DarkMatters - Member Family Friends Picture Thread

[gogoblender 3,069]

On 10/4/2023 at 2:55 PM, Delta! said:

Hi there everyone. Sorry for being a bit lost... opening a new restaurant/outlet and being the head chef is actually a bit more stressful than I thought...

I only had my first fellow chef join me yesterday, and although she is not untrained, the things that she has previously done is now where near what they want me to do. and I have just more than 2 weeks to train her. but she seems to learn fast and be intuitive. I have another staff member joining on the 11th, and then we are looking for another 1 maybe 2 chefs... and they don't want me to take anyone from one of the previous places that I have worked at before, they think it will create "Clicks" and that we will then start stealing... most ridiculous thing I have ever heard... other than that, I enjoy working there.

 

To answer your question about the wine Timo. I have a normal Fridge that I store some of the white wines in, I try to keep a variety in there, since I only have space for about 20 bottles in there. The rest of the whites are currently kept in boxes in a cupboard.

The red wines are on the wine racks, about 605 bottles and the extra is kept in boxes in the study cupboard and where there is space... they are fine at the temperature that they are kept. Winter especially is about 18°C inside. During summer we might put a few bottles of red wine in the fridge as well... but the flat does not really get that hot.

I only named it the open and drink wine rack, because we mostly open bottles from that wine rack...

I don't have to turn or rotate the bottles, the bottles with corks are lying on their sides to keep the corks moist, and the screw tops can stand up straight...

If you ever DO get the chance to visit South Africa, do it, it will be cheap for you with the exchange rates so in your favour...

I might even be able to offer accommodation for 2 people, and a tour or two...

Brilliant hearing that you've loving the new workspot Theuns! You know..I had to read your post a few times while reflecting upon your  cullinary journey here that you've been posting for almost 15 years

... from a junior with a wild love for pastries to head chef??

Gratz on the position...and that you like it makes it best... resto industry is notoriously tuff, it was my life for a few years as well, and while I loved it, there are moments that can make you tear and gnash teeth

What a glorious offer for a visit Theuns

! hmmm South A.. sooo far...but never actually visited that continent, it may in fact be the only one left for me to say hello to.. i do believe a wine drinking fiesta could be ub order when the days are bright!

gogo

ps thats also interesting tidbit about the exchange rate... i usually get clobbered on that when going south to visit parents in states.

 

psss...and here I am ... we do have a bit of a brighter day...perfect for waking up a sleepyhead Ammamma from a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep sleep...boy can oldsters really sleep deep when they want to! feeling a little guilty...but nothing beats that look of recognition when she realizes she,s got a grand son( me!  ) visit on hand

 

[gogoblender 3,069]

Our Ammamma's 99th Birthday finds her hale, strong and eligible for birthday cake. Uncle Raju's enormously successful and huge bouquet of flowers from England, Ahi's home-made vegetarian short-eats, a glorious Rum Baba, chicken biryani, Kandy's chess pie, Auntie Shanthi's egg curry and sambal, cousin Marlon's buttery (and oh-so-wicked-for-us :D) croissants and Uncle Roshan's famous soft and melt-in-your-mouth party sandwiches. Big thanks to all of our devoted and hard-working family who made it through cold weather to celebrate and come honor our Matriarch.

She was a perfect hostess throughout the party.

What a smile

 

[gogoblender 3,069]

Saw me Ammamma last night...shes fit and hungry! Pork tenders in orange sauce with red and green peppahs!

[gogoblender 3,069]

Got to get some good eats with me sweet Granny... e'en for a 99 year old she LOVES to eat the good food... Hallooooo Pad Thai!

 

[gogoblender 3,069]

Wooooo ... this was an insane last visit... got some shrimp stir fry... VERY reasonable price... and the couple there loves my Ammamma! they keep packing tons of stuff into to tell to give to her  

 

[Delta! 987]

I celebrated my 36th Birthday a week or two ago... I kept it simple and just invited a few friends over on the Monday after my Bday, cause my BF and I where both working on the Sunday, for a nice relaxed evening at the estate venue that we are allowed to rent out, I made a few cheese and charcuterie boards, had some fresh bread and crackers, nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruits and a few horse de oeuvres, and I ordered a few Pizza's from the estate restaurant. we should have been around 22 guests, but I got a few last minute cancellations (my one friend is a Forensic Anthropologist and she got called out to a crime scene where human remains where found.) so we ended up at around 16 guests, way less than I had prepared for. I took 18 bottles of wine with, and only brought 4 back so I don't think we did to badly. And when Gina, arrived, she brought another cake and more fresh fruit platters. We sat around, talking, telling jokes and eating till we felt happy. Over all I think everyone had a wonderful evening.

 

 

[gogoblender 3,069]

On 1/25/2024 at 1:18 AM, Delta! said:

I celebrated my 36th Birthday a week or two ago... I kept it simple and just invited a few friends over on the Monday after my Bday, cause my BF and I where both working on the Sunday, for a nice relaxed evening at the estate venue that we are allowed to rent out, I made a few cheese and charcuterie boards, had some fresh bread and crackers, nuts, fresh fruit, dried fruits and a few horse de oeuvres, and I ordered a few Pizza's from the estate restaurant. we should have been around 22 guests, but I got a few last minute cancellations (my one friend is a Forensic Anthropologist and she got called out to a crime scene where human remains where found.) so we ended up at around 16 guests, way less than I had prepared for. I took 18 bottles of wine with, and only brought 4 back so I don't think we did to badly. And when Gina, arrived, she brought another cake and more fresh fruit platters. We sat around, talking, telling jokes and eating till we felt happy. Over all I think everyone had a wonderful evening.

 

 

Theuns... thank you for this wonderfully delightful share...I've not stopped sharing your photos non stop since you put them up!! I JUST got into doing charcuterie board this last christmas... I had seen glimpses of it upon the internet and then became obsessed with what looked like absolutely complicated works of art... but then when their creators explained them and allthe tricks of corners, folding etc... It just made it even more delicious! We actually brought our first set of meats and cheeses up to my cousins this last christmas... and late late late at night at 1230 we brought it out... and were so surprised that it turned out so well...but its nothing like yours!! All the different textures, meats, fruits and foldings... and that masssive wooden table underneath... that was one of the things that Schot noticed..is that yours? Its immense, and the wood is just beautifuil... and Gina... what a super-powered friend to show up with cake like that...magical!

gogo

[Delta! 987]

No. The table belongs to the Estate. They have 5 big tables, and benches, some couches and a drink/bar counter. It is a cellar, so all artificial lights. But we moved the tables into 2 long tables, and moved the couches into a corner for a comfortable seating nook away from the main table. And the bar was next to the entrance. The platters/boards are all mine

One of the trustees is also a wine enthusiast, and organises wine appreciation evenings throughout the year that gets hosted in the cellar. Different wine farms are invited to do tastings with people and talk about their farm(s) and wine. Most also then have a special on one or some of their wines for the evening, and they deliver to the estate. You.can just pick up your wine later in the day.

That is how we got to taste Stettyn wines and Flagstone wines. Both farms thst we have now visited and bought more wine from.

[gogoblender 3,069]

On 1/28/2024 at 3:40 AM, Delta! said:

No. The table belongs to the Estate. They have 5 big tables, and benches, some couches and a drink/bar counter. It is a cellar, so all artificial lights. But we moved the tables into 2 long tables, and moved the couches into a corner for a comfortable seating nook away from the main table. And the bar was next to the entrance. The platters/boards are all mine

One of the trustees is also a wine enthusiast, and organises wine appreciation evenings throughout the year that gets hosted in the cellar. Different wine farms are invited to do tastings with people and talk about their farm(s) and wine. Most also then have a special on one or some of their wines for the evening, and they deliver to the estate. You.can just pick up your wine later in the day.

That is how we got to taste Stettyn wines and Flagstone wines. Both farms thst we have now visited and bought more wine from.

Thats a lovely world that you've worked VERY hard over these years to be a part of Theuns.  The Estate is such a work of art.. its no wonder you're hands and mind are always full of a imaginative and scrumptious ideas for your family and your guests, as we're doing a tiny bit of reno here now during the winter I've huge appreciation for spaces and your looks lovely.

gogo

[Delta! 987]

3 hours ago, gogoblender said:

Thats a lovely world that you've worked VERY hard over these years to be a part of Theuns.  The Estate is such a work of art.. its no wonder you're hands and mind are always full of a imaginative and scrumptious ideas for your family and your guests, as we're doing a tiny bit of reno here now during the winter I've huge appreciation for spaces and your looks lovely.

gogo

The estate is quite lovely. it is called De Velde Lifestyle Estate. De Velde translates to "the Fields or the Pastures"
we have a squash court, a pool, a small soccer field, a restaurant, a cinema that you can book (no payment), the wine cellar, about 2,6km of walkways, security, and 1240 flats.

 

you can see my flat in this picture, but it must have been a long time before I bought it...

some random pictures taken from inside the complex and some used for marketing I suppose

 

[gogoblender 3,069]

On 1/30/2024 at 11:35 AM, Delta! said:

The estate is quite lovely. it is called De Velde Lifestyle Estate. De Velde translates to "the Fields or the Pastures"
we have a squash court, a pool, a small soccer field, a restaurant, a cinema that you can book (no payment), the wine cellar, about 2,6km of walkways, security, and 1240 flats.

 

you can see my flat in this picture, but it must have been a long time before I bought it...

some random pictures taken from inside the complex and some used for marketing I suppose

 

Absolutely gorgeous Theuns!! I'm trying to juxtapose the beautiful complex against that amazing weather..its not really like anything we have here, and having a cinema open full time no cost.. I think thats just almost too indulgent

gogo

[gogoblender 3,069]

Boom... got to visit our high and mighty matriarch today after some days with me bouting a horrid february cold... somehow just getting into her room and just sitting there while she chats and laughs (ayup...shes the one who always laughs first at jokes :D) is kind of a mesmerizing experience, specially while its just going to lunch time and the sun is shining through her window, making the moment hazy and lazy... 

lucky golden days

[gogoblender 3,069]

 

LIfe@ 99...sitting back, having deserts brought to you and watching cooking videos all day... whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat 

gogo

[gogoblender 3,069]

Here to spam some lovely Ammamma!
She's actually a classy personality.. she'll always laugh at most jokes, and is always ready for the punch line...thats genius at almost 100 years!

[BingBongHallo 31]

Thought I'd post here to keep the thread going! 

I don't take many pics, but here's ya boi in what may, in fact, be the most comfy pink pajamas ever. 

[gogoblender 3,069]

40 minutes ago, BingBongHallo said:

Thought I'd post here to keep the thread going! 

I don't take many pics, but here's ya boi in what may, in fact, be the most comfy pink pajamas ever. 

Bravo..and courageous in pink in public...

welcome to the Matters Member Picture Club Agmigo!

gogo

[gogoblender 3,069]

im a weeee , just a weee bit hungover... dont really drink, but last night Schot had to go into work (usually once every two months). He works in Old montreal, one of the nicer parts around, cobblestones, lots of restos and wine bars   ... while waiting for them I first opted for the Dairy Queen... IT WAS AWESOME! sweet older owner , with pizza slices and all kinds of ice cream confections, and a BEAUTIFUL upstairs... 

 

check out that wood paneling everywhere, and SO MUCH SPACE...  we ultimately didnt stay, beer was on the minds so drove back to our side of town and opted for nachos and a big pitcher of blonde beer... dang... ST. Huberts still got that cool lounge style... no regrets!

 

[BingBongHallo 31]

On 3/28/2024 at 11:49 AM, gogoblender said:

im a weeee , just a weee bit hungover... dont really drink, but last night Schot had to go into work (usually once every two months). He works in Old montreal, one of the nicer parts around, cobblestones, lots of restos and wine bars   ... while waiting for them I first opted for the Dairy Queen... IT WAS AWESOME! sweet older owner , with pizza slices and all kinds of ice cream confections, and a BEAUTIFUL upstairs... 

 

check out that wood paneling everywhere, and SO MUCH SPACE...  we ultimately didnt stay, beer was on the minds so drove back to our side of town and opted for nachos and a big pitcher of blonde beer... dang... ST. Huberts still got that cool lounge style... no regrets!

 

Looks like you had a great time, man! 😊 

[gogoblender 3,069]

Good beer out for a local chicken eatery... st huberts is big here in Quebec... their sauce and deliveries are kind of legendary... but gotta say, they got a good bar routine going on too. 

Mom's coming down from the states (Bethesda) in April, and were getting her a hotel close to my Ammammas place so she can walk there every day in the summer just to keep her company and I think more beer is on the hit list...

more pix to come 

gogo

[Hooyaah 2,820]

Hey, Rommel! My profile shows that I have no badges.

You didn't see my picture, did you?

 

[gogoblender 3,069]

5 hours ago, Hooyaah said:

Hey, Rommel! My profile shows that I have no badges.

You didn't see my picture, did you?

 

Steve, that is such an awesome pic!!! I just showed it to Brad... stylish sir! You got me all thinking to those speed shooting videos you can catch on tik tok...with these folks going from one gun to another hitting targets... they are so fast .. !!
 

gogo

 

ps Steve... its funny when i read this post from my phone, i thought the badges were missing as well...but when I am here now looking at the post from my desk top... the badges show! maybe its how the program chooses to display the profile in different operating systems or gadgets?

Either way ...thats a great shot of you

[gogoblender 3,069]

Goooood morning eveyrone... gonna be a Sunny Day!!

 

gogo

[gogoblender 3,069]

Went for lunch @ Ammamma today... and surprise, surprise, my auntie and uncle were already there visiting... awwwww