Category Archives: Travel

Back to blogging

Sorry for the inexcusably long summer vacation here at the blog.  It was a very busy one full of all those major life events you rather space out (moving, finding a new job, etc).  I am happy to report all is well and I have lots of new thing to share!  Here is a quick photo recap of the summer to keep you happy until tomorrow when food posts return!

Nothing like putting your toes or suction cups in the sand.

Not the usual type of jelly we talk about here!

Lucky Horseshoe crab.

Sometimes it's nice to leave the city!

But it's always nice to return home again.


The return of picnic season

The weather has taken a turn towards spring here in the south! To celebrate, my Honey and I decided to take a trip to Tybee Beach for a picnic.  Now being a northern by birth, the idea of heading to the beach in February is completely foreign, but I’m willing to embrace it.

February in the South almost makes August worth it.

It turned out to be a beautiful day and more than worth the drive!  There is something refreshing and recharging about a day at the beach.  In fact, I found it so relaxing I took a small catnap after our picnic.

Under the boardwalk

Our beach picnic adventure was a little last minute, so our menu was as well, but in my opinion, food always tastes better outdoors.  It was all tasty and gone by the end of the day.  The noodle salad was super quick and easy to make.  You can really throw in any veggies you have around.  It turned out to be a great picnic option.

Sundown at low-tide

The menu:

Thai peanut noodle Salad

1 tbsp peanut oil

2 tbsp ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

3 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp sugar

1.5 tsp salt

1 lb noodles of your choice (I used simple asian style noodles that I had around)

8 green onions, sliced

1 red pepper, chopped

2 large carrots, juliened

1/2 cup peanuts, chopped

1/4 cup basil, cut in ribbons

Heat peanut oil and lightly saute garlic, green onion, red pepper, and carrots.  Remove from heat and add ginger, sesame oil, balsamic, sugar, and salt.  Mix together until sugar and salt dissolved.  Cook noodles as package indicates.  Mix with dressing and veggies.  Top with basil and peanuts.  Serve cold or at room temp.

Dessert:

Fresh strawberries and blueberries

Ah yes, I'll definitely be back.


A Food Moment: Papillote in Savannah, GA

Over New Year’s I was visiting Savannah with my honey and I had a bit of a food epiphany at a little French Cafe, Papillote.  An adorable little place that we actually first stumbled across when walking home one night, long after it closed.  Something about its ambience caught our eyes, and after a quick perusal of their delectable menu, it was obvious that it was a must visit.  There was really one specific item on the menu that intrigued me: the lavender-apricot french macaroon. By noontime the next day we were back and thrilled to find the cafe had come alive with customers and sharp staff adeptly tending to their duties.  When traveling, I often find its the unexpected places and things you stumble upon that make the best memories, and this moment definitely fit the description.

The macaroon lived up to everything I had hoped.  Its perfect little purple package of lavender cookie with apricot filling was delightful.  The balance of the light and aromatic cookie, with the fruity taste of the apricot filling was perfect. There was so much going on in that tiny little package no bigger than a half dollar and so much care had been paid to make sure the layers of flavor balanced.  And the care and thought was not unique to the baked goods.  Everything is made from scratch on site.  The owners are very much there, hands-on, and knowledgeable.  There is nothing as refreshing as great quality food, made with a high level of detail and care.

Not the lavender cookie of my dreams, but delightful nonetheless. http://www.papillote-savannah.com

I didn’t get to try everything on the menu that I wanted, but rest assured, it will be a must visit spot the next time I find myself in Savannah.