THE REVIEW: URBAN COOKHOUSE

THE RESTAURANT: I had passed by the Homewood location of this restaurant several times and I even checked out reviews of other bloggers! It has been on my list of "must try" for quite a while now and just by luck some friends and I ended up here for a pre-bowling meal! (Summit Location)

 

CHIPOTLE BRAISED PORK: HOT CHEDDAR PASTA:

MARINATED SLAW

 THE MENU: I ordered the Chipotle Braised Pork and the meat was cooked to perfection!The Pork was accompanied by Hot Cheddar Pasta and Marinated Slaw.The penne pasta styled mac and cheese (hot cheddar pasta) was tasty but I don’t have much to say about the slaw as it did taste quite fresh but was not one of my favorite recipes. I also have to give the “bbq sauce” a less than stellar review… it lacked taste and did nothing for the well seasoned pork. The food was super light and though I felt full I didn’t have that awful "heavy feeling" after a big meal! I also can’t leave out the delicious strawberry lemonade! Homemade and one word ...YUM!

WOOD FIRED SHRIMP KABOBS: ORANGE ROLL: RICE PILAF

 THE SERVICE & AMBIANCE: We had no idea what we wanted and as we stared up at the menu board, it was the friendly cashier that asked us if we needed some help and provided us with some great insight on what to try out! She told me about their use of the "big green egg" when I asked about the pork and I was sold!After placing our orders our food was promptly delivered to us! The restaurant showcased a clean and non fussy design and was quite charming, a real reflection of the food.

THE DOWN HOME: SMOKED TURKEY: PINEAPPLE HAM: BROCCOLI SALAD

THE VERDICT: Great service and an interesting concept on fresh and tasty cuisine. I will definitely be visiting again in the near future!

 

TALENTI Gelato e Sorbetto

They even sent a handwritten note!

I have to admit that I am a VERY GRATEFUL super slacker with AMAZING taste buds!

Months and many tasty moons ago (2010) my FAVORITE Gelato brand TALENTI was sweet enough to send me the mother load of customer gratitude in the form of coupons! If you have not tried this Gelato and Sorbetto you are missing out on the  most AMAZING experience for your palate.

I promise you won't look at your frozen specialty aisle the same way after you taste this creamy goodness. Not only can you pronounce all of the ingredients in the Gelato but you can taste them as well!

My favorite flavor is the Sicilian Pistachio and you have to understand,  I had always been leery about trying the green tinted cream but after trying the Talenti brand... I'm hooked! I actually just finished off my pint and I'm tempted to sneak a few spoonfuls of my Tahitian Vanilla. A surprising favorite has to be Caribbean Coconut! and I always have a Caramel Cookie Crunch in the freezer.

The containers are super cute and are great for re purposing! Check out the Talenti Facebook page for some ideas and a chance to participate in super fun contest for the most amazing prize of all TALENTI GELATO!

You can check out my other post about my favorite Gelato/Sorbetto below!

IN MY CART
STRAWBERRY SORBETTO
KEEBLER

SN: My local Publix is currently running a BOGO sale so it's the perfect time to try it out and stock up!

THE REVIEW : McALISTER'S Deli

1/2 Chicken Sandwich and 1/2 Chicken Potato 

THE REVIEW: McAlister's Deli use to be a classic go to spot. Over the years I've seen many changes to the menu and I would have to say I'm missing vintage McAlister's.

Chicken Sandwich on Croissant

THE SERVICE &AMBIANCE: Same nostalgic decor and step up sit down service. The staff was friendly and efficient nothing to write into corporate about.

Sweet Tea

THE MENU: A far cry from the old menu...beyond them still offering sandwiches, spuds and soup. My biggest complaint has to be the bread choices... BRING BACK THE ONION BUN! While I did enjoy the ability to get half a sandwich and half a spud (regular sized potato) for around 9 bucks... I was not impressed with the quality of either. The potato was haphazardly topped and I had to get up and ask for sour cream. The mozzarella cheese was a congealed glop sitting on top of the potato.  The presentation of the plate left much to be desired and I had to pass my fork across my napkin  a couple of times (mentally I was kicking myself for not getting my order "to go") What else can I say... the Sweet Tea is still delicious!

SIDE NOTE: ZEN YOGURT next door ROCKED... and I just realized GUTHRIE'S has WINGS on their menu! REVIEW COMING SOON!

BEAUTY FINDS

REVIVA  Lab OATMEAL SOAP : I went to the dermatologist for help with the dark scars left behind by acne... she wrote me 5 scripts... looking at upward 100+ dollars ... I decided to head to Whole Foods and try this out first! I'll check back in with ya'll in a few weeks!

OPI San Tan- tonio : Mommy and me time this past weekend consisted of pedicures at one of my favorite salons (the at home money saving pedi's just weren't getting it) I was immediately drawn to this polish and once I saw it on my toes I knew I had to own it and I walked out of the Venetian with  a little bit of Texas! I've been getting tons of compliments (I live in Alabama... not many people are exposed to the "trends") and I absolutely love it!

NAIL FILE: I have no problem growing nails... just keeping them shaped... I picked these up for around a buck at Publix!

AIR SANTA

 Apparently I was on Santa's GOOD LIST!

 COLE HAAN: Air Sloane Infinity Moccasin

 When they say AIR, they really mean AIR. I wore these all Bowl Week and they were AH- MAZING!

Thanks Mr. & Mrs. Claus! 

INSPIRED: SUJEAN RIM

Quite a while ago... I was "wish" shopping in one of my Tiffany and Co. catalogs and I remember being so in love with the illustrations in the campaign... Today as I was struggling to design an invitation... I thought back to those illustrations and of course I hit up google....

Needless to say I've been inspired!

THE REVIEW: TAZIKI'S

OUTDOOR PATIO

THE RESTAURANT: I pass this location (Downtown Birmingham) almost everyday on my way home from work and I finally got the opportunity to try it out! Let me just say that the aroma of amazing food hits your nose before you even exit your car!

THE MENU: A pretty simple menu with a little bit of something for everyone at very reasonable prices!

 FRIDAY SPECIAL : CHICKEN PENNE 

THE SERVICE & AMBIANCE: The cashier was very knowledgeable about the menu and I was very happy with my choice! My party sat outside on the patio and almost received another tables food a couple of times and the food looked so good we almost accepted! With Fall in the air the patio was perfect for dinner in the city! The restaurants super chic design had me taking decorators notes! (I love the long dinner table) perfect for a celebratory gathering! 

 CHICKEN AND POTATOES

THE  VERDICT:  From the amazingly well seasoned/ proportions of food to the friendly wait staff and city chic ambiance TAZIKI'S is definitely a winner in my book! I can't wait to return with more friends!

The Review: GiGi's Cupcakes

SECOND IMPRESSIONS: So I finally got a chance to actually visit the Tuscaloosa, GiGi's store... Super Cute! They didn't have the wedding cake that I wanted but they had a pretty cupcake with a crown! #PRINCESS  We went pretty late in the evening so we were limited in choices but I can't wait to visit yet again! My summer guilty pleasure was definitely CUPCAKES!

MAKE UP FOR EVER : No. 4

SEPHORA: MY SUPPLIER 

ICEBOX: MOISTURE FROM THE FRIDGE

I'm not  a makeup diva but I discovered this Make Up Forever Palette - No 4 around a year ago and I really can't live without it... but ... it doesn't come cheap so I figured to beat the heat that melted my previous palette I'm storing this one in the fridge! You can check out the palette here on Sephora.com!

THE REVIEW: DREAMCAKES

PACKAGING

YUM: Bakeries are quickly becoming my favorite eateries to review! Between the super sweet staffs and the amazingly chic decor what better way to be served up the most delicious treats! After passing by so many times I finally got a chance to try out Dream Cakes bakery!  

 THE SELECTION: I was immediately impressed by the vast amount of goodies readily available!
My sweet tooth went into overdrive!  From my memory there were macaroons, cakes, and cupcakes in a multitude of flavors available for purchase.

 THE AMBIANCE: Located in a little strip of delightful stores in Edgewood, Dreamcakes is a super cute shop! A long display case holds the goods and an over sized chalkboard serves as a menu! The exposed brick wall adds city charm and there are tables available for devouring in! The staff was super helpful and of course they get extra cupcake points with me for all the compliments on my eye wear!

 S'MORES CUPCAKES

SWEET DREAMS

WEDDING CAKE  

THE REVIEW: The one thing that really screamed eat me ... was the simple chic Wedding Cake. Sold by the slice I knew I had to have it! I've had my fair share of bakery cakes from around the area and I have to say that Dream Cakes does have a distinctive flair. The cake was moist and the icing provided a hint of lemon sweetness. At around 3 bucks for the slice, I thought it was well worth it ...and i actually think it may be my  new favorite cake spot. I hope to try their cupcakes soon as I have experienced before that cake and cupcake consistencies are not always a given ... so for now DREAM CAKES is definitely a winner in my book!

THE REVIEW: DEPALMAS

I've been raving about this place forever... and I can't believe it took me this long to do a review!

SPINACH FETTUCCINE ALFREDO WITH CHICKEN

AMBIANCE:This is such a transitional space. I've visited the restaurant in the daytime while families with small children enjoy a family meal as well as at night when couples dine in a dimly lit dining room romanticized by candlelight.

SPINACH FETTUCCINE ALFREDO WITH CHICKEN

RED SAUCE & ONIONS & OLIVES

TABLE SERVICE: Some of the best! I can't remember one visit in which I had an unpleasant encounter. The staff is always courteous and attentive...very knowledgeable of the menu and the kitchen capabilities.

PESTO CHICKEN PIZZA

THE MENU: Full of amazing Italian dishes! My favorite began with the Shells Florentine with chicken. I've since branched out to the Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo and I'm certainly madly in love with the White Chocolate Bread Pudding! I don't think you can go wrong with any menu choice. TUSCAN CALZONE

THE VERDICT: I think you can tell I am a bit biased as this is my favorite Italian Restaurant hands down. If you're looking for an amazing meal and you live in the surrounding areas it's worth the drive! They have something for everyone... don't like red sauce substitute Alfredo... want onions... they'll add onions...I attempt to bring home a dish every visit to savor later on in the week... mysteriously it barely makes it to the fridge and as I type I'm wishing this lunch of mine tasted more like Depalma's.

Check out Depalma's Italian Cafe at http://www.depalmasdowntown.com/

SQUEEZE PLEASE

HURBERT'S LEMONADE: RASPBERRY

Want to guess what my least favorite season is...

that's right SUMMER

It's hot... and I'm not happy!

I spotted this "new product" on the drink aisle

Available in original, raspberry and strawberry lemonade

Not too sweet, not too tart... not quite perfect

THE REVIEW: Gigi's Cupcakes

PACKAGING

THE REVIEW: If you've read any of my other reviews then you know I always include DESSERT! I have a sweet tooth that's pretty hard to satisfy I usually lean towards gelato or cheesecake for my fix at restaurants but I'm friend to quite a few bakeries as well!FIRST IMPRESSIONS: A friend of mine gave me rave reviews about the new "Cupcake Place" in my second home of Tuscaloosa, AL. While I am way over the whole cupcake phenom that has yet to really take over my small city... she definitely had me interested! These cupcakes made the ride from T'town to Birmingham and although stirred a bit, fared pretty well under my friends driving which I have to credit to the cute and efficient packing!

THE VERDICT: YUM & SUPER SWEET! An amazing assortment I was definitely impressed upon first look and taste! Not to mention they have super cute names like Birthday Surprise, Wedding Cake, Champagne,Hot Fudge Sundae and Summer Fun. I found the cake to be moist and full of flavor while the icing was SUPER DUPER SWEET! Priced at around 3bucks a piece my first taste of Gigi's was a pretty sweet indulgence!

WEEK IN REVIEW: PRESS

STUDIES IN ASTRAPHOBIA: ASFA SENIOR READING

THANK U'S: Making a difference is such an AMAZING feeling FRENCH PRESS: THE CAULDRON PROJEKTS Let me say this again, it's been super fun working with the group!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE FLOWERS &

I LOVE TO GIVE THEM AS GIFTS

So my life has been super duper busy but I've been pretty positive in spite of all of the uncertainties. I did my first interview this week and I've started to work on making my condo into my home. (Home Improvement post coming soon) My weekends have been pretty busy and I don't see it slacking off anytime soon! * I write about my life on this blog and so posting usually follows just that... my life... I share what I think is most interesting or exciting so I apologize at the lack of post sometimes!

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