Go Brandy Go!

I haven't known Brandy for too long, just over a year. I met her through friend and neighbor Caitlin on a too-fun girl's night involving margaritas and sangria. And all though I haven't known Brandy that long or spent a ton of time around her, it didn't take long to know she's a special person with a lot of charisma and positive energy radiating from her. And, in my opinion, it takes a special person to take on her current challenge. Running a marathon. 26.2 miles to be exact. I know many people run marathons every year, but many do it for different reasons. Brandy's is inspiring and motivating. It even made me get up and take a little jog in the rain this evening with Juno. Brandy is running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Team in Training, for what I can imagine is going to be beautiful scenery when she sets off on May 1st in Big Sur, California.

Brandy has a personal connection for making this run. Her cousin's son lost his battle with Leukemia at just 4-years of age, and her uncle in-law, also lost his battle with cancer at 51.

I think most people have been in some way, shape or form, affected by this horrible disease. Whether it's personal, or a loved one. Both my grandfathers lost their battles to cancer. And recently, my cousin discovered he would also wage a war with this nasty opponent. We are hoping for a complete recovery, and if anyone can, he will. He has the positive attitude and support to fight this challenge.

But many of us, can't even imagine the challenges faced when battling this disease. So, I think it's amazing the dedication Brandy is putting towards not only training for the run, but also for the commitment to raise money to help find a cure.

And on that note, this past Sunday, we had the pleasure to participate in the Big Sur Team Fundraiser at Ormsby's in Atlanta. It was great fun, and I can't wait to find out how much money was raised!

In the meantime, we're all cheering: Go Brandy Go! And to those everyday who face challenges beyond the unfathomable. My personal cheer at the moment...Go Jason Go!

To learn more about Brandy's story and follow her journey to a cure, or on how to make a donation, visit: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ga/BigSur11/bshannon

Current Song Obsession

Maybe, I've been listening to my ipod too long and in oblivion somewhere, so discovering this song last weekend on the way home from the grocery store has been making me dance around the house all week. Her voice and the bouncy energetic beat just fills me up.

Dog Days are Over by Florence + The Machine

There's an alternative video, click here, but I'm thinking I like the 2010 version; it's very colorful and intriguing.

It's official. I'm obsessed with this song. And may now have some new music to add to my music box.

The Dish

So, I know it's only Thursday, but so far this week's menu included:

Slow Cooker Cuban Braised Beef & Peppers (Real Simple)

Turkey Larb (Giada De Laurentiis)

Jerk Pork (pre-marinated by Publix) + Winter Blues, Summer Dreaming Salad (Mo Vid)

Slow Cooker Cuban Braised Beef & Peppers (Real Simple)

This was Monday night's dinner and Wednesday's; however, it seemed to be more popular the first evening. I think I was in a little bit of a hurry Sunday night when I prepped all the ingredients, so the hubby could put everything in during the day Monday, and magically, it would be ready when I came home from my monthly massage appointment. During that rush however, I may not have drained the canned diced tomatoes thoroughly, and as a result, the leftovers, were slightly watery. I was okay with it, it was just extra juicy, but Vladi, not so much. Although, he didn't really elaborate why he wasn't as thrilled with it the second time around. Secretly, I think he just doesn't like leftovers. However, this working girl can't cook every night! Anyway, the remaining portion has been frozen and will be a great single serving when the hubby is out of town.

Turkey Larb (Giada De Laurentiis) - 5 Stars please

Don't let the name deter you, or the fact that this is an Asian dish, made by an Italian living in California. It is awesome! Sweet and tangy, spicy and salty, and just plain full of deliciousness. The recipe calls for serving with crisp lettuce leaves, but we usually opt to make rice with this dish for a little more substance at dinner time. This is Vladi approved. And Vladi has quite the opinion on his food, along with being quite the Asian cuisine connoisseur. If you like Asian food, particularly Thai, salty fish sauce, honey and mint, then start licking your chops! You can make with beef too, but the turkey is a slightly lighter version.

Jerk Pork (a la Publix) + Winter Blues, Summer Dreaming Salad (Mo Vid)

I don't know how the pork was marinated other than the package claimed jerk style; however it was not spicy. We seared, "braised," and then sauteed past the liquid dissipation, so the pork looked like it was slathered in burnt honey. Yummy but rich.

For the salad...I guess I'm dreaming of summer and maybe being on an island in Greece or Italy somewhere because I feel this would be something you could find there; plus it was all things I had in my kitchen stash. So, it's not an exact recipe, but I'm guessing the below are the approximate measurements.

*1/2 of a 15 oz. can Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), drained (you could use all the garbanzos, but I wasn't sure if Vladi would dig all the chickpea goodness)

*3 medium sized tomatoes, cut in 1-inch bite sized pieces

*1/4 to 1/2 C chopped mint (depending on your fondness of mint; I probably used more like 1/2 C)

*1/4 C Feta cheese crumbles

*1/4 C (approximately) pine nuts, toasted

*1/4 of medium sized red onion, diced

*2 shallots, halved and thinly sliced

*1 garlic clove finely chopped

*1/2 of a lemon

*1 teaspoon of honey

*2 - 3 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar

*3 Tablespoons of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

*Salt and Pepper

For the dressing:

Squeeze half the lemon for it's juice into a microwavable safe bowl. Stir in the honey, and microwave for 15 seconds to ensure the honey dissolves and easily mixes. Whisk in Red Wine Vinegar and EVOO. Add Salt and Pepper to taste. I have salt and pepper grinders and used 8 salt twists/turns to 7 pepper twists.

Set aside.

Place the garbanzo beans in a large bowl with the cut tomatoes. Lightly toast the pine nuts in a medium skillet. Once toasted, toss the pine nuts with the garbanzo beans and tomatoes. Using the same skillet as the pine nuts, pour in no more than 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sautee the diced onions, sliced shallots and chopped garlic for approximately 5 minutes on low to medium heat (depending on your range). Add the cooked onion, shallot and garlic mixture to the garbanzo bean mixture. Add the chopped mint and feta crumbles; stir in the dressing and toss to coat. Add more salt and pepper if needed/desired.

The salad was Summer in a bowl for this gal who realizes it's only January and Spring/Summer is still a little ways off.

Happy Cooking & Yummy Eating.....

NYC: Jan 18-21

So last weeks trip to NYC included a few new spots and a couple of favorites.

The Spotted Pig.
Mercer Kitchen.
Landmarc.
Koi.



The Spotted Pig (a NEW Favorite)
I highly recommend a visit to The Spotted Pig for some delicious and interesting food, eclectic decor, and great beer. Vegetarians beware. They do have options but the entrees are heavy on the meat component such as crispy pork belly, a chargrilled burger with roquefort, calf's liver, beef tongue and striped bass. I opted to be daring and not concerned with my health and chose the crispy pork belly with polenta and chard. Yummy! But oh so fatty. I had never had pork belly before, so why not. It was alternating layers of fat and pork meat (somewhere in the custard like layers) with a crispy, crunchy top. Thank goodness for the polenta and chard. I needed something to sop up the intense bacon fat flavor and drippings. I don't even want to think how bad this is for me, but again, sometimes you just have to try new things for the fun of it. The menu also sported some delectable starters, of which we opted for the Devils on horseback. If I remember correctly, it was a date or prune stuffed with pear, then wrapped in bacon and served with some spicy, sweet sauce that reminded me of the holidays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Very savory. Sadly, the beer was good, but I don't remember what I tried.

The Spotted Pig is Michelin Star rated and definitely worth a visit. Go with friends and enjoy!

314 West 11th St. @ Greenwich St.
New York, NY 10014
212.620.0393
http://thespottedpig.com/



Mercer Kitchen
Great decor and modern vibe. Lower level dining room, feels like a rustic, medievil cave meets modern simplistic design. The bathrooms (in the lower level) include an opaque glass ceiling/skylight where patrons above walk unknowingly over the lieu. It's really not that weird. The food was good, but not omg. I chose a salad with fennel and parmesan cheese, which was delicious along with a personal sized pizza margherita, which I've definitely had better of the latter.

http://www.jean-georges.com/



Landmarc (an Old Favorite)
I absolutely love Landmarc! For several reasons. The food and the silos, a.k.a pods. Located in the Time Warner Center (which is also a mall), on the third floor, this goes beyond your typical mall food fare. The mussels with white wine and herbs are phenomenal and the french onion soup will definitely warm your heart and belly! And the best part is the dessert that isn't listed on the menu, so make sure to ask for it...Cotton Candy served on a stick just like when you were a kid!

Boon-yo might hate me for posting this photo, but it's the only shot I have of the cotton candy dessert.

At the Time Warner Center
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd FL
New York, NY 10019
212.823.6123
www.landmarc-restaurant.com



Koi (an Old Favorite)
Definitely a great business lunch spot with delicious sushi. I think the most memorable of all sushi items is the spicy tuna atop crispy fried rice cakes. It's so good I can't even explain! I would go here just to eat those! The decor is modern asian, and located in the Bryant Park Hotel, oh so posh.

Koi @ Bryant Park Hotel
40 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
212.921.3330
www.koirestaurant.com

Friday night travel.

Who said travel was glamorous?
New York was great this week. Cold. Snowy. Truly what you think of when you think of the big apple during the winter. However, word of advice...boots. If you're going to NYC with a chance of snow. Please invest in good warm boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. I have boots with me but I'm also now carrying back a little extra salt and sand on them. Oh well, they're easy to clean. Also another criteria for the boots.

In the south we're not always really that practical about our fashion and apparel purchases. But then, why should we be. It's 55 degrees or warmer 11 months of the year. And we drive everywhere.

Obviously I'm babbling because the people watching is not that interesting in LGA this evening.

Ok. Here's to my dinner and hopefully a good flight home. More later on spots I hit up in the city this week.

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Happy Birthday Mom

This post is dedicated to one of the most amazing women I know. My Mom. 60 years ago today, January 16, 1951, my grandmother welcomed her first child, Patricia Ann into the world in a little town outside of Fort Worth, Texas called Weatherford. Thank you Grandma!

And today, that little girl turns 60! Sixty years holds a lot of adventures and stories, some of which I've heard, others that I haven't, some that I probably never will, and maybe a few I don't need to know. But, what I do know is that in the 30 years I've been around, Patty, as she goes by, my Mom, has been the Best Friend and Mom I could have ever asked for or dreamed of. My mom is one of the most caring and generous people. She feeds the family dogs better than some people get fed!

She's strong minded (just like her mom), a good listener,

a quirky character

and absolutely passionate about her family. She loves us all through and through.

She's always been there for me, putting everyone first before herself, and making sure I had all the opportunities to make my dreams come true. Taking off countless time from work to go to Dr.'s appointments, gymnastics and dance practices; always rooting for me during t-ball games, making my lunch everyday; and spoiling me rotten (although I think I'm pretty good considering). Making me laugh; offering her shoulder to cry on whenever I needed it; not trading me in during my pubescent years (even though she may have thought about it); being a sounding board; and telling me everything will be all right.

The list is endless when I start to think of everything she's done for and given to me. So you can see my predicament, when I try to think of something to give my Mom, one of the most generous women, for her birthday, and a special one at that! You see, the thing is, what do you get for someone who has always given you everything selflessly. It's not easy.

Well, I did get something, but she'll have to wait to open that.

In the mean time...

I can't say thank you enough for everything you do everyday. I love you.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Barbados

Barbados....or anywhere tropical and warm at this point sounds nice. At least that was what I thought when I received one of my weekly travel deal alerts from Delta yesterday. It was 17 degrees when I woke up this morning; and my cold is in full swing, and there's still ice and snow. You can drive now, but all I wanted to do was either stay in bed or (wishful thinking) drag myself on to a beach where there is warm sunshine, salty air and a tropical drink in my hand.

Not quite Barbados but it still meets all the criteria from above......

Daydreams aside and back to reality.

Iced In. Cabin Fever.

The second snow of the season, and we're not even 1-month into Winter! But this one was a doozy compared to our White Christmas.

Approximately 6 inches of snow (for the south that counts as a blizzard) followed by ice, ice and more ice that has imprisoned us to our house and neighborhood.

However, we have awesome neighbors. So what do you? Grab the best cold weather gear you can find for southern dwellers, round-up the neighborhood dog pack and find the house with the biggest hill and start sledding.

But now that we're three days in, still with icy roads, working from home, fridge still fairly well stocked and a dog whose whining literally on the other side of the couch behind my head...

We have the official case of Cabin Fever. However, sore throats I don't believe are supposed to be included. Oh well. Good timing if you can call it that, such that I happened to become sick while we're forced to work from home.

Well here's to winter...just hope the heating bill isn't too bad.

One more for the road. Mother Nature's all-organic snow cone....

Wine Review: Shenandoah Vineyards 2008 Zinfandel Special Reserve

Sobon Family Wines.

Tonight was a rainy Wednesday that called for a glass of wine. So I picked a bottle and poured a little taste. Smelling the glass now reminds me of the overwhelming fragrance when you enter Napa Valley. A sweet velvety mulch, juicy ripe grapes, and an earthy goodness that's almost out of this world. It's only been 2 months since my first visit to Napa, but I'm already itching to go back. Until then....

Until then, I must enjoy what we brought back from the wine country and what we encounter back home. Tonight, it was Shenandoah Vineyards 2008 Zinfandel Special Reserve. I'm not an expert, but my theory is: If you like it, and it tastes good to you, then it's a good wine for you. And this one tastes good to me. For me, fruity with a slight cherry after taste and a light spiciness. Dry but not tannic (in other words, or so I've been told...it didn't dry the mouth too much.) And apparently very affordable. We received as a gift, but internet research has show prices between $9.99 and $11.99.

But, in case you want to know what the wine experts are saying:

88 Points!

"A good, rich Zin that shows load of character at a great price. Full-bodied and bone dry, it bursts with blacberry, tobacco, dark chocolate and pepper flavors."

-Wine Enthusiast, May 2010

87 Points!

"A nicely ripened, straight-foward zinfandel...delivers a fine measure of slight juicy, well-defined fruit...a supple, easy to drink wine." -Connoissuer's Guide, May 2010

Shenandoah Vineyards was started in 1977 by the Sobon family, which prides themselves on using estate grown grapes from their sustainably-farmed vineyards. For more information on Shenandoah Vineyards and wines, visit: www.shenandoahvineyards.com

glee

Tonight was glee night. I'm not a devout watcher, but every time I do, it provides a good laugh. But tonight, it sparked two questions:

First. Do you think high school glee clubs or chorus memberships have spiked since the debut and increased popularity of the show?

Second. Who actually sings those songs? This answer was a little easier to determine. Yes. Apparently they do. All the actors pre-record their songs, and lip sync during filming. Interesting.

On a side note, we uncovered that glee is set in Lima, OH. Lima (pronounced like Lima Bean) happens to be one of my husband's travel destination highlights. Or not. The city is home to just over 40,000 residents according to the last census. It also happens to be 65 miles from Hicksville. I kid you not. I'm sure it's a quaint little town. It just produced a gleeful smile across my face.

Ok. Enough cheese for the evening.

Tuckered Out

First day back at work and everyone's tuckered out again. Even Juno. What did she do today? Went on a walk and played with her new favorite toy the Paw-zzle ball. Life is hard sometimes.

At least I didn't have to make dinner. The hubby made Shrimp Maque Choux - a sinfully delicious cajun dish. Cream and butter included. I'm definitely running tomorrow. Good night all.

A Little Jog and a Deep Fryer

I suppose the second day of the new year signals the holidays are over. Time to get back into the routine; take down all the sparkling lights and festive holiday decorations; and figure out what to do with all the left over goodies. These latter two items are still on my to do list. The routine will officially start tomorrow back in the office. However, today, our family did set off on a little run to try and work off some of the holiday goodness, including Juno, who I believe enjoyed it way more than I did. I didn't pass out. Success #1. Next goal. Actually run the entire time. There are 363 more days in this year to work on that, which I will need to do, since my husband bought a mini-deep fryer today. Hmm....he says it will be great. He's planning on making shrimp tempura and hot sushi rolls. I will let you know how this goes.

In the meantime, a testament to the holiday decorations and goodies still in tact, and the new fryer, which Juno is ready to be a tester if no one else.

New Years Resolutions or something like that...

Just got back from hanging out with friends we hadn't seen in way too long. And, as we embark on the second day of 2011, it got me thinking about a few things I will try to keep in mind:

1. Be true to one's self.

2. Family and Friends are important and worth it. For me, it is my core.

3. Be honest. Even if it hurts. But always be tactful.

4. Listen to your heart. (It says a lot)

5. Nourish and Take care. For the body - food and drink in moderation (the belly and thighs will appreciate it), along with exercise (as much as one can); For the soul - indulge.

-Mo