Top Ten Teleportation-Worthy Meals

After a lovely dinner at Mer Bleue in Cyprus one night, the conversation started to spin off of topic from discussing what an amazingly good meal it was to the criteria for what classifies as a good meal. Then, as conversations typically do with Paul and I, it continued to veer into a whole other direction. Paul decided that he had just experienced one of the best dinners of his life. Of course, I wanted to know the criteria for his decision. Was it the quality of food? Did location and/or company play a role in the ranking process? What about service? Atmosphere? Of course, all of these were vital elements in his decision. We continued to discuss what other meals we have experienced together that are some of the "best". Finally, Paul decided that the meals that classify as the "best" means that you would, at almost any moment in your life, be willing to magically teleport to the location and share a meal with those who were there during the initial experience(s). He also decided that we needed to create a list of the "top ten teleportation-worthy meals." After struggling for some time with my list, I believe that I have finally arrived with a pretty comprehensive list of 15. I can not begin to tell you how many evenings made the list, then were unfortunately pushed off because of the limit of 10 that Paul and I originally set. I simply can not pair my list below the 15. To me, many of these meals represent not only the food, but the gatherings and the social situations that each location captured for me at that time in my life. Each time I look at the list, I rearrange it too...so the order is not really set in stone either. Depending on which criteria I'm grading it on, the order drastically changes. Basically, it's a pretty fluid list.

As I prepare to post this blog, I am already thinking about my next blog which will most certainly have to be about cooking and hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner. I wonder, am I becoming an amateur food critic? I'm going to have to get back to writing about traveling and the wonderful places I've been able to experience! :) lol

By the way, if any of you reading the blog have a special place that you think is "teleportation-worthy" you should post it in the comments section. I'd love to see other people's lists. Keep pressuring Paul if he doesn't post his list soon, he discussed some good choices too. It will be interesting to see how similar or not his is to mine. :)

Top Ten Teleportation-worthy Meals

Okay, fine. I admit, I can’t cut it to 10. It has to be the top 15 :

1. Havana Rumba with friends and family (and an ultimate margarita or two)
2. Sidewalk café in Paris, complete with a carafe of wine, street performer, and crepes
3. Chongs with Mom and Aimee, complete with wonton soup, eggrolls, friend rice with duck sauce, and chow mein
4. Oyster Stew on Christmas morning with my family (and plenty of oyster crackers). It doesn’t matter if my grandma or my dad cooks it, it’s the best. :)
5. Willow Pond, complete with hushpuppies and our family/friends after a long day on the lake
6. Meze at Mer Bleue with al fresco dining beside the Mediterranean Sea and more courses than one could possibly eat!
7. Nobu- Japanese Fusion in Las Vegas
8. Hikomon- Japanese (sushi specifically) in Louisville
9. The Royal Orchid with prawn crackers and their amazing service (and specially reserved corner table for us)
10. Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 late breakfast after a long night (or early morning) in the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas
11. Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad’s house (complete with all of our family traditions)
12. Paul’s family Thanksgiving or Christmas (complete with all of the favorites and games)
13. Hotdog from a street vendor while meandering through the NYC, soaking up the sights the city has to offer
14. Swedish fika with the Jonssons
15. Tie between Patti's and visiting the Arabian Nights dinner show as a child with my family (this is almost strictly the experience, because quite honestly I can't even remember what the food was)

Meze at Mer Bleue

In the native Greek language of Cyprus, I’m not sure what the word “meze” means. For me, it could easily translate to “abundance”, “insanity” or even “gluttony.” Every travel guide, internet site, and pamphlet I referred to specifically said Cyprus is known for the local taverns and their “meze” meals. These meals consist of a fixed price per person, normally around 30-40 Euros for two people, and offer a variety of local cuisine. It is served as courses, with each course containing anywhere from 6-10 options of food to try. At Mer Bleue, our favorite local tavern here in Larnaka (which just happens to sit directly on the Mediterranean Sea), they offer a couple of options for your meze. You can choose the grilled meze which covers the gamut of grilled kabobs and meat or you may opt for the fish meze and choose to indulge in fresh seafood and fish (which, by the way, you can pick out of their live tanks inside if you so desire.) Of course Paul wanted the grilled option, not wanting to miss out on tzatziki and lamb chops. With such a variety of food, I indulged him knowing that I would be the one eating most of the vegetables while he was the most carnal of the pair of us. Keep in mind…my loose translation means that we just ordered a grilled abundance of insanity. J The first round of food arrived in the form of fresh Cypriot bread, warm grilled pita, and a variety of dipping sauces including tzatziki, a freshly made thick and creamy hummus (my favorite by far!), tahini, a garlic sauce called skordalia, a pink fish roe salad called taramosalata, and Paul’s favorite which is a spicy cheese pepper dip called dip piperato. Of course, we immediately dig in to the delectable fresh dips, barely able to tear apart the crispy grilled pita because it’s still too hot from the wood burning oven, but we can’t possibly wait another second to rip, dip, and pop it into our salivating mouths.

As the waves continue to crash barely a meter from our table in the al fresco dining, the second course begins before we’re even finished with the first. I think the staff realizes they can’t possibly wait until all of the food is gone before they serve the next round because they would never reach the entrees! J Grilled mushroom caps (of course drizzled in olive oil with a roasted garlic clove inside), grilled Haloumi cheese atop a thick slice of grilled ham (here is a fun fact- supposedly Haloumi cheese is the only kind of cheese you can cook without it melting and it also retains its shape), and a fresh Greek salad complete with olives, feta, bright red tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers arrive and are presented to us as the dips are rearranged to the back of the table. (I should have seen the foreshadowing of a feast when we ordered the meze and the owner of the tavern came out and moved another table to join ours where we would have room.)

The sun sets and night descends onto our ever expanding table as the next round of courses begin. Ravioli stuffed with Haloumi cheese, fried cheese locally called chaloumi saganaki, couscous with thick Greek yogurt, and a quiche-like dish of grilled zucchini, spinach, onion, and eggs all replace the partially eaten appetizers. I add a quick mental note to myself of everything that is in the dish that reminds me of quiche because I know my brother would love it and I think I can recreate it at home. Even with each dish only housing two portions, Paul and I are beginning to slow our pace as it doesn’t seem like we can possibly each much more. Not knowing exactly what we ordered, Paul asks me if this is the last course. I smile and nod menacingly, knowing that we haven’t even received the actual grilled meat courses, which are considered the entrée portion of the meal so there had to be quite a bit more on its way from the kitchen.

At some point, a platter of chips (known better to us Americans as French Fries) appears amidst the other culinary options. I was extremely surprised by this dish, not because it is chips- those seem to be served with many things here, but because they could have easily been prepared by my mom and dad. They were fresh cut fries from potatoes, deep fried in oil, with crispy ends and meaty middles smothered in salt. I hope my mom doesn’t take offense to the insinuation that someone else can rival her fries; I’m merely paying tribute to the deliciousness of the dish here. To compare to my mom’s cooking is a big deal and these fries were hers. It seemed almost sinful or sad to eat these fries without a twisty piece of bass and a sweet hushpuppy beside them. J And yes, Brenda, we are talking about the very same fries that I taught you to make the first time we ate fish from your pond. They’re THAT good. Not only does Mer Blueu have Cypriot cuisine right, they can rival family favorites. To read more on our favorite meals which will include our hometown favorites, you’ll have to refer to Paul’s upcoming blog titled “Top Ten Teleportation-worthy Meals.”

Local cats trail behind the smiling, friendly staff as they bring our finale in shifts. Grilled lamb chops smothered in parsley and finely chopped onion, a variety of succulent grilled kabobs (chicken, beef, and pork in bite size pieces known as souvlakia), very thick slices of pork reminiscent of bacon, seftalies (veal and pork meatballs wrapped in sheep skin), and keftedes (fried meatballs) round out a ridiculously huge meal. This round of dishes isn’t really what I typically enjoy eating but it didn’t matter because I didn’t have any room anyway. Paul LOVES almost every option presented, but was only able to sample a few of the different varieties of meatballs and half of a lamb chop. Paul left lamb chops on the plate, even though they are absolutely his favorite! We simply could not consume any more food. When the smiling owner came over, Paul joked with him- “did we order the meze for six?!?” Of course, used to our banter, the owner smiled, patted Paul on the back and replied "require a rest; you can start again in a minute.” Wait… a minute?! We would need a day.

As Paul finishes off his carafe of wine and I down the last of my drink created for a football team (it is the team’s colors), we clearly understand why the cats were trailing behind the staff of Mer Bleue as they brought out the meat. One of the friendly servers now carried a platter overflowing with what we quickly realize is our leftovers to the side of the dining area, making little clicking noises with her mouth as she ambled her way through the maze of tables. Her feline friends quickly followed, apparently aware of routine. One thing you have to understand about Cyprus is that cats roam free everywhere on the island. In my mind, they’re descendants of the cats carried aboard cargo and trading ships hundreds of years go (to control the mice and rat populations aboard the ships). I don’t know if it’s actually true that they’re descendants of those ship cats or not, but it sure seems like it could be to me. J Don’t get me wrong, the company of the cats is not a burden; they don’t really beg for food or crowd one’s space. They seem to know their purpose and place in the friendly environment of Cyprus but don’t take advantage of the hospitality given to them. As couples meander through villages, they stop to pet cats that roam the streets. While enjoying a coffee in an outdoor café, it is very possible you will have a furry friend “test the waters” so to speak to see if you’re willing to allow them to join you for the afternoon. They seem to belong to everyone and no one at the same time- enjoying what they can from everyone who passes, yet not really answering to anyone- always able to quickly dart back inside a bush or down an ally if the need arises. You see every color and variety of cats from tabbies to calico, and even some very unique mixes thanks to their wandering lifestyle and seemingly free breeding. My favorite cat meanders around the pool of the hotel and is bright white with a few big tan spots on its back and side. Then, all of a sudden, the tail is completely calico colored along with the very bottoms of its feet and right around its nose. That cat was probably the most interesting and beautiful cat that I’ve ever seen, so surprising and unique in its coloration.

So a perfect end to a perfect meal. The extra abundance of food didn’t get wasted or thrown out; it went to those who provide entertainment to tourists, locals, and passersby. After bidding goodnight to the friendly staff at Mer Bleue that we have really enjoyed chatting with over the past week, Paul and I stroll along the boardwalk back to our hotel. The moon is shining on the water, waves are crashing at our feet, Paul is holding my hand, and we’re assembling a verbal list of our “top ten favorite meals” after enjoying a week’s vacation exploring the friendly, beautiful, and welcoming island of Cyprus. Life is good. No…it is better than good. Life is amazing. :)

A String of 30's

A couple of nights ago, April rounded up our trusty group of Hiltonites for our first 30th birthday celebration. Jenn was the first to reach the milestone, leaving her 20s in the dust (not a difficult task here in the dessert) and welcoming a new portion of her life in Abu Dhabi.

Poppagallo at the Le Meridian Hotel was the destination of choice, primarily because we wanted to try the Italian that Abu Dhabi Weekly raved about and partly because it was a tame option for a school night. J Travis was the only one in attendance who braved the Weekly’s recommendation and tried the Duck and Blue Cheese pizza. Apparently it was tasty, but not being a big fan of duck or pizza, I opted for a delicious Seafood and Black Ravioli. Any guesses as to what Paul ordered from their extensive Italian menu? You don’t know Paul very well if you didn’t immediately respond lasagna. It was as decent as any in the city he mentioned, but secretly I think he misses the sausage in it. I don’t think veal sausage holds the same lure for him. My favorite, as usual, however, wasn’t my entrée. Their bread was fresh, soft, and came with a variety of tasty spreads and sauces for dipping. A trio of color came in the form of a bright red, thick, spreadable marinara, alongside fresh green pesto, and what we assumed was olive with fresh garlic turned out to be some sort of dipping sauce with grated cheese. Only the delectable bread and crispy thin breadsticks rivaled the assortment of sauces. I could have only eaten several helpings of that and been quite happy. As it was, though, the ravioli was a grand second choice.

The atmosphere at Poppagallo really made the evening, however. Through the lobby of Le Meridian Hotel, one exits off to the side, crosses a vibrant red bridge arcing over a stream of colorful coy fish and burbling brook. The intensity of the urban city is transformed in the midst of this outdoor courtyard housing several restaurants into an oasis, complete with lush green vegetation and flowering plants. Patrons can stroll through the dining options along a brick walkway and stumble upon many viable options for the evening, choosing to dine outside in the courtyard or inside each location. The obvious choice, especially in Abu Dhabi right now with fresh evening air and temperatures hovering around 30C (close to 85F), is of course outside dining. Even some local felines found their way into the courtyard to enjoy the company and greenspace.

Greatly enjoying the time to catch up with friends teaching at the two other schools, the evening passed quickly and pleasantly. One of the true highlights of the evening was when the restaurant’s band strolled over to serenade Jenn on her birthday and started with “Brown Eyed Girl.” Who knew a Phillipino mariachi band consisting of a cello, acoustic guitar, and vocals could produce such a pleasant rendition of classics? With the first few cords of “Build Me Up Buttercup”, Paul leaned over and commented about how much his mom would enjoy this moment. And it was true, she would. Well, on second thought, I’m sure most anyone would. It was one of those moments in life that make you appreciate where you are in your life, relish the moment, and smile.

Inevitably, at some point throughout the night, the conversation turned to the big 3-O. This night ushered Jenn out of her 20’s straight to 30, but she was soon to be in good company. Paul is on his final descent (or ascent?) and reaches 30 in a few short weeks. I at least have a good couple of weeks left, not leaving my twenties behind until January. At this time, I still say 28 was harder than 30. I’m not sure if it’s the distance of my birthday or the fact that I’ve accepted the inevitable, but I think this birthday will be much easier than realizing at 28 I’m completing a portion of my life and stepping into the next decade of age. Although off topic a bit, I do have to mention that the most prevalent feeling about my birthday is that I’m not spending it with my brother (on the day or some other random weekend in January). Of course we shared the actual birth day, but every milestone day since then has been ushered in with strawberry cakes for him and white for me, gathered around my parent’s dining room table with family. Our lives have been vastly different for some time now, but the commonality of our birthday, cemented with the traditional race to be the first one to wish each other a happy birthday, is different this year. Maybe I’ll actually be triumphant in the race this year, seeing as how I’m 10 hours ahead of him now. I wonder if he’d mind a 1 am wakeup call while I’m having lunch? :)

In trying to sum up my thoughts and feelings about this blog, that evening, and my looming birthday, and I’m seemingly at a loss for words. A quite difficult task for me- even if verbal words don’t present themselves, if I sit down at a keyboard, thoughts normally flow freely through my fingertips. Perhaps the summation of this blog hasn’t happened yet. Maybe instead of purely introspection, I need to experience my part of the saga by stepping into the world of thirty myself. Everyone’s door to thirty is different, at least in little ways…but with the way things are going right now I think my door quite possibly could be a hanger in an airport. Or better yet, a hatch to an airplane with the location different each time the airlock is broken and I’m ushered to the next destination of choice or chance. I couldn’t have imagined that Paul and I would ever be at this point in our lives, able to travel as often or with as much variety as we have. We are very thankful for everything and everyone who have had some part in paving our way thus far, allowing us to stride across the threshold of thirty with a carry-on in hand and a laptop strapped to our backs- looking forward to the next destination in our journey.

Author’s note: This blog was typed on the before mentioned laptop while sitting in gate 40 of Abu Dhabi International Airport waiting for flight EY93 from Etihad Airways to take off on its nonstop flight to Larnaca, Cyprus to enjoy our holiday. :) Eid Mubarak!

Adventures in Tailoring

Much like many of the services here that are provided by those of Philipino, Indian, or Malasian nationality, having something tailored is very reasonably priced. I didn't to commission an entire garment, however, I only needed a pair of jeans hemmed so it seemed to be a pretty straightfoward task to find a tailor close to our house, drop off the jeans, and then later pick them up when they were finished. The closest shopping strip mall is in Khalifia City A, and was sure to house the desired service provider, so Paul and I headed there after work last Wednesday. (Why they named one city Khalifa City A and another Khalifa City B illudes me. Why not choose another name? Or, if you want the same name for different, why
letters? Are there going to be 26 prospective Khalifa cities to fit the letters of the alphabet? Could you have a Khalifa City 1 and 2? Or how about Khalifa city North and South? Or even more fun...what about Khalifa City Pink and Purple? Okay, that's a little extreme, but I'm sure you get my point!)
With our trip to Cyprus coming up on Sunday, I wanted the new jeans to take with me. Aimee and I found some very trendy Silver jeans at Von Maur right before I left on sale for unbelieveable prices so we purchased them. Lacking the time to have my trusty ladies at Von Maur hem them for me, I was stuck bringing an awesome pair of jeans with raw edges at the bottom because to save weight in my luggage, mom cut the way too long bottoms off with the intention of having them hemmed once I arrived. After dropping the jeans off, finding the shop charming, filled to the brim with brightly colored and beaded dressed and the gentlemen
there sewing on a classic Singer, I was thrilled to "comeback 1 day." With high hopes of retrieving my jeans the next afternoon, Paul and I stopped by Khalifa City A after work. I strolled through the abundance of SUVs parked along the street to my little "Ladies Tailoring"
shop intrusted with my new favorite pair of jeans. With a language barrier and service providers obvsiouly not on the cutting edge of western fashion, I should not have been surprised to find a very concerned tailor waiting for me inside. "Miss, I sew ALL the holes?" was the
question awaiting me upon arrival. He had pulled out my jeans, and obviously didn't realize that the worn spots, rips, and holes in the jeans were intentional and purchased as such. He obviously thought I was trying to salvage a pair of jeans, instead of attempting to
make a brand new pair ready to wear. :) I'm just extremely glad he saved the holes to ask me about instead of fixing them first. Perhaps luck was on my side, or time contraists at the very least. I'm sure it would have taken longer than the one day turn-around time that he had promised the first day when I dropped off my jeans to adequately fix all of the holes. Now I'm left wondering if the 20 dirhams that we agreed on was for only the hemming or if he intended on fixing the holes for that prices as well. I thought $5 for hemming was a good price! We walk away from "Ladies Tailoring" now with my Silver jeans and a newfound sense of specificity in instructions especially when dealing with those who I do not share a first language (or sense of style) with. Who knew we would even find adventures in tailoring? ;)