Atlanta Eats: Foxtrot Liquor Bar

In the midst of all of the holiday bustle, my sister and I took a few hours out of holiday parties to meet up with our future sister in law and celebrate her engagement to our brother. Rachel happens to be a sweet friend and a pretty awesome blogger, so we definitely feel like we hit the sister in law jackpot. We met up at one of Atlanta's newest watering holes, Foxtrot Liquor Bar to explore their menu, have a few beverages, and chat all things wedding. 

Foxtrot Liquor Bar is in Midtown and happens to be directly next door to one of my favorite Atlanta hidden gens, Pasta da Pulcinella (more on that another time). Decorated in layers of plaids, ginghams, and leathers, Foxtrot certainly packs gentlemanly appeal while keeping ladies entranced as well. We sipped through beverages like Life on Mars (a gin and champagne cocktail), and I even had my first eggnog ever...delicious. 

Pub grub eats included things like pierogies (small dumplings filled with mashed potatoes), pimento cheese fritters (don't miss them...), and housemade sliders. Perhaps my favorite discovery of the night (beyond the wedding details, obviously) was that Foxtrot created their own, signature tonic water. As a gin-loving gal, this was music to my ears. Sign me up for a gin and tonic next time! 

Needless to say, Foxtrot is a must-visit. Snuggle up to the bar, chat with the mixologists, take in the ambiance, and enjoy the food. Tell them I sent you! 

How to Build the Perfect Cheese Tray

A cheese tray is pretty much a staple at my friends' gatherings, so it goes without saying that I'll be making one or two throughout the holiday season. Choosing cheeses used to stress me out until I discovered a tried and true way to build the perfect cheese tray: it's all in the clock. Allow me to explain. 

Before you ever go to the store, take a look around your cabinets and decide your cheese tray platter. It could be a white serving dish, a glass platter, or a simple cutting board like I've used here. Knowing what you're serving your cheese on will help you determine what cheeses & accompaniments to buy.

Next, think of your serving tray as a clock. Working clockwise, you'll want to add a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits, etc. However, you'll want to start with your softest cheese (typically a goat cheese), move to a semi-hard or hard cheese (like Parmesan), and finish with a full-flavored cheese (like Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola). Fill in the areas between the cheeses with crackers, fruits, and jams. I always choose fruit that's in season, versus simply grabbing grapes and calling it a day. Apples are fantastic in the fall and early winter, and pomegranates would be beautiful for the holidays. Whatever fruits you decide, make sure you're choosing ones that fit with the cheeses you've selected. 

For this tray, I chose Stella Cheese. Stella offers a ton of cheese varieties, so it helped me narrow my selection at the store. By choosing one brand, I was able to select different types of cheeses without being overwhelmed by all of the options. Then, I used pecan crackers (also seasonal!), apples, and a little locally made jam. 

If you're salivating just thinking about a Stella Cheese tray (and maybe craving a little wine, too?), head to the store to pick up a few items for your own cheese tray. And don't forget to enter Stella's contest to win an amazing trip to Napa. If that doesn't say Christmas vacation, I don't know what does! 

What are your favorite cheeses to include on a cheese tray?! Spill your secrets! 

Friday Foodie: Tin Can Fish House & Oyster Bar

It's here! No, I don't mean the holidays, but rather, oyster season. I am, as some might say, an oyster snob. Before you judge my snobbery, hear me out: I can't help it. I was born in Mobile and was raised on quality seafood...including oysters, and that means only eating them when they're in season. According to folklore, you can eat oysters in months with an "R" which for those of you counting means: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December. Okay, so fine, oyster season has been around for a few months, but since it's been near 80 degrees here until just a few weeks ago, it finally feels safe. 

Of course there are many many exceptions to this rule, and I'd be lying if I said I only ate oysters during months with a "R," but I do maintain that the best oysters come from the highest quality producers and the coldest waters. Thankfully, there are people like Nik Panagopoulos who handle the difficult task of sourcing the best oysters around...who am I kidding? I'd freaking love that task, but I'm thankful he's more than willing to do the hard work for me. 

This week, I had the chance to dine at the newly opened Tin Can Fish House & Oyster Bar in Town Brookhaven, and it did not disappoint. The oysters were briny and plentiful, the menu was well-priced, and the ambiance was intimate. As my friend Lia said, the restaurant "knows itself." It's such a great observation to make because it's true. Tin Can knows its audience. It knows it's first and foremost responsible for bringing delicious, quality seafood to the table. It knows it provides fantastic service. It knows good wine and beer, so it skips cocktails. It was refreshing and wonderful. 

We dined on everything from raw oysters to oysters Rockefeller, from lobster rolls to tuna toasts. Everything I had made me more excited to see what was coming next. If you're looking for your next date night in Atlanta and could use a good seafood fix, give Tin Can Fish House & Oyster Bar a try. And order the oysters...any of them or all of them! 

Atlanta Eats: Tupelo Honey Cafe

One thing that I absolutely pride myself on is knowing THE BEST places to go eat in Atlanta. I'm not talking about the places that everyone else goes either. I'm talking about the places that are worth your money, the places that are worth your time, and the places that are worth your calories. In terms of "worth it," Atlanta's new Tupelo Honey Cafe nails the trifecta. 

Based out of Asheville, North Carolina and with locations across the country, Tupelo Honey Cafe is hands down worth a visit. The restaurant is located off of Roswell Road in Sandy Springs in an absolutely beautiful space. When you walk in, you're immediately greeted by friendly staff and a stunning bar which features over 36 craft beers on tap along with four draft cocktails. While we didn't get to sit in the bar area this time, I am itching to go back and give it a try; the atmosphere was bustling and the ambiance inviting. 

If you've been to a Tupelo Honey Cafe before, you're likely to notice some favorites on the Atlanta menu. Signature dishes like shrimp & grits, ribs, and fried chicken find their place on the menu, but you'll also fine Atlanta-specific items like bottomless mac-and-cheese (say what?!) and a fried chicken tower (available Wednesdays & Sundays). 

We were treated to everything from Strawberry Sangria to homemade biscuits and blueberry jam. Our meal started strong with a sneak peek of the bottomless mac and cheese. Creamy and topped with an over easy egg, it was what I dubbed "Southern carbonara." Just what dreams are made of. 

The mac and cheese was quickly followed by cooked-to-perfection scallops which were one of my favorite things we had all night. Hunter doesn't even like scallops, and he left his plate absolutely clean; a true testament of scallop goodness. 

Next up? Fluffy, flakey, buttery, a pinch salty yet slightly sweet southern biscuits. I wish I had through ahead enough to bring the other half of my uneaten biscuit home with me for breakfast on Sunday. I cannot talk about how delicious it was. And the blueberry jam? Icing on the crumb cake. 

Our entrees followed: steak for him and shrimp & grits for her. The smoked gouda grits were incredible - rich and creamy which balanced the slight spice of the dish perfectly. I loved the red peppers that were included in the bowl, too. Yum. 

Of course, no fantastic meal is complete without dessert. Our sweet waitress, Golden, hooked us up with two desserts (even though we were only allotted one). Hunter devoured the strawberry shortcake (made with a biscuit, obvs) while I noshed on s'mores cake. Yes, you read that correctly. S'mores. Cake. 

Needless to say, we essentially needed to butter the doorways to get back out of the restaurant, but every moment of the meal was incredible. I highly recommend adding Tupelo Honey Cafe to your restaurant must-visit list. It's sure to be a staple in our house. 

Thanks so much to Phase 3 PR for inviting me to try Tupelo Honey! All thoughts, opinions, and calories are my own.

Valentine's Day Parfait

Add a little color and festivity to your breakfast for Valentine's Day with this quick Valentine's Day parfait. Since no one has time in the mornings, I am all about easy breakfasts that can be eaten on the go. This parfait fits that bill all while being cute and healthy, too. 

All you need to do is pick up your favorite granola, vanilla bean yogurt (or another flavor...your choice), and strawberries. Next scoop each item into a small glass (or mason jar for easy travel), layering each as you go. I like a tiny layer of yogurt on the bottom then strawberries and granola before piling it on. This breakfast parfait turns out super cute and adds a little fun to your morning routine! 

Bring the Boom with BOOMCHICKAPOP

With just two weeks away, the big game is on the horizon! I can feel the excitement in the air and the energy building: What will be the best commercial? How will the halftime show shape up? Who will take home the coveted W? And of course, what fabulous food will be consumed? Be the fan favorite at your big game party and bring the boom with BOOMCHICKAPOP! 

I've been a huge fan of BOOMCHICKAPOP for as long as I can remember. For one, I am slightly obsessed with the packaging. #sorrynotsorry For another, I love that flavors of BOOMCHICKAPOP can be mixed together to create one satiating snack. My favorite winning combination? White Cheddar and Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn. This combo allows the best of both worlds: sweet and salty and creates a delicious convergence for your tastebuds. 

This year, I am bringing the boom to my party by providing adorable popcorn containers filled with my favorite BOOMCHICKAPOP concoction. The containers keep everything neat and orderly while encouraging people to move away from the food table and onto the couch where all the action is happening. I picked mine up from the dollar section at a certain favorite retailer; the colors available matched my bags of popcorn perfectly, and I just couldn't resist how great I knew they would look for the big game. Of course a sprinkle of confetti just adds to the party scene and sets the tone for a winning celebration. 

BOOMCHICKAPOP is a healthy tailgating treat which means you can nosh guilt free while enjoying the party. No need to pass over this snack; instead, dig in for more! To help you celebrate the big game, BOOMCHICKAPOP is offering you a chance to win a Game Day Kit! You can enter once per day every day. And don't forget to share a photo of how you bring the boom to Game Day and tag BOOMCHICKAPOP on social media. Then, use the hashtag #bringtheBOOM for even more chances to win great prizes.  The prize for the photo contest? A PINK GRILL! Plus a pink travel chair and grilling utensils. Say what?! I'll be entering that for sure. 

Bring the boom to your Game Day party with BOOMCHICKAPOP; I know I will! 

Favorite Healthy Finds from Across the Web

Happy 2016 everyone! I cannot believe it's already time for a new year. I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season sipping cocktails, eating great food, spending time with loved ones, and above all, relaxing. 

As always, a new year means health and fitness is on everyone's mind. While some people roll their eyes at things like resolutions, I happen to think the focus on improving your health is a good thing. In fact, for me personally, I just want to be nicer to my body after all of those yummy sugary foods and beverages from December. Who ever said that was a bad thing? 

Over the past week or so, I've been scouring the web looking for my favorite healthy finds. In today's post, I've rounded up a few of my top health-related sites for you. Take a look:

Best Healthy Eating Sites:

SkinnyTaste - Gina has been my go-to for yummy recipes for years. I'm certain you've seen her pins all over Pinterest, and I have never had a Gina meal that I didn't love. Usually, at least two or three of our meals each week are SkinnyTaste recipes...they're that good!

The Wholesome Bowl - If you haven't seen Amalia's beautiful Instagram, stop what you're doing and follow her. Not only are her creations gorgeous, but they look delicious, too. I've tried a few of her bowl recipes, and I am looking forward to adding more to my arsenal. 

Against All Grain - Danielle is the paleo queen, and while we don't stick to a paleo diet, I love trying paleo recipes. Danielle has many many cookbooks under her belt and a bevy of recipes on her blog. And let's talk about this marshmallow s'more tart she recently posted. Don't mind if I healthily do...

Best Juicing Plan:

Annette Joseph Style - Annette Joseph is a lifestyle expert, cooking extraordinaire, teacher, photo stylist and more. Every January she does a 21 day juice cleanse which she refers to as Juice January. Even though her program started on January 1st, you can still incorporate juices into your daily routine! Check out her site for great recipes. 

Simple Green Smoothies - The Simple Green Smoothie girls are some of my favorite people to follow in Instagram. Their smoothies are DELICIOUS and their feed is beautiful. They just kicked-off their 30 day challenge to incorporate 1 green smoothie per day into your diet. It's a totally do-able feat especially given that they post so many of their recipes on their Instagram. 

Best Inspirational Podcast:

One Part Podcast - I've talked about how much I love Jessica Murnane's One Part Podcast before, so just trust me on this one and subscribe. Jessica interviews some fascinating people (both inside and outside of the blogger/foodie world). The one thing that she always does is have each guest end with a plant-based recipe they want to try! 

Best Online Snacks:

2 Moms in the Raw - Thanks to One Part Podcast, I recently discovered 2 Moms in the Raw. Their granola bars and other snacks are supposed to be incredible (hello chocolate truffles), and I can't wait to scoop some up at my local Whole Foods.  

Perfect Fit Protein - Brought to us by the Tone It Up ladies, Perfect Fit Protein is supposedly some of the healthiest and tastiest proteins around. I ordered some last weekend, and I'll be sure to let you know how it is ASAP! (P.S. it's on sale!) 

Of course, if you need even more inspiration, be sure to follow my Healthy Eating & Motivational Pinterest boards. Lots to see there!  I got a JawboneUp3 for Christmas, and I can actually say that it's helping me be more motivated (yesterday's devotion to Netflix aside). What is helping you stay on top of your game? And if you have other healthy sites you love, please let me know about them in the comments! 

Atlanta Eats: The Cookie Studio

When I first drove passed The Cookie Studio on Pharr, I have to say that I really didn't have much of a desire to pay this shop a visit. For one thing, if I am going to splurge on dessert, then I am probably going to nosh some cake. For another, I was stupid. Yes, stupid. Just plain silly. Because if I had stopped, I would have discovered one of the most delectable hidden gems in Atlanta: a place where delicious coffee flows, homemade English muffins reign, and cookies are king. 

The Cookie Studio offers a wide range of sandwiches, pastries, and of course, cookies, but the real secret is in the breakfast. Snuggle up to the counter and place your order for a unique breakfast sandwich, or if you're feeling sassy, a breakfast burrito. What you'll receive is nothing short of delightful: a homemade, slightly crunchy English muffin topped with whatever your heart desires. For me, that includes pimento cheese, bacon, and roasted cherry tomatoes. No Cookie Studio breakfast is complete without a side of fresh fruit. Even though this is a small addition, it's one of my favorite things that the restaurant does. Such a great touch!

This dive is full of locals from the surrounding Buckhead neighborhoods. I have to say that Buckhead isn't known for its mom and pop restaurants, but The Cookie Studio changes that mentality. We eat here often and suggest that you do, too! Enjoy your breakfast on the patio with free wi-fi and start your day off on the right foot.

Graze: Snacking Made Easy

Since school has started back, I've been making an effort to step-up my healthy choices in lunches and snacking.  But if I'm being honest, I struggle every Sunday to plan those lunches and snacks. It is a task that I really can't stand, and I spend hours and hours on Pinterest trying to get inspired. Luckily, my sweet friend Luisa introduced me to Graze, an easy snacking company that sends healthy snacks right to your door...for $6!

Every two weeks, Graze sends me a box of 4 protein-filled snacks in a totally customizable box! Graze has a fantastic rating system in which you can say which snacks you want when. Just trash, try, like, or love each snack you receive. For example, I really despise dried fruit, so I trashed all of those snackers, but I adore anything with chocolate, so I made sure to love those! Oh, and you can choose snacks according to dietary preferences. Peanut allergies? Gluten free? Graze has you covered. 

Have I convinced you to give Graze a try? If so, you can click right here to get your first box FREE. Yep, FREE, friends! And the best part is that your 5th box is free too. So, after just 2 months of snacking, you get another free box. I love that! It's like Birchbox...but for food!!

And while it's no secret that I love subscription boxes, this one packing food has to take the cake. What are you waiting for? Get your free box today!

Summer Routine & A Healthy Kick

Every summer, I make it my goal to get back on the bandwagon for healthy behaviors and eating. With our annual trip to Watercolor just a little over a month away and the wedding in six months, I've decided (officially this time), I'm ready to kick myself in the tail and get back on the right track. 

Recently, I've been blowing up my Pinterest with healthy recipes, easy exercises, and helpful motivators. I've also been reading tons on Considering You. Have you checked out this new blog yet? It is full of helpful information - like how to use chai seeds and juicing vs. blending. I also just signed up for their June Fitness Challenge!

Here are a few of the pins that I've found most helpful recently (these have really kept me sane, too)!

2 Week Health Challenge from Considering You

Green Smoothie from Lemon Stripes

Asparagus Prosciutto Panini from Skinny Taste (my fav. summer sammie!)

I'd love to hear from you all! How do you kick-start a health regimen after falling off of the bandwagon? Tell me your secrets!

 

Snack Attack: Peanut Butter Poppers

If you're going to take the time to look good while working out, you might as well feed your body well, too. I am the first to say that I hate diet foods. Just yuck. But I am making an effort to stay away from a lot of processed food and instead cook and bake myself. One of my new favorite things to whip up are these peanut butter poppers (because you can POP them in your mouth :)). They are super easy and tasty to boot...and I always have the ingredients on hand! What's not to love? Try them and let me know what you think!

Don't forget to enter to win a Go Long Crew in a color of your choice from Albion Fit, a women's fitness and swimwear line made by women for women. Go here to enter!