Bucket lists. This is something I was thinking about at a recent lunch I attended at Coconut Lagoon that was hosted by Ford Canada. Ford invited a bunch of local bloggers for a meal (spoiler alert: it was amazing) and a chat with Robin Esrock, the author of The Great Global Bucket List (among other travel books).
First, I can’t write this post without talking a bit about the food. It was truly a memorable experience. Chef Joe Thottungal, the owner of Coconut Lagoon, gave us a detailed demonstration and lesson in South Indian cuisine.
This was followed by a quick lesson on how to wear a sari. Here’s me. I don’t know why I decided to choose this moment to demonstrate a royal wave (??):
The food followed. It was a splendid menu and everything screamed with flavour. Frankly, I was cursing myself for not coming out here before, despite hearing rave reviews from close friends. Our lunch included Sweet Potato & Ginger Soup with pappadum, Fish Pollichathu (Basa baked in a Banana Leaf – a delicacy in the region of Kerala, and something called thali, which was essentially a little bit of a few different dishes including Pork Vindaloo, Shrimp Curry, Mangalorean Chicken, Tadhka Dal, Madras Eggplant Masala.
Mix this in with a stellar mango lassi and some lovely conversation, and you have a winner of a meal.
After lunch, Robin gave a presentation about his travels and the places he’s checked off his bucket list. It’s remarkable, really, all the places he’s been. It was VERY inspiring and I’m looking forward to reading about all of his adventures in his book:
So that was part one of this particular adventure. Part two is coming up later, some time in October. Ford is giving a few of us blogging types the opportunity to strike something off our own bucket lists. Although many of my bucket list items are travel-related, I know there are a few closer to home that would fit the bill. I’m just not sure what that will be yet. Tell me, if you had $250 to put toward anything that you’ve always wanted to do, what would it be? I could use some great ideas! In the meantime, I might have to head back to Coconut Lagoon to check out their lunch buffet. :)
