Today was one of those days that made me realize how lucky I am to be a part of this wonderful blogging community. Who else can say that they have friends from LITERALLY all over the country, many of whom they’ve never met in person??
I started my day bright and early by meeting up with two of my favorite bloggers, and girls who have been loyal readers and commenters pretty much since day one of this little blog of mine: Jenn and Caroline! We met up with each other at a childhood favorite restaurant of mine, Walker Brothers Pancake House, and as usual, the line was out the door. Luckily, they got us in and seated quickly!
I got a mushroom omelet, fruit, and a side of bacon. I only ate the strawberries out of the fruit cup…
Walker Bros. was the first place I ever remember going that had amazingly fluffy baked omelets, instead of the flat and folded over ones of so many greasy spoon places. The bacon was, well, bacon…so it was awesome! The best part though was the company and conversation. Thanks so much for a great morning!
I’ve made an executive decision: all the bloggers I’ve met need to move to Chicago so that we can hang out on a regular basis.
Since I was so close, I stopped off at my mom’s house to show off the new camera, and of course, the lovely Stella was thrilled to be the subject of an impromptu photo shoot!
She’s been watching Top Model!
I came home and vegged out for a while, because its Sunday…and then set out to the grocery store with my EnviTote for a few days worth of produce and ingredients for dinners. Much to my surprise and delight, 3 lb. bags of baby spinach were on sale, buy one get one free for $3.99! Needless to say, I then needed to stock up on Green Monster ingredients too… I had a very specific dinner in mind, hence the trip to the grocery store.
Last weekend for Valentine’s Day, I bought a bunch of ingredients for broth/bouillon fondue after we ate our cheese, and found that we were too full after the first course. The ingredients went into the freezer, and I wanted to use them today. What were these ingredients? Jumbo shrimp and filet mignon!
The steaks needed a simple preparation: just a sprinkle of salt and fresh ground pepper, then a quick sear in a pan and then a few minutes under the broiler.
The shrimp though, got the royal treatment… they got Scampi-fied!
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
1 lb. peeled raw shrimp
2 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. dry white wine
juice of 1 lemon
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, then the garlic. Cook a few minutes, then add the white wine. Reduce by half. Add lemon juice and shrimp and cook until shrimp are done, about 6 minutes. Add parsley, stir and serve immediately.
In addition, I made a batch of the same creamed spinach I made recently. In all, this was, as Adam said, like Wildfire at home. Remember Wildfire? We went there at the end of my first week of camp this summer, and it’s one of our very favorite steakhouses! To hear that I successfully recreated at home a similar meal as we enjoy out was one of the best food-related compliments I’ve gotten!
All together now:
So, with a full belly and a sleepy head, and thoughts of snow days lingering in the back of my brain… I bid you good night!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
That dinner definitely looks restaurant-worthy. I’ll have to try your scampi recipe asap. I love shrimp!
Your mom’s dog is soo cute!
.-= Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)´s last blog ..San Diegooooooooo Super Chargers!!!!! =-.
You’re never going to believe this but I was just thinking of trying to find a really good scampi recipe for this week! You read my mind girl!
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..Breaking Out From Hibernation =-.
Awwww Stella! So cute. Love Jennifer and Caroline! You are always having fun bloggie meetups. I need to head your way.
Oh yum, that last plate looks delicious w/ everything on it! I’m impressed! I’m always nervous to cook seafood and steak since it’s so expensive and I don’t want to mess it up!
.-= Christina´s last blog ..How to Cut a Fresh Pineapple & Award =-.
That’s it, I just told my boyfriend I’m not cooking dinner anymore, we’re eating at Mara’s. You are gourmet, my dear!
Wow that’s one heck of a meal
The shrimp scampi looks particularly fantastic…yum!
yum! im always looking for more reasons to take day trips to chicago – like trader joes & ikea arent good enough! ill have to check out that spot next time im in town!
.-= kate´s last blog ..30 Day Shred DVD Giveaway =-.
Stella is totally smiling with her eyes! What a cutie pie!! I’m very jealous of the blogger brunch – what a lovely group of ladies
.-= K´s last blog ..Bloggie Inspired, K Approved =-.
We are trying to get all the IA bloggers together as well…but scheduling is hard! Looks like you had fun.
.-= Ally@Sweet & Savory´s last blog ..Ranch Mac =-.
What a fun meet up! I haven’t been to Walker Bros. in ages – and your dinner looks delish!
.-= Biz´s last blog ..Party Pizza Friday = Happy Biz! =-.
That shrimp looks stunning!
.-= Kelly @ Healthy Passion´s last blog ..‘Remember When’ Sunday =-.
Your hair looks lighter in the pic. Is it different from when you went darker or is it just lighting? Whatever it is, love the color!!!
What a tasty-tasty-tasty looking spread.
.-= FoodCents´s last blog ..SUPERBOWL & HAPPY CAKES!!!! =-.
That meal looks amazing. Its great to get such a cool compliment about something you have cooked!
.-= Jo @ SeekingHealthyBalance´s last blog ..Bloggers Question Time – Heather Eats Almond Butter =-.
Thanks for the tip on Walker Bros. omelets. I will have to try them out. I just moved to Chicago so I’m taking any and all advice on eateries. Luckily I have many good ones to choose from.
BTW, creamed spinach=YUM
.-= drmiggy´s last blog ..Food Pr0n: Skillet Blue Cornbread =-.