Bianca's ~ St. John's, Newfoundland

A recent visit to Bianca's on Water Street St. John's made for a boisterous evening. The spot was animated with happy diners and that always bodes well, doesn't it.

I love oysters, no apologies and will go out of my way to order them when fresh, fresh and readily available. Neighbouring Prince Edward Island is renown for the Malpeque - small, mild, briny flavour with a metallic finish. These are a perfect oyster as a lifetime addiction. And Bianca's made good show of this starter plate. The dry Sauvignon Blanc worked well in combination. I was delighted and waited with great anticipation for the next course. 

It was at this point the dinner went a little wonky. I ordered Duck Confit ($30) which is simply a whole duck leg cooked in duck fat, a process making a less than noble cut fit for a king. Now if the chef wishes to depart from the classic and shred the duck meat please let the menu reflect that. And being there are many lactose-intolerant diners (I am one) let the menu show the pasta is finished with cream sauce. Perhaps with more information I could have selected a plate which would have appealed. Luckily my dinner companion switched plates with me. She mentioned she loves duck as much as she does halibut. And I thank her profusely for saving me and the evening! Admittedly I hate upsetting a lovely evening by sending a plate back to the kitchen.
Now it must be said that the table-service was first class and it was a pleasant experience altogether. I just wish menu descriptions could be a better indicator as to what will arrive on the plate. And with that I would be happy, happy, happy.

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2012. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food & Wine! 


Bianca's - facebook
Bianca's
 

A City Like Ours

Designer Darrell Edward stalks the spirit of our city. He's tenacious. With camera in hand he steals souls, freezes moments and holds up the looking glass so we can get a fix on ourselves.
St. John's, NL has no better friend ~ http://acitylikeours.com/

 Copyright © Mick Huerta 2012. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food & Wine!

Just the Once, Never Again! - Buckley's Cough Syrup

Suffering a common cold in the rain is challenge enough. You bundle up, keep the soup-pot going and the toddies flowing. Basically you do what you can to weather the sneezey storm. Accepting recovery was a matter of time and many boxes of tissues, I looked out on a sopping, sodden day.
Then I was asked if I'd ever tried Buckley's Cough Syrup?
"No, never." I responded. 
The bottle and spoon were fetched and I was administered one dose to alleviate all symptoms.
"Cack! Aaaack puuuuuuuuhey! ARGH, NASTY!"
The room was filled with laughter. And they gleefully said in unison,
"It tastes awful. And it works!" "Hehehehehehe."
I was guffawed! My own loved-ones had ganged up on me! Sneaky and acting in collusion, I was rendered victim of domestic abuse!
"Creeeeck tuoph," I spat into the waste basket. 
"Water, water, please, I need water!" 

Yes, I did survive the treatment. And I still speak with my family, however guardedly.
But if you were to ask whether Buckley's Cough Syrup works? Really, I couldn't say as I was dosed just the once. But anything based on the flavors of ammonia and pine needles? Once is one too many. Never again!
And that's final!

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2012. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food & Wine!

Hotel Antonie ~ Prague, Czech Republic

In one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Prague’s Hotel Antonie is welcoming and nicely appointed. It began as a large ancestral home with wonderful gardens and subsequently has been renovated to accommodate guests. It is outside the center but conveniently on a tram-line (three minute walk) making it quieter, safer and cheaper than a stay downtown. Secure parking at no extra charge.

Seems Hotel Antonie is a favorite with international travelers and business people looking for an old world homey environment, breakfast included. English speaking owners provide any tourist or transportation information desired.  
In the rigors of touring-by-auto through Europe we thought it a perfect rest along the way.

We Loved Hotel Antonie. And we stayed just a bit longer in Prague because we were so very comfortable.

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2012. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food & Wine!

Small Spaces ~ St. John's, Newfoundland

 Just blocks from the harbor in St. John's and the spritz and squall make neighborhood streets smaller, more comforting somehow. In this picturesque city open to the Atlantic the intimate spaces amongst clapboard houses draw attention. It's easy to remember the old adage that there is no bad weather only inappropriate gear. And when well bundled in bluster and blow and armed with a camera you can amble through little lanes and small alleys taking in the personal spaces. The nooks and passageways become familiar and recognizable even if you've never walked that particular path before. Perhaps it's sentiment, a mood that makes the world yours when the sky comes pouring down next to the sea.

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2012. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food & Wine!

Italian Espresso (A Tale Over Coffee) - Milan, Italy

“Prego?”
“Caffè corretto, please.”
Our eyes met and there was a hitch in time, a small frozen moment. She collected herself and repeated, “Caffè corretto?”
“Yes.”
 “Anything more?”
“Seltzer water, bit of lemon.”
There was a shy and sly look to her. She smiled as the machine rumbled and frothed and produced thick, black coffee in the smallest of cups. Brandy Nazionale was splashed on top. I looked straight at her. She was tall, sandaled feet, impossibly long legs and a white blouse that frilled at her breasts. She was aware of my gaze and looked at me askance as she worked. She then placed everything on the counter in front of me.
“Your name?” I asked.
“Giovanna.”
“Gio, please, have dinner with me tonight.” Another smile this time full.
“No.”
With a shake of the head her green eyes continued to sparkle.
“No?”
“No, I must dine with my mother tonight." She paused giving a coquettish smile and with a nod she said, “But I could meet you later.”
“Perfect.”
“There is a classic place in the center called Bar Magenta, do you know it?”
“Yes, for Negroni cocktails.”
“I’ll be there at nine.”
“Perfect.”
Still smiling she turned to take the order of newly arrived customers in the bustle of the café opposite the Milan Central Station. I moved to the cash register to pay the matron sporting half-moon glasses strung on a beaded holder.
“You’re something special, huh.”
No question implied; none answered.
“Gio never leaves with customers. Besides I don’t like it.”
*#!*@+!!, a searing torrent of Italian erupted between the two women accented with hand gestures and finished with the boom, boom of Gio knocking out the espresso machine handle clearing it of spent coffee grounds. The older woman fell silent.
“Just pay my mother and I’ll see you later.” Gio said with irritation still in her voice. In the noise I left more than enough to cover the bill on the clean, cold marble counter. Lifting a hand to wave goodbye I turned on my heel. “Until later then.”
“Hey, what’s your name?” She called.
 I smiled big moving toward the door.
“That I share with you at nine. Ciao, Gio!”
“Ayyyy, wait!”
The door shut slowly behind me…

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2012. All Rights Reserved.
mickhuerta@gmail.com
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food & Wine!