Life Outside of the Kitchen: November 2015

Hello.  How are you?  I’ve been listening to Adele non-stop focusing on family and friends the past week, so I hope you can excuse the post a couple days late.

One distraction from the blog world, that I’m really excited about, is I had the chance to help photo-wise with (one of my many) extended family’s cookbook.  I can’t wait for the straight-from-Italy and generations old recipes, because you know how I feel about Italian food.  I mean, all food in general, really.

So, November was busy.  Was it for you?  I’m betting we can relate on that note.  I want to say the busy season has begun, but it seems that the older I get, every season is the “busy season”.

Regardless, the busyness of November was welcomed and enjoyed.  Getting a day off for Veteran’s Day to celebrate not only my wonderful veteran but all of the veterans out there, was filled with friends, waterfront views, fresh flounder, and a return to the amazing ice cream and fudge shop.  Drooling.  Still.  I’ll be working off those calories the rest of my life — gladly.

The next weekend we had the Marine Corps Ball – got all fancied up and drank a lot of wine.  A great night, amiright?

Next up: Asheville, AGAIN!  My thoughts on it have not changed since September.  The BF and I headed into town to see Shakey Graves.  Check out the song Dearly Departed if you haven’t heard of him before.  But more importantly, this time we tried apps and drinks at Chestnut.

^^^ This Fig Sidecar is made with fig infused house cognac, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and baked apple bitters — and it is so amazing.

And look at all these house made mixers >>>

A cheese plate with amazing accoutrements…

And of course mini cinnamon rolls for dessert (not at Chestnut, for the record)!

Finally, what November is all about, THANKSGIVING!  I was fortunate enough to join the BF in New York with his family, where we watched the Macy’s parade in the best way possible – a hotel room overlooking the parade.  No crowd battles, no weather mysteries, and the perfect view.  Oh, and mimosas.

Thanksgiving weekend also included a tasting of ramen at Kopi Kopi.  They’re opening up a ramen speakeasy TODAY (December 2nd).

Did you know that the key to ramen is in the broth, and that it cooks for like, 20 hours?!  Whoa.  I can seriously appreciate the time put into these bowls of deliciousness.

Check it out — we had Vegetable Miso, Chicken and Pork broth, Duck, and Spicy Vegetarian (which was my favorite!).

Ramen followed by a cortado and wine – lovely ending to a lovely night.

Oh, and I can’t forget that we went bowling, and I kicked the BF’s butt.

Thanks for reliving November with me – it was such a fun blur!

How was your Thanksgiving/November?  Do you have a new favorite dish I need to try?  I’d love to hear it – leave a comment or let me know on Instagram or Facebook!

I’m welcoming December with open arms now that I don’t have to battle snow (high-five); also, December means Christmas music, magical lights, cookies galore, and… my birthday!