Karplop, H and I went for a hike on a looped trail at Ptarmigan Cirque. On the hike, I walked ahead of Karplop but I think the next time I’ll follow from the rear. Every photo she took of me included a clear view of my behind. I’ve never seen so many pictures of my butt.
For this post, I wanted to play “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile or “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot. However, after the second stern message from my father regarding the use of profanity in my blog, I’ll just play “Nameless, Faceless” by Courtney Barnett.
Ptarmigan Cirque is described as a moderate trail but I recommend wearing hiking shoes. I slid a couple of times and each time I let out an embarrassing loud scream. I could hear hikers around me call out to see if anyone was hurt.
We stopped by a peaceful meadow area to rest and saw goats feeding on top of the mountain. The views of the mountains and little waterfalls were so beautiful, I vowed to start exploring more of the area in the future.
After our hike, we stopped by the nearby lakes. When I took Karplop’s photo, she told me that Linda Olsen, the news anchor for Global, taught her group how to pose. Hand on right hip to stabilize, put weight on the right leg, put left leg forward, chin out and smile. I tried Olsen’s tips and I did look better than usual.
By the time 3:00 p.m. rolled around, we were ready for a bite. I suggested Iron Goat Pub and Grill as neither of us have been before. I was impressed with the safety standards and service. Before we were allowed to enter, the hostess asked us a series of questions regarding our health. My temperature was taken and lastly, my name and phone number were recorded. Once at our table, I saw staff constantly sanitize the tables, which were generously spaced apart.
Service was excellent. Lucy was personable and her genuinely friendly demeanour instantly put us in a celebratory mood. I was happy with Lucy’s wine recommendation. I asked for a white wine that was neither sweet nor oaky. Lucy recommended Sacchetto Pinot Grigio (6 ounce $9, 9 ounce $14). With the sun shining down on our table, I found my wine light and fresh. As H is only 11 years old, he stuck to a Grizzly Paw Pop Cream Soda ($4).
Karplop and I shared the Ahi Tuna and Wonton Nachos ($19) and the Coconut Shrimp Salad ($20). Lucy was kind enough to offer to split the salad for us since we were sharing. Unlike most non-Asian restaurants, I could actually taste the ponzu in the ahi tuna. I enjoyed the process of putting the charred pineapple salsa and greens onto the crisp wonton wrappers. Karplop liked how there was enough ahi tuna for each bite.
The coconut shrimp salad was tasty. There was a sweetness in the coconut batter and a pleasant crunch to the jumbo shrimp. There was a tad too much dressing on the greens, so next time, I would ask for it on the side. The avocado and charred corn and bean salsa went well with the fresh corn chips.
H didn’t know what he wanted to eat so Karplop ordered him a Kids Pasta with an order of steamed broccoli ($12). I noticed the big chunks of parmesan cheese shavings and thought it was pretty gourmet for a kid. H liked his creamy pasta so much, he wanted another serving. Karlpop told him to eat his steamed vegetables first and if he was still hungry, she would order him another dish. After he ate his broccoli he wasn’t hungry anymore. Mom knows best.
Near the end of the meal, H dumped his soda into his mom’s drink. She chided him and then sniffed her glass. “H, did you backwash?” He smiled and nodded. Alarmed, I leaned over and said slowly, “If anyone ever wasted my wine, I would be very angry.” Sometimes you need to establish boundaries early to prevent the potential for future miscommunication. Karplop confirmed that H poured his soda into her empty wine glass. Smart kid.
I would go back to Iron Goat Bar and Grill. The view is scenic and the safety standards is one of the best I’ve seen during COVID-19. What really made the meal was the service. You know how a beautiful outdoor setting can make wine taste better than it actually is? Courteous service can make a nice meal into a very enjoyable experience. Hitting the Sauce gives Lucy two fat thumbs up.
Hitting the Sauce 