Taste of Rio

In honor of the Rio Olympics, I went out to a Brazilian steak house, Brasa, in Brier Creek. Dining at one of these places is quite an experience. It's not every day that you have access to an all you can eat "cold bar" while being waited on by servers with swords of different meats. From chicken to beef to pork to lamb, I had access to 14 different cuts...a vegetarian's nightmare but a meat lover's dream!

Also since I was there, I had to try a Caipirinha...Brazil's national cocktail. Simple and refreshing with a nice taste of lime. 

Since I can't actually be in Rio to cheer on Team USA, spending a little time at this restaurant gave me a little taste of Brazilian culture here in NC. 

For a cool history lesson on the Caipirinha, check out "The Origin of Caipirinha," here!

Restaurant Round-up

It is safe to say that I successfully eat my way through the triangle. Below is a review and a few pictures of some of my favorite recent dining experiences. I also included some pictures from my trip to NYC...which if you have been, you know how many amazing restaurants are around each corner.

Geer Street Garden in Durham, NC...these Fish Tacos were amazing!

Elaine's on Franklin in Chapel Hill! I was lucky enough to get the LAST of this shrimp dish.

I think this photo speaks for itself! Le Bernadin...a 3 Michelin Star Restaurant...If you think I was giddy the entire time I was eating...you nailed it.

Seared Tuna with Waygu Beef and a Strawberry "Bomb" for dessert...and yes...that is GOLD on the top of my dessert. Also not to mention...world famous sommelier Aldo Sohm reviewed my menu and paired me with that amazing wine!

Huevos Rancheros from Mojito Cafe and Lounge in Astoria, NY.

One of my new favorites in Durham! Guglhuph...German cuisine at it's finest.

German Beer at a German restaurant.

Pork Loin with a nice chilled Riesling from Guglhuph...heavenly!

I don't usually have brunch...but Buku in Raleigh will not disappoint. They had the best variety of any brunch I have ever been to! 

Unfortunately one of my favorite restaurants, Four Square, has shut down :( this was my final meal from here. What's better than a steak and Pinot Noir?? NOTHING!

Media Training in Jackson, Mississippi

It has a been a while since my last post, but I have good reasons for being MIA! The last few months have been PACKED with new and exciting things for me. One of those things includes a on-camera media training...something I have always wanted to incorporate into my career. The training took place in Jackson, Mississippi. I felt so honored to have been invited to this hands-on crash course on how to present yourself on camera. Leading the training was Joan Horbiak (a dietitian who has completed over 500 media interviews, including ones with CNN, CNBC, USA Today, The New York Times and The Daily News). It was information overload, but in the best way possible. I'm ready for the camera now :)

Also on the trip, I was able to dine and talk with Chef John Folse at this very own restaurant, Seafood Revolution! This in itself would have been enough to make me a happy camper. Chef Folse is a master mind when it comes to designing his restaurants. Every little detail from the furniture to the wall decor to the food each has it's own special meaning. The restaurant itself seemed to be a cultural mecca of Mississippi. AFter touring the building and seeing the kitchen, Chef Folse took us to our group to our own reserved private room and presented us the special menu he had created for us. As you can imagine, it was nothing short of amazing! My entree for the evening was a delicious lobster gnocchi! During dinner Chef Folse shared his amazing stories as a chef and left us all with the message "Our stories are more important than our message, our stories are what makes us unique."

Iconic Gin Fizz...I'm not usually a fan of gin, but this drink was one of the best I've had

BEAUTIFUL wine cellar in Seafood Revolution

The beautifully presented Lobster Gnocchi

Chef Folse and me! I couldn't resist snagging a picture

Fanciest ham and cheese sandwich I've ever seen 

I am honored to have been part of such a cool experience and hope I can continue to work in media! Until next time!

Wine and Popcorn? Yes, Please!

Who knew that wine and popcorn could compliment each other?! As two of my favorite things, I am loving this chart from SkinnyPop highlighting their favorite wine-popcorn pairings. Whether you're binge watching your favorite Netflix show or getting ready for a season finale, be sure to stock up on wine and popcorn!

Also, keep in mind that popcorn is a guilt free snack and that red wine can contain resveratrol, a natural and powerful antioxidant that can benefit your body in many ways!

Happy snacking :) 

Duke Research

Excited to share this article published from my department at Duke University! I volunteered on this study before I was actually a dietitian. It's awesome to see all the hard work come together like this!

See the article summary from the Journal of Geriatrics, here

My Go-To Salon for my Hair

If you know me, then you know how much I love my long "messy" hair. So when it comes to getting my hair cut, I take extra caution! Thanks why I always go to Wavelengths Salon on ninth street in Durham! Everyone there is amazingly talented and I promise you will leave feeling like a million bucks if you decide to make an appointment. So whether you're in need of a cut, color, or blow out for a night on the town, check them out! You won't be disappointed.

Before my cut:

After my cut:

Thank you Wavelengths! Until next time ;) 

Friends, Fellow Bloggers, and More TV Fun

Whelp, I think I would definitely sum this past weekend up as "the perfect weekend." It was filled with good friends, good beer, good food, and great networking with some fashion bloggers. And just to put a cherry on top of everything, I have more super exciting news! TONIGHT at 10pm on ABC, tune in to see best best friends of Frill Clothing on Beyond the Tank!

Saturday was kicked off with the World Beer Festival. Certainly a great place for any beer lover, with over 250 vendors from around the world! I highly recommend finding an event near you at http://allaboutbeer.com/craft-beer-events/ 

 Shop Swagger's blog event brunch...oh so delicious.

 The amazing food from Duck's Donuts and Toast Cafe (as the only food blogger there, I was totally obsessed with the lay out of mini sandwiches and donuts).

What's a brunch without mimosas?

 Souvenirs from the weekend, including a sweet sugar cookie from Oak City Cookies.

Always great seeing these lovely ladies!

Sara Kate Styling

Hashtag Fab Life

Champagne and Suburbs

Courtney Fashionista

Make Today a HollyDay

Danielle Davis Style

Heel to Toe Chic

Thanks to Shop Swagger for hosting!

And for the exciting announcement...Tune in on ABC at 10pm to see some familiar faces and the ladies of Frill do their thing!