Why many restaurants don't actually want you to order dessert Every day I read yet another article (like the one linked above) about how we should or should not do this or that in a situation. Now, it seems, if we order a dessert it COULD be a bother and a loss for the restaurant. If an establishment does not want folks to linger, if turning tables that quickly is so crucial, STOP offering dessert on the menu! Then we, as customers, can relax and not worry if we are annoying the restaurants. -- Peevish Pam I once (okay, many times through the years) saw a movie entitled, "If A Man Answers." The thin plotline revolved around newlyweds, portrayed by real-life couple at the time, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darrin, adjusting to life together. Keeping the honeymoon alive sort of thing. In a nutshell, Sandra's character, feeling neglected by her hubby, who was busy photographing sexy models, was encouraged by her very wise French mother to whip her new spouse into shape using the rules in a dog training manual. What a goofy idea. What a goofy movie. But, is it? No, I am not suggesting people resort to this sort of thing with people. Well, not too much. However, I do recommend people use a training manual on their real dogs. Continually, I read comments on social media regarding perceived bad dog behavior by frustrated humans. It puzzles me. Greatly. Dogs are intelligent, and if properly trained, they give you all they've got. The good manuals work like a tasty dog treat (which are used in the training process). Before bringing my own dog into my world, I trained myself so I could give her all I had. It worked. She's a dream. Of course, she is also a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, so her breed has a little something to do with her disposition. But, back to the movie. As in any good romantic comedy, there is always the best friend/evil bitch character, who flirts with the married man and betrays her BFF. This 60's-era flick was no exception. Spilling the beans, over one-too-many cocktails, was that character. Portrayed with all the sultriness she could muster, was Stephanie Powers (not the goody-goody she portrayed years later in Hart-to-Hart). Of course, Bobby's character brought tepid rage to the screen, and Sandra's character pleaded, wide-eyed and dimples, for forgiveness. In the end, it seemed the dog training book did the trick, as all was forgiven and a baby was on the way. Too bad, it doesn't end well when people DO NOT use a training manual for real-life dogs. -- Pam North Palm's own Coquettes & Co. Dance Troupe will be performing Wednesday January 20 and Wednesday January 27 at the South Florida Fair, 3 pm at the Expo Building, Gate number 12. Find out more about The Coquettes on this page. (Photo provided by The Coquettes)
While we are on the topic of holiday treats, check out these chocolate-covered strawberry creations at Godiva's in the Gardens Mall. You can watch as they make them. Yummy! -- Gerry
There are a few things that are a must for me during Christmas.
To be honest, I have never really counted how many, so we will leave it at a few. One treasured thing is having lunch in the Zodiac Room at the original, and flagship, Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas. Each year they have a buffet which defines the word (and buffets are not something I am typically drawn to). Reservations must be made in advance, the escalator must be ridden to the sixth floor location of the Z because you should not miss the fabulous decorations on each ascending floor. Step off the escalator and into the divine service that, for decades (no matter the ownership) has elevated Neiman Marcus to the higher echelon of retailers. The tables are covered and set and the meal begins with their famous popovers and broth. Tables upon tables are heaping (in beautiful presentations, of course) with a vast variety of food. You must end the meal with a selection of delectable desserts and coffee. This Christmas feast, with shopping afterwards, is a step into food bliss. Yes, it is a must on my list. But, wait. Christmas in North Palm Beach means...the Zodiac buffet soiree will go on...without my presence. Well, never one to dwell (too much) on disappointment, I am bringing a little bit of Neiman Marcus holiday spirit home in the form of...wait for it...their delicious (and easily shipped for free) Petit Fours. I shall eat these tiny cakes while engaging in another of my favorite Christmas things: Popping the lively and fun, British Crackers. They are little bundles of trinkets, and funny sayings swaddled in beautiful paper. The best part? The Crackers also contain colorful paper crowns. Yes, I will not be at the famed Zodiac Room, but I will proudly wear a crown while scarfing down those Neiman Marcus squares of cake and frosting. Stanley Marcus would approve. Probably. -- Pam I find history fascinating. What's the story about what came before? How did it all begin? What did it used to look like here? Next year will be the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Village of North Palm Beach. In historical terms, that's not very old. But a lot has happened in those 60 years since the community was established.
With some help from the city, we have launched a new section on the website: HISTORY. It features both the 25th and the 50th anniversary books that marked the occasions. There's plenty of room there for more memories, photos and personal accounts, so please share and we'll add them. -- Gerry Is there anything better than the sun streaming through palm leaves at sunset? Makes us happy to be in "the best place to live under the sun ."
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ABOUTExploring what to see and do in North Palm Beach and the South Florida area. Your hosts are Pam and Gerry Barker. GERRY PRONOUNCED GARYArchives
January 2025
YouTube ChannelCategoriesListen to Chapter One of "Panama Palmer"
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