oui? ou non?

Getting excited...

Did I mention that I'm hoping to study abroad for a semester in Dijon, France? Oh! Well hopefully this time next Fall, I'll be enjoying some of the best food in the world, while traversing Southern France. though it would be mainly academic, I'm thinking it's going to be the greatest culinary adventure ever!! Just think of all the new and exciting foods I'm going to get to eat! Be jealous!

This just came in the mail! I figure I'd better start practicing! :) (Don't worry, I won't be utterly helpless. I've been taking French for a few years now) I'm still in the application stage of this whole thing, but I'll let you know as soon as the trip is finalized! And don't think I won't keep you updated on my french foodie experiences if I get into the program.

A tout a l'heure!

lunch with a friend

A week or so ago, I drove to Hickory to visit with my friend Catherine. While I was there, we went to two amazing restaurants for lunch. The first called Cafe Gouda was this little bistro at the end of a strip mall. On the wall there were SO many sandwiches and entrees to choose from. After about 10 minutes of reading description after description, I finally settled on getting the Hot Brown.

Oven Roasted Turkey, bacon, tomato, white cheddar cheese, and mayo on grilled sourdough 

 SOOO good!! The cheese was perfectly melted, and the bacon gave it some smokiness. My favorite part was the bread. I only dream that one day I'll be able to make sourdough bread that delicious.

The other restaurant we went to was called Dante's Pizza. Since there's limited seating inside, we called ahead of time and ordered subs to pick up. I had a turkey with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and oil and vinegar. It came with chips and a pickle, but I don't think anything lasted longer than 3 minutes. I was so hungry, that I practically inhaled it. If you're ever in Hickory, NC and are looking for a great place to grab a sub sandwich to go, Dante's is the place! 

They don't have a website, but here's the address: 2208 N Center St Hickory, NC 2860

a trip to Asheville...

So last weekend, I went up to Asheville, NC to see my good friend Candice in an amazing performance of Chicago (she was Roxie!). After seeing the show, we spent the day exploring merely a fraction of the shops and restaurants in downtown. Along with some cute fashion finds, I had the opportunity to experience some of the most awesome local flavors this artsy town has to offer!

The first restaurant we went to was called Early Girl Eatery (recommended by two of my good friends). I had the omelet of the day, made with wild mushrooms, sweet corn, and goat feta cheese. It came with home fries, and wheat toast (which I smothered in butter and the most delicious jam). I have to say this was one of the best omelets I've ever had. The sweet crunch from the corn, the earthiness of the mushrooms, and the tangy feta was in one word...AMAZING. I wish I'd taken a picture to document the dish, but it had my undying attention the minute it was set before me.

I did snag a pic of some the best granola ever. My mom ordered it, and loved it so much, she bought a tub to take home.  Lucky me :)

One of the other places we went to was the local favorite the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Though I could have ordered one of everything on the menu, I decided to go with two simple chocolates (I was still full from brunch). One a 70% dark chocolate from Nicaragua (on the left) the other a Hazelnut Crunch (right).

The dark chocolate was simply chocolaty in it's most pure form. The Hazelnut, was a nice counter to it's companion, thanks to it's creamy, nuttier taste.

The star of the weekend (and our downtown tour guide) Candice got a Nibby Brownie (flecked with cacao nibs) and a delicous and beautiful breve.

Yum!!

 For dinner, we went to one of my favorite places, Doc Chey's Noodle House. I'd been one other time, and loved it so much, I had to go back. For an appetizer, we ordered the Thai Shrimp Rolls. They were DELICIOUS! Filled with a smooth fresh shrimp and garlic filling, they were served with a sweet chili sauce that I wanted to lick from the bowl. So good!

 I ordered the Chinese Lomein Noodle Bowl with beef (from local Hickory Nut Gap Farm). It consisted of traditional stirfry ingrediants (cabbage, onion, carrots, bean sprouts), fresh house-made egg noodles, and tender grass fed free range beef, but it was anything but ordinary. Since all the ingrediants were so fresh, the dish had delicious flavor all it's own. I definitely plan on ordering it again.

 (I wonder if starting this blog counts as an overdue personal decision?)

If you ever find yourself traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains, or visiting the famous Biltmore Estate, take the time and explore this creative city! Your stomach will thank you.