Food and Drink » Mi Vida Ocupada

Sushi Dinner Date

Jan 102012

Christmas is always a busy time of year but my hometown girlfriends and I always try to get together for a dinner date every year in December. This year we met for a late dinner at Masu Sushi and Robata (the same night as my staff holiday party) and had ourselves a great time.

I love that so many of my friends love sushi as much as I do, there is no shortage of great places to eat in the Twin Cities. One of the items I saw on the menu was an Oyster Shooter with raw quail egg and my adventurous side desperately wanted to try it. It didn’t take much convincing to get Bradie and Jessie to order one as well ;) The description did say “shooter” but we were surprised to find that the oyster and quail egg were in a shot of sake!

Oyster Shooter with Quail Egg at Masu Sushi and Robata ~ Minneapolis, MN

The BEFORE….

The DURING…. (lol, Jess’s face cracks me up!)

The sushi was delicious!Make sure you read my review of Masu if you would like to see the rest of our meal

Masu Roll, Firecraxkwr Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll at Masu Sushi and Robata ~ Minneapolis, MN

And of course the photos of us ladies….

The restaurant has a giant mural on the wall of a Japanese woman’s eyes. Jess & Brade thought it would be funny to have a picture of them with the eye, so here it is!

It was a very fun night with great friends. Can’t wait to meet up with these ladies again soon!

**********************************************************************************

On this date I have blogged about:

On 01-10-08: Read Thoughts for Thursday: 21st birthdays (01-10-08)
On 01-10-08: Read Designing Blog Banners….. (01-10-08)
On 01-10-07: Read A few cool sites to share…. (01-10-07)
On 01-10-06: Read The MySpace Craze…. (01-10-06)

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Bloody Mary Sunday

Food and Drink 5 Responses »

Nov 062011

Enjoying Football and Bloody’s up at a friends house today :)

Rather than taking a picture at this moment, I will leave you with a few I had on file

Bloody Mary at Patriot’s Tavern ~ Stillwater, MN

Bloody Mary at Oak City ~ Brooklyn Center, MN

Norman Quacks Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary at McCormick & Schmicks ~ Minneapolis, MN

Bloody Mary @ Hula Hut ~ Austin, TX

Bloody Mary

I have a feeling I will be in bed early tonight ;)

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

MN State Fair 2011 Recap

Food and Drink, Friend Time 2 Responses »

Sep 092011

A few weeks ago I made my way out to the MN State Fair with my guy and my friend Noemy. We were only out there for about 3 hours and spent most of the time eating. I didn’t take too many photos because it is hard lugging a big camera around while eating, etc (but I still managed a few!!!)

We caught the Horse Show for awhile, these horses were gorgeous!!

Horse Show 2 at Minnesota State Fair

Horse Show 3 at MInnesota State Fair

Horse Show Awarding at Miunnesota State Fair

Mn State Fair 2011 at night

This deep-fried banana split was my favorite thing I ate this year :)

Deep Fried Banana Split at Ole and Lena’s ~ Minnesota State Fair

Mmmm, Scotch Eggs…. good any time of day

Scotch Eggs ~ Minnesota State Fair

The pocket apple pie ranks up there as well!

Deep Fried Apple Pie at Minneapple ~ Minnesota State Fair

Potato sausage at Sausage by Cynthia ~ Minnesota State Fair

Cheese Curds at Mouse Trap ~ Minnesota State Fair

Fried Ravioli at Vescio’s

Roasted Corn

Corn Dog

Mini Pirate Ship Ride ~ Minnesota State Fair

Silly Girls….

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Friday Night Dinner with the Girls { at Salut}

Food and Drink, Friend Time 7 Responses »

Jun 202011

If you’re just checking in for the first time since Friday, you will see a bunch of posts from me in your feed readers. Sorry about that, but not really!! I still have a lot of catching up to do but can start with the beginning of my weekend.

I had plans Friday night with a group of my friends from HS. We met at Salut Bar Americain on Grand Ave. (review to come!)

Me, Andrea, Mandy, Anne, Bradie and Joy

Me and Bradie….. my lifelong amiga

Mandy Anne and Joy

We had a nice meal which included….

Moules Cafe De Paris at Salut Bar Americain ~ St Paul, MN

Chicken Club at Salut Bar Americain ~ St Paul, MN

After dinner we took a stroll down Grand Avenue and stopped to have a coffee on the patio at Caribou. It was a very nice evening…. I love spending time with my girlfriends and must do it more often!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

How I celebrated Cinco de Mayo {fajitas y margaritas}

Food and Drink, Holidays 1 Response »

Jun 192011

I know this was six weeks ago but I am trying to catch up ;)

Cinco de Mayo is totally an Mexican-American holiday, one that I have taken to celebrating every year with a yummy Mexican meal.

This year we had fajitas and margaritas with our next door neighbors. Underneath all of that guac, peppers and cheese there is steak. Delicioso!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Rhubarb Potluck

Food and Drink, School & Work 2 Responses »

Jun 172011

It is tradition at my school to have a Rhubarb Potluck every year when the rhubarb is ready to be picked. It is the best potluck if you like rhubarb! We had our Potluck on May 25th this year.

This was the first year that I made something to contribute. I made Betty Crocker’s Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars. I took pictures of nearly everything, we had quite a variety! See album here.

Rhubarb Cream Cheese Bars

Rhubarb Bundt Cake

Homemade Salsa with Rhubarb copy

Rhubarb Chutney

Rhubarb Cake

Blueberry Rhubarb Pistachio Crisp

Rhubarb Muffins

Rhubarb Apple Pie

Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Pig Roast Extravaganza

Food and Drink, Friend Time, Neighborhood, Neighbors 5 Responses »

Jun 022011

Have you ever been to or hosted a Pig Roast?

It is usually a good time; a lot of people, food, fun and drinks. A great way to bring people together!

A few weeks ago I was talking with a few different neighbors of mine and we thought it would be fun to put something together for our neighborhood since a few families are moving this summer. Hence, the Pig Roast idea was born. A few of the guys went down to the local slaughterhouse, picked out a couple of pigs and the rest is history! A huge Thank You to D & D for providing the pork and hosting the fun!

(PS I accidentally walked into the slaughter zone in the garage next door where the guys happened to be butchering the pigs the night before the party. Very disturbing. I won’t go into detail but did you know little piggies have eyelashes???)

The pig roast was a really good time! The weather was kind of “iffy” most of the day on Saturday but it cleared up around dinner and then we had decent weather. Many of our neighbors who were in town stopped by with food for the party. The food was pretty awesome (the pork tasted great) and it was nice to hang out and get to know some neighbors. We had lawn games set up and that kept many of the neighborhood kids busy for hours. I played some croquet and had a good time, beans bags too.

What good would my posts be if I didn’t include shots of the food?

The roasting pork. (The ribs and other various pork parts were cooked in the smoker) instead of on the rotisserie.

I made my mom’s broccoli salad to bring to the party and it was a big hit (as it always is when my mom makes it too) Pictured is an archived photo of my mom’s broccoli salad, as I did not take any photos of my own. Or any other food, for that matter. Weird! I was too busy eating, obviously.

Broccoli Salad

We had special guests at the party in addition to the neighbors. Our dear friend Noemy and her family are on leave from the military (based in CA) for a few weeks and they rolled into town the afternoon of the party. They came straight from the airport and brought an entourage of food and family with them. It was so great to see Noemy and the boys, I have missed her very much but not as much as her BFF, Denise!

Here we are, The Three Amigas.

A few more photos

It was a great time, hope to do this every year!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Patio Weather {It’s About TIME}

Family Gatherings, Food and Drink, Great Outdoors & Weather 6 Responses »

May 252011

It’s no secret that this spring hasn’t been the greatest weather-wise.

So what to do when the weather finally starts to get nice?

Hit up a local restaurant with a great patio!

I did that twice last week and it was awesome.

On Wednesday I met my brother Jeff at WA Frost & Co for Happy hour on the patio (review to come). Of course we were also celebrating Jeff’s 30th birthday. Please excuse the ugly backdrop, we were at the back of the patio with our backs to the wall

The patio at WA Frost is very big and very lush and their coconut-green curry mussels are to-die-for!!

Then Saturday night I went to Black Forest Inn to cover a piece about Spargelfest (festival of asparagus!) They also have a very nice patio, in a courtyard of sorts. They also have a giant tarp on a mechanical pulley that covers the patio when it starts to sprinkle. In Minnesota it is common for the weather to be sunny all day, start to cloud up and rain later out of nowhere and then turn sunny again an hour later. That is exactly what the weather was doing on Saturday. The tarp is actually covering the patio in the photo below, you just can’t tell because you still get nice daylight.

I hope to hit up many more patios around town this summer before it gets too hot, how about you?!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Cooking for Cinco de Mayo {Muy Delicioso}

Food and Drink, Holidays, Recipes 5 Responses »

May 032011

What are your plans for this Thursday, el Cinco de Mayo? If you’re like me, you have Mexican food on the brain this week. No doubt I will be eating something delicious and Mexican this week at some point (and probably enjoying my favorite beverage, El Margarita.)

Thought I would gather a few simple recipes for you if you haven’t made plans already.

How about some Fish Tacos with Fresh Chile? I love all the color in this dinner, so pretty and yummy!

Fish Tacos on Flour Tortilla

Another delicious option is Homemade Enchiladas. So many recipe options out there! I think the key is the sauce you use. Making your sauce from scratch will always taste better than from a can, but a can isn’t horrible if you go to El Mercado and buy something authentic (aka NOT Old El Paso or Ortega).

Enchiladas

Mexican-Style Beef and Potato Empanadas. Tons of options for fillings with these little pockets of goodness but these ones were super delish. The rice was awesome too, made with gandules aka pigeon peas. I will have to post that recipe one of these days but NiNi makes it different every time. lol

Beef Empanadas and Arroz con Gandules

What are your plans for Cinco this year?

Enjoy!

Margarita Trio

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Pork Fussili {Family Dinner}

Family Gatherings, Food and Drink 6 Responses »

Dec 292010

You may remember the Legend of Pork Fussili. No? Then you better click on the link to ‘get in the know’!

Jeff and Amanda made the famous dish for the family again a few weeks ago while she was in town.

Pork Fussili

Pasta

Sauce for Pork Fussili

Shredded Pork for Pork Fussili

Habanero Cilantro Pesto for Pork Fussili

Combine Ingredients for Pork Fussili in Bowl

The night wasn’t just about food!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Venison Tenderloins {Delicious!}

Food and Drink 4 Responses »

Dec 082010

Last month was the official (Rifle )Deer Season. Which means yummy venison if you’re lucky enough to know a successful hunter or two!

A friend of ours brought us the fresh tenderloin from his catch and cooked us a delicious steak dinner. What a treat (of meat! lol)

Raw Venison Tenderloin

Frying Venison Steaks

Thanks Pods!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Vikings Football Gatherings in my ‘Hood

Food and Drink, Friend Time, Neighbors, Sports 2 Responses »

Nov 072010

Just about every Sunday you will find a nice gathering of my neighbors (give or take a few friends and family!) hanging out in one garage or another, watching Vikings and other NFL games throughout the day and night. We try to potluck when possible so that everyone is contributing something or another.

The Vikings haven’t done too well this year, as of today we have a 3-5 record on the season (thank goodness for a win vs the Az Cardinals!) It is always more fun when they’re winning, but we all seem to have a good time whether they win or lose.

A few weeks ago when the Vikings played the Packers, a few of our neighbors who happen to be Packers fans came out in their cheese-head gear to throw a little green and yellow into the purple mix. The youngest fans seen here……

And the lovely ladies in Purple (of course!) Please excuse our appearance. Purple is mandatory but showering is optional on Sundays!

On that particular Sunday I made Wild Rice Soup with Ham and Banana Bread

Wild Rice Soup with Ham

Shannon made pumpkin bread and Jess made Chocolate and Caramel Apple Galette. OMG YUM!

Caramel Apple Pies

We are really lucky to have so many great neighbors who love to get together :)

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

I Love this Job!

Food and Drink 8 Responses »

Sep 262010

Starting the Twin Cities Restaurant Blog was probably one of the best ideas I have had.

Here is a peak into just the past four months of my culinary journey……..

It’s no wonder that I have packed on more than a few extra pounds {oh well!?}

Anyway, the blog has been a success and it just keeps getting better. Definitely been reaping the rewards and I don’t take any of it for granted. It’s hard work to eat like a Queen and then write about it ;)

I haven’t made anyone hungry now, by any chance, have I?

LOL, that’s my job!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Friday Night Fun with the Girls

Food and Drink, Friend Time 7 Responses »

Sep 152010

Last Friday night I went to dinner at Aster Cafe with some of my HS friends (+ a few others!) to celebrate Bradie’s birthday. Bradie is one of my oldest and dearest friends, we have known each other for 30+ years.

I plan to write a review when I can get to it so I will leave you a teaser until then ;)

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Labor Day BBQ with the Neighbors

Food and Drink, Neighborhood 2 Responses »

Sep 122010

Labor Day this year was September 6th, which also happens to be D & D’s wedding anniversary. They had some neighbors and friends over for a BBQ to help celebrate. And of course because they are such great hosts!

We had these gorgeous, colorful shish kabobs, chicken, and salmon. Delish!

Colorful Shish Kabobs

Shish Kabobs

BBQ Season is nearly over but I look forward to football gatherings with the people in my hood this upcoming year!!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

End of Summer Lunch

Babies & Kids, Food and Drink, Friend Time 2 Responses »

Sep 112010

It had been way {way} too long since my friend Kara and I had seen each other, despite multiple attempts that just never worked out. A few weeks ago I was finally able to meet Kara and her little girl Olivia, along with our friend Angie, for lunch at the Green Mill in St Paul.

Olivia is so big since I last saw her! Not to mention SO CUTE, so smart and so talkative! She turns three in October.

I had so badly wanted to go to the Pow-Wow in Shakopee last month, where Olivia made her debut as a Tiny Tot. Unfortunately I didn’t make it down there this year, but Kara sent me a bunch of photos of Olivia in her hand-beaded outfit (photo below by Kara)

Anyway, back to our lunch. I had the yummy deep-dish pizza. I’ll be writing a review shortly :)

Deep Dish Pizza @ Green Mill

I look forward to more lunches and dinners with my friends this school year. I haven’t done it enough in the past couple years but I always enjoy it when it works out ;)

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

MN State Fair {2010 Edition}

Food and Drink, Random Thoughts & Updates 8 Responses »

Sep 072010

Attending the Minnesota State Fair at the end of every summer is a tradition that I share with many other Minnesotans. It is afterall, The Great Minnesota Get Together. Here are some of my past entries about the MN State Fair: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 (x2)

What I sampled this year:

London Broil Beef Sandwich

Corn Dog

Strawberry Shortcake

Scotch Egg

Deep-Fried Cheese Curds

Roasted Sweet Corn

Fried Ravioli at Vescio’s

Other Fair Photos:

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Brunch at Trudy’s North Star

Food and Drink, Friend Time, Travel No Responses »

Aug 052010

Got a group together one Sunday a few weeks ago for brunch at Trudy’s North Star. Trudy’s is a very popular Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin and the brunch was delicious! Read my review here.

Ted, Kiyana, Erik, Doris, me, Carolyn, Linda and Samantha

This is my buddy Erik and his girlfriend Doris who was visiting for the weekend from their home in Miami. We all loved her! Thank goodness for Facebook so we can stay in touch ;)

Later that night me, Carolyn, Erik and Doris went to Home Slice for NY Style Pizza. MMMMmmm! Very good (but not as good as Cossetta’s back home!)
<

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Home-Made Pizza Party

Family Gatherings, Food and Drink 6 Responses »

Jul 282010

I mentioned I was behind in blogging so I am going to go back in time and try to remember what I have been up to so far in July…..

I was home in St Paul briefly in mid-July before being sent back to Texas to continue the project I am working on. (I would love to elaborate what I am doing but cannot for confidentiality reasons). Fortunately the timing worked out so that my brother Jeff and his girlfriend were both in town at the same time that I was! We missed Jeff over the 4th because he was in D.C. with Amanda so it was especially awesome that she was able to come to the Cities such a short time later (she lives/works in D.C.). We had a family rendezvous at Jeff’s place where he and Amanda made homemade pizzas for all of us. Have I mentioned what a great cook Amanda is and how she has been such an amazing influence on Jeff’s culinary abilities??? Love it!!

My family loves pizza (you would know this if you looked back through my Family archives or if you have followed me for the last 5+ years), but these pizzas were different than the standard pepperoni/sausage. Trying to get creative with the leftovers from a BBQ the previous night, they made the following delicious pizzas…..

Homemade pepperoni sausage pizza

jerk chicken and pepper pizza

homemade bruscetta white pizza

bBQ ribs and cilantro pizza

Jeff’s words on the pizza, “It’s pretty east (relatively speaking) – buy Betty Crocker crust and make it to instructions. Heat a cast iron pan with olive oil in it and then place crust into pan and pan into oven to cook around 10 minutes.

Then just add. Toppings. For the ribs pizza I put a layer of Sweet Baby Rays as a base, then put cilantro all around it… then cut up ribs I had cooked the night before and placed on the pizza. Top with Cheese and BAM, BBQ Rib pizza!
Of all things, the cilantro is key.”

MMMM, and now i am hungry for pizza!

Thanks for reading, have a great day ;)

Asian Feast (by the lovely Linda!)

Food and Drink, Friend Time, Travel 3 Responses »

Jul 092010

One of the best things about being in Austin this year is all the awesome friends I have made and hung out with. Last summer I did a lot of sight-seeing and dining alone while in Austin. This year it has been all about the social stuff. Last week the lovely Linda had a group of us over for a really great dinner. This week it was even better and even more fun!

Linda seriously amazes me with her cooking. This girl goes all-out!!

Here is the Asian Feast that she cooked for us (you couldn’t find better at a restaurant and ya’ll know I am a serious foodie)…..