Monday, March 31, 2014

Spring in Kentucky

I miss the mountain laurel and bluebonnets from Texas but spring in Kentucky is really lovely too. Here's a quick update of what's been going on here.

  • Stinky has been extra clingy since we've returned from Mexico. I guess we'll have to host Christmas because he's made it very clear we are never to leave him again.
  • The bulbs I planted are coming up and our grass is getting green. I'm looking forward to getting some herb containers going. We're also going to have to get a grill and some patio furniture. We thought those items would be on sale last fall but that was not the case.
  • I've been working at home since last Thursday because our building lost power. Like majorly so. It sounds like we'll be back in on Wednesday. I'm updating syllabi and creating online assignments because between this and the ice/snow days, things are a mess.
  • Austin is building a coffee table but progress has been slowed down by a bum foot.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Fine Dining in Cancun

Our resort had numerous restaurants and some required reservations. We ate at Kulinarium, our favorite, twice. When we walked in, we were greeted in the lobby with a glass of bubbly rosé and then shown to our table. Here is a combined list of our two dinners there. I'm too lazy to crop and add filters to the photos so here they are, straight from my iPhone.

The Appetizers

These would more aptly be called "amuse-bouche" and were cheese tequeños (stuffed rolls) and shrimp and Peruvian potato puree.

The Starters

Puff pastry with roasted vegetables and caramelized foi gras with a balsamic reduction

"Seduction" of ceviches--Mexican-style shrimp, Nikkei-style tuna, and Peruvian-style sea bass. The tuna ceviche was amazing and we are going to try to recreate it.

Chupe lobster soup with avocado, corn, cheese, and fried tortilla (served tableside with broth poured over)

The Entrees

Austin's was so good he had it twice but I tried two.

Marinated beef filet with beef, potato purée, and poblano chili

Charcoal seared sea bass and cassava with onions in mojo sauce and Mexican coconut soup

Sautéed vegetable quinoa with goat cheese and avocado oil.

The Desserts

We tried three of the four over our two visits.

Chocolate trio

Butter cookie crisp with three fruit ice creams and orange blossom gelée (hands down the best!)

Rice with caramelized milk, fruit confit,and mango sorbet

Sunday, March 9, 2014

We made it...

...and it's wonderful!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Vagueblogging

Life has been stressful and I cannot wait to be here with Austin.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Snow Days

On Sunday, it rained a lot and then the temperature dropped so we currently have a sheet of ice covered by powdery snow. Classes were canceled Monday and campus was supposed to be reopen today at noon but there was too much ice and snow to clear. I was going to teach this afternoon but that has been put on hold.

This week before spring break was unusually heavy with meetings, events, and appointments. It is now looking like I'll be on campus only tomorrow and Thursday, working from home on Friday as I normally do (and am so fortunate to be able to do). Tea and list making are in order with this unexpected block of time.

In addition to working, I am currently adding books to my Kindle and songs to my iGadgets; any recommendations?