SaltWorks - Delish Salish

While cruising the Caribbean on the Allure of the Seas, I had the spectacular privilege of dining in Michael Schwartz's restaurant, 150 Central Park. I feasted on the Mahogany Black Cod which was accompanied by a gourmet salt sampler. As a true enthusiast of salt and seasoning, I was immediately smitten.

The meal was exquisite, as was the highly attentive waitstaff. Our personal waiter provided me with a descriptive card of the salt selections. All of them were intriguing. I ordered the Salish Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt when I returned to Idaho. 

The restaurant's atmosphere was dimly lit, so I did my best to capture the meal without using the intrusive flash. I scanned the description card for your perusal. I have also provided a photo, link, and information pertaining to the salt that I ordered from SaltWorks.

Mahogany Black Cod | 150 Central Park

Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler | 150 Central Park

Scanned Image | 150 Central Park

Salish Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt | SaltWorks

Description from the SaltWorks site: 

The delicious versatility of our all-natural Salish® Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt by SaltWorks® makes it one of the most popular selections of smoked sea salts. Our very first smoked salt, Salish set the bar for our other varieties with the perfected 48-hour cold-smoking process and versatile range of grain sizes. The intense smoke of natural, red alder wood is a traditionally Pacific Northwestern pair for salmon and other creamier, richer seafood, but the adaptable flavor profile of the smoke enhances just about any type of meat or poultry, and even vegetables. A completely natural way to add authentic smoked flavor to a wide range of recipes, this salt is an ideal partner for the grill or BBQ, but ventures beyond red meat. Add depth to soups and sauces, finish salads and sautéed vegetables with just a sprinkle, blend with other spices for a custom seasoning blend, or add either to a brine for smoky, salty flavor throughout your favorite pork chops. On the grill or off, enjoy all-natural, smoked flavor year round with Salish Alderwood. 

Grinder: Our revolutionary salt grinder is unlike any other on the market—it is easily refillable for reuse with our coarse grain salts or even whole spices, and it is infinitely adjustable so you can grind with precision to any grain size you desire. The completely ceramic grinding mechanism will never dull, rust or break. 

Salt-utations, 

Share your comments below↓

Moon Cheese

Moon Cheese

The low-carb, keto community on Instagram is a wonderful resource for discovering new products. Any item that is trending will begin to appear in individual posts. One such product is Moon Cheese. The ingredients read "JUST CHEESE". Think about it. We are not only used to multiple ingredients in products, but there is usually a list of harmful additives. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to new products or popular businesses, Idaho is not the quickest gun in the west. I have lived here for 6.5 years. In this time period, we have introduced only 1 Trader Joes and 1 Whole Foods to Boise. Granted, I do not shop much at Whole Foods (mostly because of cost), especially since I am a member of the Boise Co-Op. 

One Instagram gal mentioned that she found Moon Cheese at Target. I checked my local store and struck out. (I will be investigating Walmart tomorrow.) In the meantime, I just received a 3-pack of Moon Cheese directly from their website. The bags are only 2 ounces, but the contents are most delicious! They feature the flavor and crunch that we are used to in empty snacks, but without the carbage and garbage!

Say CHEEEEEEEESE!

Share your comments below↓

So, how did I do?

Allure of the Seas | A typical cruise breakfast.

With my Caribbean cruise over, I have paused to evaluate my eating and energy expenditures. I stated in a previous post that my cruise goal was to eat low-carb and still lose weight. I know, vacations and weight-loss do not often occur together unless there is an illness. I was perfectly healthy. So, how did I do?

Shrimp Cocktail | I ordered this each night.

SUCCESSES

• I passed on grains, alcohol, sugary beverages, and dessert.
• Every meal consisted mostly of low-carb veggies and meat.
• With 17 floors on the ship, I chose to use the stairways on many occasions.
• I danced to top hits and Caribbean music.
• I did a great deal of brisk walking.
• My clothes fit loosely throughout the cruise.
• I did not experience bloat until after I flew from Florida to Idaho—which was mostly due to the flight and extra water consumption.

ALLOWANCES AND CHALLENGES

• Our evening meal in the dining room was pre-scheduled for 8:00 PM. We were eating the main course at 9:00 PM. For best weight-loss results, I need to eat earlier.
• Small amounts of potatoes were allowed from time to time.
• I drank occasional Starbucks breves.
• There was so much meat to choose from! I admit to consuming a little more than usual.
• I got less that 8 hours sleep for the duration of the cruise. We had early morning island tours and I enjoyed being in the jazz lounge until at least 12:45 AM.

END RESULT

I gained 3 pounds which are quickly disappearing as I return to a normal schedule and lifestyle. I am quite pleased with myself. I was never deprived, my energy was great, and I did not miss the things I chose not to eat.

Allure of the Seas | Mahogany Black Cod
(whipped parsnip, baby bok choy,
and mustard sauce)

Allure of the Seas | Final breakfast...

Happily,

Share your comments below↓

The Party's Over

Nassau, New Providence

My high seas adventures have concluded. Our cruise was a floating family reunion, along with a celebration of my parent's 60th wedding anniversary and mom's 80th birthday. I have an amazing family!

St. Pete Beach, Florida

I was resisting a return to responsibility because I spent one week meandering from one happy moment to another. I followed musicians from venue to venue, listening to Broadway, Jazz, Dixieland, Ragtime, and decades of top hits. I danced to Caribbean music, saw top notch acts on stage, ice, and water; toured 3 islands; and was up-close-and-personal with a vervet monkey. I lounged, daydreamed, and made new friends. I also enjoyed more low-carb choices than I dared to imagine and made excellent use of stairs.

Jazz Lounge on the Allure of the Seas

Ragtime on the Allure of the Seas

I enjoy meeting people with different cultural backgrounds and cruising hits the jackpot. The cruise staff and entertainers represented countries worldwide. Likewise, I met passengers from an assortment of places. A Persian family and I became fast friends. We spent evenings in the jazz lounge with a Greek quartet, listening to spectacular sets and artist tributes. Our paths intersected on every level.

I told Barry that we need to start saving for a cruise of our own. He's already on board!

Share your comments below↓

Cruisin' and Losin'

 

I reached a 40 pound weight loss marker before leaving on my cruise to the Bahamas. "You'll want to cheat on the ship," my dad advised me. I confidently responded, "I have no desire to cheat." 

Ah, what a feeling! My goal is to eat scrumptious, satisfying low-carb food and arrive home slimmer!

I am presently sipping a St. Arbucks iced latte on the 15th level pool deck. I pushed my shaded lounge chair up against an observation window. The pool is crammed with soggy guests. I am content to bask in the balmy breeze and admire the vast Atlantic.

It has not been difficult sticking to a low-carb regime. There is no temptation or "special-treat" reasoning. The low-carb cuisine is so delicious and plentiful that any feelings of deprivation have been quelled. 

Again, my goal is to slim down while maintaining my lifestyle and using the ship's stairs. I believe!

Cruisin' and Losin',