Complimentary Anniversary Dinner & Show

As part of our wedding package from the Living Arts Centre last May, we received a voucher for a complimentary dinner and show of our choice to celebrate our (upcoming) first anniversary. We picked the Just for Laughs Roadshow, which was Wednesday. After a delicious buffet dinner- the standout was the free range chicken breast-similar to what we served at the wedding. It had an excellent sauce-some sort of reduction, possibly with balsamic vinegar and white wine. We're going to experiment at home, see if we can recreate. The cheese platter and roasted veggies were fantastic-I enjoyed plenty of double cream brie.There was plenty more to choose from-soup, salads, main dishes including prime rib and salmon. A laden dessert buffet, etc.

 

After we finished stuffing ourselves-the waitress (who also served at our wedding) brought us this platter-cake and complimentary champagne. Of course since I was going to a theater, I didn't have my camera with me, so I took this with my cell phone.

Stage before the show, of course no pictures allowed during the performances.

After dinner, we headed over to Hammerson Hall for the Just For Laughs show. Four comedians, both Canadian and American. The comedian from Idaho was the best-really hilarious. The others ranged from good to just ok. I was surprised on how packed the theatre was for a Wednesday night, it seats 900 and it was almost full.

We realized during dinner, that in all the reviews we read about wedding at the LAC, no one ever mentioned their anniversary package. We found the entire experience from initial planning, the actual event to the follow through to be excellent. The staff are pleasant to work with, the atmosphere is laid back but classy at the same time. During intermission we revisited some of the spots where we took wedding pictures, and had fun reminiscing about it all. Can't believe how fast the time has gone since then. It seems like just yesterday.

Friday Night Dinners (FND)

Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Several months ago we started up what we call Friday Night Dinners-FND for short. Every Friday we get together with our close friends (besties-really) and take turns hosting. Three of us work near each other and work the same hours, so we go the grocery store to pick up ingredients and start dinner. The ones who work later do the dishes. We try out different themes-such as Greek, Italian, India, Vietnamese. Sometimes we don't feel like cooking and we order takeout.

At first, I was hesitant to host dinner parties on a Friday worried that I wouldn't have time to clean the house and get everything ready. But it's worked out really well. I just tidy up Thursday night and don't stress. As long as the bathroom is clean and the living room/dining room is tidy-who cares about the rest. By now, these friends are close enough we don't really care anyway. Nice to have those kinds of friends. The best part about FND is that it gives us a chance to de-stress after a busy week, and it sure makes the weekend seem longer. We keep it casual and fun. Sometimes we watch a movie, play a game or go for a walk. Sometimes we just sit and talk. Whatever we feel like doing. We keep it casual.

For me, the added bonus is the incentive to try out new foods. I am a terribly picky eater, and this way I can test new recipes and cuisines.

By the way, if you are wondering-tonight's theme is Mexican.