Brunch at Granite in downtown St. John's

Today, I met up with my niece and her friend Michelle, who is in the city from Goose Bay.  

We went downtown to attend a pottery exhibit and grab some brunch.  Deciding where to 

eat in downtown St. John's is very difficult.  There are so many great options, 

but boy did we hit it lucky today!!!!!

We went to Granite by Portobello's on Duckworth Street.  My niece had read that they 

were now doing brunch/breakfast.  They actually just started doing breakfast yesterday.

Granite has a nice atmosphere -- airy, but quite welcoming.  

The interior is gorgeous, with a whole wall of windows  overlooking St. John's harbor.  

We grabbed three pub chairs at the window bar in the corner.  

When seated, we were actually looking out at the awesome view of St. John's harbor.

(Notice how this view is the same one depicted in the top photo) 

I chose the Traditional Newfoundland breakfast--

consisting of baked beans, bologna, fish cake, egg, fried potatoes and toast.   

The coffee was freshly brewed, hot and plentiful.    

 I couldn't finish my plate, but really enjoyed trying....Yumm!! 

The other two choices in our group were the Stuffed Touton, which was

 a huge pan-fried touton, stuffed with scrambled egg, sausage, bacon and cheese, 

with a generous dollop of hollandaise sauce over top.....

...and Steak and Eggs.....

The food was delicious and the prices were awesome. 
Our server showed us the main menu, and we are definitely going back for a nice supper......soon!!

Cheers

:)

Freezing Rain, Coloring, and making Ice Cream

It seems like we've had a lot of freezing rain this winter.  

I just love the sound of it clicking on the windows.  

I grabbed my camera and took a few shots, as it was layering up on my kitchen window....

Our daughter gave me an adult coloring book and colored pencils.  I don't get much time to

 color, but I can't believe how much I love it, when I do!!  

It is so relaxing.

We made a batch of vanilla ice cream in my electric ice cream maker.  

I.forgot to take photos of the actual "making" part, but managed to get some snaps of 

the last couple of scoops that hubby and I enjoyed. 

It was divine---have to make it at least once more this winter. 

I love mine with the fresh patridgeberry jam,.........

Hubby is more of a "warm chocolate sauce with freshly chopped peanuts" guy .....

Cheers

:)

Tilthouse Bakery

I actually took the photos for this post two weeks, but got a little sidetracked.....

I have been visiting this bakery ever since we moved out here almost a year and a half ago.  I finally got my nerve up to ask the owner for permission to take some photos and do a post about it.

I am talking about the Tilthouse Bakery in Portugal Cove. 

 It's just a ten minute drive from my house, and I love to go over on Saturday 

mornings for some treats.  

Have a look.....

Here is just a small sampling of treats for those with a sweet tooth.....

There is always a huge selection of pies filled with a variety of different fruits and berries...

and, of course, my favourite-lemon meringue

The smell of the huge selection of freshly baked ginger cookies, decorated for every 

season & occasion, is always in the air.

 The pan-fried fish cakes made from salt cod, with loads of onions are delicious. 

I always buy half a dozen, but always eat one on my way back in the car!!!

Chicken sandwiches, on fresh baked buns.... 

They have this fabulous pizza bread.  I bought one last week for hubby (who loves pizza), and he loved it!!

 He said it seemed to be a huge slice of pizza, loaded with meats and cheeses, folded over like a sandwich, on their fresh pizza dough.

 They have an overwhelming assortment of breads....

This is barely the tip of the iceberg.  They have different types of cookies (too numerous to mention), assorted cheesecakes, soups stews, and pastas-all prepared in single serving

containers, which would be great for work lunches.

I don't know if it's the smell of all the freshly baked goods, the awesome selection, or the

 super-friendly staff, but when I am there, 

I am not baking,but,

I am certainly calm

Cheers

:)

We've finally joined the "Proud Grandparents Club"!!!!

 I must apologize for ignoring my blog totally over the past few weeks. 

I am really sorry, but I think I will be forgiven....because....... 

hubby and I have finally joined the "Proud Grandparent's Club"!!!!!

Yes, our beautiful granddaughter arrived right on schedule and is absolutely enchanting.

Baby, mommy and daddy are all doing fine, and baby is literally growing right before our eyes!

 

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Outdoor Fire in Winter

There is nothing like a big outdoor fire on a calm winter night.  Last night was just perfect.  There was a full moon, no wind, and a comfortable (when dressed properly) temperature of -minus 3 Celsius. 

We all bundled up in our snowmobile clothes, hopped on the machines and went off for an evening in the great outdoors!! 

We went in on the back end of my niece and her husband's  property.  Rodney had gone in earlier in day and cut down some fallen trees and brought in patio chairs. All it needed was some people to fill the chairs and enjoy the great fire-----Beautiful!!

Cheers

:)