last taste of summer

I've never been one to mourn the end of summer, but this year I feel it slipping quickly away. I won't miss the heat, the humidity, the stickiness of skin on leather car seats. I'll miss the light. The extra hours of sun that afford so many more activities and adventures. The tasks that sunlight turns into accomplishments and still leaves time to drive home before the dark sets in. Sunlight makes me super-human.

Last night was the very last Pickin' in the Plaza concert of the season in downtown Raleigh. I may not be able to appreciate country music, but I can get something out of bluegrass... the folkiness. It's raw. Food and beer trucks and street vendors lined Fayetteville Street and got no shortage of traffic from the hoards of grandmas and grandpas toting folding chairs, parents hand-in-hand with ice cream cone-carrying toddlers, and young professionals in work-wear and Jack Rodgers sandals. Everyone was soaking up the last little bits of summer left.

Having heard the hype surrounding downtown Raleigh's newest fast-casual eatery, we dined at Tasty 8's. It's a funky little hot dog joint with a takeout window perfect for its late-night hours... they are open til 3 AM Thursday through Saturday. The dogs aren't cheap, but they are adventurous and flavorful. If beef hot dogs don't thrill you, you can get falafel or chicken sausage. A combo will get you a dog, Belgian frites or sweet potato fries, and a dipping sauce of your choice. We tried the Tree Hugger and the Rising Sun with Chipotle Crema Mexicana and Honey Mustard dipping sauces. It did not disappoint.

I know it's only a matter of time before summer is done and Tasty 8's lines are so long I'll have to line up down the street with
the bar-closing crowd. But for now I'll soak it up -- the light, the warmth, the french fries.

merci buku, raleigh

Pimm's Cup (British)

Last week was Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week and I got the opportunity to eat some of Raleigh's best international "street food" at bu•ku. It's perfect for those of us who can't decide between Asian and Indian and just want to have it all! 

I really love how they aim to incorporate food from all cultures in one big smorgasbord of flavor and flash. That's what life is all about, you know? Trying something new -- not limiting yourself to a certain style or flavor. 

Spicy Samosa (Indian)

Spicy Samosa close-up

Wasabi Red Snapper with bok choy

Bavarian Chocolate Cheesecake

As the summer dwindles down, I'm beginning to realize that my first season in Raleigh is coming to an end. But I'm not too sad. I've made some good friends who each bring a different "flavor" to my new life in Raleigh, and while I'm a little sad to see the summer go, I'm also excited for next course. Let's do this, Raleigh.

not my mama's NPR

Whether I'm a Washingtonian or a Raleighite, NPR has stuck by my side...

Some of my most vivid pre-teen memories were made while riding in the car to Richmond for guitar lessons. Once a week, Mom and I would set off with my guitar and homework -- talking, reading, and listening to the radio. If it were up to me, we'd have listened to whatever the flavor of the middle school moment was, but Mom drove... she had the final say.

NPR was the standard choice, and it made me miserable. God, was it ever boring. I couldn't understand the appeal. I don't remember exactly what they were talking about. I have a vague recollection of a segment on some sort of Korean poem translation. I do remember that all things were considered...

Since becoming an adult, I have learned that deep mental stimulation is not part of everyone's day-to-day unless you seek it out. Some people are researchers, but most of us are drones of some kind. This is not a knock to anyone's job -- this is simply an observation that once we leave academia, we have to choose to read or consider new ideas. 

I don't remember when I rediscovered NPR as an adult, but I remember feeling like I had found an old friend. NPR was like the awkward kid you avoided on the playground... who grew up to be ridiculously attractive and interesting. I couldn't believe it.

Thank you, NPR, for sticking by my side even when I thought you were uncool and wouldn't let you sit beside me at lunch. You turned out to the love of my life and I look forward to our bright future. Whether you call yourself "WAMU" or "WUNC" You make me a better (and much more well-informed) version of myself. <3

for the love of food trucks

I am not sure where it started and how it happened, but food trucks have really become a thing. I used to think they were strictly an urban phenomenon when I lived in DC. Instead of grabbing food from a hot dog stand, working people could get higher quality food from compact kitchens on wheels. But food trucks aren't reserved for men in business suits taking lunch breaks from their high-rise office buildings. They are alive and well in the smaller and more suburban cities and they are delicious.


The triangle is full of food trucks. They show up at events and they make regular lunchtime appearances at office parks. I had my first brush with them today at the Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo, where the city closed down Fayetteville Street to make way for 50+ food trucks over 11 city blocks. 


Here's my take on the event:

Benefits:

Variety: Just about every type of cuisine you could want was represented. You can go Greek and then decide you want Korean BBQ. You're not confined to one thing. Go crazy!

Price: Most of the prices are pretty reasonable, and to me it's even better when trucks have smaller portions so I can try lots of different things. Lots of trucks offer a taste of what they make for a couple bucks.

Not-so-great aspects:

Lines: Unless the food truck staff has really gotten their preparation down to a science, the more popular food trucks can get really busy. Prepare to wait if there's something you want that everyone else wants, too. 

Price: Even though some of the trucks have small portions for cheap, some of them don't. Buying lots of different things can get expensive so it's best to scout out the options first.

lemongrass beef skewers with vietnamese noodle salad

Final thoughts...
The dessert crepes we had from Parlez-Vous Crepe were amazing. Strawberries with blueberry preserves and whipped cream cheese. Proof that you don't have to go to France or a fancy restaurant for a taste of something wonderfully European... you just have to know where the food trucks park.

the pinterest problem

Okay, so this post is going to divert a bit from describing a Raleigh-related experience. Over the weekend my mom and I hosted a baby shower for a family friend. It turned out great! We had a lovely afternoon of food, socializing, and celebrating the miracle of life. But what I took with me from the overall experience is this: Pinterest is a problem.

What's the problem with Pinterest? It seems like a fun little way to benefit from and contribute to the creativity of others. Whereas we used to have to buy a bunch of home design and craft magazines to get ideas for DIY projects, Pinterest cuts out the middle man and puts the projects right at the fingertips of the every-woman. Being crafty is no longer reserved for the quirky aunts with a lot of time on their hands or the professionals. YOU can make that. It's easy. It'll be cheap!

This, my friends, is a lie.

Let me spoil the illusion for you. See that perfectly curated photo album of the baby shower right there? You cannot create that scene. You will not be able to make that paper garland by hand. That cake was baked and decorated by a professional trained in Paris. See what I'm getting at here? Pinterest makes us all believe we are Martha Stewart's protégés. Without the criminal records.

Don't get me wrong though, Pinterest is a really great way to get ideas! But halfway through your fifth DIY project you will begin to realize that the key to Pinterest is moderation. Pick 1 project. Pick two! Just don't let the wonder of Pinterest make you forget that you have a full-time job outside of DIY-ing.

But as I said before, our shower really turned out great. I will just remember next time that my name is not Martha and I am one person. With a job. Happy crafting, y'all!

cake that we did NOT make ourselves!

dipped rice krispie pops

dead duck punch... they wouldn't float :(

detour from the fro yo frenzy

For the past few years it's been all about the frozen yogurt. Yogurt's health benefits make it a healthier option as compared with other indulgences, but lately I've been loving the local custard chain in Raleigh. Goodberry's custard isn't the healthiest dessert you'll ever eat, but every so often its mom and pop feel and delicious frozen custard calls my name!

The custard is only available in vanilla, chocolate, and one flavor of the day which changes every day. That may not sound like a lot, but they have a wide range of fruit, candy, and syrup mix-ins that can create a huge variety of concretes (think DQ blizzard, but better) and sundaes. Tonight I got the flavor of the day and let me just say that the time I'll spend in the gym this week will be worth every bite. 

i'm no wine authority (yet)

Wine is one of those things most of us want to learn more about but are a little intimidated by. I never want to be the jerk at the restaurant who spends a ton of time scrutinizing the wine list, pretending I recognize winemakers and certain "vintages," and then making the waiter bring me a taste before I finally choose the one. That's why I love wine shops -- they're a really great way to get more knowledgeable about what's out there in a low pressure environment. My friend Sarah had been talking about Wine Authorities for a while, so we finally made a trip down there over the weekend.

The setup is awesome -- the front wall of the store is stocked with empty wine glasses and a row of all different wine varieties for the tasting. A few tables are available inside, and there are a good amount of small tables and chairs outside, too.

Wine Authorities also sells craft beer!

You serve yourself, which is my favorite part! No judge-y wine experts telling you what to get, but I'm sure the staff would be happy to help if you have questions. Each wine is available in 3 sizes: a taste, a 1/2 glass, or a full. Little placards can be found above each wine letting you know a little about the wine and giving suggestions for food pairings.

 Paying is really easy. Since the wines vary in price and each size has a different price, you purchase a little card ($1 each) and let the cashier know how much money you'd like to put on it. To use the card, just put it in the slot at the top of the wine dispenser and push the button for the wine and size you'd like. Just make sure you keep the card for next time... which for me, will hopefully be soon! 

blackberries and baking my way to adulthood

I have a somewhat irrational fear of not becoming domestic enough in time for my adult life. Since I'm still in my emerging adulthood phase and don't yet have a family of my own, I don't cook what I consider to be real, "adult meals" very often. When I go home to visit my parents, my mom usually makes something that makes me think "Wow, I hope I learn how to make these types of things so I can be a fully-functioning adult who can play hostess one day." I know that it's crucial to practice cooking/baking these things before I actually have to make them for guests, so every once in a while I get kinda antsy thinking I better get serious before it's too late.

Last week I had a little escape from Raleigh, so when I returned I was really excited to see that the farm by my house had blackberries ready for picking. One of my favorite things about where I live is the close proximity to Page Farms. My brother came down for the Fourth, so we stopped by and grabbed as many beautiful blackberries as we could before heading to the pool.

So back to my desire for domestic experience -- I searched Pinterest for a recipe to try with my blackberries (but nothing too difficult because I don't even have a mixer). I decided on one for Blackberry Pie Bars since most of the ingredients were already in my pantry. Nothing about the recipe was difficult and I got to use my favorite tool, the handheld grater, to zest the lemon. Check out the result below...

All in all, I'd say this mission was a success. I know my future guests will need more sustenance than a berry dessert, but I'll get there... one recipe at a time.

counting crows at red hat

Recently added to my list of Raleigh firsts was a show at Red Hat Amphitheater last Wednesday -- Some friends and I stepped back into the 90's for a hot second at a Counting Crows concert with opener Toad the Wet Sprocket. I've never been to or seen the venue before, so I spent the first part of the night just looking around thinking how cool it is to be at an outdoor concert in the middle of an urban area. The place is just big enough to have major acts but small enough that you get a decent view from basically anywhere. You've also got a great view of the Raleigh skyline which just makes you feel like you're a part of everything.

Counting Crows was definitely a good group to see no matter how much you like them. I think what makes them fun is that no one actually is diehard. Instead of being surrounded by screaming teenagers watching someone like Katy Perry, you're just drinking a beer and swaying along with mostly 20 and 30-somethings who are just interested in reliving a time before smart phones, when Zack Morris was king (and his cell phone was awesome). 

An added bonus is that you also get to check out the CREE Shimmer Wall, which is over 9,000 square feet of LED lights. It's made up of little panels that move in the wind and yes, it shimmers. The design is an oak tree after Raleigh's nickname.

carolina beach camping

Summer in North Carolina is hot. Thunderstorms are an almost daily occurrence, bringing torrential, soaking rain and providing temporary relief from the mugginess. I knew that NC had beaches, but I hadn't realized the amount of variety and how easy it can be to take a quick weekend escape from the Raleigh heat. I'm now a believer in the fact that beach camping is cheap and provides a perfect change of scenery when you don't wanna go too far.



Driving onto the beach, I suddenly realized the necessity of the 4-wheel drive vehicle. Get stuck, however, and you'll most likely be rescued immediately with a tow from a willing tattooed man with a wife-beater tan line.  There's a definite camaraderie between drivers of macho beach-ready vehicles, and helping a fellow man out of a tight spot is almost a source of pride. Park, pitch your tent and you're good to go. 

The campfire is obviously a necessary part of the experience for most, both as a means to cook dinner and a source of light. But if you're too lazy, you can always wait for the pizza guy to drive by on his next round. How much easier could camping get?

Activities consist of... sunbathing, swimming, corn hole, drinking, towing people out, watching people get stuck/towed out, etc. There's something for everyone!



Final note: As Cameron can tell you, the tent pitching and packing up can be a process, so allow ample time. Happy beach camping, everyone!!

fomo - it's real

Getting my library card has opened me up to a wealth of information and all the literature Wake County has to offer. So many people forget that as adults we can still check out books free-of-charge AND we get to pick the books we want instead of from the reading list sent home on the last day of school. Got my card a week or so ago and found the most appropriate book for my current situation: Twentysomething: Why Do Young Adults Seem Stuck? by Robin Marantz Herzig and Samantha Herzig.

As a twentysomething who has recently made some major life-changing decisions regarding my career and way of life, this book called my name. I know I'm not the only young adult out there who doesn't feel quite like a grown-up and doesn't think that this stage of life is the same for me as it was for my parents' generation. For those reasons, this book gave me a pretty decent explanation for why I have these feelings. The world is much different now in terms of what life has to offer people who are old enough to make their own decisions but maybe not ready to settle into the stability of marriage and parenthood. Not only is it socially acceptable to spend more time figuring yourself out before settling on a mate, a career, and a path, it's encouraged. The wealth of possibilities is exciting, but it's also overwhelming to have so many options. 

One of the things that stuck out most about the book was the chapter about how technology has changed everything. In the "olden days," our parents didn't have to find out what all of their friends were doing without them through constant updates and pictures of the social activities they were missing. When they broke things off with a significant other, they weren't notified anytime a new picture of that person was posted to Facebook or their ex friended someone new. As great as technology can be in helping us maintain social relationships, this "fear of missing out" (aka FOMO) can be torturous. Sometimes I think I'd rather not know what I'm not taking part in but the idea of not knowing can be equally frustrating. 


I may have fomo, but at least I know I'm not alone. On to my next pool read...

pizza pre-game @ lilly's

Figuring out the best eats for your out-of-town visitors is important. It's crucial to maintain a consistent, crowd-pleasing list of restaurants and bars as part of playing hostess. Summer is quite possibly the most important time for this, since weekend trips are par for the course this time of year. My little bro announced his intention to visit last Friday morning, so I began the hunt for some spots since I'm still pretty new to the area but could not disappoint.

Every time I've driven to downtown Raleigh, someone in the car has pointed out Lilly's Pizza, a little place in Five Points with plastic chairs outside as the place to go for great pizza. I knew I'd check it out eventually, but since I wanted to take Benj somewhere chill yet filling, we decided it would be great spot to go before a night out in the city. We managed to get a table outside, which made the experience that much better. Dinner outside in the early summer is one of my favorite things since so few nights of the year are really good for it. 

Here's what we got:

The best part is that you can get 1/2 and 1/2... even of the specialty pizzas! Lilly's also has a good selection of beers on tap. From PBR to local craft beers, you will find something you want. Thai Bhat was really unique... I'm glad I tried it for that reason, but eating a pizza with ginger and corn is definitely a strange experience. Not sure if I'd get it again. Dante's Inferno is probably the best BBQ chicken pizza I've had. Lilly's crust is delicious, but it's pretty sweet. I loved it, but I can see how it may not appeal to everyone. All in all, it was a perfect place to fill up before consuming some adult beverages, and the vibe was laid-back and a little offbeat. Mission last-minute hostess = success.