Simple Spark! - "Spark Restaurant & Lounge - Provo Utah"

I may be a Simple Woman, but what I'm about to share with you is anything but simple!

Chris and I have been hearing about this new fancy restaurant in Provo called Spark Restaurant Lounge, and being the foodie wannabe's that we are, we've been wanting to try it out, and see if the hype was worth it, or overrated. One of Chris' friends tried it out and recommended the Chef's Tasting Table, in fact he raved about it. Instead of ordering your food like normal, you just sit back and the Chef sends out whatever he feels like. You have to make a reservation, and you have to know about it to request it- Chris felt my birthday was the perfect excuse to splurge on a special night out. When he made the reservation, they said to make sure we set aside about 2 1/2 hours of time- what?? Really?? So we eagerly looked forward to our Saturday date night, and I thought it would ironic to share our not so simple meal for Simple Sunday, and you can live vicariously through us.

(Since I'm only going to be raving about the Chef's Table, I want to throw in that they have a normal menu, and everything we saw go to tables around us looked fabulous, it would be worth a try for anyone in the area, and we will be going back soon to try some of the things we didn't sample! By the way, I wouldn't recommend it for kids, but it's a great date place, and not only for the food, but fun people watching too).

So Saturday came and we dressed up nice, and hit the town (Provo, Utah that is ;) in a snowstorm and all. I was prepared to not only have dinner, but to have an experience, I just wasn't exactly sure what that experience was going to be? But I went with an open mind and was prepared to try anything they brought out.

They don't serve any alcohol, but have an interesting drink menu, so naturally we started with drinks- for Chris, a Mango Mojito (Mango, Lime, Mint, Seltzer). And for me, an Apple Martini (I always tease Chris that if I was a drinker I would order depending on the coolest glass- I win) Allred Orchard Apple Juice (locally grown), with fall spices, seltzer, and an apple olive. Yum!

P.S. More about their drinks, they have a Shirley Temple that comes garnished with Cotton Candy, it looked very fun. They also have a whole selection of interesting and mostly natural sodas from all over the world...

So unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of our first two courses, I was too excited, sorry. You'll have to use your imagination. I'm sure if the Chef were to read this post, he would correct many of the details, as I'm sharing from memory and my own experience, but love is in the details, so I will do my best to share as much as I do know, or can remember.
(And there was a lot to remember...)
Naturally, the first course was thinly sliced french bread served with butter sprinkled with coarse sea salt, which surprisingly added a nice flavor and slight crunch. Our second course was soup brought out in a covered bowl the size of a teacup, with a demitasse spoon- it was an Apple and Celery Root Broth topped with a brown butter foam. The flavors were mild, subtle but distinctive, and a great warm start to a fabulous meal.

Our next course was this House Cured Salmon topped with Chive and Potato Threads, drizzled with Olive Oil, and garnished with a sprinkling of Mineral Salt, and Jalapeno Zest. This was one of Chris' favorites, and we loved mixing and matching flavors in our bites and made sure to use the food to get all the little sprinklings and drizzlings of extra flavor- fun and yummy!

Next was a Shrimp Ceviche with Citrus- I found it interesting because best I could tell, the Shrimp was in a lemon juice, but had small grapefruit segments on the side and was garnished with lime zest- forming a nice mix of citruses. (Grapefruit and other citrus was one of the recurring themes of the night, which created a nice flow, and reminders of previous dishes)

You'd be (only slightly) bored if I only shared pictures of food, so Happy Birthday to Me!

The previous course was cold and fresh and citrusy which made this next one that much better, because it was warm and smooth and comforting. This was the one I was most skpetical of when they brought it out, but it won most surprising for me, and was (besides the desserts) Chris' favorite. It was a Truffled Potato Risotto with shaved Mushrooms, and we think an herbed Olive Oil. I'm not really a mushroom person, but I loved them shaved and on this dish.Time for Chris' second drink of the evening, I think he ordered this from sheer curiousity. It was called Hot and Cold and features a warm lime bottom, with a cold Coke top. Great presentation, and more subtle than he would have expected.

Oops, I forgot to take the picture when they first brought it out, so it's not as pretty as it was, the plate was dotted with fresh Beet puree and Balsamic Vinegar, very bright and pretty. This was our Beet Salad (I am keeping an open mind...) It was actually a lot tastier than I expected but still not one of my favorites. But it had a great mix of Beets- bed of shaved fresh Beet, topped with roasted Beet, and what we think is an herbed goat cheese, and an orange segment, topped with Beet jelly and a fresh Beet leaf and more potato threads, surrounded by the dots of fresh Beet puree and Balsamic Vinegar.

Here is the start of our Main dishes- Pan Seared Salmon (skin on, nice and crispy), on a bed of Orzo Carbonara, and Spinch Puree. Both Chris and I were surprised that we liked the crispy skin on the Salmon that was perfectly cooked.

Next came a Chicken Confit served with "Melted Onion" and seared orange segments, and a Bitter Orange Sauce. The sauce was beautiful, but so good, we both wished we had more of it. The chicken was topped with what we figured to be crispy chicken skin, and the seared orange segments were so tasty!

Oops, another one I forgot to get when it was in it's beautiful state- but it was medallions of Poached Scallop, topped with a single medallion of Cucumber jelly, Pencil Asparagus (they are so much better that size!), Citrus segments, drizzled with Olive Oil, and a sprinkling of Paprika. I found it interesting throughout the night that the chef combined so many interesting flavors in each dish but that none of them were very strong or overpowering, and enjoyed the way that each flowed so nicely into the next.

We overheard the Manager (?) explaining a drink to someone in the lounge, and after asking him about it, he kindly brought one for Chris to try (on the House). It is a Japanese soda where the whole fun part is how you open it, instead of a cork, the bottle is designed with a Marble on top that you pop into the bottle where it rocks in it's own cradle... very cool! And the soda was pretty good too, it was a Strawberry soda, but the Strawberry flavor tasted more natural than most overly sweet and fake Strawberry sodas- but it's all about popping the marble- just fun!

So the decor is reminiscent of maybe a New York loft style, with slate grey walls, and simple sleek furnishings. There is "art" on the walls from local artists that apparently changes monthly- the best I can say about the art last night is that they are conversation pieces... which may have been greatly improved with a touch from Isabelle, or even Claire!? We didn't want to be obvious about taking pics of the art, so I did get one of this cool chandelier.

Chris' friend had recommended their special wannabe Wine, Matt liked it so much that he bought three bottles, so I had to try it. It's a special Napa Valley Pinot Noir grape juice. And not being a wine drinker myself ;) I have to say that it was a pretty good grape juice!

This isn't my favorite pic, but I promised Chris I would put it in- he thinks my eyes are funny!

This too was one of our favorites- it's a braised Short Rib on a bed of Celery Root puree, with Apple Cider sauce, topped with Garlic Foam, and a side of Pickled Beets! The short rib was fork tender and delicious and Chris thought the pickled Beets (another theme last evening) were fabulous! By this point in the meal, I was definitely slowing down between bites and we were town between never wanting the evening to end, and yet, starting to feel really full! But we knew what had to be coming, there is always room for dessert~!

This was so unexpected and wonderful, after feeling so full and satisfied after the last course- this was a fresh completely different course than we were expecting. Our fabulous waitress, Kayla, introduced this as our Cheese course- Parmiggiano Reggiano Ice Cream on a bed of crumbles (what, we're not exactly sure, but it was yummy!), with both fresh Pear and Vanilla Poached Pear (so good!), and candied Beets, with fresh Mint leaves. Parmesan Ice Cream may sound a little out of the ordinary but it was absolutely delightful (particularly when paired with the Vanilla Poached Pear)!! And of all the ways we had had Beets in the evening, the candied Beets were my favorite!

Our next dessert, how amazing does a dinner have to be to be finished by more than one dessert (not to mention, two unique Ice Creams)!?? Awesome! This was Bacon and Eggs Ice Cream on baked Apples, with Vanilla whipped cream, and candied bacon. This might sound weird to some but it was absolutely amazing! Chris and I both loved the Apples with the Vanilla Whipped Cream (so light and airy and heavenly) the best- and the Eggs and Bacon Ice Cream was just amazing, and delicious. They have a similar dessert on their regular menu that I would highly recommend, and would love to try!

Kayla described this as their "Piece de Resistance" - and it delivered. It was Smoked Dark Chocolate with White Chocolate Vanilla Bean Mousse, Rye Wafer Cookies, on a bed of dried Cherry crumbles, and an Elder Flower syrup. It also came served with a Chocolate Soda on the side! Naturally, the Chocolate was rich and delicious- the dark, warm and creamy with just a hint of smokiness, topped with light, airy mousse. The Cherry crumbles added a wonderful sweet and sour element, and the drizzle of Elder Flower syrup added it's own fabulous tartness, while the Rye cookie (and Dried Cherry) added a contrasting crunch. The Chocolate Soda was the perfect accompaniment because it not only added a complementary Chocolate element, but worked as a nice and subtle palate cleanser as well.
Mostly all Chris could say about this was, "Wow!!" It was heavenly!

The final course and perfect end to our meal was what they called Liquified Caramel Popcorn! It was warm, and smooth with the perfect subtle butter and sweet caramel flavors. Rich and light at the same time, with a tasty airy foam on top! It seemed a fitting end to me as well since our meal had begun with a warm, subtle flavored broth topped with airy foam. And to our delight, the Chefs came out during this course to meet us, and get our feedback- but we were happy to be able to personally meet and thank them for a fabulous evening.

Yes, it was that good!

So, we had been prepared to have a few "tastes" spread over the course of about two and a half hours, what we weren't prepared for was to have 14 fabulous courses (and five unique drinks) served so perfectly over the course of 3 hours. We left so full and happy, and surprised! And even though it was a little costly, it was absolutely worth it. We got to try new flavors and new combinations, and old flavors in new ways. We got to talk and laugh and have fun together. And I think the night exceeded even our own expectations. And we laughed because each time we asked each other today, "Are you still full?" - the answer was always a surprising, "Yes!"
I bet we'll be back soon...
to try the Shirley Temple, Cumin Fries, Pork Two Ways, and Hazelnut Soup!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Well, my house is beginning to look a lot like Christmas- today, it even felt like it while I was baking a Gingerbread House... (more on that later), And it started to snow outside (our first real snow). I've been talking about decking my halls, and promised pictures- so here you go!

My entry -- Welcome!

Family room, and mantel, complete with my Christmas village

Family room tree, changed the colors this year- and I love it!

My blue and silver dining room, complete with Blue and Silver tree--- love it!

Christmas Lights!

So most of you know that Chris hates to hang Christmas lights... and in the 11 years that we've been married, I have only previously convinced him to hang them up once! But this year, I'm not sure if it was the peer pressure from the nieghbor's (we have a very festive and well lit block), or the fact that we are in a new house, or the influence from the kids, or that it was unseasonably warm (and he didn't have to hang them in the snow). Whatever it was, he caved and here is the evidence that we have Christmas lights on our house! (and he was even a good sport about it, and he even had to get more because he decided he wanted Icicle lights too-- who knew!?)

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with our family and friends at the DeSantiago's home! We had a fabulous feast, that once we were finished eating still looked like we had hardly touched it. I was of course in charge of the baking- stuffing, homemade rolls, Pumpkin Almond Praline Pie, Pumpkin Crisp, and a cookie wreath (wish I had gotten a pic of that- it turned out great!), and my now famous Tart Cranberry dipping sauce! Frank and Ivana made turkey breasts and ham, and of course we had all the usual trimmings- and it was so great we never wanted to stop eating (hence the fact I had no room for dessert!)

The Kid's Table!Bird's Eye View!

Frank the Chef...

Yummy Yummy Yummy!!

Mom and Dad's Visit

What would a visit from family be without great food?- I spent a lot of time in the kitchen but the food was fantastic, and I love to take care of my parents since they have always taken such good care of me! If anyone wasn't fat and happy, it wasn't my fault!
Abby showing off her new necklace that she made with Grandma's help!
Claire is concentrating very hard... and did a great job on her necklace!
Dad brought a whole stash of beads to make necklaces with the girls and they loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa- he also did an art afternoon but I'm not sure where those pics are!?
Mom and Dad also brought early Christmas with them... our girls think Christmas lasts all of November and December!? Hahaha... but we had a great early Christmas morning with lot's of gifts from Mom and Dad...
Being the good Grandma- she helped put Claire's new doll accessories together!

Claire loves her new baby!

The super soft pillows were a huge success!

Yahoo!

Cute new clothes!
Zach is going to be so fun this Christmas, he's just figuring out all about presents and Santa... Yea
Abby the little Chef got a cooking set, that she loves to get in the kitchen and use with me...
We were all smiles and gratitude- Mom and Dad spoiled us all rotten! Even Chris and I!
Mom and Dad brought Christmas early with them on their visit in November--- too fun!
Look at that stash, we don't even need to have another Christmas morning... fun and spoiled!

True Spirit of Christmas

I haven't kept up on my Simple Sunday posts lately, but I decided this week I couldn't wait and you are all getting your dose of Simple Sunday a little early.

I've had a conversation with Ebenezer and Scrooge lately about how the spirit of Christmas is missing. It made me think of a talk I gave to kick start the holiday season last year, and I felt it appropriate to share this simple reminder of what this time of year means to me.

"I love Christmas! It's not about my wish list for Santa- but about all the small things that make up Christmas for me- the glow of a big twinkling Christmas tree on a dark night, the sweet smell of cinnamon and pine, a steaming cup of hot cocoa with ooey gooey marshmallows, radio stations that play nonstop christmas carols, reminiscing about each ornaments story as I carefully place it on my tree, crisp snuggly new pajamas on Christmas eve, anticipating the excitement on the face of the recipient of that perfect gift I found this year, the general cheeriness that sometimes comes from unexpected places. It's the combination of all those wonderful things that make it feel like “it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

Let me paint a picture of the traditional start of the holiday season. You stumble out of a cold car way before dawn, to begin the long trek across the vast parking lot, you quicken your step partially because of the hope of warmth inside, and partially to stay in pace with your fellow shoppers also heading towards the entrance, many still in their pajamas. Once you enter the store, the real race is on as the battles begin for carts and space. Yes, I'm talking about the tradition of black Friday. I remember a few years ago hearing stories of shoppers descending on a pallet of toys so much that the pallet collapsed and the shoppers grabbed and fought for toys all over the floor. And then the shoppers form large lines to check out with their carts overflowing so they can speed to the next store. And the innocent little sewers and quilters who shop at JoAnn's fabric similarly destroy the aisles and knock sweet little old ladies to the ground for $.99 flannel. Ahh, the onset holiday rush.

Now, please indulge me as I paint another picture of excitement and giving. Some of you may have seen a special Oprah did a few years ago about her Christmas in Africa. She brought a celebration of Christmas to orphans and needy children in Africa, who for many received their first Christmas gift ever. What struck me was that Oprah hand selected every gift and more importantly, each gift had the recipient's name. For at least one day, each of those children felt known and loved. In the crowd of thousands, they felt special. There was a visible light of gratitude and sincere appreciation in each of their sweet little faces. I watched full hearted as beautiful little children with tear stained cheeks hugged mother Oprah and thanked her genuinely.

While both of these pictures include excitement, gifts, and even a little chaos, one embodies the Christmas spirit and what this season really means. It's about giving, and more importantly the way in which we give.

While we may sometimes wish that we could give on the grand scale that Oprah gives, the reality is that many of us well, can't. But does that mean that we shouldn't try. I was watching a movie with my kids this week where a man was disappointed that he didn't change the world, the other character chastises him and says oh, but you did. How do we change the world? By one act of random kindness at a time. It is not in the scale of our giving but in the sincere and heartfelt effort of our giving that matters.

John H. Groberg said, “I wonder how many of us, in our Christmas giving and our giving all year long, think of not just exchanging material possessions, but of giving of ourselves, fully and freely. True giving comes from the heart, not the wallet.”

My husband gives me a hard time about gifts at Christmas, telling me “it's not about the gifts.” I retort that he is right, it's not about the gifts, it's about the giving of the gifts. For me, I don't give gifts out of guilt or competition or even obligation. For me, there is more in the quest for the gift, thinking about that person I love and trying to find something to show I love them and bring a smile to their face. It's about the giving of the gift, not the gift itself. Similar to the classic story, the Gift of the Magi, ultimately, the gifts were useless in and of themselves. It was the thoughtful, selfless sacrifices of each giver to show their love to each other that made the gifts meaningful. And in consequence, it is in the giving to others from our true self that we receive the most unto ourselves. We need to open our hearts and discover what it means to each of us individually to give of ourselves fully, and freely, and to truly give from our heart. I have no doubt that if I asked each of you what your most memorable and meaningful Christmas memory was , it would not include the Christmas where you finally received the official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle! It would include a humble story of sacrifice, and heartfelt generosity.

One of my favorite traditions as a child was doing the twelve days of Christmas for another family. My family would gather together for family home evening in the beginning of December, and we would carefully plan who we knew that could use some extra holiday cheer. We would then happily argue if we should give 5 golden ornaments, or 5 golden bells. But the tenth was always the same, with 10 words to live by, “Jesus said, as I have loved you, love one another.” Which my Dad, the awesome artist, painted beautifully for the family. But of course, our favorite part as kids was anxiously waiting our turn to sneak quietly up to the door, and prepare to make our speedy and stealthy escape after quickly ringing the bell, and we competed with each other to not get caught. Thus in my youth, my parents taught us the valuable lesson to give from the heart, and that it was better to give than to receive.

President Monson shared this thought with us, “Let us not spend Christmas and let us not observe Christmas, necessarily, but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives”. . . for when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the spirit of Christ, because the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit.” It is the spirit of love, peace, and good will towards men.

President David O. McKay said: “True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.”

This is the spirit each true Christian seeks. This is the spirit I pray each may find. This is the Christ spirit. No quest is so universal, no undertaking so richly rewarding, no effort so ennobling, no purpose so divine. The Christmas season seems to prompt anew that yearning, that seeking to emulate the Savior of the world.

We often think of the new year as a time for renewal and rebirth, but it is that beautiful holiday season before the new year that prompts a renewal of spirit. It is a time when many the world over seek at once to kindle and share feelings of love, peace, and harmony. While, unfortunately many may not understand exactly what that warm, glowing feeling is that they seek, and hold tight to this time of year. We are blessed with the knowledge not only of what that feeling is, but that we can hold onto it for longer than the month of December. We can seek for that light, that spirit this holiday season, and more importantly we can let that light shine, “Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” 3 Nephi 12:16

While shopping for Christmas decorations, I found a carved piece of wood that simply stated, “merry and bright.” I thought that while it was such a simple sentiment, it was a very profound and telling statement. It very simply encompasses part of that Christmas spirit. Why do we celebrate Christmas? We celebrate the birth and life of Christ. The key word there is celebrate. “and men are, that they might have joy.” 2 Nephi 2:25 “Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her king!” This is a joyous holiday where we celebrate with family and friends, where we give freely with our hearts to share the bounty that has been given to us. This is a time of renewal of spirit. It is a time where we not only remember his birth, but his life, his teachings and strive to be a little more like him. This is the season where we try to not only know of him, but to know him. We celebrate the life of our brother and Savior, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

On the eve of His birth, the voice of the Lord came unto Nephi, saying, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”

What did the holy prophets of old declare? Isaiah, more than 700 years before the birth of Christ, prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

On the American continent, King Benjamin said, “For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. … He shall suffer temptations, and pain. … And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and Earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.”

Then came that night of nights when the shepherds were abiding in the fields and the angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. … For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The shepherds with haste went to the manger to pay honor to Christ the Lord. Later, wise men journeyed from the East to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. … When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Since that time, the spirit of giving gifts has been present in the mind of each Christian as he or she commemorates the Christmas season. Our Heavenly Father gave to us His Son, Jesus Christ. That precious Son gave to us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave.

What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He “went about doing good.” As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours."

So hopefully I reminded both Ebenezer and Scrooge that this is not the time of year for "Bah Humbug!" Simplify, and remember the big picture, lighten up, and have some fun!

'Tis the Season

Ok, so I'm admittedly a blogger slacker, but with good reason (I always have great excuses)... I will try to post pics soon, but I've been busy. Mom and Dad came to visit (Yahoo!) in the beginning of November and we had a fan-freaking-tastic weekend together (they spoiled us so much that we don't need to have Christmas- almost), then I've been trying to get ahead in making all sorts of Chrismas projects and presents, then I joined a team on our city Volleyball league.

Then I cleaned my house in preparation for the annual decking of the halls, which I started last Wednesday but am still not finished. I spent the entire Thanksgiving day in the kitchen- started at 8:30 am and paused for a quick shower at 4:45 pm (dinner was at 5)- but then enjoyed a fantastic feast at our friends the DeSantiago's. Came home and cleaned my kitchen, and made my shopping plan. I got up at 4:30 am for the annual Black Friday shopping spree (it was so nice that it wasn't freezing this year, until we got into Wal-Mart with 50,000 other shoppers who also didn't feel the need to shower at 4 in the morning but layered and prepped for cold, only to start sweating and stinking in unison- it smelled like smelly feet and armpits- Yuck!) But I got everything I really wanted so it was worth it. Then it was back to decking the halls Friday and Saturday... and Saturday we also enjoyed a spontaneous hangout with Sonny and Patty, and their friend Ray. Patty brought Potato Soup and bread bowls and we introduced them to RockBand (haha)... and then I took off on a quest for the score for Messiah (more on that later).

Sunday was a crazy day because I played the Cello in sacrament meeting (yes, I know you are all floored, but as it turns out, I can still do it, but I need to play a little more frequently I've decided). Zach had the flu... and he's a needy Momma's boy ;) Then Sonny and Patty and Caitlyn came over for a Thanksgiving encore ( I needed to make my own Turkey for my leftover Turkey fix). Then Patty and I left the dishes to the boys and headed up to Salt Lake to attend the Utah Symphony's annual Messiah Sing-In.... and it was absolutely fabulous! You wouldn't believe how great so many amateurs sound when they get together. After we strolled through the lights on Temple Square, which was great because we weren't freezing as usual, and got some pie and hot chocolate on the way home. It was so nice to hang out with Patty too.

Monday was admittedly a somewhat lazy day, but the highlight was playing Clue with the kids for FHE (thanks Mom and Dad for the game, it was so fun), and then playing RockBand with Chris after the kids went to bed. And now here we are and it's time to deck some more halls- because Chris got me the garland I needed to finish my entry, mantle, and stairs- And now you know why I've been busy not blogging... Fa La La La Laaaa- La La La La!