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china

No, not the country, the dishware. since according to my husband I am obsessed with all things stupid and wedding-y, I thought i'd gripe about the cost of china.

i was lucky enough to be given my grandmother's china by my grandfather shortly after my grandmother passed away (now this was truly a blessing b\c I am the youngest granddaughter)! of course, i haven't seen it in about 5 years b\c it's been in my parents basement that long, but it's mine. so i was very excited about registering for everyday dishes (or anything for that matter), but who knew it would be so troubling.

I first found the perfect pattern at Crate & Barrel in late 2006. It was aptly named "Audrey" and it was a robins egg blue and brown. See here:



then i finally get engaged, and sure enough when i go to check out c&b's website, it has a nice little note saying that the manufacturer is discontinuing this pattern, blah, blah, heartbreak. so i registered for it anyway, and although we had a very short engagement- most of the in-stock dinnerware was gone before our wedding date even arrived. For some reason however, the platter that went with the set was still in stock, and I managed to score 2. They are gorgeous!



So, with a heavy heart I had to pick something else out. I wasn't pick, so I thought, but I do however have expensive taste. My next choice was this, which was at Bed Bath & Beyond



Awesome right. It also came with a really cute name: "Kate Spade." Know her? I wish I did... When we registered at Macy's, I found it came in more colors, and found a style more awesome than the previous



Of course, the price of this was so high- $22.00 for ONE dinner plate! Over $250 just for a 12-piece service, and that was JUST dinner plates! I unfortunately don't know anyone that rich, plus I thought those dishes might be a little fancy for everyday dinnerware, and so I broke down and removed Kate and her plates from my registries.

Luckily, I have a pretty awesome mom who knew what I was on the lookout for, and she found me a wonderful pattern that was in my color palate with an adorable pattern.



And bless my parents hearts- they got me the entire 12-piece setting as a shower gift. I LOVE them, LOVE them. So now, me and my dishes are happy together (except for my fear that they will all shatter into millions of pieces when we move).

This doesn't mean I don't still look at things like china- I am a totally girly girl after all. So I was perusing BB&B last week when something in their "Easter" section caught my lustful eye



How beautiful is this? And being that i'm totally obsessed with birds lately, it's just perfect. The pattern is called "Chirp" and their sets of bowls, platters and pitchers have cute names like, "Dish it out", "serve it up" and "pour it on." This particular pattern is by Lenox and a 4-piece set (salad and dinner plate w\ bowl and mug) runs at $99.99 making a 12-piece set over $1200.00!

Seriously? I just can't believe how much things cost these days. For now I will dream about birds on china because paying that much for dishes is, as they say, "for the birds."

Things I'll Miss About Atlanta Part I: Dining Experiences Part IV

14. Mary Mac's Tea Room- Words cannot express my love for MMTR. There is NOTHING bad on this menu (well, ok, they have carrot and raisin salad, fruited jello and pear salad- three things that i LOATHE, but that's not their fault). Meatloaf- awesome, oysters- awesome, burger- awesome, country fried steak- awesome. Everything here is amazing. I love to come here and just get the vegetable plate though- the veggies are that good. They have almost 40 veggies to choose from and for me, that's a really difficult decision. Also, with every meal you get bread, and they have the best little cinnamon rolls and delicious yeast rolls too! If it's your first visit to Mary Mac's you get your free cup of Pot Likker (which I will "eat" if you don't like it). They have the sweetest sweet tea and a crazy mint julep. Plus any restaurant where you might end up getting a free back rub is fine by me.

15. Taqueria del Sol- mmm, "tacos of the soul" as Dave likes to call it. I think AJC says it best:

"You know the line looks long but moves fast. You know not to grab a table early or break the house rules because the system works. You know the airy, screened-in patio will be a terrific spot to kick back with a margarita and a basket of warm chips with three salsas and chunky guacamole. And you know the fish tacos are as addictive as the Memphis pork barbecue tacos, and that the red sauce over an enchilada will put you in chile heaven."
John Kessler, Atlanta Journal Constitution

So true. They have a small menu, but it's just enough. Just give me a fish taco and a fried chicken taco and I'm happy. Starters- amazing. I love the salsa trio, cheese dip and guacamole! I love this place and I hope that the Chicago-area has delicious taquerias! Last visit 3/20/2009

16. Waffle House- Of course. A southern love of mine. They don't have any Waffle Houses in Illinois, and that's a crime against humanity. Yummy and greasy, it's the stuff that hangover cures and late night study sessions are made of. My trip to the WH is complete with a pecan waffle and an order of hashbrowns scattered and diced. YUM. Last Visit 3/18/2009

There are many other restaurants I love, but these were my faves!

Things I'll Miss About Atlanta Part I: Dining Experiences Part III

11. The Highlander- Yes, the Highlander is a dive (which may be why it was featured on Diners, Drive-In's and Dives....), but my love for the Highlander is in the fact that this is where we play Trivia on select Sunday evenings. Now, we've only won once when I've been there, and placed 3rd another time, but we've come close to winning multiple times, and normally it is only because we second-guess ourselves. I'm not sure if I remember any meal I've had that's stuck out as amazing, and i have to scrub myself down after leaving the place, but I've never eaten anything bad there and they have tots. May the Dumpster Babies continue to dominate at trivia!

12. Ted's Montana Grill- I love Ted Turner- he's crazy, he was a great owner for the Braves, and he brought me Turner Classic Movies- he can basically do no wrong in my eyes. I also love his chain of restaurants- Ted's Montana Grill. Now, the one near our house, is tucked into Cumberland Mall behind the overrated Cheesecake Factory (CF- i adore your cheesecakes, but everything else, (except your Thai Pasta)- meh). On any given evening, pull up to Cumberland and you will see the CF is slammed full of people, but with Ted's you can walk right in and be seated immediately, and served your dinner not too long after. Maybe it's because no one knows about Ted's or it's awesomeness, or just that people want to eat at an overrated restaurant. Enough about CF. Ted's has bison, delicious bison. It's leaner than beef and chicken, and it's just plain tasty! The bison meatloaf is amazing, the burgers, fabulous. Their salmon is fresh and yummy! Salt and Pepper onion rings- gigantic (you get 10 in an appetizer) - with horseradish dipping sauce! My favorite thing here- and it's not even a meal- their parmesan creamed spinach! Plus, you get to eat the tangy half-sours (pickles) while you wait. There are no microwaves in the restaurant, 1 freezer (for ice cream), no styrofoam, and the straws are made of paper. Good food, plus an friendly focus on the environment- i love it! Good news- Ted's is located in Illinois (i just found this out)! Looks like I will be introducing the fam-in-law! Last Visit- February 24, 2009

13. Figo- I realized I didn't really have an Italian restaurant, so I wanted to include one! Figo- you walk in (don't seat yourself, yet), select the pasta and sauce you want from their menu (about 20 pastas & 12 sauces), and then you seat yourself. I left with a stuffed belly! Also good- their bruchetta, and their tiramisu (ok, i haven't ever really had bad tirimisu)! Last visit: 03/16/2009

tbc...

Things I'll Miss About Atlanta Part I: Dining Experiences Part II

So here is the continuation of my favorite Atlanta restaurants and everything that I will be missing about them in the coming months/years...

6. Six Feet Under (how appropriate)- What can I say about 6FU except that I love it dearly. It's right down the road from my old apartment, so it was a place that was always close by. It's also in one of my favorite areas of Atlanta- Grant Park. I can say nothing bad about 6fu- the food is awesome. They are known for their seafood dishes and their oyster bar- I am not brave enough to venture past the seafood dishes. They have delicious Po'Boy's of every variety- shrimp, crab cake, oyster- and I am pretty sure i've had them all. Their homemade chips that come with the meal are amazing, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Even their chicken fingers are good because our friend Jay gets them EVERY time we go! I last ate there right around Christmas time (the first time I had dined since they moved up the street) and the only thing different is that they have a lot more room. I don't know if the new location boasts this, but in the old location you could sit on the deck above the restaurant and overlook Oakland Cemetary (hence the name). We always seemed to be eating there either when it was freezing outside or late at night- so I've never had the chance, but if the new restaurant offers this, i'm going to jump on it. I also plan on ordering the "Spicy Rat Toes" an appetizer that normally sells out. Of note: located next to the old 6fu (which is now Tin Lizzy's, which i hear is awesome) is a little restaurant called Ria's Bluebird- they're only opened for breakfast and lunch/brunch- so you have to be there before 3. Amazing!!! Pancakes topped with walnuts, banana's and drenched in syrup! Perfection! Last Visit: 03/18/2009

7. Agave- I have only been to Agave once, and I have not forgotten. It's been almost 2 years now- the night of my Bachelorette party. I don't remember too much, but I know I want to go back for more. I don't even remember what I had to eat, but I know I drank a ginormous margarita (maybe 2) and it was awesome. Agave took good care of our group of 10 giggling girls, puting us in their upstairs area and waiting on us hand and foot. I have to go back here one more time!

8. LaFonda- I was introduced to LaFonda when I was working at LAB 601 4 years ago, and in the year I worked at LAB I ate a lot of LaFonda. We ordered there from work on a regular basis because it was cheap, fast, and everyone loved it. When friends were in town, we went to dine-in. I pretty much always get the same thing there, which is usually not my style, but at LaFonda I think i'm always ordering the best thing. They have a salmon burrito which will knock your socks off- filled with slaw and a spicy jalapeno sauce (i have an odd relationship with spicy foods- i LOVE them, but I can't tolerate the heat- makes no sense to me either). Plus they have awesome chips & salsa, guacamole and cheese dip. I've also had the fish tacos (tilapia or salmon) and the paella. Every dish comes con arroz y habas. Yummy!!! Last visit: 03/10/2009

9. Moe's- It might be a little silly that I put Moe's on here, but it has been part of my life in Georgia. Moe's began as a legend for me- burritos as big as your head- i didn't believe it. Plus there wasn't a Moe's in Conyers, for, like, forever. I did eventually get a Moe's burrito and it was delicious and as big as my head! But, time passed on, and eventually I was introduced to the Close Talker- my life hasn't been the same since. Sadly, I could probably eat a salad from Moe's every day. Whenever I am in Conyers, and I have lunch with my mom, I pick Moe's- it's like a joke at her office. Plus, it's the place Amanda & I always go to when we have our catch-up meals- it's tradition. Yes, I know that there are many Moe's located in the greater Chicago area, but I am going to be living with people who prefer Chipotle, which is good, but it's owned by McDonald's people- McDonald's. Plus, you can't forget: "Welcome to Moe's!!!!" Last Visit- 03/08/2009

10. Olive Bistro- Oh, how can one deny themselves delicious Greek food?! Gyros, hummus, baba ghanoush, antipasi platters, falafel, etc. I love this place and all their Greek goodness. I do know that at least there is 1 gyro place in Chicago that can compare, but until then I need one more trip to the Olive Bistro to remind me what I will be missing. YUM

Only 5 more to go...

Things I'll Miss About Atlanta Part I: Dining Experiences Part I

In honor of my previously-unannounced move to Chicago I have started a new series entitled: Things I'll Miss About Atlanta. I could just make this a short entry by typing "everything" but that requires no thought. So today's first entry honors some of my favorite restaurants and my plan to dine at all of them before leaving (which should give me another 20 lbs).

1. The Varsity. Yes, the Chicago hot dog is a fave of mine, but nothing compares to the delicious heartburn-inducing goodness that is the Varsity. A hot dog with mustard and chili and my soul is warmed. Fries or onion rings (I can't decide!)? What'll you have, what'll you have? And you better know upon approaching the counter. Varsity, I'll miss you. Last Visit: 03/13/09

2. Chick-fil-A. The concept of a chicken sandwich is foreign up north. The concept of hospitality like you receive at Chick-fil-izzle is too. I've been hooked here as long as I can remember- to everything (minus carrot and raisin salad). I even worked here for 4 years and I'm not afraid to eat there- and that's saying a lot. Luckily my access to Chick-fil-A won't be totally cut off. There are a few CFA's in Illinois, but none near Chicago... although, Dave's grandmother lives in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and they have not 1, but 2 Chick-fil-A's. Sorry grandma, but I will miss at least one of your delicious meals in favor of a #5 with a diet lemonade. Last Visit: Weekly

3. Ru-San's- Edgewood. Ah, I was introduced to Ru-San's at a birthday dinner. I loved it so much that 3 months later, I had my birthday dinner there. Ru-San's is awesome, and cheap. Plus, they have about 14 menus, so if you aren't a fan of sushi, there's still something for you. Back to the cheap- I can have a meal + edamame and a drink for under $15 bucks. Their dishes also have creative names. My favorite here- Gone With the Wind (i picked it for the name, and it was awesomely delish). Plus you can't beat techno versions of "In the Air Tonight" and the little sushi chef who never stops dancing. I do try to avoid eye contact with the manager, who I thought would kill me for bringing 15 friends friends with me for dinner- and I swear he would remember my face... When I say "Sake" You say "Bomb"

4. Vortex- Little 5. The cool place in the cool neighborhood. You may think you're walking into hell when you walk through a skull's mouth, but you're about to have the best burger! The Vortex brags that they have over 200 burger combinations. I am no where near trying them all. Although they have taken my favorite item off the menu without my consent (Mexican Heart Attacks) and have removed a few burgers, they have added even more items to tempt the taste buds. What I have been waiting to try: The Elvis Burger topped with peanut butter and fried banana. Although I was waiting until I was pregnant. Nothing beats a burger from the Vortex. Or their sweet potato fries, or their tots. Last Meal: 2/27/09

5. Top Spice- I was introduced to this delicious Thai restaurant a few years ago when I worked at Lab 601. I don't know much about Thai food, so people may not find it authentic, but I think it's amazing. The price is great, they have tons of choices, and they deliver! My favorites: Pad Thai w\ Shrimp, Masaman Chicken Curry, and Basil Rolls. I'm not much for spicy, so I don't eat a lot of things, but everything Dave has had, he's enjoyed too. Yumm-o. Last Meal: 2/12/09

I will be covering more of my favorite restaurants later!

are you there God, it's me, Melissa

with all the bad things that seem to be happening in my life lately. the depression alone should help me drop those 20 lbs.