Good Vaule

2010 Shoofly Shiraz South Australia

"Australians are an unpretentious mob and shooing flies is about as complicated as it gets when dealing with life's distractions.  Work hard but take time to savor each day is the national ethos."  Shoofly winery

Winemaker Ben Riggs's vision:  No flabby wines, no raisins and leave the oak for the trees!

I stumbled on this real good value at Co-op liquor store.  $15 a bottle.  Polished and supple with red berry, black cherry and spice through to the finish.

Good Value

2009 Bodega Zapata Catena Malbec Mendoza

A rich red.  Tannis add weight to the long, vibrant finish.

This wine is a good value at around $20 at the Superstore liquor store.  We have enjoyed a couple bottle of this wine.  It is a good wine for when you want something good but not special at a good price.  

This wine rank #58 of Wine Spectator top 100 list of 2011

Wine Friday

November 16, 2012

2006 Prevail Back Forty Ferrari-Carano
Cabernet Sauvignon


Thinking a bit about the connection I have with my wine as I often do when I chose a wine to drink.  I thought I would like to have a special wine for this wine Friday.  After a trip downstairs I brought up this wine.  I decided this 2006 was ready to drink.  After deciding to have steak for dinner I thought this was the perfect choice for tonight.

We visited Ferrari-Carano on our October 2010 trip to Sonoma for my second half marathon.  The half took place in Healdburg.  After the half this was the first winery we visited.  Drinking this wine transformed me back to our tasing.  The memory of the gorgeous grounds, the sit sown tasting and holding this special wine while standing by the gorgeous ground.  Feeling so proud of my earlier accomplish of my half and enjoying my rewards.

This wine was our first surge at $85 a bottle.  Certainly one will we remember.  A very nice full bodied complex wine with excellent length.

We also bought
2004 Tresor  Blenad of Cab sav, malbec, petit verdot, cab franc and Merlot
2007 Syrah

We drank the Syrah December 19, 2010 on a ski trip to Vernon.  The boys skied Silver Star and Steve and I enjoyed this bottle while staying warm in the room.
We drank the Tresor at home on New Years Eve 2010.

Drinking all the wines from Ferrari-Carano connected different places, times and memories for me. 

Wine is food and food is life, and life is about the connections we make

For me wine is not all about drinking it.  It is so much more.  It's about the experience and the connections made.  The memories.  It is one of the good things in life that connects us to the Small moments in life.  The moments we spend with the people that matter.   With each special bottle I bring back and drink it brings me back to the moments of seeking out wineries, taking in the beauty of the vineyards, tasting the wine, the people I am with and the reason why I am there.  It connects those moments to the new memories I create when I drink the wine.  As the saying goes wine is food and food is life and life is about the connections we make.  It's about people connecting with people and small the moments in life.  The more connected we become the stronger society can become.

Wine Wisdom

Compromises are for relationships, not wine
Sir Robert Scott Claywood

Wine Friday

October 26, 2012

Oh my favorite day.  This Friday being a bit better as the Boys did not have school.  Tonight I am in the mood for a special wine.  So after consulting with my notes I have decided on a Washington wine.

2009 Mark Ryan The Dissident
41% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 8%Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot.
This was a great choice.  Rich, round and lusciously-filled.  S and I enjoyed this wine while watching a movie with our boys.

We visited Mark Ryan's tasting room in June 2011 after I ran my marathon in Seattle.  After the run we headed out to Woodinville for my reward.  Wine tasting.  Mark Ryan was the first tasting we did. They have a great fun tasting room in Woodinville.  This was a great little town.  The hotel(Willow Lodge) we stayed in was on of my favorite places we have stayed.  Sense of calm and relaxation.  It was such a great place to stay as it was within walking distance of many tasting rooms. The room were beautiful and we really loved it there.

Drinking this wine bought back good memories of some of the good things we enjoyed on the this trip. We also bought a couple more bottles of their wine.  I think I will keep them laid down for a bit before drinking.

Wine Wisdom

Wine has been a part of civilized life for some seven thousand years.  It is the only beverage that feeds the body soul and spirit of men at the same time stimulates the mind.
Robert Mondavi

Running quote

There is an expression even amongst the most advanced runner that getting you shoes on is the hardest part of a workout.

Kathrine Switzer

Neapolitian-style pizza with Grandma

Without Papers
1216 9th Ave
Calgary, AB

October 27, 2012

We picked up Grandma and went out for Pizza at Without papers in historic Inglewood.  In Italy restaurants that make Neapolitian thin crust pizza have papers being registered to the Associazone Verace Pizza Napoletana that ensures members adhere to strict specification when making pizza.  The name comes from not being part of this society.

Without Papers is a causal relaxed atmosphere with an open kitchen.  We liked that we could watch them make the pizza as this is one thing we don't seem to get when we try and make our own.  The dough seemed easy to sketch using their fist.  The secret must be in the dough.

We decided on the Hawaiian 5-0.  Canadian back bacon , pineapple  jalapeños  aged cheddar, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.   The Hutch spicy cacciatore salami, spicy calabrese salami, sautéed perreronata, fiore di latte and tomato sauce.  A spicy kick to it. The Parma, prosciutto di Parma, fresh arugula, parmigiano and tomato sauce.  The crust was about the thinnest crust we have every had.  Perfect crispy texture.  Just the right amount of topping and very favourable pizza.  The hutch was the favorite one.

Conclusion  Without Papers has just the right kind of pizza we like.  Thin crust and favourable sauce and great topping.  Really enjoyed our pizza out with Grandma and we really need to do it more often.

Rating   Love it
Service  Where's the passion  But hey I saved a couple bucks on the tip

Good Quote

One can not think well, love well, sleep well.  If one has not dined well.
Virginia Woolfe

Running Quote

Our body craves exercise and rewards us in so many ways when we do.
Jeff Galloway

Wine Wisdom

Good wine is a necessity of life for me.
Thomas Jefferson

Half Corked Almost Half Marathon

May 27, 2012
Oliver, BC

This was a 17k fun run/walk along back roads, over rolling hills through paths of wineries, stopping and tasting some wines. I did this event with friends.   We did this event as a team for The Okagangan Crush pad.  We had matching T-shirts and carried wine bottles with the Haywire label that was filled with pink gatorade.  It was so funny people thought we were carrying wine and asked us where we got it.  LOL

The most challening part of this race is registing for the race.  I was right on the website as soon as it opened and mange to rister K and I in 5 minutes.  It sold out within 3 minutes.

We couldn't of asked for a more gorgeous day, warm sun and no wind.  We started the fun at 9am at the start line at Hester Creek and Gehringer Brothers wineries.

The wineries on the run were

Innilskin

road 13

Rustico Farm & Cellars

Silver Sage

Stoneboat

Church and State

Tinhorn

Desert Hill

Nk'nip

Oliver Twist

It took as a long time to finish this 17k as we walked and stopped for tasting.  It was really fun and I really enjoyed the weather. 

Running Quote

As the older a get I see that running has changed for me.  What used to be about burning up calories, now becomes about burning up things that are false.  Lies I used to tell myself about who I was and what I could do, friendships that cannot withstand hills and miles, the approval I longer need to seek, and the solidarity that cannot bear silence.I run to burn up what I don't need and ignite what I do.
Kristen Armstrong

If you hear a rumble in the dark. Just ignore it. It's probably not the Moon Cursers

Moon Curser
3628 Highway 3 East
Osoyoos, BC

May 26, 2012

We have been to this winery when it was Twisted Tree and have purchased a few wine from them.  I have a couple bottles laid downstairs waiting for the right moment to drink.  Moon Cursor made the bold move to change their identity from Twisted Tree to Moon Cursor, as they say in the dark of winter in 2011.  Twisted Tree thought to be to bland and too easily confused with other wineries they changed the name to Moon Curser.  Nobody gets Moon Curser mixed up. The concept behind the label is to develop a story line around colourful local history.  During the gold rush, it was the dark at night that brought commotion to the area.  Smuggles, smuggled gold over the border under the cover at night.  Often, the light of the moon would foil their plans.  The smugglers came to be called moon cursers.

We bought
2011 Afraid of the Dark(2)
2011 Viongor
2010 Malbec

We have drank
2011 Afraid of the Dark
This is a somewhat unusual take on blending a Rhone white. The wine is 42% Marsanne, 33% Roussanne and 25% Chardonnay Musqué.  This one is one of favorite blends from the Okanagan.  Enjoyed these bottle on the deck with S.
2011 Viongor  Enjoyed this one on the dark after a run with a friend.  Love this wine too and I wish for more.

They have some great wine coming from here and they have won many awards for their wines.  The have a very good fun website that really makes me chuckle.  I wish we would of bought more wines from here, but we were trying to pace ourselves and there were more wineries we want'd to go to.  Ghee who idea was that.

Tasting experience  Lots of Love

Great Start to our Weekend

19 Okanagan Grill + Bar
3509 Carrington Road 
West Kelowna, BC
May 24, 2012

Our first night in Kelowna.  Dinner with friends (D and B)  This grill was right next door to the hotel we were staying at.  It is at the golf course.  Has amazing views of Okanagan lake with a great patio. We chose to eat inside as it was a bit later and starting to get a bit chilly.  Large restaurant that was very busy.  We were seated next to the window and had a great view of the lake.  Oh so nice.

I was so looking forward to a nice glass of Okanagan wine.  D and I decided to share 1/2 liter of Lake Breeze Point Blanc.  What a great chose.  This wine has crisp acidity and refreshing apple and citrus notes.  I quite enjoyed this wine.  S decided on a beer.  

For dinner we had.
D and B shared Pear and Prosciutto salad.  Arugula, prosciutto, chilled asparagus, stawberries, goat cheese molasses vinaigrettee and riesling poached pears.  This look fabulous.
Beef Dip Certified Angus Beef firecracker onions, aged cheddar, fresh garlic baguette + natural au jus
S also had the beef dip 
I had Apple wood club  Grilled chicken, bacon, Applewood smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato, sourdough French bread.  This was very good

This was a great evening and a great way to start off our weekend.  The view was amazing.  We enjoyed our meal so much that D and B went back for lunch the next day and S and I went back Sunday night.  When in West Kelowna we will return.

Rating:  Has Love,  Passinate

Wine Wisdom

No holiday is complete without food and wine.  They just go together.  Sort of like family and friends.
Emeril Lagasse

Hillside Winery and Bistro
1350 Naramata Road
Penticton, BC

May 25, 2012

We have visited the Bistro twice now.  The first on our May weekend with D and B and than again in August with our boys.  Both times was amazing.  We never made it in for tasting the wine or purchased any.  Not sure well.  I guess we just need to go back to taste the wine.

This is a country village bistro that has a warm and cosy feel.  It was one of the first two wineries open on Naramata Bench in 1990. The Bistro features delicious seasonal locally inspired dishes and you can taste the Chef's creatively and passion in the food.  They have a great outdoor patio. 

We went for dinner with D and B.   The evening had the good things in life to make it wonderful evening.  The company being the best part.  This Bistro is definitely one of the good things in life.

We started with the spice carrot and local apple soup.  This was wonderful with great favours thoughout.

S and D and I had the Confetti Duck leg grilled cheese sandwich.  It was filled with tasty tender duck meat, melted cambrant, cheery relish and caramelized onions..  I am in love.  The whole combination was delicious.  This was one of the best things I ever ate.

B had the farm chicken leg confetti with apricot and tarragon. It had a bean cassoulet.  This was also very tasty.

We returned on August 11, 2012 with the boys for lunch.    It was a smoking hot day and we said under an umbrella on the deck.  This truly is one of the good things in life.  A great  S, C and I had the burger.  E have the chicken sandwich.

Neither time we sat on the upper level patio where the views are suppose to be amazing.  We will need to return to try that.  Next time we will do a tasting and maybe even purchase some wine.

Rating I am in Love

The Golden Egg of Wineries

Red Rooster Winery
891 Naramata Road
Penticton BC

May 25, 2012

We had a 1/2 till dinner so we thought we would stop in to this winery.  Excellent choice.  We were there a couple years ago and really enjoyed our tasting.  This time exceed that time.  We arrived a little after 5:30.  They stayed open to 6 hoping to catch the tasters heading out after the other wineries are closed.  Smart thinking.  We were made to feel very welcomed even though they were closing soon, and were encouraged to take our time.  We were there until about 6:20.  We had the tasting room to ourselves. There is art thought out the winery and not the kind you expect.  Frank the baggage handler a naked statue that graces their lawn is a good example.  The fully clothed staff are very knowledgeable and passionate about their wine.

This winery is perched high above the Okagangan Lake in Naramata Bench.  With great views of the Lake.  They do charge a taking fee of $5 a person but it is reimbursed with purchase.

We bought

2011 Riesling
2011 Reserve Viognier
2009 Reserve Merlot
2009 Golden Egg
The wine that stood out the most was The Golden Egg.  This wine was not one of the tasting.  I asked if we could taste and they had a bottle open so we tasted it.  This is an unique wine to Okagnagon.   A vision of the wine maker who fascination for Rhone style red.  They planted the grapes in 2007 and harvested in 2009. This wine is a Rhone valley red blend made of mourvedre, sysrah and grenache.

This was a fun time.  Red Rooster knows how to create a great wine tasting experience.  They really enjoy what they do.  We will return.  I also notice from their website that they offer lunch on their patio.  I would love to go back and try that out.

Tasting Experience  I am in love

The Winds That Blow Along the Lake

Lake Breeze
930 Sammet Road,
Naramata, BC

May 25, 2012

Our next sips and our first stop on the bench was Lake Breeze.  We met up with D and S and they joined up for the tasting.  B was not tasting and we called her (The Sniffer).

The owners, from South Africa call themselves a Narmata Bench Wine Farm as the word "vineyard" is typically not used in South Africa.  The name Lake Breeze comes from the winds that blow along the Lake. Lake Breeze was one the first Okanagan wineries to plant and make wine from Pinotage.  Production is very low and it is one their wine they are extremely proud of.  Seven Poplars on the label was inspired by the estates poplars that used to border the driveway to the winery.  The trees have been removed a few years ago after some had become diseased.  Seven poplars used to signal the winery's reserve level wines, but now believe most of their wines now achieve the Seven Poplars level.  Wine maker Garron Elmes.  Their philology Let the grapes speak for themselves. Our wines are fresh, clean expressions of the grape with minimal intervention. 

D and B joined us for this tasting.

We bought
2011 Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc

2009 Seven Popolar Pinotage
2009 Seven Popular Merlot

We drank
2011 Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc This is their signature wine.  I love this one.  The citrus finish hold a little summer in your glass.  Clean and refreshing.

2009 Seven Popular Merlot

The stunning views and their Pinot Blanc and Pinotage will keep us coming back.  They also have a great patio which we have not tried yet.  It's all my list.

First sips of the weekend

Sandhill Winery
At Calona tasing room in downtown Kelowna
May 25, 2012

Sandhill's concept, wines from single vineyard in order for wine to reflect the specific terroir of where the grapes were grown was fairly unique to the Okangagan.  Sandhill grows roughly 200 acres on Black Sage Road.  Sandhill benefited initially from it's association with Burrowing Owl.  They know stand on their own as premium brand. Sandhill and Calona are now owed by Andrew Peller Ltd.  Calona winery(just now reached 80) in downtown Kelowna makes the wine under the direction of winemaking Howard Soon.

This was our second time to the tasting room.  One of S's favorite wines we bought here last time, so we were eager( OK I was) to do a tasting. We arrived at the tasting room just after 9.  The tasting room was already filled with a tour bus.  We were taken to a quiet tasting area in the back and tasted the wines there.  we enjoyed our tasting and our pourer was very knowable and fun.

We bought
2011 Family Estate Pinot Gris
2012 Small Lot Viognier
2009 Small Lot One
2009 Estate Cabernet Franc
2008 Small Lot Syrah

We have drank
2012 Small lots Viognier.  Viognier is my favorite white grape and this wine delivered as one of my favorites. Lush, full bodied, tropical fuit that satified a hot day on the deck.
2011 Estate Pinot Gris  Crisp refreshing white.  Drank this one on the deck with S.
2009 Small Lot One.  35% Cab Sau, 38% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Syrah.  This was one of S's favorite wine.  This was a Wine Friday wine that I enjoyed with S.
2009 Small Lots Phantom Creek Syrah  Big ripe wine.  Pepper in both the aroma and on the finish.  This was also a Wine Friday with S.

These are some of our favorite wines from the Okanogan.  We enjoyed our first few sips of the weekend and the people were great.  We will be back to stock up on their Small Lot One and Viognier.

Rating  I am in love with these wines.

Wine, food and great friends to share it with and a little marathon

Okanagan Trip
May 24-27, 2012

I booked this trip for the Half Corked Marathon in Oliver.  Our first plan was to take the boys with us but later decided to ditch them.  (They have school and really not much for them to do)  We decided to invite D and B to go with us.

We left Thursday morning.  D and B left earlier and we met up with them in Kelowna.  The drive was really good with little delays for construction.  Not always the case.  LOL  We returned on Monday.  D and B came back on Sunday.

The Okanagan is one of our happy places.  The lake, the views, the SUN.  We love it.

This was truly a great trip filled with the good things in life.  Wine and food and great friends to share it with.  A great 17k walk though the vineyards with a little wine tasking.  How perfect. 

The Okanagan Valley has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and is home to our Happy Place.  There is a widely diverse selection of fantastic wines.  With their white being our favorite. Spending an afternoon wine tasting in the Okanagan is one of the greatest pleasures especially when done with friends.  Finding those special bottles of wine to drink or lay down in my collection, truly is a great pleasure for me.  I find myself attached to each bottle and each adds to my memories.  I really love the whites of the Okanagan and find myself hunting down the best.  Which is pretty easy to find.  I love so many of them.

There are a few wine regions in the Okanagan to tour.  One of our favorites is Naramata Bench which we hope to make our home one day.  What makes Naramata Bench unique in the Okanagan is it's geography.  It is a strip of vineyard land, with fairly complex soil.  Most of the bench is a gentle slope facing the west.  The vineyards benefit form long days of sunlight, with the lake moderating summer heat spikes as well as unseasonable winter cold.

The Okanagan Valley supports many different micro-climates, due to its complex geography. Each varietal performs differently in each of the six region

•     Osoyoos
•     Oliver (Black Sage Bench / Golden Mile)
•     Okanagan Falls (Corkscrew Drive / Skaha Lake / Kaleden)
•     Naramata Bench
•     Summerland (Bottleneck Drive)
•     Peachland
•     West Kelowna
•     Kelowna (The Mission / East Kelowna)

Kelowna (East) and North Okanagan have a variety of soil types and a long frost-free growing season due to the sloped sites and good air drainage. Predominantly white varietal are planted here, along with some Pinot Noir.

Kelowna (West) and Peachland soils are primarily clay-rich with excellent water and nutrient storage. Aromatic whites such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling grow well here, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Okanagan Falls is made up of vineyards between Skaha Lake and Oliver. The soils are mainly sandy or very coarse gravel and the landscape is full of deep circular depressions caused melted glacial ice blocks buried beneath sediment. Vineyards are located primarily at higher elevations and are planted with Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Osoyoos Lake/ Black Sage Bench. These soils are pure sand with very few stones or gravel, providing excellent drainage for the vines. The warm climate and the sandy soils produce Syrah and the Bordeaux red varietals.

Wine Wisdom

An evening without wine is like a day without sunshine.
Italian Proverb

Wine Saturday

2008 Neyers Syrah Old Lakeville Road

Opened it on our first chilly snowy Saturday night of the season.  Had a nice dinner and watch a movie.

We visited this winery In Napa Valley in November 2011.  We loved this winery and had a fantastic tasting.  One of our favorite tasting.  We had an appointment for a private sit down tasting.  Our hostess was wonderful and really loved the wines we were tasting.  She was very friendly and fun.  We purchase 6 bottle from this tasting.

Wines we bought were

2010 Vista Luna Zinfandel
2010 Pinot Noir Roberta Road
2010 Sage Canyon (2)
2005 AME Cabernet Sauvignon

We have also drank

2010  Sage Canyon
S and I drank this wine at home. At $22 this is a great value wine. A blend of Carignane, Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet.  Some grapes I have never even heard of.  Hmm maybe I should research these.

2005 AME Cabernet Sauvignon
We really enjoyed this bottle.  This was a surge for us at $75 a bottle.  S and I drank this one at home.
This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. In love with this fulled bodied, elegant and impressive wine.

Conclusion:  One of my favorite winery we visited on our November 2011 Napa Valley trip.  I love all the wines we have drank from here and can't wait for the perfect time to drink the remaining two.  I would love to return to the winery and will definitely if we go back to Napa Valley.  I really hope we do.

Rating:  I am in love with these wines.

Hometown Hero

Charcut Roast House
Stephen Avenue
899 Centre Street S
Calgary Ab

September 2, 2012

S and I have wanted to go here since seeing Chef Connie DeSousa on one of our favorite shows Top Chef.  She was our favourite and each week we cheered her on and hoping she would become Top Chef.  Since the show she has become a hometown hero.  This restaurant has been listed as one the best restaurants in Canada by a few magazines like Maclean's and enRounte Magazine.So for my 45th birthday S and the boys took me here for dinner.

Charcut has a modern, urban vibe in a hot location in downtown.  In a city of Steakhouses, Charcut is a Meathouse. The place was lively and buzzing with people. This is a place that is proud of what they do.  Our server was very knowledgeable and started off by telling us about the food and the chefs.  Explaining how all ingredients are fresh locally inspired.  Everything is made in house in the kitchen by specifically trained chefs.  Charcut are known for their charcuterie platter and in house made meats.  The menu is made for sharing and dishes are served family style. We thought about trying out the charcuterie platter but wanted to try a few other things and thought that would be too much food so we decided against.

First up we had the watermelon and cucumber salad. Layered with cucumbers, slices of watermelon and feta.  The citrus of marinade, the feta cheese , the bursts of fresh mint, sweetness of the watermelon and the cool slices of cucumbers made this a refreshing salad that rocked with its fusion flavors. Next out come the rest all on a platter great for sharing.  We had the shared burger Charcut style"roasted garlic sausage patty, with a fried egg.  This is ordered by ounces we ordered 16.  We also had the Spring Creek Butcher steak.  Chimichurri, arugula, fried matchstick potatoes.  Butcher steaks are a flavourful secret cut of that butchers would often keep for themselves.  I liked combination with each bite of the steak.  For a side we had the poutine, and it was amazing.  Milky white curds melted all over the crisp fries.  The truffle gravy was rich, and salty and sumptuous.  For dessert I was treated by Charcut with raspberry cheesecake in a jar. Vanilla bean cheesecake mousse, layered with graham crumbs.  So yummy.

Conclusion:  Charcut is a great place to go for sharing, our favourite way to eat.  I love that the Chefs and servers take such pride in their food.  I love that things are in house made and fresh locally inspired.  It was a great evening celebrating my birthday with the good things in life with my favorite people.

Rating  I am in love
Service  I am passinate

Coffee should be all about people. The people who produce it, the people who roast it, the people who serve it and the people who ENJOY it.

I AM A RUNNER

I am a runner because I run.  Not because I run fast.  Not because I run far.  I am a runner because I say I am.  And no one can tell me I am not.

John Billingham

SO True

"Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing."  Ernest Hemingway

Life is food
Taste life

Why wine is so great

Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance
Benjamin Franklin

I hope to See Ya Later

See Ya Later Ranch
2010 Pinot 3
Okanagan, BC

Drank  June 15, 2012  With S at home.


I picked this wine up at Crowfoot wine.   This a intriguing wine and very unquie.  Which is not surprise for a Okaganan wine,  Okaganan is always doing their own thing.  Wine is comprised of 40% Pinot Gris, 45% Pinot Blanc, 5% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir was whole cluster pressed to impart intense fruit character from the juice while adding no colour or astringent tannins from
the skins. This wine was fermented in stainless steel containers for three weeks.

Apple, melon and citrus aromas and tastes.


We really enjoyed this one and I will be looking for it again. I will be putting this winery on our list of wineries to go to when we returned to the Okanagan in August.  Maybe we will go for lunch.

Rating  I am in Love

Small and Tasty. Our Favorite way to eat

Tango Bistro
6920 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, Alberta


June 16, 2012


We decided to take S out for Father's day dinner a day early.  Tapas are one of S favourites so we decided to venter across the city to try Tango Bistro out.  This was a great idea.  We love to share small plates and try different things and share what we like.  The atmosphere is simple, spacious and clean.

We had a super friendly server who was happy to make recommendations and help us choose what to eat.  He asked how we liked each dish and really cared what we had to say about the dish.  The food is made fresh and brought out when it is ready.  We enjoyed wondering and being surprised at what to comes out next.

Wine.  Kung Fung Rieling.  Always a good choice.  Clean crisp and refreshing.


First up was Braised Pear and Blackberry Salad  Arugula, balsamic glaze, candied pecans, Canadian brie.  I love  the bitter favourable arugula.  It paired so well with the pear and candied pecans.
Next came the Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls. Roasted corn, spiced chicken, goat cheese, cilantro.  This was the favourite of the night.  
Next was Cheesesteak Poutine Braised short rib,with real Montreal cheese curds.  Right amount of salt and gravy constituency.  Very light poutine.  This was the second favourite.
Short Rib Risotto Horseradish cream, garlic au jus was next.  This had great flavors of lemon that went really well with the horseradish cream. 
The last was the mix grill Chipotle BBQ ribs, venison smokie, Alberta sirloin, house baked beans.  We like the vension smokie.  This was not one of our favourite dishes.




Conclusion  Fun evening sharing small plates with my favorite people.  We would return to try differnet things as the menue does change.


Rating  Has love
Service  Pasionate 

Running is a sanctuary for me.  It keeps me centred.  It seems selfish but is the one really good thing I do for me that makes my family so proud.

My goal has been always been to slow down as slowly as possible.  It's as simple as that.

Frank Shorter

Sometimes the good things are things you do with someone you love

21k.  S on a bike and Me running
May 19, 2012

Running as always been one of the really good things I do for myself.  Something I usually do myself. Today S came out with me on his bike.  It was a beautiful day and great running weather.  S carried my water and gels and gave them to me as needed.  I really like to run not carry anything.  So that was great not to have to worry about that.  My pace was a bit faster with S there and I did tire out around the 17k. Didn't quite get my goal in but have learned while training to listen to your body.  Take ever victory you can.  21k is no short distance.  The most important it was a great run with the one I enjoy being with.

Even though S was going a slow pace, I think he was a little tired himself.  Over 2 1/2 hrs on a bike makes for a sore butt if your not used to it.

Sometimes the good thing in life are the people you can count on

May 19, 2012

I took E to meet up with a friend near COP.  After meeting up I drove away to go home and notice all kinds of warning lights on my car.  This didn't feel good so I pulled into the parking lot and parked the car.  This was as far as I went.  Called S no answer.  Then I remembered that T is just down the hill.  I gave her a text and she came and got me.

I thought I would just wait it out until things slowed down for S and he could deal with it, but D and T(even though they were heading to the farm)  took care of things.  D helped me find a part and got the car back and running again.  I was able to make it home and enjoy some time with S.  They headed out to the farm a little later.

What a great feeling to have someone you can count on.

Why I run marathons

The biggest reward of marathon training is confidence.
A 18 or 20 mile run can not be purchased and it can't be reclined.
You are the owner of that strength, and it is a powerful force when life knocks you down.
You have evidence of your tenacity, your ability and your passion.

Sarah Saladino

Sense of Community, that makes you feel good.

Dairy Lane Cafe
319 19 St NW
Calgary, AB


This cozy small diner is couple blocks from C's school.  I drive past it twice a day.  It is always humming, especially on weekends.  We have been a couple times before this visit.  Once was with my parents for my birthday.  That was awhile ago.  I do remember how enjoyable it was.  I think everyone had burgers and I had a wrap.  Then the time after, with the boys.  It was burgars again.


It was humming and we waited a bit over 45 minutes for a table.  We hung out in the back while we waited.


This place is owned by the same people as Blue Star, with Dairy Lane being the first.  Dairy Lane first opened its doors in April of 1950.  They pride themselves in running a small, independently owned neighbourhood business. They provide high quality, local, organic ingredients and glutial free for those who prefer. The same for Blue Star. They both list where the ingredients come from.  This really gives you a feel of community, that makes you feel good about eating here.  You know other diners feel the same.  


This time we had:


Hillhurst Breakfast Sammy  - 2 free range fried eggs with local naturally-cured bacon and Sylvan Star aged cheddar on sourdough toast with tomato, butter leaf lettuce and sweet red pepper mayo.  Served with local red potato hash browns.  S had this. 


Chicken Club -  Free range chicken breast with local naturally-cured bacon, avocado, butter leaf lettuce, tomato, picked red onions & homemade pesto mayo.  E and I shared this.  I like the little things that add up to tasty like the picked onions and pesto mayo. The bacon really stood out to me.  I love bacon and this bacon was delicious.  Add flavour and wow so yummy.  They spilt it for you and bring it out on too plates.  Something small that makes you feel special and they care.  


Dairy Lane burgar - C had this.  Meat is locally and conscientiously raised free range and chemical free.  I had a bite and you could really taste the difference.  So yummy.


Food rating: Lots of love
Service:  Very Passionate


Conclusion


Dairy Lane and Blue Star are great places to eat.  Both have a great feel and you feel good about eating there.  You know you will be eating high quality local food.  I think I might prefer Blue Star just because it is brighter, bigger and has very cool feature walls.  We will return again and again to both.

Little reminder

Ability is what you are capable of doing. 
Motivation determines what you do. 
Attitude determines how well you do it. 
--Lou Holtz

Filled with good things in life

CRMR at Home
330 - 17 Avenue SW
Calgary


This is a great little shop with gorment items.  I first went to this shop with a friend for a basket I was making for one of her clients.  The lady who helped create this master piece was amazing passinate.  She helped me out with picking out olive oil, balsamic vinagar, salt (which I also purchsed for myself) and other item for the basket.  She is a foodie and suggested a few retraturants on 17th, that I can't wait to try. 


I bought


Le Martinozze Olive Oil  Product of Italy
I don't really know to much about Olive oil.  Olive oil can be like wine.  There is a lot to learn about them, as I learn I will post more.  Now I haven't tried this one yet, so I'll write when I do


Aceto Balsamico Di Modena Product of Italy  We have tried this in salad and drizzled on sandwiches,  Simple delicious. This not an reduction so it is thick and you just drizzle this on.  Like the olive oil I am leaning about balsamic vingars.  I love this one.  


La Belle Excuse salt Product of Greece  This salt is great.  I have used it for tenderizing meat and as a salt.  


S and I went back and we brought a pizza stone which we just loved.  If you love to make pizza you really need one of these.


Service rating I am now passionate


Conclusion


The clients loved the basket and they and my friend were very happy with it.  I will definitely return here again to shop for basket items and for myself.

Lunch with Grandma in her neck of the woods

Blue Star Diner
Bridgeland
809 1st Avenue N.E.
Calgary
May 19, 2012

Who would have thought that Grandma lives in a neighbourhood with a cool, trendy diner!  We took Grandma here for a belated Mother's Day Lunch.   Great ambiance and a very cool place.  Didn't really have the feel of a diner more a restaurant feel.  A little larger than most diners and very clean and bright. This place was humming and we waited 45 minutes for a table, which we knew and were prepared to do.

Grandma ventured out a little earlier and got our name on the list.  She sat outside and they brought coffee out to her and kept it coming.

It's a bit pricy for a diner, but they can back it by using only locally sourced organic ingredients.

We had:

Black bean soup: Corn, cilantro, onions, red peppers & lime. Served with garlic baguette.
S, Grandma and I enjoyed this.  Very tasty.  The beans were solid and not mashed which I really enjoyed.  I also liked the corn.

Spicy Chorizo Pork Burger: Broek Pork chorizo & ground pork topped with sautéed balsamic onions, granny smith apples, bacon, Sylvan Star peppered gouda, butter leaf lettuce, tomato &
chili mayo.

S and Grandma shared as well as E and I (two dishes total). There was a lot of meat, and was rich so half a plate was just perfect.   Lots of flavours and very tasty.

All in Omelette: Local naturally cured bacon, Broek Pork sausage and back bacon with bell
peppers, green onions & Sylvan Star peppered gouda.

 C decided to go for breakfast. Alot of food for one!   He really enjoyed it.

Food rating: Lots of love
Service rating. Very Passionate

Conclusion

We really enjoyed our bunch with Grandma. This is a great brunch spot and we will definitely return.

Time to give Calgary a try

We have not really gone out for dinner in Calgary.  Mostly we like to eat out when we travel.  It is one of the highlights of our trip.  We have been to some I am in love with places.  Hopefully I will get to them here in this blog.  Buzz is that Calgary has finally branched out to the food scence.  So we have decided to try out a few places.  So far we have been to Clili Club Thai House, Raj Palace and Aida's Mediterranean.  We are plently surprised and now have decide to try and make it a weekly event and see for ourselves.

Love to dip and share

Aida's Mediterranean 
Bistro 4th Street S.W
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Friday May 4, 2012

Dinner with the family. Nice restaurant in a cool area. 

Gotta love it when your server (next time I am getting her name) says to you:  "You'll never taste anything like it!" As soon as we heard that we knew we were going to love it there, and boy did we ever!  We love to share so we decided on two appetizers and 3 dishes to share.

Appetizers:
 -  Chicken wings. Yummy! C & E both really liked it. 

 -  Dip sampler. Sample sizes of Hummus, Baba Ghannouj, Labneh, and Mouhammara. I love to dip and share.

Dishes:  

 - Shish Tawook: Broiled chicken kabobs marinated in lemon and garlic paste.

 - Grilled chicken Pan fried pita filled with chicken strips, pickles, and garlic paste  Loved the pickles  . Very tasty

 - Shawarma Strips of marinated beef sirloin topped with fresh veggies and tahini

Conclusion:

Food: Lots of Love

Service: Passionate

After dinner we walked down by the river.  Very nice evening.

Spice and Flavor

Raj Palace  
North Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Friday April 27, 2012


Small location with a few tables.  Authentic South Indian Food.


Dinner with the family.  We all enjoyed our experience. Will definitely return to try new dishes, or order takeout. 


Owner served us. Very friendly and passionate about the food. We asked about the menu.  He encouraged us to try unique items on the menu, that he thought we never had before. Great decision! These items were full of spice and flavour over cream and butter. Even got the enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.


We had:


Starters:
 - Samosas - Not your typical ones.  Full of spice and flavour.
 - Chicken Vepudu - Boneless deep fried with Indian spices.  Very tasty.


Dishes:
 - Lamb Sukka - Marinated with indian spices fried with onion and curry leaves. Really wanted to try something different - this did the trick.
 - Pepper chicken - Boneless marinated in crushed pepper corns, fried with onion and curry leaves  E's favorite
 - Prawn Curry- Cooked in thick sauce of fresh tomatoes and spice.  C's favorite.
Rice with Chicken.

Conclusion:

Food rating: I am in Love
Service rating: Very passionate

Raq's Palace is a very friendly, nice restaurant who are passionate about their food and customers. We felt very welcome, and would return in a heart beat.

Small things in Life.

I dream of a world full of NICE passionate people who love to spread the joy.  Where people focus on the positive and good in life.  This is the world I want to live in so I am creating my own little world here. We have been to some exciting places where people are just this and I want to remember and share by blogging our experiences.  I want to search out more of these places, and people and start a blog full of passion.  A place to go and feel good.

I think it starts with a passion for the small things in life and a smile.  Passonate people who share their passion are happy people.  A world full of happy people who smile.

For me the small things are family, food, wine, running and travelling.  The best when all done together.

Come join me and spread the LOVE.

Hi,

I'm Winerunner