Things that are awesome…

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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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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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Eat Squad #7: The Iberian Pig

08/25/2010 in Cocktails, Decatur, Eat Squad, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

Soooooo, Lindsay has a new favorite restaurant. 

It’s called The Iberian Pig, and you can find it hidden in downtown Decatur. 

also, you can find it here in this picture. you're welcome.

Although it took Slick + me an extra 30 minutes more than everyone else to find it for Eat Squad last week, it was absolutely worth the hunt.  (Seriously, though, it takes a committed foodie to find this place.  I kinda felt like I was on The Amazing Race…)

As soon as we found it + met our friends, I was ready for a drink.  Much to my complete surprise + great excitement, they feature the Aviation on the menu!  I mean, it was just like they KNEW me.

well hello, gorgeous

The menu at The Iberian Pig is pretty freaking phenomenal.  The tapas list was extensive + creative enough to fully grab the table’s attention, so we decided to share a bunch of those among the six of us.  Here’s what we ate:

charcuterie + quesos

patatas al valdeon

salmon ceviche (special)

salchicha 3-ways

the ladies...

...our studly gentlemen

bbq octopus w/ patatas

first order of pork cheek tacos...

...second order of pork cheek tacos

jonah crab croquetas

B.W.D. (bacon wrapped dates)

cabrita carbonara w/ slow roasted goat

tocino con manzana

calamares

NOT PICTURED (but incredibly delicious):  ALBONDIGAS – wild boar sausage meatballs stuffed w/ piquillo peppers, Macedonian dates + roasted tomatoes.  Finished w/ pimenton creme and oyster mushrooms.

Every small plate we ordered was unbelievably good.  And, we went to town!

so insanely full - could barely stand up to take this, but nice lookin' group, eh?

This was the best meal I’ve had in a long time.  The Iberian Pig gets points for (1) really friendly + knowledgeable staff, (2) an incredibly creative + beyond delicious menu – there’s so much more that I’m dying to try, (3) offering the Aviation martini + bacon-infused bourbon (which was v. tasty) at the bar + in the dining room, and (4) for its kind-of-hidden-and-hard-for-Lindsay-and-Slick-to-find Decatur location. 

Once we finally found it, though, the giant hunt sorta made us feel like it was OUR restaurant.  Which, in fact, it is now.   :)

xx, L

The Iberian Pig
121 Sycamore Street
Atlanta, GA  30030
404.371.8800
www.iberianpigatl.com

The Iberian Pig on Urbanspoon

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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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Don’t Forget abt. The Atlanta Food Rave!

08/24/2010 in Events!, Midtown, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

It’s coming up THIS Friday, people!  Do you have your ticket(s) yet or what??

Here’s the Q+DD on The Atlanta Food Rave:

THE EVENT:  The Atlanta Food Rave is a new high-energy event that brings together an eclectic mix of Atlanta’s finest culinary talent.  Expecting an interactive night of food, fun, cocktails and live entertainment, attendees are invited to sample chef offerings and catered fare that will be placed throughout the expansive host venue, the Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery.  Adding a bit of competition to the occasion, attendees are also encouraged to vote for their favorite chef of the evening, helping him/her to win The 2010 Rave Review, an award reserved for the chef that is best in show.  The evening will also feature a premium open bar with signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages, live entertainment and a number of surprises.  The menu will be revealed upon arrival and vegetarian options will be present.  A percent of the proceeds from The Atlanta Food Rave will be donated to The Atlanta Community Food Bank.

DATE & TIME:  Friday, August 27, 2010, 7-11 p.m.
 
VENUE:  Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery  (if you haven’t been before, it’s fabulous!)
                      199 Armour Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30324

The 24,000-square-foot Mason Murer Fine Art gallery has become an art and special event destination, hosting  several exhibitions a year and showcasing a wide range of work from the Southeast and around the world.  Its  unique interior has made the gallery an in-demand venue for corporate parties, non-profit fundraisers, cultural  events and the perfect location for The Atlanta Food Rave to create a delicious evening to remember for all of its  guests. 

Check it out:  www.masonmurer.com
 
FEATURED CHEFS:  The Atlanta Food Rave will give food and cocktail lovers the opportunity to mix and mingle with an eclectic group of  Atlanta-based chefs in an informal and fun atmosphere.  With a goal to showcase some of Atlanta’s best culinary  talent, this year’s chef lineup includes:

Chef/Owner Alex Friedman of P’cheen International Bistro & Pub

 

Executive Chef Delroy Bowen of the Georgia International Convention Center

Executive Chef Keira Moritz of Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge

Executive Chef Lance Gummere of The Shed at Glenwood

Personal Chef/ Caterer Latoya Starks of Noorish Personal Chef and Catering  

GIVING BACK:  The Atlanta Food Rave is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to The Atlanta Community Food Bank.  With a mission to fight hunger by educating, empowering, and engaging the communities of Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, The Atlanta Community Food Bank currently distributes nearly two million pounds of food and other grocery items each month to more than 700 non-profit agencies and 38 counties in the Atlanta area.  Visit www.acfb.org for more information.

TICKETS:  Tickets are on sale now and are $55 per person for ages 21 and up.  Tickets are available at www.atlantafoodrave.com and 404-856-0157.  Tickets will not be sold at the door.    

PARKING:  Complimentary valet parking will be available.

FOR MORE INFO:  Visit www.atlantafoodrave.com or e-mail info@atlantafoodrave.com                  

We’ll see you there!  :)

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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Party Like the Irish

08/22/2010 in Cocktails, Midtown, Random Musings, What we're Doing by Lindsay | 2 comments

Slick + I had friends in from New York and Austin this weekend, and we decided to spend a rainy Friday night w/ everyone at RiRa Irish Pub in Midtown.

leibs + sunshine

V

V + laur

rira irish pub

I hadn’t been to RiRa in a while, and it was bumpin’.  We had a really great time + loved the live band!

The best part of the night?  I met the Captain!!


And so did Sarah…  :)


Also BIG:  RiRa now has late nite Irish eats available by the front door to grab before that long cab ride home.

we had the cheese + onion chips. rexy, i know.

Don’t forget about RiRa when you are making your weekend plans.  There’s nothing quite like partying like the Irish! 

xx, L

RiRa Irish Pub
1080 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.477.1700
www.rira.com

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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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Why? Because I can.

08/19/2010 in Pampered Pooches, Random Musings by Lindsay | 6 comments

My parent’s dog, Charley, turned 15 on Monday, which is pretty ancient in dog years.  105!  (I think…I don’t know.  Math is hard.)

what?? we're close...

Happy Birthday, Charley!  :)

Anyway, in honor of his big achievements (being old as heck + dealing with my parents on a day-to-day basis), I decided to dedicate this post to him.  So here it goes.  Charley – If you ever got lost, which I know you wouldn’t because you are supa-smart…

evidence of charley's supa-smartness

…I promise that I’d make you one of these lost pet signs.  Oh yes, I’m that nice.

OR…

I could also do this one in color, if you’d prefer…

OR w/ gusto…

(Had to clean it up a bit for the kids…)


That last one is Captain Kurt’s all-time fav.  Ugh – my sides hurt.

Kurt sent those to me this morning right before a kind of important meeting, and I laughed so hard I had mascara running down my face ala LC on The Hills.  I had to use my award-winning high school acting skillz to keep a straight face for the following 45 minutes… 

Enjoy, world.  You’re welcome.

xx, L

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