summer time menu

on one of my summer adventures,

the bestie suggested, in our absolute desperate hunger,

that we stop by this beautiful Thai place called amyours.

Usually, I don't have a taste for Thai Iced Tea- but

oh

my 

god!

it was so awesome!

and we also preferred the curry puffs (bottom photo)

of course,

we communicated between bites

and muffled noises

and freudian slips

while we enjoyed yet another yummy meal together.

totally worth the trip there. 

for info, you can e-mail!

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

new places we love

our favorite place

for artisan coffee's, espressos

biscotti and scones

has come back!

thanks, aldo's!

this coffee-drinkin' writer

and her hubby

really missed you!

see more here

the delicious food
featured in the picture above
was consumed at our newest fave place
called erik's

so,
chili---goooooood
spinach panini---goooooood
turkey panini with raspberry creamcheese (i think?)---gooooooooood

the globetrotting gamine does not share her food!

erik's- we'll see you soon!!!

tortilla cafe

best food ever!
see here

and here

we did all this after we hit
the eastern market!

we had porpusa's, burritos, plantains...
tamales...
drooooooool

and so much more i don't even remember!!

have you ever been??

~the globetrotting gamine

tune inn

 ^where we arrived after leaving maryland!

 (mozzarella sticks and jalapeno poppers- worth it)

 (guy's favorite- from diners, drive-in's, and dives...the Joe's West Virginia (it was so delicious) )

(i know this was something with roast beef in it- but anything slathered in cheese looks great)

 (me pretending to choke that handsome man)

a deer's ass.

yes.
it was lit from underneath.

our first 'diners, drive-ins and dives' stop.

what do you think?

love me,
the globetrotting gamine

the pickled pig

going on a road trip can be bad for two reasons:

the fattening and AMAZING food you're going to eat...

and the fact that you know you have to detox when you get home.

though, it is all worth it.

it really, truly is.

we had a recommendation 

to head on over to 'the pickled pig pub'.

with a name like that, how can you NOT go?

2 words:

fried.

pickles.

oh my word.

i am thinking they were beer-battered, though it mattered not

these were so good it was quite ridiculous

and inspired me to do the same

one day at home

for my dinner menu.

we were delighted about the lunch-fare as well.

(i had the warm pretzel turkey sandwich-

another cool thing to make!)

all in all-

i so recommend this place.

and will dream about it often.

simply happy.

hi bloggie friends!

how are you? i hope all is well in your worlds. right now, the clock is ticking for me to do some last minute EVERYTHING before easter time. a few months ago, i had no idea how busy my life would be though i wanted it to be.

i am so happy that a lot of you who know of my project(s) have e-mailed me to wish me well. i need it! my to do lists have had babies. i don't know what they've named them...as of yet. (this is me being silly on only one cup of coffee today.)

teeny to do list for this...month?:

1. find someone to help me redesign this website...if you know someone, please pass them along to me :)
2. fix my master-to do list
3. send one of my projects on their merry way
4. start researching for the next big milestone in my life
5. plan plan plan
6. work on resume, because it needs a total revamping
7. mark dates of events coming up on a calendar- i have been really bad about this and i don't mean to be
8. buy mousse for my unruly hair-- feel free to send me the name of a great one!
9. use old papers for scrap paper- something i've been doing for the last 4 years and you should, too! especially if you're into lists like me!
10. learn to make a new dish...my cooking has been amazing lately. yes. i am tooting my own horn. toot.
11. blog more. i've been lagging. the photos sitting pretty on discs will not be pleased about this. (this goes hand in hand with the new website idea- maybe i'm holding out?)

if you want me to add anything to my list, life, to photograph for your amusement, let me know! until then...happy weekend [even though it's thursday!]

also, if anyone is willing to do an agenda book giveaway- please just send one to me. i need it. lol

going the extra mile

i have been in meetings and appointments all week.
it's looking like my schedule won't slow down for quite a while,
but i am exhausted and happy.

there is so much that i have to do,
before celebrating events with my friends-
and before planning so many more events
that it's really just exhausting to think about.

on a happy note-
this weather has been amazing, and has been keeping me out and about.
have you guys done anything out of the ordinary or interesting?

oh yeah--
i have! i have! lol...

and of course, it involves food--
and, of course-
there are no pictures...
because we "eated it".

we went to a place on my bucket list of restaurants-
called waterzooi.

i was so excited--
so LML and I get there with some friends, get seated immediately...
and probably scared our poor waitress with the amount of food and drinks we ordered--
and honestly, we did go overboard but it was worth it.

what do i describe as overboard?
well, we were all getting a little warm- it was warm in there until we believe they turned on the air
(probably because of us heathen)
and before that half of us took turns going outside
to get air...

so we've decided...
we love you waterzooi-
but next time, we're just enjoying your incredible beer selections!!

love love love

so keep dreaming,
and i'll see you around, bloggie friends...
probably at a coffee shop,
with a notebook, and my medusa- like hair sans snakes.

the mr. wasabi hangout

it's not a surprise
that i'm a little obsessed over
all food stuffs-
way including sushi.

i don't mind that other people
may not necessarily feel the same way--
because that means more for me!

in this case, a good friend and I
are constantly on the hunt for
a new yummy sushi hangout...

photos were taken on this quest
at mr. wasabi in bayside
where we had crab meat croquettes...

and a bunch of other things I don't remember...
except that it was
goooooood!

what is your favorite restaurant? it doesn't have to be sushi, but i'd love to hear your stories!!

the landmark diner

 on one summer day,

a group of girls took a trip

to a diner...

called 'landmark'.

they fell in love with the menu,

and ate and sipped coffee and tea

even though it was after lunchtime...

they ordered...

this incredibly yummy challah french toast.

this made them happy.

then they ordered a spinach fritata

which inspired another one

of their brunch-y events.

um...

they ordered other things, too-

but they don't remember what it was

because this was all that was left in the end.

happy bellies,

besties,

and coffee

is what life is all about.

the best times

the best times are spent

with good friends

and good food

and good wine.

'nuff said <3

Veranda- you are awesome! There should be a wine and cheese sampler night...

because we probably could have stayed for much longer!

We never run out of things to talk about and

they

are

awesome!

menu: food fun!

creative way to prepare a salad..

i absolutely loved this!

tuna tar-tar...

hello! yum in my tummy!

fried crab wontons! also stuffed with cheese

(obviously this was not my meal, but LML's!)

my vegetarian entree...

spinach and tofu wrapped in phyllo-dough with

some sorta yummy sauce!

i forget what LML had...but to all you meat- lovers

i'm sure it looks yummy :)

this was one of the most filling meals we had ever had!

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

my pup eats everything!

when i'm home, i'm usually cooking...

on a cooler than usual afternoon

i figured i would fry up some tofu

with my extra virgin olive oil and bread crumbs...

and it was so yummy...

just as yummy as the lemon potatoes

that i had prepared that morning...

oh...

and puppy was very happy about both results...

i've created a monster..

or another foodie :)

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

on the menu: tabouleh

i know very well what couscous is...yet that's what i tend to call tabouleh.

don't know why- must be the greek in me that renames everything...

you know...we call dunkin' donuts 'dunkie'...

anyway...

so my first attempt at tabouleh wasn't so bad!

i know i have some tweaks to make

i think the majority of people use an apple cider vinegar (just a smidge)

and don't tell anyone about it!

i used...

couscous

lots of parsley as finely chopped as i could get it (without a processor)

lemon juice

onions (shoulda been red onions- don't skimp on this!)

salt

finely chopped tomatoes.. non-squishy ones...

yum yum for the summertime tummy

please send me co...tabouleh tips!

babaganoush recipe!

when i went to the farmer's market last week,

i don't know what possessed me to buy only one eggplant.

when i came home, i kicked myself because i have a million eggplant recipes

floating around my head

that i can use at the drop of a hat...

so i grabbed it and figured: let me make something new!

i researched and found...babaganoush!

so i sliced the baby in half, and put it skin-side up

on my greased baking pan with some cloves of garlic

and onions...

for about 45 minutes at 450 degrees until all was really mushy...

i added it to the eggplant meat to the blender

with some cayenne pepper, salt, a little extra virgin olive oil

and very finely chopped parsley...

and blended til mushy!

of course, you can add tahini,

but i was clean out.

and add lemon juice to taste...

extra yum factor!

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

*tips on babaganoush are welcome...and thank you so much for your sweet e-mails!

on the menu: cabbage and rice= yummy

at some point at the end of this winter was the first time i made cabbage with rice.

holy cow.

this is how it goes:

• i boil the cabbage until it's entirely soft and floppy
• i make the rice and put it to the side.
• then, sautee onions and stewed tomatoes in non-stick pan
• throw in cabbage which has been cut up in thin and bitty slices
• sautee til flavors blend
• add spices and mix
• when you think it's all perfectly married, throw in the rice [carefully]
• mix mix mix
• let sit until it looks pretty and serve when warm

ah yes...

you may sautee some ground beef

as if you were making meat marinara sauce

and throw that in their when you throw the rice in!

at the end,

i like adding hot sauce.

yummmmmmmmy

like you have no idea.

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

warm weather menu

dear bloggie loves,

i have not, by any means

given up my cooking...

though i will say that my baking

has fallen to the wayside!

i figured that i should post up pictures

for you to know

i am still experimenting

and keeping an extensive portfolio

on what i've created

as well as ideas...

above is a photo of my (organic) fried tofu...

pure extra virgin olive oil from the mountains of Kalamata..

organic bread crumbs and shredded parmesan cheese substitute

made from rice (ORGANIC!!)

it was flippin' awesome!

ah...

brocolli rabe sauteed

in that olive oil from Kalamata

and roasty, toasty garlic

and a pinch of sea salt

(adjust to flavor)

don't be afraid to experiment with different recipes...

how else are you going to learn, right?!

stay healthy, my friends!!

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

beautiful warm weather menu

when we had our mini heat wave

in new york

LML had a fabulous idea...

let's buy a bunch of these

incredibly yummy stuffed clams

that we can nuke

and eat just a little more

than only greens...

so so yummy these are,

that it's not even funny!

and our beautiful

baby arugula salad

with craisins...

a drizzle of olive oil

and balsamic vinaigrette

perfection...

a little tomato salad

a la 'the way we greeks do it'

and you're good to go!!

don't forget the vino

<3

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

summertime routine

this is what our weekends

have boiled down to thus far...

LML and I-

we have way too much fun talking

and planning stuff

so we sit on our little corner of the world

with our tiny puppy

and laugh and make toasted marshmallows

and have some beer from somewhere

exotic that we've been to.

sigh!!

it's a routine we've grown to love...

have you fallen into a summertime routine?

love me,

the globetrotting gamine

inspiration: hungry girl

i don't know if i've ever sung her praises on this blog, but i love hungry girl.

LOVE!

here are some A.M. recipes to help provide me with enough nutrition to keep self publishing and completing items on my to-do list:

Get ready, AM chewers. We're giving you a basic egg-scramble recipe (no pan or spatula needed!) and five SIMPLE ways to change it up.




The Easiest Egg Breakfast Ever...






The Egg Mug Classic


PER SERVING (entire mug): 95 calories, 2g fat, 490mg sodium, 3g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugars, 14.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 2*






Ingredients:


1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)


One wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, cut into pieces














Directions:


Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add egg substitute and cheese and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir and enjoy!






MAKES 1 SERVING














And Now, Variations on a Theme...






Egg Mug Florentine


PER SERVING (entire mug): 107 calories, 2g fat, 575mg sodium, 5g carbs, <0.5g fiber, 2.5g sugars, 15g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 2*






Ingredients:


1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)


One wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, cut into pieces


1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach


1 tsp. Dijonnaise


1 tsp. plain fat-free yogurt


Squirt of lemon juice






Directions:


To make your sauce, stir to combine Dijonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice in a small dish. Set aside.






Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add just the spinach and microwave for 30 seconds. Blot excess liquid from spinach. Add egg substitute and cheese and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir, top with sauce, and enjoy!






MAKES 1 SERVING










Egg Mug Burger-rama


PER SERVING (entire mug): 175 calories, 0.5g fat, 995mg sodium, 14g carbs, 4g fiber, 6g sugars, 30g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 4*


























Ingredients:


1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)


One slice fat-free American cheese, chopped


One Boca Original Meatless Burger (Vegan)


1 tbsp. ketchup






Directions:


Microwave Boca patty for 1 minute, and then chop into pieces. Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add egg substitute, chopped Boca patty, and cheese, and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir, top with ketchup, and enjoy!






MAKES 1 SERVING














Egg McMuggin'


PER SERVING (entire mug): 174 calories, 3.25g fat, 1,081mg sodium, 9g carbs, 1g fiber, 2.5g sugars, 25g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 4*






Ingredients:


1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)


One wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, cut into pieces


1 1/2 oz. (about 3 slices) extra-lean ham, chopped


One-half slice light bread (40 - 45 calories and at least 2g fiber per slice)


1 tbsp. shredded fat-free cheddar cheese






Directions:


Toast bread and cut into cubes. Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add bread cubes, egg substitute, cheese wedge pieces, and ham, and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then top with shredded cheese. Microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir and enjoy!






MAKES 1 SERVING










Egg Mug Lorraine


PER SERVING (entire mug): 128 calories, 4g fat, 730mg sodium, 3.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugars, 17.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*


























Ingredients:


1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)


One wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, cut into pieces


1 tbsp. precooked real crumbled bacon (like the kind by Oscar Mayer)


1 tsp. dried minced onion


1/2 tsp. Dijonnaise






Directions:


Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add all ingredients and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir and enjoy!






MAKES 1 SERVING










Egg Mug Mexicali


PER SERVING (entire mug): 116 calories, 0.5g fat, 579mg sodium, 5.5g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 1.5g sugars, 21.5g protein -- PointsPlus™ value 3*






Ingredients:


1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)


1/4 cup frozen ground-beef-style soy crumbles (like the ones by Boca and Morningstar Farms)


2 tbsp. shredded fat-free cheddar cheese


1 tbsp. salsa






Directions:


Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add egg substitute, soy crumbles, and cheese, and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir, top with salsa, and enjoy!






MAKES 1 SERVING





i'll be completing the egg mug classic, but with organic cheese...
while i go through e-mails, and books for ideas on EVERYTHING...
 
don't forget to check out my bookshop, here! 25% off today on 'Where Did All the Cookies Go?" and 'A Coincidence Away'....and last day of free shipping on lulu.com (code: ground)!!
 
happy monday greetings to all- hope you don't get snowed in on this first day of spring!
 

Cuvee Bistro and Bar at the Greenporter

Dear Cuvee,

i love you and i mean it. your culinary wisdom astounded me when we visited you a week ago. i know the pictures i will post will speak more than 1000 words but i just wanted to say-
i can't believe you've been open 5+ years and we've never sauntered in. please never go away! you were one of the new places we hit up during the week and we can't wait to see you again!

hello, fried oyster goodness. i should have ordered 8 of you.

oh, calamari. you and your dipping sauce soothed my tummy and taste buds.

LML's lobster ravioli.

Yum

NESS

i have no idea what my meal was called, but freaaaaaaking awesome!!

can i have a humongo version next time?!

the lovely crabcakes that we will sample next time.

so thank you, cuvee. we will see you so soon!

and thank you, friends...for letting me snap my photos <3

have you had any nom-nom food lately? i would love to read your comments/see your pics!

love me,

the globetrotting gamine