Post-election, and Halloween madness

Whew. It's over. Never in my long life have I witnessed such a political phenomenon as the recent U.S. presidential election. No matter which side of the fence you choose politically, you have to agree that it was, and is, an exciting time. In my corner of the world my hope is that business will get back to a more normal pace now that we know the general direction that the U.S. government will be taking in trying to get the country back on track.

My husband, Alex, and I were in Washington, D.C. for a week in mid-October and spent some time with family and also enjoying the fall colors, the local art museums, and the food. One of our most enjoyable lunches was at a classic French bistro that sits in a quiet spot on the west side of Alexandria. It is called Chez Andree and it has been there for many years and has a loyal clientele. I read about it on my favorite foodie website, chow.com, before we left on our trip. I had the chicken liver plate and it proved to be an excellent choice. Chez Andree has been at the same location since 1964 and is still owned and managed by the family that started the business.

Also while we were in D.C. we dined at Charlie Palmer Steakhouse to celebrate my birthday (none of your business how many years...). Here is the beautiful and delicious dessert they served me:

I even had a chance to do some cooking during our D.C. visit. One night, I made this pork tenderloin in mustard-cream sauce with oven-roasted potatoes:

Back here at Lake Arenal on Friday, October 31st, we attended the popular annual Halloween party held at Christina Glass's lovely home. All proceeds from the party went to the Tilaran Library, which was begun by the Ladies of the Lake group here over one year ago. The proceeds came from entrance fees, raffle tickets, drink sales, and a silent auction. The total raised was $1,525 (!). Bob Benjamin played DJ while many of us danced the evening away. I had a blast.

The winner of the Halloween costume contest at the fundraiser was none other than my husband, Alex. When you see the photos of him below, you will understand why he won, hands down:

Egads.

I went as a rock star (that's me in the white makeup) and the cat woman is my pal Delia:

Many of us are anticipating a delicious Thanksgiving meal at Gingerbread this year. At least, I think we can convince chef Eyal to accommodate us (she said, crossing her fingers)...

Recently, my clients/friends Misty and Dave Amodt of St. George, Utah were in town and we stopped in at the new bar and restaurant in San Luis called Monica's Roadhouse. The proprietor, John VanCamp, is from Ohio. He has done an excellent job on the remodel and on developing a nicely varied menu. The place has only been open for a couple of months and it is already popular with locals, both Ticos and Gringos. While Misty, Dave, and I were there we enjoyed a very pleasant lunch as we sat looking out at Lake Arenal and the Tenorio Volcano. Dave ordered a chicken chalupa and, although it took a while for him to be served, it was worth the wait. Here is what it looked like before Dave demolished it:

Que rico!

I am delighted to announce the publication of The G-PAW Cookbook containing favorite recipes from loyal supporters and volunteers. In case you have not heard of G-PAW, it is an organization formed and run by volunteers to assist in animal welfare issues in rural areas of Costa Rica. G-PAW stands for Guanacaste Province Animal Welfare. One of G-PAW's founders, Judy Reisman, is responsible for the publication of this exciting collection of recipes, with the proceeds going to the G-PAW Foundation.

The sections of Appetizers, Soups and Salads, Main Courses, Sides, Sweets and Desserts and Critter Delights contain such tempting delicacies such as Texas Caviar, Orange and Carrot Soup, Apple, Avocado and Corn Salad, No-Fuss Gazpacho, Shrimp and Feta with Roasted Tomatoes, Turkey Enchilada Casserole, Chocolate Chip Meringues, Kahlua Trifle, Ghetto Truffles and Toto's Doggie Treats.

There are recipes for meat lovers and recipes for vegetarians. Many are health-conscious. Some are indulgent. Most call for a limited number of ingredients (some as little as three) and use ingredients that are readily available and not excessively expensive.

Contributors include both English and Spanish speakers, and all recipes are presented in both languages. Not surprisingly, there are a number of traditional Costa Rican specialties, but also recipes from the US and other parts of the planet.

The cookbook was painstakingly edited and designed in order to result in not just a collection of recipes, but an attractive addition to any cook's library. It makes an ideal holiday or all-occasion gift for animal lovers and "foodies" alike.

The cookbook is available for a minimum donation of $18 each, plus postage and shipping. And, of course, 100% of the proceeds go to fund the subsidized spay/neuter clinics in low-income communities in rural Costa Rica.

Every cookbook you buy for yourself or give as a gift will help end the scourge of unwanted and uncared-for street animals. The proceeds from every two books enable G-PAW to spay or neuter another dog or cat. The more you feel comfortable contributing, the greater will be G-PAW's ability to work in the community. You'll feel good knowing you've done good!

Please let Judy know how many copies you would like to order and the address to which you would like the books to be sent. Judy will then determine exact shipping costs and let you know the total. You can reach Judy by email at this address: JudyReisman@mindspring.com

So, that's the news from Lake Arenal. I hope that all of you up north are keeping warm and cozy, and please plan to visit us soon!

Pura vida,

Laura Murray
Owner/Broker
RE/MAX Lake Partners
http://www.arenalbuyersrealty.com/
http://www.lakearenal.blogspot.com/
Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
011-506-2-695-4511