Go Big or Go Home

Nothing is more irritating than planning to be on target with your diet, passing on the wine, bread and good stuff only to find you have gained weight the next day and it takes you the next 4 days to get back to where you were.  I say, go big or go home.  If it is worth every calorie and every point you are eating, then go for it.  Most times it isn't worth it like a week ago Saturday at Mohawk Raceway.  I want to enjoy my food and not be cheated by hidden fats and calories.

I felt so bad for Risha (Betty as the instructor calls her) at the last Weight Watchers meeting.  She was so dejected after two weeks of being diligent with her diet program and she gained weight.  I think sometimes your body gets used to the status quo and says okay, this is the new way we eat so adjusts accordingly and it gets increasingly difficult to lose.  Sometimes you have to shake it up a little so when you go back on it tomorrow or  the next meal it is like starting over.  I don't know about you but the largest amount of weight I lost in one week happened the be the first week of the program.  From then on it was in dribs and drabs and I really had to work at it.  The first week or two I didn't care what I wore to weigh in and how much jewellery I wore.   Now I hold yoga pants in my left hand and another in my right to see which one is heavier and just in case my right hand is stronger than my left, I switch pants to the opposite hands.  I take off every ring and wear the same handkerchief weight t-shirt now to be consistent.  I know I will be miserable if I gained weight so I have all these little tricks up my sleeve.

Sometimes it is worth blowing the bundle on a single meal, if you enjoy every last calorie.  Such was tonight at Barque's Smokehouse.  It was recommended by two people in the same week.  One was personal trainer, Tony Mark, who is religious about what he puts in his mouth and never, ever eats at parties.  He is a health nut.  He was one who recommended Barques and he says he just loves the brisket there.

So off we went to Roncesvalles to Barques. I thought I was in another city.  Nothing looked familiar.
The houses were Arts and Crafts period, something I had only seen on HGTV.  When we arrived it was jam-packed with people.  We were greeted by a lady at the door with a friendly smile who said Sunday is family night and only the counter was available.  After going on that long trek, the counter was just fine.  Family night was alright too although I had no idea that it meant no menu and that they just kept bringing on the food.  Apparently, Drake arrived there last week and the last table went to the people ahead of him.  Rock star or not, he had to wait his turn.  He was apparently very polite and returned a few days later for takeout.

My husband is very recognizable and the two Jewish owners, Shabsky and Neinstein came over and introduced themselves.  Neither were chefs.  One was in advertising and the other in some other business.  Neinstein is the guy at the barbecue.  He advertised for chefs for Barques Smokehouse saying no barbecuers need apply.  He was looking for people who could make or souffle although he says he has never served one. 

As soon as you sit down there is a bucket of spicy popcorn without butter in front of you to nosh on.
It is the best.  I asked if it was chili powder in the popcorn and David Neinstein said that was one of the spices and added that cinnamon was another but wouldn't divulge to complete recipe. 

I smell like a smokehouse and love every minute of it.  My three daughters-in-law and my friend Lesley and her daughters all worry about the smell of food in their hair especially when barbecuing. 
I think I am going to wrap my hair around my nose when I go to bed tonight to suck in all the beautiful smokiness.

I started off ever so cautiously with sparkling water.  By the time the first course of smoked shrimps,
smoked fresh tomato soup, hummus and avocado dips arrived I figured I was in for the long haul and ordered the first glass of Australian Sauvignon Blanc and then a second.  The next course was a nice light salad with a vinaigrette.  It was very refreshing.  The main was a platter for two with barbecued smoky ribs and chicken and mini pulled pork on small buns.  Now there are a few things I was judicious about.  I didn't eat the bread and only 3 ribs and a little chcken.  Then came the couscous salad. I don't think I have tasted a more tasty couscous dish. 

I was in like Flynn.  They had me at Hello.  As we sat at the bar counter, I watched Retro TV and my favourite show, Inspector Gadget.  It was a long time since I had seen that.  I think I liked it better than my kids.  Penny and the dog, Brain always solved the crimes and defeated Dr. Claw.  The finale was a small dish of warm apple crumble with chantilly whipped cream.  That just polished off a wonderful meal worth every calorie. 

It was just a test you see. (haha) Do you believe that?  This week is going to be a banner one in weight loss.  If you don't believe me try Barques Smokehouse on Roncesvalles.