Pulled Pork Amazingness

So, back in the day, I started this blog as a food documentary. Though, it hasn't stayed that... and I haven't been good at it, I'd like to start writing about food again. Mainly, because I like eating.

Last night, I coaxed two friends to join me at Brasa on Grand Ave. I'd been once before and fell in love with their sides - all you need to say is plantains and black beans to go straight to my heart. It was again, nothing short of amazing.

We started with their house made daily Sangria. It was delicious. It was one of the better red Sangria's I've ever had - usually I much prefer the white. My only complaint was that I wished my GLASS contained more fruit, and that's only because it was stuck in the pitcher.

Ordering time brought a tough decision... mainly with the sides. I'm a side kinda girl. Don't get me wrong, I love meat and sandwiches. But when tempted with cornbread, yams, black beans, and spinach... my heart melts.

I opted for the Roasted Pork with Ginger Mayo & Shaved Onions, with sides and sharing a few with my dear roommate. This sandwich may be on my new short list of sandwiches. It was absolutely amazing. First, the role was a lovely chibata - not too hard, and not too soft. It complimented the meat perfectly. The pork wasn't your typical BBQ pulled pork, it was simply with the flavors it had been marinated with. It was tender and had amazing flavor. Pairing this with the sweet of the caramelized onion and spice of the ginger mayo - it was a to die for combination.

Though maybe over ordered, the side selection was impeccable. Tara had gotten a meal that came with two sides, I added one and we both got cornbread (obviously). My favorite were the plantains - hands down. However, I LOVE plantains, so it isn't a hard victory. This was closely followed by the black beans and rice, yam's with sausage, and creamed spinach. This coupled with

Tara got the chicken - which was good - but more than anything the cilantro sauce that it came with was amazing. I could bath in it... it was THAT good. I actually ended up pairing it with everything at some point - it was AMAZING with the plantains.

So, Brasa - with it's new St Paul location - HIGHLY recommended. It doesn't hurt to have a connection with one of the managers, but loved it.

To go or not to go?

So, I've never been to Vegas. Yes, I'm 28 and never been. But, have always been kind of OK with this fact. I'm not much of a gambler - but enjoy pools, food and shopping, so have always been tempted. However I've mainly not been because, I have a feeling - with some of my friends, it could end up like this ad.

I like the play on the word... but the visual scares me and shows me why exactly I don't want to go to Vegas, for the most part. It's a beautifully shot image, with the artistic flair that you'd expect. Reminds me of some of the Equinox work that Fallon has done in tone... but overall, it scared me. I guess I prefer passing out on my couch with a 1/2 drank Premium.

What a spring!

Right... so that blog post about starting again and it's been a month. It has been quite the roller coaster spring... But things are finally coming together. After a rough few final months at CL, I was laid off. Which was followed by being astonished someone (in a negative way). Which was followed by my grandmother passing away...

However, as with all times of trouble, great things come out. Through this time I was able to reconnect with a lot of wonderful friends and family. Travel a lot. Weigh a lot of opportunities of ways to take my career. And in the end find a new job. So... even through it all... out came a lot of good things.

HOWEVER... that is my excuse for not blogging for awhile after my announced return.

So, this time. Back.

Hello Blog.

I'm back in a blogging place. I have some more time. And figuring out what thoughts are ready to share with the world (or at least 3 friends).

So, it's been awhile. But here is my blogging declaration.

Hello Blog. I've missed you.

More coming...

Some of my loyal readers (LMFH) have requested me to blog more... so, here we go.

Though from a friend and I didn't find it myself, this is maybe one of my favorite spots out there right now.

Made my DAY!

So... I have a walking problem sometimes. I have permabruises, run into things... but the worst is with coffee. It splashes EVERYWHERE. Clothes, friends, me... you name it.

Today, I got my latte at Starbucks, and saw some cute little stir sticks by where you pick up your drink. However, the Barista told me - they weren't stir sticks at all. The are plugs! FOR YOUR COFFEE! No longer do we need to slosh all over while walking, talking and being slightly overly animated while telling a story or proving a point. You simply put this well branded little stick into the drinking hole and you are GOOD TO GO.

THANK YOU STARBUCKS. My lack of stain removal abilities greatly thank you.

it's been a BLOG time.

I'm pretty sure my blog misses me. I haven't posted in nearly a month... and it's a been a crazy month.

Here's a few highlights...
LA for Dark Custom print shoot:
- Staying right of the Santa Monica pier sure didn't suck... View was amazing. While running on the beach one day, I noticed a camera bag and small group guys. In effort avoid the group, I went out of my way to run around them... then, all of the sudden out of nowhere - one of the guys flails out of the group nearly taking me down... It was Gary Busey.
- Our first day of shooting was outside of the glamorous LA prison in downtown. While we were in between shots, or waiting, we headed next store to the beauty supply store. If you ever wondered where nail salons get vats of lotion or whatever ... that the place. You can by giant, and I mean giant, jars of lotion for just $7.
- Driving to the desert is fun. However, listening to soft rock for hours on end, is not.
- Koi ponds are lovely... as is consuming excess of wine by them.

Moving:
- Snowing the last weekend of April is not cool, especially while moving. Gross.
- My friends are great - very helpful. Thanks dudes... even if you were there for the beer and pizza. Oh - and Ange, I'll still call you when I can't find stuff in the kitchen.

LA - Revolver shoot:
- Even punk bands live in suburbs on culdesac's.

Seattle:
- Top Pot Donuts. They're great.
- The Pink Door is one of my forever favorite places.
- Hiking is great. Hiking with pounders, even better.