Five star dining in Port Orchard

Last night my husband (Kelly) and I had dinner at the Bay Street Bistro located at 834 Bay Street in downtown Port Orchard. After a lovely dinner, I only had one question: Why did I wait so long to try this place?! (Apologies to my readers for not taking any pictures of the food- I had planned to, but each time food arrived I lost all thoughts and headed for the fork!)

Upon arriving, a light hint of jazz music filled the air. The neatly arranged tables were filling up and we decided to sit upstairs. With a view of the diners below I watched various groups of people enjoying a Friday night out: a group of gals enjoying a girls night out with lots of laughter; an older couple sipping wine and sharing secrets; a younger couple feeding each other delicately in between smiles and winks. The sound of glasses clinking, laughter and romantic whispers created a background for what would be a wonderful night out.

We started our dinner with the Spicy Coconut Mussels, with Cilantro and Lime. AMAZING!! I could have devoured the big steaming bowl of mussels myself! The light delicate sauce had just enough spice to make you want to lick your lips to save every drop (in fact I had to encourage my husband to use a spoon to finish off the sauce in the bowl vs drinking it from the side of the bowl like soup). The fresh mussels were steamed to perfection. A great way to start a weekend indeed!

We shared a salad of Spinach and Romaine lettuces with Goat Cheese, Dried Blueberries, Vidalia Onions and Walnuts. (Probably to avoid arguments and fork wars) they split the salad for us so we each had our own plate. If all salads tasted this good kids (and us grown-ups) would always eat our veggies! The flavors of the combined ingredients was a culinary symphony for my taste buds and next time I go to the Bistro, I'll definitely order my own salad (sharing food this good is just silly when everyone can order there own!)

For the main course, my husband and I chose from the Specials List. Kelly ordered the House-smoked Neah Bay Sablefish with Whiskey Cream and I chose the Stuffed Chicken Breast with Goat Cheese, Blueberries, Pine Nuts and Fresh Basil. The vegetables that accompanied our meal where served on a large platter to share and included tiny red potatoes, asparagus and carrots. Each vegetable grilled to perfection with light seasoning. Mother Nature herself would surely find delight that these treasures of the earth tasted so good. To summarize in one word: YUM!! The Sablefish was cooked to perfection. The delicate fish was firm and flaked perfectly on to the fork with each bite. The Whiskey Cream sauce itself could have won awards. A perfect mix of cream and whiskey, even a non-drinker would have enjoyed the delicate, yet robust flavored sauce. The Stuffed Chicken was so tender and I delighted in the light sauce that was created on my plate from the goat cheese, blueberry, pine nut and fresh basil that had been stuffed into the chicken breast- Flavors just enough, without being over powering.

Dessert (despite feeling full and satisfied, we had to!) was as one would assume after a dinner of this caliber: AMAZING. We ordered the Carmel Cheesecake & the Custard with Carmel drizzles. Each was delicious in it's own way and Kelly and I shared what was a perfect end to a wonderful meal.

Just when your taste buds think they are done for the night, the check came with a couple of delectable dark chocolates from Port Orchard's own Carter's Chocolates located at 160 Bethel Avenue (just a couple blocks from downtown).

Truly a delightful evening! Bay Street Bistro, you've got a couple more customers for life! I can't wait to share this local five star dining destination with friends and out of town guests.

Paradise Around The Corner

Earlier this week I had the good fortune of touring Cedar Cove Inn, a bed and breakfast located up the hillside above downtown Port Orchard, Washington. After years of walking by the property and reacting in awe to the stellar views, I was finally able to see what I had previously only dreamed about.

Surrounded by old growth trees and panoramic views, this house built in 1909 has definitely kept it's charm and then some. Walking up to the front porch, the first thing I noticed was the pristine front lawn and meticulously maintained landscape. The brightly white painted, wood wrap around porch didn't make one squeak as I walked up to the front door of the Inn. Upon entry, my eye was instantly drawn to an early 1900's secretary desk with an attached glass doored bookshelf just inside the front door. Despite the massive staircase to my right, the foyer drew me in further as my eye caught the light from the dining room window in front of me. The dining room itself contains two buffets, a long wood table and chairs. It's simple, yet elegant style had my daydreams in full swing. I could imagine dinner parties as much as I could imagine sitting reading the morning paper with a cup of coffee. (Not to mention the amazing view!) High wood ceilings with wooden beams and wainscoting add the architectural elements you would expect to find in such an old home. Owners, Gil and Kathy, have lovingly restored this home since they purchased it in 1995. The home has only had two other owners since it was built.

The doorway separating the dining room from the sitting room has thick wood and glass pocket doors that were salvaged from a building torn down back East. The pocket doors on the other side of the sitting room are original and lead to the living room containing a grand piano. Centered in the corner of the room, listeners to a pianist would delight in views of the Olympic Mountains, Orchard Bay and Sinclair Inlet below. Rookwood tiles (made of pottery) create a retro, light green fireplace that gives warmth and charm to another room,  located just off the living room. It would make a great place to read a book and has a door that opens outside to the large wrap around porch, green lawn and breath taking views.  On the other side of the room a hallway leads to the elevator entrance (yes, I said elevator) and further down to the kitchen.

There are four guest rooms on the second floor and three on the third floor. Each of the seven rooms have their own unique personality. All the rooms have private baths and many have original claw foot bath tubs. The second floor has a wrap around sun porch that any sun bather would envy. Just when you think you've seen it all, a journey up the stairs (sorry, the elevator only goes to the second floor) reveals floor to window ceilings in a space that is both spacious and cozy. Each of the rooms on this floor offers different views and it would be a challenge to choose a favorite one.

It's really a beautiful place. If I won the lotto, I'd want to rent the place out for my closest friends and have a fantastic party.  When I checked out the prices I found them to be very reasonable and it's sure to become my favorite option to spoil guests visiting the area.

You can check out more information on their website: CedarCoveInn.com

How Do You Gauge Success?

Success, like many things in life, is based on a person's interpretation. What may seem like a success to one person, may seem like a failure to another. One of my favorite expressions is 'Perception is Reality'. I like to keep this in mind because every person interprets things different. If a person feels that 60 degrees is a warm day- that is their reality. If another person feels 60 degrees is chilly - that is their reality. It's fascinating if you think about it.

My reality this week is that it's been a heck of a good week. First off, my leg injuries are doing well and I was able to walk without assistance all week. What a blessing!! I will never again take walking for granted! This week I presented a Port Orchard History presentation to a Women's Group. Despite a couple of flub-ups when my tongue got tied, it went very well. This week I also hired a Production Company for the next phase of Port Orchard Living- which I am very excited about (don't worry, I'll release details soon enough). I had the privilege of recreating a few business relationships with merchants who didn't like me so well in years past, based solely on the fact I was selling credit card processing. (Even honest sales people get a bad rap!) It feels amazing to be doing something I love, something that I am proud of, something that makes me truly happy and something, most importantly, that has more value to me than money.

I also joined the Port Orchard Bay Street Association (POBSA), a group of downtown business owners that work to bring tourists to the area, encourage locals to shop locally and beautify the downtown area. It's a great group of people with a lot of energy; I look forward to the camaraderie and new friendships i will develop within the group.

So in answer to the question: How do you gauge success?

My gauge of success is feeling blessed. If I feel blessed, I know I am doing what I should and that makes me feel successful.

Port Orchard Summer Music

Otherwise known as the 'Concerts by the Bay'. The Fathoms O'Fun has put together another exciting year of summer outdoor concerts. I also want to pay tribute to the other sponsors of the event: Alfred Interwest Insurance, Kitsap Bank, City of Port Orchard, ServPro, Port of Bremerton, Paul Davis Restoration and Friends of the Concerts who make these outdoor music events possible.
There's a little something for everyone this year- Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country Swing, an Elvis impersonator, a Frank Sinatra Tribute, Rolling Stones Tribute and of course some music from the talented student at South Kitsap High School. Rain or shine, it's always a great time so be sure and mark your calendar so you don't miss any of these FREE family events at the Port Orchard Marina Waterfront Park!

Thursday, June 6th @ 6:30pm, Hook Me Up (Variety/Jazz)
Thursday, June 13th @ 6:30pm, SKHS Band
Thursday, June 20th @ 6:30pm, The Tonze (Jazz)
Friday, June 28th @ 6:30pm, Let It Bleed (Rolling Stones Tribute)
Thursday, July 4th @ Noon, Various Christian Bands
                               @ 5:30pm, Denim Skillet (Classic Rock)
                               @ 8:30pm, Common Ground, (Classic Rock)
Thursday, July 11th @ 6:30pm, Ranger & The Re-Arrangers (Gypsy Jazz)
Thursday, July 18th @ 6:30pm, Blue Rocket Music (Blues/Rockabilly)
Thursday, July 25th @ 6:30pm, Greenbriar Project (Classic Rock)
Thursday, August 1st @ 6:30pm, Dusty Cadillac (Blues)
Thursday, August 8th @ 6:30pm, Usual Suspects (Classic Rock)
Thursday, August 15th @ 6:30pm, Cowgirl Dreams (Country Swing)
Thursday, August 22nd @ 6:30pm, Sinatra Tribute, Joey Jewell
Thursday, August 29th @ 6:30pm, The Illusion of Elvis (Danny Vernon)
Sunday, September 1st @ 3pm, Delphi (Pop, Rock, R&B)

                             

Port Orchard Farmers Market NOW OPEN Saturdays!

I was on scene yesterday at the Ribbon Cutting of the 35th Annual Farmers Market in Port Orchard, WA. The Port Orchard Farmers Market offers flowers, produce, shellfish, plants, foods, arts and crafts to the community rain or shine. The market opened a week earlier this year than last and unfortunately market goers had a rough downpour of cold windy rain and hail about 10am. Although the day did clear up from time to time throughout the afternoon, shoppers braved a cold day in the elements to shop for goodies produced locally.

Did you know the market now excepts Debit/Credit Cards, Quest/SNAP cards. Customers wanting to 'charge it' will receive wooden tokens good for redemption at various market vendors. Did you know the market is always looking for volunteers? You can enjoy a day at the market and do something good for your community!

The market runs seasonally each year. 2013 is in full swing with Farmers Markets every Saturday from 9am to 3pm until October 12th. This year a special Harvest Dinner will celebrate the end of the season with a dinner made up of local foods and will include an auction and more! Stay tuned for details toward the end of summer.

The Port Orchard Farmers Market has designated some special events throughout the summer that will include live music and much more.

Listed by month, the special events for 2013 are:
May 11 - Celebrating Mom.
June 15 - Fun for Fathers.
July 13 - Kids Day
August 10 - Farmers Market Week
September 14 - The Great Tomato Taste-Off
October 12 - Chili Cook-Off

I also wanted to mention I had the honor of meeting the new Fathoms O'Fun Royal Court for 2013. All four teens were very polite and despite chilly temperates they smiled brightly for on lookers and photographers. I think its great to see teens getting involved in positive things!

King Aaron Thomas, Princess Alyssa Josephsen,
Princess Carly Fulbright and Ambassador Delaney Triplett

Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido was one of
the founders of the Port Orchard Farmers Markets. She cut the
Ribbon of the 35th Annual market with a little assistance from
a long time friend and market supporter.

Look for this booth to make purchases
with Debit/Credit or EBT cards.

With A Stroke Of A Brush

The old colors were grey with dark green trim.

I've blogged before about my yard projects and all the work involved in owning a home built in 1925. Recently we hired painters to paint the house and garage.
I struggled for almost a year as to what color to paint the house. My husband and I knew we wanted a red door and I was firmly set on the white trim. One afternoon while raking in the backyard, I came across an old terra cotta tile. I loved how the creamy greenish color looked with the red. Thanks to so many options of paint color these days, it was easy to find one to match the tile- Thermal Spring.
We hired Corliss Painting from Port Orchard to do the work. Darren came out and we did a walk around to assess what work would be necessary. The side of the house that gets the sun the majority of the day was down to bare wood in some places and missing siding in others. It took two crew members, Pat and Steven, two days to pressure wash the house and garage and to scrap and prep the old house. Job site Foreman, Mike, showed up with a couple more guys the first day of painting and did a wonderful job of repairing the old siding. Trying to match up old pieces with new isn't an easy task! The repairs really made a difference! I was so happy to see all the old tar paper and bare wood covered with siding! Two and a half days of painting later the masterpiece was finished! The outcome is amazing and I wanted to share some before and after photos.

I absolutely love the bright new color of our house! 

Our garage roof was covered with moss
and needed major love!

Love indeed! Pressure washing was just what this
old structure needed before the transforming paint job!

On the Upside!

The last time I wrote a Blog, I was feeling pretty poorly. Fighting an injury and the public's general attitude toward those with disabilities was a lot for this 'do-gooder' gal to handle. Fortunately, I am feeling much better- physically and mentally. I've learned a lot and hope the lessons are ones I will keep close to my heart for eternity.

The most surprising lesson I have learned is that people really do tend to shy away from people with disabilities. I experienced this prejudice first hand when using a cane to walk my usual route with my dog, Zigi. I noticed that people approaching would look at me, look at the cane and look away. When close enough to pass by these people they would say hi to my Dog and I was lucky to get a nod from someone walking by looking at the ground.  This same group of people are those who I would generally smile and say hi to because they would be looking at me while walking by. Now that my knee is healing, I don't need the cane much and get lots of smiles and hellos from those walking by. I find it very odd and sad that disabilities are met with such discomfort. Our society is that way. It's not right, but it's true. A friend reminded me that as children we are taught 'not to stare' at those who are different from us, so I guess it only goes to reason why this behavior is so common. It still makes me sad, though, and I hope I can step up to be a better person remembering to take an extra minute to smile at someone with physical differences. I hope also, to include, options for all persons when writing about public places, parks, etc.

The second lesson I learned (yet again) is how precious good health is. I've always been blessed with great health, so I've always took it for granted. Losing the physical ability to walk correctly or easily for a while has really humbled me and given me a new outlook on slowing down a little bit to enjoy life more. I injured myself from overworking when my body was already showing signs of exhaustion- for two days! That's just plain silly.

I am a firm believer that life gives you what you need when you need it if you have a open mind and heart. I'm the first to admit I like to over achieve, everyday. When I don't over achieve, I feel the day wasn't used to its fullest and it upsets me. Perhaps this injury and all the time of thinking about it will help me lighten up and let go a little more....And well, maybe it will make me work harder to make up for lost time. One things for sure, I'm not going to run a marathon anytime soon.....