I] LEARNED a lesson about giving restaurant recommenda- tions very early in my writing career: unless the tip is brand new, either skip it or add a date and such terms as ‘‘When ] was there”’ Only too often the lovely con- tinental restaurant you admire becomes a chop house a month or so down the road. I have a couple of recommenda- tions from readers and they are re- cent. Don’t blame either the readers or me if something goes wrong before you get there! Dear Barbara: When we were in Washington, D.C, our guide took us to Sholl’s Colonial Cafeteria at 1032 Con- necticut Ave. Owned by Catholics, a com- mendation from the Pope hangs on the wall. The food was terrific and the prices super. The high point of this story is that every day, when the cafeteria closed, all the food was taken out to the back alley where tables were laid out and every scrap of food was placed for the poor and hungry. No food was carried over to the next day. We thought it a wonderful idea and deserved the commendation from the Pope. There is another high point of the story. Many years ago, I wrote a column reminiscing about a cer- tain restaurant in London that served the ‘‘best stroganoff I’d ever tasted.’ I received a letter from a reader who braved rain and ° fog to travel through London to Earl’s Court to try it. The letter concluded: “Barbara, we are the couple who took your article in our hot little hands to the West Center Hotel in Earl’s Court to taste the best Stroganoff you ever tasted. They ‘hadn’t made it for three years! Hope you like this story. We enjoy the column.’’ _* + If I'd tracked all the way to Earl’s Court to find no stroganoff, I'd never have taken another word I’d_ written seriously. Anyway, thanks for the restaurant tip. It’s dated Oct. 28, 1987! ee This isn’t altogether a restaurant tip but a plum of an agreement from a reader who took some B & B advice. Actually, the advice wasn't mine — it was Suzy and Geoff's when they visited Jersey last year. Dear Barbara: Some time ago you wrote an ar- ticle in the News about the guest house ‘‘Ashville’? in St. Hellier. My husband and I kept the article and in late September (Barbara’s note: 1987) booked a room, #2, in this very comfortable house. We stayed four days in. a nice room with a double and single bed and private bathroom. Found it very clean, warm and comfortable. It was L 9.50 for B & B and the breakfast was very hearty. The proprietor is a charming French lady and she told me you are going there next ‘year. (Bar- bara’s note: Really? This lady givesmehope!)- Jersey is lovely! By the way, the butterfly farm, glowingly touted in the publicity brochure, is disappointing. Ne- giected and ‘‘moth eaten’’. We enjoy your writing and always look for it in the News. I’m so happy that I’ve heard so much feedback from readers who have found this guesthouse through the column. The price is travel by Barbara ‘McCreadie still excellent and if my daughter isn’t a good judge of food I didn’t raise her properly. Everyone who travels occa- sionally finds a jewel and I think this has to be a diamond. Another reader mailed me the following composition that may make you chuckle. He received it from a friend in Australia where it appeared in a local newspaper. The original credit is given to an unnamed American pastor as a guide to first-time visitors to the Holy Land. It carried 20 sound messages for travellers anywhere. TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THOSE ON TOUR o THOU shalt not expect to find things as thou hast them at home, for thou has left home to find things different. Thou shalt not take anything too seriously, for a carefree mind is the beginning of a fine holiday. Thou shalt not let other tourists get on thy nerves, for thou art pay- ing out good money to enjoy thyself. Remember to take only half the clothes thou think thou needs — and twice the money. Know at all times where thy pass- port is for a person without a passport is a person without 2 country. Remember that if we head been ex- pected fo stay in one place,- we would have been created with roots. Thou shalt not worry, for he that worrieth hath no pleasure — few things are ever fatal. When in Rome thou shalt be Eatorrs Travel WA yj = In the fuxury of the Golden Odyssey BM inner ae a . ~ Royal ¥ Cruise Ane SPECIAL GROUP DEPARTURE — MARCH 21, 1988 GROUP RATES FROM $2,308.00 CAD CRUISE ONLY Don't Delay! You must book by Dec. 30/87 to take advantage of these special rates. We sincerely hope you can attend our presentation. Guest speaker will be Mr. lan Perkins, Western Canada Sales Manager for Royal Cruise Lines. DATE: TIME: PLACE: 7:30 PM NOVEMBER 17, 1987 . Terrace Restaurant, Park Royal Mall East Entrance, Top Floor, next to Eatons Chinese Buffet & Wine COST: $5.00 RSVP requested to Eaton's Travel 926- 5555 by November 16. Space is -imnited. Prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated and are those available at press time. All offers are subject to availability at time of book- ing. Prices may not Include airport transportation taxes, hotel service charges, energy | surcharges or gratuities. See suppliers brochure for full terms and conditions. Prices contain all known tuel surcharges at press time, but nay be subject ta further surcharge w without notice. rf EATON'S TRAVEL 1000 PARK ROYAL SOUTH WEST VANCOUVER, B.C. 926-5555 Travel on-your Eaton 's Account —_ EATO N'S 39 - Sunday, November 15, 1987 - North Shore News Careers i We can open the door tothe exciting world of travel for YOU DAY AND EVENING COURSES conducted by industry professionals in TRAVEL COUNSELLING SALES & MARKETING &§ RESERVEC COMPUTERS § with on-site Installations FB TRAVEL TRAIKING CENTRE St. 2-1583 Pemberton Ave. North Vancouver 986- 2221 prepared to do somewhat as the = Romans do. Thou shalt not judge the people of a country by the one person who has given thee trouble. Remember thou art a guest in other lands, and he that treateth his host with respect shall be honored. : a) DISEASE wre It's a Matter of Life and Breath HASTINGS TRAVEL . YOUR TRAVEL. CENTRE WITH “SWISS EFFICIENCY” TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS - WORLDWIDE __ FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE Prompt — Personalized ~- Multilingual Service CALL: 689-0 461 VERENA FURRER — Owner — 744 Vi, HASTINGS VANCOUVER, B.C. V6C 1A5 Per person, Seon. twin sharing. Single supplement $50, NLYS February 26-29/88 Hicaucurs: © Bus transportation from Vancouver © Shop with CANADIAN DOLLARS AT PAR!! © 3 nights first class accommodation Bock now for this great getaway weekend! © 6 meals - 3 breakfasts & - 3 dinners © Horseracing at Portland Meadows ® Festival Food Fair ® and much, much more! 908 South Mall Park Royal Shopping Centre 922-3361