Things & Stuff
So we’re out of groceries, and I can’t seem to gather up the energy to go get more. Thankfully, our Farmhouse Delivery arrives tomorrow, so at least we’ll have some veggies, pizza crusts, and bagels.
This weekend I needed a quick lunch, so I tossed together some tuna, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, sliced radishes, and sunflower seeds. It was kind of weird, but it worked. 🙂
Also? I adore San Pellegrino Aranciata.
Yesterday we spent the afternoon at Rainlily Farm for a Derby Day party hosted by Tipsy Texan and Makers Mark. It was a gorgeous day to be on the farm, and the mint juleps were delicious! It was so much fun to dress up and hang out with friends.
All of our favorite barkeeps were there… including Bill Norris from FINO…
And of course Tipsy Texan himself, David Alan.
Mindy helped Makers Mark guy Adam to draw winners for the raffle.
There was a dizzy derby race, where contestants spun around in circles with toy horses, then raced…
Which meant lots of crooked running and a few tumbles.
Elana and Hunter were my vote for best dressed…
And I loved this hat, decorated with My Little Ponies.
This little dog was cute! He obviously wanted to be in this photo with me.
Here’s me with a feather in my hair and a mint julep in my hand…
And the two of us decked out in our Derby fashions. (I’m not sure whether that light leak at the bottom is from my film or my camera) 🙂
I think Justin’s favorite part of the day was watching the chickens…
And I have to admit, they were quite cute.
This rooster was THE MAN. All the chicken ladies loved him.
There was even a turkey…
And baby chicks.
So much fun! Can’t wait for next year… I may have to create my own fancy-pants hat! 🙂
I’ve uploaded new tunes for May! Click on over to “my tunes” on the right, and enjoy!
Also, a quick note to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!
Have a great weekend, internets!
Last night Justin and I went to East Side Showroom for dinner. We went there once, when they first opened, for dinner, and I remember thinking that the portions were too small, or some nonsense like that. We’ve been back many times, but mainly for drinks and snacks. We’ve been missing out!
I somehow didn’t write anything down or photograph the menu, so I’ll just describe what I remember. It’s really weird… usually I can remember specific details, notes from the menu… but this time it’s like my mind is clouded with this vague thought of “everything was amazing.”
Of course we all know that the cocktails are insanely good. We ordered from the menu for the first round… I think mine was a Rum Trolley… it tasted like Jamaica (sigh). Justin had the… oh sheesh, I can’t remember, but it had Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whiskey, and something infused with Anaheim chiles. 🙂
Justin really wanted to try the Seafood Chowder that was listed on the specials board… ohmyga. The broth was so deep and rich and peppery… kind of spicy and so darn good.
I opted for the gratin, layer upon layer of perfectly cooked potatoes and cream, topped with lovely sharp cheese.
Justin ordered the lamb special… thick lamb chops, crispy on the outside and tender-juicy on the inside, with a mint pesto, curried grits, and roasted beets.
I had the spring chicken and artichoke special… let me tell you, people, if this is on the menu, ORDER IT. I’ve been unable to get it out of my mind… I’m trying to persuade Justin to eat dinner there every day until they take it off the menu. There were breaded pieces of dark meat chicken, nestled in a lovely gravy… there was a side of the best sweet potatoes (carrots?), perfectly seasoned… there were braised artichokes, the hearts so succulent and perfect. I cleaned my plate, I sucked the meat off the bones, I bit off every last bit of artichoke heart. Oh, my heart, it aches for this dish. Sonya, the chef, is my new idol.
Chauncey was kind enough to whip up a Corpse Reviver #2 for Justin, and a Southside for me. Just look at that garnish… it’s so creative, so fresh, and each time I took a sip, the brightness of the lemon and mint added to the flavor.
We ordered two desserts (because that’s how we roll)… first was a citrus creme brulee, perfectly creamy and topped with candied citrus peel.
The second was a crepe terrine… one of THE BEST DESSERTS EVER. So simple, so light, not too sweet. Layers of crepes and strawberry jam, crispy on the edges… a dollop of real whipped cream… a drizzle of honey. I think I’m going to have to attempt to make this at home. I love making crepes, but never though of layering them like this.
In short, peeps, I was blown away. I was sad that I hadn’t been eating dinner here more often. I closed my eyes with every bite, I begged Justin to bring me back here every day. It helps, of course, that I am completely smitten with the design of the Showroom, and the live music, and the indie vibe. East Side Showroom, I love you.
There is one sure-fire way to get Justin to eat his greens: on top of homemade pizza. I used a ready-made pizza crust from Pie Fixes Everything, which was really good… thin and crispy. I topped it with some marinara and mozzarella, plus kale and spinach that I sauteed in olive oil with some garlic, red pepper flakes, and spring onions. So good.
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