New Friends & Iced Coffee

The man seated next to us had just finished eating his dinner then moved a few plates forward to make room for a laptop computer.  When the waiter arrived to clear away the plates, the man made a request we were unable to hear. Minutes later, the waiter returned with a steaming café cortado, and glass containing a few large ice cubes. We watched as he added sugar to the cortado and stirred it briskly with the tiny spoon. He dumped the cortado onto the ice without spilling a drop, and began to enjoy his iced drink. We had been to this restaurant several times, and had visited Spain before, but we had not seen this familiar combination outside of New England.  When we asked for iced coffee before, and in Spanish, we were presented with such a sense of bewilderment, that we just gave up trying. The man noticed our fascination with his ritual and smiled, he asked in perfect English if we thought his was a strange custom.  We became fast friends over discussions of food, and various customs of the Catalans and the Spanish, politics and travel.

We made new friends that evening in Barcelona through the simple act of sharing a love of food.  This past summer we were been able to visit, and rekindled our friendship over

food. Jordi and Cristina (our new friends) treated us to a home cooked Catalan meal served on a Saturday afternoon. It was a four hour marathon of tapas, cheeses, seafood, ham, vegetables, white wine, red wine, gintonics and single malt scotch. It was so much food that we took a break and went for a walk at one point. A few days later we traveled up the coast and enjoyed a seaside paella in Cadaqués, which traditionally takes two hours.  I have long thought that sharing food with others is the best way to get to know people, possibly make new friends, and break down barriers.  

I opened a Yelp account and posted a review for Quan's Kitchen this morning, here is the link.

 Link to This Review

Hilarious Recipe Reviews from Food Network

This is a screenshot from Food Network Humor I found recently. It proves (I guess) that legitimate reviews-even the bad ones-are not expunged off the real Food Network website.  There are some really funny reviews here. True story: I got the evil eye from a Barnes & Noble employee for laughing too loudly in the store after reading her recipe for Calzones, which is to take Pillsbury Dough and fill it with leftover spaghetti. Gross!                                                   

Spring Break!

I wasn't planning anything special, just a trip to the cape to see a friend. My intention was to post a few reviews on Trip Advisor and link them to my blog, but my gallbladder had other plans. Since January, I have been awakened in the middle of night with excruciating pain in my abdomen and back. After an ultrasound and a second opinion from a gastroenterologist, it was clear I needed surgery. The original plan was to have the surgery the week of spring break, however the surgeon decided it was best to get it done ASAP, so I went into the hospital on Friday morning before spring break started. There were complications, so I had to spend the night.  Trip Advisor doesn't have a section where one can review a hospital stay, so you get the exclusive here!

Miriam hospital provided me with outstanding medical attention during my recent gallbladder surgery. Upon arriving at the hospital, I was warmly greeted by an intake specialist who confirmed my information and checked me into the hospital. Upstairs I was greeted by two very friendly ladies who went over a few more basics in preparation for my procedure.  I was led into the pre op area and greeted by my nurse. I was given a stylish plastic bag to place my belongings in, and a Johnny to wear in a festive blue green color, that matched the curtain surrounding my gurney. My surgeon appeared with his surgical team to go over the specifics. The anesthesiologist did the same a few minutes later. I was wheeled into the operating room on a very comfortable hospital gurney.  I was overwhelmed by the dizzying array of medical equipment and the cleanliness of the room. I was given a sedative and have no further recollection of the procedure itself. 

I awoke in the post op area groggy, and disoriented a few hours later. The surgeon appeared to tell me that I would need to spend the night, as they wanted to monitor me as a precaution. I was wheeled into a room that was spacious, and well lit by two very friendly staff members. (I hope I remembered to leave them a tip).  The bed was adjustable and very comfortable; I was able to doze off quickly.  What a surprise- I was given dinner in bed! They had prepared a roast beef that was succulent and juicy, cooked to a medium temperature. It was served with vegetables and orange jello. I guess the chef has a sense of humor. I shared a room with a man who was also recuperating from surgery. He was equally impressed with the care received at Miriam hospital. I was able to get good nights sleep, with minimal discomfort from pain and swelling related to the operation.

Breakfast in bed! Nice touch, although the eggs tasted like tofu scramble, not something I care for. More kitsch from the kitchen in the form of Cream of Wheat, which was served with an appalling butter spread containing hydrogenated fats. Breakfast aside, it was a pleasant stay. I was relived to learn from the surgeon that all was well, and I could go home. The bathroom was a bit spartan, but I was given a selection of toiletries in case I forgotten to bring anything. Over all, my stay at Miriam hospital was pleasant. I would return should the need arrive, and recommend them to anyone seeking medical care.   

Miriam Hospital