There is a lot of open road on our road trip to Colorado.  And, at the end of a dusty road we found a fun pit stop.

Poncho’s at Pastimes it’s called in the small town of Keensburg.

We drove in looking for a gas station…

and then we found Pastimes and the friendly woman who owns Pastimes behind the counter.

She was a little skittish at first, what with me pointing the camera at her, asking about family recipes and taking pictures of her ah-may-zing!!! strawberry shortcake cake.  A bunch of elderly locals at a near by table tried not to be distracted by my out-of-town-ness.

Truth is eventually after I stopped wielding my camera in her face she eventually agreed to share the recipe

for her delightful whipped deliciously piled with cream cake.

Except that I forgot her name and lost her contact information.  That was last summer.

But, I know where she is.  And, I’m hoping to stop back.  Cross your fingers that we’ll get the recipe to share with you!

There is nothing like a favorite pit stop on a road trip!

We love Pastimes on the road in Colorado ~ Kristin and her family like to make pit stops where they can plug in and pull a shot.  Where do you like to make a road trip pit stop?

Until two weeks ago, I had two ways of choosing the appliance that was right for our home.  The first (and most important in my book) was the look of the appliance.  Was it aesthetically pleasing and would it match the mood of the room along with the other appliances?

The second factor for me in choosing an appliance was the price.  My contractor husband is always on the look out for “out of the box” deals at our local Home Depot and Lowes. We were told not too long ago by an appliance repair man that the life span of today’s appliances is five years.  He said, “In my opinion, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on an appliance, it will last about five years.”  To be perfectly honest, that has been our experience to a tee.  In fact, one of the things that bothers me the most about appliances that need repair work after five years is that,  it is cheaper to buy a new appliance than it is to repair the old.  Recently our dishwasher went up and I was just sick about what we were doing to our landfills.  Where do all the broken ones go?  Because my husband is in the business, we donated it to a friend who repairs appliances.  He’ll use the parts.

When GE invited Chris Ann and I down to Louisville, Kentucky to visit them at the GE Monogram Experience Center, I came armed with some of these concerns and questions.  GE not only addressed them, but gave us such a wonderful, “appliance-educational” experience, I left there a better and more discerning consumer.

From the moment we arrived, GE Appliances rolled out the red carpet and ushered us into a world full of modern day solutions.  We spent about two hours in each appliance’s home.  The range, the refrigerator, the dishwasher and the washer and dryer each had their own showroom equipped with experts ready to share and listen.

They wanted to hear from us, moms.  After all, we are the ones who know the purring sound each of our appliances makes and are the first to hone in on a problem.  We stock our refrigerators, make our meals, clean our dishes and do endless loads of laundry.  I think between Chris Ann and I we do about 20 loads (if not more) a week!

When we met with the experts, they had questions for us.  What would help make entertaining easier?  What features do you like in your dishwasher?  They even wanted to know our laundry confessional.

With each concern, they pointed to the appliance or feature that would take care of that.  For example, one of the main concerns of the “soccer moms” in attendance, was the need for a speedy meal.  Aside from installing an oven in our mini vans, how can we prepare a meal quickly for our families?  They introduced us to the Advantium Oven.

Have you ever heard of it?  Neither had we.  It can cook a 5 lb. chicken in as little as 33 minutes. It’s like a convection oven, meets microwave on steroids.  Seriously, it takes a lot to impress these mamas of 9, but we were impressed.

GE’s appliances are loaded with feature after feature to help make our lives easier.  They have a washer and dryer where you can digitally enter in “grass stain” or “sweat stains” and the washer will do what it needs to to get the job done.

One of the demonstrations I appreciated the most was the GE induction range.

I’ve seen them on TV.  The chef puts the magnetic pot on the burner and within minutes the water is boiling.  By the time the pot comes off the burner, the chef can touch the surface and not burn himself.  Clean up on these babies is a breeze as well.

When the tables were turned and they asked us to share some of our concerns, I asked about the longevity of appliances today.  They seemed shocked that word on the street is appliances have a “five year life”.  Now, they couldn’t give me a definitive answer on how long their appliances last.  They did say that all their appliances come with a 1 year warranty.  I have to say, it wasn’t exactly the answer I was looking for.  But, to address recycling questions, they are working hand in hand with Home Depot and Lowes to recycle the old appliances…and even old light bulbs! I’d say that’s progress.

They surprised us with the opportunity to a GE Range in the Monogram Experience Center’s professional kitchen with chefs Joe Castro and Brian Logsdon.

We had a blast preparing this breaded chicken dish.  It was beautiful and delish!

There are so many things to think about when it comes to choosing an appliance for your home.  Most of the bloggers in attendance realized we didn’t even know what questions to ask.

The GE team lives, breathes and studies all aspects of the appliance, from a producers view point.  We live, breath and use our appliances as consumers.  I think putting the two “experts” together, gave us both a new way of looking at how our appliance can serve us.  I walked away much more knowledgeable about what questions to ask when choosing our next appliance.  For sure, I will go with my husband and not let him settle for the “out of the box” cheaper model.  Having interacted with the GE appliances, especially the GE Monogram line, they feel sturdier, better designed and well thought out…not to mention, there were plenty that fit my “aesthetically pleasing” standard.

*We were invited to Louisville, Kentucky by GE Appliances for the GE Momsperience weekend.  All of our expenses were paid by GE.  But, there was no requirement for us to write this post, review or any recap.  We wanted to share with you our personal experience.  The opinions are all our own.

That’s were you can find me ~ under the umbrella over to the left on that bank of lounge chairs.  It’s one of my favorite spots in the world.

Poolside at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel is one of my favorite places to rest and relax.  It seems to be the only place where I can get a book read or be caught red handed with my own plate of wings.

One theory for it’s high ranking in my places of zen, might be due to the architect who designed this place or the relaxed and intimate yet luxurious vibe.  Another theory is, I’m usually san kids and my husband is in business meeting.  So, it’s just me, the sun, a good book and time.

Sometimes I change locations to be closer to the music and the action ~ the action being the waterfall off the pool slide.

The rooms are lovely.

And, last time this delicious box of chocolates was given to me ~ best chocolates ever ~ happiness in a box.

I’m going to be having this for breakfast at least one morning.

This salad is definitely something to look forward to.  It is a bowl full of health ~ so delish and satisfying.

Even though I was dining alone, I didn’t hardly mind or notice.  (Picture by my waiter at Frank & Alberts.)

Which I really kind of wasn’t, because the staff at Frank & Alberts is so personable and attentive.

Another reason I didn’t feel alone ~ I as twittering the whole meal.  When you’re dining alone, you tend to turn to your twitter peeps.

Yes, I’m looking forward to a little R & R and wonderful poolside refreshment.  If you need me ~ I’m only a tweet away!

Do you have a spot that you really like to unwind at?  A favorite hotel, restaurant, coffee shop or place to visit?  What is your favorite getaway?  We’d love to hear your get-away ideas!

While we were in Mexico we had some great food.  Some friends told us about an amazing Italian restaurant a couple of blocks off the main shopping street in Playa Del Carmen.  So, one evening we took a cab from our hotel into Playa.

First, we walked the main street.  We enjoyed the lights, shopping and street performers.  We tried on hats everywhere we went.

Eventually we walked to our restaurant, Il Pescatore.  The minute we walked in, I felt transported back to Italy.

We were welcomed, kissed and greeted as if we had met before by the proprietress who took our orders and told us exactly what we wanted.

We hadn’t ordered the suggested homemade linguine in a truffled cream sauce but, but she brought it to us anyway.  “You try it, you’ll love it!” she said.

The colors here in the picture, don’t contrast in a way to explain to you how colorful the flavors of this dish.  But, let me tell you, it was heavenly, heavenly!  The fish in a lemon wine sauce was sublime.  The linguine in truffles, like I said, heaven.

Oh, but I digress…we began with one of my favorite Italian starters.

And, guess who we coincidentally bumped into?  Our friend that suggested Il Pescatore and her table of friends.  There is nothing more Italian than a table of friends sharing a table of good food.

Like a lot of hidden treasures, you have to step inside and taste to know.  If you are ever in Cancun or Playa Del Carmen it would be more than worth the cab ride to visit this Italian gem.  I can’t wait to go back!

Da Ileana Il Pescatore, Itallian restaurant in Playa Del Carmen,( Av. 10 Norte N. 308 Esq. Calle 24)

The day after Valentine’s Day, my husband and I drove into Minneapolis for an evening out at one of our favorite restaurants ~Heidi’s~ reopened in a new location after a devastating fire.  It was a restaurant we brought Kristin and Devon to when they visited.  The food, the atmosphere and the company created a memory at the table not to be forgotten.  We had great memories from the previous Heidi’s.  This was the first time we had been to the “new” Heidi’s.  And, we thought it would be a great way to celebrate.

After valet parking we entered the red door on the side which opened to a stylish bar with a view into the open kitchen.  We were kindly greeted by the hosts and our coats taken.  We were early so we ordered cocktails at the bar and took in the warm and modern environment.

Our cocktails were delish and excellently made.  While we chatted we looked over chef, Stewart Woodman’s new cookbook, Shefzilla.  It looks to be a great way to pull off some do-able gourmet cooking out of an everyday home kitchen.  I’m thinking a Father’s Day gift for my cooking husband, shhh!  Don’t say anything.

Adjacent to the bar is the glassed in kitchen, where you can see the servers, cooks and chef Stewart working and preparing plates.

What a great entrance, modern, warm, friendly, hospitable and entertaining.  But, then we saw the dining room complete with branch sculpture, graffiti wall and funky coral chandeliers.  Gorgeous!

After we ordered I slipped out to introduce myself to Heidi and congratulate them on the opening.  She was warm and gracious and led me into the kitchen to meet Chef Stewart.  I love the photo I captured of them leaning over the kitchen counter.  I think it captures the love of a companionship that has created and re-created their love of food and hospitality.

The starters~ Shrimp Spring Roll with grilled shrimp with cilantro “pesto” (not pictured), Scallop & Ranch Salad, with truffled green peppercorn creme fresh dressing.

Foie Gras two ways.

The New Barramundi ~ Sauteed Barramundi and Maine lobster sauce over pickled eggplant and Moroccan black olives.

Seared Duck Breast ~ Duck breast and coffee pecan pancake, scallion foam and lingonberry sauce.

Dessert ~ Sweet Potato Beignets with bourbon rice pudding & Nitro Chocolate Mousse with roasted marshmallow, peanut butter bliss and honey.

Sometimes life draws you some unexpected, unlucky numbers and some challenging whys.  But, if you believe in something,  if you truly love something…you can resurrect dry bones from even the ashes.  The “new” Heidi’s “re-imagined”  is an artistic visual and flavorful celebration of ~

Celebrating what you love.

Heidi’s ~A place to experience a joyous and stylishly delicious table of food.

This past September, 2010 LoveFeast Table took a vacation to Mexico and stayed at the lovely Azul Sensatori.  This is a video overview of our experience!

*We stayed at Azul Sensatori as sponsored guests of the hotel.

Last September, we had a vacation at the hotel, Azul Sensatori, by Karisma.  We went as couples, leaving our 9 kids at home.  It was a great break after the craziness of the back-to-school rush.

The lush grounds of Azul Sensatori and the beach butlers were a welcome sight.

Our Premium Jacuzzi Suite rooms were spacious and modern with a lovely view of the ocean.

Had we brought our 9 kids along (next time!) they would have loved the spaces created just for them.  Azul Sensatori has partnered with Fisher Price and My Gym and has made a fun place for kids to play with Fisher Price toys and tumble around.  In the kids’ club there are also boat beds for napping, a smoothie snack bar, beanbags and a movie amphitheater.  As well as a pool designed with kids in mind.

The teens are not forgotten!  There is a club just for them packed with big screens and video games.

The Family Jacuzzi Suites are specially situated with kids in mind.  They are stocked with changing tables, cribs, strollers, monitors, as well as a selection of Fisher Price toys.

Azul Sesatori is a gourmet all-inclusive hotel and the food did not disappoint.  The food and restaurants are sophisticated and the food delicious.  All the restaurants (with the exquisite Le Chique an exception) are open to families and children with highchairs and toys available.

There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy with inside and outside dining options as well as a beach side BBQ.

Adults can enjoy an exclusive multi-course dinner at the beautiful Le Chique and savor a meal and an experience they will not forget.

We highly recommend this amazing and memorable restaurant.  We were amazed at the courses we savored.  The gourmet food fooled the eye and excited the taste buds.

The beach is clean and there are plenty of beach beds and huts.

Relaxing poolside is a fabulous way to spend the day.

The beach butlers are just a step away ready to bring you a refreshing drink.

The Mojitos bar offers 31 different types of mojitos with lots of open seating and relaxing views.

We enjoyed long walks on the beach and tiki torch lit beach-side massages.

We are looking forward to the next time we vacation at the Azul Sensatori and would highly recommend this beautiful hotel for a wedding, honeymooners, families and couples.  With sincere hospitality and a strength in creating wow moments we can honestly say a vacation at Azul Sensatori will be a vacation you will treasure.

*We stayed at the Azul Sensatori as sponsored guests of the hotel.

Sometimes savoring comes in the unexpected.  Sometimes savoring comes out of the box.  You might need to open your mind to something new, put away your fears and expectations and open up to undiscovered flavors.  We did this very thing last Friday night at Le Chique at Azul Sensatori Hotel in Mexico.

Chef Jonatan Gomez Luna, who trained at El Bulli (rated for a long time as number 1 restaurant in the world!) treated us to a culinary adventure that was surprising, delightful and delicious!  The meal was full of surprises!  There were visual stunts and artistic displays.  The flavors, textures and techniques defied any culinary experience we have had!

We have savored good meals, but this was one of a kind.  It was special and we savored every moment.

We were first lead into the kitchen to see where science and art come together.

We were given a sparkling cucumber martini to begin the evening.  Cheers!

We were escorted to our table.  The meal was to include 14 courses (we counted more!)  Our first dish was Liquid Olive with Rosemary Essence and a Gazpaccho Sphere with Spicy Chilli Oil.  These exploded with flavor in our mouths!  When we asked one of the kitchen apprentices how this dish was created,  she went on to describe what happens chemically when seaweed is combined with other ingredients.  “They come together and wrap up the flavor.”  These gems were liquid inside.

Next came Fennel Volute with Smoked Eel and Brava Style Potato with Garlic Sauce.  We were quickly beginning to realize what a treat we were in for!  Each dish was uniquely displayed and told a story…and different members of the Le Chique team, came to share that story.

One of my personal favorites was next, the False Truffle and Trufe Marshmallow.

This black truffle looked to be a sweet piece of chocolate, but one bite took me on a journey through the woods of France!  Oh my!

Following France, was a Japanese treat…Fried Sushi served with a dipping cauldron of bubbles.  The levels of flavor and texture this little decorative boat embodied, are only explained by experience.  (Sorry.)

Then, to finish our “Snack” course, we were served Mini Kebab Pastor Style with Pineapple Caviars and Nacho 2010.  The Mini Kebab required our involvement. (We didn’t mind one bit!)

And the Nacho 2010 rounded out the snacks with another liquid gem, that tasted just like a plate of nachos!

The Tapas course followed.  A twig tree was placed in the center of the table with cotton…candy.  This was no ordinary cotton candy, this made us swoon.  For inside was…

the creamiest bite of Fois Gras with a balsamic reduction, you will ever taste…(and if you ever make it to Mexico, you must!)

“Chocolate Covered Cherries” were served in a crystal vase a top a bed of rice.  These were a sweet intermezzo.

Mexican Corn Truffle Baozi wrapped up our tapas in a warm and steamy little package.

Our courses were served with different wines starting with Prosecco.  But, this libation stood out in the evening.  We had never tasted its sweetness, let alone heard of it.  Arzimo.  Arzimo has won a place in our hearts and on our wine shelf.

Chef Jonatan introduced our next dish, Foie Creme Brule.  This brooch was studded with jewels of lychee, apple and cardamom.

Four servers came out in a line with these large bowls…one for each of us.

Then they went around with a teapot full of garlic cream and we watched the flavors swirl together.  I think someone asked if it was proper to lick the bowl clean.

This next dish was another highlight for us all and one we could tell Chef Jonatan Gomez Luna was proud of.  A shadow box with smoke rising from it, was placed in front of each of us.  In the center of the smoke was a pillow of four different types of seafood.  Chef Jonatan went on to explain they represented the four coasts of Mexico, his home.  As the dry ice dissipated, underneath the glass was the bottom of the ocean.  Culinary art.

Twenty four hour roasted Piglet with Apple, Fennel and Potato was next.  Notice the “apple marrow” which was like creamy butter…honestly, the pork was the texture of butter too.

Notice the glass globe in the forefront of this picture.  When the next dish was presented, the dome was taken off to reveal Lamb in its Chipotle Flavored Essence and Burn Corn Puree with Ember Smoke.

Euphoria had been reached at this point, only to find out The Sweet Side of Le Chique was yet to be presented.  Chef Gomez Luna brought out two different dishes and said, “Since you are foodies, I brought you a treat!”  (I’m guessing all of our curious questions, tipped him off!)

The first dish was Liquid Chocolate Coolant with Coffee Ice Cream Between Clouds…or as we would call it, “Chocolate Heaven”.

Our special dish was “End of Winter”.

Layers of chocolate and citrusy sorbet topped with slightly melted rich chocolate cream.  I felt like this dish was a taste of things to come.

The night ended with a bang!  Chef brought out the gray cooler.  He opened it and put a shriveled up red balloon in the white bowl.  The balloon expanded before our eyes.

Once it was full size, he popped it.  These frozen scoops were left for us to savor.

Culinary arts is full of surprises.  Being brave to try a new flavor, a new dish or a new restaurant, can open up new doors of possibilities!

Thank you Chef Jonatan, your crew and the staff at Le Chique*!  We were lead on a true adventure that we will savor for years to come!

Cheers!

*We were invited to be guests at Le Chique Restaurant at Karisma Hotel’s Azul Sensatori Resort in Mexico.  We were guests at their table. This is part of our journey and the reflections of this meal, are our own, in every way.

We have a confession here at LoveFeast Table.  We’re fleeing the country We need a little getaway, for a little bit anyway.  It’s not because we’re not tough.  It’s not because we can’t take it!  Seriously it has nothing to do with this being in my garage.  Or, this being in Kristin’s trash. Certainly we have found good reasons for leaving the country before that had nothing to do with needing a break from kids, the back to school rush, rodents or floods.  (A few years ago it involved a game of Poker, Sangria and a wager over which family was either moving to Baltimore or Minneapolis, which led to disputable claims of winning from either couple which then led to the compromise of going to Italy or something like that.) But, seriously though..we’re deeper than that.  Deeper than the water on Kristin’s floor at the very least.  Sure the back to school work load, or even just the laundry load (we do have 9 kids between us!) may wipe us out a little.  So, we figure there is nothing better for that then some beautiful beach and sun (Hurricanes away now!!) Yeah, we’re kinda lookin’ forward to just getting away with these guys!

So, we’re headed this week to a great little place near Cancun, in Riviera Maya.  We’re going for a little bloggin’ vaca as guests of Karisma Hotels in exchange for sharing a bit about one of their beautiful hotels, the Azul Sensatori.  The Azul Sensatori is known for its gourmet cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and amazing service.  And, beach butlers…I know beach butlers (we’re gonna wanna take them home with us I know!!)

Now this Gourmet Inclusive hotel is a number one family resort destination.  But, we’re not taking our kids!  Not on this trip, anyway.  But, we are going to check it all out so that we can all come back!!  We’re pretty sure we are going to have a good time with just our husbands, though.  We are all big believers in “date night” and getting some time alone without the kids is good from time to time.  It will be the first second time Kristin and Devon, and Todd and I have ever gone any where together (last time we went to New York)… for more than a night out with out at least one child in tow.  It’s a LoveFeast first “second” and we are so happy to get to share it with you!

During the day we are going to be able to take in the fun with all sorts of water sports and pool.  There are incredible off property historic attractions nearby, too.  But something tells me we are going to be just perfectly happy relaxing with a frosty drink.  This will be a trip worth savoring!

While Kristin was in town for our Minnesota BlogLove event we decided to take a trip to the Southdale Mall to visit and thank Rachael & Patty at Aveda for bringing wonderful hand massages to our BlogLove event.  Aveda added some gifts to our BlogLove swag bags that included a Caribbean Therapy body creme and an empty pure-fume bottle to bring in to be filled at the Aveda store at Southdale.  So, of course we brought our empty bottles with us!!

We had to choose from a tray of different scents to custom blend our perfume.  And, think about this.

We went on a “sensory journey” and smelled all sorts of little bottles with different scents.  Kristin and I both landed on #4.  #4 is a floral scents with jasmine and rose.  It’s not a big shock that we picked the same signature scent.  We’ve been known to pick the same style and color of laundry hamper from half the United States away.  We kinda get along like that.

So, while you’re playing perfume-ologist someone at Aveda will ask you if you’d like a sip of this…

It’s the lovely tea from Aveda that is a caffeine and sugar free, licorice and peppermint blend.  It’s part of what’s called a “Moment of Wellness”-which also includes this…

Now, there is something you should know about the “Moment of Wellness”.   Any guest can have one.  Even if you are not carrying an empty perfume bottle from a BlogLove swag bag!!  You can take your worn-out, shopped-out, kidd-ed out stressed-out self and have a “moment”.  For free.  For reals.

Isn’t that awesome?  We think so.

If you’re not near an Aveda store for a “Moment of Wellness”…where do you find your break in the day?