Friday, July 15, 2011

Scott and I went to one of my favorite restaurants in my neighborhood, Pizzeria Lola. They have a photo booth which we've never used before. I am friends with Ben Reichelt, who wrote the software for the booth so I wanted to check it out. We decided to make it a tradition because it was a lot of fun (and we didn't really master the timing on this first try). 

Thursday, May 12, 2011

I met Cathy at Capella University and she was always one of my favorite people to run into in the hallway. Here's the lesson part of this story- always ask people to coffee when you think they're cool! Cathy no longer works at Capella and so our spontaneous hellos are no more. Lucky for me we were connected on Facebook and when she recently mentioned she wanted to visit her friend, Rachel, the manager at Pizzeria Lola, I jumped at the chance to join her. Pizzeria Lola was the Day 42 photo so I've already established it is in my 'hood! 

Before we were seated at a table, we enjoyed a beer at the bar. Deschuttes Black Butte Porter for me and Fulton Lonely Blond for Cathy. When we were seated and it was time to order, it was a tough choice to pick a pie since I fell hard for both the Xerxes and The Boise on previous visits, it was hard to imagine I'd love another. Turns out I'm a promiscuous pizza lover! I went with Sweet Italian, and boy was it tasty! After we had our leftover pizza boxed up, Rachel sent over a complimentary House-made vanilla soft serve ice cream with extra-virgin olive oil & fleur de sel. Wow. wow. wow. So delicious. Thanks Rachel! 

Before leaving, I was able to say a quick hello to the owner, Ann and snap her photo with Rachel. What a great evening. It was so great to hang out with Cathy and simultaneously catch up and get to know her better. She rocks and I can't wait to see where her job search takes her! 

Saturday, April 23, 2011

I am going to have dreams about the Monster Cookie I ate at the Queen City Bakery in Sioux Falls. Located in the Eastbank section of downtown, Queen City Bakery is high on character and charm. I will definitely be back to enjoy more coffee and desserts! 

Sunday, April 17, 2011

I am spending a week with my parents in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and we always try to go to my favorite local restaurants while I'm in town. Tonight I wanted to pretend it was warmer than 45 degrees so we headed to Bracco World Cafe and Island Bar. Pictured here is my dish, Fiji Fish: macadamia nut-crusted Pacific mahi-mahi, pan seared and served with jasmine rice with yellow mild curry coconut sauce.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Before taking Scott to the airport, we enjoyed brunch at one of our favorite cafes in Minneapolis, Common Roots Cafe at 25th and Lyndale. I like to pretend this is in our neighborhood because in warmer months we have been known to walk there but who am I kidding, it is not at all in my neighborhood. That said, the vibe at Common Roots is like everyone is part of a community. It is part restaurant, part coffee shop, part study hall, part bar. It is big enough to accomodate students, bloggers and internet surfers with the faster turnover tables of diners. The staff are friendly but not invasive so you can enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling like you are in the way. 

Oh, I got off track - back to the sweet and savory. One of the many things I love about having brunch with Scott is that he generally chooses from the sweet side of the menu while I gravitate towards the savory. Since our mothers taught us to share, we both win! Let me tell you, these lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries and lemon curd are TO DIE FOR. I still don't know how I was able to limit myself to one bite (oh yeah, because I fell in love with their salad sampler). 

I promise this is not a paid advertisement by Common Roots. I say this in all sincerity - I have never been disappointed with them. I have eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner there; have introduced many friends to them and am genuinely supportive of all they do. I've had a frittata, gingerbread pancakes, apple zuchinni latkes and many other nummy meals I didn't capture with my camera. And with that, I dare you not to go based on that recommendation!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

To celebrate the first day of March, I met Erin and Annie at Birchwood Cafe for dinner. Annie was flipping through Pat the Bunny when I arrived. At first I was confused why she wouldn't look at me/the camera since she is practically a baby model with all the photos Erin takes of her. Then I realized she was looking at herself in the mirror!! I'd look at myself all day too if I were as cute as little Miss Annie. I mean look at those eyelashes! 

Thank you Erin and Annie for the wonderful dinner date. You helped me avoid the reality of a broken furnace for an extra hour and a half. While we were at dinner, Scott signed for a new, efficient furnace which will be installed tomorrow. My co-worker/friend/neighbor, Jackie lent us a space heater so we are going to try to make it through the night without heat. With negative degree temps overnight, this may prove to be a dumb decision. 

Friday, February 11, 2011

My parents are in town this weekend and I've been looking forward to bringing them to one of the newest restaurants in our neighborhood, Pizzeria Lola. It is so exciting to have so many great restaurants within walking distance of our home (some walks are longer than the average person would care to take). 

For starters, we ordered The Lola antipasto plate which my parents and Scott shared. I had the mixed greens salad which was HUGE so we all ended up sharing it. We each ordered a pizza that struck our fancy and then shared:
Dad- Hawaii Pie-O
Mom- Old Reliable
Janelle-  Boise 
Scott- Sweet Italian

I love the atmosphere and it seems quite friendly to patrons of all ages. They serve great local beers on tap and there is a little wall shelf in the back for people waiting for a table. There is also a Photo Booth in the back and many people have posted their photo strips to the wall which I think is a fun touch. The decor is warm - especially with the centerpiece Le Panyol wood fire oven. 

I highly recommend you visit this neighborhood pizza joint! 

Note to people intimidated by parallel street parking - ask your friend to drive!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Scott and I decided to try our neighborhood's newest restaurant, In Season. It is across the street from Cafe Maude and it so great to have two fantastic restaurants within walking distance of our home. Scott had the seared limousine beef tenderloin with baby turnips and sweet potato. 

We both highly recommend this restaurant and have made it a goal to go back every season to try their new menu. 

Friday, January 7, 2011

Fuji Ya sushi platter shared by Sharon, Jen, Miranda and Erin during our Graduate and Career Services retreat. After lunch we went to Minnesota Public Radio for a tour. We geeked out and asked typical career counselor questions- can't take us anywhere.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Practicing my photography skills in the dead of winter in Minnesota has been challenging. So, many photos may be of food but I will do my best to be a bit more creative.