Discovering Another Mad Dash (Oct 14): Heading Home and Finally finishing this TR #1523 (05/03)

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


The only kind of Cruising my Stomach can Handle


Discovery #70. I really wish I didn’t get sea sick on a boat.



In planning for our time at LB, I think I expressed the desire to see the Grand old Queen of the Sea.






Fran had spotted groupon tickets on the internet and after a couple of key strokes, we were holding printed paper and entry. Our tickets allowed us entry to the submarine as well.






Our tickets included entry to the Russian Scorpion submarine as well. Sadly, we didn't end up having time to check it out.






From one royal to another....Princess Diana's dresses were on special display at the Queen Mary. I had been keen to check it out but my boys were less than enthusiastic.






So what did we do?






Well....we went on the Glory Days Historic walking tour.






Touted as a tour to "go behind the scenes" at the Queen Mary, I'm not really sure it lived up to the tagline.






More to the point, it we full of interesting anecdotes, fun facts and compelling true-stories about the legendary Queen Mary, including her service during WWII.






Facts like....the types of wood that were used in the entire ship.






It really was very compelling listening!






But seriously....we did get access to the Grand Salon.






Our docent captain did tell us a bunch of very interesting facts about this room. Unfortunately, I don't remember a lot of what he said now.






It had NOTHING to do with the fact that I probably wasn't listening too hard as I was too busy gawking at the surrounds.






Afterall, I really love all things musical and this room was just filled with wonderful little touches.












The Art Décor was also pretty fantastic in here.






That room was probably about the only restricted area that we got to check out. The rest of the tour, interesting as the docent captain made it, was out in public areas.














(Continued Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


We were also taken through the Bar.





Again, I lost touch with the group. Bright shiny objects does that to me.













From there, we were taken through the areas that have now been converted to a hotel.
















I really wish that I didn't get seasick. I think I could enjoy this cruising thing. This is probably going to be the closest I’m going to get to staying in a Stateroom.






The highlight of this tour was the impromptu entertainment we got from a very special guest.






The docent captain asked if anyone would like to play on the grand piano on the Queen Mary. Someone got volunteered! And he gave a pretty decent performance.






We were then shown the state of the art fire extinguishing and alarm system. At least it was start of the art in it's day.











From there, we were pretty much left to our own devices.







The walking tour took about an hour. You will need to be able to walk up and down stairs in order to do this tour. If you end up with a docent captain like the one we got, it will be an interesting tour filled with facts and anecdotes. Just don't expect to see a lot of 'behind the scenes' rooms.









(Continued Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)

We have to Eat Lunch


Discovery #71. All those Cruise reports with wonderful food porn on board? They LIE!



I've been reading along a number of cruise TRs on the Dis and enjoying the vicarious living through someone else’s lens. One of the things that is a consistent truism in every TR is how good the food all looks. Everything looks delicious!

So it was....that I had pretty high expectations of the food on the Queen Mary. Afterall, we ARE on a boat, right?
One with staterooms and hotels and dining and everything!


Well....we found out that the table service places were all pretty busy so we headed to a quick service café. There wasn't much wrong with the salad; but there wasn't much right either.






I think the sandwich bread was dry.






We did eat....but I didn't think that the food was good here.











(Continued Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Haunted Encounters


Discovery #72. NEVER take DS anywhere dark that involved ghosts and haunted tales.



So, why didn't we wait for table service and why didn't we end up checking out the Scorpion?


Well....the groupon deal included a second tour....the Haunted Encounters tour through the bowels of the ship; with tales of people who dies, the 'lady in white' and a look into the pool room and engine room.



Sadly for us, DS did not even make it past the first door. He was completely spooked out by the dark and tales of ghosts.






DH decided to take him out so Alison and I could continue with this tour.






There are no pictures because the guide asked us not to take any photos. But I have to admit that this 30 minute experience was well worth it. We did get to see 'behind the scenes' and check out the indoor pool area.






And it was quite spooky, kooky and dark in parts. For anyone thinking about going to the Queen Mary, this would be the tour worth doing.

 

[LegoMom3]

I just recently watched a "Ghost Adventures" episode where they did their lock-down in the QM! So cool you got take that tour. I love creepy old places. The only decommissioned ship I've ever toured was an old battleship (which was very cool) but I'd love to see an old ocean liner like this. It was all about the luxury for sure.

I am otherwise quite envious of all your SoCal pics......green, plants, flowers..... ::sigh:: Looking out my window right now all I see is WHITE!!!!! Poo.


.

 

[franandaj]

I took a lazy stroll outside in the garden and contemplated the fruits of our handywork yesterday. I don't know if anyone else has spotted it yet, but this outdoor setting looks similar to the ones in the Court of Angels.

Maybe similar but without the cleaning bucket on the shelf! I think that in Disney terms that would not be called "show ready".

Here's a few of my shots from that day. On the Queen Mary, this is where we eventually have lunch.



Once our tour began the docent started with this bell. What he told us about the bell escapes my memory now, but there was something significant about it, which I can not locate through Google or Wikipedia. I guess have to take the tour again and request this docent.

Our docent captain did tell us a bunch of very interesting facts about this room. Unfortunately, I don't remember a lot of what he said now.

Not to be nit picky correcting, but you called this the Grand Salon. Actually the Grand Salon is two decks below. I know this becuase that is where the amazing Sunday Brunch is held. Someday we'll go back and I'll have to share some food porn on another thread. But I digress.

This room was the Queen's Salon. It was open to the First Class passengers. During the day folks would come here to read, or play cards. In the evenings there was a swing band that would play pretty much all night. I believe that he said folks would dance until 4 or 5AM and sleep it off most of the day. Then they would get up and do it all over again.







You'll notice that in PIO's pictures there were lots of musical touches. That was no mistake. This room was designed for musical enjoyment.





We headed through the merchandise section of the ship to the bar.







We went down into the section of the ship that is now a hotel. This ticket window was an incredibly groundbreaking back in the day. You could actually book "shore excursions" on land while you were still at sea. If you wanted a hotel, rail transportation, whatever, the folks in this ticket office could handle that for you.



PIO's DS played Beethoven's Fur Elise for all of, and he is quite an exceptional piano player!



After the tour we went up on deck and took a look back at the skyline of Long Beach.

We did eat....but I didn't think that the food was good here.

I have no more pictures from that day, but I can say that the salad PIO and I split was OK. Nothing fancy, but at least we weren't hungry.

There are no pictures because the guide asked us not to take any photos. But I have to admit that this 30 minute experience was well worth it. We did get to see 'behind the scenes' and check out the indoor pool area.

This tour was really interesting. Not only did we get to see the pool area in the dark and scary, but we also went into the boiler room. It was pretty crazy imagining how hot all those pipes would get when the ship was in full motion. In the dark with all the steam blasts and such, it was a rather disconcerting experience. In a fun sort of way!

 

[jedijill]

Another great up date. We did the ghost tour many years ago and it freaked me out! I don't blame your DS! I love he played the piano for the tour.

Jill in CO

 

[mvf-m11c]

Great day on the Queen Mary. I have never been on the ship and all of your pictures including @franandaj are very nice.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

I have just finished reading about your Halloween trip 2014 as we're planning our trip for Halloween Time this year. I may be showing some of your photos to my kids and DH so they can get an idea of what to expect when we go.

The photos are stunning! I only hope to get half as many good photos as you did, especially for the fireworks. Did you use a tripod for those? I have a very basic set-up of a Canon Rebel and two lenses - regular and long distance. Is there something else I should try to find before going to help with those night shots?

On a completely different note - my Mum lives just south of Brissie in Coombabah (and I miss those pies so bad!), my uncle used to live in Elsternwick, but he recently moved to Perth where my aunt and uncle used to live (his sister and BIL), and my cousins still do. I've been to Oz 3 times and I miss it very much. Our next, "wow is this EVER expensive!" trip will be Oz to visit Mum.

Again, LOVE the commentary and the photos. Brilliant!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I just recently watched a "Ghost Adventures" episode where they did their lock-down in the QM! So cool you got take that tour. I love creepy old places. The only decommissioned ship I've ever toured was an old battleship (which was very cool) but I'd love to see an old ocean liner like this. It was all about the luxury for sure.

I am otherwise quite envious of all your SoCal pics......green, plants, flowers..... ::sigh:: Looking out my window right now all I see is WHITE!!!!! Poo.
.

The inner bowels of the QM were rather spooky in the dark. It was a fun tour.

I hope you're starting to thaw out now?

Maybe similar but without the cleaning bucket on the shelf! I think that in Disney terms that would not be called "show ready".

Here's a few of my shots from that day. On the Queen Mary, this is where we eventually have lunch.



Once our tour began the docent started with this bell. What he told us about the bell escapes my memory now, but there was something significant about it, which I can not locate through Google or Wikipedia. I guess have to take the tour again and request this docent.

Thanks for sharing your pictures! I love the twin updates concept on TRs where DisMeets happen. It makes for such entertaining reading when all parties post their pictures and viewpoints.

Not to be nit picky correcting, but you called this the Grand Salon. Actually the Grand Salon is two decks below. I know this becuase that is where the amazing Sunday Brunch is held. Someday we'll go back and I'll have to share some food porn on another thread. But I digress.

I couldn't remember if it was called the Grand or the Queen's Salon. Thanks for picking up the correct name.

In fact, I probably should try and finish this TR sooner rather than later. I couldn't remember the significant facts about the bell either. And I know it was pretty entertaining to listen to when he was telling us about it.

PIO's DS played Beethoven's Fur Elise for all of, and he is quite an exceptional piano player!

Awww. Thanks for saying that! I'm just biased; so it's sometimes better not to say anything.

I have no more pictures from that day, but I can say that the salad PIO and I split was OK. Nothing fancy, but at least we weren't hungry.

The salad was the better option. The bread on that sandwich was a little dry according to DS. But at least he didn't go hungry.

his tour was really interesting. Not only did we get to see the pool area in the dark and scary, but we also went into the boiler room. It was pretty crazy imagining how hot all those pipes would get when the ship was in full motion. In the dark with all the steam blasts and such, it was a rather disconcerting experience. In a fun sort of way!

On reflection, I should have just taken some pictures like some of the other people in our group was doing. Especially at the end!

Another great up date. We did the ghost tour many years ago and it freaked me out! I don't blame your DS! I love he played the piano for the tour.

Jill in CO

Thanks Jill. That ghost tour freaked you out? I can see why. I think Alison and I just considered it as a show/performance.....and I was suitably entertained.
I loved that DS played the piano on that tour as well. He had a performance to give when he returned home and it was good to get some practise in.

Great day on the Queen Mary. I have never been on the ship and all of your pictures including @franandaj are very nice.

Maybe you'll get to visit the QM on one of SoCal trips one day. It is worth a visit.

I have just finished reading about your Halloween trip 2014 as we're planning our trip for Halloween Time this year. I may be showing some of your photos to my kids and DH so they can get an idea of what to expect when we go.

The photos are stunning! I only hope to get half as many good photos as you did, especially for the fireworks. Did you use a tripod for those? I have a very basic set-up of a Canon Rebel and two lenses - regular and long distance. Is there something else I should try to find before going to help with those night shots?

On a completely different note - my Mum lives just south of Brissie in Coombabah (and I miss those pies so bad!), my uncle used to live in Elsternwick, but he recently moved to Perth where my aunt and uncle used to live (his sister and BIL), and my cousins still do. I've been to Oz 3 times and I miss it very much. Our next, "wow is this EVER expensive!" trip will be Oz to visit Mum.

Again, LOVE the commentary and the photos. Brilliant!

Welcome to the thread and thanks for reading along!

I'm glad you like the photos. I did use a tripod for the fireworks. Do you have the original Rebel and it sounds like the kit lenses? Which camera settings are you comfortable using right now? If you have a tripod, I would recommend that you head out at night and try set up the camera on the tripod and play with the set up. You could even just take a picture of the night sky.

I did photobabble a little about how to take firework shots in my 2013 TR. I hope you don't mind....in case you wanted to read up on what I do, the reference is here. And if you continue reading the post after that one, it'll have my Wishes shots from that trip.


And yes. A trip to Oz is pretty expensive. At least it sounds like you have accommodation options around Brissie. Did you visit your uncle in Elsternwick? That's quite a nice part of town.

 

[LegoMom3]

The inner bowels of the QM were rather spooky in the dark. It was a fun tour.

I hope you're starting to thaw out now?

.....

Not. Even. Close.......

DH predicts all the snow will be gone by April 24th (rather tongue-in-cheek, but still....!). I had to finally shovel a path across the yard yesterday to my compost bin; it's over 3' in places!!! The snowbank at the end of my driveway (house end, not where the street plows pile it up!) is as high as my Ford Explorer.

This. Is. NUTS.



Oh yeah, and by this weekend we'll be sub-zero overnights and not getting out of single-digits daytime. Woo.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Welcome to the thread and thanks for reading along!

I'm glad you like the photos. I did use a tripod for the fireworks. Do you have the original Rebel and it sounds like the kit lenses? Which camera settings are you comfortable using right now? If you have a tripod, I would recommend that you head out at night and try set up the camera on the tripod and play with the set up. You could even just take a picture of the night sky.

I did photobabble a little about how to take firework shots in my 2013 TR. I hope you don't mind....in case you wanted to read up on what I do, the reference is here. And if you continue reading the post after that one, it'll have my Wishes shots from that trip.


And yes. A trip to Oz is pretty expensive. At least it sounds like you have accommodation options around Brissie. Did you visit your uncle in Elsternwick? That's quite a nice part of town.

Thanks for the link! I'll take a peek. I may invest in a smaller tripod for the trip as luggage space is at a premium. I'm a pretty basic hobbist photog. Point and shoots are my go-to as they're so portable, but I do enjoy the quality from my Rebel. I usually do the 'auto' settings as my glasses show things clearly but the photo isn't so my manual focus often ends up fuzzy.

I've visited Elsternwick many years ago, and it was a lovely spot. My uncle had a 3-wheel Morgan he used to zip about town. He's a Pom, a Cockney, so he's the 'only one what talks propa' as he says. I loved Melbourne and Victoria in general. So pretty. I think my favourite part was the drive-though beer stores

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks for the link! I'll take a peek. I may invest in a smaller tripod for the trip as luggage space is at a premium. I'm a pretty basic hobbist photog. Point and shoots are my go-to as they're so portable, but I do enjoy the quality from my Rebel. I usually do the 'auto' settings as my glasses show things clearly but the photo isn't so my manual focus often ends up fuzzy.

I've visited Elsternwick many years ago, and it was a lovely spot. My uncle had a 3-wheel Morgan he used to zip about town. He's a Pom, a Cockney, so he's the 'only one what talks propa' as he says. I loved Melbourne and Victoria in general. So pretty. I think my favourite part was the drive-though beer stores

A 3 wheeled Morgan? I bet that was easy to spot around town.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Not. Even. Close.......

DH predicts all the snow will be gone by April 24th (rather tongue-in-cheek, but still....!). I had to finally shovel a path across the yard yesterday to my compost bin; it's over 3' in places!!! The snowbank at the end of my driveway (house end, not where the street plows pile it up!) is as high as my Ford Explorer.

This. Is. NUTS.



Oh yeah, and by this weekend we'll be sub-zero overnights and not getting out of single-digits daytime. Woo.

That's a lot of snow.

Stay safe and warm this weekend.
And I'm so glad you adopted that stray cat. How's it doing? Have you managed to take it to the vet yet?

 

[Leshaface]

You and Alison can take all of WDW's runny, wet eggs then. I like mine well done

Love the Queen Mary! The last time i've been was in 2005 or 2006 with DH (was my BF at the time!) and my parents. But have heard cool things about the haunted tour.

 

[PrincessInOz]

You and Alison can take all of WDW's runny, wet eggs then. I like mine well done

Love the Queen Mary! The last time i've been was in 2005 or 2006 with DH (was my BF at the time!) and my parents. But have heard cool things about the haunted tour.

The eggs are JUST cooked...perfectly.


Isn't the Queen Mary just grand?

 

[PrincessInOz]

Getting Wet by that KVC Pool


Discovery #73. That really is a WONDERFUL pool area.



After we finished that Ghost tour on the Queen Mary, we were pretty much done. It was a pretty warm day and we headed on home to Alison's place. I figured some cool-off time was in order.






Especially when Alison decided we needed a dose of antibacterial medicine as well.






Alison had popped a couple of thermometers into the pool and the spa and we were waiting for the water temperature to get to the right level. It was pretty cold to begin with; even if there were locals floating in it.






Waiting....






....waiting....






....waiting.






Someone asked me if I had a picture of that Tiki Bar. Turns out I did capture it. I just took the picture on a different day!






The water temperature eventually hit a mark that I was happy to jump in the pool.






But I didn't stay there long. There was a much warmer place to go enjoy.






Alison's pool area is a wonderful place to relax. And as I write this on a warm, sunny Melbourne day, I really wish I were there right now!







(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Neighbourhood Haunts


Discovery #74. No one does Halloween like the Americans do.



After we tidied ourselves up after the dip in the pool and spa, it was time to head out for dinner.






Lovely streetscape, isn't it?






We'd been driving around this neighbourhood for a couple of days now and as it was close to Halloweeen time, there were a few houses that had decorations out.

For us Aussies, Halloween is not something that is a big celebration. It is getting a bit more traction over here because Aussie kids have finally figured out it is a great way to get free candy and chocolate, but by and large, we tend to gloss over this festival.


So, it was quite a novelty for us to see the spooky front yards.

This particular neighbourhood haunt had caught our eye and we had stopped outside this place twice to take our souvenir pictures.






I just loved what they did in the front lawn area. Both on the left....






....and the right....






....of the front door.






Pretty cool!




















(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


A Melting Pot Dinner


Discovery #75. Alison has made me cook nearly every meal we’ve had with her and Fran!



I don't know about you....but when I go and stay with friends, there are some things I kinda expect.

• 
  
  • Comfortable bed....check.
  • Great conversation....check.
  • A relaxing time....double check. Bonus check for having a great pool and spa to enjoy.
  • Being spoilt by the hostess cooking fantastic meals....er....UNCHECK!!!

Except for lunch today, have you realised that I've cooked at every meal? Even when we went out to Shabu Shabu dinner, I cooked my own food.


Well....that was to be the running joke between Alison and me for this visit.


It's not quite the Ruby Red shoes of the Wicked Witch of the East....


http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html



....but guess what she made me do for the second dinner in a row???
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
I think this was one of our tables. We didn't end up sitting and eating at the table we started out at. There was an issue with one of the hot plates and we ended up having to move.
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
But there was no denying the fact. This was another one of those meals that I have to cook!
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
Our server was attentive enough. Drinks came pretty promptly.
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
We took a look at the menu.
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
No prizes for guessing that we went with the 4-course experience.
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html
http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Pr...n/Day 8 Oct17/05 Dinner/1017SoCal117.jpg.html


(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


With two melting pots to choose from, we decided to go with the Cheddar in one. Aged, medium-sharp cheddar and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, garlic and seasonings.






The server mixed it all until it was a pulling consistency.






We went with the Bacon and Brie in the other.






Baby brie, Gruyère/Emmenthaler blend, white wine, bacon, onions, mustard and scallions.






We were given a selection of fruit and vegetables to dip into the cheese pots. I thought I took a picture of the plate; but turns out I didn't.






Both pots were good but I thought the Bacon and Brie was the pick between the two.


We all selected our salads. It seems that we all decided that there were only two of the salads on offer worth ordering. This is the California Salad with mixed baby salad greens, Roma tomatoes, candied pecans and Gorgonzola cheese with Raspberry Black Walnut Vinaigrette.






The other salad some of us got was the Melting Pot House Salad. Crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, crispy croutons and sliced egg with a choice of Peppercorn Ranch Dressing or sweet and tangy House Dressing.






Entrée time! Our cooking liquid was a vegetable broth this time.






There were plates of vegetables that we could add to the broth. I think we devoured these pretty quickly!






And in case you're wondering. We were provided with sets of different coloured implements. One set for picking up the raw food and the other for picking up the cooked food and transferring to our plates. Each one of us got a different colour.






We were also provided with a whole heap of condiments to go with our entrees. Between all the pots, the implements, the condiments, the vegetables and our entrée plates, there was no space left on the table.


So....which entrees did we choose?


This was the French Quarter, which consisted of fillet mignon, breast of chicken and Pacific white shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices and accompanied by Andouille sausage. This was my choice and I thoroughly enjoyed it!






The Classic; with Angus Beef sirloin, Memphis-style BBQ pork medallion, Pacific white shrimp, herb-crusted breast of chicken and teriyaki-marinated sirloin. I know DS ordered this and I think Alison also picked this selection.






I think Fran might have ordered the Land and Sea with fillet mignon, herb-crusted chicken and Pacific white shrimp.






I know we got a couple of Lobster Tails to go with our meals.






I honestly don't remember what my DH ordered. He might have gone with a surf and turf option and left the turf for the rest of the table to enjoy.


Somewhere between entrée and dessert, our server found out that we were from Australia. He must have been more impressed than he let on at the table....because....when he came back, he brought us complimentary glasses. I hope that I was suitable overtly impressed and touched by the gesture!






Dessert time. What else but chocolate to dip in?


We ordered the Chocolate 'Smores. The fondue version included milk chocolate with marshmallow cream, flambéed and topped with bits of graham crackers.












I can't remember what the other pot contained aside from Chocolate. I think Fran and Alison created their own with a splash of liquour.






And to go with the chocolate, we truly indulged in all things sweet! Strawberries, blondies, pineapple, banana, marshmallows and brownies!






Rolling home does not even begin to describe it. This was a great meal....even if I had to cook it!