Cafe Reyes!

Today I went out for lunch. This is quite extraordinary. I've only left the building two other times for lunch in the last 3 months. And I've only eaten in the "cafeteria" 4-5 times in the last three months.

So, the walk was great-- a sunny spring day-- and the destination was even better. Cafe Reyes is open for breakfast and lunch. It is a delightful way to spend a mid-day lunch. I loved the music- latin flair. It made me feel like there was a beach outside, just steps away... It was like a vacation at lunch, but without the drinks (wistful sigh).

This was a delicious cubano sandwich:

I will be back for breakfast and coffee ...soon.

And an awesome cause/story behind the cafe:

Frustrations

You know, sometimes we just need to vent...about:

Cars parked on the sidewalk:

Oh, and by the way, the passenger flipped me off for taking this picture.

Because you know, taking a photo is a way worse offense than parking in the MIDDLE of the sidewalk.

And 'parks' with paths that lead nowhere. Literally nowhere. Not to a bench, or another path, or to the road.. They just dead-end into... gravel and grass?

They lead nowhere!!! All of them! I want them to at least lead across the grassy knoll, or to a bench!!

Cascade Hike

Sunday hike through Cascade park.

 

Out of Chaos Comes BRUNCH!

Okay, just so it's clear what my kitchen goes through in these cooking adventures, I'm dedicating this blog post to my kitchen messes and mishaps.

First: THE MESS.

Second: THE CASUALTIES.

This is how you get rid of the evidence, right??

Finally, BEAUTY FROM THE CHAOS:

Crepes: parsnips, spinach, garlic, shallots, and bacon sauteed with honey and white wine. Then add romano and parmesan cheese and a little lemon-parsley-butter. Top it with an "easy" egg and scallions. Add a side of kiwi.... and a modified bellini.

Dinner, in Courses-- But Just Two

Today was a full day of cooking and cleaning... exciting right? Ha. Well, at least the reward of cooking can be well worth the mess.

Lamb, with a red-wine-and-balsamic reduction:

Porkchop with oven-roasted dressing, plated over granny smith apples w/ edamame.
The dressing: mushrooms, herbs, onions, and deconstructed toasted-onion ciabatta.

Pesto Salmon

I'm a little bit behind on my posts. It's been a bit of a weird week.  My finger is starting to heal, still sore when I bump it, and I'm a bit tired of trying to keep it dry, but all in all, things are okay.
Anyway, I'm getting back on track and here's my weekly fish dish.

Pesto Salmon over lemon-butter angel hair pasta, with kale and corn, garnished with scallions and parmesan.

Hike Before the Storm

We have had a threat of snow hanging over us...a good, big spring storm. The snowfall predictions range from <1 inch, to 3-18 inches... the latest says 2-6 is most likely.  Meanwhile, I thought I'd try to get a quick hike in before the storm hits... Green Park trails.