Greetings from NYC’s LaGuardia again! I’m a the top of the stand-by list for an earlier flight, so I’m crossing my fingers to be home by 1pm. This morning’s commute went smoothly. I was glad the sun was up when I had to walk to the T. It was so easy going to the airport on public transportation and not having to worry about parking!
We had a fabulous time last night! The North End (a.k.a. Little Italy) was so cozy!! I can’t decide which Iiked more: the European feel of Harvard Square or the bustle and warmth of the North End. There were SO many people out on a Saturday night. This trip has really made me want to live in a city. I’ve never been the city girl type, but there’s something in me that is tired of the South. It’s so boring! I think Boston and San Diego (and maaaaybe NYC) are the only places we’d leave our house and beloved Carolinas for, and unfortunately both are terribly expensive. I don’t think we’ll really move anytime soon, but it’s still fun to dream about. We’re not planning to have kids for a number of years, but that’s still something to consider as well. But who knows if an opportunity came up, we might just have to trade in our planning for a little spontaneity!
Cocktail Hour
Before heading out last night, Larbs and Matt hosted a wine + cheese cocktail hour at their apartment. I had two 2 oz glasses of a delicious white and two of each kind of cracker –
All dressed up! I loved the heels Larbs let me borrow! Being a survivor of foot surgery, 3 pairs of orthotics and years of athletic shoes, I often compromise my outfit for comfort (I’m wearing Adidas shoes with cropped jeans during my travels today!) but last night I decided to brave the city streets with heels and did surprisingly well (although we only walked about half a mile to the T and back). They were Mossimo from Target and super comfy so I might go look for a pair for myself 🙂 (Sorry you can’t really see them in the photo).
The Allens with Matt. This was my first time meeting his parents – they are a lot of fun! And Larbs and Matt post in the Italian romance <3
For dinner we continued the Italian theme at La Galleria 33 with a bottle of Chianti. I’m not normally a huge fan of Italian wines (I prefer to sip wine to enjoying with food, as Italian wines are intended) but I really liked this one a lot. I had 2 more small pours throughout the dinner. Plus 2 of the olives you can see back there!
Larbs and I shared a Caesar salad to start. Here’s my bowl with some removed for her plate and dressing drizzled on top. I never order Caesar salads because I always go for more vegetable-filled ones, but I really enjoy them when I do.
For dinner Larbs and I split an entree – Chicken Bona Bore (I think): 2 chicken breasts topped with proschuitto, spinach, mozzarella, and mushrooms in a lemon white wine butter sauce.
My half (on a separate plate) plus some of our side dish of penne with marinara. I ate all of the chicken and most of the pasta. Plus bites of every else’s dinners – Matt’s stuffed chicken with shrimp and things and his mom’s Veal Ravioli-type dish.
Dessert Heaven
I sense a “worth it” opportunity when I see one!
After dinner, the feasting started! We went to the famous Mike’s Pastry, which was packed to the brim with customers. You can’t even see in the cases for what to order! Of course I was in dessert heaven with all the choices. There were literally hundreds of things – from gelato to cake to cookies to canolis to all kinds of layered and icing-filled desserts. You know what I love: icing and fluff! I ended up getting TWO desserts with the intention of sharing them. Larbs and Matt got two as well and so did the Allens, so we had a smorgasbord of fabulous sugary things to taste!
A Rum Nut Log, Chocolate Mousse Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Crunch Cookie, a Canoli and Oreo Cheesecake. This was absolute h.e.a.v.e.n.!!!
My two were the Chocolate Mousse –
And the Rum Nut Log (which had rum just gushing from the moist interior cake)
We all voted on our favorites. For me the German Chocolate won for its thick icing and buttery caramel!
There’s really no telling how much I ate, but I had about 25% of the chocolate mouse, 40% of the rum, 25% of the German Chocolate. A big bites of the cheesecake, canoli and cookie.
Oatmeal To Go
I was thrilled to find an Au Bon Pain right outside of security this morning and jumped on the opportunity to get some oatmeal while I saw it. Good call, since there wasn’t much to offer at my gate. I took about a cup of oats and topped them with raisins, sliced almonds a tiny bit of granola and some 2% milk to hydrate the oats a bit. I also got a hot tea with skim and a banana, but I decided to save the banana for a mid-morning snack.
OK, gotta pack up my computer – I got on the earlier flight!! Although there are tons of really good looking healthy salads and sandwiches here I was eyeing for lunch, I think I’m going to wait until we get to Charlotte and maybe get a salad at Dean and Deluca or something. See you a few states later!
sounds like a wonderful and incredibly delicious evening! i’m more than a little jealous about that german chocolate cake!
i’m glad you liked boston so much, but remember that carolina girls are the best in the world!
Kath and other oatmeal lovers:
I am on vacation in the Colorado Rockies and had the best oatmeal for breakfast this morning at the hotel restaurant! It was called Hearty Oatmeal Brulee and was regular oatmeal with a whole banana sliced on top. The banana was covered in sugar (possibly the brown “raw” sugar), and torched like creme brulee. It was delicious! I’m sorry I had it AFTER the contest, because I would’ve doctored up the recipe and entered it for sure 🙂 I should add that the menu advertised it to have pineapple water, raisins, and cinnamon…there were definitely no raisins or cinnamon, and if it was cooked in pineapple water, I sure couldn’t tell. But overall – great idea and very yum!
All those desserts look so yummy! I would have devoured them!
drool
now i really am really craving a cannoli. looks DELICIOUS!
Kath,
I just had to say: that dress looks fabulous on you! You should wear that style more often! The fit and shape is so flattering.
Looks like you all had a great time!
“there’s really no telling how much I ate” I love that…so funny. 😀
Recently discovered your blog and can I just say, “Yowza!” Those desserts are killer!
Those desserts look MARRRRVELOUS!!! Total food porn 🙂
Oh my, all those desserts look amazing! I definitely would’ve indulged, too 😉 Glad you had a good time in Boston…I love reading about all your little vacations!
Kath, I’ve been wanting to tell you forever that you have great calves! I bet people tell you that all the time, like that man in the gym! I have pretty muscular calves myself and although there was a time I hated them, I can’t help feel good when people (mostly guys) comment on them! I think it’s because a lot of guys I know have chicken legs, haha! Hope you had a good time, come visit NYC one day!
ahhhhh you went to mikes!!! this makes me even more bummed that we didn’t stop last time– those desserts look AMAZING! that german chocolate cake is calling my name…
you girls look gorgeous!!! what a fun trip 😀
That chicken dish looks absolutely fantastic. I’m totally going to steal that idea the next time I have company over.
Looks like such a fun night!!! Mal has NEVER eaten in the North End– I already told him that he needed to read your post for some inspiration!
You and Matt should definitely move up here! If you live south of the city, it’s much cheaper! 🙂
Oh man, I love whenever Veggiegirl says “food porn”.
Looks like you had a wonderful evening! Perfect Boston night. And I’m pretty sure I have the same heels you were talking about – so versatile!
Kath,
Have you and your husband every been to the Pacific Northwest (Portland or Seattle?) I live in Portland and from what I read on your blog, you guys totally have the NW lifestyle! We have the ocean, mountains, hiking, we’re extremely bike friendly, a total preoccupation with health, and most importantly – fabulous wine and an abundance of great wineries.
If you’ve never been, it would make a great vacation…. 🙂
All of the Boston food looks fantastic and it sounds like you had great company to enjoy it with 🙂 Have a safe flight Kath!
Those desserts are making my mouth water, enough said!
Mike’s is always insanely busy and now you know why. We have the hardest time picking just one item to try, we ALWAYS end up getting a box of goodies. You really got to experience the best of Boston.
Kath, what about a southern city so that you can get the urban feel, but still be close to your family? I love that dress on you by the way.
Your dinner and desserts look perfect. Glad you ended on a bang.
Safe travels,
Heather
So worth it.
I’m just getting back into wearing heels myself. Being 5’2″ like you, I’ve missed them.
OMG those desserts look AMAZING! Glad to see you enjoyed your time in Boston 🙂 Hope you had a safe flight home!
Love that dress you’re wearing! It’s so cute.
Au Bon Pain oatmeal is the nicest option when you’re on the go!
You look so fresh and gorgeous all the time! I just thought i would preface my post with that comment, because I really can’t tell you enough!
I get most all my shoes at Target, i don’t wear leather, and they have SOOOO many options for me! The definatly rival there crazy expensive department store counterparts! Hope you can find something cute and comfy! 🙂
Faye, I totally agree… Kath has the best calfs! haha…
And miss Kath, that dress is precccious! Where’d you get it?
your calves are stunning lady!
beautiful from the inside-out.
Your dessert smorgasbord looks amazing… Makes me want to go out with a big group of friends for a dessert party haha
teddy
Is it just me, or could you stand Larb’s Matt and “the husband” side by side and they would look like twins, or at least brothers? If I didn’t know that the husband wasn’t on this trip, I would have thought that was him in the pictures.
Sounds like a great trip! GREAT looking food!
I agree… I thought it was your husband. CRAZY!
You and Larbs and your two Matts are too cute. They do look remarkably alike!
I am all for a move to Boston, but remember, those winters get *cold*. Take a trip there in January, and you might change your mind about a MA move.
Nothing like waiting for the T to come on a winter day only to find it’s disabled, and you’re stuck finding another way home!
Looks like a nice night out. Isn’t the North End so much fun?! I miss it 🙁 I can see the charm of Boston has you thinking of moving there! I would if it didn’t cost so darn much!!
Ditto on the “desserts looked amazing!”
Bye from beantown!! Totally sad I missed you, but I’m so glad you had a nice trip 🙂 happy/safe travels!
(eatnrun.wordpress.com)
what’s your sister’s real name?
Kath sounds like a fantastic trip! Glad you enjoyed your time with Larbs and Matt and got to see so much of the city. Your husband will be sooo happy when you get home, though!
And good for you for finding ABP oatmeal- I would have gotten a bagel loaded with cream cheese!
Thanks for the compliments guys 🙂
Cait ,
Sounds amazing!!
Tina ,
You MUST take him ASAP!
Andrea ,
I do think I would love it. I’ve been there, but only when I was little. We’d love to do Oregon/Washington wine country!! I don’t know if I could handle the rain though, as I get so sad when the sun isn’t out.
HangryPants ,
I feel like the big southern cities aren’t really cities!! Charlotte, well, it’s just a big town; Atlanta is one big headache with some nice parts; what else? Birmingham? Savannah? Charleston? They wouldn’t be worth a move from Charlotte. I think NYC and Boston would by my top choices if we ever did it, but I doubt we ever will unless a job takes us there.
Julz,
I think the dress is GUESS brand from a few years ago..
Katrina,
That’s so funny you say that!! Matt A. does remind me of the husband at times, but they are different personality-wise.
tracy ,
Laura Elizabeth.
Kath