Thursday, December 31, 2009
Las Cruces
We had a great time in Las Cruces. One day it was sunny and we played at the Rio Grande Park. One day was snow and it melted when we drove home.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas 2009
Saturday, December 05, 2009
award winning chef
Whitey and I are enjoying our time on 'True North'. No charters yet, but we are about to have our 2nd boat show. This is when all the charter yachts show their boat and crew to the brokers for potential bookings. We have always participated in the Tortola one which was in early November. The two highlights this year were the first night when we have the Governor of the BVI's, his wife and some local business people on board for dinner. It was 7 of them and Whitey, as the Captain, of course. I was stressed totally and tested the different courses on the crew for at least 5 days in a row. The starter was a Smoked Salmon-Potato Neopolitan (layered crisp potato and salmon) with a wasabi cream dressing. Then Tamarind Duck with my sauce of Tamarind-Soy Sauce-Ginger-Garlic and Grand Marnier. Served with a Butternut Squash and creamed spinach. Then miniature pineapple upside down cakes with caramel sauce. I was thrilled at how well it all went.
Then on the 3rd day of the show, there is a culinary competition, which you are to use local Caribbean ingredients. So I, of course, did my Tamarind Duck. That evening was the announcement of winners at the Governor's Reception that he has for all the boat show participants. (We on True North now know them as Dave and Sue). While Dave was saying his little speech welcoming people, he gave this great announcement stating 'well I was not one of the judges for the culinary competition, but if I was I would expect Maxine on True North to be the winner as I had the most excellent meal on True North!'. Well I was incredibly embarassed, but Whitey and crew loved it. In the end I received 2nd prize which was great. But the greatest thing was having that announcement in front of 80 brokers and about 140 charter crew. Here are some pictures.
On Monday we have the show in Antigua. It is a huge mega yacht show with most boats over 100 foot. Our 65 ft. boat will be the smallest here I'm sure. I'm entering the competition but it will be different amongst all those huge boats. It's all fun though.
