Impromptu Picnic

The same evening Liz and I had an impromptu date night at Six Plates, we decided that we were going to finally give in and seek out some North Carolina style BBQ (vinegar based as opposed to the tomato based found in Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City). It has been over two years for Liz and just over one for me since we moved to the state. It was overdue for both of us. We decided on Bullock’s upon the recommendation of my coworkers. Connoisseurs or the North Carolina style.

Initially, I had planned to pick m’lady up on my way home from work and have a sit down supper at Bullock’s. As I have found in the past, things don’t always go as planned. Bullock’ closes at 8:00 pm. I ended up leaving work at 6:35 pm. 30 minutes away. I was convinced that I could make it. Then I got in my car and the gas light was on. Great. I made a b-line to the gas station to fill up as I ran through the options. “OK, it is 6:50pm. This will happen”, I thought as I hit the gas on I-40 west.

7:20 pm – Stopped at Whole Foods for a personal portion of Bota Box cabernet and two individual bottled beers.

7:27 pm – Called Bullock’s and placed a take-out order for BBQ brisket and pork. Each meal came with three sides so… baked beans, green beans, potato salad, pasta salad, fruit and macaroni and cheese.

7:29 pm – Called Liz. “You know my favorite bar key? Please grab that, a blanket and I will pick you up in five minutes.”

7:38 pm – With Liz in tow, we arrived at Bullock’s to pick up the order. In all of the hustle and bustle, what did I forget? Bullock’s only takes cash. But I got this far! Thankfully, an exception was made.

We parked at Duke Gardens, and carried our North Carolina BBQ and booze to the Asian section of the 55-acre gardens. Sat down (finally), and enjoyed a sunset supper. Sometimes things do work out for the best. 

Six Plates

It seems to happen every time Liz or I go out of town for more than a few days. We want to spend as much quality time together as possible. Liz had that in mind when she texted me saying that she was taking me on a date.

We ended up at Six Plates. Taking its name from the six seasonal offerings that rotate out bi-weekly on their menu, they also offer six suggested wines to pair with each plate. Liz had gotten the pleasure of visiting several times before, but this was my first. The following were enjoyed.

Grilled Farmhand Foods pork loin – herbed spaetzel - green beans - tomatoes - blackberry-demi glace - basil honey butter

Truffle frites – truffle oil - house made ketchup - parmesan

Pan-seared shrimp – caramelized onion polenta - avocado puree - tomatoes - shaved fennel - raspberry lemon-vin

Like Six Plates notes on their menu, the italicized ingredients above are all local. Throw in a bottle of Malbec and you have a nice date night.

As an added bonus, while we were finishing our wine, a gentleman walked in with a plastic bag of produce (presumably local) and marched directly into the kitchen. Local ingredients for the next plate. Just seeing that made the meal that much better. I don’t think it will be long before we return. 

Infused Vodka

A while back, a coworker of mine graciously gave me a bunch (more like a bush) of rosemary. To be honest I held on to it for a couple of days. What in the world am I going to with these… limbs?

In short, I used the woody stems as skewers for shrimp, roasted chicken with the sprigs, and boiled mashed potatoes with the leaves. However, the approach that I anticipated the most was infusing vodka.

We combined 750mL of vodka with one 9” rosemary sprig and two 5” lavender thingies (isn’t “thingies” a standard recipe measurement?). Side note: Liz has named her lavender plant Lilly. I support it. We let it do its thing for 3-5 days and tested daily to get a gauge of where our herbal preference was. Yes, I thought testing daily was excessive too, but the infusion takes unusually large strides that are very interesting to the palette. When we found our preference we strained the concoction. It tasted great. I was proud of my liquid Frankenstein.

This is the point that I want to say,  "go try it" or “you’re welcome”. Except - You know when you have a beautiful bouquet of flowers and after a few days they start to wilt but aren’t yet dead? Yeah, it started to taste like that.

It wasn’t you science experiment. It was me. Maybe I didn’t do something right.  Maybe I didn’t show you enough love. However, you’re still going down the drain. Next experiment, hot pepper infused Whiskey. I’ve got high hopes for this one.

Wedding Season

For the first time I have found myself experiencing what people oh-so-often refer to as “wedding season”. Recently, Liz and I traveled to New Hampshire to attend a wedding. It was an enjoyably exhausting, whirlwind weekend involving lots of love and libations. Go-carts and batting cages. Family, fun and the Little League Baseball mascot Dugout.

One of my favorite images to come from that wedding was one of my grandfather with his arm around Liz.

Next up:

Oklahoma - Headed back home for the first time in just over a year. The first time since I moved to Durham will be to stand by my wonderful friend’s side as he gets married.

Michigan - A beach wedding on Lake Superior where Liz’s mom will be officiating. For the first time, during the summer, I will get to join Liz in the place that she has visited every summer of her life.

Oklahoma - Straight from Michigan, and back to Oklahoma to see my little sister get married. The youngest of four is blazing the trail to the alter for the rest of us.

Geez, none of these are even my wedding and I’m already exhausted. I can’t wait though.