Freedom to me is the ability to control my time and have enough knowledge to be self sufficient.
A part of me wanted to say to have enough money to be “comfortable” but “enough” money is relative. I grew up in Zimbabwe where one random Monday a million couldn’t get you on the local bus nor could a billion buy you a house.
I quickly learned that money can’t always “give” you freedom in the way that a practical skill or wisdom will always provide you with a plan, which will always result in real freedom.
E,g. If I lost my job today I can rely on other skills and that’s freedom
I love to eat out so to name one favourite restaurant is impossible because I’m always excited to try somewhere new. I have also been frustrated at the out of control tipping culture, so I’ve been eating out a lot less so I often go to the same places where I know the prices which brings me to the shameful affair I’ve been having.
Approximately 2015 or 2016 a wonderful new breakfast place opened where live and I love brunch. I don’t want to wake up early for breakfast but if you wait till lunch then you will snack on the wrong thing and be too hungry so brunch is perfect. The place was Sunset Grill, they had the most beautiful fluffy pancakes I had ever eaten and I was in love.
For about 5-6 years I ate at Sunset Grill (the same location) whenever I could and when I travelled anywhere with a Sunset Grill I would go eat there. I loved this place so much and I told everyone I knew about it. I went there on dates (of course different locations) I didn’t want an awkward encounter. My ex even started taking his mum there when we had broken up.
During the summer months I would head there alone with my iPad or client files to work on the patio. At this point I knew the owner and his wife and during the pandemic my greatest “moment” was when one of the servers said there was no room and the owner said something like “for you we can find something”. I honestly felt like I had made it. I was guaranteed a seat a my favourite restaurant and did I mention that they give lollipops when you pay your bill and put fresh strawberries on your mimosa.
But like all relationships the problems slowly started. Some called it inflation some call it smaller portions and some called it a $7 mimosa that went to $13. Now if you live in a big city I can see how that may not be a big deal but a $13 drink in my town better have 4 types of liquor. As with all relationships you become a little complacent and you hear others talk of a new brunch place in town. You see the “new place” but would never go there because it’s a little further than yours and who know what their pancakes, prices or portions are like. They probably have too much baking powder and they do not even have a patio. Why would you opt for a lesser experience? You put it out of your mind and continue as you always have.
One day you ask yourself “well what would it hurt for me to try it?” and before you know it you are hooked. You are now driving past your old favourite restaurant simply because they put whipped cream on their pancakes not to mention you don’t even need maple syrup on these pancakes. Their pancakes are just as fluffy and the guilt that consumes does not seem to be enough to stop you driving past your old spot. Now you take friends and family members to the new spot thinking how could this happen, how could I be so disloyal.
Ah well my mouth is filled with too much whipped cream to care and as the brunch conversations continues your friend asks if you have heard about the new brunch place by the beach? You quickly respond “No I would never go anywhere else, I love brunch here” but your mind starts to wonder and alas the cycle starts all over again so I really can’t say I have a favourite restaurant.
I have a great love of “a bevy” as my sister would say and as a self acclaimed “drinks master” here are my favourite drinks by category
Tea – Khoisan Bourbon Vanilla Rooibos Tea – I came into the tea game late but this is the best tea ever and it get extra points because it’s decaf, comes from my Southern Africa aka home and it has many good properties
Coffee – Starbucks Blond Roast – I’ve been having a caffeine intolerance lately because I pretty much stopped drinking coffee during the pandemic (yes remember that awful event) but I love the VIA blond roast. It’s high in caffeine and the right coffee taste for me
Wine – I think my favourite is ice wine. None in particular but I just love sweet wine and I think it’s the pinnacle of sweet wine. I’ll give a s/o to the baco noir by Henry of Pelham incase people argue ice wine isn’t “really” wine
Milk – Why is this on the list? Well we the lactose intolerance girlies will tell you that we like milk but our stomachs are stubborn. My favourite milk is Neilson’s 0% lactose free milk. I like it because it doesn’t change the taste of the drink like some of the other milk alternative beverages
Pop – This preference depends on location. In Canada it’s Canada Dry! I love it and put it in any and everything. I personally feel it should replace maple syrup as the “Canadian food”. If in Zimbabwe it’s cherry plum.
Liquor – I think it’s tequila, Patron to be specific. I have been playing around with gin but I don’t think it’s made its way into being a “favourite” but time will tell
Water – I’m not much of a water drinker. Yes I know I should drink 7/8 glasses but who has the time to go to the bathroom that many times after? However I figured with the allegations that you need water to live 😅 I should pick one. I used to be confused about why drink water when you can drink juice or tea and if you have to drink water why addd bubbles but I will admit I have grown to like the sparkling water from Loblaws. Granted I sometimes add stuff to it but it’s not bad.
Squash/Cordial – Mazoe cream soda is my favourite if it’s available but if not I don’t hate Robinsons berry squash. Both are not easy to source in Canada but we find our ways. It’s one of the things I add to sparkling water but to get some unique drink recipes sign up to my newsletter. 😊
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