tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59889472611753331262024-03-12T21:00:55.899-05:00Veggies, Cake & CocktailsBalancing a life full of Veggies, Cake and Cocktails.Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-62840024984610851942010-11-08T21:58:00.003-06:002010-11-08T22:35:02.201-06:00New Blog!Hello everyone!<div><br /></div><div>Check out my new blog home over at <a href="http://www.veggiescakeandcocktails.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Veggies, Cake & Cocktails</span></b></a>! </div><div><br /></div><div>I would love to know what you think of the new site...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.veggiescakeandcocktails.com"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 189px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNjPBInjrKI/AAAAAAAAEVc/syx_cckj1Gc/s320/VC%2526C%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537403360252243106" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to everyone who checks it out!</div><div> </div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-49634144240256119732010-11-03T23:27:00.001-05:002010-11-03T23:27:00.476-05:00Wisdom Teeth, Smishdom Teeth!Not only have I been sick for the last couple weeks but last week I was woken up in the middle of the night with the worst sort of mouth pain. It wasn't just a tooth that hurt it was my entire jaw and throat on the left side of my face! I wasn't excited about going to the dentist but I knew I had to make an appointment when the pain was so severe I couldn't eat!<br /><br /><div> </div><div>Yesterday was the day I would take on the dentist chair. See, I still have my wisdom teeth and I was pretty sure those pesky little things were to blame for my jaw pain. My appointment wasn't until after lunch and I forgot to bring my toothbrush to work so I used one of these:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu8mbQ0nI/AAAAAAAAEU8/liiB0mqPUMY/s1600/IMG_2459.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu8mbQ0nI/AAAAAAAAEU8/liiB0mqPUMY/s320/IMG_2459.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535538510633685618" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 122px; " /></a><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><div>This is one great invention. I always carry some in my purse, you never know when you will need a fresh mouth;)</div><br /><div> </div><div>I also popped a few DayQuil in hopes of stopping my cough for the 10 minutes my dentist would be checking out my mouth.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIvqy02vNI/AAAAAAAAEVE/zxDM4IfOWLA/s1600/IMG_2453.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIvqy02vNI/AAAAAAAAEVE/zxDM4IfOWLA/s320/IMG_2453.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535539304236235986" style="cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div> </div><br /><div>It also helped that the views from my dentist chair are pretty amazing:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIvrvJ34tI/AAAAAAAAEVU/ZQl7boxZglQ/s1600/IMG_2463.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIvrvJ34tI/AAAAAAAAEVU/ZQl7boxZglQ/s320/IMG_2463.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535539320430518994" style="cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 320px; " /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIvrVqA2AI/AAAAAAAAEVM/x8fXX_vaBjI/s1600/IMG_2465.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIvrVqA2AI/AAAAAAAAEVM/x8fXX_vaBjI/s320/IMG_2465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535539313586001922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div> </div><br /><div><strong>Verdict:</strong></div><br /><div>As suspected my wisdom teeth were to blame. I can get my wisdom teeth taken out or use a homemade mouth wash everyday. I'm going with option #2 for now but who knows what will happen in the future.</div><br /><div>I also must mention the fact that my dentist is awesome! I've hated every dentist I've ever come in contact with EXCEPT for my current dentist. If you are in the Chicago area and need a good dentist contact me and I will get you his information.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><strong>Dinner</strong></div><br /><div>After a long day at work Patrick and I walked to our voting location to do our civic duty. When we were finally able to get home I was exhausted and did not feel like cooking anything. Luckily my husband is good in the kitchen and he stepped up to the batters plate.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Spicy Broccoli Stir-fry Over Rice</strong></span></div><ul><li><span style="color:#000000;">Frozen broccoli</span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">White rice</span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">Red pepper flakes</span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">Schezwan sauce</span></li><li>Olive oil</li></ul><ol><li><span style="color:#000000;">Put a bit of olive oil in a pan.</span></li><br /><li>Add broccoli, red pepper flakes and schezwan sauce and cook until broccoli is to your desired texture.</li><br /><li>Put broccoli mixture over rice and enjoy!</li></ol><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu7rgc2gI/AAAAAAAAEUs/0AdcJ28hkng/s1600/DSC_0828.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu7rgc2gI/AAAAAAAAEUs/0AdcJ28hkng/s320/DSC_0828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535538494817753602" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px; " /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu7QwW3gI/AAAAAAAAEUk/LRfjrxmWWyg/s1600/DSC_0829.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu7QwW3gI/AAAAAAAAEUk/LRfjrxmWWyg/s320/DSC_0829.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535538487636712962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong> </div><br /><div>After dinner I wanted something sweet so I decided to put some frozen cookie dough in the microwave. Turns out it wasn't such a good idea:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu6w58iDI/AAAAAAAAEUc/IbSmirrmk5k/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNIu6w58iDI/AAAAAAAAEUc/IbSmirrmk5k/s320/DSC_0833.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535538479086995506" style="cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><div>Not only did I burn the heck out of the cookie but I turned our condo into a chimney. Smoke was everywhere and now all my clothes smell like burnt cookie!</div><br /><div> </div><div>Told you I wasn't in the mood to cook tonight;)</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><strong>Question:</strong></div><br /><div> </div><div>Did you vote on Tuesday? </div><br /><div>Have you ever burnt anything in the microwave?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-69045533094946396502010-11-03T07:17:00.000-05:002010-11-03T07:17:00.944-05:00Starbucks Holiday Cup !!!!!!<div>Woohoo!!! I received my first Starbucks holiday cup of the 2010 season.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDp5dmkJwI/AAAAAAAAEUM/ZqeBKFZlKcA/s1600/IMG_2467.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDp5dmkJwI/AAAAAAAAEUM/ZqeBKFZlKcA/s320/IMG_2467.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535181115446535938" /></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDrN_72O0I/AAAAAAAAEUU/Qn4bDo3kqF0/s320/IMG_2468.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535182567771618114" /><div><br /></div><div>This cup says, " <i>My sister and I would just stare up at the sky. Trying to see where the snowflakes were born</i>".<br /><div><br /></div><div>Looks like they have multiple versions of the holiday cup this year. I'm looking forward to seeing what they all look like!</div></div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-54686961178646799252010-11-02T22:57:00.011-05:002010-11-02T23:41:12.417-05:00Under-the-Weather Comfort Food<div>The last week has been a rough one for me. I've been working like crazy and sick as a dog. I have this cough that just won't stop no matter how many Halls I suck!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was very happy to see that a childhood favorite dinner was on the schedule for Monday night. Not just a favorite dish but the dish that my mom would make when I was feeling under the weather. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Mrs. Grass Soup with Homemade Dumplings</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dumpling Ingredients</b></div><div><ul><li>1 cup flour</li><li>3 eggs</li><li>Salt and pepper to taste</li></ul></div><div>Start by beating the eggs and seasoning:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeh6C-EeI/AAAAAAAAEUE/6t8ExFFb3qM/s1600/DSC_0809.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeh6C-EeI/AAAAAAAAEUE/6t8ExFFb3qM/s320/DSC_0809.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535168616137101794" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Add flour to egg mixture:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeh6C-EeI/AAAAAAAAEUE/6t8ExFFb3qM/s1600/DSC_0809.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeheyKeRI/AAAAAAAAET8/6D3VZmVj-Zw/s1600/DSC_0810.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeheyKeRI/AAAAAAAAET8/6D3VZmVj-Zw/s320/DSC_0810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535168608818854162" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Drop teaspoon amounts of mixture into boiling water. Remove when dumplings float in the water for a minute or so:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeHdnu4gI/AAAAAAAAETs/Ta2A3vgW9Ow/s1600/DSC_0813.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeHdnu4gI/AAAAAAAAETs/Ta2A3vgW9Ow/s320/DSC_0813.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535168161830068738" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Done! Simple, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Finished product isn't pretty but they sure do taste great in all kinds of soups and stews!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeHdnu4gI/AAAAAAAAETs/Ta2A3vgW9Ow/s1600/DSC_0813.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeG6DN97I/AAAAAAAAETk/cIXGEnYa9CA/s1600/DSC_0816.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeG6DN97I/AAAAAAAAETk/cIXGEnYa9CA/s320/DSC_0816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535168152281675698" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dinner</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Mixed greens with a garlic vinaigrette dressing:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeG6DN97I/AAAAAAAAETk/cIXGEnYa9CA/s1600/DSC_0816.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeGgoRXtI/AAAAAAAAETc/eWRSVs7hQic/s1600/DSC_0818.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeGgoRXtI/AAAAAAAAETc/eWRSVs7hQic/s320/DSC_0818.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535168145457766098" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And a bowl of Mrs. Grass chicken noodle soup:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeGgoRXtI/AAAAAAAAETc/eWRSVs7hQic/s1600/DSC_0818.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeGAz19CI/AAAAAAAAETU/ttBEqh0J8z0/s1600/DSC_0820.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeGAz19CI/AAAAAAAAETU/ttBEqh0J8z0/s320/DSC_0820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535168136916366370" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With homemade dumplings, of course:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeF5tbhRI/AAAAAAAAETM/CIXmeMiJPSY/s1600/DSC_0821.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TNDeF5tbhRI/AAAAAAAAETM/CIXmeMiJPSY/s320/DSC_0821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535168135010419986" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A very filling meal with loads of good memories attached:)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>What dish do you like to eat when you are feeling under-the-weather?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-65780127653174221272010-11-01T22:57:00.000-05:002010-11-01T22:57:00.395-05:00A Dog Halloween<div>I hope everyone had a fun and safe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><b>Halloween</b></span>! I did!</div><div><br /></div><div>I started off the day getting my outfit together so I could participate in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><b>Halloween</b></span> fun and hand out candy. I dressed up as a disco girl. I've actually worn this the last <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-halloween.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">5 years</span></a> because I secretly wish I could rock the Blonde fro wig everyday of the week!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914ibHv3I/AAAAAAAAESs/IrRyAkaByUs/s1600/DSC_0781.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914ibHv3I/AAAAAAAAESs/IrRyAkaByUs/s320/DSC_0781.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534772081235312498" style="cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After I was all situated it was time to dress the dogs. Solera was Frankenstein and Cappy was a Bat dog.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914y1aIVI/AAAAAAAAES0/BUZ_jTOPzc4/s1600/DSC_0757.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914y1aIVI/AAAAAAAAES0/BUZ_jTOPzc4/s320/DSC_0757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534772085640536402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The association organized trick-or-treating in our building. Those condos that wanted to participate put a note on their door so the kids would know which doors to knock on. We had about 20 kiddies show up at our door and they were all very cute!</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I think our candy bowl scared more than a few of them. We thought it was innocent enough...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914BaYnEI/AAAAAAAAESc/Di0eAuPKVII/s1600/DSC_0789.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914BaYnEI/AAAAAAAAESc/Di0eAuPKVII/s320/DSC_0789.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534772072373853250" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 285px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>until we realized when you stick your hand in the bowl the skeletons head moved and it eyes glowed red. I hope we didn't cause any nightmares:(</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91SXWW6CI/AAAAAAAAESU/pIXNqoJGaqc/s1600/DSC_0793.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91SXWW6CI/AAAAAAAAESU/pIXNqoJGaqc/s320/DSC_0793.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534771425427515426" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dinner</span></b><div><br /></div><div>After all the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Halloween</span></b> night fun, I started on dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had an acorn squash sitting on my counter from my last CSA order and it was screaming to be prepared like <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2010/10/18/just-stuff-it/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Iowa Girl Eats stuffed acorn squash</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM95mwGTL0I/AAAAAAAAETE/S_z9Ss6a5Sc/s1600/DSC_0785.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM95mwGTL0I/AAAAAAAAETE/S_z9Ss6a5Sc/s320/DSC_0785.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534776173714943810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I prepared my squash exactly like Iowa Girl Eats but added cayenne pepper and chili powder:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914SgToqI/AAAAAAAAESk/RFyQc7he0bc/s1600/DSC_0787.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM914SgToqI/AAAAAAAAESk/RFyQc7he0bc/s320/DSC_0787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534772076962095778" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>However, I stuffed my squash a bit differently. I prepared some ground turkey using taco seasoning. I also prepared some Stove Top following the directions on the package minus the butter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next I put a scoop of cooked ground turkey in the cooked squash and topped it with some prepared stuffing. Then I placed the stuffed squash back in the oven to broil for a couple minutes...and voila...<br /><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91RR4qRuI/AAAAAAAAESE/Tn0zjJPYNXk/s320/DSC_0800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534771406780909282" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91Rrr0YbI/AAAAAAAAESM/vMiF1m2X_Ho/s320/DSC_0799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534771413706367410" /><br /><br /></div><div>Great meal! The husband even liked the squash! </div><div><br /></div><div>This dish will be making a repeat performance in my kitchen:)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And it's a Wrap</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After dinner all I felt like doing was slamming my head into a pillow and calling it a night. Looks like I wasn't the only one feeling exhausted...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91RNWvDmI/AAAAAAAAER8/9ThcbFbyehk/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91RNWvDmI/AAAAAAAAER8/9ThcbFbyehk/s320/DSC_0802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534771405564874338" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91Q87ZIrI/AAAAAAAAER0/ScZmAHenB3Q/s1600/DSC_0808.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TM91Q87ZIrI/AAAAAAAAER0/ScZmAHenB3Q/s320/DSC_0808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534771401155224242" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a long day for the pups too!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you dress your pets up for <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Halloween</span></b>?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-19087611009606054762010-10-20T00:37:00.000-05:002010-10-20T00:37:00.459-05:00Meatyballs !?!<div>I can't wait until the day that work doesn't consume my thoughts and my time both day and night. Not only will I have a better work life balance and be a happier person all around but my blog will be much more interesting!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Breakfast</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Starbucks grande skinny vanilla latte:</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mJKksYhI/AAAAAAAAERk/q2ZYEus2u5Y/s1600/DSC_0647.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529758593868128786" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mJKksYhI/AAAAAAAAERk/q2ZYEus2u5Y/s320/DSC_0647.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 245px;" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Lunch</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been a fan of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><a href="http://thepickledtongue.com/">Chef Foss'</a></span> food and humor for some time now. When I heard that he was moving on from his gig at Lockwood and starting a food truck featuring meatballs, I was excited. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="font: 16.0px Georgia; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">My husband and I have been <s>stalking</s> following his twitter account to see where the food truck would be parked. We were not very successful, either the truck was too far away or he was sold out of sandwiches by the time we go to the truck. </div><div style="font: 16.0px Georgia; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br /></div><div style="font: 16.0px Georgia; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This all changed on Monday. We finally tracked the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><a href="http://www.phillipfoss.net/">Meatyballs Mobile</a> </span>down:</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529759586863894146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2nC9xVToI/AAAAAAAAERs/0QWPFrebju0/s320/DSC_0608.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 253px; width: 320px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;">Ordered 2 sandwiches to split.</span></div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mICJiy7I/AAAAAAAAERc/5vTMGo0E_K0/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529758574426901426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mICJiy7I/AAAAAAAAERc/5vTMGo0E_K0/s320/DSC_0627.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 148px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first sandwich was the Meatyballs. I always like to try the food named after the restaurant (or in this case, food truck)! </div><div><br /></div><div>However, this was not the sandwich we were expecting. We were expecting meatballs with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese - YUM!!! Instead we got the <i>meatballs with mushrooms, shallots and 4 cheese sauce</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't like mushrooms so this sandwich didn't taste all that great to me. I found it kind of bland but it would have been good with tomato sauce or BBQ sauce.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mICJiy7I/AAAAAAAAERc/5vTMGo0E_K0/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mH525QBI/AAAAAAAAERU/M66KErnth2Y/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529758572201197586" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mH525QBI/AAAAAAAAERU/M66KErnth2Y/s320/DSC_0628.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 211px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The second sandwich was the <i>Thai'd Turkey Balls - Coconut Milk, Chili Sauce, Lemongrass</i>. This sandwich was very tasty and the chili sauce gave it a really nice flavor.</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mH525QBI/AAAAAAAAERU/M66KErnth2Y/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mHp9dKSI/AAAAAAAAERM/MZHX8nPSv0s/s1600/DSC_0631.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529758567933749538" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mHp9dKSI/AAAAAAAAERM/MZHX8nPSv0s/s320/DSC_0631.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 234px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking forward to going back and taking a bite out of the BBQ Pork Balls!</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mHp9dKSI/AAAAAAAAERM/MZHX8nPSv0s/s1600/DSC_0631.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mHfkHzSI/AAAAAAAAERE/yiItzkW1VHE/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529758565143137570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mHfkHzSI/AAAAAAAAERE/yiItzkW1VHE/s320/DSC_0633.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 314px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After our ball themed lunch my husband decided to get a shoe shine. </div><div><br /></div><div>The shoe shiner actually lit Patrick's shoes on fire, totally crazy! Can you see it?</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2mHfkHzSI/AAAAAAAAERE/yiItzkW1VHE/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2k3vayVuI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/jJbtfCszIjQ/s1600/DSC_0640.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529757195009414882" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2k3vayVuI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/jJbtfCszIjQ/s320/DSC_0640.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 189px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2k3vayVuI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/jJbtfCszIjQ/s1600/DSC_0640.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><b>Dinner</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We have no food in our house so we went to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/10/clean-bill-of-health-and-flo-santos.html">Flo & Santos</a></span>. I just love all the exposed brick in this place:</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529757160133363202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2k1tfsBgI/AAAAAAAAEQs/tnlA0QFaU1Y/s320/IMG_2439.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Crispin cider to drink:<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529757150492953554" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2k1JlPC9I/AAAAAAAAEQk/8GuGlQ3basQ/s320/IMG_2435.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /><br /><br /></div><div><i>Sauerkraut and Canadian bacon pizza</i>:</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2k0VN_TgI/AAAAAAAAEQc/MuajVijwM6c/s1600/IMG_2441.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529757136436809218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TL2k0VN_TgI/AAAAAAAAEQc/MuajVijwM6c/s320/IMG_2441.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 213px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Flo & Santo's has become one of my favorite places for thin crust pizza. So flavorful and I really like all the different types of toppings.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever eaten out of a food truck? If not, would you?</div><div><br /></div></div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-18471008436920296722010-10-17T17:01:00.005-05:002010-10-17T17:39:21.103-05:00Pumpkins in the Park 5KA couple weeks ago I signed up for my second 5K, <a href="http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/htm/events_races_pumpkins.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Pumpkins in the Park</span></a>. This was definitely a race the entire family could take part in. It was so cute seeing the kids running around in their Halloween costumes and running in the CLIF Kid Spooky Sprints. There was also a tent where kids (and adults) could decorate a pumpkin to take home with them. Good times had by all!<div><br /></div><div><b>The Run</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a hard one for me for multiple reasons. We were running on a trail which I'm not used to and it was packed. The trail was not only packed by runner and walkers but strollers, double strollers and dogs. </div><div><br /></div><div>I always wondered why a lot of the races didn't allow dogs to run and now I know why. About 8 minutes into the race an owner lost control of her dog and I tripped over him. Normally I wouldn't be upset but this owner didn't say sorry and gave me a look to suggest I did something wrong. I have 2 dogs and if I chose to take them on a 5K race I would make sure to stay to the side and not weave in and out of all the people like this owner was doing. Okay my bitch fest is over;)</div><div><br /></div><div>I put the "tripping" episode behind me and ran on. I wasn't able to train prior to this race so my only goal was to beat my PR. Due to some of the race conditions I didn't think it would happen but <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I'm happy to say that I did beat my <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/05/5k-williams-sonoma-and-dogs-oh-my.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">PR</span></b></a></span>!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry about the lack of pictures but I will make up for it in a couple weeks when I do my 3rd 5K race, <a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Hot Chocolate</span></a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Is anyone else going to be running or walking Hot Chocolate in Chicago? Did you do any running this weekend?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-17100199038964841032010-10-14T15:11:00.000-05:002010-10-14T15:11:00.372-05:00No Machine PestoMy husband talks a lot.<br /><br /><br />He amazes me with all the information he has in his brain and it's great that he wants to share his knowledge with others. However, sometimes my brain can't take it and I have to tune him out (<em>sorry, Patrick, I love you!</em>).<br /><br /><br />With that said, he has more than a couple stories that are impossible to tune out. One of those stories has to do with his love for Pesto. He has fond memories of visiting his grandma's house, in Tennessee, when he was little. As a little boy he remembers watching his grandma's "male friend" make fresh pesto and how wonderful it tasted. P has mentioned, multiple times, that that was the best pesto ever and nothing has compared to it ... until now.<br /><br /><br />Start with cleaned and dried fresh <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>basil</strong></span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9Q-CQ2CI/AAAAAAAAD18/DaQqQOGjtB8/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516976905268549666" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9Q-CQ2CI/AAAAAAAAD18/DaQqQOGjtB8/s320/DSC_0280.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />3 cloves fresh <span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>garlic</strong></span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9RALvGzI/AAAAAAAAD2E/urAMCEPx5EI/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516976905845152562" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9RALvGzI/AAAAAAAAD2E/urAMCEPx5EI/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Small handful of <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>pine nuts</strong></span>: </div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9RALvGzI/AAAAAAAAD2E/urAMCEPx5EI/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9SbcmsFI/AAAAAAAAD2U/AEfrCeC-AJM/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516976930343530578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 231px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9SbcmsFI/AAAAAAAAD2U/AEfrCeC-AJM/s320/DSC_0288.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Fresh grated <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Parmesan cheese</strong></span>: </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516976895085071730" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 305px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9QYGVTXI/AAAAAAAAD10/53qnb01zssY/s320/DSC_0278.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Start chopping the basil and garlic: </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516976923964384114" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJA9SDrso3I/AAAAAAAAD2M/_gBaHLt38rM/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>add pine nuts and continue chopping (at this point you will thanking your good knife or cursing at your not-so-good knife):</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516987016804067170" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGdicMZ2I/AAAAAAAAD2c/5bRkuiw8ZFk/s320/DSC_0291.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>add grated cheese and, yep, chop away (no blender or food processor allowed):</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGeH1A85I/AAAAAAAAD2k/hvZnDOBQWy8/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516987026840286098" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGeH1A85I/AAAAAAAAD2k/hvZnDOBQWy8/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All ingredients should be chopped to oblivion and formed into a pesto brick:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGeipm_AI/AAAAAAAAD2s/Wz5RsQMxcaQ/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516987034040204290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 248px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGeipm_AI/AAAAAAAAD2s/Wz5RsQMxcaQ/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mix in a small amount of good <span style="color:#993399;"><strong>olive oil</strong></span>:<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGfLfhCaI/AAAAAAAAD20/hXSVvMBQhvI/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516987045003725218" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 253px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGfLfhCaI/AAAAAAAAD20/hXSVvMBQhvI/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Add to pasta and you will be enjoying a fantastic dish of pesto pasta!<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGfv8Wb9I/AAAAAAAAD28/bn3pIh8tfTw/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516987054788341714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJBGfv8Wb9I/AAAAAAAAD28/bn3pIh8tfTw/s320/DSC_0314.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Yep, I've been able to recreate a dish from my husbands past. He says it tastes just as good as his memories.</div><br /><div></div><div>However, part of his admission may have to do with the fact that he watched me working away and he has to live me with:) Either way, I'll take the compliment!</div><div> </div><div><strong>Question:</strong></div><div> </div><div>Have you ever prepared pesto from scrach?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-41180321900973071952010-10-12T23:35:00.001-05:002010-10-12T23:38:24.919-05:00Ding, Ding, Ding ... We have a winner!<div>Monday was Columbus day so I had the day off work. Love 3 day weekends but hate having to cram 5 days of work in a 4 day work week. Oh well, I'll take a 3 day weekend anytime!</div><div><br /></div><div>I had some time so I made Patrick and I <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/last-minute-lasagna-10000000610496/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Last Minute Lasagna</span></a> that I found on the Real Simple website. I love Real Simple recipes because they are, well, real simple to make;)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc_3PwGzI/AAAAAAAAEOc/o67dp5AGu4o/s1600/DSC_0623.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc_3PwGzI/AAAAAAAAEOc/o67dp5AGu4o/s320/DSC_0623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527004157433617202" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Not only is this dish <b>easy to make</b> but it <b>tastes good</b> AND is a <b>cinch to clean up</b>. Ding, ding, ding ... we have a winner!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc_3PwGzI/AAAAAAAAEOc/o67dp5AGu4o/s1600/DSC_0623.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc1QEb_5I/AAAAAAAAEOU/5cRWQK6KbuE/s1600/DSC_0623.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc1QEb_5I/AAAAAAAAEOU/5cRWQK6KbuE/s320/DSC_0623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527003975118487442" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I pretty much followed the recipe except I added broccoli in place of the spinach and added less cheese to cut down the fat content.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc1QEb_5I/AAAAAAAAEOU/5cRWQK6KbuE/s1600/DSC_0623.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc1OZh4_I/AAAAAAAAEOM/NAgk7a4hWzI/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc1OZh4_I/AAAAAAAAEOM/NAgk7a4hWzI/s320/DSC_0627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527003974670083058" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My plate:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc1OZh4_I/AAAAAAAAEOM/NAgk7a4hWzI/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc04aQG3I/AAAAAAAAEOE/U8KW-LV7AWA/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc04aQG3I/AAAAAAAAEOE/U8KW-LV7AWA/s320/DSC_0630.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527003968767531890" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the side we had a piece of Texas Toast which was crunchy, cheesy and garlicky!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc04aQG3I/AAAAAAAAEOE/U8KW-LV7AWA/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc0-sFnqI/AAAAAAAAEN8/eKuSKE2LBOQ/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc0-sFnqI/AAAAAAAAEN8/eKuSKE2LBOQ/s320/DSC_0633.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527003970452954786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The lasagna was so good. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc0-sFnqI/AAAAAAAAEN8/eKuSKE2LBOQ/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc0Tda3FI/AAAAAAAAEN0/q9Sfvb2Lh7s/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLPc0Tda3FI/AAAAAAAAEN0/q9Sfvb2Lh7s/s320/DSC_0632.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527003958848707666" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This dish is definitely a crowd please and will be making more appearances in my kitchen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next time I'm going to try and health it up a bit by using whole wheat pasta, reduced fat cheese and loading it up with more veggies. I will for sure let everyone know how the healthier version turns out.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever made a dish featured on the Real Simple website or in the magazine?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-80419274871481455032010-10-11T19:49:00.000-05:002010-10-11T19:49:00.762-05:00What a Great Day...yesterday was. Can you guess why?<div><br /></div><div>First off it was a great date, 10-10-10, very cool.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, it was the Chicago Marathon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ariel view of the finish line (from a bit of a distance):</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUwp3GbdI/AAAAAAAAEMU/AXcKGGewQSw/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUwp3GbdI/AAAAAAAAEMU/AXcKGGewQSw/s320/DSC_0558.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526854362561146322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 157px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Chicago's finest, helping to make sure everything went smoothly:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUwfGTeQI/AAAAAAAAEMM/1-9-awIX2Hk/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUwfGTeQI/AAAAAAAAEMM/1-9-awIX2Hk/s320/DSC_0566.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526854359672125698" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Loved the huge screens set-up so everyone could see what was going on:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUv1U66dI/AAAAAAAAEME/uvf7U_c8S98/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUv1U66dI/AAAAAAAAEME/uvf7U_c8S98/s320/DSC_0581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526854348459141586" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 299px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A whole lot of people cheering for all the amazing runners. Makes me happy to see the people of Chicago (my city!) being so supportive:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUw6FeOAI/AAAAAAAAEMc/W9qwe5mICDg/s1600/DSC_0598.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNUw6FeOAI/AAAAAAAAEMc/W9qwe5mICDg/s320/DSC_0598.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526854366916392962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 169px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest reason Sunday was such a great day is because it marked the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">1 year anniversary of Patrick and I getting married</span></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNWnC5bLSI/AAAAAAAAEMk/YWxZ9m1ql1I/s1600/DSC_0530.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNWnC5bLSI/AAAAAAAAEMk/YWxZ9m1ql1I/s320/DSC_0530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526856396506344738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to have a low key anniversary. We started off by cheering on the marathoners and then went to one of my favorite breakfast spots in Chicago, <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/01/food-roundup-blog-game-plan.html"><b>Bongo Room</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Started off with the best <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">iced vanilla latte</span>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNXitw_FGI/AAAAAAAAEM0/kupv1Bi6uEk/s1600/DSC_0589.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNXitw_FGI/AAAAAAAAEM0/kupv1Bi6uEk/s320/DSC_0589.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526857421625955426" style="cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My breakfast appetizer (I'm allowed an appetizer, it was a celebration) was 1 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><i>Pumpkin Spice Pancake</i></span><i> topped with browned butter & dark brown sugar cream mouse topped with sweetened glazed toasted pecans</i>. It was delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNXjOvpk4I/AAAAAAAAENE/IfJQaVcCj3U/s1600/DSC_0596.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNXjOvpk4I/AAAAAAAAENE/IfJQaVcCj3U/s320/DSC_0596.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526857430478721922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My main dish was an <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;">omelet with broccoli, Canadian bacon and smoked aged white cheddar</span></i>. Very good, I was shocked at how good the broccoli tasted in the omelet. The sides were multi-grain <i>toast</i> and <i>potatoes</i>. However, I did not eat the potatoes because they tasted strange to me. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNXi4MMLTI/AAAAAAAAEM8/2khS8xU632o/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNXi4MMLTI/AAAAAAAAEM8/2khS8xU632o/s320/DSC_0591.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526857424424414514" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I didn't like the potatoes, I left the Bongo Room feeling very happy!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dinner</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Most people engrave their wedding bands with something romantic like never to part, love always, together forever but, not us. See, we bonded over many late nights eating Tombstone pizza and tater tots. So when it came time to engrave our bands we couldn't think of anything better than: Tombstone & Tater Tots.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had to celebrate our first anniversary with nothing other than...</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Tombstone</span></i>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNauWfDL_I/AAAAAAAAENM/JhHF_cReAkM/s1600/DSC_0601.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNauWfDL_I/AAAAAAAAENM/JhHF_cReAkM/s320/DSC_0601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526860920070025202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>& <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Tater Tots</span></i>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNavtquSoI/AAAAAAAAENk/VW5mAw8VHPM/s1600/DSC_0621.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNavtquSoI/AAAAAAAAENk/VW5mAw8VHPM/s320/DSC_0621.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526860943472872066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 149px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>accompanied by <i>ketchup</i> and <i>BBQ</i> sauce for dipping:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNavLa1XyI/AAAAAAAAENc/3_rc6YCOwio/s1600/DSC_0616.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNavLa1XyI/AAAAAAAAENc/3_rc6YCOwio/s320/DSC_0616.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526860934279421730" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 178px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Champagne</span></i> for sipping:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNauw--akI/AAAAAAAAENU/3k18pJUOrI8/s1600/DSC_0606.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNauw--akI/AAAAAAAAENU/3k18pJUOrI8/s320/DSC_0606.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526860927183252034" style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>1st anniversary meal recap: Tombstone, tater tots and champagne - cause that's how we roll;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh yeah, and a salad so we could get some sort of veggie in:)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNawNrPfmI/AAAAAAAAENs/yGg3QaNvcbc/s1600/DSC_0622.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNawNrPfmI/AAAAAAAAENs/yGg3QaNvcbc/s320/DSC_0622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526860952064982626" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our first year of marriage has been full of adventure. Can't wait to see what the years ahead of us have to bring. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><b>I'm so lucky to have found my best friend and husband all in one!</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNWnnSae8I/AAAAAAAAEMs/t5VGm0653rE/s1600/DSC_0535.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TLNWnnSae8I/AAAAAAAAEMs/t5VGm0653rE/s320/DSC_0535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526856406274833346" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>What did you do Sunday 10.10.10?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-65537502601758479832010-10-07T00:03:00.000-05:002010-10-07T00:03:00.153-05:00Chili Soup for Fall<div>Tuesday was such a hectic day and all I wanted to do was shut down my computer and go home. When I have days like this I like to focus on my work and get as much done as possible. Not only does it give me a sense of accomplishment but keeping busy makes the day flyby!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Breakfast</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I woke up really dehydrated and all I wanted to eat for breakfast was fruit. I scoped out all my options and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">watermelon</span> was practically screaming my name. It was just what my body needed.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CPQflPxI/AAAAAAAAEK0/tojCqV1yxt8/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CPQflPxI/AAAAAAAAEK0/tojCqV1yxt8/s320/DSC_0470.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525145147746369298" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Lunch</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Patrick and I ventured out to a new (to us) restaurant named <a href="http://www.avanticaffe.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Avanti Caffe</span></a>. The website states that the restaurant is, " Authentic Italian Cuisine in a European Atmosphere" and I would have to agree. I love the authentic Italian feel of all the food offered. </div><div><br /></div><div>Avanti Caffe serves a variety of different items including: coffee, latte, smoothies, salads, homemade pasta, soup, calzone, pizza, hot sandwiches, subs, panini, dessert and multiple breakfast items. This is a place you will be seeing on VCC again:)</div><div><br /></div><div>I had the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Chicken & Mozzarella grilled panini</span> which was baked boneless chicken breast w/melted mozzarella cheese. Every single ingredient was so fresh and the sandwich was HUGE! It was close to being a foot long so I hate half for lunch and saved the rest for later.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDRAwSzI/AAAAAAAAEKk/8dMLWBk4Ff0/s1600/DSC_0473.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDRAwSzI/AAAAAAAAEKk/8dMLWBk4Ff0/s320/DSC_0473.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525144941727075122" /></a><div><br /></div><div>On the side P and I split the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">pasta salad</span>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDRAwSzI/AAAAAAAAEKk/8dMLWBk4Ff0/s1600/DSC_0473.JPG"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDlI5x-I/AAAAAAAAEKs/pksOkKv9bf0/s1600/DSC_0476.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDlI5x-I/AAAAAAAAEKs/pksOkKv9bf0/s320/DSC_0476.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525144947129960418" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dinner</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Patrick had to work late so I hurried home to get my run in ( a short 2 miles) before dark. Once I finished my run I started to make a fast, simple and tasty dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">chili garlic bread</span> and what I will call, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">Chili Soup</span>:</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDlI5x-I/AAAAAAAAEKs/pksOkKv9bf0/s1600/DSC_0476.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDKKTd5I/AAAAAAAAEKc/FeC5my1e7Vc/s1600/DSC_0478.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CDKKTd5I/AAAAAAAAEKc/FeC5my1e7Vc/s320/DSC_0478.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525144939888080786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chili Soup</b></div><div><br /></div><div>In the mix:</div><div><ul><li>Canned beans</li><li>Tomato juice</li><li>Corn</li><li>Celery</li><li>Chili powder</li><li>Garlic powder</li><li>Cayenne pepper</li><li>Salt</li></ul></div><div><ol><li>Chop celery.</li><li>Put beans, tomato juice, corn, celery and spices in pot.</li><li>Let cook for 30 minutes. (you can cook for less than 30 min. I just like to let all the flavors combine)</li></ol></div><div>Great meal to make after a long day at work because it's SO easy!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CCgMNCbI/AAAAAAAAEKU/b4ILlEZo95s/s1600/DSC_0483.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CCgMNCbI/AAAAAAAAEKU/b4ILlEZo95s/s320/DSC_0483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525144928621758898" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dessert</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Key Lime pie</span> from a local restaurant. </div><div><br /></div><div>The pie was good but I didn't care for the whipped cream topping. It left a strange coating in my mouth. No worries, I just scrapped off the cream and ate the crust and filling:)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CCgMNCbI/AAAAAAAAEKU/b4ILlEZo95s/s1600/DSC_0483.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CCIKzahI/AAAAAAAAEKM/FMSKXRgycT4/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TK1CCIKzahI/AAAAAAAAEKM/FMSKXRgycT4/s320/DSC_0486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525144922173434386" /></a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday was a day of really tasty eats! If only everyday could taste this good.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>What food do you tend to grab when you are feeling dehydrated?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-40789149268926284542010-10-05T11:27:00.000-05:002010-10-05T11:27:01.028-05:00Rewind: Saturday - Football, Family, FoodI know it's Tuesday but I realize I forgot to post about my Saturday. I had such a good day that I wanted to share it with all of you!<br /><br /><strong>Breakfast</strong><br /><br />I wanted to try something different than my usual low fat vanilla latte so I chose the <span style="color:#009900;">Northern Light Turtle latte</span> from Caribou. It was good but tasted too much like dessert for my morning pick me up:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKllKVEyZtI/AAAAAAAAEKE/_FtWfICUCrA/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057646076946130" style="WIDTH: 201px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKllKVEyZtI/AAAAAAAAEKE/_FtWfICUCrA/s320/DSC_0359.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Panera power sandwich</span>: Bread, egg, ham and cheese. This is my favorite "fast food" breakfast sandwich. I can taste all the ingredients individually and when all the flavors mix together it makes an amazing breakfast sandwich.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKllJ6-EF4I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/_4Y36hJm_V0/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057639069423490" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKllJ6-EF4I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/_4Y36hJm_V0/s320/DSC_0362.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Lunch</strong><br /><br />Saturday's in my house are dedicated to college football. This Saturday was fun because we had family over to enjoy the Michigan vs. Indiana game.<br /><br />Before our guests arrived I put together a veggie tray full off <span style="color:#ff6600;">carrots</span>, <span style="color:#009900;">broccoli</span>, <span style="color:#33cc00;">cucumbers</span> and <span style="color:red;">peppers</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKllJzLRHxI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/4LCyDRYWeCQ/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057636977319698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKllJzLRHxI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/4LCyDRYWeCQ/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />To dip the veggies I made some <span style="color:#009900;">low fat ranch dip</span>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkwMBsU3I/AAAAAAAAEJs/0kcxXX2TNKo/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057196971447154" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkwMBsU3I/AAAAAAAAEJs/0kcxXX2TNKo/s320/DSC_0369.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I think everyone liked the veggies. I know I did!</div><br /><div></div><div>My plate x 4:</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkv41OdiI/AAAAAAAAEJk/2Pu41ZFDvP0/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057191818884642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkv41OdiI/AAAAAAAAEJk/2Pu41ZFDvP0/s320/DSC_0373.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>What is a football game without a beer? I drank 2 <span style="color:#996633;">Magners Irish Cider beers</span>. If you like cider beer and haven't had Magners, you must try it!</div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkv41OdiI/AAAAAAAAEJk/2Pu41ZFDvP0/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057168465007154" style="WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkuh1OkjI/AAAAAAAAEJM/tBfIrNYKWVM/s320/DSC_0385.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><strong>Cappy & Solera</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>The dogs go CRAZY when we have guest over. They get SO excited to have new people to play with! They jump on and bark at our guests to welcome them. Not the most welcoming situation for a lot of people but it's better than being peed on when you walk in the door. I won't mention which dog, <strike>Solera</strike>, but one of them used to get way to excited and not be able to control his bladder. Thank goodness that phase is over with!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>To give our guest a break we gave the dogs their favorite treat, <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/02/traceys-runza.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Bully Sticks</span></a>:</div><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkvkjd_-I/AAAAAAAAEJc/cElVJiFU2ro/s1600/DSC_0378.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057186375696354" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkvkjd_-I/AAAAAAAAEJc/cElVJiFU2ro/s320/DSC_0378.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Give the dogs one of these and nothing else in the world exists. It's all about the Bully Stick:</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkvDUw62I/AAAAAAAAEJU/t01CG6UW8oE/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524057177455651682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlkvDUw62I/AAAAAAAAEJU/t01CG6UW8oE/s320/DSC_0379.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Dinner</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />After Michigan won the game we ordered some Chinese food from Tamarind.<br /><br /><br /><br />This place has good food but the Customer Service sucks. After I placed the order for delivery I received a call telling us we ordered to much food so they had to charge us more for delivery. We ordered 3 meals and egg rolls, I don't think that is an excessive amount of food. It wasn't the fact that they charged us more money for delivery (although that didn't make me happy) it was the way they handled the situation that makes me think they need to take a customer service class.<br /><br /><br /><br />We most likely will not be getting Tamarind food anymore which really stinks because the food is really good!<br /><br /><br /><br />My plate: I ended up eating half the <span style="color:#009900;">egg roll</span>, a little bit of <span style="color:#009900;">noodles</span> and some <span style="color:#009900;">broccoli</span> dish over <span style="color:#009900;">rice</span>.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524051219993188594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfUSDB2PI/AAAAAAAAEIs/9StJBrchjsc/s320/DSC_0396.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Patrick made me a <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/10/thursdays-are-good-days.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Jeff Lewis martini</span></a> to enjoy with my meal. I think one of the reasons I married P was because he can make a great martini:)</div><div> </div><div>I drank half.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfUnfYDhI/AAAAAAAAEI0/d0HkvIkB9h0/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524051225749229074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfUnfYDhI/AAAAAAAAEI0/d0HkvIkB9h0/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Dessert</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>Leftover <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/10/clean-bill-of-health-and-flo-santos.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">s'mores pizza</span></a>!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524051211713667090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfTzNCYBI/AAAAAAAAEIk/xl4at6MUjJI/s320/DSC_0397.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Solera sitting by our feet in hopes of catching any bit of food that might fall off our plate:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfVTsvdqI/AAAAAAAAEJE/cnJqbwEx-lc/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524051237616449186" style="WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfVTsvdqI/AAAAAAAAEJE/cnJqbwEx-lc/s320/DSC_0389.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>and Cappy getting depressed as our guests started to leave. He was hoping they would stay all night so he could curl up in their laps and sleep!</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfVAoTyAI/AAAAAAAAEI8/xoJ3pGjw9JM/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524051232497584130" style="WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKlfVAoTyAI/AAAAAAAAEI8/xoJ3pGjw9JM/s320/DSC_0390.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Good people, good conversation, good food and happy dogs - Couldn't have asked for a better Saturday!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Question:</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>How do you like to spend your Saturdays?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-14697730274825457112010-10-03T00:47:00.001-05:002010-10-03T00:47:00.456-05:00Clean Bill of Health and Flo & Santos<div>I had a very busy Friday morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the last few months Patrick and I have been finding lumps on Cappy. Not just any lumps but golf ball size lumps that seem to appear overnight and disappear just as fast. On Thursday night I noticed one on his stomach so I took him to the vet first thing Friday morning. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">Thankfully</span></b> the vet said they appear to be fatty cysts and nothing to worry about. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><b>My furry child has a clean bill of health</b></span>, well, except for his teeth. He's scheduled for a teeth cleaning in December:)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKgXmNMnPCI/AAAAAAAAEIc/7P2tn-wDyAc/s320/DSC_0691.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523690888114945058" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Breakfast</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Due to the Vet visit and work I didn't have time to eat anything. But I made up for it later in the day!</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Lunch</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Quick and easy whole wheat pasta with Ragu traditional sauce.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf18m9BMhI/AAAAAAAAEIU/POc42mYVK2Q/s1600/DSC_0327.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf18m9BMhI/AAAAAAAAEIU/POc42mYVK2Q/s320/DSC_0327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523653889590637074" /></a><div><br /></div><div>After eating my pasta I needed to satisfy my sweet tooth so I snacked on a handful of butterscotch chips.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf18m9BMhI/AAAAAAAAEIU/POc42mYVK2Q/s1600/DSC_0327.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf18Dk4IHI/AAAAAAAAEIM/XILRuNYUmDo/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf18Dk4IHI/AAAAAAAAEIM/XILRuNYUmDo/s320/DSC_0328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523653880094138482" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dinner</b></div><div><br /></div><div>After work P and I walked to a rather new restaurant, <a href="http://www.floandsantos.com/index.php?section=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Flo & Santos</span></a>:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf18Dk4IHI/AAAAAAAAEIM/XILRuNYUmDo/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzWYGf8eI/AAAAAAAAEG0/VibiXFhLP_0/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzWYGf8eI/AAAAAAAAEG0/VibiXFhLP_0/s320/DSC_0356.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651033745584610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This pub and eatery is located in the South Loop neighborhood in Chicago. It's a very cozy and welcoming atmosphere where families are welcome as are those who just want to grab a drink at the bar. I loved the exposed brick and large red booths. Oh, and the 90-inch HD screen would be great to watch a little college football on.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0EdjiPWI/AAAAAAAAEHs/RtaPwJC1hTw/s1600/DSC_0335.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0EdjiPWI/AAAAAAAAEHs/RtaPwJC1hTw/s320/DSC_0335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651825483529570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The food is a mix of Polish and Italian classics. My two favorite cuisines, I couldn't wait to dig in!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf18Dk4IHI/AAAAAAAAEIM/XILRuNYUmDo/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf177S7R8I/AAAAAAAAEIE/zYA2L5Hn7Ps/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf177S7R8I/AAAAAAAAEIE/zYA2L5Hn7Ps/s320/DSC_0332.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523653877871364034" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I sipped on one of the specialty cocktails while P and I looked over the menu. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Bison Grass Vodka</span> with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Hard Cider</span> served in a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">graham cracker</span> rimmed glass:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf177S7R8I/AAAAAAAAEIE/zYA2L5Hn7Ps/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0FbDKTjI/AAAAAAAAEH8/Il8J-B4JKL8/s1600/DSC_0333.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0FbDKTjI/AAAAAAAAEH8/Il8J-B4JKL8/s320/DSC_0333.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651841990741554" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The cocktail was okay but I most likely will not order it again. It didn't really have that much flavor but I did enjoy the rim on the glass:)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0FbDKTjI/AAAAAAAAEH8/Il8J-B4JKL8/s1600/DSC_0333.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0FOJ8WVI/AAAAAAAAEH0/EgctDcdkOtE/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0FOJ8WVI/AAAAAAAAEH0/EgctDcdkOtE/s320/DSC_0334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651838529526098" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My first dish was the house made <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">chicken & egg noodle soup</span>. Oh my word, I loved this soup. I was so happy to discover it because chicken soup is one of those things that makes me feel comforted. </div><div><br /></div><div>The broth wasn't too salty, the noodles were the perfect texture and the shredded chicken was perfection. The memory of this soup is making me want to jog over to Flo & Santos right now!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0FOJ8WVI/AAAAAAAAEH0/EgctDcdkOtE/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0DuilECI/AAAAAAAAEHc/Y5ipxO5sv34/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0DuilECI/AAAAAAAAEHc/Y5ipxO5sv34/s320/DSC_0341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651812863053858" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>P and I shared the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">waffle fries</span> for an appetizer. They were good but nothing all that different than other waffle fries I've had. I told Patrick next time I'm going to sneak some Lawry's seasoned salt in to sprinkle it all over the fries. That would be good and P agreed!</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0DuilECI/AAAAAAAAEHc/Y5ipxO5sv34/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0EJE9hxI/AAAAAAAAEHk/shndVysVZ4Q/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKf0EJE9hxI/AAAAAAAAEHk/shndVysVZ4Q/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651819986585362" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The angels sang to me when I read the description for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b>Flo's pizza</b></span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">polsak Kielbasa</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">sauerkraut</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">apple wood smoked bacon</span>. I know many of you are thinking sauerkraut on pizza doesn't sound appetizing at all. But I'm here to set the record straight...It is amazing!!!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzYJlzHYI/AAAAAAAAEHU/cbM9JDI6TAk/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzYJlzHYI/AAAAAAAAEHU/cbM9JDI6TAk/s320/DSC_0346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651064210070914" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I only had a couple slices of Flo's pizza because I needed to save room for dessert. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dessert</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Just two words: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">S'more Pizza</span>!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzYJlzHYI/AAAAAAAAEHU/cbM9JDI6TAk/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzXjOEs_I/AAAAAAAAEHM/rxtVHO3TAOA/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzXjOEs_I/AAAAAAAAEHM/rxtVHO3TAOA/s320/DSC_0350.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651053910012914" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Topped with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">vanilla gelato</span>:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzXjOEs_I/AAAAAAAAEHM/rxtVHO3TAOA/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzXe0CRwI/AAAAAAAAEHE/FMv9YCyP_VI/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzXe0CRwI/AAAAAAAAEHE/FMv9YCyP_VI/s320/DSC_0352.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651052727060226" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Amazing!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzXe0CRwI/AAAAAAAAEHE/FMv9YCyP_VI/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzW6gHotI/AAAAAAAAEG8/VYYOW4eJOGk/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKfzW6gHotI/AAAAAAAAEG8/VYYOW4eJOGk/s320/DSC_0354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523651042979848914" /></a><br /><br /></div></div><div>So, so, so amazing!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Flo & Santos has the best thin crust pizza I've had in a long time. The interesting toppings they offer give this pizza joint an edge above all the other places in the neighborhood. The food is good and the service is good which means this blogger will be going to this place again!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>What is the craziest topping you've put on your pizza?</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-9784781607699788302010-10-01T23:35:00.001-05:002010-10-01T23:35:00.109-05:00Thursday's are Good Days<div>It's 1 day closer to Friday and it's farmers market day! I love going to the farmers market and <s>looking at</s> buying all the wonderful fresh food. However my wallet usually takes a beating:(</div><div><br /><br /><div><b>Breakfast</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Cup of steel cut oats from Potbelly's topped with peanut butter. These oats always do a great job of keeping me full well into the afternoon.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_xZCL6BI/AAAAAAAAEGE/Co1yPArXPJs/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522890635805976594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_xZCL6BI/AAAAAAAAEGE/Co1yPArXPJs/s320/DSC_0299.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 318px;" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Lunch</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to remove my ass from the chair I sit in more than 8 hours a day and take a walk to the farmers market. It was wonderful. The weather was nice and I was able to talk to a bunch of the vendors about how they grow their products. Learned a lot and picked up some great food!</div><div><br /></div><div>As I was walking back to work I discovered an interesting tent in the farmers market, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-n-Roll-Noodle-Company/126960477329333">Rock n Roll Noodle Company</a>. This place wasn't selling veggies, fruit or cheese they were selling lunch! Different kinds of noodle dishes and a sandwich. Everything looked great but I opted for the veggie pad thai.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_jvVqwRI/AAAAAAAAEF8/CAYBjmnI_mY/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522890401275101458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_jvVqwRI/AAAAAAAAEF8/CAYBjmnI_mY/s320/DSC_0303.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 230px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not just any pad thai. The best pad thai I've had in a really long time. The flavor was wonderful and made my taste buds very happy.</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_jvVqwRI/AAAAAAAAEF8/CAYBjmnI_mY/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_jYZ9_KI/AAAAAAAAEF0/4HOu60cMC2M/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522890395119123618" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_jYZ9_KI/AAAAAAAAEF0/4HOu60cMC2M/s320/DSC_0304.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 214px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Topped with some <a href="http://www.huyfong.com/no_frames/sriracha.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Sriracha</span></a> for a bit of spice.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKVAUSEPj_I/AAAAAAAAEGM/jAnTKZ9UFdA/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522891235230978034" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKVAUSEPj_I/AAAAAAAAEGM/jAnTKZ9UFdA/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 286px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Happy Hour</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Patrick made me a <a href="http://www.jefflewisdesign.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Jeff Lewis</span></a> martini. What, you don't know who Jeff Lewis is? He's the OCD designer star of <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/flipping-out"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Flipping out</span></a>. And he knows his way around a dirty martini!</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_jYZ9_KI/AAAAAAAAEF0/4HOu60cMC2M/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522890388290406338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_i-94B8I/AAAAAAAAEFk/G4KFw-XL2Zo/s320/DSC_0315.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 190px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>2 parts vodka, 1 part water, 1 part olive juice and 3 olives. Yummers!</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522890389176099074" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_jCRCoQI/AAAAAAAAEFs/4UjDfYeEO3w/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 214px; width: 320px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We shared a slice of cheese purchased from the farmers market. </div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_ie0fxyI/AAAAAAAAEFc/nIn9R9XziYk/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522890379661133602" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKU_ie0fxyI/AAAAAAAAEFc/nIn9R9XziYk/s320/DSC_0316.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 211px; width: 320px;" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Perfect happy hour in my book!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dinner</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted something simple for dinner so we ordered from my favorite mexican joint, <a href="http://www.flacostacosonline.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Flaco's Tacos</span></a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKaXzlPdxKI/AAAAAAAAEGc/02OR9Sw7b58/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523268905442591906" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKaXzlPdxKI/AAAAAAAAEGc/02OR9Sw7b58/s320/DSC_0321.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 316px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I got a couple Picadillo tacos; ground beef & potatoes, cheese and <a href="http://www.cholula.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Cholula Hot Sauce</span></a> wrapped in a corn tortilla.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKaXzKWjptI/AAAAAAAAEGU/ULHid5AZVLM/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523268898224580306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKaXzKWjptI/AAAAAAAAEGU/ULHid5AZVLM/s320/DSC_0320.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dessert</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Vanilla Bean Cupcake:</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523268912570776914" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKaXz_y9PVI/AAAAAAAAEGk/pDHc2s2XK0Q/s320/DSC_0325.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 214px; width: 320px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Take a close look at the frosting. Can you see the vanilla bean specks? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKaX0L7_D_I/AAAAAAAAEGs/svgkfa0uQY4/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523268915829870578" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKaX0L7_D_I/AAAAAAAAEGs/svgkfa0uQY4/s320/DSC_0326.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 186px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This cupcake was simple and full of vanilla flavor. I need to learn to bake using real vanilla bean.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever used real vanilla bean? What did you use it in and how did you do it?</div></div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-26347401928073333862010-09-30T11:07:00.002-05:002010-09-30T11:07:00.182-05:00French Bread Pizza PocketWednesday was a tough day for my husband. I hate it when he is feeling down and there isn't anything I can do to help with the situation.<br /><br /><br />I decided I would treat him to something that rarely gets done during the week in our house. After work I stopped at the store to pick up some supplies to prepare my man a home made meal. Yep, I was a domestic goddess;) Well, as domestic as I get.<br /><br /><strong>Dinner</strong><br /><br />I decided to make a meal from my childhood.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>French Bread Pizza Pocket</strong></span><br /><br /><br />In the mix:<br /><ul><li>1 pound lean ground beef</li><li>1 packet taco seasoning</li><li>6 slices cheddar cheese</li><li>3 individual french bread rolls (or hoagies)</li></ul>Directions:<br /><ol><li>Preheat oven to 425 degrees.</li><li>Cook ground beef in pan. </li><li>Add taco seasoning and follow directions on packet. Set meat to the side.</li><li>Cut off top of roll and pull out the inside breading.</li><li>Spoon meat into the hollowed out roll.</li><li>Top with cheese slices.</li><li>Place stuffed rolls on baking sheet. Put in oven and bake until cheese is melted.</li></ol><p>Easy and delicious!</p><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQERsAg3YI/AAAAAAAAEE8/fuYl5cJHysc/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522543744980671874" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQERsAg3YI/AAAAAAAAEE8/fuYl5cJHysc/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Growing up, this was one of my favorite meals. I remember watching my mom prepare the rolls and getting so excited while watching the cheese melt over the meaty goodness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQERsAg3YI/AAAAAAAAEE8/fuYl5cJHysc/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEHfw_DBI/AAAAAAAAEE0/ilk7xv_kXO0/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522543569895623698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEHfw_DBI/AAAAAAAAEE0/ilk7xv_kXO0/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This dish is so easy to make and you can add so many different ingredients to jazz it up. Patrick had fun spicing up his roll with fresh jalapenos. They were the hottest jalapenos we've had all year!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEHfw_DBI/AAAAAAAAEE0/ilk7xv_kXO0/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEHMD_4pI/AAAAAAAAEEs/p13OBopr-rk/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522543564606661266" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEHMD_4pI/AAAAAAAAEEs/p13OBopr-rk/s320/DSC_0280.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We did like the french and had our salad after our meal.<br /><br />In the mix: arugula, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, fresh grated parmesan and half an apple pear.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEHMD_4pI/AAAAAAAAEEs/p13OBopr-rk/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEG8c-uhI/AAAAAAAAEEk/1t8enskO2EM/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522543560416475666" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEG8c-uhI/AAAAAAAAEEk/1t8enskO2EM/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Topped with home made dressing: fresh lemon juice, olive oil, white balsamic, dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper and a touch of agave nectar.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEG8c-uhI/AAAAAAAAEEk/1t8enskO2EM/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEGQK_HGI/AAAAAAAAEEc/71674bNgYmY/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522543548529843298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEGQK_HGI/AAAAAAAAEEc/71674bNgYmY/s320/DSC_0289.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I really enjoyed being able to prepare a meal during the work week. I need to make this a goal of mine.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Pups</strong><br /><br />Whenever P & I have a tough day it's always nice to come home to our 2 furry children! They do the funniest things and who doesn't like a good laugh at the end of a stressful day.<br /><br />The <strong><span style="color:#009900;">Capster</span></strong> has turned into a bit of a grump. You can always find him sleeping in his favorite position, nose crammed into a corner. He will sit this way for hours! I have no idea how he manages to breath.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEGEZispI/AAAAAAAAEEU/arJYBjp3cJc/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522543545369670290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQEGEZispI/AAAAAAAAEEU/arJYBjp3cJc/s320/DSC_0296.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Solera</span></strong> is still a young dog with a ton of energy. When he does decide to relax for a minute he gets in the most unusual poses. This position doesn't even look remotely comfortable!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQLKPBcUpI/AAAAAAAAEFU/USPno179fLk/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522551313522250386" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 203px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQLKPBcUpI/AAAAAAAAEFU/USPno179fLk/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And let's not forget about his favorite position. Head under the couch. I'm pretty sure he is looking at a toy he managed to get stuck under said couch.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQLJ67rjkI/AAAAAAAAEFM/Mse7mtoWNdU/s1600/DSC_0396.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522551308129373762" style="WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQLJ67rjkI/AAAAAAAAEFM/Mse7mtoWNdU/s320/DSC_0396.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Clearly Cappy doesn't understand what is wrong with his brother;)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQLJkADGdI/AAAAAAAAEFE/7hmaoBEjNpA/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522551301973678546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKQLJkADGdI/AAAAAAAAEFE/7hmaoBEjNpA/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don't know what I would do without my boys; Patrick, Cappy and Solera!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Mention</strong><br /><br />On a sad note: Comedian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Giraldo"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Greg Giraldo</span></a> passed away yesterday. He was one of the few comedians that I really liked. He had a wickedly smart humor. He died to young and he will be missed by many.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Question:</strong><br /><br />When someone in your life is feeling down how do you go about trying to lift their spirits?<br /></p>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-6668662981619912582010-09-29T10:31:00.002-05:002010-09-29T10:35:51.516-05:00Quick and DirtyThis is going to be a quick and dirty post. Work is crazy right now and all I want to do when I get home is veg on the couch. No time for blogging for this girl:(<br /><br />Let's take a look at yesterdays eats!<br /><br /><strong>Breakfast</strong><br /><br />I had one bite of these scrambled eggs. They were runny which is not a quality I enjoy in my eggs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLSBJEerSI/AAAAAAAAEEM/pu6EDd2WPW8/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522207010166058274" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLSBJEerSI/AAAAAAAAEEM/pu6EDd2WPW8/s320/DSC_0243.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />However, the spicy potato things were really good! Crunchy and topped with hot sauce, yum!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLSBJEerSI/AAAAAAAAEEM/pu6EDd2WPW8/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR5KUiM8I/AAAAAAAAEEE/3QUdmSD4tyI/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522206873062880194" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR5KUiM8I/AAAAAAAAEEE/3QUdmSD4tyI/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I needed something more that a couple potato things so I picked up a biscuit with egg and hot sauce. This was a nice comforting breakfast which filled me up nicely for the long day ahead of me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR4RBCHkI/AAAAAAAAED8/VKig2Bp9M8k/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522206857680264770" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR4RBCHkI/AAAAAAAAED8/VKig2Bp9M8k/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Lunch</strong><br /><br />I was craving veggies so lunch yesterday was a medium sized salad. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR4RBCHkI/AAAAAAAAED8/VKig2Bp9M8k/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR4I9QEZI/AAAAAAAAED0/fdo90DXyHa8/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522206855516918162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR4I9QEZI/AAAAAAAAED0/fdo90DXyHa8/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Romaine, mixed greens, broccoli, carrots, egg, cucumber, celery, red onion and topped with balsamic:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR3hK-yVI/AAAAAAAAEDs/GZNRJ5c1Uqg/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522206844837087570" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR3hK-yVI/AAAAAAAAEDs/GZNRJ5c1Uqg/s320/DSC_0250.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Exactly what I needed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR3hK-yVI/AAAAAAAAEDs/GZNRJ5c1Uqg/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR27vcb3I/AAAAAAAAEDk/kjdirI-SlT4/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522206834789478258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR27vcb3I/AAAAAAAAEDk/kjdirI-SlT4/s320/DSC_0251.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Due to work I've been downing caffeine like nobodies business. I've been neglecting my water intake and my body is letting me know it needs water PRONTO!<br /><br />I decided to add a packet of Crystal Light Lemonade to a liter of water. The Crystal Light added a really good flavor which made downing the water a bit more enjoyable:)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLR27vcb3I/AAAAAAAAEDk/kjdirI-SlT4/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQzOgRscI/AAAAAAAAEDM/ejMCTIPTVMg/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522205671595028930" style="WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQzOgRscI/AAAAAAAAEDM/ejMCTIPTVMg/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>Dinner</strong></p><p>My kitchen is seriously lacking in the food department so last nights dinner was ... interesting:/ The theme of this meal is <strong>nothing special but it does the trick</strong>.</p><p>I started off with a romaine lettuce, parm cheese and Newman's Own dressing salad:</p><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQy-t2YbI/AAAAAAAAEDE/Ycr17yeM6MM/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522205667356991922" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQy-t2YbI/AAAAAAAAEDE/Ycr17yeM6MM/s320/DSC_0267.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>My second course was a can of baked beans with some hot BBQ sauce mixed in:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQy-t2YbI/AAAAAAAAEDE/Ycr17yeM6MM/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQyebdiMI/AAAAAAAAEC8/71fF7QXcZV8/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522205658689931458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQyebdiMI/AAAAAAAAEC8/71fF7QXcZV8/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Dessert</strong><br /><br />I thought dessert would be a home run. I mean a peanut butter chocolate cookie bar, how could I go wrong?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQyebdiMI/AAAAAAAAEC8/71fF7QXcZV8/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQxwZR0kI/AAAAAAAAEC0/FIS1_5lyVjU/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522205646332744258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQxwZR0kI/AAAAAAAAEC0/FIS1_5lyVjU/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm sad to report that it was not nearly as good as it could have been. I didn't like the taste of the cookie and the peanut butter wasn't very flavorful. <br /><br />I took a couple bites and in the trash it went.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQxZifPFI/AAAAAAAAECs/kjKr7dfq5KI/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522205640197356626" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TKLQxZifPFI/AAAAAAAAECs/kjKr7dfq5KI/s320/DSC_0274.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope Wednesday's eats will be a bit more interesting. My tastebuds are begging for something yum worthy!<br /><br /><strong>Question:</strong><br /><br />How do you like your eggs?<br /><br />My favorite way to have eggs is over-easy with toast on the side for dipping. And no matter what egg I'm eating it's always better with hot sauce:)<br /><br /><br />Thanks for reading and I'll be bloggin' at y'all later!Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-50864075945201964672010-09-27T11:05:00.001-05:002010-09-27T11:05:01.045-05:00California (food) Dreaming - Part 3Here it is, the final installment of my California trip. Check out <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/09/california-food-dreaming-part-1.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">part 1</span></a> and <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/09/california-food-dreaming-part-2.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">part 2</span></a> if you need a refresher of the first part of my trip!<br /><br />The very last morning I spent in California was sad but my sister knows 1 of the ways to cheer me up is with good food.<br /><p><strong>Breakfast</strong></p><p><br />We started off at Posh Bagel simply because I liked the name.</p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516228979371296658" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2VB88kR5I/AAAAAAAADtI/RobQ9FRuXxs/s320/DSC_0229.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />It was a small shop with a ton of bagel options.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516228968932304354" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2VBWDt5eI/AAAAAAAADtA/o8z9In7YAVQ/s320/DSC_0226.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I chose the Pesto bagel (crazy good) toasted with egg, cheddar cheese and ham.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516230297718357618" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2WOsK__nI/AAAAAAAADto/tsTW8MdVFXM/s320/DSC_0233.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Perfect way to start out the morning. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516230303446255730" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2WPBgoyHI/AAAAAAAADtw/rCZflmekXf4/s320/DSC_0234.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />The only way to make the bagel eating experience better is to pair it with some kick-ass coffee. <br /><br />I like to experience local coffee shops when I travel so Starbucks was not going to work for me this morning. We chose the <a href="http://www.lgcrc.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company (LGCRC)</span></a> .<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516233074373229618" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2YwUBG_DI/AAAAAAAADuI/44khYE0q_qU/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />LGCRC had a lot of different coffee options. I had a half hazelnut, half vanilla latte. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516228990081934658" style="WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2VCk2LpUI/AAAAAAAADtQ/_jy0YEKGQ5s/s320/DSC_0230.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />I took the time to look around the shop while I waited for my coffee. The feel of the place was so laid back and chill and the smell of the coffee was fantastic. People chatting, reading the paper or grabbing a coffee after a hike in the hills. I'm sure this coffee shop will be making another appearance on VCC.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516229001868625122" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2VDQwWROI/AAAAAAAADtY/r0HKP9mJFmo/s320/DSC_0231.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />The piece de resistance was the huge coffee roaster in the middle of the shop. No wonder the place smelled so wonderful! <br /><br />I can honestly say I've never seen a coffee roaster in any coffee shop I've ever stepped foot in. It was so cool. No wonder this place is so popular and the coffee tastes great!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2WN7zqhFI/AAAAAAAADtg/QMvWyiyYEZw/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516230284735579218" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2WN7zqhFI/AAAAAAAADtg/QMvWyiyYEZw/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Snack</strong><br /><br />We sipped on our coffees while we window shopped and made our way to a cake shop I had been wanting to visit the entire time I was in California. It's all in the name: <a href="http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Nothing Bundt Cakes</span></a>.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516233107437279298" style="WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2YyPMMWEI/AAAAAAAADug/VVSn2FmiQaM/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Such a cute little store:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516233089321808882" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2YxLtIM_I/AAAAAAAADuQ/oHldsCtAMGE/s320/DSC_0241.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />with lot of cake options, in the bundt variety of course:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516233095189652466" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2YxhkIY_I/AAAAAAAADuY/djhSGJrzVew/s320/DSC_0243.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I opted for the mini Red Velvet:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516233332856903074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2Y_W8a1aI/AAAAAAAADuw/3RsoN33Wtcw/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />My intention was to eat it on the plane but I couldn't resist it on the hour drive to the airport. So I dug in a bit early!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516234035917466610" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2ZoSDHq_I/AAAAAAAADvA/oATEAjXD8jc/s320/DSC_0250.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>The cake was moist and oh so good. </p><p>I visited the store for the name and will be returning for the cake!</p><p><strong>Miscellaneous</strong></p><p><br />A couple more photos of the stunning flowers:<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516230323955326658" style="WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2WQN6YXsI/AAAAAAAADuA/R1lSgMkWeT0/s320/DSC_0239.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />and palm trees:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516230313314608210" style="WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI2WPmRb5FI/AAAAAAAADt4/-cIrft3F9y8/s320/DSC_0236.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I had a great time with my sister and can't wait to visit again!<br /><br /><strong>Question:</strong><br /><br />Do you prefer chain coffee shops (ex: Starbucks) or the smaller shops?<br /><br />I prefer the smaller shops. Don't get we wrong, I love my Starbucks latte in the morning but the smaller places have a charm that the big companies can't pull off.Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-56718899552141800242010-09-23T10:35:00.001-05:002010-09-23T10:35:00.622-05:00Flaming Orange PeelYesterday was much better than <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/09/calgon-take-me-away.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Tuesday</span></a>. I still had a ton of stuff to do but I took a more relaxed approach to it and all was good.<br /><br />This is a pretty long post so if you are only going to read one section I highly recommend the "<strong>Happy Hour</strong>" section. I'm just so impressed by the bartender!<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Breakfast</strong><br /><br />I was determine to have a good morning so I stopped at Starbucks before I stepped foot in the office.<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJraQkwDhdI/AAAAAAAAECk/4xkNgzm8o5Y/s1600/DSC_0090.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519964271573960146" style="WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJraQkwDhdI/AAAAAAAAECk/4xkNgzm8o5Y/s320/DSC_0090.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Can anyone translate the "chicken scratch" on my cup?</p><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ64LhPoI/AAAAAAAAECc/Yc0yUQgEaXE/s1600/DSC_0091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963898832305794" style="WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ64LhPoI/AAAAAAAAECc/Yc0yUQgEaXE/s320/DSC_0091.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>(answer: I ordered a grande half pump, skim milk, pumpkin spice latte)<br /><br />I wasn't sure if the latte itself would start my day on a happy note so I paired it with a Pumpkin Scone. I really enjoy the combination of these two so it's no surprise that it totally hit the spot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ64LhPoI/AAAAAAAAECc/Yc0yUQgEaXE/s1600/DSC_0091.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ6ISH0nI/AAAAAAAAECU/iMV53KT-C-k/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963885975097970" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ6ISH0nI/AAAAAAAAECU/iMV53KT-C-k/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Lunch</strong><br /><br />Ceres was calling my name. The Wednesday's specials are drool worthy.<br /><br /><em>Chicken Tortilla Soup: no cilantro, cheddar cheese, crisply tortilla</em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZV6BqxxI/AAAAAAAAEBc/flYsup0cL50/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963263672698642" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 283px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZV6BqxxI/AAAAAAAAEBc/flYsup0cL50/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em><a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/09/crazy-busy.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Loaded Veggie Salad</span></a>: broccoli, carrots, pea pod, cucumber, celery, cauliflower, red pepper, mixed greens with a raspberry vinaigrette</em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZU6sq78I/AAAAAAAAEBU/Q-tGHZZPqKI/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963246673194946" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZU6sq78I/AAAAAAAAEBU/Q-tGHZZPqKI/s320/IMG_2330.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p><strong></strong> </p><p><strong>Happy Hour</strong></p>I needed to do some shopping at Whole Foods after work. I could spend hours looking at all the goodness Whole Foods has to offer. However, my husband does not have the same enthusiasm when it comes to grocery shopping so I dropped him off at the Bar next door. I look forward to Whole Foods and P looks forward to reading his kindle while having a cocktail. It works for us;)<br /><br />After I was done with my shopping I met him at the bar, Binny's. We ordered a cheese, almond and bread platter. I can't remember the name of the cheese but it was dreamy. I commented to the husband that it's been along time since we had some really good cheese!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ56g1zcI/AAAAAAAAECM/hvJlOO1nFSI/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963882278735298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ56g1zcI/AAAAAAAAECM/hvJlOO1nFSI/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I wasn't sure what to order for my cocktail so I asked the bartender to make me a cocktail of his choice. I knew I didn't have to worry what he would bring me because he is by far the most knowledgeable bartender I've ever met! He not only knows a lot about all kinds of alcohol but he takes pride in the drinks he makes.<br /><br />He chose a vodka old fashioned using <a href="http://www.binnys.com/spirits/Zubrowka_Bison_Grass_Vodka_141991.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka</span></a>. Once the drink was completed he brought it over to me and then lite an orange peel on fired and threw it in the drink. <br /><br />It was so cool and I thought it was just for show until I took my first drink. The fired up orange peel gave the drink a bit of caramelized flavor. Another thing it did was give the cocktail an amazing aroma. This was the first cocktail in my life (and I've had a few;)) that stimulated multiple senses; taste and smell. I'm telling you this bartender is something special when it comes to making cocktails!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ56g1zcI/AAAAAAAAECM/hvJlOO1nFSI/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ5bRqyUI/AAAAAAAAECE/y5d8luKWDPA/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963873893599554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ5bRqyUI/AAAAAAAAECE/y5d8luKWDPA/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On the way home we spotted a TV show, titled Ride Along, being filmed in Manny's Deli. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ5bRqyUI/AAAAAAAAECE/y5d8luKWDPA/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ4kzf1rI/AAAAAAAAEB8/epOkg76QFzs/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963859271538354" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZ4kzf1rI/AAAAAAAAEB8/epOkg76QFzs/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Dinner</strong><br /><br />Quick, simple, cheap and tasty just how I like my dinners at home!<br /><br />Steamed some baby carrots, asparagus and corn. Mixed the veggies in with rice and topped it with soy sauce and Cholula hot sauce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZZX4nfqI/AAAAAAAAEB0/1FXy6LrmLpE/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963323227405986" style="WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZZX4nfqI/AAAAAAAAEB0/1FXy6LrmLpE/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Dessert<br /></strong><br /><p>Yet again simple and tasty! Barney butter and Trappist Pomegranate Jelly on a hot dog bun.</p><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZYAtWJ1I/AAAAAAAAEBs/VhvvSQXF4Pc/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963299826247506" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZYAtWJ1I/AAAAAAAAEBs/VhvvSQXF4Pc/s320/DSC_0108.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br />I've been dehydrated lately so throughout the night I sipped on my big jar of water. Whenever I drink water out of this glass it reminds me of my dad. When I was little the only glass he would ever drink water out of was a big ball jar:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZW5WRNsI/AAAAAAAAEBk/15gRI0CNXjY/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519963280670537410" style="WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJrZW5WRNsI/AAAAAAAAEBk/15gRI0CNXjY/s320/DSC_0110.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Project Food Blog</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Just a reminder that voting ends today. Even if you don't want to vote please check out my submission <a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/642">here</a>. I think it sums up me and my blog perfectly!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Question:</strong><br /><br />Have you ever been really impressed with a bartender? Where were you and how did they impress you?Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-78418077607579931412010-09-22T11:40:00.000-05:002010-09-22T11:40:00.647-05:00Calgon - Take Me Away...Does anyone remember that <a href="http://www.takemeaway.com/our-story/videos/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">commercial</span></a>?<br /><br />When I was little my mom and I would spend an hour during the day watching General Hospital while eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches. During the commercial breaks the <a href="http://www.takemeaway.com/our-story/videos/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Calgon - Take Me Away commercial</span></a> would come on and I always thought it was so funny. Something about a lady screaming Calgon - Take Me Away while images of her day floated around her head was very humorous to the 5 year old Tracey;)<br /><br />Now I'm all grown up and not finding those commercials funny at all. Tuesday was my very own Calgon day. Everything was going wrong and I just wanted my mom to walk into my office and give me a time out!<br /><br />Life is so stressful and it's so difficult to deal with it when you are in the stressful moment. I need to reread my <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/06/stress-how-to-deal.html"><span style="color:#3333ff;">post on stress</span></a> and put some of those practices back into my life!<br /><br /><strong>Breakfast</strong><br /><br />I usually eat Greek yogurt but decided to try the regular kind today. I still prefer the thick texture of the Greek but this Stonyfield Pomegranate yogurt with granola and almonds was mighty tasty:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl44ThTmNI/AAAAAAAAEBM/JUQcHjlGxGk/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519575727027230930" style="WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl44ThTmNI/AAAAAAAAEBM/JUQcHjlGxGk/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Lunch</strong><br /><br />My meals for the remainder of the day were brought on by pure stress. Whenever I'm stressed out or "emotionally off" I self medicate with food that is not so good for me. Definitely something that needs to be worked on.<br /><br />I needed a caffeine boost so a Rockstar beverage was needed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4p1zVriI/AAAAAAAAEBE/VPtzs0eas4s/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519575478531632674" style="WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4p1zVriI/AAAAAAAAEBE/VPtzs0eas4s/s320/DSC_0063.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Along with 1.5 Pizza Hut bread sticks:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4peLju_I/AAAAAAAAEA8/_29h_BKn26Q/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519575472190766066" style="WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4peLju_I/AAAAAAAAEA8/_29h_BKn26Q/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and about half of this baked pasta:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4pIK0nII/AAAAAAAAEA0/PWhrZQ22eO8/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519575466282097794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4pIK0nII/AAAAAAAAEA0/PWhrZQ22eO8/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Dinner</strong><br /><br />P and I were walking home and came across a new pizza place that opened up in the loop, Bacci Pizzeria. <br /><br />P ordered a "slice" of sausage and I had peperoni. Here is my weird husband trying to eat his "slice" with a plastic fork and knife:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4ogr7yzI/AAAAAAAAEAs/voQFO3v0lxI/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519575455683562290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4ogr7yzI/AAAAAAAAEAs/voQFO3v0lxI/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I put the word "slice" in quotes because this is not your normal slice of pizza. The thing was bigger than my head:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4n9ndTqI/AAAAAAAAEAk/4krdnZfYRoQ/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519575446269546146" style="WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJl4n9ndTqI/AAAAAAAAEAk/4krdnZfYRoQ/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That is in noway an illusion. The "slice" was really that big! Bacci Pizzeria doesn't mess around when they say they are the home of the Jumbo Slice!<br /><br /><strong>Project Food Blog</strong><br /><br />Just a reminder that voting ends Thursday, September 23. Check out my submission <a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/642"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>. I think it sums up my blog perfectly!<br /><br /><strong>Question:</strong><br /><br />Do you ever have those "Calgon" type of days? What do you do when you need a time-out?Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-33092601209472072622010-09-21T06:05:00.001-05:002010-09-21T06:05:00.917-05:00Brat's, Wine, Steak, Bloggers and Football!<div>Most people believe the weekend starts on Friday but last weekend mine started on Thursday.</div><div><br /></div><div>After work Patrick met me at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Berghoff</span> Oktoberfest to grab some tasty food and listen to the band, Sixteen Candles. As you can tell by the name they are an 80's cover band. It was great to hear the 80's tunes again:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQsAAIK_I/AAAAAAAAD9E/_Tw6rL-rRKY/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQsAAIK_I/AAAAAAAAD9E/_Tw6rL-rRKY/s320/DSC_0161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518827847722478578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The menu:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQrsOm_sI/AAAAAAAAD88/auZa2m9Ok7k/s1600/DSC_0151.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQrsOm_sI/AAAAAAAAD88/auZa2m9Ok7k/s320/DSC_0151.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518827842414509762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I opted for the Bratwurst with Kraut and old style mustard:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQqsicyCI/AAAAAAAAD8s/N7uu6tt2xZY/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQqsicyCI/AAAAAAAAD8s/N7uu6tt2xZY/s320/DSC_0136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518827825317857314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not a big fan of bratwurst but this was good. Probably because it had a ton of kraut, love the kraut!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oktoberfest is usually a big beer drinking event. I sorta took part. I had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rootbeer</span>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQq1rnRPI/AAAAAAAAD80/hbv6gTu6zY0/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbQq1rnRPI/AAAAAAAAD80/hbv6gTu6zY0/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518827827772212466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Friday night I went to the <a href="http://www.southloopwinecellar.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">South Loop Wine Cellar</span></a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbShX302cI/AAAAAAAAD-c/7O9_J5z2PoE/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbShX302cI/AAAAAAAAD-c/7O9_J5z2PoE/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829864174803394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They have wine tastings every Friday and the cost is only $5 (unless otherwise specified):</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRzMWhcsI/AAAAAAAAD-U/x45hgfHlpCQ/s1600/DSC_0283.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRzMWhcsI/AAAAAAAAD-U/x45hgfHlpCQ/s320/DSC_0283.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829070808347330" style="cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The decor inside the shop is so cool. Exposed brick walls, wine barrel details and lots of happy people sipping away at some delicious wine!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRNS0SniI/AAAAAAAAD9k/Up8amlHwmtg/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRNS0SniI/AAAAAAAAD9k/Up8amlHwmtg/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518828419708788258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRwMfvxoI/AAAAAAAAD90/5jrxLrNXfCE/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRwMfvxoI/AAAAAAAAD90/5jrxLrNXfCE/s320/DSC_0268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829019307427458" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This tasting was all about Italian wines. I loved that the owner hung up pictures of Italy for the event:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRyT4si1I/AAAAAAAAD-M/YaRLSL8wY2I/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRyT4si1I/AAAAAAAAD-M/YaRLSL8wY2I/s320/DSC_0276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829055650859858" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I tasted 5 different wines which all cost under $20 a bottle:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRxu9HPSI/AAAAAAAAD-E/4C1CuYyM3vw/s1600/DSC_0272.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRxu9HPSI/AAAAAAAAD-E/4C1CuYyM3vw/s320/DSC_0272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829045737274658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Amy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Garman</span>, the owner, is very knowledgeable about all things wine. She was very helpful when it came time to buying a bottle (or three;))</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRwvC4MSI/AAAAAAAAD98/EZ9C2f_VItk/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRwvC4MSI/AAAAAAAAD98/EZ9C2f_VItk/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829028581585186" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 292px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tasted some white wine:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRLsESt2I/AAAAAAAAD9U/3xoPa6RgFO8/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRLsESt2I/AAAAAAAAD9U/3xoPa6RgFO8/s320/DSC_0255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518828392127051618" style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>and some red wine:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbROFZw57I/AAAAAAAAD9s/oqmoK_PoSsY/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbROFZw57I/AAAAAAAAD9s/oqmoK_PoSsY/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518828433287735218" style="cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yum!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRMpLkDuI/AAAAAAAAD9c/ObHGGWh21XQ/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbRMpLkDuI/AAAAAAAAD9c/ObHGGWh21XQ/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518828408532111074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After all the wine we needed to get some food in our stomachs so we stopped at <a href="http://www.mainstayhospitality.com/index.php?section=3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">The Chicago Firehouse</span></a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTSimzRmI/AAAAAAAAD_E/nrBfTirNpEQ/s1600/DSC_0302.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTSimzRmI/AAAAAAAAD_E/nrBfTirNpEQ/s320/DSC_0302.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518830708869776994" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I started with a bowl of Sweet Potato Soup. My first ever sweet potato to pass my lips.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSh1GNM7I/AAAAAAAAD-k/9ufcB_nuwCQ/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSh1GNM7I/AAAAAAAAD-k/9ufcB_nuwCQ/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829872019747762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>P and I split the Garlic Whipped Potatoes:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSjgOnfvI/AAAAAAAAD-8/mtf3RMbaQsk/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSjgOnfvI/AAAAAAAAD-8/mtf3RMbaQsk/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829900777619186" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 174px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>and the Macaroni and Cheese:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSi3fMmCI/AAAAAAAAD-0/EjLAYzcUEm8/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSi3fMmCI/AAAAAAAAD-0/EjLAYzcUEm8/s320/DSC_0292.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829889841305634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My entree was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Filet</span> Mignon with a blackened crust:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSiXIzsPI/AAAAAAAAD-s/gBWAsYXUyjQ/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbSiXIzsPI/AAAAAAAAD-s/gBWAsYXUyjQ/s320/DSC_0291.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518829881157464306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Verdict</b>: The food was good. Nothing spectacular but my taste buds were happy. The service was fantastic! Our waiter was very personable and he made sure we had everything we needed.<br /><br />Saturday at 11:00 am I met up with 6 other ladies for the Chicago Blogger Brunch at <a href="http://www.yolk-online.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Yolk</span></a>. Yolk is a very popular place to brunch it up in Chicago. They are known for their creative twists on traditional breakfast dishes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTV7aWANI/AAAAAAAAD_c/c9TQ9bPJQSU/s1600/DSC_0372.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTV7aWANI/AAAAAAAAD_c/c9TQ9bPJQSU/s320/DSC_0372.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518830767068020946" /></a><br /><br /><div>Once the food was delivered to our table the blogger photo shoot began. I have many reason why I enjoy dining with food <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bloggers</span> and one of them is the fact that I will never be the only one taking photos of my meal;)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTT32ylHI/AAAAAAAAD_M/uFzy-RQW2uA/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTT32ylHI/AAAAAAAAD_M/uFzy-RQW2uA/s320/DSC_0366.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518830731753854066" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Everything on the <a href="http://www.yolk-online.com/menu/yolk_menu.pdf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">menu</span></a> looked fantastic but I was able to narrow it down to the perfect dish. <i>Bacon Waffle & Eggs - Crisp bacon mixed throughout the batter and topped with 2 eggs:</i><br /><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTU8oDspI/AAAAAAAAD_U/KFVDN2nuZq4/s320/DSC_0370.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518830750214107794" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Great food with a great group of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bloggers</span>!</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbUNioNrLI/AAAAAAAAEAU/kjgStb2WVqQ/s1600/IMG_3359.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbUNioNrLI/AAAAAAAAEAU/kjgStb2WVqQ/s320/IMG_3359.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518831722487983282" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back Row L-R: Me, Kelly (blog reader!), <a href="http://braisetheroof.com/">Megan</a> and <a href="http://secondcityrandomness.wordpress.com/">Amy</a> </div><div>Front Row L-R: <a href="http://andwhenshesays.blogspot.com/">Katie</a>, <a href="http://room22design.blogspot.com/">Katie</a> and <a href="http://mylifeinapyramid.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Heba</span></a> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(thanks Amy for the photo)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbUNioNrLI/AAAAAAAAEAU/kjgStb2WVqQ/s1600/IMG_3359.jpg"></a>After leaving Yolk I headed home to watch some Nebraska football. Unfortunately the game was not on TV in Chicago (boo!!!) so I got creative and watched the game on my laptop:)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTW_UKycI/AAAAAAAAD_k/B5xVH675P0k/s1600/DSC_0380.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbTW_UKycI/AAAAAAAAD_k/B5xVH675P0k/s320/DSC_0380.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518830785295731138" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The boys aren't so interested in football. They would much rather cuddle and sleep.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbT-j5-3tI/AAAAAAAAD_s/o4eSaeuaQS8/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbT-j5-3tI/AAAAAAAAD_s/o4eSaeuaQS8/s320/DSC_0392.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518831465132908242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 205px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>And give me dirty looks when I jump up to celebrate a touchdown! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Go Huskers!!!</span></div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbT_B_T0rI/AAAAAAAAD_0/xB4OH_toEHg/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbT_B_T0rI/AAAAAAAAD_0/xB4OH_toEHg/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518831473208316594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 290px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I woke up on Sunday to find an entire box of ear plugs gone. The little tan guy (above) decided to make a midnight snack out of them. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbUA9AxvZI/AAAAAAAAEAM/B3jrMWUI6ag/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJbUA9AxvZI/AAAAAAAAEAM/B3jrMWUI6ag/s320/DSC_0426.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518831506232032658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Let's just say, walking the dog later in the day wasn't the most pleasant experience.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Project Food Blog</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Thanks to everyone who voted for me, it really does mean a lot to me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Voting ends Thursday, September 23. For those of you who would like to check out my post submission click <a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/642"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">here</span></a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever been to a blogger meet-up?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-27026665815651993462010-09-20T13:35:00.000-05:002010-09-20T13:44:30.713-05:00Foodbuzz Voting is Open!Did you see yesterday's <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-am-so-not-next-food-blog-star.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">post</span></a>?!? <div><br /></div><div>Check it out it's a good one that really defines me as a food blogger!<br /><br />I joined a lot of the blog world and submitted my post for the Foodbuzz Next Food Blog Star and <b>Voting Kicks Off Today</b>!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Here is how you can vote for me (I promise it is easy)!</div><div><br /></div><div>First, click <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b><a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/642"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">here</span></a> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">and you will be directed to the page below</span><b>:</b></span><div><br /><a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/1/view/642"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJelmZCXVsI/AAAAAAAAEAc/0jEfmU6lGO8/s320/Foodbuzz+vote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519061947340248770" /></a><br /><br />Second, click the heart on the page and you are done! Easy, right:)<br /><br />Your votes would mean the world to me! </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading!</div><div><br /></div></div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-39874596016465388172010-09-19T16:05:00.006-05:002010-09-19T16:22:44.216-05:00Project Food Blog: Challenge #1<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;">Question: What defines you as a food blogger and why should you be the next food blog star?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div>For me, blogging isn't about stardom. It's about relaxing with a glass of wine as I type up a post in the evening. It's about negotiating with my husband about how many times I can pull out my camera during dinner. It's about connecting with the amazing people and businesses who share my enthusiasm for really great food.</div><div><br /></div><div>So let me skip the whole stardom thing and instead try to define myself as a blogger. It all started with the kitchen.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;">People that read my blog know that I wasn't born a cook. In fact, cooking is something in which I had absolutely zero interest. Wait...that's a lie. I was always interested when *other* people cooked, but I never wanted to do it myself.</span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;">The reason? It all seemed too complicated! I didn't want to take the time to learn with words being thrown around the kitchen like: blanch, braise, emulsify, flambe, roux, score, sear, sieve, and many more. It was much easier dialing the phone and having my meal delivered to me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">My no-cooking mentality changed when I got married October of 2009. I wanted to be able to cook for my husband and future family. Three weeks after my wedding, I started my blog to record my progress.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">As it turned out, it was a great place to record my adventures both inside and outside the kitchen -- even those times I gave up and dialed the phone.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; ">Veggies, Cake & Cocktails has turned out to be a place where I can share...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;color:#333333;"><div><br /></div><div><b>restaurants where I dine...</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518479135072217586" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWTiQJiafI/AAAAAAAAD38/M4FfkEeyRj4/s320/DSC_0491.JPG" style="height: 226px; width: 320px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;color:black;"></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWThsVjj8I/AAAAAAAAD30/JgRGVUimQAc/s1600/DSC_1045.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518479125458948034" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWThsVjj8I/AAAAAAAAD30/JgRGVUimQAc/s320/DSC_1045.JPG" style="height: 197px; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;color:black;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWZEEjGZSI/AAAAAAAAD5E/1nDjU5eG45k/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWZEEjGZSI/AAAAAAAAD5E/1nDjU5eG45k/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWW2myWKI/AAAAAAAAD4s/a5exxg2SO0k/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="194" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518482237771896994" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWW2myWKI/AAAAAAAAD4s/a5exxg2SO0k/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;color:black;"></span></span></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWWFau51I/AAAAAAAAD4k/LXnzdc4hGGE/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="165" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518482224568002386" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWWFau51I/AAAAAAAAD4k/LXnzdc4hGGE/s320/DSC_0231.JPG" style="height: 165px; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;color:black;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;color:black;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWYoNGviI/AAAAAAAAD48/nRqcFFJ42yQ/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="268" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518482268265823778" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWYoNGviI/AAAAAAAAD48/nRqcFFJ42yQ/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWU5eDmUI/AAAAAAAAD4c/f_fdtf34kpw/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="201" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518482204180846914" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWWU5eDmUI/AAAAAAAAD4c/f_fdtf34kpw/s320/DSC_0228.JPG" style="height: 201px; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><b>cocktails I consume...</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWg1g-XY6I/AAAAAAAAD5k/v9I17MPFhDk/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWg1g-XY6I/AAAAAAAAD5k/v9I17MPFhDk/s320/IMG_2228.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518493759657436066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWfSEtdkvI/AAAAAAAAD5M/-exRR9y268g/s1600/DSC_0483.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWfSEtdkvI/AAAAAAAAD5M/-exRR9y268g/s320/DSC_0483.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518492051263296242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWg0y1Z3JI/AAAAAAAAD5c/p3h5SwMJLnw/s1600/IMG_2214.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWg0y1Z3JI/AAAAAAAAD5c/p3h5SwMJLnw/s320/IMG_2214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518493747271818386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWfSwrGLpI/AAAAAAAAD5U/VZfpoHgwzpQ/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWfSwrGLpI/AAAAAAAAD5U/VZfpoHgwzpQ/s320/IMG_2181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518492063064534674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><b>and the way I bring these together in the food that I cook!</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWNKY2nWvI/AAAAAAAAD3M/m1OxRvHql4w/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518472128022141682" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWNKY2nWvI/AAAAAAAAD3M/m1OxRvHql4w/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" style="height: 208px; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;color:black;"></span></span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWNM7Qv-CI/AAAAAAAAD3s/guOzELMN5AU/s1600/DSC_0508.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518472171618301986" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWNM7Qv-CI/AAAAAAAAD3s/guOzELMN5AU/s320/DSC_0508.JPG" style="height: 214px; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWNK51rJUI/AAAAAAAAD3U/qy2rEcYwc2s/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; line-height: normal;color:black;"></span></a></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWNMXnp9ZI/AAAAAAAAD3k/J9oxE-zw9bE/s1600/DSC_0341.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518472162050700690" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWNMXnp9ZI/AAAAAAAAD3k/J9oxE-zw9bE/s320/DSC_0341.JPG" style="height: 286px; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWTjwojMiI/AAAAAAAAD4M/sJTqYKbjxpA/s1600/Sausage+Pizza+Bread.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518479160972096034" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWTjwojMiI/AAAAAAAAD4M/sJTqYKbjxpA/s320/Sausage+Pizza+Bread.JPG" style="height: 183px; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWTkQSmquI/AAAAAAAAD4U/nPoQzb4X7jQ/s1600/Scallop+plating.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518479169469983458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWTkQSmquI/AAAAAAAAD4U/nPoQzb4X7jQ/s320/Scallop+plating.JPG" style="height: 187px; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWTjMRxXnI/AAAAAAAAD4E/DfhfSYIBKfY/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518479151212879474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TJWTjMRxXnI/AAAAAAAAD4E/DfhfSYIBKfY/s320/DSC_0614.JPG" style="height: 206px; width: 320px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My goal is to show all those people who think they can't cook how fun and easy it really can be.<br /><br />So forget emulsifying your blanched braising! If I can go from a diet of nothing but Chef Boyardee and McDonald's (not kidding) to making scallops and risotto, anyone can. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div>I hope that people who follow me through my mistakes and my successes will see that sometimes an imperfect cook can make the perfect meal.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><b>Cooking shouldn't be scary, it should be fun!</b></div></span>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-91157047573642267292010-09-16T23:55:00.002-05:002010-09-17T00:05:13.894-05:00California (food) Dreaming - Part 2<div>Alright I left you hanging after my <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/09/california-food-dreaming-part-1.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">California (food) Dreaming - Part 1 post</span></a>, let's continue on and see what other tasty treats I had on the left coast.</div><div><br /></div>After spending the prior 3 days moving and setting up my sisters new place she surprised me by taking me out for a birthday dinner.<br /><br />While we were getting ready to go out we cracked open a bottle of <a href="http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/samsmith_organic_fruitbeer.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Samuel Smith</span></a> organic raspberry flavored beer. It was good and had more of a beer taste to it than my beloved <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/06/road-trip.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Lindemans - Framboise</span></a>.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514003506815142034" style="WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWs-Zn5iJI/AAAAAAAADkE/iFvBHW9Z7_Q/s320/DSC_0204.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div>After we were all dolled up we headed to the <a href="http://www.californiacafe.com/"><span style="color:#3333ff;">California Cafe</span> </a>for a late lunch.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWtAd6foMI/AAAAAAAADkk/-1y8umZGvzE/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514003542326616258" style="WIDTH: 211px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWtAd6foMI/AAAAAAAADkk/-1y8umZGvzE/s320/DSC_0220.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.californiacafe.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">California Cafe </span></a></div><br /><div>MISSION:<br />California Cafe exists to provide an escape from the outside world. We feed the senses through our chef-driven creations, engaging service and relaxing ambiance. Our multicultural offerings feature seasonal ingredients with broad appeal.<br />We are passionate about the guest experience, providing service that is friendly and knowledgeable. Our relaxing environment serves as a California-style oasis. </div><div>[<a href="http://californiacafe.com/mission.php"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Source</span></a>]<br /></div><br /><div>In the heart of Los Gatos’ Old Town shopping district, California Cafe has a beautiful oak-shaded outdoor patio and an expansive interior overlooking the lush Santa Cruz Mountains and the Los Gatos Creek Trail.<br />Sit back, relax and savor! </div><div>[<a href="http://californiacafe.com/losgatos/index.php"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Source</span></a>]</div><div><br /></div>We were seated at the perfect table under a tree.<div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514004992426567394" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWuU39Q5uI/AAAAAAAADlM/weXMy-xKYug/s320/DSC_0233.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>The reason my sister chose this restaurant was for the Sangria. She knows the way to my heart:)</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514003513646755298" style="WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWs-zErreI/AAAAAAAADkM/_W9NhseW2eI/s320/DSC_0209.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>We chose the White Peach Sangria: merlot, peach schnapps and brandy infused with citrus, vanilla bean and white peaches.</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514003524926112962" style="WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWs_dF5BMI/AAAAAAAADkU/vQdKHFu5jvQ/s320/DSC_0212.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>The sangria was very good! My sister and I had no problem polishing off the pitcher:) However, be warned those infused peaches taste strongly of brandy when consumed.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514003530248163890" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWs_w6xEjI/AAAAAAAADkc/4tb-DW-YBL4/s320/DSC_0214.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div>I split the taco salad with my sisters friend. I was really looking forward to it because it sounded amazing. However, when it came to the table I could see that cilantro was mixed throughout it:( I really dislike the taste of cilantro so I ate a couple pieces of the steak and called it good.</div><br /><div> </div><div>Taco Salad: blackened skirt steak, pablanos, crispy tortillas, queso fresco, tomatillo vinaigrette</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514004964270602898" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWuTPEW-pI/AAAAAAAADk0/roC-6aDGyFo/s320/DSC_0228.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>See the plate below? I'm in love with everything on it!</div><br /><div> </div><div>I was most surprised at how much I liked the potato salad. This was the first time I had every had it with a vinaigrette dressing instead of the heavy mayo dressing.<br /></div><br /><div>California Chicken Sandwich: Arugula, swiss cheese, citrus aioli with a side of potato salad.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514004970849762274" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWuTnk8--I/AAAAAAAADk8/noeq1wlfD-Y/s320/DSC_0230.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>1 simple element made this sandwich delicious. That element would be the arugula. The pepper flavor in the lettuce with the lightness of the citrus aioli was genius!</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514004981234306242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWuUOQ0jMI/AAAAAAAADlE/J_LKA48N5yU/s320/DSC_0231.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>After we ate our meals and ordered dessert we decided to order a cocktail.</div><br /><div> </div><div>I embarrassed my sister (she should be used to it by now) by asking the bartender to make me a drink of her choice. My sister just wanted me to order off the menu but I find a lot of interesting new cocktails by ordering this way. However, I did tell the waiter I don't like cilantro so please don't put it in my drink;)</div><br /><div> </div><div>This was a delicious cocktail, light and refreshing.</div><br /><div> </div><div>Bartender Cocktail: Vodka base, sparkling wine, some type of strawberry puree and probably some other ingredients I couldn't pick up on.<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514006624435928370" style="WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWvz3qnfTI/AAAAAAAADlU/nHQ5sghoo-c/s320/DSC_0235.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I'm going to admit something, I don't like bread pudding. Let the bashing begin, I can take it;) However, I learned if you add a ton of butterscotch to bread pudding it is possibly the best dessert on the planet. Love this and plan to have it again when I go back in November (Did you read that sister? Make our reservations now!)</div><br /><div>Butterscotch Bread Pudding with house made caramel ice cream.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514006631121753298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWv0QkpFNI/AAAAAAAADlc/CHDOiO9dWWM/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>The presentation of all the food was amazing but the candle on the cake (literally), was my birthday cake.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514006641518246130" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWv03TW-PI/AAAAAAAADlk/Qmh_RLBlUUQ/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Warm Chocolate Truffle Cake with espresso gelato and raspberry sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514006649928162146" style="WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWv1WocG2I/AAAAAAAADls/iKTrnVS9F7w/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>California Cafe was nothing short of impressive. I appreciate that they use seasonal ingredients. I could really taste the freshness in all of my dishes.</div><br /><div>One thing I did notice was that the service was extremely laid back. I don't think it was bad service I just think it's the difference with dining in laid back California compared to Chicago where they are practically pushing you out the door;)</div><br /><div>This is me: tired, worn out, happy, stress-free and did I mention happy:)</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514004953595387266" style="WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWuSnTMHYI/AAAAAAAADks/sebNHauvIX8/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div>After our late lunch we headed over to the "dive bar"(which in my book = fun bar) in downtown Los Gatos, Black Watch.<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514006660528999106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWv1-H4CsI/AAAAAAAADl0/bytJ1hr8Fjg/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />My sister said we had to stop here because they are famous for Kamikaze's.<br /><br /><div>I chose the Pineapple Orange Kamikaze which is served in a pint glass with a strainer and 2 small shot glasses.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514010741092205522" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWzjfZ9Q9I/AAAAAAAADl8/ykNBuiuJ9fE/s320/DSC_0267.JPG" border="0" /></p><div>What a great food and drink day!!! Thanks Sister!</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><strong>California Scenery</strong></div><br /><div>As we were walking around I couldn't help but stop and take pictures of all the beautiful flowers. I was amazed at all the variety growing in just a couple blocks worth of space.<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514010751931577490" style="WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWzkHyQ9JI/AAAAAAAADmE/SdEqeMjZgaI/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514010759527758034" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWzkkFVeNI/AAAAAAAADmM/XXObyrF3OSg/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514010771015065634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWzlO4H4CI/AAAAAAAADmU/DKfPMXRXua4/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514010776998880242" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWzllKxo_I/AAAAAAAADmc/SCS-Iuh93bI/s320/DSC_0250.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514011029802372034" style="WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWz0S70y8I/AAAAAAAADmk/LyWpxTiaZk4/s320/DSC_0252.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514011047017027714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWz1TEHmII/AAAAAAAADms/B3528r_r9Lk/s320/DSC_0253.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514011054129102466" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TIWz1tjxPoI/AAAAAAAADm0/t1x9f0pyv8s/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br />Simply beautiful!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever asked a bartender to surprise you with a drink of their choice? Was it a good or bad experience?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-32661771576585216412010-09-13T23:45:00.001-05:002010-09-14T12:33:18.878-05:00Chicago Food TourA couple weeks ago the folks over at <a href="http://www.chicagofoodplanet.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Chicago Food Planet Food Tours </span> </a>asked if I would like to participate in one of their food tours. I jumped at the chance! I've been wanting to go on one of these tours for along time and I was super excited!<br /><br /><br />The concept is really cool. Basically you get a 3-hour guided walking tour through one of Chicago's neighborhoods. During the tour you will learn about the history of the neighborhood and get to try the delicious foods (which I think is the best part).<br /><br /><br />I chose the <a href="http://www.chicagofoodplanet.com/html/bucktown_wicker_park_food_tour.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516550372486184258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65VfmWfUI/AAAAAAAADzA/kUxdeZ_BAO4/s320/DSC_0524.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />First stop, <a href="http://www.georgeshotdogs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">George's Hot dogs</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QkYtcviI/AAAAAAAAD1g/cxuQ2Ak5R7g/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516575917102382626" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QkYtcviI/AAAAAAAAD1g/cxuQ2Ak5R7g/s320/DSC_0426.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7Qjvx8jhI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/lARRecRywh4/s1600/DSC_0434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516575906115390994" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7Qjvx8jhI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/lARRecRywh4/s320/DSC_0434.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516575391932343394" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QF0TJ5GI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/KixdhGb6tYM/s320/DSC_0437.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Traditional Chicago hot dog which includes the dog, poppy seed bun, mustard, onions, relish, dill pickle, tomato, sport peppers and celery salt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QF0TJ5GI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/KixdhGb6tYM/s1600/DSC_0437.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QFYlgRwI/AAAAAAAAD1I/GkA9o3OquKk/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516575384493115138" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QFYlgRwI/AAAAAAAAD1I/GkA9o3OquKk/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm not a fan of tomato so I pulled that off my dog and dug in. I would rank this up there with the top Chicago dog I've ever had!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QFYlgRwI/AAAAAAAAD1I/GkA9o3OquKk/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QEyJGqRI/AAAAAAAAD1A/3LYcjixK1Nk/s1600/DSC_0444.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516575374173448466" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QEyJGqRI/AAAAAAAAD1A/3LYcjixK1Nk/s320/DSC_0444.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Second stop, <a href="http://www.hotchocolatechicago.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Hot Chocolate</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QEyJGqRI/AAAAAAAAD1A/3LYcjixK1Nk/s1600/DSC_0444.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QEa3li5I/AAAAAAAAD04/UJoeadG03hM/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516575367925959570" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QEa3li5I/AAAAAAAAD04/UJoeadG03hM/s320/DSC_0463.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516571460495162082" style="WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7Mg-jfOuI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/VO8__arHH4k/s320/DSC_0484.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516571467450883986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MhYd3H5I/AAAAAAAAD0Y/NESh0qhvya4/s320/DSC_0479.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I was so excited to try this place because of all the rave reviews it's been getting. And it did not disappoint.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QEa3li5I/AAAAAAAAD04/UJoeadG03hM/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QDx5eVvI/AAAAAAAAD0w/0850Wus8Sb0/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516575356928022258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QDx5eVvI/AAAAAAAAD0w/0850Wus8Sb0/s320/DSC_0465.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />House made marshmallows:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7QDx5eVvI/AAAAAAAAD0w/0850Wus8Sb0/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MjVf_A6I/AAAAAAAAD0o/rnKF7jTlWAE/s1600/DSC_0466.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516571501014221730" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MjVf_A6I/AAAAAAAAD0o/rnKF7jTlWAE/s320/DSC_0466.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />With Medium Hot Chocolate - <i>chocolate with a touch of dark chocolate and a hint of caramel. </i>I can't believe how good this hot chocolate was and I can't wait to go back and try all the other flavors.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MjVf_A6I/AAAAAAAAD0o/rnKF7jTlWAE/s1600/DSC_0466.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MibpzYKI/AAAAAAAAD0g/CyX7uQAE13Q/s1600/DSC_0470.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516571485486145698" style="WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MibpzYKI/AAAAAAAAD0g/CyX7uQAE13Q/s320/DSC_0470.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Third stop, <a href="http://www.goddessandgrocer.com/bucktown.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Goddess & Grocer</span></a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MgOLFIII/AAAAAAAAD0I/y0x4c02j5ss/s1600/DSC_0488.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516571447507886210" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7MgOLFIII/AAAAAAAAD0I/y0x4c02j5ss/s320/DSC_0488.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L_oaeDGI/AAAAAAAAD0A/SSVCNKV7zMc/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516570887616072802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L_oaeDGI/AAAAAAAAD0A/SSVCNKV7zMc/s320/DSC_0490.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The interior of the grocer/deli was decorated perfectly.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516570868491592386" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L-hK1osI/AAAAAAAADzw/31dyGedcsQo/s320/DSC_0495.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />The display case was filled with lots of goodies:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L_oaeDGI/AAAAAAAAD0A/SSVCNKV7zMc/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L_CAfPeI/AAAAAAAADz4/IvmpeNVBDRk/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516570877306551778" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L_CAfPeI/AAAAAAAADz4/IvmpeNVBDRk/s320/DSC_0493.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lots of unique items to purchase and bring home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L_CAfPeI/AAAAAAAADz4/IvmpeNVBDRk/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG"></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516550395812768402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65W2f16pI/AAAAAAAADzQ/IzZp734RqRo/s320/DSC_0504.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516550383145356018" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65WHTsivI/AAAAAAAADzI/Ru0mvOcdGMw/s320/DSC_0510.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I wanted to shove this cake in my mouth. Thankfully it was behind a case so I was saved from embarrassment;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L-Itpl-I/AAAAAAAADzo/VQ7A4DwrZP4/s1600/DSC_0497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516570861926717410" style="WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI7L-Itpl-I/AAAAAAAADzo/VQ7A4DwrZP4/s320/DSC_0497.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I sampled one of the pasta salads.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65XWTe_6I/AAAAAAAADzY/XEAbwzBAGMY/s1600/DSC_0503.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516550404350869410" style="WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65XWTe_6I/AAAAAAAADzY/XEAbwzBAGMY/s320/DSC_0503.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fourth stop, <a href="http://www.piecechicago.com/flash/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Piece Brewery & Pizza</span></a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65U-UdH6I/AAAAAAAADy4/p-91Lb10PmA/s1600/DSC_0525.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516550363552751522" style="WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65U-UdH6I/AAAAAAAADy4/p-91Lb10PmA/s320/DSC_0525.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516549626567174530" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64qE1ZqYI/AAAAAAAADyQ/MKkhpkzWttk/s320/DSC_0556.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Patrick and I really liked the rustic interior:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI65U-UdH6I/AAAAAAAADy4/p-91Lb10PmA/s1600/DSC_0525.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64ss3FnEI/AAAAAAAADyw/gCv4kIOVjTE/s1600/DSC_0529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516549671671405634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64ss3FnEI/AAAAAAAADyw/gCv4kIOVjTE/s320/DSC_0529.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />You could tell the brewer had fun naming some of the beers:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64ss3FnEI/AAAAAAAADyw/gCv4kIOVjTE/s1600/DSC_0529.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64r9MYoAI/AAAAAAAADyo/aRdYwd4cgfk/s1600/DSC_0532.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516549658875830274" style="WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64r9MYoAI/AAAAAAAADyo/aRdYwd4cgfk/s320/DSC_0532.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I sampled the Golden Arm. I'm not a beer drinker but I thought this was pretty decent. With that said I must admit I fell in love with the little glass but resisted the urge to shove it in my bag;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64r9MYoAI/AAAAAAAADyo/aRdYwd4cgfk/s1600/DSC_0532.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64rU3p6XI/AAAAAAAADyg/DDyCGl7DiJI/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516549648051464562" style="WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64rU3p6XI/AAAAAAAADyg/DDyCGl7DiJI/s320/DSC_0536.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Slice of pizza with cheese, basil and tomato:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64rU3p6XI/AAAAAAAADyg/DDyCGl7DiJI/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64qiRI3mI/AAAAAAAADyY/7dFsM8u1hKw/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516549634468142690" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64qiRI3mI/AAAAAAAADyY/7dFsM8u1hKw/s320/DSC_0542.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Fifth stop, <a href="http://chicagofalafel.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">Sultan's Market</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI64qiRI3mI/AAAAAAAADyY/7dFsM8u1hKw/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516546660573908370" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI619bpgDZI/AAAAAAAADwI/G2hGCvcJOS8/s320/DSC_0654.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516547541158890722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI62wsFUjOI/AAAAAAAADww/wXZRFnV60b8/s320/DSC_0634.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Great decorations:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516547530417397810" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI62wEEWYDI/AAAAAAAADwo/vrd_ePAJZ-w/s320/DSC_0643.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516547508766195490" style="WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI62uzaTPyI/AAAAAAAADwY/KwR8bEwvd14/s320/DSC_0647.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I wanted to dive into this fruit bar! A lot of variety and everything looked so fresh.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516546663169457010" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI619lUU-3I/AAAAAAAADwQ/kjyXVjlgVAg/s320/DSC_0652.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />We were able to sample the Falafel Sandwich: <i>A warm pita lined with hummus, stuffed with falafel, Tomatoes, Topped with Jerusalem Salad</i>:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516547521082062834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI62vhSod_I/AAAAAAAADwg/PJ0gHYbOAW8/s320/DSC_0646.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I had never had falafel but judging from this sandwich I will be having it again.<br /><br /><br />Sixth stop, <a href="http://www.icreamcafe.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333ff;">iCream</span></a>.<br /><br /><br />By far the coolest ice cream place ever! If you are in Chicago and love frozen treats you have to check this place out.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516546647723538226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI618rxu9zI/AAAAAAAADwA/PtA-8CjFbAk/s320/DSC_0661.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">The process:</p><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">1. Select your base</p><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">2. Choose your flavor</p><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">3. Add a burst of color</p><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516546636943594818" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI618DnmFUI/AAAAAAAADv4/4SIRW3PvmzA/s320/DSC_0663.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516546629956278162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI617plsF5I/AAAAAAAADvw/C68OL-8lAbo/s320/DSC_0665.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />These pipes are how the liquid nitrogen is put into the mixers:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516545683888300226" style="WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI61ElNgYMI/AAAAAAAADvo/jQkz3sIKX1o/s320/Ice+cream+machine.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516545664008605090" style="WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI61DbJ0TaI/AAAAAAAADvY/ozmFlcJcwe8/s320/DSC_0671.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Yeah, you read that right. Liquid nitrogen is used to turn your selections into ice cream, yogurt or sorbet. Check out the smoke:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516545649255582626" style="WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI61CkMbC6I/AAAAAAAADvQ/j3lbB5fSrvw/s320/DSC_0677.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI77rIkP0iI/AAAAAAAAD1s/GLTZBWZP__k/s1600/DSC_0685.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516623312027898402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 296px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI77rIkP0iI/AAAAAAAAD1s/GLTZBWZP__k/s320/DSC_0685.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I devoured my sample:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516545673292111154" style="WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI61D9vLXTI/AAAAAAAADvg/pe3ihof02KU/s320/DSC_0669.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />As mentioned previously we walked around the neighborhood and looked at some beautiful homes.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516548851716961074" style="WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI638-StszI/AAAAAAAADx4/rb20xqVmX4g/s320/DSC_0572.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516547551534224898" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI62xSu_lgI/AAAAAAAADw4/d2YdkrL5uhA/s320/DSC_0628.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI63-HkvPiI/AAAAAAAADyI/gdDkmdVlg94/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516548871388347938" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI63-HkvPiI/AAAAAAAADyI/gdDkmdVlg94/s320/DSC_0559.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Does anyone recognize this building from a John Cusack movie?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI63-HkvPiI/AAAAAAAADyI/gdDkmdVlg94/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI639qJzY4I/AAAAAAAADyA/MZTOyOQwXcs/s1600/DSC_0568.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516548863490745218" style="WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI639qJzY4I/AAAAAAAADyA/MZTOyOQwXcs/s320/DSC_0568.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Who doesn't have a canon in their yard?;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI637c01ZyI/AAAAAAAADxo/ju7bVOt9yUs/s1600/DSC_0622.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516548825553397538" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI637c01ZyI/AAAAAAAADxo/ju7bVOt9yUs/s320/DSC_0622.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><b>A couple reasons why I liked this tour:</b></span><br /><ul style="LIST-STYLE-TYPE: disc"><li style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">Knowlegeable and personable guides</li><li style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">Reserved spaces in popular restaurants</li><li style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">A ton of food</li><li style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">Learning the history of the neighborhood</li></ul><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 16px Georgia">This tour would be perfect for people who are visiting Chicago as well as those who live in the city. I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon!</p>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988947261175333126.post-25684175304762981462010-09-12T22:30:00.000-05:002010-09-12T22:30:00.899-05:00Cocktail Kinda Night<div>Work, work, work. I was fortunate enough to be able to work from home on Friday. I'm one of those people who gets easily distracted by whats going on around me. When I work from home I have no distractions so I'm able to get way more done. Love that!</div><div><br /></div><div>All my hard work was rewarded by an awesome night out!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Breakfast</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty random. I started off with a traditional breakfast of cereal. Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice with Mixed Berries cereal that was included in the Healthy Living Summit swag bag. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mAUR4UgI/AAAAAAAADqw/eWRiQIKtRoU/s1600/DSC_0380.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mAUR4UgI/AAAAAAAADqw/eWRiQIKtRoU/s320/DSC_0380.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516106905484284418" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a good bowl of cereal. Reminded me a bit of rice krispies but better for you! I wasn't sure about the dried berries but they added a lot of flavor.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mAUR4UgI/AAAAAAAADqw/eWRiQIKtRoU/s1600/DSC_0380.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0l_o-I_KI/AAAAAAAADqo/OQRiRp7xCo4/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0l_o-I_KI/AAAAAAAADqo/OQRiRp7xCo4/s320/DSC_0379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516106893858765986" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was still hungry so I steamed some Cauliflower and Broccoli. Topped it with <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/08/saturday-at-farmers-market.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">ICBINB spray</span></a> and a mixture of Chili, Garlic and Cayenne pepper.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mA-QR5gI/AAAAAAAADq4/oK_YkBqFT-w/s320/DSC_0387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516106916751861250" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Lunch</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Amy's Organic Black Bean Vegetable soup.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mB9KmAlI/AAAAAAAADrA/NLb_09YJJ0U/s320/DSC_0393.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516106933639447122" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Topped with fresh shredded Parmesan and Cholula hot sauce:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0l_o-I_KI/AAAAAAAADqo/OQRiRp7xCo4/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG"></a><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0oEN-XSnI/AAAAAAAADsw/R70zaYz3r7w/s320/DSC_0398.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516109171534547570" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Soup was so good! It will definitely have a place in my cupboard anytime.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also had a Dr. Zevia soda. The jury is still out on what I think of this beverage.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mC4deGQI/AAAAAAAADrI/jxW-lzizvWk/s320/DSC_0395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516106949556312322" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Happy Hour</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I met my friends at the <a href="http://www.thewithotel.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Wit</span></a> for an after work cocktail. The <a href="http://www.thewithotel.com/the-attractions/roof.cfm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Wit's Rooftop bar</span></a> has spectacular views:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0oDGdAhKI/AAAAAAAADso/x7MkIuBRI8A/s320/DSC_0407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516109152335725730" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0nrDW4YHI/AAAAAAAADsY/jeg2q933OPM/s320/DSC_0412.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516108739187859570" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I sipped on a Belvedere Dirty Martini while I chatted it up with my friends!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0oCUT27PI/AAAAAAAADsg/y-YQs5wcT68/s320/DSC_0409.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516109138875575538" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dinner</b></div><div><br /></div><div>After the Wit I jumped in a cab with my husband and headed up to <a href="http://veggiesncake.blogspot.com/2010/06/firkin-peasant.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Firkin & Pheasant</span></a> for a blogger meet up with MacKenzie from <a href="http://fightingthepudge.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Fighting the Pudge</span></a> and her husband, Ryan. Patrick and I had such a good time with them!</div><div><br /></div><div>Appetizers were split amongst the table. Scotch Eggs which are hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and breaded panko crumbs then flash fried, served with sweet mango chutney:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0l_o-I_KI/AAAAAAAADqo/OQRiRp7xCo4/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG"></a><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 277px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0nqdTx5hI/AAAAAAAADsQ/0kVazZ-97wg/s320/DSC_0415.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516108728974304786" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Spicy popcorn shrimp with cocktail sauce:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0np3YXrHI/AAAAAAAADsI/-OtxOH0aU4I/s320/DSC_0416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516108718793010290" /></div><div><br /></div><div>For my main dish I went with a Pub Favourite. Cottage pie which is simmered ground beef, peas and carrots topped with whipped potatoes and served with seasonal veggies:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0npHlr3KI/AAAAAAAADsA/BaT1lNkz7l4/s320/DSC_0417.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516108705963957410" /></div><div><br /></div><div>My husband ordered the Halibut with a sweet chili glaze. I did sample the fish and it was SO good. Love the flavor combination of the grill and sweet chili.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0nopJQ4-I/AAAAAAAADr4/gjy2TYztdm4/s320/DSC_0418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516108697791685602" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Dessert was a raspberry and lemonade cocktail.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mYBtPlbI/AAAAAAAADrw/PUJLsT2gfnQ/s320/DSC_0419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516107312815642034" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't ready for the night to end so we walked down the street to another bar. On the way I ran into this sculpture of, what I think is, a couple bottle openers dancing:) </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mXANJzZI/AAAAAAAADro/PPYZZgyC19k/s320/DSC_0420.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516107295232740754" /></div><div><br /></div><div>After talking and drinking the night away we decided to stop at The Wieners Circle. I think the hot dogs here are very different than those you will find elsewhere in the city. They char-grill the dogs so it has that char taste which I really enjoy. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are a sensitive soul you probably won't want to visit this hot dog joint since they are most known for the verbal abuse between the employees and customers(fyi...plenty of You Tube videos if you do want to experience it). I find if funny but I can also see how other might find it off-setting. It's all in good fun!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0l_o-I_KI/AAAAAAAADqo/OQRiRp7xCo4/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG"></a><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mWfQzSoI/AAAAAAAADrg/XMrevyfDWtQ/s320/DSC_0422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516107286389672578" /></div><div><br /></div><div>My char hot dog with mustard and pickles:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mVhv640I/AAAAAAAADrY/lkVGZXu-Spk/s320/DSC_0423.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516107269877195586" /></div><div><br /></div><div>With a side of fries:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Fol6LRDltKw/TI0mVF1rMjI/AAAAAAAADrQ/zZNwYZmODUg/s320/DSC_0425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516107262385140274" /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div><b>Wiener's Circle Verdict:</b> Great hot dogs after a night of drinking! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question:</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you get more work done in an office setting or at home?</div><div><br /></div><div>I get way more work done at home.</div>Veggies, Cake & Cocktailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425789214338446234noreply@blogger.com6