Cheshire Cat Gallery

If I'm in Raleigh's Cameron Village and I have a minute, I'm stopping by Cheshire Cat. It's an antique spot with lots of little booths - my new favorite being Trunks Up Vintage.

I scored this bright pink wooden pineapple on Saturday that I just love. Avery's booth is full of unique finds and lots of bright colors. Yes, please. Confetti by ASWN.

Bin 54

If you're looking for a great restaurant for a special occasion, Bin 54 in Chapel Hill it is. Hank and I dined there with his grandparents for Hank's birthday, and we loved all of it.

I enjoyed their house cocktail Perry’s Terrace-Tini: citrus vodka / pama pomegranate liqueur / fresh squeezed lemon juice / muddled mint leaves / served up and topped with sparkling wine. The sparkle does the trick.

We apped it out with their tuna tartare and salt and pepper calamari. The calamari was where it was at with sweet chili sauce. 

For dinner, I had the little filet and oh. those. sides. The Brussel sprouts with house cured bacon were ah-mazing. In a close second, the truffled four cheese macaroni and in third, the sautéed spinach. 

Love that photo of the birthday boy with his grandad.

And for the final finale, the banana pudding with bourbon pecan cookie and that meringue... My goodness. That was my favorite dessert, but we also had their spiced rum creme brûlée, and that was pretty great too. Hip hip hooray for a fantastic dinner with sweet family.

Free and Fab: Shuck & Sip

My friend Cara and I have been enjoying 'Free and Fab' evenings where we find fun local events that are... Free. Our first event was an evening at Flywheel. Our second event - an oyster roast downtown. Here's Hank and I enjoying free beer, music and oysters at Ramble Supply Co.'s grand opening party in Raleigh.

We had fun with friends in a super cute space - under twinkle lights - so all was well. We found out about this event through the app Offline 'Avoid Average Weekends.' Another avenue is following your favorite local businesses on Instagram. For example, The Cupcake Shoppe posted about Stag's Head's grand opening party this Thursday with light bites from local restaurants + beer tastings - so there's that. Here's to keeping it local and free.

The Mad Popper

I love The Mad Popper in Durham - right near Southpoint Mall. It's the tiniest nook, but you walk in and are surrounded by the most colorful of popcorn in an array of flavors.

Forget the candy this Valentine's Day - seriously - bring on the popcorn. The prices are amazingly reasonable (i.e. cheap!), and you can concoct some pretty fab mixes - whatever your heart desires - no limits. Right now I'm loving: green apple, white cheddar and caramel (my power sour, salty and sweet mix). I added  in some birthday cake (complete with sprinkles) today, and it was a true delight. Aside: The Glass Jug in Durham offers The Mad Popper as a snack option, and they're always down with a 'so good pair it with a beer' worthy mix: buffalo, ranch and maple, for example. It was pretty sidelines perfect - think easy Super Bowl party snack perfect. Oh, and The Mad Popper ships to all of your friends.

Recipe: Winter Veggie Trio

Oh! These veggies are delicious - I went back for seconds delicious.

Toss:

1 1/2 cups chopped parsnips, peeled (love these!)

1 1/2 cups chopped carrots 

2 - 12 oz. bags Steamfresh Brussels sprouts, cooked as directed and halved

1/3 cup sliced shallots 

3 Tbsp. olive oil 

Salt and black pepper 

Whisk:

6 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 

4 tsp. Dijon mustard 

2 tsp. thyme 

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss parsnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts and shallots with oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables on a baking sheet until fork tender, 25 minutes. Whisk together vinegar, Dijon, thyme and walnuts. Mix vegetables in with vinegar mixture. Enjoy!