Posted: under Restaurant.
Hello,
It is not often that I reveal anything about myself or my personal life on this blog, other than the foods I like to eat 
At this time, however, I have a personal request for those of you in the restaurant business and affiliates who read this blog (and any other generous people who may be reading)
Two months ago my best friend’s baby boy, Jake, was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disorder called Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR).
With this diagnosis it was discovered that Jake has only “light” sight
and minimal peripheral vision. On July 16th and 17th, Jake underwent
double eye surgery to reattach his retinas and remove fluid blockage
with the hopes of allowing him the chance to see, at least, shapes and
shadows. It will be another 4-6 months before they will know if the
surgery was successful. What is known, is that Jake will need extensive
eye therapy, glasses and most likely multiple surgeries throughout his
life. FEVR is a progressive disorder with no known cure. The only thing
that can be certain is that Jake will be fighting for sight for the
rest of his life.
Because of all the therapy and ongoing care that Baby Jake needs, his mother (my friend) is unable to return to work. As you can imagine, this has caused a great financial burden on the family. To help alleviate some of the costs of therapy and the loss of income, a small group of friends and I are hosting a Benefit on Friday, September 18th to raise money for Jake and his family. The benefit will include the following:
The benefit is open to anyone who would like to come and support our cause. You can find specific details of the event on Jake’s Benefit Website, Our Visions of Hope. At this time I am looking for restaurant donations to include in the raffle drawing. If you are in the restaurant business and would be able to donate Gift Cards (or make a monetary donation to Jake) please e-mail me at kristi@twincitiesrestaurantblog.com.
Thanks for your support!!!!!
Sep 04 2009
Posted: under Nice Place, Place to Go, Travel Tips, Vacations.
Boston stands proud as the birthplace of the American Revolution and the present day hotbed of art, education and culture. For baseball fans, the city offers a taste of Red Sox history at Fenway Park.
With so much to see and do, we set off early in an effort to reach Boston by 9 a.m. Our primary intention was to walk along Boston’s scenic harborwalk, which has been constructed to provide easy access to the Harbor and connect the waterfront neighborhoods. Some parts of it are still undergoing extension.
Sep 04 2009
Posted: under Nice Place, Place to Go, Travel Tips, Vacations.
spent my summers by the sea. Always, a beach, a dock and a longing to be out in a boat followed me each successive summer as I joined family and friends at our family vacation home in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard or later, the Jersey Shore.
My grandmother used to belong to the Chappaquiddick Beach Club, and one of the swell things about this club is the big dock that allowed members to come over to the club by small boat.
I sat on that dock for hours, watching with envy the Boston Whalers and other small motorcraft that zipped in and out, piloted by grinning young men or bikini-clad teen girls. Oh how I wanted to be in that driver’s seat.
Fast forward 35 years, and I’m waking up after spending the night on the bridge of a 42’ Krogen trawler yacht owned by the friends of a friend. When my pal Jack asked me if I’d like to rendezvous with Denny and Laraine and spend a few days on their boat off the coast of Chappaquiddick, it didn’t take me a second to say yes.
Sep 03 2009
Posted: under Nice Place, Place to Go, Travel Tips, Vacations.
Canada has always remained a mystery to me. It is rarely mentioned in politics, history or just in good old banter. Kind of like the quiet kid who sits in the back of the class that you suddenly find so alluring.
My Aunt invited me to stay with her at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal for a few days while she attended a convention. I figured this was a true opportunity to dig down as deep as I could to answer the question that has been haunting me: What is it with Canada?
I awoke bright and early to meet Claire-Marie Lavoie, a tour guide from the Infotouriste Centre who would be showing me around the best parts of the city via van.
Sep 02 2009
Posted: under Nice Place, Place to Go, Travel Tips, Vacations.
While visiting Port Douglas, Australia, you will realize the true meaning of heaven on earth. You will experience relaxation, like never before with the wonderfully breath taking rainforests and coral seas. Port Douglas is only an hours drive from Cairns airport. It originally came to be as a means to service the goldfields.
Port Douglas was named after the Queensland Premier, John Douglas, in 1877. Originally it was used to transport gold in exchange for supplies. Gold mining was Port Douglas’ sole source of wealth for many years. In later years silver, sugar can and red cedar also made it’s contribution to the Ports wealth. However in 1911 there was a decline in gold and silver mining, and the Port began to fade, until it was hit by a cyclone, which turned Port Douglas in a wonderful fishing village.
There are many ways for you to take a further look into the history of Port Douglas. The Mossman Sugar mill will give you a first hand experience of the sugar milling process, and the Cooktowns Discovery Festival, every June, shows a re-enactment of the settling of Lt. James Cook in 1770. The Cooktown festival is an elaborate celebration with authentic costumes, gala ball, fire works and bull riding.
There are a variety of Port Douglas accommodation, to suit the needs of all travelers. There are five start accommodations for those that are looking for luxurious hotels or private homes. For a modest price accommodation, Port Douglas offers condominiums, villas, motels and apartments. If you are someone looking for adventure you can stay at the rainforest lodges, or caravan parks.
Port Douglas is also an area where there is something for everyone. You can spend the day at Four Mile Beach and enjoying fishing snorkeling and swimming. Head down to Macrossan Street for an afternoon of shopping, dining and an evening of fun in the dark. There are also 12 nearby beaches that you can visit, in local towns.
If you are shopping for a decent palm cove accommodation at a great price, visit tropicalnorthqueensland.com.au. You will find the best palm cove hotels available for your stay.
Sep 01 2009