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Dear Oprah (an open letter)

09/03/2010 in Gifts, PSAs by Lauren | 2 comments

Dear Oprah,

Hello, I love you.

Now that that’s out of the way, I need to tell you about your new Favorite Thing: Chay J’s Creole Pretzels. These delicious little salty, crispy pretzels, coated in delicious buttery caramel, tossed with enormous pecans, are about the best things I have ever tasted. 

I must have done something seriously right in my past life to have deserved superstar treatment (usually reserved for your highness!): darling New Orleans-born Channon “Chay” Powell made them especially for The Q+DD and delivered them right to my doorstep along with your next Favorite thing: Creole Popcorn!


Both bags were gone before you could say Pat O’Briens. Trust.

Bonus: Chay also makes other goodies such as pies, tarts, brownies, pralines, strawberries, and peanut brittle and as much as I’d love to have you here in the Peach State, O – you can have Chay’s delicious treats shipped right to your Chicago doorstep at Harpo.   I’m not sure Dr. Oz would approve, but hey – you only live once, Opes.

Double Bonus: Delivery is available within Metro Atlanta.  Just another reason for you to own a home down here. Just sayin.
So, seriously Oprah – give them a whirl, I just KNOW you’ll want to invite  Chay to your Favorite Things episode taping.  (It’s her life goal!) Feel free to invite me too. I LOVE stuff and things.


Almost as much as I love you.

xx, L

PS Check out ChayJ’s New Orleans Candies here!

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September 2, 2010: Happy 90210 Day!

09/02/2010 in Guilty Pleasures by Lauren | No comments

It’s 9/02/10 so, I’d like to wish a very happy 90210 Day to someone very special… my imaginary boyfriend from 1990 – 2000, Brandon Walsh:

I love you.

And also to the rest of the West Beverly gang. Happy 90210 Day, Kelly and Steve!


Happy 90210 Day, Dylan McKay and Brenda!

Happy 90210 Day, Donna and David!

And what the hey? Happy 90210 Day to you, too, Andrea.


Let’s all head to the Peach Pit and swap boyfriends in celebration!


xx, L

PS  Feeling nostalgic? Check out this link (link!) for some more 90210 Day love!

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The most time I have EVER spent in my kitchen

09/01/2010 in Chocolate, Deals + Steals, What we're Cooking by Lauren | 4 comments

ALL my Charleston goodies are complete and I am SO proud of myself that I simply MUST share pictures with you!

1. Oreo Truffles

2. Red Velvet Cake Balls (please see Lindsay’s recipe/instructions here):

3. Strawberry Cake Balls (I used the same recipe with strawberry cake and vanilla icing and dipped in white chocolate bark):

Note: If you feel like making these balls soon-ish, Michael’s Crafts is having a “buy-one-get-one-half-off” sale on Wilson’s Chocolate Bark.  This stuff is amazing – it comes in all different colors and flavors.  I went with plain ol’ milk chocolate and white chocolate, but I think that the possibilities are endless!  (Thanks for the heads-up, Cari!)

I also got some spankin’ white tins at Michael’s.  G asked me if there was an advantage to using tins over tupperware last night…um, yes! 

They’re CUTER!  DUH! 

Witness:

I’m such a baller.  (Had to.)

xx, L

PS thanks for introducing me to Cake Balls, Linds!  I’m just sad it took me so long to get on the bandwagon! 

PPS can you believe I stretched my baking escapades into 2 posts?

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“Cooking” with L+L – Oreo Truffles

08/31/2010 in Chocolate, What we're Cooking, What we're Doing by Lauren | 2 comments

I am getting SO excited for my trip next week! G and I are road-tripping up the Carolina coast culminating in Richmond, VA for my bestie Leslie’s wedding!

I can’t WAIT for this union

But before Richmond, we’ll be spending 5 glorious days in Charleston with 14 of our nearest and dearest!

Hopefully we will recreate this conga line

In preparation for my trip, I thought now would be a good time to try my hand at making cake balls (darling Cari is coming to my aide tomorrow…stay tuned) and tonight…Jaimi, Stephanie and I tackled (a couple of bottles of wine and…) OREO TRUFFLES!

You guys. They are DELICIOUS and SO SO EASY!

Here’s what you need:

1 package of Oreo cookies
1 block (8oz) cream cheese
2 (8oz) packages of Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Here’s what you do:

1.    Take out 9 Oreos

2.   Try really hard not to eat them

3.    Separate the remaining 36 Oreos and stick them in your food processor:


4.    Crush them into a fine powder

5.    Throw in your block of cream cheese and blend


6.    Roll into little balls (Note: it’s easier when your Oreo/cream cheese is colder, so I would occasionally stick it in the freezer for a moment or two while rolling and dipping)
7.    Dip into melted chocolate
8.    Crush up the reserved Oreos and sprinkle on top


9.    Voila!

Give ‘em a shot!  They are totally adorable and totally addictive! Yowza!

The best part?  I didn’t even have to turn on my oven!

xx, L

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The Best Thing I Ever Ate…

08/30/2010 in Birmingham, For Men, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | 6 comments

…is the heirloom tomato salad at Hot & Hot Fish Club in my hometown of Birmingham, AL.  True story.

Heirloom tomatoes. Fresh peas. Fried okra. Corn. Applewood smoked bacon. Balsamic vinegarette. Chive aioli. (+ crack cocaine?)

Of all the great restaurants in all the cities in which I’ve lived – NYC, Austin, Atlanta and Birmingham – The Hot & Hot is still the reigning king of my little wanna-be-foodie heart.

It’s always my first choice when I’m home to visit.  I love everything about it. I love the open counter with a direct view of the chefs in the kitchen wearing long-brim fly-fishing hats,

the historic building it’s in (once was the home of “the Upside Down Plaza” – apparently a seedy, yet supa-popular nightclub from “back in the day”), the AMAZING amount of hometown gossip you can glean from loitering in the ladies’ room long enough, and, of course, the SPECTACULAR food that I’ve enjoyed there for years.

BONUS: Last night we got to have a little chat with chef and owner Chris Hastings!  He’s such a cool guy – we chatted restaurants and food and he filled me in on his favorite Atlanta spots and asked me about mine.  We had a brief convo about restaurants with beautiful food and snotty service, during which Chris made a comment that “Food church is dead.” I couldn’t agree more…  these days it really is all about good food and an earnest attitude – which is exactly how I’d describe his restaurant.

Food church may be dead, but chef as a celebrity certainly is not.  I heart you, Chris Hastings!

Chris Hastings and Greg!

If your travel plans ever take you to Birmingham (or you have an extra couple of hours to spend on a dinner commute from Atlanta) I suggest Hot & Hot 100%.

Hot & Hot Fish Club on Urbanspoon

Sidebar: in other Birmingham news…

1.    Gus Mayer is moving to the Summit somewhere around February 2011 and the plans for the new digs are unREAL.


2.    Speaking of Gus Mayer, I came home with the MOST amazing Pour la Victoire black suede pumps, Mark Nason over-the-knee boots, and most importantly, I GOT GREG IN SOME PSYCHO BUNNY! Happy day!


3.    Last but not least, some Jewish Guilt: My gorgeous Grandmother is one of our #1 readers and casually dropped the fact that though she reads daily, her mug has never graced the pages of the Q+DD.  Well, Miss Henni?  This one’s for you!

Love that my grandmother will sip bloodys with me on a Sunday morning..

What a wonderful weekend.  I miss Sweet Home Alabama already! Thanks DK+DK!

xx, L

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Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

08/28/2010 in Deals + Steals, Events!, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 1 comment

Chef Alex Friedman won the Atlanta Food Rave!

Well deserved, friend!

In other news: Lindsay and I had a BLAST.


We were too busy eating and cocktailing to take too many pictures, but here are the highlights:

Mason Murer is gorgeous!

Lindsay's favorite painting

We witnessed live cake decorating:

Schmoozed with people with excellent taste in ties:

Robot tie!

Saw friends

And even had our BUTTS sketched!

True story!

Posterior Picasso PJae

Our butts!

It was a fantastic evening! We had a lovely time and ate some delicious food…and we are SO excited for Alex!

We’ll be by P’Cheen soon to collect our Jameson shots and fist bumps, A.

xx, L

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Truck-TASTIC: My Night in Pictures

08/27/2010 in On the Street!, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 1 comment

Atlanta Street Food Coalition Street Food Soirée last night was amazing!

Despite the drizzle, there was a huge turnout!  Check it:

The appropriately named "Good Food Truck"

Seth and JJ in line for Island and Thai cones, respectively

Greg went for "The Poodle": hot dog with a French toast bun completed by healthy squirts of spicy mustard and maple syrup

My favorite were the spicy, chilled peanut noodles from Artichoke Bliss!

Salted butter caramel ice cream and Mexican Coke float? Yes, please!

Delicious pimento cheese and blueberry lemonade from Grace's Goodness

The ever-popular Yumbii Truck from Hankook Tacqueria

Finally, can't skip cupcakes from...

...also appropriately named Yum Yum Cupcake!

What a great night – EVERYONE got their truck on!

Power to the (mobile, food selling) people!

xx, L

P.S. If you missed this delicious event…fear not! You can go to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market between 11-2pm TODAY for the Urban Picnic and grab a wheeled meal!

P.P.S. (Thanks for the heads up, Seth!)

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BACK THAT TRUCK UP: Atlanta Street Food Movement

08/26/2010 in On the Street!, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 1 comment

Atlanta: right this very minute there’s a revolution brewing! A FOOD revolution! Yes, our food can no longer be contained in mortar-and-brick restaurants – people – our food wants to be MOBILE!

Enter the Atlanta Street Food Coalition: a group of culinary rogues set out to lift the current restrictive Georgia legislation inhibiting the sale of delicious eats from a vehicle.

Just to show you what it’s all about, the ASFC will be holding various events including 2 this week!  Check it:

1.    TONIGHT: Street Food Soirée at The Hub
Here’s the Q+DD: From 7pm-10pm at The Hub (17th and Spring) you can come by and sample the wares of Atlanta’s favorite foodies on wheels such as Sol Tacqueria, Artichoke Bliss, and the Good Food Truck.


2.  TOMORROW LUNCH:  Urban Picnic at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Here’s the Q+DD: From 11am – 2pm it’s the return of the Urban Picnic - this time in partnership with the City of Atlanta District 2 Councilperson Kwanza Hall! Head on over and enjoy the delicious goods from the Yumbii truck, the King of Pops, West End Burritos, and yes, the Good Food Truck will be there too. This sounds like a WAY better alternative to a Lean Cuisine at your desk…just sayin’.Now, I’m not overly political – but when politics concern the free love and sale of food….consider me a lobbyist!

Which food truck would vend if we picket?  Should I make a sign?

A sandwich board seems most appropriate…

xx, L

P.S. The ASFC is leaving no Social Media outlet unturned!
Check out their website here
Follow them on Twitter here
See them on Facebook here
Read their blog here

P.P.S. More Food Truck Enthusiasts!  Seth is on board (you know how I feel about that) and check out AtlantaFoodCarts.com

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Nice Jeans!

08/25/2010 in Deals + Steals, Events!, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | No comments

Like any (once-upon-a-time) Manhattan girl worth her salt, I have a deep-seated love for the Triple B: Bergdorf, Bendel, Barneys. But it wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta when I discovered the wonder that is Barneys CO-OP.  Designed for a younger market, the CO-OP is like Barneys’ sassy, rebellious younger sister and frankly?  I just can’t get enough.

There are only 25 or so Barneys CO-OP stores sprinkled throughout the US and we happen to be lucky enough to have one right here in the A at Phipps Plaza!

Bonus: Break out the 3D glasses you stole when you saw Avatar, because just released: “Denim Delight: 3-D” – A special Barneys CO-OP national color catalog shot in 3-D!  Pick one up at Barneys CO-OP or visit Barneys.com to view the 24-page work of art

(3-D glasses are included for those of you who are not movie theater kleptos.)

This fabulousness is in conjunction with their AMAZING 20% off denim sale going on RIGHT NOW through Sunday.


Both men’s and women’s styles are available and their robust collection of brands include Citizens of Humanity, Acne, Raleigh Denim, EVISU, Helmut Lang, Hudson, Superfine, PRPS, Rag & Bone, J Brand, Levis Made + Crafted, Resin, Gilded Age, Genetic, RRL and more!

DOUBLE BONUS:  You can WIN stuff!   Show off your best denim styles in their “We Like Your Denim Style!” contest for the chance to win a $500 Barneys New York gift card.  Check out Barneys.com/DENIMSTYLE or their Facebook page for more details and to enter.

So head on over to the CO-OP and soon you’ll be hearing, “Are those space-pants? ‘Cause your jeans are out of this WORLD!“

(Yep, that just happened.)

xx, L

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Why, yes. I am surprisingly ready for some football!

08/24/2010 in Events!, Parties, Sports by Lauren | 2 comments

College football season is upon us!

Horns up!

Of course, that means it is also time for Spiral Entertainment’s COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKOFF PARTY!

THIS SATURDAY 08/28:

Here’s the Q+DD: THIS Saturday, August 28th – Hudson Grille in Brookhaven – 8:00p – 2:30a.  It WILL be wild and amazing.  Highlights include drink specials, various awesome DJs, cornhole (regular-sized), and the 4th Annual Beer Pong Tourney!

(Dude, they are not joking around with this thing. Check out the rules here and here.  You must register by 8pm and this very serious tournament will commence promptly at 9pm.)

TICKETS: Tickets are limited.  They’re $10 right now, and will increase to $15 on Thursday. For $3 off your ticket, use promo code “kraselskyfootball” (no caps) when you buy online – www.spiralentertainment.com.

Hook ‘em!

xx, L

P.S.  While you’re making your weekend plans, I’d like to alert you of the fact that superawesome cover band Cage @ 6 will take the stage at 10pm on Friday at Peachtree Tavern for their final performance this summer!   If you haven’t had the opportunity to check them out…now’s your chance!

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Murphy’s Law: Brunch vs. Brunch

08/23/2010 in Random Musings by Lauren | No comments

Saturday at Corner Café, ET and I dined on eggs Benedict in perfectly coordinated outfits, freshly shampooed hair, and artfully applied makeup…

Trust me, we were CUTE

…and saw no one.

Conversely, today, with my dirty hair piled on top of my head in a bun, makeup nowhere to be found, and in the craziest outfit I could have pulled out of my closet…

I have 235109241 tubes in my posession and couldn't locate ONE today???

…I ran into no less than 15 people at Goldberg’s.

Of course.

xx, L

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Mini Cornhole!

08/21/2010 in Events!, Parties, Sports, Weddings by Lauren | 1 comment

LOOK, just LOOK at what I saw last night!  Mini cornhole!

Complete with teeny tiny bean bags!

Sssssigh.  It’s the little things that make me happy.

This amazing little detail was set up in the fabulous hospitality suite of this adorable Longhorn/Bulldog couple tying the knot TONIGHT!

Only a few more hours till there’s a new LK in town!

Can’t wait!

xx, L

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