I know this will look a lot like my previous post, but it is a little more in depth and made me think more. I stole this from Trying to Heal because I really liked it- I believe that she found it on another blog as well :)
It took me a while to come up with answers and for some categories that really made me sad/frightened/confused? I've had a good year. I am not trying to get doom and gloom on you- It just has been a challenging one- and I am still growing from and through it*
4 favorite memories from 2008:
1. Going to VEIL and Matt’s in the Market for my first solo meals
2. Going to Dave Matthew’s concert and having worries magically slip away to the music
3. Working at Nordstrom
4. Having two of my favorite boys home for Thanksgiving
4 favorite movies (that i saw) in 2008:
1. Juno
2. The House Bunny
3. Nick & Nora
4. Pineapple Express
4 favorite foods in 2008:
1. Tofu
2. Greek Yogurt
3. LARA Bars
4. Brussels Sprouts
4 places i loved in 2008:
1. Chelan, WA
2. Fremont (Seattle), WA
3. The waterfront anywhere or parks in WA
4. Seattle, WA
4 events i loved in 2008:
1. Searched for and accepted a job in the business world
2. Moved into a amazing apartment
3. Seattle Yelp.com events and Warren Report free movie screenings
4. Not letting the fact that I am alone stop me from doing anything
4 things i liked in 2008:
1. Became consistent about the gym and workouts
2. Added weightlifting back into the workout schedule
3. Discovered blogging and blogs
4. Went to a real concert (Kings of Leon!) and ate at restaurants on my to do list
4 things i am looking forward to in 2009:
1. Paying down debt
2. Running more 5k’s and the Seattle ½ Marathon
3. Trying new restaurants
4. Moving? to another country?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008 Recap~
I found this set of questions on another blog and was intrigued- Here are the questions with my answers ~
2008 Questionnaire:
Biggest Overall Accomplishment of the year: Working Multiple Jobs, ½ Marathon, Changing careers Biggest
Overall Challenge of the year: Eating Disorder highs and lows, Depression, Money issues!!, Changing careers, multiple jobs, keeping integrity and morals
Best Food Discovery of the year: Tofu, Brussels Sprouts, LARA bars, sweet potato fries, natural coconut and banana Popsicles
Favorite purchase of the year: trip to Victoria BC, new flour del les bedspread, tons of clothes from Nordstrom- favs- being the Diane Von Furstenberg strapless colorblock dress, BCBG girls cream large print snakeskin shoes, ed hardy cut off yoga pants
How old you turned in 2008: 25
Greatest Fitness Achievement: Adding weights back into the regime, becoming consistent with workout frequency, changing working out into a get stronger and leaner mentality vs. get skinny to impress mentality- I can have large muscles!
Thing(s) to work on in 2009: Emotional eating, not accepting disrespectful behavior from others, valuing myself, being open, not feeling unaccomplished, saving money, travel more
Most Memorable Meal!? French Julia Child themed coursed dinner at Art of the Table in WA and Italian themed coursed meal with pork belly at How to Cook a Wolf in WA
What are your answers?
2008 Questionnaire:
Biggest Overall Accomplishment of the year: Working Multiple Jobs, ½ Marathon, Changing careers Biggest
Overall Challenge of the year: Eating Disorder highs and lows, Depression, Money issues!!, Changing careers, multiple jobs, keeping integrity and morals
Best Food Discovery of the year: Tofu, Brussels Sprouts, LARA bars, sweet potato fries, natural coconut and banana Popsicles
Favorite purchase of the year: trip to Victoria BC, new flour del les bedspread, tons of clothes from Nordstrom- favs- being the Diane Von Furstenberg strapless colorblock dress, BCBG girls cream large print snakeskin shoes, ed hardy cut off yoga pants
How old you turned in 2008: 25
Greatest Fitness Achievement: Adding weights back into the regime, becoming consistent with workout frequency, changing working out into a get stronger and leaner mentality vs. get skinny to impress mentality- I can have large muscles!
Thing(s) to work on in 2009: Emotional eating, not accepting disrespectful behavior from others, valuing myself, being open, not feeling unaccomplished, saving money, travel more
Most Memorable Meal!? French Julia Child themed coursed dinner at Art of the Table in WA and Italian themed coursed meal with pork belly at How to Cook a Wolf in WA
What are your answers?
Friday, October 17, 2008
First Solo Fine Dining Experience~
I have been reading and watching restaurant buzz in Seattle for a longer period than I have been eating out foodie style. I have this Achilles habit- I tend to resource myself and try and educate to avoid mistakes before I dive into a new activity. VEIL, in Queen Anne, was a restaurant that I have been following for a few years. Just two days ago I learned that it was abruptly closing it's door. Without much thought I got online at Opentable.com and made my first fine dining solo reservation.
Last night I head to VEIL armed with Clinton Kelly's new book and a positive attitude. I almost faltered in my determination when standing with my glass of wine waiting for a table. As I glanced around at the hipsters in VEIL, I was happy I had dressed for comfort AND FASHION. I belonged at VEIL- solo or not. The meal and solo experience was wonderful, and Clinton's book the perfect partner for this adventure. While tasting flavors or lemon, peanut, and parsley I learned how to make hollandaise sauce, use then vs. than, and write a thank you note. I had to stifle my laughter more than a few times reading the publication. I highly suggest it; as well as dining solo- even if it is just once.
This is my review for VEIL that I posted on Yelp-
Superb! I made it to VEIL for the last night of dinner. I just had to go and end the suspense of what I was missing. I walked in on time for my reservation and was submerged into a warm, sleek, and sophisticated environment- soft white with subdued pink accent were the colors present. I waited for my table to clear, at the suggestion of the host, in the lounge area with a good glass of Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir was suggested by the bartender and had a very good nose. It was enjoyable to sip on throughout the night. I found both the lounge and restaurant spaces varied from each other yet both pleasant.
I generally enjoyed the menu offering of first, second, and entree courses and mused over what to order. I decided to order the Sailor Diver Scallops first. They were delicious, but more firm then those I consider perfect. The scallops were paired with cauliflower, cauliflower puree, pork, and other accomplishments. The cauliflower puree was addicting and the pork a great contrast. For my second dish I ordered the octopus. I was informed that I was receiving the last offering of the dish for the evening. The octopus came cut into large pieces with almonds, aioli, saga, chorizo, chickpea puree, marinated chickpeas, and other flavors. One garnish was a powder that was a tangy cheese flavor- I was later informed that this was a reduction of the chorizo. The chickpea puree just like the cauliflower puree was complex, delicious, and a new flavor for me. The tart lemon accent was perfect. I enjoyed the chorizo, but was overwhelmed with the larger octopus pieces because I found them to be too chewy and oily (which translated to slimy after a while in my mind). The saga was a perfect accomplishment to the octopus and helped me eat the last of my dish. I started to get full half way into the second course. I would not order the octopus again. Not because it is bad but because I learned a lesson on what I find enjoyable. I HAD to have dessert because of the reviews I had read, and promptly ordered the Salted Peanut Butter Ice Cream. It truly was a great finish. The chocolate crispy that lined the bottom of the bowl and the chocolate milk? that was poured over the ice cream were perfect pairs. I was surprised at how rich the ice cream was without being overwhelming. The perfect peanut taste was achieved with this ice cream.
Thought out my solo meal I was served appropriately and with a casual easy smile. With each dish I was informed of all the flavor components. The house manager also keep watch over me- aiding the server when he was consumed with his larger table. The meal was very slowly paced which was perfect for my book ready but at some moments I ate very slowly not certain of when I would see my server again to order another course. At the end of my meal I was greeted by Shannon. I thought he was lovely. I had been seated next to the kitchen so I had been trying to sneak peaks in there all evening. I am disappointed that VEIL is closing. Having finally made it to a dinner service I wish I would have done it earlier. It is a great place for drinks, lounging, a dinner, and a dessert.
Last night I head to VEIL armed with Clinton Kelly's new book and a positive attitude. I almost faltered in my determination when standing with my glass of wine waiting for a table. As I glanced around at the hipsters in VEIL, I was happy I had dressed for comfort AND FASHION. I belonged at VEIL- solo or not. The meal and solo experience was wonderful, and Clinton's book the perfect partner for this adventure. While tasting flavors or lemon, peanut, and parsley I learned how to make hollandaise sauce, use then vs. than, and write a thank you note. I had to stifle my laughter more than a few times reading the publication. I highly suggest it; as well as dining solo- even if it is just once.
This is my review for VEIL that I posted on Yelp-
Superb! I made it to VEIL for the last night of dinner. I just had to go and end the suspense of what I was missing. I walked in on time for my reservation and was submerged into a warm, sleek, and sophisticated environment- soft white with subdued pink accent were the colors present. I waited for my table to clear, at the suggestion of the host, in the lounge area with a good glass of Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir was suggested by the bartender and had a very good nose. It was enjoyable to sip on throughout the night. I found both the lounge and restaurant spaces varied from each other yet both pleasant.
I generally enjoyed the menu offering of first, second, and entree courses and mused over what to order. I decided to order the Sailor Diver Scallops first. They were delicious, but more firm then those I consider perfect. The scallops were paired with cauliflower, cauliflower puree, pork, and other accomplishments. The cauliflower puree was addicting and the pork a great contrast. For my second dish I ordered the octopus. I was informed that I was receiving the last offering of the dish for the evening. The octopus came cut into large pieces with almonds, aioli, saga, chorizo, chickpea puree, marinated chickpeas, and other flavors. One garnish was a powder that was a tangy cheese flavor- I was later informed that this was a reduction of the chorizo. The chickpea puree just like the cauliflower puree was complex, delicious, and a new flavor for me. The tart lemon accent was perfect. I enjoyed the chorizo, but was overwhelmed with the larger octopus pieces because I found them to be too chewy and oily (which translated to slimy after a while in my mind). The saga was a perfect accomplishment to the octopus and helped me eat the last of my dish. I started to get full half way into the second course. I would not order the octopus again. Not because it is bad but because I learned a lesson on what I find enjoyable. I HAD to have dessert because of the reviews I had read, and promptly ordered the Salted Peanut Butter Ice Cream. It truly was a great finish. The chocolate crispy that lined the bottom of the bowl and the chocolate milk? that was poured over the ice cream were perfect pairs. I was surprised at how rich the ice cream was without being overwhelming. The perfect peanut taste was achieved with this ice cream.
Thought out my solo meal I was served appropriately and with a casual easy smile. With each dish I was informed of all the flavor components. The house manager also keep watch over me- aiding the server when he was consumed with his larger table. The meal was very slowly paced which was perfect for my book ready but at some moments I ate very slowly not certain of when I would see my server again to order another course. At the end of my meal I was greeted by Shannon. I thought he was lovely. I had been seated next to the kitchen so I had been trying to sneak peaks in there all evening. I am disappointed that VEIL is closing. Having finally made it to a dinner service I wish I would have done it earlier. It is a great place for drinks, lounging, a dinner, and a dessert.
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