For My Foodie Peeps–

I’ve not written about food for awhile and it being the Thanksgiving Weekend and all, I thought’s I’d give your eyes a feast…

In lieu of a family Thanksgiving, Mr. Al and I went to the Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal. It’s one of those old fashioned resorts, established in 1917. (You know it’s old fashioned if it’s established and not built.) It’s a lovely place made more magical with its Christmas displays.

We were pampered, although not petted, as we were not dogs. Dogs are allowed, welcomed and petted. Yes, it’s pet friendly, but we did not bring ours with us. We wanted a break from the kids. The kids had their own kind of fun. They stayed in a little heated cabin near Mt. Rainier and learned all about pet doors. When we drove up, the three were sitting on the porch watching the rain…BUT…I’m digressing!

We’re not talking dogs, here. No-sir-eee….we’re talking food. Alderbrook has lovely food!

The a-typical dip….into the sour cream went fine–powder fine–crumbles of blue cheese with minced caramelized onions. I’m planning on replicating this one. Non-pickled beet salad, featuring two kinds of beets (below.)

 

 Steamed clams in a butter, garlic and wine sauce with fried bread dipped in parmesan…these breads kept showing up throughout the meal and made excellent sauce dippers.

I had scallops with brussels sprouts in butter with bacon, along with a red potato mash.

and Mr. Al had a shellfish stew. Check out this stew. Beautifully “delish.”

Dessert was a complimentary (it being our Anniversary Weekend and all) Crème Brule, which we shared. Nice crackling shell.

 

After that meal, we retired to our room and slid into a food coma until Thanksgiving morning.

Beautiful views from our window.  Cute little balcony as well.

There were so many selections on the breakfast menu. How could you possibly choose?  In truth, I’d never had that problem before.  Something usually jumps out and says “Pick me!”  This time, everything was jumping and saying. I had to ask the waitress for advice. She recommended the salmon omelet and the Eggs Benedict with crab cakes instead of the traditional english muffin. If you’re planning to hike on Alderbrook’s trails, which we did do, I recommend the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict.

Please note the little potato-cakey-guy drizzled with creme fresh. Just as good as it looks. And the muffins are made in Alderbrook’s bakery.

Skipped lunch (on account of the breakfast and all) but ate the complimentary chocolate coated heart brownies (it being our Anniversary Weekend and all.)

Dinner, after enjoying a pumpkin pie martini, which I forgot to photograph and was more like dessert than dessert, we had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner among families and couples like ourselves. The atmosphere was filled with good will and gratitude. Mr. Al and I enjoyed putting stories to all the family dynamics we were witnessing. The Turkey was moist, the stuffing had a nice crunch. Yes, another food coma night.

I recommend the Alderbrook. Yes, I do. We’re hoping to return in the summer when the Olympic Range is not engulfed in cloud cover.

The service was friendly and professional. There were unusual additional touches (a skipping stone waiting in your room with a sketch booklet) as well as the usual ones (room service if you liked, a full honor bar.)  You felt right at home. There’s even a whole gaming room for the kids, so they feel right at home as well. The food was fabulous (as you saw). And did I mention the heated saltwater pool or the Spa facilities?

No, I did not.

But now I have.

It’s the beginning of the Holidays and, right on time, we’re experiencing our first snowfall. My advent calendar has been taunting me long enough. Tomorrow, it will cease its taunts. From here on out, I’ll be focusing on writing and wrapping while watching Hallmark movies and reading Christmas romances.

I know… what can I say? Just shake your head.

Have a great week, Peeps!