A Trip to Texas: Part II

As promised, I bring you part 2 to "A Trip to Texas". Enjoy!

A Trip to Texas

Imagine my delight when my mother asked me to come visit her in Texas for Thanksgiving. Its been 7 years since my last visit to her place, so of course I wanted to go! As a bonus, my aunt and uncle from Toronto were also visiting, so it was a family reunion of sorts.

Tommy Bahama's, The Woodlands

 

I got off the plane, realizing that I hadn't eaten anything since the morning so we ended up going to the Woodlands for some dinner at Tommy Bahama's. The restaurant sits in a beautiful town square-esque part of Market Street. I could write about the delicious Tuna poke with fresh avocado, or the southern crab cakes, the roast chicken with asian vegetables or the fish tacos, but I'll just show you the pics.

Tuna Poke with Avocado

 

 

Roast Chicken with Asian Vegetables

 

 

Fish Tacos

 

Southern Crab Cakes

Nighttime in Woodlands, TX

The next day started with my uncle waking me up at 7, asking me if I wanted to go play golf. Golf in November is a rare treat for someone that's used to putting away his clubs in October and not taking them out til mid-April. That is the life of the Canadian golfer.

Quick 9 at the Village Golf Course

An afternoon of shopping for the kids made for a full day. Of course, it was time to eat again. This time, we saw a brand new resto near the interstate beckoned us... Mama Juanita's. It was time for some TexMex.

The Customary Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Cheese Stuffed Poblano Pepper

Normally, I love stuffed poblanos, but this one suffered the wrath of good old American gluttony. An over-the-top, oversauced, over-cheesed monstrosity that would go better with a Big Gulp.

The Combo Fajita

I was pleasantly surprised after that poblano of what was to come next. I followed the owner's suggestion and ordered the combination Fajita platter. It was a platter of 4 kinds of meat: pork, steak, chicken and shrimp, served on a sizzling platter on a bed of caramelized onions accompanied by your choice of warm flour or corn tortillas. Fajitas are always dramatic, wherever you order them. They are preceeded by their telltale sizzling sound as the server approaches the anxious diner. A trail of steam and the charbroiled aroma of meat follow as this signature dish is delivered to the table. Mama Juanita's fajitas were sublime. I won't try to describe the taste. Fajitas do enough talking on their own.

The Cancer Survivors Plaza, Museum District, Houston

My last day in Texas was simple. I went to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. There were a couple exhibits in town that were worth checking out. I'm also a sucker for the giant dinosaur skeletons and shrunken heads.

Oooooh, dinosaurs...

My favorite parts of the museum were definitely the Rainforest exhibit and the Aztec artifacts. There were also some pieces from the Famous Jeweller to the Tsars, Faberge...not BRUT by Faberge, but the one that made all the eggs. Anyways, the rainforest exhibit was filled with tribal pieces, textiles, tools, weapons, art and photographs of daily tribal life. The pinnacle of this exhibition were the shrunken heads, which I haven't seen since a childhood trip to the Smithsonian in DC. The Aztec artifacts were also very interesting to me, since I have always wanted to see the ruins in Mexico. I think museums are the best way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, especially when you travel to other cities. There are a few great museums in Houston and I hope to visit the others when I return.

So my weekend was relaxing and fun, filled with a bit of culture and great food. It was short-lived, but I was starting to miss my friends. As I conclude this entry, I am already thinking about my next big trip...Manila! Take care and enjoy watching the video. Thank you for your support and please don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe! Until next time...

Part 2, coming very soon!

A Sunday in Calgary: Museum of the Regiments

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit Western Canada's largest military museum in Calgary. With the kids in tow, I felt it would be a great way to show them Canada's military role in history. They were excited and anxious to see the many detailed dioramas and displays in the various wings of this huge place, as was I. This was my first time at the Museum of the Regiments and I was truly surprised at it's size.

The tank display at the Museum of the Regiments

The museum is located in Calgary, accessible from Crowchild Trail across from the old Currie Barracks. It is clearly visible from the road as you can see the outdoor displays of tanks, artillery and the CF-5 fighter jet. Walking around outside on the grounds, you can check out the tanks up close and personal, but no climbing please.

The inside is even more interesting, as the museum is divided into the various Canadian Regiments of the military. Each section follows history from each Regiment's origin to the present. The displays are detailed and sometimes gritty, depicting the grim reality of the battlefield, so be warned if you have small children. The Museum of the Regiments is run by volunteers who are always on hand to help or give you any information on the various aspects of this important part of Canada's history.

If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, it's a great way to spend an afternoon. If you are hungry afterwards, head across Crowchild Trail to Calgary Farmer's Market for a bite to eat or a cup of that Clover brewer coffee. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy the video!

Until next time...

Burger Fix Part 3: Peter's Drive-In

For most Calgarians, Peter's Drive-In is an institution. Whenever I'm driving on 16th Avenue and peer over at that white and blue building, the smell of charbroiled burgers, the lineup of hungry guests and those lurking seagulls in the parking lot only mean that something delicious is close. I can't remember how many times I've paid homage to this landmark burger mecca, but I was about to once again.

A Present from Peter

The menu of Peter's has remained pretty much the same since their debut in 1962. You won't find grilled chicken sandwiches or fish here. I can also assure you that you won't see anything that resembles a salad...nothing here even rhymes with salad. Now that we're clear on that, let's move on to what Peter's does have; Burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, ice cream treats and some of the best shakes you will ever attempt to drink through a straw. As a matter of fact, Peter's claims that you can mix up to 3 of their 30 milkshake flavours for a combination of more than 4500 flavours.

"Small" fries

On this day, I opted for something simple, so the double cheese it would be. I also got an order of small fries, or what Peter's calls 'small' anyway. Trust me, if you are eating alone, don't order the large fry or the seagulls will be visiting for free lunch.

Not a pretty sight

Burger nirvana...

The burgers are charboiled, dressed in a signature fashion that makes them uniquely Peter's. Each patty is made from fresh chuck, individually submerged in their BBQ sauce before being tucked into freshly baked, custom-made buns. They are then lovingly wrapped in their foil before making their way to your mouth. As you can see, we're not making pretty burgers here. Just consistently delicious.

I'll leave you with this tip: if you are coming to Peter's Drive-In, just remember: they only take CASH. Don't catch yourself making that realization when you're in the drive-through queue. Yes, it's happened before. Also, when you're making your order at the Drive-through, don't expect them to tell you how much the total is going to be. Expect an, "ok, thank you" then move on. A little 'Soup Nazi', eh?

Until next time...

A Saturday in Calgary: The Glenbow Museum & Chinatown

I don’t often stop to think about why I do this since I’m having so much fun that I just don’t care. The world is getting smaller and smaller it seems, as people I know come out of the woodwork to find me in my little piece of cyberspace. Just last night, I got a message on my Youtube channel from a person that works with me from time to time. She said her mom was looking for videos about the ‘giant baby’ at the museum and happened to click on my video from Saturday. Talk about dumb luck.

This piece is something that must be experienced in person

The giant baby I am referring to is the sculpture by Australian artist, Ron Mueck entitled, “It’s a Girl”. 15 feet long and eerily realistic, this piece is a must-see. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the Glenbow Museum, go. This exhibition is in town until January 24, 2010. If gargantuan newborn babies aren’t your thing, perhaps Haida manga is. Yes, Haida manga. 2 things, like peanut butter and chocolate, that seem to go well together. Graphic artist and Haida storyteller, Michael Nicholl Yahgulanaas, has an amazing display of large-scale drawing and sculpture on exhibition also until January 24.

Sunset, hitting a building in downtown Calgary

What better place to go for dinner after a day at the Museum than Chinatown. Since I moved so close to downtown, I’m there practically every weekend. Its great. A friend from work told me that the best deal for Peking duck was a hole in the wall called, Gee Gong. I wanted to see if his claim was true. 3 courses of Peking duck in the heart of Chinatown for only…

Peking Duck at Gee Gong Restaurant, Chinatown

Well, if I told you how much a 3 course duck meal costs at Gee Gong or how it tasted, there wouldn’t be anything to show you on the video, would there?

A Busy Week.

Since my little trip to Kensington last week, I have made 2 more videos, reconnected with famiy in the Philippines, planned a trip to the mountains and bought new a camera. Yes, I broke down and replaced my old Sony DSC W30 with a brand new Canon Powershot SX200 IS and its so much better. No more finicky selection wheel that switches modes by itself. I have been taking lots of photos, but I'm really waiting for a good opportunity to use it at night.

Cooking up some chicken adobo for a cooking video

The Youtube channel is doing well. I am still getting most of my viewers from Facebook, though I have been making good use of my YT friend list to promote from within the site to get more subscribers. Speaking of subscribers, I have 2 new ones: JoyMac13 and HANAFUBUKI. Thank you for your support! JoyMac13 is like my twin sister. Check out our channels and you'll see what I mean. HANAFUBUKI does some amazing videos of her walks with poetry and reading. Check her out for sure.

Portrait of Jumpei, Sushi Bar Zipang

The cool thing about the new camera is the wide angle lens that I'm not used to. Its great and I only wish that my camcorder did the same. Yes, I can take HD video with the Canon, but its MOV and I can't edit them in Pinnacle. I could convert, but its an extra step and just a pain.

Pho from Bolsa Restaurant, Calgary

Lunch with Sue and Cher

Tried out the Bolsa Restaurant in Calgary on Macleod Trail South for some food and conversation. Mostly talked about dating after divorce and how much of a crap shoot it can be. All I can say is that I'm tired of games at this age and I wish things were more straight forward. I guess at the same time though that I choose how its all gonna go down...right? Think I'll just take some time off and enjoy life with my family and friends.

Lunch at Fatburger with Telf

So, that brings me to this weekend. I am getting ready to do a little grocery shopping for my weekend with the kids and picking up ingredients for the cooking video: Okonomiyaki. I am also gonna start painting again, since I have the space and a big empty canvas. As for any road trips...we'll figure it out when we get there.

JoyMac13's youtube channel

HANAFUBUKI's youtube channel

A Trip to Kensington

Yesterday morning I got a call from my friend, Sue (see Dolly Parton on the Halloween post). She had some time to kill and wanted to know if I was down for breakfast. I readily accepted, as I am always ready to go somewhere new to eat. She asked me if I had ever been to Nellie’s. I told her I had never gone there, to which she responded, “Well, we have to go to Nellie’s!”


Nellie’s is in the Calgary community of Kensington. It’s a bohemian area of the city with lots of great little shops, pubs, a park and the oldest building in the community, the Plaza theatre which still showcases many indie and foreign films. It’s also walking distance to Memorial drive and the Bow River, with its well travelled pathway system.

Breakfast at Nellie’s is generous and reasonably priced. The service is friendly and attentive as your coffee mug will never go empty. I ordered the Nellie’s Tostada, which featured a baked whole wheat tortilla topped with scrambled eggs, chives, peppers, black olives, tomato, avocado, hot sauce, cheese, salsa and sour cream. They also managed to fit some fruit on there. Sue chose the California omelette with cheese, avocado and chicken, topped with salsa and sour cream. Be sure to ask for the sour cream and salsa on the side, as the portions are very plentiful.

Total for the great meal came in at about $25 for 2, including the 18 cups of coffee we drank. The atmosphere for this location is laid back and makes for a great place to talk and chill out. I’ll add that Nellie’s has 7 locations throughout this great city, so if you’re not in the Kensington area, just google it and you’ll probably find one nearby.

After breakfast, we walked around Kensington, stopping at the different shops and checking out the events calendar at the Plaza Theatre. I love the kinds of areas that are great for walking. You can really spend a lot of time just discovering. In the video, you can see our visit to Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut and Livingstone & Cavell Extraordinary Toys. If you never been to Livingstone & Cavell, you have to go. It will definitely stir up the nostalgic memories. Until next time.