston .. for the entire winter. He provided excellent guidance, needless to say.  

T&C, while officially a British Overseas Territory, could easily be a part of the US.  It is on the US currency and electrical current (no adapters or converters!), and everyone speaks English.  Yet one distinctly feels that they have left the country for sure.

Grace Bay beach in front of the hotel 

Snorkeling is always at the top of the list for a beach trip.  Island Vibe Tours literally pulled up in front of the resort for a half-day outing. We enjoyed chatting with folks on board from all over the US and a couple of avid travelers from Sweden as we collectively marveled at the turquoise water.  After a few stops we ended up having an opportunity for a last dip via diving off the boat (maybe 15' from the top) or with the water slide. We all encouraged one another and got quite chummy. Somehow everyone knew the hubby by journey's end, as evidenced when we got off the boat to "Bye, Bruce! Take care, Bruce! Nice to meet you, Bruce!"  Yep, I'm forever "Bruce's wife."   

One of the nearby cays visited on the snorkel boat

Below:  I look like I'm saying a prayer just before descending -- the man in the red trunks is on the diving board from which the hubby jumped (as did I).  What the hell were we thinking??? 

After the above activities, believe me, I was tempted! Fortunately cooler heads prevailed.

 

Are you thinking about going somewhere but are stuck getting started? Do you need some ideas and/or expertise in planning your next adventure?  an  Instead of spending your valuable time, send me an email (travelwithterib@gmail.com) -- and let me help you with all your travel needs!

FUN WITH FALL FOODS

I am having a blast with fall foods.  Pretty much every Sunday morning, the Hubby and I head down to the Studio City Farmers Market to see what's in season.   We don't linger like lots of families with toddlers in tow, but rather are in and out before the crowds get really large.  We have our favorite vendors with whom we chitchat for a few minutes and are on our way. Delicious late-season plums Such glorious colors! Love these sweet peppers One of the delights is seeing what's coming in and saying good-bye to others until next year.  To me, summer melon season is always too short. But having the good fortune of living in So Cal means never going without wonderful produce all year long, so absolutely no complaints! I am so thrilled with my own Fuji apple tree!  The fruit is nearly ripe and plentiful due to netting and  sprinkling with ground pepper to keep everyone away!   Small but delicious (below) So what am I buying and cooking now?  Well, here's a few items that are so delicious I buy them and then think about what to do with them. The sweet peppers (shown above) became one of the ingredients in a frittata, along with onion, fennel, leftover corn on the cob, eggs and cheese.  Instructions follow below. Saute onions in butter using cast-iron skillet; add fennel, pepper & corn - cook for a few minutes; add beaten eggs (I used 9) and sprinkle with mozzarella; cook  in the oven at 375 until set (20-30 minutes)  Before cooking above; after below    I cut the frittata into wedges (below); great to pop in the microwave  for a quick and easy meal. AS for the apples, I made a delicious crisp as seen below.  I skip any type of flour in the crust in favor of a dollop of vanilla ice cream later on.  The slow-churned flavors from Dreyers are relatively low-cal and terrific. Directions: Mix the topping: 2 cups oatmeal, cinnamon, 1/2 cup brown sugar and enough room-temp butter to moisten the dry ingredients.  Chop the apples. Spread topping over the apples and bake at 350 until the top is brown and the apples are soft.   The aroma in your house will be amazing!

VISITING A FAVORITE ART SHOW

One among many semi-annual local events that is much anticipated and looked artSHOW in Beverly Hills.  The event (held the third weekend in May and October) has been going on for 44 years(!) and attracts not only locals but folks from all over SoCal. As both months are ideal weather-wise, this event makes for a fun outing.  And, as a side note, the show and gardens are completely dog friendly which makes for lots of canine interactions.                        The beautiful Beverly Gardens Park are ideal                       for the show's setting with meandering paths Area of the show is shown above. Food trucks (seen below) are located on Canon Drive which is closed to north/south traffic as is Beverly Drive. When one is a regular attendee, the opportunity to create relationships with the artists is pretty much a sure thing.  In fact, we've found them to be most gracious -- and that includes the offer of coming to one's home to see if a piece of art fits.   The hubby is seen below with artist Sang Choi.  After considering one of his pieces last year, he not only brought it to our home but he and his wife helped us move pieces around to find the perfect spot.  We bought the piece and love it.   In addition to art, sculpture and jewelry from 240 artists, there is non-stop music (see below) plus two areas offering traditional seating with either "Beer & Brat" or "Wine & Dine."  And, if that weren't enough, the location is just a short block from a variety of restaurants on several nearby streets.

So, mark your calendars for the next show in May 2017.  You never know who you might run into as evidenced by the unplanned but happy encounter with my sister Janie and her husband Richard at last year's show.  Maybe next time she and I will check our calendars beforehand and spend more than a few minutes chatting!

THIRTY-FIVE HOURS IN OCTOBER

Oooh, aaah!  The Dodgers made it to the postseason!! That means at least one or more trips to Dodger Stadium, depending on how well they play.  Since the postseason is promised to no team, attending a game is both a joy but also a commitment.  In this case, 35 hours over just two weeks.  After splitting the first two NLDS games in DC, here's the rest:

Different rally towels given out at each game ... 

Monday, Oct 11 -- Game #3 -- 2pm game time!  No worries; we all have smartphones so as to work and watch at the same time. Dodgers lose; back for Game 4 in the series the next day.

A couple of true LA sports fans

Tuesday, Oct 12 -- Game #4 -- 2pm game time again.  Normally fine, except sundown is Kol Nidre, which begins the the most sacred Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur for the next 24 hours.  The game goes long, necessitating an early departure (well, for some of us). Alas, we made it to synagogue and observed the holiday.   By the way, the Dodgers won!

The series-ending, victorious Game #5 on Oct 14 in DC was dramatic 
and so exciting.  Our two aces, Kenley and Kershaw, 
got the job done with outstanding pitching!

After splitting the first two games of the NLCS in Chicago, the series moves back to LA for the next three. Tuesday, Oct. 18 -- Dodgers win 6-0; Wed, Oct 19 -- we get slaughtered 10-2; and Thurs, Oct 19 -- again defeated 8-4.  All told during those two weeks in October, with travel time to and from the stadium, I figure it was roughly 35 hours dedicated to the Dodgers.  And it was a blast.  

Added benefit is spending lots of time with son Sam

The hubby and Sam get a much-appreciated photo op with
Cubs Hall-of-Famer and terrific guy Ryne Sandberg

Thirty-five hours.  An entire work week for some.  About 17 movies.  Five nights of sleep. Yes, a big time commitment.  And, you know what?  We all clamored for a bunch more.

By now, you all know the outcome.  Game 6 at Wrigley was a disaster and MLB got it's hoped-for World Series wish -- the Chicago Cubs vs. the Cleveland Indians. I'll close with just two words: #GoTribe!

How can you not love the two opposing managers showing immense respect?
LA's Dave Roberts did a terrific job in his first year; kudos to the Cubs' Joe Madden

"LATE TO THE PARTY"

As an unabashed "foodie" -- which I take to mean is someone who not only appreciates great food but is up on the latest restaurant openings, and/or is a frequent restaurant reviewer on Trip Advisor or OpenTable, and/or follows the world of food in general -- one might be surprised that the celebrated restaurant Republique on La Brea in L.A. (former site of the beloved Campanile) had until heretofore gone untried. That all changed when it came time to pick a spot for the hubby's recent birthday.  

Of course when to go is as much of a challenge as where to go in our world, because no decisions can be made until the baseball playoff schedule is announced.  In fact, few social plans can be made at all in the month of October for that very reason.  Hey, friends, it ain't me.

Other than keeping a mental list of places we'd like to go or go back to, often I'll peruse Open Table's listings (sorted in order by ranking) and perhaps Zagat's as well. Since the date was to be mid-week, a reservation at Republique that wasn't either 5:30 or 9:30 was readily available.

The communal tables in the front area of the restaurant

First surprise was the restaurant confirmed the Open Table reservation via text message.   I'm all for efficiency, but to me this was very impersonal. Nevertheless, I promptly responded in the affirmative and asked about their corkage fee plus reminded them of my prior request for a separate table instead of their communal seating arrangements. Communal tables are definitely a generational thing where people can go to eat alone and busy themselves with their devices so as to assuage any apprehension about eating alone.  Not our thing.  

Upon arrival, we were told we must wait for all four in our party to arrive prior to being seated.  I asked if that would impact our requested table for four, to which the young lady asked if I had requested that. Well, only twice.  It was very loud in the front area of said communal tables and bar area (packed by 6:30), yet the back room where the traditional tables are located was nearly empty.  Hmmm.  Within minutes the hubby was engaged in a "lively" conversation with the manager; #3 in our party had arrived and we were very promptly seated (#4 walked a minute or so later).   Not the best start.

Our table in the back of the restaurant

After all that, the wine was properly decanted, the service was attentive and well paced, and renowned chef Walter Manzke's food was just delicious.  The menu has many plates meant to be shared, whether that be a platter of charcuterie or salads or mains. Everything we tried was excellent.  So will we go back?  Probably. But for brunch first, about which we've heard rave reviews.  But, please, no communal tables.

Left:  Burrata/beet crostini; Right top:  sweet potato beignets
Right bottom:  Wonderfully fresh salad with Green Goddess dressing

Top:  Rotisserie Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes (served in the skillet);
Below left:  Spinach Cavatelli; Right Agnoletti

The desserts:  top is a "deconstructed" cheesecake, although I was chastised
 for using such an out-of-date term (so three years ago I was told);
bottom is a seasonal fruit crumble.

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE ...

Pretty much any home gardener will tell you that there are frustrations ... most particularly going outside to pick something and all that's left of what you had JUST SEEN is a half-eaten something. Wouldn't it be lovely if one didn't also have to clean up after those darn varmints???

Thus, one can only imagine the sheer joy I recently experienced when not only did enormous heirloom tomatoes stay on the vines (more about that later), but they actually ripened and were duly picked for use. Waiting and watching can be a painstaking effort and I freely admit to being an early picker.  

My only Santa Rosa plum!

This season has not been without it's "fruits" ... I have been enjoying some delicious Sungold and Black Cherry varieties (shown above). But the big ones have not been a success in the past.  In fact, earlier in the season in my "kitchen garden" -- so called for it's placement just outside my kitchen door, with pots of tomatoes and herbs -- my pesky perpetrators thought nothing of high-jacking tomatoes just about before my very eyes! The gall!!  My revenge? A generous sprinkling of freshly ground pepper. Everywhere.  Other than my sneezing, it proved a terrific solution. 

First-year production of berries has been steady

Without further ado, I present a recent bounty of 6+ pounds picked at once with a couple more pounds left ripening on the vines.  Here's how I multiplied them to enjoy at a future time while still maintaining that homegrown taste ... 

Top Row:  Saute chopped onion in good EVOO then saute chopped garlic briefly (I add shredded carrots for sweetness); add coursely chopped tomatoes  Middle Row:  Add good quality jar of marinara (Rao's or Silver Palate are my faves) and simmer for an hour or so -- I add salt, pepper and oregano at this point (all to taste); Tomato skins peel away easily after simmering  Bottom row:  Immersion blender ("boat motor") is used for blending; Leftover scraps headed for compost bin

Two large batches of sauce above and separated for freezing below; to date 9 containers of 4-5 cups each!