Turkey Tales

Last week it was back to HOT-lanta for family, fun, friends, football and food.  I won't bore you with every detail of the five days but here are some highlights.

It's always hard to find a restaurant that offers a lot of healthy vegetarian variety, especially in a city that is known for its fried chicken and Waffle House greasy goodness, but I found TWO! When I got in on Wednesday I met Meryl and Joel at R. Thomas, which describes itself as "funky burger joint with a little healthy California flair", and funky and full of flair it is.  Greeted at the entrance with cages of tropical parrots, the twenty-four hour restaurant itself is a covered patio with lush gardens and bright colors.  I only had time for coffee at my first stop of the trip, yes I went twice, and opted for the Blue Moon latte, no it did not contain the beer.  They had ordered the quinoa bowl and flax seed chips, both of which looked delicious.  The second time around I got the omelet as well as the privilege of seeing the real R. Thomas and dining with some flying birds.  My only complaint is that I didn't know about this restaurant during high school as I chowed down late night on beignets next door at Huey's.  The second treasure I found was Top Flr in Midtown, located on the quaint Myrtle street a few blocks from Piedmont Park.  The restaurant offers a chique and romantic interior, a delectable tofu entree, and tasty sides (burnt mac n' cheese and shaved brussel sprouts were my favorites). 

Another highlight of the trip was taking a class at Pure Barre Buckhead with my sister.  The pure barre technique is a recent phenomenon in the exercise community, combining weights and ballet bar with quick isometric movements, its popularity has risen because its low-impact, tones and creates a lean look.  Though the company has yet to open a studio in Manhattan, there are several studios that provide a similar work out like Physique 57 and Bar Method. I felt awesome after one class, it flew by and was a great workout.  My friend Jess has been taking Physique 57 classes for a while and I think I might have to join in from now on!

Beyond a doubt the best part was spending time with family and friends.  It's always great to catch up with old friends, and this time around we got to spend quality time with ones we hadn't seen in years.  We took a trip up to the our family friend's lake house in Gainsville, which is a nice escape when my idea of nature is limited to a twenty block radius known as Central Park.  To sum up my trip, I am thankful for: my mom's cooking and loving heart, my dad's cheesy jokes and Cosby sweaters, passing sobriety tests, my siblings (everything about them), CatchPhrase, slipping on leaves, having a sister equally as klutzy as me and having matching scars, Jake Gyllenhall but not his new dirty movie, trivia at TJ's, SEC football, HUE leggings, Target, cognac and fireplaces, SoundHound and satellite radio, Jenny, deers and having an amazing place to call home.  Things I'm not thankful for:  6 a.m. flights.  I. am. beat.

Before:                                                                  After:

Hope ya'll had an equally wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Save the Date!!

On April 29, 2011, millions of people will be watching as my best friend marries the love of my life.  Okay, not really.  But Kate Middleton will be marrying Prince William.  It's times like these where I wish that I worked in an office that recognized bank holidays so I could sit at home watching history in the making, I guess DVR will have to do.  

Like most of the world, I have watched Prince William grow up throughout the years, my love for him has grown more and more with each passing image, interview, and polo match.  This Prince was without a doubt always my favorite Brit.  That is until Kate Middleton came into the picture.  I will fully admit I have a full blown girl crush on her.  She has impeccable style, is classy, and incredibly smart.  I can't help but think that if we met we would be good friends, or at least I hope :)  I was always rooting for this couple to make it and now its official.

I hope you guys are all as excited as I am to watch the royal wedding planning over the next 5 months!!
 

Trader Joe's...Worth the Lines and the Awkward Conversations

Living so close to Union Square has a ton of perks, the greatest of which is living three blocks from Trader Joe's.  The food is cheaper, the people are crazier, and the lines are never ending.

Surprisingly, the store started as a small market in the 1960s.  In 2006 they opened up their first store in Manhattan, one of the first on the east coast, which was shortly followed by the booming metropolis of ... wait for it ... Roswell, GA (where I grew up).  In the last four years, it has gone from about 40 locations to over 300.  My first experience with Trader's was when I was living in D.C. and a love hate relationship was quickly formed.  I love that they don't use trans fat.  I hate that on a busy night they run out of food. I love that they do taste testings. I hate the inexperienced shoppers. If you don't know that you need to arrive with a friend in order to switch off shopping and waiting in line, that's not my fault so please don't run over my toes. 

More than anything though, I love Trader's brand products, LOVE.  Some of my favorites are: Spicy Smokey Peach Salsa, Hummus Trio, Wasabi Wow trail mix, and my dear friend Charles Shaw. There are two stand out items that I've only recently discovered.  The first is the Trader Joe's Gummy Multivitamin.  I've never been big on medicine and was standing in line, which conveniently winds through the aisles throughout the store daring you to throw things like vitamins into your cart, when I did just that (you are so clever TJ). These gummies not only taste amazing but they are good for you.  I suggest everyone go out and get a bottle.  The next item that I recommend isn't quiet as healthy.  My grandma sent me an email last week insisting that I go out and grab a box of the Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's.  Incredible cannot even begin to describe these cookies.  They are DELICIOUS.  If a Thin Mint and an Oreo had babies, you would get this.  I popped them into the freezer, because lets be honest everything is better in the freezer, and have been in sugar heaven the last two nights.  Moral of the story, always trust Grandma.  Hurry out and get a box though because they are only there for a limited time.


Another quirk about Traders are their workers.  Recently, after a typical Sunday night shopping session, Lauren and I were on our way home comparing our cashier experiences.  We are both fully convinced that they have to hit a certain amount of spoken words in their day because awkward forced conversations always ensues.  Usually I try to oblige and chat it up as they bag my goods, but sometimes I just want to walk away with my Gummy Multivitamins and Peppermint Joe Joe's in peace. Side note: You know you go to a grocery store too often when you pass someone on the street and point them out to your friend thinking they were on Project Runway.  Sunday then comes around and whoops there they are bagging your groceries.  I guess that's proof that working at Trader's could get you Z-list celebrity status.

All in all, hat's off to the success of my second favorite grocery store -- nothing can beat Publix subs and sheet cake!  Check out any of their three locations in Manhattan: 14th St., 6th Ave. between 21st & 22nd, and 72nd & Broadway.

Commuter Community

When you take the same route to work for 260 days in a row, you are bound to pass the same people. Every morning I pass by five or six of the same commuters. Over the last year, I've created stories in my head about each one of them.  Let me introduce you to some of them...

The morning always starts out with Holly from the 6th floor who I ride down with in the elevator. She typically stares straight ahead and rarely talks to me, but I guess she is somewhat paying attention as I often wear my "commuter chic" running shoes to work and one day I came home from work to find a note under my door with a request to join her 36 hour relay run team, needless to say I opted out of that one.  Next is the old man on 23rd st walking (or should I say wheeling) his dog without two hind legs.  This image breaks my heart a little when I see the pup, but he is always so smiley and cute that I know he is doing just fine! 

As I continue up, I pass a guy who has gradually put on about 50 lbs since I first spotted him many many months ago.  He's always on his blackberry and in a hurry so I'm convinced that work has been a major factor in the stress weight.  Next, which is my favorite commuter, is Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome.  He's so cute and I've always wanted to say hi to him or drop my purse in front of him only to have him help me pick it up, but of course, I chicken out.  Usually following close behind Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome, is who I refer to in my head as "Tanya" because she is a doppleganger for my old bosses sister.  I crack up every time I see her, because I'm reminded of Tanya, who is hilarious.  Typically around the same time, I pass the homeless man in front of the 38th St. D'Agastino's.  He is always jamming to Billy Joel or Tom Petty, my kind of guy. 

Lastly is my second favorite commuter, a young Asian woman who went from not pregnant to VERY pregnant.  I would have to guess that she is ready to pop, and every morning I can't wait to see if I will pass her because not passing her could mean that she had her baby! I also keep a close eye on her as she is my gauge as to whether or not I'm really early or need to speed up my pace to work.   When I pass her all the way down in the early-30s then I know I need to start booking it. 

I love passing the same people every day, even though we may not know each other.  I can't help but wonder if they notice me as well as they go along with their daily commutes.  What about you, do you have a Commuter Community?

Today's Got a Feeling

Every morning I watch my favorite people from 7:30 to 8:30: Matt, Ann, Al, Natalie, and sometimes Meredith.  Eventhough my dad makes fun of me because he says the Today Show is for old people, I love it and it's my favorite show on television.  Last week they did a special called "Today Goes Viral".  There were several pieces including the hosts singing Dynamite a capella and a ping pong ball explosion with YouTube sensation OK Go.  However, by far the best viral video was a single shot rendition of Black Eyed Peas "I've Got a Feeling".  They followed in the footsteps of a Canadian film student who first created her video for a school project.  All of the crew members from the show were featured with their titles proudly displayed.  The video was amazing and reaffirmed why I love them so much.  My desire to work on the Today Show just catapulted!!!  Check it out:

Meat-less, Pasta-less Deliciousness

Most of you who know me know that a) I don't eat meat, b) I overdosed on pasta in high school, so I seldom eat it, and c) I love to cook!  A few years ago, I hosted a Rosh Hashanah dinner at my apartment and decided to search for a vegetarian main course that everyone could enjoy.  I stumbled upon a healthy recipe from the Food Network for "Vegetable Lasagna Casserole".  I've made it once or twice since then and it's always a crowd pleaser.  Last week a co-worker was looking for a recipe to make and I immediately thought of this favorite of mine.  Tonight, since it's been awhile, I decided to make it for dinner as well.  Here is the recipe if you are ever in need of a good lasagna:

Ingredients:

• 2 small zucchini
• 2 small summer squash
• Kosher salt
• 2 red bell peppers
• 7 ounces ow fat goat cheese
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
• 2 teaspoons fresh Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 jar tomato sauce (I used tomato basil)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 

Preparation:
Slice zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick strips. Lay the strips out on baking sheet pan and salt generously. Set aside.

Roast the peppers over a gas flame or broil on a sheet pan until completely charred, about 8 minutes. Put the peppers in a bowl, cover, and set aside until just cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes. Rub the skins off the peppers with your fingers to remove most of the charred skin. Core and remove the seeds, then slice the peppers lengthwise into 1 1/2-inch strips.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mix the goat cheese, olives, thyme, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Thoroughly wipe excess salt and moisture from zucchini and squash with paper towel.

Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce into the bottom of an 8- by 11-inch baking dish. Begin layering, remembering to season with pepper between each layer. Start with the zucchini and then summer squash and all the peppers. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheese over the peppers and then spread it out to cover. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the vegetables. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, squash, goat cheese, and sauce.

Sprinkle top layer with Parmesan and bake, covered, for 30 minutes, then uncover. Continue baking until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes more. Let lasagna stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

The red and white striped tents are up, which only means one thing, the Union Square holiday markets are here!!!! One of my favorite things about winter here in New York city, okay the only thing I like, is walking around these markets in Union Square and now Columbus Circle.  They are open from Thanksgiving until Christmas, and I usually visit them at least ten times during the season, a perk of living only a few blocks away. 

There are hundreds of vendors who have booths set up which offer a variety of goods ranging from jewelry, unique hats and gloves, paintings and other artwork, as well as a few restaurants.  If you are in need of a gift for someone for the holidays, this is definitely the place to look.

I took my first walk around the booths today, and I have to say there are ton of new and promising additions.  One of my favorite jewelry designers, KT Collections, has her own booth this year.  As well as Momofuku Milk Bar and the always popular Wafles and Dinges.  Lauren and Randy's favorite vendor (pictured in the top left) is back, which means a new map for the Weiss'!


Check out this website for the full list of vendors: http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/ and head to Union Square or Columbus Circle for all your holiday gift needs.

Spunto, Vezzo, Gruppo & Posto...What a Family

What's better than truffle oil, mushrooms, and thin crust pizza? Being able to get it at four different locations in the city.

Alyssa and I were pondering dinner options last night, when I was informed that my favorite local pizzeria, Posto, had a sister restaurant in the West Village where I could satisfy my craving for Shroomtown.

Spunto is located on Carmine and 7th Avenue, a perfect location to start the night.  The decor and atmosphere of Spunto is more warm and cozy than the others, with an great wine bar and brick oven right in the middle.  After dinner you can pop over to Little Branch or Daddy O's for some retro mixology.

What's on my playlist?

With my walk to and from work, workouts at the gym, and blocking out the loud voice of my cube neighbor, I spend a good amount of my day listening to tunes on my I-pod. I'm always looking for new music, especially songs to get me motivated and heart pumping. Here's a top 10 list of my current rotation:

1. "Baby" - Justin Bieber
2. "The Time (Dirty Bit)" - Black Eyed Peas
3. "Dancing on my Own" - Robyn
4. "Forget You" - LAX Gurlz
5. "If I was You (OMG)" - Far East Movement & Snoop Dog
6. "Only Girl (In the World)" - Rihanna
7. "We No Speak Americano" - Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup
8. "We R Who We R" - Ke$ha
9. "Hold Yuh" - Gyptian ft. Niki Minaj
10. "Needy Girl" - Chromeo

*11. ANYTHING GIRLTALK!! This 11th addition is a must. We just got tickets to his performance at Terminal 5 in February and I cannot WAIT. The music is my favorite playlist at the gym and they just came out with a new CD, "All Day", on Friday. DJ Greg Gillis, from Pittsburgh, PA, created the mix out of 373 samples and it's intended to be listened to in one 71 minute session. It'll be perfect for my long runs during the half marathon training, I just downloaded it this morning and am LOVING it!!  Here is a website that tracks each of the song clips as they play: http://alldaysamples.com/

K.O.L. at M.S.G. was F.A.B.

Tuesday night, Singer and my friend from D.C., Ayesha, went to the Kings of Leon concert at MSG. One word - WOW!! I've always been a fan of KOL, and after hearing how great they were in concert from my sister, I jumped at the opportunity to buy tickets in October when Melissa told me they were coming. Let's just say, I've now gone from fan to obsessed.

The band hales from Tennessee and their music reminds me of a modern day Tom Petty. Check out more info on the band here at www.kingsofleon.com. The music from their new album "Come Around Sundown" is so versatile, ranging from gospel, punk, country, and "50's style doo-wop", that I'm sure anyone could find a song that they relate to. Apart from the music, it was interesting to see the crowd that KOL drew, they were an eclectic bunch to the say the least. Every element of the night was entertaining from the music to the bromance in front of us.

To the Cloisters and Beyond

Last Saturday, I awoke to a phone call from a friend asking if I wanted to go on a bike ride. Having been out the night before, but wanting to enjoy the beautiful and abnormally warm day (thanks global warming!!), I begrudgingly accepted.

Melissa, Lauren, Lanie and I met at Manhattan Velo, rented our bikes, plopped on our helmets and were off. Lanie, being the bike expert, led the way as we went up the Westside Highway, passed Riverside Park, under the George Washington bridge, and into the Cloisters.

Northern Manhattan was so beautiful and peaceful, it brought me back to my many summers in the Blue Ridge mountains and felt like we were riding around in Georgia. Who would have thought that just four miles south millions were bustling around Time Square and Penn Station?

After taking in the sites around Fort Tryon, and Melissa touching a hurt pigeon, we decided it was time to head back. We hit the streets of Harlem in attempts to keep up with the NYC drivers. A few minutes of this, and we decided to take the safer route home back on the Westside.  As we stopped for some water, we came up with a genious idea to go to Harlem's famous Dinosaur BBQ. I've been hearing about this place for a long time, but never wanted to make the treck.  After 14 miles,we all felt like we deserved a special lunch. The four of us shared a bunch of sides, and I got the portabella sandwhich that was amazing. Throw their famous BBQ sauce on anything and I was sold.
 

We hopped back on our bikes and continued our journey back, bopping to "Like a G6".

5 hours, 24 miles, 1 hurt pigeon, 1000 calories eaten, 100 gorgeous views later and the wolfpack's day of fun was unfortunately over. It was the perfect fall day with a perfect group of people!