Last Minute Lunch-Terrace in the Park
I have an exciting life-one that is full of treats and surprizes. But it does take some spontaneity and flexibility on my part. Case in point: one morning I got an email from a friend asking me if I could make it to lunch that day. The restaurant that she does some promotional work for, required “bodies” for a TV program entitled “Meagan’s Menu”. Alas, I wasn’t free as I had a baby-sitting date with the “Wee One”. Moments later J2 texted me to say that her client had to cancel and therefore my grandma time was not required. Although I was disappointed about not spending time with my grandbaby, I glanced at my watch, delighted that I could now enjoy the lunch opportunity. Luckily, Assiniboine Park where the gorgeous locale of “Terrace in the Park” is located, is only minutes away from our home.
I tucked into the Edaname Salad and decided to take a taste so that I would have room for the rest of the courses that I knew where on their way but I could simply not resist and ate almost every bite. I love the taste of edname beans all by themselves so to be enhanced with red pepper, cucumber, wakame (seaweed) and a citrus dressing was all a bonus. But best of all was the was the complement of plenty of fresh cilantro making every taste simply sparkle.
My favourite flavours of lime and cilantro were continued in the salmon dish. Some people like to switch up flavours between courses but when I like something, I cannot get enough of it. Besides, the manner in which the panko-crusted salmon mingled with the herb and citrus flavours were completely different than with the beans. But I could truly only manage one taste of the ample fish, rapini and baby potatoes. I had the rest boxed up and shared it with D for supper. The nifty and pretty yellow package was a lemon wrapped in cheesecloth so that no seeds escaped onto the fish whilst enjoying the juice.
I rarely am tempted by dessert but I simply could not resist the sounds of this one- a cheesecake not incorporating cream cheese but chevre goat cheese! Each taste was rich and immensely satisfying and I was hard-pressed to ask to have it boxed up as well. The flecks of nutmeg and the sour cherry compote were delectable enhancements.
Although the day was gloomy, the naturally lit solarium was bright and fresh. Through the window next to my table, I could see that they were setting up for a ceremony of some kind. What a heavenly setting!
Kath’s quote: “Oh, the pleasure of eating my dinner alone!”-Charles Lamb
Love-that is all.