Monthly Archives: December 2015

Birmingham

Posted in Southeast Weekends by

Was able to explore a new city– while it was a few months ago it is still worth sharing! I also got to visit two good friends who had recently moved there.

Birmingham is two hours from Atlanta and in my mind that is the perfect distance when leaving after work Friday and returning Sunday.

We started the day on Saturday at the Pepper Place Farmers Market located downtown. Since we were starting our day didn’t have the opportunity to buy any produce but it certainly looked like you could buy your whole weeks worth and then some. I was able to enjoy some iced coffee & pick up some candles. I was going to get as gifts but they smelled too good to give away!

Next we headed lunch at Five Bar in Crestwood. I ordered the special for the day: blackened snapper with goats cheese grits & creole red pepper cream sauce. I recommend the smoked tuna dip as well as they smoke it right in house. Since we went on Saturday we missed the Sunday brunch when they have live Jazz.

In the afternoon we hiked around Pelham Oak Mountain State Park. Had it been a rainy summer/early fall the waterfall would have been more full but sadly it reminded me more of a trickle nevertheless it was still fun!

And while I love nature my natural habitat is probably closer to an institution that makes and serves beer so to Good People Brewery we went. And let me tell you they had the BEST coffee oatmeal stout. I was extremely distressed when I found out that they don’t sell into Georgia.

Went to Jisei for sushi and man was it swanky! I wish I could remember which rolls I had however I can’t but I can tell you I participated in the clean plate club that night and went on to enjoy the cake pops. They later inspired me to make my own but trust me when I say mine didn’t even compare.

Last stop for the day was to Avondale Brewery where I discovered the vanilliaphent porter, which I also enjoyed immensely. Very fun fact: you won’t be disappointed with the beers or breweries in Alabama.

On Sunday we hit up Brick & Tin in Mountain Brook for brunch. I had the meatloaf sandwich and indulged with another good beer a rye brown from Trim Tab Brewery.

This weekend was complete with good food, great company, and new places. Couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural trip to Alabama.

Thanks for hosting Kiffy & Justin!!

Wildflower Cafe

Posted in Cincinnati by

Wildflower Cafe, Mason

Work trips probably have more cons than pros but one solid pro is that I get to eat out and when traveling solo you are not only on your own schedule but your taste buds come first. I have been here now twice and was not let down either time. The cafe is in a house and while the tables (both upstairs and downstairs) are reservation only the bar for the most part is open. I have lucked out twice and was able to squeeze in; after talking to a few turns out that is not always the case. I suggest The truffled mushroom fonduta, which is served with “16 bricks” bread. Be sure to eat quickly as the cheese can harden and make a little more difficult to eat. On my most recent visit their ribeye steak for the night was smoked. I couldn’t recall if I’d ever eaten a smoked steak before so thought I’d throw in the wild card and order it. I’m not sure what I was expecting but it did in fact have a serious smoked flavor closer to pork or something you might barbecue. I’m not sure this is the steak I would eat everyday but savored the modification. The bread pudding is also worth mentioning but be careful as to not become too full with everything else offered. If you figure out how to do this please let me in on the secret.

The Rookwood

Posted in Cincinnati by

The Rookwood, Cincinnati

Mount Adams is a fabulous neighborhood in Cincinnati. It is set on a hill that looks over the Ohio river and it also happens to be home to one of my oldest and best friends from college. Miraculously our schedules worked out so we could get dinner when I was in town. The weather also cooperated and we were able to sit outside. While catching up we ordered the bacon wrapped dates and a couple glasses of wine. Pretty good selection of wine by the glass, which were were thankful for. I wish it could have been a bottle sort of night but sadly it was only a Wednesday. While responsibilities held me back in one department they did not hold me back when I choose to order the pork shank. I would come back for this pork shank. It feel off the bone and braising it in apple cider was a fabulous decision. My only hesitation would be the service as it was not the best nor fastest but luckily neither of us minded as we weren’t trying to rush.