Holiday Weekend!

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!

We’ve been busy playing in the sun, eating good food and doing what should be done on long holiday weekends – having fun!!

Let’s back track to Saturday shall we, remember that homemade bbq sauce I made?

Well it sure did make a pretty delicious bbq chicken dinner on the cast iron grill (love this thing)…

Next best way to get that “grilled” taste in lieu of an outdoor grill

Served up with a side salad & some mac n’ cheese, this was everything I wanted in a comfort dinner and more!

 

The homemade barbecue sauce was based on some recipes I found online & my own tastes as I went along.  It included:  onions, garlic, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, agave, honey, cayanne, chili powder and apple cider vinegar.

So. Good.

Yesterday I woke up early and got to work on the dessert that I was bringing to the Memorial Day cookout…

Oh yes, that would be fruit pizza.

Sugar cookie crust, cream cheese/sugar/vanilla frosting, fresh fruit and strawberry jam topping.

So freaking delicious.  Such a great hot weather dessert choice if you ask me, and I think everyone else thougt so as well

We spent the day/night over at The Man’s parents house with a bunch of friends…

They have a big backyard, a pool and tons of games.  Love it especially during the summa time!

Dinner was cookout style…

Hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, potato salad, tuna salad, fresh veggies, bean/corn salsa, corn on the cob.

Everything was delicious!

There were also just a few adult beverages enjoyed over the course of the weekend

This beer seriously kicks a$$, I must find more!

Question for you before I head off to the pool to soak up more of these gorgeous Virginia rays…

In the south (or at least in Virginia) we use the word “barbecue” in reference to pulled pork covered with bbq sauce.  However in the north I have noticed that the word “barbecue” is used in reference to the actual act of cooking out on the grill.

What do you use the word “barbecue” for where you’re from?!

Don’t ask me why, but I am curious about this

Enjoy your day off!

The Wine Loft

Happy Saturday everyone!

Well the rain has held off for this gorgeous weekend day and I couldn’t be happier

Sunny & hot = favorite weather ever!

I woke up this morning with a strange urge to make homemade bbq sauce… bc I am normal and doesn’t eveyone wake up thinking of bbq sauce?! ha.

I’ve been craving bbq chicken for some time now so tonight is going to be the night!  Lil’ sneak peak action shall we

Homemade bbq sauce, get in my bellyyyyyyy…

After that kitchen adventure it was time for a P90X Kenpo workout and some lunch at Einsteins Bros. Bagels.

I’ve been dying to try their new Bagelthin sandwiches and we had a BOGO coupon… yes please!

Wheat bagel thin, deli turkey, tomato, lettuce, onion & veggie cream cheese (?!?!) —> I can’t find the ingredients for this sammie anywhere?

Although I will say that with 250 calories and 24g protein the nutritional stats aren’t too shabby

But enough about today, how about last night’s trip to The Wine Loft with our good friends Tammy & Louis?!

Loved loved loved this place

With glowing bars and comfy couches to relax on, the atmosphere was seriously fabulous.

We started off by looking through their wine menu, I selected the Veritas Viognier (Virginia wine represent!) and The Man selected a white blend called Ménage à Trois.

Side note, on our first dinner date The Man and I split a bottle of said Ménage à Trois… how’s that for fun facts?

Both wines were served chilled & tasted yummmmy!

Then it was onto the food, The Wine Loft’s menu is pretty darn impressive and although not lengthy, we all had quite time deciding.

Final choices:

Baked Brie en Croute for 2

Vanilla Infused Honey, Spiced Pecans & Balsamic Reduction with sliced baguette

Every bite of this dish was pure love, I kid you not.  Who knew that brie/honey/strawberries go so beautifully together when served atop some crisp bread?!  Not I, at least not until last night

Shrimp and Lump Crab Four Cheese Empanada

Served atop mango chutney with chipotle pesto drizzle.

This dish was fabulous too, the sauces at this restaurant were really spectacular! 

After we stuffed our faces it was time for dessert wines, I chose the Prosecco and The Man a Zinfandel Port… the port took the proverbial cake for best wine of the night as far as I’m concerned   So rich & delicious, served in a little goblet glass and just wonderful.

I wish I had taken more interior pictures of this place though, maybe next time?

We will definitely be going back to this spot again, the service was impeccable, the food delicious and wines were fabulous.  On top of all that the prices were extremely reasonable for the portions that were served, both food & wine!

All in all it was a great way to relax on Friday night with our friends and we had a great time

See ya back soon!