Food Preferences or Everything Tastes Better with Bacon, Balsamic Vinegar, and/or Parmesan Cheese

For every charter on Amaryllis a food preference sheet is sent out in advance of the charter. This is very important for several reasons. First, we need to have everything on board for the entire week before we leave the dock as we will be visiting beaches, not supermarkets, for the rest of the week. We can find rum everywhere we go but not a loaf of bread or a bit of butter! And we want to be sure to have your favorite foods and libations on board. Most importantly, I need to know about food allergies. And, of course, you can tell me what foods you don't like.

But here's where I have a problem with the food preference sheet. We serve 'family style' on the boat. If one person does not like shrimp does that mean that shrimp has to be off the menu entirely or is that person willing to eat around it? If someone doesn't like Indian food, is that because they had a mediocre curry one time and never ventured further? Perhaps there should be a box on the preference sheet about 'willing to try new food experiences'.

Case in point: I was cooking for my 18 year old son and his friend. The vegetable I had on board was cauliflower which most people (especially kids) dislike. I sliced it thin and tossed it with olive oil, roasted on a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes so it was nicely browned, tossed it a second time with balsamic vinegar and fresh grated parmesan and roasted it an additional 10-15 minutes. The end result was delicious and as addictive as potato chips! Both boys were shocked to find that they loved cauliflower. I have had similar conversions with just about any vegetable roasted carmelized, or grilled. And David Letterman's Mom included on her ultimate 'top ten' list: 'everything tastes better with bacon'.

So when you fill out your preference form, what I really want to know is this. What can I do in the galley to make this your best vacation experience? Would you like to experience some new dishes or would you be happier with all your favorites from home? Perhaps a little of both? I love it when guests share a favorite recipe with me and go home with one of mine!

Things to Bring on a Sailing Charter

You'll be surprised how little you'll need for a week on a sail boat in the Caribbean. We live in swim suits, t-shirts and shorts. They are appropriate for all occasions! But here is a list of a few things you might want to bring and a few items you can leave at home. If you have any questions about what to bring, call or email us.

Ten Things to Bring on a Charter
1. Sun screen - but not spray. The wind will blow it everywhere except on you! Also, it stains everything it touches!
2. A hat that won't blow off and will shade your face.
3. A bathing suit cover that you can wear if you feel like you are getting too much sun.
4. A long sleeve 'rash guard' like surfers wear. They look cool AND you won't get sunburned while snorkeling. It provides a bit of warmth so you'll be able to stay in the water longer and you won't have to put sunscreen on your back or arms until after you come out of the water. How great is that!
5. Soft luggage. Once you are on board you will unpack and we will stow your bags until the end of the trip.
6. MUSIC! We have an iPod port and CD player so bring it on - we want to hear it!
7. If you are addicted to email and have a blackberry or iPhone, bring it. You will always be able to get a cell phone signal though steep roaming charges may apply in the BVI. Ashore you can get free wireless from many beach bars.
8. Camera. You might want to consider a disposable underwater camera for your snorkeling adventures.
9. Sandals suitable for walking or hiking on shore.
10. Hmmmmm - can't think of anything else! Just bathing suit, T-shirt and shorts and we're ready to go!

What you do NOT need to bring on charter:
1. Hot combs, hot curlers, hair dryers or any electric appliance for styling your hair. First, boats work on a 12v system so we only have 110 power when we run our generator. Second, the only hair style that works on a sail boat is the classic (and classy) 'wind-blown look'. Don't worry - your hair will look great! The salt in the air gives it extra body and no static fly-away. The genius who invented the pony-tail was probably a sailor (remember how sexy Russel Crow looked in Master and Commander!).
2. Cosmetics. You are basically living outdoors and will have a lovely sun-kissed glow.
3. Skin products that contain peroxide (like ProAcive). We learned the hard way that they leave bleach spots on our sheets, towels, face cloths, bed spreads. pillows and shams :(
4. Dramamine. We will always be in site of land and our sailing is usually only about 1 1/2 hours from island to island. If you do think you will need it, we have it on board.
5. Swim fins. They take up a lot of space in your luggage so you might as well use ours. BUT, if you have a snorkel mask that fits you well, bring it!

That's it! Keep it simple and we'll take care of the rest!

Thank you Sig

It's amazing how many people watch or have seen "The World's Deadliest Catch" about fishing for king crab in the Bering Sea. We've actually had charter guests ask Bruce if he 'knows Sig' (a popular boat captain on the show). I want to know - does Sig know Bruce! (just kidding!) Bruce began his career in Alaska when he was still in high school and fished for king crab in the late 1970's when crab was abundant and young men could make a lot of money in a short season (or die trying). He was the engineer on the 120 ft. Viking Queen. But instead of spending his percent of the catch on fast cars and fast women he bought a traditional wood schooner and sailed to the Caribbean in 1979.

What's funny to me is that Bruce was reluctant to let people in the charter industry know he had started out as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. He was afraid they would think of it as somehow too 'rough' for a charter boat captain. But now, thanks to this TV show, it gives Bruce credibility as someone who can handle himself and his boat in any situation. Our guests want to sail with the guy who survived the Bering Sea! Thanks Sig!

Chocolate Mousse Recipe for Graham

This is really for Dawn, Graham's wife, as she will probably be the one making the mousse! Here's the blender version:

Chop one cup chocolate chips in blender. Add about 2-4 TBSP boiling water and blend to melt chocolate. Add, one at a time, 3 egg yolks. Add about 1/4 cup Bailey's (or your favorite liqueur - Grand Marnier, Amaretto, Kahlua, you get the idea!). In separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. Combine chocolate with egg whites and divide into 4 small serving bowls. Chill and serve with whipped cream.