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Cooking w/ L+L – Bruschetta + Cheese Stuffed Chicken

03/10/2010 in What we're Cooking, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Bruschetta + Cheese Stuffed Chicken is Slick’s favorite dinner entree that I make and it’s SOOOOO incredibly easy-peasy.  The recipe can be found on KRAFT’s website (below, too, obv.) and was given to me from a culinary whiz colleague.  I made it – Slick loved it – and I passed it along to two of my best girlfriends, who have since made it for their husbands.  Their husbands raved about it, too!  It’s a little ridiculous how simple this recipe is, but it doesn’t look or taste simple!  Promise.

INGREDENTS:

- 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1-1/4 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
- 8 small boneless skinless chicken breasts halves (2 lbs.)
- 1/3 cup KRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing

DIRECTIONS:

Mix tomatoes, 1/2 cup of cheese and basil in a medium bowl.  Add stuffing mix; stir just until moistened.

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.  Spread chicken with the stuffing mixture. 

Starting at the narrow end of the chicken, tightly roll up each breast.  Place the chicken, seam-side down, in a 9×13-inch baking dish.  Drizzle with dressing.

Bake 40 minutes on 350 degrees or until the chicken is done (165 degrees).  Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake five more minutes or until the cheese is melted.  

voila!

Cool – serve – ENJOY!!

I hope it’s as big of a crowd pleaser for you as it’s been for me!  :)

xx, L

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Outlet Shopping for Spring

03/09/2010 in Buckhead, Deals + Steals, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 2 comments

On Saturday, Dana + Jenny + I trekked up to the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville for a little outlet shopping.  The weather has been warming up (yea!!), and as a result my winter wardrobe has been relentlessly begging me for some warm weather additions.  I resisted for a while, but recently I’ve had a hard time saying “no.”

It took us about 45 minutes going up 400 N to get to the NGPOs from Buckhead.  We easily spotted the NGPOs from the highway, and we were excited to park across from Off Fifth(Saks Fifth Ave. outlet) to begin our mini-spree.  Thanks to the grande Starbucks ice coffee I finished during the ride up, in less than ten minutes flat I was standing in the check out line at Off Fifth with an incredible lined winter coat (for next year) and a very-Lindsay-style gold bracelet.  And like a flash, we were off again…

In the interest of keeping your attention, I won’t break down every stop we made.  However, I will tell you that my favorite stores at the NGPOs were: Cole Haan, Burberry, Coach, Off Fifth, Kate Spade, Juicy, Polo, BCBG, Michael Kors and J. Crew.  We were afraid to step foot into Pottery Barn or Nike – which were absolutely swarmed with eager shoppers.  Even though it wasn’t a holiday weekend, we found excellent deals everywhere!  Coach was running a one day promotion for 20% off of the entire store, and Jenny and I walked away with adorable new purses.  Polo had some noteworthy deals, too, convincing Dana to stock up on shirts for her wonderful fiance who is in Iraq until May.  Overall, I thought the shopping was great. 

North Georgia Premium Outlets

Here are a few tips on efficient outlet shopping that I picked up during our mini-spree:

1- Wear flats or comfortable shoes.  You will regret it if you don’t.  However, if your feet begin to hurt while you are shopping – you can run into Adidas, Nike or Cole Haan (love their shoes with the Nike technology) and purchase yourself a brand spankin’ new pair.

2- Go to the bathroom prior to standing in line for a dressing room.  Lines can be long and there is nothing worse than nature calling while you are trying to shimmy your way out of a pair of skinny jeans…

3- Eat before you go – or bring snacks.  I wasn’t impressed with the food options at the NGPO’s – or the lack thereof.

4- Develop patience.  The lines are long for the dressing rooms, registers and bathrooms…there’s really no way around it.  And, there were a ton of slowly walking people w/ strollers.  Just keep that in mind…

5- According to a colleague, the best time to go outlet shopping is the week(end) prior to a holiday – so for instance the week before Black Friday or Fourth of July.  Apparently, the outlet stores will already have their stock out for the holiday weekend and start running their sales early.

6- Bring an umbrella.  The weather happened to be gorgeous on Saturday and we were fine - however it’s important to note that not all of the walkways between stores are covered.  It would be a shame to drive all the way out to the NGPOs and not be able to visit all the stores on your list because you’ve become a drowned rat in a rainstorm.

jenny's trunk @ the end of the day...

Four hours later on our drive home, we realized we were absolutely famished.  So, at 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday we sat down for a three hour sushi meal complete with sake bombs!  Yea! 

yu-ka sushi bar

"i say SAKE - you say BOMB!"

We went to Yu-Ka Sushi Bar - right next to the disco Kroger in Buckhead.  I did not care for the sushi or the atmosphere at all, but the service was good and the sake bombs hit the spot.  I called it an early evening and ventured home with my bags upon bags of outlet loot and redboxed The Hurt Locker + A Serious Man (both nominated for Best Picture @ the Oscar’s – The Hurt Locker won).  I really enjoyed both. 

What a Saturday!  I’m already looking forward to heading back to the NGPOs in a few months to stock up on summertime gear… 

xx, L

North Georgia Premium Outlets
800 Highway 400 South
Dawsonville, GA  30534
706.216.3609
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=16

Sushi Bar Yu-Ka
3300 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA  30305
404.233.6700
Sushi Bar Yu-Ka on Urbanspoon

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In Case You’re Hungry this Week…

03/08/2010 in Buckhead, Events!, Inman Park, Restaurant Weeks, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 4 comments

Please do not forget that it is BUCKHEAD RESTAURANT WEEK. I can’t wait to eat at Anis tonight! I’m feeling very French already...

You know, in Paris they're just "fries"

I know it’s late notice, but the INMAN PARK SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK is also 03/08 (today!) through 03/14!

The Q+DD on IPRW: You know the drill. Great restaurants at a crazy discount. One week only! Although, as a good-karma extra, this Spring, the event will benefit the Believe In Me Foundation, which supports the education and welfare of children with autism and is led by Chef Shaun Doty.

Bonus: $1 raffle tickets will be sold and will go towards the charity.  The Winner will win an hors d’ouerves, beer and wine party for 30 people hosted by Kevin  Rathbun.  Each participating chef will create an appetizer, chooose beer and wine, and celebrate the evening  with thirty of the winner’s friends.  

As in IPRWs past (view my previous post here) the restaurant discounts are in tiers:

$15: Fritti, Pure Taqueria, The Albert, North Highland Pub (dinner for 2)

$25: Wisteria, Parish Food & Goods, Fritti, Park’s Edge, Rathbun’s, Sauced, Shaun’s, Zaya Mediterranean Cuisine

$35: Kevin Rathbun Steak, Sotto Sotto

I must admit: I am SHOCKED that I can even THINK about food after the amazing amount of homemade Pizza Rolls and Milk Duds I consumed at our friend Meredith’s fabulous Oscar party last night…

= LK on the red carpet

xx, L

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Why You Should Never Grocery Shop When You’re Hungry…

03/07/2010 in PSAs, Random Musings, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

I meant to get these:

Instead, I just bought + finished these:

Don’t judge – but please learn from the error of my ways… 

Only ever grocery shop on a full tummy! :(

xx, L

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BACONFEST

03/06/2010 in Events!, Festivals, Highlands, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Yeah, you heard right…  I’m talking about the other white meat.  A whole lot of it, too.

peace out, wilbur

DAD’S GARAGE THEATRE PRESENTS
THE 10TH ANNUAL BACONFEST
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
 
The Annual Fundraiser Features Local Bands: Futureshock, Mike LaSage and the Stumbling Troubadours, The Jaguars, Nine Inch Neils, Baron Saturday of Judi Chicago DJ Set, and Performances by Dad’s Garage House Bands, The Fingering Brothers and Bases Loaded
 
Tickets On Sale Now + All Proceeds to Benefit Dad’s Garage Theatre Company


 
THE Q+DD ON BACONFEST: 
The 10th Annual Dad’s Garage BaconFest, a one-day event featuring live music, improv, games, beer, bacon and more, will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Dad’s Garage Theatre Company in Inman Park.  A neighborhood tradition, each year BaconFest raises funds for the treasured mid-sized theatre that is devoted to elevating awareness about the arts in Atlanta.
 
Founded by Dad’s Garage co-founder George Faughnan in 1995, the meat-centric festival has grown to cult-like status, attracting a diverse and devoted legion of Atlantans each year.  Building its following off a simple foundation of combining bacon, beer and bands, the festival also includes nonstop games.  Past favorites include; Hunt an Improvisor, Guitar Hero Challenge, fortunetelling, X-rated face painting, and a malt liquor taste test challenge.  Live music performances at this year’s event include local artists: Futureshock, Mike LaSage and the Stumbling Troubadours, The Jaguars, Nine Inch Neils, and a special DJ set by Judi Chicago’s Baron Saturday.  Dad’s Garage’s house bands The Fingering Brothers and Bases Loaded will also make appearances.
 
In addition to the fun and games at BaconFest, festival goers can bid on an array of silent auction items donated by local businesses.  This year’s silent auction will feature items donated by Dad’s Garage, Alternative Apparel, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Only You Tattoo, Third Half Studios, and many more.
 
Tickets for the 10th Annual Dad’s Garage Baconfest are sale now and are available from $15 to $45.  Dad’s Garage will offer three ticket level categories: General Admission, Mid-Level and VIP.  Mid-Level and VIP tickets will be available in limited quantities at $35 and $45, respectively.  The VIP ticket will include a special improv performance following BaconFest at 5:00 p.m.  Advanced tickets can be purchased online at the Dad’s Garage Ticket Office or at the gate the day of the event.

Visit www.dadsgarage.com for additional information, updates and directions. 


ABOUT DAD’S GARAGE THEATRE:
Founded in 1995, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company has grown from a small volunteer led organization to a thriving mid-size theatre led by professional artistic and administrative staff that includes over 300 volunteers and performers.  We now entertain more than 30,000 people each year at our two-theatre facility in Inman Park, public events across the state, and at improv festivals across the continent.  In addition to outrageous original productions, Dad’s Garage produces improv shows 52 weeks per year, educates young improvisers in a year-round high school outreach program, and facilitates on-site classes and workshops for the general public.  Dad’s Garage is committed to elevating the awareness of the arts in the Atlanta community through the production of original theatrical works, education and the creative outlets found through improvisation.

BACK TO ME…
My good buddy, Goldie, makes his famous BACON EXPLOSION on the most special of occasions.  Ironically, Goldie + I are friends from Jewish sleep-away camp…

goldie + me

Although I hear about it all the time (does it reeeeeeeally exist?), I’ve not yet had the supreme honor of feasting on this artery-clogging beast. 

Goldie's BACON EXPLOSION!!

not kosher

However, I am positive that BaconFest 2010 will be an absolutely excellent substitute! 

Gosh, I’m the world’s worst Jewish girl…  :)

xx, L

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How to Gain 30 Lbs. in 3 Days

03/05/2010 in DC, Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 5 comments

Hang out with the Kastorfs.  It’s as simple as that…

the kastorfs

In an attempt to come to terms with my denial about their recent move from Atlanta, Slick + I visited Kurt + Anjali in the District over the weekend.  When we arrived on Friday evening, we had dinner with them and Slick’s twin brother, Smooth, who lives in the city + co. at Zaytinya. 

zaytinya

Zaytinya (http://www.zaytinya.com/) is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chinatown that is star chef Jose Andres’ culinary playground.  Andres is a James Beard Award winner, defeated Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America and appeared as a guest judge on Top Chef.  He is often credited for bringing the small plates concept to America.  Needless to say, I was very excited to eat at Zaytinya.  And, it was even better than expected – I strongly recommend this restaurant.

puffed pita bread @ zaytinya - i ate a TON

We had lunch the next day at Ben’s Chili Bowl (http://www.benschilibowl.com).  Ever since Obama dined there a few days before the Inaguration, I’ve been interested in trying the famous chili dogs at this historic restaurant. 

ben's chili bowl

slick @ ben's

slick @ ben's

We ate absolutely wondrous things – chili dogs, chili cheese fries, etc – and we didn’t think twice about it.   :)

chili cheese fries @ ben's

Ben’s Chili Bowl was amazing.  I love its U Street location – not too far away from one of my favorite places to eat at in DC – Marvin (Marvin Gaye’s restaurant). 

More on Marvin’s here: http://www.marvindc.com/.

kurt + slick eating ben's chili half-smokes

very full

Kurt + Anj + Slick cooked dinner on Saturday night.  Obviously, I’m big on going out for meals (research for the blog…), but the way these three cooked – I’d be happy eating at home from here on out! 

food network cameras really should have been there...

Everything was homemade from scratch.  So impressive!!

Caprese Salad garnished w/ Doritos (Slick’s touch):

genius?

Vermont Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese Straws:

my favorite part of the meal

Peach Gnocchi in a Champagne and Shallot Sauce:

heavenly

(Brace yourself for this one) Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake served with Pistachio Ice Cream, Cranberries stewed in Raspberry Ginger Beer, Orange Ginger Reduction, Maple Syrup and garnished with a Walnut Tuille:

masterpiece

I ate sooooooo much, I couldn’t breathe after the meal.  Seriously.  That didn’t stop me, though, from finishing about three bottles of wine w/ Anj over the course of the night…  :)

We ventured out to Co Co. Sala (http://www.cocosala.com/) for brunch on Sunday.  A colleague in DC sang praises about this restaurant after she went for dinner one evening – and ever since has been telling me that I absolutely have to go there when I’m in town. 

barely standing...but ready to eat!

The menu is based around chocolate and the food is creative, well-paired and incredibly artful.  Although we were all pretty hungover from the prior evening, we thought brunch was delicious and satisfying.  I loved the restaurant’s plush decor and appreciated how well thought out each knife, fork, dish and glass was – everything was very detailed. 

beautiful entree @ co co. sala

decadent desserts @ co co. sala

We schmoozed with Co Co. Sala’s general manager after our meal and he told us that the restaurant has a pretty lively dessert + drinks scene – very loungy with house music…  Personally, “house music” wasn’t the greatest selling point for me, but I would definitely go back to Co Co. Sala when I am in DC again to try more of their delicious desserts and see what the evening holds there.  We left the restaurant full + with a parting gift from the GM: CHOCOLATE COVERED BACON!

it wasn't around for long...

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro (http://www.matchboxdc.com/) was the last restaurant I wanted to check off of my list this trip. 

get it? get it?!

Anj + Slick + I grabbed an early dinner there: the 3.6.9. mini-burgers w/ gouda + onion straws and one of their signature pizzas cooked in a wood-fired masonry oven.  Although I thought the pizza was fair at best, Matchbox’s onion straws were enough to bring me back to the Chinatown restaurant as soon as I am in DC again.  I honestly don’t have any other way to accurately describe them than they were just, well, AWESOME!

matchbox's 3.6.9. mini-burgers w/ onion straws

We ate a lot over the three day trip.  But, don’t worry about our health – we did some walking.  In fact, we spent Saturday @ the Department of Justice:

i found a familiar flag!

slick gave an important speech

We saw Julia Child’s Kitchen @ the National Museum of American History:

amen!

julia's copper pots

And, we viewed the Hope Diamond + the extensive Mineral Exhibit @ the National Museum of Natural History:

the hope diamond in all its glory

want. those.

Although the trip went by in a blur, I’ll be holding onto the memories we made (ate?) for the next few weeks in my waistline.  Oh well, I enjoyed every bite – and it’s not swimsuit season quite yet… 

miss you guys already!!

Thanks, Anj + Kurt for such a super fun + incredibly delicious trip!

xx, L

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Fast Food @ The ‘Bucks

03/04/2010 in Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

I’ve never been a Starbucks coffee addict (I’m a tea drinker), but thanks to a colleague I’ve recently become addicted to two non-coffee items at Starbucks:

1 – Starbucks Reduced-Fat Egg White Turkey Bacon Breakfast Sandwich*

yum!

It’s excellent!  Trust me.  I’d eat this over a bagel w/ cream cheese any day…

Nutritional Facts: http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/starbucks/reduced-fat-egg-white-turkey-bacon-breakfast-sandwich

2 – Starbucks Tomato Mozzarella Ciabatta*

double yum!!

I ate this for lunch twice this week.  It’s really great!

Nutritional Facts: http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/starbucks/tomato-mozzarella-ciabatta

*Note: Make sure you have your friendly Starbucks barista heat up these sandwiches for you if you plan to eat them right away. 

The nutritional breakdown of these two sandwiches are about the same as a Lean Cuisine - which isn’t terrible.  You could certainly do much worse getting fast food pretty much anywhere else besides Evos, of course!  :)

Thanks for healthy fast food alternatives, Starbucks!  See you tomorrow for breakfast…

xx, L

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Hush Puppies + Hand Dryers

03/02/2010 in Grant Park, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 7 comments

As previously mentioned in my Antico post, Mich + Justin were in town from NYC last week.  Since they hadn’t met Slick yet, we made plans to join them for dinner one evening.  They were staying in Grant Park, and so we thought it made sense to go some place local.  The first restaurant to pop into my mind was Six Feet Under. 

whoops!! - accidentally brought the remote to dinner in my purse. fact: i am the world's greatest roommate.

Which reminds me, I love Six Feet Under in Grant Park for exactly five reasons:

5 - Oyster Shooters
They have them and I think that’s awesome.  My favorite is the Six Feet Under: Absolut Peppar, Bloody Mary mix + Oyster, but the Bloody Bass-tard and the Oyster Kamikaze are really fun, too. 

Oyster Shooter

Check out a list of Six Feet’s Oyster Shooters here:
http://www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com/index.php?id=drinks

4 – The Best Hush Puppies in the History of the World. 
They are absolutely delish.  I like mine a bit underdone.  I’d eat hush puppies over french fries or onion rings any day – although I’d prefer not to have to choose.

Six Feet Under's shrimp + scallops in parchment + the remainder of my hush puppies

3 – Proximity to Oakland Cemetery
I love, love, love Oakland Cemetery – it’s easily one of my favorite attractions in Atlanta.  There are so many interesting, historic people like Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones + Maynard Jackson buried there.  I think it’s so fun to go on a walk through the garden cemetery on a pretty day and admire all the old crypts.  A few drinks at Six Feet Under afterwards makes for a really unique date*. 

*Attention Boys: This is not okay for a first date.  Repeat: Not okay for a first date + know your audience.

Oakland Cemetery

2 – The Staff
I have absolutely nothing profound to say here.  The service is good.  The staff kind of reminds me of a crew of shipmates.  I think that is cool and theme-appropriate for Six Feet.  That’s all.

what’s a pirate’s favorite letter??


1 – DYSON HAND DRYERS!!
Have y’all tried these yet?  Fact: Dyson Hand Dryers are the most powerful hand dryers in the whole wide world.  I’m a little obsessed with Dyson vacuum cleaners – so spotting these babies at Six Feet made my day!  (It doesn’t take much to excite me, obv.) 

Six Feet Under's Dyson hand dryers

I’m just saying…what else could you possibly ask for in a restaurant? 

Although the Grant Park location is my favorite, Six Feet is also located in West Midtown near the Atlanta Humane Society.  The West Midtown location has a great rooftop patio that I’ve really enjoyed in the summer for drinks. 

xx, L

Six Feet Under – Grant Park
437 Memorial Drive SE
Atlanta, GA  30312
404.523.6664
www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com

Six Feet Under on Urbanspoon

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Meet Tom Colicchio

02/27/2010 in Buckhead, Events!, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Are you as starstruck by him as I am??

Tommy!!

If so, you may want to take advantage of this incredible opportunity at Craft Atlanta!

Craft Atlanta Wine Dinner with Chef Tom Colicchio

Following the success of its Fall Beer Dinner, Craft Atlanta will host a Wine Tasting Dinner on Monday, March 22 with a seasonal menu prepared by Chef and Owner Tom Colicchio paired with wines selected by Craft Atlanta General Manager and Beverage Director Leo Barrera and Winemaker Jesse Lange of Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m., guests will be guided by Colicchio and Lange through this unique celebration of seasonal, spring ingredients and wines.  The five-course dinner will be served in Craft Atlanta’s upscale dining room and will be $155 per person, including tax and service charges.

To reserve a spot at this experience, please call 404.995.7580 or email Valeria Torres at VTorres@craftatlanta.com.

And, please send Mr. T my regards… :)

xx, L

Craft – Atlanta
3376 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA  30326
404.995.7580
www.craftrestaurant.com

Craft Atlanta on Urbanspoon

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Best of Atlanta: Our Night in Pictures

02/25/2010 in Camp Twin Lakes, Events!, What we're Watching, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 3 comments

Monday night was Atlanta Magazine’s BEST OF ATLANTA party and you better believe Christine, Lindsay and I were in attendance. The Q+DD on BoA is this: zillions of superawesome Atlanta restaurants serving miniature plates of signature dishes + wine, beer, and liquor companies with samples to share + silent auction + live music…and all the proceeds go to Camp Twin Lakes. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend.

Here is our night…in pictures!

First things first. We made a beeline for Holeman and Finch…duh. They were dishing up miniature versions of their FAMOUS burg! Of course, they weren’t quite as good as the full-sized version…but they were pretty darn close. After a cocktail at the Ciroc vodka stand we dashed over to the Infinity VIP lounge to fulfill our volunteer duties greeting VIP guests:

Brian: "we're here to welcome you to VIP. As less important people, we welcome you!"

We schmoozed and sipped wine and and were entertained by local magician, Joe Turner. (Who, incidentally, was not employed by Camp Twin Lakes, Room and Board, OR Infinity. Just a really nice magic dude!) After we were sprung, we proceeded to consume…121957249581 calories in both food and alcohol and made lots of new and interesting friends!

Witness:

"all night long! all night long!"

(we love bacon, too.)

Our favorites included tacos from Nuevo Laredo, cookies and crème cupcakes and peanut butter truffles from Highland Bakery, sushi from Nori Nori, bacon and maple popcorn from the Porter, experimental pizzas from Mellow Mushroom, and we all went back for seconds at Sublime Donuts. To. Die. For.
Buckhead Life, though? Fail. The emperor has no food!

Kyma Fail.

Fish Market Fail.

Buckhead Diner Fail.

The biggest laugh I had all night was we walked by the GA Aquarium booth and Lindsay said she hoped they weren’t serving fish…

Sushi?

We had a BLAST, everyone did! Can’t wait for next year!

xx, L

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Goodbye, Godiva!

02/25/2010 in Gifts, Guilty Pleasures, Vendors!, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Although I don’t particularly love chocolate and rarely seek it out (I am definitely more of a Twizzlers or Haribo gummy bears gal), I don’t mind it either.  On the rare occasion that I am going to buy it, it’s going to be Godiva.  I always send Godiva to my mother for Valentine’s Day, and I’m always game for at least window shopping at the Godiva store @ Lenox Mall. 

"life is like a box of chocolates..."

Godiva has been my standard for chocolate for many years.  That is, until I received a box of chocolates + truffles from Norman Love Confections last week!

I seriously became Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka + The Chocolate Factory.

me

Sexy, I know.  “Oompa loompa doompadee doo!”

Well, as it turns out, I love chocolate!  Although, I’m pretty sure it’s only Norman’s…  (I may need to conduct a bit more research to be sure.)

25pc Signature Chocolate Gift Box

I even love the box.  So artful!  :)

When I took off the cover, I was shocked at how colorful each chocolate piece was!  They look like mini pieces of Venetian glass!  I carefully studied the accompanying guide to correctly identify the wide array of flavors…and I went to town. 

i'd appreciate y'all ignoring the missing pieces...

It is very difficult for me to choose, but if pressed, I’d say that my five favorite flavors are:

Vanilla Cupcake- Sweet cream and vanilla frosting ganache mixed with tiny cake pieces in a perfect little bite.

Key Lime Shell – Classic and simple, made with fresh key lime juice and the feeling of a little Florida sunshine with each bite.

Caramel Apple - Peanut butter caramel ganache is the perfect enhancement to fresh tart apples covered in a white chocolate shell.

Cinnamon Roll- Buttery cinnamon swirled with pure sugar icing in white chocolate ganache – casted in milk chocolate.

Cookies ‘n’ Cream – The fine dark chocolate crunch and smooth white filling you’d expect from this all-time favorite treat.

If you are a serious chocoholic, need to send a corporate gift or just want to make someone’s day w/ a gorgeous + delicious box of chocolates, I strongly encourage you to send it from Norman Love Confections.  Keep in mind that these chocolates do not contain preservatives, so they are best enjoyed w/in three weeks.  (Or you could follow my lead and eat them all almost immediately…) 

Check out Norman Love Confections @ www.normanloveconfections.com.

C’est Magnifique!

xx, L

Norman Love Confections
11380 Lindbergh Boulevard
Fort Myers, Florida  33913
239.561.7215
www.normanloveconfections.com

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Buckhead Restaurant Week: 03/06 – 03/14

02/24/2010 in Buckhead, Deals + Steals, Events!, Restaurant Weeks, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 1 comment

I am ALL ABOUT various neighborhood restaurant weeks. It’s a combination of my favorite things: restaurants, good deals, and hype.

That said, you should know that the inaugural Buckhead Restaurant week is right around the corner! 3 courses for $25? Yes, please!

Here are a few of my favorite participants:

Anis
Anis is such a perfect little date spot! It’s this amazing little French resto in a charming little house off Grandview. They have an outside patio (and allow pups!) as well as cozy inside seating. Love!

Aria
(Or Aria’s as my mom calls it.) If you have never been, you are seriously missing out. Aria is one of my favorite restaurants in the city – it’s romantic, the food is amazing, and it’s very glam in an understated sort of way.

Bistro Niko
You know a restaurant is cool when EZ elects to celebrate her birthday there!In the bottom of the Soverign building, this chic little French bistro is the newest addition to the Buckhead Life restaurant group. The bar area is especially cool.

Capital Grille
Two words: Stoli Doli. When l lived in the Eclipse (located just behind the restaurant) this was my go-to happy hour spot. It’s a higher-end steak joint, and everything on the menu is delish, but the lobster mac + cheese will change your life and the calamari is out of this world. Their signature cocktail is the “Stoli Doli” – a martini made with pineapple infused vodka. DELISH. Plus, it has the whole country club chic thing going on and I love that.

Kyma
Another Buckhead Life participant, and Lindsay’s favorite big fat Greek restaurant. Go get your taramasalata on, yo.

Nava
I celebrated a landmark birthday here and will always have a special place in my heart for blue cornbread, prickly pear margaritas, and lobster tacos…

Other participating restaurants are Aja (it’s pronounced like Asia, FYI, not Ah-zjh-ah- I asked!), Aqua Bistro, Atlanta Fish Market, Blue Pointe, Cantina (where Lola used to be), Craftbar, Gordon Biersch, Home, Market, Paces 88, The Palm, Pricci, Prime, Ruth’s Chris, Shula’s 347, and The Grape.

You can make reservations by calling the restaurants (duh) or on Opentable.com, a sponsor of the event.

Please note that alcohol and gratuity are not included in the $25.

Happy fine dining on a dime!

xx, L

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