Just as the wedding events were moving into high gear, the bathroom demolition began. It's been non-stop chaos and dust for two weeks now...but I've been assured things are progressing. See for yourself:
The shower/tub and the surrounding floor and sub-floor have been removed, there was a lot of water damage as you can see. And you might recall that this bathroom was redone, shower and all, FIVE years ago - you can read about it here. I even sang the praises of the guy who did the work...but that guy would not stand by his work, so now I have no problem telling you his name again, it's Jeff Ackerman of JPA Construction...and if I sound a tad bit bitter, you'll have to forgive me, a shower should last longer than five freakin' years! We had Jeff come out and take a look at his handywork - which had been leaking since the day he installed the shower...he offered to fix it for $6,000!! Say what?!? Anywho...consider this a public service announcement...if you do business with him, make sure you're wearing waterproof clothes - you'll eventually need them!
If it weren't for the workmen coming and going the house would feel very, very empty...now that the boy is gone. I'm so happy for him but so sad for me! To try to fill the void I've been keeping busy and trying my hand at cooking some new things - one of which was Garlic Spears.
Last week we met up with the SIL's brother on Bainbridge Island - we asked him where we should eat lunch, as he's an islander, and he told us the best place, which only the islander's know, is the grocery store in Winslow! I was doubtful until I saw the salad barS...two of them - each one filled to capacity with the most amazing, appetizing and delicious food - unlike any other salad bars I have seen! I dare say it was one of the best meals I've had in months! And then, we went top-side! On the roof of the market are tables with umbrellas - we sat outside in the SUN and feasted - it was truly wonderful! If you go to Bainbridge and you're looking for a place to dine - skip the restaurants - head to the grocery store, load up a couple of containers and go up to the roof...you will thank me!
The Garlic Spears in the produce section caught my eye - standing up in shallow water like asparagus spears, and they are sort of like asparagus, maybe a cross between asparagus and artichokes with a very mild garlic taste. I talked with the culinary expert in the store (that place had everything!) and she said to saute them in a little butter and olive oil - which I did, or steam them. But they are also great raw although the taste of garlic is more pronounced! Sliced into small pieces they are wonderful in a salad or on top of baked potatoes or pasta. I really liked them, as did the SIL but the mister thought they were just okay...too much flavor for him I suppose!
The entire spear is edible and that bulb? It's not a clove of garlic - it's just filled with more green leaves - nothing to it, really. So you can eat every bit of it - but I found the top part, from the bulb on up, to be a bit tough, like an artichoke. The stem was crisp and garlicky and even after sauteeing they were firm enough so they could be used in a dip, as an appetizer.
Since I had not had these before - never even seen them, I am going to have to find a place on the East-side where I can purchase them...taking the ferry to Bainbridge at $35 a pop (for car and driver only!) is a bit pricey for just a veggie...on the other hand, these were worth it! Sprinkled with Parmesan cheese made the bell ring on the Dang Meter...see if you can find yourself some Garlic Spears - saute them in a bit of butter and olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes and bite into a party!
