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I’m fixing to fight the rain + head to the airport for a long, holiday-filled weekend in the Great State!
lookin' good, lookin' good...
Before I go, I wanted to wish you all a very:
Enjoy the holidays! 
Catch y’all on the flip. xx from Texas!
xx, L
Tags: careful cowboy!, I'm just saying..., LMR, spreading holiday cheer!, Texas Texas yeehaw!, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!
What is h.a.p.p.e.n.i.n.gggggg outside?
NOT-SO-FUN FACT: It’s colder today in Atlanta than it is in both Boston and Chicago – two of the most frigid cities I can think of! This is insanity. We live in the SOUTH. Hello!!
My former Texas sun-lovin’ skin can’t handle this MADNESS yet – you’ve got to ease me in! That’s it – I’m going into hibernation.
Catch y’all when it’s warm again…
xx, L
Tags: don't judge, i'm cold., I'm just saying..., LMR, Ridiculous., Texas Texas yeehaw!, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
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/
Tags: clean plate club, comfort food, don't judge, Food Trucks, I'm just saying..., Kevin!, LMR, midtown mavens, Recessionistas, Texas Texas yeehaw!, Things that are awesome..., things that are hysterical, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
ATTENTION all Auburn fans: A friend of our dear friend, M. Reynolds, started an awesome company that you need to know about – Toomers Rolls!
But first, I need to give everyone else a little Auburn 411…
The intersection of Magnolia Avenue + College Street in Auburn, which marks the transition from downtown Auburn to the university campus, is known as Toomer’s Corner. Hanging over the corner are two massive old-growth oak trees, and whenever there is cause for celebration in the Auburn community, the trees are festooned with toilet paper. (Oooh, I like the word “festooned.”) The TP rolling of oak trees started in the early 1990s after the power lines were moved under ground. Traditionally only used as a way to celebrate football victories, in recent years it has become a way to celebrate anything good that happens concerning Auburn. (www.wikipedia.com)
toomer's corner
Here’s the Q+DD on Toomers Rolls:
LK + I are Texas fans, but since Texas is in a different conference we feel like we can jump on the Toomers Rolls bandwagon!
who's got school spirit??
We just love scarves (esp. scarves worn in summer), we totally support small businesses, we think toilet paper is v. necessary, and we’re on-board with anything M. Reynolds is about! (P.S. She’s the adorbs model on the far left of the photo above.)
Get your Toomers Rolls here, War Eagles: GO AUBURN! Follow Toomers Rolls on Facebook!
And, good luck this season!
xx, L
Tags: "i like sports and i don't care who knows", big girl sports, blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, careful cowboy!, day drinking, don't judge, fashion, Festive, I'm just saying..., LMR, m. reynolds, SEC, support local businesses!, Texas Texas yeehaw!, The South, Things that are awesome..., Trend Alert, very important people
I had the greatest time this weekend at Music Midtown! And, what a gorgeous day for it, too! The Black Keys were really awesome to see live, and while I could totally pass on Cage the Elephant, Coldplay was well worth the wait. Really enjoyed them + thought their R.E.M. tribute was special.
Here’s a recap of my Music Midtown experience:
the black keys
what's better than one funnel cake??
love.
I have a feeling that Music Midtown is here to stay, people!
In the mood for some more music? Well, you’re in LUCK. One of my favorite bands, Austin-based Ghostland Observatory, will be in Atlanta preforming at the Masquerade on Wednesday, October 5!
ghostland observatory
I first saw Ghostland live at Austin City Limits Music Festival (’09) playing with the University of Texas Marching Band for a few songs. It. was. INCREDIBLE! Anyway, they are electro-rock-funk-ish or kinda elecro-dance-soul-rock: hard to put into a box, but they have a really great, unique sound + I can guarantee that they put on an awesome live show with lots of lasers and stuff.
For iTunes research, check out these Ghostland albums: delete.delete.i.eat.meat and Robotique Majestique. Codename: Rondo is their newest, but I like the previous two better.
If that’s not enough to convince you, GO’s lead singer has an impressive set of braids he rocks out on stage. You’ll def want to check them out… They’re sorta mesmerizing. (You can kinda see below.)
And, the show is at the Masquerade on North Ave. Not only have I never been to that venue before, but also I usually drive faster down North when I pass it because it reminds me of a haunted house or something out of a bad episode of Law & Order.
the masquerade
However, I just Sherlock Holmes-ed Wikipedia.com and while the Masquerade looks like a pile of sticks from the street, the venue actually has a lot of history + the inside of it seems fairly reasonable.
Check out Ghostland Observatory on 10/5 – it’s going to be a stellar show. AND, AND, AND…I’ll be there! Yeaaaaaaaaaer! Yep, that just happened.
xx, L
The Masquerade
695 North Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.577.8178
http://www.masqueradeatlanta.com/
Tags: Anne Marie!, becoming the caseys, blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, careful cowboy!, comfort food, day drinking, don't judge, funny people, I'm just saying..., Lets hear it for the boys, LMR, More culture than frozen yogurt!, Moxie? We got it., music to my ears!, oh so hipster, piedmont park, PLU, Ridiculous., see and be seen, sugar rush!, Texas Texas yeehaw!, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, very important people, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
Mrs. Wolkove + I have a friend from our Texas summer camp who is a contestant on Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 2!
In case you didn’t watch it last season…Top Chef: Just Desserts is a spin off of Bravo’s Top Chef featuring pastry chefs competing in a serious of culinary challenges focusing on pastries and desserts.
Top Chef: Just Desserts Season 2 Cast
Anyway, our friend Amanda Rockman (pictured below) is a contestant on TC: JD this year and she KILLED IT in the first episode last Wednesday winning both the Quickfire + Elimination Challenges! Way to go, Amanda!
Isn’t she the cutest, little pastry chef you’ve ever seen or what?!
Catch Amanda on Wednesday nights (tonight!) on Bravo at 10:00 p.m. EST/ 9:00 CST. We can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!
xx, L
Tags: I'm just saying..., LMR, Mrs. Wolkove, PLU, sugar rush!, sweet tooth, Texas Texas yeehaw!, That's what she said, Things that are awesome..., very important people
It’s been 3 weeks and I have to tell you… I’m still thinking about my time in MIAMI! I definitely wanted to let you guys know about all the amazing stuff we got into in case you’re planning a trip there soon! (Or better yet…a Bachelorette Weekend!)
Every part of the weekend was marvelous, but if I had to distill the amazingness down to 5 key points they would be as follows:
1. Hotel Gansevoort – OK, so I may be a tiny bit biased. When I lived in NYC, I spent far too much time and FAR too much money sipping cocktails on the roof deck of Hotel Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District…and I don’t regret a single minute or a single cent of it. So when I checked in to the Miami location, all that good nostalgia came rushing back the second I saw the logo.
But the enormous and gorgeous rooms, top tier customer service, inexplicably green tea scented air and the fact that there is a BIG DROP in the lobby I think more than support my positive feelings.
(For those of you who don’t know about Big Drop – it is only one of my FAVORITE stores in the whole wide world. I could go on and on. I got the most spectacular yellow dress and turquoise earrings and could have happily left the rest of the contents of my wallet there as well. Click HERE for more information and locations)
Also worth noting were the TWO pool scenes they had going on. We spent the majority of our time at the 3rd floor pool, gazing out from the infinity pool to the ocean while lounging 12-deep on cushy beach chairs while delightful servers brought cocktails, frozen fruit, and ice cold water. It was so serene and blissful, I never wanted to leave.
The other pool option? The roof deck. I am here to tell you that there was a line around the block to get up to the roof deck pool and it was full of ladies in stilettos and bejeweled cover ups and dudes with hair product. I was intrigued so my girl Ashley and I went up for a little walk-through and that party was BUMPING. People dancing in cabanas, standing shoulder to shoulder in the pool, bottle service, the whole 9. It was rumored that several famous athletes and Justin Bieber were there that weekend and if they were…I either didn’t recognize them or see them, but suffice it to say – a total 180 from the oasis on the 3rd floor, but just as awesome.
I totally snapped this with my iPhone like a nerd.
Hotel Gansevoort South Beach…I love you.
2. The Big Pink – We did some good eating in Miami, but I really got a kick out of the Big Pink.
It’s this total beach place with huge long family style tables running from end to end and the portions are ridiculously enormous. I got a chopped salad and I’m sure the entire contents of a produce section of a grocery store made it onto my plate.
Looking down the table I also saw mounds of French toast, omelets, French fries, and all kinds of other delicacies sure to cure the damage we did to ourselves the night before at the W Hotel.
Struggle Street
3. Taverna Opa – These people are professional partiers. If you are bringing ANY kind of group situation to Miami, I think Taverna Opa should be on your list- no question.
We parked our party at one of their sturdy wooden tables and for a mere $25/per person, they brought us mounds and mounds of delicious Greek food and threw stacks of paper napkins at us as we danced on the tables and generally had a ball. Opa is always a good, rowdy time.
Bachelorette approved!
4. Sushi Samba – I’m sure you’ve all been to a Sushi Samba in one city or another. I had NO IDEA they had such a cute price fixe menu for a group! There was literally something for everyone. We started with edamame and salads and the regular fare and ended with a platter of amazing sushi, but we had some very interesting stops along the way such as sea bass on skewers and grilled octopus – it was absolutely perfect. When can you open a location in the ATL, Sushi Samba?
5. Fontainebleu/Arkadia– We did a fair amount of partying that weekend, and it was very hard to pinpoint my favorite lounge, but we really had a great time at Arkadia in the Fontainebleu Hotel.
We got a table and totally felt like VIPs as we bypassed the enormo line and sashayed right down stairs to a freezing cold, almost totally empty club. We really appreciated both the temperature and the moment of quiet before the place totally filled with people and we had a blast dancing on floor, the banquettes, and everywhere else.
I will admit, I could have had fun just about anywhere with the group in attendance, but that weekend in Miami was something special…
Next up? Bachelorette weekend for my girl EZ in HOUSTON this weekend!
Further bulletins as events warrant…
Get ready, Houston!
xx, L
Tags: bachelorette, blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol, bridesmaiding, careful cowboy!, Moxie? We got it., PLU, Texas Texas yeehaw!, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, Yowza.
I’ve said it once. I’ll say it again. I love Texas. I haven’t lived in the Great State for almost seven years, but I frequently visit + I know for a fact that my affinity for anything Texas is one of the first things Slick will reference when he tells people who I haven’t met about me. Big hair, big cars, big attitude – I’m a big, BIG fan! I mean, “God (even) blessed it w/ his own hands…” So, when Slick informed me that the Fox Bros. (Fox Bros. BBQ) were opening a Tex-Mex joint named Big Tex Cantina in Decatur, I was immediately game.
We planned to meet our fellow Fox Bros. BBQ-lovin’ friends, Scott + Elizabeth, to try out Big Tex last week, so I conducted some serious menu research throughout the days leading up to it. I needed to know what I was getting into, y’all. On the day of the dinner, Slick successfully talked me out of wearing my cowboy hat. (So I was excited – sue me!) Nevertheless, as soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I felt like I was home.
Check it:
(currently trying to find this for my condo)
I’m pretty sure that the chandelier was my favorite Texas-inspired decoration, but it’s hard to say for sure…
After oogling the walls for about 15 minutes, we sat down and perused the extensive menu.
Without a second thought, I ordered up a Mexican Martini, which I am sure was inspired from my beloved Trudy’s in Austin. It wasn’t nearly as good as Trudy’s world-famous MM, but it did the trick.
Elizabeth opted for the Texas Bloody Mary which arrived with an olive + a green bean. She enjoyed it, but we both agreed that a Bloody Mary is an awkward dinner drink.
My favorite item we ordered for dinner was a special we all saw on the chalkboard outside of the front door: the Bacon Taquitos. They were absolutely mouthwateringly good! No joke. AMAZING.
Slick, Elizabeth + I all ordered tacos for dinner. Each of our plates looked similar to Slick’s pictured below. From left to right:
The Tex Taco: Chopped brisket with a spicy mustard sour cream, BBQ sauce, griddled jalapenos, diced onion + shredded lettuce. (Very tasty + the house special.)
The Carinta Taco: Chopped pork, griddled jalapenos, diced onion + shredded lettuce. (It was so incredibly salty, Slick + I couldn’t eat it. I do not recommend.)
El Guapo Taco: A flour tortilla filled with refried beans, a crispy taco shell with house ground beef, lettuce, cheese + pico de gallo. (My favorite! It was like a fancy Cheesy Gordita Crunch from Taco Bell! And, I’m pretty sure it weighed about three pounds. Judge me.)
Scott ordered the enormous Big Tex Chicken Chimichanga: a huge tortilla filled with pulled chicken, pinto beans, pico de gallo + cheese rolled and fried, topped with their signature Texas queso + pico de gallo. Did I mention how enormous it was??!
It was a feast, to say the least. (Rhyming!)
scott + elizabeth
Are they a cute couple or what?!
I can’t say that any of us actually finished our massive meals, but we truly put in some serious effort. NO room for dessert, although the Red Velvet Cheesecake sounded tempting. After we settled up with our server, we walked around the restaurant again and discovered a substantial party room in the very back complete with TVs, pool tables + skeeball! This space is totally ideal for a birthday party or a fun night out with a group!
Big Tex Cantina was very enjoyable. It’s priced well, the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations but it’s large enough that you wouldn’t have to wait forever, + they’ve done really well with the Texas-themed decor (at least in my book!). The menu is extensive + I have faith that the restaurant will be successful. Having the Fox Bros. name behind it, at the very least, means something. If you are trying to satisfy a random Mexican food craving, I probably wouldn’t recommend making the trek to Decatur to test out Big Tex over heading to Taqueria del Sol. BUT, if you are into trying out new spots, you love the Great State as much as I do, or you are seriously hungover (get the Chimichanga - trust me.), Big Tex will do the trick.
YeeHAW, partner!
xx, L
Big Tex Cantina
308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
404.377.3939
http://www.bigtexcantina.com/
Tags: Beef., careful cowboy!, comfort food, don't judge, Lets hear it for the boys, LMR, slick, Table for Two, Texas Texas yeehaw!, That'll do Pig, Things that are awesome..., You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza., zweigels
I’m sure you’ve all heard that Music Midtown is finally returning to Atlanta in Piedmont Park on Saturday, September 24. So exciting! Now, I’m here to remind you that there are only 85 days left to anticipate MM + it’s time to buy those tickets. Get on it! This is absolutely guaranteed to sell out!
Here’s the Q+DD on Music Midtown:
From 1994-2005, the Music Midtown concert series attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the heart of the city for live music. This year, a portion of the proceeds from Music Midtown will go toward funding recreation centers and after-school activities for young people in the city as part of Mayor Kasim Reed’s Hope Initiative.
The concert will take place in the Meadow at Piedmont Park, with Colplay as the headlining act. Tickets are $56 and are on sale now here: MUSIC MIDTOWN RETURNS!
Other acts include: The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, Young The Giant, Band of Skulls, Joy Formidable, The Constellations, Mona + The Postelles.
A limited number of VIP packages are available for you high rollers, you…info here: BLINGING IT OUT IN THE PARK.
This is a going to be so killer. I can’t wait! I really and truly love a good festival concert + this one is going to be GREAT!
ACL 2009
Welcome back, MM! Please stay for a while.
xx, L
Tags: day drinking, Festive, I'm just saying..., Lets hear it for the boys, midtown mavens, More culture than frozen yogurt!, music to my ears!, oh so hipster, piedmont park, PLU, see and be seen, Texas Texas yeehaw!, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, You Can Find Me in the A
Y’all! I’ve been waiting for this week for months…
Check it:
Rihanna performs tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Chastain Amphitheatre as part of her Loud tour! Do I care that it’s going to be 98 degrees outside today? I care not. I’m going to be an amazingly sweaty mess of white girl dancing it up with colleagues (yes, colleagues; again - I care not) at Rihanna tonight. I’ve had “Rude Boy” stuck in my head all morning…
BRING IT, RiRi! This concert is going to be red hot – literally. And, it just recently went up in flames in Dallas, also literally, so it should be an exciting evening to say the least.
chastain
But wait, there’s more… Thursday night, I’m taking colleagues to the High Museum to see the Modern by Design exhibition. We’re starting with drinks + hors d’oeuvres at Table 1280, then moseying over to the museum to see modern masterpieces from the MoMA + High’s growing collection of contemporary design.
Here’s the Q+DD on Modern by Design:
As part of the High’s ongoing collaboration with The Museum of Modern Art, Modern by Design presents groundbreaking designs of the past, present, and future. The exhibition features a selection of works chronicling three key moments in MoMA’s design collection and exhibition history—“Machine Art” (1934); “Good Design” (1950-1955); and “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” (1972). Nearly 150 objects created by over 120 of the most influential artists + designers of the twentieth century are included.
See for yourself! The exhibit is running through August 21.
I. can’t. even. think. straight. I. am. SO. excited.
It’s going to be a long night, but it will be worth it. (TWSS.)
I feel like the next day I’m going to need some time for reflection: who am I? what does all this mean? what do I do now? and so on + so forth… I’ve been seriously invested in + excited about the Harry Potter stories for well over ten years! It’s hard to believe that it all comes to an end this week.
Whelp, let’s get it started, shall we? We shall. Happy week to you all!
xx, L
Tags: Artsy-Fartsy, careful cowboy!, celebrities!, don't judge, hot hot hot, I'm just saying..., LMR, More culture than frozen yogurt!, Movies, Moxie? We got it., museum folks, music to my ears!, newsworthy, PLU, see and be seen, Table for Two, Texas Texas yeehaw!, That's what she said, Things that are awesome..., very important people, You Can Find Me in the A, Yowza.
(Watch out.) My inner-Veruca Salt is about to come out in full force, people…
"but DADDY, i want a golden goose NOW!!"
Could someone PLEASE open a Drybar in Atlanta? I can’t believe that we don’t have one yet + I really think it would do SO well in the ATL!
What’s a Drybar? Check it out here…it will blow you away! (Get it? No seriously, get it?!?)
In addition, I really want an in-town BYOB mini-golf course. I think there would be such a big ITP market for it…and it would be so much fun! Great third or fourth date potential.
we want something just like YOU!
Mini-golf is one of my most favorite activities. Behold:
(Esp. when stuff like this happens…)
While I’m at it, I’d also really like a dueling piano bar – Pete’s in Texas + Vegas, in particular. And, let’s put it smack dab in the middle of the Buckhead bars.
Just think of all the business they’d do here with bachelor + bachelorette parties ALONE!
shauna's bachelorette @ pete's in dallas
Sooooo, who’s with me?!
Investors – I’m ready to do your press…
No really, I am.
xx, L
Tags: camp boys, careful cowboy!, don't judge, I'm just saying..., LMR, Moxie? We got it., oh so hipster, PLU, Shauna-na-na-na, Texas Texas yeehaw!, Things that are awesome..., Things we love!, willy wonka whining, wishing + hoping, You Can Find Me in the A
Allow me to introduce you to one of my new favorite Texans, Kendra Scott.
She’s an Austin-based jewelry designer + retailer who I’ve recently become obsessed with. Please see how gorgeous her designs are…
She specializes in colorful cuff bracelets, cocktail rings, bib necklaces, chandelier earrings + bridal jewelry.
If Kendra sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen her stuff featured in InStyle, Lucky, Real Simple, Allure, People, Martha Stewart Weddings or US Weekly – just to name of few of the publications she’s been in thanks to her celebrity clientele. (I believe that I’ve also seen her on Gilt Groupe before…)
She has her only retail store on South Congress in Austin, and (fun fact), it was recently voted one of the “Top Ten Places to Work in Central Texas.” When I was visiting Austin last weekend, I stopped by her boutique with my girlfriends to check it out.
Here’s a peek inside:
It’s a really energizing space + makes you want to spend lots of $$$. (Go w/ your girls…)
Anyway, one of the coolest things about her store is that there’s a color bar for you to design your very own customized jewelry. You can also do this online on her website, but I thought it was so much fun to do it live when you could actually hold the various settings + stones up to you. After much consideration, I selected a pair of teardrop earring settings + iolite quartz stones for my creation. Within ten minutes, one of the colorists put them together for me + I was able to wear them right out of the store!
Soooooooo…what do you think?!
my customized earrings
If you have a classic solid color dress to wear but you still want to make a statement, check out Kendra Scott Jewelry online. Her stuff is so amazing - I want it ALL. (Just another reason to love Texas, if you ask me…)
xx, L
Tags: fashion, I'm just saying..., LMR, Moxie? We got it., shopping spreeeeee!, sparkly things, Texas Texas yeehaw!, Things that are awesome..., Things that are GORG, very important people
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