Oh goodness…. with all the traveling to visit other people, I forgot how exhausting it can be to play hostess to a road warrior.
My dear friend, Kinsley, spent the weekend with me and we relived our college glory days eating, drinking, and shopping our way through Chapel Hill. It was glorious. That’s not all I did this week, though. Here’s another edition of Six Pack Sunday, complete with a bit of the craziness that the French provide this world.
1. Frenchin’ Fool
Not a masterpiece, but it'll do.
Would you believe that, before this week, I’d never french braided before?
If you look at this picture, you probably will.
Growing up, my mom was a french braiding pro, and then, in high school, I always had girlfriends that were so dexterous in the braiding department, their work looked like hair sculptures. So I didn’t bother learning. Then, the other day, I had this crazy thought like, “What if I have a daughter someday and she wants a french braid and my mom isn’t there and SHE HATES ME because I can’t help?!!?@#?%”
I taught myself, then and there. It’s not perfect, but my imaginary future daughter won’t hate me. At least not because I can’t braid.
2. Tarheel Monkey
Wanna see the cutest thing I saw on my shopping tour of Chapel Hill?
Looking fierce.
Just further proof that Carolina blue looks good on everyone.
3. The Future is NOW!
I forgot to DVR my Thursday night shows due to crawfish boil excitement. Luckily, technology saved the day again.
Yes, The Vampire Diaries. No shame in my game.
I can program my DVR from my phone. I will NEVER miss a show again. This is amazing.
4. French Fry Feast
No picture in this one, but I’m sure that you can all imagine two 20-something blondes fueled by beers and loud music strolling into Buns (one of Chapel Hill’s Premier late-night dining establishments) to gorge on an order of french fries (and Caesar salad?)
Dipping sauces included Curry Mustard and Chipotle Mayo. If you’re in Chapel Hill, go there, enjoy the fries, and thank me later.
French toast aside, I think french fries are the most perfect French-prefixed creations on the planet.
5. Back to AMERICA!
Another item from the epic shopping adventures of the week?
These beauties.
God bless this nation. (click image for source/in case you need to buy patriotic Sperry boat shoes, too.)
I can’t wait for a summer rocking shorts and Sperrys. And I have the absolute perfect white/blue dress that, added to these kicks, will make me the most patriotic girl around on Fourth of July.
Yes, I plan my Independence Day outfits as far in advance as my Halloween costumes.
6. French… WHAT?
Bottled water isn’t expensive enough for you? Well, luckily, this is now a product that exists.
Oh goodness.
Evian’s “Moisturizing Spray” is mineral water you can… spray on yourself.
What the hell?!
How is this different from putting “mineral water” in a spray bottle? Oh, it isn’t?
THEN WHY ARE YOU CHARGING ME $17?!
Ridiculous.
I’m off to brush my teeth with non-mineral water and toothpaste, and hit the sack. Sleep tight, friends. And save up your pennies for fancy, absurd water-based products. They don’t grow on trees.
You know, if all my Six Pack Sundays are written on Monday, are they still Six Pack Sundays?
Probably. But let’s not cheat. Instead, let’s eat. Or at least run through all the tasty things that I ate this past week!!
1. Trader Joe’s Pizza Party!!
It's not delivery, it's TJs!
Last night, between four of us, we almost ate two entire doughballs worth of Trader Joe’s homemade pizzas! On this one: 4 cheese sauce, mozzarella, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. On the other (with the garlic & herb crust!): a “sauce” of butter, garlic, and some oil, mozzarella, pepper bacon from the AMISH, and tomato. I couldn’t even control myself. So flipping tasty, so easy, so fun. Thank goodness for pizza stones!
2. Saison du BUFF!
VICTORY!
Ok, I didn’t eat that guy. But I DID drink the beer resting on his hulking arm. Saison du Buff (the Victory version). Alas, the verdict was that I was not really a fan, though it kind of reminded me of a more bitter Fullsteam Summer Basil (of which I’m a HUGE fan.) I’ll just have to try the otherSaison du Buffs to see how the trio holds up.
(PS: Would you believe, the day before this shot was taken, this guy underwent major, invasive back surgery? Yeah, I think it was all a big hoax, too. The most elaborate hoax that involved multiple doctors and a hospital stay.
He’s a trickster like that.)
3. Keeping it Green
Healthy! And BRIGHT!
I’m convinced that, if my eye was a DSLR (instead of an eye), I’d wanna eat veggies even MORE than I do now (which is pretty regularly). Those roasted asparagus stalks look sexy beyond belief. That salmon doesn’t look too bad, either.
Down, Jordan. No need to get all worked up…. you can recreate this dish another time.
4. Federal Donuts: More like Federal GO NUTS!!
Oh, Federal... you do donuts RIGHT!
Wait, did I forget to mention I went up to Philly this weekend?
Because I did. And I bought myself (and a few other people) some donuts. Not just any donuts, though. Federal Donuts.
Sure, the store is itty bitty and, yes, I may have scratched my mom’s car pulling out of the impossible parking area when a garbage truck blocked me in.
But that’s okay, because these things are AMAZING!
Only open from 7am-3pm (weekdays) or 7pm (weekends), this joint regularly sells out of their scrumptious ‘nuts. And their hots (Appollonia, Indian Cinnamon, Vanilla Lavender) were amazing, but I also go to try two of their limited edition “Fancies”:
Gingersnap Cookie (pictured above!)
Ginger glaze with gingersnap cookie crumb
GET THEE TO FEDERAL, STAT!!
But don’t drive a new car. Just walk.
5. Farmers Suck at Popping Corn
I’ll admit, I mostly bought this for the novelty.
Where's my corn cob pipe?
But this little cob produced a seriously disappointing amount of actual popcorn. And for about $3, I feel a little ripped off. If I see that Kansas farmer any time soon, I’m gonna ask him for some more popcorn (especially if we’re in a movie theater.)
6.Not Bad, Fake Meat Producers… Not bad at all.
Top Notch Pulled "shreds"
Even though I’m eating meat again (a lot of it), I had a package of these Gardein pulled “shreds” leftover from the Pescatarian Lent. Last week, I used them as the topper of a few of my salads…. I was pleasantly surprised! Yup, they’re loaded in carbs. But the sweet sauce ALMOST tricks you into thinking that you’re eating slightly bland pork. That doesn’t sound glowing, I know, but seriously, I’d definitely get these again.
Tonight, I take my first water aerobics class (which may help to counteract some of that pizzabeershredsdonut bloat I’m feeling.
Are there any food “crazes” that you’re 100% behind? Gourmet donuts could be my latest obsession.
Oh my goodness, this week was definitely a marathon, not a sprint. It was long, it was busy, but it was filled with the most delicious foods, some fantastic friends, and not even CLOSE to enough sleep.
No worries, though, more fodder to write about, right?
My dear friend and (fraternity) brother, Brooke, CREATED this amazing piece of artwork out of glass!! He’s been telling me for years that he was going to do it and I always sort of just assumed that it was our long running joke. And then, as a total surprise to me, he showed up with a box marked FRAGILE tied in twine and filled with bubble wrap. Bubble wrap and a beautiful handmade glass octopus.
I’m in love (though I can’t tell whether it’s with the octopus or Brooke…)
Brooke let me know that tako is the Japanese word for octopus and, since this little fellow is so small, I figured he should be named Takito instead. Now I just need to find the right spot for him, a spot of dignity and honor!
2. Accidental Champagne
(But really, when is champagne ever REALLY an accident?)
Sometimes, at a cocktail party, I decide to only drink champagne.
And then, the bartender tells me that, as the only one who was drinking it, the empty bottle was definitely achieved, singlehandedly, by MOI!
Oops.
3. Big Thangs
oh snap.
4. Pretzel Power
World Beer Festival was on Saturday. I think I took like, 8 total pictures. I was definitely more focused on the beer this year, and less focused on snapping photos like a lunatic. But trust me, I looked great doing it. Mostly due to one key accessory.
I'm thinking of starting a fashion blog.
Fact: Yogurt covered pretzels, while lovely to look at, MELT on a hot day. And gummy bears are very tough to string.
From the brewer: Expect this beer to pour a hop forward jet black glass brimming with aromatic bitterness. Brewmaster Dan skillfully weaves molasses and chocolate malt undertones with a soaring rush of clean citrus and pine hop notes, to deliver a drinkable Black IPA.
From MOI: SO tasty! I’ll admit, a lot of times I end up having high hopes for “black IPAs” only to be disappointed. Not the case with Black Top! All the way from Wisconsin, this beer was a Christmas present and, with a piney aroma, it reminded me of Christmas! The taste wasn’t too complex, yet there was still a hoppiness and a chocolate taste. Mama like.
6. I think I ate my body’s weight in pork, today.
But more on that tomorrow. Or Tuesday.
No women dressed as pigs were harmed though, don't worry.
Sometimes, when life throws you lemons a buddy driving up to DC who’s stowaway friendly, you gotta make lemonade pack your bags and get ready for action. So that’s what I did. I loaded up Melissa’s car with 2 small backpacks and 9 bananas (part of the 11 I got for $1 on Thursday!) and hopped in the front seat. I decided to surprise my baby sister, Kiley, who was playing volleyball at the Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, a GORGEOUS place I’d never been before right on the Potomac River.
Since yesterday was a long day of driving, I didn’t have time to squeak in a normal Six Pack Sunday, but a day late is still great.
1. Lukewarm Lunchmeat
Not even if I were eating meat, thanks.
Road trips are great places to find ridiculous edible items. These Go Picnic snack packs looked great, except for one key piece: room-temperature meats and cheeses. Though I found these whilst still being a Pescatarian Polly, I can tell you I’d never buy one, no matter how hungry I happened to be.
2. Mad Men (Rated M)
At least this scene was decent
The thing about watching Mad Men on the treadmill is that there are some awesome scenes where Peggy is talking smack with the boys, and it’s hilarious. Then, there are times where the Sterling Cooper fellows head to a strip club, and I’m in a hotel fitness room surrounded by the parents of teenage volleyball players. Awkward, much?
Much too much.
I listened to Pandora for the rest of my workout.
3. Peeps Store (Yes, it exists.)
??!?!
And it is AWESOME.
Glowing gloriously.
You can imagine how packed it was during Easter weekend. So much marshmallow.
4. The Little Giant Mermaid
I’ve never worn shells as a bra but, when you’re wearing teal pants (close enough to a fin, right?) and you spot the most inspiring rock, you don’t really have a choice, do you?
Part of that worlddddddddddddddddddd
You want thingamabobs? I’ve got 20.
5. National Zoo: Dream Come True!
Red Panda Party!
We never thought that Easter Sunday would be a packed day at the National Zoo. We were totally shocked when we got there, parking was damned near impossible, and the lines for the panda exhibit were football-field length. But it was all worth it (the time, as admission is FREE!!) when we saw this tiny red panda climbing up some logs. The tigers was fierce, the lions were larger than life, and the monkey jerking it…. well that was just icing on the cake.
6. Pinky Rides the Bull
Fun tip: When you think your pink bra won’t show through your black top, you’re wrong.
Yeeeee haw!
After a lot of squats the week before, and a little too much time on the hip abduction and adduction machines, my thighs were totally unprepared for what a killer workout it is holding onto a bucking bull, even if he was mechanical. But, for $3 at Cadillac Ranch in National Harbor, I couldn’t resist!! I held on as long as I could (which likely wasn’t very long, though it felt like forever) before I felt something slipping. DAMN my decision to rock the leggings! I slipped right off that bull and into the inflatable ring, laughing the whole time. It was a blast, and I’d TOTALLY do it again! Though next time, I think I’ll try to pack some shorts… or at least chaps.
Thanks, National Harbor, for showing us a good time.
Ever rode a bull (live OR mechanical)? How long did you stay on? Any tips?
What’s your favorite exhibit at the zoo?
Mine’s normally not at the zoo at all, but the aquarium. And it’s ALWAYS the Jellyfish.
Oh goodness, it’s been a long week. And a wet weekend. And I just rounded it out with a tasty egg, egg white, and veggie omelet which, after fried fish, fried french fries, and fried zucchini, makes me feel a little less like a lump on a log. And, with the Tar Heels scheduled to play only moments after I witness the cinematic perfection that I assume The Hunger Games will be, I’ve got a date with the treadmill to help in that same venture. But let’s focus on the task at hand. Six Pack Sunday. Yeah, buddy.
1. The Eleventh Plague
I know that the Ten Plagues of Egypt took place a long time ago and all, but maybe Pharaoh (of Durham) has been ticking the wrong people off, lately. We have another plague on our hands.
Hey, little guy. Get the hell outta here.
The eleventh plague, made ENTIRELY of inchworms. And their godforsaken “webs” which are really just spider-like lines that fall from the skies and get in my hair. Gross. I’m ready for this plague to be over, thanks.
2. Suicide Soda Cereal
I don’t know about you all but, when we were little kids, my friends and I would always play the “Suicide Soda” game at soda fountains. Who’d be the one to drink the mixture of Sprite, Iced Tea, Root Beer, and Diet Coke? Which daredevil wants to add Mello Yello to the mix? Well, with age, comes wisdom. The wisdom to know that this idea should apply to other things. Things like cereal.
The perfect storm of cereal.
I took the tail end of a box of Erewhon (gluten free) crisp brown rice cereal, and added some mini boxes of tastiness to the bag, shook it up, and VOILA!! Suicide Cereal. UNLIKE the fountain soda experiment, though, this combination only got better with each addition. Especially the Oatmeal Squares. If you have just a LITTLE bit of a bunch of cereal left, try this out! Feels like a brand new box.
So I nabbed myself some Morningstar Buffalo Wings Veggie Wings which were on major sale this week, after a HORRIBLE experience at Buffalo Wild Wings (note to self: never go there if you’re not eating chicken. Not many options.)
Luckily, my craving was satisfied above and beyond with these bad boys. There was a great little spiciness to these wings, and while I didn’t think to myself ZOMG CHICKEN! when I ate them, I did think “Huh… I could nibble these for a while.” You’re looking at about half a box worth of “wings” on this plate and, considering these were $3.33/box on sale this week, it’s basically a better deal than the Wendy’s Value Meal (I make that comparison because, let’s be honest, I spent a LOT of time there back in my day.) If you’re going veggie, or just looking for something new to try with that “Buffalo” flavor, I’d recommend them.
4. Love for the Uggos
Awwww, poor little guys.
These are the ugly ducklings of the sweet potato family
These White Sweet Potatoes, while hideous, are apparently sweet as candy (THOUGH apparently have less health benefits than the orange ones.) Health be damned, though, I took pity and bought one. I’ll report back with the taste but, I have to agree with the sign… they’re not pretty.
5. Some Like It Rough
Don't worry, just the right hand.
My apologies for the hideous “manicure” leftover from a rush-job painting for St. Patrick’s Day. HOWEVER, I wanted to share my very first diamond! It’s a “rough diamond” so it hasn’t been cut or polished or fancy BUT I found a wondrous seller on Etsy who specializes in working with these rough diamonds, making rings and earrings and the like. For the past month or so, I’ve been totally fixated on getting myself a Right Hand Ring. Ever since those De Beers ads, I’ve wanted to “raise my right hand” with the successful women of the world.
Whatever you say, ad!
I’m an advertiser’s dream come true. I love it, and haven’t taken it off yet. It’s totally unique, totally beautiful, and TOTALLY mine.
6. Menchie’s in DURHAM!!
Melissa just sent me a text message with this picture:
I'LL BE RIGHT OVER!
I hope you don’t mind but, when a Menchie’s opens less than a mile from your door, you know where you’re going for dessert.
Have a great Sunday night, folks!!! I hope it’s full of froyo and blissfully lacking any inchworms.
Ah, the morning after St. Patrick’s Day. The birds are chirping (which I can’t stand), the green food coloring is starting to fade off my hands, and the desire to make something productive out of my day is doing battle with the wish to never leave this couch. It’s been a busy week with a quick trip home to Pennsylvania and little to no time to blog. But now, on a foggy Sunday, there’s no better time to whip up a Six Pack Sunday post!
1. BYOB(lue)
Blarney Beer
Fun tip I learned last year. If you wanna drink green beer on St. Patty’s Day, but don’t wanna chug the swill that most bars are shelling out with green in them, bring your own blue food coloring. A drop or two in a golden ale or lager, and VOILA you’ve got a beautiful green brew without having to force down warmish Natty Light that’s neon green. A tasty Harp Lager in Raleigh’s Moore Square was just what I needed on the sunniest St. Patty’s Day in recent history!
2. Might as well fact it, you’re addicted to Judd
Nice guns, Ashley
Is anyone else watching Missing? I have only just started, but I already know I’m a fan. With my luck, this probably means the show will be canceled in less than a season, but fingers crossed other folks get in on this trend. I sense it’s a similar idea as the film, Taken, which is pretty much my favorite action film of all time. And it has ASHLEY FRIGGIN JUDD as the lead! Ever since watching Double Jeopardy with my mom as a little one, she’s been a favorite leading lady, but I haven’t seen her in anything too exciting since High Crimes. I think this type of role (ex-CIA, serious badass mother trying to find her son who was lost or taken in Rome!) is meant for her. Knock on wood that my notorious bad luck with new shows won’t rub off on this one.
3. Help a Sister Out?
Contest is over BUT thanks to y’all who voted!
If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re on Facebook sometimes, too. If you could take a quick second to “like” this picture of tasty beer ingredients from my visit to Big Boss with NC Girls’ Pint Out, I could win VIP tix to World Beer Festival! I know there’s not really much in it for you BUT I’d really appreciate it.
Here’s a hilarious picture/caption of Tyler Zeller, instead!
What a catch.
4. Brunch and Beers!
Better than Christmas?
This is most of the tastiness that we had for our St. Patrick’s Day morning party at my friend, Andrew’s house. Since I’m still going strong on the Pescatarian Lent, I brought a French toast casserole to deal with not enjoying the tasty Chick-fil-A biscuits. I also whipped up some pistachio cupcakes inspired by the most delicious one I enjoyed from Glen Mills’ new Whole Foods!
I wish all brunches came with Guinness.
5. Seafood at a Steakhouse
I promised myself that I’d never be “that person” that goes to a steakhouse and doesn’t order the steak. But when your mom mentions that all she wants for her special birthday dinner is Alaskan King Crab, you make it happen, no matter where you’ve gotta go.
Luckily, we found them at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Wilmington, DE. Mom got her Alaskan King Crab and I was in for a treat of my own.
Seafood Heaven
My dinner was total perfection.
Pan-seared mahi mahi over sauteed spinach with “crab-stuffed shrimp” (which basically translated to butterflied shrimp surrounded by tender crab meat. I couldn’t even finish it (though I only left one crab-stuffed shrimp) but it definitely gave me faith in steakhouse seafood. I’m a believer.
6. Celebratory Sushi
Get inside of me.
After an early flight on Thursday morning, following a fantastic (albeit brief) visit home, the last thing I wanted was to go home and cook for lunch. But it was my coworkers last day in the office, and I also had to celebrate a little bit. We got sushi at Shiki in Durham and it was fantastic! Scallops, tuna, avocado, I totally splurged and got some special rolls I’d never tried before.
What was I celebrating?
I got into grad school!!
I applied to four programs and, though I’m still waiting to hear back from three, I was accepted into one of my top choices!! I’ll definitely be moving back to Pennsylvania sometime this summer because next year, though I don’t know where yet, I’ll be a student again!!
I can’t wait for this next step in my life, and to move back to the North. There’s a lot left to do in NC before I go (Triangle Bucket List, anyone?) but it’s a great feeling, like a weight off my shoulders, knowing there’s at least one program that wants me as much as I want them!!
I may actually go and celebrate a little more with a trip to the mall/bookstore.
Again, I’d deeply appreciate any “likes” on my Facebook photo!
Did you make any tasty green treats for the holiday?
Ok, I’m sorry, I kind of hate myself for the title of this post. But, more importantly, I think it’s hilarious, especially when the word “dooty” is used in any type of writing, so hopefully you’ll bear with me and stick it out to enjoy the REST of this week’s Six Pack Sunday!
1. Ask and You Shall Receive
Oh goodness, I can’t thank the Twitter world enough!! On Friday, I was a little bit at a loss. I knew that I wanted to bring treats to my little sister’s volleyball tournament this weekend but a) I’m not a baker and b) I was low on time. After rocking out an awesome Zumba class with Sierra, the queen of Triangle blogger workouts (check out the link for an adorable picture of our height difference), it was already 7:30 and I had to make dinner AND whip up some good stuff. I asked the internet, and y’all DELIVERED!
I'll snicker YOUR doodle!
Kelli suggested the Snickerdoodle Blondies from My Baking Addiction, which were UNBELIEVABLE! They were so delicious, I had no idea what to do with myself other than wrap them up to bring the goodies to the girls before I ate them all myself. The other hit (which admittedly looked like poop, so I didn’t photograph them) was courtesy of Kaitlin’s recipe for No Bake Cookies. Peanut butter, chocolate, oats? Impossible to go wrong, especially when cooking for teenage girls!
The only change I made with BOTH recipes was replacing the vanilla extract with almond extract. That’s my personal touch to MOST recipes, primarily because I like the taste and, if I don’t wanna eat my own creations, who would?
Every single crumb was eaten (I definitely helped with that) and the girls and parents alike were enamored with my creations! THANK YOU to everyone that suggested recipes, I was so stoked with the results!
2. Not Now, Wool E.!
That's BULL!
Wool E. Bull, the Durham minor league baseball team’s mascot, made a visit to the Raleigh Convention Center to watch some volleyball. Don’t let the smiling girls fool you, they were SO annoyed as he was trying to give high fives in the middle of the GAME! There’s a time and place for everything (and every bull). This was neither the time, NOR the place. Sorry, Mr. Bull.
3. Dress to Impress
Always fierce, always winning spring fling queen
One of the terms used most frequently to find my blog is “What to wear to pure barre” which all stems from my Pure Barre Breakdown post Here’s my advice: wear something cute, but make sure it’s comfortable! At the studio I go to (occasionally, not regularly, as I’m not loaded enough to afford the classes in addition to my gym membership), there are mirrors all over. So I definitely do my best to try and look put together. In my opinion, when you look good, you feel good, or at least you don’t think about it. I was rocking my new Lululemon shirt (which I got on sale when I picked up my FAVORITE LEGGINGS EVER that actually gave me the courage to post my first tummy picture on the blog) and one of my favorite pairs of leggings from Nike. I hate to say that clothes make the (wo)man, but it was definitely my favorite Pure Barre class ever. I’m not saying it was JUST because of the outfit… but it didn’t hurt.
4. Heavy Dooty
Maybe I’m watching too much TV lately, or maybe just too many kids’ channels (I love cartoons), but I’ve been seeing THIS commercial on a lot, lately.
At first I didn’t pay any attention to this commercial, but then I paid some. And I was like “Wait. WHAT?”
Are these kids pooping in their diapers, and then being judged on it?
What?
Poop, there it is, indeed.
5. Meat Free Meal at The Pit
The one bummer of the weekend was a trip to The (legendary) Pit in Raleigh…. Not because it wasn’t tasty (it was TOO TASTY) but because, as per my Lenten sacrifice, I’m not eating any of their specialties right now. No NC BBQ, no pulled pork, no beef brisket, no pimento BLTs… But I made it work.
This appetizer could be breakfast, dessert, and dinner for the rest of my life.
Up first? Pumpkin skillet cornbread served with maple butter. I split this with my dad and sister, but could’ve easily devoured the entire skillet (even if the skillet was full sized). Warm and crumbly, every bite was balanced with the right amount of spice and savory cornbread flavor. The maple butter was (literally) the icing on the cake. Divine.
Fried EVERYTHING!
Since I wasn’t eating meat, as I enviously eyed my sister’s pulled pork, I ordered myself a fried catfish platter. Healthy? No. Delicious: A-YUP!
Fried catfish with remoulade sauce (which was described as spicy, but wasn’t actually very spicy at all) and sides of hush puppies, a biscuit, sweet potato fries, AND fried okra.
Fried food OVERLOAD! I saved half of the catfish and the biscuit for later, but pretty much demolished the rest of the plate. The sweet potato fries were crispy and even better dipped in some ketchup and/or remoulade. The fried okra, a rare indulgence, wasn’t slimy at all, and the seasoning was light but still salty and savory. I didn’t even need dinner that night (except for the blondies).
6. Cocoa Mole: The Horchata of Beer
Worst beer shot ever? Sorry. Focusing on the drinking.
I had the pleasure… Nay, the JOY of trying New Belgium’s Cocoa Mole spiced ale on Thursday. My Untappd description? “Amazing. This is so delicious I don’t know how to deal with life.”
This beer was spiced, it was rich, and it was delicious. Described by the brewery:
Say Hola to a spiced up ale full of cocoa and ancho, guajillo, chipotle peppers. But don’t fear the heat, because plenty of caramel and chocolate malts bring a smooth, complex flavor to our Cocoa Molé. Scents of cinnamon when poured will have you saying, “¡Olé for molé!”
I felt like if Horchata (cinnamon rice milk) had a beer cousin, Cocoa Mole would be him. I want to bathe in this beer (or maybe just keep drinking it. Bathing in it could get gross, fast.) Cinnamon, chiles, good carbonation, and not so heavy that you felt like you could chew it, this is the kind of dark, complex beer that I love to find. It had that mouthfeel that made you want to keep drinking it, and I couldn’t stop smelling my glass. Served at Rockfish out of a gorgeous New Belgium goblet, I couldn’t have asked for a more enjoyable Thursday night beer choice as we planned our St. Patrick’s Day agenda.
The past week was fantastic, and the upcoming one is going to be incredibly busy, exciting, and intense. Mid-week trip back to PHL, St. Patrick’s day on Saturday (YES! WEEKEND GROWNUP HOLIDAY!) I’m tired just thinking about it… But I’m definitely NOT complaining.
Anything exciting for your upcoming week?
What’s the craziest fried food you’ve ever had? Or at least the tastiest?
It’s that kind of weekend. You know the one, the kind where you spend so much time hanging with your family and pretending that there’s no such thing as the real world that time sort of escapes you. The kind when a Six Pack Sunday turns into a Six Pack Monday. I was in DC for my little sister’s volleyball tournament, and between the screaming and cheering, the eating, the drinking, and the driving around looking for parking, there was little time for the internet.
No worries, though, I’m back in action.
1. We Flying First Class….
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S
I’m certain that when Fergalicious sang of the Glamorous (the flossy, flossy), this is what she had in mind. For the first time since I officially achieved “A-List Status” with Southwest, my special boarding pass actually came in handy in the rarely-crowded RDU airport. Thank goodness, as I was running a little late after enjoying a pre-flight Bud Light Platinum.
Making it Platinum is first class too, right?
2. Meat, Meat, the Magical Fruit
Welcome Home, right?
Upon my arrival in Philly on Friday, I was greeted by a sight that anyone from the Philly area would consider magical. Half a large, meaty cheesesteak complete with fried onions (and a glass of Pinot? Eh, I’m not gonna argue with that).
This was especially important considering my plan for the upcoming 40 day period of Lent.
I’m going pescatarian. I’m giving up cows, pigs, and chicken as a slightly tougher challenge this Lent. It’s also going to help me embrace fish a little bit more, and require a little more planning than usual. No worries, this isn’t some sort of permanent life-change, I have no qualms with meat-eating, and I’m not really doing this for serious religious reasons. Until Wednesday, all-you-can-(m)eat buffet.
3. Nocturnum Owl
Hip hip HOORAY!
My baby brother (who is 21 years old, about 6’3″, and made entirely out of muscles) also surprised me with a treat he picked up at the liquor store. Delirium Nocturnum, from the folks at the un-pronouncable Brouwerij Huyghe. I was hesitant, considering my less-than-stellar experience with let-down Delirium Tremens. I had no reason to be nervous, though, with this fantastic brew.
Described by the brewery:
Initially, a very good mouthfeel of alcohol and softness. This is followed by an increasing bitterness, partially from the hop, but also from the roasted malt and chocolate malt. Towards the end a nice balance between bitterness, sour and sweet.
I thought it was extremely drinkable for a 8.5% ABV beer, and tasted a little bit like the sweetness of raisins. It was smooth, dark, and lightly spiced. Even my brother, who’s not a huge fan of craft beer and tends to sip on the college favorites of Bud Light, Natty Light, and ____ Light (whatevz) thought this one was delicious, and it was a great way to start our night in DC.
4. Matchbox Chinatown
Smoke and Fire, baby!
After a number of suggestions from friends on Facebook, Julie from Table for Two, and a bit of Yelping around, I convinced my family that we needed to hit up Matchbox for some pizza.
WOW! They were not kidding on the (Very spicy) note. The smoked gouda cooled the whole pie down a little bit, but I wished that we had some parmesan cheese to help with that. Even my mom, who loves all things picante, commented that her mouth was on fire.
We also got a pepperoni for my less-adventurous parents. It was also DELICIOUS with tiny, crispy pepperonis and loads of cheese. Hard to go wrong with a classic. THANKS to Julie and my friends on Facebook for the rec, loved it!
5. Oyster Happy Hour at the Sea Catch!
Chesapeake Bay and Chef's Creek!
I think that one of the things I like the most about bars NOT in North Carolina is the idea of Happy Hour (fact: Happy “Hours” are illegal in NC, and all drink specials must be offered from open to close). And at the Sea Catch in Georgetown had a great one, including 1/2 off beers, wines (that cost less than $9 a glass regularly), and well drinks AND dollar oysters on the half-shell (Including Chesapeake Bay and Chef’s Creek oysters). What a DEAL! My mom and I stopped by before some shopping, and noshed on complimentary house made potato chips while waiting for my oysters. There’s something that feels so luxurious drinking a cocktail and eating oysters at 5pm. It doesn’t hurt when the bartender makes a quality cocktail.
6. Phone Stack Game
Stack City, chick
Have you heard of the phone stack game?
The premise is simple. To get folks to actually interact at dinner and stop tweeting, texting, etc, everyone stacks their phones in the middle of the table. The first one to pull their cell phone out to check it has to pay for dinner/lunch/drinks.
Even though my little brother was technically the first to break protocol, my folks didn’t force him to foot the bill for all 9 of us at lunch (4 sibs, 2 parents, 2 significant others). BUT I really like the idea of the game in theory (and could probably use the reminder to yank myself off the phone.)
Great weekend, and I still have another day left! Thank goodness for those Presidents and their days.
The saddest Sundays are always the ones when you’re in a long distance relationship. Normally, Sundays are the days of travel, the days of farewell, and the days of planning the next visit. LUCKILY, I’ve already got plans to see Ryan next week so let’s focus on the past week. Because it seems like the theme was WINE (and lots of it.) No worries, though, because every now and then, it’s good to mix up a Six Pack Sunday with a little wine. No worries, craft beer continues to be my jam… But hey, when in Rome Durham…
1. The Blind Side Wine
Ok, I thought (at first) it was the wine talking. And then I thought maybe it was just the Ole Miss cup. But check this out.
Note the Ole Miss cup on the bottom left of the image!!
This was our wine tasting/aroma educator, Barbara, at the Science of Wine event at the Museum of Life & Science. But I just checked it out. And she looks JUST like Miss Sue from The Blind Side.
TWINS!!
Kathy Bates, you have a wine-o doppleganger and she’s teaching the wine lovers of the Triangle!!
2. Champagne Wishes and Caviar… Nightmares
Oh, you fancy, huh?
Know what goes well with a sparkling wine tasting?
CAVIAR!!
Well, at least, in my opinion. It’s not something I normally enjoy (Mama isn’t made of money!) but for the fancy Sparkling Wine tasting that Ryan and I enjoyed for our four year anniversary celebration, it was the food pairing for wine #2. It was also the first caviar Ryan had ever tried.
The verdict?
Bearded bite!
The man was not a fan.
Oh well, more for me.
3. Button, Button, Who’s got the button?
Do any of you celebrate the Summer of Riesling? (Only 129 days left for 2012!!) Well, it’s one of my favorite things about summer… And now, thanks to the folks at Six Plates, I’ve got the button to prove it!
Sweet collection
Don’t Fear the Riesling, y’all.
4. Just Call Me Lucy
There’ll be more on this later… But here’s a teaser.
This little piggy went to Sonoma.
5. Never Fail with Kale!
Romance corner: Let's get in it.
I was having a lousy day on Wednesday. You know what made it better?
KALE!
I’d never tried it before and I followed this recipe for something quick and easy. SO GOOD! Oh, and incredibly cheap. It was about 34 cents for more than a full serving.
Yes, Kale, I’ll be getting you all the time.
5. Classin’ Up the Joint
Our sparkling wine tasting was at the ever-swanky King’s Daughter Inn located in the heart of Durham. The digs were luxurious, and I wished that I had the cash money to stay there for a romantic weekend instead of just an hour or two. However, Ryan and I decided a better way to treat the Marcona almonds paired with Sparkling Wine #1 than just eating them…
Trying to ogle my gullet? Perfect opportunity.
That’s right, we played “catch the almond in your mouth” in a 4-star hotel.
Bingo
Don’t worry, we caught every single one.
6. Love Biscuits
Oh hot damn.
King’s Daughter Inn, you make one hell of a biscuit.
We’ve made it to Sunday, and the Super Bowl looms over us like a guacamole, beer, and chicken wing-filled cloud. I’m hoping that soon, I’ll make it RAIN (but not actual beer rain… I think that would get gross and sticky really fast.)
Let’s stick with tradition, and make it rain some random bits and pieces with SIX PACK SUNDAY!
1. Right to Bear STYLE!
Looking for the perfect top to wear to that springtime wedding?
Look no further.
Fierce, right?
No, I didn’t buy it.
Yes, I had to fight every urge inside of me not to. This top is HILARIOUS, but there were definitely a few ladies in the store looking at it genuinely. Ah, living in the South…
2. BYOB(s)
So I went to a mixology class this weekend. It was fantastic, more on that later. HOWEVER, I believe I committed the ultimate faux-pas for a a cocktail mixology class.
Classiest of all attendees
That’s right, I brought my own 3-pack of craftbeer from Tasty Beverage Co. across the street. I may or may not have been more excited for the beer than the mixology class. Luckily, over the course of the hour of the class, my mind changed.
I’m still excited for the beer.
3. Just Add It to the List
I don’t know about any of the rest of you that write blogs, but I know I can’t be alone. I have a “List”. A list of things I’d love to write long, detailed (and probably hilarious) posts about…. but I’m just not ready to share quite how often I think about gross, weird, or vulgar. Here’s a hint, though.
Bior-YAY!
If I could talk about the joy I get from seeing the nasty stuff that these pore-cleansing strips pull out of my skin for hours, I would.
But I just don’t know if you all need the gory details of what lies deep inside my pores. Or my mind.
Trust me, it’s not pretty.
4. Kids These Days
Eek.
Spotted inside of a middle school: The Hydroponics Lab for kids!
Is this not sitting right with anyone else?
I’m just wondering how many kids are watching Weeds these days. Apparently, too many.
5. Cheese, Please.
Three words: Grilled Cheese Party.
Sweet gods of cheese
I’ve never seen a more beautiful cheese drawer.
MAKE THIS YOUR NEXT PARTY!
6. SALE! (Sale?)
Ummmm….
Que?
Stopped by The Fresh Market for a few knick knacks the other day.
You know what’s NOT a sale? Negative ten cents.
You’re doing it wrong, Fresh Market.
Do you have a “list” of topics that you aren’t quite ready to share with the world?
Food, Sweat, and Beers 