Click here for the full recipe!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Click here for the full recipe!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wow! What a view! If you want a great place to sip a glass of wine, you can't go wrong here! And with several other vineyards within a few minutes of here, you might as well bring some friends and make it a tour! Check them out at raffaldini.com
Friday, November 30, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
This is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for the slow, calm life of vacation. Stop by, have a drink in a rocking chair or swing and watch the boats drift by. Great seafood can be found here too! We especially loved the crawfish and shrimp at Dead Dog Saloon.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
On our last visit to Wintergreen, Virginia, we made a stop at Pollak Vineyards for a tasting. Then, we went to Veritas Vineyards and returned to Pollak Vineyards for a bottle of wine on the lawn while we watched a live band! We loved this vineyard for its views and its wonderful staff.
Friday, September 14, 2012
www.paradisecovemalibu.com
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Also be sure to Check out the Snapguide
Check out How to Grill Great Ribs by Julie Lachance on Snapguide.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
On Monday we shared an overview of Stony Mountain Vineyards and Winery. This video is part two where we take you behind the scenes on a winery tour!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
For those of you on Lake Tillery or Badin Lake near Albemarle, NC, you may be familiar with the pontoon boat that delivers home-made ice cream to children and adults alike while they're enjoying a day on the water. We are all in luck, because Simply Scrumptious is now open at a small shop on Pee Dee Avenue in Albemarle!
Find the Simply Scrumptious menu on their website. My personal favorite is the Peppermint Pattie ice cream sandwich but everything I've tried has been wonderful! Stop by soon for a taste of summer on Pee Dee Avenue!
Simply's Facebook page
339 Pee Dee Ave. Albemarle
Monday, September 3, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
A large bar in the center of the room boasts all kinds of funky brews and free tastes will help you find just the one for you. As you get cozy at the bar, you'll find a freeze bar that keeps your beer cold! Step outside to find larger than life board games, cornhole, ping pong and more! Don't forget to watch their website and their event board for all of the fun things going on at VBGB. They even have family days!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
On our recent trip to Temecula, CA where we stayed at South Coast Winery and Resort, we participated in the Grapeline Wine Tour. Our driver was Mike and he did a great job keeping everyone happy and excited about the stops along the way. Not only did we visit wineries, but we also made a stop at Lake Oak Meadows, a popular wedding location in Temecula.
Though the tour changes from time to time, the winery visits we made were to Leoness Cellars, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Mount Palomar, and finally, Ponte. For the Ponte option, we could have also selected to attend Lorimar, however we chose Ponte because of a tip that they didn't have stoppers on their bottles. This was probably not a logical option after having already been to 3 wineries, but we had fun nonetheless!
With tours in the range of 50-100.00, there are options for everyone. You can opt to do a wine shuttle (which is what we chose), a wine shuttle with lunch or a wine and cheese pairing tour.
[caption id="attachment_603" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Grapeline Bus"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_604" align="alignleft" width="223" caption="Tour Itinerary"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_605" align="alignleft" width="223" caption="Lake Oak Meadows"][/caption]
Monday, August 6, 2012
Learn more about the Vineyard Rose Restaurant here!
[caption id="attachment_620" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="South Coast Sliders at Happy Hour"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_623" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Frutti Di Mare"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_621" align="alignleft" width="223" caption="Caprese Roll"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_622" align="alignleft" width="223" caption="Steamed Clams"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_624" align="alignleft" width="223" caption="Breakfast in the Vineyard"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_625" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="South Coast Rancheros"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_626" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Breakfast Burrito"][/caption]
Monday, June 11, 2012
[caption id="attachment_587" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Goody Shop Cheeseburger"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_590" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The Goody Shop"][/caption]
After lunch, one of my friends asked if I had ever been upstairs at the Music Store (right next door to the Goody Shop). 3 of us headed to the back of the store, asked the lady there if we could go up and much to my surprise the entire upstairs was filled with model train villages! It was unbelievable!
[caption id="attachment_588" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Music Shop Upstairs"][/caption]
After all of my excitement about these two shops, I was asked if I had ever had pie at the Rosebriar. I had heard of the Rosebriar, but because they're only open at lunch, I had never been. We stopped by for a quick slice and it was absolutely wonderful. This restaruant is known for their pie, but you'll see by the looks of the overflowing parking lot that they have pretty good food too! Check out their article in Our State Magazine!
[caption id="attachment_591" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Peanut Butter Pie"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_589" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Pie Table at the Rosebriar"][/caption]
Monday, May 7, 2012
We absolutely love staying at the Inn at Crestwood. With a spa, bar, restaurant and an Inn, you can't go wrong here. The patio out back is their best feature with a gorgeous view of the sunset.
Monday, April 30, 2012
We recently stopped by Laurel Gray on a whirlwind tour of several other vineyards in the area. We didnt' get a tasting this time but wanted to share the grounds with you anyway. Very quaint little place and a great stop on the Yadkin Valley or Swan Creek Trails!
Check out their various wines here!!
Monday, April 23, 2012
What is now becoming an annual stay for us, we truly enjoy every minute of a visit to the Litchfield Inn. Not only do they boast 2 oceanfront restaurants, but with every room having a different owner, you will get a new experience every time you go!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
You may have heard of Mom Prom on “Good Morning America” or in the USA Today, but now you can actually attend one right here in Charlotte, NC. The Queen City's Mom Prom is a night to celebrate Mothers of all ages, while raising money to benefit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a Non-Profit organization that has a goal to find effective therapies for treating Cancer in Children.
Mom Prom is everything you remember about prom, formal attire, balloons, dancing, dinner, even prom photos and a queen!! This is a great event that sounds like a ton of fun and all for a great cause. On a personal note, all attendees get a Thirty-One Thermal Tote filled with goodies! It sounds like a win-win for everyone! Check them out and order your tickets today!
Date: Friday, April 27th
Time: 8pm -12am
Where: Havana Banquet and Ballroom, Cornelius, NC
Cost: 40.00
See this page for more information about the evening!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Z Pi in Albemarle, NC is serving up fresh, hand tossed pizzas, buffalo wings, paninis and salads. To wash it all down, you'll also find local wines and craft beers that change often to always give you something new to try. They're featuring a new pizza topped with pork belly, carmelized onions and arugula, but you can always get a classic pepperoni too! Stop by the intersection of First and Main next time you're in Albemarle and enjoy a great meal in an eclectic atmosphere.
Friend Z Pi on Facebook to stay up to date with their specials and menu changes!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Authentic Irish inspired food will be prepared by Chef Jason.
Check out this awesome menu and book your meal today!
Salad Station
Traditional and Irish inspired specialty salads
Soup Station
Hearty Irish Pub Stew
Carving Station
Locally bought Freirich Corn Beef accompanied by a sweet and sour cabbage chow chow
Chefs other favorites
Irish Nachos (crispy thick cut fried potato chips) with pulled wild boar confit smoked Gouda
cheese and brown gravy
Guinness Lamb burger sliders with tobacco onions in a Bailey’s Irish coffee creamy aioli
Stuffed Cabbage with ground beef, lamb and rice
Shepard’s Pie in a duchess potato style of bouche
Tomato gratin with bread, cream and bacon
Brussels sprouts braised in an Irish brew
And many other of chefs surprises!
Dessert~Old fashioned Shamrock Sugar cookies
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Mini Monday: I make sure all my portion sizes are smaller on this day.
Two Shake Tuesday: I drink a Visalus shake every morning, but on Tuesdays, I’ll drink a second one for lunch or dinner.
Walking Wednesday: I want to try to walk 3 days a week but this makes sure that I at least get one in and will be a good start to getting into a routine.
Thirsty Thursday: I will drink 8 - 8 oz glasses of water (or 4 water bottles)
Fruit and Veggie Friday: I will eat a fruit or vegetable at every meal- equivalent of 1.5 cups of fruits and 2.5 cup of veggies (I got this number from the Fruits and Veggies Matter site where you can put in your age and weight and determine how much you need)
Yesterday was my first day but I think this is easy enough of a plan to follow and stick to long term. Notice Saturday and Sunday weren’t included. That’s my own personal thing because I know those are my splurge days. I usually eat one meal each of those days that doesn’t really fall into my “healthy plan” but the rest of the time I eat sensibly and of course I still have my Visalus shake every morning.
Try it for yourself! Pick some goals that you know you could achieve for just one day and let us know how it goes!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
If you're heading up to Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen VA for a spring weekend in the mountains, stop by Veritas Vineyards. They have a great view, beautiful winery and of course, some great wines!
www.veritaswines.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
In our last post about wine tastings we learned that you don’t have to be so nervous about them, but rather go and have a good time. In this post, I want to share the 5 S’s of a wine tasting so you'll know what’s going on with all that sniffing and swirling. Using the 5 S’s of wine tasting, you can get the full experience out of the taste of the wine, but honestly, this is just a way to make sure you’re using all of your senses to experience a wine, as you should with anything. You could also adapt this a little bit to any enjoyable experience in life from food to sex to a walk in the park.
Just remember, the bottom line is what do YOU like. If you just want to go chug some wine, then do it. If you don't like to smell and swirl your wine, that's fine.
SEE
Seeing is the first step in wine tasting. It’s easy-just look at it! Look at the color, look to see if there is sediment, look to see if it is cloudy. All of these can make a difference with the taste. If you do this enough, after a while, you’ll have sort of an idea of what a really dark red wine will taste like.
Questions you could ask: Why is this wine cloudy? What does it mean if it has sediment?
SMELL
Go ahead, stick your nose in the glass and take a big whiff! As you do that, think about the smell. Do you smell anything familiar? Fruit? Oak? Spice? The smell can give you a big idea about how the wine will taste. Sometimes two sniffs will allow you to smell even more.
Questions you could ask: Do I smell Coffee? What is in the wine that makes it smell like coffee?
SWIRL
Yeah, I know. You’ve seen people do it so you feel like that’s what makes you look cool as a wine taster. All this does is release the aromas of the wine and also as the wine falls back into the glass, it creates “legs” which give you an idea of the body of the wine. Younger wines have smaller legs.
Questions you could ask: What is the proper way to swirl?
SIP
There is a bit of an art to the sip. The main thing you want to keep in mind with wine is that you want to taste it fully so don’t swallow it too fast. Let it sit on your tongue for a bit, swirl it around in there if you like and try to think about what you’re tasting. Cherries? Pepper? Butter? Take a second sip and see if you taste anything different.
Questions you could ask: What makes it taste so buttery? Do I taste chocolate?
SAVOR
Think about the after taste as you take a few breaths. The tastes of some wines can hang around for a while after you drink them. This is your opportunity to think about if you like the wine and if you want to drink more.
Questions you could ask: I don’t like it, can I pour it out? How much is a bottle of this?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
If you are interested in wine and are thinking about going to a wine tasting (or maybe your friend or partner wants to drag you to one), you may be a little nervous about what to expect or how to act. Maybe you’ve even been to one or two and still don’t really know what to do while you’re there. My best advice would be to just relax, have fun and be yourself. Wineries don’t really have the pretentious stereotype that many believe they have. For example, you are allowed to do the following things at a winery:
- Pick up the glass and “just drink it”. There are no rules saying you have to stick your nose in it or swirl it around.
- Say you don’t like wine
- Say you don’t like a wine they just poured for you
- Ask for water to rinse your mouth
- Pour out a wine that you don’t like (they typically have dishes to pour out anything you don’t want to drink)
- Allow your friend or partner to drink the wine you don’t like
- Ask the question “do you have any bud light back there?”
- Ask Questions--even if they sound dumb to you
- Tell that joke you've been wanting to share
- Ask for a tour of the place
- Admit that you typically only drink wine from a box or you never drink it
- Make friends with everyone that walks through the door
Things the person behind the counter would love to talk to you about.....if you’re interested:
- Where the grapes are grown
- What the weather was like during the growing season of each wine
- What work has to go into tending the vines as they grow
- What kind of barrel or tank was used with the wine and how long the wine stayed in it
- When the winery was built
- What it’s like to pick the grapes during harvest
- The last vacation they went on, their kids, their dogs and anything else that comes up while you’re there
- Many wineries will also give tours to show you their barrels or tanks and explain how they’re used to make the wine
We have gone to many wineries with people that drink wine and many with people that nearly refuse to drink it and we’ve all ended up having a blast! The good news is that after a full tasting, most people will find at least one that they could pour in a glass and sip with you on the porch or the lawn of the winery. The main idea is to go, try something new and have fun with your company.
We’ll be heading out to the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival this weekend which is more or less a big tent with a bunch of wineries in one place. It’s a great opportunity to try lots of different wines without the pressure of having to sit through a full tasting. So, if you or your friends are new to the wine tasting world, come out out and say hello to us while you’re there! We’ll be there all day.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
On our last visit to Morgan Ridge Vineyards, we met up with Chef Jason and learned how to make the oyster stew that he had on the buffet for Slide By Saturday. This dish is surprisingly easy and tastes amazing!! Chef Jason runs the kitchen at Morgan Ridge where you can have him create a meal for your next party.
Kalamata olives are great by themselves, served with cheese, in a tapenade or mixed in your favorite pasta dish like our White Wine Shrimp Pasta! If you’re heading out the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival with us this weekend, stop by Ohh-lio express to try some of their great Olive Oils and dips!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Located in Gold Hill, NC, Morgan Ridge has been making wine since 2007. The owners, Tommy and Amy have created a beautiful winery with 7 different types of wine. See the winery and take a peek at the food they offer for Slide by Saturday!
Check them out at www.morganridgevineyards.com
The festival hours are from 12-6pm and with Market Station being right in downtown Albemarle, you have a quick walk to several area restaurants for lunch or dinner. We would highly recommend that you walk just up the street to Z Pi for pizza, pasta or a panini. They also have local wines, craft beer and a band will be playing Saturday evening. Oh and don’t forget to stop by Albemarle Sweet Shop between 8 and 2 for a famous clown cookie (Note: bring cash)!
[caption id="attachment_436" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pie at Z Pi"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_437" align="aligncenter" width="210" caption="Clown Cookie from Albemarle Sweet Shop"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_439" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Badin Inn"][/caption]
Sunday, February 19, 2012
This little dish would be great for a date night. The black bean chili mixed with the saffron rice is a perfect combination. Top it off with a small bite of fresh green peppers, tomatoes and onions for a spring time feeling!
Black Bean Chili and Rice
1Tbsp olive oil
1/2 C minced celery
1/2 C finely chopped yellow onion
1 Tbsp finely chopped Cilantro
3 Tbsp chopped canned green chiles
2 16 oz cans black beans, drained
1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp chili powder
10 oz pkg yellow saffron rice
salt and pepper to taste
chopped green pepper
chopped red onion
chopped tomato
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp blackening season
1. Cook Rice according to package instructions.
2. Sauté onions, celery, cilantro and green chiles in olive oil
3. Add garlic, 1/2 of chili powder and tomatoes. Stir until thoroghly mixed.
4. Add rest of chili powder and beans
5. While mixture is cooking, season chicken with blackening seasoning and grill to preference
6. Place rice in a circle on your plate, spoon the chili into the middle, then sprinkle chopped green pepper, red onion and tomato over rice. Top with sliced chicken.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Rusty's famous Chili Recipe that he always serves at the Super Bowl Party. So Yummy! Enjoy!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
See how many inches we lost on the cleanse and learn about our next diet, the Body by Vi 90 day challenge.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
A recipe that was a hit from our Superbowl party. Add your favorite pizza toppings to make the recipe your own!! Enjoy!
Step 1
2 Large Roma Tomatoes (or 4 small ones)
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
4 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
salt and pepper to taste
Gently stir all ingredients together in a small bowl and let it rest while you put your stromboli together so the flavors can mingle.
Step 2
Pizza Dough
Your favorite toppings
Mozzarella Cheese
Egg Whites
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Pizza Sauce (See our Pizza Sauce Recipe)
1. Knead the pizza dough into a small ball, roll it out into a rectangle shape, cover with the tomato mixture, your favorite topping and mozzarella cheese.
2. Brush egg whites around the edges of the dough to help it stick together.
3. Roll the dough and ingredients up into a log and pinch the ends together to keep it all secure.
4. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes
6. Serve with pizza sauce as a dip.
Friday, February 3, 2012
We are preparing for our annual super bowl party. Although we’ll have videos of some of these recipes coming up after the super bowl, we thought we’d take a moment to share with you what we’ll be making. We are also including the dishes that didn’t make the cut this year but they may be something you’d like to try on your own!
What we’re making this year:
Pizza Dip
Pizza Sauce (for Dip)
Stromboli
Marinated Shrimp
Scotcheroos
Peanut Butter Cheese Ball
Buffalo Wings
Rusty’s Famous Chili
Meatballs
Things that probably won't make the cut this year:
Sausage Dip
Fruit Salsa
Salsa
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Last Saturday we went to 131 Main for Charlotte Restaurant Week. This is a week in which many restaurants will serve either a 3 or 4 course meal and a glass of wine for $30.00 a person. It is a fantastic time and you get to go out and try some of the restaurants that you usually would not get to go to for a reasonable price. 131 Main was fantastic in every way. First our server was great. He was honest and helpful and really knew the menu. He did not try to push you into anything, however, he let you know what he really thought about each meal.
We had a bottle of Stags Leap Merlot which was as good as it always is.
Thanks for stopping by Any Ol’ Thing and until next time have a Fan-damn-tastic time.
[caption id="attachment_391" align="alignnone" width="180" caption="Crab Cakes"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_390" align="alignnone" width="180" caption="Ribeye"][/caption]
[caption id="attachment_389" align="alignnone" width="180" caption="Grouper"][/caption]