Month: September 2011

Tarheel Nation: Tailgating for UNC’s First Game

/ foodsweatandbeers / 7 Comments

As I sit here wolfing down an epic salad and watching the season finale of The Secret Life of the American Teenager, in which some of the students graduate, I have to say, I had a blast this weekend reliving my college career.  As I mentioned on Friday, I had a dear friend visiting Chapel Hill for the weekend and I waited for her arrival patiently, watching loads of Degrassi and enjoying a little bit of Vino. Also, watching Youtube videos of Duckies. You know, the usual.

Once we arrived, though, we made a beeline for Top of the Hill, which was apparently THE place to be on Friday night.

Old Well White, just like old times!

I won’t get into too much details on the blog, but the rest of the night involved me acting like I’d never heard of certain UNC basketball players, which resulted in them trying to get the scoop on “that Jordan girl”. Sorry, Tyler, but I’m taken. You missed your chance in 2005.  If you want to hear my brag on end about this story and the giant ego boost that I received, feel free to tweet at me, or email me.

Luckily, I was able to crash relatively early, which made the 9 am gameday wake-up call that much easier.  Though let’s be honest, after a night of drinking Old Well Whites and Riesling like I was a fish (a fish with excellent taste in beer and wine), it really wasn’t that easy. My tummy was feeling wonky and my head was dully roaring. I knew something needed to be done.

I ventured over to Walgreen’s to get some Vitamin Water and Coke Zero (hangover remedy, why not?)  and then whipped up a little hangover cure meal to ready me for the day’s festivities.

Cures what ails ya!

The best part about staying close with your fraternity post-grad is having permanent access to cooking supplies and friends PLUS a place to park ALL THE TIME (parking is at such a premium at UNC that our football team racked up $13K in parking tickets.)

My merry band of brothers and sisters were ready for action with the tiniest grill known to mankind and a well-stocked refrigerator.

It gets the job done.

Game Day essentials

We cooked burgers and kebobs, we cooked corn on some cobs, there were beers in koozies, this tailgate was a doozy. (Sometimes, I have dreams of being Dr. Seuss.)

My eats for the day included (among I’m sure countless other nibbles):

Burger, Cheese, Avocado (and OODLES of ketchup, not yet pictured)

Grilled corn, where have you been my whole life?!

And, later, some chips and dip. I also made a healthy appetizer for everyone (read: cut up a cucumber and served up some dips).

The only healthy thing I put inside my body probably all day

The highlights of the day would have to be dominating at cornhole with Kinsley and her friends (who were all dressed in matching wolf-howling-at-moon t-shirts [sleeves removed, of course]), learning the term “landsharking” (which, according to urbandictionary, is a totally DIFFERENT and disgusting thing than what I thought, yuck), and finding a cellphone left at a bar that had enough graphic sexual texts I’m pretty sure it counted as reading a pornographic novel. Hopefully that either was returned to the owner or burned in a fiery pit of cleaning solution/bleach.  Some things you can never unlearn/un-read.

After watching UNC spank the Dukes in the first half of the game, I decided it was in the bag and enjoyed my typical post-viewing-football nap. What was NOT typical, however, was the duration (read: 4 hours).

Oh, well, there went my Saturday night (and any hopes of falling asleep at a reasonable hour).

Thank goodness for Netflix streaming Mad Men.

Betty Draper and her crazy neuroses are always up late, anyway.

Here’s to many more excellent games (and, of course, tailgates.)

What’s your favorite tailgate food?

I’m always looking to try new things!

What do you watch on Netflix?

Also, always looking for new things.

Six Pack Sunday: A Day Late for Labor Day

/ foodsweatandbeers / 9 Comments

Hey there all, happiest of Labor (or not-very-much-labor) Days to you and yours!

Yesterday, after tackling some big girl tasks, I decided to enjoy a little less grown-up fun.

Trashy mags and froyo for lunch? Don't mind if I do.

I parked it at Sweet Frog, not my NUMBER ONE ALL-TIME FAVORITE froyo place in the area but a little closer than Tutti Frutti (which is my favorite) and an acceptable substitution when I need my fix.

Oh, and on my way home, I spotted this little signage:

Moonberries? Really? God, the name of these yogurt places are always ridiculous.

Spotted outside of the Target near Southpoint in Durham, moonberries  is apparently “coming soon.” Well, color me excited.

ANYWAY, all that froyo eating plum tuckered me out. So here’s this weeks’ Six Pack Sunday: A Day Late (it’s the holiday, people).

1. Know your customer

Nailed it, Target.

XBox 360, meet Doritos. Doritos and XBox 360, meet the favorite combination of your clientele. Gotta give Target major credit for this one, as it actually made me laugh mid-shopping, imagining my brothers (and boyf, at that) seeing both of these, lighting up, and clearing the shelves. Yum.

2. Coconut oil = COCONUT Oil

Having used the medjool dates I got from Swanson Health Products before to make some pretty sweet carrot cake-balls in the past, I decided it was finally time to whip out the coconut oil I also received from them.  I used it to make one of my best good karma omelets to-date.

2 egg whites, 1 yolk, 2 slices of low sodium turkey, tomato, green pepper, spinach, sprinkle of cheese

Coconut oil, Live, in the Flesh (er.... jar?)

I know many folks who use coconut oil for baking and honestly, I think that might be the way to go. I’m a HUGE coconut fan in all things (froyo, macaroons, pina coladas, getting caught in the rain [of coconut shreds]). But the taste of coconut in this omelet was a little off-putting. Luckily, it was nothing a little smattering veritable flood  of Frank’s Red Hot couldn’t cope with.

Are you interested in getting some free Swanson Health Products goodies to review on your own blog? Then check out the Swanson Health Blog for all the details.

3. A little SWAG goes a long way

I gave that Barney Butter an A+... and a hotel key, for later.

Keen-WA!

So this week, I enjoyed quite a few little bits and pieces leftover from my HLS swag bag. Highlights included the Barney Butter Almond butter packet with an apple snagged from the hotel I stayed at during my Winston-Salem trip and the Roasted-Red Pepper/Basil Quinoa/Rice mix from Near East. Not a HUGE eater of either of these products, they were both delicious enough to make me wanna go out and try them again.

4. CART ESCAPE!

BUSTED!

Spotted about 1/6 of a mile from the grocery store, these carts were clearly trying to make an escape. Sick of carting around other people’s foods, I’m pretty certain they were trying to venture to the woods both to connect with nature and to forage for nuts and berries.

I wish them luck in all their endeavors, and give them serious credit for getting as far as they did by the early evening.

5. Deal of the Day

Spotted at the Target near Southpoint!

Harvest Time by Big Boss, as I’ve mentioned before, is maybe my favorite pumpkin ale. And Target was selling 6-packs for basically pennies (not Bad Penny, though, which is a mis-label). And so, of course, I picked up a pack. Target has a tendency of occasionally having CRAZY low, random prices on beers (once we got 36 Coors Lights for $15. I know, I know, Coors Light, but a deal’s a deal.)

I may go back for another today. I love it that much.

6. Summer of Riesling Farewell Party (of one.)

Farewell, summer!

Though I spent most of this summer having my own personal “Summer of Great Beer”, I figured I should end the Summer of Riesling 2011  with a Bang. And a bottle of Bogle. Not light enough for my liking, but drinkable. And a great way to enjoy a pre-game Friday night featuring my nearest and dearest friends.

Yup. The Cast of Degrassi. (click for Source)

Some might say that obsessively/compulsively watching Canadian teen dramas about high school students 7-9 years my junior is crazy. To them, I only have one statement:

It goes there.

If only we all lived our lives like the cast of Degrassi…..

Anything fun going on for your Labor Day?

It’s raining here, but that won’t keep me away from my buddy’s BBQ.

Have you ever watched Degrassi? OR any other teen dramas compulsively? 

No shame in that game, I watch ’em all.

Big Girl Things

/ foodsweatandbeers / 8 Comments

Hey there y’all! I’ve been MIA the past two days (minus that hilarious ducky video) due to hijinx in Chapel Hill for UNC’s first Football Game!.  We had a FANTASTIC first game, spanking the James Madison Dukes 42-10. I’ve got plenty to say about that in a different post, but today’s topic is much more grown-up than that!!

Maturity. I have it.

All that tasty tailgate food filled me up yesterday, so I decided to take it easy this morning with a delicious breakfast sandwich.

Cinnamon raisin bagel thin, smattering of cheese, Morningstar Sausage patty, and fried egg!

The Morningstar Hot and Spicy Sausage patties are my jam lately. I love the extra kick from the crushed red peppers in the ingredient list, and pairing it with a sweet bagel thin and the savory egg was a perfect way to start my morning.

I needed the fuel because I had some serious tasks to attack this morning (which blended into the afternoon as well).

  • Hang up my Jellyfish tapestry (given to me by my mother!)
  • Clean out my closet/shelves and even the spacing out (no boy in the house = DOUBLE CLOSET SPACE!!) (But truly I miss the heck outta him.)
  • Set up my TV
Each of these were very intimidating tasks that I’ve been putting off but I knew this day would be perfect.
One by one, I knocked them out, starting with the easiest.

Jellyfish: HUNG!

This lovely piece is now hanging proudly above my fireplace thanks to a 59 cent wooden dowel from Michael’s.

Up next, a much scarier project to tackle….  My clothes.

I have way more clothes than I probably need and, because of that, can get away with not doing laundry super often. When I DO get on a laundry kick, though, I do it on a massive scale. Once the clothes are clean, though, it’s the putting away that I tend to put off.  3 loads later, I had piles of clothes all over the floor/couch/chairs. This was a biggie.

Sooo organized (relatively.)

Shirts on the right, dresses on the left, other random stuff scattered about. It’s a work in progress, but a HUGE improvement from the clothing war-zone (complete with shirt shrapnel).

Finally, technology.

Wait, what now? I thought these things were supposed to come built. Or with some tech savvy elf that handles the construction.

Armed only with a screwdriver (my only tool in the entire apartment. Note to self: get on that!) I opened up the four different sets of directions (each more confusing looking than the last). I finally found one that was just pictures, and decided that was right up my alley.

Well, one episode of Mad Men later (viewed on my computer, of course), TA DA!!

Don't act like you're not impressed. And sorry about that glare, but I was in a hurry to post!!

I still need to get a few cables in order to really watch TV BUT baby steps, right?

All sorts of big girl things are going on in my neck of the woods, but I think this is a good start.

Now onto some more “big girl things”. Like shopping and getting froyo.

Baby steps.

Any big things going on in your life? Big decisions? Moves? School? DISH!

Poor Duckies

/ foodsweatandbeers / 5 Comments

Ok, I’ll admit, tonight is based entirely on sipping on some Riesling and watching Degrassi (click the link if you’re into watching high school kids get into the craziest hijinx of all).

But here’s the thing, I just watched this video. It broke my heart.

But then I laughed.

Because ducks are cute.

and they’re silly when they get blown away.

Hope you’re having THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!!

In case you’re not sure what I’m doing tomorrow morning….. UNC FOOTBALL!!

Plans for the weekend?

Foothills Brewing + City Beverage: Winston Salem Beer Scene

/ foodsweatandbeers / 15 Comments

Friiiiiiiiiiiiday, Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiday, hate to wear pants on Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiday!

Just wanted to let everyone know, in case you weren’t aware, that it is, in fact, Friday.  And though I’m no Rebecca Black, I’ve got big plans for this freakin’ weekend!   On the agenda:

  • Going out with one of my best friends and fellow Floretine study (a)broads, Kinsley!

    Margaritas in the Hard Rock? When in Rome.... (literally. we were in Rome.)

    Haven’t seen her in WAY too long, and I expect a night of joy and joyness. In fact, a whole weekend of it.

  • UNC FOOTBALL!!

    I LOVED reading that Nicole of Sugar-Coated Sisters is fired up for her first game as a USC Trojan! I, on the other coast, can hardly see straight with my excitement for Tar Heel football starting tomorrow!!

  • Shopping.
    I’m going to try to control myself. Gotta watch this one. But I AM picking up my new TV!!

Clearly, some good ish…. even though it’s no long weekend beach trip.  Or my standard fare of a trip to Oxford, MS. Times, they are a-changing.

As I mentioned in my post on Old Salem Tavern, there was more fun to be had in Winston Salem.  Fun in the form of my favorite sudsy beverage.

Come to mama!

After prepping for the next day of training for work I looked at my clock, not feeling tired at all, and realized it was only a little after nine.  Well, I consulted the glory of the internet, after tweeting a call to arms about fun to be had in Winston Salem, and realized that Foothills Brewing Brewpub was within walking distance of my hotel. Say WHAT?!

I wasted no time in hitting the ground running (walking. carefully) over to the pub. Thanks to advice from one of my fellow Girls’ Pint Out buddies, Anna, I reviewed the menu and despite the fact that it was $3 pint night, I went for something a little different.

Much better than that delayed Southwest Flight

6 full size samples, 3 of their seasonal samples in a smaller form, all for $7.99?!?! I DIE!

This is the very best way of visiting a new brewery/brewpub. I was able to enjoy a little bit of everything without getting drunk, and could focus on the flavors without clearing out my wallet.  I was able to meet some friendly locals who hooked me up with a little information on their favorites. Some highlights? (If you follow me on untappd, feel free to gloss over this part)

  • Barrel Aged People’s Porter-Fantastic porter, creamy rich and delicious, I could taste the almost chocolatey bourbon in the aftertaste.
  • Hoppyum IPA-This hoppy beer is never not good. A pretty classic IPA, it’s got some tasty citrus notes too!
  • Seeing Double IPA-Wow. You’d never expect the ABV content by tasting this beer (it’s 9.5%). It’s smooth, delicious, and the mouthfeel is actually enjoyable.

I loved being able to just relax and (very slowly) enjoy all that Foothills had to offer. Even with tip, I left without spending more than $11 and enjoyed every second.  The bartender was nice, knowledgeable, and friendly, especially without being too pushy. He let me make my own choices and even talked a little beer with me. I know it was slow, it was a Monday, but it meant a lot.

Thanks for the hospitality, new friends! Can't wait to go back!!

On my way out of WS, I stopped by City Beverage to pick up something new that I’ve never tried before (seriously, that was my only condition. other than that, I was open to everything.)

Oldies are the goodies.

The glassware put my own collection to shame, and they had an adorable tasting room but, like a fool in love, I was so enamored with looking at all the pretty bottles that I skipped taking a picture of that. Trust me, though, it’s adorable, it’s wooden, and it smells of rich mahogany (real talk.)

Want em all.

View from the bottom

The selection was amazing, and I was totally overwhelmed, but finally managed to waltz out of there with some tasty bevvies….

You’ll just have to wait and see what they were, though.

Have you ever tried a flight of beers? How about a beer tasting?

What’s a hidden gem in your town? Beer related if you’d like, but really, I’ll accept any/everything!

Who knows, maybe one day I’ll visit!

 

 

Winston-Salem: More like WINNING Salem!

/ foodsweatandbeers / 10 Comments

Good afternoon and happy belated No Pants Wednesday! A day late, I know, but I was out in public yesterday and honestly, I doubt the folks at Shiki Sushi would’ve been too happy if I de-pantsed during the lunch rush.  That’s not the Shiki way….

Today, though, lunch was enjoyed in the comforts of my own home. And that can only mean one thing (well, false, it can mean several things, but today it means one….)

The greenest of all salads

I’ve missed the crunch of the spinach and peppers, the almost sweet taste of the tomatoes, creaminess of the avocadoes, the warm black beans and the HOT CHA CHA of the salsa. I definitely needed this taco salad.

See, the first two days of this week, after hopping off a (delayed) Southwest fight (due, of course, to my Irene experiences), I hopped right into my car and headed to Winston-Salem, NC. Home of the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest, Old Salem Museums and Gardens, and, for two short days, Yours Truly!

Though I was in town for a work training, all work and no play makes Jordy a dull girl. Instead of boring you to death with tales of lesson plans and interactive sessions, I’ll skip straight to the good stuff.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner for the historic Old Salem Tavern.

Oh, you fancy, huh?

This Moravian gem has been around for over 200 years!! And, yes, I’ll admit, at times you were reminded of this. The seats weren’t too comfortable, and the tables were rickety, but if you’re looking for ambience and an authentic experience, look no further.

Stunning outdoor seating!

Though we weren’t able to enjoy the outdoor seating, it was gorgeous. I wish that I could take a certain Philly boy on a date here, if only for the possibility of sitting out here!

We were served a warm basket with two different kinds of bread.

Heavenly, just like your Morvian mama would make!

I went for a roll several of the small pumpkin raisin rolls. Oh sweet mother of Morvians! This was unbelievably good, warm, and so crumbly, accented perfectly with a few swipes of their butter pats.

While the menu was not too long, the options felt endless!

So many options, how will I choose?!

Though I’d checked Yelp for some recommendations, I wasn’t really in the mood for the infamous Moravian Chicken Pie. So I went for something a little different. And after enjoying the heck out of the pumpkin rolls, that may have tainted my choice.

Pumpkin an sunflower seed crusted salmon over wilted spinach and a blood orange vinaigrette

This was hands-down the best choice I could’ve made. The salmon was cooked perfectly for a gal like me, still pink but definitely all the way done. The pumpkin taste wasn’t actually too obvious, but the blood orange vinaigrette stole the show. I wish I could pour this over all future fish endeavors (and then bathe in it myself…. TMI? NEVER!)  The wilted spinach also featured a few onions, and had soaked up the flavors of the blood orange the make it both sweet and tart. The dish was light enough (and I was hungry enough) that I really had no option but to try some of their many tasty looking desserts.

Moravian Gingerbread with Lemon Ice Cream and Key Lime Pie

I promise, these two desserts were not just for me and, in fact, we split them among the three of us.  I will admit, and it should go without saying, that I could’ve eaten every last bite/drop without hesitation. I’m just that kind of human garbage disposal.

My other favorite pie.

Key lime pie is a usual favorite of mine and, though I doubt this was a “traditional Moravian recipe”, the taste was totally on point. It was tart to a slight pucker, but sweet and creamy with a texture that resembled a cheesecake.  The crust was so thin, yet tied the whole pie slice together. And whipped cream…. well that was just icing cream on the cake pie.

It was the gingerbread that stole my heart, though, served warm and paired with a teeth chatteringly cold, tangy lemon ice cream. Not lemon sorbet, not lemon water ice. TRUE lemon ice cream. This is not an easy accomplishment, to make a quality lemon ice cream, but Old Salem Tavern hit it out of the park. The combination of cold and warm left me LITERALLY picking up little crumbs with my fingers and wishing we could order a road-dessert. Alas….

Sweet tunes, sweet outfits, sweetness abounds.

The servers wore authentic old timey outfits, which is always fun and uncomfortable looking, but went nicely with the theme. There was live music, though it definitely was not my cup of tea. Luckily, the average age of the clientele was about 3x my own age (which is 24, IN CASE YOU FORGOT MY BIRTHDAY!!) and thus they enjoyed the “easy listening” as I personally felt that Tracy Chapman would’ve turned over in her grave listening to it.

Sidenote: Tracy Chapman isn't actually dead. But I think hearing the butchering of her music may have killed her, and then had her turning over in her untimely grave (click for Source)

Luckily, we were seated across the hallway of the cool jams, and so we enjoyed our meal in peace (mostly… thin walls = you can hear pretty much anything. That’s just math.)

When I returned to the hotel, I spent about an hour or so prepping for the next day of training, and going over notes.  And then I crashed into this bed…. HARD.

Is that a cloud? Nope. Just my bed.

But not before engaging in another new Winston-Salem favorite… That’ll just have to wait until the next post, though.

Pants on, back to work.

Have you ever been to one of those “old timey” restaurants where the folks stay in character like it’s their job (oh wait it is their job)? Did you like it?

What’s your favorite kind of pie?