Updates!

I have been crazy-busy, but there are a few things that I thought were worth mentioning. Iceberg season has begun in Newfoundland and apparently the tourists are flocking to take boat tours out among the icy giants. It’s a great year for watching ice melt in something other than your glass! Icebergfinder.com shows 53 icebergs on today’s map.

Food find of the month – PC Lentil Hummus. This new product from the folks at Loblaws is fantastic! Try it with cucumber slices or salty tortilla chips. Oh heck, just eat it with a spoon! It’s worth every penny and every calorie.

I’m planning my next backyard dinner party and am thinking lentils could be the theme. Is that too much? Went to the Good Food Festival in Toronto recently where I was given a cookbook on lentils. Mighty little things, but I don’t want to overwhelm.

Potential Menu:

  • Lentil hummus and cucumbers
  • Pumpkin ravioli with a tomato, basil and lentil sauce with grana padano shavings
  • Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach, red lentils, wild mushrooms and asiago, fingerlings and pattipan squash
  • Okay I’m stumped on dessert. Maybe a summer berry (is there any such thing anymore?) pie and cream. 

Now I can feature another new favourite – PC “flavour burst” blueberries. Genetically-modified food or just some spectacular hybrid? After years of lousy, bland, but massive blueberries, it’s great to have something so big AND tasty. Of course, nothing beats fresh-picked blueberries from the hills in Newfoundland. Another small, but mighty food. Try a blind-folded taste test with your family and friends. Some have said they taste more like grapes.

Last thing, I found a new website that I like: Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. Nice slogans, good sentiments and lovely images. Don’t know if I can join – must investigate further. They are currently featuring a call for nominations for the Hospitality Ambassador awards. Just saying…

Happy Eating!

Pamela

Newfoundese

Nothing makes me feel more at home than listening to a fellow Newfoundlander speak. Not English mind you, but Newfoundese. I’m more of a Townie, and after decades of living “away”, my ancestors can no longer be heard in my speech. Just the lilt and the speed remains.

It’s always fun when mainland friends come to visit me in Adams Cove and my local buddies drop by. The baymen talk, the mainlanders listen, everyone laughs and nods at the appropriate time. But when the locals leave, my friends inevitably confess that they had no idea what was being said. Happens every time! Who knew you needed a language course to visit Newfoundland? Comedian Mark Critch does his best to explain on TravelYourself.

Of course, all things can be taught, even Newfoundese. Check out Mickey, the talking parrot!

Okay, I`d rather listen to Allan Hawco of Republic of Doyle fame than Mickey the parrot. Who wouldn`t? Watch as he gives a language lesson on George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight  (CBC).

No food ideas tonight. Just sipping on Starbucks. Did you know there are only two Starbucks outlets in Newfoundland? Both are in St. John`s and you could walk from one t`other. Kenmount Road – go to the stand-alone store – great atmosphere, nice fireplace!

Happy Eating!

Pamela

Iceberg Season

It’s somewhat ironic that as winter comes to an end in Ontario, I find myself dreaming of ice. Huge, floating islands of the stuff. A few years ago, there were hundreds of them parading down the northeast coast of Newfoundland. That was exceptional, but I can assure you that even one iceberg is an impressive sight. This beauty parked itself in Adams Cove – the most striking backyard accessory I’ve ever seen!

If you want to go on your own iceberg hunt, head to Twillingate on the north shore. Twillingate is famous for being part of what’s called iceberg alley.

A great online tool is icebergfinder.com. Iceberg enthusiasts can follow the progress of these floating giants as they move down the coast.

Of course, all topics lead to food and icebergs are no exception. At your next cocktail party share a piece of Newfoundland with Iceberg Vodka. Promoted as the world’s purest vodka, the distillers use 12,000-year-old ice harvested from melting icebergs off the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador. Works for me!  

Happy Eating!

Pamela

The Skinny Dip

The Skinny Dip

A friend sent me this link to another Newfoundlander who likes to convince people to go skinny dipping with her, in some very interesting places!