Hello hello everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and got to spend it with someone they love one way or another. On Friday night I definitely danced the stress away and made a couple new friends while I was at it. Actually, one of them is a girl that just moved from Miami–we were representing the Miami hotness on the dance floor for sure.
A simple breakfast after a night of dancing: oatmeal cooked the usual way, cinnamon, diced apple, and Sunland's caramel peanut butter.
My dad and I went back to the Urban Farmhouse to grab some lunch.
This time we talked to the woman who opened Urban Farmhouse. You could tell she was passionate about what she was doing and just wants to offer the best. It was interesting to hear her plans for the place and we gave her some constructive criticism as well. That’s the great thing about places that just opened–they’re more than willing to hear what the customers have to say. I ordered the Candied Walnut Gorgonzola Salad and the Farmer’s Grilled Cheese with Black Winter Truffle Oil (Gruyere cheese). Both were delicious and I loved the candied walnuts in the salad. Biting into the sandwich and tasting the earthy black truffle oil was so satisfying. Who doesn’t love things that are full of flavor?! They also have a big jar of complimentary animal crackers that I happily helped myself to.
My dad ordered the Tangy Curry Tuna Salad sandwich
Candied Walnut Gorgonzola Salad and the Farmer’s Grilled Cheese with Black Winter Truffle Oil
My dad has been reading up a lot on spirituality, energy, levels of things we can’t see, guides, etc. Anyway, most of what he’s been reading has led him to the idea of putting good intentions out there and accepting the ways of the universe. I really think this is the most fulfilling way to live life. Oftentimes people forget that we are only in control of ourselves and nothing else. If things go our way then it’s something that was supposed to happen and falls under determinism—it wasn’t really up to us. We were just a part of the cause. Okay so before I go off on a tangent I want to share a few things that happened.
I took my dad to the store to get his phone fixed and on the way back someone one lane over all of a sudden started to drive in reverse very quickly. Then they rolled their window down and told me I had a complete flat. Oh great. Then on Broad someone else notified us. Side note to everyone: these potholes are killer so beware! Anyway we pulled over to a tire store around 4:17 and they closed at 4:00. The owner was incredibly helpful and offered a spare to get us over to someone who would take us in for service. Unfortunately no one could but he decided to take the job. Then my dad and I were debating on walking to Trader Joe’s from the tire shop. The owner pulled out a key and said, “go outside and this is for a Toyota Tundra. Trader Joe’s is a little ways up there to your right.” Wow. I believe that my dad’s good intentions and realignment of his guides is doing something greater for him than ever expected. I honestly don’t think this was a coincidence. The whole day I was riding on these incredibly positive vibes coming from everyone. Do you know what it’s like to have people throw genuine smiles at you everywhere you look? It was that kind of day!
While running some errands I picked up some very special things!
I spotted a jar of Artisana’s Coconut Butter and a pint of Almond Pecan “ice cream”. Both are incredibly delicious. I have been putting the coconut butter on almost everything!
The sandwich obviously left an impression on me because I also got some truffle oil; and I'm always on the lookout for a good pasta sauce.
Last time I got the Almond Breeze milk the machine printed out a coupon for a FREE half gallon of Silk's almond milk.
Free? You know I was on that. It was way creamier than Almond Breeze but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact this probably would work as a better creamer than thinner milk alternatives. The taste was still yummy too!
Something else new to my tastebuds.
Now I can officially say that I’ve tried all the Sunshine Burger flavors. This time I tried the Garden Herb veggie burger. This has the same ingredients as the Original veggie burger, but the Garden Herb is organic and probably has more herbs and carrots because it did taste different.
In a bun with ketchup, vegan mayo, red onions, and a last minute decision: red bell pepper slices.
Also tried the Vanilla 3400 Phinney milk chocolate bar.
Yummy but I didn't really taste the vanilla flavor.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be for those who have that someone special. It can be fun for everyone if you let it.
Started off Valentine's Day with a bowl of love.
Chocolate oatmeal + a medley of berries + sliced banana + coconut butter. The coconut butter looks like icing!
Had Dad over for lunch--excuse my crowded table!
I made a recipe sent Liz sent to me.
Here’s the recipe folks! This recipe has all the components of things I love–especially kale. I have been on such a kale kick lately. However, since I didn’t have ricotta on hand I just made the cashew ricotta recipe from the Veganomicon. This meal was such a cinch to make!
My roommate gave me a dark chocolate heart... Matilda obviously doesn't know that's poison for her!
Another kiss I took from the auto shop the day before hehehe! But that one is for you all!
Shoes on the left for my dinner date with Dad and shoes on the right were for the day.
And I finally wore the skirt I got months ago!
Perfect for a fun, young, and single lady on Valentine's Day!
Throw on a scarf and a coat, and I'm good to go!
We decided to go to a restaurant that we'd both been curious about for years!
Bistro 27 features Italian and French cuisine.
Best date, my dad!
I promise if you go on a date with me you won't have to have your friend call with a fake emergency!
I loved the high ceilings and open-air environment.
Our waiter offered to take a picture of us!
To start off my dad got the Capesante with Bacon--Jumbo scallops wrapped in smoked bacon and served over red lentils.
And I started off with the Twenty Seven Bistro Salad--Baby lettuces, candied walnuts, sliced Bosc pears, gorgonzola cheese, red onions, and tomatoes tossed in honey vinaigrette
The salad was delicious! Can you tell I’m loving gorgonzola and candied walnuts? A seriously delicious and classic salad.
Complimentary focaccia bread with their housemade tomato-basil sauce.
My dad ordered one of their specials: the beef tenderloin topped with strawberries and a strawberry reduction + garlic mashed potatoes + veggies.
And I ordered Capellini con Vegetali e Pomodoro--Angel hair pasta with julienne vegetables and 27’s tomato sauce
Pasta twirlinggg action!
With parmesan please!
And on the day of love I decided to give a lonely brussel sprout another chance.
I was in elementary school the last time I tried brussel sprouts and I just remembered thinking they tasted like a fart. Yes, a fart! But this time around I actually liked it, but I decided that I would like it better seasoned and roasted with balsamic vinegar. The pasta was okay, I did love the chunks of tomato though. But the salad definitely outshone the pasta. We skipped dessert because “someone special” said he had a treat for me. Well turns out that he wanted to postpone and frankly I was upset at that point. Why make plans with someone if you can’t actually follow through? After I said “no” he proceeded to tell me what he had gotten me. I’m sorry but I am not the kind of person to simply be won over by gifts. I’d much rather have my feelings and thoughts be considered, and know that someone actually wants to spend their time with me. Overall though my Valentine’s Day was great and spent with some of the people that I truly care about. It was also nice to just spread the positive energy on a beautiful day.
