Hey friends! I am SO thrilled you all liked my Just Be Happy Post. I am even more thrilled that so many of you could relate. I got emails, facebook posts, tweets expressing that this is ‘exactly how I had been feeling’ and I needed to write about it because it is such a common feeling to have, no matter what you’re age or where you are in your life. Embrace life, be happy, stay on the right track and you will get everywhere you need to be-I truly believe that
Okay moving on to a fun filled weekend!
Remember the Stoli Doli’s I mentioned on Facebook that I was brewing up? This is one of the simplest cocktails to make. It is one of those “sit and let it do its thing” type of recipe.
I picked up a gorgeous, fresh pineapple from Whole foods
And vodka from the store
I place the pineapple on my (pineapple) cutting board
First, I cut the top off of the pineapple. Then I continued to cut down vertically the rind until only the pineapple meat was left. It was so juicy and sweet!
So you want to know the secret to making Stoli Doli’s? Let it marinate in an old protein powder container. Quite the oxymoron, but hey, it was a great size container and all I had around!
Stoli Doli
Ingredients:
- 1 Fresh Pinapple, diced into smaller pieces
- 1 liter of plain, high quality vodka
- Stevia (optional)
Directions:
- Cut pineapple into small pieces and place in a large container or tupperware.
- Pour vodka over the pineapple
- Add stevia if you would like
- Let is sit for 3 days and up to 2 weeks!
- Enjoy with a sugar rimmed glass
So I made this on Wednesday and on Friday when we went to dig it, it stil needed some marinating time. It was quite strong. I would suggest letting it sit for at least 5 days to really allow the vodka to get fully infused by the delicous pineapple.
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A night out in Boston with some fabulous ladies began at Scampo which is located inside of the Liberty Hotel. The Liberty hotel is a swanky hotel located in the Beacon Hill area of Boston. The liberty hotel was acutally the former Charles Street Jail. The renovation of the hotel itself was done with such extreme attention to detail. What stands how is a space that is stylish, modern with a fun, unique architectural feel from the inside of the building.
The restaurant has a modern, fancy yet comfortable vibe. Beautifully lit with comfy chairs at the tables and at the bar. The scene was hip, with a mix of ages from young to old, families, singles and young couples. Scampo has gotten rave reviews as one of Bostons great resturants, so naturally I was extremely looking forward to this meal!
Before we even ordered our drinks, we were greeted with delicious, crunchy parmesan breadsticks with a basil bean dip that tasted like a creamy pesto. It was lightly coated in high quality olive oil and garnished with pine nuts.
We each had a few sticks, but really I could have just eaten the dip with a spoon it was so delicious. Clearly made with fresh basil and garlic. It was the perfect start to a wonderful meal
I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio to round out the meal. It was cool and crisp-perfect for a hot summer evening.
We decided with the help of our waiter to order 3 entrees between the 4 of us. He assured us with the food we had in mind that this would be plenty. I was blown away that the Scampo menu had a whole section of various Mozzarella and tomato salads; they call it the “Mozzarrela Bar” The selection began with the traditional mozz with tomato and arugula, to more elecletic, unique dishes made with ingredients such as beef carpaccio, king crab and avocado oil
We went with the traditional which was a plate of vine ripened heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, thickly sliced mozzarella and topped with tender arugula. It was garnished with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This was melt in your mouth amazing; you know that type of mozzarella that is so fresh it tastes buttery and smooth.
Another entree we ordered was the crisped haddock parmagiano which was served with king crab, sweet potato chips and whipped parsnip puree. Incredible, light, delicious and so very fresh. The plating of the fish was so gorgeous to the eye as well. The sweet potato chips were placed on top and the fish bathed in the parsnip whipped purree.
Then we got the traditonal margherita pizza. It had large hunks of fresh heirloom tomatoes, more fresh mozzarella and garnished with small pieces of confettied basil. I don’t know which was my favorite because the whole meal in its entirety was by far one of the best meals I have had in Boston in a long time. If you are looking for a delicious night out with a fabulous atmosphere, go. to. Scampo. Like. Now.
What I love about Boston is disovering new spots for coffee. Don’t get me wrong, I love starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, but cute, trendy, laid back coffee shops are so fun to explore. I love the different scenes, the people, the coffee itself and the whole ‘vibe’ I take it all in. Espresso Royale is a coffee shop located right near Boston University. As soon as we walked in, there were people with headphones in, attached to their computers and a few meetings were happening as well. Did I mention this was on a Saturday morning? Nonetheless, I was ready for some coffee and food!
I loved that the coffee was served in real mugs. It made the whole experience much more laid back. I got a medium Guatemalen blend coffee. The coffee was smooth, robust and acutally quite chocolately and nutty tasting. It did not taste like a traditional cuppa Joe. After each sip I took I tried to put my finger on the flavors that I tasted. It certainly had a pungent spice and nutty flavor. I liked it! I just was not used to it, so it was refreshing to try for a change of pace
Some organic nibs as an appetizer!
I got a turkey sandwich on mutligrain (toasted) bread. It was served with sprouts, roasted red peppers, cucumbers and avocado. It was delicious!
The rest of the day was spent doing some of this. It was hot. We had a pool. It was the most perfect Saturday.
Questions:
Pool or Beach?
Have you recently discovered a new ‘hot spot’ in your town that now is at the top of your list?
See ya tomorrow for a video post on CORE CONDITIONING!!!
