Maui 2011: Day Two; Lahaina and Birthday Dinner at Roy's

My Birthday Sunset...amazing!

Monday we awoke to some pretty thick clouds and very humid conditions, but that didn't stop us from our morning walk along the beach road and past some amazing flora.


We stayed away from the beach on account of the clouds and headed into Lahaina.

First stop...the gym where they play the Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament every November.

Dodge Charger...hot-rod Lee at the wheel

Centuries ago, all sea roads lead to Lahaina, capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and home to the Hawaiian Royal family.

Lele, as the ancient village was called, was once described by a European explorer as "the Venice of the Pacific" because of it's network of waterways and canals.


A visit to Lahaina town is always a high on our "must-do list". Monday was quite warm and really sticky!

Fine art galleries, world class restaurants and interesting boutiques are a wealth to this area. One of our favorite places is a local hangout called Lahaina Coolers.


Brian and I stumbled upon it on our first trip to Maui back in 2006 and it's one of our favorite places to grab an afternoon cocktail. It's off the beaten path in downtown Lahaina, so it's where you run into a cast of local characters.


We ended our day with dinner at Roy's...just a few steps from our front door.

The food and service is amazing. We love to grab a spot in the bar, peruse the appetizer menu and go to town.

Here is what we ate....

Coconut Crusted Mahimahi with Fruit Salsa
Maui Glazed Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus and Garlic Mashed Potatoes


Anjou Pear, Blue Cheese Salad with Caramelized Pecans
Crab Cakes with Spicy Beaurre Blanc Sauce
Chocolate Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream and a Raspberry Glaze
Enjoy!
Stacy

Maui 2011: Day One

Easter Sunday and my birthday, so we opted for a quiet day near Kahana.

we found these bananas growing wild along the side of the road on our morning walk

Up very early (jet lag or excitement, not sure which) at 5AM and a huge pot of chocolate macadamia nut coffee and watched the stars fade into the new day.


A walk up to the Maui Farmer's Market for fresh papaya and ripe bananas followed by a wonderful breakfast on the lanai.


Lot's of time in the sun by both the pool (my preference) and the ocean (Brian's preference). Brian bought a snorkel set to bring with him so he hit the reef just off our condo. The winds were quite brisk and the current a bit strong so he stayed pretty close to shore.


A great day to check out the Maui Brewing Company which is located in the strip mall across the street from our condo. I just couldn't wait to try the coconut porter....yum!


We grilled steaks on the communal BBQ and watched the sunset over the Pacific.


Day one in the books! A 16+ hour day.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Maui 2011: The Arrival

We arrived safe and sound and ready to begin 8 beautiful days in Maui.

Everything is just how we left it......

The condo at Valley Isle with its amazing views (okay so we didn't get the room of our dreams and it's a real bummer that we don't get the sunset from our lanai, but we are happy to be here).

Our first drink of the vacation at our favorite little watering hole across the street, Dollie's Pub and Cafe. We also grabbed some take-away for dinner.

We then walked next door for Happy Hour at The Sands of Kahana.

An amazing sunset (our first of 8).....

Is there anything better than a sunset on the beach?

What will our first full day bring? Did I mention....it's my birthday?

Enjoy!
Stacy

Bon Voyage - Off to Maui

As you are reading this post, Brian and I are probably half way over the Pacific Ocean on route to Maui.

It's been two years since our last Maui adventure so check back...we will have tons of pictures and stories to share over the next 8 days (I'll tweet, when Brian isn't looking).

I've preempted the Recipe of the Week, Old Photo Friday and any menu planning (who plans anything on vacation) until we get back. This week...we are on Maui time!

Aloha!
Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Happy Birthday, Stacy!

WHO: Stacy, Pop and Rosemary
WHAT: Birthday Celebration for Stacy
WHERE: E Street in Springfield (gosh, I totally forgot about the brown plaid wallpaper. Pop is still working, because his lunch box is on top on the microwave)
WHEN: April 24, 1994

My 25th birthday - I remember it quite fondly. Ahead of me were trips around the globe.....England in June and a move to Australia that September.

Happy Birthday to me.....quite far from 25 (celebrating #42 in Maui on Sunday).

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Fresh Herb Salad with Grilled Salmon

We are slowly transitioning from Winter comfort foods into the freshness of spring. Farmer's Markets are open for business, gardens are being planted and our weather is warming up (okay, two out of three isn't bad).

I found this nice and easy salmon salad from the Pampered Chef website and tried it out last week. We loved the herby flavor of the hearty salad and the smokey notes from the grilled salmon.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Fresh Herb Salad with Grilled Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 medium shallots
• 1 teaspoon capers
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus
• 4 skinless salmon portions (about 3 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon dill
• 1 small fennel bulb
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives
• 3-4 basil leaves, chiffonade
  
• 1 can great northern white beans, rinsed and drained
  

Directions:

1. Finely chop shallots and capers and place in a small bowl with juice from lemon. Combine shallots, capers and lemon with mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
2. Heat grill over medium-high heat. Cook asparagus 2-3 minutes or until light grill marks appear. Remove asparagus; cool slightly. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
   
3. Season salmon with dill and salt and pepper. Cook salmon 5-6 minute over indirect heat or until salmon flakes easily with a fork; remove from grill and let stand 5 minutes. Slice salmon into 1/2-inch pieces.
4. Trim fronds from fennel and mince; set aside. Slice fennel stalks and bulb crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices; then cut slices in half. Toss together asparagus, fennel, mixed greens, chives and dressing.
5. To serve, divide salad among serving plates. Top with basil , beans and salmon; sprinkle with fennel fronds and season with pepper.

Recipe courtesy of Pampered Chef; I own a bunch of their gadgets, never tried one of their recipes before
Image courtesy of Google Images

The Launch of the Sonja H.

It's not everyday that your friend invites you to the christening of her tug boat.


Last Sunday, Brian and I attended the launch of the Sonja H. in the shipyards of south Seattle with Sonja, Geoff and family.

Sonja christens her tug

Boyer Towing (on Sonja's mother's side) operates 32 tugs and barges on the Pacific/Columbia/ Alaska waterways.

The company also owns major barge/freight terminals and docks in Seattle, Ketchikan, Thorne Bay and Ward Cove.

Brian took a ride on the Halle H.

There were about 50 friends and family to see the christening of three tugs...the Gretchen H., Sonja H., and Halle H.
Thankfully, the rains stopped and the sun came out, long enough for a few tug boat rides. There was a lovely reception following the christening....lots of good food, beer and wine.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: April 17-22

Happy Monday! This is the last menu before birthday vacation, so I am trying to keep things easy yet tasty. I've got to pack this week and get ready for Hawaii so not a lot of time spent in the kitchen.

Here is our menu for the week! Enjoy!


Monday: Burrito Bowls! Tred and Shed at 5PM - this dinner can be made in 10 minutes
Tuesday: Chicken Tender Stroganoff with Buttery Noodles
Wednesday: Parmesan Turkey Meatloaf with Red Potatoes, Sweet Peas and a Spinach Salad
Thursday: Tilapia with Jasmine Rice and leftover spinach salad
Friday: Grilled Rib Eye Steaks with 1/2 baked potato and a Classic Wedge Salad

My Favorite Things....Spring

Remember that scene in "The Sound of Music" where Julie Andrews sings about her favorite things?

This is one of the images in my mind. This is one of my favorite things of Spring.

Storms and rain are persistent so I snapped this shot a bit early, but if the wind starts....the blossoms will be gone.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Old Photo Friday: Baby Stacy

WHO: Me; already with a binkey in my mouth!
WHAT: Just days/weeks home from the hospital
WHERE: On the couch at E Street...not sure why my parents put me on a pillow. Probably not that safe come to think about it.
WHEN: Early May 1969

Since it's my birthday month, I thought I would dig around and find a few old pictures of me.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers

The name "chickpea" traces back through the French chiche to Latin cicer. The Oxford English Dictionary lists a 1548 citation that reads, "Cicer may be named in English Cich, or ciche pease, after the Frenche tonge." The dictionary cites "Chick-pea" in the mid-18th century; the original word in English was chich, found in print in English in 1388, and taken directly from French.

Chickpeas are one of the healthiest and most versatile items in the canned food section of the grocery store. Because they hold their shape well when cooked, they are a great addition to soups, stews and curry dishes. If pureed, they thicken up sauces and have a unique buttery taste.

In honor of Meatless Monday, here is a wonderful burger.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers

Adapted from Everyday Food

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces feta cheese (I like the sun dried tomato variety)
• 1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt (Greek yogurt, if available)
• ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup bulgar (can be found in bulk)
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup or 1/2 tube of meat substitute (Yves and Morningstar Farms have excellent products)
• 1 tablespoon chopped basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 4 hamburger buns
• chopped iceberg lettuce
• 1 large tomato

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mash feta with a fork and stir in the yogurt. Season pepper and set aside.
2. In a small heat-proof bowl, combine bulgar and 1/2 cup boiling water. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. In a food processor, pulse chickpeas until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and add meat substitute, herbs and garlic.
4. Drain bulgar and add to chickpea mixture. With your hands, mix until everything is evenly combined and it holds together when pressed into a ball. Divide into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add patties and cook until browned and crispy on the outside.
6. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato and the feta/yogurt sauce.

Image courtesy of Google Images
Recipe adapted from Everyday Food; re-printed in Seattle Times

Home Cookin'

Brian and I enjoyed a Saturday in West Seattle without any rain. Look how the garden is shaping up. A few more sunny days and the crop will be planted.

We spent the rest of the day enjoying our neighborhood. We took a 3 mile walk via the West Seattle Nursery and Garden Center, which just happened to be celebrating their Spring Open House (great buffet of free food).


A peruse around True Value for other garden ideas before heading back down California for a wine tasting at West Seattle Wine Cellars.


To wrap up a beautiful day, Brian prepared a wonderful Shepperd's Pie for dinner.


How was your weekend spent?

Enjoy!
Stacy

So Long to Zippy's

It's with great sadness that we say good-bye to Zippy's Burgers this month. Zippy's is moving to White Center and will no longer be "in the neighborhood". I wanted one last "gut bomb" before bidding a dieu, so Brian and I had a burger on Sunday afternoon.

The are close to the most perfect burgers I've ever eaten (Grandma Cavey's aside). They are yummy...totally local, but their location is teeny-tiny. We've never eaten inside...if you find a parking spot, you still have to fight your way through the crowds that line up outside the door. In just a little over two years in West Seattle, Zippy's has a very loyal following (that will hopefully follow them over to their new White Center location).

They hand-grind their meat every day, then serve simple burgers on excellent rolls. They are built smartly and simply with red onions, chopped iceberg lettuce, pickles, tomato, cheese and a "secret sauce" which is to die for. Don't even get me started on the fries.

So it's down the road to White Center, later in April. Perhaps the drive isn't as far as I once thought.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Giveaway

I'll be posting results of the give-away later in the week. I am a bit behind with studying. Since there were only two comments; the give-away will be split in two. Thanks!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: April 11-14

About a month ago, I joined a gym. I never thought it would be my thing but realized that as you get older you need all the help you can get.

It's now even more important to have an organized menu for the week. You don't want to blow your workout out of the water by eating high calorie, high carb and high fat....fast food. If you are short on time and need to get your workout in, plan your menu on the weekend for the upcoming week. It's time well spent!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: BLT's with Chunky Tomato Soup; I've got Tred and Shed at 5PM!
Tuesday: Fresh Herb Salad with Grilled Salmon
Wednesday: Pasta Primavera with leftover Salad
Thursday: Grilled Chicken with BBQ Sauce (I've got a ton in the freezer)

Old Photo Friday: Family Gathering

Who: Grandma Cavey, Me, Sandra, Taryn, Aunt Judy and Pop (perhaps my Mom took the photo)

What: Family gathering; Aunt Judy flew out from Ohio (Taryn looks to be about a year old)

Where: Outside the front of house on E Street in Springfield

When: Late 1970's (probably spring/summer) It's unfortunate that generation has been skipped in this photo (missing is Aunt Judy, Chick and Pop's mother, Marie). I'll have to give my Pop a hard time about the men's pantsuit, Hawaiian puka shell necklace and those sunglasses. Classic 70's.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Mushroom Croque Monsiuer

A croque-monsieur is a hot ham and cheese (typically emmental or gruyere) grilled sandwich. Basically a gourmet grilled cheese! It originated in France as a fast-food snack served in cafes and bars. More elaborate versions come coated in a mornay or bechamel sauce.

The name is based on the verb croquer ("to crunch") and the word monsieur ("mister")—the reason behind the combination of the two words is unclear—and is colloquially shortened to croque. While the origins of the croque-monsieur are unknown, the first recorded appearance on a Parisian menu was in 1910. Its earliest mention in literature appears to be in volume two of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past (1918).

I came across this variation on the Epicurious website while searching for some vegetarian brunch ideas.

Enjoy!

Stacy

MUSHROOM CROQUE-MONSIEUR

Adapted from Epicurious

Makes 6 sandwiches

Ingredients:

Mornay sauce:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Sandwiches:

• 1 cup crimini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup shiitake or oyster mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature, divided
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 12 1/3-inch-thick slices good bread
• 12 slices Gruyère or emmental cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Sprinkle of paprika for color
  

For mornay sauce:

Melt butter in heavy-medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; stir until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk. Add bay leaf. Increase heat to medium-high; whisk until mixture begins to boil. Reduce heat to medium; stir until sauce coats back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt, and pepper.

For sandwiches:
Clean and slice mushrooms. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and shallot; stir until mushrooms are browned and dry, about 8 minutes. Transfer to plate to cool.

Preheat broiler. Spread remaining butter over 1 side of bread slices. Place bread, buttered side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Broil until golden, watching closely and rotating sheet halfway through broiling, about 3 minutes. Cool bread.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Turn 6 bread slices over; top with sliced cheese and mushroom mixture. Top with remaining bread slices, broiled side up. Press to compress. Spread about 2 tablespoons sauce over sandwiches, leaving 1/3-inch plain border. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

Bake sandwiches until cheese inside melts and cheese on top turns golden, about 10 minutes. Top with basil and paprika, if desired.

Recipe Courtesy of Epicurious (they put the mushrooms on the outside of the sandwich in the sauce....um...like duh? Wouldn't it be better inside!!!!!!!!

Image courtesy of Google Images

West Seattle Weekend: Sandra visits from PDX

We had a quiet weekend in West Seattle with a visit from Chick. We rode the train together on Friday afternoon.
Our weather still isn't cooperating, so despite a wet day...we managed to get in a Friday Happy Hour at the Beveridge Place and a Saturday stroll in Edmonds.

Rumor has it that the weekend (or Friday at least) will have some sun rays (perhaps a long overdue adventure, if I can get my studies done).

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Welcome April; 1000th Post!!

Welcome to my 1,000th post. Quite a feat for a simple little blog of recipes, pictures and stories started about three years ago to chronicle the adventures of Marco Polo and myself.

We are honored that you stop by....would love it if you post a comment (prizes will be given), but mostly we enjoy sharing part of ourselves with you.

April is my favorite month of the year (it wouldn't have anything to do with my birthday now would it).

It's also the non-official start of spring here in the pacific northwest and the time of year when we all come out of hibernation and begin to warm from the sun's rays (or at least we hope).

Welcome Spring! Welcome April!

Oh....by the way, here is our menu for the week (and many more great ideas of Laura's amazing site).

If you leave a comment, you will be entered into a drawing to win some cool Pacific NW goodies. The goodies to be introduced later in the week.....winner announced on the next Menu Plan Monday. Please post your comments by 12:00 (Noon) on Saturday, April 9th to be included. I'll only mail to US addresses ONLY! GOOD LUCK!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: Home from Seattle; grocery shopping and a Pre-Roasted Chicken with Green Beans
Monday: Parmesan Tilapia with Jasmine Rice and Roasted Beets
Tuesday: Cobb Salad
Wednesday: Sirloin Steaks with Mushroom Sauce and Chive-Garlic Potatoes
Thursday: Crab Stuffed Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (freezer meal) and a Caesar Salad

Restaurant Review: The Bridge

After a study meltdown on Saturday, Brian whisked me out of the house and down to The Bridge, which recently opened in West Seattle.

The have an amazing Happy Hour menu as well as a great beer/cocktail menu and serve lunch (weekends) and dinner.

A very friendly atmosphere and fantastic service. But what was most surprising was that the food is well above the normal pub grub. I had the mouthwatering hickory bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese and a balsamic reduction sauce along side a shot glass of Mandarin orange slices dressed with basil. Brian tried the thick cut potato chips dressed like nachos topped with house smoked cheddar cheese and crisp bacon.


If you go.....snag a spot by the fireplace, it's the perfect antidote to a rainy day.


We will definitely come back again, either on a gray rainy day, or when it's sunny and the deck is open. If the lunch and dinner menu is anything like the appetizers, we are sure to be satisfied.

Thankfully, we were not there the day this happened (car vs. building). No injuries and the restaurant is open and serving.

The Bridge
4439 35th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4pm - 2am
Sat-Sun: 1pm - 2am


Photos courtesy of me and the West Seattle Blog

Old Photo Friday: Mom and Gram and Somebody's Bear

WHO: Mom, Gram and Bear
WHAT: I believe this is at some brunch place
WHERE: Florence, OR
WHEN: Late 80's/early 90's

When Elizabeth Taylor died last week, I immediately thought of my Mom and Gram. They both shared with me their love of Hollywood, you know....old Hollywood. One of my fondest memories was watching "A Place in the Sun" with Mom and Gram at Coast Village in Florence.

Enjoy!
Stacy