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Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: We Eat All Our Meals In Courses

July 28, 2014

This has been quite an exciting week! On Tuesday I went to Myrtle Beach to visit Christine and her mom on their vacation and ate at a delightful little cafe called Croissants Bistro & Bakery, which was absolutely delicious. We had a watermelon salad, some banging meatloaf, a delicious veggie platter (with homemade falafel israeli couscous), and a triple chocolate torte for dessert. I’d definitely go back again!

Lovely ladies at the beach, looking only slightly rachet!

We’re so cute, we’ll probably break the Internet.

Thursday, I made a delicious dinner using some bleu cheese burger patties from Publix, fresh veggies from my parents’ garden, and buns from Brown’s Court Bakery. It was like having a gourmet meal cook right in my own kitchen! If you haven’t tried the baked goods from Brown’s Court yet, I really don’t know what you’re doing with your life. The double chocolate chip cookie I got for dessert was life changing.

I'm basically a professional chef.

I’m basically a professional chef.

Friday, Lala came to town and we had a quick dinner of Persimmon Cafe before driving over to Mount Pleasant to jump off our meal at Sky Zone. We played 3D Dodgeball (which I was terrible at), jumped into the foam pit (which I was also terrible at getting out of), jump dunked some basketballs, and just generally jumped around. Lauren and I went home and watched some quality ABC family movies on Netflix before passing out around midnight.

Because who can resist the call of Joey Lawrence and Melissa Joan Hart??

Because who can resist the call of Joey Lawrence and Melissa Joan Hart??

Saturday morning, we got up early for the Farmer’s Market Culinary Tour by Culinary Tours of Charleston. We started at the Farmer’s Market and picked out a bunch of veggies and cheeses for Chef Garrett from Southend Brewery to use in preparing a 5-course meal for us. It was a really awesome experience and I’ll be reviewing it in full detail later!

With Chef Garrett of Southend Brewery!

With Chef Garrett of Southend Brewery!

I also took her by the matchstick social office to see where the magic is made. She really enjoyed the lip couch.

After hoooours.

After hoooours.

We also lounged at the pool and tried our hand at a mixology competition in my kitchen between the 2 of us.

Because straws with hipster glasses are all the rage in mixology today.

Because straws with hipster glasses are all the rage in mixology today.

For dinner, La and I went to White Duck Taco on James Island to try some new tacos and continue our drink exploration with some watermelon sangria and white peach sangria. Totally delish!

Tacos on tacos on tacos.

Tacos on tacos on tacos.

Sunday, we had a 3-course brunch at Halls Chophouse, which was spectacular as always. Lauren left shortly afterward and I spent the rest of the afternoon in a food coma watching Arrested Development.

So fancy.

So fancy.

It was a pretty awesome weekend. How was yours?

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: Charleston Like A Tourist

June 17, 2014

I kicked off this weekend with the Florida Georgia Line and Nelly concert at the Joe in Charleston with Cullen and Taylor, and we had a great time jamming out under the stars.

I'm not even ashamed to say I enjoyed myself.

I’m not even ashamed to say I enjoyed myself.

Friday kicked off Girls Weekend, hosted by my roommate Regina, in which a bunch of her friends and family came down to tour Charleston and experience some of her favorite restaurants and attractions in honor of her 1 year anniversary of moving down here! We started the weekend off with dinner at FIG, which was kind of a disaster, as the manager was very rude to our group and the whole situation was just awkward and uncomfortable. Lily and I finished the evening at Rarebit. I’m obsessed with the macaroni and cheese at Rarebit, and the patty melt is really good as well! You should check it out if you haven’t been.

If mac & cheese was a diet food, I'd be so skinny!

If mac & cheese was a diet food, I’d be so skinny!

Saturday was a jam packed day. We got our nails done at Tips-2-Toes on George St. downtown, Regina’s favorite nail salon (mine is Luxia in West Ashley, in case you were wondering). I picked a white-pink color, which was really pretty.

I'm as surprised as you are that I didn't pink something neon and glittery.

I’m as surprised as you are that I didn’t pick something neon and glittery.

We then drove to North Charleston for lunch at Nigel’s Good Food, a delicious soul food restaurant on Ashley Phosphate. Regina had been a couple of times, but this was my first time. We split an order of the whiskey shrimp, geechie wings, and fried green tomatoes with the table, and everything was delicious. For my entree, I ordered the Lowcountry Ravioli (Grilled Chicken, Bacon, Collards Greens, Black-eye Pea & Corn Relish & Cheese stuffed Ravioli tossed in a Whiskey Cream Sauce, $11.95) and it was super yummy. I’ll definitely be back!

I want to eat all of that food right now.

I want to eat all of that food right now.

After lunch, I joined the girls at Frothy Beard, for a quick brewery tour before we headed back downtown for my first ever Carriage Tour. I was originally dreading it because I hate being the car stuck behind the horse tours downtown, but it ended up being a lot of fun and very educational!

And only about 80% as smelly as I thought it was going to be!

And only about 80% as smelly as I thought it was going to be!

After the tour, we headed to Wadmalaw Island to see the Angel Oak Tree, which was spectacular as always. We also went out to the Firefly Distillery, but arrived too late to do any of the tastings. The man working there was really rude to us when we arrived, telling us “We’re closed. Y’all need to plan better,” even though we got there 10 minutes before they closed, and just wanted to look around for a few minutes. Having worked in customer service for a long time, being rude (even at closing time) isn’t a way to treat your loyal customers.

But the Angel Oak is always polite.

But the Angel Oak is always polite.

Sunday, we had a 4-hour long brunch at Halls Chophouse. It was my first time visiting for brunch, and it was outstanding (as usual). The service we received was top notch and everyone agreed that this was the highlight of their trip. I ordered the chicken-fried bison and waffle sandwich and split some grits with Lily. She ordered the “Lowcountry Biscuits and Gravy” which was less biscuits and gravy, and more biscuits and succotash with fried oysters, but it was delicious either way. It was an amazing meal, but I immediately went into a food coma for the rest of the afternoon.

Halls is so good it shouldn't be legal.

Halls is so good it shouldn’t be legal.

What did you guys think of that Game of Thrones finale?! I can’t believe it’s already over!

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: Lazy is the New Black

June 10, 2014

I don’t have a whole lot to report today, as this weekend was relatively uneventful. Thursday, I went to the Grand Opening party at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams with a few of my coworkers and ate my weight in some of the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, I highly recommend you do so. My favorites are the dark chocolate, salted caramel, pineapple upside down cake, and … well they’re all pretty much my favorites.

So much yummy.

So much yummy.

Friday, I grabbed some red curry from Fire Street Food after work and settled in to watch Season 2 of Orange is the New Black on Netflix. I was glad that the weather outside was crummy, so I didn’t feel bad about vegging on my couch all evening eating Thai food.

It's been too long, Fire. Via Yelp

It’s been too long, Fire. Via Yelp

Saturday, I tried to be a little more productive, hitting up a Weight Watchers meeting and doing some circuit training at the gym before picking up lunch from Persimmon Cafe. We played a little Bananagrams at his office before I went back home to settle into the rest of the season of OITNB. My cats were super excited to have me home for the whole day.

Especially Weasley.

Especially Weasley.

Saturday night, I went to a Cards Against Humanity party that my friend Sheena invited me to. It was lots of fun and I laughed a lot. Also, it might’ve been the biggest game of CAH that I’ve ever played, which only made it funnier.

So many deviants in one room together.

So many deviants in one room together.

Sunday, I went to brunch at Butcher and Bee before going to work finishing the last 4 episodes of OITNB. I made some spaghetti squash for dinner and lounged around until it was time to watch Game of Thrones.

I may or may not have had tater tots as an appetizer. Dieting is hard.

I may or may not have had tater tots as an appetizer. Dieting is hard.

Hope everyone has a great week! If you’ve finished Season 2 of OITNB, let me know what you thought of the season in the comments!

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: We Do What We Want

June 2, 2014

Thursday night we had a team outing to the Riverdogs game with the entire Matchstick office, which was a blast. I have no idea what happened during the game, but it was nice to get out of the office and hang out with my coworkers in a new environment.

riverdogs-game

The Matchstick gang! (plus Regina!)

Although it didn’t end up that way, this weekend was supposed to be relatively healthy, as I was all signed up to run a 5K with my best friend from high school, Shay. She came down on Friday night and we had a disappointing dinner at The Green Goat in West Ashley. I’d heard really good things from a lot of people, so I was sad when everything–from the food to the service–was kind of subpar.

Except the fried green tomatoes with goat cheese. Those were pretty good.

Except the fried green tomatoes with goat cheese. Those were pretty good.

Saturday morning, I brought Shay to Folly Beach for her first ever brunch at Lost Dog Cafe, one of my favorite haunts. We feasted on biscuits and gravy, french toast, chicken quesadillas, and homefries. We left stuffed and regretting our decision to wear bathing suits out in public.

But I'd do it all over again

But I’d do it all over again

 

After brunch, we decided to brave the beach, ignoring the thunder and threats of rain. We stayed for about 12 minutes before dark storm clouds forced us to pack up and leave. After the beach, we decided to head out to Johns Island early to pick up our packets for the race and get it out of the way. Upon arriving at Legare Farms, we were told that due to the weather, the race had been postponed until June 28th, which we were at once disappointed and excited by. On the one hand, we were really looking forward to getting all foamy at the 5K, but on the other hand, this left much more time for us to relax (plus it meant Shay has to come back at the end of June!).

Although I kind of think the mud would've made it even more fun. Photo via Legare Farms.

Although I kind of think the mud would’ve made it even more fun. Photo via Legare Farms.

Since we were already on Johns Island, we decided to visit Angel Oak, since Shay’d never seen it before. It was surprisingly busy considering the weather, but we still managed to get a few cute pictures with the tree despite the crowds.

Well, cute photos of Shay anyway.

Well, cute pictures of Shay anyway.

On the way back to my apartment, we spotted a little Snow Cone hut along the side of the road and decided to stop. I stood outside in the rain watching as they made our snow cones. I, of course, got Tiger’s Blood, while Shay opted for Blue Raspberry. This was her first snow cone experience, and even with the rain it was quite enjoyable.

Snow cone juice or MURDER?! You decide.

Snow cone juice or MURDER?! You decide.

By the time we made it through the flooded roads back to my apartment, the rain had stopped a bit, so we decided to try out the hot tub in my complex to relax. We hung around there for about an hour, switching back and forth between the pool and the hot tub, until we were pruney and ready to change into pajamas and grab some dinner.

I'm wearing a bathing suit, I promise.

I’m wearing a bathing suit, I promise.

We ate dinner at Shay’s favorite restaurant in Charleston, Bessinger’s Barbeque. We always order both a BBQ basket and a cheeseburger basket, and split the sandwiches in half so we can try both. I’ve asked numerous time if they’d make a burger topped with pulled pork, but much to my chagrin, they continue to refuse to do so.

Snapchat-20140531074831

I may have had more fun playing with my food than eating it.

After breakfast Shay and I went out to Sullivan’s Island, since the weather had finally decided to cooperate with us. We stayed out for about 2 hours, where I was delightfully sunburnt from head to toe, despite putting on multiple layers of sunscreen.

Shay, of course, turned a beautiful brown, while I looked like giant cherry tomato.

Shay, of course, turned a beautiful brown, while I looked like giant cherry tomato.

Shay and I had a quick lunch at Los Arcos before she packed up and headed back to Greenville. I took solace knowing it’ll only be a few more weeks until I see her again. After she left, I spent the afternoon cleaning my apartment and searching Charleston (unsuccessfully) for a 60-inch 5 shelf bookcase since I’ve outgrown mine. Although I didn’t find one, I did pick up a couple of other items at Target, so I still consider Sunday a success (even if I did miss Game of Thrones).

Even though I'll probably wake up with this song in my head every morning.

Even though I’ll probably wake up with this song in my head every morning.

Regina got inspired on Sunday and decided to plant a flower & herb garden on our balcony so expect to see more pictures of that as it continues to grow. I might add some more herbs and flowers to the porch as well in the coming weeks. I love summer!

I just love flowers.

I just love flowers.

This week has a lot of fun things planned, so be sure to check out my Facebook and Twitter pages to keep updated!

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: Painting Eggs

April 21, 2014

I hope everyone had a very “hoppy” Easter weekend! Mine was really fun. On Friday my parents drove down from Greenville and I met them for a delicious meatless pizza feast at Desano Pizza Bakery. The pizza was delicious and even managed to impress my pizza-snob mother.

Seriously, it's so yummy.

Seriously, it’s so yummy.

We spent Friday night playing board games and drinking, which was really fun. Saturday morning, my mother started to prepare the traditional Easter feast, consisting of leg of lamb, rack of lamb, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, brussells sprouts with leek & bacon, corn, gravy, and strawberry pie. My dad and I drove out to Crave for a tray of their fabulous mac and cheese, which has become tradition at Gallimore family gatherings.

I'm not even exaggerating when I say it's the best mac and cheese ever.

I’m not even exaggerating when I say it’s the best mac and cheese ever.

Saturday afternoon, we were joined by Cullen and Taylor for opening Easter baskets, playing some games, and decorating Easter eggs. On Sunday, my mom made a delicious breakfast casserole that we ate while watching Despicable Me & Despicable Me 2. Everyone left around 2, and I spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies, catching up on TV shows, and playing the Scandal category on QuizUp alone before everyone came over to watch Game of Thrones. It was a pretty great day.

And this happened. #Dedication

And this happened. #Dedication

Hope everyone has a great week!

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: I Never Want To Eat Again

April 14, 2014

This weekend was a wonderful blur of food, friends, drinking, and adventure. Sean, Lily, Christine, and I started the weekend on Thursday night at Coast Brewery and Frothy Beard and dinner at La Nortena in North Charleston. We all ordered too many tacos and felt kind of crappy before going to bed. Friday morning, Lily met us at Bombay Bazar for an Indian lunch, which was delicious, but also left me feeling overfull and kind of gross. Friday night, Drew finally got into Charleston from Charleston (West Virginia) and we went to the Joe for the Riverdogs game, courtesy of Persimmon Cafe, which was so much fun!

Although Charlie's face would suggest otherwise.

Although Charlie’s face would suggest otherwise.

Saturday, Sean made breakfast (with assistance from some Hardee’s biscuits), and we watched Frozen before meeting up with Chrissy for a disappointing lunch at Fleet Landing. After lunch, we strolled through Waterfront park and along the battery before napping at Lily’s house until dinner at Taco Boy and drinks in Avondale.

Like moths to a flame we flock to the glow of the Taco Boy sign.

Like moths to a flame we flock to the glow of the Taco Boy sign.

On Sunday, we had a delicious brunch at Lost Dog Cafe before bidding adieu to Sean, Christine, and Drew. Lily and I met up with Charlie to walk around Second Sunday on King Street. Sunday night, a bunch of people came over to my house for a Game of Thrones themed watch party, featuring “Baratheon Belly Sliders” (aka pulled pork sliders), “Take The Black Bean Dip,” and Pigs in a Blanket inspired by Theon Greyjoy (I’ll let you draw your own conclusions there).

Spoiler Alert: They aren't his fingers.

Theon doesn’t think we’re very funny.

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: Here Comes The Bride

April 7, 2014

Saturday morning I decided to chop my hair off! I now have a semi-bob. It’s a little shocking, since it was nice and long before and now I can barely put it in a ponytail. But I love it! It takes me half as much time to get ready now, and it always looks cute. What do you think?

Apparently I only make Muppet faces.

Apparently I only make Muppet faces.

Saturday night, I had the honor of attending my freshman year roommate, Laila’s, wedding to Jonas Hall at Legare Waring House in Charlestowne Landing. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception and I had a wonderful time. Laila made such a beautiful bride! I know people say that all the time, but she was like extra beautiful.

But I wouldn't expect anything less from Laila.

But I wouldn’t expect anything less from Laila.

Sunday, I met my friends Becca and Cori at the Cajun Festival at James Island County Park. I got to try crawfish etouffee (A-2-fay) and ate my weight in cajun boiled peanuts. We ended the weekend with the Game of Thrones premiere, which was SO AWESOME.

"How's it hangin'?"

“How’s it hangin’?”

What were the highlights of your weekend?

 

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: The Mud Between My Toes

March 31, 2014

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend! Mine was really fun. Friday night, a friend hosted game night at his house and Julianne was in town and we all drank a little too much wine. Saturday morning Lily, Julianne, and I drove around for awhile trying to find a good brunch place before settling on Chick-fil-a because we were hungry and didn’t feel like waiting in line.

No regrets.

No regrets.

After “brunch” Lily and I went to Brittlebank Park for the 2nd annual Spring Jam Music Festival. There were 2 stages, 10 bands, and 2 performance art groups, food trucks, beer tents, vendors, artisans, and mud. Lots of mud.

Most of which ended up in Lily's shoes.

Most of which ended up in Lily’s shoes.

We had so much fun though. I found a bunch of new favorite bands, like Space Capone, Kopecky Family Band, and Brave Baby.

Not bad for my first music festival!

Not bad for my first music festival!

We also got to try a new food truck, Pep Rolls, which was awesome. According to their Facebook page, a “pep roll” is a “whole wheat based roll stuffed with delicious pepperoni, topped with seasoning, and baked to a golden brown perfection.” We tried the Sleazy Cheezy which had pepperoni, nacho cheese, and jalapeno. Soooo good.

Seriously. Why isn't that in my face right now?

Seriously. Why isn’t that in my face right now?

Sunday morning, Lily and I had a proper brunch at Edmund’s Oast, which was fantastic. You can check out the full review here, but let me just say, their cornbread was possibly the best I’ve ever eaten. I can’t wait to go back for dinner.

Which may or may not be due to the giant dollop of honey butter on top.

Which may or may not be due to the giant dollop of honey butter on top.

Hopefully you all have a great week (and didn’t get fooled by too many April Fool’s Day pranks!)

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: Too Much Food, Too Little Time

March 24, 2014

I spent most of last week sitting in bed with a wicked chest cold, but Friday night, Lily and I met up with Lauren, Shay, and Marlowe in Columbia to see the Divergent movie (since we’d all read the book). Before the movie, we got sushi (and delicious cucumber mojitos) at Miyo’s. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach, and I ended up giving most of my sushi away because I was too full. After dinner, we walked to the theater and settled in for the show. Shay & I were really pleased with the movie, but Lily, Marlowe, and Lauren all had some serious issues with it. Either way, if you read the books, I think it’s definitely worth the watch!

If for nothing more than to stare at Theo James for 2 hours.

If for nothing more than to stare at Theo James for 2 hours.

Saturday morning, we had a pretty disappointing lunch at Copper River Grill before spending a couple of hours wandering around the mall. We all went our separate ways around 3 (except Lauren who had to leave at 5 am to go be in a parade), and I spent most of Saturday afternoon laying in bed catching up on Grimm and eating the edible fruit bouquet that my parents sent me.

Because nothing says "get well soon" like chocolate covered pineapple slices shaped like high heels.

Because nothing says “get well soon” like chocolate covered pineapple slices shaped like high heels.

Around 9, I met up with people at a friend’s house where they were having a wine and cheese night to celebrate a new job. We hung out there for a while before meeting up with Cullen & Taylor at The Alley to get a few drinks to celebrate Taylor finally being 21! We ended the night at Butcher & Bee with a burger, some buffalo fries, and a lamb gyro. It was pretty delish. We also met up with them Sunday morning at Lost Dog Cafe for brunch before they headed back to Greenville.

Oh, sweet nectar of the gods.

Oh, sweet nectar of the gods.

After brunch, I took a cooking class at Southern Season entitled “Asian For A Crowd.” We made a cold Thai noodle salad, Korean beef bulgogi, Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, bok choy kimchi, and a floredeliz salad for dessert. I immediately regretted the decision to get brunch before the cooking class because I was stuffed for the rest of the day.

There was enough food for a crowd, but only 2 people to eat it.

There was enough food for a crowd, but only 2 people to eat it.

After the cooking class, I met back up with Lily to see Muppets Most Wanted, which was entertaining, but nowhere near as good as the first Muppet movie. We also celebrated my sweet kitty, Fezzik’s, birthday. I can’t believe he’s 3 already!

Look at those eyes!

Look at those eyes!

Here’s hoping that everyone has a great week and that I finally kick this cold!

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: The Luck of the Irish

March 17, 2014

Sorry, I know I’m a little behind but I’ve been sick this week, so I hope you’ll cut me some slack. On to the weekend! I started my Friday with a Hummer wrap from Dellz Deli, inspired both by not being able to eat meat on Fridays during Lent and because the pictures from my review just looked so darn delicious. And it did not disappoint.

Although it never really does.

Although it never really does.

Lily and I left Charleston en route for St. Paddy’s in Atlanta and stopped in Columbia to pick up Marlowe and get some Chipotle for dinner. The whole weekend was a green, Guinness-laden blur that went by way too quickly. Saturday morning, we started with our ritual hungover breakfast at Waffle House.

I mean, really what else do you need?

I mean, really what else do you need?

For the St. Paddy’s Day feast, we each contributed something delicious: Sean made sausage balls and buffalo chicken dip, Lily and Marlowe made pigs in blankets and bought a bunch of Guinness, Raina brought Irish Cream, Jason & Kat made Devils on Horseback (aka bacond-wrapped cheese-stuffed dates), Christine supplied hummus, and I made spinach and artichoke dip (for the first time, yo!), which was pretty exciting. Then we all ate and drank way too much. It was awesome.

I know you're jealous.

I know you’re jealous.

We all dressed up in our finest green apparel and accessories and proceeded to play games, do Irish car bombs, laugh, and take a bunch of goofy pictures. Basically St. Patrick’s Day is my new favorite holiday.

Pictured: fun

Pictured: fun

My least favorite holiday? The Sunday after St. Patrick’s day. Although it’s made slightly better with good friends and morning snuggles.

Lily is a little overly attached to snuggling.

Lily is a little overly attached to snuggling.

We had our post-St Pat’s Day hangover breakfast at a place called Jack’s New Yorker Deli in Smyrna. I got The Italian panini (salami, pepperoni, cappicola, prosciutto, provolone, red onions, oil, vinegar, and oregan) with a side of fresh cut fries, a cup of chicken enchilada soup, and a drink for just $12.70. A great deal, and one of the best italian sandwiches I’ve had in awhile. Sean got one of their signature sandwiches, and it was also delicious, so I’ll definitely be stopping here again.

That panini was legit.

That panini was legit.

So that was my weekend. How was yours?