Bachata dancing at Babaluu

What can be more perfect than a night out with some good friends? A night out with paella, mojitos and dancing, of course! We were guaranteed to have an awesome night.

Hubby and I went with a couple of good friends to have dinner at Babaluu Supperclub at Yorkville. We started with some mojitos (aaahhhh) and bread. The mojito was just perfect to begin our evening with its fresh mint leaves.

We had both Seafood Paella and Babaluu Paella (chicken, chorizo and more seafood) for our main. As with Tapas at Embrujo, I still did not get the sofrito, but it was good nonetheless. It was perfectly seasoned and packed with meat. We were too full we could not have any more tapas!

Dancing began past 9pm. After learning some basic Bachata steps, we were off to dance the night away (or at least we tried!) in our little corner of the bar. The place was so packed it was a Survivor Challenge just to be able to walk across to go to the loo! Prepare to be injured! We all got smacked in one body part or another just trying to negotiate the sea of people dancing. How can they help it, though, the music was great!

 My friends and I had a blast! But alas, we had to go home to the kiddos, just when some folks were only about to begin their night. The line-up to get through the door was a block long! Quite a few were all too happy we were leaving some space inside. 

Dinner and dancing with good friends made for a perfect evening. It was so much fun we would do it again in a salsa beat.

Day trip to Port Perry

Summer is very short, so we try to make the most out of every weekend we have. Last long weekend, we drove to Port Perry. It was only about an hour from Toronto.

We dropped Grandma off at the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino which was small compared to Casino Rama but was good enough for a couple of hours of entertainment. We then explored some antique shops and markets, hoping to find nice items for the house. Redman’s Crossroads Antique Barn which housed 17 smaller vendors provided a good variety. Most pieces we liked were on the pricey side so we ended up empty handed. Instead, we just got some freshly-baked (but quite bland) potato bread from Marcelle’s kitchen. They specialize in gluten free products.

We picked Grandma up and had lunch at Halibut House. Our family cannot resist a local fish and chips joint. We got their lunch special of Halibut, chips and fish chowder for $8.99. The girls loved the fish chowder. It was quite hearty even if the presentation was not very appetizing. The halibut was fresh and had a sweet, crisp batter. A nice meal, overall.

We walked along Lake Scugog and the marina. Many folks were fishing though I did not see anyone have a catch. 

Lake Scugog, Port Perry

The girls also played in the playground in the park. 

Afterward, we continued our shopping (or should I say, window-shopping) along Queen St. The structures were mostly heritage buildings and were beautiful. There were more antique stores as well as clothing and shoe stores.

Queen St Port Perry

We also got a couple of craft beers at the recently opened Old Flame Brewery. The brewhouse, converted from the former Ontario Carriage Works (circa 1874), had a wonderful and casual ambience. And they had good beer! They also offer free tours and paid tastings.

Old Flame Brewing Co. @ Port Perry

 

Old Flame Beer

Before heading home, we dropped by Ocala Orchards and got some apple wines. They offer tastings and meals by reservation as well.

A full day should be sufficient for a trip to Port Perry. Be sure to check out the history of each building as marked on the walls along Queen St. for more of the area’s past.

Port Perry BIA