How Spontaneous Adventures Can Strengthen Your Relationship

“If it was sanitary, I’d give you a high five right now because that was the best freakin’ meal I’ve eaten in a while!” I was not quiet about it either because the fella who had just walked up with his family interjected with, “I’m glad to hear that!”

Good food makes me happy, simple as that. So, when I stumble upon a roadside taco and slider stand with five star food during a spontaneous adventure, you better believe that this gal gets giddy!

Apparently, The Roost, located in Linville, NC, has been opened for two months but we are just now finding out about this gem. That happens when we get stuck in our “boone bubble” sometimes.

The only reason we happened upon it was because Cody and I thought that it might be a good idea to get snacks before we set out on a waterfall hike. It was 2 o'clock and we hadn’t eaten lunch yet, so we took a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our plan was to hit up the gas station for trail mix or some granola bars, but we couldn't resist the beacon of this banana yellow stand.

Mulling over their menu was tough because there were so many luscious looking options! We decided to get one of each to make it a little easier. I’d pick the tacos and Cody would choose the sliders so we could sample both!

They whipped up our meal fairly quickly and I squealed with delight when I saw the presentation. Of course, I immediately whipped out my iPhone to document the deliciousness, but I had to go get my “real camera” so that I could take some proper pics because I had a feeling it was going to be a memorable meal.

I almost didn't want to share with Cody because I was enjoying the Smoked Brisket Slider with green apple slaw and Cheerwine BBQ sauce so much, but I was excited to try the Short Rib Taco, too! It was topped with Asian slaw, cilantro, and sour cream. Everything tasted so fresh and the flavor combinations were spot on. We probably could have ordered something else to taste-test but I didn’t want to be too full before our hike!

This was the most impressive meal I’ve had the pleasure of putting in my belly in quite sometime! I’m excited to make a special trip back out that way just so I can have lunch there again because they know how to make good food. It was one of those meals I can’t get out of my head!

We only set out to grab a few snacks but we discovered something better and that was because we were open to whatever unfolded that day. I live for finding places like this that are off the beaten path!

It’s so easy for me to get caught up in the everyday challenges that I (we) must overcome and endure, so this was a fun way to spice things up by unplugging and allowing life to surprise us.

I had to remind myself many times throughout the day that I didn’t need to check my phone incessantly, and that we had no obligations or time commitments that day. We were free to do whatever we wanted and could take as much time as we needed to just be with each other and enjoy ourselves.

It was an incredible day and I want to make “Spontaneous Adventures” a regular occurrence—or required even—to help strengthen and support our relationship! What do you do to rekindle the romance with your partner? And..

When is the last time you went somewhere on a whim and what did you discover?! Please share in the comments, I would love to hear from you!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured VENDORS }
» The Roost in Linville, NC (A Taco & Slider Food Stand)

{ Featured LINKS }
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
» Wedding Dresses from South's Specialty Clothiers at Smithmore Castle
» FREE Wedding Magazine When You Subscribe for the Weekly Wander

Redefining Self-Love Series | 5 Ways to Love Yourself with Food | Guest Post from Leah @ Deep Rooted Wellness

My passion for food stems from my own 10-year battle with an eating disorder. As many high school girls and young women experience (and men as well, eating disorders aren't unique to the female gender), food became a major source of anxiety, discomfort, regret, failure, and sickness. And it’s unlike any other addiction in that you can’t just quit cold turkey – you have to learn to manage your addiction. I spent years learning to do just that, but it wasn't until I started to think about food in a more loving way that my attitude and perspective about diet shifted.

Detox Veggies | Photo by Deep Rooted Wellness

In the past, I created strict boundaries surrounding my food choices (i.e. NONE of this and certainly NONE of that – you can fill in the blank with your own restriction). No matter how tightly I tried to hold the reins, I would fail. If Ben & Jerry’s ice cream was on the ‘No List,’ I’d adhere to the rule for a few days, maybe even a week or two and then I’d binge on, yes, an entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. And you know how that made me feel? Like a failure. Like a completely incompetent glutton. Like a big fat pig that had zero self-control. Doesn't sound very loving, does it?

So what changed? First and foremost, I started to view food as a way to love and nourish my body, rather than something that needed to be restricted. When I started to think about food as love, then I automatically began eating a healthier diet and in turn, kicked some pretty bad habits and lost over 40 lbs.

I found there to be a couple of extremely important principles in my “food as love” journey that I thought were worth passing on:

1. Before you eat something, ask “Is this the most loving choice for my body?”

We have a way of feeling like we “earned” that huge piece of cheesecake (or whatever your vice may be), but the reality is that we’re “rewarding” ourselves with something that doesn't provide our body with the nourishment that it needs. When we’re not nourished, we don’t feel our best. A better approach is to reward ourselves with foods that make us feel whole and nourished. So next time you sit down to overindulge in an unhealthy food, first ask yourself “is this the most loving choice for my body?” And if it’s not, find something that is.

Gluten Free Donuts | Photo by Deep Rooted Wellness

2. If you just can’t resist the urge to eat junk food, “upgrade” your food choice.

Let’s say that you know your cheesecake isn't going to be the most loving choice for your body, but you just can’t resist. Nothing can stop you from eating it… and that’s okay, but first ask yourself, “is there a better choice that would suffice?” I have this problem with ice cream all the time, so I've started upgrading to a mixture of frozen fruit, avocado, almond milk and maple syrup. I throw everything into a good food processor or blender and I promise, this is SO close to ice cream! It totally fulfills the need for ice cream without that side of guilt and regret - I “upgraded” my choice. Part of the challenge with this one is determining the food characteristics that attract you in the first place – is it the saltiness, creaminess, sweetness, etc.? Figure out which characteristics are driving your desire and then fill that desire with a healthier choice that still has those same characteristics.

Photos courtesy of Deep Rooted Wellness

3. Forgive overindulgences. And hell, you can even enjoy them!

There’s much to be said about the role of stress in digestion. When we’re stressed, we release cortisol that inhibits our bodies from maximizing digestion and nutrient assimilation. So if you’re eating your cheesecake and all you keep thinking is “why I am doing this? I’m not supposed to be eating this,” your cortisol levels are rising and your cheesecake is doing even more damage than had you eaten the damn piece of cake and enjoyed it. So forgive yourself, and move on from the cheesecake incident. It’s not worth fretting over because what's done is done.

4. Make a weekly meal plan.

I can’t stress this enough. Yes, it takes time to put a meal plan together, but once you get in the habit of planning your meals, you’ll save a ton of time and money. Besides, if you have a plan in place, it’s much harder to make poor choices surrounding food. Let’s say it’s Thursday night, you feel like grabbing a cheesy burrito on your way home from work, but you’ve planned your week and you’ve already bought groceries. If you eat out, your groceries will just go bad. So home you go, to prepare a loving, nourishing dinner for you and your family.

Massaged Kale, Lentil & Goat Cheese Salad | Photo by Deep Rooted Wellness | Click image for recipe

5. Eat more whole foods.

Think of your body as a machine that needs good food as fuel. When we eat packaged, processed foods (even many of the all natural, organic ones), we’re putting chemicals in our bodies that don’t provide our “machine” with the right “fuel.” Our cells depend on the chemical breakdown of those “fuels” to build hormones, neurotransmitters and tissues. If you eat the wrong thing, then your body isn't able to manufacture the right product, which can leave us feeling imbalanced, moody, emotional, fatigued, grumpy, or a whole slew of other issues. Not to mention disease and undesirable health outcomes. A healthy whole foods diet includes grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and moderate amounts of animal proteins. The more of these foods you incorporate into your diet, the better you’ll feel!

Want to learn more about how to love yourself with food? Sign up for Leah’s 10-Day Detox Teleworkshop starting on April 28th! Leah will guide you through a 17-day program in which you’ll learn first hand how to make loving choices surrounding diet. You can learn more here: http://www.deeprootedwellness.com/events/2014/4/28/spring-detox-teleworkshop

Leah Webb, MPH (Master of Public Health), is a Vermont-based Certified Health Coach, who specializes in helping people feel more energized by making loving food choices, lose weight, balance emotions, and relieve chronic inflammation and pain. "Like" Deep Rooted Wellness on Facebook and sign-up for FREE whole foods recipes and other updates so you can connect w/ Leah!

To be notified when new Redefining Self-Love posts are available, sign-up for updates from Wayfaring Wanderer HERE and “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page to get connected!

Food Videos That Will Leave You Hungry For More | Foodie Friday

Foodie Friday is a weekly feature here on Wayfaring Wanderer where I fuel my obsession with food. It really is a problem. One that I don't mind indulging in, though. Although I might feed my insatiable appetite more often than I really should, but can you blame me?! I'm not the only one. It seems like a lot of us are consumed with food these days—I have a bunch of foodie friends. Last week on FF, I shared a restaurant review for a place in Charleston, SC called Husk. It was selected by Bon Appetite Magazine as the #1 Best New Restaurant in America! To say the least, my meal was amazing, and I really appreciate what the restaurant is trying to accomplish with their mission. If you're interested in reading more about Husk, I encourage you to visit last week's post here.

This week, I'd like to share some really awesome videos that will have you licking your lips! (See...you just did it :D) Photos of food is one thing, but watching videos simply heightens the desire to stuff your face. Not that I'm advocating careless eating, but let's face it, food is meant to be fulfilling. It just so happens that it's also beautiful!

1. E A T

The first one I'd like to share was commissioned by STA Travel Australia, and is part of a series of short films. However, this one—the best one—is about food! Here is the video caption: “3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage later..”

There are a lot of amazing looking dishes packed into this one-minute video, but it almost feels like it's too short. Still, it makes you want to get all EAT-PRAY-LOVE and roam around the world so you can get your fill of food from other countries. That's what it does for me at least.

2. Tonelli Food Reel

The next video to share is based on the food photography of Francesco Tonelli. I sort of discovered this super talented individual by accident. I can't really recall how I did it either, but I'm glad that I found his inspiring body of work. Chances are that you've probably seen his photographs but didn't know it, because he's pretty prolific and has had images showcased in many well-known publications. He's not just a food photographer, though. Francesco also cooks and actually styles the majority of the meals that he shoots. In case you weren't aware, you'll see captioned in most magazines that shoots are styled by one person and photographed by another, so he's multi-talented. This video shows you just how talented he really is.

I could watch that video over and over. A symphony of food that will surely leave you famished in the end. Am I right?! And it also makes me more appreciative of how amazing food really is. It's not just pretty to look at and fun to eat. No, it has the power heal and nourish our bodies, increase awareness about other cultures as well as remind us of how those before us sustained themselves, not to mention how food can bring people together whether it's a family meal, dinner date, or lunch with the ladies, food unifies us. At least, that's how I feel about food, especially when I get to see it through Francesco's eyes.

QUESTION: What's your relationship with food? 

And are you hungry after watching these videos?! I know I am!

Like it? Share it! Please :D 
Tweet

HUSK: Best New Restaurant in Charleston, SC (and America) | Foodie Friday

Executive Chef Sean Brock is transforming the way you think about Southern food. His philosophy is simple: “If it ain't from the South, it ain't coming through the door!” A restriction like that can put some severe limitations on a fledgling restaurant, but it's a commitment that he wholeheartedly abides by. From what I've read, they didn't even allow olive oil into HUSK until they found a purveyor in the state of Texas. What's that you say? Texas isn't in the South?! Well, technically, it is since it's below the mason-dixon line, which is where all the ingredients must come from in order to make it to one of the tables at Husk.

The fairly new restaurant is situated on a magnolia-shaded side-street in the heart of Charleston's historic district in a very inviting Queen Anne home built in 1893 that has been fully restored. I just love those types of restaurants that make you feel as if you're visiting a relative to sit down and have a meal. It isn't as intimate a setting as Simplicity at The Mast Farm Inn, but the comfortable space was bright and airy, and the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the dining room with the most gorgeous light. While I would have loved to sit inside the main dining room, we were ushered to the 2nd story porch to dine alfresco. The weather was superb. We got lucky!

CELEBRATION OF SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS

This nationally acclaimed restaurant has only been open since the Fall of 2010 yet it has won numerous awards between now and then. The most notable so far is the title of #1 Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appétit Magazine. That's a pretty prestigious accolade right there, wouldn't you agree?! I think that Chef Sean Brock is used to the attention, though. He's become quite the celebrity in Charleston from his time spent at McCrady's, another highly acclaimed fine dining establishment in town. But Husk is his baby. Or so that's the impression I've gotten.

His intention upon opening the restaurant is to place more emphasis on the ingredients used & the folks that cultivate those products and produce instead of having the spotlight placed on himself. He clearly has a deeply rooted passion for, not only the South, but Southern food, and it definitely shines through in many different ways here at Husk.

SOUTHERN FOOD, SIMPLIFIED

Something highly unique about the dining experience at Husk is that the menu changes daily. Yep, every single day! That seems like quite a challenge, indeed. Not to mention how much time and effort it requires to manage such a lofty mission. However, they are handling the task pretty well from what I experienced. So, why does the menu change everyday? Well, as I mentioned earlier, they are bound by what is currently available to them using only ingredients from the South. While it seems restricting, Husk's stance is that it's a necessity! To them, there is no other way. I really admire a place that's willing to take such a risk for the sake of preserving what seems to be a bygone era.

To those that don't know any better, this restaurant is being touted as revolutionary because of the pledges they have made. However, what people seem to forget is that there was a time when people had to eat what was on-hand. There weren't grocery stores filled with aisle upon aisle of pre-packaged food at our disposal like today. You ate what you grew, or you didn't eat! Simple as that. While the farm-to-table mentality seems like a fad that has only recently become more prominent in popular culture, it's really just a movement that is being revived by those who appreciate simplicity. People like Chef Sean Brock.

SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE

Our recent dining experience was brunch before leaving Charleston to head home. We had ventured there the day before, but they weren't open yet, so we sadly had to go elsewhere. However, I was determined to eat at this restaurant after receiving a recommendation from a friend on the WW Facebook page. It ended up being the perfect way to round out our weekend getaway! So, yeah, let me get to the best part...the FOOD!

[RELATED ARTICLE] Quick Getaway to Charleston, SC { link }

After pouring over their menu, and not being able to choose what I wanted, I decided to ask our server what she recommended. Actually, I asked her what was the best-looking dish they had today, which elicited an interesting look, rightly so. I ended up going with her suggestion, which was the Monte Cristo. It included VA Lamb BBQ, TN Buttermilk Cheddar, fried egg, Surry Sausage, and Potato Hash. The flavor of the Lamb BBQ was incredible; it was smoky with a hint of sweetness. I would have been happy with a plate piled with nothing but that!

Cody ended up going for the TX Wagyu Sirloin, with a sunny side up egg, VA Sausage and Confit Potato Hash. The presentation of this dish had me drooling, and reconsidering my own breakfast order even though I thought mine was pretty, too. Luckily, he was nice enough to offer me a bite. The Wagyu Sirloin was so tender. Basically, it melted in your mouth—makes me salivate just thinking about it! Talk about things melting in your mouth, the buttermilk benne seed dinner rolls they brought out prior to these dishes were also amazing; I didn't hesitate to slather on the savory homemade pork lard butter they supplied us with. To say the least, it was a highly satisfying meal that I enjoyed immensely. I only wished that I had room for more!

If you're interested in finding out more about HUSK, here is a link to their website.

Our experience at Husk was short and sweet, although it most certainly made a lasting impression on me that I won't soon forget. The next time we're in town, we'll definitely be eating at this restaurant in Charleston, SC! Our meals were unforgettable and the service we received from the staff was incredible. If you're looking for a modern taste of the South with a twist, this restaurant will surely not disappoint! Thank you for visiting WW for Foodie Friday; I hope you'll be back next week :D

QUESTION: What do you think about Husk's philosophy?

Would you say that it's flawed or awesome?

Like it? Share it! Please :D
Tweet

Quick Getaway to Charleston, SC

Everything you've heard about Charleston, SC is absolutely true! I'd be really surprised to hear if you hadn't learned anything about this charming city yet because it's pretty popular. The Holy City entertains nearly 4 million visitors on an annual basis. Good thing it's large enough to accommodate all those who choose to travel to Charleston, SC; it is the second-largest city in South Carolina!

This town offers all sorts of different experiences depending on what appeals to you. Trust me, you won't run out of things to do in this bustling town no matter what you're into. While a weekend getaway is sufficient to explore some of the highlights of Charleston, SC, it's not nearly enough time to experience everything they have to offer from the amazing local restaurants found around every corner, to the museums, churches, and other architectural delights to see throughout the town.

WHEN TO GO

The question really should be, “When is there NOT a good time to go”, because you can visit Charleston during any season and be pleasantly surprised by what you can discover. Late fall had lovely weather during the day with crisp, cool nights after the sun went down. A far cry from the dead heat of summer I experienced when visiting last year in August. The only way I'd tell you to go during the summer is if you planned on spending most of your time at a Charleston, SC beach! Otherwise, you'll be going from one air conditioned store to another for a reprieve from the heat—I speak from experience.

WHERE TO SLEEP

My most recent trip to Charleston mid-November included accommodations that were a whole lot different from what I experienced previously. Mainly, because this trip wasn't planned by me (I'm cheap). Cody was the one who made all the arrangements this time around, which is a little out of the ordinary for us because I'm typically the planner. I was downright shocked when we were pulling into a hotel that was right in the heart of downtown Charleston! 

And not just any hotel either, we would be staying at the CHARLESTON PLACE, which, from what I could tell on the outside, was as posh as it gets! We were greeted by valets and ushered in by bellhops. I didn't know what to do with myself. I was floored. All I could keep thinking in my head was, “How much did he have to pay for this place?!" haha But he wouldn't divulge that information no matter how many times I asked.

[RELATED ARTICLE] 20 Reasons Why I Love Charleston, SC { link }

After I got over the initial shock of how fancy this hotel was that we would be staying at, I was railroaded yet again by how beautiful our room was. Seriously, I don't get to stay in places like this normally, so I'm easily impressed. We even had a balcony that overlooked the courtyard below that gave us a nice little view of a small portion of the city. The bathroom was ridiculously luxurious, too, with marble tiles on the floor and bathtub walls. It was almost like stepping into a magazine. I felt so spoiled. Aside from how amazing this place was, the staff was also super friendly, courteous, and always asking how they could help make our stay more pleasant. A girl could certainly get used to that sort of treatment, for sure.

WHERE TO EAT

One of the main reasons we love Charleston so much is due to the fabulous restaurants that can be found without even really looking very hard. We had some terrific food during our last trip, and we were very much looking forward to revisiting some of our favorite restaurants as well as try a few new ones while we were there.

When it came to breakfast we were quite lost on where to go, so we basically stumbled around until we found something that tickled our fancy. After stopping in to check out the menu at several different places, we settled on breakfast at a place called TOAST. I think that one of the major reasons people eat at Toast is because they are home of the bottomless mimosa. Truth be told, that was probably the deciding factor of why we were eating there! Haha Although I have no complaints whatsoever about the food I ate. The “Eggs Meeting Street” was pretty delicious! It had a fried green tomato topped with a crab cake, poached egg and Lowcountry remoulade sauce, served with home fries. I ordered it because it sounded so weird, and I just had to get a taste. The tangyness of the flavors in this dish may not appeal to everyone, but I thought it was very good!

[RELATED ARTICLE] 5 Great Restaurants in Charleston, SC { link }

Based on a recommendation someone gave on the WW Facebook page, we found out about a fairly new restaurant in Charleston called HUSK. This restaurant was named 2011 Best New Restaurant in American by Bon Appetit Magazine. So, what's all the hype about? Well, Husk has decided to do things a little differently than the typical restaurants you'll come across, not just in Charleston, but anywhere, really. The menu at this restaurant changes daily, and they take being a locavore to a whole new level with their commitment to only serving ingredients procured from the South.

After pouring over their menu, and not being able to decide on what I wanted, I decided to ask our server what she recommended. Actually, I asked her what was the best-looking dish they had today, which elicited an interesting look, rightly so. I ended up going with her suggestion, which was the Monte Cristo. It included VA Lamb BBQ, TN Buttermilk Cheddar, fried egg, Surry Sausage, and Potato Hash. I've grown accustomed to seeing a plate piled with a number of different ingredients, so to have this lovely plate presented to me in such a simple fashion was really out of the ordinary. It doesn't look like much, but looks are certainly deceiving in this instance, because the food was fabulous! I can't wait to go back and eat at this restaurant the next time we're in town!

Aside from our eating exploits and the time spent at the amazing hotel, there wasn't much time left to do anything else, really. A weekend in Charleston, SC isn't near enough time to explore everything this multi-faceted city has to offer. However, you'll definitely want an excuse to come back and discover more!

If you'd like to find out more about Charleston, SC, here is a link to the visitor's website.

If you're looking for things to do in Charleston, SC, I have included some links in this post to related articles from my past trip that could be useful (look for the red text above). I would have included some here, but the post was getting entirely too long! Another thing missing from this post is the "bonus surprise news" I promised to share, which I fully intend on doing, but I'm going to save it for Thursday because it deserves more than just a blurb!

Question: Have you ever been to Charleston, SC? 
What's your favorite thing about this city? 

Sharing is Caring :D
Tweet 
 

4 Great Boone Restaurants | Foodie Friday

If you've been following Wayfaring Wanderer for any period of time, you know that I have a slight (ok, BIG) obsession when it comes to food. Not only that, but I'm also pretty crazy about taking pictures of the food that I consume when I'm eating out. Yeah, I can cause a scene at times, but I'm used to being “that guy” by now. It comes with the territory of being a photographer.

Due to my penchant for taking pictures of and eating food, I decided to have a weekly feature here on Wayfaring Wanderer called Foodie Friday! I've been doing it off and on for a while now, but I'm ready to make it something that I do every week without fail.

FOOD SPOTTING FANATIC

There's no shortage of food photos laying around on my hard drive, and I'm always going out to eat it seems, so I have plenty of food pictures to share with you. Many of my food photos don't make it to the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page or my blog, though. Instead I share them on a website called Foodspotting most of the time.

Foodspotting is a fairly new website that is quickly growing where you share food recommendations. It's centered around photos, which I really enjoy perusing when I am so inclined. It's like a social network for Foodies, basically. You can follow people, leave comments, etc. They have an app, too, which makes it easy to upload spottings on-the-go.

For Foodie Friday's I don't always plan to share my Foodspotting photos. It's possible that I may review a restaurant(s) or offer food photography tips. I'll try to keep things interesting! This week, however, I will be sharing some of my most recent spots that have been posted on my Foodspotting profile.

What I'm sharing today are local restaurants here in Boone, NC. We've got some great places to eat in this town. And, although I've been here for over 6 years now, there are still places that I have yet to try! With that being said, here are some of the places I have dined at most recently:

COYOTE KITCHEN

Mojave Boat: coconut rice, red beans, blackened chorizo sausage, grilled jalapenos, roasted corn, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and broiled jack cheese topped with jalapeno cream cheese and scallions.

This place is one of the Boone restaurants that I love, but don't eat at often enough. You see, it's not located downtown. It's off the main strip, which is why I don't always think about eating there. When I do, though, I catch myself wondering why I don't have lunch/dinner there more often! They have an extensive menu, which is awesome, but also makes it difficult to decide on what you want to eat. I typically go for the “Boats” or burgers, and I've yet to try anything that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.

MELANIE'S

Spicy Pinto Breakfast: spicy pinto beans with chorizo, tomato, feta,, homefries, topped with two scrambled eggs. {Instagram Pic}

Hands down, Melanie's is one of my most favorite restaurants in Boone! It's the place where I take all of my out-of-town friends who come to visit, it's a must! One of the problems, for me at least, is that I usually get the same thing every time I eat there, the soysage, egg, and cheese biscuit with an order of homefries. I changed that pattern this last time I was there and decided to veer from my normal breakfast. I went for the special this time! When they brought this beast of a plate to my table, everyone in the restaurant (and I mean EVERYONE) stopped to stare at the plate, mouths wide open while simultaneously gasping. Right then, I thought, “This was a good choice.” And, o, lordy, was it! I couldn't bring myself to clean the plate, but I tried my best :D

MELLOW MUSHROOM

Cheesy Bread: a loaf of french bread basted with garlic butter, sprinkled with italian seasoning and baked. Served with marinara sauce. {Instagram Pic}

The new Mellow Mushroom that recently reopened here in Boone is bigger and better than the old one. It's quickly become one of my favorite places to go in town. Yes, they are always busy, but for a very good reason. The food is phenomenal, and the service is always top-notch. We love everyone in that place. The people are so friendly! Dinner and drinks there can turn into a 2-hr affair, especially if we get seats at the beautiful bar that Cody had a hand in crafting. It's impossible to pass up an order of cheesy bread anytime we go because it's just so dang good! 

[Related Story] The New and Improved Mellow Mushroom

CRAVE

Baked Brie: pastry wrapped, apple, toasted almond, caramel with croustini. {Instagram Pic}

This restaurant has been in business for quite a while, and I've been meaning to have dinner there at some point. However, I only made it there recently. I met up with a new friend, Courtney from Yoga G33k, and we sampled a couple of items from the menu while enjoying some cocktails at the bar. It's mainly a tapas restaurant, though, and only has a small bar area. The vibe in that place is very different from a lot of the other places you will visit in Boone. It has more of a metropolitan feel in contrast to the more rustic places you will find around town. The night that we visited was pretty quiet, but we enjoyed ourselves, the cocktails and food we had, too. I'd definitely like to go back and try more of their menu!

Well, that's all I have to share for this edition of Foodie Friday! I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of these Boone, NC restaurants. Maybe down the line I could offer more extensive reviews of the restaurants, so that you can see more. As if I need another excuse to eat out ;)

How often do you usually eat out during the week?

Thank you for visiting Wayfaring Wanderer for Foodie Friday! I hope you'll come back next week to see what I've got cooking up. Also, in case you weren't aware, I'm hosting a giveaway for the adventurous! Here's a link to get the details: {LINK} 

Like it? Share it! Please :D 
Tweet

How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Helen, GA

What used to be a struggling logging town back in the late 60s, Helen, GA has since been revamped to simulate an alpine village in order to promote tourism. It's not quite like what you would find in Germany, but the town has a unique look that captivates many visitors. You'll find over 200 specialty and import shops lining the main strip offering everything from cuckoo clocks to homemade candies. Dining options are also plentiful and range from German-fare to southern food. This quaint little town is far from fancy, but it offers a great deal of excitement with lots of entertainment and outdoor activities to keep you occupied. While there is much to see and do when you are there, it can be experienced in a day if your time is limited.

WHEN TO GO

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, GA is only a 1.5-hour drive from Atlanta, GA. The best, and busiest, time to visit is during their annual Oktoberfest event that runs from the end of September to the beginning of November. (Apparently, it's the longest running Oktoberfest celebration in the south.) If you time it just right, and venture to the town in late October, you can witness the fall leaves at their peak. Keep in mind, though, that the place will be packed with other tourists who are also hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful scenery, too.

WHERE TO SLEEP

When Cody and I began staying in Helen, back in 2008, we opted to camp out at the nearby Unicoi State Park to keep our costs low. If you want a campsite, though, it's best to reserve early because they are often booked solid during this time of the year. If camping isn't your thing, you also have the option of staying in their lodge, which is a lot like a hotel. While not walking distance to town, it only requires a 5-minute drive to reach the center of the city, so it's pretty conveniently located.

In the last two years, since we began inviting friends, our alternative to staying in the state park was to rent a cabin in Helen, GA. When you have a larger group of people, it makes more sense and is a whole lot more cost effective when compared to local hotels. We've had wonderful luck using Homeaway.com to find suitable accommodations that fit our needs and price range. This year, we stayed in a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cabin, complete with a hot tub, & game room with a ½ basketball court for $540 for the weekend. Not too bad when it's split among 7 people! Compared to hotels, cabins are ideal because it's nice to have a home base where you can prepare meals, and have a place to continue the evening once the town has shut down.

WHERE TO EAT

There are a ton of options to choose from when looking for a place to refuel. The problem, though, is finding a place with good food. One of my new favorite places to eat in Helen is Cafe International. It has outdoor seating, and is right along the Chattahoochee River. I recommend the Rueben Sandwich, which I spent an entire year craving since our last visit. The flavor is amazing, it's easily one of the best Rueben's I've ever eaten.

One place that I will tell you to pass on is the Troll Tavern. I don't usually include the places I don't like in my blog posts, because I like to keep things on a positive note, but this place is truly disappointing. Yes, we've eaten there for the past 4 years, but we didn't know any better. Our entire table left dissatisfied with our meals this time around. If it weren't for our capable waiter, this place would have no redeeming qualities to speak of.

Another notable eatery includes Jordano's, which offers pizza, mostly. What's nice about this place is that it's along the river. Our pizza was ok, nothing spectacular. If you're not looking for German-fare, this would be a good spot to go. For a quick bite, Alpine Hot Dog would be a safe bet. They have a decent selection of moderately priced options to choose from, like a Grilled Bratwurst or Gyro Wrap. It's fast because you can order right from the sidewalk through their take-out window, and eat on the go. Our food was ready in no time!

THINGS TO DO 

What's left to cover when it comes to Oktoberfest in Helen, Ga? Oh, yeah, DRINKING! While there are many things to do in Helen, GA, it seems like one of the most beloved past times there is drinking. One of the best places to do that is at Festhalle! Festhalle is operated by Helen's chamber of commerce, and it's one of the biggest and most festive venues around town to hang out and have a good time.

Depending on when you go, the place can be cluttered with wall-to-wall people. However, there are rows and rows of cafeteria-style tables to take a seat at. Lines for food and beer can often be long, and the dance floor can be just as scattered, but it's the atmosphere in this place that's the real draw. It's always lively and full of people having fun. I doubt that you can escape the lure of doing the chicken dance no matter how silly you look doing it.

Now, if you don't have a hangover from partying too hard the night before, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the nearby Unicoi State Park where you can take an easy hike up a concrete path to Anna Ruby Falls, a 150ft double waterfall. There's also a nice hike that meanders around the lake if you're looking for a leisurely stroll to take in the surrounding scenery. Other outdoor activities are plentiful in this area as well, so don't miss out on those!

If you'd like to find out more about Helen, GA, here is a link to the website.

Every October, I look forward to spending a fun-filled weekend in Helen, GA. While this town isn't for everyone, it does have some charming qualities that I enjoy even though it can sometimes be overran with other tourists. With nearly two million visitors a year, it's an extremely popular place. In fact, it might be THE place to be for Oktoberfest! All I know is, that's where you'll find me celebrating :D

 

 What do you think about the look of Helen, GA? Is it a place that you'd like to go? 
Please share in the comments or on Facebook!

Like it? Share it!

Pin It 
Tweet

My Surprise Birthday Dinner @ The Mast Farm Inn | Valle Crucis, NC

I've driven by this place a dozen times, and I've told myself repeatedly that I'd eat there one of these days. Six years later, it finally happened!

Honestly, I don't know how I let that much time pass before I actually made my way over to eat dinner in this charming little establishment. I mean, it's no secret that I enjoy going out to eat. (I'm always sharing my food with you, it seems.) However, this place can't be compared to the typical dining experiences I frequently have.

FINE DINING & SLOW FOOD COMBINED

It's different because you feel like you're having dinner in someone's house, not a restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, and has very limited seating for service. Reservations are required in order to dine, otherwise, they wouldn't make enough food. You see, they operate differently than restaurants you have become accustomed to. The meals are prepared fresh and made with organic ingredients that are oftentimes locally sourced. That is, if they didn't grow some of the items themselves.

Across the street from the inn are a large number of raised bed gardens where they can pluck ingredients to use that same day. They also put a big emphasis on local items included on the menu; It is something I definitely appreciate. The menu changes every night depending upon what they get their hands on. Surprises were plentiful that evening!

I can't even tell you how giddy I was to be there. It was undoubtedly the best part of my birthday weekend. You know, because of the FOOD! I'll just stop beating around the bush here, and tell you about the amazing meal.

FOOD, DELIGHTFUL FOOD

The dinner began with a basket of homemade white and corny corn bread. They supplied us with a dish of their very flavorful herb butter, which I slathered on top of my cornbread. There was a slightly sweet crust on top that paired so well with the buttery spread. Next up, was the petite vegetable soup which was simple yet satisfying.

For the third course, we were served a mixed green salad topped with local goat cheese, dried cranberries & blueberries, pecans, and a molasses vinaigrette. I devoured this salad even though the dressing wasn't as sweet as I would have wanted it to be. I will say, though, that it was quite interesting. Our main dish consisted of beef bourguignon smothered with a rich red burgundy wine sauce topped with mushrooms and pearl onions. The beef was tender and delicious. No knife required for cutting. The accompanying sides included creamy grits and sauteed green beans. I loved the grits. They were awesome!

A TREAT YOU SHOULDN'T PASS UP

At this point in the meal, I barely had enough room to finish the beef bourguignon ( I ended up taking a portion home) much less leave enough room for dessert. But I'd be crazy to pass up the last course, don't you think?! I ended up going with the chocolate fudge cake (it was called something like that—sorry, I don't have my notes!) that came with homemade caramel ice cream. I could only have one tiny corner of the cake and a few spoonfuls of the ice cream, but oh my word, they were both incredible. The leftover cake went home with me, too!

By the end of our dinner, we had been there for over 2 hours. Tell me, when do you get the opportunity to take your time eating a multiple-course meal like that? Not very often, I'm sure. I know that I'm used to things coming as quickly as possible when dining out, so this was a welcomed alternative because I don't like feeling rushed. 

If you'd like to find out more about The Mast Farm Inn, here is a link to their website.

Having dinner at The Mast Farm Inn's restaurant (called Simplicity) was a treat, although I don't think this should just be one of those “special occasion” places to eat. Yes, it was slightly pricier that your typical restaurant. However, for the quality of food, service, and ambiance, it was well worth the expense. Now that I've finally been there for a dinner service, I know that I'll be back a lot sooner next time! 

WHICH PART OF THE MEAL SOUNDS THE BEST TO YOU?

Please share in the comments! Or on the WW Facebook page!

Connect with me on:

Facebook | Twitter | Flickr 

Like it? Share it!

Tweet

My First Foodzie Tasting Box | Foodie Friday

(FOODZIE TASTING BOX CARD)

When I choose to spend my dollars on one of my most favorite things—FOOD—I'm extremely selective about where my money goes most of the time. I like to be locally responsible by keeping my spending habits close to home. Going to the farmers market & eating at non-chain restaurants is something I do often. However, there are times when I make an exception, because, let's face it, I have my weaknesses.

(FOODZIE TASTING BOX GOODIES)

I don't recall when I first learned about Foodzie, but I've been following them on FB for some time now. If you've never heard of this online marketplace before, it's a website where you can learn about and purchase food related items from small food producers and growers. It's sort of like Etsy for foodies! You can find all sorts of different products on their website from snacks to sauces; they offer a little of everything there. You almost have too many options to choose from if you're an indecisive person like me!

(SIMPLE SQUARES)

That's when their Tasting Box proves to be most useful. On a monthly basis, Foodzie assembles a package with single-serving sized samples of various products, so you can try a few different things, all for one low price of $19.99 (shipping is free!). I wasn't exactly sure what to expect since this was my first Foodzie Tasting Box, but I decided to place an order and eagerly await the surprise. The hand-packed items came in a matter of days. I could hardly contain my excitement, but I somehow waited until Cody got home before digging in.

(SCOOPING KETCHUP)

This month's tasting box had a theme that was centered around childhood favorites with a grown-up taste. Enclosed in the tidy little box is a card that gives you a description of all the items it contains. In total, I received 6 different items to sample, although we've only actually tried two of them at this point. We're trying to pace ourselves for once! Haha It's hard, too, because all of the products we received look and sound soooooo delicious.

(JUSTIN'S PEANUT BUTTER)

Here is a list of the items we received.

1. North Fork Sweet Potato Chips
2. Sage (1) + Rosemary (1) Simple Squares (The sage flavor was fabulous. Way better than any granola bar you'll ever eat!)
3. Gourmet Scooping Ketchup
4. Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (Not pictured)
5. Justin's Nut Butter: Classic Peanut Butter, Chocolate Hazelnut Butter, Honey Peanut Butter, & Maple Almond Butter
6. Marshmallow Crunch Bar (This was the first thing we devoured. Not your typical Rice Crispy Treat, that's for sure. This one wasn't overly sweet or gooey. I loved the crunchy texture.)

(MARSHMALLOW BAR)

The rest of these items will not last long in this household! It's only a matter of time before we go through all the samples Foodzie sent in this month's box. Ordering one of these tasting boxes was a welcomed treat, and even though we have yet to try everything in this package, I'm happy that we'll get another one next month. Sometimes, it's nice to surprise yourself with a treat such as this. Any small way that I can bring a bit of joy into my life is worth it to me. I suppose that this is where I should be thankful that I am easy to please. Just feed me and I'm happy! It's true :D

What do you think about the Foodzie Tasting Box? Would you like to receive one for yourself?
Which of these items do you want to taste test?

Sharing is Awesome! 

Tweet

Super Tasty B.L.F.G.T. or Fried Green Tomato Sandwich | Foodie Friday

(My Fried Green Tomato Sandwich)

I got excited when I heard that we'd be getting a bunch of green tomatoes in our weekly CSA goodie bag from our favorite local farmers at Creeksong Farm. There was no doubt in my mind as to what I'd be using them for because I've been craving Fried Green Tomatoes ever since we got back from our trip to Asheville.

I can't say that I've done my own fried green tomatoes before, but I've surely tasted more than my fair share. That's for sure. I knew that the recipe for FGTs wasn't all that complicated, but I went online to find some tried and true recipes to follow along. When I search for recipes, I do it in the Google images category because, of course, I'm obsessed with food photos. Once I came across a good-looking thumbnail I clicked through to check out the recipe.

The Fried Green Tomato recipe that I found was on Blogchef.net. I like that the ingredient list didn't have too many different items, most of them we had on-hand. It was a pretty basic recipe. And the instructions were super simple, too. One thing that was missing was the cornmeal, but I improvised because it seems like an important element. I used a cornmeal based fish fry that I brought back from New Orleans instead, and it worked just fine.

I worked on coating and breading the tomatoes while Cody fried them up. By the time we were done, there was a pretty enormous pile of FGTs sitting in front of us. At that point, we weren't even that hungry because we had been taste testing along the way. Oops!

The plan was to make Fried Green Tomato BLTs. Or a B.L.F.G.T. :D Although we didn't make any sandwiches that evening because we spoiled our appetites. It was the first thing on my mind the very next day, though. Guess what I had for breakfast! Haha Yep, a B.L.F.G.T.! It was the most delicious sandwich EVAR! Seriously.

Making a FGT sandwich is super simple. All you do is toast some bread, slap on some mayo, layer it with lettuce, add a few pieces of crispy bacon along with your FGTs, and you're all set. Easy peasy!

I had two of those sandwiches that day. This week alone I've had 4 of them! Haha We might even have some leftovers, so I can make another one today. Hmmmmm...is it lunch time yet?!?! :D

What do you think about Fried Green Tomatoes? Love 'em? Hate 'em?
Please share in the comments or on the WW Facebook page!

Like it? Share it! Please :D

Tweet