A Royal Wedding

Like many around the world, I woke up this morning at 2AM to watch the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  While I'm still a little bleary eyed from the past 3 to 4 hours of coverage, I wanted to show a few of my favorite shots of the happy couple and the gorgeous, Grace Kelly-esque dress designed by Sarah Burton, creative director at Alexander McQueen (yes, mom - I was right about that one).  I can't stop looking at the pictures in awe.  What a lovely couple.

Have a royal weekend :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Staple & Fancy

After lusting over the menu at Ethan Stowell's Staple and Fancy since it's opening last year, I finally decided it was time to try it out.  My excuse?  It was Stefanie's birthday, and also the last week of Seattle Restaurant Week.  Perfect timing.  We arrived promptly at 5PM (if only there was an early bird special) and I was immediately impressed with the exposed brick walls and relaxed vibe of the space.  For starters, the plates kept coming filled with samples of 6 different appetizers.  I was full after the first course!  For our main dishes, we both had pasta (my gnocchi was amazing), and of course couldn't leave without trying the ricotta cheesecake (one of the best I've ever had).  I would highly recommend checking out this place (or any of Ethan Stowell's other restaurants in the city) and if you're bold, go with the chef's choice tasting menu for $45.  From what I've heard, you will not be disappointed.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Water for Elephants

Last night, Leslie and I went to see Water for Elephants.  I had read the book a few years back and loved it, so I was pleasantly surprised that this was one of those movies that lived up to all of my expectations.  The cast was excellent (especially Rosie the elephant) and I couldn't take my eyes off of Reese's gorgeous outfits.  I came across these pictures from the May 2011 issue of Vogue that capture the feeling and beauty of the film so perfectly.  They make me want to ride around in a fabulous designer gown on top of a four ton elephant and look just as elegant as Reese.  If only.....

xoxo,
stephanie marie

A Fond Farewell

the crew

Last Thursday, the poker crew got together to say goodbye to one of our own.  Jaison is moving on to bigger and better things in New York City, and I couldn't be more happy for him - and jealous.  We bid farewell at our most frequented after-poker establishment, Teddy's on Roosevelt, which houses many memories from the past 3 years.  It makes me sad to think that when I walk into Holden's house for the next poker night, I won't see my "partner", but I'm so excited for him to conquer Manhattan and start this new chapter in his life.  Jaison, I'll miss you buddy, but get that apartment ready cuz we'll be there to visit soon :)

holden

jaison in maddie's coat

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Tom Douglas Triple Coconut Cream Pie

One of my most favorite desserts in the world (aside from my Nana's chocolate cake) is Tom Douglas' Triple Coconut Cream Pie.  They serve it at virtually all of his restaurants and ever since the first bite, I've been hooked.  One of my favorite mid afternoon snacks is a bite-size pie for only $2 at the Dahlia Bakery.  It's only a few blocks from work, and in that sense, completely dangerous.  I decided to make the pie for our Easter celebration at my parents house this past weekend.  I used this recipe, and while the presentation was nothing like they serve at Dahlia, the intense and scrumptious coconut flavor was still there, making it the perfect ending to an already perfect meal by mom. 

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Happy Easter

page from my baby book of my first easter in 1985 (nice bonnet, huh?)

Happy Easter weekend everyone!  May your weekend be filled with eggs, bunnies, and family fun :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday, Nana

Today is my Nana's birthday, which she'll spend with her lovely daughter (my mama) having a fun and spoiled girl's day.  My Nana is one of the most generous people you'll ever meet, and her sense of humor keeps me laughing all day long - I like to think that's where I inherited it :)  She's one of the strongest women I know, and has such a big heart.  She makes a mean chocolate cake and knits the coziest blankets to keep you warm through the winter (or spring - as I type this, there are 2 covering my bed).   I wish I was there to help celebrate her day, but I know she'll be showered with love all day and weekend long.  I love you Nana!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Pasta Primavera with Pesto

Here's another one that I found in my Glamour magazine (April 2011 issue).  The dish was simple, especially when using pre-made pesto.  It had tons of fresh veggies, and you could substitute even more if you so desired.  I loved the smell of the garlic simmering in the oil, and dinner was ready in about 20 minutes - the most time consuming part was chopping the vegetables.  I loved how fresh and light it tasted, and it would be perfect with a chilled glass of white wine on a warm spring evening.  Enjoy :)

Ingredients
2 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 lb sugar snap peas
8oz dried spaghetti
1 cup prepared pesto
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 medium carrots, trimmed, peeled, and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt
Pepper

Instructions
1.  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Have ready a bowl of ice water.  Drop the broccoli and peas into the boiling water; cook until bright green and tender, about 1 minute.  Transfer vegetables with a slotted spoon to the ice water to stop cooking.  Once cooled, drain.
2.  Stir the pasta into the boiling water.  Cook according to package.  Drain pasta and transfer to large bowl.  While pasta is still warm, add the pesto and toss until combined.
3.  While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add the tomatoes and cook 1 minute.  Add the broccoli-peas mixture, carrots and a pinch of salt.  Cook veggies until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes.  Add them to pasta mixture and toss.  Season with salt and pepper, top with cheese, and serve.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

The Capital Grille

sliced filet mignon

Sunday night I decided to introduce my parents to Seattle Restaurant Week.  I let them choose the restaurant and we ended up at The Capital Grille, somewhere none of us had been.  I was so excited because I never cook steak for myself, even though I think there is not much better than a big juicy steak.  The ambience was formal, but our waiter put us at ease by making jokes about the public school system (not funny at a table of people in education) then quickly rectifying his mistake by bringing complimentary appetizers and after-dinner mini cocktails.  While many restaurants scale down the portion sizes or don't pick their top of the line dishes during restaurant week, The Capital Grille went all out with their biggest and best selections.  I couldn't have been happier (and neither could mom and dad).  A perfect way to start the week.

field greens salad with parmesan vinaigrette

14oz kona crusted dry aged sirloin (not the best picture, but you get the idea)

crème brûlée

xoxo,
stephanie marie

CSUnity

Every year, students and alumni of Colorado State University participate in a nationwide day of community service, aptly named CSUnity.  For the past two years, I've helped the Seattle chapter of CSU alumni organize this event for local alumni.  Both years we've volunteered at the North Helpline Foodbank distributing food to those in need and have had alumni at local grocery stores collecting additional food for the foodbank.  This past Saturday, 12 of us participated in this event in the Seattle area and were able to collect 200 lbs of food for the foodbank.  If you have a chance, please check out their website and if you're able to spend an hour or two helping out, or can pick up a few extra canned goods at the grocery store to drop off at your local foodbank, please do.  They're in desperate need of volunteers and supplies as the summer months approach (most people give during the holidays).  Put a smile on someone's face :)


xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dreaming of the Beach

This upcoming weekend is going to be jam-packed with volunteering at a local food bank, dinner with the parents, and going out dancing with the girls.  While I'm excited to see friends and family and do something good for my community, I long for the sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets, and general laziness of a tropical beach, paired with a salty margarita and my newest book club selection.  Oh well....a girl can dream! 

Have a fabulous weekend :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

picture of Hawaii sunset taken with Diana 2009

BBQ Chicken Chop Salad

While browsing through one of my favorite recipe blogs, Jackie's Joy, I stumbled upon this recipe for a BBQ Chicken Chop Salad.  While I've been craving more veggies, I thought this would be the perfect way to spice up my normal salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and Newman's Own Balsalmic Vinaigrette.  The salad was super easy to throw together, and the combination of the BBQ sauce and the ranch made it feel very homey and fresh.  I'll be making this one all summmer long.

xoxo,
stephanie marie

3 Little Words

You would be hard pressed to find 3 words in the English language more satisfying than "free ice cream."  Lucky for me, as I was walking home from a quick jaunt around Green Lake last night, I ran right into Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's (my 2 favorite men).  Free Ice Cream day comes around once a year as Ben & Jerry's scoop shops around the country say thank you to their customers.  I am an avid fan of the ice cream company - Susannah and I used to share a pint while watching Friends and Will & Grace in high school each week, and I even wrote a paper about the company in college.  After waiting 20 minutes in line (thank goodness it wasn't raining), I finally got my bowl of Phish Food, one of my favorite flavors.  It was well worth the wait (and also helps that the shop is right next door to my apartment building). 

Can't wait until next year!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Restaurant Zoë

Restaurant Zoë has been on my Seattle restaurant list for about 3 years now.  I've walked past it's Belltown location a hundred times, but for some reason I've never been able to drag anyone in with me.  When Leslie and I decided to get together to catch up over dinner during Seattle Restaurant Week, my first suggestion was Zoë, and I'm so glad she said yes.  The decor is chic yet homey (as seen above), and the menu was fabulous.  This place has definitely jumped up to the top of my Favorite Restaurants list, and I can't wait to go back for more yummy bites and refreshing drinks.  Go immediately, if not sooner.



spring flowers cocktail, bread, and dipping oil

bibb lettuce and ricotta gnudi

pork shoulder

alaskan true cod

ginger spice cake with pear and blood orange sorbet

37% goat cheese cake

xoxo,

stephanie marie



My Oh My!

Friday night was the Mariner's home opener, and in keeping with tradition, I met mom, dad and nana at the stadium for the game.  The highlight of the evening were the pre-game festivities honoring Dave Niehaus, the voice of the Mariner's who passed away this past winter.  The tribute was emotional, and his legendary "My Oh My" was imprinted just above 2nd base for everyone to see.  With a packed stadium (dad and I agreed that we had never seen that many people in line for a hot dog), a sunny afternoon, and a sense of spring in the air, it was tough to watch the team lose so horribly on Opening Day (giving up 10 runs in one inning!).  But with the season underway, I'm already excited to spend summer nights in the beer garden with good friends and a (hopefully) better team.  Go M's!

me and nana

the brand new street sign outside the stadium

my oh my

if only he was really that close

edgar and ichiro

the highlight of my night - rick, the peanut guy

xoxo,
stephanie marie