Baxter Bark Twice

Do as I say, never as I do

Posts Tagged ‘get in my belly’

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Bright Lights, Big City

Posted by AllieB on December 20, 2010

This past weekend I visited my nearest and dearest, Pal “Meat Cleve” Cleveland, in NYC with my other nearest and dearest, Billy Bel. We had hoped to round out our SATC-esque adventure with our fabulous fourth, Sister Pantalones, but due to factors beyond her control she was unable to hop a bird and join us. She was missed.*

There’s nothing like NYC at Christmas! I didn’t even feel embarrassed taking photo after photo of the tree at 30 Rock, or stopping in the middle of very busy crosswalks to get a shot of the Chrysler Building. As you can tell in the latter photo, there was a good bit of jostling going on around me – apparently others did have a problem with my unabashed tourism.

Anyway, we really had the best time, and we had really, REALLY good meals. I had the best pizza I have ever had, ever, at Vezzo in Murray Hill. I didn’t take a photo of it because we were already a subject of ridicule amongst the staff in that they tried to deter us from sitting by giving us padded wait times and saying crap like, “eeeesh, I don’t know, the way things are looking now…it doesn’t look good for you…like at all – you could be waiting for, WOW, I don’t even know how long…”

Thanks, jerk, we’ll just hop next door to the creepy Italian joint decorated solely in Virgin Marys with unforgiving neon lighting and enjoy a $5 glass of house chianti whilst we wait out your alleged “wait.”

It actually did take over an hour, but it was worth it. So worth it that I am glorifying our experience there in spite of the utter rudeness with which we were treated – that’s how big a person I am/how incredible this pizza was.

In addition to tourist activities and food comas, we enjoyed Pal’s neighborhood, a near-death experience in a terrifying cab ride, channeling our inner Goth, and a whole lot of mashing. I would like to comment on how much I appreciate the institution that is brunch in NYC - Hollandaise sauce is my very favorite condiment, and the ginger pomegranate mimosa(s) I tried on Saturday were amazing AND good for my health. ‘Twas a glorious time.

We also took the ferry over to Ellis Island and saw The Statue of Liberty….she’s never looked better.

Credit: Hilary M. Bel

* I mean that sincerely, without any irony.**

**It’s Christmas Week – you’re nice to everyone during Christmas Week.

Posted in Arbitrary | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

On notice: Mother Nature

Posted by AllieB on December 14, 2010

Every year National Geographic has a contest for Photo of the Year. I don’t know how these people do it, but I find these images absolutely stunning, if not kind of unbelievable.

I mean…just, wow. There are tons more – check out the link.

This morning, on my way to work, I had the pleasure of enjoying Mariah’s, “All I Want for Christmas” which is truly the only way that my two minute commute was bearable. WTF is up with this weather!?!? I know it’s taking over every conversation, from office small talk to gchat taglines, but it’s really messed up. I’m glad I finally sprung for a space heater, although I’m considering going balls-to-the-wall and actually turning on my GAS. I live in a very old building (built in 1929), and the landlord and other tenants say that space heater is the way to go, but I enjoyed my grilled cheese dinner last night in socks, Juicy sweats (ha, I know), long sleeved tee and down puffy vest. That is a ridiculous amount of clothing – especially for moi, as I tend to air on the side of warm-blooded (Meet & Greet: Red-Faced Allie).

Let’s talk about grilled cheeses some more. There are few culinary delights that are more delicious than a plain, old-fashioned, diagonally-cut grilled cheese sandwich made with real butter, soft bread (wheat), and Kraft singles. Holy.Wow. Leila and Lacy have been talking about their grilled cheeses for awhile now, and I decided to buy the ingredients last night. I’ve created a monster; all I can think about is when I’m having my next grilled cheese. I think I might add in some tomatoes to my next round – that way there will be at least a modicum of nutritional value.

Posted in Arbitrary | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

Turkey Dizzle

Posted by AllieB on November 23, 2010

I think I’m pretty much maxed out in the arena of giving thanks – at least re: the blogosphere, so instead of going on and on about perspective and how lucky we are and blah blah, I’m going to talk about something else.

Let’s see…

After much research and consideration about what to contribute to the Baxter Fam T-Giving feast, I’ve decided to stick to the age-old adage KISS and will be serving the following hors d’oeuvre. It’s beyond delicious (credit: Paula Deen by way of Boss Lady) and so super healthy….

Sugar and Nut Glazed Brie

Ingredients

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans

1 tablespoon brandy

1 (14-ounce) round brie

Apple wedges, for serving

Pear wedges, for serving

2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Crackers, for serving

Directions

In a small bowl stir together the sugar, nuts, and brandy. Cover and chill for at least 24 hours or up to 1 week.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Place the brie on an ovenproof platter or pie plate. Bake for 4 or 5 minutes or until the brie is slightly softened. Spread the sugar mixture in an even layer on top of the warm brie and bake for 2 to 3 minutes longer, or until the sugar melts. Brush the fruit wedges with lemon juice and arrange them around 1 side of the brie. Place crackers around the other side.

I feel confident I can handle this. Two years ago I managed to ruin microwave green beans, and last year I spent approximately five hours slaving over a dish that was allegedly “easy” and only took “30 mins prep time.” Psssh. Holy crap that looks really tasty.

For how much I go on about it in real life, I feel I don’t give Trader Joe’s enough credit on this thing. From the wine to the produce to the veggie chips to the AMAZING Parmesan Pastry Puffs, there is nothing I don’t love about TJ’s. Last night I made my thrice-weekly sojourn to my local market, and I would just like to say thank you to the gentleman who checked me out: “Alexandra,” he said, as he looked at my I.D., “you’re doing okay for yourself – you still look like you’re about 17.” It may or may not have had something to do with my message tee and side-pony braid, but whatevs – I’ll take what I can get. (Note: PEARL! Sorry I’m not sorry.)

ha. hahaha.

Posted in Food & Drink | Tagged: , , , , | 4 Comments »

Meet & Greet: My Restaurant Spreadsheet

Posted by AllieB on November 2, 2010

I published my restaurant spreadsheet as a web page that looks exactly like a spreadsheet and it can now be found under the page, “Eat & Greet: Atlanta Restaurants.” This page can be accessed via the tool bar on top. Hopefully one day I can do something way cooler with it…

Here is the document: Atlanta Restaurants, and below is a little preview – a snack, if you will – of the real deal.

Ross: You ate my sandwich?

Dr. Leedbetter: It was a simple mistake. It could happen to anyone.

Ross: Oh-oh really? Did you confuse it with your own turkey sandwich with a Moist Maker?

Dr. Leedbetter: No.

Ross: Do you perhaps remember seeing a note on top of it?

Dr. Leedbetter: There may have been a-a joke or a limerick of some kind.

Ross: That said it was my sandwich?!

Dr. Leedbetter: Now calm down. Come look in my office, some of it my still be in the trash.

Ross: What??!?!

Dr. Leedbetter: Well, it was quite large. I had to throw most of it away.

Ross: You-you-you-you threw my sandwich away!

Ross: MY SANDWICH?!!!

Ross: MY SANDWICH!!!!!!

-The One with Ross’s Sandwich

Posted in Food & Drink, Imparting Wisdom | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

Meet & Greet: The Ivy

Posted by AllieB on October 19, 2010

The Ivy, owned by the same guys who own City Bar and General Beauregard in Athens,  opened a few weeks ago in North Buckhead. Finally utilizing the massive space left by Carbo’s of the early 90’s and then an event-only space that closed after a large fire, it’s a huge restaurant/bar that, I think, is here to stay.

I’ve been there several times – I have the Oderson’s to thank for that – so I feel I can legitimately critique the place. I was ready to write a rave review after our first meal, but Hilary suggested that I pump the brakes a bit and see how things panned out. Well, they’ve panned out swimmingly, IMO, and here are some points of interest:

  • Order something fried. I suggest the Tempura Portobella Mushroom Caps, but swap out whatever sauce the menu suggests for their Mojo Aioli. Actually, regardless of your order, ask for a side of the Mojo Aioli – it’s awesome. Their chicken fingers are also amazing. The “moist” and “juicy” chicken is encased in some kind of breaded, deep-fried nonsense reminiscent of funnel cakes. I know that sounds weird in theory, but in practice…oh my god.
  • Huge $4 slices of pizza. Their slices are 1/4 of a full pie, and that is not an exaggeration. I recommend “The Ivy” which has sausage and mushrooms and peppers and something else – maybe another meat? They don’t have a menu online.
  • Cecilia’s Cakes. It’s not a rumor – they serve them. Made famous by Last Resort in Athens, they are the best cakes ever, of anyplace I’ve ever been. Caramel and Red Velvet are my favorites…
  • It is very reasonably priced. Pizza for $4/slice, burgers under $10, appetizers in $5 – $8 range…and a very nice house Cabernet for $5/glass. Plus, they have prime outdoor seating and even allow dogs. Done and done.

Overall, I think The Ivy has totally nailed it. The service is decent and will only improve. Plus, I appreciate that they have stemless martini glasses, as I’ve yet to master the itty-bitty stem/wide-mouth top of the standard stemware. The Ivy = the new go-to…?

images from thrillist.com

The Ivy

3717 Roswell Rd
Atlanta, GA 30342
404-941-3081

Posted in Food & Drink | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

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