"Don't...call me babe!" Pamela Anderson - the feminist activist???

I have recently started listening to one of the greatest podcasts ever --How did this get made --which is essentially a review/summary of HORRIBLE movies discussed on air between 3 cohosts (who are also comedians) and usually at least one guest.  Some of my favorite reviews include Sleepaway Camp (which you can watch in its entirety on YouTube), Roadhouse, and Over the Top.  Seriously, they are hilarious.  Go check them out.  I would recommend watching said horrible movie before you listen to the podcast for full effect but it's not necessary.  

As in the case of Barb Wire.  I have never seen nor will I ever see that movie but I did listen to the How Did This Get Made podcast where they discussed this trainwreck and it was...memorable.  The woman comedian on the podcast, June Diane Raphael, is not only hysterical but she also lends a sympathetic tone to the podcast...usually acting as the lone defender of some of the most awful movies in history.  That's not to say she likes the movies.  It's more that she's trying to find the one redeeming quality where redeeming qualities are in short supply.

"Fans of gratuitous side boob, you're in luck!"  -- that's how the podcast for Barb Wire starts and it should give you a good idea of where the conversation is headed. That is, until June decides to find the elusive redeeming quality of the movie which is apparently Barb Wire's role as....a feminist?!?!?  Listening to June attempt to defend this hypothesis is priceless.  Do yourself a favor and download this podcast. 

The kickoff of June's defense of Barb Wire as a feminist (and the reason the conversation took this turn) was based on the visceral response Pam Anderson aka "Barb" has any time someone calls her "BABE": 

On the flip side (and perhaps the more honest version of events), one of the other cohosts, Jason Mantzoukas, calls Pam Anderson a, "stone cold dumb dumb," -- a phrase he uses frequently but which is most appropriate within the parameters of this movie.  

Whatever your stance, take a listen.  If you're really brave, watch the movie too....and let me know how it is. 

I don't know whether it's the copious breasticles, the big hair, or the satin gloves but this TOTALLY screams feminism to me!

Wanna feel something?

No...you dirty minded children, not literally.  I meant, do you want to feel something in your heart? 

Because if you have a couple hours to spare and don't mind letting go of some of your belief systems....just for a little bit..... have I got a movie for you!

The Broken Circle Breakdown

Seen it? No?  Well, get out there and watch it.  I KNOW that it will not be for everybody but it should be....it's that beautiful.   Then again, maybe it's just me.  Maybe it's my bipolar, ADD, belief system and life experiences that made this such a moving experience...but I doubt it.  I think it fits a lot of our molds...at least, a lot of the people I've known over the years. 

There is nothing to compare it to though perhaps it's a Steel Magnolias meets Girl with the Dragon Tattoo meets Meet Joe Black meets O' Brother Where Art Thou.  That was too many "meets" I know - so sue me.  It's a Belgian film so be ready for subtitles but the music?  You don't need subtitles for that - the music is unbelievable.  Describing it as strictly bluegrass does NOT give it justice.  Please for the love of all things holy (no pun intended) do NOT let the words "bluegrass" and "gospel" keep you from watching this movie or listening to the soundtrack. When they do "If I needed you" together on stage...it's almost too much for a heart to bear.  

I don't want to spoil the movie...or the soundtrack by giving away too much.  I do want to say that a lot of the music and some of the emotions remind me of the people I love and of my childhood.  It would take too long and is perhaps to personal (even for me) to go into the context behind that.  Just take my word for it.  I will warn you that, no matter what you feel about religion or politics (there's a smattering of both in here), this movie will stir those emotions in you.  I *think* it's best viewed with an open heart and a willingness to understand that everyone approaches tragedy and loss differently....and that we should let them.  But that's just little ol' me....

It's not a perfect movie.  It tends to be a little disjointed and some might find it preachy (though not in the typical sense) but it's worth your time.  

Unusual Fruit Tuesday - Bitter Gourd

First of all, I want apologize to a fellow blogger for stealing her idea but honestly, even though she has written countless reviews of unusual fruits in her "weird fruit diaries" - I thought for sure she would have steered clear of this one.  For one, it's not really what you'd think of as a fruit in the first place and secondly, she has kids and there's NO WAY they would try this.  Buuuuut, I was wrong....at least partially.  I am still pretty sure her kids didn't try this but I also don't think think she was aware that it's technically a fruit.  Needless to say, I didn't find it when I searched "weird fruit diaries" and "bitter gourd" so I thought I was safe. 

And now my justification for continuing with this post?  It IS a fruit and I cooked it differently so hopefully this won't count as outright theft.  If you want to check out her take on the bitter gourd, please do!  She even came up with a catchier title-- the bitter truth

I picked up my bitter gourd from the market across the street and when I asked how bitter it was, the lady said, "Not really bitter."  She's a liar.  It's bitter...supah bitter. 

There she is - in all her bitter splendor. 

The inside is a weird spongy mess.  Scoop all that out!

Ready for a fun fact?  When the fruit gets real real ripe, it looks like this:

WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!?!?!  I am not sure I would have carried on with this experiment had I seen that ahead of time.  It looks like something from a fruity horror flick. 

In addition to scooping the spongy goop out, the key to reducing bitterness is slicing the gourd super thin.

Ok - so...admittedly, taco seasoning is not what most would consider a "go to" item when cooking bitter gourd but this was before our HHE (and pantry contents) arrived so it was the best I could do.

And the really real for real key to reducing bitterness?  Adding Rice Vinegar.  Some would consider this cheating and it would certainly change the flavor of whatever you're cooking WITH the bitter gourd but there is no way I would find this a pleasing experience without it.  So, I doused and then soaked my chopped gourd (does that sound dirty to anyone else?) for about 15 minutes.

I had some shredded pork, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and onions leftover from an earlier concoction so I just threw it all together.  The result?  I can honestly say it wasn't bad.  I had husbear try a bite and he said it basically tasted like a pickle.  So....I guess it could have been worse.  I realize it doesn't look appetizing and you probably shouldn't have to work so hard to make something taste....edible - but I guess that's what makes discovering new things fun eh?

And for the grand finale?  People are so wackadoodle that they've made a drink out of this phallic disaster.  Oh dear...I think this post has turned ugly. 

(Nasty horror shot and bittermelonman photos courtesy of every blogger's friend, Wikipedia;  Everything else by yours truly.)

Sala Restaurant - European Fine Dining in Makati

Hubs and I were looking for a nice place to celebrate our anniversary in Manila and after reading several reviews, I chose Sala Restaurant -- billed as fine dining a la Europe.  To be honest, after a couple of weeks eating at restaurants where the phrase "too much salt" clearly isn't part of the vernacular, we were just looking for something....normal.  We got that (and more) at Sala.  I wouldn't say I was bowled over by the meals themselves but the dessert - best I've had in a looooong time.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  Let's go back to first impressions. 

Sala is small.  Super small.  Quaint might be a good word.  It's literally a "room" which makes sense given I think that's what "Sala" translates to - at least partially.  There's nothing offputting about the size, don't get me wrong.  We were just surprised.  The restaurant is located off of a VERY busy and cacophonous road but once you're inside, there's not a hint of the hustle and bustle of the world outside.  As many people have said before, Sala would be a great place for a business dinner or (as in our case) a romantic dinner.  

The staff were friendly but not oppressive, as can often be the case in Manila.  Sometimes too much is just too much ya know?  The drinks came quickly and were strong which is always a good thing when you know you're going to pay a little bit more.  

I was trying to be a good little blogger by writing down the descriptions of all of the food but, sadly, I left my little notebook behind and never went back to pick it up.  Long story short, the following is either from memory or from their online menu (which isn't that accurate because their menu is changing all the time).  Anyhoo...here's the little complimentary appetizer the brought us which I'm sure I'll do NO JUSTICE by describing it as a sweet tomato and goat cheese toast thingamajig: 

Our appetizers were fantastic although, again, I forget the lovely descriptions the restaurant used.  Mine was a creamy scallop soup and Z had a meat and cheese plate (I am sorry Sala - truly sorry.  I never said I was a professionally foodie ok?  Stop judging! Ok .... I'm better now.)

I had truffled white risotto with Jerusalem artichokes, sweet shrimp, and blue swimmer crab topped with a crisp tiger prawn.  It did not suck.   Though a fairly small dish, the risotto made it hearty and I finished and was neither stuffed nor hungry - perfectly prepared for dessert :).

Hubs ordered roast sea bass fillet with sweet shrimp, fennel, tomato, saffron and spinach orzo.  He thought it was great but I found it a bit fishy for my taste.  Then again, I'm one of those people who likes her fish to taste either like cocktail sauce or wasabi so maybe I'm not the best judge. 

And now for my favorite part and I'll go ahead and say I'm a bit biased here because I LOVE rhubarb.  I don't know many people who have even had rhubarb outside of my family but my mom used to make this wonderful rhubarb cake.  I'd ask for it all the time but rhubarb can be hard to find in the states.  I've NEVER seen it on a dessert menu but Sala had a dessert called "All About Rhubard" and all I can say is ....I think it changed my life.  It was SO SO SO good.  I'm not a huge dessert person both for health and just a general preference for salt vs. sweet but this was spectacular.  It was a rhubarb flavored crème brûlée, rhubarb sorbet and a warm pecan rhubarb crumble - that last one was like a mini-cobbler and it was so good, I almost wept. 

And here we are .... on our way to fat and happy

Does "yee haw!" translate in Spanish?

Because that's how we felt when we found a decent Mexican restaurant in Manila!  Yeehaw and wahoo!!  It wasn't anything fancy but it was affordable and super yummy.  Definitely a suitable substitute for Chipotle and the best part??  All the different hot sauces.  We were happier than a pig in ...well, a tortilla! (although I guess a pig might argue that point.)

Z, of course, had a burrito and I had carnitas with black beans (technically considered one of their "arroz platillos").  It was all fabulous so I gotta kick my shout outs to Orale!  I give it a 4.5 out of 5 sombrero rating!  Only thing that keeps it from getting a 5 is that they were a tad stingy on the meat for my meal.  I would have rather had more carnitas and less rice.  But then again, they're not called the "carnitas platillos".

Orale Location (the one we went to anyway): The Fort Strip, corner of 7th & 28th St in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Fort Bonifacio

Makati Shangri La(AHHHHHH)

The Shangri La in Makati is a 5 Star luxury hotel in the heart of Makati (Manila's financial district).  It is also where we have a health club membership.  If we're feeling fed up with the traffic and need a release?  We go to the Shang.  Exhausted and could use some down time?  Da Shang.  Internet connection letting us down at our own hotel??  Shang to the rescue!  I don't think, after walking in the first time, I could have ever opted for an alternative.  It even smells lovely.  

It has everything you'd expect of a hotel of its caliber.  Beautiful pool, elegant high tea, and two of the best restaurants in town.  I love going there on the weekends and spending an entire morning/early afternoon.  Start in the gym, work hard, spend some time in the steam room (equipped with hot/cold whirlpools and wet/dry saunas), change into the swimsuit and relax by the pool with a beer and some good food. Tough life. 

I haven't tried them yet but Z swears the trainers are the best stretchy outers ever.  Apparently they'll bend you right to the point where you can't take it anymore and leave ya feeling like gumby.  

Anyway, here are some recent highlights of time spent at the Shangri La:

 

Coolest part about tea at the Shang?  There's an hourglass to time how long to let your tea steep.  When the sand runs out, time to enjoy.  Classy shit right?  I totally fit in.

No high tea would be complete without a string (and flute) band in lovely dresses...

....who kept playing on their way to break.

Some of the best poolside food I've ever had was served at the Shang.  That's a chicken sandwich on ciabatta bread (with a San Mig light in a glass of course).

This day did not suck.

It was a Dark and Stormy Night

I wonder when I'll run out of rain-themed post ideas?  Hopefully not for a while since I think we're in for some pretty significant thunderboomers (there!  another name for a thunderstorm!).

So, if you're keeping up my dear four readers, last night I was considering NOT going to "The Blind Pig" with the hubs to meet some friends because it was POURING outside.  Thankfully, the rain abated, I threw on some clothes and we headed over to the general area where we thought this little Speakeasy was located.  Now, there have already been some super clever blogs about this place that I couldn't (and wouldn't) attempt to duplicate.  If you're interested, you can read more about The Blind Pig here:

Mr. Delicous: The Blind Pig, Makati's Best Poorly Kept Secret

Enroute: Through the Dark and Into Blind Pig Speakeasy Makati

Maraisms: A Night at Blind Pig Speakeasy Salcedo

At least I can say that I am not the only one who has broken one of the cardinal speakeasy rules by letting the world in on this little "secret".  It's been done before and heck, is probably being done right now by someone else since one of our companions is a fellow blogger and our husbands caught us taking the same (flashless) photos of the menu and rules.  Lame?  Maybe.  But at least we're not alone in our lameness.

I don't want to turn this into a review but I loved this place.  The drinks, while expensive, were worth every penny and I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say husbear's gin and tonics were the best gin and tonics I've EVER tasted.  There is a menu you can order from and I think between the 10 or so of us, we managed to try one of everything but, like other bloggers have mentioned, you can also just tell the bartender what you're feeling and he'll throw together something that will knock your socks off.  For my first drink, I decided to let him do just that.  I wanted strawberries, mint, and vodka -- "not too sweet" I said.  Well, alas, they were out of strawberries but offered me a choice of blueberry or raspberry.  I chose blueberry.  What arrived was nothing short of perfect.  She called it a Blueberry Caipirorka and it like a mojito but less sugary sweet and more....well blueberrily bliss like.  As great as my drink was, the Gin and Tonic Zach had with a kielbasa-sized chunk of ice was like drinking spring in a glass. Yum!

For my second drink, I ordered off the menu.  I thought, given the night we'd had so far, it was more than appropriate to order the Dark and Stormy (dark rum, fresh ginger syrup, and fresh lime juice).  It was great but would have been better with some food probably.  I don't know what it was exactly but I kept wishing the popcorn we'd ordered hadn't already been demolished.  The ginger gave it a nice little kick and left my lips burning just a tad but it was missing some sort of munchie.  Maybe I was just getting the midnight snackies??  Who knows.

The Dark and Stormy

The only drawback to our evening?  With our group, they should have renamed the joint a "Speakloudly".  I love socializing as much as the next person but I think some of the vibe of the place was lost on us.  It seems a more appropriate venue for a couple on their third date or perhaps a party of four.   Our 10ish colleagues and friends gathered for a farewell party were a bit overpowering in the somewhat diminutive establishment.  I wouldn't trade the group OR the conversation;  I'm simply saying I'll be back Pig....and I will make it my mission to get my prohibition vibe on.

Dammit! I totally forgot that I was going to make this posting about The Blind Pig different by telling you why the hell they call it that in the first place.  A quick search will get you that answer but since I think it's super cool and reminds me of dry county rules in today's day and age, I thought I'd just tell ya instead of making you look it up.

So a Speakeasy was also referred to as a "Blind Pig" or "Blind Tiger" back in the prohibition era.  Much like happy hour specials on food that you see in dry counties*, in Speakeasies a customer would pay a fee to see an attraction (like a blind pig or blind tiger) and would then be served a complimentary alcoholic beverage thereby circumventing the law.

[*In some dry counties, happy hours are restricted to food products only.  Meaning, the establishment can discount food stuffs as a way to draw customers in but NOT alcohol.  It's a wacktastic law in bassackwards bible belt towns.  Too many southern euphemisms there?  Too bad.  :)]

Anyway, I think it's an all around super cool idea and in case you're wondering, it did take us a hot minute to find the joint but when we did, it didn't disappoint.

It's dark because I was trying to obey the rules - no flash photography!

The only marking that helps you identify the "pig".  Um... super secret awesomness much?!?!

Opposite Day

Here's the thing. Do NOT ask yes or no questions in the Philippines. It will get you nowhere. In fact, if you could channel your inner child and just pretend to be playing "opposite day" every day, that would be for the best. "Egg white omelet with no cheese and very little oil" OBVIOUSLY means "Gimme the whole egg and nothing but the egg, extra cheese and lay that grease on super thick!" In case you didn't know, now ya know.

I guess that's not the best yes/no example but surely you get my drift. If given the opportunity, and sometimes when it is DIRE that someone be honest as opposed to just aiming to please, the Filipino folks will almost always default to "yes" (or whatever it is that they think you want to hear). For instance, never say, "Is this water filtered?" Silly human! Silly silly American fool. You must state explicitly and perhaps in a written format, "I would like filtered water only." In fact, you're better off just asking for a bottle of water and calling it a day. Chances are, if you ask for filtered water, you may very well get a tall glass of filtered water but those ice cubes floating harmlessly about in your pretty little glass? NOT FILTERED ICE CUBBIES (or is that CUBIES? if I'm going to make up a word, I should at least take an honest stab at the right way to spell it)! So just forget. Assume the worst, realize you're not being insulting by asking specifically and then reconfirming...again...and again.

The taxi drivers here are pretty nice but a head nod indicating they are familiar with the area or the address you've provided is NOT enough my fair complected friend. It's an interesting dilemma. Why bother even taking a cab if you're the one who has to figure out, turn by turn, how to get there? I have two damn cars but sometimes going 4 blocks in them and trying to find parking isn't worth the hassle so dammit, I am cabbin it. There's no doubt in my mind that $2 is a decent investment when it eliminates my having to deal with the ridiculous lack of traffic enforcement in this town. But anyway, what was my point? Oh - there is nothing more disconcerting then getting in a cab, explaining where you're going, having the cabbie nod in understanding, and then getting to the moment of truth, the big turn of all turns and the cabbie turns around and says, "Right or left ma'am?" Well how the bloody hell should I know? You stopped following my cute little googles maps direction 5 turns ago and now we're stuck between a shanty town and a hard place. Thanks. So, I just smile and say, "yes". Let him figure it out!

So I guess it's either this:

Or this:

(That's the "minute burger", by the way. I'm guessing there's nothing minute or very burger like about it at all.)

[Here's where I offer my apologies to our country hosts. I am sorry that I am a whiny little American and I hope that my posts do not offend anyone who hails from this wonderful country. I like it here...I really do. I much prefer it to SEVERAL alternatives and I am looking forward to getting to know the Philippines. I PROMISE I will write an equal number of rave reviews...just give me time. I am on my third sinus infection and my third week of living in a dungeon. It's not your fault. I'm not being a very good neighbor or guest. Can we blame my dog or husband somehow?? Sorry Cassie/Husbear...it's a small price to pay for all the love I give right?? RIGHT?!?!]

Gaga for our Gaggia

Shall I start with a quick hello?  I feel that's fair after OVER A YEAR LONG absence.  So, Hi Howdy Hola but most importantly, MABUHAY!  Why Mabuhay?  Because my friends, "Mabuhay" is the tagalog greeting and in case you're wondering what tagalog is (as I was), it's one of the (many) languages spoken in the Philippines, primarily Manila and surrounding areas.  But still, why should you care?  Well, in truth, maybe you shouldn't.  YOU aren't the one moving to the Philippines in less than a week ..... but WE are! :) 

So, MABUHAY! 

A new member of our family will be moving with us.  You heard that right, we have a new child.  She is shiny and grand and requires constant attention.  She is still a newborn but seems to be learning the ropes quickly.  Sorry Mom, she does not have a heartbeat, curly hair, or my eyes.  "She" is our Gaggia Academia Espresso Machine and probably the most important thing that's happened in our lives since we adopted Cassie.  Here she is - feel free to gasp, exhale, ooh-ah...whatever you need to do....

Ok Ok - that's not really our girl.  But this is...

And boy does she turn some heads when she does her little coffee dances.  I mean, look at this purty concoction she put together when my sister came to visit:

Really - she is the most thoughtful "child" we have....sorry Cassie.

If you're in the market for an espresso machine, you can't go wrong with this baby.   She'll make espressos, coffees (long or short), caps, lattes, and the list goes on.  You can get all hands on with her or simply set her up to be responsive at the touch of a button.  Easy breezy.    She ain't cheap but she's worth it AND it's true what they say, she does get better with age.  Seriously, the thing gets smarter then more coffee you make.

Sadly, Lady Gaggia is on her merry way to Manila and we probably won't see her...or her wonderful caffeinated brews .... for several months.  We will try to endure but no doubt will suffer some pangs along the way.....and headaches. 

Honey....I'm home!

Ok, I'm not home at all but after a few Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey drinks last night, I sure felt like I was flyin' somewhere!  Though the effects are a  bit painful today, this stuff went down as smooth as....well...honey.  A group of us easily polished off a bottle within a couple of hours.  Give it a try.  It's not too sweet.  There's a hint of pepper to counter the sweetness and the mix of the two is just purrrrfect.  It's especially good with ginger ale, sprite and diet coke (not all at the same time, mind you).  It's also pretty smooth by itself.

Don't say I never did ya any favors....

"A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of 
honey left inside."
 - Winnie the Pooh

Ford's Fish Shack

 Yes, that's right...yet another restaurant we ate at while in limbo.  I swear we've eaten out more in this "transition phase" then we did over an entire year.  It seems like it would be great but honestly, I miss cooking and I miss not stuffing myself silly.  Having said that, I really enjoyed this meal at Ford's Fish Shack in Ashburn, VA.  Clearly the location is nothing remarkable.  Like a lot of things in Northern Virginia, it's located smack dab in the middle of a strip mall.  Right next to a nail salon, a chinese restaurant, and...well...you get the idea.  But don't let the facade fool ya...good food can be had inside and it's worth at least one trip.

We've been to Ford's before but this time was better.  I think it was because this time we were just going for a quick bite...perhaps my expectations weren't as high?  We arrived at 6:55 pm which gave us about 5 minutes to order from their happy hour menu.   They have some pretty good deals for happy hour.  Dollar shrimpies, dollar oysters (I think they were a dollar), 3 dollar drafts and 3 dollar wells.  We ordered a couple of beers and 10 jumbo shrimp.  And let me tell you, even though I forgot to take a picture, these shrimp were monsters and well worth a $1/each.

We both opted for the fish tacos (mahi mahi).  Zach had them the last time and said they were great and sure enough...they were.  I got the sauce on the side so I could at least control something but the fish was seasoned perfectly and the tortillas were perfectly cooked...warm and crispy but not falling apart.

It was a Wednesday night but they were still on a wait...I think they pretty much always are.  We ponied up to the bar right away though and were in and out in less than 40 minutes.  The service was friendly and the prices (probably in part because of the happy hour) were absolutely reasonably.

I wouldn't go to this place every week but it's a nice change of pace from our typical kabob/burrito/kabob/burrito rut. 

Neither of us had this but I am including someone else's picture because I coveted the corn.  If we ever make it back there, I am definitely ordering the corn on the cob...even if it doesn't come with my meal.  mmmmm.....

By the way, the waitress only charged us for 6 shrimp. Niiiiice :)

If life gives you limes, make Margaritas!

I'm a bit late on this but to be fair, I have at least been thinking about writing this post for a while.  These guiltless margarita mixes are fantastic!  I love a good margarita every now and then but they are so so bad for you.  When my friend Brie told me about Skinny Girl margaritas, I was pretty excited to give it a try.  Unfortunately, we were deep in the summer months and the stuff was NOWHERE to be found!

I ended up picking up Scales Margarita mix at the grocery store and it was ok.  It tasted a little saccharin-y for my tastes so I probably won't buy it again unless it's the only thing around.

Next stop was the Master of Mixes Lite Margarita Mix.  I liked this one a good deal better than the Scales Mix.  It had a traditional Margarita taste so although I knew I was being good, it didn't taste like a diet margarita.

To be honest, I still haven't tried Skinny Girl BUT I did ship several bottles to our new place so that I could try it when we get there :).  I have heard lots of good things about it from girlfriends, mother/sister in laws, etc so I have faith it will be tasty. 

For a quick run down on the dunlop WON'T be getting with these drinks, you can reference the calorie count below:    DRINK UP BEEOTCHES!  (and for those of you who don't know what a "dunlop" is, you can find the definition at urban dictionary)

Skinnygirl Margarita - 100 calories per 4 ounces (Calories are higher because Skinnygirl has built in Tequila!)
Master of Mixes - 20 calories or fewer per 5 ounces
Scales Margarita Mix - 5 calories per 4 ounces

By the way, you should also note that most of these companies offer different flavors of their lighter fare.  For instance, Master of Mixes has Lite Strawberry Daiquiri and Lite Sweet and Sour Mix.  Scales has the same plus a Bloody Mary Mix.  Skinny Girl just released a line of Sangria.  All of them sound pretty darn good to me!!

Tuscarora Mill AKA "Tuskies"

"Good friends, good food, and lots and lots of good wine..." That's how Zach described our night and I couldn't have said it better myself.  Ok ok, maybe I added that last part about the "lots and lots" of wine but it's my blog...I'll do what I want!!

Turns out there are lots of reasons to be thankful for missing a flight.  One of them happens to be friends who free up their calendars and come up with great ideas like dinner at the Tuscarora Mill AKA 'Tuskies' in Leesburg, VA. 

I missed the first opportunity to say farewell to our friends Andrew and Callie so I was more than a little excited that we had the chance to get together one last time.  Hubs and I had never heard of the restaurant but we've been fed by A&C enough times to know they would NEVER steer us wrong. 

Really great ambience.  It was nice but not fancy smancy.

Any restaurant that has a nickname is alright by me

Zach, Callie and Andrew with their pre-wine beverages

Twas a Dark and Stormy night..ok, not really but that's what my drink was called and it was yummy!

I had the "Local Local Local" appetizer (yes, that's really what it was called).  Fried green tomatoes, regular tomatoes, grape tomatoes, goat cheese, and er...crap, I think that was a fried pepper of some sort.  All drizzled in some, you guessed it tomato-y sauce.  It was lovely.

Callie had the Ahi Tuna...really nice presentation, no? 

Andrew had the Creme Brulee for desert

And I had this spectacular coconut ice cream with strawberries and hot rum drizzled on top.  Really??? Yes...really.  The rum made me feel like I was licking the ocean in St. Thomas with every bite.

I think Zach's desert looked the best....Butterscotch Bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream.  It was RETARDED good!

And there we all are.  I think this must have been BEFORE we ate because clearly, I still fit in my pants here.  ;-)

MANY MANY MANY thanks to A&C for a lovely evening!  We owe you big time and will be sure to get you back on our next trip home!  Love you guys!