Belly Up to the Bar With Bendy and Her Friendies!!! Button Pics & New Thread Started!

[PNO4TE]

This looks like a fabulous dinner. I admit I have never had chickpeas, but may have to give them a try. We are going to a food & wine tasting at a local winery next week and are pretty excited. That said, NJ wine isn't exactly the stuff dreams are made of but the experience should be fun anyway.

I think is sounds like a wonderful way to find a new local wine. I know you will enjoy yourselves.

In fact, I had a Cabernet Franc last weekend that I liked! It was the first of probably 15 I have tried and enjoyed, so that was a nice surprise. I am hoping for your trip to the winery just such a discovery.

 

[PNO4TE]

Did you miss me?

I have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone is well and had a great week(end)!

We got off the ship yesterday morning and drove all the way home to Charlotte. We are all thoroughly exhausted and 5 pounds heavier than when we left and the thought of a multi course fine food meal sounds We're actually waiting on pizza to be delivered for dinner because I didn't make it to the grocery store today

ok, gonna catch up now

Welcome back! We missed you and are (im)patiently waiting for a food review of the whole trip. You can skip tonight's pizza.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Did you miss me?

I have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone is well and had a great week(end)!

We got off the ship yesterday morning and drove all the way home to Charlotte. We are all thoroughly exhausted and 5 pounds heavier than when we left and the thought of a multi course fine food meal sounds We're actually waiting on pizza to be delivered for dinner because I didn't make it to the grocery store today

ok, gonna catch up now

Welcome back! Only 5lbs? Amateur! (JK!) Can't wait to hear all about your trip.

I think is sounds like a wonderful way to find a new local wine. I know you will enjoy yourselves.

In fact, I had a Cabernet Franc last weekend that I liked! It was the first of probably 15 I have tried and enjoyed, so that was a nice surprise. I am hoping for your trip to the winery just such a discovery.

We're hoping we find a hidden gem. This place is a fairly new winery so maybe we will be surprised. We have been totally unimpressed with the few other NJ wineries we have visited in the past-somehow they all taste the same. There is supposed to be food pairings at this one we are going to and unless the food is a bowl of pretzels I will make sure to take pics to share.

 

[TigerKat]

Welcome back Chelle, missed you! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[oybolshoi]

Welcome back! We've all missed you and have passed the time by making and re-making October ADRs ad naseum.

Oh wait ... maybe I'm the only person who's been doing that.

Glad you had a good trip ... now slap me upside the head with some food porn!

Did you miss me?

I have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone is well and had a great week(end)!

We got off the ship yesterday morning and drove all the way home to Charlotte. We are all thoroughly exhausted and 5 pounds heavier than when we left and the thought of a multi course fine food meal sounds We're actually waiting on pizza to be delivered for dinner because I didn't make it to the grocery store today

ok, gonna catch up now

 

[oybolshoi]

Quick question. Where can I find some information on the tequila tasting for the F&W festival?

They don't have a lot of info posted about it yet, Deb. All that I've seen is that it is supposed to be offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3PM during the Festival - it's being held in the new cantina in the Mexican temple and is going to be led by a tequila master. Ceviche and chipparoos will be served to help wash down the booze.

$35 per person before tax.

 

[hmgray95]

Dessert Course - Berry Gallette served with Tarragon Ice Cream, Pot au Creme (Creme Brulee), and a dark chocolate truffle (like a flourless cake)
Paired with John Robert Eppler, Late Harvest Zinfandel '06


Cheese Course - all Texas Cheeses - Hopelessly Blu, Redneck Cheddar, and raw milk Havarti with accompanyments
Paired with Les Abeilles, Jean-Luc Columbo '06



Suprise!!! Chocolate Dipped Fruit

Piano Room - this is where we were seated. The kitchen was under renovation, so the chef's table couldn't be done in there... This was lovely though... there was live piano and sax music during almost our entire dinner.

Happy Anniversary! And what a wonderful way to spend it!

Did you miss me?

I have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone is well and had a great week(end)!

We got off the ship yesterday morning and drove all the way home to Charlotte. We are all thoroughly exhausted and 5 pounds heavier than when we left and the thought of a multi course fine food meal sounds We're actually waiting on pizza to be delivered for dinner because I didn't make it to the grocery store today

ok, gonna catch up now

Welcome back Chelle! You got home just in time for the nice cool weather here....and hardly any humidity, can you believe it!?!

Did you bring us back lots of food porn? We've been waiting patiently like good little kids....

 

[oybolshoi]

WOW!!!!

What an incredible meal ... thanks so much for sharing it with us. I'm not sure which I like better ... the cheese plate or the desserts.

Fabulous!

Dessert Course - Berry Gallette served with Tarragon Ice Cream, Pot au Creme (Creme Brulee), and a dark chocolate truffle (like a flourless cake)
Paired with John Robert Eppler, Late Harvest Zinfandel '06


Cheese Course - all Texas Cheeses - Hopelessly Blu, Redneck Cheddar, and raw milk Havarti with accompanyments
Paired with Les Abeilles, Jean-Luc Columbo '06



Suprise!!! Chocolate Dipped Fruit

Piano Room - this is where we were seated. The kitchen was under renovation, so the chef's table couldn't be done in there... This was lovely though... there was live piano and sax music during almost our entire dinner.

 

[hmgray95]

We're hoping we find a hidden gem. This place is a fairly new winery so maybe we will be surprised. We have been totally unimpressed with the few other NJ wineries we have visited in the past-somehow they all taste the same. There is supposed to be food pairings at this one we are going to and unless the food is a bowl of pretzels I will make sure to take pics to share.

Looking forward to the food porn! I just discovered that one of our local wineries does a Sunday brunch that includes a glass of wine for only $20 per adult. Our local food reviewer just went and gave it a good review, so now I'm just trying to figure out where I can fit it in to our schedule, which is pretty packed between now and the end of August.

 

[whogirl'smom]

I have been there and it is lovely. However, I have never had to spend 3 1/2 hours there! I would think that ought to give you enough time to eat a meal and stroll around a bit. Will that fit into your plans?

Have a TERRIFIC time!!

Oh, good, somebody's been there! I'm glad to hear it's a nice airport. We'll be getting there about lunch time, so I had thought that would help kill some of the time. Yes, I've already been to the website to look at the restaurants! Thanks, Elin, I think we'll have a great time once we get there. You know how stressful it is just trying to get to the vacation part!

Did you miss me?

I have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone is well and had a great week(end)!

We got off the ship yesterday morning and drove all the way home to Charlotte. We are all thoroughly exhausted and 5 pounds heavier than when we left and the thought of a multi course fine food meal sounds We're actually waiting on pizza to be delivered for dinner because I didn't make it to the grocery store today

ok, gonna catch up now

Of course we missed you! Welcome home!

 

[robinm1215]

Robin, I bet that dress looks better on you than it did on me. I think I looked like I was about ready to drop twins.

I don't know about that -- I think I looked like I could be having triplets It's just one of those dresses that has no shape -- really great to wear when you're going out for a huge dinner though because there's no worrying about your pants getting tight

Uhh, not to perpetuate the rumors that we are one in the same, but I too have that dress. I swear I'm not trying to Single White Female you.

The car looks great too, the Spouse and I were just discussing the other day how everyone we know has foreign cars so GMs crashing must be our fault.

So funny that you have the same dress too. Lots of shopping going on at Ann Taylor Loft. You can usually find me there when I'm not busy obsessing about my October ADRs

Here is some foodie porn!!
Kicked up hummus i made for the 4th of July party, it had kalamata olives, feta and extra lemon juice in it:

The next are from our wedding/food tasting we had a few weeks ago..everything was REALLY tasty!!

Thanks for all the food porn. Everything looks great and I'm sure you'll have some great food at your wedding

I've been given a green light for the following F&W wine events ..

Flying Fish signature dinner 10/15
Blue Zoo signature dinner 10/16
Tutto Italia F&W pairing 10/17
Tequilia Tasting 10/23

That doesn't mean we'll get them, of course. If we're not able to land both signature dinners then we will pick up Sweet Sundays on the 18th.

Oink Oink.

Your plans sound great. I so wish I was going to be there for the Flying Fish or Jiko dinner or the Tutto F&W pairing but I won't. Still considering the F&W pairing in Mexico but not sure yet...

I thought you guys might like a lookie-see at the food DH and I oinked out on Friday nite.

We celebrated our 9th anniversary at a restarurant in Central Texas called Christopher's. If you want to read more go here: www.christophersworldgrille.com

This is where DH proposed to me 10 years ago...

Thaks for sharing and happy anniversary!

Did you miss me?

I have a lot of catching up to do! Hope everyone is well and had a great week(end)!

We got off the ship yesterday morning and drove all the way home to Charlotte. We are all thoroughly exhausted and 5 pounds heavier than when we left and the thought of a multi course fine food meal sounds We're actually waiting on pizza to be delivered for dinner because I didn't make it to the grocery store today

ok, gonna catch up now

Welcome back! Can't wait to see all your food porn!

 

[oybolshoi]

I don't know about that -- I think I looked like I could be having triplets It's just one of those dresses that has no shape -- really great to wear when you're going out for a huge dinner though because there's no worrying about your pants getting tight

It's definitely shapeless ... very comfy and very cute ... I'm sure I'll be wearing that dress one day at Epcot. Lots of room to let the tummy expand comfortably.

So funny that you have the same dress too. Lots of shopping going on at Ann Taylor Loft. You can usually find me there when I'm not busy obsessing about my October ADRs

I like Ann Taylor and Loft ... I especially like Loft for things that I can wear to work and outside of work - double duty is always a good thing!

Your plans sound great. I so wish I was going to be there for the Flying Fish or Jiko dinner or the Tutto F&W pairing but I won't. Still considering the F&W pairing in Mexico but not sure yet...

Now there are apparently not going to be F&W pairings in Mexico, which bums me out a bit because that was the only way we were willing to eat there. We probably will try for a tequilia tasting though ... that could be pretty cool. Those are supposed to be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons at 3PM in Mexico.

And now after much discussion while getting our evening walk in tonight, Jay and I have decided to go back to just the Blue Zoo signature dinner, the pairing at Tutto Italia and the tequilia tasting. Since we're planning to dine at V&A we decided that two signature dinners might be a bit much for our pocketbooks. And Jay is so opposed to any event held in the Welcome Center that I just crossed Sweet Sundays off the list.

BUT ... I'm thinking of adding the sushi pairing on Monday afternoon ... I'm sort of torn about it, especially because I think my nephew would really like to attend but won't - either because of the cost or because of his wifey. I should probably just let the whole thing go ... Jay and I can put together a better pairing at Kimonos for less money.

I can't wait for the next three weeks to be over so that I can stop second-guessing myself.

 

[oybolshoi]

Wanted to give you all an update about the trip my friend from work took to WDW last week with her husband, two young daughters, and parents.

She took my advice and made ADRs for Crystal Palace (breakfast), The Norway Princess Breakfast, 1900 Park Fare (dinner), Coral Reef (dinner), and they booked the dessert party at the MK as soon as I told her about it.

They were so happy with all their meals - the strawberry soup at Park Fare was pronounced a winner and they loved the interaction with the Cinderella characters. The girls had gone to Bibbity Bobbity earlier and were both dressed to the nines as miniature Cinderellas and that really got the wicked stepmother going.

They also really like Coral Reef ... the fish tank was the draw for the girls but my friend said that the food was surprisingly tasty.

And the dessert party at MK - she said it was terrific. The view of Spectromagic was just OK, but she said the fireworks were spectacular from where they were.

Just thought any of you headed down in the next couple of months would like to hear some good things from a guest who didn't even stay on property.

I was so glad to hear that they had a good time ... everything seemed to go just perfectly for them and although she said it was crowded it wasn't unbearable.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Ugh...I apologize now, I have to vent a bit.

We just got a 2am wake up from the local police at our house. Let me tell you, its just lovely waking up to our three dogs going psycho and a cop ringing our doorbell in the wee hours of the morning. Apparently some little maggot was making the rounds on our street with burglarizing people's vehicles. The neighbor caught this person rummaging through Fred's car and when confronted he took off running. The good news is nothing of ours was taken out of any of the four cars. The bad news is that the neighbor had stuff missing from their car. I feel sick to my stomach just thinking someone was going through our things and was in our vehicles. I know its small and it could have been worse, but its just very creepy. We've never had issues in our area before so I guess my sense of security is a little less now. No worries with the house-we have an alarm system...but still...just way creepy and a bit unnerving. Meanwhile, my hubby seems unfazed and has gone back to bed already. I'm so flippy I can see I'll be up all night now.

 

[oybolshoi]

No apology necessary.

That would totally creep me out, too. I'm glad nothing was taken and I hope you get some rest.

Ugh...I apologize now, I have to vent a bit.

We just got a 2am wake up from the local police at our house. Let me tell you, its just lovely waking up to our three dogs going psycho and a cop ringing our doorbell in the wee hours of the morning. Apparently some little maggot was making the rounds on our street with burglarizing people's vehicles. The neighbor caught this person rummaging through Fred's car and when confronted he took off running. The good news is nothing of ours was taken out of any of the four cars. The bad news is that the neighbor had stuff missing from their car. I feel sick to my stomach just thinking someone was going through our things and was in our vehicles. I know its small and it could have been worse, but its just very creepy. We've never had issues in our area before so I guess my sense of security is a little less now. No worries with the house-we have an alarm system...but still...just way creepy and a bit unnerving. Meanwhile, my hubby seems unfazed and has gone back to bed already. I'm so flippy I can see I'll be up all night now.

 

[PNO4TE]

Ugh...I apologize now, I have to vent a bit.

We just got a 2am wake up from the local police at our house. Let me tell you, its just lovely waking up to our three dogs going psycho and a cop ringing our doorbell in the wee hours of the morning. Apparently some little maggot was making the rounds on our street with burglarizing people's vehicles. The neighbor caught this person rummaging through Fred's car and when confronted he took off running. The good news is nothing of ours was taken out of any of the four cars. The bad news is that the neighbor had stuff missing from their car. I feel sick to my stomach just thinking someone was going through our things and was in our vehicles. I know its small and it could have been worse, but its just very creepy. We've never had issues in our area before so I guess my sense of security is a little less now. No worries with the house-we have an alarm system...but still...just way creepy and a bit unnerving. Meanwhile, my hubby seems unfazed and has gone back to bed already. I'm so flippy I can see I'll be up all night now.

how crummy.

 

[whogirl'smom]

Ugh...I apologize now, I have to vent a bit.

We just got a 2am wake up from the local police at our house. Let me tell you, its just lovely waking up to our three dogs going psycho and a cop ringing our doorbell in the wee hours of the morning. Apparently some little maggot was making the rounds on our street with burglarizing people's vehicles. The neighbor caught this person rummaging through Fred's car and when confronted he took off running. The good news is nothing of ours was taken out of any of the four cars. The bad news is that the neighbor had stuff missing from their car. I feel sick to my stomach just thinking someone was going through our things and was in our vehicles. I know its small and it could have been worse, but its just very creepy. We've never had issues in our area before so I guess my sense of security is a little less now. No worries with the house-we have an alarm system...but still...just way creepy and a bit unnerving. Meanwhile, my hubby seems unfazed and has gone back to bed already. I'm so flippy I can see I'll be up all night now.

Oh, I'm so sorry that happened to you! Several years ago we had one of our work trucks broken into twice in our driveway. They broke the window and were evidently just looking for cash because the checkbook was left untouched. Happened to my husband's then business partner around the same time, so they thought it was the same guy thinking there would be money in the vending trucks. (His truck was unlocked, though.) I guess I felt more angry than scared because the police thought they knew who it was but couldn't do anything about it with no evidence. Thought it was a guy a couple of streets over looking for money for a petty drug habit.

I hated having that feeling of being violated.

 

[oybolshoi]

Hey Jamie ... just wanted to wish you a safe, fun-filled trip to DL! Have a great time and take lots of pictures so that you can share a few with us. And who knows ... by the time you get back we may be started on Friendie thread II - we're getting close to "shut down."

Have fun!!!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Thanks ladies. We live in a small bedroom community and we really don't have a lot of crime issues so I guess that makes things even more unnerving. I'm feeling a bit better about things this morning (still a bit creeped out though). Fred left his car unlocked and it appears that his was the only one they went through or attempted to anyway. I don't know what they were looking for because the GPS unit, his Iphone and dollar bills he leaves in the console were all there. Any one of them would have been easy to swip-even on the run. The glove box was opened up, but nothing taken. I'm not sure what the neighbor had stolen as Fred was the one to answer the door and deal with the police and neighbor. All I know is that is was a guy/kid in a dark sweatshirt with the hoodie up over his head who took off running when the neighbor yelled out at him. Other than making sure Fred locks his car up (and stops leaving stuff like cash and his phone in there-which I never understood why he did that anyway), I think I need to have a chat with my three useless dogs-they will bark at squirrels, the mailman, kids down the block, and nothing at all... but not one of the little furballs barked at a guy in the driveway.

Jamie-sorry you had a similar situation. I would have been angry too if they thought they knew who did it but couldn't do anything about it. Totally frustrating.

 

[oybolshoi]

Some day, when you guys are bored and have nothing better to do, I will tell you the tale of our wedding day and how someone at the hotel where we held our reception stole wedding gifts from us.

Seriously ... sometimes I think everything weird happens to us.

Have a good day everyone, and Allison, have an extra huggle from me: ... everything will be fine.