There's a one woman dance party going on over here, and it's all in the name of Friday. TGIF! Dance with me, won't you? Or, you know, humor me and let me believe you're dancing, too.
Even though I only worked four days this week, I'm practically giddy that the weekend is finally here. I blame the fact that I totally thought Wednesday was Thursday, like, all day long. But, it's Friday, and a fun-filled local weekend is peaking around the corner. That being said, I couldn't help but take one more chance to relive our West Coast trip, which is the inspiration for today's Friday Five: the best foods I ate in LA! Whatever you do and wherever you are this weekend, I hope it's delicious :)
Honorable mention - In-N-Out Burger - It's truly un-American that I've been to LA so many times and hadn't visited the famous burger chain until this trip. We stopped at In-N-Out after our friends retrieved us from the airport. Matt ordered two "Animal Style" burgers (from the not-so-secret menu) and fries. The fries were just meh, but the burgers were freaking delicious! We agreed the beef patties had a great taste and texture and seemed much more substantial than other fast food burgers. I had only three bites, but that was enough to know that In-N-Out burgers are LEGIT, y'all.
Showing posts with label restaurant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label restaurant. Show all posts
Friday, August 8, 2014
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday Five: Pre-turkey amusement
It's been one heck of a week, hasn't it? I feel like every last hour has been devoted to this, that, and the other thing, leaving me only a few idle moments to be spontaneous. I enjoyed those moments the best way I knew how: gazing outside at the first snow (!) of the season and curling up on the couch to watch a little TV. Is there a better hour of television than the New Girl/The Mindy Project block on Fox Tuesday nights? I think not!
Despite eating breakfast standing up twice and mastering the art of the 5 minute shower (how do some women do this every day? I salute you!), I'm feeling full of energy heading into the weekend. After looking at the calendar, I'm hoping to maintain this Energizer Bunny feeling for the next two weeks. We've got so much planned before the turkey even hits the table. Here is this week's Friday Five: mega fun activities leading up to Thanksgiving!
1. Chili after church - This weekend is Commitment Sunday, when members pledge their tithings for the next year. After the service, everyone gathers for fellowship and a potluck to feast on chili, cornbread, and desserts. Last year there were nearly 30 Crock Pots filled to the brim with piping hot chili of all varieties. Can you imagine how it smelled?! The most unique I saw was elk chili. I'm contributing a double batch of my favorite pumpkin cornbread since it was such a hit last year. Check out any one of my chili recipes to have a feast of your own this weekend!
Despite eating breakfast standing up twice and mastering the art of the 5 minute shower (how do some women do this every day? I salute you!), I'm feeling full of energy heading into the weekend. After looking at the calendar, I'm hoping to maintain this Energizer Bunny feeling for the next two weeks. We've got so much planned before the turkey even hits the table. Here is this week's Friday Five: mega fun activities leading up to Thanksgiving!
1. Chili after church - This weekend is Commitment Sunday, when members pledge their tithings for the next year. After the service, everyone gathers for fellowship and a potluck to feast on chili, cornbread, and desserts. Last year there were nearly 30 Crock Pots filled to the brim with piping hot chili of all varieties. Can you imagine how it smelled?! The most unique I saw was elk chili. I'm contributing a double batch of my favorite pumpkin cornbread since it was such a hit last year. Check out any one of my chili recipes to have a feast of your own this weekend!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Thai pork burgers with Sriracha aioli
The grilling itch won't go away, even after 11 straight weekends of it. I'm certain this is some kind of (delicious) record for me. I've had ribs, chicken, fish, hot dogs, and, of course, burgers.
You'd think we'd be growing tired of all of the summertime fare, but you'd be wrong. I've been feeling extra creative and daydreaming of new spins to put on classics like burgers. And this inspiration came from the most unusual place -- a seafood dish.
A few weeks ago, Matt and I had a date night, and he was in charge of picking a new restaurant to surprise me. The man chose Andora and, boy, did he hit a home run with this place.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
The Best Thing I Ever Ate
Have you ever seen that show on Food Network? I'm a total sucker for it. Basically, famous food personalities describe and sample an entree or dessert. I've seen both super high-brow cuisine and stuff so greasy it could only be enjoyed in a late night drunken haze. To each his own!
I love watching my favorite cooks and chefs on their regular shows, but there's something so candid about their appearances on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. They're a little less formal. In fact, some get a little cray-cray talking about the restaurant dishes that make them weak in the knees. I think I even developed a little girl crush on Sunny Anderson because of this show. She just gets so darn animated and holds nothing back. Makes me feel like my ramblings here on the blog aren't so bizarre after all ;)
If I were ever on that show, it'd be to talk about dessert. Not just any dessert, but the dessert. It hails from the Pittsburgh restaurant, Eleven. A few years ago, Matt and I dined there and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. But, truth be told, I don't really remember my entree. It's not that it wasn't delicious -- because it totally was and reading my review confirms that -- but it's because the dessert totally blew me away and stole the show that night: deconstructed banana cream pie. The best thing I ever ate, without a doubt!
I love watching my favorite cooks and chefs on their regular shows, but there's something so candid about their appearances on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. They're a little less formal. In fact, some get a little cray-cray talking about the restaurant dishes that make them weak in the knees. I think I even developed a little girl crush on Sunny Anderson because of this show. She just gets so darn animated and holds nothing back. Makes me feel like my ramblings here on the blog aren't so bizarre after all ;)
If I were ever on that show, it'd be to talk about dessert. Not just any dessert, but the dessert. It hails from the Pittsburgh restaurant, Eleven. A few years ago, Matt and I dined there and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. But, truth be told, I don't really remember my entree. It's not that it wasn't delicious -- because it totally was and reading my review confirms that -- but it's because the dessert totally blew me away and stole the show that night: deconstructed banana cream pie. The best thing I ever ate, without a doubt!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Springtime staycation!
Was that today or yesterday?
And so goes the question I asked myself again and again this weekend. In other words, there was so much fun jam-packed into three days that I could've sworn I'd been off work for an entire week. Many, many good times were had :) And, those good times were had all over this glorious city of bridges -- I hit 10 different neighborhoods, 5 on my run alone. Staycation!
Friday got off to an early start (6:00... without an alarm, ugh!) with a few chores before a glorious 8-mile run in the sun! The rest of the day flew by: I baked a cake (recipe to come this week), watched TV and read, had friends over for said cake, brews, playoff hockey, and hit the hay after midnight. Wild child alert!
A cup of green tea and a homemade breakfast sandwich, and we were off to savor Saturday. We headed to the North Side of the city to the Mexican War Streets area for a neighborhood-wide yard sale. But not before a quick stop at the bank to get cash and free lollipops.
The weather could not have been better for a day spent outdoors: sunny, almost 80 degrees, and a light breeze! While yard sales aren't really my thing (I did score this doughnut pan for $1), Laura and Matt had quite a knack for spotting treasures and bargaining. Matt bought a few books, terra cotta planters, and a telescope.
And so goes the question I asked myself again and again this weekend. In other words, there was so much fun jam-packed into three days that I could've sworn I'd been off work for an entire week. Many, many good times were had :) And, those good times were had all over this glorious city of bridges -- I hit 10 different neighborhoods, 5 on my run alone. Staycation!
Friday got off to an early start (6:00... without an alarm, ugh!) with a few chores before a glorious 8-mile run in the sun! The rest of the day flew by: I baked a cake (recipe to come this week), watched TV and read, had friends over for said cake, brews, playoff hockey, and hit the hay after midnight. Wild child alert!
A cup of green tea and a homemade breakfast sandwich, and we were off to savor Saturday. We headed to the North Side of the city to the Mexican War Streets area for a neighborhood-wide yard sale. But not before a quick stop at the bank to get cash and free lollipops.
The weather could not have been better for a day spent outdoors: sunny, almost 80 degrees, and a light breeze! While yard sales aren't really my thing (I did score this doughnut pan for $1), Laura and Matt had quite a knack for spotting treasures and bargaining. Matt bought a few books, terra cotta planters, and a telescope.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Vegas day 3: Playing favorites & final thoughts!
(If you missed them, here are recaps from our first and second days in Las Vegas.)
When we woke up on Sunday morning, we were feelin' pretty green... because it was St. Patrick's Day! Coincidentally, we both ended up donning outfits with green in them, too. Sadly, Rachel was feeling a bit green in the other sense of the word due to an oncoming cold (just to clarify that we weren't sick for other reasons). Thankfully, we had a low-key day planned before we hit the road to return to LA.
After checking out of our room using the TV (whaaaaaat?!), we headed down to the lobby of the Paris Hotel to explore breakfast options. In minutes, we were seated at a table for two at Le Cafe. We considered eating there the day before but there was a long line, so we headed to Sugar Factory.
I'd told Rachel the day before that I was really in the mood for a comforting and carb-y breakfast the last morning of our trip, and my order totally reflected that: vanilla bean brioche French toast. Despite the fuzzy picture, my feelings about this dish were crystal clear -- best French toast of my life! I've heard that once you've tried French toast made with thick slices of sweet and eggy brioche (think a little heavier than Jewish challah bread), you'll never be able to look at standard bread French toast again. True story, folks. I'm currently looking for a brioche recipe to make at home.
When we woke up on Sunday morning, we were feelin' pretty green... because it was St. Patrick's Day! Coincidentally, we both ended up donning outfits with green in them, too. Sadly, Rachel was feeling a bit green in the other sense of the word due to an oncoming cold (just to clarify that we weren't sick for other reasons). Thankfully, we had a low-key day planned before we hit the road to return to LA.
After checking out of our room using the TV (whaaaaaat?!), we headed down to the lobby of the Paris Hotel to explore breakfast options. In minutes, we were seated at a table for two at Le Cafe. We considered eating there the day before but there was a long line, so we headed to Sugar Factory.
I'd told Rachel the day before that I was really in the mood for a comforting and carb-y breakfast the last morning of our trip, and my order totally reflected that: vanilla bean brioche French toast. Despite the fuzzy picture, my feelings about this dish were crystal clear -- best French toast of my life! I've heard that once you've tried French toast made with thick slices of sweet and eggy brioche (think a little heavier than Jewish challah bread), you'll never be able to look at standard bread French toast again. True story, folks. I'm currently looking for a brioche recipe to make at home.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Vegas day 2: Around the world and back(bends)
(For a recap of our first night in Vegas, click here.)
We woke up on Saturday morning without an alarm but with a feeling of total refreshment and relaxation... in Sin City, no less! Our plan for the day was to have no plans at all; simply explore and indulge our attraction to shiny objects.
But, explorers need fuel, so we headed to breakfast at Sugar Factory, where I opted for a simple spinach and avocado omelette (I skipped the potatoes since they were pre-made and tasted like cardboard). It was delicious and light, just what I needed/wanted. Rachel ordered a fruit and yogurt plate with banana bread and a croissant. Aside from the banana bread tasting a little like "fake bananas", our experience was good and we'd recommend the place.
After breakfast, we set off for the north end of The Strip, first stop: The Venetian. With all of my dad's hyping, he didn't hype this enough. We felt like like we'd flown across the Atlantic and landed in Italy... and Rachel's been to the real deal! The architecture was impressive, the candy store within amusing...
And the canals under the pale blue "skies", complete with gondolas, were unbelievable! Are you kidding me?! We spent quite some time walking around and oogling little Italy, including St. Mark's Square, before stumbling upon the famed Bouchon Bakery.
We woke up on Saturday morning without an alarm but with a feeling of total refreshment and relaxation... in Sin City, no less! Our plan for the day was to have no plans at all; simply explore and indulge our attraction to shiny objects.
But, explorers need fuel, so we headed to breakfast at Sugar Factory, where I opted for a simple spinach and avocado omelette (I skipped the potatoes since they were pre-made and tasted like cardboard). It was delicious and light, just what I needed/wanted. Rachel ordered a fruit and yogurt plate with banana bread and a croissant. Aside from the banana bread tasting a little like "fake bananas", our experience was good and we'd recommend the place.
After breakfast, we set off for the north end of The Strip, first stop: The Venetian. With all of my dad's hyping, he didn't hype this enough. We felt like like we'd flown across the Atlantic and landed in Italy... and Rachel's been to the real deal! The architecture was impressive, the candy store within amusing...
And the canals under the pale blue "skies", complete with gondolas, were unbelievable! Are you kidding me?! We spent quite some time walking around and oogling little Italy, including St. Mark's Square, before stumbling upon the famed Bouchon Bakery.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Vegas day 1: Food coma!
I'm back, I'm refreshed, and I'm bursting at the seams with excitement to share pictures from my Vegas trip with you. What is one to do in Vegas when one doesn't drink or gamble? Turns out, lots!
Like I said last week, I flew from Pittsburgh to LA on Thursday night to meet up with my former college roommate, Rachel. It had been exactly 1 year and 3 days since we saw each other last -- at her wedding, no less. Time has flown!
On Friday afternoon, we embarked on a road trip for our very first visit to Las Vegas!
Then, almost out of nowhere, numerous billboards, high rise hotels that look like castles, and rollercoasters appear on the landscape. Welcome to Sin City! (We missed the trademark welcome sign. Womp womp.)
Specifically, welcome to the Paris Hotel! What a delight, let me tell you. We weren't there but 20 minutes in order to freshen up and change before heading out to the most anticipated dinner of the weekend: Max Brenner's!
Like I said last week, I flew from Pittsburgh to LA on Thursday night to meet up with my former college roommate, Rachel. It had been exactly 1 year and 3 days since we saw each other last -- at her wedding, no less. Time has flown!
On Friday afternoon, we embarked on a road trip for our very first visit to Las Vegas!
Mandatory (and squinty, ew!) self-portrait. Our car full of snacks went unpictured but included sweet potato Pop Chips (first time I've tried -- irresistable!), trail mix, Fiber One bars, and apples. Our last attempt at balance for the weekend.
If you've ever wondered what the 4 1/2 hour drive from LA to Vegas looks like, let me save you some sleepless nights: it's desert (initially typed "dessert"). Lots and lots of desert and rocks.
Then, almost out of nowhere, numerous billboards, high rise hotels that look like castles, and rollercoasters appear on the landscape. Welcome to Sin City! (We missed the trademark welcome sign. Womp womp.)
Specifically, welcome to the Paris Hotel! What a delight, let me tell you. We weren't there but 20 minutes in order to freshen up and change before heading out to the most anticipated dinner of the weekend: Max Brenner's!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Friday Five: Lucky lady
News flash -- I've skipped town. I'm headed to Vegas, baby!
Last night I flew from Pittsburgh to LA to meet up with my old college roommate, and we've got quite the weekend planned. We're driving to Vegas this afternoon and spending 48 hours... well, eating, drinking, and being merry!
To be honest, we aren't big drinkers or gamblers, but we have pleeeeeeeeeeenty of fun things on the agenda to keep us entertained. And I use the word "agenda" loosely. I'm attempting to kick back and let this weekend be a real vacation without rules, obligations, or guilt. That being said, here is this week's edition of Friday Five with a few of the ways we plan to indulge ourselves silly in Las Vegas :)
Last night I flew from Pittsburgh to LA to meet up with my old college roommate, and we've got quite the weekend planned. We're driving to Vegas this afternoon and spending 48 hours... well, eating, drinking, and being merry!
To be honest, we aren't big drinkers or gamblers, but we have pleeeeeeeeeeenty of fun things on the agenda to keep us entertained. And I use the word "agenda" loosely. I'm attempting to kick back and let this weekend be a real vacation without rules, obligations, or guilt. That being said, here is this week's edition of Friday Five with a few of the ways we plan to indulge ourselves silly in Las Vegas :)
1. The Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel - If that image looks familiar, it's because it's a screen shot of the scene at the end of the movie Ocean's 11. Since the first time I saw that movie, I've wanted to visit the fountains in front of the Bellagio. Our hotel is close to it, so we're hoping to sit back and "ooh" and "ahh" at a show our very first night in town. I have a feeling we may return for an encore (or five).
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Open letter to Starbucks
Dear Starbucks,
I'm writing to extend a hearty congratulations to your company, namely your marketing team. You have succeeded in becoming more powerful than the internationally-used centuries old Gregorian calendar system and the national holiday of Labor Day. Not too long ago, both of them were once used to signal the end of summer and the beginning of the next season of autumn. However, with the clever timing of changes to your menu, you have managed to convince Americans everywhere into thinking that fall indeed begins with the return of gloriously delicious the pumpkin latte.
So, congratulations! Mazel Tov! Well done, Starbucks, well done. You've got me and everyone else longing for colorful foliage, riding boots, apple-picking, and scarves. And the always-addicting but only seasonably-available pumpkin spice latte. I'll be doing my chilly rain dance this weekend, hoping for an opportunity to jump on the pumpkin spice bandwagon, too. Even though summer doesn't end for another three weeks.
Love, Katy
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Your guide to Pittsburgh food
Attention Pittsburgh locals and past, present, and future visitors to this glorious city!
You may or may not have noticed that, in recent years, the 'burgh has become quite a magnet for cooks and cuisines of all backgrounds. I don't think I'm the only person here who is happy ecstatic to see the city shake its culinary reputation of being the place where Primanti's is located. The sandwiches with fries and coleslaw have their place in Pittsburgh culinary history, but there are so many more options these days that beg to be explored.
Not sure of where to begin? Pick up a copy of the Food Lovers' Guide to Pittsburgh, which hits shelves (and Internet stores) today!
The four ladies of eatPGH have eaten, toiled, and eaten some more to give readers the most comprehensive review of the restaurants, specialty stores, farms, festivals, and food havens in the area. The book is organized by neighborhood, too, for convenience, with an alphabetical index in the back. Order a copy (or seven) today.
Cheers, food friends! :)
You may or may not have noticed that, in recent years, the 'burgh has become quite a magnet for cooks and cuisines of all backgrounds. I don't think I'm the only person here who is happy ecstatic to see the city shake its culinary reputation of being the place where Primanti's is located. The sandwiches with fries and coleslaw have their place in Pittsburgh culinary history, but there are so many more options these days that beg to be explored.
Not sure of where to begin? Pick up a copy of the Food Lovers' Guide to Pittsburgh, which hits shelves (and Internet stores) today!
The four ladies of eatPGH have eaten, toiled, and eaten some more to give readers the most comprehensive review of the restaurants, specialty stores, farms, festivals, and food havens in the area. The book is organized by neighborhood, too, for convenience, with an alphabetical index in the back. Order a copy (or seven) today.
Cheers, food friends! :)
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Restaurant review: Sarris Ice Cream Shop
If you asked me what the happiest place on earth were, I'd surely respond with two words that would surprise no one: Disney World!
But, if you were to ask me what the happiest place in western Pennsylvania were, could you guess what my answer would be?
Sarris Candies Shop and Ice Cream Parlor in Canonsburg, PA.
But, if you were to ask me what the happiest place in western Pennsylvania were, could you guess what my answer would be?
Sarris Candies Shop and Ice Cream Parlor in Canonsburg, PA.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Like a stake through the heart
That's how I felt when I just discovered that my all-time favorite dessert (deconstructed banana cream pie) has been removed from its restaurant's menu. Let the tears begin!
I first gushed over Eleven over two years ago and haven't stopped raving about it since then. I've sent friends, coworkers, and anyone who would listen to the Strip District to experience the glory that is my favorite of the Big Burrito Restaurant Group's creations. The food is good, sure, but the dessert is out of this world.
Well, this girl was thinking of her upcoming birthday (cough July 19th cough) and began to search for where she'd like to go for dinner. With that banana cream pie in mind, I checked the menu and, lo and behold, it was gone. I know restaurants must update and change their menus to stay relevant, but how can they explain this? I feel like I've lost a dear friend. Sadly, Eleven has been removed from the list of birthday dinner restaurant candidates. #foodheartbroken
Have you ever experienced this -- a restaurant removing your favorite menu item -- and been crushed? Or, gosh this is so much worse, discovered it after you were seated to dine at said restaurant? Misery loves company, so lament away! We can get through this together... maybe.
I first gushed over Eleven over two years ago and haven't stopped raving about it since then. I've sent friends, coworkers, and anyone who would listen to the Strip District to experience the glory that is my favorite of the Big Burrito Restaurant Group's creations. The food is good, sure, but the dessert is out of this world.
Well, this girl was thinking of her upcoming birthday (cough July 19th cough) and began to search for where she'd like to go for dinner. With that banana cream pie in mind, I checked the menu and, lo and behold, it was gone. I know restaurants must update and change their menus to stay relevant, but how can they explain this? I feel like I've lost a dear friend. Sadly, Eleven has been removed from the list of birthday dinner restaurant candidates. #foodheartbroken
Have you ever experienced this -- a restaurant removing your favorite menu item -- and been crushed? Or, gosh this is so much worse, discovered it after you were seated to dine at said restaurant? Misery loves company, so lament away! We can get through this together... maybe.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
City of Angels recap
Glad to be back and refreshed after a short but sweet mini vacay on the west coast. I touched down in unseasonably cool Los Angeles on Thursday night after an easy flight on Southwest. Started and finished the book The Descendants (phenoms!) which made the trip fly (pun intended). That night, we opted to stay in and have a major reunion session with her couch and our sweatpants!
On Friday, we were up early and hit the streets for some serious fun! Starting with breakfast at the Literati Cafe. Loved the vibe in this place, super fresh and fast food. We went with a breakfast quesadilla (why have I never tried this?!) and a plate of fresh fruit and yogurt. Even the dining room was fresh and bright (check out my shadow):
Fueled and ready to go, we drove to Venice Beach for some exploring. If you've never been, VB is a pretty funky/hippy area, so different from stereotypical LA. Make sure to check out the canals... beautiful! My favorite pictures are definitely from this stop.
On Friday, we were up early and hit the streets for some serious fun! Starting with breakfast at the Literati Cafe. Loved the vibe in this place, super fresh and fast food. We went with a breakfast quesadilla (why have I never tried this?!) and a plate of fresh fruit and yogurt. Even the dining room was fresh and bright (check out my shadow):
Fueled and ready to go, we drove to Venice Beach for some exploring. If you've never been, VB is a pretty funky/hippy area, so different from stereotypical LA. Make sure to check out the canals... beautiful! My favorite pictures are definitely from this stop.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Restaurant review: Carmi's Family Restaurant
Hey, Pittsburghers and visitors of this glorious city! Ever get a craving for down home Southern food? I'm talking a deep yearning, must-have-it kind of hankering for soul food.
For me, the tiny little spark of curiosity turned into an all out fire after my trip to Savannah last spring. I adhered to my cardinal rule of dining out: order something you won't or can't make at home. It was the first time I'd ever tried collard greens, fried green tomatoes (with goat cheese... o.m.g.!), and black eyed peas. They were all so good. So good that I remember Laura and I eating lunch on our last day there and saying, "I'm not even hungry, and I definitely don't have any room in my stomach, but I'm going to eat this because it's so ----ing good and it'd be a crime to waste this food."
Looking for that same potty mouth-inducing flavor, I've been on a hunt for traditional Southern cuisine in the area and haven't found much. I really want to try my hand at some recipes in my own kitchen, but that adventure will have to wait because Laura discovered a little gem on the North Side of Pittsburgh that, lo and behold, specializes in Southern food! Hooray for Carmi's Family Restaurant!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday five
Things I'm totally loving right now and/or can't wait to get my hands on as soon as possible.
1. Panera's garden vegetable soup with pesto. Warm and so satisfying. Matt and I have a Saturday full of errands planned and have already picked this for our lunch spot... because it's delicious and also because we have a coupon for buy one you pick two, get one free!
2. This metallic cardigan from Banana Republic. Chunky but still feminine. Cozy. Sparkly. And bearing pockets! Could this sweater be any more perfect for the holidays? "Could I BE wearing any more clothes?"
Never gets old, I swear.
1. Panera's garden vegetable soup with pesto. Warm and so satisfying. Matt and I have a Saturday full of errands planned and have already picked this for our lunch spot... because it's delicious and also because we have a coupon for buy one you pick two, get one free!
Never gets old, I swear.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Visiting Georgetown Cupcakes + mini Monday
While we spent most of the weekend lounging and enjoying the
Need further proof? Here was the line to buy cupcakes.
Truth be told, it really wasn't bad at all since we were in the shade. From standing in line to cradling our cupcakes, it was just under 30 minutes. And, honestly, I spent most of that time contemplating my order. So many choices, 18 total for Saturday alone!
Okay, so planning our orders and partaking in an quick glamour shots session as well. No big deal :) Once inside, there were no sightings of the owners, Katherine and Sophie, but these cupcake purveyors were mighty friendly and efficient.
Anyway, I'll get to the bottom line. Was the wait worth it? Did these individual petite cakes live up to the hype?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The 27th year
Today is my 27th birthday! :)
But the celebrating started early when we visited my family and oohed and aaahed over fireworks on Saturday night!
There is no cooler birthday gift, I swear. A local church festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to my birthday (how awesome and convenient, huh?), so we enjoyed those on a perfect summer's eve. On Sunday, my mom served up a lunch of my choosing -- ham and cheese quiche and salad -- and dessert, also of my choice, of her famous iced brownies.
Because there is no such thing as enough celebrating, Matt treated me to dinner last night at my verrrrrrrrry favorite Pittsburgh restaurant, Monterey Bay up on Mount Washington. Due to his tricky evening class schedule for grad school, we chose to celebrate early (again!). Love this (rain droplet-spotted) view!
Loved it even more since there was quite a storm outside, so we had a show of bright lightning and whipping winds and rain to entertain us as we dined. For him, shrimp and scallop alfredo with housemade spinach fettuccine.
For her, macadamia nut crusted halibut. Don't we look so artsy and cool without the flash? Yeah, something like that...
Obligatory self picture for which I actually remembered to use the flash:
And, to keep the tropical nut vibe going, white chocolate macadamia nut mousse with praline biscuits and chocolate Chambord sauce. To die for, people. I'm telling you, this makes the top 5 for my "last dessert on Earth" list. That's huge!
Um, can we also applaud the gorgeous chocolate script? I want this talented man or woman to be my personal assistant so I can send office memos in chocolate from this day forward. Yes, I think that would be the key to my professional success. How could it not?
A perfect evening to reminisce and think back to what an amazing year it's been! Full of adventures involving lots of travel, both local, and far away, new foods, weddings, blizzards, moving into a new apartment, and a perfect proposal :) Looking forward to this next year even more! (Cough, 144 days, cough!)
One Year Ago: Happy birthday to me + chocolate wafer icebox cake
There is no cooler birthday gift, I swear. A local church festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to my birthday (how awesome and convenient, huh?), so we enjoyed those on a perfect summer's eve. On Sunday, my mom served up a lunch of my choosing -- ham and cheese quiche and salad -- and dessert, also of my choice, of her famous iced brownies.
Because there is no such thing as enough celebrating, Matt treated me to dinner last night at my verrrrrrrrry favorite Pittsburgh restaurant, Monterey Bay up on Mount Washington. Due to his tricky evening class schedule for grad school, we chose to celebrate early (again!). Love this (rain droplet-spotted) view!
For her, macadamia nut crusted halibut. Don't we look so artsy and cool without the flash? Yeah, something like that...
Obligatory self picture for which I actually remembered to use the flash:
And, to keep the tropical nut vibe going, white chocolate macadamia nut mousse with praline biscuits and chocolate Chambord sauce. To die for, people. I'm telling you, this makes the top 5 for my "last dessert on Earth" list. That's huge!
Um, can we also applaud the gorgeous chocolate script? I want this talented man or woman to be my personal assistant so I can send office memos in chocolate from this day forward. Yes, I think that would be the key to my professional success. How could it not?
A perfect evening to reminisce and think back to what an amazing year it's been! Full of adventures involving lots of travel, both local, and far away, new foods, weddings, blizzards, moving into a new apartment, and a perfect proposal :) Looking forward to this next year even more! (Cough, 144 days, cough!)
One Year Ago: Happy birthday to me + chocolate wafer icebox cake
Friday, June 3, 2011
Friday five!
You know how I roll -- it's time for a list!
1. FINALLY went to Burgatory last night. Did it live up to the hype? Yes 100%!!! The setting is casual, with fantastic decorations, like a sign saying, "Honor thy mother and thy burger." Yes, please :) We waited 25 minutes or so, but used the time wisely to grab a drink at the bar and study the menu like it was our job. With so many options, you'll do the same!
I created my own burger: beef with the angel dust rub (salt, pepper, garlic), applewood smoked bacon, roasted garlic mayo, smokehouse cheddar cheese, tomato and Romaine lettuce on a Brioche bun. To die for! The burger was cooked exactly how I wanted it and the homemade chips on the side totally hit the spot. (Sweet and russet potato chips, to boot!)
Then I ordered the S'mores Milkshake which came out with a giant toasted marshmallow on top. I don't know how they did it, but the mysterious mixture of ice cream, milk, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate was the perfect consistency. I'm not one for bold statements like this, so listen up closely -- this was the best milkshake I've ever had in my life!! Hands down. In summary, go there now!
2. To finish off a week of reviewing my most popular recipes as determined by you, here is a three ingredient no-bake cake that will knock your (and everyone else's) socks off --chocolate wafer icebox cake! It's even more fun than it is easy to make, too. A true example of less is more! The chocolate wafers soften and absorb the sweet whipped cream and create this layered masterpiece.
I created my own burger: beef with the angel dust rub (salt, pepper, garlic), applewood smoked bacon, roasted garlic mayo, smokehouse cheddar cheese, tomato and Romaine lettuce on a Brioche bun. To die for! The burger was cooked exactly how I wanted it and the homemade chips on the side totally hit the spot. (Sweet and russet potato chips, to boot!)
Then I ordered the S'mores Milkshake which came out with a giant toasted marshmallow on top. I don't know how they did it, but the mysterious mixture of ice cream, milk, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate was the perfect consistency. I'm not one for bold statements like this, so listen up closely -- this was the best milkshake I've ever had in my life!! Hands down. In summary, go there now!
2. To finish off a week of reviewing my most popular recipes as determined by you, here is a three ingredient no-bake cake that will knock your (and everyone else's) socks off --chocolate wafer icebox cake! It's even more fun than it is easy to make, too. A true example of less is more! The chocolate wafers soften and absorb the sweet whipped cream and create this layered masterpiece.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Pittsburgh springtime staycation
Have you ever eaten something so delicious and mind-blowing that you (almost) didn't want to finish it? Then, when it was gone, you couldn't stop thinking about it? And it wasn't even dessert but the main course? That was my Thursday evening dinner experience. But, let me tell you about the rest of the day first.
Though I'm a few years out of college, summer and spring break will always signal vacation time for me. A friend and I originally planned a trip out of the area for a few days but prior commitments grounded us here. Discussing how there are so many things we still haven't seen/done in this sweet little city, even after being here for years and growing up a mere 35 miles away, we opted for a Pittsburgh stay-cation -- the basic idea being to enjoy local attractions that may be overlooked in your everyday life. So, stay and play we did! First stop: the Strip District.
The streets of Penn Avenue and Smallman Street are known as the food mecca of Pittsburgh. You'll find vendors peddling fresh food of every ethnic origin, square miles of cheap Steelers and Penguins (Pirates? TBD) merchandise, and restaurants ranging from total dive to upscale chic within the same block. Being foodies, we popped into a few stores where I picked up fresh spinach fettuccine and amaretti cookies (to be enjoyed this weekend). And we spotted oh-so-tiny chick salt and pepper shakes perfect for approaching spring.
Though I'm a few years out of college, summer and spring break will always signal vacation time for me. A friend and I originally planned a trip out of the area for a few days but prior commitments grounded us here. Discussing how there are so many things we still haven't seen/done in this sweet little city, even after being here for years and growing up a mere 35 miles away, we opted for a Pittsburgh stay-cation -- the basic idea being to enjoy local attractions that may be overlooked in your everyday life. So, stay and play we did! First stop: the Strip District.
The streets of Penn Avenue and Smallman Street are known as the food mecca of Pittsburgh. You'll find vendors peddling fresh food of every ethnic origin, square miles of cheap Steelers and Penguins (Pirates? TBD) merchandise, and restaurants ranging from total dive to upscale chic within the same block. Being foodies, we popped into a few stores where I picked up fresh spinach fettuccine and amaretti cookies (to be enjoyed this weekend). And we spotted oh-so-tiny chick salt and pepper shakes perfect for approaching spring.
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