Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Too busy eating and cooking to blog!


Is it possible to be so busy that you don't even have time to jot down a few paragraphs about what's been going on in your life? Sure I can make excuses but for not having written anything for a good several months I really don't have any other excuses than the obvious "I've been busy".

I have to give a shout out for perhaps the greatest internet invention since Opentable (for those of you who are living in the dark ages, Opentable allows you to see a restaurants availability online and make a selection from fabulous options across your city). Groupon rivals Opentable for its fabulousness. Groupons was started online a mere year ago and has now grown to include 45 cities across the US. You sign-up for to receive Groupon e-mails and on a dailly basis they offer a different coupon to a restaurant, store or service in your area. You click on the button that says you're in and if enough people join you then you get the coupon. Yes, it might seem a little odd "buying" coupons but really is fabulous (and addicting). I have had to restrain myself because I get insanely giddy with the opportunity to visit fanastic restuarants that I normally wouldn't be able to afford - Lockwood in the Palmer House Hilton, Otom, Bonsoiree and Shawn McClain's Spring just to name a few. All of these dining options further propel me towards my restaurant obsessions. So many restaurants...so little time!

I've been doing a good amount of traveling this fall/winter too which has been fun. I am the Queen of the 3-day weekend :) In October I took a Girls Weekend with the Ladies to Leesburg, Virginia. We visited VA and nearby West Virginia at the ideal time when all the leaves were changing colors. Of course we ate well. If you're planning a vacation next Fall, I'd highly recommend renting a car if you're in the DC area and visiting the great wineries in the area as well as dining at some of the fun restaurants in charming downtown Leesburg! Cheers to my high school ladies and our fabulous food (and wine) filled weekends!


On another weekend this Fall I voyaged to Disney World with my dear friend Annie. We had a wonderful time running from park to park in 3 days but it was one of those that I left thinking "geez, I need a vacation from my vacation!" The Epcot Food & Wine Festival was winding up when we were there and we enjoyed some delicious treats at the different countries booths from gulab jamun (my favorite Indian dessert) to jambalaya (regional US cuisine). I did try a turkey leg there (because really I can't resist) but was severly disappointed. It was overly priced the meat was gross. I don't recommend getting one!


I've had a few visits home the most recent of which to celebrate my Mom's birthday. My adorable nephew Sam was also in town. He is the first wee one in our family and therefore gets a lot of (much deserved) attention. We cannot seem to take enough pictures of him eating. He is a HUGE dessert fan and will usually opt for the chocolate desserts at that. Things can get pretty messy, but really don't those make for the best pictures?