Saturday, January 17, 2009

Mexico: Day Five and Six

Day five was a slow start for me. The tequila monster really took hold of me, so I spent most of the day in recovery mode until I decided that life is too short or as my good friend, Sonja always says to me “you can sleep when you are dead”. Nothing that a hot shower, err….make that a cold shower – can’t fix.

Chick and I changed our mind about the city bus and decided the spend a little more for an air-conditioned taxi to San Jose Del Cabo – about 40 minutes north east along the water from Cabo San Lucas. To me, it is a beautiful journey even though once you are away from the resorts you are transported into some unbelievable poverty, graffiti and squalor.

San Jose is a very small town with some amazing art galleries, jewelry stores and general shopping. We spent about 2 hours walking up and down the streets – window shopping and people watching. We found it to be very quiet and authentic. It was an inviting place to spend the evening.

Unfortunately – since the tequila monster did a number on me, I was not in the best of “spaces” which was so disappointing because one of the places I had dreamed of going to for a year was a restaurant named, “Tequila” (no joke). Giada DeLaurentis profiled it on one of her travels shows and when I saw this place I knew immediately that I would be in Cabo soon and that I would have a memorable dinner.
Tequila is a tropical garden setting restaurant decorated with candles, lanterns and water features. It was established about 12 years ago and has been written up in fine dining magazines all over the world.

Chick and I split the Shrimp Bomb, tequila marinated shrimp wrapped in a deep fried wonton wrapper and served on a bed of purred black beans and cream. It was a dish presented so beautifully that I felt guilty for “diving in”. We then had a beet salad – served simply with a few greens, blue cheese crumbs and sweet balsamic syrup. The beets were the sweetest I have ever eaten. We also had the same main – an irresistible fillet Mignon smothered in a Cabernet rosemary sauce and garnished on the side with rosemary potatoes and a Mexican ratatouille. It was a rich meal – but one of the most complete to the taste buds. Memorable indeed.

Day Six:
Our last day began early – Chick and I vowed that we would hit the pool for a full day in the sun and we begin the task of visiting all of our favorite places before the day ended.
Our Last Sunset
Again we stayed out by the main pool and even changed our last dinner from 7PM to 8PM in order to not only take in our last Sunset Beach sunset, but also to enjoy as much of the day as possible.

For our last meal, Chick choose one of her favorites, “La Fonda” a truly authentic Mexican restaurant.
The menu was so complex that at one point in time I didn’t honestly think I would be able to choose. I was tempted to try the fire ants or bone marrow tacos (when in Rome) – but in the end my starter salad – a terrine salad (a tower of delight) made with the freshest avocado, sweetest tomato and richest feta cheese - an excellent choice. Chick had a make it at the table yourself, Tortilla Soup that was homemade “love”. After our dinner we returned to Sunset Beach and looked high into the sky for the last time to spot the Orion constellation, to hear the roar of the ocean, to take the golf cart down to the Manila Bar for our evening nightcap and reminisce about all the things we loved and were prepared to leave – only after vowing to return again.
Hola,
Stacy

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Para-Sailing in Mexico

Mexico: Day Four


We had coffee on our patio while spotting whales and counting fishing boats. It was a great way to start our relaxing day at the Spa, always a highlight of any trip. Everything here is so beautiful.

After our morning of relaxing, we took a shuttle down to the third Pueblo Bonito resort, Pacifica – a holistic spa and retreat. It was beautiful - amazing manicured grounds with lots of native plants. We had a wonderful lunch while overlooking the pool and Pacific Ocean.

We then took a cab back to the marina area to catch our 4PM catamaran sunset sail aboard the “Tropicat”. It was a wine, jazz cruise so very relaxing and so cool to be able to get out to the arch area and Lover’s Beach.

The cruise was over about 6:30; we finally got a really nice sunset and after we got back to the marina, we thought we might check in on Harold and his group as they had asked us back to their place for an evening cocktail. Well…..one thing lead to another and I can now say that I hope to NEVER drink tequila again! What happens in Cabo, stays in Cabo or like my Dad always says…..”you can’t have too much fun”.

Hola!
Stacy

Mexico: Day Three

A quick start to our morning – up and on the 10AM shuttle bus to Pueblo Bonito Rose where we spent a few hours at their pool. At first it was very serene – with a piano playing soft jazz standards. Chick and I had breakfast right in our lounge chairs as the sun warmed our bodies. It was pretty cool to eat huevos (eggs) with a slab of ham and salsa poolside!

But the pool filled up quickly (their happy hour starts at 11:00AM….2 for 1 drinks) so the place became crowded quickly. Soon there was loud music, water aerobics, pool volleyball and way too much chatter. Chick and I were content with our IPods and books.

The highlight of the day was my ParaSail……(I'll have a FLIP video post tomorrow)

Oh my. It was amazing. We took a water taxi out to a bigger faster boat (Chick went along for the ride, which I was grateful for). The water was a bit rough, but the views of El Arco, the most spectacular sight in Cabo San Lucas, a natural rock arch were breathtaking. I can’t explain in words what it means to float in the air like a bird. To see things so naturally. It was calming and so peaceful – but a little unnerving. Mexico is not big on safety so there was no 15 minute safety demonstration regarding the harness and how you are suppose to hang up there – so that caused me some anxiety – but the 10-15 flying experience will go down as one of the most adventurous things I have ever done in my life. After the ParaSail….a girl has got to have a shot of tequila and a bucket of beers so Chick and I walked along the sand to “The Office’. Playa Medano (the name for the beachside area) is lined with cafes on the sand, some with lounge chairs, 2-1 all day specials, rowdy crowds and streets vendors selling everything from silver jewelry to t-shirts. The Office was pretty mellow and an excellent place to relax and watch people.

Chick and I had Don Julio tequila served chilled table-side in these tall champagne-flute like glasses and a bucket of Pacifico. I felt like I was experiencing the true-Baja moment. The tequila was smooth, with no bite (and we didn’t even need a line). We munched on the freshest guacamole and salsa I have ever had (fresh chips, too) and a few hours later (after one final drink…..named “Killer Margarita”) I had a whole avocado stuffed with huge sautéed shrimp and Chick had a bowl of tortilla soup. Heavenly.

Our day was long – we were tired, so an early night back to our room and asleep, with dreams of floating through the air over Cabo filling my mind.

Hola!

Stacy

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Mexico: Day Two


Another start at the pool. We took a golf cart cab all the way down to the main pool, which is actually three or four pools all terraced together. There were no clouds in the sky on Monday and we spent a lot of time in and out of the water.

In the afternoon we finally left the Sunset complex and headed down to the Hotel Tesoro and met up with my boss Harold and his friend, Helen. They took us out for a drink along the marina and at 6PM we headed to the famous “Edith’s” for dinner. Edith’s is amazing, but their view of the Sea of Cortez has been lost to development. What we lacked in a view (no sunset) was made up for in the outdoor ambiance. Vibrant tablecloths, candles, lanterns and an outdoor kitchen where they cook right in front of you. Very cool! The service was impeccable and out meal very reasonable. We had the Caesar salad prepared and served table-side. A real treat. Sandra and I each had steaks – cooked to perfection. Click here to see the entire menu.

One of the highlights of our dinner was a trio of mariachis who played authentic Mexican music for us at our table. It was so good…it brought tears to my eyes. After dinner we took a taxi over to Pueblo Bonito Rose (where Sandra has stayed the past 6 years) and strolled their grounds and surveyed the pool. We decided that on Tuesday, we will spent some time at their pool before walking along the beach in the afternoon to explore and shop some more.

Hola!
Stacy

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Mexico: Day One

Hola!

Some things you just have to get out of the way….like those annoying Time Share presentations. NO…I didn’t buy, but I was rewarded for my time with a decent breakfast, $200 in vouchers to all the restaurants at the Pueblo Bonito resorts (there are three here in Cabo) and a $100 spa voucher (I am really going to enjoy that one).

By noon I was ready to hit the pool, while Chick endured her “owner’s Time Share” lunch (no…she didn’t upgrade). There are 5 pools and this resort. Yes…..5 amazing pools. I checked out the main pool on Sunday afternoon. I took my IPod, book – grabbed a beach towel and just “vegged” out. Time to really wind down.

We caught the sunset at the lobby bar - not too amazing, but the clouds turned pink after the sun finally dipped under the water and that was worth it. Our dinner at La Frida - at the resort, was amazing. An outdoor dining experience. Mexican gourmet cuisine named after famous painter Frida Kahlo.

I had an appetizer of Tuna Tartar - a presentation almost too beautiful to eat. Sandra had a Frida Salad - I can't tell you how fresh everything is here. My main course wer four huge shrimp cooked in butter and wine and presented on top of fresh peas and lentils with a spicy tomato sauce on the side. Sandra ordered a Rib-Eye - but we both think she got a filet, the steak could be eaten with a spoon. Tuna Tartare

I am enjoying this lifestyle!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Mexico: Arrival

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Lobby (Thank you Oscar for taking our picture)


Hola!

Chick and I arrived in Baja California Sur (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) around 3PM on Saturday. The weather was so pleasant….a warm breeze and high clouds. The drive from the airport to her condo, Pueblo Bonita Sunset is about 40 minutes through the slums of Cabo. Interesting for me - a first time visitor. I was also surprised by the beautiful mountains that push up close to the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean (reminds me very much of the Santa Barbara area).

Chick’s place is amazing. The complex is terraced into the hillside and our unit, building 20 overlooks the beach and Pacific Ocean. It’s a breathtaking view.

The lobby is filled with Mexican artwork and is extremely opulent. The smell of pressed flowers and earthy perfumes fill the entire complex. The adobe colored units are framed by the most beautiful flowers - purple and bright pink azaleas, variations of cactus and light to deep green grasses. We got familiar with the resort and had our first drink in the lobby bar over-looking the ocean. The Chardonnay was buttery. Chick didn’t think too much of the pigeons, but I was so relaxed watching the birds skimming the ocean below.

We had a nice easy dinner in the Bistro. I had shrimp tacos (yum) and Chick had a nice chicken pasta. Our salads were so fresh…..lettuce that was amazing.
Our first Sunset was a dud – a bank of clouds on the horizon, though I can see that we will have many opportunities for more sunsets in the days to come.

It was a great start to our vacation.

Hola!
Stacy




















Saturday, January 10, 2009

More Snow!

We are probably in the air about now......flying down to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a week of fun in the sun, but I wanted to share some photos with you from last weekend.

Last Sunday evening we had another snow event. Very out of the blue.....this one only lasted a few hours (and was melted by the morning commute), but we managed to receive another 2 inches (on top of a very snowy winter in the Portland/Pacific NW).

I just love to watch the falling snow. It's so beautiful.
Enjoy!
Stacy

Friday, January 9, 2009

Mexico Here We Come!

Things are hectic around here. Chick and I are flying out to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico tomorrow morning for a "girls week" in the sun.

We are staying at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort and Spa - Sandra's time share which she purchased in 2007.

I'll be blogging when I can so hopefully I'll post some pretty amazing stories and pictures of our adventure.
Oh... and I bought one of these FLIP video cameras. Hopefully I'll be able to post some video too!

Hola!

Enjoy,
Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Brian at Family Wedding

Date: Late 70's/Early 80's
Location: Somewhere in Delaware (most likely close to Newark)
Who: Brian and his Cousin, Lynn
What: Lynn's wedding - Brian looks like he is having a blast!

Enjoy!

Stace

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Recipe of the Week: Tortilla Soup

With our Mexico trip days away, I've got Tortilla Soup on the brain. Sandra raves about the soup at the resort. I hope it is as good as this recipe sounds.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion; chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 corn tortillas (regular or fried)
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes with chilies
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
juice from 1/2 fresh lime
1 cup diced, seeded Roma tomatoes or 1 cup salsa
Sour cream for garnish
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; sauté onions and garlic for 3 minutes.
2. Slice or break tortillas into small pieces and add to onions and garlic; sauté until they are soft. 3. Add tomatoes, broth and spices and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, allow to cool for 5 minutes.
4. Puree soup base in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth, return soup to pot.
5. Add chicken, corn and cream and return to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle in cheese and cilantro; stir to melt cheese.
7. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve topped with tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. For spicier soup, add cayenne pepper to taste.
*Recipe inspired by Turkey Tortilla Soup from Cuisine at Home magazine.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Late Christmas In Eugene

Sandra, Brian and I all headed to Eugene for a late Christmas celebration last weekend. Sandra was snowed in and didn't get to Eugene for Christmas so we decided to just have one big dinner/party. I always enjoy doing something "special" whenever I get to Eugene (we get there so infrequently), so I called my Uncle Larry (my mom's brother) and his wife, Aunt Charlie and organized to visit them on Saturday afternoon for a little New Year cheer!

It was great catching up with them and also introducing them to Brian. Aunt Charlie - THANK YOU for the wonderful appetizers!We spent the evening back at "E" street and celebrated a late Christmas. Rosemary made Pastichio (a sorta Greek lasagna) which we all really enjoyed.



We also had Christmas presents to open! Fun to be in "family-land", if only for a short period of time.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sandra's B-day!

We celebrated Sandra's birthday at Rebecca Lane on Monday night.

My Pop drove up from Eugene to spend the evening with us.

Thanks for taking us out to dinner, Pop! We really loved the "Outback"
Sandra received the following gifts:
A Presto Fry-Baby (from Pop and Rosemary). I can't wait for those onion rings and coconut prawns
Mamma Mia DVD and Popcorn (from Jennifer)

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Menu Plan Monday: Kicking off a New 2009

Happy 2009! Not much is going to change at the Rebecca Lane household as far as the 2009 menu is concerned. I am going to make an effort to explore some of the many cookbooks I own and expand my cooking horizons - probably at least twice a month. We still really need to stick with the light, healthy and low fat cooking.

This week we are packing and preparing for our vacation to Mexico. I am going to try and keep it simple with plenty of leftovers for lunch (while trying to clean out the fridge as much as possible).

Oh.....and we have no oven (long story) so I'll have to make a few changes along the way (lots of grilling, thank God for the BBQ).

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: Flank Steak Salad with Asian Dressing
Monday: Chick's BDAY! Dinner is her choice! I think my Pop is coming up from Eugene.
Tuesday: Ina Garten's Pork Loin with Fennel and Garlic Green Beans (I'll be BBQ-ing the pork)
Wednesday: BBQ'd Rosemary Chicken Breasts with Wild Rice and a Big Garden Salad
Thursday: LEFTOVERS - C.O.R.N. (clean out the refrigerator night)
Friday: "Fend for yourself" and get your suitcase packed. We leave for Mexico in the morning!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Old Photo Friday: Happy Birthday, Sandra!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHICK! Enjoy your special day!

WHO: Sandra K - The Birthday Girl, along with brother Steve (red turtleneck and sweater). I am really digging those pearls, chick!

WHAT: Sandra's Birthday (I'd guess to be her 7th or 8th) - January 5th 1968 or 69

WHERE: Silver Lane - Eugene, OR

WHY: A nice birthday party organized by Sandra's mom (my gram) Marie. She always knew how to plan the most perfect event. Look how the table is set for a child's birthday party....classy.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year To The World! Welcome 2009!

New Year's Eve is the final day of the Gregorian year and is a worldwide celebration.

In modern Western culture, New Year's Eve is celebrated with parties and social gatherings spanning the transition of the year at midnight.

Many cultures use fireworks and other forms of noise making in part of the celebration.

Here is how some other cultures celebrate the New Year.....

Australia: Each major city around Australia holds New Year’s Eve celebrations, usually accompanied by a fireworks display amongst other events. In Brisbane, 50,000 people annually gather at sites around the Brisbane River to watch a fireworks display while events are held in the city and at Southbank. The two largest New Year's Eve celebrations in Australia are held in its two largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney. In Sydney, the celebrations are usually accompanied by a theme which is displayed in light shows and a large symbol in the middle of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over 1.5 million people gathered around Port Jackson for the 2007-08 celebrations, making it the largest yet. The display stretched over 6 kilometres and lasted around 14–16 minutes, making it the largest New Year's Eve firework display on the planet.
Brazil: New Year's Eve (Véspera de Ano Novo) is one of the most exuberant holidays in Brazil. In most Brazilian cities, even those of medium size, there is a massive display of fireworks after midnight, and special musical shows. The most famous celebration is at the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, which has an average attendance of 2,500,000 people.
Denmark: The Danes usually celebrate New Year's Eve, or nytårsaften, with their families or, more commonly nowadays, with their close friends, with fireworks and champagne. The evening meal on New Year's Eve is often more exclusive, and often consists of three courses; traditional desserts include a Marzipan ring cake.
France: The French call New Year's Eve la Saint-Sylvestre. It is usually celebrated with a feast called le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. This feast customarily includes special dishes like foie gras with Champagne. On le Jour de l'An (New Year's Day), friends and family exchange resolutions and sometimes gifts. The holiday period ends on January 6th for the Epiphany.
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!
Enjoy!
Stacy