Giving instead of Giving Up this Lent

Despite being a recovering Catholic, I still feel the need each year to give something up for Lent. This year I struggled a bit with the decision. I don’t really go hog wild over one particular thing like ice cream, Starbucks, or expensive shoes. And my diet is almost completely vegetarian, so the no-meat Fridays thing is a breeze.

Chi-Nnatti’s Pizza

Skip the Bruchetta, Go for Happy Hour, Stick with the Deep Dish.

As I spent a few years living in Chicago post-college, when splurging meant ordering pizza delivered, I fancy myself somewhat of a pizza connoisseur – and I do know my way around a deep dish. But don’t get me wrong – I don’t discriminate – I enjoy folding a good slice of New York-style pizza or cracking a crispy thin crust any day of the week. Those however, are more easily found around these parts. A true Chicago-style deep dish outside of Uno’s, I had yet to find. 

Urban Active: Shame on You!

Dear Urban Active,

We used to be the best of friends. You live nearby and I actually enjoyed visiting you, using your equipment and taking your classes. You made me feel good about myself and made it easy to like you.

But then things changed.

My Can’t-Live-Without Cooking Tool

Mini Spatula Set

Last night I was making a big (honestly, enormous) batch of vegetarian chili, and after washing it for the n-teenth time, realized just how much I rely on my mini silicone spatula. I know, it seems so bizarre that something so small could be so endlessly useful, but it truly is good for so many things. Maybe it’s because my hands are small and I have a lot of control with it.

I’m still using one I received from my Williams-Sonoma wedding registry more than five years ago, and have since added another to the arsenal. (I think it was a thoughtful stocking-stuffer from my husband a few years back.)

Backstage Cafe

As we wandered around The Madison Theater last night before the Guster concert, we spotted several establishments (Covington Chili, Rima’s Diner …) that appeared to be open only for lunch hours. Situated directly next to the theater, Backstage Cafe was a more than convenient spot to grab a seat, a beer, and a quick bite before the show.

Mama says, “Don’t bother” with Mama Vita’s

My husband and I decided to take advantage of a restaurant.com gift certificate to Mama Vita’s (fine print = redemption for lunch only) and have a rare lunch together during the workweek.   We arrived at noon, a time one would guess would be nearing the peak of a lunch rush, and the place was empty.  Not one diner. Not one worker.  We wondered if it was even open, as we waited a good three or four minutes before someone noticed we were there.  

The Melting Pot: Share the Goodness (But bring exact change!)

Last night I got together with a few girls for a little cheese and chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot.  (Really, what more could a girl ask for – cheese AND chocolate … all melty and yum?  To quote The Zoe, “I die.”)

Apparently, as a way to support breast cancer awareness month, The Melting Pot is hosting “Ladies’ Night Out” every Thursday in October with Mary Kay.  (Not the most original name, but it’s for a good cause, so I can overlook it … and yowzers, what a deal …)  For $19, we each got a salad, shared cheese and chocolate fondues, and ordered $5 martinis.  Plus, since $1 from each of our meals will be donated to breast cancer research, it rids you of any guilt associated with consuming massive amounts of the hot gooey goodness.

Veni Vidi Vici … Vito’s!

It was the night of my visit to Vito’s Cafe with the Cincinnati Tastecasting Team that I conveniently changed my personal foodie philosophy from “vegetarian” to “flexitarian.” (And believe me, you would’ve too if you had been presented with the same sumptuous plates …)