Happy (much belated) New Year! I realize that I have not written anything since November, and my how time flies! During that time, I have had people ask, why have I not written anything in my blog and my response is simple " I have not been inspired". Those that know me well will tell you I don't write about experiences ( much less food) unless I feel they are worth writing about, and finally...... the series " The Bible" is that one!
When I first saw the preview on the History channel I admit I was not interested in seeing it because I figured if you have seen the Easter special "The 10 Commandments", you have seen it all. To my surprise, I was wrong! My friend kept telling me this series was something that I had to see and just to hear him speak about it reminded me of a reality TV show, because he was so excited to tell me about it. So, I indulged and began recording the series so I can see what all the talk was about. After watching the first episode, properly entitled " The Beginning", I was hooked!
For the first time, I was able to see one of my favorite stories in the bible about Abraham, a faithful servant of God, and by far one of the most blessed characters in the bible. For so long, I always wondered why there were never any pictures in the bible to help people visually grasp the great stories written by God's selected few. Thankfully, all that wondering has finally been put in the most simplest and accessible form, television!
To me watching The Bible is like watching an episode of Scandal ( I loovvvveeee Scandal), in that I can't watch Scandal when it first airs because the show is so intense and dramatic that I can't wait on commercials, this is the same with The Bible. The directors and producers of this series have done a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the stories and the many characters. Most of all, I applaud them for staying true to the story and casting diverse actors to play the roles.
In my humble opinion, this is the " life changing" experience of life changing experiences. Therefore, I challenge you to take a break from your normal reality TV programs and take time to watch (and read) the most amazing story ever told!
Prepare to be inspired !
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Nothing Bundt Pumpkin Spice!
Happy Holidays!!!!!
Over Thanksgiving I managed to discover something great and of all things....it was a pumpkin spice bundt cake! If you like pumpkin or if you are skeptical about it, I urge you to try this.
My first introduction to pumpkin anything was when I lived in Arizona. However, growing up in Miami, I was used to sweet potato everything, but Arizona taught me something different and I ended up taking my new found fall dessert with me to Georgia. Since I moved from AZ to GA one of my close friends in AZ would FedEx a loaf of her special homemade pumpkin bread and it is awesome! Around this time of year, I check the mailbox daily in hopes that my special delivery of pumpkin bread is in there......I am still checking :).
While visiting "Nothing Bundt Cakes" to order my Thanksgiving dessert, I tried a sample of their pumpkin spice cake and OMG....instant foodgasam! I literally saw stars flashing because it was so good and because it was, I switched my original order to have one of those and it was worth it! The flavors are well blended and as I mentioned in a previous post, the cake is always moist and the icing is perfect.
You can thank me later!!
Over Thanksgiving I managed to discover something great and of all things....it was a pumpkin spice bundt cake! If you like pumpkin or if you are skeptical about it, I urge you to try this.
My first introduction to pumpkin anything was when I lived in Arizona. However, growing up in Miami, I was used to sweet potato everything, but Arizona taught me something different and I ended up taking my new found fall dessert with me to Georgia. Since I moved from AZ to GA one of my close friends in AZ would FedEx a loaf of her special homemade pumpkin bread and it is awesome! Around this time of year, I check the mailbox daily in hopes that my special delivery of pumpkin bread is in there......I am still checking :).
While visiting "Nothing Bundt Cakes" to order my Thanksgiving dessert, I tried a sample of their pumpkin spice cake and OMG....instant foodgasam! I literally saw stars flashing because it was so good and because it was, I switched my original order to have one of those and it was worth it! The flavors are well blended and as I mentioned in a previous post, the cake is always moist and the icing is perfect.
You can thank me later!!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Food Truck Friday
As I mentioned in the previous blog I have been in D.C. for the past month and I have had the opportunity to visit the monuments and a few of the Smithsonians , which are pretty cool and free :). I have also had the opportunity to dine out and try different things, but nothing really worth writing about. However, I have found culinary inspiration from what I have dubbed "Food Truck Fridays" . For the past few Fridays during lunch, I stop by the U.S. Department of Agriculture farmer's market for some fresh kettle corn ( yum!) and then I walk over to the food trucks.....sigh!
The farmer's market and food trucks are a great conclusion to my week and this little outing allow me to enjoy the great weather, fresh air ( from being inside all day) and the people. I love walking down the row as I look at what each truck has to offer for the day, and each truck is distinct in their cuisine and look, and I love it! The first week I tried the cheeseteak truck, which was pretty good and the second week I tried the Korean truck and got a bulgogi rice bowl ( Korean beef BBQ) and it was pretty good. I also enjoy watching the many people sitting on the grass and anywhere there is a seat hanging out and enjoying their lunch selection as well.
Each week I try to eat something different in an attempt to live outside of the box. This Friday, I am not sure what the selection of the day might be but I will be sure to let you know!
The farmer's market and food trucks are a great conclusion to my week and this little outing allow me to enjoy the great weather, fresh air ( from being inside all day) and the people. I love walking down the row as I look at what each truck has to offer for the day, and each truck is distinct in their cuisine and look, and I love it! The first week I tried the cheeseteak truck, which was pretty good and the second week I tried the Korean truck and got a bulgogi rice bowl ( Korean beef BBQ) and it was pretty good. I also enjoy watching the many people sitting on the grass and anywhere there is a seat hanging out and enjoying their lunch selection as well. 
Each week I try to eat something different in an attempt to live outside of the box. This Friday, I am not sure what the selection of the day might be but I will be sure to let you know!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Max's Steak ......Cheesesteak That Is!
Greetings readers! I hope that you had a fantastic weekend....I know I did! This blog is a follow-up to a post on August 7, 2011, entitled " Cheesesteak...yum!" regarding my discovery of a cheesesteak eatery in Stone Mountain, GA, called Weeyums Philly Style. In the post I mentioned I had yet to have a "real" cheesesteak from Philly, well this weekend I finally had the opportunity to have one hot off the grill from none other than Max's Steaks in Philadelphia, PA!
If you have ever watched the Food Network or know anyone from Philly ( or who have been there) they all have their own favorite spot that they frequent. Food Network declared Pat's and Geno's as having some of the best cheesesteak sandwiches in Philly, but according to some locals Max's is the best....and I went to find out.
Over the past month I have had the pleasure of living in and exploring Washington, D.C. . In doing so, I did not realize that Philly was just a 2 hr train ride away and needless to say I took my first train ride on Amtrak.....which was different, relaxing, cheaper than a flight and a lot freer ( that is a whole nother blog). Anyway, once I arrive in "the city of brotherly love" I found what I was looking for and I felt the love.
To describe Max's is best by describing the location, which is in the "gutter" part of town as the natives say. This part of town is known by some as Germantown and is no way deemed a "tourist" location. However, there were a few who dared to venture to Germantown from the likes of D.C., LA and Atlantic City, and they were all waiting to get a taste of the greatness. Max's is my type of place because it has character, not only in the location but also in the staff that works in there. The friendly cook was the highlight of my experience after he found out that this was my first. He declared " you are family and I am going to take care of you" and that he did. So, as I waited in line as the lady from D.C. ordered 7 steaks to go, I was amazed at the level of care taken as they packed and marked the steaks "to travel" as they say.
So, when my time finally came, I placed my order for a large steak with only mayo and cheese and proceeded to take my experience to the trunk of the car.....because there was no seating, again! As you can see from the picture below, this thing was huge ( no I did not eat the whole thing)! Not only was it huge, it was delicious! Everything from the bread, which I found out is Amoroso bread made in Philly and it is the key to a great sandwich. The seasoning was on point and the steak it self was tasty! So tasty, that I did not want the experience to end.
After that experience, I am happy to finally say that I have had an original cheesesteak from Philly. Although, I do not have anything to compare it to at the moment, I can offer a recommendation as to what I enjoyed. If I am ever in the area again, I will definitely try Pat and Geno to see what all the fuss is about.
Happy Eating!!
If you have ever watched the Food Network or know anyone from Philly ( or who have been there) they all have their own favorite spot that they frequent. Food Network declared Pat's and Geno's as having some of the best cheesesteak sandwiches in Philly, but according to some locals Max's is the best....and I went to find out.
Over the past month I have had the pleasure of living in and exploring Washington, D.C. . In doing so, I did not realize that Philly was just a 2 hr train ride away and needless to say I took my first train ride on Amtrak.....which was different, relaxing, cheaper than a flight and a lot freer ( that is a whole nother blog). Anyway, once I arrive in "the city of brotherly love" I found what I was looking for and I felt the love.
To describe Max's is best by describing the location, which is in the "gutter" part of town as the natives say. This part of town is known by some as Germantown and is no way deemed a "tourist" location. However, there were a few who dared to venture to Germantown from the likes of D.C., LA and Atlantic City, and they were all waiting to get a taste of the greatness. Max's is my type of place because it has character, not only in the location but also in the staff that works in there. The friendly cook was the highlight of my experience after he found out that this was my first. He declared " you are family and I am going to take care of you" and that he did. So, as I waited in line as the lady from D.C. ordered 7 steaks to go, I was amazed at the level of care taken as they packed and marked the steaks "to travel" as they say.
So, when my time finally came, I placed my order for a large steak with only mayo and cheese and proceeded to take my experience to the trunk of the car.....because there was no seating, again! As you can see from the picture below, this thing was huge ( no I did not eat the whole thing)! Not only was it huge, it was delicious! Everything from the bread, which I found out is Amoroso bread made in Philly and it is the key to a great sandwich. The seasoning was on point and the steak it self was tasty! So tasty, that I did not want the experience to end.
After that experience, I am happy to finally say that I have had an original cheesesteak from Philly. Although, I do not have anything to compare it to at the moment, I can offer a recommendation as to what I enjoyed. If I am ever in the area again, I will definitely try Pat and Geno to see what all the fuss is about.
Happy Eating!!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
The Golden Voice
Happy Labor Day weekend to you all! I just finished reading one of the best books that I have read thus far in my life, "A Golden Voice......" by the now famous Ted Williams, who was homeless and later video taped on a street corner. Thanks to my favorite electronic device (my kindle) I have rediscovered my love for reading! Therefore, let me indulge you for a few with food for your mind :).
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Voice-Humility-Brought-Salvation/dp/1592407145
I first heard of this book when I was watching (of all things) Wendy Williams and Ted was on there talking about it. So, I researched and was pleased to see this book was rated very high based on reader reviews. This is not your everyday autobiograph and it is not a pity party for Ted but more so an appreciation for his journey , good and bad. The writing is superb as it reads like a novel and has flow as it takes you through his many (and there were many) ups and downs and chances at life. It details struggles, successes, failures, love, hopelessness but most of all the grace of God!
After it is all said and done this is one of the must purchase books. During this story I was inspired, encouraged and felt that I can do better as an individual, friend, sister , daughter and future wife and mother. In spite of his hard times he never changed who he was as a person and despite his failures , he tried and at the end of the day that is what life is.....a series of tries , some failures but never giving up. Even as he was smoking his drug of choice he acknowledged and gave thanks to God (crazy I know) and then went on to share with others who could not afford drugs (even crazier). However, through it all he never gave up rather he survived, and in all that he endured he finally got to a point that we all forget " acknowledge God in ALL our WAYS"!
I said all that to say, get back to the basics and pick-up this great book and be encouraged, because we all need it in some way or another.
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Voice-Humility-Brought-Salvation/dp/1592407145
I first heard of this book when I was watching (of all things) Wendy Williams and Ted was on there talking about it. So, I researched and was pleased to see this book was rated very high based on reader reviews. This is not your everyday autobiograph and it is not a pity party for Ted but more so an appreciation for his journey , good and bad. The writing is superb as it reads like a novel and has flow as it takes you through his many (and there were many) ups and downs and chances at life. It details struggles, successes, failures, love, hopelessness but most of all the grace of God!
After it is all said and done this is one of the must purchase books. During this story I was inspired, encouraged and felt that I can do better as an individual, friend, sister , daughter and future wife and mother. In spite of his hard times he never changed who he was as a person and despite his failures , he tried and at the end of the day that is what life is.....a series of tries , some failures but never giving up. Even as he was smoking his drug of choice he acknowledged and gave thanks to God (crazy I know) and then went on to share with others who could not afford drugs (even crazier). However, through it all he never gave up rather he survived, and in all that he endured he finally got to a point that we all forget " acknowledge God in ALL our WAYS"!
I said all that to say, get back to the basics and pick-up this great book and be encouraged, because we all need it in some way or another.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Classic Car Show (Louisville, KY)
Something about me this week......many people that know me do not know that I have a love for cars, classic cars at that. It all started growing up in Miami where the normal was seeing the "tricked out" low riders, which eventually evolved into box Chevy's and my all time favorite, the Chevy Impala's ( '71-'73). I remember riding in a Chevy with a guy I use to date in high school and I lovvvvved it! I loved everything from the loud pipes to the rims and custom paint.
Years later, I would move to Arizona where I began to see the old school classics like the Chevy Bel Airs and Cameros that would pass me buy on the highway.The trend continued in Atlanta and I began to notice them now more then ever. As a result, I have always wanted to attend a classic car show, and a few weekends ago I did just that in Louisville, KY!
On this particular weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the National Street Rod Association's national meet and car show, and it was nothing short of awesome and amazing (awemazing!!!!). It was like a crayola crayon box exploded on the Louisville fairground and painted the 13,000 plus classic cars various colors. In my book of "life changing" experiences this rates as one of those moments. I will admit it was overwhelming because it was cars everywhere! I think I only had the opportunity to see 5% of the cars that were out there.
One of the coolest experiences was seeing the small community of black car owners with some of the nicest cars out there. Of course, there was a section for the younger guys with the Impalas, Cameros and Chargers.
Inside the exhibit hall is where a car lover's dream resides because they have exhibits galore and car enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase anything you can imagine for their car, even a frame.
If you are an enthusiasts or you want to have a different type of experience, this is your place. Louisville, KY (or Loouvule as the locals call it) was also a pleasant surprise and a great experience as well. I can say this is definitely on the list of places to visit again. Besides, who would have thunk.....Kentucky!
Years later, I would move to Arizona where I began to see the old school classics like the Chevy Bel Airs and Cameros that would pass me buy on the highway.The trend continued in Atlanta and I began to notice them now more then ever. As a result, I have always wanted to attend a classic car show, and a few weekends ago I did just that in Louisville, KY!
On this particular weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the National Street Rod Association's national meet and car show, and it was nothing short of awesome and amazing (awemazing!!!!). It was like a crayola crayon box exploded on the Louisville fairground and painted the 13,000 plus classic cars various colors. In my book of "life changing" experiences this rates as one of those moments. I will admit it was overwhelming because it was cars everywhere! I think I only had the opportunity to see 5% of the cars that were out there.
One of the coolest experiences was seeing the small community of black car owners with some of the nicest cars out there. Of course, there was a section for the younger guys with the Impalas, Cameros and Chargers.
Inside the exhibit hall is where a car lover's dream resides because they have exhibits galore and car enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase anything you can imagine for their car, even a frame.
(My Favorite)
If you are an enthusiasts or you want to have a different type of experience, this is your place. Louisville, KY (or Loouvule as the locals call it) was also a pleasant surprise and a great experience as well. I can say this is definitely on the list of places to visit again. Besides, who would have thunk.....Kentucky!
(Second Favorite)
Monday, July 16, 2012
Food Truck Festival
Greetings folks! I hope all is well in your world as it is in mine. This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the first ever Atlanta Food Truck Festival a.k.a Atlanta Food Street Festival. As some of you may know, food trucks have become the latest craze in the culinary industry and I was too excited to begin my tasting adventure.
I actually found out about the festival from a Groupon that I purchased and I later learned there would be music, fun and the top 10 food trucks in Atlanta. So....., I brought my appetite and folding chair and I was on my way to Piedmont Park in the city.
When I first arrived, I was surprised to see the massive crowd and the loooooong lines that equated to 45 min. to a 1 hour wait on food, in the sun! Needless to say I was not happy at all. Although there were a wide variety of trucks there ranging from the Puerto Rican truck, Healthy Food truck, Smashed and Mashed truck and a Cuban truck. Sadly, I did not get an opportunity to try any of them because of the long lines, but I did hear the Cuban sandwich was not that great.
Thankfully, my friend and I had a strategy to prevent either one of us passing out in the heat, and with that we managed to get a pork sausage link from Black Tie Catering and it was good ( yes, I forgot to snap a pic). What made this link so good was that it was pretty big and the mixture of mustard and bbq sauce was great. Not to mention it was on a fresh potato bun that was awesome. My food companion had her link with cole slaw on it and she said it was pretty good. Thankfully, she purchased a third link for us to split, which really hit the spot. Surprisingly after we ate, sat under the tree and listed to an awesome band named "Grits and Jelly Butter" we were good to go.
In the mist of us standing in line we managed to try salt and vineger popcorn, lemon pepper pop corn and a cake shot that was a replica of a pina colada, which was very different but good none the less. All in all we had a great time and I look forward to attending the event next year. However, next time I will have a better strategy to get the most out of my experience.
Happy Eating!
I actually found out about the festival from a Groupon that I purchased and I later learned there would be music, fun and the top 10 food trucks in Atlanta. So....., I brought my appetite and folding chair and I was on my way to Piedmont Park in the city.
When I first arrived, I was surprised to see the massive crowd and the loooooong lines that equated to 45 min. to a 1 hour wait on food, in the sun! Needless to say I was not happy at all. Although there were a wide variety of trucks there ranging from the Puerto Rican truck, Healthy Food truck, Smashed and Mashed truck and a Cuban truck. Sadly, I did not get an opportunity to try any of them because of the long lines, but I did hear the Cuban sandwich was not that great.
Thankfully, my friend and I had a strategy to prevent either one of us passing out in the heat, and with that we managed to get a pork sausage link from Black Tie Catering and it was good ( yes, I forgot to snap a pic). What made this link so good was that it was pretty big and the mixture of mustard and bbq sauce was great. Not to mention it was on a fresh potato bun that was awesome. My food companion had her link with cole slaw on it and she said it was pretty good. Thankfully, she purchased a third link for us to split, which really hit the spot. Surprisingly after we ate, sat under the tree and listed to an awesome band named "Grits and Jelly Butter" we were good to go.
In the mist of us standing in line we managed to try salt and vineger popcorn, lemon pepper pop corn and a cake shot that was a replica of a pina colada, which was very different but good none the less. All in all we had a great time and I look forward to attending the event next year. However, next time I will have a better strategy to get the most out of my experience.
Happy Eating!
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