Kiss My Asparagus

Fit N Fresh Water Bottle

In school, as a child, I was was always told how important it was to drink plenty of water and it was reinforced as an adult in nutrition class.  This is not always an easy feat, especially when I'm at school all day...

When at school I have three options for drinking water:

A.  Buy a bottle from the vending machine.  My first quarter chef told a story about being at a dinner party with the daughter of an executive at Pepsi Co.  This daughter told my teacher that she would never drink Dasani water, which is produced by Pepsi Co.  Dasani water is sold in the vending machines at school and if she's not drinkin it, I sure as heck don't wanna be drinkin it!  Besides that it's a total waste of money!  $1.25 a bottle x 4 bottles of water a day x 4 days a week x 11 weeks in a semester = $220!!  On water!  So stupid!

B.  Bring water bottles with me.  I sit in class from 11:45-3:45 do you know how heavy it is to carry all those weight in water bottles along with all of your books??  Very annoying

C.  Water Fountain - YUCK!!  The water fountain at school dispenses water that taste like it's coming from the sewer. 

So what's a girl to do??

I'm browsing the isles of Publix and up, way on a high shelf (I'm 5' tall, that top shelf is really tall for me!!) there is a water bottle advertising that it filters the water as you drink it.  I heard the angels sing and two doves flew up and carried the water bottle down to me with their beaks. 

Althought that wasn't completely true, it was a perfect solution!  Now I take my Fit N Fresh water bottle to school with me all the time, I fill it with water fountain water and drink up!  After doing some research I found out that it really doesn't change much besides the taste, which is fine by me, with it's reasonable $6.99 price point.  There are other options, I found online that filter out 99.9% of all water borne illnesses but they were more in the $40-50 range.

You hikers can keep your high tech, crazy filtered water bottles, I'm perfectly happy with my Fit N Fresh!

PS - The Fit N Fresh Water Bottle was on Good Housekeepings list for best reusable water bottles and is BPA-Free!

*Smooches*

The Pot Rack is Back!

We are one step closer to having the complete kitchen of our rental dreams!  Tonight our pot rack was hung, FINALLY!  Shout out to Travis, thanks for helping George get that thing up.  I'm so loving how the look of the kitchen I envisioned is coming to fruition, as each piece fits into place.  First, the island from Ikea, then we got some super cool barstools from a consignment store down the street that I happen to come across and now our pot rack is up!  It's such a cool conversation piece with the Ebelskiver pan and the Paella pan, etc.

All that's left to do in the kitchen is to organize all of our tons and tons of products and hang a few pictures frames I brought and we are set!  Can't wait for V Day this weekend to put this kitchen to good use!

*Smooches*

Take Steps with CCFA

I use this as a forum to give out lots of info...what restaurants to eat at, what markets to shop at, even what lip gloss I like to buy and now I would like to use this as a way to get everyone involved with a foundation that is very close to my heart, The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.  I was diagnosed with Severe Ulcerative Colitis my senior year of high school and took a very passive role for a long time.  Only within the past year have I become an active member of the CCFA.  The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Not only do they help to raise money for research but they also provide support programs and information for those suffering from digestive diseases.

One way that I am choosing to get involved is by forming a team for the Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Walk....

Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis is CCFA’s national evening walk and celebration of the nation’s largest event dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  The money raised through Take Steps helps support patient programs, education efforts, and furthers crucial research.   

The walk will take place on April 17, 2010, at Huizenga Plaza on the Las Olas Riverfront, starting at 6:00 pm.  To join my team, make a donation to my team or just check things out and get some info on the CCFA click on the link for my Participation Page:

Participation Page

I hope that this year I can help raise the bar and raise tons of money for this great cause!  Thanks in advance to anyone who can help and remember, every little bit helps!

*Smooches*

Tropical Chinese

It's my Jewish duty to know about the best Chinese food spots around.  One spot that I had been wanting to try for a long time was Tropical Chinese, a Zagat rated restaurant in Miami.  A few weeks ago we found ourselves in Miami, with hungry tummies and a Zagat guide.  Finally, it was our time to try out the place dubbed "Best Chinese Food in Florida."

The restaurant is quite large and when were there, it was quite busy.  We were seated right away, although we didn't see a waiter for some time.  That was ok though, there was plenty to watch...the only thing separating me from the kitchen was a glass wall.  I'm so intrigued by the Asian way cooking, the chefs moved in a perfectly orchestrated symphony; raw platters of food brought in, placed on a table running along the middle of the kitchen and then after mere moments in the wok, the food was plated and swiftly taken out the other side of the kitchen. 

The menu at Tropical Chinese is quite large, making deciding pretty hard for two hungry diners.  We finally settled on Steamed Shrimp Dumpling Har Gow, Pepper Salt Spiced Wok - Fried Calamari, and Orange Flavored Beef.    

The dumplings came to the table in the steamer they were cooked in, moist, delish, perfect.  I rarely meet a dumpling I don't like, these were especially wonderful. 

 

The next dish to come to the table was the Pepper Salt Spiced Wok-Fried Calamari.  I don't have very much experience with Calamari, other than the typical Italian Fried variety.  These were perfectly seasoned, perfectly fried.  No sign of grease, no calamari toughness. 

 

The thing about the Orange Flavored Beef was that the description sounded better than the food ended up tasting.  It wasn't bad, it just wasn't especially memorable.  "Beef medallions, tender and crisp, wok tossed with orange peel, pepper, and sake" - sounded pretty good right?

A couple tips for the eager foodie headed to eat at Tropical Chinese...the chili oil is made there and it's really good.  Second tip:  Order the Peking Duck appetizer, everytime one walked by us on the way to a table, I wished we had ordered one.  On the menu it's described as "plumb, succulent, long island ducks, freshly roasted daily to perfection.  Wrapped with steamed chinese pancakes with shredded scallion and cucumber."  The duck is wheeled out on a cart and then carved table side; after carving it is put in little crepe-like pancakes and topped with what I assumed to be Hoisin Sauce.

Introducing....Simon The Blog Dog

Florida State has the Seminole, Miami has a Dolphin,  Kiss My Asparagus has Simon.  Well, I guess I have asparagus as well, but asparagus is not nearly as cute as Simon.  Simon is my miracle dog, he has been through quite a bit in his 5 short years and has defied the odds many, many times.

Simon was an out of nowhere thing, I guess that's how love usually happens.  I was browsing the isles of the Jacksonville Flea Market and there he was, staring out at me from behind the bars of a cage, a little tiny prisoner, just waiting for me to set him free. 

Come on guys, adopt a dog!  There are so many dogs out there like Simon, who need a loving home.  Dogs will give you endless love, they will always be there to listen when you need to talk to someone, they don't care who you are, what you do and they are ALWAYS excited to see you when you come home.  They don't ask much from you, just to provide them with food and to love them in return!  There's a perfect dog out there for everyone, you just need to look. 

Comment and tell me about your furry loves! 

*Smooches*

Tex Mex Turkey Burgers

Last night, we finally got to show off all of our work arranging the house.  Although not quite done yet, we had our first couples dinner cooking night in the new house.  On the menu - Turkey Burgers.  Now come on, with George behind the island in the kitchen, you know these are not going to be just any Turkey Burgers, they were his twist on Tex Mex Turkey Burgers. 

With help from Jordan 'Burn The Bread' Soblick (jk, love you guys), this is what he did...

  George seasoned the turkey meat with burnoise of red onion, bell pepper and jalapeno, some cilantro, garlic, egg, panko bread crumbs, salt and pepper.  He made a salsa like garnish  with some diced tomato, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, salt, pepper, olive oil and jalapeno.  After the burgers were grilled he melted some super thick cut pepper jack cheese on top.  Jordan buttered the buns and grilled them, topped them with the nice cheesy burger and some salsa.  The burgers were then passed on to George who put perfectly sliced avocado on top to finish it up.  I almost forgot to mention the red chili aioli, we are big fans of the dip George and I, we always need a condiment.

Two words - Absolutely delish.  We ate outside, on our patio, under the stars.  It was quite lovely, actually.  Shout out to Spencer for keeping me company and Jordan, for being a great Sous Chef, he really did a great job manning the grill.

*Smooches*

Ikea - Easy on Your Wallet, Hard on Your Patience

I know, I've kept everyone in suspense...I posted about our meeting with the HOA and then I never posted if we were approved or not.  Your wait is over, we were approved, we are moved in, we are home!  Dog and everything!

We are also deeply immersed in the torturous process of assembling furniture from Ikea.  I don't know if it's just an urban myth or not, but I've heard stories of couples breaking up over Ikea furniture assembly. 

Oye vay, don't even get me started on this place...the store is set up like one of those mazes you see on TV, in the cornfields and you pretty much need a degree in engineering to assemble the furniture.  In case you have never attempted this before, there are no words in the instructional packets...there are pictures and arrows, it's like you are trying to interpret hieroglyphics, all the while thinking "What the heck did I get myself into?!"

The first item we needed to assemble was an island we bought for the kitchen; the kitchen was lacking adequate counter space, in case we wanted to cook in tandem.

The island was put to use for the first time tonight.  My wonderful boyfriend whipped up some queseadillas for us, along with some salsa verde and guacamole.  The meal was delish, the island looks awesome, and I'm rental sweet rental.

What has everyone's 2010 been like so far?  Lot's of changes going on in kissmyasparagus land!  Comment and let everyone else know what kind of cool foodie events you are planning on attending in 2010!

*Smooches*

The Office Delray Beach, Where You're Going To Want To Stay Overtime

For months now, everytime I am strolling down Atlantic Ave in Downtown Delray Beach, walking near the site which now has become "The Office," I would try to sneak a peak. I was trying to catch a glimps of what was going on inside the walls which used to house Louie Louie.  I'm not sure how long it's been open now, maybe two or three weeks, ever since...I've had a yearning, a sort of gastro-guardian angel leading me there.

As of this yesterday afternoon, around 2:30 pm (and again today around 5:00 pm), my wait was over.  Was it worth it??  Heck yes it was!   . 

To start out let's talk about the decor...they did not miss a single nook or crany, or corner or shelf, every detail is well thought out.  The restaurant is upscale and modern, it's sexy and laid back all at the same time.  Not a single thing was forgotten at The Office, even down to the books and pictures that line the shelves above the booths...A photo of Audrey Hepburn, Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc and Julia Child's The Way To Cook, just to name a few.  Keeping with the theme of "The Office," the silverware comes in a crinkly envelope and gold mail boxes can be seen throughout the space.  Large silver lamps which line the room lend themselves to sort of an industrial feel.  This restaurant is just cool.  It reminds me of Paulie Bleaker in the movie Juno...Juno describes him as "being cool without even trying," that's the feeling I get here. 

I was so anxious as I waited for the food.  I was also very skeptical, I've seen this before on Atlantic Ave, heck it could happen anywhere...the decor and the mood of the restaurant is off the charts but then the food comes and it's like whomp whomp whomp and your foodie ballon was burst!  Not the case with The Office!  When the great minds of David Manero (restauranteur) and Mark Militello (Executive Chef) came together to reinterpret the gastropub, the menu is as ecclectic and modern as the decor. 

I'll give you a little run down of what I ate yesterday, then give you a rest, a chance to maybe run to the restroom or grab a drink if you need one and then I'll put up today's meal in the next post.  So here's yesterday's grub:

 

Prime CEO Burger - Sweet Onion & Tomato Confit, Gorgonzola, Gruyer, Arugula, Bacon 

Great juicy burger, they didn't ask how we wanted it cook, which I found slightly odd...none the less, it came out perfect.  

 

Frisee Salad With Egg - Garlic, Warm Bacon, Mustard Vingarette, Goat Cheese Toast

Wonderful, light salad.  I am a HUGE egg fan and this one was absolutely lovely.  The warm, salty bacon was perfect with the bitter frisee.  Any chance I get, I love to dunk...cue the Goat Cheese Toast and the extra dressing at the bottom of the bowl.

Mac n Cheese 

That's what they call it, I call it kick ass.  Nice and creamy, not too, too rich.  Sprinkled on top is a delish mixture of bacon and salty bread crumbs.  I am a big fan of the gourmet mac n cheese "movement" that has surfaced amoung upscale restaurants, my favs tend to be the kind of the baked variety.  I now know not to judge a book by its cover.

So if you haven't caught on, from this glowing review, how much I loved the place...let me just tell you, flat out...new addition to my top 5 restaurants in Downtown Delray.  It's about time I see some pork belly ("Pork and Beans" - Pork Belly and BBQ Butter Baked Beans, Crispy Leeks) on a menu around here!!  Haven't tried it yet btw, plan on it very soon!  Who knows, maybe tomorrow?!

*Smooches*

Would You Approve This Couple To Be Your Neighbors?

Wooooohooo!!  It's official!  George and I are moving in together this week!  We spent the weekend packing up our stuff, which mainly consists of kitchen products...herbs, spices, small appliances such as blenders, juicers, Magic Bullets...we have all sorts of pots and pans (award for most interesting goes to our Ebelskiver pan, google it!), along with our humongo pot rack we need to take down to organize said pots and pans. 

Moving is so bitter sweet.  On one hand I'm so excited to move in with BLM and start the next chapter in our life but I'm also sad to be moving out of Mama's house (luckily we are moving, pretty much across the street from the Mama)...

New chapter, new address and I can't wait to get organized and start our garden!  We have a huge courtyard patio at our new place and plan to use it in a very slow food way.  So anyone out there with a green thumb, advice on what to grow in our zone and with our space restrictions would be highly appreciated.  We are going to live off of our land, like urban farmers!

The last bridge we have to cross is the HOA.  Interview Tuesday, at their convience.  Everyone please send us your positive energy and thoughts!  They hold our fate in their hands, along with our application. Ahhhh...

*Smooches*

In No Particular Order - Lip Venom, Teen Tours and Holiday Presents

One of the best gifts I received this holiday season was from my oh so attentive boyfriend, George.  He got me the Twilight Lip Venom, which he had seen me messing around with in Nordstrom a few days prior to Christmas. 

I've been a fan of Lip Venom products for quite a while...ever since I discovered the Original Lip Venom in Oregon, while on a West Coast Connection Teen Tour.  I'm a big advocate of sending your middle school and high school aged kids on teen tours, but that's a whole other post!  Point being - ever since that cold, dreary Oregon day, many years ago, I've been hooked on the "Bee Stung Look."

 The Twilight Lip Venom is more of a lip stain than the Original so I would highly recommend using the Laura Mercier concealor pencil (Laura Mercier Pencil Post) to line your lips before using so that the color doesn't bleed around your lips.  Sometimes I wear the Twilight Lip Venom alone (totally gives you the, I just bit someones neck and now have blood stained lips, look!) or I'll wear it as a base and put a pinkish gloss on top (as in the pic at right).

What presents were big hits this year either that you received or gave to someone else!? 

*Smooches*