Rosendale's

Last week my husband Adam, Jerry, my father-in-law, and I went to a new restaurant in the Short North called Rosendale's. I can not say enough about how wonderful Rosendale's is! Their philosophy, to quote the website, is simple. They boast using the highest quality meats and seafood available, in addition to the freshest fruits and vegetables, with a focus on American regional ingredients. They only use ingredients that are in season and are the freshest possible. And it shows!

We started off with appetizers. We decided to choose 3 starters and share them with each other. We ordered the Goat Cheese Dumplings, Sea Scallop, and the Maryland Crabcake. The Sea Scallop and Goat Cheese Dumplings were definitely the best of the 3. The dumplings were wonderful and had lumps of warm, creamy goat cheese in a light broth that we all dipped our bread in after the dumplings were gone. The sea scallop was also wonderful with foie gras. It was full of flavor, but maybe not the best one to split as it was really only meant for 1.

We decided to skip salad and went right to the entree. I had the 48 Hour Braised Angus Beef Short Ribs with Parmesan Potatoes. The short rips were so tender they melted in my mouth, and the potatoes were rich and creamy. Adam had the Lobster stuffed Chicken. He loved it! He said it was one of the best meals he had ever had and that the Chef really understood him, because he was only given the asparagus tips. That is the only part of the asparagus he eats!

Jerry had the Soy soaked Chilian Sea Bass. It was also wonderful also, and bursting with flavor.

Since we skipped salads, we also ordered dessert and coffee. I was so excited when my coffee came out in its own little french press pot along with cubes of granulated sugar and cubes of brown sugar. I had the molten chocolate cake which was wonderful. Adam had the creme brulee, which had huckleberries at the bottom of it. He must have enjoyed it, because he didn't have any leftovers!

Rosendale's also sells a cookbook and offers cooking classes. There are classes at the restaurant or the chef will also conduct private classes at another location.

I would recommend Rosendale's in a minute and look forward to my next visit there!!

Five Chimneys: A Woman Survivor's True Story of Auschwitz

By Olga Lengyel

I always seem to be drawn to books on the Holocaust. Whenever I find a new one, it is difficult for me to pass it up. I think that I am continously mystified by the hate and loathing that can be present in a single person. It is even more devistating when that hatred is present in a large group of people who are in power.

This book was difficult for me to read. I have not read a Holocaust book since becoming a mother. I found it even more difficult than ever before to read stories about what happened to infants and children. I almost put the book down to read another time, but I really wanted to know how this woman's story ended. The author spoke of atrocities that I have not heard or read before, and I have read my fair share of eyewitness accounts of the concentration camps. Some were almost hard to believe, but I dont doubt they happened.

This book is definately not for everyone. If you like to read stories and accounts of the Holocaust, then you will find this book intriguing. If not, then this book may be a bit too heavy.

Los Altos de Eros, Costa Rica

I know many of our friends have already heard about our honeymoon, but I wanted to give a full review of where we stayed.

We stayed in a small resort called Los Altos de Eros in the northwestern region of Costa Rica. To call the establishment a small resort is perhaps not accurate, yet calling it a glorified Bed and Breakfast could be considered an understatement. Los Altos has a Bed and Breakfast feel because you are staying in the owners home, however, I dont know many Bed and Breakfasts that have an infinity pool, spa, yoga center, plus a full staff to tender your every want and desire. There are 6 rooms that surround the infinity pool. Each room has its own bathroom with outdoor shower! There is a community living area with flat screen TV and common dining area. They serve breakfast and lunch every day and dinner 2 times a week, which is all complimentary. I must admit, the thought of eating my meals with other guests was not the most appealing, but after our first day I rather enjoyed talking to the other guests. The food is amazing as well! Everything was fresh and homemade and delicious!

Los Altos is perched in the mountains with a very distant view of the ocean. The beach is a mere 20 minutes away, but we really enjoyed the resort more than the beach! We spent most of the time sitting by the pool enjoyed the abundant wildlife around. We enjoyed watching the hummingbirds, parakeets, and other strange birds that flew around the pool. There were also families of howler monkeys that we saw a few times, but you can almost always hear in the distance.

Los Altos is somewhat difficult to get to, as you have to travel over bumpy dirt roads that are not marked with names and there are very few highways in Costa Rica. Luckily, the resort has drivers that pick you up at the airport and take you where ever you want to go! The resorts owns will even arrange activities for you such as snorkling, surf board lessons, or trips to the rainforest. The make all the arrangements for you. All you have to do is be ready to go when they tell you!

Los Altos also has a spa with a variety of treatments. There is also a yoga center where you can take yoga lessons from a trained instructor.

Los Altos de Eros is a one of a kind experience! This vacation may not be for everyone, but if you want relaxation, luxury, a little adventure, and want to get away from the norm, this is definately the place to go!