Around this time of year it becomes very evident of how important food is in my life. It's during the holiday season that I have the most memorable moments in my life. And the one thing that brought my family together was food!
No matter what happens throughout the year, good events like weddings, births, and christenings or bad events like deaths, fights, and illness, we always can use the holiday dinner table to realize how blessed we really are.
Growing up my grandparents, Nanny & Granddaddy (my dad's parents), would host Thanksgiving dinner at their house. We would wake up early go over to their house and the smells would just blow you away. Literally...Nanny would be making chitterlings and those things smell like athlete's foot that's rolled around in poo all day. Well in a less descriptive way...they smell pretty bad! But besides that you would also smell the delicious baked goods that were now lining the table.
Nanny would sit on a high chair in the kitchen and make the most delicious lemon cake you have ever tasted. She made everything from scratch including the icing. This cake would be three-layers of pure lemon lusciousness. YYYYYUUUUUMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Granddaddy would make the most moist and light gingerbread. OOOOO-MMMMM-GGGGG. I DIE! This gingerbread would make a gingerbread man eat himself! That's how good it was.
And the desserts would just keep coming: apple pies, sweet potatoe pies, coconut cake, pound cake, german chocolate cake, etc. And the food was never ending: turkey, ham, corn, collard greens, dressing, cranberry sauce, macaroni & cheese and more!
While the food was being prepared we all would have had 15 arguments, including Nanny screaming at all of us for talking loud and running through the house. She felt like loud noises would make her cakes fall. I don't know if that's true but we didn't want to find out. My dad and aunt would start arguing about who was being more righteous. And who could talk the loudest. Me and my cousins would be waiting to cut the cakes and looking at the adults like they had lost their minds.
But when it was time to eat...everyone forgot the arguments of the day and knew that we were truly blessed to have each other. We could talk about how delicious the food was and how loud everyone was going to be snoring when they were finally finished eating.
The good thing about the food was that it made us forget our personal problems and our issues with each other and just celebrate good food and having family in our lives. No one can drive you crazy like the people you love. No one can make you more upset than the people who know every button to push because they are always there. No one will fight harder for you than your family. No one will drop everything for you like your family. Me and my family aren't perfect and that's what the rest of the year exposes but the holidays show us that we love each other no matter what and at that dinner table it is all laughs and smiles.
During this time of year, take a moment to forget the problems from the rest of the year and let food bring you and your family together. Everyone has to eat and if the food is good everyone forgets about the argument you had in June. Laugh about old times and smile about the memories being made presently.
I will be with my family on Thanksgiving. I hope you will be with yours. The people that have left us (my Nanny & Granddaddy, and Granny & Papa) will be missed but they will be smiling down on us from heaven because although we still argue throughout the year, we continue to have our holiday dinners and celebrate being a family.
Have a great Thanksgiving! And remember even though they are family they don't play with my food!
K
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Macaroni & Cheese
Easy macaroni & cheese recipe. It doesn't have to be complex with 10 different cheeses to be absolutely delicious! Enjoy!
Macaroni & Cheese
Serving 6 people
1 16oz. box of elbow macaroni noodles
2 cups of milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups of extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt & Pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Heavily salt the water and add the elbow macaroni and cook about 8 minutes. Watch the pasta and check after 6 minutes. You don't want it to overcook. Once the pasta is cooked through, drain and set aside.
Butter a casserole dish, put a layer of macaroni on the bottom of the dish and then sprinkle a layer of cheese. Take one cup of milk and mix it with one lightly beaten egg. Pour the mixture over the first layer of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then repeat the process. Add another layer of macaroni, then add the remainder of the cheese. Mix a cup of milk and the last egg and pour over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Now cut 2 tablespoons of butter into small squares and add to the very top of the casserole. Cover the macaroni and cheese with aluminum foil. Put in the oven for 40 minutes. After 30 minutes remove the foil and let the dish finish cooking.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for about 10 minutes and then serve.
You should remember that this dish is very flexible when it comes to the cheese. If you want more cheese then add more cheese. If you don't want as much cheese then remove the cheese. Use your best judgment.
This is generally a family favorite during the holidays so that is even more reason to tell others....
Don't play with my food!
K
Macaroni & Cheese
Serving 6 people
1 16oz. box of elbow macaroni noodles
2 cups of milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups of extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt & Pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Heavily salt the water and add the elbow macaroni and cook about 8 minutes. Watch the pasta and check after 6 minutes. You don't want it to overcook. Once the pasta is cooked through, drain and set aside.
Butter a casserole dish, put a layer of macaroni on the bottom of the dish and then sprinkle a layer of cheese. Take one cup of milk and mix it with one lightly beaten egg. Pour the mixture over the first layer of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then repeat the process. Add another layer of macaroni, then add the remainder of the cheese. Mix a cup of milk and the last egg and pour over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Now cut 2 tablespoons of butter into small squares and add to the very top of the casserole. Cover the macaroni and cheese with aluminum foil. Put in the oven for 40 minutes. After 30 minutes remove the foil and let the dish finish cooking.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for about 10 minutes and then serve.
You should remember that this dish is very flexible when it comes to the cheese. If you want more cheese then add more cheese. If you don't want as much cheese then remove the cheese. Use your best judgment.
This is generally a family favorite during the holidays so that is even more reason to tell others....
Don't play with my food!
K
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Chicken Palliards with Pan Sauce
This is a recipe I created myself. It's delicious!
Serving 4 people
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups All Purpose Flour; set aside 2 Teaspoons for the sauce
3 Tablespoons Canola Oil
2 cups of chicken broth
Directions:
Take the chicken breasts and place them on the cutting board. Cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a heavy skillet and take out your aggression on the chicken! Just kidding! Beat the chicken until it is about a 1/2 inch thick. This will take a couple of good whacks. Once the chicken is the right size season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Pour the oil into a nonstick or a cast iron skillet. Heat the oil over med-high heat. While the oil is heating up. Put the flour into a dish and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together.
Roll the chicken into the flour and place into the hot oil. You want the chicken to cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The chicken should brown on the outside on both sides. Once the chicken has cooked for a total of 6-8 minutes and browned on both sides, remove it from the pan.
Turn the pan down to low heat. Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of flour into the hot pan. While whisking pour two cups of chicken broth into the hot pan. This will loosen up all the flavorful bits left by the chicken and it will dissolve the flour. Whisk quickly so that flour doesn't lump up. You want to break up any lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then return the sauce to low. Once the sauce has simmered for about 2 minutes add the chicken back to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
(If you feel like you don't have enough sauce add more chicken broth. If you feel like the sauce isn't thick enough add a little cornstarch. Mix a spoonful of cornstarch with some water and add to the sauce)
Sprinkle the parsley over the chicken with the sauce and serve.
Side item suggestions:
Green Beans
Chicken flavored Rice
Serving 4 people
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups All Purpose Flour; set aside 2 Teaspoons for the sauce
3 Tablespoons Canola Oil
2 cups of chicken broth
3 Tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
Directions:
Take the chicken breasts and place them on the cutting board. Cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a heavy skillet and take out your aggression on the chicken! Just kidding! Beat the chicken until it is about a 1/2 inch thick. This will take a couple of good whacks. Once the chicken is the right size season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Pour the oil into a nonstick or a cast iron skillet. Heat the oil over med-high heat. While the oil is heating up. Put the flour into a dish and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together.
Roll the chicken into the flour and place into the hot oil. You want the chicken to cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The chicken should brown on the outside on both sides. Once the chicken has cooked for a total of 6-8 minutes and browned on both sides, remove it from the pan.
Turn the pan down to low heat. Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of flour into the hot pan. While whisking pour two cups of chicken broth into the hot pan. This will loosen up all the flavorful bits left by the chicken and it will dissolve the flour. Whisk quickly so that flour doesn't lump up. You want to break up any lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then return the sauce to low. Once the sauce has simmered for about 2 minutes add the chicken back to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
(If you feel like you don't have enough sauce add more chicken broth. If you feel like the sauce isn't thick enough add a little cornstarch. Mix a spoonful of cornstarch with some water and add to the sauce)
Sprinkle the parsley over the chicken with the sauce and serve.
Side item suggestions:
Green Beans
Chicken flavored Rice
Falling In Love All Over Again
I haven't written a blog in months. Mostly because I haven't been inspired to write. I started this blog to write about my passion for food. Well along the way I found a new love. I found something that makes my heart happier than food. He's beautiful inside and out and he has inspired me to write again. So here it goes...
Today I went to visit Columbia, SC to meet my special someone's parental units. On the way down, I asked my special someone what is Columbia known for and we both agreed not much of anything. LOL! I was already nervous about my visit and now I couldn't even have a topic of food to talk about with my special someone's parental units because Columbia is known for nothing.
When we arrived at his parents' house they were preparing a wonderful meal for us. The menu was steak, chicken, yellow rice, salad, and bread. YUMMM!!!! His mom was in the kitchen preparing the side dishes and his dad was going to put the steaks on the grill. Well before his dad would put the steaks on the grill, he informed my sweetie that he would be cooking them. I had never seen him cook before. I didn't know what to expect.
About 20 minutes later, the food was ready to eat. I ventured into the kitchen and fixed my plate. I got a little bit of everything (minus the chicken)...IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! I was so happy. All I could do was smile. Besides the fact that I was hungry, I got to enjoy a great steak dinner.
The steak was perfectly seasoned and was tender too. The yellow rice was full of flavor. I even enjoyed the salad with ranch dressing (and I don't normally eat ranch dressing)!
While we ate this wonderful steak dinner, we watched a hilarious movie together. Afterward dinner we left Columbia. I thought about what I had asked on the way down. About what Columbia was known for. Well now I definitely have an answer. Columbia will always be the place my sweetie fixed a great steak dinner with his parents and I fell more in love with him but I fell back in love with food.
I know this post wasn't really about food but just know that: I'M BAAAAAAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKK!!!! I will be posting more posts including recipes for the cold weather and the holiday season.
Until next time remember....don't play with my food!
K
Today I went to visit Columbia, SC to meet my special someone's parental units. On the way down, I asked my special someone what is Columbia known for and we both agreed not much of anything. LOL! I was already nervous about my visit and now I couldn't even have a topic of food to talk about with my special someone's parental units because Columbia is known for nothing.
When we arrived at his parents' house they were preparing a wonderful meal for us. The menu was steak, chicken, yellow rice, salad, and bread. YUMMM!!!! His mom was in the kitchen preparing the side dishes and his dad was going to put the steaks on the grill. Well before his dad would put the steaks on the grill, he informed my sweetie that he would be cooking them. I had never seen him cook before. I didn't know what to expect.
About 20 minutes later, the food was ready to eat. I ventured into the kitchen and fixed my plate. I got a little bit of everything (minus the chicken)...IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! I was so happy. All I could do was smile. Besides the fact that I was hungry, I got to enjoy a great steak dinner.
The steak was perfectly seasoned and was tender too. The yellow rice was full of flavor. I even enjoyed the salad with ranch dressing (and I don't normally eat ranch dressing)!
While we ate this wonderful steak dinner, we watched a hilarious movie together. Afterward dinner we left Columbia. I thought about what I had asked on the way down. About what Columbia was known for. Well now I definitely have an answer. Columbia will always be the place my sweetie fixed a great steak dinner with his parents and I fell more in love with him but I fell back in love with food.
I know this post wasn't really about food but just know that: I'M BAAAAAAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKK!!!! I will be posting more posts including recipes for the cold weather and the holiday season.
Until next time remember....don't play with my food!
K
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Girl and her Cheesesteak!
So I have found this cute cafe in Philly. Its right across from my job on Walnut Street. Its name is Jean's Cafe. I die everytime I eat the food. It is so awesome. I could probably write everyday about Jean's (because that's about how much I eat there!) but I must tell you about the sandwich sent from God to make all my troubles melt away.
I've been in Philly a month and haven't had a Philly Cheesesteak. I know, I know! That has got to be some sort of record because its generally the first thing people get! Well I felt like I was ready to venture into cheesesteak world so I decided to go with trusty Jean's for this out of body experience.
Before I tell you about the cheesesteak I must tell you about Jean's. Jean and staff are all Asian. ( Bet you didn't see that coming) Now I know Asians can cook but I didn't know they could do down home American food especially when they barely speak English! But I think Jean and crew are playing us all for fools! The menu at Jean'spoks fun (I think...and hope) at how Asians tend to speak. Like instead of just saying "chicken" their menu says "chicky" and "hoggy" and "steaky". So every word has the mystery "Y" on the end (sometimes you just don't need that additional vowel sound in a word...I digress).
So I ordered a steaky hoggy with hot peppers, sweet peppers, onions, and cheese. This was Jean's version of Philly Cheesesteak. I was told by co-workers that I couldn't eat a whole cheesesteak (shows how well they know me). I ordered a whole one because its on Wells Faro and I'm in a F*#K the MAN kind of mood right now!!
So I get back to my hotel room and unwrap this sandwich and it was HUGE! I mean eye-bulging out my head big! But it smelled like street fare heaven! I took my first bite and I swear the clouds parted and the sun shone brightly over me! The bread was so fresh and soft and light. Which was surprising since it was this large hoagie roll. Inside this fresh bread was the most tender steak that was perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper so that you could get the full flavor of the peppers and onions and that ooey, gooey, cheese. These peppers and onions complimented the steak so well. While I was trying to eat my sandwich I was on the phone with a friend and I had trouble finding words due to the heavenliness of this sandwich. In the words of my girl Giuliana Rancic it was "Da Bomb"! The only thing I added to this sandwich was lettuce and spicy mustard. I ate every bit of the sandwich and was craving more!
I haven't been to Tony Luc's or Pat's which are the Cheesesteak staples of Philly but Jean's took me to a special place in sandwich heaven that I hope to revisit in the very near future!
So until next time...talky later! LOL!
I've been in Philly a month and haven't had a Philly Cheesesteak. I know, I know! That has got to be some sort of record because its generally the first thing people get! Well I felt like I was ready to venture into cheesesteak world so I decided to go with trusty Jean's for this out of body experience.
Before I tell you about the cheesesteak I must tell you about Jean's. Jean and staff are all Asian. ( Bet you didn't see that coming) Now I know Asians can cook but I didn't know they could do down home American food especially when they barely speak English! But I think Jean and crew are playing us all for fools! The menu at Jean'spoks fun (I think...and hope) at how Asians tend to speak. Like instead of just saying "chicken" their menu says "chicky" and "hoggy" and "steaky". So every word has the mystery "Y" on the end (sometimes you just don't need that additional vowel sound in a word...I digress).
So I ordered a steaky hoggy with hot peppers, sweet peppers, onions, and cheese. This was Jean's version of Philly Cheesesteak. I was told by co-workers that I couldn't eat a whole cheesesteak (shows how well they know me). I ordered a whole one because its on Wells Faro and I'm in a F*#K the MAN kind of mood right now!!
So I get back to my hotel room and unwrap this sandwich and it was HUGE! I mean eye-bulging out my head big! But it smelled like street fare heaven! I took my first bite and I swear the clouds parted and the sun shone brightly over me! The bread was so fresh and soft and light. Which was surprising since it was this large hoagie roll. Inside this fresh bread was the most tender steak that was perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper so that you could get the full flavor of the peppers and onions and that ooey, gooey, cheese. These peppers and onions complimented the steak so well. While I was trying to eat my sandwich I was on the phone with a friend and I had trouble finding words due to the heavenliness of this sandwich. In the words of my girl Giuliana Rancic it was "Da Bomb"! The only thing I added to this sandwich was lettuce and spicy mustard. I ate every bit of the sandwich and was craving more!
I haven't been to Tony Luc's or Pat's which are the Cheesesteak staples of Philly but Jean's took me to a special place in sandwich heaven that I hope to revisit in the very near future!
So until next time...talky later! LOL!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Just a Southern Girl at Heart
I have been travelling all around the country and for the last 4 weeks I have been in Philadelphia. I can see how people would think it is a great town. I mean they have beautiful art museums (including the one with the steps Rocky ran up....ADRIENNE!!!), lots of great shopping (Walnut Avenue around 15th and 16th streets) and an abundance of restaurants. Philadelphia is a diverse town that has a place for everyone. That is everyone but me. As much as I like to travel and as much as I love to eat, being in Philadelphia makes me realize how much of a southern girl I really am. And I am darn proud of it!
Because my soul was craving family and good southern food, I had to fly home today so that I could enjoy one of my all-time favorite traditions...FRIED FISH FRIDAYS!!! As long as I can remember, my family has eaten fish on Fridays. I don't really know why Friday is the chosen day besides my father said he ate fish on Fridays growing up as a child. He said it was a Catholic thing but we aren't Catholic and neither were my grandparents so I don't know why that would pertain to us. But it doesn't matter because it is a tradition I love and I miss it when I can't participate.
My mother likes to eat fish at fish camps around town. (If you don't know what a fish camp is then you are like the other gazillion people of the world who don't live in Gastonia. Fish camps are family owned seafood restuarants that have lots of atmosphere but no glitz and glam. They are mom and pop shops that pile on the food for really low prices.) She prefers to fry the fish at home which is what I could DIE over!!! We generally get really thin pieces of flounder, rinse them off, pat them dry, season them with Lowry's, and then roll them in seafood batter. While my mom preps the fish, my dad preps the oil on the back porch because he doesn't want the house to smell like fish. Once the oil is the perfect temperature the fish cooks in 8 minutes. It is the perfect crispiness. When you bite into the fish you can taste the seasons in the batter but you can still taste the lightness and freshness of the fish. You don't need anymore season salt on it but if you add a hint of lemon juice it will take you over the top!! OMG! OMG! OMG! Most people eat fish with cole slaw or corn on the cob but I only want a plate of fish. I generally eat at least 4 pieces but maybe 7 or 8 pieces! I get it in!
Although I know fried fish doesn't make me a Southern girl its how I eat it that does. I put all the fish on my plate and eat it with my hands so that I don't miss one little piece. With my first 4 pieces I use lemon juice to put it over the top but on the last 4 pieces I use the secret to all Southern food...TEXAS PETE! Man o' man! Texas Pete is hard to find in other parts of the country so I am assuming it is Southern. It definitely adds some Southern heat to my food and to my mouth when I add it to my food. I have to wash it down with a big cup of Southern Sweet Tea (something else you can't get in Philly).
Well I guess this post is long enough considering my last one went on and on and on and on. LOL! I won't post a recipe since I kind of game you the recipe for fried fish.
All the travel in the world only makes me a well-travelled Southern girl!
Because my soul was craving family and good southern food, I had to fly home today so that I could enjoy one of my all-time favorite traditions...FRIED FISH FRIDAYS!!! As long as I can remember, my family has eaten fish on Fridays. I don't really know why Friday is the chosen day besides my father said he ate fish on Fridays growing up as a child. He said it was a Catholic thing but we aren't Catholic and neither were my grandparents so I don't know why that would pertain to us. But it doesn't matter because it is a tradition I love and I miss it when I can't participate.
My mother likes to eat fish at fish camps around town. (If you don't know what a fish camp is then you are like the other gazillion people of the world who don't live in Gastonia. Fish camps are family owned seafood restuarants that have lots of atmosphere but no glitz and glam. They are mom and pop shops that pile on the food for really low prices.) She prefers to fry the fish at home which is what I could DIE over!!! We generally get really thin pieces of flounder, rinse them off, pat them dry, season them with Lowry's, and then roll them in seafood batter. While my mom preps the fish, my dad preps the oil on the back porch because he doesn't want the house to smell like fish. Once the oil is the perfect temperature the fish cooks in 8 minutes. It is the perfect crispiness. When you bite into the fish you can taste the seasons in the batter but you can still taste the lightness and freshness of the fish. You don't need anymore season salt on it but if you add a hint of lemon juice it will take you over the top!! OMG! OMG! OMG! Most people eat fish with cole slaw or corn on the cob but I only want a plate of fish. I generally eat at least 4 pieces but maybe 7 or 8 pieces! I get it in!
Although I know fried fish doesn't make me a Southern girl its how I eat it that does. I put all the fish on my plate and eat it with my hands so that I don't miss one little piece. With my first 4 pieces I use lemon juice to put it over the top but on the last 4 pieces I use the secret to all Southern food...TEXAS PETE! Man o' man! Texas Pete is hard to find in other parts of the country so I am assuming it is Southern. It definitely adds some Southern heat to my food and to my mouth when I add it to my food. I have to wash it down with a big cup of Southern Sweet Tea (something else you can't get in Philly).
Well I guess this post is long enough considering my last one went on and on and on and on. LOL! I won't post a recipe since I kind of game you the recipe for fried fish.
All the travel in the world only makes me a well-travelled Southern girl!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Daily Recipe
Here's a new item for this blog...daily recipes. Please feel free to comment and post your own recipes.
Beef Roast Al La Goodness
Ingredients:
2lb. Beef roast
6 shallots, chopped
3 cloves of garlic. Minced
8oz. Button mushrooms, whole
1/2 box of beef broth
Bottle of red wine
Salt & Pepper
Cook time: 6 hours
Temperature: Low in Crockpot
First, heavily season the beef with salt,pepper,and garlic and rub it into the meat. Once seasoned, place in the crockpot. Add the chopped shallots, mushrooms, beef broth, and wine. Place the cover on the crockpot. Let this cook on low all day while at work or at night while sleeping. After cooking for 6 hours open the crockpot. The meat should be extra tender as well as the veggies.
Before serving, pull the roast out of the crockpot to rest for 15 minutes. While resting, transfer the remaing juice from the crockpot to a skillet. Turn the heat on medium. Whisk in 1tbsp of flour to thicken the sauce. Whisk quickly so there are no lumps.Gravy is ready once thick after about 5 minutes.
This dish is easy and it is great with wild rice and asparagus.
Enjoy!
Beef Roast Al La Goodness
Ingredients:
2lb. Beef roast
6 shallots, chopped
3 cloves of garlic. Minced
8oz. Button mushrooms, whole
1/2 box of beef broth
Bottle of red wine
Salt & Pepper
Cook time: 6 hours
Temperature: Low in Crockpot
First, heavily season the beef with salt,pepper,and garlic and rub it into the meat. Once seasoned, place in the crockpot. Add the chopped shallots, mushrooms, beef broth, and wine. Place the cover on the crockpot. Let this cook on low all day while at work or at night while sleeping. After cooking for 6 hours open the crockpot. The meat should be extra tender as well as the veggies.
Before serving, pull the roast out of the crockpot to rest for 15 minutes. While resting, transfer the remaing juice from the crockpot to a skillet. Turn the heat on medium. Whisk in 1tbsp of flour to thicken the sauce. Whisk quickly so there are no lumps.Gravy is ready once thick after about 5 minutes.
This dish is easy and it is great with wild rice and asparagus.
Enjoy!
Monday, March 22, 2010
No white stuff has fried my brain!
First, let me apologize for all these days and weeks passing without a post. Besides having technical difficulties, it appears all the travelling has taken its toll on my brain. Because I was so unhappy with the constant travel, I somehow developed a writing roadblock that I couldn't find my way around. And then to make matters worse, I allowed Satan himself to come up with my sacrifice for lent season. He somehow coerced me into giving up white stuff! Why the HELL would I give up the one thing that makes me sane and happy while I am on the road. I LOVE FOOD! I am very passionate about food! ALL FOOD! Especially everything white! White bread, pasta, flour tortillas! It had to be the devil because when I prayed and asked God for strength, he said, "who told you to give up white stuff! I surely didn't." He told me instead of giving up something you should have added something." Well now I know he meant for me to add some enjoyment to my life. With all this travelling I have the opportunity to write about what I love and gain ideas for my dream...
So I'M BACK!!! I'm ready to give you all the best I have to give. I am currently in Philadelphia but this first post will be about an Italian restaurant I visited this weekend in Washington D.C.
The name of the restaurant is Paper Moon. It is located in beautiful Georgetown. That might be the only positive thing I say about the spot. Well the host seemed like he may be Italian. I was there with one of my faves, Delo. We sat down ready to have great drinks and good food. All I wanted was a glass of wine or a frozen drink. Our waitress made it clear that Moscato was by the bottle (even though it wasn't on the wine list) and the riesling wasn't by the glass! Then when I asked for a Bellini she said it wasn't frozen. I was confused. This place made bellinis with champagne and peach schnapps! Don't ever order this!! Its not good! You couldn't taste the peach!
Our food wasn't much better. Paper Moon had a small menu with their dinner suggestions. I decided to order from that menu and get the spinach ravioli verde. It was spinach and cheese stuffed ravioli with either, alfredo, meat sauce or vodka sauce. I ordered it with the vodka sauce only to have the waitress return to the table and tell me they didn't have it! How is it a dinner suggestion and you don't have it! So I had to get the most boring thing on the menu...lasagna! I like lasagna but not when I'm trying new things! The lasagna was the size of my head and it wasn't great. There was nothing special about it. Nothing authentic to it. On top of that they gave us some non-blended oil and herbs and tomato sauce for the italian loaf they served. That was nasty! There was absolutely no taste to it bc it wasn't blended.
This post is long enough but as you can see Paper Moon gets a OH NO Mama Mia from me. Don't waste your time or money.
Talk to you soon
So I'M BACK!!! I'm ready to give you all the best I have to give. I am currently in Philadelphia but this first post will be about an Italian restaurant I visited this weekend in Washington D.C.
The name of the restaurant is Paper Moon. It is located in beautiful Georgetown. That might be the only positive thing I say about the spot. Well the host seemed like he may be Italian. I was there with one of my faves, Delo. We sat down ready to have great drinks and good food. All I wanted was a glass of wine or a frozen drink. Our waitress made it clear that Moscato was by the bottle (even though it wasn't on the wine list) and the riesling wasn't by the glass! Then when I asked for a Bellini she said it wasn't frozen. I was confused. This place made bellinis with champagne and peach schnapps! Don't ever order this!! Its not good! You couldn't taste the peach!
Our food wasn't much better. Paper Moon had a small menu with their dinner suggestions. I decided to order from that menu and get the spinach ravioli verde. It was spinach and cheese stuffed ravioli with either, alfredo, meat sauce or vodka sauce. I ordered it with the vodka sauce only to have the waitress return to the table and tell me they didn't have it! How is it a dinner suggestion and you don't have it! So I had to get the most boring thing on the menu...lasagna! I like lasagna but not when I'm trying new things! The lasagna was the size of my head and it wasn't great. There was nothing special about it. Nothing authentic to it. On top of that they gave us some non-blended oil and herbs and tomato sauce for the italian loaf they served. That was nasty! There was absolutely no taste to it bc it wasn't blended.
This post is long enough but as you can see Paper Moon gets a OH NO Mama Mia from me. Don't waste your time or money.
Talk to you soon
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Loop That Didn't Make Me Jump Through Hoops
Tonight I decided to try a place called The Loop in Winston. Well I was not jumping through hoops after I ate my food. First off the full name of the restaurant is The Loop Pizza Grill. Well I didn't know that until after I had ordered my cajun fish wrap and house salad. The wrap consisted of a piece of white fish with cajun seasoning. It was okay but nothing memorable. I couldn't eat the actual bread because it was bland and the inside of the wrap was a piece of leaf lettuce! There was nothing to the wrap so I proceeded to just eat the fish with my house salad (which ended up being pretty good)!
The moral of this story is know the full name of the restaurant. If it says it's a pizza grill, you should probably order a PIZZA! I'm a dork. I know. When you deal with the stressors I deal with all day, you are allowed a brain fart every once and a while!
Tomorrow, I think I am going to try something new again. I can't believe I lived in Winston-Salem for 4 years and never tried some of these places. This city is loaded with food possibilities and I plan on conquering them all before my time is up here.
I figured I need a signature for these blogs. Something to leave you with that would be "my thing" so here goes....
Keep eatin' :0
The moral of this story is know the full name of the restaurant. If it says it's a pizza grill, you should probably order a PIZZA! I'm a dork. I know. When you deal with the stressors I deal with all day, you are allowed a brain fart every once and a while!
Tomorrow, I think I am going to try something new again. I can't believe I lived in Winston-Salem for 4 years and never tried some of these places. This city is loaded with food possibilities and I plan on conquering them all before my time is up here.
I figured I need a signature for these blogs. Something to leave you with that would be "my thing" so here goes....
Keep eatin' :0
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Back to Familiar Goodness
I am now in Winston-Salem, NC. A city that is near and dear to my heart because it's the city I became an adult in. I spent 4 years in this city at Winston-Salem State University (GO RAMS!!!) So over the next several weeks I will be telling you all about some places that I am very familiar with. Some places that aren't new to me but are so special to me because I have loved them for so long.
I know you generally leave the best for last but anyone that knows me knows that I had to get to Cities as soon as I got to Winston! Cities is my favorite restaurant. Not just a favorite of mine. NO. It is my all-time favorite restaurant. It's not a chain (thank God)! It is this hidden treasure in Winston. Most people go to all the chain restaurants along Hanes Mall Blvd. Cities is away from all that and it is a collection of several atmospheres. It can be a family restaurant. It can be a romantic spot. It can be a great place for you to go with friends.
My boss was in town this week and she wanted to go out to eat so she could vent. So I took her to Cities. I ordered what has now become my favorite thing on the menu which is the Grilled Chicken. I know, I know. Grilled chicken sounds boring but this is the most succulent piece of chicken you have ever tasted. They take a boneless chicken breast and split it and beat it to flatten it out. Then they put it on a hot grill and only for a few minutes so it isn't dry. It is seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper and they top it with this lemon butter dill sauce. OMG!!! I cannot explain how wonderful this sauce is on this chicken. I always ask for extra sauce because I just want to take my bread and sop up every last drop of it. It is buttery goodness! Oh good Lord! This sauce is why God created chicken. This sauce was supposed to be on top of chicken. It makes the perfectly grilled chicken taste like chicken that Jesus touched himself!
Now that I have completed slobbered all over myself talking about this chicken, I can tell you about the delicious rice pilaf that they serve with the chicken. Now I love rice but Cities makes it special. They serve it in the shape of a pyramid! Its so cute but I tear it down faster than the pyramid building gods put it up! This rice is delicious but you know what makes it better....the lemon butter dill sauce that is dripping off the chicken! LOL!
I know you are probably thinking that what I really liked is the sauce. You would be wrong. I don't like the sauce, I LOVE the sauce. It is the perfect companion to this meal!
Due to the conversation, I didn't get to eat my dessert. I will have to go back so that I can tell you all about the best strawberry shortcake in the world! Don't worry. With me spending 6 more weeks in Winston. There will be several more posts about Cities. Remember the name and please, please visit when you are in Winston. It is the best kept secret in town.
I know you generally leave the best for last but anyone that knows me knows that I had to get to Cities as soon as I got to Winston! Cities is my favorite restaurant. Not just a favorite of mine. NO. It is my all-time favorite restaurant. It's not a chain (thank God)! It is this hidden treasure in Winston. Most people go to all the chain restaurants along Hanes Mall Blvd. Cities is away from all that and it is a collection of several atmospheres. It can be a family restaurant. It can be a romantic spot. It can be a great place for you to go with friends.
My boss was in town this week and she wanted to go out to eat so she could vent. So I took her to Cities. I ordered what has now become my favorite thing on the menu which is the Grilled Chicken. I know, I know. Grilled chicken sounds boring but this is the most succulent piece of chicken you have ever tasted. They take a boneless chicken breast and split it and beat it to flatten it out. Then they put it on a hot grill and only for a few minutes so it isn't dry. It is seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper and they top it with this lemon butter dill sauce. OMG!!! I cannot explain how wonderful this sauce is on this chicken. I always ask for extra sauce because I just want to take my bread and sop up every last drop of it. It is buttery goodness! Oh good Lord! This sauce is why God created chicken. This sauce was supposed to be on top of chicken. It makes the perfectly grilled chicken taste like chicken that Jesus touched himself!
Now that I have completed slobbered all over myself talking about this chicken, I can tell you about the delicious rice pilaf that they serve with the chicken. Now I love rice but Cities makes it special. They serve it in the shape of a pyramid! Its so cute but I tear it down faster than the pyramid building gods put it up! This rice is delicious but you know what makes it better....the lemon butter dill sauce that is dripping off the chicken! LOL!
I know you are probably thinking that what I really liked is the sauce. You would be wrong. I don't like the sauce, I LOVE the sauce. It is the perfect companion to this meal!
Due to the conversation, I didn't get to eat my dessert. I will have to go back so that I can tell you all about the best strawberry shortcake in the world! Don't worry. With me spending 6 more weeks in Winston. There will be several more posts about Cities. Remember the name and please, please visit when you are in Winston. It is the best kept secret in town.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Leaving The Ham!
I have been trying to think how to summarize my stay in Birmingham. I mean...I met very nice people and I ate good food but...I am sooooooooooooooooo ready to get outta here!
I had a great time eating my way around this city (or at least the part of the city closest to my job and hotel!). I will never forget the deliciousness of Chappy's with that Maple Turkey Croissant. Or that incredible Grilled Shrimp Greek Salad from Taziti's. And I didn't even get to tell you about my trip to California Pizza Kitchen. I know its not central to Birmingham but I generally do not like California Pizza Kitchen but this time I tried the Roasted Garlic Chicken Thin Crust Pizza! HOLY MOLY BATMAN! That pizza was so incredible. There was a ridiculous amount of roasted garlic chunks all over this pizza. The crust was extra crispy and was almost like flatbread. The chicken was thinly sliced and it was perfectly cradled under the cheesy goodness that was all over the pizza! OMG! This was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!!!
Okay I digress...I was supposed to be wrapping up Birmingham not continuing on and on about that faboulous pizza!
While in Birmingham, I also found a newfound appreciation for Jason's Deli. I'll be honest...I had never been so I was basing all my opinions of the place on what others had said. Well I finally tried it and I really liked it. Its not my favorite place but I found two things that I would go back and order over and over again. That Plain Jane Potato and this salad (I forget the name so maybe it was so great after all). The Plain Jane is full of butter, cheese, sour cream, and best of all BACON!!! You can't go wrong with any of those ingredients. And then they cover a potato the size of my head! Its a potato on steroids! Seriously! The salad that now has no name had pumpkin seeds, apples, dried cranberries, leafy mixed greens, and BACON! YUMMY! Then it is covered with this wonderful balsamic vinegarette. Good stuff all the way around!
Panera Bread gave me the best potato soup I have ever had while I was in Birmingham! I always get the potato soup but it is generally runny. This particular day the soup was thick and creamy and full of chunks of potato and BACON! It was seasoned perfectly and it was heavenly.
Ok, ok, ok...I have to stop. Overall my stay here was long but it was so good. I'm not going to miss it but I will have fond memories of it. Until we meet again...
I had a great time eating my way around this city (or at least the part of the city closest to my job and hotel!). I will never forget the deliciousness of Chappy's with that Maple Turkey Croissant. Or that incredible Grilled Shrimp Greek Salad from Taziti's. And I didn't even get to tell you about my trip to California Pizza Kitchen. I know its not central to Birmingham but I generally do not like California Pizza Kitchen but this time I tried the Roasted Garlic Chicken Thin Crust Pizza! HOLY MOLY BATMAN! That pizza was so incredible. There was a ridiculous amount of roasted garlic chunks all over this pizza. The crust was extra crispy and was almost like flatbread. The chicken was thinly sliced and it was perfectly cradled under the cheesy goodness that was all over the pizza! OMG! This was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!!!
Okay I digress...I was supposed to be wrapping up Birmingham not continuing on and on about that faboulous pizza!
While in Birmingham, I also found a newfound appreciation for Jason's Deli. I'll be honest...I had never been so I was basing all my opinions of the place on what others had said. Well I finally tried it and I really liked it. Its not my favorite place but I found two things that I would go back and order over and over again. That Plain Jane Potato and this salad (I forget the name so maybe it was so great after all). The Plain Jane is full of butter, cheese, sour cream, and best of all BACON!!! You can't go wrong with any of those ingredients. And then they cover a potato the size of my head! Its a potato on steroids! Seriously! The salad that now has no name had pumpkin seeds, apples, dried cranberries, leafy mixed greens, and BACON! YUMMY! Then it is covered with this wonderful balsamic vinegarette. Good stuff all the way around!
Panera Bread gave me the best potato soup I have ever had while I was in Birmingham! I always get the potato soup but it is generally runny. This particular day the soup was thick and creamy and full of chunks of potato and BACON! It was seasoned perfectly and it was heavenly.
Ok, ok, ok...I have to stop. Overall my stay here was long but it was so good. I'm not going to miss it but I will have fond memories of it. Until we meet again...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sorry for the delay...
I am currently experiencing technical difficulties in Birmingham. I have so much to tell you about but the internet connection in the Residence Inn is not great. I am taking a big chance writing this now.
Just know this....Food is GREAT in Birmingham! Internet connection...not so much.
I will talk to you this weekend. Until then...
Just know this....Food is GREAT in Birmingham! Internet connection...not so much.
I will talk to you this weekend. Until then...
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Chappy Greek
(Yesterday was pretty tiring at work so I didn't post anything. Hope this makes up for my absence because yesterday was a great food day!)
My day was very busy yesterday. I was putting together my first big shipment at work and making sure it got sent off with all the necessary paperwork. After a very physical morning (I was lifting heavy boxes) I treated myself to another great lunch at Chappy's! It makes me so happy! I decided to try something different since my wrap was sooooo delicious, I figured I probably couldn't go wrong with anything on the menu. My decision was difficult but since it was lunch I decided to go with a sandwich called the Maple Turkey Crossiant. All I can say is OMG!!! This sandwich was so amazing. Let me just start by telling you about the crossiant. It melted in my mouth like ice cream. It was so light and buttery. Each layer was to die for! Then with this perfect piece of bread they added massive amounts of this maple turkey. This turkey tasted like it had been prepared at the Honey Baked Ham Store. It was so flavorful and smokey but sweet all at the same time. And then I added my favorites lettuce and spicy brown mustard. This sandwich was amazing!
After eating one of the best sandwiches of my life, I headed back to the office to complete my work day. How many more boxes could I possibly lift? Well I lifted about 30+ boxes and prepared them to be shipped and then had to wait on the UPS guy to pick them up. After a hard days work, all I wanted to do was eat a good dinner and go back to my hotel room. I decided to try this little Greek restaurant by Chappy's called Taziti's. Anyone that knows me from Columbus knows that I love Greek food. I could've eaten Happy Greek everyday in law school and just about did!
I go into Taziti's and the aroma in the place is killing. I felt like I could've eaten everything it smelled so good! I walk up to the counter and look at the menu and I'm completely overwhelmed with all the options. But I decide to keep with my healthy kick and I get the Greek Salad with Shrimp. It sounds pretty boring but far from it! This shrimp was LARGE! Normally if you get shrimp on a salad they are so small you can't tell the difference between the shrimp and the feta cheese! It's sad. Not on this salad. There were nine big beautiful succulent shrimp draped in garlic, herbs, and butter. They tasted like the mediterranean...like GREECE! What I failed to tell you about this meal is that the chef (a 50+ year old black man) told the waitress to tell me that he prepared this meal especially for me....dirty old man syndrome!!! I don't know if he did something special to the shrimp for me or gave me some extra shrimp but either way...THANK YOU CHEF!!
I had a great Wednesday. Food was excellent which is good because due to the nonexistent snowy weather in Birmingham, I had to eat Jason's Deli and McDonald's for lunch and dinner respectively! All I know is that I have maybe two more weeks in Birmingham and I am becoming a Chappy Greek thanks to these two little places!
My day was very busy yesterday. I was putting together my first big shipment at work and making sure it got sent off with all the necessary paperwork. After a very physical morning (I was lifting heavy boxes) I treated myself to another great lunch at Chappy's! It makes me so happy! I decided to try something different since my wrap was sooooo delicious, I figured I probably couldn't go wrong with anything on the menu. My decision was difficult but since it was lunch I decided to go with a sandwich called the Maple Turkey Crossiant. All I can say is OMG!!! This sandwich was so amazing. Let me just start by telling you about the crossiant. It melted in my mouth like ice cream. It was so light and buttery. Each layer was to die for! Then with this perfect piece of bread they added massive amounts of this maple turkey. This turkey tasted like it had been prepared at the Honey Baked Ham Store. It was so flavorful and smokey but sweet all at the same time. And then I added my favorites lettuce and spicy brown mustard. This sandwich was amazing!
After eating one of the best sandwiches of my life, I headed back to the office to complete my work day. How many more boxes could I possibly lift? Well I lifted about 30+ boxes and prepared them to be shipped and then had to wait on the UPS guy to pick them up. After a hard days work, all I wanted to do was eat a good dinner and go back to my hotel room. I decided to try this little Greek restaurant by Chappy's called Taziti's. Anyone that knows me from Columbus knows that I love Greek food. I could've eaten Happy Greek everyday in law school and just about did!
I go into Taziti's and the aroma in the place is killing. I felt like I could've eaten everything it smelled so good! I walk up to the counter and look at the menu and I'm completely overwhelmed with all the options. But I decide to keep with my healthy kick and I get the Greek Salad with Shrimp. It sounds pretty boring but far from it! This shrimp was LARGE! Normally if you get shrimp on a salad they are so small you can't tell the difference between the shrimp and the feta cheese! It's sad. Not on this salad. There were nine big beautiful succulent shrimp draped in garlic, herbs, and butter. They tasted like the mediterranean...like GREECE! What I failed to tell you about this meal is that the chef (a 50+ year old black man) told the waitress to tell me that he prepared this meal especially for me....dirty old man syndrome!!! I don't know if he did something special to the shrimp for me or gave me some extra shrimp but either way...THANK YOU CHEF!!
I had a great Wednesday. Food was excellent which is good because due to the nonexistent snowy weather in Birmingham, I had to eat Jason's Deli and McDonald's for lunch and dinner respectively! All I know is that I have maybe two more weeks in Birmingham and I am becoming a Chappy Greek thanks to these two little places!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Afternoon Love Affair with Strawberries
Today was a slow day on the food front. I was so busy at work I didn't get the opportunity to explore with my food. I met up with an old friend today and we went to an oldie but goodie for lunch. CHEESECAKE FACTORY. You know, there is something about Cheesecake Factory that is oh so satisfying. I think its the fact that no matter what the price, you know you are about to get a plate full of food. Way too much food! But good food. I decided to get my usual lunch entree of a small plate of fried zucchini and the appetizer BLT salad. Both were absolutely delicious but not the highlight of the meal. Oh no....the highlight of my meal was the tall, cold, glass of strawberry lemonade!
Now, I don't know about you but I LOVE lemonade, especially strawberry lemonade. If I just want regular lemonade I can go get one from Chic-Fil-A but if you want the best strawberry lemonade experience of your life...RUN to Cheesecake Factory.
They seduce you with this nice, tall glass of strawberry lemonade. It is the perfect shade of red with all the seeds floating thru it. The seeds tingle every taste bud on your tongue so that you can experience every second of this perfect drink.
There really isn't a big secret to what they are doing at the Cheesecake Factory. Anyone can have this type of moment with this drink at any time if they just practice making it at home. Practice makes perfect! See the recipe is quite simple. They mix this strawberry concentrate into the lemonade but what makes it sooooo good is that the concentrate tastes just like the BACARDI Strawberry daiquiri concentrate that you buy in the frozen section of the grocery store. (And it probably is since the drink is made at the bar) And in place of the rum, they have added a shot of lemonade.
There is soooo much strawberry in this drink that you feel like you there is an eruption in your mouth. They mix all that together and pour it into this glass full of ice and the rim is encrusted in sugar.....ummmmmm. You just want to lick the rim of the glass!
By now I'm sure you are asking what makes this strawberry lemonade so good? Well I will tell you. Once it is gone....they give you FREE refills!!! OMG!!!! They just keep coming back giving you more and more!!! (I guess I really paid for it since the drink was $4.50.) I was so excited I got a to-go cup of strawberry lemonade and it was just as good in the car and at my desk.
I'm telling you....I didn't try a local spot today but I had an afternoon love affair with some strawberry lemonade. It was a great afternoon!
Now, I don't know about you but I LOVE lemonade, especially strawberry lemonade. If I just want regular lemonade I can go get one from Chic-Fil-A but if you want the best strawberry lemonade experience of your life...RUN to Cheesecake Factory.
They seduce you with this nice, tall glass of strawberry lemonade. It is the perfect shade of red with all the seeds floating thru it. The seeds tingle every taste bud on your tongue so that you can experience every second of this perfect drink.
There really isn't a big secret to what they are doing at the Cheesecake Factory. Anyone can have this type of moment with this drink at any time if they just practice making it at home. Practice makes perfect! See the recipe is quite simple. They mix this strawberry concentrate into the lemonade but what makes it sooooo good is that the concentrate tastes just like the BACARDI Strawberry daiquiri concentrate that you buy in the frozen section of the grocery store. (And it probably is since the drink is made at the bar) And in place of the rum, they have added a shot of lemonade.
There is soooo much strawberry in this drink that you feel like you there is an eruption in your mouth. They mix all that together and pour it into this glass full of ice and the rim is encrusted in sugar.....ummmmmm. You just want to lick the rim of the glass!
By now I'm sure you are asking what makes this strawberry lemonade so good? Well I will tell you. Once it is gone....they give you FREE refills!!! OMG!!!! They just keep coming back giving you more and more!!! (I guess I really paid for it since the drink was $4.50.) I was so excited I got a to-go cup of strawberry lemonade and it was just as good in the car and at my desk.
I'm telling you....I didn't try a local spot today but I had an afternoon love affair with some strawberry lemonade. It was a great afternoon!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Chappy Happy
Today was my first day of my new job. My whole complaint about this job has been that the people in charge aren't organized. So when I made it to the office this morning. I wasn't surprised to hear that two of the temps that were supposed to be working weren't coming. So now in a job where I am supposed to be a supervisor, I am doing other stuff to compensate for us being understaffed. I WAS DOING THAT IN THE TRUST DEPARTMENT WHICH IS WHY I WAS SO UNHAPPY!!!! CAN SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE PEOPLE JOBS!!! (just in case you didn't know, i was screaming that last sentence) Luckily for me the people who did show up, my manager & one temp, were extremely cool. We worked hard and we worked well together to get some stuff done.
Anyway....the highlight of my day was lunch (of course!). At first I was told I was going to have to go to Wendy's. YUCK! DOUBLE YUCK!! Instead, I got to go to a local favorite called Chappy's. The name suggest that this is a hole in the wall in a shopping center somewhere. It was in a shopping center but it was actually a nice deli!
I had one of the best wraps of my life! YUMMY!!! It was called a Chicken Bleu Wrap. It was filled with this perfectly grilled real chicken breast that was sooooooo juicy! UMMM.... And then it had big leafy lettuce that was so crispy! UMMMMM................... And then they had the audacity to put fresh strawberries and peaches in the wrap. CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they topped it with a mountain of bleu cheese, almond slivers, and balsamic vinegariette. HEAVEN!
I was having this crazy explosion of flavor in my mouth. The grilled flavor of the chicken. The sweetness of the fruit mixed with the tangy/saltiness of the balsamic vinegariette. And then the crunchiness of the almonds mixed with the creaminess of the bleu cheese. Wrapped in this light white tortilla.
It was so delicious. It made me so Chappy Happy that I will probably go back tomorrow for some dessert. Can you scream BANANA PUDDING AND RED VELVET CAKE!!!! OMG, OMG, OMG!
On a day where the temperature didn't get above 30 degrees, I felt warm and fuzzy all over because of my Chicken Bleu Wrap. Maybe Birmingham isn't so bad after all..........then again, it's only Day 1.
Anyway....the highlight of my day was lunch (of course!). At first I was told I was going to have to go to Wendy's. YUCK! DOUBLE YUCK!! Instead, I got to go to a local favorite called Chappy's. The name suggest that this is a hole in the wall in a shopping center somewhere. It was in a shopping center but it was actually a nice deli!
I had one of the best wraps of my life! YUMMY!!! It was called a Chicken Bleu Wrap. It was filled with this perfectly grilled real chicken breast that was sooooooo juicy! UMMM.... And then it had big leafy lettuce that was so crispy! UMMMMM................... And then they had the audacity to put fresh strawberries and peaches in the wrap. CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they topped it with a mountain of bleu cheese, almond slivers, and balsamic vinegariette. HEAVEN!
I was having this crazy explosion of flavor in my mouth. The grilled flavor of the chicken. The sweetness of the fruit mixed with the tangy/saltiness of the balsamic vinegariette. And then the crunchiness of the almonds mixed with the creaminess of the bleu cheese. Wrapped in this light white tortilla.
It was so delicious. It made me so Chappy Happy that I will probably go back tomorrow for some dessert. Can you scream BANANA PUDDING AND RED VELVET CAKE!!!! OMG, OMG, OMG!
On a day where the temperature didn't get above 30 degrees, I felt warm and fuzzy all over because of my Chicken Bleu Wrap. Maybe Birmingham isn't so bad after all..........then again, it's only Day 1.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Sweet Home Alabama
This morning I woke up knowing my fate couldn't be avoided anymore...I was going to Birmingham, AL. BOOOOO!!!! Although my excitement was very subdued, I knew just what to do to get me ready for my road trip. The same thing I always do when I leave NC...go to Bojangles!!! YAY!!!!
You never truly appreciate the Cajun Filet Biscuit Combo with cheese until you can't get it! And this morning they must have known that I needed it to be really good because that was the best combo ever!! My biscuit was full of buttery goodness and it was actually HOT! OMG! My fries had extra seasoning without me asking for it and my tea was extra sweet (which means it was pretty much syrup, just the way I like it!). The cajun chicken took over the biscuit and the cheese was melted to perfection. YUM!!
Now that I had my traditional departure breakfast, I was ready for the road. Drive was perfect (except for the hawk that almost flew directly into my windshield). I didn't even stop until I got to Talladega to get some Starbucks! I was like Ricky Bobby when I saw that sign. I dashed across the highway off the exit and into the drive thru. There is nothing like an iced coffee with 4 splendas when you need a pick me up.
Now I am in my room wishing I could re-create that breakfast from this morning. :( I'm off to find my first meal in Birmingham, hopefully it's a good one...
You never truly appreciate the Cajun Filet Biscuit Combo with cheese until you can't get it! And this morning they must have known that I needed it to be really good because that was the best combo ever!! My biscuit was full of buttery goodness and it was actually HOT! OMG! My fries had extra seasoning without me asking for it and my tea was extra sweet (which means it was pretty much syrup, just the way I like it!). The cajun chicken took over the biscuit and the cheese was melted to perfection. YUM!!
Now that I had my traditional departure breakfast, I was ready for the road. Drive was perfect (except for the hawk that almost flew directly into my windshield). I didn't even stop until I got to Talladega to get some Starbucks! I was like Ricky Bobby when I saw that sign. I dashed across the highway off the exit and into the drive thru. There is nothing like an iced coffee with 4 splendas when you need a pick me up.
Now I am in my room wishing I could re-create that breakfast from this morning. :( I'm off to find my first meal in Birmingham, hopefully it's a good one...
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Beginning for the New Year!
So everyone has been telling me to start a blog for all my recipes, food critiques, and travels. Well I thought the best day to make a move would be January 1, 2010. My first post will be about the first traditional meal of the year: New Year's Dinner
Out of all the holidays, the traditional New Year's meal of collard greens, black-eyed peas and pork is my least favorite. YUCK! I know others thoroughly enjoy it but I am not a fan of any of those items. I only eat them because of what they are supposed to represent...collard greens (money), black-eyed peas (change or wisdom) and I'm not sure what pork represents (probably just high blood pressure)!
I remember liking all these things at some point but now I would rather pass! And I don't dislike pork (I heart BACON. YUM!). I dislike pork roast. I absolutely don't like black-eyed peas (there's no preparation that will change my mind!).
Although my least favorite meal, I do love spending time with the family while they scarf it down like its the only way to have good fortune throughout the year!
I'll keep you posted about the meal but I know my day will go the way it generally does...I will be thinking about what I will get to eat once all this food is gone! Thank GOD for January 2!
Out of all the holidays, the traditional New Year's meal of collard greens, black-eyed peas and pork is my least favorite. YUCK! I know others thoroughly enjoy it but I am not a fan of any of those items. I only eat them because of what they are supposed to represent...collard greens (money), black-eyed peas (change or wisdom) and I'm not sure what pork represents (probably just high blood pressure)!
I remember liking all these things at some point but now I would rather pass! And I don't dislike pork (I heart BACON. YUM!). I dislike pork roast. I absolutely don't like black-eyed peas (there's no preparation that will change my mind!).
Although my least favorite meal, I do love spending time with the family while they scarf it down like its the only way to have good fortune throughout the year!
I'll keep you posted about the meal but I know my day will go the way it generally does...I will be thinking about what I will get to eat once all this food is gone! Thank GOD for January 2!
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