comfort food

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Detox/Retox and a GNO

01/19/2012 in Events, Exercise, Guilty Pleasures, Happy Hour, Health, PSAs, Where we're Eating by Lauren | No comments

Yesterday did not start off great. 

You see, I walked out to my parking garage to find my back left tire…

Flatter than a pancake.

I managed to get to the Costco in my neighborhood at Town Brookhaven, and after waiting for an hour and a half for Costco Tire Center to open, I was informed that though the puncture from the NAIL I drove over could be repaired, my tire was essentially mulch on the inside and would have to be replaced.  HOWEVER – they didn’t have the tire I needed in stock at that location so they fitted my car with a lovely donut and instructed me to high tail it to the Perimeter Costco to get this blessed tire. 

In the 5.6 miles between the two Costcos…apparently I rolled through a stop sign and was promptly pulled over by a motorcycle cop. 

Yep.  

However, alls well that ends well because it just so happens that my evening was so spectacular that it quite literally saved the day. 

Check out my two-step remedy:

Step 1.  Core Fusion® Cardio at Exhale Mind Body Spa in Midtown. 

I decided I had mooched off Lindsay’s Exhale membership for long enough so I called up our buddy Anne Marie to get myself my very own membership!  Yay!

Linds has been preachin’ the gospel about Exhale for a while, but as a reminder, the Q+DD on Core Fusion® Cardio is this: It’s a “calorie burning, sweat inducing, body sculpting, power-packed fitness experience, masterminded by the co-creators of Core Fusion®, Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. Merging cardio with intense strength and flexibility moves, this 60-minute class generates maximum calorie burn, resulting in defined abs, sculpted legs, and high, rounded glutes.”

I am here to tell you it was ridiculously tough and I felt like a bazillion bucks when I finished. 

After our class, Linds, our girlfriend Stef, and I met a handful of our fabulous friends for the BEST thing that ever happened to Wednesdays (and also step 2 in my remedy.)

Step 2.  LADIES NIGHT at Piola!

 Reminder: if you are a lady, EVERY Wednesday, you can enjoy BOTTOMLESS wine or sangria with the purchase of an entrée or a pizza.  I suggest both. 

 

I’d also suggest ordering absolutely ANYTHING with the Catupiry cheese.  ET turned me on to this amazing soft cheese from Brazil and it pretty much just makes everything better. 

There you have it, ladies.  Straight from LK.  There is nothing a little detox/retox and a GNO* can’t fix.

Happy Thursday, friends.  It’s ALMOST the weekend.

xx, L

*Girls’ Night Out.  Duh.

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12 Layer True Story.

01/10/2012 in Buckhead, Where we're Eating by Lauren | 3 comments

A few weeks ago, Linds and I visited the always chic Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead.  If you haven’t been to the Intercon in a while, you’re in for a surprise.   The space that used to be XOXO Bar has now transformed into the VERY sleek Bourbon Bar…

…and the space that was once inhabited by Au Pied de Cochon has now become Art Smith’s new restaurant, Southern Art.

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and our meal was good…but allow me to skip to the best part:

12. Layer. Red. Velvet. Cake.

Is this real life?

xx, L

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar
(404) 946-9070
3315 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar on Urbanspoon

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An Evening at Fifth Group’s Alma Cocina

12/14/2011 in Appetizers, Cocktails, Downtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

As y’all know, Fifth Group’s restaurants are some of my favorites in Atlanta.  Sooooooo naturally, I’ve been closely watching the progress of their newest downtown hot spot, Alma Cocina.

Set to open this month, Lauren + I were recently able to take a sneak peak into the contemporary Mexican restaurant to try out some of their tasty bites!

When it officially opens, Alma Cocina will serve lunch + dinner and provide catering services to the downtown Atlanta area.  The restaurant accommodates about 200 guests for traditional dining room seating, accented by two distinct bar areas with large booths and communal tables which spill out into the beautiful One Ninety One Peachtree Tower atrium.

We sat at the bar, which was a spectacular choice, because we got to spend two full hours with the fabulous bartender Tony – who, get THIS, plays a zombie in AMC’s The Walking Dead seasons 1+2!  We love him.  MEET him.

I started off with a skinny girl margarita called “Just Wear Black”: Herradura silver tequila, agave syrup, and hand-squeezed lime juice.  It was goooooooood.  Made perfectly.

Lauren opted for some amazing-looking rum drink.  I missed the name of the cocktail, and admittedly, the ingredients - but I DO know this: Lauren liked it a lot.  And, it comes in a cool glass.  Witness, por favor:

Our man Tony ordered us some traditional Guacamole: tomato, lime, cilantro, red onion, and serrano.  It was good.  Although we didn’t try it, we thought the Guacamole & Butternut Squash on the menu sounded pretty cool.  It’s seasoned with chipotle and queso fresco.

Lauren and I decided to share everything – small plates and entrees.  We certainly brought our appetites.

One of my favorite dishes of the night was the Yellowtail Ceviche: pickled mango, cucumber-serrano water, coconut granita, Fresno chile, and micro cilantro.  So fresh – so light and unexpected at a Mexican restaurant. 

Next up, Braised Lamb Taquitos: cucumber-mint salsa, fire-roasted salsa, queso cotija, and pomegranate seeds.  We thought the pomegranate seeds were such a nice touch, and they added a unique flavor to this creative dish.

We moved on to the Huitlacoche Empanada: corn truffle, charred tomato, jalapeno, queso Oaxaca, epazote, and salsa ranchero.  It hit the spot.

Tony stopped us there and informed us that we needed a wee bit more to drink.  (Did I mention that we loved Tony?!)  He whipped up a blended pina colada with ginger for us to share.  It tasted like Christmas in Mexico!  And, you MUST know by now how we feel about umbrellas in our drinks.  We couldn’t have been happier if we tried.  :)

We made Tony take a picture of us with it…

hello!!

Eventually, it was dinner time.  We shared a Pork Pibil Tamale: banana leaf-braised with bacon-corn masa, green chile sauce, crema, and pico de gallo.

And, also a Roasted Chicken Mole Oaxaca: mashed plantains, grilled green beans, and sesame seeds.  I pretty much ate all of the plantain mash.  SO good.  Sorry, Lauren…

To finish off our grande meal, we shared a few bites of the refreshing Grapefruit-Mint Sorbet: rum-marinated pineapple, guajillo chile sauce. 

I’m fully aware that that was a lot of food for two lovely ladies, and I’m being completely honest when I say that we ate most of it and we weren’t in a food coma when we left the restaurant.  The plates were smallish – perfect for sharing – and many of them were lighter than you’d expect at a Mexican restaurant.  We LOVED Alma Cocina + we’re thrilled to add it to our Fifth Group favorites list!  Heck, we’ll even drive downtown to eat there…  Anytime.

Welcome, Alma Cocina!  Ay! Ay! Ay!  We’ll be back soon.

xx, L

Alma Cocina
191 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30303
http://www.alma-atlanta.com/

Alma Cocina on Urbanspoon

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Thanksgiving Cran-Apple Relish {Recipe}

11/23/2011 in Holidays, What we're Cooking by Lauren | No comments

Once again, I participated in an office Thanksgiving Pot Luck with DK’s Cran-Apple relish… and once again it was a huge hit.

If you’re scrambling to figure out a dish to bring to Turkey Day tomorrow… or just want an amazing side for your personal Thanksgiving leftovers… I’d suggest making this bad boy.  It’s so easy and delish and it’s a perfect leftover - the flavors continue to synergize and it just becomes more amazing!

Check it:

Here’s what you need:

  • 1 (1lb) bag fresh cranberries
  • 1 orange, unpeeled
  • 5-6 red apples, unpeeled – DK instructs to use only FIRM apples – she likes Fuji. Per DK: “If you use mushy apples, your relish will be mushy. NO BAG APPLES!”
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (feel free to use more)

Here’s what you do:

  • Wash cranberries and drain
  • Quarter and seed orange and apples.
  • Grind cranberries, orange and apples coarsely in food processor. Per DK: “You want small pieces but not really small pieces. Grind SEPARATELY – you may have to do apples in two batches.” (I did)
  • Add sugar pineapple and pecans.
  • Mix well and refrigerate overnight.

(Yield – 2 quarts)

Viola!

I think the key is really to let it sit 24 hours if you can, or at least overnight for best results.

I hope you enjoy!  Have a GREAT Thanksgiving, everyone!

xx, L

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Ritz Carlton Lodge Weekend (2 of 2): Heaven Found in the Georgia Woods

11/10/2011 in Appetizers, Chocolate, Cocktails, Event Space, Holidays, Hotels, Out of Town, Spa, Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

So, continuing from yesterday… Kevin + I spent Halloween weekend at the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

As a recap, the Ritz Lodge is located in Northern Georgia, just 75 miles east of Atlanta on the shores of Lake Oconee – Georgia’s second largest lake.  Luxury merges with quintessential Southern hospitality at the stunning 251-room resort.  Nestled in the woods, the Ritz Lodge is surrounded by water on three sides, offering commanding lake views.  Draped in beds of ivy and edged by towering pines, blooming crepe myrtles and colorful caladiums, the five-story main building fronts the glistening lake, while six separate lakeside cottages and a presidential house with four master suites overlooks the Oconee Golf Course.  Lodge guests have full access to a complete gamut of activities and amenities, including a state-of-the-art Spa, tennis, two swimming pools, two full-service marinas, hiking trails and 99 holes of championship-caliber golf.

model view of the lake oconee area

We arrived late on Friday evening, but just in time to have the most delicious dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse.  We checked in, grabbed another drink at the Lobby Lounge bar, and then headed upstairs to check out our room. 

When we woke up in the morning, we realized that we were on Club Level (holla!).  And, we had a private terrace with an outstanding lakeside view! 

Check out THIS gorgeousness:

ritz carlton lodge

room w/ a view

We spent a significant amount of the morning sitting on our balcony staring at our breathtaking view of Lake Oconee and the Ritz Lodge grounds.  It was the most relaxed I’ve been in a long time.

When our hunger finally got the better of us, we walked over to Club to get some grub (I totally recommend staying on Club Level*) + then we went out exploring. 

*Club Level: The Ritz Carlton Club Level features both deluxe guest rooms and suites, with a spacious lounge and personal concierge and staff, as well as four complimentary food and beverage offerings daily: continental breakfast, a light snack, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails + evening cordials.  The Club Level is accessible only with a special key.

Just look at how magnificent the property is:

the set up for chiminea dining

heated infinity pool overlooking lake oconee (my favorite part of the whole property)

hot tub

We were overtaken by our beautiful surroundings + so many amazing amenities.  We walked a bit further, and then Kev dropped me off at the Ritz Lodge Spa for my Long Winter’s Nap treatment. 

The Spa is an adventure in and of itself.  An expansive 26,000 square feet, the Ritz Lodge Spa is adjacent to the hotel and features 19 private treatment rooms, one couples spa suite, four wet treatment rooms – including one hydrotherapy room – male and female relaxation areas with lockers and changing facilities, an indoor lap pool, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, a relaxation terrace, a full-service salon + a spa boutique.  Named one of America’s top resort spas by Conde Nast Traveler, this state-of-the-art sanctuary offers more than 90 health and wellness treatments, many of them utilizing ingredients indigenous to the area, such as rosemary, pine, fir and geranium, and extracts gleaned from gemstones such as smithsonite and malachite.

Here’s a peek inside:

spa lobby

spa pool

spa relaxation lounge

It was heavenly, to say the least.

My treatment, the Long Winter’s Nap, was perfect for the chilly October afternoon.  Here’s the description: A blend of essential oils add to this traditional hot stone massage to create a relaxed dream-like state, melting away stress and muscle tension.  Continue the sweet dreams with a nap that enhances the repair process.  Um, yes, I’ll take two!  (Kidding.)  It was SO enjoyable – I definitely recommend.

By the time I left the Spa it was pushing up to the Florida vs. Georgia game, so Kev + I scooted over to Gaby’s by the Lake to stake out seats. 

Gaby’s is a newly-renovated outdoor venue offering sweeping views of Lake Oconee, as well as a full menu of casual favorites and cocktails throughout the day.  Guests are seated at the water’s edge and can catch a spectacular sunset most evenings.  “Come-as-you-are” attire for lunch and dinner.

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love with Gaby’s.  It was so open and casual, and had large TV screens over the bar for us to watch the game.  I’m OBSESSED with Gaby’s chairs - incredibly comfortable and such a cool design!

We ordered beers + the housemade potato chips with bourbon BBQ, blue cheese and Vidalia onion dips.  The bartender also threw in a bowl of boiled peanuts.  We were set.

We met some friendly folks at the bar who were also rooting for the Gators + we became fast friends.  However, Kev couldn’t bear to see his Gators lose, so we eventually closed out our bill and decided to head back to Club to see what was going on in there. 

We stopped to take this picture along the way:

We ate dinner in Club, poured some wine + headed downstairs to the campfire for 8:00 p.m. S’mores!  All the kids staying at the resort (and Kevin and I, naturally) got in line to prepare our special evening snack over the campfire.  We had such a fun time doing this + pretending that we also had a kid around somewhere making s’mores…  Kids at heart?!  Yeaaaaaaa! 

We went back up to Club, poured some more wine (don’t judge), changed into our swimsuits + ran down to the hot tub to spend the next few hours hanging out outside and enjoying our last night on the property.

In the morning, we were both feeling pretty gluttonous.  So, we decided to go for a walk on the Oconee Trail after breakfast in Club. 

Our walk was eventful. 

We got about 5 miles of exercise on the winding trail…

We saw the leaves turning on the towering Georgia pine trees…

Kev whittled a walking stick (that now calls our condo balcony home)…

And, we plotted how we could stay at the Ritz Lodge F.O.R.E.V.E.R.!! 

(We couldn’t come up with a way…  We are already dying to go back.)

It was so hard to leave, but it only took us about an hour and a half to get back to Atlanta + now we have such great memories from our relaxing weekend in the Georgia woods. 

If you haven’t been to the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation – you absolutely MUST go!  There is so much to do there; perfect for adults and kids alike.  The Ritz Lodge is a relaxing Southern paradise that makes you feel so far away from your worries and stressors, but it’s merely a 75-mile drive from Atlanta!  Visit soon! 

Oh, also, (as if there isn’t enough to do there already) the Ritz Lodge is building an ice skating rink on property for winter!  More info here: WINTER AT THE RITZ LODGE.

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ReynoldsPlantation/Default.htm

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Ritz Carlton Lodge Weekend (1 of 2): Linger Longer Steakhouse

11/09/2011 in Guilty Pleasures, Holidays, Hotels, Out of Town, Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 1 comment

Kevin + I didn’t dress up this year for Halloween.  We didn’t go to the Florida vs. Georgia game, either.  This year, we spent the last weekend of October at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

The Ritz Lodge is located in Northern Georgia, just 75 miles east of Atlanta on the shores of Lake Oconee – Georgia’s second largest lake.  A decidedly Southern retreat, the resort is situated in Reynolds Plantation, a 10,000-acre golf and lakefront community.

happy halloween weekend to us!

happy halloween weekend to us!

There are so many incredible things I want to tell you about the resort, but I could never fit them all into one post…  Soooooo, you’ll just have to wait for more! 

It was our very first time visiting the gorgeous property + we had the most amazing weekend!

the ritz carlton lodge

This post will focus on our f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s. dinner at the Ritz’s Linger Longer Steakhouse.

linger longer exterior

Kev + I had 9 p.m. reservations at Linger Longer, so we zipped from Atlanta to the Ritz, dropped off our car + bags at the hotel and hitched a ride to the restaurant from a super friendly Ritz Lodge driver who saved us from having to walk over in the brisk cold.  (Thanks, super friendly driver!)  When we arrived and walked into the door, I immediately felt warm.  Linger Longer’s interior is cozy-elegant and exceptionally welcoming.  It was pretty much like the warmest hug EVER.

linger longer bar

linger longer dining room

linger longer dining room

The newly rebuilt (it burned down a few years ago…) Linger Longer Steakhouse is located in the Oconee Golf Course Clubhouse adjacent to the Ritz Lodge.  Known for creating simple yet flavorful fare, Executive Chef David White has created a comforting contemporary menu of American steakhouse classics.  All seafood is overnighted directly from Boston, and meats are premium cut.  In addition, more than 20 herb varieties are grown in the resort’s on-site herb garden.  Linger Longer’s extensive wine list emphasizes reds from around the world, as well as varietals from Georgia’s own Persimmon Creek Vineyards, with more than 40 wines by the glass.  Visit Linger Longer’s menu here. 

We were impressed from the moment we walked in.  But, even more impressed with the exceptional service.  The food, oh the food!, simply sealed the deal!

It had been a long week for us both, so Kev + I started off the meal with a round of cocktails.  I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was the single most delicious Gimlet I’ve ever ordered!  I’m not going to tell you how many more I had over the course of the night.  I just won’t.

Shortly thereafter, we ordered up the Tuna Tartare to share.  Perfection.  Very similar to Steel’s famous Tuna Tower, Linger Longer’s tuna tartare was also best knocked over and mixed around on the plate.  The fresh tuna was accompanied by crushed avocado, soy-lime dressing and a crispy won ton.

We devoured it and quickly moved on to the Linger Longer Loaded Wedge Salad: bacon, tomato + maytag blue cheese.  It was also very tasty.

Entree time!  Kev and I both ordered 9 Ounce Filet Mignon Oscars.  The Oscar add-on tops off the filet with crab fondue, asparagus + bearnaise sauce.  I selected Potatoes Lyonnaise as my side.

Kev opted for the Garlic Steak Fries.  (Gotta love him!)  :)

Both of our filets were totally OUT OF THIS WORLD!  Kev said that his was “the best steak he’s had in Georgia,” and I kinda have to agree with him.  They were delicious!  And, the Oscar add-on is absolutely the way to go.

For dessert, we ordered the White Chocolate Souffle.  It was spectacular.  That’s all I can say.  I don’t care how full you are; you have got to order it! 

Everything was so fantastic – we really didn’t want the meal to end.  And, it didn’t!  Our server brought over Peach Cotton Candy on a Stick as a final special treat.  What a whimsical way to finish off such an exquisite dinner!  We really enjoyed that special touch.

We went into dinner knowing that the meal would be good – heck it’s the Ritz - but we had no idea HOW good.  Kev and I were floored – and we agreed that we would surely make the drive in from Atlanta to eat there again! 

Close to midnight, we had the friendly driver scoop us from the restaurant and bring us back to the hotel so that we could officially check in for the weekend.  When we finally made it into our room, we were greeted with a few thoughtful surprises from our beloved Gorms!  (Thanks, Gorms!)

By this point, we weren’t sure how the weekend could get much better than the incredible meal we just ate, but the truth is that dinner was merely the tip of the iceberg! 

More to come, more to come… 

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Linger Longer Steakhouse
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196
http://ow.ly/7osh7

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NEW RESTO: Latitude in Buckhead

11/09/2011 in Buckhead, Where we're Eating by Lauren | No comments

Last night before a long overdue catch-up sesh with Hess and Jaime Luckey, we stopped by the grand opening of Latitude Restaurant – opening Friday in the space which used to be The Grape in Phipps Plaza!

 

Here’s the Q:DD: Former Ecco chef Micah Willix, with partners Kenny Perlman (Season’s 52 and Houston’s) and Emily Streib Marcil (Capital Grille, Second Growth LLC) have teamed up to create a cozy little resto featuring an innovative “globally-inspired” menu.  To be honest, I’m not sure EXACLY what that means…but I’m sure one of us will let you know once we’ve been able to sit down for a meal there.  What I can tell you is this: of all the passed bites last night, there wasn’t one I tried only once! :)

The space is, of course, cozy and intimate and it appears that the menu is concise.  I’m looking forward to what Chef Micah has in store for us!

xx, L

Latitude Food and Drink
(770) 309-9463
Atlanta, GA
latitudeatlanta.com
Latitude Food and Drink on Urbanspoon

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Our Continued Love Affair w/ Ecco…

11/08/2011 in Appetizers, Guilty Pleasures, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

I promise (okay, I can’t REALLY promise) that this is the last thing I’ll say about Ecco for at least two weeks.  So, here I go…  Um, guys, is there anything in this world better than their fried goat cheese balls??

these will be the death of me…

I think not.  I really think not.  Fried goat cheese, honey + black pepper.  So simple, so decadent, so unbelievably O.M.GGGG.  Really, that’s all.

xx, L

Ecco
40 7th Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30308
404.347.9555
www.ecco-atlanta.com

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DC—->ATL

11/07/2011 in Out of Town, Vacation, Where we're Eating by Lauren | No comments

I was just in DC this weekend visiting one of my b.r.i.d.e.s.m.a.i.d.s.! and I just feel very compelled to tell you about three things I fell in love with up there:

 1. Cava Mezze Grill

 Fast food…Mediterranean style.  (read: not pumped full of chemicals or sitting around all day.)  In fact, their philosophy is as follows:

 We believe in big flavor with a small footprint. Our food is made from delicious, simple, authentic Greek and fresh local ingredients. All our meats are hormone- and antibiotic-free. All our dips and spreads are all-natural. Our bowls, drink cups, cutlery, napkins, and paper bags are compostable, and we recycle our glass and plastic.

 Love. 

I would eat here EVERY. DAY.  I LOVE Mediterranean food and this was a dream.  You go to the counter, choose a salad, a pita, 3 mini pitas or a bowl.  Then you choose all kinds of delicious Greek dips and sauces and a meat or falafel and voila – you have pretty darn amazing salad in MINUTES.  (Bonus: Their website has a nutritional information counter associated with it, how cool is THAT?)

Their website also let me know that while they just have the one location in Bethesda for now, there will be more opening in the future.  May I suggest…Atlanta? 

Cava Mezze Grill
(301) 656-1772
4832 Bethesda Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Cava Mezze Grill on Urbanspoon

 2. Mussel Bar

As you might remember, mussels are only some of my FAVORITE things in the world (right up there next to muscles. Please see L+L’s political platform HERE for more information)  They have other stuff on the menu, too, but check out the mussel selection (all mussels come with fries- duh!):

Classic, Roasted Garlic, Shallots, Cream and Sauvignon Blanc
Spicy Thai, Green Curry
Provencal, Tomato, Capers, Basil
Stout, Old Bay, Shallots, Garlic, Bacon, Cream
Red Indonesian Curry, Peanut Essence 
Wild Shroom, Pancetta, Parmesan, Truffle Cream
Tikka Masala, Chicken, Bell Peppers, Indian Spices 
Grilled Pineapple, Sweet Chili Garlic

It was also a pretty cool scene.  We made our way to Mussel Bar at 10pm and while they were still dishing up mollusks, plenty of pretty people were simply drinking cocktails at the bar too.

Mussel Bar
(301) 215-7817
7262 Woodmont Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814
Mussel Bar on Urbanspoon

3. Bikram Yoga

Ok, so I KNOW we have places here in town, but I just haven’t gone yet…now I definitely plan on it.  I think I could get into 90 minutes of piping hot yoga!  Plus, my friend who I went to see had just completed a 30 day Bikram Yoga challenge and homegirl looked seriously amazing.

We actually got our class comped because apparently, the more experienced Yogis did not feel the room had reached optimal temps…but for a newbie, I thought it was pretty hot in there and definitely added another layer of difficulty to my “practice.”  (PS you should know my “practice” is pretty out of practice.  I was just grateful I didn’t pass out in there.)  

26 Poses to Gorgeousness and Calmness?

If anyone has any suggestions on Bikram Yoga studios in town, I am all ears.  I wants on this bandwagon and I wants on it NOW.

And that…is that.  I’m just glad all 3 things didn’t have to do with food!   

 xx, L

P.S. My computer is still in the shop….please send good thoughts towards the lovely people at Apple who are rehabilitating it as I type…

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WOW! Food Truck Hits the Spot.

11/04/2011 in Midtown, On the Street, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Kevin (so hard not to call him “Slick” any longer…) + I hit up Midtown’s Street Food Thursday in our ‘hood yesterday afternoon. 

It always reminds me a little of my beloved Austin to see the trucks crammed together in Midtown like one big food truck trailer park of deliciousness. 

One truck, in particular, caught my eye yesterday: WOW! Food Truck.

We got in line + in a flash of pre-ordering online due diligence, I found out that the WOW! Food Truck is Atlanta’s first truck specializing in Venezuelan arepas. (Then, I had to look up “arepas.”  Don’t judge…)  They are savory grilled corn cakes stuffed with slow roasted meats.  WOW! is also known for their delicious donuts which Creative Loafing listed on their Top 100 Bucket List .  Okay, yes yes yes!  I was ready to eat.

Here’s a glimpse at their menu:

And here’s the full Q+DD on the WOW! Food Truck:

Once upon a time, several years ago, Wendy Cross was visiting her brother (yep - that brother!) in NYC.  She asked him where she could go to get a quick bite that was really good but wouldn’t break the bank.  He quickly replied that there was an arepa bar around the corner and she should check it out.  After realizing that the word “arepa” wasn’t some sort of sophomoric attempt of him being funny, she found herself at the little restaurant eating her first arepa.  “WOW!  These are amazing” were the first words exclaimed after her first bite.  Wendy wondered…why isn’t anyone making these in Atlanta?!!  She knew at that moment it would be her mission to bring these wonderful savory stuffed corn cakes to her peeps in the ATL.  Now, all she needed to do was find a restaurant to partner with so she could bring her arepa food truck dreams to fruition. 

After interviewing several restaurateurs, she knew that the girls at Duck’s Cosmic Kitchen in Decatur would be the perfect match.  Their dedication to using only the freshest ingredients, making everything from scratch, and not owning a microwave won her over.  Wendy started to sell her arepas as a special at the restaurant while the truck was getting ready for its big debut, and after selling out the first day, they knew they were onto something good, and the rest as they say, is history!

I happen to love that story.  And also, the truck has a pretty serious paint job that I found super impressive…

Frankly, all of the menu looked interesting to me, but I was on a mission to try an arepa + a shrimp cake.

From left to right:

Chicken Sofrito Arepa: savory Venezuelan griddled corn cakes stuffed with slow roasted meats + topped with their famous creamy cilantro jalapeno “kicky” sauce.

Crispy Shrimp Cakes: panko-crusted, perfectly seasoned shrimp cakes served with “kicky” sauce alongside organic stone ground cheese grits.

Kevin and I couldn’t believe how delicious they both were!  And, really filling, too, for very little $$$.  We are going back next week for more.  Why can’t it be Midtown Street Food Monday – Friday??

If WOW! is that good, I can’t wait to see what Duck’s is all about…

WOW! Food Truck on Facebook!
WOW! Food Truck on Twitter!
WOW! Food Truck on the Internets…
WOW! Food Truck’s Menu – Yum!

Find it.  Try it.  Trust.  :)

xx, L

WOW! Food Truck
Location Varies
404.626.0390
http://www.wowfoodtruck.com/

Wow! Food Truck on Urbanspoon

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Cabbagetown’s Chomp and Stomp (11/5)

11/03/2011 in Cabbagetown, Events, Festivals, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

Hooray for fall!  Hooray for chili!  Hooray for Cabbagetown!  Hooray for Chomp and Stomp weekend!  (It’s really as simple as that.) 
 
One of Atlanta’s greatest festivals is this weekend, y’all!  :)
 
Here’s the Q+DD on Chomp and Stomp: 
Cabbagetown’s blue collar history is well-known in Atlanta.  Once an old mill workers’ neighborhood, the area now is more known for its trendy boutiques and bohemian lifestyle.  Chomp and Stomp combines Cabbagetown’s roots with traditional blue grass music and a chili cook off.  Enjoy the pleasant fall air and traditional music of the area while eating some competition-worthy chili.  If you are so inclined, there is also a 5k race that kicks off the festival. This event is just another reason why Atlanta is known as the hostess city of the South!
 
Timing: Saturday, November 5, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
$$$: Only $5 per Spoon for Chili!
Location Info: Cabbagetown is WHERE, exactly??
Music Scoop: Let’s get our stomp on, shall we?!
2010 Winners: Chili Masters 
 
This is such a fun event w/ so much personality that you WILL NOT want to miss!  (Sadly, I’ve been out of town for it over the past two years…  Tragic.) 
 
But, here are a few of our pics from Chomp and Stomp ’09:
 
It’s supposed to be gorgeous this weekend, too!  Be there or be square, Atlantans.  And FYI, get there early – sometimes the chili runs out. 
 
Happy Chomp and Stomp weekend! 
 
xx, L

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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Colony Square!

10/26/2011 in Chocolate, Guilty Pleasures, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 2 comments

A little birdie brought me a box of cupcakes yesterday + boy oh boy were they GOOD!  I’ve just gotta brag about them…

They were from Holly’s Cupcake Shop in Colony Square.  (Who knew that there was a cupcake shop there?!  I guess you learn something new every day…)  Apparently, Holly’s has been serving East Atlanta since 2009, but recently opened their Midtown location in CS.

Before I opened the sweet-smelling box, I carefully reviewed the accompanying Holly’s pamphlet.  I honestly couldn’t believe how many cupcakes were listed: 33 flavors!  So many seriously delicious choices.  Just listen to some of these: coconut snowball, margarita, cookie monster, rocky road, samoas, strawberry lemonade + buckeye brownie.  Talk about a creative variety!  (No lie, my mouth is watering from just writing out the flavors…)

Holly’s cupcakes are handmade so no two are exactly alike, but all of them are baked from scratch from only the highest quality ingredients.  With over 30 flavors ranging from the simple to the sublime, along with seasonal and holiday selections, there is absolutely something for everyone at Holly’s!

Here were my sexy six: caramel apple (my fav!), red velvet, chocolate-chocolate, vanilla chocolate, margarita + hummingbird. 

I don’t want to tell you how many I ate.  I just don’t.  A lady has to keep some secrets, y’all.  But, I will tell you that I had some help (LK + our fav. bartender at Ecco: Eric) and that we thought they were simply spectacular!  The cupcakes were really flavorful, moist + the icing wasn’t overpowering at all.  Our favorite part was, hands down, the hidden cream in the middle!

You guys have gotta try these cupcakes!  They are just so decadently divine.  Check out Holly’s Cupcake Shop online HERE or visit Colony Square ASAP.  The secret is out!  :)

xx, L

Holly’s Cupcake Shop
1197 Peachtree Street – Colony Square
Atlanta, GA  30361
404.815.1180
http://www.hollyscupcakeshop.com/

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