No doubt everyone has heard of the famous Montreal Deli, Schwartz’s. They have been serving up Montreal Smoked Meat since 1928 on St-Laurent Boulevard. 

This is their most popular sandwich. Smoked meat, mustard on Rye Bread. According to their website “Schwartz’s prepares smoked meat, beef brisket, the old-fashioned way, on location, using a secret blend of locally produced fine herbs and spices, marinated for 10 days; smoked overnight, steamed all day; and sliced “à la minute” by hand with love”. 

Here is some great news for all Smoked Meat lovers. My good friend Phil introduced me to this fabulous item he picked up at Costco. 

6 individual pouches of Montreal Smoked Meat. Take one, pop it in boiling water and slap it on your favourite bread or bun. 

It can be steamed or microwaved but boiling like this might be the best.

“Boiling is a straightforward method for reheating Schwartz’s Smoked Meat from Costco. Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Ensure the pot is large enough to fully submerge the vacuum-sealed pouch of smoked meat.

Carefully place the entire pouch into the boiling water. Allow it to cook for approximately 7 to 10 minutes, as indicated on the packaging. This process heats the meat evenly. Monitor the pouch to ensure it remains submerged throughout the boiling process.

After the designated time, carefully remove the pouch from the boiling water using tongs or a slotted spoon. Let it cool slightly before opening to avoid steam burns. Once cooled, slice the smoked meat and serve hot. Boiling is a quick method, but be mindful not to overcook”. 

Save the airfare to Montreal.. just slide by Costco and pick up a package. 

Just saying… 

Shopping this morning in Qualicum Beach led us to a light lunch at the FRENCH PRESS on Primrose. Not the first time, for sure, but we really enjoyed lunch today. 

You order at the counter and they call out your name when your order is ready. Here is the lunch menu. 

In addition they serve a variety of really delicious baked goods, particularly the scones. Of course a long list of teas and coffees is available. And they do their own coffee roasting. 

We were craving their Tomato Basil Soup so both ordered a cup. One with a large cheddar/Basil Scone, one with a Rueben Sandwich. 

I like the personalized receipts they use. 

Today the Tomato soup was outstanding with lots of Basil. Simply delicious. 

The Cheddar Scone was substantial and flavourful. The Reuben was perfect. Corn Beef, cheese and sauerkraut in a crusty Rye bun. Warm and cheesy and a nice size. Not overwhelming. Would have it again. 

If you are in Qualicum Beach French Press is a great joint for coffee or lunch. Breakfast is an option that we’ve not done but it looks good too. 

If you are not in Qualicum you can head to their other location in PARKSVILLE at 102- 425 Stanford E. where the roasting is done. 

Here is their website. 

https://www.fpcoffeeroasters.com

Just saying…

Recently we enjoyed a 7 day Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver. Since we had to travel from Vancouver Island we decided to use HULLO, the fast ferry from Nanaimo. It was our first time on Hullo and we were impressed.

Hullo is a passenger only ferry that accommodates up to 350 passengers. It departs from a terminal just east of downtown Nanaimo and cruising at about 35 knots (65 kilometres per hour ) and arrives in 70 minutes at the float plane terminal in Vancouver harbour. From there it’s a short walk to the cruise ship terminal. So convenient.

There are 3 classes on Hullo but we chose Comfort Class, the cheapest. For seniors it’s only $35 return. Seating is airplane style and very comfortable. If you can’t survive 70 minutes without nourishment there is a snack bar onboard. 

We found Hullo to be very well organized,very efficient and convenient. Fast and comfortable. 

On our return trip we were in 4 foot seas but the ride was still very smooth. 

 Check out their excellent website. 

https://hullo.com

Reservations are easy. And they have late night sailings for Canuck fans. Plenty of parking at the Nanaimo terminal too. 

If you haven’t tried Hullo, you must. It’s fabulous 

Just saying…

On the spur of the moment we headed to the Qualicum Beach Cafe last night for a light dinner. We still had a balance on a generous gift script from son Jackson and it was time to use it up. 

We chose a Pinot Gris from Hillside Winery in Naramata. Small glass for Sheila, large one for me. Cold, crisp, delicious! They have an extensive wine list but it is a little sparse on wines by the glass. Nothing inexpensive either. 

Then we decided to share a large Caesar Salad. So glad we did. The salad was outstanding! Crisp cold Romaine with whole Roasted Garlic Cloves, fresh Parmesan and toasted Capers. The latter I had never seen in a Caesar before. Must try that at home. The dressing was perfect. Tangy & creamy. And it was a generous portion, plenty for two octogenarians. 

We will go back again just for the salad. Not cheap at $20 plus but worth it. 

Check it out at 

https://www.qualicumbeachcafe.com/main-menu

Just saying…

A couple of years ago while strolling through Florence we stopped at a lovely sidewalk cafe for lunch. The feature on the menu was an Endive/pear salad. It was fresh, cool and delicious and perfect for a very warm Tuscan day. 

Ever since I have planned to replicate that salad at home. Procrastination seems to have been involved as more than two years later the salad has not appeared. Until today. A very warm day in FRENCH CREEK. 

The salad includes Belgiun Endive, Fresh Bartlett Pears, Fresh Burrata Cheese, chopped walnuts and a vinaigrette dressing. 

It turned out very well and was probably as good as the one in Florence. Perfect for a warm day. We enjoyed it on Sheila’s patio overlooking the 13th fairway at Morningstar. We paired it with an inexpensive French Rose which is quite delicious. 

Thinking of a cool salad. Try this. 

Just saying…

While in Nanaimo the other day for an appointment we developed a bit of hunger as it was 1 pm. We were  close so we popped over to Smoking George’s BBQ on Mostar. Had not been there for several years so was happy to find it still open. 

This joint specialized in low and slow Texas style BBQ including Brisket, Pork, Ribs and Chicken. It is a really casual place. You order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. 

The place was spotless and the service prompt. We opted for Brisket, mine in a bun. Sheila’s without. And it was good. Maybe not as good  as the famous Franklin’s in Austin, bit still pretty good. The Cole slaw was fresh and tasty with a vinegary dressing. 

BBQ can be messy with all that sauce but not to worry. Every table is equipped with a whole roll of paper towel. 

They serve beer & wine too but a limited selection. And it’s reasonable too. My Brisket on Bun was only $13. And they make their own Cornbread which looked yummy. 

Next time I will try the Pulled Pork or maybe the Smoked Chicken. 

If you are a BBQ aficionado you must try Smoking George’s. Open for lunch & dinner. 

smokingeorgesbbq.com

They sell their own BBQ sauce and Rub as well. Really delicious. 

Just saying…

Another day, another brief trip to Saltspring Island to purchase some fabric and get cushions covered at French Country Fabric Creations. Followed, of course,  by lunch in Ganges. This time we chose the TREE HOUSE RESTAURANT, a funky joint wrapped  around an old tree next door Mouat’s Hardware. 

It was kind of windy so we got a table inside. Sort of inside. There are only a few tables that really qualify as inside as there are absolutely no windows. It’s all kind of open air. The menu looked really good and the service prompt. Sheila  ordered the CHICKEN Souvlaki.  For me The Butter Poached Prawns and a Caesar Salad. The Souvlaki was wrapped in delicious Naan. Sheila loved it. The prawns were delicious and served with Naan bread on the side. I was expecting a small salad but got got  full size Caesar with bacon bits. Best restaurant Caesar salad I’ve had in a long long time.  Simply outstanding. Highly recommended. 

One more thing. It seems there are some new nuances in the English language. At least in the Saltspring Island dialect. I asked our server if I could have more coffee. Her reply…”Yeah, Totally”. What is that? Guess I’m getting old. 

TREE HOUSE RESTAURANT. If you go to Ganges it’s a good choice. https://www.treehousecafe.ca 

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. And there is live evening entertainment all summer long. https://www.treehousecafe.ca/?page_id=1810

Just saying…

About 25 years ago we were visiting Ganges on our boat and walked over to the Ganges Saturday Market.  One of the,he vendors was a lady who sold fabric imported from France. We bought some cushions for the boat. In fact we bought two and wanted a third. The lady said she had another at home and the next day her husband delivered one to us at the marina. I still have those cushions. They have  relocated from the boat, long since sold, to my patio. I still love them. 

Well, yesterday, on a day trip to Saltspring Island we stopped at FRENCH COUNTRY FABRIC CREATIONS.  It’s located a short distance from the Vesuvius Ferry dock. We found it quickly and drove down a long country drive way until we saw this absolutely charming French style home. 

The same lady was there. Darlene Lane, now 87, invited us in to look at the  fabrics she has left. She is selling out having been in the business for several decades. She told us she and her husband moved to Saltspring 40 years ago from Vancouver. They loved visiting France so brought a touch of Provence to Saltspring. They visited fabric factories in France, selected fabrics and had them shipped home. She sold fabrics, her own cushions, napkins, tablecloths, etc.  

We had a lovely visit and left with some very French napkins. Worth a stop for sure. Wishing we’d visited sooner. 

On to Ganges and the very crowded market. More a craft market than a farmers market but fun to see again. Only two stalls selling produce, others with bread, pies, vodka, cider, artwork, ceramics, lotions and potions. We did come home with croissants and an apple strudel. 

Then on to lunch. Tried to get into the Treehouse but a thirty minute wait for inside seating caused us to go to the nearby Oystercatcher. Great view here.  Excellent Clam Chowder and perfectly made Eggs Benny. A most enjoyable lunch on a rainy day. Here is the view. 

A drive out to Scott Point and later to Fulford Harbour was great. Country roads, farms, VINYARDS & interesting homes to see. 

Finally back to Vesuvius and the return ferry to Crofton. A great day. Highly recommended. By the way, someone I know already wants to revisit the Fabric Shop.what a surprise!

Just saying…