Too Much Food!!!
I had an orange for lunch because I wanted to save my appetite for the annual “A Taste of St. Croix” food and wine event. We got to Robert and Teri’s room early and thought we’d wait a bit so we wouldn’t have to stand in line. Wrong decision! We waited in the room and had to stand in line anyway. But it wasn’t too bad. We were on the beach side of the hotel and there was a pleasant breeze. Not too hot, not too cold.
When we finally passed the check-in table and got our wristbands, there were still people in the way! I wanted to scream, “MOVE! I’M REALLY HUNGRY!! GET YOUR FOOD AND MOVE ON!! YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS WHEN I’M FULL!”, but I remained composed and grabbed some bread from Mitchell’s table.
This was the first time I had been to this event as a spectator. The first two years, my personal chef service participated in the event (we won first prize in the “best entree” category in our division the first year!). Then two years ago, Michael and I volunteered to help with schlepping whatever was needed to wherever it was needed. Last year we didn’t go because I was pregnant and didn’t feel like watching everyone else drink wine while I couldn’t. And besides, I was so fat there wasn’t enough room for me there anyway 
!
It’s not something that I personally enjoy….waiting in line after line for a morsel of food that’s crowd -friendly (i.e. made in massive portions), but Michael’s company had tickets and since we I hadn’t been as a guest before, we said, “Sure! What the heck! Let’s go!”
Another HUGE issue I have with the event is the tremendous amount of waste it generates. Every restaurant uses hundreds of disposable forks and spoons and little plates for this one night. This year, however, the organizers did a FANTASTIC job of reducing the waste with a very simple solution. They gave every attendee a plastic plate and glass to put food and drinks on and in. It says, “A Taste of St. Croix” on the plate, so it is a fun memento of the evening as well. The glass fits into an opening in the plate, so you can use one hand to carry your food and not spill wine all over yourself. (You can still spill it on others though if you’re not careful when you hug someone - just be sure to hug with your free arm). And the best part was…most of the restaurants used nice, tiny little paper (read “biodegradable”) plates. Those that didn’t had little plastic ramekins for soup samples. I really commend the organizers for making this a much more environmentally friendly event 
!! Happy Earth Day!!
More descriptions and photos to come!!
April 19th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
That’s an excellent improvement in not wasting paper and plastic. It’s so ridiculous.
When I visit my mother in Florida and shop for her in Publix- a huge mega chain in the south, every item in the produce department is in it’s own shrink wrapped, styrofoam, mummified container.
I wrote them a letter and of course got the perfunctory response back.
I suspect it’s just easier for them and they’re not interested in change.
I’m so glad to see our little island home taking a step up.
Tuesday- Earth Day, Kelly will be on Free Speech at 9 to talk about all the solar products and energy saving devices he offers. If you have a moment to call in for a comment or question it would be great.
His website is http://www.solardelivered.com
April 19th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Terry, it was good to meet you as you and Michael were leaving Taste of St. Croix. I really like your blog, and have added it to my favorites. Meantime, do let me know if you know anyone who’d like a short term or even medium term stay in our condo at Questa Verde: http://www.saintcroixcondo.com. Ask folks to email me directly at rob@saintcroixcondo.com for more photos, questions, testimonials, etc.
You mention a “Robert and Teri.” That wouldn’t be Rob and Teri Wunschel, would it? They were our neighbors at Questa Verde when we first bought the place in 2004, and for about a year Teri was our manager.
Again, sorry for your flat tire but I was glad it allowed us to meet!
Rob
April 20th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Hi Bonnie, I think we have the mummified stuff here, too, at Plaza and Food Town, anyway. I guess it stays looking “fresher” longer.
Oh, we’ll definitely listen to Kelly! That’s cool! I’m not a great speaker, though, so I can’t promise a phone call.
BTW, is that sexy voice on the commercial yours….?
Hi Rob, No, different Robert and Teri (see our post from a couple of days ago entitled, “More Fun with New Friends“).
April 20th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Rob - Thanks for flagging me down Thursday when Terry needed assistance. As she said, different Rob and Teri, but we did see them Saturday at the “Wine in the Warehouse” event. Didn’t realize Teri had been the graphic designer and part of the marketing team for the “Food and Wine Experience”. She did a great job.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am
Don’t say you’re not a good speaker- I read the words you write and they are sizzlin’!
Yep- that’s me - I wrote the commercial, picked the music and recorded it. I’m still amazed that people can recognize my voice.
It was great fun to do. Hmmmm….. a new career??
April 21st, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Thanks, Bonnie, you’re very kind, but writing and verbalizing are two totally different things. I get tongue tied. My brain doesn’t get the impulses to my speech mechanism the way I’d like it to much of the time.
But I love the ad and will pay more attention to content next time I hear it!