Waltzing Kangaroo Serves up Hot Meat Pies in Colorado

It's so amazingly delightful to find a true "treasure" practically in your backyard. Ron and I just returned from visiting one: Waltzing Kangaroo, serving handcrafted Australian food, right here in our own Fort Collins. I was so excited, I just had to get the words down as soon as we walked through our front door!

Upon entering the clean, bright, and modern open-kitchen premises, we noticed that the pastry cases were in short supply of their meat, chicken , and savory pies.That was because the lunch crowd wiped them out!  

No fret, because two large trays of various baked Australian pies were pulled out from the oven. A finishing touch of egg wash was applied on the tops with a pastry brush and popped back in for a further 8-minutes. Results: perfectly golden- baked crusts.

The owners, Steve ( Australian) and his wife, Aimee ( American) Phillips, put years of thought and precise planning to making their dream come true: opening an Australian meat pie shop and introducing these delectable pies to an American audience.

There has been no short cuts in the preparation of their menu. Everything, and I mean everything, is made from scratch: the shortcrust and pastry shells, sausage rolls, salad dressing, the slow-cooked beef stock, quiches, and the scrumptious sweets.

Great care was considered in serving the perfect cup of coffee. They refused to serve nothing less than the best Australian-style espresso. The local Coffee Registry found this to be an exciting new challenge to take on. According to Steve and Aimee, they hit right on target. Ron, who never ever drinks coffee, wouldn't leave my cup alone!

We shared a delicious Steak & Gravy pie containing chunks of tender steak swimming in a rich all-natural gravy. The Lamb & Rosemary pie had flavorful morsels of lamb in a rosemary and roasted garlic sauce. Three popular Australian sides helped to round out the meal: mash potatoes, sweet potato mash, and mushy peas. We fought over the peas, (I wished my mother could have seen that; I was the kid who hid my peas in the dinner paper napkin!)

Aimee had us taste the Australian Bundaberg Ginger Beer (no alcohol). Ron and I  "voted" it the best of all the ginger beers we have tried throughout our many travels. So far, no disappointments; the treasures just kept coming right on through to the in-house made desserts. All are made fresh from scratch and in ample servings. We tried the Profiteroles, made in a light choux pastry filled with creme patisserie. The popular Australian Vanilla Slice is filled with vanilla custard between puff pastry and topped with a delicate lemon icing.

By this time I was already making a check list of what I'm going to be ordering on our soon-to -be return trip. Without any doubt, The Waltzing Kangaroo will be Fort Collin's newest hidden gem. And we are so grateful that this American-Australian couple have made such efforts to share their love of these iconic foods with us!

A Seasonal Sail-Away

Most folks have seen the Viking Ship Cruise commercial where a soothing voice enticingly says, "When you glide through the heart of landscapes and cities on a river: a rare and unforgettable tale unfolds!"   

I was excited when I found out that Ron and I had a story to cover aboard one of these long ships in Europe. But I was not as enthused when I notice that it would be in the middle of December. All of a sudden I had a lot of precise planing for both the holiday "doings" along with packing for this two week trip.

When we arrived in Budapest, Hungary, we rode a taxi to the hotel. We needed a good night's rest before boarding the ship, Atla, the next afternoon. I learned something new: the hilly Buda is located on the north side of the River Danube and the flat city of Pest is on the south. In 1873, the two cities incorporated to become one. 

Viking Ships carry about 200 passengers. Our cabin was cozy, clean, and comfortable. It had a flat screen TV and a desk area with room to set up a laptop computer. The heated bathroom floor was a nice luxury on cold mornings. I liked that in the large dining area, one can choose to sit at any table. I "hopped " tables at every meal and as a result made friends with people from New Zealand, U.K., Canada, and America. We had a lot of laughs over our differences and similarities of life.   

The focus of this particular cruise was the famous Christmas Markets held in various cities throughout Europe. (I wrote more about Christmas Markets in my forthcoming book, The Travel Writer's Wife.) Ron and I walked to the one held on the Pest side of town. It was festive and crowded with happy people. I found it interesting to see the Hungarian food influence of cabbage rolls, goulash and chimney cake.  

When time is short, I like taking a guided bus tour to get a quick overall view of a city. Out guide was an ex-pat American with Hungarian roots. She spoke of Hungary's colorful history along with contemporary news. (Syrian refugees had just previously crossed through Budapest.)   

We drove past the Zoo, Hero's Corner, 18th century mansions, the Jewish quarter, the Parliament building, the House of Terror, and the Great Hall Market. Later on my own, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful National Art Gallery. Echoing thru the vestibules were the voices of a children's choir singing Hungarian Christmas songs. The art collection was fabulous and an inspiration to me.   

Our next port stop was in Vienna, Austria. Unfortunately the weather was freezing cold, so our walk around the city was cut short. No matter, we enjoyed a thick hot chocolate and apple strudel at the famous Demel. Since 1888, this Viennese coffee house has been serving cream cakes, scones, and their famous Demel Sacher Tortes. In the evening we took a tour of the Schonbrunn Palace, a former Imperial summer residence. On the grounds of the glorious palace was a Christmas Market. Vienna was placed on my revisit list! 

Near Melk, Austria , we visited a 5th generation-owned winery and they served us a delicious lunch. The mascot cat, "Splash". was trying so hard to retrieve morsels of food from the visitors. We toured the Melk Abbey where monks live and the village children attend school.  

During a tour of Passau, Germany, we attended an interesting gingerbread demonstration and was delighted to partake of samples. After that was another festive Christmas Market to explore.  

At our boat's stop in Regensburg, Germany, I signed up for a walking tour that focused on the Jewish Quarters and the sad effects that World War II had on this city's Jewish population. I saw a building with a blue plaque on the side of an apartment building commemorating Oskar Schindler who lived at this location at one time. Impressive!  

In Nuremberg, Germany, our guided bus tour drove through this historical city. A stop at the Nazi Rally grounds where Hitler gave his notorious shouting and spitting speeches, was a bit eerie. 

In my journal I wrote, "Sometimes it's the small things that excite me the most when we travel. "Purchasing a set of Pigment Liner Pens from the Staedtler store was one of them. Good sketching pens! The Staedtler  company is known for exquisite writing instruments and is located on a main street in Nuremberg.  

In Nuremberg I visited three contemporary art museums,and joined a walking tour of the city. I stumbled along the cobblestone streets (so European!), while eating a bratwurst from the  Christmas Market. I bought some funny Santa hats, and a book about Germany's recovery after WWII: Germany 1945: From War to Peace, by Richard Bessel. (A good read of information.)                             
So what did I learn from this trip? I gained some more interesting European historical facts and that it was so peaceful to temporarily turn off from the world's sad events. And for a while, it was fun to feel like a tourist; without any heavy thinking to do! I should like to sail away again; soon!    

Back on Track

Oh dear! It's been several weeks since my last blog post. But I believe I have some good excuses for that:

1. The Christmas holidays

2.A trip to Europe

3.My forthcoming BOOK

If you're a woman, then you were probably the number one person in your family household responsible for the holidays. That may include the baking, the shopping, wrapping, and sending gifts along with the tree and decorations. Don't forget the Christmas cards too. Most of all; the timetable: getting it all done and on time!

On my refrigerator was taped a dozen lists of "things to do". That included the Viking Cruise trip on the River Danube. There's so much to do before turning on the front porch light and locking the door behind as you head out tho the airport. (I'll write a post on this trip soon.)

My book, The Travel Writer's Wife, is finished. Well, at least my part of it is. It took me a year and three weeks to write it. Of course not all the days during that time were devoted to the writing. I had a lot of travel and family obligations that deterred me away from it.

Most of the time I wasn't able to do a "Hemingway-sit-down-and-type-for-several-hours". My usual routine was to go to the library and feel content that I was able to put in 2-3 hours of writing. Little by little, it finally got done.

It was a challenging project for me because I don't consider myself a writer; I'm more visually an artist. But reflecting back, I learned a few things. My spelling improved. Especially regarding the words: definitely and inevitably.

My typing sped up considerably and I learned how to research facts on the internet although looking up factual information held me back. At times I would get so caught up reading interesting material regarding a subject that time would fly by without any writing getting completed!

I drew 136 illustrations just to perk up the pages a bit. When the last sketch was drawn and the last word of the epilogue typed, I resounded a big "YES!" It was a satisfying feeling indeed! The cover has been designed and when the printed versions are available, I' let it be known how to purchase a copy.

In the meantime, I plan to go over my list of projects that I've been desiring to get to. The laptop will be pushed to the side of my long desk and I think a blank canvas will be propped up waiting to be covered with some colorful paint. I look forward to it!

Art Wear Fashion Show at Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, CO

Coat designed by Lee Anderson- ArtWear Fashion Show

For 16 years I've seen the Art Wear Fashion Show advertised annually in our local paper. On the 17th October of this year, I finally went. What took me so long?!!  I cringe to think about all the lovely creative garments I missed seeing all those years.  

Fifty-four artists from around the country participated in the 2015 presentation. The one-of-a-kind hand-made wearable garments and accessories proudly strutted down the catwalk at the Lincoln Center here in my own backyard of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Coat designed by Mary Hertert- ArtWear Fashion Show

It was refreshing to see the models were "everyday" women; giving the audience a visual view to easily imagine themselves wearing these exquisite creations.

The stage was carefully designed with over-sized sails of fabric that gently moved but did not distract from the elegant creations. Soft reflective colored lights, a gentle mist, and upbeat music added to the ambiance of the fashion event.

Shown were embellished coats, jackets, dresses, pants, along with flowing wraps, fluid shawls and neck scarves. Some were reversible, buttoned, or the hemlines swooped dramatically in the back.Various fabric and textile techniques were used such as embroidery, silk-screening, weaving, and even digital-printing. Pushing the potential of fabrics, silk, felt, cotton, wool and chiffons were the "canvases" for the textile artists.

I went back to the Lincoln Center the next afternoon to get a better close-up  of the hand-work on the garments. The sales boutique was neatly arranged with the clothing modeled the previous night and available for purchase. A young pretty CSU fashion student, Taylor, graciously pointed out some 

garments with unique details that I would have missed.

Jacket and dress designed by Kevin Kessel- ArtWear Fashion Show

I asked her what area of fashion she wanted to pursue.She said that she was interested in designing lingerie and among her dreams was to live in Paris. I had just finished reading, "My Paris Dream" by Kate Betts, a memoir about a student involved in the fashion world. (note: Taylor, save your school cash and borrow the book from the library!)

The Artistic Director, Gary Hixon, said,"Clothes should be fun and hopefully we added some color to Fort Collins!" Not only was there lots of color but this year's Art Wear fashion show was entertaining and could easily rival any Paris catwalk. I'm already anticipating next year's presentation!

Introduction to Iris Apfel

Imagine being such a fascinating person at the age of 90, that a documentary is made about your life! I recently watched Albert Maysles' film simple called, Iris, about the life of Iris Apfel. Actually it focused mainly on her life now because so much is happening for her at this time.

Iris Apfel, born in 1921,a true New Yorker, is known for her eccentric but very stylish sense of fashion. She wears over-sized bangles and necklaces, furry scarves, multi-colored clothes, and her trademark large round glasses.

After marrying her husband, Carl, in 1948, they started a major textile firm and antiques business: Old World Weavers. Over the years they traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. (After 68 years of marriage, sadly, Carl passed away in August, 2015.) All the while Iris kept busy with a interior designing which included work for nine presidents in the White House.

Following the 2005 exhibit of her massive collection of clothes and jewelry at the New York Metropolitan's Costume Institute, great interest in her personal style evolved. Unique opportunities presented themselves to Mrs. Apfel. She became a "face" of  MAC cosmetics at the age of 90, has a line of accessories with HSN, and a bright and bold jewelry line, RAVA ARIS, on the internet.

Iris likes timeless and traditional things, not so much trendy. She believes jewelry can be the fastest transformer for an outfit. This "geriatric" starlet has her own version of reality regarding her look, such as; "Getting old ain't for sissies. You have to push yourself when your'e older because its 's very easy to fall into the trap. Style is a personal thing, you have to be yourself." I just wanted to introduce this eclectic lady to you because we baby boomers need mentors and icons to keep us encouraged in our later years!

Zandra with a "Z'

She has a tiny tattoo of a lily flower on her thigh, occasionally sneaks a Mars candy bar, is thrilled being appointed a  Dame (DBE), and wouldn't be recognized without her pink hair. Zandra Rhodes, considers herself a "printer" but her immeasurable talents and artistic skills bring her quite further than that.

                   

                                                                                                              

Her colorful textile prints which evolved into floating fantasy clothes erased all the old fashion taboos regarding dress design. Her original creations have been seen at red carpet events, runways, and on celebrities throughout the world.  

Zandra Rhodes was born in 1940 in Chatham, Kent, U.K. She attended London's Royal College of Art and her first major area of study was Printed Textile design. When she discovered how beautiful the printed fabrics draped on the body, her artistic imagination began to really bloom. At first the fashion community considered her eccentric and extreme but in the late 1960's when "anything goes", her peers began to pay attention. 

Today Ms. Rhodes's original designs extend to handbags, bed linens, and five separate collections of jewelry. She finds inspiration everywhere she travels; India is a huge influence with it's bright lively colors. The name Zandra Rhodes is associated with color, though she has designed a line of black, white, and gray garments. Even the design of those creations vibrate with energy!  

When talking about her work, she is always saying, "We" instead of "I". She likes to surround 

herself with people who are as enthusiastic as she is. Ms. Rhodes likes working with a team of people and is generous with sharing her creative knowledge with young students.

The woman who walks confidently in high heels and never steps out the door without pink hair and full makeup, shares wise counsel to the novice: "Never give up ever, when people try to crush you." Along with, "No point in doing anything, unless you do it to the best of your ability."After five successful decades in the industry, Zandra Rhodes still loves fashion now more than ever!     

Zolo Grill

When it comes to some southwestern cuisine restaurants, the chefs are so proud of their red and green chile sauces, that the food is abundantly smothered in it. I usually scrape it aside with a spoon to see if there is a tamale or chicken thigh hiding beneath.

But this was not so at the Zolo Grill restaurant located in central Boulder,Colorado. Inside it felt like we were seated in a pueblo dwelling with long wooden branch poles hanging across the ceiling. The rustic contemporary art on the wall and the low cozy lighting made us feel comfortable in this southwestern ambience. Immediately we were able to determine that this was a friendly and casual place to be. Many of the employees have been there for quite some time; there definitely is a family feeling among them.

All the food, including the meats, ribs, dressings, chorizo sausages, sauces, and desserts, are made from scratch. The menu changes seasonally and many of the ingredients are sourced from local farms. Meats are brined and sometimes smoked for as long as three days.

The cuisine can be described as southwestern, upscale and gourmet but assessable to everyone. We tried the Queso Fundido appetizer, barbeque beef brisket, butternut squash poblano tamales, and the chicken enchiladas. The popular banana cream pie has been on the menu since their opening in 1994.
They sure are doing something right because after 21 years in business, the staff are now welcoming a second generation of loyal customers to Zolo Grill.  Not to mention, it was such a pleasant surprise to visually see the delicious food served before us!