Supporting two local businesses

On Saturday, a couple of cool things happened to me. Both deal with small local businesses.

For one business, it had a campaign that invited folks to suggest new flavours for teas and shakes that have no to low sugar. I suggested German chocolate cake. The business tested out the flavour suggestions, and names one tea and one shake after the person who suggested it. I now have a German chocolate cake shake named after me. It's on the place's permanent menu starting on Monday.

I am thrilled to bits to have a menu item named after me. 

The second business is closing its store and strictly operating online to save costs. Its last day is today before the store closes down for good. I went there to visit it one last time.

I am a loyal customer. It's to the point where the owner recognizes me when I walk in and knows my name. 

We had a good chat today. I bought a sugar cookie in the past and she asked me whether I enjoyed it. She also showed me a secret project that she's working on. It was lovely to get that inside scoop from her. I am excited for what she will be offering down the road.

Although I'll miss dropping by this store, I am happy that it's still in business and I can continue supporting it.

Street market eats

I went to another street market location on Friday. I had a great time getting tandoori garlic parmesan wings. They were so good. I washed them down with watermelon lemonade. It was a small bottle, which I appreciated.

This week, I have dropped by two different street markets. Both times, the weather has been gloomy and the rain held off.

I just learned that there's a third street market that opens today. I may hold off on going because I don't want to visit all three in four days and overdo it!

Dinner at a patio

I hit a patio for dinner with my friend last night. It was safe and the experience was great.

My friend got a messy fish sammie with fries. I got a roasted mushroom sirloin with veggies and a garden salad. Delicious!

It's nice that businesses are slowly reopening again and that folks are supporting them. 

At the car wash

On Monday, I got a free car wash and wax at a local car detailing shop. The place did a wonderful job. I haven't seen my car look that shiny and new since I first bought it.

I was highly impressed. I definitely will return. I like that the place is a ten-minute drive from where I live.

Happy shopping outcome

The weekend is here. Yay!

I have some errands to run later on today. I made a decent shopping list. Most of the items are food! Here's hoping that I get everything that I need.

On a slightly different note, I had placed an order online for an item with a small business that I frequent often. I got to exchange e-mail messages with the owner. I had ordered a plushie. She said that there was some glitch on her end and it wasn't available. I got a refund.

However, there was a larger version of the same plushie that she had, but wasn't listed on her site. I got it without tax. It was such a lovely outcome that I didn't expect. She has always been nice to me and it was such a nice gesture to have the tax knocked off.

Great customer service from a small, local store that has survived this pandemic. It's one of many reasons why I return.

Reviews and talk

I like writing reviews about local businesses. I find it relaxing. I also feel that it helps folks with researching whether a business is worth their wild.

Last week, I received a message from a community manager, inviting me to a forum to discuss how I write reviews. It's pretty cool and it's a nice honour.

This casual talk happens in January. I am looking forward to it.

Early morning meeting and a generous plushie gift

I should be off to bed now. I have a meeting that starts at 7 am for four hours. Oh, joy!

On a nice note, a local business has a small monkey as a mascot. It has a small plushie version of this mascot. I asked whether it was available for purchase. I got a response from the business immediately. It doesn't sell plushies, but the owner wanted to send me one for free for being a supporter for a few years now.

This generous gesture has made my week!

Taking it easy and looking forward to a long weekend

I spent Monday taking it easy. I needed a break from work.

I watched touching videos about Regis Philbin and reminisced about how much I loved watching him on television. He was a sweet, decent man. I am sad about his passing.

This weekend is a long one, with Civic Holiday on Monday. I look forward to taking a break. I would normally do a road trip and stay at a hotel somewhere, but I don't feel right about doing one during a pandemic. Instead, I will continue going out to visit a new business or restaurant, and keep things local and low key.

National Takeout Day

Wednesday was National Takeout Day in Canada. Each Wednesday, we are encouraged to get takeout, either by picking it up at the eatery or have food delivered. It's to support local restaurants during this pandemic.

Ever since I have been working from home due to COVID-19, I have been ordering takeout on Wednesday nights. After work, I'll order some food through an app and pick it up. I also do groceries while I am out and about. Getting takeout twice a week gives me a bit of a break from cooking.

Technically, I don't need such a movement to support local restaurants. I'm doing it. However, it's good if lots of people join in.

G is for groceries

The hotel that I am staying at in Montreal is comfortable. I love the kitchenette. I tend to get groceries and cook. Of course, there is a downside to staying in the room to cook -- I end up sacrificing some sightseeing time.

Anyway, the hotel is nice to serve both hot and cold breakfast items. I had the scrambled eggs, but they were bland. The sausage patties were fine. The small pancakes were cute, but tasted more like cake. I also had pineapple chunks and lemon tea, which were both fabulous.

Tomorrow, I may just get some fruit and tea, and come back to my room to make myself some breakfast. I have decided to check out a bit later. My guy flies in later that evening, so I don't want too strenuous of a day.

When it comes to food, I like a lot of flavour. I went to IGA, a local grocery store here that used to be in Ontario. I got local Quebecois favourites, such as tourtiere and baked beans. I also got pecan tarts for dessert. They were all delicious.

I will always be a foodie at heart. My guy knows that all too well. He is used to my taking photos of everything I eat. My habit is rubbing off on him. He does that, too!