IT WAS OUR last night of a fabulous B&B getaway on Georgian Bay (Ontario, Canada). We wanted a low-key, low-budget way to round off our 4th of July long weekend trip, so we asked our Beacon Shore B&B hosts for a recommendation.

Bob & Jacquie told us about the Georgian Grill in Balm Beach, where the historically-minded owners have been making great hamburgers with their secret recipe since 1934. Bob told us Balm Beach would also be a great place to get some sunset pics, so we were sold.

The Surf Restaurant had a jaunty longboat-style entrance

(It was also Canada Day weekend.)

We lucked out with a table right next to the beach, and our waitress helped expedite the fast delivery of our dinner (we were in a bit of hurry not to miss the sunset).

Burgers & beer at the Surf Restaurant

When it was time for the beach sunset, we drove from the restaurant to the beach parking area. Since Balm Beach is incredibly tiny (it’s part of Tiny Township), we only did this because we would have missed the sun sinking below the horizon. Otherwise, it would be an easy stroll across the beach from the restaurant.

Families frolic on the front beach

While I waded in the brisk water and let my feet settle blissfully into the wet sand, Brian took shots of the sunset. I used what I reckon was his best one for the main photo. Do you approve?

Naturally, we did not want our beach sunset interlude to end. But if one really must have the Oh-Bummer-Last-Night-of-Mini-Vacation blues, this was just the ‘balm’ we needed to ease us through.

Another bummer was that I missed my chance to meet Patti Friday. Patti is a world-read blogger who lives in Wasaga Beach, about 20 miles by road from Balm Beach. I found her colorful blog as I was researching our dinner options, but sadly it was way too late to email her to suggest meeting for coffee as fellow writers. Wah!! But here’s her page about Balm Beach (she has some great photos): Wasaga Beach News + Opinion > You Should Visit Balm Beach.

Hola, Patti!

HAD ANY GOOD lattes lately? If so, you may be ready for a new twist on the old routine: the breve.

Breve translates from Italian as ‘brief’ or ‘short.’ What that has to do with this drink beats me! It should really be called cremoso (creamy).

Wiki defines the breve thus:

Caffè breve (caf-ay brev-ay) is an American variation of a latte: a milk-based espresso drink using steamed half-and-half (a 50:50 mixture of milk and cream) instead of milk. The use of half-and-half increases the foam in the drink.

Sounds rich, doesn’t it? If you try one, don’t sue me if you wind up addicted! But for those concerned about stacking on the pounds, here’s a morsel of comfort. In her article at Cocoajava.com, Low Carbing at the Coffee House, Vicki Shaver says:

“Whether it’s a Breve Latte or a Breve Cappuccino, you will love this creamy version of the standard so much that you will never want to return to the land of skim! This is a low carb staple, and a must when turning coffee into dessert.”

4 Insider Tips for Getting a Good Breve

For daily coffee at home, we use our Keurig machine and a variety of K-Cups (extra bold). In coffee houses I almost never drink anything but breves, so I’ve learned a few simple tricks for getting it the way I like it. It starts with good beans.

Chris Cole lists his occupation as Full-time Coffee Expert

Does your local hangout use great beans? If you’re not totally sure, do a taste test. Visit several coffee houses in your area over a period of 3–4 days. Order the same type of drink in each establishment. Which one stands out the most?

My second trick is that you have to be able to taste the coffee itself. It’s not just about the cream. When I see people ordering gigantic mochas with only one shot of espresso (or adding all kinds of sickly flavoring), I have to wonder: does this person actually like coffee?

If you can’t bear the taste of espresso without some added pumpkin pie or mint or hazelnut then—even with all the cream—my perfect drink will be too strong for you. I order a small breve with two shots of espresso, and that’s the intensity I like. Anything less tastes bland to me.

If you’re out globetrotting (at least in North America) and you want to hunt down a breve, there’s a third trick you must know: how to ask.

A Peaberry's breve undergoes my rigorous taste test (score: A+)

Here’s how your spiel should go:

“Can you make a breve?”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a latte made with half-and-half.”

“Sure, we have half-and-half. But I’ll have to charge you more.”

You might pay up to 50 cents more . . . but I think you’ll agree that the heavenly taste is worth the extra cost.

Incidentally, when ordering in Starbucks, be sure to say you want a “breve latte.” That’s what Starbucks baristas are trained to call it, and they won’t feel right until you’ve said it.

(The proper term is caffè breve, but I’ve never had to say the caffè part to get what I want.)

When all else fails and your (non-corporate) barista is looking blank, just remember to say it’s a latte made with half-and-half. This worked like a charm for me in Ontario, where no one I encountered knew a thing about it. But after hearing my magic words they knew just what to do.

The fourth tip—and this is critical—is about steaming the half-and-half to the correct temperature: 160 degrees. If you encounter an over-zealous barista, you’ll end up with a burnt taste (and probably burn your mouth as well). Ask your barista what temp is used for steaming. If the answer is a wishful glance at the front door or “I’m not sure, let me check with the boss,” then you should order something else.

My Own Personal Barista

Apart from my local hangout (where they always do it right), I also have my own barista at home. Each Saturday and Sunday morning, Brian grinds our Peaberry’s beans fresh for each cup using our Mr. Coffee grinder. He uses the small Krups espresso machine we found for $5 at a garage sale in Jackson, Mississippi—we’ve had that little baby for three years now and it’s still going strong.

The final product is served in our favorite red “feng shui” coffee mugs (see main picture) with a dash of cinnamon. Brian definitely has it down to an art.

If you’d like to learn to make breve at home—or coax hubby into learning—you might enjoy the video at the end of this article.

Divertiti!

(Enjoy yourself.)

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Travel writer’s note from Milli Thornton: I reviewed this B&B as a paying guest.

BEACON SHORE ON GEORGIAN BAY BED & BREAKFAST is located in Midland, Ontario on the southeastern end of a stunning body of water. The wonders of this Canadian B&B call for a separate article, but first you simply must hear about the breakfast.

Brian and I are breakfast people. We’re fussy breakfast people! So when I pronounce my “best ever” in writing, you can bet it’s not just food; it’s an all-round experience.

Owners Jacquie & Bob Black prepare breakfast dressed in spiffy white chef coats. And they have the genteel but professional style of hospitality to go with the fancy attire. Jacquie serves each eye-catching course with a flourish of showmanship and a persuasive description of the dish.

Not that any persuasion is needed. If you think it looks delicious in the photos, wait till you taste it while admiring the water view—and while being pampered by people so dear you want to take them home with you when the vacation is over.

Bob is the fruit man and the “toast master.” When you see his toast knots (like the center of a Celtic knot) you’ll agree he deserves to be dubbed master. And his fruit plates are nothing short of divine.

Bob's famous seasonal fruit plate

But if I could have Bob serve me a fruit plate every morning, I’d willingly become a big fruit eater!

The fruit plate comes out first, so that took care of my digestion issue. And I never once had to choke down a floury or crunchy piece of fruit. Everything was tender and juicy. After three days of this marvel, I asked Bob for his secret. He said, “I never serve anything I wouldn’t eat myself.” The Blacks keep a separate fridge for their fruit supplies. They nurse the fruit just like they care for their guests: with great heart and panache.

Jacqui was a teacher for 32 years (specializing in what was known back in my high school days as Home Economics), and she obviously understands a balanced diet. Her menu is not all starch and sugar as many American offerings seem to be, and the ingredients are high quality.

For me, protein is a must to start my day. If I don’t have protein, my blood sugar takes a dive later in the day. Accordingly, I went for the Sailor’s Wrap: mushroom, mild onion and cheese snuggled in a two-egg omelet, with bacon and wholegrain toasted breads. The Sailor’s Wrap was yummy and fueled me for a day of cruising on Georgian Bay . . . but I had my eye on a bigger prize.

While planning our trip I’d looked at everything on the Black’s BBCanada.com listing, including the breakfast menu. When I saw Beacon Shore Pancakes: Jacquie’s personal recipe for buttermilk pancakes bulging with plump blueberries, accompanied by bacon and real maple syrup —along with a tantalizing photo of the dish—I was sorely tempted. But I knew the bacon would not be enough protein for me. No problem! Jacquie cheerfully gave me two pancakes instead of three, with a side of poached egg. Perfect.

Guess what I ordered for the remaining two mornings of our visit?!

When I refer to being fussy about breakfast, pancakes feature high on the list. I rarely bother with them because I hate being disappointed. After a childhood of home-made huckleberry pancakes, prepared in a cabin by the lake in Montana (the berries hand-picked by myself and my seven siblings), don’t give me a stodgy or soggy pancake dotted with a few pathetic berries and expect me to give you my repeat business.

But when Jacquie says “bulging with plump blueberries” she means it! The pancakes themselves were tasty, attractive and expertly prepared, not just a vehicle for blueberries.

Brian also homed in on his favorites. He’s partial to a good Eggs Benedict so he started with Georgian Bay Eggs Benedict. On our first morning, we shared a table with a friendly couple from Toronto, Jane and Rick. Brian was intrigued when Jane had Captain’s Sausage & Cheese Casserole, so thereafter he alternated between that and the Eggs Benedict.

When asked about his breakfast experience, Brian said: “It was righteous, dude!”

(Now you can see why he’s the photographer and I’m the writer. Hehe.)

View from the patio, taken in the afternoon (note the small lighthouse in the shadows to the right)

There were three inviting breakfast locations and we got to try them all: the dining room, the sunroom and the patio. The patio was my all-time winner.

What could be finer in life than eating a fabulous breakfast on a patio overlooking a bay sparkling with sunlight, and busy with sail boats and cruisers?

There were many highlights during our trip to Georgian Bay. But my idyllic moments on the patio of Beacon Shore, enjoying Breakfast Heaven to the chatter of chipmunks, has been burned into my DNA as a five-star memory.

Check out the main article about Beacon Shore on Milliver’s Travels

Check out the listing for Beacon Shore on BBCanada.com

Beacon Shore has been reviewed by Janette Higgins, author of The Best Places to B&B in Ontario: A Selective Guide. Janette says: “Every Ontario bed and breakfast receives my consideration. I travel incognito, pay where I stay and write reviews of the top 5%.” Read Janette’s review on the testimonials page for Beacon Shore on BBCanada.com.

WHEN WE SAY travel, we tend to think of world travel—or at least going to another county or state. But most of us travel every day without giving it much thought. Sure, we might be more conscious these days of the cost of gas (and its impact on the environment), but how much do we know that our local travel can make a big impact in other ways?

Do you have a beaten path to Wal-Mart, Target, Starbucks, etc. that you could almost drive in your sleep? I’m not suggesting you never shop in those places, but adding some new travel habits to your routine could prove life-changing.

Thanks to online friend Judy Clement Wall of Zebra Sounds, I’m now a member of the 3/50 project: Saving the Brick and Mortars Our Nation Is Built On. Have a look at these numbers from their site:

Get behind the 3/50 project!

3 – Which three independently-owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared?

50 – If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally-owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the impact if 3/4 of our employed population did that.

Below are my picks for the 3/50 project. I already have fun spending at least $50 a month between them, so my extra push is to feature them online with a link to each business.

My 'serene' route for errands

Brian tells me I’m saving gas because I’m driving slower (35 mph) and not doing the Stop-Go for traffic lights and stop signs. I get to share the road with walkers, joggers and bike riders instead of maniacs in SUVs.

Peaberry’s Café & Bakery

4350 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406, Ph: (330) 702-9230

Having a local coffee hang-out is essential to my writer’s lifestyle, and Peaberry’s meets my stringent criteria. The coffee’s always perfect (I drink double-shot breves), the service friendly, and I can sit in one of the quiet back booths to write.

Peaberry’s also makes killer gourmet sandwiches. My favorite at the moment is the #9: Cucumber with Asiago Peppercorn, Red Onion and Muenster Cheese on Croissant (I ask for turkey to be added). Yum!

The Flaming Ice Cube: Vegan Shoppe & Café

1449 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Suite 260, Boardman, OH 44512, Ph: (330) 726-4766

I *love* this business! I’m not vegan so I’ve only eaten in the café once, but I do love to shop in the eco-friendly New Age half of the store. I have bought candles, aromatherapy, books, a water fountain, CDs and other treasures. I found an agate candle-holder-cum-bookend that was just what I needed for a shelf in my office.

Cool merchandise: The Flaming Ice Cube

Fittingly for the theme of this article, the sign in the picture reads:

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

Health Food Center of Youngstown
(new Website coming soon)

6015 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512, Ph: (330) 965-1515

I buy a lot of herbs and supplements, and I’m fussy about the quality of what I consume. This shop not only feels inviting as you walk inside, they do stock many items I was buying online.

I’ve also bought organic bananas for my organic banana bread, neem toothpaste (Do you read your toothpaste label? Do you know what you’re putting on your gums?), herbal shampoo, almond milk for my protein powder and more.

Which three businesses will you (or do you) support in your local area?

Visit the 3/50 project for more inspiration!

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MILLI INTERVIEWED ABOUT THE 30/50 PROJECT ON WKBN:

Story by Steve Pacer of WKBN, Youngstown, Ohio. Thanks, Steve!

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Photos in the body of this article Copyright © 2009 Milli Thornton. Feature image courtesy Chris Cole of Peaberry’s Café & Bakery.

The festival layout includes stages for the performers, food and beverage stalls, sports cars on display, an alfresco restaurant serving mainly wine and appetizers and a playground for the kids. Stalls devoted to related fun stuff such as festival souvenirs, dance lessons and face painting for kids adds to the festive spirit.

We arrived at the Jazz Fest late on the afternoon of July 2, acutely aware that we had only three days to do it all. To really do the festival you need at least a week (plus some serious stamina).

Our first reaction to the outdoor scene was disappointment, for two reasons: the ominous, cloudy weather—it either threatened to or did rain for three days in a row—and missing our first free concert because we didn’t know the location of the all stages yet.

Montreal Jazz Festival street performers

However, my gloominess morphed to happy buzz as soon as I tried an Amarula drink from a nearby stall.

I was unacquainted with Amarula but it sounded fun. We were given a choice of flavors and, naturally, I chose coffee.

The result was a frappé style of drink prepared with blenderized ice.

Ohhh and it went down easy! One of those dangerously yummy drinks that could get you into trouble fast because it’s so more-ish. I was supposed to share it with Brian, but he was too busy crawling all over a Camaro SS 2010 to notice that he only got a few sips.

Amarula: La creme de l'Afrique

(Ever watched the YouTube video of the African critters getting rolling drunk? Yep, they were feasting on the marula fruit.)

The marula wine is distilled in column stills, and then in copper-pot stills, to produce a spirit. It’s then matured for two years in oak barrels. The final step is the blending of the liqueur with the finest, fresh cream until a smooth consistency is formed.

From Amarula HQ:

“The creaming process is of the highest standard, resulting in a cream product that is delectably rich and soft, with an alcohol content of 17%.”

I went back to my favorite drink (red wine) during the remainder of our time in Montréal. But that drive-by Amarula buzz definitely put me in the right frame of mind to relax and get over the Rainy Jazz Blues.

Sacré bleu. I regret not going back to that Amarula stall while I still had the chance.

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Yeah, baby! Amarula from a duty free shipper for only $14.99

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All photos on this page Copyright © 2009 Brian Williams

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Amarula Ad – For more funny movies, click here

Milli Thornton at About Thyme Bistro

And gourmet it was.

At first I was disappointed that the tables were so tiny and the room seemed narrow. But the atmosphere of bonhomie and the taste sensations soon made it feel appropriate.

Our dining companions at the next table were a jolly couple. I could see they were getting to the same point we were, where all you can do is burst out with public proclamations about the food. So we did! And then we tried to cover as many topics as possible before they had to leave.

Brian chose fish from the specials menu and I had duck breast with brandy and red peppercorn jus. But the true highlight of the evening was the heavenly appetizer.

The pan-seared foie gras with honey spiced cake was $15 for a few precious morsels, but to the tongue it was worth every cent.

Actually, it only felt like “morsels” because we were sharing it. The serving size was elegant—I’ve never agreed with Super-Size-Me portions for appetizers—it’s just that I didn’t want it to be over so soon!

Definitely one of the most splendiferous dishes I’ve ever tasted.

The 2007 Old Vines Foch from Malivoire Wine Company cast an extra rosy glow over the evening. (See Related Posts for an article about our visit to Malivoire.)

Brian had fish, I had lamb

In 2008 About Thyme Bistro was awarded the “Gold VQA Restaurant Award of Excellence.” This little bistro in the heart of West Niagara wine country certainly deserves its award for excellence.

About Thyme Bistro, Vineland, Ontario, Canada

The Twenty Valley is a short, pleasant drive into Ontario, just beyond Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.

Locate Twenty Valley on the map


All photos on this page Copyright © 2009 Brian Williams