New Review: Tilicum Place Cafe

I got my day started off right today... my friend Kristin invited me to join her for a spinning class at Gold's Gym on Capitol Hill. I haven't been to a spin class in 2012 so I was happy to join her. Our instructor Amber was amazing. I couldn't believe she was 17 weeks pregnant and kicking my butt in spinning. Watching her was just the motivation I needed to sweat like a maniac and push myself just a little bit harder.

After a killer workout I headed to Tilicum Place Cafe for a Saturday brunch with a handful of my besties... and a few babies! Tassoula of course planned this adventure for us and believe me this spot dissappoint. This boutique cafe was quaint, friendly and offered some great brunch menu items.

Brunch started off with french-press coffee served with a small shortbread cookie that was to die for. And then the madness of getting two babies settled that were under 12 months. :) Just joking they were the best behaved babies I have ever seen.

Adrian and Eleana's babies are the cutest!

After catching up for a bit we all decided to order off this amazing menu. I decided to go with the Portobello Mushroom Sandwich topped with herbed goat cheese and a sweet balsamic drizzle. This sandwich was amazing. I couldn't believe I didn't pick a breakfast item. I guess there is a first for everything.

My meal was fresh, light and tasty. The combination of goat cheese, spicy arugula and sweet balsamic drizzle over the mushrooms was great. The flavors blended together perfectly. I also loved how they served this sandwich open faced. The serving was quite large but I managed to eat the salad and sandwich less half the bread. The other ladies ordered a dutch baby, cornmeal pancakes, strata and a breakfast plate. We all raved about our meals! The babies were so polite, they allowed us girls to catch up and gossip. ;) I miss seeing these girls everyday at work but I am hopeful that these get togethers will become more frequent! I love you Mary, Eleana, Adrian and Tassoula.

Tilicum Place Cafe earned a great review from me.

Service: Knowledgeable, friendly and accomodating (very baby friendly).
Food: Great variety of menu items with the freshest ingredients. Checkout their specials!
Drinks: The coffee was great and I was told the Bloody Mary's were spicy yet tasty.
Atmosphere: Quaint, laid back and authentic.
Price: The prices are very reasonable. I ended up paying $14 with tax and tip!

Spinning, Tilicum Place Cafe and spending time with the girls was the best way to start my Saturday off right.



Healthy Football Sunday Snacks

Today I decided I wanted to be in the kitchen and watch nothing but football all day. I decided I wanted to try and make healthy football snacks. :)

I have always wanted to bake chickpeas and almost all the recipes on the web state the same thing... what a great healthy snack. So pretty much all you do is clean a 15-ounce can of chickpeas and dry, mix whatever spices you want with a tablespoon of EVOO, coat the chickpeas with your mixture and then bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes (turn 25 minutes through). And you get an amazing crunchy snack! I think next time I am going to make spicy version. This time I used cumin, cinnamon, paprika and chili pepper. They really are quite tasty and super easy to make... I have added this to my Superbowl snack list.

Next I decided to give Kale Chips another try. Last year I tried to make these... and it just didn't go well. They weren't crunchy or tasty at all. So today I decided to try making them again. The general consensus on the web was to preheat the oven to 275 degrees and then simply toss the kale with EVOO and sea salt and then bake for 22 minutes (turning half way through). When making these buy the precut kale from Trader Joe's... it makes working with kale so much easier. :) After 22 minutes I had the most perfect Kale Chips a girl could as for. They were salty, crunchy and delicious. I definitely could replace regular chips with kale chips! Again I found another healthy snack to add to my Superbowl snack list.

As I was making all these snacks I realized that I hadn't had lunch. I was still kind of full from my amazing breakfast sandwich from The Essential Bakery so I decided to have a protein smoothie. I was craving oatmeal so I decided to Google 'oatmeal protein smoothie' and I found a recipe that sounded perfect from Eating Bird Food blog. It was titled 'Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie.' After I blended this smoothie I was so excited to taste it... it really did taste like an oatmeal cookie. Thank you Eating Bird Food blog for creating this wonderful smoothie that made me smile. I changed the recipe slightly by using almond milk, whey protein powder and omitting nutmeg.

What a great day! Next on my list a healthy Tuscan Kale Salad and Spaghetti Squash with tofu marina sauce.

New Review: The Original Pancake House

Today I started off my Saturday right with a great cardio workout. I have been craving some cardio after being stuck at my house because of the crazy weather. I couldn't decided what piece of cardio equipment I wanted to use so I referred back to one of my favorite workouts from Fitness Magazine - Burn 400 Calories without Getting Bored. After I finished this workout I was in such a good mood and couldn't wait for my breakfast date with Tassoula.

Over a week ago, Tassoula and I decided that we wanted to schedule a breakfast date. So we decided to meet half way in Kirkland and try 'The Original Pancake House.' I have actually heard a lot of good things about this place so I was super excited to stuff my face with some pancakes. 

We were seated immediately on a Saturday at 10am which was great. As we walked in it was a very similar feel to an IHOP. The service was nice but not extremely friendly and/or attentive, which was fine because Tassoula and I just talk talk talk. As we looked over the menu we were both sold on pancakes... naturally. I ordered the half (3 pancakes) order of the blueberry pancakes with a side of potatoes and Tassoula ordered the bacon pancakes with the same side. As we were catching up we kept getting distracted by the size of the orders that were coming out. I mean the omelets and dutch babies were the size a an entire plate. At this place you are definitely getting your monies worth.

My blueberry pancakes and potatoes were delish! The order was just so ginormous, I would recommend doing family style and just sharing everything. I ate about half of my pancakes and half of my potatoes. :)

My experience was good and perfect for my laid back mood! I would recommend this spot to families, the hungover crowd and anyone who just wants a good old fashioned breakfast.

Service: The service is friendly but you definitely aren't paying to be pampered by your staff.
Food: The breakfast was good and the food comes out really quickly!
Atmosphere: Laid back and homey!
Price: GREAT... ginormous servings that are very affordable. I spent under $15 on my order which is something you can never complain about. :)

It was great to catch up with my favorite foodie Tassoula. It is so great to have a friend that loves trying all types of food places. I love you Tassoula.

Snowed In - Day 2

So it turned out that today's weather was much worse than yesterday. Ice Storm 2012 hit Seattle today and it was bananas out on the roads so I decided again to work from home. But little did I know that I would be risking my sanity.

Check out the layer of snow then layer of ice and then another layer of snow.

The morning started off with a few emails followed by watching all the crazy people driving on the news. After really scaring myself into not driving until the ice disappears I decided to do another at home workout like yesterday. Today I found an awesome workout on Fly Fitness's Facebook page.

3 Sets of the following circuit

15 Squat Thrusts
15 Pushups
Plank (45 seconds)
30 Split Lunge Jumps (15 each side)

I can tell you that this circuit kicked my butt. I was breathing and sweating like a maniac. But it did feel really good to get this workout in early.

Next up was making a protein smoothie and breakfast... I had all this leftover fruit from my homemade brunch on Sunday so I put it to use. Check out my new protein smoothie Pine-ana Delight!

Pine-ana Delight

1 frozen banana
3 slices of fresh pineapple
1 cup of almond milk
1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder

Mix in a blender and you have a Pine-ana Delight! I paired my smoothie with 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt with fresh berries and just a drizzle of agave nectar.

After such a great morning I thought the day would be okay. But let me tell you being stranded is the worst... I couldn't leave the house because of the scary conditions outside. The freezing rain was causing powerlines and trees to come down and people were being ridiculous on the road. So I was trapped... not fun. As the day went on the weather continued to be crappy I continued to go stir crazy.

I am crossing my fingers that I can go into work tomorrow because I am ready for a change of scenery.

Exercising in the Comfort of Your Own Home!

So the snow finally came and I am officially allowed me to work from home. So I guess there is a first for everything. Little did I know that I would actually do a ton of work... seriously. It was nice to be able to work in sweats and do some chores while on break but a large part of the day I spent on the computer or on a conference call. I think working from home would really help my communication skills because you have to be really clear in emails and calls. :)

I decided half way through my day I would try to do an at home workout because I was starting to feel a bit lazy. So I decided to make-up a workout that could be done in the comfort of my living room because this girl was not driving in the snowy conditions. Believe me it was safer for everyone. Here it is:

I did this cycle of exercises TWICE!

(16) Side lunges (8 in each direction)
(10) Burpee Pushups
(20) Step ups on a chair (10 each leg)
(50) crunches
(20) Jump Squats
(12) Roll out pushups on exercise ball
(20) Split leg lunges (10 each leg)
(10) Exercise ball situps
(10) Pushups

This was a great workout filled with both strength and exercises that got my heart rate up. I do recommend only doing as many reps as you can with perfect form, so you don't injure or tweak any muscles. I felt so much better after completing this workout. Now it was time to plug away at work again.

New Review - Bennett's Pure Food Bistro

Since the weather is dicey today and I chose to ride the bus, the beau met me half-way in Mercer Island and took me to dinner before the big snow storm is supposed to hit. Since we were in Mercer Island the beau suggested 'Bennett's Pure Food Bistro.' I was game so we headed into this nice and cozy bistro.

I had never been to this spot before so I felt compelled to ask our waitress why it was called Bennett's 'Pure' bistro? She responded with that they are committed to serving pure, all natural food. Meaning you won't find artificial preservatives, colors or sweeteners. And no processed food... this made me so happy we chose this spot. I love supporting places that are healthy and support local/regional farmers etc.

The atmosphere was very inviting and cozy. I bet it is amazing in the summer when they can open the front window making it a patio. As we sat down they served us a tasting of their wine that was on special, which is always a good sign.

As we look over the menu there was an option for every appetite. We both decided to order off their seasonal menu. The beau ordered the with the Scallops with fingerling potatoes and green beans and I decided to go with their Ciopinno. The price was a little bit expensive but as the food came out we understood that their portions were very generous and the quality of the ingredients are top-notch so we didn't mind paying a bit more money.

The dish was filled with 8+ scallops and was delish.

I was excited that my dish came with a loaf of bread. :)

Both dishes were top-notch. The scallops, potatoes and green beans were cooked to perfection. The Cioppino was also quite good and light, perfect for a winter night. 

 

As the snow started to fall I begged the beau to stay for dessert because they had an hazelnut bread pudding on the menu. I had to twist his arm... wink wink. As it came to our table we both smiled. It smelled and looked delicious... and it tasted good too. It wasn't quite as good as the Purple Palm's restaurant in Palm Springs but it was still tasty, I just wanted it more gooey. :)

Service: Knowledgeable, friendly and attentive.
Food: Lots of healthy and hearty options, something for everyone.
Drinks: Lots of wine options. :)
Atmosphere: Trendy, rustic and cozy.
Price: A bit more expensive but you are paying for good quality food that is very tasty.

Next time I want to try their 'World's Best Mac and Cheese (Beechers)' and/or have brunch at this local bistro.

Stylish Rainboots

Today as I got ready for some crappy weather, I was a bit relieved because I could finally rock my stylish NEW Sperry Rainboots and NEW pashmina. This winter has been pretty mild but this week is supposed to be brutal with snow, ice and freezing rain.

This year I was on the prowl for some stylish rainboots, I mean I love my childish turtle rainboots but this year I wanted to find some new ones. I searched online for months and couldn't find the pair. But one day on Shoes.com I found the perfect pair... but they didn't have them in my size and they were a little spendy. The perfect rainboot has a wedge heel, lace up the front and are navy (totally obsessed with navy)... they are PERFECT. So I went ahead and checked out Sperrytopsider.com as my final attempt to but them and found them in my size on and sale. :) With shipping and handling the only cost my $30 which is much better than $50 plus shipping on Shoes.com.

And yesterday I bough a silver/grey pashmina that I couldn't wait to wear with a navy sweater, skinny jeans and my NEW rainboots. As I walked/ran to the bus I loved the way my boots made me feel... pretty much like a million bucks. I worked it!

Quick pose before running to the bus!

Don't judge me that I take pics in the office bathroom.

Hopefully the bus will get me home today in the snow!

Homemade Brunch w/ the Easiest Ritzy Breakfast Sandwich Ever

I think that everyone that knows me, knows that I am a brunch girl. So the beau and I had planned to have over some friends and treat them to a homemade brunch! But the weather was not cooperating so they had to cancel on us. But since I do not support wasting any groceries we pushed forward with a homemade brunch for ourselves.

But before we started our feast, we headed to the gym for a cardio workout. I decided to run for 30 minutes doing 5 minutes intervals of 6.5 and 7.0. It was a tough but an encouraging run because I didn't feel like I was going to die afterwards.
Finally we got home and started dividing and conquering in the kitchen. Neither of us really like to share the kitchen... okay that is a lie one of us does not like to share the kitchen. So my solution to this was to divide and conquer he was in charge of the Farmer's Market omelet and homemade hash browns. Leaving me in charge of making the easiest breakfast sandwich ever... Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich with Fig and Honey. I found this recipe on Cooking Light and it is simply amazing.

2 tsp of honey
1/4 tsp grated lemon rind
1 (4-ounce) package of goat cheese
8 (1-ounce) slices cinnamon-raisin bread
2 tbsp of fig preserves
2 tsp thinly sliced basil
cooking spray
1 tsp powdered sugar
1) Simply mix first four ingredients together

2) Top each slice of cinnamon-raisin bread with 2 tbsp of goat chesse mixture
3) Top each slice with a tbsp of fig and a tsp of basil

4) Close the sandwich and put in pan
5) Moniter closely because the bread burns easily (put a heavy item on top of the sandwich)

Now you have a perfect, delicious and ritzy sandwich in less than 20 minutes. We paired the sandwich with a Farmer's Market omelet (all veggies you can think of) and homemade hash browns. This brunch was simply amazing... we looked to each other and asked why we don't pamper our appetities like this more often. Note: Homemade brunch can rival going out on occasion!

Delicious!

After a great brunch I headed to the mall to do some Christmas exchanges. I was pleasantly surprised whe I walked by BCBG... 60% Off Sale Items + 20% Off. Yes please! :)

I am so in love with both of my purchases!

Next stop... resizing my beautiful watch.

What a great Sunday: brunch, shopping, football and snow. :) 



New Review: Black Bottle Postern

It's finally Wednesday! And you know the perfect way to celebrate hump day is to schedule a Girls Date at a hip/trendy spot. :)

So tonight, my friend Tassoula and I headed to Black Bottle Postern in Downtown Bellevue. I have wanted to try this trendy spot in DT Seattle for awhile so I was really excited when they opened one in Bellevue because it is closer to my house.

Tassoula is a pretty great date because you give her the time and place and she makes a reservation in less than 5 minutes... truly a wonderful quality. So we picked 7:15 and when I arrived the place was packed, standing room only. And again I was thankful for Tassoula's planning. I was seated right away and as I walked all the way to the back, I loved the rustic yet trendy atmosphere that surrounded me. The one draw back was that is was pretty noisy so I wouldn't expect having an intimate conversation during their busy hours.

Tassoula arrived shortly after me and we hugged it out and got down to business... what to drink. We both decided red wine was our poison today because it was so chilly outside. I remember the beau saying 'Justin Cabernet Sauvignon' was a good wine so I was sold. The drink menu is a bit overwhelming because they have tons and tons of options.

That's why I love Tassoula... always game to have a good time.

Next decision what to eat?? Again there were so many option veggies,salad, meat, shrimp, flat bread... I mean how could you go wrong. The menu lists all options as 'Shared Plates' which means that you should order at least two items. But the good news is you will have some leftovers if you exercise self control. :)

Bacon Lemon Scallops with Frizzled Kale
This menu item was to die for... the scallops and bacons were cooked perfectly and the kale added a nice texture and tasty tart flavor. A bite with all the flavors is the way to go.

Proscuitto and Bechamel Flatbread

We ordered this flatbread because one of favorite people in the world, Marto recommended it. I'm still not sure how to pronounce bechamel or even what it is but the flatbread was a delightful cheese bread. :) It was cooked perfectly and very cheesey. The size of the plate is definitely enough for 2 people! The picture below just doesn't do it justice.

As Tassoula and I wined and dined ourselves, I realized just how much I love her. She makes me laugh constantly with her ridiculous stories. She is just so easy to talk with about anything and just goes with the flow. For instance, as the server was cleaning up a knife was thrown (okay not thrown dropped0 towards Tassoula and we joked that she was 'knifed in Bellevue.' I mean we are dorks but we got a good chuckle out of it. I truly appreciate our friendship and can't wait to hit the town with her again.

My review for Black Bottle Postern is very favorable.

Service: Laid back yet attentive
Food: Delightful with an option for every palette
Drinks: Delightful with an option for every palette
Atmosphere: Trendy, rustic and laid back
Price: Drinks are upwards of $10 and so are the shared plates. This is a great place to splurge but I couldn't hit it up every night. Check out their happy hour too!

New Review: Tropea Ristorante

Tonight I am showering my mom with birthday love. My dad and I are taking her to dinner one of her favorite local spots - Tropea Ristorante Italiano. I had never eaten here before both my parents rave about their lunch and dinner menus all the time.

As I pulled up to the Ristorante, I was kind of shocked because it is located in the middle of a strip mall. But as soon as I walked in I knew it would be much more authentic than the nearest Olive Garden. :) The restaurant is really small and quaint but it has tons of character.

Look at all that wine!

At 7 PM on a Tuesday, Tropea was pretty darn busy, which is always a great sign. The atmosphere was awesome and the servers were so helpful and attentive and both the wine list and menu's had tons of options... all these characteristics led me to believe I was about to have a great dining experience.

The only problem with so many delicious options is deciding... so I of course badgered the server about the menu and he finally persuaded me to order a Special Chicken Dish aka 'Pink Chicken.' I just loved our server so much, he has worked at Tropea for 15 years and knows pretty much everything about the menu and his personality was so refreshing, he really loves what he does. This is the type of restaurant where you can just tell you server what you want and they make it happen... just one of the many reasons I love small local restaurants. Tropea has numerous specials each day and my parents said to always order of the special menu because they have never had a bad experience. :) 

We opted not to order an appetizer because I was warned the dishes are ginormous, so the bread basket and olive oil dipping would have to do and it did. It was so garlicky and delicious!

As I said earlier I ordered the 'Pink Chicken' which is a chicken breast and side of penne pasta topped with Tropea's famous aurora sauce. Aurora sauce is a blend of alfredo and spaghetti sauce... and it was delicious. I could only eat half of my dish because I was saving room for dessert because there are two full pages of options. :)

My dad ordered the 'Lobster Ravioli Special' which was very tasty. The picture below does not due the meal justice. It is a rich dish so you may want to share a couple of dishes but my dad had no trouble finishing it off. FYI huge pieces of lobster are included in this dish.

My mom ordered a special Fetttuccine dish with homemade sausage and meatballs. I have to tell you her dish was the prettiest and tastiest. The meatballs are to die for and the sausage isn't to bad either!

Since we were celebrating my mom we all decided to order our own dessert and share it. As I said above their are two pages of delicious desserts to choose from. My dad ordered a delicious pistachio parfait, I ordered the famous Cannoli, and my mom ordered something really pretty and interesting... none of us could recall it. :) 

The pistachio parfait was the best dessert I have had in awhile, the cannoli filling was life-changing and my mom's mystery dessert was tasty but definitely was our third favorite. 

My experience at Tropea couldn't have been any better. Please check it out and support this local business. :) 

PS I just want to go on the blog record that I have the BEST parents in the world. Seriously... how cute are they? So CUTE!