Wednesday, February 19, 2014

I'm at LAX (and I shouldn't be)

Before I get you to click on over to my other blog, a travel blog, that I had the very best intentions of writing in often (have posts ready to go but want to add photos, which seems to be impossible via mobile unless I have google+) I thought I would do a quick post here.

Basically, I'm in LA. I should be fast asleep in my prepaid hotel room in Bangkok. United Airlines screwed me, for the second time this trip, so here I sit. It makes my travel post that I'm about to send you doubly relevant for me for the second time in two weeks! It will also be almost 24 more hours before I am in Bangkok.

However, I am writing this post from the Star Allaince lounge at LAX, a small perk I was able to get, and I'll take it! Cross your fingers for me that I also get myself moved on  to business class...

And although I know everyone has their stories good and bad for all airlines, let it be known that United should likely always be a last resort, the "charm" of most of their employees is often even below that of Air Canada.

Read my travel blog post here: http://winnipegwanderer.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-importance-of-your-credit-card-when.html

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

I have very little shame

Which works out well - when people offer me free things (food especially) in exchange for a blog post or some tweet and such thing, I have no problem jumping right on that train. So, back in January when I was invited to the Taste of Mardi Gras my wee little brain thought first: wheeeee free food! And secondly, oh that's probably a good idea, I should get out more.

So, it was a cold and blustery day of the tasting, and I first headed to the car wash after work, knowing that I was going to indulge in underground parking at the RBC Convention Centre. I got there nice an early so decided to also indulge in a little overpriced yummy blended beverage from Starbucks, knowing there was one in Portage Place I started the hike via the skywalk system. I'm don't remember when we added that little piece between the Delta and CityPlace (or rather I guess it goes around the Delta) but I'm sure it was opposed, because that's what we do in Winnipeg, but what a blessing.

After stopping in at the Millennium Library to renew a book - by the way, hats off to the white haired gentleman at the returns desk who is bold enough to wear overalls in public, what a gem of an employee! Can someone please pass this post on to the person that needs to see it at the library?? (With any luck I'm on an island with no electricity as this posts - robbers take note, my roommate, who rarely leaves the house is probably at home. I also have nothing of value, like, nothing *sadface*)

So, onto the real reason for this post - do you need something to do to shake off your winter funk? How about checking out the Winnipeg Mardi Gras? It runs Friday February 14th and Saturday February 15th at the RBC Convention Centre. Friday will feature a Valentine's Celebration, and singles fear not, they have you looked after too - participate in Singles Awareness Day by wearing the red Valentine's heart they have on offer so you can easily spot others who might be up for a little somethin' somethin'.

In addition to the screens showing a live Twitter feed and video cam to get your 15 seconds of fame, there will be live music, showgirls and even better, showBOYS. But of course, the way to my heart is through my stomach, so lets talk about the food.

Thank goodness I now like shrimp! I'm not going to lie, if you're a vegetarian, you might want to have a nibble before you leave the house or come hungry for deep fried pickle spears with a cheesy sauce (admittedly, delicious), sweet potato fries or the Basin Street Bread Pudding with a Bourbon laced Caramel Sauce (this wasn't available to try - oh how I wish it was, sounds great).

I tried to pick a favourite, and in the name of high quality investigative journalism I even went back and tried some things more than once ;) I suppose if I was forced to make a decision I would go with the Bourbon Flamed Garlic Pepper Shrimp, they were REALLY REALLY good. For a lighter bite try the Gumbo. That said, you really can't go wrong with any of the entrees. As for spiciness, I would say nothing I had was above about a medium salsa, so most people should be alright even if it's a little spicier than you are used to. Unfortunately, entrees are priced on par with entrees at a restaurant so if you want to get a chance to try a few things you might need a group of friends that you are at the comfort level of eating off their plate. There will however be an appetizer sampler that is good for sharing.

It would appear I am incapable of posting photos I took to this blog post without signing up for silly Google+ so, you get no photos. However, you can check out the facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/winnipegmardigras

I should probably revise the title to say I have SOME shame, I won't always be willing to write a post for everyone and everything, and I can't promise to always say nice things; so if your event or thing
kinda sucks, I might not be your gal! ;)