Restaurants

Anniversary Getaway Day 1 Part 3 & Day 2 Part 1

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After dinner the Hubz and I headed back to the Aloft for a drink (or two) at the hotel bar. Unlike most hotel bars the prices weren’t ridiculous and the best part was the beautifully lit patio, the fun seating areas and of course the pool table. The Hubz and I had a drink and had a mini photo shoot on the patio while we waited for the pool table to free up.

We played a few (okay like 5) rounds of pool before calling it a night and heading back to our comfy giant bed. It is always nice to sleep in a king bed and it makes me miss having one (serious who down sizes from a king to a double-not recommended).

After a night of dinner, drinks, pool and of course elevator dancing we were in need of a gym sesh.  So we headed to the hotel gym and I got in a run and the Hubz used the elliptical.  After that we showered and hit the road to the most amazing bakery I have ever been to.

WE CAME TO DANCE DANCE DANCE

C25K Week 5 Day 2

We spent a hungry hour in the car making our way to Wildflour Vegan Bakery what I am now claiming to be the most amazing bakery I have ever been to in my life.  I could honestly eat here everyday (and would if it wasn’t 4 hours away). We walked in and were overwhelmed by the vast selection of baked goods as well as other tasty items such as kale chips, fresh juices and smoothies.  To help us decide we took advantage of the free samples of basil lemonade, peanut butter brownie and raw chocolate brownie.

As you can see there were so many options to choose from but in the end the Hubz and I decided that the scones looked most appealing for breakfast.  After a heated debated over which ones we would get we decided on the granola scone and the spinach and mushroom scone.  Along with the scones I got a green juice and the hubz an avocolada smoothie.

Everything was amazing and we obviously ordered too much so we ended up taking the granola scone with us and snacked on it throughout the day. The scones were absolutely amazing and flakey; I have never experienced anything so good.

Anniversary Getaway Day 1 Part 2

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After checking into our lovely hotel the Hubz and I headed out to The Elephant Walk in Waltham for dinner.  This restaurant has been on my “must visit” list for awhile but we have never made it there. A few times I tired to make last minute reservations but they have always been booked (guess that means they must be good right?)  Well I lucked out this time and got a last minute reservation at the Waltham location and I am so glad I did because it was delicious!

I received a number of great recommendations as to what to get at The Elephant Walk by a number of tweeps and in the end the Hubz and I decided to both do the 3 Course Prix-Fixe since it was our anniversary and all.

We both ordered the Vegan Rouleaux, Chilled Avocado Citrus Soup and theVegan Crevettes (tofu) Amrita for our three courses.  We also both picked out fancy cocktails.  I chose the Cucumber Martini; it was really refreshing and so good.

Crop organic cucumber vodka accented with a splash of Dolin White Vermouth (an amazing, small production family product) and garnished with a slice of cucumber

First Course: Vegan Rouleaux– this was a really amazing and fun dish to eat.  We were instructed that you take the lettuce leaf and place the fried roll in the middle, then top with mint, basil and bean sprouts roll it up and dip in the sauce.  It was crazy delicious and there was so much food- I definitely got a little filled up just on the first course! I am now going to have to recreate these some day after a long run.

Two Cambodian spring rolls filled with something vegan , crushed peanut, beanthread noodles, carrot and onion; served with fresh greens and herbs for wrapping and tuk trey on the side for dipping

Second Course: Chilled Avocado Citrus Soup– this was the Hubz favorite of the three. It had such an amazing flavor and zip to it.  Again something I need to attempt to recreate.

Third Course: Tofu Amrita- this final course was absolutely delicious.  It was huge as well and neither the Hubz nor I could finish more than half of it after devouring the first two courses.  The dish was filled with wonderful chunks of crispy tofu with lots of veggies and a sweet peanuty sauce. Overall delicious.

Organic Tofu sautéed in a lightly sweet and spicy Cambodian satay sauce with coriander, cumin, cardamom, galangal, cinnamon, ginger, peanuts, star anise and lemongrass; with button mushroom, onion, red pepper and scallion

Overall the Hubz and I loved The Elephant Walk; the food and drink were both amazing.  The atmosphere of the Waltham location wasn’t my favorite because it wasn’t very romantic and they seemed to try and fit as many tables in as possible so you were basically sitting on top of the people next to you.  However despite that the food was amazing and we will be going back (again and again).

A Week In My Life

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Over the past few months I have had a number of requests for me to post more of my daily eats and life.  I have been really hesitant because honestly I am not sure that I can commit 100% to doing it due to how busy I am, however I’m going to give it a shot. For one week I am going to post daily eats and happenings.  After the week I’ll see how I am feeling about it and whether it is something that really interest you and go from there.  Now I won’t be doing three posts a day (unless I’m bored or suddenly my life gets really exciting.) Most of the time you can expect at least one daily wrap up and if I have time I will post late morning and then evening.  Of course all of this posting will be in addition to Weekly Recipes, Healthy Living and Fitness Friday Posts.  Okay so lets get started!

Last night the Hubz and I decided to take a tour of our local YMCA and got ourselves a 3 day pass to try it out.  We have really been debating joining a gym for years but when we were living in Montpelier I had a mini gym at work and the Hubz work (still) has a really nice gym at his work as well as workout classes and a tennis court (lucky, I know), so we never really needed to.  Before we moved last year we purchased an elliptical  and it is great but honestly I want to run, swim and have access to group classes.  Finally we looked into the Y and the prices for a couple are good especially with yoga, BodyPump, zumba and other classes and a really nice lap pool.  The gym overall is pretty basic with cardio equipment squeezed in next to each other; it also has free weights and weight machines but it fits both of our needs.  This morning we used our trial pass and the Hubz swam and I did C25k on the treadmill.  Overall I loved it.  It felt great to be working out at a gym and not at home, alone.  I think that for me a gym is a place you go to workout and there is a certain energy about it that motivates me, along with being able to workout with the Hubz.

 

Burlington Vermont Community YMCA, circa 1940. Postcard.

After our workout we both really wanted Friday Bagels but since we are on a soy/gluten/wheat/alcohol/caffeine free cleanse it was a no go. Instead we decided to go to Magnolia Bistro where they have tons of options that are still inline with our cleanse.  I was really feeling something hearty and starchy so I went with three sides: steamed kale, chipotle black beans and homefries, the Hubz was also feeling the starch so he went with kale, polenta and homefries.  We also got a cup of decaf fair trade organic coffee and big glasses of water.

Now I’m off to work and then heading out to find a Mother’s Day Gift and then it’s shoe shopping with the Hubz.  What are you doing for Mother’s Day?

I Took The Night Off

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Last night I took the night off from cooking, from my cleanse and from all other household duties to take advantage of Vermont Restaurant Week.  A month ago before I decided to work on a new cleanse I had made reservations for the Hubz and I at The Bearded Frog for restaurant week and since proceeds go to a good cause and the restaurant isn’t in our normal price range we decided to take advantage of their three course tasting menu.  Here are the details on Vermont Restaurant Week from their site:

Q. What is Vermont Restaurant Week?
A. From April 29-May 5, participating restaurants will offer special, prix-fixe menus showcasing their chefs’ greatest dishes. Those menus will feature discounted, three-course “tasting-style” dinners (e.g. appetizer, entreé and dessert) priced at $15, $25 or $35 per person. The week also includes a special calendar of special, food-themed events.

Q. How does Vermont Foodbank benefit?
A. 10% of the proceeds from event admissions, sponsorships and restaurant participation fees will be donated to Vermont Foodbank. Restaurant-goers can donate $10 via text messageor make a web donation in our Virtual Food Drive will be launched on this website to allow diners to donate to the Foodbank.

Originally we were going to try a few different restaurants but then decided due to the cleanse and the fact that the other restaurants that interested us are ones we visit often that it would be best to choose just one.  After perusing the veggie friendly menus on the Vermont Restaurant Week site we settled on The Bearded Frog, the only menu that actually said they had a vegan option.  We had heard great things about the restaurant but had never visited it due to the fact that it isn’t close to our home and that there is one vegan option that goes for $19 a plate.

We arrived at the restaurant and were promptly seated out our reserved table in the corner, which I really loved because it up’d the romance factor along with the dim lighting and warm colors.  We placed a drink order, prosecco for me and beer for him, and then we got down to business and ordered from the tasting menu (the only vegan options in each category). 

Appetizer Course: The salad was very simple yet fresh and the lemon-herb vinaigrette was truly delicious. We paired it with some fresh bread with oil and vinegar instead of the butter and the blue cheese crostini that was to go with the salad.

Appetizer: Baby Mixed Greens With lemon-herb vinaigrette

Bread with olive oil and balsamic

Entree Course: For our entree we enjoyed the vegan version of Spicy Corn and Black Bean Pudding With blue-corn tortilla, dirty rice, avocado compound butter, tofu tomato purée. Instead of the avocado compound butter we received a guacamole. The dish was really delicious however if that is what you get for $19 on the regular menu I’d rather stay home and re-create it for $5.

Entree: Spicy Corn and Black Bean Pudding With blue-corn tortilla, dirty rice, guacamole, tofu tomato purée.

Dessert Course: I would have to say the dessert was probably my favorite thing on the menu and something that I would definitely spend the money to come back and have again. The vegan dessert option was a trio of sorbets which included avocado lime, strawberry & 30 year old aged balsamic and mango violet. All three were really amazing but the show stopper was the avocado lime. It was super creamy and tasted just like ice cream, the Hubz and I both just couldn’t stop raving about it all night….honestly I still can’t stop raving about it.

Dessert Course: trio of sorbets which included avocado lime, strawberry & 30 year old aged balsamic and mango violet

Overall: We had a really wonderful time at The Bearded Frog and the food was really delicious.  I am not sure that I would go back for dinner due to the high price of the vegan option but I would go back every day just for the sorbet.  On another note I saw a number of really beautiful plates of food coming out of the kitchen and if you are vegetarian try the (unfortunately note vegan) crispy tofu cakes because they probably taste as good as they looked.

Eating Healthy While On Vacation

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The Hubz and I love to travel however one of the biggest challenges when traveling is eating. Here are my tips for eating well on vacation:

The Hubz & I in DC- November 2010

Planes, Trains & Buses

  • Plan where you/what are going to en route
    • Avoid fast foods
    • Bring a picnic with you; pack sandwiches, fruit and a vegetables.
  • Pack healthy snacks
    • Who food energy bars, whole grain crackers with nut butter, homemade trail mix, hummus and veggies
  • Avoid becoming dehydrated on flights by avoiding soda, alcohol, juice and coffee; instead sip club soda or water.

Healthy Eats at Jet Blue Terminal at JFK Airport

Road Trip

  • Pack a cooler with healthy foods
    • Fruit
    • Vegetables & Hummus
    • Bean Salads
    • Nuts & Seeds
    • Whole Grain Bread & Crackers
    • Fruit Spreads & Nut Butters
  • Stop at markets along the way and restock your cooler with healthy foods
  • If your only option is fast food look for the healthiest options
    • Order off the kids menu
    • Look for places with salad bars, vegetable sides, wraps or sandwiches.
      • Healthier Fast Food Options:
        • Panera- try the great selection of salads, soups and sandwiches
        • Au Bon Pain- try their great selection of vegan soups and salads
        • Chipotle- stick to the veggie burrito bowls or salads, however avoid the dairy, chips and tortillas.
        • Boloco- they offer brown rice, whole wheat wraps, organic tofu and a great selection of veggies, however avoid sugar and high calorie sauces, instead top yours with a fresh salsa and tons of veggies.
    • Scope out grocery store and health food stores prepared foods and salad bars.

Road Trips Snacks - Girls Weekend 2010

Room Service & Restaurants

  • Enjoy a soup or salad with and appetizer or share an entree- this will help in controlling portions; you can still enjoy delicious food but you will be saving your wallet and waistline.
  • Avoid the mini bar; Stock your hotel room with healthy snacks so you won’t be tempted to eat the high calorie (and high priced) snacks that the hotel stocks in your room.
  • Do research; if you take nothing else away from this post it should be this.  Take the time to research restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, natural food stores and markets before you travel.  You will be able to make more conscious choices if you already know your options.  You will also be able to scope out the best places to eat so you can enjoy your experience to it’s fullest.

Hotel Room Breakfast- Oats w/nut butter & figs

    Cruising

    • Stick to your regular eating schedule; I know I already said this above and it applies to any vacations but while cruising (and visiting all inclusive resorts) this is when it is most important to stick to your schedule.  You will have food available to you 24 hours a day and for many this means over indulging.  Additionally remember to only eat when you’re hungry!
    • Load up on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
    • Limit your desserts
    • Avoid too may sugary drinks, stick to light beers, wine and clear drinks.  If you want something fruity try seltzer with your choice of clear alcohol and a splash of fruit juice.  Also don’t forget to make sure you stay hydrated! Drink your water!

    Hubz and I crusing- i kept dried fruit snacks in my bag (you can see them popping out if you look hard)

    Top Healthy Eating Travel Tips:

    • Stick to your regular eating schedule
    • Stock up on healthy snacks
    • Make conscious decisions when choosing to enjoy a poolside drink or that special indulgence dessert
    • Do you research! Find restaurants and health food markets at your destination that have healthy options.

    What are you top healthy travel tips?

    Date Night at The Scuffer

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    Yesterday the rain finally took a break and it was hot and sunny out. I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and did C25K day one of week 2. It was a great run/walk and I am excited to keep going and finally running my first 5k. Yes you read correctly I am (finally) going to run a 5k! The Hubz and I are going to run the Old Port Half Marathon & 5k together and our friends are running the 1/2 marathon. We are both really excited and are working to get up to running a full 5k. If you are running this left me know!

    After a hot and sweaty run the Hubz and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful night and head downtown for a beer and half of veggie burgers at The Scuffer. We were hoping to sit on the patio but of course we weren’t the only ones out to enjoy the beautiful weather so we had to sit inside. The beer and half off veggie burgers was (almost) worth sacrificing sitting out in the beautiful weather.

    It’s funny The Scuffer has been around for years, it used to be The Rusty Scuffer – I think it changed owners and the name changed (correct me if I’m wrong) and we had never thought to go there until a few months ago.  A few months ago we were looking for somewhere new to go and I just happened to check out their menu online and saw that on Wednesday’s they have half off burgers with a drink purchase, so I called and asked if their veggie burger was vegan and it is (oh and it’s homemade too double win).   The other thing that I love about The Scuffer is their extensive beer menu that is filled with local beers and a number of great microbrews and their prices are really good too.

    Last night the Hubz and I both got veggie burgers with fries and no bun and we each ordered a beer.  I wanted the Dogfish Aprihop but they were all out (because it’s just that good) so I decided to go with McNeil’s Extra Special Bitter and the Hubz got the Rock Art Midnight Madness; we really liked both of them. Overall we had a great date night out at The Scuffer and will continue going on for the Wednesday special because you just can’t beat the beer, the burger and the prices.