Chip Truck Review--Speedy Spudz

I see this chip truck recommended a lot. It's way on the far side of Oshawa, Townline Rd and Taunton Rd. Easy to get in and out, lots of parking. I had to take Megan to Brooklin, so Lucy came along, and we zipped across Winchester Rd, rather than having to take Taunton Rd all the way across. They have a Facebook page with a photo of the menu. It's a very good menu, something for everyone, including dessert. Take note that the prices do NOT include tax.

This is the medium poutine, $6.22 plus tax. Plenty of gravy and cheese! The fries were crispy but not really crispy, so we both enjoyed them. About halfway through, I asked Lucy what she thought of the gravy, since she's picky. She said it was good. I realized that it wasn't standing out in any way. It wasn't thin, wasn't salty, wasn't skimpy. It was just there. So, it was good, for sure, but I'm not sure it was as good as others.

The small  onion rings ($3.97 plus tax). They were so hot, so we only had one or two each to start. They were really good. Lucy had planned to get a deep fried Mars bar, but we were stuffed (took home the onion rings) and I started to drive away before we remembered about dessert. 

There were picnic tables, but not set up. No shade. Lots of space though if you bring a chair. Our verdict was that these were good....but not worth our time to come all the way over just for them. If you're in the area, I would say, Sure! If you've got a few kids with all different palates, it's a great choice. I can see why they've been there awhile. 

Burger Joint Review--Lakeview Burger

A while ago, Lakeview Burger opened a location in Whitby. It was the best thing ever. Affordable burgers, awesome fries and onion rings. $4.99 for a 4oz hand crafted burger--perfect for lunch, or kids. They had specials, were easy to get to and park, space to eat in. We didn't enjoy it as often as we should have, because they didn't stay open too long. We were disappointed. Their Oshawa location is just not very convenient for us. Last weekend though, we had some time to kill in South Oshawa while Megan had a skating session, so we headed over.

Rob got a 6oz Angus Burger, $7.99. Actually, I think it was a Angus Cheese Burger, $9.99. It was really yummy! Too big for me, but I enjoyed every bite he let me have!

Also ordered a small poutine, $5.99. I really wanted to have onion rings, but I want to compare poutines at different places. This was the first time I've gotten poutine in a plastic dish with lid. The great thing that does is melt the cheese and prevent leaks. Look at all that melty cheese! There's no where to eat there, so we drove down to the lake. Perhaps if you eat in the parking lot (or hopefully inside before too long), they won't be as melty. The gravy was good, lighter than G'Molly's or Big Boys.

However, a plastic container does not let out steam. So no crispy fries. I don't think there was a naked fry anywhere though, so no big difference. I wonder how regular fries are packaged. I was thinking last night that what is needed is a lid like DQ Blizzards--an open topped plastic collar around the top. It would let the steam out and protect the poutine in the bag. 

The menu at Lakeview Burger is extensive. There are 26 different poutine options (as well as extra curds for $2). There are some interesting burger options--a double bacon cheese burger with grilled cheese sandwiches used as the buns! Bacon wrapped poutine! Deep Fried Poutine! If I were to offer one other bit of advice--change the paper menu design. The use of all caps just makes it a bit harder to read. And check the spelling--Vegitarian should be vegetarian :) Now that we've gotten the basic items tested again, next time we can branch out on the menu. Can't wait!

Chip Truck Review--G'Molly's

I had been hearing a lot about this chip truck in various Facebook groups. I really wanted to go, and since Rob was on vacation last week, we headed over for "lunch". I wish it was closer!!!

Check out her Facebook page for up to date info, hours, the menu, etc. Please note that she's cash only.  For those not on Facebook, she's at the north-west corner of Wilson Rd and Taunton Rd, on the east side of the gas station. Fairly easy to get into from any direction.

We got a regular burger (which is also 5oz), small poutine and a can of pop. It came to $14.50. Very reasonable!

Rob said the burger was really good. I had a few bites, and it was. Not dry or overdone. Very tasty!

The poutine was really good. The gravy was rich and flavourful and ample. I wouldn't have minded more curds, but it wasn't like I was thinking there wasn't enough. The fries were on the darker side which is my preference, but also not at all burn or dried out. I just noticed that the gravy mark on the lid, combined with the two cut outs--looks like a cat face LOL.

I have heard great things about her special sauces and seasonings and next time I will definitely try something else. There's no onion rings, but there are plenty of other options. I wish it wasn't so far!

Although there was shade, there was only a little retaining wall to sit on to eat. Be prepared--no shame in taking a chair! I'm going to add some chairs and a knife and fork set to my truck. It'd be nice to cut the burger in half to share. 

Burger Joint Review--Big Boy's Burgers, Whitby

Whitby does not have many permanent food trucks. They have a bylaw allowing only 3! Although I've heard of a 4th this summer, so I'm not sure what's up. The town is going to look into creating a "Food Truck Corner"--there's one in the next city over that is so popular. However, they don't plan to have this up until 2022. Yeah. Because it's on municipal land. I think the other one is probably on private property. So, I've had to expand my reviews to other sources of poutine and fries.

Rob painted the basement stairs without telling me, so I couldn't get the frozen meat for dinner out of the freezer. Perfect opportunity to get take out from somewhere new. We selected Big Boy's Burgers. I had read a lot of good reviews. The menu is on their website, HOWEVER, the prices are actually higher at the restaurant. I wasn't going to get a combo, but was kind of guilt tripped into it by the very friendly staff. The drink is huge. I got ice tea so I could drink it over a couple days. The restaurant is set up really well for this COVID period. You get to select your toppings when you order. I don't remember ordering onions though, but somehow got them. 

This was Megan's Crispy Chicken. It's upside down. That's the gravy on the side on the left (cut off). This is a great way to get gravy for take out. Always ask!

I got a Original Burger--1/4lb with bacon and cheese. I also got gravy. All the extras really add up. We could have done with one less gravy, as we're more "dippers" than "drowners". The gravy was very rich and flavourful. I believe this will be the gravy on their poutine (it says "beef gravy" on the menu). 

The fries were just like I like them! All those little crispy bits! They were in cardboard, open top boxes, and I think that really, really makes a difference. Foam clamshells, or even any closed top container, are murder to fries. The burger was wrapped in a foil sheet, also a great way to do it. The buns were a little soft, but I don't mind that. I hate a crispy bun that roughs up the roof of your mouth. 

The food was very filling, and very good. I would prefer my burger slightly less done, but some of that could have been from being wrapped up for the trip home. The fries were not huge servings, which is fine. I was still very full at the end! However, we felt it was a little pricey. It was about $47 for three combos, once all the extras and tax are added up. It also took awhile--the place was non-stop busy. I do still want to try the onion rings but I don't think we'll make a habit of going here for burgers. It's not very close to us. They do have other locations though, and if they're also really good, I'd visit one while out. They were planning to open one in Peterborough that wouldn't be too far off our route for when we go to Bancroft, so if that does open, it's nice to have another option. 

I definitely do recommend this place, they are doing a lot of things right!

Family Cruise 2019--Going Home

It was a rocky night for the last night of the cruise. It's not a long stretch from Coco Cay to Miami, so when the weather is nice, it's great to be on deck because the ocean is calm with the ship going slow. But once again, it wasn't the most pleasant weather over night or when we arrived in Miami. It was hot and humid and I think drizzle. 

This is the MSC terminal I think, it was under construction.

I assume this was the RCCL terminal. It feels like forever ago.

We decided to do the scheduled timed departure because we weren't in a hurry. And I wanted Mom to have that experience. It meant we didn't have to get up too early, though food is only available till a certain time. It was a bit stressful because we had two different departure wait areas and times. A lot of people paid no attention to the departure "rules". We saw lots of people with their full size luggage, long after the self-walk off time was supposed to end. 

We got off and headed to find our luggage. It's so strange, seeing so many suitcases lined up, just trusting that everyone else is going to be honest. We got the bags, then headed to the customs line (or maybe customs comes first. I can never remember these things). We were through that quickly. There were some long lines though and some less than pleasant terminal workers who just don't seem interested in making it a nice day for you. Maybe they have too much power and like to keep us minions in line. I don't know. It just doesn't feel like the end of a lovely holiday. Hot, humid, sticky floor, loud echo-y luggage area. Like being in the basement.

We got out and had to decide how to get to the airport. We were going to do taxi, but there was a stand advertising bus transportation at what seemed like a good price. They said to don't delay, the bus was almost full and would be leaving soon. We rushed over to the full size coach bus. 

It was half full. And hot. We sat and waited for 40 minutes, I think it was. Cranky kids (not mine), smelly air (it's outside, but partially covered). Finally, we left, but we didn't go straight to the  airport! We stopped at a hotel (or two?). We couldn't believe it. Next time, we'll get a taxi. 

Finally we got to the airport. We got dropped off at an outside counter, somewhere we've never been before (we're not all that familiar with the Miami airport, but it had been only 2 years!). It was the north-east end of the building (look on Google Map; and find the Corona Bar and Grill--we were just to the right of it, it looks like there's tractor trailers parked there). We really weren't sure if that was where we were supposed to be. Finally made it up to the counter, it was the right spot. But one of our suitcases was overweight! We were bringing home a bottle of booze, and a bottle of vanilla, but it was enough to make a difference! We became one of those people, re-arranging suitcases at the check in LOL.

We headed inside, first stop, bathrooms! Luckily they were right there. We had been told what security gate to go to, and headed in the only direction we could. Poor Mom was really tired and sore--she had a knee replacement that didn't heal well, and the other knee needs work, and her hips are going. We got to the security gate and it was lined up so long. The officer there said to keep going, down to gate E3. A group of us headed the way she pointed and soldiered on. We got to the gate we thought she had said, and it was closed! A few other people showed up, also visibly confused and frustrated. Mom and I stayed there while Rob and the girls headed back to the agent to find out where we should be. Apparently, she wasn't the friendliest either. She says she said something else, which wasn't nearly as far. We marched back, only to find the line nearly as long as the original gate we were supposed to go to!

We snaked through the line, and somehow Mom was in front of us in the line. She got near the front and the agent directly people asked if she was alone. She said yes, and the agent directed her to the side. Mom says "What about the rest of my family?" LOL. The agent looked ticked but let us through. We stood next to another gate and agent, I think there was a sign indicating it was the line for travelers needing assistance. The agent was talking to the first agent and we patiently waited a few minutes. Finally he noticed us and was actually friendly! He said we should have spoke up--we replied we're Canadian, we're too polite LOL. He directed us to a security line with another large family needing assistance for a senior and a baby. 

I don't recall much about security. It's annoying as a group. They're not friendly. We were hungry. We got through and started walking. We were right by TGI Friday's, I think, but for some reason Rob wanted to get to our gate and then decide what to eat. Luckily, a worker with a big golf cart stopped and asked Mom if she wanted a ride. Of course! Her and I hopped on and zoomed off. I tipped him, and he almost drove off with our luggage LOL. Later, the girls said they say "No Tipping" signs on the carts and didn't know if that meant no money tipping, or no tipping of the cart. Oh well. 

We found seats. There was no food around. We packed up and walked back to TGI Friday's. Yeah. Not amused. We had a decent lunch though it's so crowded with all your luggage with you. Then we walked back to the gate. 

Again, they announced voluntary checking of carry on luggage. We were in the "safe" zone of the plane, but by only one group. Mom decided to check her bag because it really hadn't worked well on the way down. I think we checked our bags too maybe. Then they demanded that the last group check their carry on. Some passengers were not happy! You see them with a suitcase, a huge backpack (doubtful it would fit under the seat), and a few hand held large items. Then they get mad when there's not enough room. 

Mom stayed in her seat for the entire flight. Bad move. When we land, we never rush off. There was a pushy lady behind Rob, but joke on her--by the time we made it to luggage, she was still waiting. We got to the gangway and Mom was not doing well. An agent asked if she needed a wheelchair, and she finally agreed. We hadn't reserved one though, so we couldn't have one of the ones they had waiting. Some how one was found nearby and Rob took off pushing Mom.

He had a couple incidents regarding feet and tight turns LOL. 

The girls and I lagged behind. They were gone in the wind LOL. We also got to go through the short line for Customs, though I remember some confusion about the machines vs the agents.  Long walk to the luggage, so Rob took off ahead of us slow pokes. If there ever is a next time for Mom flying somewhere, we are pre-arranging a wheelchair! Although, there needs to be enough people. Only two people wouldn't work if you need a luggage chart too. We disregarded the sign about not taking the luggage chart on the train thingy and headed off. In the parking lot, there was a SUV with a busted out rear window. It was taped over. We hate airport parking. We were joking about how there had been a wheelchair in the shelter when we first arrived and Mom refusing to use it, but now we were leaving one there. 

Pretty smooth drive home. I think we ordered a pizza and that's all, trip over. Would we do it again? Well, with the current world situation, Rob says he's never cruising again. Back in the winter I found an east coast cruise for this fall that I tried to convince Mom, my SIL and her Mom, to go on, but no one was too keen. I won't go on another huge ship again either. I'm done with the Oasis class, and all the extra stuff we don't use. We really like the Freedom class (about 3500 people) but they've added stuff to the top decks too so now less room. The Celebrity Equinox was also really nice and relaxing but full of old people LOL. I watched some videos on the newest Holland America's ship and it looks really nice, and Princess looks good too. Who knows now though. No travel for anyone. 

Family Cruise Day 7---Perfect Day Coco Cay

The weather the night before was making us consider that this might not be a "Perfect Day". Then, all excursions were cancelled, due to weather. I had rented snorkel equipment for us to use on our one and only beach day. Gone. 

We got ashore fairly early. It was almost chilly. Yes, in the Bahamas. It was very windy still, cloudy, and not hot. We immediately hopped on the first trolley we saw.

The horizon looks level, but the ship doesn't. Interesting.

We took the trolley all around the island. The map HERE shows the trolley only going around the waterpark portion, but we ended up on the beach by the Snack Shack. 

It was so disappointingly cold. The wind on the beach felt like sandblasting on our legs. The water was cold. 

The girls had been looking forward to a tropical beach all week, and they had an easier time going into Ontario cottage country lakes than they did here. 

We managed, but man! Not fun.  We later realized that the other beaches, with their break walls, might have been nicer, but it was miserable walking along the beach. Rob had gone for a walk and discovered we were right next to the big pool, which was what he had been looking forward to, so we packed up and moved. 

It's not easy to find 5 chairs; I think we settled for 4. This morning was the ONLY time for skating on the ship's rink, so Rob took the girls while Mom and I relaxed and tried to keep warm. Seriously. We also enjoyed the wildlife around the pool!

Awww

We headed into the pool to warm up, and checked out the islands. There were people looking at something, so we peered closer. Lizards, of several types and sizes!

We enjoyed the food at the Snack Shack, and the Skipper's Grill. Watch out for the washroom signs there, the sink is a common area and depending on which direction you come from, you might go the wrong way in....to the men's....thinking that the whole bathroom was women's and both openings on either side of the sinks went to the toilets....Saved myself in time :)

We had pouring, pouring rain at the pool. The umbrellas helped a little to keep things dry, but really, it wasn't a lot of help. 

Someone realized we were near the Lagoon, and that it was calm there. We enjoyed that so much more than the first, though it was a little stagnant feeling. Look at that sky!

We went back to the Snack Shack to get more awesome food, but it started to pour. Crazy Caribbean rain. Look at everyone huddling under that tiki bar hut. There was no where at the Snack Shack to escape the rain, just a tiny sliver under the condiments bar. We were wet, tired, chilled. Totally not the day shown in the commericals and ads, but we enjoyed it in typical Vetzal fashion. 

I always wish I took better food and menu pictures. The kids texted me food pictures, but I have no idea what days they were from. 

The coconut shrimp. Once Andrew knew we liked them, he kept them coming. I don't know how many we ate, but that would have been enough on it's own. 

I believe this is the braised lamb shank. Very good, if you like lamb.

Of course, it was "Have fun with the waiters" night. See the girls in their shorts? The dress code did say "casual" but most things say no shorts in the dining room. I wasn't thrilled, but it was the last night. I wonder just how tall Dobrovoj is!

After dinner, it was time to pack up. Mom and I, and I think Lucy, went to iSkate 2.0. I'm not sure why Megan didn't want to go. It was really good. More like Stars on Ice than the production show earlier in the week. 

I don't think I've ever done a port day the last cruise day. I wasn't looking forward to that, and it was compounded by everything being soaking wet. We had collected a few plastic bags, but not really enough. Keep this in mind if you choose this itinerary.

Did we enjoy Perfect Day? Of course. We were extremely disappointed when shortly after we booked, we found out the water park wasn't included (it was just opening around that time, so there wasn't much info online yet). Then we found out how much it was. It's cheaper for us to go to water parks here! I would have liked to check out the wave pool and some small slides, but not nearly enough to justify the cost. Maybe if they had a half day pass. Excursions booked through the ship are always more expensive than booked independently, but unfortunately, there are no alternatives here except booking online before your cruise and watching for a sale. 

Family Cruise Day 6---Sea Day

I was trying so hard to keep up with these posts. Only 3 days left and I totally slacked off.

We were trying to decide between Johnny Rockets or Playmakers for lunch, to use our $50 on board credit. Playmakers won. There wasn't a lot of seating and we had to go to "the back" near the arcade games. Service was slowish. We were worried about the wings being too spicey, even the "not spicey" ones are a little hot, the waiter said. They finally came and after a few, we declared the regular Buffalo ones too spicey. The waiter brought us some more "naked" ones. Along with drinks, I think it came to about $35US.  Twenty four wings were $12.

The best part of the lunch was the group behind us. I heard Toronto being mentioned. We realized it was a group of the cast from Hiro. One member was from Toronto. We had a brief chat. They said it was their last performance and their contract was over after this cruise. They highly recommended coming to the performances that day, it's was a more of "highlights" and talking about the cast.  We decided to go to the 5:00 show since we were scheduled to see the theater show after dinner. This made us late for dinner, but that's just something that happens.

View from the girls' balcony before going to the show.

Of course they wanted to be right at the front

Crazy high diving. Can you see her?

Look up!

Cool to see the slack line and other acts during the day.

These harnesses are so cool. Rob and I saw them up close on one of our first 2 cruises when we did a backstage tour.

Look how high they are!

The cast members we saw in the restaurant waved to us and gave us some extra splashes LOL

This was I think an onion "tarte" for a starter. It was very quiche like

Classic Calabrese salad

Don't remember what this was, but it appears to be shrimp on top of something.

Lucy wanted to give the lobster tail a try this time, since she missed it on the last cruise

She said it was okay.  Unfortunately, I don't know what the rest of us had. I wonder if this was the night with the coconut shrimp. Oh, we ate so many of those. He just kept bringing us more!

As a special treat for their 50th Anniversary, every table got a little cake.

Our great wait team, Dobrovoj and Andrew

I took this picture of the rules. We were trying to find out where it says "No Glasses". Then it was time to go to the main theater show, "Flight". I had heard you need to sit up on the balcony for the best view.

It was kind of a weird show, going back in time in the history of space travel and flight. Royal Caribbean does phenomenal productions.

Look at this bi-plane "flying" across the theater!

We'd been having a few issues with the room attendant and had a call and visit from the manager. When we got in from the show, this towel animal was there (they no longer do them every night), with a letter explaining our Future Cruise Credit to make up for the difficulties we had. 

I think this night was really windy. Was this the night Rob and Lucy went down to the Bionic Bar and tried a whole bunch of drinks? (Mocktails for Lucy). Then she threw up in the night LOL. I've forgotten so much already!