10 Reasons I'm Not a Real Foodie

Transitioning to a "Food" blogger is definitely difficult. However, I've always loved food. Food is the biggest determinants of my day. And sometimes my definition of good food can be the cheesiest, messiest nachos at my local sports bar. That being said, I have my likes and my dislikes and that might not always fit the mold of a true "foodie."

Here's why I'm not a Real Foodie

1.My idea for a snack at home is usually croutons or bell peppers.

2. You'll always find a frozen pizza in my freezer.

3. I hate all types of mushrooms. Sorry, Stroganoff, you'll never have a chance with me.

4. If I can't find the right ingredient to a recipe, I'll find a substitution. Even though feta cheese doesn't make a true elote.



5. Sometimes, I'll wing it and try a restaurant without even looking on Yelp or food blogs.

6. I don't savor every flavor. Sometimes, I just demolish an entire plate of chips and salsa without picking apart every flavor in the salsa.



7. I have my "go-to" recipes that I can always make well, otherwise, I'm not very innovative in the kitchen.

8. I'm not a know-it-all about foods. I love to learn and ask questions from serves and chefs, and even my boyfriend who knows a lot more about food than I do. Even if I do know more than someone dining with me about food, I'll never look down upon them or arrogantly tell them off.



9. If I can find a restaurant in that serves good food at reasonable prices, without much of an ambiance, I'll still frequent that more than the trendy joint that serves similar food for 2x as much.



10. Last but not least, I'm not a luxury-food snob. I enjoy food equally. I'll spend $14 on a bowl of mac & cheese while still loving my Kraft dinner at home.

Are you a foodie or just a food lover, like me?

(H/T to In a DC Minute for the inspiration to this post)

 

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Cheesetique - Great Comfort Food

It's now been 15 days of rain every day in D.C. I can't take it anymore! I thought it was April showers not May showers. When it's cold and dreary out, the only two things that make me feel better are yoga pants and comfort food. Cooking is not on that list. So last night, Andy and I ventured out to get some good comfort food (I wore leggings ;) ) Shirlington is one of my favorite areas to go out for date nights. The close second is Del Ray, Alexandria. Luckily, either place I could have chosen would have had the restaurant I was aiming for: Cheesetique!



Cheesetique is a specialty cheese shop and also a small restaurant and bar. They serve everything from cheese and charcuterie boards (a must!), to fondue, to mac & cheeses, and grilled cheeses. You can even pair your grilled cheese with a typical creamy tomato soup. I apologize in advance to any lactose-intolerant readers.

Cheesetique also offers a variety of deals for different nights, you have your typical happy hour from 4-7 every weeknight, but on Tuesdays you can get all bottles 20% off and Wednesdays they host "Wine Down Wednesday" which offers $5 house whites and reds (and they're great house wines). What I really enjoy about Cheesetique is that they give you great wine recommendations for each item on the menu. If there's one you really fall in love with, you can grab a bottle to take home from the store in the front!

Andy and I couldn't resist trying the tot poutine. If you don't know what poutine is, it's a Canadian dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a light brown gravy. I think I may be forever a tot poutine fan because the taters were the perfect complement to the poutine. I'm also pretty picky about my fries (give me steak fries!).





For our entrees, Andy opted for the Mac of the Moment which featured ham, spinach, and a signature blend of Asiago and Cocia Roma cheeses. The sauce is creamy and not oily, which is pretty hard to make a good mac sauce that doesn't separate. He especially liked the bread crumb topping to their dish as an added texture that's flavorful.

I decided to go for the grilled cheese. I was absolutely torn between the Sassy Goat and the Grown Up, a typical cheddar grilled cheese on sourdough. However, the Sassy Goat won in the end, and I'm so glad it did. It was honestly the best grilled cheese I've had in my life. And I don't say that lightly. The sandwich had chevre, bacon, avocado, roasted tomatoes, and a garlic aoili. All of this was served on grilled ciabatta bread. The flavors mixed perfectly without being too overpowering and the avocado was the best addition to a grilled cheese that I wouldn't have thought to do myself. 

 



I'm not a huge dessert person, but Andy is. When we took saw the dessert menu it was all over for me. They had cheesecake, of course, but we actually ended up going for the Key Lime Pie which is one of my weaknesses. I would have preferred more pie and less whipped cream, however, after eating my entire sandwich, salad, and some of Andy's mac, it was just enough for me. I loved the presentation and it was a great finish to my overindulgence day.



My favorite thing about Cheesetique is how it really feels like a neighborhood spot.

Cheesetique. Del Ray. 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301. 703-706-5300. Shirlington. 4056 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206. 703-993-8787. Ballston location coming soon!

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How to Get Reliable Feedback For Your Blog

So I've been blogging here at Alanna & Company for almost two years now. That's so crazy to think of how fast it flew by! Anyways, I'm always trying to improve my site to make it better for my readers, my viewers, and to keep me happy. I'm very visual and when things are hard to find, take too long to load, or aren't easy to navigate, I get frustrated. So I'm always looking to get reliable feedback about my blog.

Like I said earlier this week, I've reorganized and designed my site to make it more friendly to what I really want to be blogging about food & life, with a focus on restaurant and local reviews. I'm always curious what you guys think even if I'm totally in awe and love with my design, it might not be your favorite. Or you might have liked it better before.

So first of all, I want to open it up to you guys if you like the new design and look? I think that the navigation is a lot easier to find because I have two menus now. I have a landing page which highlights the main features of my blog, but also a blog page that looks like a typical blog layout. That's just me, what do you guys think?

Another way to get some great feedback, especially from people who aren't 100% familiar with blogs is a company called Peek. I heard about it a while ago from a fellow blogger over at Just the Elevator Pitch. Since then, I've been asking for Peek reviews every time I change my design.

Peek is a user-testing site that will let you submit your site to be reviewed. Someone will then review your site anonymously and give you a four-five minute video review of what they think of your site. And, it's free!



Be prepared for some harsh or awkward comments. When I reviewed my site, it took my reviewer a while to realize that I'm a food blog. So that made me rethink adding a sub-title under my blog header. He first thought I was a restaurant! He also commented that on my "About" page it looked weird because my sidebar was longer than the content (oh well!). However, I really find the review videos informative, especially because a lot of my friends and family aren't familiar with blogs, they might have a similar experience to a tester like this. Or you might get lucky and get a tester who is familiar with blogs! You never know.

So go check it out. You can submit your site for review up to 3 times per month.

Do you like to get feedback from your readers? How do you solicit feedback?

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Finally..an Announcement

Ah finally! I can let it out. I have an amazing announcement (some of you may already know about it)

but for the rest of you

Here comes the announcement

Starla, Andy and I are moving to Chicago!

......in 3 weeks!

It's been a crazy month of planning, discussing, organizing, but it's finally happening and I'm happy to say that publicly.

It's been a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and anxiety. But it's finally happening.

It’s been weird to not be able to share this with everyone as it was happening; something I've always done as a blogger. During the whole process, it was frustrating to make sure that I didn't spill the beans especially as I had told close family, some friends, but not everyone. Of course there were things that needed to be settled first like telling my job, telling my current apartment and roommate, etc.

We are moving to Chicago. I've always loved Chicago since the first time I've been there and can't wait to explore. Andy is super happy because we'll be closer to his family who live in the area and neighboring states.

We know where where we want to live. We had applied for one apartment but that fell through, unfortunately but we have a couple places were looking at now. The location is super pretty and walking distance from the beach and the lake, which should be perfect for Starla. Less concrete jungles for her.

I have a job! I secured a nice new job (and promotion!) right near the airport. Traffic won't be the best, but hey. It's Chicago.

In the meantime, we are...

Organizing and packing both of our places. Making sure we don't both pack duplicate things.

Perfecting our timing of how to move out of two separate apartments while picking up things from my parents' house on the way. Someone wish me patience and strength.

Preparing for driving the 12 hours to Chicago. In a rental truck, with a dog.

Phew. That's so great to get off my back! I also want to say that I have to apologize for the randomness of the posts recently. I haven't been feeling super inspired, probably because my new focus is on local restaurant reviews, recipes, and drinks and I'm moving. So I promise I will refocus and have more consistent content coming soon. If you've noticed, I've changed around some of the navigation that would be more fitting for my site. Love you guys!

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Burger Tour + Giveaway!

Disclaimer: The information, gift card, gift pack and giveaway have been provided to me by Hard Rock International. #WorldBurgerTour

Nothing says "Summer" more like burgers and BBQs. I wish the weather has been more summery the past week, I'm ready for some 80 degree DC weather and cook-outs.

In the meantime, when it's still a bit dreary outside, you can head over to the Hard Rock Cafe for their limited World Burger Tour. This May through June, Hard Rock Cafe will feature burgers from around the globe like an English Breakfast Burger, Tandoori Chicken Burger, Greek burger, and more. Personally, I can't wait to try their Tango Salsa burger, a burger recipe inspired from Buenos Aires that will have andouille sausage, Monterey jack cheese, salsa criolla, and chips de batata. Yum!

Of course, no burger can go without some drinks. Hard Rock specially created cocktails that perfectly complement the burger offerings. Try their Sweet & Fiery cocktail with the ATOMIC! Burger both inspired by Las Vegas.

This year, Hard Rock is also offering a literal World Burger Tour which is a travel package that would tour you around to London, Athens, Buenos Aires, and Seattle for 10-nights. For more details, click here.

If you're not down with travelling you're crazy, I've teamed up with Hard Rock to offer a gift pack to one lucky reader in the US. The gift pack includes an oven mitt pair, apron, and spatula.

Hard Rock Gift Pack

What's your favorite summer food?

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In Defense of Millenials & Generation Y

Let me first start with describing Millennials.

Generation Y or Millenials are the generation of people born during the 1980s and up until 1994.

PSA: If you are 21 years old or below, you are not a Millennial. You are Generation Z or the iGeneration.

Now that we got that out of the way, let's get to the main issue I want to address today: Why Do Millennials Get Such a Bad Rap?



I was watching this video the other day from another millennial like myself, completely bash other millennials. She generalized that our generation "contributes nothing to society," "doesn't hold doors for ladies," "spends less time building [IRL] relationships," and disrespects our elders and our country.

Let me just say that I hate generalizations. Maybe she feels all those ways, but for her to project those feelings and actions upon me completely untrue. At every point, in the video, I could easily disagree with each and every single point. But this isn't the only time, I've seen this trend.

There's articles calling Millennials the "Me Me Me Generation," which say that "millennials lack the kind of empathy that allows them to feel concerned for others, but they also have trouble even intellectually understanding others’ points of view." Studies that report that millennials are seen as entitled.

Oh, wait. I'm not done yet. What about saying Millennials don't care about their careers?  It makes me want to scream.

Times are changing and with that so are people. The fact that I have solely "online" friends doesn't mean that I never communicate in real life, it just means I have better access to communicate with my friends, family, and acquaintances who aren't in a nearby vicinity. The fact that I have had three different jobs since I graduated college doesn't mean that I don't care about my career, it just means I'm figuring out what my dream career is and positioning myself to be successful in a lifelong career. The fact that our generation doesn't just hold doors for ladies, means that we are seeing women and men treated equally and everyone can hold a door for each other. The fact that our generation uses slang words like "bae" is just slang, like every other generation before us. The fact that we have unprecedented access to information using the internet and technology, doesn't mean that we're lazy and stupid, it means we have better access to understand and interpret the world.

We see things different. We have different opportunities than any other generation before us. And finally, ask your parents what they want for you or your siblings. Most likely they'll say that they want you to be better of than they were. If that's true, then why so much judgement upon the generation that we want to be better than the last? I for one, hope and know that Generation Z will be better of than our generations, and good for them.

Are you a Millennial? Have you ever faced criticism of your generation?

If you liked this post, you'll love this op-ed comic.

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DC Mother's Day Brunch Guide

Mother's Day is right around the corner (in case your mother hasn't reminded you yet)! Is it me or does May always sneak up so quickly? If you're not big on cooking Mom some breakfast in bed, there are always great restaurants in Washington, DC open for Mother's day brunch. We all know nobody whips up a feast as good as Mom does, but these brunches sure come close! Treat her to some delish dishes at these eateries throughout the DC and Virginia areas:

Fiola

Surprise! Fiola offers brunch. But only on Mother's Day. Their special Mother's day cocktail is sure to please mom with some red-tea infused vodka, grapfruit and Cocchi Rosa. Their deal includes 2 savory courses and dessert plus a pastry basket for the table. Out of it all, I would look forward to the Strawberry Torta as a dessert the most! Don't worry if you fall in love with their brunch, it will be back for Father's Day! Fiola. 202.628.2888. 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. 

B Too

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What screams brunch more than Belgian cuisine? B Too is the sister restaurant to Belga Cafe located in Logan Circle. They have tons of unique waffles (duh!) and a pastry platter that will wow even the best baker Mom out there. Don't worry, Dad won't be disappointed either. He can pick from some hearty waffles like the Pulled Pork waffle or the Green Egg "McWaffle". See my full review of B Too's brunch. B Too. 202.627.2800. 1324 14th Street NW, Washington, DC. 

Tupelo Honey Cafe

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Do you have southern roots? Well so does Tupelo Honey Cafe. Tupelo Honey Cafe has locations all throughout the Southeastern United States. I actually think their Arlington location is their furthest up north! Special for Mother's day, they are offering a free dessert of either banana pudding, pecan pie, or their brand new strawberry shortcake. They'll also have a limited edition Mint Julep. Yum! Something I find adorable about them is that they are super family-friendly. They are actually providing Mother's day cards and crayons for children to decorate during their meal. Isn't that adorable? Tupelo Honey Cafe. 703.253.8140. 1616 N Troy St, Arlington, VA.

Copperwood Tavern

Copperwood Tavern is one of my favorite farm to table spots in Arlington. They have a great rustic decor and ample outdoor seating. It's one of my favorite spots to go because Shirlington is so dog-friendly that I can always bring Starla with me to the patio. Let's pray it stops raining here for mother's day. If you've never had a Scotch egg, this is the place to try one. It's a boiled egg wrapped in breakfast sausage, breaded and fried. Yum! Copperwood Tavern. 703.552.8010. 4021 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA.

Lavagna

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We all know how much I love Eastern Market. Lavagna has been one of my favorite places to go to for brunch ever since my best friend took me there for my first chicken and waffles. Treat mom to a couple bottomless (or not) mimosas or bellinis. You have a full spread of menu from savory to sweet options like their Nutella pancakes. As a plus, if the weather keeps up, you might be able to snag a table on their patio. Lavagna. 202.546.5006. 539 8th Street SE, Washington, DC, 20003.

Bar Civita

Bar Civita is tucked away in Woodley Park and is run by Chef Liam LaCivita, who used to work at Liberty Tavern in Arlington, one of my long term favorites. They will offer a brunch buffet and a la carte options for mother's day. The above photo is of their Marcellas Frittata in honora of Marcella Hazan that has spring veggies, provolone, and macaroni. Their french-press coffee is some of the best, I've had in the area. I drank it black! One thing, I need to go back and try is their homemade donuts, every brunch they change the flavors but some of their rotating options are chocolate-vanilla glazed, and maple bacon yeast donut. This well-rounded menu is sure to please everyone in the family. Bar Civita. 202.588.1211. 2609 24th St NW, Washington, DC.

Béarnaise

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Béarnaise is a french restaurant by Spike Mendelsohn. The menu is super indulgent featuring bottomless mimosas, Creme Brulee french toast, a handful of Bennie options, and even a Pig's Feet Hash. If you're there, I wouldn't pass up the french toast. Béarnaise. 202.450.4800. 315 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC.

Bar Deco

Click to see my full review of Bar Deco's brunch. Bar Deco is a great option if you're in the Chinatown area. It's a beautiful three story building plus the only rooftop in all of Chinatown. Their menu has a gluten-free option of Egg White Frittata with Lox and Arugula. They also have bottomless mimosas if that's something you're into. Bar Deco. 202.774.5867. 717 6th St NW, Washington, DC.

What do you have planned for Mother's Day this year? 

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How I Tackle Stress

Dislaimer: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BioreCharcoal #CollectiveBias

Phew. There is so much to do this month! It's already starting to stress me out. Like I mentioned in a post a couple weeks ago, I'm a meeting planner for my day job and we typically run on 12-16 month timelines so having a 30-day timeline really stresses me out. I know some of you will probably think I'm crazy because I can definitely get ready for a move within thirty days. There's the organizing, getting rid of things I don't need, packing, signing my new lease, and more. Yikes. Moving is the worst!



My skin can be very sensitive to changes in water. I noticed this a lot when I traveled to Chicago a few weeks back. Even just with a few days of showering and washing my face in new water, I broke out all over my chin. It's something I'm absolutely worried about when I move. In addition to the stress of a move, having a full break out is something I don't want to worry about.

How I Tackle Stress

To prepare for upcoming stress, I always like to pamper myself a little bit. Last Friday, I took the evening to have a girl's night in (me and Starla) and make a spa night for myself. I took care of my poor feet and gave myself a mini-facial. I've recently been hearing all about the new Charcoal line from Bioré and about how they can clean 2x better than a basic cleanser. So I picked up their Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser and Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimizer. I wash  my face with the cleanser every day and then supplement my routine with the pore minimizer about 2-3 times per week. Game changer!



One thing that I'll note is that if you're like me and have a nose-ring, I always stray away from anything that has micro-beads because they can easily get stuck in my nose ring. This Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimizer uses micro-crystals, but they are absolutely serious about the micro part. I haven't had an issue with them irritating my nose ring.



You can purchase Bioré products right at your local Walmart in the Personal Care aisle. I love that the Bioré Charcoal line is formulated for oily skin because the cleanser really does keep the oil under control without over drying my skin. It leaves my skin smooth and ready for a light face of make-up using just a bit of mascara, eyeliner, and blush.





With this new skin care routine, I'm positive that I'll be able to tackle my move and combat breakouts during the whole process.

Do you prep your skin for future stress? Have you ever tried a charcoal mask?

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