No time like the present

It has been a while since my last post. Whoops!

Since my last post (in October, yikes), my husband and I have enjoyed some delicious meals (including Salt in Butchers Hill and Petit Louis in Roland Park). Last weekend we went with friends to Birroteca (off Falls Road near Hampden) - what a hot spot. James and I enjoyed the duck duck goose pizza - yum! Although, I must admit, I prefer Iggies duck pizza. It's unlike any other pizza.

For my birthday, I was given a wonderful gift of the Smitten Kitchen cookbook. James and I are earmarking pages and salivating as we select recipes! It looks like we'll be using the crockpot for the first recipe! (I've been dying to use the crockpot for a while now).

Last Saturday we ran the Celtic Solstice 5-miler through Druid Hill on a chilly December morning, which was fitting six days before the first official day of winter (yesterday). This is the second time we did this race and we had a blast.

I am not one to make new year's resolutions, but I do hope to update my blog more often in 2013. I'm looking forward to wonderful meals and spending time with my family and friends in the new year. What are you looking forward to?

Pumpkin, chorizo and goat cheese pizza

'Tis the season for pumpkin. Yesterday I decided to try making pizza with pumpkin, chorizo and goat cheese for us for dinner.

I had pumpkin pizza at Iggies a couple of years ago and I remember that it was awesome.
I used Trader Joe's whole wheat dough (next time I think I'll attempt to make my own as the wheat flavor was bit too strong), a can of organic pumpkin, one link of smoked chorizo (from Wegmans) and goat cheese.

In the November issue of Real Simple that came in the mail yesterday, there was an awesome recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon (I didn't add garlic or butter as the recipe called for, but did add the lemon juice, bread crumbs, olive oil, salt and pepper). The Brussels sprouts were a nice side dish with the pizza. Having had Brussels sprouts prepared this way before, this is my favorite way to eat them!

I thought the pizza was awesome, but James and I agreed that it could use a little something extra - something with more of a kick, perhaps, or omit the goat cheese to make the dish a bit less creamy. I'm looking forward to tweaking this recipe and making it again - soon.

Since it's the season for pumpkin this and pumpkin that, I've been perusing recipes with pumpkin. I just found a recipe for Smitten Kitchen pumpkin cinnamon rolls - I will have to try making these soon!

Safety first

More than five years ago I decided to start running and I have known about Road ID for at least three years. It has taken me years, but I just purchased one for my own safety.

Now that I've made the leap, I can't believe that I did not make this purchase years ago. It seems silly.

I'm looking forward to receiving the package in the mail, strapping my runner ID onto my wrist and hitting the road for my next run with peace of mind.

Race For Our Kids

Today was the annual Race For Our Kids, which is my favorite race. This was the fifth year I have signed up to run this race - time flies, literally!

This is the third year my husband and I have both signed up for the race, which is special. We ran the entire 6.2 miles together and had a blast. The course is mostly flat, except for the last .6 mile or so, which is entirely uphill!

What a great way to spend an early morning on the first full day of fall! There was a chill in the air which made for perfect running conditions - so long to the heat and humidity from summer and hello fall.

Only 364 days until the next race! Let the countdown begin.

Leek, kale and corn flatbread

Saturday night I made the Leek, chard and corn flatbread from Smitten Kitchen, my favorite foodie website! Super easy and delicious.

I substituted kale for the chard, which was delicious. This was my second time eating kale and I loved it. A lot like spinach, but perhaps even better.
I used dough from Trader Joe's (next time I'll give making my own another go) for this recipe, which turned out great! I used 2 pounds of frozen leeks, which turned out to be a bit much. I had a bunch leftover and consequently don't want to look at another leek for a while!

The flatbreads were awesome - a nice early fall dish, heavy on the veggies. But, not to forget the goat cheese, one of my favorite things in the world. It goes with everything!

I forgot to take a picture, but both flatbreads look exactly as they do on Smitten Kitchen, which means I must have been successful!

The flatbreads were perfect for dinner last night because my husband and I ran the Race For Our Kids 10K (6.2 miles) Sunday morning, so we wanted to enjoy some carbs in preparation for the race. We did fairly well, so this must have been the right recipe!

Next time I want to make a flatbread I'm planning to make one with pumpkin and gorgonzola! Two of my favorite flavors - together. Can't go wrong (hopefully)!

Lobster, lobster, lobster

At Rehoboth Beach last weekend, James and I stumbled upon a lobster dinner special at Claws Seafood Restaurant on "the main drag"(Rehoboth Avenue) and couldn't resist. Our quest for finding a restaurant ended then and there. For a ridiculously good price, we each enjoyed 1 1/4 pound lobsters and two sides (I enjoyed hush puppies and the fresh vegetable of the day).

Experienced at eating crabs, neither of us had eaten a whole lobster before. We weren't entirely sure how to tackle it. Our waitress was gracious enough to give us a quick tutorial. As it turns out, eating lobster is much like eating crabs, just not nearly as messy, but equally as delicious.

I should have taken a picture of the beautiful, red lobster, but alas I forgot. This is a restaurant I look forward to visiting again next summer!

So long, summer

James and I spent one day of the long Labor Day weekend - the "unofficial" end to summer - at the beach.

Last summer I introduced him to the Royal Treat in Rehoboth Beach, Del., an ice cream parlor my parents first took me to in 1988. Other than getting new tables a few years ago, nothing has changed there. Nothing. Which is one of the reasons I love it so, so much - besides the amazing milkshakes they make with good ol' Hershey's ice cream.

Before leaving the beach last weekend, we enjoyed milkshakes (James had vanilla, I had chocolate), a tradition I have been enjoying for more than 20 years.

Hershey's ice cream and a trip to the first beach I ever went to was the perfect way to end summer 2012.

Cast iron skillet

James and I purchased a cast iron skillet from the new Sur La Table in Towson (an awesome kitchen gadget store) a mere 24 hours ago and have already used it three times!

We have used it to made dinner (Chinese food from Trader Joe's), blueberry cobbler (top photo) and a potato hash for breakfast (bottom photo).

The blueberry cobbler recipe is from Cooking for Seven (a cooking blog site James found which I'm looking forward to exploring) and the potato hash is from Smitten Kitchen (a favorite foodie site). Both are scrumptious dishes and I think turned out particularly awesome because of the skillet.

The cobbler reminded me of a peach dessert we had at Woodberry Kitchen earlier this summer (see my Aug. 26 post), also cooked in a skillet. We made the dessert on a whim, so we only had about half of the blueberries that the recipe called for, but it still turned out well. The crumble on top was made with ground cinnamon, which added that little something extra to the dessert.

The potato hash - bacon, potatoes, corn and an egg - was hearty but not too over-the-top heavy. The bacon was flavorful and infused the entire dish. The potatoes were crispy, thanks to the skillet.



We're planning to make pancakes in the skillet next weekend - looking forward to that treat!

Bouchon Bakery cookbook - coming soon!

One of the stops on our honeymoon in April/May was to Bouchon Bakery in Yountville, Ca. (in Napa Valley. There happens to a Bouchon Bakery in Rockefeller Plaza (NY) that I stumbled upon this summer. Lucky me!). The pastries were/area incredible. I forget exactly what we had, but I know we enjoyed a couple macarons that were out of this world.

Yesterday, my husband informed me that the bakery is releasing the Bouchon Bakery cookbook this fall. As the saying goes, never judge a book by it's cover. In this case, I am judging the book by its cover and it looks delicious!

Steak dinner

Grauls Market had a sale on filet mignon last weekend  - and I took full advantage of it! My husband and I enjoyed two delicious steaks last Sunday with a homemade sauce James whipped up to go with it!

The steaks were cooked to perfection and absolutely mouth watering.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

James and I have wanted to make the trip up to Prigel Family Creamery in Glen Arm to try some of their ice cream, but have not made it there yet.

Last week we got lucky and were given a pint of their caramel pretzel ice cream. This isn't a flavor that I would have chosen myself, but it is the right mix of sweet and savory. The vanilla ice cream is smooth and creamy, with chunks of pretzels and caramel mixed in.

I'm not usually one for sweet and savory, but this ice cream takes the cake.

Top dog

Word is out that Kooper's North in Lutherville is open. Three days after its grand opening Aug. 28, my husband, parents and I enjoyed drinks during happy hour and a meal together there.

I've been to Kooper's Tavern in Fells Point once or twice before and liked it, but I enjoyed the restaurant's new venue equally as much.

I enjoyed my burger - basic and juicy - but I'm looking forward to going back for weekend brunch: "City Paper's Best Brunch" - omelets, French toast, Belgian waffles, $12 bottomless bloodies and mimosas.

Each restaurant that has come before Kooper's North has been great - Cafe Isis, Sabor (sad to see it go) - but they haven't survived. Just days after opening, the bar was packed at 5 p.m. and the wait was already two hours. I think Kooper's North is going to do just fine.

This neighborhood joint surely will be a place where everyone knows your name.

Falling into autumn

My husband and I went to Delaware's Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach for one day this weekend. The water was a refreshing 72 degrees, the air was warm, we swam in the ocean and took a stroll on the beach. This was a lovely way to spend the last (unofficial) weekend of the summer.

On our drive to the beach, there was a small sign that fall is right around the corner - one of the nearly dozen fruit and vegetable stands we passed had pumpkins. I felt out of place wearing a bathing suit and flip flops.

As we bid adieu to summer, I am ready for my favorite season to arrive - on Sept. 22!

There's something in the water

I've been adding lemon to my water for a while now - and it's lovely. Recently, I started adding a thin slice of cucumber to my glass of water and I think I like it even more. It's refreshing and I can pretend that I'm at the spa!

If you haven't tried it before, give it a whirl.

A good cause

Kudos to Iggies for their August charity of the month - Helping Up Mission, the group we run with through Back On My Feet!

Basil Mint Creamy

The Basil Mint Creamy at Artifact Coffee caught my eye the first time I went to the cafe. Today, perhaps my third or fourth time there, I decided to give the drink a try. I couldn't resist trying it any longer.

The Basil Mint Creamy is basil syrup, trickling spring cream and spearmint, over ice. I consider it expensive at $4.50, but it was a treat and delicious.

Nacho Mama's owner dies in accident

The owner of Nacho Mama's died Aug. 24 in a biking accident in Ocean City. For whatever reason, I have never been to the Canton restaurant. Although, I suspect it may never be the same.

Good and plenty

It has been months since I last posted on this blog - far too long!

Baltimore is a foodie town with no shortage of good restaurants. This is a blessing and a curse because it can make what should be a simple decision of where to go to dinner very difficult.

The summer was packed with delicious food - from alfresco dining at Woodberry Kitchen and two festivals in Little Italy - to trying new restaurants, such as Stang of Siam (their panang chicken is out of this world) and Ten Ten (we were there last night!).

We dined with another couple at Ten Ten. The meal began by splitting the Charcuterie Plate (I recommend it - and it's certainly enough for four people to share). I had the Grilled Steak & Frites (grilled fairytale eggplant, duck fat fries, bordelaise) and my dining companions had the Grilled Shrimp and Grits (maple braised greens, crispy pork belly, organic three cheese-poblano grits) and Crispy Duck Confit & Frisée (frisee, warm lardons, balsamic figs, Smoked Moody Blue cheese, warm sherry-bacon vinaigrette) - both of which I tried and thoroughly enjoyed!

We also enjoyed the cuisine of two of our favorite restaurants, Mekong Delta and Iggies. You simply cannot go wrong at either place.

My husband and I spent many Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons this summer enjoying a cup of joe at Lamill Coffee and Artifact Coffee, the cafe that the owners of Woodberry Kitchen opened earlier this summer. My husband is a regular at Artifact Coffee - the staff knows him by name!

We enjoyed delicious ice cream cones at Uncle Wiggly's on a couple of the hottest nights this summer (I think that's when ice cream tastes best) with lines out the door and desperately want to check out Prigel Family Creamery.

We're excited about the September opening of Fleet Street Kitchen, located in the same Bagby complex off of Fleet Street as Ten Ten and Vino Rosina.

In an effort to push the envelope in what we're cooking at home, we've subscribed to bon appetit - there are so many delicious recipes in this month's issue that I can't wait to try!

As the summer comes to the unofficial close next weekend with Labor Day, I'm excited for fall - the weather and the cuisine. From pumpkin anything and everything (soups, pies) to pumpkin beer.

Bon Appétit!

This is the Peach Cobbler - cream biscuit, duarte plum sorbet - we had at Woodberry Kitchen earlier this summer. It was more than enough for two people to share and out of this world!

Summer is here!

It's been nearly two months since I have written a blog post (yikes!), but I've been busy! I got married and went on my honeymoon.

My husband and I ate so much great food in California and Hawaii (where we honeymooned) and I forgot to take photos of the food!

We enjoyed three wine tastings in California and out-of-this-world food.

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, which means lighter, delicious dishes. I'm looking forward to blogging about what wonderful dishes my husband and I prepare this summer.

And, now that it's hotter and more humid outside, I have to adjust to running in the heat and humidity. I am not registered for any races until September (when I'm planning to run 2 10K's one weekend after the next).

Until then, I'm ready to sit back, relax and have fun cooking new dishes and running throughout the hot, hot summer! And, blog about them!

Catch us if you can

This morning was the 3rd annual Nikia's Nippy Nor'easter Half-Marathon and Relay on the NCR trail in Monkton and it was incredible!
James and I were on the "Catch us if you can" relay team and had a blast. I had the joy of running the third and final leg of the race for our team (5 miles). The official time isn't up yet, but it looked like our team finished in 1:50:00!

The energy and team spirit on the trail was incredible. Great job everyone!

Seconds, please!

Saturday night James and I enjoyed dinner at Grano, the pasta bar. It was a rainy night and Grano was the perfect spot for dinner - warm, cozy and inviting!
We started with their bread and olive oil - the bread was so soft, moist and fresh. We had a bit of a wait so they brought a second round of bread - on the house.

We tried different dishes this time (see my 3/11/12 post). I had fusilli noodles with a Vodka sauce (I love a good rose sauce!) and one meatball. Delicious!
James had bow tie pasta with peppers. He said he enjoyed it, but was disappointed there wasn't a red sauce with the dish.
Last night we went, for the second Sunday night in a row, to get ice cream at Uncle Wiggly's/Taharka Brothers in Mt. Washington. We both had coconut chunk - vanilla ice cream with real coconut and chocolate chips - in a cone. I loved it - can't wait to get it again!
I wonder what we'll try next week...

Something sweet

It's mid-March but a mild March night and a kid-sized double chocolate chip ice cream cone transported me three months into the future.

Tonight James and I each enjoyed an ice cream cone in celebration of the opening of Taharka Brothers/Uncle Wiggly's in Mount Washington! From what we can tell, the shop is open March through mid-to-late fall, then closes down for the season.

We have several Groupon's left from last season to enjoy... I'm looking forward to many more ice cream dates as the weather gets warmer and warmer!

One Grano, two locations

About a month ago now (I'm so behind!) James and I went out with another couple for dinner at Grano Emporio (3547 Chestnut Ave.) and a couple of weeks ago we went out with another couple to Grano Pasta Bar (1031 West 36th St.). Grano Pasta Bar was the original - it's sort of a hole-in-the-wall, but intimate, cozy and warm and BYOB!! - and Grano Emporio is much, much larger.

Both meals were great, but I prefered the Grano Pasta Bar dinner - you build your own meal. I enjoyed a steaming hot bowl of their homemade pasta and meat sauce, which was fantastic and melt-in-your-mouth. And you really can't beat BYOB!
The service was excellent, too (very happy, pleasant people).

Grano Emporio was also good - I had spaghetti and meatballs which was served in separate dishes. But, I recommend the pasta bar for cozy and intimate dining experience!

I must remember to bring my camera!!

A delightful foodie weekend

Life has gotten in the way of blogging. Oops!
James and I enjoyed a foodie weekend - dinner last night at Blue Hill Tavern and brunch today at Woodberry Kitchen - I have got to remember to take pictures!

I enjoyed the Proscuitto Herb Crusted Cod (roasted tomato, olive salad, crispy polenta) for dinner and the chef's special - a mouth watering carrot cake - for dessert.
The fish was soft yet firm and the polenta was fantastic - the fish was positioned on top of the polenta.
A glass of Malbec was a nice complement the meal.
Every meal that I've ever had at Blue Hill has been out of this world (the atmosphere is fun, funky yet romantic and intimate). We had excellent service, too.

We also had an outstanding meal at Woodberry Kitchen, per usual. I enjoyed the breakfast burger (homemade English muffin, fried egg, cheese, bacon, burger, potatoes). The flavors were separate yet complimentary. Fantastic.
We also had excellent service with a pleasant and perky waitress.

Next time I have to remember to take pictures...

Spring fever

This week we entered the month of February and the temperature soared into the 60s. What a wonderful way to begin the month!

Will it last? Likely not, since Phil the groundhog saw his shadow - we're in for another six weeks of winter. Rumor has it that the good 'ol Farmer's Almanac says we're due for a snowstorm later this month. Enjoy the taste of spring while it lasts.

I thoroughly enjoyed the great outdoors and running these past couple of days sans gloves, ear muffs, winter spanex pants and a coat - I hope this trend continues!

Did you get outside this week to enjoy the beautiful weather?

Pinning on Pintrest

A friend told me about the virtual pinboard Pinterest a few months ago and I knew nothing about it. I visited the website and was hooked - immediately. It covers topics including food, exercise, weddings, home decorating - the list goes on and on. 

I haven't looked at it in months and decided that today was as good as any day to check it out again. The photos of food that makes your mouth water and there are amazing recipes listed (cranberry oatmeal bars, curry chicken with ginger and yogurt, jalapeno popper grilled cheese). There are too many to mention.

I also love the home decorating ideas, wedding ideas and inspirational quotes! This particular quote (search "lovely words") resonated with me today: "Someday everything will make perfect sense. So, for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason."

If you haven't visited the site before (it seems like everyone has), check it out.

Milk & Honey Market owners select second location

It looks like the owners of Milk & Honey Market have selected the location for their second shop!

Cooking a birthday dinner

James celebrated his brithday last week so we celebrated Saturday night with a homecooked meal, made by me. I enjoyed making it as much as he enjoyed eating it!

We started the evening with gouda cheese and goat brie cheese - two of my favorites! For dinner I made asparagus (I cooked the stalks perfectly - not too hard or soft), 
pork tenderloin with with balsamic plum reduction and blood orange olive oil cake, all of which were a success! I had never before made the pork tenderloin or the cake, so I was thrilled that they came out well. However, we ate the cake shortly after it came out of the oven and it 1. either needed a lot more time to cool (it tasted far better on Sunday) 2. the honey-blood orange compote to accompany it or 3. different oranges. I'm not sure if the oranges weren't ripe or if they were bad, but the cake was extremely bitter!

Now that I know how to make pork tenderloin, I might be hooked on the meat and this recipe. And, if you've never checked out Smitten Kitchen, check it out ASAP.
I think that I'll just have to make it again to be sure...

Winter arrives... with winter restaurant week

Baltimoreans woke up Saturday morning to a light blanket of snow and a thin layer of ice - the first storm of the season (unless you count the snow we had in October!). I wasn't brave enough to run outside on Saturday, and didn't want to run on the treadmill, so I waited until Sunday to do my six mile run (for half marathon training) - and for some company!

James and I headed to Druid Hill Park Sunday morning and ran around the lake, dodging some ice and snow - the path was far less dangerous than I thought. The run was cold (my car said it was 27 degress out) but so beautiful - not too many people were out early Sunday morning and the views from the park are quite gorgeous. You really have a bird's-eye view from the lake.
I'm getting pumped up for the March 31 half marathon!

Despite the Ravens 23-20 loss to the Patriots (they played a good game and came so far), the day ended as lovely as it began with a family dinner for Baltimore's winter restaurant week at Blue Hill Tavern. I enjoyed Rabbit Confit Spring Rolls (carrots, napa cabbage, scallions, garlic, ginger plum sauce), Sous Vide Beef Wellington (mushroom duxelle, spinach, feta cheese, puff pastry, cabernet sauvignon veal demi glaze) and Smores Pie (graham cracker crust, chocolate custard and ganache, toasted marshmallow). Yum, yum and yum.

The Smores Pie:

I've had the pleasure of dining at Blue Hill Tavern four times now and each experience has been exceptional. I'm excited for a girls night out at Pazo later this week!

Calling all chicken salad lovers

Some meals are better and more exciting than others and not every meal is going to make you go "wow." I love a good chicken salad sandwich and am always looking to try one somewhere new and find one that makes me say "wow."

Last month I thought that I found the ultimate chicken salad sandwich at Atwater's at Kennilworth Mall (see my Dec. 8 post). I may have spoken too soon.
Yesterday I had the chicken salad sandwich at Sascha's in Mt. Vernon and it stole the show. The mutigrain bread was soft, fresh and nutty and mounded on top was an extremely generous portion of the chicken salad - with nuts and halved grapes - with a few pieces of lettuce for extra crunch and color. There was more mayo mixed in with the chicken salad than I would have preferred, but it didn't weigh the sandwich down, surprisingly.

Maybe it was becuase I was absolutely starving, but the sandwich was perfect. Sascha's also has a curry chicken salad sandwich which I will have to try the next time.
My fiance and I then split a large chocolate cookie with nuts, which completed the meal and kept me full and satisfied all afternoon.

If you love a good chicken salad sandwich, give it a try - you will not be disappointed.

A corner delight

Tonight a friend and I checked out The Corner Bistro & Wine Bar in Ridgely's Delight (213 Penn Street Baltimore). As I walked up to the restaurant I was instantly struck by its curb appeal, which draws you in to the warm and cozy restaurant - especially on a chilly January night!

We followed The Baltimore Sun's recommendation and both had The Philly, their take on the Philly cheese steak sub, which was delicious. I don't think that I've ever eaten a cheese steak sub before, so I didn't have much to compare it to. I would order it again. Although, you have to be pretty hungry to eat the entire sandwich.

We were there between 5 and 7 p.m., so we each had a glass of wine at the happy hour price ($5). I enjoyed Los Ailos Syrah/Malbec, Argentina 2010, which was smooth and robust. I've found Malbec's to be a good - and safe - choice when choosing a a wine and I wasn't disappointed.
The restaurant - tucked into the neighborhood - is a corner delight. There's nothing to be disappointed about there!

Woodberry Kitchen owners to open new restaurant

This is one of the most exciting foodie things to happen to Baltimore: http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2012/01/09/woodberry-kitchen-owners-to-open-half.html

Back to basics

Happy New Year!

I didn't overindulge during the holiday season, but I did enjoy some superb hors d'oeuvres, meals, and desserts. Still, sometimes your taste buds take you back to basics and for me that means good ol' spaghetti and meatballs (or rotini and meatsauce). Maybe it's this chilly January night, but the rotini and meatsauce never tasted so good!

I don't have a secret recipe - I just cook my noodles al dente and season the sauce to taste.

Rotini noodles cooking.

80/20 meat sauce simmering. I usually go with the 90/10 (lean) meat, but decided to give this a try.

I added various spices, to taste.

The steaming plate.

This seems like the perfect meal before what I hope will be a longer run in the morning!