Now that Turkey Day has ended, and my belt has gone out another few notches, what am I going to do with all those leftovers??  Or here's a better question: What are YOU going to do with all those leftovers??  To help with that question, here's a link to SFgate.com that gives a bunch of recipes for use with Thanksgiving Leftovers.  Enjoy!  Click here for one of my favorites, or go here:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/11/24/Thanksgiving_leftover_recipes.DTL

My Hiatus Explained

If you've been following me for the past 2.5 years, you know that I spent much of my non-foodie time trying to find a job.  Things started picking up December last year, and after a few months I found myself writing freelance for some local papers.

I'm not really a writer by trade, but it was something to help supplement the income, while I continued my employment search -- which was bordering on 3 years.  Finally this past August, I landed a really good gig.  So I threw myself into my job to establish myself.  I have, and I am really enjoying it.

I enjoy my widely varied tasks at this nonprofit venue, I like my co-workers, and my boss rocks!  So, now that I've been working there for a couple of months, I'm going to come back to my Foodie roots. 

Over the next few months I'll be updating the website, getting some new reviews up, and I might even start writing for a local magazine! 

So, stay tuned.  I'll keep you in the loop!

Casual Dining Chains Losing Ground to Fast Casual Eateries?

Here's an interesting article from The Chronicle that talks about the declining sales of casual dining restaurants (i.e. Chili's, Applebees, Ruby Tuesday, etc.) and about the rise of fast-casual restaurants (i.e. Panera, Qdoba, FiveGuys, etc.)

I think it hits on a good point.  About a decade ago, I wouldn't think twice about eating at Chili's or Applebees.  Now, I can't remember the last time I ate at one.

On the other hand, I routinely visit Qdoba and Panera, at least a couple times a month for each.  I go for three reasons. Quicker. Cheaper. Better tasting food.

So, have your eating habits changed?  If so, why?

Here's the article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/07/04/BUH41K55TP.DTL

Wine Wednesday: Beringer Chardonnay

The other day at the local Harris Teeter, I ran across a bottle of Beringer.  I've heard of Beringer for as long as I can remember, but I don't think I've actually TRIED a Beringer.

So, when I saw this 2009 Chardonnay on sale for about $8, I decided to pounce.

I'm seriously glad I did.

To the nose, it has a light feel -- like that of a sauvignon blanc.  It's smell mostly consisted of citrus and pear, with an acidic twinge that only 14% alcohol can bring.

The taste, however, was completely different.  Though it had the citrus and pear I was expecting, it had a yummy oaky flavor and creamy mouth-feel.  Yeah, it's a full-bodied wine, but the taste of alcohol was negligible.  Good for me!  Bad for my liver.  :)

It has become one of my go-to wines for the foreseeable future.

Rating: 
Score: 4/5

Price: $ (under $10)

Wine Info:
2009 Chardonnay
Beringer, Founders' Estate
www.beringer.com