Hi Everyone!

I wanted to offer up my thanks and gratitude to everyone that participated and worked toward the benefit yard sale for our friend Mel Canete this Saturday 6/14.

Thank you to everyone who participated and donated their time, items and money to make this a wonderful benefit and raffle! The sale made over $500! This money will go directly and fully to the Mel Canete Medical Fund at Bank of America.

Many thanks to Alla, who not only helped with the sale but also organized and put together a satisfying Cookie and Lemonade stand to refresh the shoppers. The stand was efficiently manned by her boys Kostja, Daniel and Jason, who also donated their Saturday to this cause.

Many thanks to Susan Powell for holding the Pancake Breakfast for Mel, last weekend at Pilaf! I'm sure it went smashingly. Let's do it again soon sometime. This time I'll bring my spatula for flipping!

Untold thanks to Gayle who offered her driveway and garage in which to hold the sale. And the time and energy to put it all together! We couldn't have done it without you and your generosity of heart!

My gratitude goes out to the generous folks that offered the gift certificates for the raffle prizes. The raffle was a complete success, and we have the winners! All the winners have been contacted and prizes have been claimed.

1: Sonja Ackerman.  - won the $50 gift Certificate to The Phoenix Day Spa & Salon

2: Lisa Hughes. - won a $30 gift certificate to Beasy's on the Creek

3: Leah A. - won a $30 gift certificate to Beasy's on the Creek

4: Jenni Egan - won $15 in Movie Money from Coming Attractions Theaters

Congratulations to the winners and a huge Thank You to all who supported the raffle!

As you all may know Mel is battling two kinds of vicious cancer Breast and Ovarian. She's staying with her sister here in town and regularly visiting her oncologist in Medford. Mel sounds good the last time I talked with her...everytime I ask her how she is..I get back "I'm fine, how are you?"...ummm...I know the woman could have a shark gnawing on her ankle and I'd still get the same chipper response. But she really does sound good. She's had positive feedback from her oncologist that says some of the tumors are shrinking, and she's continuing to gain weight ..(which for her is a good thing! :-) She also had the proud privelege to witness her son Thomas graduate from Ashland High School last Friday.

I'd also like to acknowledge and thank Jessica, Rosemary, Sue, Sigrid, Beth, Victoriana and many more who contacted me with concern and caring in their hearts for Mel and her family. We are an amazing community with the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of those who live here. We all support each other, and THAT's what makes this a wonderful place to live, in spite of all our differences, past tragedies and disagreements.

Best regards,

Jody Lydick

Tags: Cancer Benefit Ashland

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An Evening to Remember at Kobe Restaurant

For over a year now…. I’ve been waiting, watching and drooling; yearning to go to Kobe for dinner and revel in all things sake, sushi and sumptuous. Being married to Japanese American, having rather adventurous tastebuds, and a yen for the cuisine doesn’t hurt matters either. Billy Harto, Ashland Restaurateur, owner of Thai Pepper and founder of Bambu decided to bring modern Japanese cuisine to Ashland last summer, and has filled a very needed gap in the Ashland restaurant scene with Kobe.

So, for our 11 year anniversary Frank decides my pitiful bleating is enough already, and we go out for an honest REAL date night..his treat! I’m so excited…and hungry!

Kobe is located in the new building across from Creekside Pizza Bistro, under the Lithia Way overpass. The easiest way to get there is to take B street all the way down til it intersects with Water St. and park in the parking lot next to the pub or along the street.  Of course, the heavens decide to open up about half an hour before dinner, (just like our wedding day..so oddly enough it’s rather appropriate) so we’re drenched and my hair is nicely frizzy as we walk toward our destination.

As you walk through the fenced bamboo gateway that separates the public walkway from the patio, the secluded dimly lit, sparkling jewel of a restaurant awaits. The best way to describe the décor is “Japanese Supper Club”. Modern chairs and tables in dark walnut finish and rich red and olive fabric upholstery on the banquette bench along the back wall, give the atmosphere a substantial solid presence that doesn’t fight with Asian accents. The lighting is perfectly aimed toward the tables, while remaining dim elsewhere to preserve the ambiance. Soft Jazz is playing, and we are immediately shown an intimate table in the corner with a view to Ashland Creek and the deck (drenched of course now by the mini-hurricane playing itself out, outside).

The menu is packed with mouthwatering choices that typify the modern Japanese fusion cuisine that’s become so popular over the last several years. While we’re pouring over the menu, the extensive sake and wine list, and the drink card, our server Helena, brings us a dish of Edamame (steamed soybeans still in the pod) sprinkled with flakes of sea-salt. A perfect little bite that is so much more appealing than the traditional bread and butter served at American steak houses.

Since this is a once a year splurge, we decide price really isn’t the point of the evening and therefore pay absolutely no attention to those silly numbers at the side of the menu options. Based on this “carpe dinner” (I mean diem) attitude we choose the courses for the evening.

I order green tea and Frank orders a carafe of sake for us to toast with. As an appetizer we order two sushi rolls. I got to choose the rolls for us..WOW! (Trust me that’s a big step for a Japanese man to trust his “country girl” very un-Japanese wife to pick the sushi for the evening.) I ordered the Salmon Tempura roll and the Miso Eggplant roll.

Each course as it arrived was my new favorite. The Miso soup was rich, savory and steaming hot. Traditionally sipped straight from the bowl, this broth warmed us up with hints of flavorful bonito, seaweed and tofu. But I really believe that the sushi this evening is one of the best examples of sushi I’ve had. Over the last 11 years, I’ve had a fair amount of sushi as well. In Niagara Falls Canada, Salt Lake City, Cleveland, Portland, Medford and Ashland I’ve sampled many examples of sushi….All had their charms, but this sushi ranks right up there with Frank’s moms! And that is a rare compliment, as she lived most of her life in Tokyo, is a veteran sushi maker and wonderful teacher of all things culinarily Japanese. The tempura roll has asparagus, cream cheese and fresh salmon, rolled in nori, dipped in Tempura batter and flash fried. Warm, crispy, and savory, this roll sang with the addition of wasabi and pickled ginger.  The Miso Eggplant roll was a new one for me…and it was fantastic! Miso marinated strips of eggplant rolled with avocado and nori surrounded by seasoned rice and sesame seeds. Wow!

Frank, true to his carnivorous tendencies, chose the Kobe Beef filet mignon with Korean BBQ sauce. My choice is the sesame encrusted Ahi Tuna with a citrus cream sauce. The entrees arrive by the ever charming Helena, who sets them down in front of us as mini-works of art. The white modern style platters are decorated with fresh orchids, curls of bright carrot and radish sprouts. All of which are edible and beautiful. (However by the end of the evening one orchid took up residence in my hair). Each of our entrees is served with bright green steamed bokchoy, which is the perfect complement to the meal.

The entrée portions aren't huge, but with the previous courses, we’re far from starving. The presentation and flavor more than make up for that. Savoring each bite, the tuna melts in my mouth. I hear little “mooing” noises from Frank, so I know that he’s enjoying the beef as well.  We offer up the traditional “Kampai” toast with our small cups of Sake and settle in for a nice evening.

After the Entrees, our dishes are quickly cleared and since we ARE splurging we order the obligatory green tea ice cream as dessert. The silky tea flavored ice cream is subtle, sweet and cold. Perfect!

This meal is one I will remember for a long time. Frank is a true believer now and says we’ll be back soon! Since it’s a special night, the ticket doesn’t bother us. Dinner was $140 including tax and tip, but OH so worth it!  We give Kobe a full 4 thumbs up!!

So here’s to another 11 years together, and tasty new adventures all along the way. Thanks Kobe for a perfect date night!

Tags: Japanese Cuisine Restaurants

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Tags: Cancer Benefit Pancakes Breakfast

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Tags: Cancer Benefit Yard Sale

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I posted a blog a while back about my friend Mel readitnow and how she's battling cancer as a single mom living in Ashland with no job and no medical insurance.

Mel is a fighter but she's struggling. I also posted the same letter to the Daily Tidings and now the Sneak Preview. Since I've shared her struggles I've received letters and notices of donation from a small core of people who are dedicated to making a difference. I'd love to be able to share her need with more folks so as a community we can rally around and support one of our own who so desperately needs our help.

Some of these individuals know Mel, others don't and just wish to help another human in need. These people have been a godsend to my friend, and have given me renewed faith in the human spirit.

The latest update on her condition is that she's fighting not only one type of cancer but two (Breast and Ovarian) and that it has possibly metastisized to the bone. Fortunately she has been referred to a local Medford oncologist that is treating her with chemo down here, so she doesn't have to travel back and forth to Portland.

Another snag is during all of this debilitating illness and pain, she's also trying to apply for Socal Security disability, because she's unable to work. Of course she's not being approved right away and the application procedure is tedious and unending. I've encouraged her not to give up, and keep applying with hopefully better results.

Her sister Macy is her biggest support during this trial, and is really stretching herself thin to work 2 jobs, cater, look after her own son and now be there for Mel.

Any donations to the Mel Canete Medical Fund are gratefully accepted and will be used carefully to help Mel pay living and medical expenses. If you are interested in helping, please either e-mail me at jodytoons@gmail.com or contact Bank of America here at the Ashland branch.

Also...Later in June several of us will be coordinating a benefit yard sale here in Ashland with all proceeds of the sale going to the Medical Fund. If any of you are interested in participatiing, or donating items for the sale, please let me know and I'll keep in touch with you as time gets closer.

Thank you all for your care and concern for my friend,

She has told me frequently how grateful she is for all of our help and support, and that now she knows that there are truly Angels in this world!

Sincerely,

Jody

Tags: Outreach Cancer Medical Fund

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I was so excited on Thursday my friend Siggy called me to invite me Chozu Bath and Tea house...she had a gift certificate and wanted to use it, and was so thoughtful as to invite me to go with her as she knew I'd been wanting to go there for months!!

I got off the phone and immediately announced to my coworkers that I loved my friends..and Especially my friends with Gift Certificates. I was so excited, YAY! I have been looking forward to Sunday morning all weekend. I've been wanting to go to Chozu ever since it opened, and I was so happy I was finally getting to go.

Siggy shows up, we're all dressed and ready for a nice relaxing morning of tea and conversation and we make it over to Chozu at 11am. She had called previously to make sure they were open Sunday morning and available. She was assured that yes they open at 11am and the tea house would be able to serve.

We walk in the unlocked door at 11:05. Let me preface what I'm about to say with the following: The interior of Chozu is breathtaking, the space is tranquil, the ponds and baths are beautiful, and the atmosphere is perfect..unfortunately it was ruined in the space of five minutes.

When we first entered the building there wasn't anyone around, music was playing and the door was open, so we wander through open doorway to interior courtyard and look around briefly before going to the desk to wait for help.

My friend sees someone in the other room and says hi. The woman stares at us unsmiling...and waits for us to continue! "What? my 'bad customer service' pet peeve is rearing it's ugly head!"  No response from Miss employee... my friend continues. "Hi, we'd like to have tea this morning." This finally elicits a response in the form of.....

"I won't be ready for tea for about an hour! we're really not open yet." That's exactly how she said it too.  My friend and I stare at each other open mouthed.. I say WOW!...

My friend tries again. " Oh, I see..well how about any of the small dishes..are they available?" Miss Employee replies... "I'm out of almost everything.. Sunday really isn't a good day for tea, since I'm the one employee here...the process takes a long time, but if you want, I can put some water on the stove top and make something for you"

Well at least that was a small effort on her part. My friend and I stand there and blink for awhile..totally taken aback by the utter disregard, and cold, unfeeling nature of this person who obviously doesn't want us there! Seriously! I felt like I had just walked into the girls bathroom in High-school While a clique of popular girls just clammed up after obviously talking about something juicy. We were intruders in her space! I was flabbergasted. This kind of thing doesn't happen in Ashland...all the customer service reps are friendly and smiling, helpful and happy to see you. Even those places that aren't fully ready for business at opening time, at least seat you, and try to please you with what they CAN offer, instead of insinuating that the customer is infringing on them by showing up at the time they SAY they're open. I know people have bad days...and there is usually an explanation for why a hostess or a waitress, or an attendant isn't as attentive as they should be....but for pity's sake...please make an effort.

Rule #1: If you say you're open for business at a certain time.... BE OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS at that time! Don't make the customers guess at when you'll be ready to help them. We would have been happy to be there at noon..if that's what their hours would have indicated.

My friend tries again with...well can you check to see how much my gift card is for? She then seems to possibly get the point that we're not that happy with her attitude. She goes and checks the gift card which is for $25. I ask her if this is her establishment...and she says no. I reply with "I see."  She must have then inferred that we were none too pleased with her, because as we walk out the door...she says..."sorry I couldn't help you."

My friend was fuming..she owns a business in Ashland and has built her reputation and success on GOOD customer service. I've been in the customer service field for years..and I KNOW how people should be treated (from both sides of the counter). I've always strived to be a pleasant, easy customer because I know how difficult it is to please "difficult" customers. I'm not a difficult person, neither is my friend..but we refuse to be treated like we're not welcome in an establishment where we CHOOSE to spend our money.

I hope Chozu doesn't always have this kind of review...in fact I'd like to give it one more shot in hope I can write something positive here! Maybe I'll try again...just not on a Sunday! Whooo-wee.. I can honestly say, I've never been treated worse as a customer. (Except by AOL...but who hasn't had at least one war with them)

On a positive note....We were saved by the grace and ease with which we were warmly welcomed at Dragonfly. The tea was exquisite, the service vastly (vastly, VASTLY) improved! My friend and I spent a lovely hour talking and sharing a very tasty Nuevo Roll-up. It's too complex for words..other than to say...Peanut Sauce, Cilantro and rice noodles rock!

Thank you Dragonfly for saving what otherwise would have been a very sad Sunday indeed.

Tags: Tea Chozu Dragonfly

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Dear Ashland,

A good friend was recently diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer. She’s always been the type of person to put others in front of herself and in so doing has totally put her own health on the back burner. Recently there have been stress factors beyond her control that have adversely affected her life, job and health. Her name is Mel Canete, she’s 44 years old and is the mother of 3 upstanding young people raised right here in town.

Mel came to Ashland in 1992 as a single mother. She was one of the victims of Hurricane Iniki that hit Hawaii and forced many local residents to flee their homes. Mel has devoted her working life to Ashland in so many, many ways. Her calm steadfast demeanor has soothed many of us, as she consistently and continuously provided great customer service in a number of Ashland companies.

Did you ever order a Big Mac at the Ashland McDonalds?
Did you ever make a Wendy’s Run?
Did you ever place a Classified Ad at the Daily Tidings between 1998-2004?
Did you ever make a copy, or buy a pen at Lithia Stationers or The Main Source?

 If you say yes to any of these things above….the chances are pretty good that Mel took your order, answered your phone call or rang up your purchase. She’s one of the unsung heroes of Ashland, the person behind the counter, the person on the other end of the telephone or headset, the person with the unflappable pleasant mood in the face of our insistence for “extra ketchup & pickle on the side plz.”  She’s the one dedicated to customer service and to making sure we get what we ask for if it’s at all possible.

Please Ashland, I’m asking for her help now! Mel is one of us who lost her job when The Main Source and Lithia Stationers closed their doors forever. She also wasn’t paid her entire wage while she WAS working, but was too stubborn to quit. She insisted as did most of us as employees of these businesses, that “We weren’t working for the owners, we were working for Ashland!”  She is still looking for employment and she doesn’t have any medical coverage. Because she is struggling for her life at OHSU hospital in Portland with no way to earn money, and no insurance to cover the mushrooming expenses; she could lose her apartment that she shares with her son who’s a student at RCC.

Please consider a donation to Mel and her family to help her maintain financial stability during this most challenging time of her life. She’s given so much to Ashland, please let’s support her now!

Donations can be made to Bank Of America, for the Melody  Canete Medical Fund. If you’d like to help further or have questions, please e-mail me at: jodytoons@gmail.com

Thank you VERY much,

Sincerely,
Jody E. Lydick

Tags: Cancer Support Ashland

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Spring is definitely springing out all over town and Passover season is right around the corner. While I’m not Jewish, nor do I proselytize about what I believe, I do observe Passover and The Days of Unleavened Bread. These Holy Days are a reminder to me to remember my own personal delivery from the bondage of my past, and an annual reminder to “deleaven” my life, as well as my home.

I was having a conversation with a Jewish friend, oh a couple years ago now, in which we were comparing our respective beliefs and how we each viewed Passover and the act of de-leavening our homes.  She told me of her experience with the tradition of the “seder”  the symbolic Passover night dinner and the process of cleaning her kitchen with a feather and a spoon, to sweep any crumbs away. While I appreciate tradition, I like to think of this time as a chance to really get into some serious spring cleaning.  The type of cleaning that is sweat inducing and requires at least one change of mop water and vacuum canister. Every spring I inspect my kitchen and home for all things leavened and throw them away.  As I do this annual cleaning I think of all the places leaven can hide in my life, not just my house. And how, try as I might, I can’t always find every last crumb..yet another reminder that we are never perfect without the grace of God. Leaven is an analogy of a puffed-up prideful attitude and as the season approaches it’s a good time to examine myself.

How many times pride has gotten in the way of making amends with a friend…
How many times a puffed-up attitude has hindered my marriage relationship…
How much further will humility take me rather than “I’m right!” attitude with coworkers and boss…
How has a prideful attitude affected my career?

These are things worth meditating on during the week of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. During this time I determine to ultimately spend that week NOT eating anything containing leaven, and eating  UN-leavened bread each day. This is a daily reminder for me to be ever humble, always grateful, and ultimately thankful for the bounty and blessing we are surrounded with each day.

Some of you may think this is certainly an old-fashioned or “legal” enforcement of the scriptures in Exodus, and while I may see your side, I also know that I value and cherish this physical instruction. There’s no better way to really understand something better than by DOING it, living your life that way seeing the spiritual reward come forth.

Here’s a recipe for my favorite unleavened bread, it’s chewy, nutty, slightly sweet and great with butter & honey.

5 cups flour (1/2 whole wheat)
1 cup oil (1/2 butter if desired)
4 tbsp honey
1-1/2 cups Half & Half
¼ tsp. salt

Mix dry ingredients. Melt butter if used and blend with the oil, and dairy. Stir liquid into the dry ingredients. Knead well, roll out to about 1/8” thickness on floured board. Cut into desired shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 350 til lightly brown.

Tags: Passover Unleavened Bread

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I’m a sucker for breakfast….yup…that’s me. Show me an egg and I all but swoon.

Offer me a kitchen that smells like eggs, pancakes and coffee and…and I’m a kid again. My mom is the culprit..she’s  scarred me for life. Home-made Saturday morning breakfasts like “picture pancakes”. You know the kind;  The ones that are poured in the pan to have smiley faces with blueberries for eyes and strawberries for lips. Or better yet, a “horsey” pancake, painstakingly poured on the griddle with mane, tale and legs..the whole nine yards.  Waffles, hot cereal, omelets, “egg on a raft”. She always told me breakfast was the most important meal of the day…she was right.

Normally I’m the one that makes our Saturday morning breakfasts now. Pancakes, turkey bacon, eggs (either scrambled or poached). But not this weekend, WOOHOO!  I gave my stove the morning off.  Frank and I got up bright and early Saturday morning and went up to Morning Glory for breakfast.

Walking in the periwinkle trimmed house off Siskiyou Blvd, almost spot on 8am, I couldn’t believe there were already two tables with hungry folks. They don’t open til 8:00..that means there had to be a line, ALREADY..(Okay, this shows promise) AND after only 15 minutes…Almost all the tables were full. I guess we’re the last ones in Ashland to know the secret…figures.

Our table is small and funky and the décor is bright, artistically diverse and whimsical. I loved the murals, the fresh flowers on our table, and the friendly service. Our hostess was cheerful and attentive, coming back regularly to fill Frank’s coffee(she got many points for that..he was keeping track!)

The menu looked amazing..but we were both smitten by the list of specials our server recited. There had to be at least 5 breakfast specials. Frank chose the buckwheat banana pancakes with pecans, lemon butter and real maple syrup.  I chose the salmon cakes with poached eggs smothered in an orange tarragon hollandaise sauce…yeah that’s right …orange tarragon! My taste buds didn’t know what hit them. My breakfast came with a marionberry muffin and hash browns, along  with all the rest….ooof.

The service was lightning fast, by 8:20 we had our meals and were staring jaw dropped at the portion sizes. I could only eat exactly half my breakfast and took the rest of it home for Sunday. Frank made it all the way through his 3 pancakes and eggs over easy, but wasn’t hungry again til dinner.

I have to mention this lemon butter that was served with his pancakes…talk about flavor!  It must have had tons of lemon zest mixed with it along with superfine sugar. It was sweet, lemony, buttery decadence.

Morning Glory is a rare treat. They offer good home-made gourmet breakfasts (also lunches), served fresh and fast by great servers and baristas in a quintessentially Ashland atmosphere.  It can certainly get crowded..but that shows that it must be popular. Also…at least for us, it will only be a treat once in a while, because all that great food comes at a price. With tax and tip our ticket was approximately $35.00 for two people.  It was definitely worth it though….at least my kitchen says so….and I have to agree. J

Morning Glory is open 7 days a week. 8am-2pm. We’ll definitely come back.

Tags: Breakfast Restaurants Pancakes

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Do you like violent movies?
I don’t.

I absolutely detest the whole idea of the new genre of violence in movies such as Saw, Hostel, and other horror movies so dubbed “Torture Porn” In fact such movies make me question the nature of the audiences that populate the seats of theaters nationwide, and their desire to see such horrendous stuff. It makes my knees quiver to ever contemplate that humans actually enjoy seeing that kind of treatment of other humans. I abhor the thought that some impressionable person will see this stuff and not think twice about re-creating it in real life down the road.

If I feel so strongly about this…why in the world do I like No Country for Old Men?? I really needed to study my opinion about this movie and find out why I liked it, and why I thought it was worthwhile.

No Country for Old Men won Best Picture of the Year at the 2008 Oscar Awards, and Ashland Street Cinema has re-released it on the big screen as an encore showing. I had wavered in my desire to watch it for awhile, but last Sunday my friend Jackie and I decided to risk the $7.50 and watch the movie. No Country for Old Men is also out on video now.

Based on previous reviews, the reputation of the Cohen Brothers, and the word on the street, I certainly wasn’t expecting butterflies and flowers.  However, what I saw and experienced has certainly made me think hard about my reaction, and why after it was over my immediate reaction, was “Wow! That’s a good movie!”

The violent crimes portrayed in “No Country” were utterly senseless, completely without even sympathetic inference for the main character, Chigurh, who was played flawlessly by Javier Bardem. This character was subtle and frightening in his lack of conscience and complete amorality. His whole persona was “death”, and the advance thereof was certain, steady, random and without pity.

While out hunting, Lewellyn Moss stumbles upon the remains of an old-fashioned shoot out in the desert. A drug deal gone bad, there are bodies everywhere, complete with a pickup load of heroin and a black bag full of crisp $100 bills..a lot of $100 bills. Knowing better, but deciding against his better judgement, Lewellyn swipes the cash for himself.

Sherriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones)is the law man that draws the undesirable task of tracking the assassin, Lewellyn, and the money through the blood bath that ensues across the country and down into Mexico. Sherriff Bell is a man with history and he’s troubled by it. His father and grandfather had been law men before him and had defended their territory from generations of outlaws and criminals.

While shocking in its severity and random nature, the violence portrayed in the film didn’t feel gratuitous, only grimly realistic. One of the reasons I liked “No Country” is its perceptive commentary on the nature of man, the nature of violence and the nature of greed. It showed the turning point in history (circa 1980) and the drug trade, how it affected a culture and changed forever the way police fought against the oncoming tsunami of crime and drug abuse. There was no turning back the tide of the future. “No Country” is a snapshot in time and place. Whether, in the city or in the desert, a new hard generation had taken the place of the old guard and swept away any authority the previous lawmen might have had. Making it, indeed…no country for old men.

If you’re looking for a good Triple play sometime, and enjoy this same genre, I highly recommend the following to accompany “No Country for Old Men”. Prepare yourself…you’re in for quite an afternoon.

“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada”  2005, Directed by Tommy Lee Jones, starring “himself”, Mike Norton and Dwight Yoakam

“Lonestar”  1996, Directed by Jon Sayles, starring Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Pena and Kris Kristofferson.

Tags: Movies Reviews

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Thanks to Locals Guide I was able to enjoy dinner out with my loving husband this fine evening, and I have to say it was quite the satisfactory experience.

We'd never been to Inti before, and our overall impression was favorable. Inti is located in Talent, right next door to Petals and Ink on the main street through town. It's comfortable and quaint with fast personal service, fresh homemade ingredients and obviously a favorite with the locals...(always a good sign) :-).

The decor inside the restaurant is clean, stylish and spare with a latin twist. Wrought iron sconces adorn the cream and rust walls, and a sage green floor compliments the color scheme. Outside there was a great patio, that I could tell (while not used for much in winter) would be a fantastic place for a late evening summer supper. I'm a sucker for twinkle lights and this patio was fully decorated with twinkle lights on the patio walls and fence. 

I noticed a particularly lovely framed embroidery piece above our table. A large walnut bakers rack against the back wall shelved wine glasses and goblets. I liked the fact that the main grill and prep area was in full view of the tables..I agree with the previous opinion expressed on these pages... I like to see what my food looks like while it's cooking :-).

Inti is obviously a family affair, and our young hostess/waitress was cheerful and swift to bring our complimentary fresh tortilla chips and salsa...along with vats of fresh cold water. (I wonder if that was a sign of things to come, lol). She was friendly and asked us if it was our first visit to Inti, we did indeed ensure her that yes we were the greenest of gringos and would she please explain anything that needed explaining.

Their menu is quite extensive for a small place, and their main offerings are the gourmet fresh tacos, made with handmade white corn tortilla and served with rice, black and pinto beans. For $9.00 you can choose 3 different tacos from a list of 10...(trust me it was a decision). But beforehand I had to try an intriguing soup that was on the specials board. We shared a cup of Fresh zuchini soup with coriander and cumin. It was a delicate pureed soup with an intense flavor and smooth texture. That soup was wonderful! I'm going to have to try to recreate it at home (If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery...consider them flattered).

My Frank chose the tacos; "Carne Asada", which was shredded beef marinated with mild roast pepper onions and tomatos, and then two of the "Mojo de Ajo" which was a tilapia filet quickly sauteed in roasted garlic and what they say is "mild" chipotle sauce. Well if that was mild...the hot must be straight out of vesuvius...because Frank said he couldn't feel his lips for 1/2 an hour. (Not that he was complaining however...all trace of tacos were missing from the plate.)

I chose three different tacos as well, the "Chupacabra" which was braised lamb in a smokey chipotle sauce (surprisingly mild and not at all gamey), a "Carne Asada", and a "Pollo Asado" which was grilled chicken breast mixed with sweet onion, nopalito, cilantro and lime. All three were tasty, however I enjoyed the flavors of the chicken taco the best.

I do need to mention that we ordered a side guacamole with our tacos..(we're both avocado fiends) and you know it's going to be good when the waitress comes back to say.."it will be just a moment..because she's MAKING the guac fresh..just for us" Packed with cilantro, lime and garlic, this guacamole has the potential to be just about the finest I've ever tasted...and I include my own attempts in that ranking.

Finally and only for scientific purposes, we HAD to have dessert. Looking at each other guiltily, we both said, let's share the Banana Quesadilla. A few moments later a plate comes out with warm slices of grilled tortilla drizzled with caramel sauce, laced with banana and topped with dots of reddi-whip. The inside of the quesadilla was filled with a warm sweet cream cheese spread that was...oh so decadent and yummy. At $3.00 it was a bargain.(At least monetarily, calorically it was a complete disaster!)

Both my husband and I were quite pleased with our experience at Inti. It's not high cuisine..but most of the time regular folks don't want that. Inti's is good family style home cooking, in a clean, friendly environment. Our only suggestion would be to introduce some music to the ambiance. If only to help drown out the two screaming children a few tables away.

Note to parents: If you want to ruin a nice evening for just about everyone in a room, bring your fussy 2 year olds to any restaurant, and don't restrain them at all when they're trying to break the glass on my table solely by 3 minute long, ear-drum splitting screeches. All of us including the staff were squinting in pain.

Tags: Restaurants Tacos Mexican Food

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Wow, Just wow......

One of my best friends Jackie, invited me to go see the Ashland High School's production of Beauty and the Beast, and oh what a show!

Let me just say, I haven't wanted to, or even entertained the notion of attending a high school production since I was in high school, ahem, "several" years ago.  Also...I'm not related to nor do I know any of the students in the production. My friend and I were enchanted with the story and had seen the press photos in the papers, and thought we'd like to support the students and spend our Sunday afternoon watching what we thought would be an entertaining, "cute" show of emerging thespians practice their craft. "Practice" being the operative word.

Well I had my proverbial socks blown off.... One of two things have happened in the last 15 years, either high school productions have gotten quite a bit better than when I went to school, or Ashland has a unique and amazing group of students and staff that take their theater very seriously. (And when I say that I mean they don't miss a thing!)  I have a tendency to believe it's a combination of both.

When we walked in and chose our seating a half hour before the show, I was first blown away by the size, and stature of the Mountain Street Theater. What a professional and perfect venue. The next thing I was surprised by was the REAL orchestra, practicing in the REAL pit beneath the stage.  Holy Cow! The student orchestra was going to play all the music live??!! Granted, it was a student orchestra, not the Boston Philharmonic....but still, two and half hours of music perfectly timed to the actors on stage is no mean accomplishment. My thanks and thunderous applause to the invisible young folks of the Ashland High School orchestra. The Live music absolutely made the show!...well, besides the fabulous, magical sets, the great acting, the imaginative and colorful costumes, superb singing and over all WOW factor....but I digress.

This production was the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast, complete with enchanted cutlery, candlesticks and Alan Menken's memorable songs. Director Bruce Hostetler should be highly commended for directing and bringing Ashland such a great show. A few of the cast members stood out, and I acknowledge them below, my apologies for those I don't mention. You were ALL fabulous!

Ari Susu-Mago was an amazing Belle with a clear beautiful voice, amazing presence, and was a graceful actor and dancer. Jeffrey Star was wonderful as the troubled, tortured beast.
Thomas Wood took the gloating, insufferable Gaston to the limit with humor and wit.
Josh Houghton as Lefou (Gaston's sidekick) get's my vote for best supporting actor though. He was absolutely hilarious, and had the audience eating out of his hand most of the show. Abigail Dock as Mrs. Potts was perfectly cast as the mothering teapot with a beautiful voice.

and finally "The Silly Girls".....Gaston's simpering entourage was perfect in every sense. They epitomized a group of squealing silly high-school girls screaming for their favorite star....oh wait...they were high school girls....and the squealing although ear splitting in volume didn't seem forced. Hmmmmm.

Ari's voice gave me goosebumps on my goosebumps. Her clear, simple sweet renditions of the songs were perfectly done, she was always on time, on key and showed grace and presence beyond her years. I can imagine her going on to fame and fortune in her life after high-school. Congratulations Ari on a great performance!

As the story progressed, so did the set. The set was a-may-zing! Complete with a smoke machine for the spooky wolf-infested woods, a pink glittery enchanted castle, complete with hidden library, and matte painting backgrounds as good as any professional production.  The costumes also have to be mentioned. These outfits (especially the enchanted household items) were spectacular. I particularly remember Mme. de la Grand Bouche's drawers..(now don't go there...she was a dresser for crying out loud..tsk, tsk.) The lighting and effects were great as well. Always perfectly timed, perfectly done and always setting the mood.

There were several great big chorus productions in the show and my favorite (of course) was "Be our Guest" I think it involved the whole cast and was a complete success of choreography, costume and voice.  There was even a Radio City Music Hall style dance line. WOW! The whole audience thundered their applause and it was well deserved.

One of the main ways to tell if a theater production can hold the audience...is if you stuff the seats full of patrons between the ages of ..oh...approximately 4-8 years old. Once you have probably over 100 such audience members in the room, andthey can stay fully interested and engaged for two plus hours. (without kicking the seats behind us, without some sort of outbreak, potty break, or snack break)  I say, INDEED you have won the hearts of everyone who has seen the show. So, I can say with full assurance that the Ashland High School production of Beauty and the Beast not only had these two (not quite over the hill) gals but the entire room whooping and cheering and on our feet in a standing ovation of a great, great show!

In other words...go see it. Please. You won't regret it.
The show is playing again March 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. Our tickets were $15/each and worth every red cent.

On the down side...I'll be humming the songs now for the next month....thanks guys!!
mm..mmmhmmm...be our guest. be our guest....mmh.hhmm.m.m.....

Tags: AHS Plays Musical

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