A Weekend of Incredible Food

Walnut Gorgonzola Saturday Night and Tempeh Shepherds Pie tonight...

I seriously hope you guys like pictures...

Well, it turned out to be a weekend of unbelievable food for this foodie. As you know, last night we dined at an incredible Italian eatery in South Park.

Tonight, we met up with some friends at Stone Brewery in Escondido. When we pulled up, we were a little skeptical. It was out in the middle of nowhere and the building didn't even have a sign.

But, this place was simply amazing.

We had to wait two hours to get a table (there was 9 of us). But, there was so much to do while we waited. Of course, Ryan and I started off by taking pictures.

I  have a really bad habit of talking when someone's about to snap a pic.

Jess considers beer drinking a very spiritual matter. :p

Oh ya, wait, this is a food blog, right?

Food!

The menu was really funny. I love a restaurant with a funky sense of humor. Quirky menu writers suggest a creative spirit is prized by the establishment. That usually translates into fantastic meals. I was not disappointed.

Instead of "Appetizers," it says "Things You May Want to Eat Before You Eat Something Else."

"Things You Could Eat After Something Else or Maybe by Themselves."

You know I don't drink, but I tasted this cider and it was actually amazing. I still had only two sips, though.

Hummus Platter. I had two and a half pieces w/hummus.

Coconut Porter. I didn't taste this, but I thought it was cool.

This is Jess' Mac n Cheese. She took a pic for the blog. :)

I ordered the Tempeh Shepherd's Pie. It came with a salad.

This was my first experience with Tempeh. Fantastic!!! This dish was very spicy, almost meaty. I really enjoyed the small chunks of vegetables throughout the pie. The "meat" and veggies were topped with a thin layer of mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese. They also offered a vegan option. I would definitely order this again.

Other meals at the table included Chicken Tikka Masala, Duck Tacos, and Red Pepper - Butternut Squash Soup. I didn't hear any complaints about anything.

After dinner, I really wanted to order the bread pudding. But, honestly, this has been an entire weekend of rich food. I passed on the pudding.

However, Jess and Christina did not pass... 

They offered me a couple bites... Seriously, what's a girl to do? I had maybe four good bites.

I'm about to settle down for the night. It's been a busy weekend, and I feel like I need another weekend! I hope you all have an amazing Monday!!!

What's your favorite dessert?

Walnut Gorgonzola and a Cup of Joe with the King of Conversation

All the ingredients for the perfect Saturday night...

Hiya guys! Today was the last day of my work conference. It was a good one, a little more relaxed. I enjoyed it, but I'm glad it's over. I need time to chill at home before Monday begins. This afternoon, we're meeting some friends at Stone Brewery. I don't drink, so I'll probably be doing a "water tasting." Fine by me. I go for the company of friends, anyway.

I wanted to update you on our impromptu date last night.

We went to Alexander's in South Park. I absolutely love this restaurant. It's a quaint little Italian place that we'd only been once before. It's located on the corner of three streets (Ray, 30th, Upas). Very unassuming.

They are ALWAYS full, so we had to wait a little bit to get a table. It was a cold night.

They seated us on the heated patio. Ryan was a little chilly, actually. But, I like it when the heat isn't too high, because I can order decaf coffee.

No flash. This place is too nice to have flashes going off during a nice dinner. We put the candlelight to good use though. I had a small piece of crusty herbed bread.

I actually ended up ordering the same thing I did last time. It was superb!

The Walnut Gorgonzola includes garlic, onions, tomatoes, and walnuts sauteed in a Gorgonzola sauce over broccoli and pasta.

Ridiculous!!!

We lingered over the dinner. I'm an intellect, and I'm a sucker for a brilliant mind. One of the things I love about Ryan is that he is one of the best conversationalists I've ever known. For those of you who aren't married yet, take my advice: if you meet a man that you could talk to forever and ever and he actually  listens to you to boot, marry that boy. It's one of the most important elements of a good marriage: communication. 

(Steps off soapbox.)

After dinner, I came home and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. It was a great night!

How did you spend your Saturday night?

I Heart Runny Eggs

There's just nothing like a goey, runny egg yolk to get your morning off right...

Okay, maybe it isn't the healthiest thing in the world. All things in moderation, my friends.

Soooo.... As you know, I had a work conference this weekend. This means I didn't get a chance to take pictures of any food other than breakfast.

I was in such a rush for my breakfast pictures that I'm afraid they're a tad on the ugly side. I apologize. Do you still love me?

I flipped it, but I left the yolk intact. Love it!

On an Ezekiel muffin. No cheese today.

By now, you know my husband and the camera. He snapped this of me in my "work costume." I do wish he'd tell me when my jacket is all wonky. I look like I'm about to burst out of it. I promise you. This jacket does actually fit correctly. he he...

I had lunch at the converence. We were served chicken, pasta, salad, and cake. I cleaned my plate. Of course. And, I had three bites of the cake. I was really surprised we weren't even asked about our meal options. What if I didn't eat chicken? What about the vegetarians?

I considered saying something, but sorry, guys, I didn't take up your cause today... Maybe next time. :p

After lunch, I took a quick breakie and met up with my good friend, Jess, at a nearby Starbucks. I had an iced Green Tea Latte with no syrup and nonfat milk. It's my drink of choice. I limit how often I get it, but I really love it. I should have said LOVE, because it's that serious.

Around 5pm, we had a wine and cheese mixer. You probably know I don't really drink. So, I had water, a few pieces of really fragrant herbed cheese, fruit and two unusual crackers. By this time, I was really needing fuel. It hit the spot.

Hubs and I are about to go out to dinner. Don't you love impromptu date nights?

How do you like your eggs? Will you eat a runny yolk?

Little Black Dress & Two Alarm Curry

I didn't have a cocktail at the cocktail party, so I had double the carbs for dinner.

It's Friday!!!!

I work from home, and I have to "work" all weekend long, but I still love me some Friday. :)

Today was a busy productive hectic day. Everyone had a project for JMyers Inc. today. I suppose that's my job, though. :)

For lunch, I used the remainder of the tofu from the Five Alarm Curry and maybe another curry today for lunch. It was more like two alarms. Lunch time isn't a 5 Alarm affair. I had my curry with rice in a wrap.

I had a very quick lunch while perusing the Vicky's catalog. I need some leggings, and theirs are 2 for $20 right now!

Tonight, Ryan did a play by play of me getting ready for the cocktail party. He literally followed me around with the Nikon.

He took several not-very-good-looking pics of me putting on my face, and then, as he's walking away says, "Let me know when you're putting on your dress..." lol. I think that's going a little overboard for the blog. hehe...

This is me wiping deodorant off my dress. It's IMPOSSIBLE to get this dress on without staining it w/deodorant. Don't you hate that?

The final product. And, then me running back in to get my lipstick. A girl can't forget her lipstick.

After the cocktail party, I raced home because I had completely forgotten to eat before I went. They didn't have any food at the party. Just booze. I had a small glass of water, but that was it.

As soon as I came home, I changed into my PJs. Of course.

I think my favorite part of dressing up is coming home and getting back in comfy clothes. :)

Leftovers. Last night's Chop Suey and today's curry. Carbs with a side of carbs. I didn't feel like making anything special at 8pm.

Do you like to dress up or do you prefer t-shirts and jeans?

Better b4 Baby & a PB and Chocolate Breakfast

No, I'm not pregnant... yet!

Good morning!!!

This will be a quick one. I started off the morning with a PB english muffin and a big mug of cocoa.

I drink my cocoa with a bit of skim milk. Nice and creamy.

Okay, you might have noticed the new button along the lefthand side of my blog.

You can click the button on the left, or click here to read about my Five Commandments.

I'm not pregnant, but we're both ready for it. I am committed to getting my body as healthy as it can be in preparation not only for the future pregnancy, but also because I want to be an example of good health for my family.

Oh, and this is what I'm jamming to this morning. Man, can she sing. :)

Do you have a song you can listen to on repeat all day long? I have lots of them. Others include Hey Soul Sister by Train, Kelly Clarkson's Already Gone, and If Today Was Your Last Day by Nickelback. It drives my hubby batty. :)

Chop Suey Dinner & A Fashion Show

It's probably not a good idea to wear a nightgown to a cocktail party.

You will understand that subtitle when you get to the bottom. :)
So... I've always called tonight's meal Chop Suey. However, several people have questioned me on whether this is really Chop Suey.

Therefore, I will humbly say... I don't know...  But it's Chop Suey to me! :D

Basically, it has three ingredients, plus ground meat (I used ground chicken).

-Tomato Soup

-Whole Stewed Tomatoes

-Pasta, usually penne

-ground chicken

While your pasta boils, brown your meat. Once it's browned, add in the soup and the tomatoes (undrained). Don't add water! Stir to prevent sticking.

 

I always add in my pasta to my skillet and mix everything together at the end.

 

I served my Chop Suey with a side of wilted spinach. Perfect!

Backing up for a minute... Here's my lunch. Amy's Lentil Soup, a couple pieces of whole grain melba toast, and some grape tomatoes.

After dinner, I gave my husband a fashion show. This weekend is a very important conference for me. Tomorrow night, it kicks off with a cocktail party. These are the outfits I was considering.

Excuse the hair. :)

Outfit 1

I like this one. It's professional, flattering, and comfortable. I think I should definitely wear shoes with it, though. What do you think? :)

Outfit 2

This outfit doesn't look good. This is one of those pictures that help you realize you've put on a couple pounds and you should probably go ahead and lose them so you fit into your clothes better. I know it's taboo to talk about weight on a food blog. It's a reality, though. We all fluctuate.

I'm aware that I need to lose a few pounds, both for my own self-image and for my health. The idea of losing 10 pounds doesn't have to be this big, huge thing. It's just a thing. :)

Outfit 3

I have always adored this dress, although I've only had the opportunity to wear it once. Ryan has always hated it. He says, "It looks like a nightgown. My mother used to have one just like it, in orange." he he... Gotta love husbands... But, you know what? Looking at this picture, I think maybe he's right. It does kind of look like a nightgown, doesn't it?

This conference is going to significantly affect my blogging for Saturday and Sunday. That's okay. I'll blog when I can, and catch you up on Monday. :)

Which outfit is your favorite? Does #3 look like a nightgown to you?