A Reception at The Cavalier Country Club

We joined Jenna and Patrick at The Cavalier Hotel to celebrate their wedding day. The hotel was breathtaking, as was the bride. I appreciated the historic romance the Cavalier setting brought to the day.

Tables were set up throughout the pool and dining hall. Arrangements floating in the olympic size pool.

We took as many photo opportunities as possible. It is rumored that the historic building is to be bought and destroyed for its valuable property. To renovate the property was not worth the profit to be made if the land were used for something else -- hotels, high rises, restaurants or night clubs.  However, a recent article states otherwise and expresses a proposal to leave the Cavalier Country Club untouched. You can read more about the 200 million dollar project here. 

Below is a picture of the cake, pre-cutting and before the bride and groom loving smeared the cake in each other's faces. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The maid of honor was filled with emotion as she expressed her happiness towards the couple before the cake cutting.  The wedding had an aquatic theme, complete with starfish and sailboats. 

The wedding had an aquatic theme, complete with starfish and sailboats. The tables were lit with candles and decorated in blue. A beautiful wedding and venue. 

Virginia Beach Visit Summer 2013

As many of you know, I spent a little over 3 years in Virginia Beach before returning to Georgia. Luckily, I snagged my beau up there. He and I both have family in Virginia Beach, so we have a fabulous excuse to visit anytime we want.

If you've ever been to the Hampton Roads area, Virginia Beach in particular, you know it's necessary to indulge in a celebratory orange crush upon arrival. We choose a favorite at the oceanfront, Mahi Mah's. Mahi Mah's is a fabulous restaurant connected with the Gold Key Group. A bit of a tourist trap, and definitely not cheap, the food expresses the local flavor of the beach. We started off with tuna sashimi and then progressed into a white fish citrus taco. Amazing.

I wish Virginia Beach would take after Savannah a little bit more with their liquor laws. How much fun would it be to walk the board walk with a cool orange crush in hand? I'm just sayin'. . . .

That evening we went to Wharfside Bar and Grill with J's immediate family. The restaurant was formerly Todd Jurich's Burger Bar. I was a bit surprised the Burger Bar didn't make it, but in a recession, who is really going to pay $15 for a burger with an up charge for specialty fries? The burger joint may have made it with those prices if it had not been known for an expensive burger place. Let's be honest, a $15 burger isn't completely off the wall for the oceanfront as some of it's more touristy locations.

Wharfside seemed to pride itself on liquor specials. I found this interesting. It promotes itself as a family restaurant and then blends into the night crowd with it's liquor specials for the over 21 crowd. The main appeal to this restaurant is it's beautiful, calming view of the water and enormous portion sizes. I ordered a salad that 4 people could have split happily.

Our next adventure was a post- rehearsal dinner drink at (yet another Gold Key property) Catch 31. Did I forget to mention the main reason we were in town was two former co-worker's weddings (they are marrying each other -- not just a happy coincidence)? As out of town guests we were invited to their rehearsal dinner at Isle of Capris and joint bachelor/bachlorette party at Catch 31 late night.

We happily went to Catch 31. J used to valet there as a high schooler. A decade and a half later, he still knows some of the same people he used to work with in high school!

We were able to squeeze in friend time as well. Some much needed time with my friends in Virginia Beach. We tried out a new restaurant called Salt. They consider themselves a restaurant with, " a contemporary selection of fine foods from around the world with a European and Asian twist. The inspiration for our menu came from different techniques used around the globe and appeal to a vast array of the public." Food was good, service was slow. We didn't mind though because we were all catching up.

 No trip to Virginia Beach is complete without a mandatory walk on the beach. We choose to walk Croatan Beach sheerly for the fact that's where we were staying. We walked down to the jetty and back. We saw several fisherman casting nets. They catch all sorts of croaker, crab and even a few flounders. It's always fun to see how people are able to live off the land. 

After our walk in the beach, we ran into Tad's Deli to get lunch. The place make the best sandwiches in all of Virginia Beach. You can literally taste the freshness. It sounds bit like we had a food tour of Virginia Beach. In actuality, we just are simply the type that accept food brings people together. We use food as an excuse for social gatherings to bring people together. More details on the wedding to come!

Ladybug Release

One Sunday afternoon J and I ran into a Pike Nurseries to buy a support for our porch tomato plant (stay tuned for the porch tomato blog). We picked up a metal support for about $2.99. Pleased with our cheap find we made our way to the register. The woman ran up our purchase and asked J and I if we wanted some ladybugs. We were both perplexed and uncertain of why we would want live (live!!!) ladybugs. She explained it was a promotional item and they were giving them away for free. They eat all the bad bugs in your garden and hopefully lay eggs so the next generation can do the same.

Not one to pass up anything for free, we accepted the ladybugs. I read the directions as we drove home. We were to release the bugs in the evening when they were less active. The thought of 150 ladybugs released and attacking my hair briefly flickered through my mind. J would release the ladybugs and I would watch. He carefully cut the top of the mesh to release the sleepy ladybugs. He may have accidentally squished one or two on their way out. The ladybugs were a vibrant red-orange color. As members of the beetle family, my largest concern was their ability to fly places we did not want them. Fortunately, the night time release was a good tip and the ladybugs did not take flight. The package seems to have what looked like onion flakes, but was surely food.

Now, bear in mind, J and I live in a 1250 square foot apartment on the third floor. While we have a nice sized porch, it is just that. A porch. We had at the time about 6 plants on the porch. 150 ladybugs was a lot of luck for these little plants. None the less we released the ladies about 6:30 in the evening. They flocked every which way to the plants, crawling on them in abundance. We briefly watched the ladybugs and wondered if there would be a mass exodus as they left our porch in search for greener pastures. They stayed. 

When we woke in the morning, we found most of the ladybugs had fled. We didn't see any larva, nor did a new generation of ladybugs spring to life to save the fate of our plants from future harmful bugs. It was a cool experience, but left my uncertain of the results. I think this would be great for a house with a garden, but perhaps did not work as successfully with the potted plants on our third floor balcony. 

Athens, Georgia II

Part Two of my trip to Athens, included a restaurant called The Last Resort Grill. The restaurant got rave reviews, so perhaps my expectations were set too high. The food was just ok. It wasn't some forbidden experience. Everything was fairly run of the mill and in short, exactly what I would expect from a college town restaurant. Perfect to student who need a "nice" place for the their parents to drop a little cash taking them out while in town visiting. The best perk is the location and the lovely open air patio. I tried the pecan encrusted trout followed by a blueberry cheesecake.



My next adventure was a place called NONA, or New Orleans N' Athens. I was hesitant to go somewhere that was clearly advertising itself as a different (non-local) food culture. However, lunch was delightful. I didn't really to get explore much as I sat in the bar, but my Croche Madame was wonderful! It actually reminded me of a dish I'd sampled in France.

My last adventure in Athens started at a bar called the Mad Hatter. A junky college bar that reminds you of how much fun college was and how glad you are past that point in your life. This particular bar came with a quirky overalls wearing bartender, and a (I'm assuming) owner stuck in the throws of college life. We witnessed the owner smack the butt of the bartender, who at the very least was decades under than him. We turned a blind eye, as the bartender didn't seem to mind and carried on about her way. J turned to me and asked if that was acceptable in these big college towns. I shook my head, but understood the concern. We reveled too much at the $2 beers to cause a scene over 2 consenting individuals in a college bar.

Our last stop was Farm 255. To my dismay, it was owned by Farm Burger, but was not a chain. I was disappointed to hear it was owned by Farm Burger, but quickly lifted my spirits when we were told the large table next to us were a group of farmers and their friends. The restaurant allowed the farmers to bring in their crops and then prepared a gourmet meal for them as a thank you for supplying the restaurant with all the fresh produce, meat and cheeses.

The restaurant was large and open, with a bar. If I was a fraternity boy and wanted to impress a date, I'd take them there! We ordered a cheese board and a bottle of wine. I picked three cheeses I'd never heard of. They were all interesting and unique with strange pairings to bring out their flavors like nuts, honey or figs.  As you can see from our picture, I didn't snap one in time. This is the aftermath of our sampling.

The service was slow, but friendly. Since moving to Georgia I feel always remain J that the South has a slower pace of life than most places. We need to sip and enjoy our wine and be patient. I'm sure slow service is never deliberate.

I would return to Farm 255 without a doubt. This was the best, and also most expensive of my nights in Athens. There were no college pricing reprieves here.


For dinner I ordered the steak on the menu and J ordered the pork chop. I thought my steak was good, until I tried J's pork chop. It was without a doubt a best pork chop I'd ever had. It was melt in your mouth delicious. I know that my next order will be. We also shared a small dessert. J isn't really big on desserts, but is a sucker for creme brulee.

After leaving Farm 255 we had night cap at The Georgia Bar and then Whiskey Bent. The Georgia Bar was a sleepy dive bar. We hung out there and made friends with the bartenders for a bit. We went in search of something more lively and hit up Whiskey Bent. A fraternity bar with 2 underage bouncers playing on their cell phones in the entrance. A mosh pit of collared shirts, with out any females in sight. Ladies, I'd hit up this place. Again, as I've said repeatedly, it was so interesting to be an outsider observing these young men. I couldn't help but think, that used to be me. In college we stuck to the Greek bars and even some of the dive bars turned into Greek bars for when my preppy little friends and I wanted an adventure. J and I smiled at each and started our walk home. It was, after all, getting pretty close to midnight.

Stalking the Delta

No trip to Athens in complete without a twirl down Greek row. I don't even know if it's called Greek row in Athens, but the name seems to fit to me. My post-conference jaunt to UGA's new Delta Delta Delta house had me in awe. While I only got to see the outside of the house, I drooled over the parking. Officers had their own parking spots.

I was secretary of my own chapter (Delta Mu) at the University of Alabama. Parking spots were coveted on sorority row and to have spots open just for officers and the abundance of girls in the house seemed like a treat.

The place was desserted. Prestine, well manicured lawn, but not a soul in sight. Driving I had imagined ringing the doorbell and having a bubbly, but skeptical sorority girl crack the door. To which I planned to answer with the DDD handshake, assuring her I was a Delta alum and coaxing her to take me on a tour. No such luck however. I snapped a few picks, posted on Instagram and Facebook and went on my way.


I was also able to snap a pic of the Pi Kappa Phi house. My father was archon at the University of Alabama chapter for 2 years, so it seemed dutiful that I pay my respects even in Athens.

Athens, Georgia

On a recent trip to Athens for a GASFAA conference, I was able to enjoy the delectable and delightful local flavor. I was impressed with myself and how much my palate has changed in the mere 6 years since college graduation (it's not that long ago, right?!). Perhaps the draught of people was due to the summer time, but I couldn't help but think I was making more mature restaurant choices that avoided the staples of college life. There were after all people walking everywhere through out the city. I arrived Tuesday evening after a full day of work in the city.

Tired, hungry I pulled on jeans and walked to The Globe as recommended by Hotel Indigo. Void of Greek life, I noticed a couple on a first date, 2 hipster dudes and a solo guy with his computer -- whom I can only imagine to be a teacher. The Globe had tons of character. It was a great, seemingly authentic pub. I was shocked at the prices. A Kobe beef burger for only $12! I must be in a college town. Plus $2 10oz pours of Bells Heart. Sold.


It was prepared as wonderfully as you could expect a Kobe Beef burger in a college to be prepared. It certainly satisfied my hunger. I was slightly disappointed at first that the place wasn't crawling with college co-eds. Then I quickly rationalized, despite my age and maturity, I may have been embarrassed to be dining alone in a dining room full of judging students with ample friends to dine with in their college town.


Day Two, I ventured to The National. Foursquare posted that they opened at 11, though it was actually 11:30. However, an A++ for customer service they allowed me to sit at the bar until they opened with a cup of coffee, complete with fresh creamer and raw brown sugar.


I ordered the power lunch and it may be the best tasting purely healthy meal I've ever had. Their menus are printed on a daily basis which I have always taken to be a sign of a great restaurant. The power lunch included: heirloom bean and aromatic rice salad with feta, tomato, basil, and pecan, kale slaw with celery and mustard seed, grilled artichoke and fava salad with garlic, chili and sesame, roasted baby carrots with pumpkin seeds and sorrel for $12.

Stay tuned for Wednesday evening's dining choice and the remainder of Athen's dining choices.

Saturday Night and Jilly's Cupcakes

Saturday evening J and I decided to through a small dinner party. I made my speciality: chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, spinach and wrapped in bacon. Dirty mashed potatoes and sister shubert rolls. But what to have for dessert?

J recommended a small cupcakery in Roswell called Jilly's Cupcakery. The cupcakes looked great! We bought six; cookies and cream, cookie dough, honey lavender, margarita, strawberry cream and caramel. The cupcakes were rich and fun to share. Everyone enjoyed tasting the different flavors and were happy to share. 

 J was able to use his decanter for the first time. We used our Malbec Bota Box to fill the decanter. We discovered that Bota Box is only $13.99 at Total Wine where as Publix and Kroger sell the wine for $23.99 each. We bought 3 boxes because the wine was $10 cheaper. We also learned an interesting tip. In the state of Georgia they cannot give coupons or discounts for alcohol. This is part of the reason there are so few happy hours in Atlanta. J and I had received a coupon for Total Wine Virginia for $15 off a purchase of $100 or more. If you live in Virginia, grab the coupon here.

All in all I think we had a great night! We even had 5 full sized adults at our little table. What's a little closeness among friends? I will be happy once we have a true dinning room, but for the time being, this is perfect for our needs. 

To find a similar recipe for goat cheese stuff chicken, check it out here.