a day in boston

I spent the day in Boston with Pepere.

Pepere is a Canadian citizen.  But he probably knows more about American politics—American history—than most people (certainly more than me!)  With that in mind, it only made sense to bring him into Boston while marveling at the landmarks.  Indulging in some historical chit-chat.

The State Capitol!! 

(look how tiny they seem in comparison! 😀 )

I’ve learned to eat with intention.  Mindfully.  Thoughtfully.  Slowly.

But I still have troubles with walking in this way.  Sometimes I walk faster than I run.  True story.

Today, Pepere slowed me down.  He noticed the peeling roof of an old building.  He noticed that we could see the Prudential Center from the park.  He noticed that there were still leaves on the trees, where there was nothing but bare branches back at home.

I slowed down.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the entire day was watching this giant tree get trimmed and prepped.

(p.s. I promised myself that I would never talk about Christmas before Thanskgiving, but, really, who was I kidding?  I’m a kid at heart.  Any sign of Christmas makes me dance inside. )

Once the clouds came out, hiding every last trace of warmth, we mutually decided that it was time to eat.

I had no idea where my Dad was taking the group, but I decided to just roll with it.  He has good restaurant sense, and I knew well enough to just sit back and trust his judgement.

We walked into a place called Kinsale, a spot not far off from from Quincy Market.  A spunky little Irish Pub, filled with warmth and charm.  I loved it upon first glance.  I loved it even more when I saw the menu.

There was literally something for everyone.  From warm and comforting pot pies, to fish & chips, to salads & sandwiches.  The menu offered a wide and varied selection, which I love. 

Dad went with a rustic beef stew.

For my own entree, I chose the Crab Cake Salad.  Ever since eating at the Top of the Hub with my sister, I have been craving a gentle, delecate crab cake.  They’re not easy to find.  Most times they’re too meaty.  Or over salted.  Or just plain flavorless.

These crab cakes weren’t exactly what I remember tasting at the Top of the Hub, but they were still delicious.  And the rest of the salad was so exciting, that I was overall really pleased with my order.  Plantain chips.  Fresh mango.  Avocado.  A zingy citrus dressing.  Delicious! 

The plantain chips were by far my favorite part of this meal!

You know how some days just go by way too fast?  That was today.

Goodbye Boston.  I’ll see you again soon.

Question: What is your favorite city/town to visit?

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Stuffed Zucchini

Everyone, I would like for you to meet my Pepere…

 

A few things you should know.  My Pepere grew up in New Brunswick, Canada.  He understands the concept of working hard for what you get.  He doesn’t let people walk all over him.  He likes to hear about my college and (future) career life.  He always encourages me, and when I start to get anxious about the dietetic internship, he simply says, “You can only do the best that you can do.  That’s it.  Worrying isn’t going to do anything.”

I learn a lot from my Pepere.

He also adds ketchup and peanut butter to everything—everything!  So now you know why I am the way I am.  In case you were ever wondering.

I spent my entire morning painting Pepere’s garage, and I couldn’t have been happier.  He paid me, despite the fact that I was shaking my head “no”.  He likes to pay his grandkids for working hard, whether that’s college or—in this case—painting.  What he doesn’t realize is that I’d be more then happy to just sit down to a good meal, while listening to him tell stories from his childhood in Canada.  The movie theatre that he worked in as a young teenager.  What he saw as a young man, living in Montreal.  How they managed to hunt down a full grown moose and haul it out from the thick Canadian woods (!!!)

Stories.  Lots and lots of stories.  I never grow tired of hearing them, and there always seems to be a new one to share.  I love it.

Oh, and the meal.  If my Memere were still around, she would have been so impressed with this stuffed zucchini that my mom made.  It’s Memere’s official “top secret” recipe, that my mom reluctantly shared with me for the blog.  I told her that you guys were all great cooks and would do this recipe proud if you ever decide to make it. 😉  We served it with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed carrots for a country-styled meal.

Bon Appetit! 😀

Stuffed Zucchini

• 1-lb. lean hamburg
• 1 very large zucchini
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c. bread crumbs
• 1 slice wet bread
• salt and pepper
• 1 small onion
• parsley (a little)
• small clove garlic
• 1 T. parmesan cheese
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can stewed tomatoes

1. Take out seeds of zucchini until it is hollowed out (but keep some of the fleshy part in there!) 
2. Combine hamburg through parmesan cheese.
3. Stuff hallowed out zucchini with the hamburg mixture.
4. Add zucchini to roasting pan, and pour tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes on top.
5.  Bake for 1-1/2 hr. at 375, or until zucchini is tender.

Question: Do you take after anyone in your family, with certain quirks, likes/dislikes, personality, etc?