Linking up with Marg at The Intrepid Reader
December 2024 - Toronto ON
Union Station Toronto
Saturday passed in a blur.
Sunday I got the turkey soup going, as I will use some of it for gluten-free gravy to take to my cousin's for Christmas Day.
I also cooked the tourtiere fillings (one for us and one for my cousin). It needs to be cold before it is put into the pastry.
Monday I ran out for a couple of items including disposable pie plates for the tourtieres. John had plenty of football recorded.
I have never frozen cooked turkey before. I took the suggestions online and cut some meat up, poured a little turkey stock over it and froze. We will see!
Tuesday CHRISTMAS EVE
Walking through Union Station, looks like another new restaurant.
BINGZ /biNGz/ noun.
Burger style Chinese street-food. Crispy outside with various freshly made ingredients inside. Inspired by the “world’s oldest burger” invented 2,000 years ago in the Qin dynasty.
adjective. A taste causing great surprise or sudden wonder; crispy; marvellous
Menu at the newly opened Shake Shack Bar in Union.
Scotia Plaza
We walked underground from Union, this was the only time we were outside as we headed to Joey King. What a delight! We were blown away by the service from the time we walked in the door and were greeted with complimentary sparkling wine. Our server, Chelsea was such a professional and very knowledgeable about the menu.
Local Ontario wine. Half price on Tuesdays!
I had a hard time deciding!
Steak & Sushi - tataki-style steak, ponzu sauce, seared salmon sushi or tuna & avocado crunch roll. I chose the salmon. DELICIOUS!
JOEY Classic Steak - 6 oz CAB® sirloin featuring our famous fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables. He added a side of lemon garlic prawns, but they were cold so our server comped them.
You can't see it but the fully loaded potato is inside a spring roll wrap.
We both loved everything and have other items on the menu that we would like to try!
We walked outside back to the bus. We picked up Starbucks Caramel Brûlé Lattes but they were too sweet for our liking.
CHRISTMAS DAY I prepared the potatoes and vegetables to take to my cousin's. I put them in the crockpot to keep them warm and free up kitchen space. I made a tourtiere and also made the gravy (stock from my turkey) and put in an insulated coffee pot for serving.
We headed out around 4:30.
We had the traditional turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips, Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup.
Thursday BOXING DAY three of us were up at 8:30 and John arose at 10! After breakfast we sat around chatting until we left around 2.
Once home, we got comfy, John made popcorn and watched a movie.
Friday I was deciding whether I wanted to treat today as our Boxing Day or run out for that last minute items. John decided he would do the grocery trip instead.
I have been lamenting all month that I could not find crab legs for new year's eve. Oh, Costco did have a 10 lb bag for $800!!!
Yes, there is a shortage of king crab legs due to a number of factors, including:
Russian seafood import ban
The US has banned the import of Russian seafood due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Norwegian king crab quota reduction
The Norwegian king crab quota is expected to decrease by 60% in 2024.
Smaller quota for Bristol Bay red king crab
The quota for Alaska's Bristol Bay commercial red king crab season is smaller than usual.
Crab population decline
In 2022, Alaskan officials canceled the king crab fishing season due to a 90% drop in the crab population.
Climate change
Warming ocean temperatures have likely contributed to the decline in the crab population.
Red King Crab legs size 4/7 : r/Seafood
The shortage is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
John decided to have a quick look at Metro and found the last three bags (454 g) for $15 each!!!!!
COOKING
Saturday turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips, stuffing and gravy
Sunday turkey leftovers
Monday hot turkey sandwiches and Brussels sprouts
Tuesday Xmas Eve lunch out. Cheeses and pate
Wednesday Christmas Day
Thursday Boxing Day big late breakfast, afternoon popcorn and maybe a few chocolates, cheeses and pate.
Friday steak and sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms
WATCHING
Juror #2 2024 American legal thriller film. While serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, a family man finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma, one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict or free the wrong killer.
Kin 2021 Irish mini-series tells the story of a fictional Dublin family embroiled in gangland war and speaks to the enduring unbreakable bonds of blood and family. Looking forward to season 2.
Love, Actually 2003 Christmas classic - Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England. Lots of laughs, tears and a huge cast of well-known actors.
The Miracle Club (again) 2023.
Risky Business
Basic Instinct
READING
The Last Flight I always enjoy reading about how to disappear! To disappear, you must have a lot of cash, first and foremost. I was annoyed at her first mistake (no spoilers), I would have done that differently.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns even though some are a little far-fetched.
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? I am normally a big Nicci French fan, but I found the first part dragged a little. However, once you are through that part the story picks up rapidly.
That restaurant looks like a real treat! Plenty to choose from. The visit with your cousin and the photos of the dogs are great. I love dogs. If we didn't have one we could probably travel but, I like having a pet.
ReplyDeleteThe Nicci French series with Frieda Klein interested me but some of her others don't grab me the same way.