Conquerall Bank Fire Dept. Annual Planked Halibut SupperAug. 21, 2011Conquerall Bank, NSIt was a humid Sunday in August, as we arrived in the fire hall parking lot. I was expecting a fire fighter directing traffic, but sadly the crowds had not arrived and there was no need for someone to coordinate the parking.
Who knows why these suppers are crazy one year and slow the next? There was a competing roast pork supper in Lahave that day. Perhaps the winds had blown from surf to turf? No matter, we were determined to feast upon planked halibut. Have I whetted your appetite? Then read on....Before we went in, we ventured behind the fire hall to see the halibut cooking in front of the open fire. Folks were sweating, especially those whose job it was to tend the fire, like this 'fullah':
Some commented on the small size of the halibut fillets, while others chatted about the dwindling supply of that fine fish...others, stood beside their pokey stick and looked manly:
We were lucky to witness a plank get removed from the fire and made ready for the dining hall. Wire cutters at the ready, the men began the slow task of releasing the delicious halibut from its wired prison:
It was too much to bear, we needed to eat that fish! We headed inside. The room of chairs that in years gone by had been filled overflowing with hungry diners lay vacant. We quickly made our way to our seats. I love the custom place mats they print up for their summer events:
Before long, a very, very sweaty server greeted us, took our tickets and before we knew it, flavour country had arrived:
When you have a formula as good as this one, you don't change a thing. Some of the best mashed potatoes I have ever tasted were on my plate. How do they do it? Perhaps it's better to leave good things, like those scrumptious scoops of starch, a mystery. A simple slice of cucumber and tomato graced the plate and....sweet baby reekris, that halibut. Some in the hall felt the need to complain that the fish was slightly dry. Others, like myself, didn't feel the need to critique the meal, as if they were dining in a four star restaurant. The 'secret sauce' the dehydrated workers had basted on the fish made for a delectable skin on the generous portion of halibut before me. Dining bliss.We cleaned our plates, leaving room for pie of course! The coconut cream was the only selection made from scratch, it did not leave us wanting.Before long, the staff started clearing tables around us as we realized...that was our cue to leave.Another successful outing, at least for our dining party. Here's hoping for a better turnout next year!
These gorgeous shrubs, some the size of trees, are currently laden with gorgeous red berries. Stop and soak in the vibrant complimentary colours if you spot a good specimen.
I'll be posting more shots of mountain ash in the following weeks, stay tuned!
I'm sure quite a few are my own, checking how the blog is looking...or people coming to my blog by accident...but still, 20k, I'll take it!!Thanks to all the returning readers, I always appreciate the comments and feedback, keep 'em coming. ^_^Here's to another twenty thou'!
Had to pull over and snap some shots on the drive home...what a sunset!
Do you like food? If so, you will be a happy camper this weekend!
Lots to choose from Sat. and Sun...take your pick of breakfasts, both are great.
The bean and salad supper is usually just that, so don't be expecting much else. ^_^ The Blandford suppers are always a treat. If their canteen at The Big Ex is any indication, the Italy Cross fish and chip supper stands to be excellent. The roast beef supper in Newcombville roast beef suppers are great comfort food as well...BreakfastsSeptember 17,
Riverport and District Firemen's Breakfast,
7:30- 11:30 a.m.,
usual menu,
$7 adults; $3 children 6- 12; children 5 and under free.
September 17,
Fireman's Breakfast.
Petite Riviere fire hall,
8-11 a.m.
Full menu, adults $6, under 12 $3, under 5 free.
Information call 688-1174
Sunday, September 18, Brunch, Masonic Hall, 216 North Street, Bridgewater. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pancakes, sausages, beans, fish cakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns, brown bread, tea biscuits, etc. Adults $7, children 5-12, $4.50. All welcome.
Suppers
Saturday, September 17,
Bean and Salad Supper,
Pinehurst community hall,
4- 6 p.m.
Adults $8, children $3. Proceeds for New West Pine United Church
September 17,
Turkey Supper,
4:30-6 p.m.
District #1 Blandford Community Centre.
Adults $10, children $5, under 5 free.
Doors open at 3:30 for bake table. Proceeds to St. Barnabas Church.
Saturday, September 17,
Baked Ham and Variety Supper,
North Brookfield Hall,
4:30- 6:30 p.m.
Free will offering. Takeout service available.
September 18, Fish & Chip Supper, Italy Cross, Middlewood and district fire hall. 3-6 p.m. Cakes, strawberry shortcake and strawberries and cream for desserts. Adults $10, children (5-12) $5.Sunday, September 18, Roast Beef Supper, Newcombville fire hall, 4- 6:30 p.m. Menu consists of roast beef with mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, gravy and assorted pie for desert. Adults: $10, children 5-12: $4.50. Under 5: free. Proceeds for fire department.
No Yum Yum Bus at Crescent Beach last weekend, *sob*....
To be honest, I have never heard a carnie utter those words. I wonder if this guy has heard of sunblock? Methinks....no.
