What's the opposite of Bon Voyage? (Bonjour?)

Yes - I am back from St. Bart's and back to real life (although I'm seriously contemplating making an escape and heading back to the island...I just need to figure out how to fit Tasi into my carry-on...oh, yeah, and tell the hubby).

It was warm, sunny, and beautiful.  The beaches are undeveloped, private, and pristine.  Paradise.

I learned several things about myself while on vacay, these being:

1.  I will never be an eco-adventure tourist.  My idea of a good time is laying on the beach, laying by the pool, napping, and going to bed by 10PM.

2.  If paying a ton of taxes means we can drive on smoothly paved roads wider than 1 3/4 lanes, then tell me where to write the check.  Oh wait...I already did (darn taxes).

The Road to Gustavia*

*our little Suzuki rental car is on the side of the road, it didn't like hills or rain

 

3.  Sometimes I find it a bit embarrassing that I can only speak one language, especially when I run into 8 yr olds who can already speak two (French, English).  Oh well :)

4.  I'm a bit of a prude when it comes to topless sunbathing (although the French sure aren't)...and seeing bottomless sunbathers makes me a bit immature (sample conversation: me: "Ed, I can see that man's pp. giggle. giggle." Ed: "Calina, you're a grown woman." Calina: "Hey, I'm not the one with my pp hanging out.")

5.  If Ed were game - I'd leave everything behind and move to St. Barts in a heartbeat. (Of course you all could come and visit).

Seafood Review & Mercury Poisoning

If you haven't quite noticed by now, I eat a LOT of seafood.

This is mainly because (1) I LOVE seafood; (2) The thought of eating red meat makes me want to toss my cookies (poor Ed, I know he sneaks red meat into his diet when I'm not looking - and sometimes when I am); (3) I have a short attention span and most seafood dishes cook really fast.

This brings me to my next topic: mercury poisoning.  The other day I started getting a bit worried that my seafood addiction might be killing Ed and I.  After reading a brief overview of mercury poisoning on webmd I decided I probably don't have mercury poisoning (no unusual muscle fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, or nausea for me) - but I definitely should stay away from shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish - which will be incredibly easy (blech).

And this brings me to...a SEAFOOD REVIEW!  Check out the pics and recipes below.

Thai Ceviche w/Coconut (recipe here)

Chipotle Shrim Tacos (recipe here)

Spaghetti w/Clams & Garlic (recipe here)

Spicy Shrimp

This or That?

Welcome back to another exciting edition of "This or That?"

This ?

Delicious Paneer Tikka Masala & Garlic Naan from the Indian restaurant a block or so away.

That?

North Indian-Style Spinach Chicken w/Cucumber and Cilantro Salad (chicken recipe here)

I must say, while the paneer tikka masala was delicious...you'll most likely live a longer, healthier life if you go with the second option, which tastes fresh, healthy, and just a little bit naughty thanks to the dollop of yogurt  (yummm).  

And - its a quick/easy dish to make!  Yay!

Ciao!

Happy Easter!!

The bags are packed, all batteries are charged, and now I'm just counting down the hours until we leave for St. Barts!  Yay!

BTW - Since I'm a bit obsessive, I've pre-written a couple blog posts - and have scheduled them to post on Wednesday and Friday.

I'll post vacation pics next week.

Below you'll see the final packing list (well, minus a pair of sandals I threw in at the last minute).  Before polyvore, I'd sketch out each item and outfit because as I've said - I'm quite obsessive.

Packing List for St. Barts by calinas3Bs featuring J Crew

Ah - Rainy Saturdays

Txori is an old stand by for rainy Saturday afternoons, especially when we can hold out for happy hour at 4PM ($2.50 pintxos and wine around $3.00).  I'm happy to report that when we dropped by there this afternoon, the food was still delicious and I didn't spill another glass of cava in my lap (like last time...sigh).

Pics below...I won't even attempt to butcher the names of the dishes.

Check out txori's website: http://www.txoribar.com/

Tennis (how I'll probably detest thee)

If you haven't noticed by now - my favorite weekend activity is eating, closely followed by sitting on the couch and reading books on my Kindle (which, fortunately for you, I don't blog about).

Inspired by our super sporty friends, Lis & Bryan, Ed and decided its time to get our weekend act together and pick up and outdoor activity that will (1) counteract the effects of all that food, (2) get me our of the house (I'd be a hermit if I could), and (3) we can do together.

This activity is: Tennis!

Okay - Lis and Bryan thought of it first, but we're happily jumping on their band wagon and gearing up.

We purchased rackets and a couple of tennis balls @ Play It Again Sports (find locations here), and are ready to rumble!

Now the only question is: what shall I wear? ;)

Tennis Dreams by calinas3Bs featuring New Balance skirts

p.s.  Just a quick aside - Ed, my in house "tennis pro" (I type sarcastically) told me to "Just pick out a racket that feels good."  After purchasing, we stopped off at a restaurant I Googled the make and model of the racket I picked out..and the first description that popped up was, "Perfect racket for a child just learning how to play."  Sigh

"Normal" food

The other day, my mother asked me if I ever eat "normal" food (e.g. mac & cheese, fast food, spaghetti, etc).

Well - of course I do! Once I'm outside of a 60 mile radius from my house, all bets are off!  Just ask my sis.  When Ed and I visit the fam in LV - we become fast food eating maniacs!

Within the city limits, I also occasionally enjoy a bbq chicken burger from the RAM or popcorn chicken from my work's cafeteria (gasp!).

When I'm at home, I'm compelled to at least try to eat local and healthy (its the Seattle way), and since I live in Belltown - I'm even more compelled to be a foodie. 

The other night, Ed made a "normal"('ish) dish for dinner: Penne Arrabbiata (Penne w/Porcini in a Hot Tomato Sauce).  The porcini mushrooms lent a meaty taste to the dish, the sauce tasted spicy and fresh, and the penne def. made the dish feel like a splurge.  Check out the recipe below.

Recipe adapted from The Food of Southern Italy, by Carlo Middione

Ingrediants:
olive oil
3 lg garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
8 tablespoons butter
1 oz dried porcini mushrooms, re-hydrated
1 lb fresh tomatoes, cored, peeled, and crushed (save juice)
8-10 basil leaves
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
1 tsp red pepper
1 lb penne
1 c grated pecorino cheese

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown garlic in approx. 2 tbls olive oil.  Discard garlic once browned, add 2 tbls of butter, and porcini.  Cook for 5 minutes or until browned.

Add tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper, and cook for 15 minutes - stirring often.

Cook penne as directed on package (keep 1/3 c of pasta water mixed in w/pasta).

Place penne in a serving dish and pour sauce over.  Stir in remaining butter and half the cheese.  Garnish with the remaining cheese and serve.