http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:07:26 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I've always enjoyed the Olympics. This year's games are even more exciting because they are being held just up the road from me in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia! To celebrate opening ceremonies, I wanted to make a special cocktail appropriate for the occasion. What could I make? A quick internet ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2010/02/14/vancouver-2010/ My parents called me at work the other day and said excitedly, “We’re downstairs! At that waffle place!” Huh? Oh yeah, that waffle place. The one right below my office that I walk past nearly every day. Sweet Iron Waffles has been open for several months now but, ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2010/01/28/chow-alert-sweet-iron-waffles/ Robert and I had a fantastic dinner last night at Anchovies & Olives. Halfway through, we had already declared it the best meal of the year! Like many dining establishments, Anchovies & Olives was doing a special prix fixe menu for New Year's Eve - five courses at $75 per ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2010/01/01/best-meal-of-the-year/ Inspired by the Spanish cooking class Robert and I attended last summer, my family decided to do a big Spanish feast for Christmas Eve dinner. It was one of the more hectic cooking experiences I've had. Since my sister couldn't make it for the full day of cooking, and since ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2009/12/27/christmas-eve-2009-a-spanish-feast/ After running a few errands around the neighborhood, Robert and I decided to swing by Po Dogs for a snack. Po Dogs is a brand new gourmet hot dog shop that opened up just down the street from us. Po Dogs' toppings range from old classics to wacky. If you're ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2009/11/22/chow-alert-po-dogs/ To thank me for working some magic on one of his old tax returns, Robert took me out for dinner at Harvest Vine. Harvest Vine is a popular tapas restaurant located in the Madison Valley neighborhood. Opened in 1998 as a small gourmet take out and wine shop, Harvest ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2009/11/15/dining-out-harvest-vine/ One of my favorite things to do in October is sample the season's freshest crop of pumpkin ales. Robert and I tried to attend Elysian Brewery's "Great Pumpkin Beer Festival" earlier this month, but it was insanely crowded. I guess I'm not the only one who looks forward to pumpkin ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2009/10/24/pumpkin-ale-roundup/ Several months ago, I came across this irresistible-sounding recipe for Jamaican Veggie Patties. It comes from Bryant Terry’s new cookbook: Vegan Soul Kitchen. Jamaican patties are traditionally filled with ground beef, but this vegan version features a delectable mix of vegetables cooked in coconut milk and sweet spices surrounded by ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2009/10/04/jamaican-pot-pie/ I recently went out to celebrate a friend’s birthday with dinner at Via Tribunali followed by drinks at Tavern Law. Tavern Law is the latest "speakeasy style" bar to open up on Capitol Hill. When I think of a speakeasy, I imagine someplace secret or at the very least subtle. ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2009/09/15/cocktail-hour-tavern-law/ Robert and I recently spent a few days backpacking at an amazing and somewhat secretive location. It was a tough hike over boulders and steep slopes with barely a trail to follow, but we were rewarded with absolute solitude, perfect weather and, of course, delicious homemade meals! Each trip to ... http://www.elliemay.com/wordpress/2009/09/06/wilderness-grub-curried-dal/