Merry, Merry, Y'all!!

It's the happiest time of the year!

I just love Christmas. And this particular post is about gratitude. It all started with him getting me this pretty tree.

"Is this the right one, sweet girl?"

And we decorated it into this...

Terrence the Tree!

The Boy is so, so good to me. I kind of feel like pinching myself sometimes, he's that sweet. He feeds me, literally - often, like daily at least once - but what he really does is feed my soul. He tells me how important I am to him - every day. He does what he says he will do. He remembers the tiniest details about me, my life, my family and friends. I swear I learn something new from him every time I see him or talk to him - today, it was the origin of Boxing Day (Dec. 26th), which somehow I'd not known. Yesterday, it was his capacity for surprising me and for generosity; I'd already known about the latter, but not as much about the former. That Boy can plan and pull off some surprises! I thought I got my Christmas gift Saturday when I found him setting up my new TV (! - mine died last week and, well, he knows how I like my movies . . .) and was overwhelmed yesterday when he beat me home and I discovered all these wrapped packages under my tree. Y'all. There was even a gift for Luke. *Swoon*

Meet our new friend, Tiny the Tiger!

I don't make that much right now but I tried my best for him (he seemed happy) - but it just makes me so happy to do things, big or small, for the important people in my life. I am so blessed to be buoyed and supported by his love, by my parents, by my dear friends. From new ones to old - two of my close friends have been going through a lot lately and one I've known since grade school, and the other only a few years - but I'm so glad to be there for them. I am a lucky girl this Christmas, and the rest of the year.

A very happy holiday to you and yours, whatever you celebrate. If you have a chance to make someone's life a little sweeter, or to thank someone for doing that for you, I hope you do.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Just part of my presents - I am so spoiled!!

It's The Holidays, Y'all!! Let's Eat!

Well, I got to assist at my first Food Optimist holiday party (actually, any catered event) and  it was so fun! It was for the nicest couple and their lovely friends - Chef Natalie did their wedding food and has returned for Christmas festivities since.

From the stuffed mushrooms to the flatbread with prosciutto and fig jam, to the beef skewers . . . I was there to do a couple of things - assist with prep (not being the real chef and since Natalie and our newest team member Cat were handling that) I got to chop and clean and that kind of thing, and do one of the things I do best - "hostess." "Do you need a refill?" "Are you done with that plate?" (To self) "That tray needs more crostini. . ." It was so fun! and everyone loved the food, of course.

Prepping the crostini for the pimento cheese, bacon and chive topping!!

Next time you need a catered event (or if you want to consider personal cheffing . . . ) you need to contact us! We accommodate all dietary needs (low-sodium, vegetarian, GF, etc) and focus on providing you and your family with as clean and green food as possible!! It is indeed possible to eat well AND healthfully. Just try us - we'll prove it to you!

Happy Holidays to all!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Mushrooms stuffed with sausage and cheese- a big hit!
Check out http://www.foodoptimist.com or find us on FB or twitter at @FoodOptimist!

Holiday Lunch

The boy is too sweet. And funny. And random.

Today, we weren't going to have much time together but he wanted to see me. So he came by late-morning, with "treats" . . . A poinsettia, because "I was going to get you cut flowers, but we haven't gotten you a tree yet, and I thought - poinsettia! Flowers later."

And "a cheeseball, because you were talking about that one a lady brought to the hair salon the other day, that was so good you got the recipe for it! And biscuits - because you were craving them yesterday and enjoyed them so much. And some of that pasta salad from Whole Foods you like so much." The best part? When he said "I don't know exactly what kind of meal we can make with all this, but it just seemed right!" And, indeed, it was.

Martha Stewart's cheddar cheeseball recipe, much like the one we had today! See it here: 

http://www.marthastewart.com/351212/marthas-cheddar-cheese-ball?czone=entertaining/holiday-entertaining/holidaycenter-foods

A wreath's not bad, either!

A girl's gotta eat, and when your sweet man brings you treats, well, that's even better-tasting!

Happy Holidays, to all!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Holiday Nibbles, Anyone??

As a fairly novice cook since a couple years back, and a recent convert to cooking for others and making things like deviled eggs (so festive, right? How could I - as a good Southern girl - never have tried them til this year?!), and now working for a personal chef, I've gotten kind of addicted to finding great new recipes.

This morning, I was inspired to seek out new deviled egg recipes and I found a treasure trove of yumminess! Check out http://myblessedlife.net/2012/04/deviled-egg-recipes.html for some scrumptious looking treats that I personally think are good ideas, any time of year! I'm going to try these first:

Avocado Deviled Eggs

Looking forward to a festive holiday season and some good "nibbles"!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Southern Sunday

Oh, there are so many things to love about the South and Southern food. One of those being Palmetto Cheese.

This stuff is so yummy. (*Note, I haven't tried my boss Chef  Natalie's version which she proclaims to be the absolute best, so I will have to try it and report back . . .) And this morning, odd as it may sound, you know what sounded good for breakfast, seeing as I got a roast chicken at the store yesterday and had a container of the PC (regular version- though their bacon one is delicious, too) . . . and some of those good savory butter Hawaiian mini rolls . . . cute little sandwiches!

Luke was jealous, but I did not share. If you haven't tried Palmetto Cheese, do so, in quick order. The holidays are coming and there's all kinds of fun stuff you can do with it!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Palmetto Cheese is good stuff! Check it out on Facebook or at  http://www.pimentocheese.com/ (available locally at Publix and Kroger!)

Feeling Optimistic

Oh, y'all!! This girl is super-excited.

News: I am now working with one of the best local companies around, Food Optimist LLC, and the fabulous Chef Natalie, as Marketing & Communications Director!

Really?? I get to combine some of my most favorite things - people I respect and believe in, food, and sales/marketing endeavors? Weeee!!!

If you don't know about Food Optimist, check out our website: http://www.foodoptimist.com. I'll be working on the blog, marketing efforts, community relations . . . lots of exciting stuff! Food Optimist aims to feed you and energize you with personalized, "green and clean" food - as locally sourced as possible - with a familiar touch for all of our "Foodies" in the family!

Good food + good people + good service = good health!

Oh, I am very Optimistic about this new adventure!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Visit Chef Natlalie and Food Optimist at www.foodoptimist.com or on Facebook!

Buddy Ro Day

Today was, quite simply, one of the best days I have had in quite awhile. 

As Luke and I have gotten to know each other- and given my penchant for chattering aloud to my pet(s) and calling them by various nicknames (Big was usually "Baby Dog") - I finally settled in on a few favorites. Variations on Luke, of course ("Lucas," "Sir Luke," etc) and my most recent and favorite, "Buddy Ro." It started as "bubby" or "buddy," but somehow evolved into Buddy Ro. Yesterday, when the boy and I were enjoying a lovely fall afternoon, I called Luke this . . . wouldn't you know? It was what the boy's grandfather used to call him, which I didn't know. It was a funny and cute coincidence.

My boys!

Today, I got to spend nearly all day with both of my Buddy Ro's. We wanted a low-key, relaxed kind of day for a lot of reasons on both sides, so he came over for a leisurely lunch and a movie (a "boy" movie, at his request - enter "Shawshank Redemption," a very appreciated choice). I got up early so I could figure out what to make us - he's cooked for me before, an elaborate brunch, but I'd only made him a small breakfast to take to the office one time when he pulled an all-nighter, so I wanted to come up with something he'd enjoy. Enter one of my favorite pizza recipes, with shaved asparagus, garlic, mozzarella and Boursin, then roast chicken and sauteed mushrooms (admission: he cooked the mushrooms and they were delicious). Add in a whiskey for him and a bottle of wine and we had the most lovely Sunday. Good food and better conversation (of almost entirely the light variety, which was good for both of us), cuddling on the couch. Sir Doggus and the original Buddy Ro were both happy campers - me, too.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Deliciousness!

Love on a Tuesday

As I sit here a little before bed and think about my day - and the doggus has gone out and the movie is winding up - I am thinking a few things . . .

Can't wait for tomorrow (more on that to follow, I hope!), and as I finish the nice Cab the boy sent me home with from dinner, am thinking how outstanding - yet again - our dining experience was today. We love good food; I don't always eat that much but I appreciate good things, and as we dine easily and well together, it's almost always a fun experience, whatever meal of the day. One of our favorite regular spots has become Paul's, near my place, and it is really just . . . great. I always enjoy being with him, but we've gotten to know everyone there from the super GM to the wonderful bartenders and other regulars, and the food is always top notch and there's always engaging conversation with people besides ourselves, which is a nice plus. Tonight we went with a typical array - the crabcake to start (it comes with spinach and a great mustard sauce), then the filet with a lobster tail for him, with mushrooms, haricots verts and fries. Yum. And I got sent home with the leftover meat (and wine)!

Tonight, I'm just thinking . . . I love steak, I love the boy, I am a bit spoiled . . . and maybe, just maybe, love on a Tuesday is indeed one of the sweet things in life!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Beef: it's what's for dinner! Visit http://www.greatfoodinc.com for details on Paul's and the group's other lovely restaurants!

Popcorn and a Puppy

Two of my favorite things! So, it's a lazy Saturday - nicely crisp in Atlanta this particular day - and time is being leisurely had with Sir Luke, a new book, and a favorite movie on as background noise. 

I'm still a little "iffy" on food picks after the hospital, so I picked popcorn for "our" lunch - the doggus loves the stuff, so funny to watch him eat it! - and together we polished off most of the bag. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend the Newman's Own "natural butter" flavor - yum.

I am contemplating steak for dinner, though . . . or at least *something* more sophisticated - but sometimes a silly meal is just the ticket, for human or pet!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Lunch!

Start The Day

So, today, my sweetie and I ventured back to our favorite breakfast spot. And as I was indecisive but we were both hungry - I tried the same order I described last week . . . and it was perfection! Scrambled eggs, white toast, perfectly (not overly) cooked bacon, and a side of grits for us to share. His "biscuit product" was perfect, and actually more than - they threw in an extra patty.

A lovely start to the day when the food is good, the service is friendly and you're with your favorite person. See, Mom was right: breakfast IS the most important meal of the day!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Eggs, toast and bacon - a classic breakfast never gets old!

Wakey, Wakey!

Brrrringggg . . . the gradually increasing hum of my cell phone alarm alerted me to the time. Gah, kinda early but - shortly - very worth it.

Knock, knock, knock. (He has a key but he only uses it if I'm not home and he's going by for some reason, instead choosing to make sure I never feel he's overstepping, though I've told him it's absolutely fine - it's kinda sweet. . .)

Today, an early flight for him and my first "love bite" of the day was a hand-delivered latte (he even remembered my preference of Sweet n Low vs all the other options, nice!), a few minutes to chat and sweet good-bye kisses. Not a bad start - no, a wonderful start - to a rainy Monday.

Looking forward to coffee and more when he gets back!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Latte Love!

Bacon Love

I love bacon. I love the boy. Sometimes, these are related thoughts. Today, however, was just kind of a breakfast disaster from the get-go. We were fine - and we met at our regular breakfast/brunch spot - but as he said, "It's like all the employees have cotton in their ears, or are high!"

We were both a little out of sorts this morning - both tired, both worried about various things, "severally and together" as he is fond of saying - and it was all just kind of a cluster, other than the company. He got his favorite biscuit product (overcooked but still, "good enough not to complain" as he described it) and I asked for what should have been a very simple order: two eggs, scrambled, with toast instead of an English Muffin and grits instead of potatoes, plus bacon. What I first got was the dish with the EM and ridiculously overcooked bacon. Like potato-chip crunchy. When a server finally came by to see how things were, I asked if I could have the (white) toast I'd requested, and mentioned that the bacon (note- it was also one and a half pieces not the usual 2-3 serving) was too crunchy. A few minutes later, I got a plate of (wheat) toast then another few minutes later I got a new plate of bacon: "this is even more crunchy and crispy for you, since the first wasn't enough." Paging Homer Simpson . . ."doh!"

The boy and I just looked at each other and shrugged. He tried a bite of my extra-crunchy bacon, and ate most of his sandwich. I picked at my eggs. We talked. Sometimes, food is a disappointment - or just basic nourishment, not a revelation - and this morning was definitely that, except for the one thing that makes any meal ok: the company.

Looking forward to a better meal with my favorite boy, later.

PS- Next time, they better not overcook my bacon . . . just sayin' . . .
Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Mama Mia . . .

My mother and I do not have the . . . simplest of relationships. We love each other (that much is pretty clear, to any and all who see us), but, oh boy - our relationship is rife with strife (sometimes a rhyme helps, right?).

But today . . . is such a perfect-storm-example of our relationship. I sent her a text early saying I'd be out having coffee with a girlfriend, then lunch with the boy . . . I came home in between to find no Doggus - I panicked, til I found the leash missing and thought "doh! the boy's en route from his trip so it could only be mom who absconded with Luke..." - long story short: she never checked her texts this morning (should people over 60 text? This is a legitimate question . . . ) and she thought she'd "help" by taking the dog out . . . my mommy panic mode kicked in - then I tried to take one of my antibiotics while we were talking (I know, I know, I'd only had coffee and should take them with food, but it was getting close to lunch so I tried to fudge . . .) and when I immediately threw up  - well, everywhere from the floor to the shower curtain to close to the toilet - guess who helped me?

My mama.

The only one I have. So, fraught-with-difficulty your relationship may be with your mother, or not - I can say this: today, more than just about one or two other days, when my mama was there to let me puke in "privacy," ask me if I needed a cold wash-cloth, talk to me about how I might be able to keep my meds down (could I crush the tablets and put them in yogurt? Ultimately, no, but we tried . . . ) or just to hug me (not to mention clean things up - but she likes to do that . . . ) - I have one thing to say . . . . I am a lucky girl, and if you have a mama, tell her you think so, too. Whether you're sick or not, need her right now or not - you'll be glad you did.

Sometimes food doesn't stay down - but real love does.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

One of my favorite pictures of us.

Cooking For One

I don't know why it's felt different this time - maybe because I didn't fill my calendar with lunch and dinner dates and such?? - but since the boy's been gone, well, it's been odd and pleasurable to fend for myself.

By this I should say - clarify - he takes me out to one or more meals most days of the week, but when he travels, well, this girl is left to her own devices. Which are not inconsequential - whether cooking at home or finding other dining companions! I can handle it.

The past few days have been interesting, though, because I tried a couple of experiments, different than my usual pattern(s) when he and I aren't dining together: I turned down lunch or dinner invites post-Wed; everything had to be a "leftover" (ie, the tacos I had yesterday for National Taco Day that were leftover from Wed night Jalisco take out) or concocted from ingredients in my fridge or freezer . . . how did I do??

Well, I missed my best boy a lot - and seeing pics of his eats at schmancy places while traveling did not help - but . . . 

Thursday, I only ate leftovers: hey, two soft tacos and some Jalisco chicken soup is plenty for this girl in a whole day! Today, a thawed out bagel (half- I burned the other . . . ) with tomato and Meunster (gotta love YDFM for good bread products, just sayin' . . .) for breakfast/brunch, a handful of healthy nuts (almonds and whatever else you're supposed to eat, for linner - about 3pm) and some sauteed mushrooms and stir-fry beef for dinner. WOW! Two days of non/already paid for meals . . . it makes me think. I could do this more often - don't get me wrong, I can't wait for the boy to be back and us to go out more, but it was good to . . . use the stuff in my fridge.

I enjoy cooking. I enjoy eating at home. I enjoy dining out. I mostly enjoy food and drink with good company, no matter the locale (Lucas is great but not as responsive as the boy or a friend, so to speak . . .) . . . I'm looking forward to the boy being back in town, but also to finding more of my own balance of eating in vs. out . . . stay tuned!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

No, I did not cook this. It was one of his fancy dinners while traveling. I think my meat and veggies were probably better . . . but who's to say?? Pictures aren't everything!

"You and Your Pink Sky"

So I'm feeling a little . . . something tonight (the boy is gone and it's National Taco Day, two unrelated topics, but I'm just kinda feeling harrumph-ish . . .) and watching SATC, yet again.

It's not one of my favorite episodes, the one where the girls go to Atlantic City, in Season Five, but there's one particular moment I love. Carrie's sitting on the boardwalk eating her saltwater taffy (I've never been a big fan, but I digress . . . ) and she is mulling over life choices, relationships, whether she really thinks she'll find True Love or if her girlfriends are enough . . . and she overhears this sweet older couple talking.

They've obviously been together a long time and know each other well. He teases her, sweetly, about whether she has her bikini on under her clothes so they can go skinny-dipping (her response: "You know there's nothing skinny about either of us!" in a light-hearted tone) and she asks if he wants to go inside. Their next exchange is my favorite part: Him: "It's almost sunset. Let's wait a minute or so." Her: "You and your pink sky (happy sigh)." It's so sweet, so basic, so intimate.

The boy is away right now and I miss him. When I saw that scene, I immediately thought "Ha! Like how he eats sandwiches with a knife and fork. And has this way of placing his finger against his mouth when contemplating something he wants to say. And sometimes just needs what he calls his "biscuit product" at our favorite breakfast place, and all's right with the world. And . . ." All the little things you get to know and love (or at least fondly tolerate, in some cases) about your special someone.

See, sometimes celluloid love is just like real life love. Taffy, sunsets, biscuits, bikinis, and more. . .

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Carrie in Atlantic City, SATC Season 5

Debate This

Most of you probably watched the debate last night - or like me you watched it on YouTube today - and have your opinion of both candidates and the issues. I will sum up my opinions by saying this: they should have debated chicken vs. beef, Northern vs. Southern Italian cuisine, tuna carpaccio vs. beef . . . something useful.

So, yes, I'm making light of what are very real issues facing all Americans on some level. But, honestly, at the end of the day, did we really get anywhere last night? Were anyone's opinions actually changed? Or did we just listen to over an hour of smug yet flat-footed pontificating from our President, and alternate versions of "we agree on x but not on y" then getting off-topic completely, and enough facts and figures thrown out that who knows which are true (note to self: refer to post-debate fact checkers)? I'd much rather have heard the two gentlemen talk about their favorite meal, whether they eat left-overs (there's a budget idea for you!), even what their personal opinions are of broccoli.

Yes, who is it you want to be our next leader is a very important question. But so is what's for dinner. You can probably surmise where I stand on this election, though you might be surprised at some of my reasoning, but I'd much rather hear your opinions and share mine on the perfect steak or whether you prefer ranch or blue cheese with your wings (and what's your favorite flavor, mine being lemon pepper and yes, I do eat my wings with a knife and fork- don't you?). I'm just saying . . . I don't know that I believe a lot of what comes out of either candidate's mouth right now - I mean, each is trying to win an election not trying to lead right now (though I give far more credence to one than the other) - but I'd still rather hear about what their last meals on earth would be or whether they trust people who don't eat meat. Now that would be interesting banter! Just sayin' . . .

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Now . . . This is something worth discussing! http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-we-can-eat/post/the-day-frank-ruta-served-broccoli-to-george-bush/2012/09/06/ae58bd68-f838-11e1-8398-0327ab83ab91_blog.html

Former White House Chef and owner and Executive Chef of  DC's Palena, who once infamously served a broccoli  dish to President George H.W. Bush at the First Lady's suggestion - it was not a hit! But based on this (http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/palena-dining-room,1027102.html) I definitely want to dine at his restaurant next time I'm in DC!

Lilies and Love

So Sunday, my sweet man took me out to brunch. As much as I love the food at TreeHouse, I could only eat a little of their artichoke dip I love so much. My appetite is still hit-or-miss after all my recent medical difficulties. He enjoyed his huevos rancheros muchly, and we had a nice brunch on the whole.

However, he worries and thinks about me when I haven't been able to eat and a bit after he took me home from our repast, he showed back up . . . with dinner for me (my fave mozzarella pasta from Whole Foods - that good kind with the smoked mozz, penne and sundried tomato - tenderloin, and veggies). And Calla Lilies. My absolute favorite flower ever.

So sweet, and much appreciated. Food and flowers - even if I only eat the food bits at a time these days, I always grin like a Cheshire cat at fleurs - they so make this girl happy. And I love him even more for knowing how to make me smile, even when I don't really feel like it.

It's the little things that are so big.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Leavin' On a Jet Plane . . .

So my sweetie is gone for an important business trip, and I miss him muchly. Ok, ok, it's not for that long, just today til the weekend. He even stopped by to say a quick good morning and give me a kiss before his flight. (Girl chorus, "awww"). But I'm so used to  - we're so used to - seeing each other every day, and usually over one or two meals or at least a quick drink after work or a morning hello before our days begin that it feels weird to think "huh, what am I going to do for lunch??" Or dinner. Or even breakfast as we've been known to have all three together some days. Yes, we're that couple. We give each other schmoopy cards (he even came up with a Chinese Panda pen pal, "Peter Panda," who writes to Luke - how sweet is that??) and I get flowers and he gets homemade goodies brought to the office when he pulls an all-nighter, and we write each other emails and send quotes that make one of us think of the other . . . that kind of stuff. Yes, we text each other good night and good morning every day. It works for us.

So today, I did make my own breakfast (toast with avocado and swiss, yum) and lunch was solved when a dear friend of mine had me write some copy for him for his upcoming photography show (he needed help with his Artist Bio) and bought me lunch at Jalisco (I'm still supposed to eat fairly "bland" so chicken soup worked). Now I'm getting prettified at my dear hairdresser's . . . and contemplating what to do for dinner. Cook at home? Might be a nice change. I am sure I actually do have some good stuff I could rustle up. Go to one of our regular spots so it kinda feels like he's here? Hmm, maybe a little too co-dependent, or just either routine or not-the-same. Try someplace new (I have no problems going places solo, don't get me wrong)? Hmmm. . . decisions, decisions.

He has a business dinner and I'll figure it out here - I'm sure we'd rather be at one of our regular spots instead - but it's kind of nice to miss someone you love, and look forward to your next meal together. I'm just sorry he'll miss my 'do looking it's best tonight - but that's what cell phone pics you text your boy are for, right?

I hope you have someone you love to connect with over good food, whether it's eats at one of the Food Truck lunches or dinners, take-out Chinese from your favorite place, bar food at that favorite neighborhood spot where they all know you, or fancier digs and dishes from a favorite place like Paul's (see pic from last night's dinner!) . . . and if you miss a few meals together, take care of yourself and look forward to picking things back up when you're reunited. And maybe have a sweet or silly card on hand for your beloved.

That's how we roll, anyway, and it's pretty sweet, and savory.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

He wanted Surf 'n I wanted Turf - Paul's had the perfect combination (plus veggies and fries and all kinds of sauces!).

Wheat Belly

Wheat Belly

So, I am absolutely FASCINATED by this topic: wheat. Bear with me (and check out this book summary my sweet and clever friend Kim shared on FB - go to The Healing Project- Wheat Belly) . . .

The author of Wheat Belly, William Davis, MD, posits that it is wheat that is responsible for . . . well, a lot of our physical (and emotional/psychological!!) ailments. Could this be true?? I don't think I eat a lot of wheat but reading the facts about its impact on glucose/insulin levels alone was enough to give me pause about what I DO eat, wheat-wise . . . and with my recent health scare (an e-coli based kidney infection) and associated symptoms from my experience, many of which rang true with examples Dr. Davis gave of what wheat can do and cause in your body, it's got me thinking . . .

Eggs - no increase in blood sugar levels. Full-fat cheese and good fats like avocado - excellent. Wheat-based products, particularly in the most "modern" versions, which have changed substantially in the last century, to the products (muffins, bagels, etc - did you know that the Average American, based on studies, consumes almost the equivalent, in wheat volume, of a loaf of bread a day??? I was shocked.) we now know and commonly eat . . . more glucose than a Snickers!! Wow.
.
I am going to have to mull this over - I mean, I love my pizza and my quesadilla habits, but what if cutting out wheat (ie, following the recommended diet suggestions in Chapter 14) totally changed how my body feels, looks, operates . . . it is a fascinating concept.

Read it and let me know what YOU think! Food for thought, indeed, to me.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD

The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing

See, he and I met over food. A local place that we both went, often, near his office and back in my very early days of writing food reviews, etc. This was about six+ years ago. Occasional happenstance on encountering each other turned into a friendship; it developed over the years.

Oh, he heard all my tales and travails - from "he's a nice guy, but..." to "OMG, he is totally crazy (note: that was definitely not an embellishment)"  . . . we knew each other well, let's say.

Then - something changed - spring, the air, too-good of a pizza that day we met for lunch . . . and it was on. And over the last five months - I've realized I'm in love with my best friend. This man knows me. He knows the good - the bad - the . . .everything. We're weirdly dorky in the same ways (he has this habit of telling stories where he mentions people's names with first and last; we both use words like "rubbish" . . . that sort of thing) and we are "foodie" in the same way - we can order something to share or split, decide on a dish, get  eat-in or to-go . . .it's seamless, the way we are about food - which is especially meaningful to me, given both my food history (he knows all my weird proclivities and past experience) and my love of "good stuff." We have one to three meals most days, together, and whether it's eggs or pizza or a good steak  - it just works.

I love him.

I love that he gets me, and I love that alot of our relationship is spent contemplating each other (and tackling the world's problems) over food. He's like my dad - stands up from the table, has me order first, always asks what I want- and either decides for us when he knows I want him to, or acquiesces to what I want . . . whether it's a grilled artichoke, a filet, or sushi  . . . or chicken fingers . . . whether it's food or love, it all works for me.

Maybe I got it right this time??

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Oh, Yelp-y Love!

Oh, Yelp-y Love!

I have so many thoughts in my head right now, but one of the most recurring themes is the fantabulous dinner I had last night at Briza - with some of my most favorite "foodie" friends.

See, I'm a dork about certain things. Like vocabulary words and shoes . . . and good food. And my love for writing and chronicling "everything" met its match when I discovered Yelp five (!!! Time flies!!!) years back. As an "Elite" reviewer, I get lots of perks- special events, fun functions, the general "credibility" of having an opinion that means something (and I have loved reviewing on Yelp as an adjacent act to my paid writing reviews, whether resto or other. . . ) but last night . . . Was. Special.

Those of us who are "Elite"for five years or more get "Gold" status and last night there was a very, very, very (can I just say "wow"??) special dinner for the OG's (Original Golds, Atlanta Version) at Briza.

It was amazing. The service was exceptional - the company (we Yelpers think we're pretty cool but the 16 of us that were there - yeah, we rocked) was even better - and the food was excellent. We had a four-course, wine-paired dinner and it was just . . . awesome. I tend to dislike "fixed" menus in general because when there isn't a choice, usually what's up for one or more courses is not something I would order- this was the total opposite. Honestly? I'd order every dish they picked for me on a next-visit (and I plan to, because it was all so good AND because we got a gift certificate as part of our thank-you-goodie-bag!!) A starter of ahi tuna (meaty but small, perfectly sized, with kale chips!), a delicious pumpkin soup (creamy, yummy. and served in this cool mason jar with a flip-top lid) and a NY strip with a baked potato ("serrated" not "fluffed" and with a piece of bacon between each "slice"- OMG!) . . . I foisted my dessert off on my dining neighbor, not having much of a sweet tooth and being so happy with what I'd had.

Food + Friends = Fun. Simple equation, proven true (yet again) last night. Some people don't understand my relationship with Yelp - but if you've met the people I have through this site, and become friends online and in real-life, and you get to experience the kind of events I do as an Elite Yelper - you know what I mean about FFF.

I'm so glad my relationship with food has evolved through the years (no more anorexic teen eating an apple a day or melting fat-free cheese on a bagel- harrumph!), and that I have the privilege of writing about my dining escapades (on Yelp and other sites, some paid!!) and living out this passion I have . . . Because food is love - especially when in good company. And sharing the "tale" of it, well, that's a savory feeling to me.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Briza: a Midtown spot you must try!

Nugget Love

I'm gonna come out and say it loud and proud: I support Chick-Fil-A. As a business, for their right to exercise "philosophy" as they see fit (as long as they follow legal and ethical standards) and for their generous donations to a lot of people and organizations in our country.

However, I was disturbed today by two things: 1) all the posts on FB, etc about the "reversal" of position on organizations CFA supports/doesn't, and the whole "internal memo" discussion, and 2) the behavior I witnessed by a manager at one of my local CFA stores.

It was about 4:30 today, and I needed a snack since I'd only had half a bagel with cheese and avocado about 10:30, so I stopped at this particular Chick-Fil-A; it's one I've gone to over the years, and it's always been typically consistent (ie, busy, nice staff, great product). Nuggets and a diet Lemonade sounded perfect.

There were only four of us in line/at the register at the time - three young, black, dreadlocked guys and me. One of the guys totally smelled like pot. They all had kind of an awkward time ordering. Assumptions (reasonably made, I think) aside, I found the manager's behavior to be . . . over-eager. A tad too inquiring and, actually, patronizing. Repeated questions to the guys - "Was that a Chick-Fil-A sauce you wanted, or honey mustard?" and "Did you want a small lemonade or a medium?," etc - and then to me, "Ma'am, if you'll step over here, Allyce will be with you shortly" - duh, there were only four of us there, so I assumed she'd get to me in just a minute. The weird thing was - it wasn't like he was being racist or sexist or anything - except overcompensating - as if there had been some CFA manager conference call this morning and everyone was told to cow-tow to whomever came in the door and take it to the mattresses, so to speak.

Again, I fully support Chick-Fil-A as a business. But they need to make their business practices about what they've always been about- great food and superb service - and not listen to the "noise" out there, and serve people of every color, creed, gender-orientation, etc with equanimity and aplomb. I think that's possible- I think that's the kind of organization CFA really is. We shall see how they decide to (continue to) do business . . .

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Ahh, love me some Chick-Fil-A nuggets!

Happy heart, Happy tummy . . .

I got out of the hospital a little over a week ago (Sunday the 9th) and as I've mentioned, so many people dear to me have tended to me in every way that I can never thank them enough.

Groceries brought - thank you, darling Godmother - house cleaned and supplies like water and diet Sprite and such supplied - thank you, sweet Mother - and friends who took me out for lunch or dinner.  All kinds of good souls checking in on me to make sure I'm eating, sleeping, etc and getting better and taking good care of myself.

I keep mentioning my hospital stay in posts because I can't quite believe I was sick enough to be kept for almost six days, and to go through all the things (tests, vital stats, etc) I did - it's surreal. I've done a lot to my body over the years - from abusing it with underfeeding to excercise purgatory . . . but I've always been "ok." Or so I thought.

Well, maybe in my 30s,"it" has caught up with me. It's time to . . . sleep, to eat even better (I've been a pretty healthy eater over the last few years but now it's clear I have to step up my game). So today, when I had a banana for breakfast with some OJ (I found out during my hospital stay I was dangerously Potassium deficient) and then an early-ish lunch of a grilled artichoke and a lean beef slider with ketchup, mustard and lots of water . . . I feel like I'm covering my bases better. Thankfully, I have the Boy and my family and friends who alternately cajole, check-in and convince me to a) eat something, b) eat something good and healthy for me, c) pace myself and not get stressed, just take it bite by bite and d) keep working on being healthy.

See, food and love and health -  it all rolls together when you let it. And I promise to let it. I am so thankful for the people tending to me and to the God who has guarded this body for 36 years - it's time for me to make sure I take good care of it for me, for Him, and for all of those who care about me.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Yummy beef sliders at Cheesecake Factory!

A Huge "Thank You" - from the heart and stomach . . .

I am a lucky and blessed girl. And despite some very real and fast-impending challenges upon me, I have to stop and recognize that there are so many people in my life who love me, who worry about and pray for me, who are there for me in ways big and small . . . I'm overwhelmed by it, truly.

Since I've been out of the hospital, I've been grateful that a number of dear people in my life have made it a point to take me to lunch or dinner, buy me healthy food to stock my fridge, check to see if I'm actually eating said groceries (or at all) and if I'm able to keep my food and meds down. Not only do I appreciate all of this - but I will admit that I need it. I need people who care asking after my eating habits and offering whatever they can (that chicken soup I love from Jalisco? bananas for upping my potassium per doctor's orders? to get out of the house at least for a bit and be around people and order whatever sounds good on the menu? My family and friends are wily, persistent and, kind, and don't easily take "no" for an answer when they know their stubborn girl needs more of a nudge than normal).

And partly because of their collective efforts (it scares me a little that now so many have each other's numbers and could easily work out some crazy shenanigans with me likely being none the wiser), and partly because of my own resolve to get healthy, food has once again proven a key link in the circles of life and happiness.

Now, off to brunch with a dear old friend and her husband - what could be better than a Fried Green Tomato "BLT" on a sunny patio with old friends? Today, nothing. Oh, indeed, I am a lucky girl.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Love MoSaic's Fried Green Tomato sandwich (add bacon, of course!!)

"Delivery!"

This girl has had a rough week or so. A follow-up doctor's visit last Wednesday turned into a do-not-pass-go, go-straight-to-the-ER episode that resulted in my five-day staycation at Piedmont Hospital. Eep!

Sparing you all the gory details, I'll just say that somehow e-coli infected my bladder, then my blood and it turned into a severe kidney infection. My stats and vitals were all over the place - from crazy high blood pressure to scary low, a heart rate as high as 144 bpm, fever up to 104, and excruciating pain throughout my stomach and lower back. It was quite the ordeal.

I often have a hard time keeping food, drink and medicine down when stressed (and I was a little stressed mentally and obviously physically to say the least, here!) and I get particularly nauseous to boot so even if I feel a little hungry and want to try to eat, it's not often a success.

Hospital food also tends to be less tasty than my usual daily fare. It's not terrible, but you can't expect a hospital food service to match Bistro Niko, right?

Tilapia with orange sauce courtesy of Piedmont Hospital's dining service

But! I lucked out and had other delivery services available. Living so close to Piedmont and having parents, a boyfriend and other friends also in close proximity meant that I got spoiled by having treats from my usual haunts brought to me. My troops did anything that they could to entice me to eat. Daddy brought lunch one day, my favorite turkey sandwich from Panera (just turkey, romaine, Swiss and cucumbers on French) and a CamiCakes red velvet cupcake (sooo yummy!) . . . Mom brought a stash of diet coke and one day a breakfast plate from Another Broken Egg with scrambled eggs, bacon, an English muffin and tomato slices . . . The Boy really outdid himself with another breakfast from ABE one morning, a "date night" spread of a Houston's smorgasbord of my favorite things - the smoked salmon app, the Club Salad with my requested moderations. . . Fellini's pizza and salad (and "Ronin") for another date night . . . a steak and side of pasta from Brio for a third. I might not have eaten much of any of their treats, but they were so thoughtful to take care of me, I tried, and at least I kept what I did manage to eat down. And felt a little stronger with each meal. And felt even more grateful to have the people who love me taking care of me in this particular way.

Houston's yummy Club Salad for me and a grilled salmon steak for him  (my fave smoked salmon app not shown) - mmmm, such a treat!

Grocery delivery! Maybe those bananas will help boost my very low potassium level, along with the supplements.

Daddy knows just how I like my turkey sandwich from Panera and the CamiCakes was a sweet touch!

While I was gone, my mom was sweet enough to clean my apartment and do my laundry - and "clean out" my fridge as she saw fit. I came home to a pristine fridge - missing a few of what I consider staples. My energy level is definitely not up to par yet, and the thought of grocery shopping was more than I could handle. So when my sweet Godmother called yesterday to see how I was and what she could do for me, as bad as I can be about accepting help, when she suggested she come over to visit, then maybe we make a grocery list and she could run get me a few things I'd need and like. . . under the circumstances, I said "yes, please" to another angel in my life.

Food can be healing in so many ways - obviously, for its nutritional content, but also for its comfort factor. It can be made or delivered with love. It can be extended as a peace offering or as something to give when  there's little else you can do. It really does cover a multitude of sins, "fix" (at least temporarily) one's current ills, bring smiles to faces and create an opportunity for people to connect.

That, my friends, is a perfect kind of delivery in my book.

Yours,

Love Bites,

Carrie Neal

Love Soup

So, I may have the sweetest boyfriend in the world. He does many nice things for me - on a big scale like trips and stuff - but it's the little things that make me smile the most and know how much he loves me. When he brings me a card, or slides one into the writing contract he printed out for me, or makes me brunch, or like today . . . I have been feeling pretty stressed and very lousy lately for various reasons and did not sleep at all last night. I'll spare you details of the other physical complaints I have and my anxiety over tomorrow's doctor's appointment, but he was my hero today.

He and I usually have anywhere from one to three meals a day together, at pretty nice spots. We also do casual, or take out occasionally and we had planned on lunch today when he had a break at work. Given the holiday weekend, today is his Monday so it's been hectic. After the awful, restless night I had and how I was still not feeling better by around 11am, a special delivery sounded so nice. And I didn't have any Advil type product (for day or night use- I am not supposed to take Tylenol/acetaminophen products). About an hour later, I had my favorite Mexican chicken soup and a supply of pain relievers for now and for tonight so hopefully I can sleep.

I managed to get down about half the soup - he is always encouraging me to eat, in a non-aggressive way - and we'll do something about dinner later. That, my friends, is love soup.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

I so love Jalisco's Mexican chicken soup!

Oh, My . . .He-Artichoke

The Boy knows how to feed me. We dine out almost daily, and often for multiple meals. We have a few favorite haunts and since we dine so easily together - by that I mean, we quite naturally decide on what to order, what to share, etc (which is sooo wonderful). He is always gracious about what I want but also voices his opinion when strong on the subject of ordering this vs. that; it is a perfect combination. He also knows about my past eating struggles (I'm sure we'll get into that in future posts) and is patient with me when I'm indecisive and also knows when to take the lead when I mean it when I say, "You decide what to get for us."

After my meeting at Parental HQ yesterday, we met up for a late lunch at one of our recent favorite spots. I was hungry but a bit emotional so I left it to him to order something for us.

We've gotten in the habit of starting with the roasted artichoke appetizer at this spot before we decide on something else (he knows I can be peckish if we don't get something started, depending on the time of day or how in-the-mood-for-a-specific-something I'm feeling). It is delicious.

What I didn't know about the grand artichoke (until I did some research just now) is that it has restorative/digestive powers related to the kidneys, liver, and gallbladder.They are also good for fighting high cholesterol. And here, I just thought they were yummy!!  You can learn a lot at Lifescripts site (http://www.lifescripts.com)  if you want to learn more about the lovely artichoke.

Sometimes, a good meal with a favorite food is just what the doctor (or the Boyfriend) ordered.

Next time you see grilled artichokes on a menu somewhere, or want to add a "different" vegetable to your rotation at home (hmmm, pasta? grilling? so many choices) . . . consider going for it!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Grilled artichoke with herb aioli

Fortification

So today, I have a Serious Talk on deck with my parents. You know, the kind about life issues, and money, and Where Carrie Neal Is Going. This made me alternately nauseous and yet cognizant that some fortification pre-Geneva Convention was probably a smart idea. Oh, and I also spent the morning sending out resumes, creating alternate resume versions (you know, one focused on writing, one on my restaurant work, a collective one updated . . .) and cover letters. Talk about stress! And I don't tend to eat well when I'm really stressed, but in the spirit of trying to take care of my body and mind. . .

To what did I turn? The incredible, edible egg, of course! I love eggs in many forms, from scrambled to fried and I love them maybe a little bit more in some form of a sandwich. Today's concoction, inspired by the tasty site Hannah and Bryan's Sweet Tea & Stilettos (see pic and link below), consisted of fried egg, some yellow and red tomato I had on hand, a little avocado and a slice of Swiss. On my favorite Nature's Own butter bread (when I'm going down and dirty simple, this is my go to pick rather than something fancier). I didn't wrap mine up in parchment and tie it with a ribbon - if I was gonna eat, it needed to happen pronto after creation! - but it turned out tasty.

I managed to eat most of it (ok, not quite half, but Sir Doggus, as we call Luke around here, got a few nibbles so it wasn't a complete waste). Feeling at least a little fortified and marginally calmer about the pending conversation, I can face the day.

They say breakfast is the meal of champions - well, I need to be a champ today. I guess technically I had brunch versus breakfast . . . I can leave home in a bit feeling fortified. Sometimes you just have to feed yourself right and pray for the best.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Fried Egg BLT from http://www.hannahandbryan.blogspot.com

Food For A Friend

I have a friend who is on bed rest, possibly until her December due date. This friend is actually someone I'd only known online via Yelp til today. When I took her food and other treats and we had a wonderful visit.

Since I have a little time on my hands, when I saw that she had posted about her situation and asked for suggestions of places that delivered or were nearby for family and friends to pick things up for her - just so she didn't always have to eat hospital food (though when I saw the menu of her choices, I was impressed - but anything that's the same gets old, so I totally get it!) - I offered to make her something, whatever she wanted. I'm good with pasta dishes, casseroles, a few other things. And while I'm chronically bad at accepting help (I mean, I've only let the boy bring me food when I needed something maybe twice), I love doing nice things for others and when I make an offer - well, like I said to her, "I wouldn't offer if I didn't mean it." (Hmm, perhaps I should take my own words to heart when someone asks me what I need??). She thought muffins and fresh fruit sounded great. And tea. No one likes those "fruit cups" the hospital serves, or bland tea, and since the Boy liked the muffins I made him the other day so much, it was game on!

I got up this morning and made my blueberry muffins, and put together a goody bag. A couple boxes of (decaf) flavored tea so she had some choices, fresh strawberries and (score, as she loves it!) a couple of kiwi. Threw in a good new book - if you haven't read Emily Giffin's newest book, Where We Belong, do!) and a few DVD's (a "Law & Order" season, "16 Candles," and the winner since she has not seen it, "Eat, Pray, Love"- score!) and I was off to play foodie fairy friend.

It's no fun being cooped up, so to speak, but if there's a small way you can care for someone - well, it does this girl's heart good.

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

Yelp-A-Licious!

So anyone who knows me knows that I am a big Yelper. I love the site, I've met so many great people through it and I enjoy everything from the "foodie" Elite events (certain Yelpers get deemed Elite each year based on a number of variables, from frequent reviewing to positive participation in the site and being, as Yelp's tagline is, providers of "real, honest, reviews" of businesses in their local community). It's a pretty cool thing and you can check out my Yelp page here: www.carrienealland.yelp.com.

Yelp just got even cooler in my book, last night, with the Kickoff Party for "Yelp Helps": a month of activities with Yelpers working with over 20 local charities to do good and raise money for great organizations in our fair city. I volunteer with The Junior League of Atlanta and this year am again working with Open Hand (two outstanding Atlanta nonprofits) but was not familiar with most of the participants in this Yelp series.

Last night, we were invited to the Georgia World Congress Center (hadn't been there in ages!) for a night of fun, introduction to the participating charities, and - of course! - food. When these things come together, and the night raises a few thousand dollars before the month of events has even started, how can it not be awesome??

Fun for a good cause!

From learning about two new organizations with whom I definitely want to volunteer - Ahimsa House (visit www.ahimsahouse.org) who work to rescue pets caught in domestic violence situations and find them new and safe homes (I was shocked to learn that more than 71% of domestic violence victims report that their abuser has threatened, harmed or killed their pet!!), to Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption (check out this upcoming event on September 23rd - www.pawsintheparkatlanta.com), I was excited! Yes, I have a love for animals and since I already do other volunteer work with organizations like Open Hand that focus on feeding critically or terminally ill people, and Junior League which focuses on women and children at risk, I look forward to trying something different over the next weeks!

And while we got to peruse the information about all these great organizations, there were "snacks." More than snacks, really - Billy and crew from the awesome Cypress Street Pint & Plate were there (their Philly cheese steak is awesome and they had mini versions plus meatball sliders for us!) and gave coupons out, Maddio's Pizza was there with a blue cheese pizza among other options (more coupons, score!), Googie Burger was in full force with a whole kitchen wagon set up to make full burgers and fries, OMG cupcakes . . . the list goes on. This is why it "pays" to be a Yelper!

This makes my heart happy - we always have fun at Yelp events and there's always good food and fun people, but when you can also party with a purpose . . . that's way cool. Looking forward to a great month of fun, friends, food and new experiences with some of our city's best charity folks!

Yours,
Love Bites,
Carrie Neal

P.S. If you're interested in learning more about "Yelp Helps" - visit the Yelp  Atlanta home page  and check the bottom right side of the home page for full details on all the organizations that will be involved, and event dates as they are posted!!

Visit www.yelp.com/atlanta for details!!