Because it's good to be Thankful...

Because turkey is in the air, it's out with the light, boring diets and in with the generously sized, heavy dinners!

This is one of two turkey dinners I look forward to all year, and I'm sure most would agree. For Canadians, now and Christmas are the big holidays for enormous portions and turkey stuffing! Personally the stuffing is my fav. Dinner with my family is usually comprised of: Turkey, stuffing, cooked carrots and corn, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes and rolls.                      YUM!

But Thanksgiving isn't just about the delicious dinner, it's also comprised of dessert!! My mom always goes overboard and provides about four different confections, which we all love her all the more for. This year it was carrot cake, cheesecake, apple pie and cupcakes. Of course, there were both whipped and ice cream to top them all off with. The best end to a good dinner, is a good dessert. It's not always required - post-meal - but after a dinner such as Thanksgiving, it not only completes the meal, it's necessary!

 

Pumpkin pie - just like turkey is the essential Thanksgiving food - is the essential Thanksgiving dessert. These kinds of things are so good, not just because of the taste, but also because we only have them a vary rare amount throughout the year. So it's not wonder people can't help but devour all they see and later regret not exhibiting more self control. With anything, if you have it all the time it will tend to lose its luster. That's part of the appeal to this particular dessert, and the flavour in general. When one thinks of Fall and food, one taste that will likely come to mind is pumpkin! Pumpkin Spice Lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin loaf, pumpkin muffins, and just plain pumpkins litter this time of year; mostly throughout October more than any other time.

Seriously now - Thanksgiving is full of wonderful meals and good times - but let's all remember why it's truly important: it's a time of truly being thankful and appreciate the good things in your life. Family gatherings bring the spirit of being together. I have many amazing people in my life who continue to inspire me and help me grow to be a better person. I will also just mention a big Hurrah to Oktoberfest, because I am half German and so recognize the nation that is half of my being. Germany actually does celebrate a holiday much like our North American Thanksgiving. Over there it's called "Erntedankfest" which translated is "Harvest Thanksgiving Festival." 

So - all that being said - let's be thankful for love, life, friends, family and all the little things that make us smile and be happy to have each other to share in the good times!

Because you love sushi...

Well fall is now in full effect, and continuing to colour the streets of Vancouver. People are less focused on Bronzer and more focused on staying in and indulging in tasty food. Since sushi is ever popular in Van City, I thought I'd share one little gem you'd barely notice unless you already knew it was there!

Ringo Sushi: a well lit, nicely furnished little restaurant on 836 Denman Street. This restaurant has Charcoal tiling, a romantic archway, a few cool art pieces and some plant-life accents.

Personally I love sushi and eat it as often as I can afford, so naturally I've grown a bit picky about what is good and what isn't. I was first pleasantly surprised at how friendly the staff was. Smiles and polite attitude 'a blazin, I already felt like I had made a good decision. The second thing that set this place apart from the rest was that they don't charge for spicy mayo! Small I know, but I haven't yet eaten sushi and been given spicy mayo for free. I just assume places usually charge because mayo isn't cheap, but at Ringo Sushi that is not a problem! 

The warm and calm atmosphere is another refreshing change. Due to the high volume sushi places tend to have, it's surprising to enjoy my meal and also be able to hear myself think! Another wonderful quality that some, but not all will have (and this is for you poor young students and artists like me) is great prices! 

Sushi traditionally doesn't come as big as some of the rolls you can find in North America, but the bigger ones we do find here are usually different and interesting from place to place. Two special rolls I particularly enjoyed were the Stanley Park Roll - with yam tempura inside and avocado on top - and the Crispy Tuna Delight Roll - with yam tempura and spicy tuna on top. A bit redundant - I know - but I love yams! I have a habit of wanting to document how tasty my food is - to share it with everyone - and taking pictures way too late, but I hope this can at least illustrate some of what they have to offer. Also, they did look more pleasing before I poured spicy mayo all over them! Ringo has a number of other special rolls that look undeniably delicious as well, and I look forward to my next visit when I can try them.