Banana Leaf Vancouver

What a lovely weekend thus far! Blustery and snowy...the weather has carried on over from the island to Vancouver. I was so tired when I got back home from my business trip, but pleasantly thrilled to arrive into a spotless home, a full fridge and fruit basket and dinner about to be prepared by my amazing husband. I am such a lucky gal. I laid on the couch in my work clothes, like a slug and watched my hubby prepare a wonderful salad and pasta using a jar of my homemade tomato basil pasta sauce, but jazzed it up by adding mushrooms, peppers and bacon. MMMMM bacon.....I really wish it was a health food, because it just makes everything taste so dang good! We had a wonderful little evening, and watched the classic Napoleon Dynamite which is always good for a giggle.

Friday rolled around quickly, and we both had busy work days, but were happy to be done with that so we could enjoy our evening. Fridays is kind of our "date night" we usually do movie and make a pizza together...or order in Chinese or something easy and fun. But Ivan suggested we go out! What a treat, as we are trying to save up our bucks after blowing much of them on our South American adventure. But he was in the mood to take me out and I am so happy he did!

We walked down the street to Banana Leaf which is Malaysian food and has been in Vancouver for a long time with three different locations. We haven't been in ages as we weren't that impressed last time we went, but this time renewed our faith in this charming neighbourhood resto. It always smells amazing when you walk in, and we were seated quickly in a cozy back corner table. I ordered the roti (just get 1 order per two or four people as its lots) and we hungrily ate these tender little crepe like pillows drenched in their amazing curry sauce. What a way to start the meal. We also ordered the sweet and sour pork chop, the mixed veg with shallot and garlic and the Seafood Char Kuey Teow, a delicious smoky rice noodle dish. A small side of steamed rice and what a feast. Everything was amazing...I thought we ordered too much, but we only had a small package to take home at the end of the night.

Banana Leaf is also amazing for a quick and flavourful lunch, but if you are going at prime dining times then do make a reso. The prices are super reasonable and the ambiance is exotic, dimly lit and a great place to eat great food and simply enjoy!

Snow Day

what a day....a major snow storm on the Island today! It looked absolutely gorgeous when I looked outside my hotel window..but driving in the stuff..not so much. It took me an hour to get to my first appointment which should have only taken 15mins! Quite a few of my other appointments cancelled so I tucked myself into my hotel room for the rest of the afternoon and worked away.

No interesting adventures with food today unfortunately...and I am stuck eating in the hotel tonight because the weather is just crap! You think I would be used to the snow, being from Calgary and all...but nope. I got out there and my car wouldn't get traction...sliding this way and that....not super fun. I wondered how I did it all those years in Alberta...but remembered that they are fully equipped for snow....with salt and plows and everything, so by the time you hit the roads they were usually all plowed clean. Not in Victoria..or Vancouver for that matter...it snows here and everything shuts down...schools, stores...people don't go into the office...its crazy.

So now I am just ordering up a pizza...which feels totally naughty since I have been back on my gluten/wheat/dairy free diet....but whats life without a little cheating every now and then eh...I am sure I will enjoy.

Wonton in Victoria

Wow, I think this is the loooongest I have gone without writing in my blog. I feel like I have had "writers" block...or bloggers block...a lack of inspiration I guess. I haven't been cooking all that much and we haven't been eating out...with a huge focus on both of our jobs, we have been eating a lot of frozen pizza and salads....and a lot of couch surfing in the evenings....which normally is not like us. Perhaps we are in a rut of sorts...not sure.

Nothing like getting out of a rut than having to go on a business trip alone to Victoria! The sun was shining today when I boarded the ferry...and if you can believe it, they now have wireless internet access which is crazy awesome. That said, it didn't work very well and disconnected a few times...but I did get a bit of work done.

I dined with clients at a fantastic little place in Langford called Basilico . I only had a spinach salad and tomato basil soup, but both were absolutely delish. The menu is carefully thought out, and doesn't offer too much or too little and everything is made with attention and wonderful ingredients. It's probably the nicest place in that neck of the woods as everything else around there is mostly a big stupid chain restaurant.

But the real inspiration came at dinner time. I usually go to my fav place called Rebar which I have written about numerous times, but for the past week I have been CRAVING wonton soup! Probably cause my folks were here recently and my dad loves wonton so much he got me craving it. I LOVE wonton soup...but it has to be a good one. I tried the one at Cactus club last week and was mildly impressed (not surprised)....flavourful...but not the right flavours for a wonton soup...the wontons themselves lacked personality...but I did like the extra rice noodles. Anyway, I googled "the best wonton soup in Victoria" and time after time a place called J and J Wonton Noodle House popped up. It had some rave reviews and I will add mine to the list! I ordered the large (family size....I was hungry okay!) Wor Wonton soup which they seem to be famous for and I was completely thrilled. It was one of the best I have ever had. Brimming with bright green broccoli and snowpeas, cabbage and mushrooms it even looked beautiful. There was a lovely combination of meat and seafood, but the wontons themselves were the star of the show...two different kinds....prawn wontons and pork wontons in a delicate wrapper and filled with flavour. I polished off the entire bowl and may go back again before I leave. When next in Victoria, pop into this little hole in the wall and enjoy!

Be My Valentine

So my husband has never celebrated Valentines day...he says it is against his religion. I was totally okay with that...although a little sad, because I had never had a date on Valentines day before...and now that I have a permanent date its kind of a waste. That said, I have always felt the holiday is a bit silly...as Ivan always says, why do I need one day of the year to show you how much I love you, when I can do it all of the time....and he is right....yet........somehow, each year it rolls around, I feel like I want to celebrate.

Before we got married, I asked him if we could celebrate with take out food and action flicks...so we did just that...cozied up and watched First Blood and Predator while sipping wine and eating food. He enjoyed it just as much as I.

Then two years ago I really wanted to go out on a formal date on V-Day...as I mentioned, I had never been taken out before on this occasion, so Ivan gave in and booked a table at the swanky restaurant Coast. We got all dressed up...went for Martinis first and then to dinner, but something seemed odd with the world. It was a eery, creepy type feeling, and I realized it was because everywhere we looked there were couples...it reminded me of that twisted movie the Stepford Wives...it was mechanical and awkward because most of the folks must have been on first dates...you could just tell. I hated the vibe, and vowed never to go out to a restaurant again on February 14th ( I am pretty sure Ivan was just fine with that).

So this year, I again wanted to celebrate....I love celebrating anything...so why the heck not! I know its a silly occasion, I know its commercialized and makes men feel like they have to go buy jewelry or sexy lingerie...but I like it because it is simply another occasion to do something other than the norm.

So I sent Ivan a Valentines Day card in the mail, and invited him to our home for dinner...pretending it was like a real date. I fussed only a little making him his favorite meal of Chicken Paprika with dumplings (his mom's recipe), soft music, candles, cocktails and I bought some cupcakes for dessert. He arrived at 7pm sharp...dressed to impress, with 4 more cupcakes in hand (great minds think alike)!

We lingered over olives, and devoured our main course, then plopped on the couch with our yummy cupcakes to watch a very cute/funny/sad movie called P.S. I love you (I had rented it that day...yes it was a chick flick...but I did make him his fave dinner!). The night was cozy and wonderful and I am pretty sure we both had a great time.

So ladies, if your man is not interested in celebrating this silly occasion...take matters into your own hands and spoil him a little....soon it may become a date that you will both look forward to and Enjoy!

Osso Buco Milanese

I am so impressed with myself....so impressed in fact that I would marry myself for the dinner I made last night!

It was my dads birthday and he and mom came in to town to celebrate, so I wanted to make him one of his favorite dinners Osso Buco Milanese. It seemed like a bit of a daunting task, because I have never made veal before, but I really wanted to surprise him with a special dinner. I searched through a bunch of different recipes and settled on a version by Tyler Florence . All I can say ...it was a big hit!!!

The recipe was quite easy actually....and put my beautiful Le Creuset to good use. The ingredients were simple and minimal,...don't skip out on the Gremolata...it added a bright and fresh taste. The awesome butchers at Market Meats on West 4th showed me that I had to keep the small end of the bone facing up while the meat was braising so the marrow did not slide out. The large side of the bone is sealed, but the smaller end is open.

I even made the Saffron Risotto recipe that Tyler suggests to serve alongside, and it was also beautiful. Cesar salad with home made dressing was a perfect balance for an absolutely delicious and impressive winter meal. You MUST try this recipe. Dad loved it..and said that normally when he has Osso Buco it is made with a richer sauce...he believes with Port....so next time I may try another recipe just to compare for fun, but this one is definitely a keeper....so give it a try for a special guest...you really can't mess it up, and Enjoy!

Life Force

I learned a very valuable lesson last night....."Don't Force It". I was tired, but trying to get things prepared for my parents upcoming weekend visit. Because I will be working while they are here on Friday I wanted to thaw out my home made split pea and ham soup for them to heat up for lunch. I had two big jars of the lovely soup tucked away in the freezer.

I popped one on the counter, but the other was in an old peanut butter jar and the entire jar had cracked all over. Shit - I thought....how can I save my soup. So I let it rest in the sink..hoping the frozen soup would shrink a bit and then just nicely slide out of the jar. I checked back often...the entire bottom of the jar fell right off...okay good. I waited a bit longer....I tried to let it slide out...but no luck...this stupid jar was larger at the top, but it had a slightly narrow rim where the lid was...and the bottom was more narrow than the top. Well I would just have to wait a bit longer. Big chunks of glass fell off, creating jagged sort of edges...but still the fucken soup would not pour out.

So brilliant me (or so I thought) decided to help it along....I was tired..it was late, and I just wanted this stupid soup to come out. So I cleverly donned a wooden spoon...gripping the jar with paper towels I firmly pressed the spoon on the frozen soup as it FINALLY started sliding out the bottom...then it stopped...the bottom was too narrow....okay I'll just push harder....YAY success...the soup is out...but WAIT....there is blood spurting everywhere out of my hand....OMG. I quickly run my hand under the tap....I have never seen this much blood flowing ...I reach for a napkin, leaving a trickle behind me. I wrap my hand and realize that there is blood all over the sink and the granite counter...I quickly clean it up (yes, I didn't want to mess up Ivan's freshly cleaned kitchen) while contemplating what to do. I have never been in this sort of scenario before...Ivan was at work...so crying wouldn't help. Water...I need water...now I think I am losing too much blood and maybe I will pass out...water helps. My napkin is now almost soaked through.....I am brave and lift up the napkin and OMG that is a big mutha fucken cut...I am sure I can see my bone. So I wrap another napkin around it....luckily the blood had slowed down to a little trickle.

The clinic downstairs is closed...damn. So I call my husband...I knew I could have handled it on my own...but I didn't want to....I felt a bit scared. He said he would leave work and meet me at St. Pauls. What a crazy place that is....sitting in the waiting room with two crack heads, one covered in blood...chit chatting away about their "old men" who had just beat one of them up. It was really sad to see actually. I am fast tracked into emerg. and the nurses are awesome...and totally making fun of the crack heads. In fact one nurse just stared at me kind of odd like...and then started to giggle....she said...I accidentally put that lady in the hall's chart under your name...and when I pulled up your history....I was shocked and thought WOW she has really cleaned herself up. Quickly realizing that I was not the crack head...but instead the exact opposite...a lady of sparkling health...who can't even deal with a little cut.

Doc comes and freezes the shit out of my hand and puts in some stitches....that freezing was really painful and didn't really work all that well as I could feel the stitches...BARF. Thank god Ivan was there to hold my hand. That said they just chatted along about mortgages as I clenched my eyes shut and wimpered in pain....jerks..they didn't even pay attention to me.

Then it was all over, and they wanted to give me a tetanus shot...but because I am a non believer in unnecessary conventional meds...I was wary and wanted to do some research first. I think they were surprised that I didn't take one. And the one crack head lady was not impressed with me at all....she kept saying...oh you MUST get a tetanus shot...you have to, its imperative...so good for you....and I am staring at her wondering.....and you think I am going to take advice from YOU!? In fact, if you recommend taking one...then forsure I will not!

Anyway....such is life...its funny because as I was pushing the soup through that narrow opening...I kept thinking...this is really stupid...and like everything in life...trying to push a square peg into a round hole can truly end in disaster. From now on, if things do not flow with ease...then I will take a step back and re-evaluate...or just let it be. Life has a way of working itself out anyway, without force...so I think I will always remember this incident as a wonderful life lesson that will teach me to just relax...leave well enough alone and enjoy!

Israeli Couscous

Have you ever tried Israeli couscous? It is wonderful. I had only ever tried it once, at this really fancy schmancy restaurant in Calgary...many years ago and loved it. But I never saw it again...not served at a restaurant...not in the grocery store, so I completely forgot about it. Then about a month ago I was shopping at Bosa foods and saw a package! I threw it into my cart instantly.

Israeli couscous is very different than normal couscous in that it is much larger..and "meatier"...like little firm, yet tender beads of yum. I had no idea how to prepare it, and of course, there were no instructions on the bag...so I googled away.

It was really easy..and versatile, I think you could put it with any kind of meat, or sauce and it would stand up well. It takes longer to cook because the grains are much larger...its like couscous on steroids. So I sauteed up some onions in butter, salt and pep and then toasted up the couscous. I then added some chicken broth (1 cup couscous to 2 cups broth), threw in a bay leaf, boiled and then simmered for about 15mins, until all of the water was absorbed.

It was nice and almost creamy like when it finished. I mixed it in with the Tuscan beans, sage, garlic and tomatoes I had left over from the night before, topped with a little cheese (Parmesan would be the best) and an awesome dinner made on the quick!

Definitely pick up a package at a specialty store, and give it a try, I hope you enjoy!

The battle of the Sexes

Last night was ladies night out at Christine's! There were five of us birds in this huge old, surrey home all ready to gab and feast. Christine had everyone bring a dish which I think is such a great idea...something I forget to do...and I think I will do more of. This way you don't have to make it this dramatic event, that you must prep for days..and you can do it more often.

The amazing chef Aryn made beef wellington with homemade chicken liver pate (OMG can you say Martha!), and just in case that wasn't enough, she also made salmon with a creamy leek sauce...there were balsamic, truffled mashed potatoes, a bright and yummy quinoa salad, Tuscan beans with sage and buttery cauliflower and carrots....it was an amazing feast! And everyone seemed happy to bring something along. I always feel like when I host I want to do everything...but this way everyone chips in, and it was not only delicious, but a lot of fun.

There is really nothing like a group of girls getting together to cook and eat....thank god I am a woman. Ivan tells me about his "guy nights" of chips, chips and more chips....and maybe if they are lucky...a panago pizza. Today he went over to a buddies house to watch the Superbowl with a group of dudes....this is one of his soccer groups so he hasn't really socialized much with them "off the field"...he was told this was a pot luck...which immediately impressed me...perhaps this group actually knows what real food is all about. Ivan decided he wanted to bring a salad...because he figured no one else probably would....and he wanted to make home made Cesar dressing to boot!!!! I felt proud....so I dug out my favorite recipe and coached him along....he was really hoping that I would just make it for him....but I pretended to be busy working...while he measured and poured, then wizzed up an easy and yummy homemade Cesar dressing...raw egg, worchestire fresh Parmesan.... the whole bit!!! I heard the host may have even made chili....I am excited to hear all about it...and hope that they enjoy!

Friday night Favorites

How lucky am I? Very I would say! I had a long, productive and tiring week working over on the Island. 3 nights and 4 days, and although I really enjoyed it, I was pretty exhausted when I came home...not only that, but I missed my hubby.

I got off the ferry and drove home...I was instructed to pick up some bacon, which I did....not just ANY bacon...only the best Chilliwack thick cut, smoked local bacon...almost a buck a slice...but its worth it and you can get it at Market Meats on west 4th. I regress....I finally arrived at the condo and opened the door to a sparkling clean house...everything was in its place...the pictures that had been sitting on the floor for months were now hanging on the walls...everything was dusted, vacuumed, washed and looked wonderful. The dining table was also set for two, with the fancy napkins, wine glasses and even name cards......my heart melted.

We went for a long evening walk, down by the water...hearing the waves against the rocks is so amazing. Then back home for din...It was Friday, meaning it was pizza night...so we topped our crust with a variety of fresh veggies and cheese and added bacon this time for a treat....and that it was...just knocked it over the top! We sat in the glimmer of candlelight and ate our pizza and fresh salad and talked about the week....how lovely.

After dinner, I got cozy on the couch and there was already a movie in the machine awaiting my arrival...and it was my all time favorite movie Pretty Woman!!!!!!! I almost cried I was so excited...I watch this movie every few years, and I always ask Ivan to watch it...but the answer never seems to be yes....until last night....my favorite food, favorite man, favorite movie...how could a Friday night get any better?? Enjoy!

The BEST you, YOU can be!

Today I felt so inspired by one of my clients. He had just hired a life/business coach to come in and speak to his agents that morning and he was totally pumped up and willing to chat about it. He had never worked with a coach before, and decided that day to hire this man on as his personal coach. He said it was really expensive, but he was really ready for a life change. Now this got my juices flowing immediately, because I have been working with my life coach for 5 years now and really believe that every person on the planet should have one.

I love it when people say...oh I don't need that...REALLY? Have you already achieved all of your goals...do you even have any....if you are excelling at your career....how is your home life....balanced?...what about your personal "me" time...got any of that?.....and if you have managed to balance all of those things...how is your health?

There are so many factors that go into having a "great life" and finding a balance is very tricky...one I certainly needed some assistance in finding. Quite frankly I have never met anyone (nope, not even you) that I feel really, and truly has it 100% together. Finding a mentor is difficult....don't get me wrong, there are a lot of amazing people out there...but I so often see women who are powerful and career driven...only to hear that they are divorced, or miserable in their home lives....so I take a bit from each one here and there...only the bits that I admire.

Yes, it is expensive....but if you find the right match, then think about it people....this is your LIFE that you are talking about. Do you really need another pair of new shoes, or a purse...or the latest flat screen....or should you maybe think about creating the BEST LIFE you can for yourself???!!! Really this should be a no brainer...your life is priceless...if you are unhappy, lonely, sick, filled with pain, then who the fuck gives a shit about the shoes or t.v. ?

If you want to become an expert on life...enjoy successes in all areas of it...just like a sports player....you need a coach. Think about it....we spend money and time cutting and coloring our hair, getting manicures, and primping our shell....but we often neglect the contents.

My life coach Christina has helped me to continually strive to be the very best me I can be...and it really is a life long process. It's not like Michael Jordan was coached for a season and said...okay great, I get it...thanks I'll do it on my own from now on....nope he had a coach too. You must be ready and willing and brave enough to change your perspective...change your life! My coach has helped me learn amazing ways to communicate with my husband....and my family as well as my peers. She has helped me to make career choices and to discover my passions. Many relationships that were stale and suffocating in the past have now shifted, and are now enjoyable and fulfilling. It is not easy....you must do the work....and sometimes the work is scary and will push you outside of your boundaries...but this is what helps you to grow....and the result....a beautiful life.

Today when I was speaking with my client....I exchanged many of my experiences and thoughts and he was so excited to hear my journey....he said it has taken him many years to admit to himself that his life is not looking how he hoped or dreamed it would look at this point....some aspects looked okay...but others were completely absent....he knew the moment he met this coach that he wanted to embark on this journey through enlightenment (okay that sounded airy fairy....but just trust me). Each time I have a session with Christina I feel more alive...like things just make much more sense. I now schedule monthly sessions with her just as regular maintenance (just like you would for your hair). Instead of waiting until shit hits the fan and my world is falling apart....when we connect monthly it seems like things never get to that bad of a state..or I am better equipped to deal with different situations and scenarios...its really amazing.

So I encourage you to take a long, slow and deep breath right now....then take out a piece of paper and write down : Family and Friends, Heath, Finances, Achievement and Fulfillment, Personal Development, Fun and Recreation, and Career and ask yourself if you are completely happy with each of these aspects in your life currently. If the answer is no...then perhaps it is time. You can check out my coach at Citrus Coaching Solutions if you wish...of course she may not be the right fit for you...but she can certainly lead you in the right direction....because life is not something that is just meant to be lived...it is meant to be Enjoyed!

Groovin with the Oldies

How charming and wonderful are community dances! Last weekend Ivan and I were invited to a Valentines Dance at the Scandinavian community center. It was the Danish Brotherhood’s annual function and one of Ivan’s good buddies is a member. We had a vague idea of what to expect, but were really pleasantly delighted.
We were greeted by a group of elderly folks who were just tickled to be there…the ladies were all dressed up in their silver pumps and pantyhose…skirts and dresses, pearls and lipstick. The men were all in suits or dress pants with suspenders, lookin their very finest.
We sat at a big round table, that I called the “kids” table, since there were only about 10 of us under 65! We listened to a few speeches and the boys did a bunch of shots with some sort of Danish moonshine….they were so proud and apparently do this every month during their meetings….no girls allowed!
We enjoyed the big buffet of home cooked Danish specialties….pickled herring on rye with lard (I skipped that dish…but Ivan LOVED it). There was roast beef, potatoes and veggies, salmon and on and on…The dessert was amazing…a tender apple tart with lemony crème fraiche. Everything was wonderful and so nice that all the mamas did the cooking.
After dinner, the band started up and my goodness it was wonderful. They played all of the old stuff that I love…swing, jive, Elvis, Neil Diamond, many polka songs and the dance floor was full all night. I couldn't stop staring at all of the couples twirling around…some folks in their 80s smiling and dancing away. The men looking so very dapper and proud to lead their ladies to the dance floor….I felt almost bittersweet. I have always believed that I was born in the wrong era….put me in a Marilyn dress or a poodle skirt any day and I would be in my glory. Everything seemed so innocent back then, and watching these folks glide across the dance floor certainly confirmed my beliefs. There was no music with swears, or anger, no dance moves that make people look like slow apes, or sexual maniacs….the most risqué was the Elvis pelvis. It actually makes me a bit sad to see and hear what “music” is today. Of course I am not saying it is all bad…there are a few good artists out there for certain.
Ivan indulged me and danced a few songs, as did his friend Mike….he “asked me to dance”. How wonderful is that! So if you are ever asked to attend a community center function….I say go for it. You may feel completely nostalgic, but there will be a smile on your face and I really think you will Enjoy!