I hope you had a happy holiday filled with lots of joy and laughter! I had a wonderful time with my family. We left for a couple weeks and escaped from the cold to the warm tropical climate of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. We stayed at Caneel Bay a beautiful resort where seven secluded beaches border 170 lush Caribbean acres. This was our 4th visit to Caneel Bay and loved it, as always.
The purpose of this vacation was for total rest and relaxation. Our days were spent at the beach, lying in the hot sun, squishing our toes in the sand, swimming in the crystal clear turquoise ocean waters with the turtles, stingrays, sand sharks and fish, with the occasional iguana walking by. Taking breaks to snorkel, play tennis, exercise, have lunch and ice cold pina colada's. Our routine was the same almost daily and so restful.
The evenings were spent having dinner in one of the 4 restaurants at the resort. Years prior we ate in town often, but decided this trip we'd stay put and enjoy what luscious meals Caneel Bay had to offer. All meals were a delight with an abundance of fresh seafood, fruit and veggies. I had fish daily at lunch and dinner, while my family often had beef and chicken. It was heavenly!
I thought I'd taken photos of so many dishes but apparently not! A few of the dishes I enjoyed were:
Lobster Salad
Grilled Scallops on Sweet Potato Puree'
Beet Salad with Watermelon, Arugula & Pistachio Encrusted Goat Cheese
A favorite of my husband, daughter and son was the Espresso Encrusted Beef Tenderloin while we all adored each and every dessert - which we indulged in nightly. Our favorite was the Banana Cheesecake with Foster Sauce! I plan to post that recipe soon.
A highlight of my trip was when I found myself lying next to Eric Ripert on the beach, then chatting with him while we both cooled ourselves off in the cool waves of the sea.
He's very nice, tall and handsome with a charming accent! He looks identical to his photos and what I've seen of him on TV. I asked him a few questions about work and food, then we both continued on with our day. I saw him several times after that at the beach and we exchanged our hellos. Although I would have loved to have invaded his space asking him millions of questions I chose not to since he was vacationing with his family.
New Years Eve was delightful, unfortunately my husband and I didn't make it to midnight, but had a great time dining and drinking champagne with our children. They of course went on to make it to the strike of 12:00 while we were off in slumber land.
The smiles, laughter, sunshine, rest, swimming, snorkeling, exercising and dining were plentiful and a glorious way to end the year and start off the new year!
My tummy is still full from our trip but it's time to get back in gear. This year I plan to add a number of new menus to my culinary classes, that are sure to excite you. I'll be posting those in the near future. Plus, creating more videos for my blog, sharing techniques I know you'll find helpful in your kitchen.
In 2012, I look forward to working with new clients, making new blogging friends, while continuing my relationship with clients and friends from the past.
I'd like to wish my cousin Bob and his son Alex all the best in 2012. Bob lost his wife and Alex his mommy on New Years Eve. I love you both and will always be there for you - whatever you need!
Wishing each of you the best of health and happiness in the year to come. Bringing you more delicious recipes, tips, videos and all things foodie in 2012.
Here's to A New Year!
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