Sometimes all you have to do is ask...

My sister-in-law was in Europe a few weeks ago and during her trip she went to De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges, Belgium to sample their delicious beer and amazing beer soup.  I've been to Bruges a few times and I didn't try the beer soup until this year.  Boy did I miss out, because it is one of the best soups I've ever had.  Hearing about it again made me want some, so I decided to search for a similar recipe. No luck.  Everything I found was more of a stew.  So on a whim, I decided to email the brewery and guess what...they sent me the recipe!  No joke!  I'm busy with holiday baking, so I haven't had a chance to make it, but when I do I'll let you know how it turns out. 

At De Halve Maan Brewery waiting patiently for our soup

Gobble, Gobble

Sometimes it seems like Thanksgiving is all about stuffing the turkey (and yourself), while planning your Black Friday shopping list. More importantly, it’s the time to be thankful for all the blessings in your life. So, here’s what I’m thankful for…

A wonderful husband who is an adventurous travel partner

A beautiful, smarty pants daughter who loves to explore

A wonderful expanding family full of parents, sisters, in-laws, my grandma and tons of nieces and nephews

Great friends – old and new

And of course, the opportunity to travel!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Let's bowl, let's bowl, let's rock-'n-roll

Our tour of the Midwest continued last weekend with a trip to my home state of Iowa. We packed in a lot of snuggle time with our new nephew, ate a ton of birthday cake (Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!) and on Saturday afternoon we went bowling with the whole family at The Hotel Blackhawk* in Davenport.

The hotel first opened in 1915 and for a long time it was the hip, happening place to be. Cary Grant was even staying there when he died in 1986. As the years wore on the hotel fell into disrepair, but after a fire in 2006 the hotel was sold and renovated. It reopened in 2010 and now it feels like the jewel of downtown Davenport.

The Blackhawk Bowl and Martini Lounge is located on the lower level of the hotel and it definitely has a lounge feel to it with the lights changing colors, music thumping (but not too loud), and sleek furniture. In the main area there is a large bar and six lanes with big screen TVs at the end of each lane. There is also a private VIP area with two lanes.

The bowling alley is surprisingly family friendly. There was a child’s birthday party going on while we were there and the kids all seemed like they were having a blast. There is also a ton of room by the lanes and plenty of seating. Isabelle was on her best behavior and sat on the sofa perfecting her high five while we bowled. I don’t think it gets much better for a 16-month-old who loves balls!

If you go:

Blackhawk Bowl and Martini Lounge
200 E. 3rd Street (lower level of The Hotel Blackhawk)
Davenport, IA 52801
563.484.5908
www.blackhawkbowl.com

Price Range: $35-$45 per hour/lane – reservation required
Great For: Birthday Parties, Fun Day/Night Out, Date Night

*The Hotel Blackhawk was previously called The Blackhawk Hotel and I’m scratching my head as to why they changed the name. 

Just a spectator...this time!

Michelle and Janell rocking their NON rental bowling shoes.

Wining and Dining on High Street

Last weekend Tom and I were in Columbus, Ohio for a wedding (congrats again Ann and Nick!). We flew in Friday night and stayed at The Blackwell, owned by The Ohio State University and located right on campus. We lucked out with a deluxe room on the executive floor – free breakfast, refreshments and afternoon snacks, plus excellent views of the stadium. After settling in, we ventured into the cool, cloudy night to find a place to wine and dine. It started to drizzle moments into our walk and that drizzle soon turned into a downpour as we went by BW3, Dominos Pizza and countless college bars. After turning around to buy umbrellas at CVS, we ventured on with the help of Yelp. We walked away from campus, down High Street and checked out a Mexican place, a sushi place, an Indian place that advertised $1 shots, and finally we came to Alana’s Food and Wine. This restaurant is located in a large old house with a wide front porch and loads of character. Because we walked in off of High Street, we had to wind our way through the restaurant to find the hostess stand, which is situated in the back, by the parking lot and bar area.

We didn’t have a reservation, but they had an open table for two, so we were seated immediately. There was the requisite candle on the table, tablecloth and unique artwork all around. The artwork was very bright and colorful. Not modern, not traditional…more like folk art and it was all for sale.

Our waiter was very friendly and answered all of our questions about the menu, which is seasonal and changes daily. We ordered a bottle of Cotes du Rhone that was delicious and very reasonably priced. The waiter brought out artisanal bread and olive oil infused with herbs. The bread “bowl” was made from denim and I might have to try to make one. What a great way to use an old pair of jeans!

For the appetizer we ordered the $7 Surprise (there was also a $10 version). They wouldn’t tell us a single thing about it and when it came to our table we were pleasantly surprised. In fact, I think it was the highlight of our meal! It was a version of corn beef hash, but the chef used short rib meat, with spaghetti squash, in this sweet sauce with an egg on top. IT WAS AMAZING!!!

For our entrees Tom was going to order the Meat Surprise, but they ran out - a testament to the popularity of their surprise dishes. Instead he ordered the Vegetarian Surprise which turned out to be a version of succotash with lots of beans, greens and tofu. Tom’s entree was good, but I ordered the brussels sprout risotto and it was better. The chef visits the local market daily, so the brussel sprouts were the best of the best. I would definitely order it again!

We skipped dessert and after two hours of wining and dining, Tom and I left dry, happy and full!


If you go:

Alana’s Food & Wine
2333 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43202
614-294-6783
http://alanas.com/

Price Range: $30-$60 per person
Great For: Foodies, Special Occasion, Intimate Dinner

We didn't get a photo from our Friday night out, but
here is one from the next night.  Fun in Ohio!

Visions of Pink Elephants

Tom’s brother and sister-in-law live just outside of Brussels and it’s a great excuse to visit Europe…like we need one. During our 2009 trip we spent a day in Brussels where chocolate, waffles and beer were freely consumed. One of our last stops was the Delirium Café, home to over 2,004 beers. While we didn't have any actual Delirium beer (we can get that at home), we did enjoy a nice variety of unique beers. Each one was served at the right temperature and in the proper glass - perfection! If you love beer like we do, especially Belgium beer, add the Delirium Café to your travel list.

Is this heaven? No, it's Belgium!

Certified!

I wanted to take a tray home.

Matching glass - love that!

Princess for a Day (or Two)

The first time I went to Germany was in 2001 with my parents and sisters. We were obsessed with seeing castles and that trip did not disappoint! In my opinion, the best castles are in the Mosel and Rhine River Valleys, so when we went to Germany in April, we spent two days exploring the area. My favorite is Burg Eltz, a medieval castle that’s been in the same family for over eight centuries. It's situated in a forest by a small river and you have to walk down a steep hill to get to the castle gates. Burg Eltz is furnished as it would have been 500 years ago and during the guided tour you see where the nobles slept, where they relaxed, where they dined and where their servants cooked. During our two-day castle bonanza, we also saw Rheinfels Castle and took a cruise on the Rhine River. I definitely recommend visiting this region of Germany!

Burg Eltz

Contender for the Christmas card.

Our princess!

Rheinfels Castle was built in 1245.

It's still standing...barely!

Views from the Rhine River

Don’t Forget Your Sword

During our last trip to Europe, we went to the village of Appenzell, Switzerland. Appenzell is home to really smelly cheese, lots of cows, beautiful mountains, great beer and an interesting voting tradition. Appenzell Inner Rhoden or Appenzellerland is also the name of the very traditional canton (aka district) where the village is located. Rick Steves said, “In Appenzell's towns kids play "barn" instead of "house," while Mom and Dad watch yodeling on TV.” I think that sums it up pretty well!

We arrived in Appenzell the day before the big voting assembly. Every year, on the last Sunday of April, every man and woman of voting age gathers in the main square of Appenzell for open air voting, known as the Landsgemeinde. There is a grand parade to the main square with officials in their robes, flag bearers from every community in Appenzellerland and a marching band. Everyone who votes is dressed to the nines and the men all carry swords, which show they have the right to vote. Women received the right to vote in 1991 and they receive a slip of paper that lets them into the voting area.

It was fascinating to see the voting process and we weren’t the only people to think so based on the number of fellow tourists eating, drinking and watching the proceedings.

There was definitely a festive feeling in the air and the percentage of people in their late teens/early 20s was high. After the voting was over, it was time for everyone to let loose. Most of the restaurants and beer gardens were full of young people drinking the local Appenzeller beer and I’m sure the festivities continued long after we went to bed!

Swords and Suites

Isabelle enjoyed the parade!

Pageantry

Voting in action

I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane

Even after countless business trips, for me flying still feels magical…most of the time (I’m looking at you San Francisco red eye delay). Yes, the security lines can be tedious, delays are a hassle and hauling baby gear can add another level of crazy. Where was I going with this? Ah yes, flying is magical!

Maybe it’s because I associate flying with adventure and new experiences. The first time I flew was in 1995. I was a senior in high school and went on a drama club trip to New York City. Not only was it my first time flying, it was my first trip to the BIG APPLE. I’ll never forget seeing the skyline as we flew in. The city just seemed to go on forever. I saw Broadway shows, rung in 1996 in Central Park, tripped on national television (only me, right?), went up the Empire State Building and experienced all the sights and sounds of a big city. See? Magical!

Recently my husband and I were debating flying verses driving to a wedding in Ohio. I was for flying for two reasons. One, I didn’t feel like driving 6+ hours. Two, see above. It turns out we will be flying, because Tom found a great deal. Isabelle will be at home with my parents, so even if we do have a delay, I’ll enjoy some “me” time at the airport with a good book and a cup of coffee. 

Isabelle's "New" Travel Books

Yesterday our church, Saint Andrew, hosted a used book sale and it did not disappoint. We picked up some “new” books for Isabelle’s library and enjoyed the complimentary coffee and loads of treats. In our pile of books were two that focused on traveling and exploring the world.

Goofy Takes Off: An Adventure in Switzerland has Goofy skiing the Alps and while flipping through the Did You Know... section, I noticed a picture of Mickey Mouse's nephews, Morty and Ferdie (thanks Dad!), enjoying fondue. Right below that picture is one of Goofy indulging with Swiss chocolate. Those are definitely two of my favorite Swiss treats!

The Big World Book talks about how people live around the world and has an awesome pop-up at the end. However, considering Isabelle just tore apart another pop-up book, I think we’ll have to shelve this one for awhile.