Saturday, January 17, 2009

Tryin' new foods and tryin' to stay warm....

New Jersey...a diverse, multi-cultural city with lots of new experiences to offer a person from Utah..

Like visiting City Hall where my son-in-law works as an engineer. He's on the 4th floor as as Ella, Brandi and I were going up after visiting the woman in the mail room that has watched Ella grow since she was a baby, a beautiful round faced African-American woman in a headdress made out of a pretty scarf-like material, I asked Brandi what floor the Mayor was on - she said the 2nd. floor then looked at me and said "Whyyyyy?"

Told her I wanted to meet the mayor...she said, "You can't just walk in and ask to the the Mayor Mother, people need appointments and then they are probably, like, what do you want to see him about."

I said, "Well, he needs to meet me. I am from Utah and the mother-in-law of one of his employees.."

She sighed, rolled her eyes and said .."the second floor..but you're not going to see anyone..besides, it's 4:30 on a three-day week-end."

She was right - the guard outside of his door was gone, but a young, official-looking mane came out and asked if he could help us..

I told him I was from Utah and I wanted to see the Mayor.."

Brandi kind of cringed and I think she mouthed "I'm sooory" to him, but he was pleasantly saying "Oh sorry - he's left for the day - he's going to the inauguration on Tuesday, but if he were here I would most certainly let you see him and I'm quite certain he would have liked to meet you as well. The next time you're in town, just let us know."

Ha Ha Brandi! Nothing ventured, nothing gained..

OK, so now for the "new food"...this is a Brazilian fast-food place (!) that is known for this one sandwich..ginormous bun, freshly made, thin steak slices, cheese, bacon, lettuce, corn (!) Shoe string potatoes (you know, from the can) and......an egg (?!)

And yes, it was really really good! Brandi & I split one and Ella had their famous bean soup, which she loves..

They had this sauce that was similar to fry sauce ( Utah original) but it had a slightly different, more exotic flavor..(fry sauce, being mostly mayo and thousand island dressing is NOT very exotic..)





OK, so a birthday cake is not that unusual, but it is when you're on Weight Watchers...AND when it comes from a neighborhood bakers that's been there for over 40 years and has the reputation for some of the most awesome baked goods..Calendrias Bakery...



But, after all, you only turn 5 once...and goodness knows, cupCAKES are definitely not a Calendrias Bakery cake!


Here's hoping you have a good Sunday and that we don't forget who's the Mayor's boss...the PEOPLE...OK..maybe not the UTAH people...but the "people" none the less...

-me

12 comments:

RoeH said...

Looks scrumptious! But I would never be able to eat even half of that half...let alone the whole thing.

Betty said...

I'm glad you are having fun with Brandi and Ella. And, hey, there's Ella in pink for pink Saturday's post, eh?

Good on ya.

Neabear said...

Boy, you got guts! You go girl. Going right up to the mayor's office like that. Too bad he was't in when you went there.

diane b said...

Now, That's a sandwich! What a beautiful birthday cake and birthday girl. Have fun with your family and keep warm.

Laurie and Chris said...

It looks like you are having a wonderful time. Good for you. Your lunch looks amazing and I bet that cake was so good!!

Shari from Big Yellow Farmhouse said...

Oh boy, you are making me so hungry! First with that sandwich, which by the way sounds and looks delicious - I could eat that half easy! . . . then with the beautiful birthday cake . . . yummy! Sounds like you are having lotsa fun and taking the city by storm!

A Wild Thing said...

Ahhh...comfort foods...you know you have to keep up your strength...them 5 year olds can be brutal...have fun Grammy!

sharon

Little Penpen said...

Happy Birthday to Ella! She seems too grown up to be only five! The cake is gorgeous and I love your mayor story!

La Dolce Vita with LeAnn said...

Just getting caught up on all you adventures...you really know how to have fun, and put a smile on everyones face. Way to go Colleen! Loved your thought about how we as Americans all pull together in times of need, wouldn't it be lovely if it was just second nature to do it anytime! Blessings to you for filling our lives with sunshine.

Senior Bowler-Carolyn said...

When I moved to Florida, evyone told me need to try a Cuban--a real Cuban-not the guy..a sandwich. with is made on bread like french bread with shredded ham and mayo and pickles and some kind of sauce and then press so it is crusty on the bun....so good..I also discoveed Black Bean soup with sour creme and chopped green onions....so good

Jan said...

You are too, too funny! Only you would want to meet the mayor...and expect to! LOL!
NJ boasts some of the best food EVER! The best pizza I've ever eaten is in NJ. Now I want to head to Jersey and eat lunch at a diner!

Alexa Lett said...

Love the photo of the pups in the header! Great story about the Mayor visit!

Wanna see what I've been up to ??

 I always wanted a dollhouse. My dad was a carpenter and was asked by one of his wealthy customers to make a dollhouse for their daughter. I...