mmaclise

We had a family reunion in Cabo, so there were 5 different families who went. We had a nice time, though didn’t leave the resort much unless it was to trek over to Gardenia’s Taco stand that had THE most amazing shrimp tacos and salsas I’ve ever had. The big surprise, however, came 3 months after our return when everyone in our party who used the cash machine across from our hotel, discovered that our credit card info had been copied and sold because we all had illegal credit card activity in Mexico within the same week. obviously, our bank reimbursed us but it’s more of a hassle than anything. perhaps next time we’ll head into town and get cash from the local bank.

After reading and hearing about this place, we finally went! We arrived in Vancouver on Sunday and wandered into Gas Town. There was a small but marvelous Farmer’s Market happening at the entrance of Blood Alley where The Salt Tasting Room is located. My husband and I wandered down the alley and were surprised to see several strung-out addicts sitting on stairs and hanging by the dumpsters but we slipped by the odd scene and ducked into the Salt Tasting Room where you feel immediately comfortable. We sat at the long community table and ordered the fennel salad with comte cheese (delish!) and ordered the tasting menu of cheeses and condiments (we skipped the meats but they sounded fabulous). It was a little pricey for the amount of food you get but, on the other hand, we felt completely satisfied and weren’t left hungry. It was simple and yummy.

Ballard’s Bastille Cafe & Bar is on target to open June 29 – providing all inspections are approved.

My grandfather, whom I’ve never met and my mother never knew, apparently lived here for many years. Rumor has it that we’ve got relatives here too so I plan on visiting in the next year or two to do some research and, at least, enjoy this beautiful place.

I’ve been hoping to discover a new restaurant that I crave. Something simple and also kid-friendly, I think I’ve found it at Root Table. I’ve been there for lunch and dinner now and have had outstanding service and food each time.

Hands down one of my favorite places to eat when I visit San Francisco. The food is consistently great. I also own their cookbook which is equally as fantastic.

I went to Peter Miller’s store to buy a book for my husband’s birthday and brought my two daughters, age 6 & 2. I knew that I had to move fast if I wanted to keep the girls from becoming bored and restless but Peter Miller, himself, walked out from his office and chatted with my girls with absolute respect and sweetness. He even pulled a childrens book from the back room to occupy them while I perused the store. In the end, we bought two books and Mr. Miller let my girls take the children’s book home with them. Very nice.

apparently, i’ve got a lot of roots in the Czech Republic. my family has never been good at keeping family records, nor do i think they care - so i’m left with only one piece of information: my original last name, Francovi. My grandfather passed away years ago and he was probably the only one with any historical knowledge. at some point, i’ll try to research my ancestry - it would be completely fascinating, i think.

there’s something very inviting about the netherlands. although it’s hard to put my finger on it, i think it’s a combination of the people, the philosophies, the climate, the history, the canals, the bikes and my favorite chocolate place in the whole world, “Pompadour”. hard to say but i’m in love with the netherlands…