Tag: travel

Travels in Tennessee – part five

~ Spence's Girl ~ 4 Comments

Spence and I stay in a secluded log cabin in the mountains of Wears Valley when we travel to Tennessee but love that within ten to fifteen minutes we can be in Townsend, Sevierville or Pigeon Forge and within twenty minutes, Gatlinburg.

We’ve found several fun spots to enjoy a cold adult beverage, people watch, talk to locals and other tourists.  If you’re traveling in the area, these places are worth checking out.

Dick’s Last Resort – Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg – From outlandish decor and servers with “attitude” this is a fun bar with tasty eats such as the Wicked Gator bites (yes gator – tastes like chicken) accompanied by deep fried jalapenos.  And yes, there are numerous bras hung over the bar.  Hilarious.

No Way Jose’s Cantina – Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg – Spence and I love Jose’s with ice cold beer and their outdoor cantina (in Gatlinburg) which overlooks the river.  Food here is excellent as are the complimentary chips and salsa.

Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina in Gatlinburg – On a sweltering day, we walked by a doorway and felt a swoosh of cool air – that was all it took to lure us in. We hopped on the escalator to the second floor bar and restaurant (forgoing the rooftop bar one floor up).  When we saw the funny barstools, we decided we’d sit there.  Chris, our bartender, whipped up the most refreshing frozen banana dacquiris for me while Spence had beer.  Chris was entertaining as were the tugboat captain and his wife from New Orleans that we bantered with.  The menu looked great but we weren’t hungry – next time….

Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Gatlinburg – While they have indoor seating, this second floor venue has a wrap-around-the-corner outdoor balcony, overlooking a main street in Gatlinburg which is a people-watchers dream – we always sit out there. I love their pina coladas and we typically order 1-2 dozen oysters as well as oyster shooters. Great service and a full menu of Cajun and seafood selections.

Friendly Falls Food & Stuff in Sevierville – This quaint place borders the Little Pigeon River as you drive along the curving mountain roads.  Not only can you sit and have a cold beer overlooking waterfalls, you can walk down to Norbert’s Gem Mine and pan for gems and crystals (watch for a future post).  It’s a fun, quirky, friendly place that is always on our list of things to do when in Tennessee.

 

 

Travels in Aruba 2016 – part sixteen or another “Top 10 Reasons to Love Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort”

~ Spence's Girl ~ 2 Comments

After our October 2015 trip to Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba, I wrote the series “Travels in Aruba” including the post Top 10 Things I Love about Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort  if you’d like to check it out!

As Spence and I were enjoying our recent trip in May, we compiled a list of ten additional things we love about this exceptional resort.  The list was easy for us and exceeded ten things but for consistency, I’ve whittled it to ten, in no particular order:

  1.  Purun Spa  Tucked away in the Tara building is the peaceful, zen-like atmosphere of Purun Spa. Soft music, subdued lighting, fruit-infused water or ginger tea is available as you await your spa service.  With an extensive menu of services and expert staff (I had Margarita for a massage and facial), I emerged relaxed and refreshed.
  2. Movie under the Stars – Twice a week at 8 p.m.,they feature a movie as you recline on comfortable lounges on the beach. The tradewinds and starlit sky as we watched “An Officer and A Gentleman” made for a unique and romantic experience.
  3.  Making my birthday special – We celebrated my 60th birthday on this trip and on the big day, the staff at Elements brought me a Mimosa and this beautiful presentation of fresh fruit. What a way to start my first day of being 60!

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4. Sunday Happy Hour – During the Sunday Happy Hour, there are a select group of artists who display their work as well as a chef featuring an Amuse Bouche.  Spence bought me a lovely pair of earrings (last year I bought a bracelet here that remains a favorite). The art is lovely and the prices are reasonable. Plus it’s combined with Happy Hour – you can’t beat that!

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5. Driftwood Workshop – This year the resort was featuring a painting class on driftwood.  I met the instructor during our first Sunday Happy Hour. I was intrigued with her talent and signed up for the next class.  It was fun to create art and hang out with Maria Onni, our instructor and Nicole, from Guest Services/Concierge who took the class as well.  It happened to fall on a rare overcast day that even sported a couple of quick rain showers but even if it had been a sunny beach day, it was completely enjoyable and I’d take it again!

6. Carte Blanche – Located within the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Carte Blanche is open to the public but only if you’ve planned ahead to secure a coveted reservation to this limited seating, chef’s selected, multi-course gourmet meal.  I was lucky to get us a spot and the meal as well as the experience of watching a skilled chef create and plate the most exceptional food was a foodie’s dream come true.

7. Fresh Orchids – It’s the little touches and attention to detail, like fresh orchids in our room and even in the hallways. The orchid in our room was down to two blooms toward the end of our stay and was replaced with a new one, simply because housekeeping was paying attention.  And that’s typical of the attention to every detail that we’ve come to expect from everyone here.

8.  Aruba Aloe Bath & Body Products – In keeping with their eco-friendly policies,  rooms feature dispensers of liquid hand soap, body lotion, conditioning shampoo and body wash from the Aruba Aloe company. I’ve since ordered the products online as I loved the high quality – light scented, gentle and most importantly, I love the way my skin and hair feel after using the products for two weeks.

9. Complimentary iPad – This is particularly nice for any guest but in particular, as a blogger it was great to stay connected.  Though we somehow missed noticing this last trip, the alarm clock has both an iPod docking station and a sound machine with crickets, ocean waves and other sounds to help us relax  fall into a deep sleep.

10. The Sand Bar – During the day, Bucuti’s Sand Bar is “the place” for cold adult beverages (a Prosecco or Pina Colada for me – Balashi for Spence), as you relax in the open-air, shaded round bar while gazing at the beach and brilliant turquoise ocean beyond.  But there’s more…. as we discovered this trip – the lunch menu.  Over the course of our two week stay we tried the Element’s Ceviche, Tuscany Panini and Garlic Roasted Quesadillas. With lots of delicious menu items to choose from, two daily happy hours, a pair of love birds and Paco, the talking parrot, what’s not to love about the Sand Bar?

This ends “Travels in Aruba 2016”.  I hope you’ve enjoyed it – it’s been fun to share it with you and read your comments.  Many thanks!

Travels in Aruba 2016 – part fifteen

~ Spence's Girl ~ 5 Comments

On our October 2015 trip to Aruba, the spa at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts was undergoing renovation.  As we prepared for our trip in May, I perused the menu of services offered by their new Purun Spa.

At check-in, we were given a welcome packet including a discount on spa service. I reached out to Nicole in Guest Services/Concierge and set an appointment for a Purun Happy Island Massage.

Purun Happy Island Massage (Swedish w/ Hot stone):

A gentle stream of warm oil escapes the marble of Purun and reaches the center of energy of the body, followed by a hand and feet massage ending up in neck and face. This truly unique experience calms the nervous system by uniting mind and body.

 

I was ready for some pampering after a long day dragging around our carry-on luggage and being crammed into always-too-small seats on the plane.

After my arrival and check-in I was offered fruit-infused water or ginger tea; I opted for ginger tea – my personal favorite.

My massage therapist was Margarita who was just lovely and her Purun Happy Island Massage left me completely relaxed.

As I was checking out, I was given another discount on services if used before the end of our trip.  Not that I needed any incentive but I booked a facial for the following week on my birthday!

 

Purun Sensation Facial:

Experience a pleasant feeling with our facial of essences that will give you a fresh face that is smooth and toxin-free. This treatment helps to protect the skin from the elements of the environment such as stress and dehydration giving you purification, softness, and anti-aging hydration.

Once again, I had Margarita who gave me a relaxing and amazing facial.  My skin was so soft and hydrated that I think I left looking a few years younger than when I went in.

Needless to say, I would highly recommend the services at Purun Spa and plan to go back on our next trip (God willing) to Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

 

Travels in Aruba 2016 – part fourteen

~ Spence's Girl ~ 3 Comments

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At Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort, there is a very special, fine dining restaurant called Carte Blanche.  Seating only 14 guests per evening, the reservations must be made well in advance and re-confirmed 24 hours prior to dining.  We were celebrating my 60th birthday on this trip and I’m such a foodie that when I was able to secure reservations, I did so.

Promptly at 7:00 p.m., the doors open and the guests are ushered in.

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Hector puts the finishing touches in place as rose petals added to the romantic ambiance

Just a coincidence, when we sat down at the semi-circle, granite topped dining area, I’d chosen seats where the chef would be prepping and cooking right in front of us. Once we were seated Dennis and Glen, our chef, introduced themselves. Dennis would handle the adult beverages, offering a wine pairing with each of the chef’s special courses to come though diners could have anything they preferred. If you’ve visited this blog before, you may have guessed that we chose the wine pairing. Since we’d all be together for the next few hours they asked that we introduce ourselves, where we were from and if we were celebrating anything special.  Not surprisingly, we had anniversaries, newlyweds and birthdays.

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While Glen took drink orders, everyone had a glass of Prosecco (my favorite)  while we got a chance to talk with other guests, anticipating Glen’s first creation.

The Amuse Bouche was Grouper Ceviche, one of my favorite things in the world.  Dennis paired the Ceviche with a Reisling from Germany, Spence’s favorite wine.

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Absolutely delicious and such a refreshing start to the evening.

Glen prepared the appetizer next and to my delight it was a Seared Sea Scallop, wrapped in bacon and served over a Dutch-style potato salad with basil, capers, micro-greens, a dollop of creme fraiche, salsa verde and baby spinach.  Dennis paired this with a lovely Vin D’Alsace, French Pinot Gris.

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Presentation was perfection and the flavors were heavenly.

The next course featured white aspargus, finely chopped hard-boiled egg with ham and a white wine hollandaise with minced parsley and chives served with a Gruner Veltliner Terrassen, an Austrian white wine – perfect!

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Too pretty to eat (but I did)

Glen’s next creation was Red Snapper, Shrimp and Fennel with Carrot and Micro Mustard Greens plated over a Lobster Bisque cream sauce; Dennis paired this with Stag’s Leap Chardonnay.

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Seriously delicious!

Next up I saw the most succulent lollipop lamb chops that Glen was prepping.

The lamb chops were served with eggplant and basil roasted with tomatoes and spinach and paired with Malbec.

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What can I say?  Wow!

Around this time, Spence was nodding off a bit and I glanced at my watch – it was 10:30 and Glen was telling us that dessert was either a cheesecake or a chocolate choice, recommending we each try one and share.  As delicious as we knew they’d be, we were so stuffed, we opted to skip dessert and that last glass of wine.

All in all, a fabulous evening and a meal I won’t soon forget.

Travels in Aruba 2016 – part twelve

~ Spence's Girl ~ 6 Comments

Using Trip Advisor as a resource led Spence and I to the highly-rated restaurant, Madam Janette.  Having made reservations as suggested, we hopped in our rental car and drove a few miles to find this gem of a place, tucked into a residential area.  With lots of cars in the parking lot and tantalizing aromas emanating, we knew we’d chosen well.

With indoor and outdoor (covered) seating, Madam Janette can seat many diners. As we were led to our table (we chose outside) there are many little enclaves of seating which make Madam Janette’s feel intimate and romantic.

We had a team of servers who were on top of everything.  The menu is extensive and the food coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled delicious. We both chose the Almond Grouper, topped with a creamy spinach bernaise type sauce and served with Madam Janette’s Potato Gratin. It’s considered their house specialty and rightfully so.  It was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had, so flavorful and expertly prepared.  I’ve dreamt of it every since!

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I hope you’re enjoying “Travels in Aruba 2016” – there’s more to come. If Aruba is in your travel plans or on your bucket list, check out my October 2015 series, “Travel in Aruba” as well.  

 

Travels in Aruba 2016 – part eight

~ Spence's Girl ~ 9 Comments

 

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Mother’s Day gift from Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts, a beautifully wrapped, scented soap – just lovely!

While in Aruba we celebrated Mother’s Day and after seeing that there was a special menu being offered at Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort’s Elements Restaurant (our favorite in Aruba) we made reservations.  It didn’t disappoint!

Mother’s Day Dinner Menu

 Choice of:

Smoked Salmon Carpaccio – Norwegian smoked salmon thinly layered over frisée greens with pumpernickel wedges and balsamic emulsion

– or –

Cauliflower Cream Soup – Roasted cauliflower unified with a hint of truffle butter and gently infused with parmesan cheese

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Grilled Mango Sea Bass Fillet – Carefully pan seared and topped with fresh mango salsa
Set on a mirror of Passion Beurre Blanc and served with roasted seasonal vegetables

– or –

Twin Tournedos Argentina Style – USDA choice tenderloin steaks char broiled and accompanied by a savory Chimichurri sauce and seasonal vegetables

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All main courses are served with choice of garlic mashed potatoes or wild rice

Mint Chocolate Crème Brûlée -Flavorful custard with a touch of mint and flamed caramelized sugar

Spence and I both selected the Salmon Carpaccio appetizer.

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For our entrees, I chose the Sea Bass and Spence chose the Twin Tournedos – mine with the wild rice and his with the garlic mashed potatoes.

And of course, we saved room for the Mint Chocolate Creme Brulee – did you have any doubt?

 A truly scrumptious meal and memorable Mother’s Day!

Travels in Aruba – part six

~ Spence's Girl ~ 2 Comments

For this next installment, as promised, I’m going to talk about the daily breakfast included with our stay at Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort. Spence teases me about photographing my food when I travel “Laura’s Eating and Drinking Vacation Diary” as he calls it.  But come on, if you’re a foodie it makes sense!

At home, I’m lucky if I can get Spence to have the occasional yogurt for breakfast.  He just isn’t a breakfast guy – until we get to Bucuti.  

Serving till 11:00, we stroll down around 10:00, are greeted by Martin who seats us (we prefer inside).  Then comes the decisions – what to choose?

  • eggs to order – Nancy or Marjorie (depending on the day) will prepare eggs expertly including omelets – a favorite of Spence’s
  • Bacon and sausage
  • Potatoes – different varieties each day
  • Specialty items that change daily – some of which were eggs benedict, arepas, red beans and rice, empanadas style meat filled little goodies were among my favorites
  • 4 kinds of juice plus fruit or veggie infused water
  • 2 -3 kinds of meat – ham, pastrami, mortadella to name a few and 2-3 kinds of cheeses – always including gouda
  • smoked salmon or smoked trout with cream cheese, onions and capers
  • fresh fruit platters – multiple varieties each day including: pineapple, papaya, watermelon, cantelope, honeydew, mango, dragon fruit and passion fruit as well as bananas, apples, kiwi and orange on the other side of the buffet
  • easily eight types of bread as well as pastries, croissants, bagels, english muffins, banana bread and pound cake with an assortment of jams, spreads and butter
  • Yogurt and topping of granola, dried fruits
  • Cereals (3-4 varieties)

I’ve probably forgotten something but I think you get the drift.  Amazing.  This year I got to try dragon and passion fruit, both of which I’m totally smitten. Succulent, perfectly fresh and delicious, I had to stop short of gorging on these, such a treat.  With attentive, friendly service from Nakarid, Ricardo and Lina, it is the best way to start each day when staying at Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort.

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The inside of a Passion Fruit, I found it easiest to eat with a fork and the seeds and flesh just lift out. The seeds are edible in both Dragon and Passion fruit.  Now the challenge, can I find these in Michigan?  I hope so!