Cookin' corn

I have so many fun things to blog about, but I am STILL without computer! Through a little bit of pushing and pulling I have been able to maneuver my way around the system... but it's slow and grueling, thus seldom blog posts and minimal pictures. I will be back! 


I have managed to obtain these images of corn cooking however! The other night some friends and I watched the UVA Baseball game and grilled corn. To be honest I was more into the corn then the game... but that's another story. 

It was so easy and fun: simply shuck corn, rub on olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, place on hot grill. We checked on the corn every few minutes and when one side was golden brown/burnt we flipped each piece... tongs not even necessary since there was so much husk to grab! 

Once the corn was grilled on the outside we wrapped each piece in aluminum foil and let them slow cook for about ten more minutes. Simply perfection! Oh... and the game was fun too! 

Have a Terrific Tuesday... and check back soon! 

El Fin De Semana de Mayo

This year my Cinco de Mayo celebrations seemed to last the whole week.... and I had no problem with that! Celebration #1 took place on the 5th of May when we went to La Cocina del Sol in Crozet. It was the perfect place to spend the holiday, enjoying fajitas and lime margaritas!

 

The Crozet area is simplistic. With a few restaurants, a barber shop, and other little odds and ends the neighborhood is quite sleepy by 10pm! La Cocina del Sol seemed to be the happening spot for Cinco de Mayo.... all of the outside tables were occupied and groups of friends enjoyed good Mexican food and fun colorful drinks.

 

Be sure to check out the Crozet area, located close to C'ville, this summer! The quiet atmosphere and empty streets are a nice break from the busy city life. 

Have a Wonderful Wednesday...and check back soon!

Blue Mountain Brewery

The Beauty of Virginia. The Bounty of Nature. The Art of Brewing. 

Blue Mountain Brewery is located on Route 151 in Afton, Virginia. Just a short fifteen to twenty minute drive from Charlottesville.... located in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The Brewery and Restaurant are open 7 days a week until 10 pm (9pm on Sundays) perfect for a day of beer tasting or that late night dinner.

 

All of the Blue Mountain Brewery beers and lagers are produced onsite in a 15x30 barell Premier Stainless brewing system. They usually craft 2,500 barrels per year! The water used at the brewery is sourced from a 300-foot well that is from the area. Blue Mountain Brewery is even part of the Virginia Green program, working in collaboration with other Virginians to help the local environment by using water efficiently, conserving energy, and reducing waste. 

Blue Mountain Brewery offers a wide selection of their homemade beers. I would have to say my favorite is the Kolsch 151 (a light German-style ale indigenous to Cologne) or second best the Full Nelson (local hop flavor, the flagship Virginia Pale Ale). The best way to decided what you are in the mood for is to do the beer tasting. Then you can choose after tasting a sampling of each beer in season. My friends and I have fun making one another guess which beer they are tasting after reading through the list and their personalized descriptions. Blue Mountain crafts about 20 seasonal draft-only offerings. Make sure to check their website to figure out what they are currently selling. On draft now: Classic Lager, Kolsch 151, Full Nelson, Afton Amber, Evil 8, and Dark Hollow #13.

Along with their beers, Blue Mountain Brewery offers a wide range of food items on their menu. From soft pretzels to gourmet pizzas, their menu is sure to have something that pleases your taste. One of their most popular dishes is the Bratwurst Pizza with apples and onions: Topped with bratwurst form the Double H Farm ( locally produced in Nelson County) with caramelized onions, apples, mozzarella, and fresh marinara and a balsamic reduction. Yum!

 

Have a Wonderful Wednesday...and check back soon!

homemade dinner

Tonight, before going to the Kelly and the Ruths concert at The Garage my boyfriend and I are going to make homemade spinach gnocchi!

image 

The recipe looks pretty easy and there are few ingredients... I'll let you know how it turns out! After our dinner we are heading to The Garage for an 8pm concert. Hopefully the weather will hold off and we will be able to sit outside on the hill to enjoy the music! There are so many fun things going on in C'ville this weekend. We may even stop by The Southern for the Virginia Coalition concert, another amazing band based out of Virginia! 


I want to leave you with a few fun images before you set off on your Friday night fun! 

Have a Fantastic Friday night... and check back soon!

Staunton Restaurant Week

Monday thru Sunday is restaurant week in Staunton, VA... only a 45 minute drive from C'ville! It's the perfect way to taste the wonderful foods Staunton has to offer without emptying your wallet on a nice night out. As long as you are willing to plan ahead you and a date can have a fun night out filled with new and unique atmopsheres and wonderful food.

$25 ZYNODOA 

" Inspired Southern Cuisine"

(540) 885-7775

Located in the heart of Downtown Staunton, Zynodoa is the perfect place to dine this restaurant week. Chef James Harris believes in using local ingredients and his dished always reflect the use of the best foods that are available locally and seasonally. For $25 guests choose one starter plate, one entree plate, and one dessert plate. My personal selection....Starter: Wades Mill Grit Croquettes (surryano ham, gruyere, and bacon mayonnaise), Entree: Steak Frites (grilled ribeye steak, crispy yukon wedges, horseradish aioli), Dessert: Cofee and Roasted Hazelnut Cheesecake. 

$25 BYERS ST. BISTRO

" Eat. Drink. Live"

(540) 887-6100

Chef Stephen Thackers favorite spring ingredient is the Soft Shell Crab! " They can be grilled, sauteed, or fried and all they need is salt, pepper, and lemon to make their true flavor come through" His laid back, simple idea sounds like just the Chef I want to be cooking my next dinner! Personal pick for restaurant week at Byers St. Bistro...1st course: Prince Edward Island Mussels (garlic/fennel/white wine and cream/fresh herbs/grilled focaccia), 2nd course: Sunflower Pappardelle (spring vegetables/hand cut pasta/basil sunflower seed pesto/asiago cheese), 3rd course: Chocolate Peanut Butter Roulade (dark chocolate cake/peanut butter mousse/chocolate sauce/creme anglaise) YUM!

There are many more options for Staunton's Restaurant Week 2011 running now thru Sunday. Make sure to call ahead and make a reservation... this is not something you want to miss out on! 

Have a Terrific Tuesday...and check back soon!

The Hill and Wood

Last night I traveled to Staunton, Virginia to hear The Hill and Wood perform at the Mockingbird. What a fun night!

The Hill and Wood band came together in C'ville and continues to play around the area. I have now been fortunate enough to see them play two times! Lead singer, Sam Bush, attended the University of Virginia and now works for Christ Church and runs The Garage downtown. I am lucky to hear him play every Sunday at 5:00 so It was really special to see him and his band performing all together in Staunton last night.  The Hill and Wood's genre is classified as Folk/Indie/Rock. 

The Mockingbird was a great venue for the show. Located in historic downtown Staunton, the Mockingbird offers a dinning room setting as well as a live music hall. The owners inspired to create a " unpretentious gathering place where one can experience and enjoy authentic local food and traditionally-inspired acoustic music". Along with the show we had some amazing dinner... including sweet potato fries with 3 different sauces. 

The music hall at the Mockingbird has a special feeling... complete with little tables located close to the stage, creating an intimate feeling with the band. The "listening room" environment that takes place in the music hall makes music the central feature, but works to bring the audience into the show! 

Hopefully The Hill and Wood will be performing again soon! I will be sure to keep my readers updated...

Have a great night... and check back soon!

Keswick Hunt Club

Keswick Hunt Club was founded in 1896, and two years later the group decided to construct their Clubhouse. Luck for us... this place is simply wonderful. Located right within the Keswick Hall grounds in Keswick, Virginia, the clubhouse is rustic yet completely magical. 

Last night Easton Events helped put on a dinner party for a group of guests staying at Keswick Hall. I arrived around 4:30 and was so happy to be away from town and in the remote and peaceful setting. I am really liking the running board fence and openness of the space... Don't you just love the simplicity?

The Clubhouse reminds me of an old summer camp building...with it's large wrap around porch people can gather outside around the outskirts of the hall before entering. I just love this pegged sign that is hung outside next to the main entrance. Rustic and beautiful! 

I am obsessed with the use of red throughout the site. From the sign to the doors this color complements the dark aging wood. Look closely and notice the amazing door knocker... perfectly adding to the Hunt Club theme! 

Last nights event was spectacular. Tables were set in tones of red and yellow and the whole room radiated a feeling of sophistication yet comfort. The room was heated by an old wood fire heater and about an hour before dinner Arnold built a roaring fire... really adding to the rustic atmosphere. I just love the stone fireplace!

The mantel looked lovely, filled with candles and florals. The event was topped off with a duo of guitar players. Their acoustics filled the room and added a hometown feeling to the air. I sure wish I could play like these guys... I am working on it, so MAYBE one day!

We were event ready and the room just glowed. What a wonderful night for those in attendance as well as those behind the scenes. 

If you ever have the chance make sure to check out the Keswick Hunt Club in Keswick, VA. The building is filled with history and evidence of love for the space, for its upkeep is simply put: fantastic!

Have a Terrific Thursday...and check back soon! 

Rendezvous BBQ!

I just got back from Memphis and had the best two days with my friends Kate and Bessie! Kate took us all around town and showed us her favorite Memphis spots, including Rendezvous... known for their awesome BBQ ribs and lively atmosphere. It was a.w.e.s.o.m.e! 

I was so excited about the idea of a BBQ lunch.... since it is my favorite food! Rendezvous was located downtown off a little side alleyway. The restaurant is behind 52 South Second and is hidden underground! While the entrance may seem tiny, once you walk through the doors the place opens up and is just huge! 

The story goes that Charles Vergo cleaned out the basement under his diner, found a coal chute and ta-dah! Rendezvous was opened in 1958. The coal chute served as a vent for his cooking behind the grill and he suddenly had the opportunity to expand his diner from a simple sandwich shop to a big rib joint! Today Charles Vergo's children run Rendezvous and have kept the business thriving. 

The staff at Rendezvous have been there for decades! Each waiters name is up on their website with a little description about each one. They dress in white suits with a black bow tie and apron..they really complete the atmosphere. 

Kate, Bessie, and I started off with the cheese and sausage plate. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant at first. I was completely surprised. With a selection of pickles, cheese, sausage, and hot sauce the combination was just right! 

Now.... combine all those delicious pieces onto a cracker. Can you say YUM??

For lunch Bessie and I ordered the pork shoulder sandwich, and Kate had the small order of the " World Famous Rendezvous Charcoal- Broiled Pork Ribs". Each meal was served with a side of mustard based cole slaw and baked beans. 

I loved the feel of Rendezvous... the walls were covered top to bottom with old pictures, paintings, news articles, and other Memphis memorabilia. With the loud crowds, heavy decor, and laughing waiters this place was full of energy and fun! 

People travel far and wide to visit and get some Memphis BBQ!

Rendezvous has been featured on the Travel Channel, Food Network, The Today Show, Good Morning America and many more cable programs. They also have gathered many awards over the years such as " One of 50 All American Icons" by the Nation's Restaurant News Magazine in 2009.  If you ever have the chance stop by Rendezvous for lunch or dinner... you will just love it and it's not even a long flight from C'ville! 

Have a Super Saturday... and check back soon!

Colorful Cookies!

The other night my friends and I decided to bake some fun and colorful cookies with the help of M&Ms! Following Hamilton's family recipe we whipped up some pretty tasty cookies.

The recipe was pretty easy and only called for a few main ingredients such as crisco, brown sugar, sugar, flour, and vanilla. It literally took less than ten minutes to make the cookie dough! 

Emily's face says it all... happiness!

After the dough was all mixed together Hamilton added the M&Ms... milk chocolate AND dark chocolate. The candy makes baking extra fun... I loved the colorful dough!

After we mixed in the candy we decided to bake half the cookie dough and eat the other half... YUM!

We waited patiently... well sort of!

Despite our full stomachs, from all that cookie dough, we somehow made room for the warm cookies that came right out of the oven. 

My friends and I had so much fun hanging out and making these cookies together. Next time you bake put in some colorful candy to make the cookies fun and colorful!

Have a Terrific Tuesday... and check back soon! 

Blue Moon Diner

This morning my friends and I decided to head to Blue Moon Diner for breakfast/brunch around 10:30... what a great spot, with such a local C'ville feel.

There are various places to sit within the diner, while the old fashioned stools and bar are obviously a fun choice, the diner has expanded beyond just this small space and created a room off to the side where tables and chairs are set up for hungry customers! 

Not only is breakfast offered ALL DAY but Blue Moon has a second menu for lunch and dinner. This morning I had a nice hot cup of coffee and pancakes. Kate chose a personalized omlet and MaryBoyce had the French Toast ( made on Breadwork's cinnamon swirl bread). 

 I was in for quite a surprise... did not know I would be getting the 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' pancake special! 

From the delicious food to the sweet wait staff Blue Moon Diner is the place to be on a Friday morning. We were able to walk right in, get a place to sit, and have menus and water within seconds! 

I just love the old diner feel.  Locals can come in and grab a quick bite to eat while reading the daily newspaper, alone or with a friend or two....

These two men asked me to snap a picture! We ended up chatting and I quickly learned the man on the right is a born and raised C'ville guy and the man seated on the left was originally from Atlanta, but moved to Charlottesville when he was a boy. They told me they would become Three Notched followers... if I could teach them how to use the internet! 

I love the colorful paintings, old records and books, as well as a large collection of children toys and games! What a great way to make a restaurant feel more homey and charming.

Be sure to make a trip to Blue Moon Diner for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's simply cozy and wonderful. A perfect Charlottesville diner!

Have a Fun Friday... and check back soon!