Sunny Days in January

The expectation around here in January is a continuous stream of gray and rainy days. Day begins after we arrive at work and ends before we leave work. Coffee provides warmth, or for some, a cup of tea all day long. Curling up with a good book and knitting some new creation are comforting ways to occupy damp, dark evenings. Skiing as often as possible recharges our batteries.

Then suddenly one morning you awaken and realize that a glorious light is streaming in. The sun shines...not one...not two...but five days in a row. While no rain in the city almost certainly means no new snow in the mountains, this is still a thing of beauty. And you do everything possible to make the most of it...

Because a clear blue sky most likely means another bonus...The Mountain is out!

(photo from the pier at a waterfront park, Ruston Way, Tacoma)

Lunch on the Water

Lunch today at C.I. Shenanigan's on the waterfront in Old Town, Tacoma... http://www.cishenanigans.com/tac.php

We were led to a table at the back of the restaurant facing the water. It's an overcast day (as usual) that gradually cleared to blue sky (unusual) as we ate. My first choice: Where to sit? Facing the Olympics and Vashon Island? Or facing the Cascades with Mt. Rainier and her halo peaking over Old Town's architecture? I faced the Olympics, but unfortunately it cleared from the east so my seatmates across the table had the better view...

I tried Republic of Tea's Pomegranate Green Tea, brought to us in a bottle. This was the last bottle, and two of us had ordered it, but the bottle was just right to split between two people and we were only charged for one drink. Very tasty!

Then came bread... slices of sourdough, multigrain, and garlic. Not sure which were tastier, although the garlic bread had the added dimension of an actual roasted clove tucked into it. A pat of butter with a sprig of rosemary on top proved a delightful spread.

I had the warm steak salad. Sauteed mushrooms in a warm creamy dressing sat atop a bed of spinach with barbecued steak, tomatoes and red onion. There was just enough dressing to coat the leaves and flavor the condiments. This was one of the better salads I've had. Apparently their steak comes fresh from a ranch in Idaho. Not quite local, but definitely flavorful.

The service was accommodating and excellent, just enough to be helpful without hovering. I would go back...for lunch again...or for dinner...

And our last view was of a sky becoming more blue and a sailboat floating past Brown's Point while a kayaker paddled past our window with smooth quick strokes.

One Pot Wonders

As part of my holiday gift this year, I received a cookbook titled "one pot wonders" from one of my favorite people--presumably to reduce the amount of dishes when I cook and not because I'm supposed to cook for him...

This morning over a hasty breakfast I paged through the book and landed on "roasted new potatoes with coarse salt and rosemary." Ahhh...just happen to have baby reds in my possession...a side trip to the grocery store for rosemary after the gym and dinner ingredients are ready...

There is something to be said for roasted food. The wait is lengthy, yes, but the scent that floats from the kitchen and that first taste is worth an hour of anticipation.

So tonight...a plate of roasted potatoes dripping with butter/olive oil, garlic and rosemary...a perfect way to end an evening...

Oh, yeah, and I'm certain a Tupperware will find its way to the reason for my splendid dinner.