Rainy Days and Saturdays in Atlanta

Well it looks like the rain is not going to let up any in the ATL this week. Most say it's a bit depressing and it very well might be for some, but honestly -- I'll take rain any day over no rain. (This probably comes from my stint in Arizona:) With rain comes life, full and abundant. Beautiful green grass, flourishing vegetables and I love it. Actually, I'm a bit of a hermit and I LOVE rainy days. I generally do some cleaning, read through my cookbooks and use these days to test out some recipes.

Along with loving raining days and using those days to test out recipes, I usually put in one of my favorite movies and have at it. Today's flicks have included The Santa Claus ( I'm getting in the spirit...LOVE the holidays!) and The Phantom of the Opera and among all of that, a little football. Don't worry -- I don't actually WATCH the football...I just play in a pool and have to keep up with the scores! :)

Back to the food. Earlier today I made Spicy Potato Soup, a spin off the Italian potato/sausage/spinach soup recipes that are floating around out there. As unfortunate as it might be both my brother and me are both down with a bit of the flu today, so soup was our obvious choice:) This soup is easy-peezy to make and can be altered to suit your tastes. I tend to not make it that spicy as I'm a baby when it comes to heat/spice in things. But this one is very savory and uses Chorizo sausage which adds some nice spice. I threw in some jalapeños and poblano's and it was good to go. Now, I love a good thick potato soup at times, but when I'm not feeling the best I like a lighter broth and this recipe is good for that.

As for a little later on, I think I'm going to give a pumpkin dessert a try. It's basically a pumpkin pie in a baking pan - which sounds great to me because seriously....when is one pumpkin pie ever enough when baking up yummies for the holidays? I'll let you know how it goes!

So don't let the rain bring you down everyone...it cleans, it brings life and perhaps, just maybe....some inspiration!!

Jodie

Welcome Back 57th Fighter Group!

Good News! Good News! 57th Fighter Group Restaurant is open again! I started going to 57 when I moved to Atlanta in 2005 and immediately fell in love with it. (Especially for after-work cocktails on the patio!) It took some time to convince my Happy Hour buddies to give this place a go, but once I did.....they were hooked! Much to our dismay, it closed about 6months later and we have been in mourning since!

Not to long ago a little birdie told me it may be opening again, and true enough! The restaurant has a WWII theme, inside and out and it definitely adds to the ambiance. There are fire places throughout the restaurant and bar areas, plenty of space and a dance floor. The bar-area patio at this place just can't be beat! Approximately 20 tables on the patio allow for front-row view of the planes taking off and landing, and fire pits to boot!

As much as I love this place for cocktails, I was anxious to taste the new menu because, quite frankly, the menu with the old establishment wasn't to impressive. So it was off to lunch this past week and I was very impressed! My friend and I had a steak and cheese sub and Reuben respectively, so we each gave the other half of our sandwich and we were good to go! We both said we weren't certain which sandwich we liked better.

Also this past week, we had what I like to call an "after-hours-networking-opportunity" with some work friends because one of us was moving on to greener pastures. It was supposed to be 75 degrees on Thursday so I thought we'd give 57 a go. All 20 of us:) I have to say our server,Rebecca, did famously. She kept all 20 tabs separated (God love her!) and handled our group like a pro.

I'll be anxious to give the dinner menu a go, which I'm almost certain will be sometime soon:)

We had a wonderful evening, so thank you 57....welcome back!

Goove with Atlanta's 105.7

OK - so it's not food, travel or wine, but it is some gooooood JoJo Mojo. Atlanta's Groove 105.7 My brother clued me into this Atlanta Radio Station and it is AWESOME. They play all upbeat music from multiple decades...it'll keep you groovin' all day - Try it!!

Charleston - Bull Street Gourmet.

Bull Street Gourmet is located, you guessed it on Bull Street in Charleston! (I'm a freakin' genius, eh?) I actually saw Giada De Laurentiis go this place on her Weekend Getaways and recognized as a place that I have ignorantly walked right by on previous trips to Charleston! (Bad JOJO!)

This trip, I was NOT going to make the same mistake. My pal and I eagerly set out (ok that's a lie....it was pouring the rain, we had to find WTH the valet parked my car - not in/on/around the hotel mind you - to get rain gear and wasn't quite sure where we were going other than Bull Street) to find this place that Giada raved about. I figure if Giada raves about it, I'm going. I think I might love her in my other, non-heterosexual life, maybe. Did I say that out loud? Anyhooze, after walking and walking and walking and my friend's expert inner compass - we found it. And as expected, it was fabulous.

This place is small, unpretentious and absolutely perfect for lunch. You walk in, there's a Deli counter, a couple small 2-tops and and 2 community tables, walk-up coolers and retail wine racks. I'm in love. You somehow know immediately upon walking in this place it's going to be perfect. And it doesn't disappoint.

I ordered a chicken salad croissant that was to DIE for (it had cranberry mayonnaise!), and of course I had to have more because I want to taste as much as possible! So, I ordered tomato/mozzarella over greens as well. Good Grief! Simple and perfect. Go, Go, Go.

This is a perfect segue into my little soapbox. Yes, surprisingly I have them. :) As so expertly executed by Bull Street Gourmet, simple is best. So many restaurants go with over the top, complicated and overly sophisticated food. There may be a time and place for this style of cuisine, but seriously- how many people go back again and again for that? I say rarely. Sure it was a great experience and the food may be excellent - (which isn't bad thing!) But, for me, it's the Bull Street Gourmet's of the world that I'm going to go back to over and over and over again.

Well done Bull Street....well done!

A new fan,

Jodie

My Decatur Outing - Brick Store Pub

I love Sundays! Sundays mean I get to sleep in, go to Brunch, (which inevitably will end up meaning early cocktails which is always nice) or just relax. I was on Facebook today and saw a friend of mine's post. "Out to lunch today with the best date a man could have.....The Sunday Paper." That's what Sunday's are for, that thing you do for you:)

That being said and being that it's Fall, my absolutely favorite time of the year, would have to mean our outing today would spell success! My brother loves good beer, so I thought this Sunday we'd give the Brick Store Pub in Decatur a go. I had been there before about 4 or 5 years ago on a date, but had not returned since. (Shame JoJo, Shame!)

In an effort to help save the planet (and save ourselves from a DUI) we decided to take Marta from Brookhaven to Decatur. Oyy --- 2hours later we end up in Decatur. Yes. Two Hours. OK it was my fault, or should I say, my lack of patience's fault. The train was delayed at Inman Park, and me and my infinite wisdom told my brother -- "Oh let's get off and just take a cab". Wrong, Wrong, Wrong! No cabs to be found at the Marta Station there. I'll save you from my rant on that one. The only good thing about this incredibly intelligent decision of mine was that we wandered into what looks to be a really cool restaurant, Shaun's Restaurant. Although we did not eat, we did meet a really cool bartender, who actually made our little detour well worth it. The restaurant was actually closed when we arrived, but when we told the gracious bartender we just wanted a beer, he told us to come on in . OK I love this man already. We only spent about 15 minutes in the restaurant, but as I looked around I found myself really intrigued. White painted brick walls, open kitchen and decor with shelves of food - almost like you were looking into someone's pantry, gave the restaurant a very open, welcoming feel. Definitely putting it on my "to do" list. So we drank our beers, laughed with the bartender and off we went. OH Yes, we got BACK on the train! I know it's absurd, but that's me.

So we arrive in Decatur, find our pub and life is good. The Brick Store Pub is an amazing place for those that love beer. I believe there were over 75 bottled beers, and perhaps 17 on draft in the main bar and another 7 or 8 in the upstairs "Belgium Bar". People, I don't know how to explain this to you, other than to say WOW! If you like beer, just go. We were giddy trying all the different beers! The bar has a great atmosphere and the upstairs bar definitely makes you feel you're in an old English Pub or something - very unique. The food was pretty darn good too! We had a plate of Brie with apples and cucumbers, an arugula salad and fish and chips. All excellent. This place is well worth the visit, so either grab a designated driver, hop on the train (and don't get off!! ) or call a cab and just go!

Jodie

PS - for those of you that may be interested. I couldn't bring myself to do the train on the way home. Called a cab and $25 later, I'm home. I know.....patience is a virtue....patience is a virtue....patience is a virture:)

Charleston - Time for Breakfast!

Even though I LOVE breakfast....I only went out to breakfast twice this trip. The golden rule for weekend breakfasts in Charleston....get there early 'cause chances are your gonna wait:)

First was Joseph's a very small spot about 1/2 block from the hotel - which of course was why it was chosen. I've actually eaten at Joseph's before and my experience then rang true again. Good food, very casual atmosphere. Right up my alley for breakfast. I had eggs benedict and it hit the spot. I actually split it with my friend and it was just enough -- with my toast of course. Toast with breakfast is one of those things I'm not sure I could do without:) OK who am I kidding bread in general is on my list of things I can't live without.

My only criticism of Joseph's this time around was the service; which in this case was non-existent. The restaurant was clearly understaffed, which generally I don't like to hold against the servers because that's poor scheduling on the manager's part. However in this case when we did get the server to notice us, she had the personality of a rock. Unfortunate for the overall experience, but hey the food was good:)

Next was brunch on Sunday at Poogan's Porch. Again - out the side door of the hotel and across the street.....ding! ding! So winner in terms of location. First and foremost we should probably talk about my affinity for brunch. I LOVE BRUNCH. Maybe it's a Southern thing, I don't know --- but I love a good brunch. I think it's because you can get your typical breakfast food, but you get to throw in a little chicken and gravy, maybe some shrimp and grits....oy. So it pains me to say that Princess was very disappointed in Poogan's Porch this go 'round.

Here's the deal, I've eaten dinner at Poogan's Porch about 2 years ago and LOVED it. Not to mention, I've recommended it about a hundred times since. But boy oh boy, the brunch was a disaster.

First, there was a wait -- which actually I didn't mind. (Which for those of you that know me, this is shocking) I mean, hey, it's the weekend in Charleston...25 minute wait was doable. Poogan's Porch is located in an old, and some say haunted, house on Queen Street. The restaurant is broken up into several rooms which in my experience always presents a service challenge. The rooms are not equipped with coolers or heat for the food, so if you want coffee or an extra round of biscuits, the server has to leave the room and high-tail it to the kitchen - wherever that might be in the house. Again --- not sure about that set-up from a service perspective. If you're going to do it, staff it appropriately. We waited a good 10min before our server even came to the table....another 10min for coffee. So at this point, my patience (which my friends will tell you is limited on my best days) is started to take a dive south. It's the Yankee in me:)

Our server --- BLESS HIS HEART -- needed a stiff kick in the rear. Just didn't have a clue about service. The thing I will say, is that there was a guy busing the tables that was a sweetie. He was constantly looking around the room and actually got us coffee and biscuits - not to mention helped a couple other guests mid-cleaning table because the actual server was on hiatus. Maybe our experience could be redeemed by killer food?? Not the case unfortunately. The food was generic and the coffee was cold. NOT a combination for Brunch under any circumstance. I had the shrimp and grits, which were OK, not the best but OK. Come On! It's the South and it's Charleston. If you're going to have shrimp and grits on your menu, freakin' commit. My friends had an eggs and meat plate and I think both of them would of said the same thing. It was OK. Really disappointing after the wait and the lousy service.

So I don't know what to think about Poogan's Porch now, certainly would NOT recommend it for brunch....maybe dinner will be better? Not sure, and not sure I'm willing to give it a go again with so many wonderful options in Charleston. It hurts to say that because 2 weeks ago I would have bet my life on it. Funny how things change, eh?

Charleston Mills House Hotel

To help fund this trip I decided to cash in some Priority Club points, which limits my hotel choices in the Historic District-“ish” to 3 hotels. All three of which I’ve stayed at before. I would have loved to stay at a boutique hotel, but hey, free wins every time!! Of the three IHGproperties, I have a clear favorite; The Mills House Hotel directly in the middle of the Historic District. This 150-year-old property is so incredibly convenient it’s hard to say no to it when you’re talking free nights. The Mills House is on the corner of Meeting and Queen Streets - smack in the middle of of it all. It's big and pink - so you you can't miss it!

Beyond the historic significance and beauty of this hotel, location is definitely a selling point. It's so nice to be able to conveniently stop by your room while exploring Charleston; your feet will thank you:)

That all being said, there are some definite sacrifices you'll need to make if you want to stay at this property. The little extras like continental breakfasts, in-room refrigerators and free parking are non-existent. (Although I will say I asked for a small refrigerator to be put in my room and got it no problems) Parking will cost you a whopping $22 a day so be prepared. I called around town and it's the norm for the city, so it is what it is.

I highly recommend requesting a patio room that opens to the pool area. You’ll appreciate this extra outdoor space as the rooms are small….really small. Kids, when I say the rooms are small I mean suck-your- gut- in- to- walk- past- your- roommate -small. But hey – you’re not in Charleston to spend it in your room are you?

Other than that, the only thing on the negative side here is cost. In season will run you a little over $300/night - ouch. (Which is why this is a perfect choice for cashing in points:) Off season will run you a little under $200/night so that's a little easier to swallow.

Beautiful hotel, customer service was excellent, location was spot on --- beyond the price, it's a winner!

~Jodie

Charleston 101

If you ever consider a trip to Charleston, there is one steadfast, break-me-or-you'll-be-sorry rule to keep in mind. (Or, if you have already been, you'll certainly relate.) We'll discuss it and a few others below:)

1) Charleston is a walking city so wear comfortable, worn in shoes. This is by far the singular most important rule when going to Charleston. If ignored, you'll be in misery - trust me. Chances are you'll park your car when you arrive and not return until you leave. OK - not every trip, because there are beautiful things outside the city you must explore as well, but for the most part you'll be walking..... ALOT. Now for the Princess (that'd be me) who generally falls in the bucket of "Walk? Are you SERIOUS? Whatever...call me a Cab" club this can present a few challenges. As I type this I have 6 blisters on my feet the size of Texas as painstaking evidence of my trip to Charleston last week. AND - I followed the rule! Not to mention, the fashion sacrifices of wearing my Sketchers or Keds with EVERY outfit. All of the aforementioned, I can happily say - it's well worth it.
This brings up a secondary, almost as important rule. Ibuprofen. Bring it, love it. You'll need it. OK Ibuprofen is for amateurs, I bring the "big-girl" drugs, but that's only because I have a back that thinks it's 80 years old. Once again, chances are if you don't bring your choice of pain killers, you'll be making a stop if you're not well acquainted with walking, all day, every day.

Back to the shoes. Both of my gals that accompanied me on this trip, brought the cutest pair of high-heeled boots for our evenings out. (Bless their hearts they tried!) The first gave them a go on a 5--block walk to dinner the first night. Needless to say there was a decree that we must immediately go straight back to the hotel after dinner, do not pass "Go", do NOT collect $200. The second, put her fabulous boots on our last night...strutted around the hotel room saying "I'll be OK"...after about 10min, luckily, we talked her out of it. So lessons learned....learn my young Padawan learners.....Learn.

2) While we're talking Fashion... Here's the battle: You want to be comfortable we know this already. However, inevitably you will want to spruce yourself up at night because Charleston does have it's fair share of fashionistas strutting about. It is the South and there is a pretty clear air of, well, let's call it "Southern elegance". Dunno what to tell you kids. It's a choice I guess. Best advice I can give is to either be cognizant of the walking challenge, or hire a driver. Although I tout myself as a Princess minus pretentiousness....I chose the Keds-let's-hang-out-in-taverns-route:) Other than that. Layer, layer, layer. Spring and Fall evening can bring a chill with the ocean breezes, but the day is beautiful. Layer, layer, layer.

3) The Best time to go - Spring or Fall. Granted Charleston's beauty will be there come July and August, but trust me when I say, it'll be HOT. Really hot, if you do. With, mind you, you-got-to-cut-the-air-to-breathe-it humidity. For me, I can't stand to be hot and when I get to that point it ruins everything. Don't care how pretty things are when I have a stream of sweat running down my face, back and other sorted areas. To that end, Charleston is best in Spring or Fall. You're comfortable, the sun is shining, and no bugs. And, I promise you will have a moment of walking through the beautiful streets of Charleston, bright sunshine and you'll say, and keepsaying for that matter, "It's just so beautiful"..."It's just perfect"....and you'll have an unmistakable peace come upon you that will likely stay with you for your entire trip.

4) Explore. Although Charleston's beauty is evident everywhere you go, I find the most beautiful spots are those that are hidden, those that you just happen upon while walking around. So explore the little alley, walk

down the seemingly uncrowded street. You'll not be sorry, I promise.

Jodie

Charleston, South Carolina - October 2009

This past weekend I convinced some gal-pals of mine to accompany me to what probably is my favorite city on the East Coast, Charleston. In my humble opinion, for those that love beauty in all its forms, Charleston is for you. Rich with history, Charleston can transport you back to a simpler time and place. But for those of us that love food, it certainly competes with modern-day culinary masters. This trip, however, I found I was mesmerized by the small details of the city. The color, the sounds and the smells of the city had me awestruck. I couldn't seem to snap enough pictures, trying to notice the smallest of details. The color of the buildings, the shape and shadows of statues and the serene, hidden gardens of the historic homes. Although words can't quite capture what you feel and experience walking this through city, I'll try over the next few posts.

Regards~
Jodie