2 on Tuesday

photo from Disney Parks Blog

photo from Disney Parks Blog

Did you follow anything coming out of the D23 expo this past weekend?  I didn't follow too intensely, but definitely caught the highlights.  The most exciting news to me?  A Star Wars and a Toy Story land are coming to Hollywood Studios!  I am sure it will be years before they are open, but that park is in desperate need of new energy.  I know Disney will do it right, so this makes me soooo excited!

This was the first weekend in a while I was home and I was so excited to be able to do some cooking again.  I am really working on eating clean and healthy this marathon training cycle, so I tried a new recipe from Clean Eating magazine.  It was Beef Quinoa Mini Meatballs with Pomegranate Sauce & Mashed Cauliflower.  It was really good!  I had never made mashed cauliflower before, but it was so easy and yummy.  I wouldn't say it tastes exactly the same as mashed potatoes (mmmm heavy cream and butter), but it's a healthier option (and it's still very yummy).  Any healthy recipes you want to recommend for me?

Eating in... Raleigh: Beasley's Chicken + Honey

OMG, this post is soooo delayed!  It's been sitting in my drafts for-ever and I finally realized I never published it.  Oops!  Enjoy!

After the half in Raleigh, Michelle and I did brunch in the downtown area.  We had walked past this restaurant (Beasley's Chicken + Honey) the day before and it had been packed.  After checking out the menu online, we decided to see if we could get in for brunch.

There was wait (about 30 minutes), but fortunately for us, two seats opened up at the bar and we decided to eat there.  You could order the full menu at the bar, so that worked for us!

They had a lunch/dinner menu and a brunch menu.  To keep things simple, the menu is on a giant chalkboard on the wall.  The menu was extensive, but everything on it looked delicious.  And the prices were reasonable as well.

I started brunch with a Bloody Mary.  This one was pretty good.  It was nice and spicy, which I like. And it was pretty strong, which I also like.

Picture with medal is a must!

For my meal, I went with fried chicken.  I mean, chicken is in the name of the restaurant, so I had to try it!  I did the fried chicken breakfast sandwich, which came on a biscuit with cheese and an egg on top.  The whole thing was topped with hot sauce. I also ordered a side of coleslaw, because, I love coleslaw.

The fried chicken was amazing.  It was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.  The batter was seasoned perfectly and was the right level of thickness.  The biscuit was also delicious.  I love a good southern biscuit and this one did not disappoint.  It didn't fall apart, but it also wasn't so hard you couldn't bite into it.  The egg and cheese paired nicely with everything and rounded out the sandwich.

The coleslaw was also unbelievably good.  It was not mayo based which was nice (I don't mind a mayo based slaw but sometimes it's too much mayo).  It also had a hint of sriracha in it, which was a nice complement to the crispness of the veggies.

Overall, I really enjoyed my meal at Beasley's.  If you are in the Raleigh area, I recommend trying it out!

Beasley's Chicken + Honey
237 Wilmington St
Raleigh, NC 27601
http://ac-restaurants.com/beasleys/

Eating in... Raleigh: The Pit

I love traveling with friends and it's always great when their eating goals align with yours.  When Michelle and I went to Raleigh, we both agreed that barbecue was a must for us.  Michelle had done some research and found The Pit.

It was within walking district of the hotel and after our visit to the expo, we made our way over there.  It was a short 10 minute walk and gave us a chance to check out more of Raleigh.  The fact that it was gorgeous out, didn't hurt either!

We could actually smell the restaurant before we could see it.  We were probably about 2-3 blocks away when the smell of barbecue hit us.  And let me just say, it smelled delicious!

We had made a reservation, which I wasn't sure we needed to, but I figured better safe then sorry.  Turns out it was a good idea as the restaurant was packed and there was a lot of stand by guest waiting for a table.  Since we had the reservation, we were seated within about 2 minutes of checking in with the host.

We started with a small beer from a local brewery.  I had the Shotgun Betty, which is a Hefeweizen style beer from Lonerider Brewing Company based in Raleigh.  It was really good!  Nice and light - perfect for an warm spring afternoon.

Michelle and I decided to split an appetizer and went with the Barbecue Fries.  Here is the description from the menu: hand-cut fries with melted pimento cheese, chopped cue, chives and barbecue ranch dressing.

I can't speak for Michelle, but I thought they were delicious!  The cheese was so rich and tasted great with the meat.  The barbecue ranch was also so good.  I probably could have liked the small bowl it was in.

For my entree, I went with the Double Combo (basically you can pick two of their meats and two sides).  I got the pulled pork and fried chicken with the brussels sprouts and mac'n'cheese.  The fried chicken was fried perfectly: crunchy on the outside and moist in the middle.  The pulled pork was also very good.  It was Carolina style which means it comes dry and you add the sauce yourself.

The sides were also very good - I am pretty sure the mac'n'cheese was made with the same pimento cheese that was on the fries.  It was so good!  I liked the brussels sprouts (they are cooked in bacon!) but were not my favorite item on the plate.  That honor goes to the fried chicken.  I would have eaten of bucket of it!

We were so full from our meals, we decided not to get any dessert, although they looked really good!

If you are in Raleigh, I recommend you check out The Pit!

PYT

Back in the Spring when I was in Philly for the Lager Jogger, I politely requested (okay, practically begged) to have dinner at PYT.  I had been reading about it online - they make all these crazy burgers.  I LOVE burgers so I had to eat here.  Kasey very nicely indulged my demands and off we went!

The restaurant is located in the Piazza in the Northern Liberties neighborhood.  It wasn't too hard to get to via the subway, but since the Septa subway is horribly planned, it involved a decent amount of walking. But don't worry, the meal is definitely worth the walk!

They don't take reservations, but fortunately, the wait was only about 15 minutes. We spent that time at the bar and had a beer.  While waiting, I proceeded to drool over the menu and everything coming out of the kitchen.

We decided not to spoil our appetites with apps and went straight for the burgers.  Kasey and I decided to each pick a burger and split them.  This way we'd each get a taste of two different burgers.  We selected the following:

- The Pickleback Burger: Beef patty, applewood bacon, pepper jack, jameson whiskey glaze & fried pickles

- Cheesesteak Pretzel Roll Burger: Beef patty, cheddar cheese, cheesesteak with wiz on a Philly Pretzel Factory roll

We got 1 with waffle fries and 1 with onion rings (because obviously).  There are no words that describe how good these burgers were.  A burger with cheesesteak on it and in a pretzel roll?  A-MAZ-ING.  And the Pickleback?  Equally as good.  The Jameson Whiskey glaze was so good I wanted to buy a vat of it.  And come on - fried pickles? Delicious.  

The sides were also really good.  The waffle fries were crispy and prefectly seasons.  The onion rings were freshly fried with the right amount of batter to onion ratio.

Kasey (who loves onion rings) even declared them some of the best onion rings she's ever had.  Now if that doesn't convince you to go to PYT immediately, I can't help you.  I'm also not sure we can be friends anymore (just kidding, we can still be friends). 

PYT

The Piazza

1050 N Hancock St #67

Philadelphia, PA

www.pytburger.com

2 on Tuesday

I have been loving watermelon lately.  Something about the heat and humidity of the past couple of weeks has me craving the refreshing taste of watermelon.  It seems to taste even better this year - is that just me?  Either way, I anticipate having lots of it before summer is over!

A couple of weeks ago, I went and saw Motown on Broadway.  Outside of being the youngest people there by like 15 years, it was really fun.  I knew (almost) all the songs and it was a really fun atmosphere inside the theatre.  It reminded me a bit of Mamma Mia - in that everyone sang along and clapped.  The performers were really amazing and some looked so much like there real life counterparts it was scary.  If you get the chance, I highly recommend going to see it!

2 on Tuesday

Just 2 weeks ago I shared the Tasty Table best donuts in NY.  And then Buzzfeed came out with their donut crawl.  My god, I can't wait to eat all these things.  Holy gluttony.  Yummy.

A couple of weeks ago I got to go to a work event in which we made custom Nike's (sometimes I really love my job!).  They just got delivered last week and I am so happy.  I don't run in Nike's anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't love them!  These amazingly neon beauties will be my new 'kick around' shoes.  The pink actually has a zebra overlay and the white sole is speckled.  I am so excited to wear them!

2 on Tuesday

It is no secret that I love sweets and doughnuts are pretty high on the list of sweets I love.  Tasting Table recently did a post on the "10 Best Doughnuts in New York".  With the Whole Life Challenge going on right now, these (obviously) aren't allowed.  But, when it ends at the end of June, I plan on making it my mission to try each one.  I think it's a solid plan for summer.  1 per week sounds responsible right?

Here's a little known fact about me.  I love nail polish.  Like seriously, seriously love it.  I always have.  My nail polish collection in high school tended to be Wet 'n' Wild or Cover Girl, but now it's mostly Essie and OPI.  Or my new favorite line - Julep.  It is really great stuff.  The polish is a high quality, goes on smoothly and last for a while.  They have a monthly subscription program as well called Julep Mavens.  For $19.99/mo, you get either A). 2 polishes and a beauty product (has been eye shadows, blushes, lip glosses); B). 3 polishes; or C). 2 beauty products.  They have different style profiles and each month the boxes for each profile are different.  When you join, you do a quiz that recommends a profile for you, but each month you can change to a different style (if you don't like the colors in your box) or skip a month if you don't like any colors (or need more polish).  It's made my polish collection grow quite significantly, but I love it!  If you are interested in joining yourself, you can click here.

Full disclosure, the above link is a referral link and if you join using it, I earn Jules (which are Julep reward points).  I was not compensated by Julep in anyway for this post, I just really love their product and I hope you do too!  And thanks in advance if you do join via the link!

2 on Tuesday

YAY!  It's April.  March is finally over.  Man that month took for-ever.  Seriously forever.  Anyway, here's to warmer weather and no more snow!  I think we can all raise a glass to that, right?

It's been all over the internet and I've shared my feelings on the issue - Tutu Gate (yes, I made that up).  I was happy to read on Monday upon returning from Kentucky that Self owned up to the mistake and is discontinuing the BS Meter in the magazine.  The editor-in-chief also interviewed Monika and talked about her story and how we can support woman, not bullying them.  You can read the full article here and let's all #ChangeTheConversation and #KeepItPositive.

I am a big fan of Graeter's Ice Cream.  And while we can get it in the grocery store, it's pretty expensive and not the same as getting it in the shop.  We managed to go twice while in Kentucky this past weekend.  It was as amazing as I remembered.  Even more amazing?  Coozie's for your ice cream pint.  Solves the dilemma of the ice cream melting or the cardboard getting soggy.  Such a great idea.  Can't wait to use mine!

Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg

Following our trip to Rye, we headed over to the winter (i.e. indoor) location of the Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg.  During Spring, Summer and Fall, these are outside, but move inside for winter.  If you've never been, it's basically a big flea market and food vendor paradise.

We started off in the Flea side.  It was pretty crowded and our group of six kept getting separated (which was bound to happen).  We managed to regroup before heading to the Smorgasburg part.  I love the flea because it's part flea market/yard sale/etsy shops.  They have some really vintage kitschy stuff, unusual vintage items, custom furniture (handmade of course) and normal etsy items (think hand knitted hats, pillows, etc).

I almost bought a winter headband/earcover, but ended up not getting it.  I won't lie - I kinda wish I had, I keep thinking about it!

One of our favorite booths was towards the end, near the food side.  I have no idea what the vendor name was, but they made cool pictures and unique pendants out of vintage maps.  They were really unique and very cool.  One of the girls got some cute pictures for her soon-to-be nursery and Ally picked up a fun Paris pendant.  I really wanted an Athens (Greece) one, but couldn't find any.  They said they are constantly making new ones, so I'll have to go back and check (maybe once it's warm again!).

They even had fun scrabble tile pendants!

The flea is fun, but Smorgasburg is my favorite part!  They have some great vendors with some interesting items.  Since we had just come from brunch, we were pretty full and contained ourselves (for the most part).

I love all things pickle so this was right up my alley

These were apparently savory / stuffed muffins

I purchased this for later.  It's A-MAZ-ING.

Fun table decoration at Butter & Stotch's table

Even though we were full, I could not pass up a homemade onsite s'more from s'more BAKERY!  I got the salted caramel version and it was sooooo good.  Warm and gooey and freshly made.  Yum.  Everyone should get one if they go.  Yes, they were that good.

so. good.

Can't wait until it is warm again and I can make another visit to the outdoor Flea + Smorgasburg and try some more vendors!

Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg
Location varies between winter and spring/summer/fall and on Saturday vs. Sunday
Check the website before you go!
http://www.brooklynflea.com/

Rye Restaurant

A few weekends ago, I made the {long} trek to Brooklyn to spend the afternoon with my friend Ally and some of her friends who were visiting from Boston.  Despite the subway conspiring against me (which is always seems to do when I go to Brooklyn), it was wonderful afternoon.

We started the adventure with brunch at Rye.  No one had ever been there, but it got decent reviews and could accomodate our group of six on short notice.

If you go, make sure to get some coffee.  We all started with the coffee and it was delicious.  All of our coffees came in different tea cups which I loved.  I could have had many cups... but didn't want to be bouncing off the walls all afternoon.

We started with an order of the homemade cake donuts and buttermilk biscuits for the table.  Unfortunately, our order somehow got lost and we ended up with these for dessert.  They were good though!

I went with a different choice for me for the entree - the Croque Madame.  I usually get Eggs Benedict, but I decided to change it up this time and it did not disappoint!  It was perfectly good and the ingredients were quality.

If you are in Williamsburg and looking for a brunch place, try Rye!

Rye Restaurant
247 S 1st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
ryerestaurant.com

Bake Sale for Noah!

image via

Today, I am doing something a little different!  One of my favorite food blogs,Steph's Bite by Bite is hosting an online Bake Sale auction for Noah.  The bake sale is to raise money for his Autism treatments as the insurance company won't cover some of his need treatments.  To learn more about Noah and the rules on how to bid, click here.

I am donating a batch of our secret family recipe for PB Choco Bites.  I'm sure in reality the recipe isn't that secret, but it's been passed down in the family, so it is to me.  We actually call them Aunt Sue's Candies in our house since we got the recipe from my Aunt Sue.

Either way, they are the most delicious treats ever!  They have chocolate and peanut butter and nuts in them.  I don't allow myself to make them often because I have no self control - that's how good they are!

PB Choco Bites

Even if you don't like chocolate and peanut butter, there are plenty of other items you can bid on!  Check out the full listing on Steph's site and bid on something that you can't resist!

The auction is live here and will go until Thursday, February 6 at 9am.

Now - go bid!

Let's talk Dopey

We are officially 1 week from Dopey.  At this time next week, I will be 3.1 miles into my 48.6 mile goal.  I can't believe it's here already.

I haven't talked much about Dopey outside of my weekly training recaps.  Partially because I think if I don't talk about it, it's not actually going to happen (denial is my friend, folks) and partially because when I do, I want to go like this:

Image via

I am not going to lie to you, I am pretty terrified about what I am about to undertake.  Seriously, I just want to hashtag everything "whatwasithinking?".  It's a weird feeling.  I am terrified, but it comes and goes.  Really only when I think of the entire thing as one do I really have this reaction.

I just keep telling myself to trust my training.  So far, out of all of my Dopey training, I have only missed 2 runs.  I've had to make some changes and rearranged the schedule at times, but out and out, I've only missed 2 completely.  That alone should be a celebration, because that's a miracle (in my mind).  Being motivated enough to get all but 2 runs in?  Victory.

I've said it before, but I really feel this event is all about the mental game.  Mind over matter.  I know those last 6 miles are going to hurt.  They just are.  I know this is not going to be a PR.  I'm okay with that.  I think going into it with those expectations will really help me manage it.

How am I going to approach it?  One race at a time.  I am not kidding.  I am really trying not to think about the big one (the marathon) until after the half finishes.  There is no need to panic myself way far in advance (I say this, but be fully prepared for the moment when that freak out happens next week).

And race times?  Who knows.  I've always stated this event was never about racing.  It's about finishing and still being able to stand.  Now, that's not to say as I've seen my speed grow this year, I haven't thought about what it would be like to race it.  But I know that's not really feasible because my legs are going to hurt on Sunday.  That's what another marathon at sometime in 2014 is for.  I have no idea what times I am going to be running.  I plan on trying to run slower then usual for the 5K, 10K and Half and then just seeing how my legs feel for the full.  It's anyone's guess on how it is going to go.

I can tell you what I am thinking about so I don't think about Dopey - drinking my way around Epcot on Sunday afternoon (yep, it's happening), eating one of the chocolate macaron ice cream sandwiches in France (we had one at Wine and Dine and it was amazing), how excited I am to eat at California Grill Sunday night post race, eating at Be Our Guest on Monday and plenty of more things (mostly food and booze related).  Let's just hope they are enough to keep me from freaking out!

Miami Food Machine

I tend to get the same thing for lunch (when I don't bring, which is more then it should be) - either a salad from the deli, a sandwich from Cosi or Potbelly or sometimes Chipotle.  And I always tend to choose the same items.

But yesterday, when I went to get lunch, there was a new food truck in front of my office (at least new to me, I had never seen it before).  The Miami Food Machine.  Feeling impulsive, I decided to check it out.

They keep it simple - not too many choices on the menu.  Either pressed sandwiches or rice bowls.  Meat options are chicken, pork or steak, each with a different sauce.  I wanted pork (16 hour roasted pork with a sour orange mojo) but unfortunately they did not have it yesterday.  Instead, I went with the steak option: thin sliced rib-eye sauteed with garlic, herbs and chili flakes in a chimichurri sauce.  I got it in bowl form which also included white rice, black beans, shredded lettuce, sauteed mojo onions and fried plantains.

It was made pretty quickly and was a nice size portion.  I also added cheese to mine.  It was quite good - the steak was nicely cook and the chimichurri sauce was flavorful without being overpowering.  It kept me full all afternoon. Not too unhealthy either; don't eat the fried plantains and it would be even healthier.

Overall, I give the Miami Food Machine 2 thumbs up.  Next time they are in front of the building I will definitely go back for the pork.

Miami Food Machine
http://www.miamifoodmachinenyc.com/
https://twitter.com/miamimachinenyc

Bottino

This past weekend, we celebrated my friend Ally's 30th birthday (this is the cause of the hangover that waylaid me for almost all of Sunday).  The night started with a dinner in a private room at Bottino and dancing at the Westway.  As the menu was set at the restaurant (and included beer and wine) and we were getting bottle service at the club, the night was a bit pricey, but it was totally worth the money as dinner was delicious and I had a great time celebrating with friends.

I had never been to Bottino before, but I would definitely go back.  We were seated in a private room in the back so we could be as loud as we wanted and not disturb anyone.  Each place had a menu and name card (Ally is so cute).  As I said it was a set menu with a bunch of appetizers for the table and then everyone could choose an entree.  The meal also include unlimited wine, beer and prosecco (aka the cause of my hangover).

The apps included bruschetta, caprese salad, tuna tartare, beet and feta salad, arugula salad with pears and gorgonzola and fritto misto.  I had a little bit of everything and it was all delicious.  I don't know where they got their tomatoes from but they were so fresh.  I can't wait for all tomatoes to be like that, the ones I am getting right now at the grocery store do not taste like these ones did.

For my entree I got the filet mignon with a reduction and mashed potatoes.  Other entrees included 2 fish dishes, 2 pasta dishes and a chicken dish.  The filet was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was very flavorful.  The mashed potatoes were the perfect amount of creamy goodness.  I clearly heart mashed potatoes, lol.  I didn't try any of the other entrees, but everyone at the table seemed to really enjoy them.

Dessert included some biscotti (the uneaten of which we took with us to the club - no I am not kidding), a sauteed pear in sauce (yummy!) and mini Sprinkles cupcakes.

The prosecco and wine was flowing all night (they also had Lambrusco which I had never had before and really enjoyed) so I didn't take any pictures of the food, but trust me when I say it was all delicious.

Overall, I really enjoyed Bottino and would definitely recommend it if you are looking for Italian in Chelsea.

Bottino
246 10th Ave, between 24th and 25th

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday everyone! I'm still in the airport here in Orlando. Our flight is delayed by 3 hours. Love traveling, hate flights!

I'll have a full recap of both the race (#28 is done!) and the Food and Wine festival later this week, but here are some instragram photo's to check out!

30 by 30: #28 this weekend!

I'm off today to Florida to run race #28 in my goal of 30 half marathons before my 30th birthday.  It's the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon.  The race takes place at night and runs through Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios before finishing right outside Epcot.  Then there is a finisher's party in Epcot until 3am!

This weekend is also the last weekend of the Disney Food and Wine Festival, which means I will be eating and drinking up a storm.  For more info on the festival (and to make yourself hungry), check out my favorite blog on all things Disney food: Disney Food Blog

And for more info on the Food and Wine Festival, click here

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

New Orleans Weekend

Spent this past weekend in New Orleans for the New Orleans Half Marathon.  Had a wonderful time with friends and really enjoyed the city.  I love trips that include races.

This is the second time I've done the New Orleans Half (although it was called the Mardi Gras Half then) and they have changed the course slightly, but it was still a lot of fun.  The course is very flat and takes you through most of New Orleans giving you a nice view of the city.  Officially, I ran a 2:20:59, but we did take an 8 minute bathroom break!  I didn't go down to the race to race it, went to spend a long weekend with friends.  Ran the whole things with my friends Amanda, Melissa and Michelle.  We had a great time.

The rest of the weekend was basically all about food!  We had some delicious food while we were ranging from low key places we found by chance to some of the nicer more "famous" restuarants (Emeril's).  Everything was delicious.  Definitely came home feel full.  For days (more on that later).

Overall, had a great weekend with friends.  We reverted to teenagers a little bit and laughed so much during the trip.

I'll be back in NOLA at the end of April for Jazzfest.  Can't wait!

New Orleans weekend

I went to New Orleans for the first time this weekend!  It was really great!  One place of of my list of places to go.  I went to run the Rock n Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon with my friend Marissa (she ran the full!), her brother, sister-in-law and some other friends.

The trip did not get off to the best of starts - anyone in the NYC area will remember there was a blizzard that left about 16" of snow on Thursday and Friday.  My flight was scheduled to leave on Saturday morning...but of course if got cancelled Friday afternoon.  After some dealing with Delta, I was able to get on a different flight that eventually got me to NOLA (via Atlanta).  Unfortunately, this meant I missed the race expo, but was still able to get my race number on Sunday morning.  It did mean however, I missed all the race gear to buy!  We all know I love my race gear, so this was probably a good thing. 

The race was Sunday morning and went really well!  I set a half marathon PR - 1:51:22 (an 8:30 per mile pace!).  I was very pleased with it!  Marissa also set a PR in her marathon - 4:12:00.  Great job Marissa!  The course was really nice - for someone who has never been to New Orleans, I thought it gave me a great overview of the city.  We ran down St. Charles Ave (and there were still beads everywhere from the actual Mardi Gras).  We also ran through some of the French Quarter and City Park.  It was very pretty and very flat.  Some races call themselves "flat" and definitely aren't, but this one was definitely flat. 

We had some great food while there - lots of gumbo, po' boys, oysters, shrimp, etc.  It was all very delicious!  I also had some beignots from Cafe du Monde.  The line was semi long, but worth it in my opinion.  They were just as good as I imagined (and made for some pretty delicious hangover food on Monday morning).

Sunday night (after a delicious dinner at Bacco), Marissa, Landon and I went to Bourbon St.  It was crazy!  I still can't get over that there are no open container laws (yep, everyone just drinks in the open and in the street).  Being a first timer in NOLA, Marissa insisted I had to have a Hurrican from Pat O'Briens and a Hand Granade.  They were both pretty dangerous, but delicious. 

Overall, a great time!  Can't wait to go back in May for Marissa and Landon's wedding!