Monday, May 31, 2010

The Rest of My Trader Joe's Loot

First of all, here's my patriotic lunch for Memorial Day, with Trader Joe's Red, White, and Blue Tortilla Chips. I was excited to find the guacamole that comes in 2 trays so you can use one at a time. It was too salty though and did not come anywhere near comparing to my favorite guacamole (the one Cassandra makes). I was also hopeful about the Salsa Verde, but no salsa Verde will ever be as good as my host mom's in Cuernavaca, Mexico. I've been searching for 3 years ever since I left and forgot her recipe. No luck yet.



Here's the rest of the awesome stuff I bought! Some highlights are the orange cream soda, the Tarte de Champignons (mushroom pizza basically), huge carton of blackberries for $3.99, the best yogurt I've ever tasted (blueberries & cream and vanilla & cream), risotto with asparagus tips, & salmon stuffed with crabmeat.



Here we have the all natural creamy rootbeer, roasted vegetable lasagna, spicy scallops with mushrooms, & my assortment of breakfast energy bars.



Some of what you couldn't see was a spring mix, olive oil and vinegar for my salad dressing, a walnut and maple crunch cereal, raspberry sparkling water, lemonade, fusili pasta, chocolate wafers (they look like pringles!), and San Francisco style sourdough bread. I'm going to be eating good this week!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Trader Joe's Sushi Platter



I went to Trader Joe's today! Such a nice change from Kroger. I got four big backs of groceries because there was zero food in my apartment. I'm posting the thing I'm MOST excited about - the sushi platter! Last time I got one of the individual sushi rolls and it was good so this time I went big. I never ate lunch so I'm about to go eat some of it right now.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Veggie Plate


Fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, and macaroni and cheese. From the Sage Hill Cafe. I think that's what it's called? I still can never remember. The gravy for the potatoes comes off of one of the meat dishes they have and its actually really good. Tastes like pot roast. Maybe I'll have to try that next time. I was excited because they gave me so many pieces of friend green tomato, but bleh it was tooo many. I wish I had more potatoes instead. AND I haven't figured out why, but their corn bread muffins are always burnt!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Wedding


So, since my phone is not cooperating. Today will be the day that I post all my food pics from the wedding!

First of all the gorgeous cake. Meredith picked white cake with vanilla icing and strawberries. It was delicious. I wish I had eaten more of it looking back. At the time I was having too much fun to stop and eat much.




We are going backwards here, so now I'll talk about the main course. We had chicken and steak with roasted potatoes and asparagus. I gave my steak away to John so don't worry, it didn't go to waste even though I'm not a steak eater. The chicken and asparagus were my favorite parts and the sauce with them was surprisingly unique. I'm a big sauce person.


Prior to the main course we had salad and bread. In the background you can see one of the "electric lemonades". It was part of the theme of having drinks for something old, new, borrowed and BLUE!




Here's one of Meredith and Kevin dining in style.



Finally, I just love this picture because it shows how romantic the candlelight was and how good the flowers and colors looked against it.




A wonderful day! I wish I could go back and relive it again!!


technical difficulties

Pictures are not sending to my email today! I don't know if it's because my phone's picture memory is full or what. I have about 50 pictures backed up that I'm dying to post on here. I'll keep working on it and see what happens.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

First Day!

First day of work and it went well. I sat in on 3 meetings and am going to be going on some house visits this week. Should be interesting. I just got food from the southern place on the corner (mashed potatoes, macaroni, and fried green tomatoes). I'm about to go eat. I don't have the energy for picture uploading right this very second. I have a ton of food pictures on my phone that I need to delete because the memory is full.

At 7 I'm going to Wired and Fired in Virginia Highlands wiredfired.com/ to paint pottery. I haven't decided exactly what I want to do yet, but I'm thinking something inspired by bright Mexican florals, like the Mexican mirror I have in my room. Paint is not my best medium so I'll just have to see how it turns out. If it's good I'll post it on here.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Happy Meal


This picture isn't from today, but I did eat a happy meal on my drive back from home to Atlanta. It was a loooong drive and I almost got a speeding ticket. The happy meal made it a little bit more enjoyable. I am extremely tired and about to go to bed because it's almost 10:30 and I start my new internship tomorrow at 9am. I'm nervous about it! I hope everything goes well and I will update tomorrow.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Avocado Sandwich


This is what I did with the leftover avocado from the pizza dad made. Today is my last day in North Carolina and I'm sad to leave.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Homemade Pizza




I will start off by saying the wedding was amazing. It was perfect. I will have a whole post about it later this week when I get all the pictures uploaded. For now, I am posting the grilled pizza my dad made for dinner tonight. It was really good, he added mushrooms sauted with onions and shallots and good mozzerella cheese. I added avocado to my personal pizza as well. Dad makes pizza pretty often and I thought these were one of the best. Adding the mushrooms and onion gave it a different taste than usual. He used Clasico tomato and basil sauce and it combined really nicely with that so it didn't just taste like sauce from a jar. I usually love avocado on my pizza, but this time It was flavorful enough that it would have probably been better without the addition.




Saturday, May 22, 2010

Wedding Day!

Meredith and Kevin get married today! I am off to her house bright and early to spend the whole day getting ready for tonight! PLLLEEEASE let the rain go away and the clouds clear up - we have plenty of time for that to happen. I'm so excited. They have been waiting for this day for almost two years and I can't believe it's finally here. I hope it lasts as long as possible and I can savor every minute. Now I'm about to be late, so I have to run! There will definitely be tons of pictures to come!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Meredith's Bridesmaids' Luncheon


Meredith and her mom hosted a beautiful bridesmaids' luncheon this afternoon at Meredith's parents house. Her mom made chicken salad with pecans and grapes that was delicious. I usually don't even eat chicken salad and I ate the whole sandwich. The bread that was on the cucumber sandwiches was also especially good. It reminded me of the sunflower bread at Bear Rock Cafe. We ate lunch and then all the bridesmaids opened our wonderful gifts. We got so many goodies including a monogrammed bag, jewelry and nail polish to wear tomorrow, a framed picture of us with Meredith, as well as multiple other gifts! It was exciting and I'm excited about the rehearsal dinner tonight too. Such an eventful and wonderful weekend to come!
I'm headed to the pool for a few hours, then I'm meeting Molly and Jennifer to ride to the rehearsal together. Can't wait!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Icee and cookies


Katie and I went to the mall on Tuesday and decided to be like little kids and get cookies and and icee from the cookie place at the mall. I still have half of my cookies left because that was way too much sweets for me.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Kelsey's Graduation Cookout




Internet is back up and running. This past Saturday I attended Kelsey's graduation party on a farm in Clayton. We had cheeseburgers, pasta salad, potato salad, beans, and my favorite - deviled eggs. Katie and I went shopping for Meredith's wedding gift at Macy's yesterday and I almost convinced Katie to buy Meredith a cool deviled egg carrier instead of anything on her registry. She ended up going against that. I just love deviled eggs though.
By the way, 3 days until Meredith gets married (!!) and less than a week before I have to go back to Atlanta (sad). I always get sad when I have to go back even though I end up loving it just as much there within a few days. Plus its nice that I have friends to see and fun events (Braves game the first weekend, Zumba classes, etc.).

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

No Internet at Home

Our wireless internet is not cooperating with me today. Right now I'm stealing internet from a neighbor I think. It's a really low connection though and I keep getting kicked off. Much less able to post a picture. Probably a good thing considering the horrible junk I ate today. I had McDonalds, cookies at the mall, a cherry Icee and 2 sushi rolls. I feel sort of like the woman Angela and I read about in a gossip magazine who is vying to be the world's heaviest woman. She had 10 cokes, 10 donuts, and 10 shrimp tempura rolls a day. hehe. Atleast I rode my bike yesterday..... and definitely need to tomorrow. The weather has been so blah! This is my last full week not having to work and I just want to go to the pool and be outside!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Strawberry Cupcake


I got this cupcake from the Walmart Bakery for $2. I hope it's as good as it looks.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Picture from yesterday's post

This goes with what I posted about yesterday! Today was a lazy Bertolli bag kind of day so no new pictures. More tomorrow!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Flipperz

Technical difficulties posting a picture right now! When I try again hopefully this post will be about the chowder I ate at Flipperz in Emerald Isle. It was in a little strip of shops but was surprisingly cute inside (and a little overpriced). http://www.flipperz.net/

Here is a brief history of Flipperz:

"Randy Hanford and Kris Shoffner, a brother and sister team, welcome you as they would their own family and friends. Randy and Kris literally created every part of Flipperz, floor to ceiling, from the warmth of the inlaid hardwood tables and booths to the beautiful mosaic Flipperz sign. Most unusual is the “Penny Bar”, a bar top covered with 4,000 shiny, new uncirculated pennies, each carefully placed with gloved hands in exacting “heads up” position – all except one, that is. What fun it is to search for the “heads-down” penny! It just makes sense that, if the owners have lovingly and meticulously designed their restaurant, they are just as dedicated to creating a satisfying menu. Each morning (and sometimes twice a day), they bake numerous loaves of their own sourdough bread; this treat alone makes a visit to Flipperz a delight. Their home made soups are legendary. The seafood bisque is so delicious that one party actually drives from Goldsboro to fill up on this cream based delicacy, then back to Goldsboro until they need the next “bisque fix!” (Insider’s secret: Randy will sell the seafood bisque to go if you bring your own container.) Randy creates all the fresh marinades that add that special touch of flavor to each entrée. “We’re not afraid to use seasoned marinades at Flipperz,” says Randy. “Nothing that would overpower the main ingredient, but a blend that is sure to enhance the flavor. Down with bland, everything-tastes-the-same-menus!” he adds."

Friday, May 14, 2010

Sanitary Fish Market

After years of seeing everyone with the t-shirt, I finally got to eat at the Sanitary Fish Market in Morehead City. http://www.sanitaryfishmarket.com/ And yes, I bought a t-shirt, it's bright pink. I ordered the sampler plate off of the appetizer menu and it came with tuna salad, boiled shrimp, lump crab, and shrimp salad. I also had a choice of soup and chose the conch chowder. I should have gone with clam chowder because it was a little bland. Dad wants me to spice up my blog with writing about the history of the restaurants I eat at- so in the interest of time, I'm going to post a little history on the Sanitary Fish Market that I found on their website (above).

"On February 10, 1938, two partners, Tony Seamon and Ted Garner, opened a fresh seafood market on the Morehead City waterfront. A small building had been rented from Charles S. Wallace for $5.50 per week with the understanding that no beer or wine would be sold and that the premises be kept clean and neat. The name "Sanitary Fish Market" was chosen by the partners to project their compliance.

"Captain Ted" operated the fish market and "Captain Tony" operated a party boat, often cooking and serving some of the day's catch to his parties. They began urging him to cook his seafood ashore. In the Spring of 1938 twelve stools were set up at a counter in the market, a two-burner kerosene stove was installed and the first seafood restaurant on the Morehead City waterfront was in business! Soon afterward, word spread and customers lined up at the front door awaiting their turn to sample the fresh seafood.

By 1942 Tony stopped operating his charter boat and joined Ted in the operation of the restaurant. Business grew and prospered for the two. The rented building was purchased and enlarged several times. In 1949 a new home for the Sanitary Restaurant was built on the waterside just east of the original site. Seating capacity was now at 225. Twenty years (1969) and four additions later, seating was increased to 600, at which it stands today.

Both men's sons have also been active in the business. Tony, Jr. managed the restaurant for a number of years until 1980 when Ted Garner, Jr. purchased the business and all of the properties. "



Thursday, May 13, 2010

Pasta Romana at the Swansboro Icehouse


I'm in luck! I was able to send some pictures from Swansboro the other night. We ate at the Icehouse on the waterfront. It was cool that it used to be a real icehouse. I got the Scallops Romana. It looked amazing but the flavors of the gorgonzola cheese, olives, and bacon were a weird mix for me and I didn't love it. It was trying to be greek and italian and seafood at the same time.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Arby's Milkshake


When I think of Arby's milkshakes, I usually think of the weird flavors they advertise like the "Jamoca" shake. This one is vanilla and was pretty good. It was almost too thick like icecream though. I'm so full from just eating lunch (leftover mushroom quesadilla) that I don't even feel like writing about food at the moment.

Monday, May 10, 2010

pasta


I'm at the beach this week. We are at Emerald Isle until Friday. I've eaten at some interesting restaurants so far, but am having trouble sending them from my phone to email. Emerald Isle must not be in the 3g network. Sometimes this happens! I can call and text, but can't send pictures. And I left my camera cord in Georgia so that's an issue too. Luckily I have some old back up pictures so I will still post, but you have to wait until I get home to see my exciting beach eats. This is some pasta I made before I left Atlanta almost 2 weeks ago. More interesting blog posts to come. Now Angela and I are going on a walk.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Kroger Sushi


Kroger is getting some fancier sushi. Although this roll was $8 so I might as well have bought it at a real sushi restaruant. It had crab on top, shrimp tempura, cream cheese, and avocado inside. Not too bad.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Breakfast


Today is a lazy day. I went to Hallmark and got Kelsey's gift for her graduation paty and I have been sitting on the front porch reading ever since. I'm enjoying my day of nothing to do, but tomorrow I will be working at TOA again. I'm glad I get to work some when I'm home because I get really bored if I sit around for more than two days at a time. Last night at Jibarra it was too dark to take pictures of the meal with my phone. I took some on my camera that I will have to upload - but I realized I left my camera cord in Georgia! So it will be awhile, I'll have to do a "very late" cinco de mayo update in June. The food there was good and authentic but some of the tacos were TOO spicy. I could barely eat it without sweating. I got a side salad that was the best part, it had oil and vinegar dressing with corn, beans, and radish. Simple and very good.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Yogurt Tap with Brownie

Here's a recent concoction I made at the Yogurt Tap. The brownies were the best part! This is a short post, but it's cinco de mayo and tonight I'm going to Jibarra in downtown Raleigh with some friends. Hopefully it won't be too dark to take some food pictures! My phone needs a flash on it's camera. I've read great reviews about Jibarra and they are even having a special menu and a DJ tonight!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Raging Burrito

This was THE BEST taco I have EVER eaten. I got the 2 taco plate with the shredded beef brisket. (Out of character for me, I know). The beef was so tender it just fell apart in my mouth. I wish I had gotten the 3 taco plate it was THAT good. I ordered the rice and beans on the side, but saw someone else who chose the side salad and I think I will go with that next time. Seriously, this is the best restaurant ever. And we ate outside on the back patio which was a great atmosphere! http://www.ragingburrito.com/rburrito//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=71

Monday, May 3, 2010

Sushi Avenue


Here is my post that got deleted last week! It's a double shrimp roll from Sushi Avenue in Decatur. Ana and I went on a whim one night after attending a Rollins awards banquet that we didn't really need to be at. Yum!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Home!

I got home on Thursday and haven't had as much time to post pictures! I've been out to dinner 3 times without posting!!! More to come this week!