Tonight's the Night!

After deciding which restaurant I would be reviewing for my assignment I went online to read reviews which had already taken place.

Not the most encouraging.

The locals for the most part enjoy the comparative upscale environment the location offers. However those who reviewed the restaurant on Open Table also seemed to offer a large amount of grace ( too much? ) for mistakes by the servers in taking orders. Wrong things delivered to the table, or even cooked by the chef, were mentioned by more than one guest. One review written by a "professional ", in a Toronto paper, was particularly scathing, but she was comparing it to a downtown Toronto restaurant which I don't think is accurate. Although the restaurant itself projects itself as comparable to Toronto.

So how am I doing writing like a restaurant critic? I haven't even gone yet! I know I have to be critical but I can't help but struggling feeling like I am being a bit mean. I mean I'm the one who would just eat the wrong order and not say anything. I usually apologize if I ask the server for anything beyond the minimal requirements.

 Soooo.... off I go to eat! That's tonight. 6:00pm, table for one please. I had to place my reservation on Open Table as I tried twice to call to speak to a person on the phone and got an answering machine. Hmmm I didn't like that, I prefer people. :)

 BUT ....I'm trying to keep positive! I will be hopeful that this will be a good experience since I like eating out. I like trying new food. Even if they mess it up a bit, I didn't make it! That's always a treat. I am going by myself since I can't afford to take anyone with me. I will try to think objectively and not look suspicious. Then go home and put on my snobby hat and write my review.

Do you want to hear it when I am done?

Ciao!

Christine

Undercover Assignment

Well, so much for getting my textbook. That's right it didn't happen. But I did spend the evening with a very dear person so all is good. Since my instructor________ has been scanning the pages in the relevant books I can still read the sections requested.

The font is just a little small, and rather light coloured when printed off.
However with a magnifying glass and a suitable light I'll be fine.
Lots of squinting, ............ lots.
Bifocals may need to upgraded to a telescope.

I have read the requirements for my first assignment. I need to go, and eat at, and then review, a new restaurant. After this I will present my findings to the class, based on what I have learned in the course so far. Since I rather like verbal presentations and I am a capable writer this shouldn't be too difficult. I have even picked out the restaurant. I am reading and researching the relevant people who work there now, including the owner. I am also studying their website which is extensive.
   I just can't figure out how to eat there and not look like I am reviewing the place. I am not a known food critic so I won't be recognized. But I will need to make copious notes because I simply won't remember the details for later. Heck, I can barely remember my postal code!

How do I take copious notes, which I am going to need to do, without being noticed?

I'm going downtown today to get my textbook. Actually I will be there for other reasons so I thought I would pick up the book as well. I'm going to bring my two oldest daughters with me so maybe I will show them around a little. Maybe take them to the massive shopping centre in the city. My eldest should like that.
I need to get inspired to cook more deliberately these days. Dinners here are being thrown together around   4:30 and they usually involve something canned. Last night I made fish and green beans which was a step up from my usual fare these days.
I need inspiration...any ideas?

Cheers Christine

I'm sorry for my long absence oh wonderful reader! I had great intentions of taking one semester off and acquiring 2 exemptions from my program while also taking the emergency first aid course.

I did none of that.

But I do want to finish this program! So I am registered in a new course for this winter. The Art of Eating and Dining. I took the first class this past Saturday morning. ( I need to point out what an incredible sacrifice this for me to give up my Saturday morning for 4 months)
I try not to think about it.
I tried not to think about it as I stood in the dark, in minus 1 million degree weather, while it was snowing, waiting for my bus at 7:15 AM.
My body does not register life until at least 9:00 AM.

But when I got on the bus, it was so warm and comfy. I almost forgave the school for scheduling my class at a sub-human time on Saturday.
I listened to classical music on my new iTouch (yes I am spoiled) and watched the sun come up as I settled into my nice, warm, soft seat.
Sunrises are beautiful.
I'm beginning to see the point of mornings......but don't tell anyone.

My class was actually the second class in the course since I was away for the first. I found out that I will have my first writing assignment and quiz due in two weeks.
No pressure, guess I'm hitting the ground running.
I don't have the text book yet. Haven't downloaded the notes yet...... kinda struggling to get up to speed.

January sleepies have got me, I just want to hibernate and plant seeds for my garden.

Probably get the textbook tomorrow.