I will be having Thanksgiving at Venus' home along with all the rest of my family and Venus' husband's family.
I wanted to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Amazing Local Wine
I have fallen in love with a wine I just recently purchased for my hubby.
Pat loves a good merlot. I don't so much.
I was at World Market recently and found a blueberry merlot from a local winery, Landry Vineyards in West Monroe, La.
I was very surprised at the sweetness of this wine. Merlot, I find, is usually too dry and harsh tasting. Not this one.
I highly recommend this wine!!!!!
Pat loves a good merlot. I don't so much.
I was at World Market recently and found a blueberry merlot from a local winery, Landry Vineyards in West Monroe, La.
I was very surprised at the sweetness of this wine. Merlot, I find, is usually too dry and harsh tasting. Not this one.
I highly recommend this wine!!!!!
The French Press
Arica and I decided on trying out The French Press for lunch.
First things first, I really hate the lack of parking downtown. So many businesses and eating establishments and you have to walk forever to get there. That's done.
This restaurant is just a sliver of a store front. If not careful, you could easily miss it. The atmosphere is, as Arica said, "Quirky and Quaint". Very bohemian.
Our waitress, Jessica, was very cordial and informative.
I saw they served Swamp Pop. I had recently been told about Swamp Pop by friends, Jacob and Matt. Swamp Pop is developed and sold by a couple of local boys. So, I had to try one. Chose the Jean Lafitte Ginger Ale. Was pleased with the taste - sweet, but with a crispness. We were served this in champagne flutes, so this brought this drink up a notch.
Ordered Truffle Fries - were not impressed with the taste. Nothing happening with the flavor. Basically french fries. The aioli had a very mayo flavor. I find it is overpriced for the flavor and quantity. Oops, forgot to take a photo.
The Praline Bacon was a disappointment as first. The first two bites were, well, Bacon. Nothing special and I'm thinking I just paid $5.00 for plain bacon. Where is the Pow!? Then Arica tried a bite. She was like, try another bite. OK, now we were getting to what I was expecting. A crisp bacon with a great sweetness. Maybe $5.00 is OK.
Blue Bacon Potatoes was next. Potatoes with bacon pieces and nice size bits of blue cheese. Very good. The flavor was a bit sneaky. You take a bite and there is the bacon and potato flavor and then wait, -------- ,Ok the blue cheese hits you. Wow!!!! Really good!
Arica had the Cajun Benedict. This is a masterpiece to see. Gumbo bowl with a small amount of "tick, tick" (as my Mom would say) gumbo. Floating in this are bits of tasso. Then two slices of french bread with boudin on that, with cheese melting on that, with a poached egg on that. Holy co-moly!!! Excellent! Just the right consistency for the roux. Perfect blend of flavors. I would have never ordered this for myself. But this was awesome!
But let me tell you something, Arica and I both taste everything we order. We laughed about how it must sound to the other tables near us listening in. We just go on and on about all the food and drinks. Eyes roll around, hands go flying in the air. You know good cajun hand language. I am very proficient in cajun hand language.
Then of course, we had to have coffee. Naturally, we ordered the french press coffee. Must have been an off day for the coffee press. We poured coffee grounds into our cups. No this won't do. Jessica, bless her little heart, brought over two regular cups of coffee. We were saved.
All in all, a great eating experience. This is definitely a restaurant that has taken cajun foods and succeeded in creating unique recipes. We will be back to try a few other things we saw on other tables.
First things first, I really hate the lack of parking downtown. So many businesses and eating establishments and you have to walk forever to get there. That's done.
This restaurant is just a sliver of a store front. If not careful, you could easily miss it. The atmosphere is, as Arica said, "Quirky and Quaint". Very bohemian.
Our waitress, Jessica, was very cordial and informative.
I saw they served Swamp Pop. I had recently been told about Swamp Pop by friends, Jacob and Matt. Swamp Pop is developed and sold by a couple of local boys. So, I had to try one. Chose the Jean Lafitte Ginger Ale. Was pleased with the taste - sweet, but with a crispness. We were served this in champagne flutes, so this brought this drink up a notch.
Ordered Truffle Fries - were not impressed with the taste. Nothing happening with the flavor. Basically french fries. The aioli had a very mayo flavor. I find it is overpriced for the flavor and quantity. Oops, forgot to take a photo.
The Praline Bacon was a disappointment as first. The first two bites were, well, Bacon. Nothing special and I'm thinking I just paid $5.00 for plain bacon. Where is the Pow!? Then Arica tried a bite. She was like, try another bite. OK, now we were getting to what I was expecting. A crisp bacon with a great sweetness. Maybe $5.00 is OK.
Blue Bacon Potatoes was next. Potatoes with bacon pieces and nice size bits of blue cheese. Very good. The flavor was a bit sneaky. You take a bite and there is the bacon and potato flavor and then wait, -------- ,Ok the blue cheese hits you. Wow!!!! Really good!
Arica had the Cajun Benedict. This is a masterpiece to see. Gumbo bowl with a small amount of "tick, tick" (as my Mom would say) gumbo. Floating in this are bits of tasso. Then two slices of french bread with boudin on that, with cheese melting on that, with a poached egg on that. Holy co-moly!!! Excellent! Just the right consistency for the roux. Perfect blend of flavors. I would have never ordered this for myself. But this was awesome!
But let me tell you something, Arica and I both taste everything we order. We laughed about how it must sound to the other tables near us listening in. We just go on and on about all the food and drinks. Eyes roll around, hands go flying in the air. You know good cajun hand language. I am very proficient in cajun hand language.
Then of course, we had to have coffee. Naturally, we ordered the french press coffee. Must have been an off day for the coffee press. We poured coffee grounds into our cups. No this won't do. Jessica, bless her little heart, brought over two regular cups of coffee. We were saved.
All in all, a great eating experience. This is definitely a restaurant that has taken cajun foods and succeeded in creating unique recipes. We will be back to try a few other things we saw on other tables.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Pamplona
This was the first time I had experienced a tapas restaurant. I am going back!
Trent was our waiter. He was very patient, sometimes I have a tendency to embarrass my daughter in law and the waiter. He just played along with me. Bless his little heart.
Now....to the food...
Bacon Wrapped Date - stuffed with blue cheese. Arica and I both agreed the texture was not great. Hot dates do not taste great.
Fried Goat Cheese Croquettes - Yum!!! Served with balsamic reduction, honey, and toasted almonds. Really, really good!
Duck Fat Fries - Ok, I was not too excited to try this. Duck fat? Holy moly, was I surprised! They cook it in regular oil with a touch of duck fat. They serve it with minced garlic and parsley on top. The aioli served with it was amazing!
But, the one thing I will be going back for was the Mac-n-Smoked Gouda. Crusty on top with ooey-gooey cheesy pasta goodness inside.
I know exactly what I am ordering next time. Mac-n-Smoked Gouda with Ciabatta Loaf with garlic chili oil.
Even the coffee was super good. French pressed.
The atmosphere reminded me of places in Beaver Creek, Colorado or Park City, Utah. Loved it!
Trent was our waiter. He was very patient, sometimes I have a tendency to embarrass my daughter in law and the waiter. He just played along with me. Bless his little heart.
Now....to the food...
Bacon Wrapped Date - stuffed with blue cheese. Arica and I both agreed the texture was not great. Hot dates do not taste great.
Fried Goat Cheese Croquettes - Yum!!! Served with balsamic reduction, honey, and toasted almonds. Really, really good!
Duck Fat Fries - Ok, I was not too excited to try this. Duck fat? Holy moly, was I surprised! They cook it in regular oil with a touch of duck fat. They serve it with minced garlic and parsley on top. The aioli served with it was amazing!
But, the one thing I will be going back for was the Mac-n-Smoked Gouda. Crusty on top with ooey-gooey cheesy pasta goodness inside.
I know exactly what I am ordering next time. Mac-n-Smoked Gouda with Ciabatta Loaf with garlic chili oil.
Even the coffee was super good. French pressed.
The atmosphere reminded me of places in Beaver Creek, Colorado or Park City, Utah. Loved it!
Birthday outing
Arica brought me to the Village Cafe for my birthday lunch recently. I had gone there to eat a very long time ago, so I was somewhat familiar with the spot. I believe it had changed a little since I was last there.
She was wanting something with goat cheese. So we pulled up suggestions from a couple of friends and got on line to check out their menus. Village Cafe was decided on.
Bailey was our young waiter. He was very informative and very sweet.
He suggested the Tasso Spring Rolls to start with. Oh my gosh, heaven. I love crunchy and these were. Filled with tiny bits of tasso, asparagus, and cabbage. The Bacon Chili Muscadine glaze that was served with it, Yum!
We decided we were going to eat something different and maybe a little lighter today. I chose the Apple Salad. Mixed greens, apple, pecans, blue cheese with a bacon dressing. Very good. The only down side was the dressing became heavy and a little greasy. Past that, really good. Bailey suggested a balsamic dressing possibly next time. Good idea.
Arica had the Portobella mushroom french fries. These were served on a tray with 2 different types of sauce. She loved them.
Since it was my birthday, the restaurant gave me a choice of their desserts as a gift to me. How nice. I chose the pot de creme. This is heaven! It comes in a very little cup and saucer. Very deceiving. At the very top is chocolate cookie-like bits. Next, whipped cream. Then the Mother lode. Chocolate pudding. Not your regular pudding. This pudding taste like fudge that did not turn firm.
This was the perfect ending to a yummy meal!
We both were very pleased with our dining experience. We will be back!!!!!
She was wanting something with goat cheese. So we pulled up suggestions from a couple of friends and got on line to check out their menus. Village Cafe was decided on.
Bailey was our young waiter. He was very informative and very sweet.
He suggested the Tasso Spring Rolls to start with. Oh my gosh, heaven. I love crunchy and these were. Filled with tiny bits of tasso, asparagus, and cabbage. The Bacon Chili Muscadine glaze that was served with it, Yum!
We decided we were going to eat something different and maybe a little lighter today. I chose the Apple Salad. Mixed greens, apple, pecans, blue cheese with a bacon dressing. Very good. The only down side was the dressing became heavy and a little greasy. Past that, really good. Bailey suggested a balsamic dressing possibly next time. Good idea.
Arica had the Portobella mushroom french fries. These were served on a tray with 2 different types of sauce. She loved them.
Since it was my birthday, the restaurant gave me a choice of their desserts as a gift to me. How nice. I chose the pot de creme. This is heaven! It comes in a very little cup and saucer. Very deceiving. At the very top is chocolate cookie-like bits. Next, whipped cream. Then the Mother lode. Chocolate pudding. Not your regular pudding. This pudding taste like fudge that did not turn firm.
This was the perfect ending to a yummy meal!
We both were very pleased with our dining experience. We will be back!!!!!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Introducing Arica
Arica is very busy, so I will be helping her out with my take on her.
Arica (same as Erica) is a mother of 2 amazing children and husband to my favorite son. She is owner of a very successful employment agency here in Lafayette (Express Employment). She recently moved into a new home which she totally was in charge of having it built and decorated. She is extremely active in her children's school.
She is an awesome cook. Her cupcakes are to die for. I think she is most happy with family and friends in her kitchen cooking up a meal.
Arica is often (very often) calling me to grab lunch. I will never say no. We have jokingly said at these lunches that we should share our likes and dislikes, in regards to our meals. We also needed to try new eating establishments.
So here we are with this blog.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
This ain't no diet blog
Welcome to a new adventure with these food loving ladies.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Sandi. I am a young at heart southern lady who can get senior citizens discounts. Wife to an amazing husband, Mother to 2 wonderful children, Meme to 4 beautiful grandchildren with an extra helping of 7 grandchildren from my hubby's side.
I am lucky to have been born here in Acadiana. I love the food here, but am adventurous enough to try something a little different every once in a while.
Unfortunately, I do not eat seafood. I know, I know. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? Just don't care for it. Love a really good burger. My chicken and sausage gumbo is to die for. I will never miss out on dessert. A little drink every once in a while is nice too. Barbecue is yummy (especially my brother's).
How did this blog get dreamed up?
Well, let me tell you. My daughter-in-law and I have a tendency to eat at the same restaurants and order the same thing each time. We seem to eat out a lot. Ask my husband.
We felt we needed to try different restaurants. There are so many we have not tried and felt we may be missing out on something special.
We are a little opinionated about how food should taste, the atmosphere of the restaurant, and the service provided. OK, maybe a lot opinionated. Sooooo, we decided we should start a blog to let our friends know what we thought about our dining experiences. Sorta like a food critic, but we are not that high class. We just want to spread the word when we find good food, good service, and a great dining experience.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Sandi. I am a young at heart southern lady who can get senior citizens discounts. Wife to an amazing husband, Mother to 2 wonderful children, Meme to 4 beautiful grandchildren with an extra helping of 7 grandchildren from my hubby's side.
I am lucky to have been born here in Acadiana. I love the food here, but am adventurous enough to try something a little different every once in a while.
Unfortunately, I do not eat seafood. I know, I know. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? Just don't care for it. Love a really good burger. My chicken and sausage gumbo is to die for. I will never miss out on dessert. A little drink every once in a while is nice too. Barbecue is yummy (especially my brother's).
How did this blog get dreamed up?
Well, let me tell you. My daughter-in-law and I have a tendency to eat at the same restaurants and order the same thing each time. We seem to eat out a lot. Ask my husband.
We felt we needed to try different restaurants. There are so many we have not tried and felt we may be missing out on something special.
We are a little opinionated about how food should taste, the atmosphere of the restaurant, and the service provided. OK, maybe a lot opinionated. Sooooo, we decided we should start a blog to let our friends know what we thought about our dining experiences. Sorta like a food critic, but we are not that high class. We just want to spread the word when we find good food, good service, and a great dining experience.
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