The Second Aquarian Celebration

I guess that it’s been about five weeks now and I’m feeling fairly confident although a little confused. I’ve been kind of floundering around and can’t really put my finger on what kind of a plan that I’m following. In fact I’ve been a little obsessive and have been reading so many diet books that I feel my brain is exploding with various pieces of conflicting information.

It’s all about the protein and the carbs. Brad King says that you need bits of lean protein all day long. The Okinawa folks seem to think that the protein is overrated and one should focus on lots of veggies with unrefined carbohydrates.Those brilliant minds that put together the Glycemic index would probably frown upon eating so much sweet potato and white rice.

My head is spinning. This week I have been eating eating mostly a vegetarian diet with whole grains as the main carb focus. To make my whole grain combo I put a mixture of brown rice and whole kamut into the rice cooker and always have it on hand as a base. I can reheat some for dinner- it’s very nice with some flax oil and Braggs. Or I can mix it in with one of my giant coleslaws or have some with a scoop of humus or babaganouche. It keeps you most regular!!

We met up with Brandon at the gym this week for a series of new exercises. It was overwhelming, what with a pile of new things to remember and the fresh reminder of the joys of gym culture. I guess that it wasn’t that bad but at times I felt that we were using someone else’s machines. I also got a kick from watching a young lady follow her boyfriend around as he strutted about, struggling with weights that were obviously too heavy for him.

And, at the end of the week, sigh...another aquarian birthday. Our friend Chris loves good food. We chose Cafe Brio which is a Victoria hot-spot for fine dining. None of us had ever been. Immediately upon entering the premises you realise that this is the place to be. There is quite a vibe. Friendly place full of savvy looking people.

Here were my choices

Hearts of romaine anchovy & lemon vinaigrette - Basically a caesar salad but flavors much more fresh and subtle than the norm.

Slow roasted pork, savoy cabbage, spaetzle, roasted apple puree. The pork was very smokey- almost tasted like ham. It melted in my mouth- honest!

Herbed frites-blue cheese sabayon. I insisted that these be ordered to be shared at the table. People did not complain. Could have used a little more sabayon. What the hell is sabayon?

Chocolate and blood orange Tart with Buller’s Muscat. - The desert did not disappoint

Wines: We stared the meal with a lovely Matua Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Paretai Estate Series 2005. Delicious!

Next up was the Quails Gate Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2004- good but I had my heart set on the Note Bene which was sold out , so nothing could compare in my mind.

We’ve been discussing our Brio experience since then and trying to decide if we’d go back. We’re torn. We liked it and there were a couple of other things on the menu possibly worth trying....but only a couple. The service was good except for when the server cleared away the plates without asking. A big no-no in my books “There were two fry stubs left on that plate Miss.” I’ve been thinking more about the loss of those fry stubs than going back to Brio.

Anyway 19 lbs down.