Thursday, March 4, 2010
Huge Burgers and Onion Rings
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Return of the Kin- ahem, Contessa
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Contessas Welcome Sarah Carlson
Hello All Southwest Virginia Foodies!
My name is Sarah Carlson and I had the honor, neigh the privilege, of accompanying the Blacksburg Contessa on one of their food adventures. You see, it was the last week of school before Christmas break and Olga had already left for that strange state of Texas, so Molly and Katherine invited Lauren Flynn and me to fill her void. Considering that we are the almost exact definition of opposite (she barely hits 5 feet, I try to stay under 6) hopefully we did a decent job.
This Wednesday, we went to Our Daily Bread Bakery and Café. We hoped it would be good considering there's that whole Jesus reference and it would really suck if they let Jesus down now wouldn’t it? When you look at it, it doesn’t seem like there would be much. But behind a beautiful array of snowscapes painted on the glass by local artists there lies a very large bakery and café that probably has any type of carb you are looking for. Now the prices aren’t exactly cheap (~ $7-9 dollars), but the food is quite unique and very tasty. On this cold day, Katherine, Molly and I got the same thing, because we have the issue of liking the same things. We got tomato soup and turkey paninis with yummy hummus that really hit the spot on a cold December day. Lauren ever the dare devil got a quiche, which was also delicious. The booths, if you can get one of them, are nice and big and really help you feel separated from the hustle and bustle and allow you to enjoy your lunch and lunch mates more thoroughly. If you can’t get a booth then there are a couple of tables but not that much seating.
Now just to warn you, if you are like me and have a tendency of getting hit on by old men, the pickings are prime here. As I was getting water, this one old guy came up to me and commented on my water-attaining skills. Apparently, back in his day men looked for women had good ability of finding water and getting it for the family (how old was he??). But don’t let that scare you, the workers there are really nice and the whole atmosphere really got me into the holiday spirit. Since we were feeling so good, we decided to get some desert as well. Molly and I got delicious canollis and latte which made me feel like I should hop on a Vespa and ride the hills of Tuscany…but that might be because I always want to. But the most wonderful thing was not the food but when was Lauren Flynn turned on one of those robotic singing stuffed animals by accident. It was a dog with big floppy ears and moved when he sang, looking at the joy on little Lauren warmed my heart.
I feel like that best sums up Our Daily Bread: warm, and I think Jesus would be pleased with that. Until next time!
Carlson
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Just Sayin'
Just sayin'.
Too Early...??
Last Wednesday began with excitement as Olga, Molly and I ventured to Alpha Pizzeria for our weekly lunch date. Olga and I took notes from afar (the car) as we waited for Molly in the parking lot. Blinky neon sign, check. Greek pizza special, check. Festive Christmas cutouts on the window, check. I had written a full page of notes on my handy VT notebook before we realized that the pizzeria was indeed closed. Apparently it WAS too early for an Alpha lunch. Keep in mind this is a Wednesday at 12:30. Now, I get tired of chain restaurants and do appreciate the [attempted] authenticity of locally owned restaurants. However, there is no need to imitate the two hour lunch breaks and siestas of European culture, especially when you run a restaurant. That said, the pizzeria did look very promising, and I'm sure when we eat there it will be well worth the wait.
We arrived at El Rods in style; ready for salsa and incredibly loud Mexican music. I decided to try something new, the Chilaquiles. Olga got the same, and Molly chose the soft Chimichanga. Both were amazing, or should I say, “asombrar!”
While we talked about our dream jobs and future plans, we wondered if it was too early for a margarita… and then took a poll of the rest of the restaurant. Exactly half of the customers didn’t think so. Including a group of 30-something women at a table a couple booths behind us. We couldn’t see them, but we could hear them… This brought up what we will be like and where we will be in 10 years. We’re already wearing Christmas sweaters… I’m not exactly sure what that means for our futures.
Our mutual love of Cru videos came up in the conversation, so we ventured to the Comm lab to watch our favorites. In between Brad’s Cru Emcee video and Whit’s epic fall retreat promo, the other girl in the lab said to Molly and me (Olga had left the room), “Hey, aren’t you the Blacksburg Contessa girls?” Whoa. But wait, you say. Olga probably told her about it. No! According to Olga, she has never shown her our site. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a following. Congratulations on being part of something big.
Although our day didn’t go as planned, it couldn’t have been better. Apparently spontaneity is another love of the Blacksburg Contessa.
Until next time!