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

Restaurant Review: The Nook

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Total: 12.5/15

Summary: Better than average food, great service and a cozy atmosphere make this one of my favorite coffee shops in the area.

For the full review, hit the jump!

Restaurants hit hard by increasing food prices

Here's a great article from Business Today (a local and monthly publication) about how Lake Norman restaurants are handling the increases in food prices. Are they passing along the increased prices to the customer? Are they taking losses on some dishes? Read on to find out!

Business Today talked to three of my favorite places: Alton's, Galway Hooker and Ferrucci's Deli. If you like food in the LKN area -- this is a must read!

http://www.businesstodaync.com/Wholesale_food_prices_pinch_bottom_line_at_local_eateries-a-1535.html

The Whole Foods Rap

I'm back from an unannounced hiatus!  Sorry for disappearing like that.

However, to make it up to you, I wanted to pass along this Whole Foods rap!  If you miss Whole Foods like I miss Whole Foods, then this viral video is for you!



Here's the link: http://youtu.be/2UFc1pr2yUU

Jogging for a GREAT CAUSE....

I need your help to spread the word about this event...

Coming up is a fun-run/walk at Jetton Park.  The event is fun, but the cause is serious.  In fact, it's heartbreaking.  I can't really do it justice, so here is some text that I've pulled:

The Kiffors, Jen, 25, a nursing school graduate, and Zack, a long time school age teacher at Gateway Academy and their 9 week old baby, Julian, are in the midst of a horrible family tragedy. The Lake Norman community is organizing to help them. 
Last December, Jen finished nursing school. She was hired by CMC Main in Charlotte and was supposed to start mid March, after giving birth to their son, Julian, in February 2011. However, when Jen’s “after pregnancy sicknesses” didn’t get better, she was diagnosed with a very rare cancer, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of the Kidney, which has sadly spread throughout her body. PNET is so rare that there is no cure. Jen has begun chemotherapy and is in the care of oncology doctors at Duke Medical Center.

From what I can tell, this event is meant to help their son Julian, with future costs of life / education. These are good people who have been dealt some of the worst cards ever. So, please join me, and hundreds of others, by participating in this event and helping a worthy and local cause.


Here's a link to the PFD poster: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B5x3_02a4jZbZGJhYmRhNjAtYzVlMS00NWY0LWFkODctYjY5Mjc1NWQ5NWNj&hl=en&authkey=CNGjzNUI

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Food Lion Going in the Wrong Direction

According to the article below, it sounds like Food Lion (a.k.a. Delhaize) will be converting most of its Blooms into Food Lion stores.  And honestly, I just can't understand the reasoning behind this.  Bloom stores are plainly superior to the sub-standard experience I usually get from my local Food Lion.

For those of you not familiar with Bloom.  Think of your local Harris Teeter.  I love my local Harris Teeter, and I know many others who do too. With large and fresh veggie selections, a nice meat and seafood department, selection of high-end cheeses, specialty items (like Indian and Thai foods) and large beer and wine selections, THIS is a place that knows how to make shopping enjoyable.

My few Bloom experiences were far superior to my usual Food Lion experiences.  I have two Food Lions near me, and usually this is my shopping experience.  Below are parts of some of my conversations that I've actually had at these Food Lions.

At the deli area:
Where's the fresh Parmesan?  No, I don't want the Kraft stuff stored at room temperature for 20 years.
Do you have any Black Forest Ham?  No?  Honey Ham?  No?  Any ham?
Do you have any good, crusty, bread -- like a French baguette or sourdough loaf?  No, not the Pepperidge farms breads -- REAL bread.

In the fruit and vegetable area:
Do you have any shallots? No, not scallops, shallots -- they're like little onions *sigh* never mind.

In the meat area: (assuming I can find a butcher, which isn't always the case.)
Do you have any non-farm raised (insert fish name here)?  No?  Didn't think so....
Can I get a boneless pork shoulder?  Not for another few days?


In the Dairy Aisle:
Why does it smell like sour milk?  Excuse me, sir? Your dairy refrigerator is over 60 degrees.  (His response:  "The refrigerator is on a DEFROST cycle."  When was the last time, you had to defrost your fridge?)

In the check-out area:
Sure, I'll help you bag my groceries.....

The Harris Teeter closest to me is always packed with people.  While the local Food Lions are comparably empty?  Why?  My guess is the HT offers an enjoyable shopping experience, with a large selection of high-quality foods and an inviting atmosphere. And if I want to stock-up on cheap pre-packaged stuff (like soda or chips) I'll just head to Target or Wal Mart -- not Food Lion.

When Food Lion (a.k.a. Delhaize) created the Bloom brand several years ago, I had hoped that ALL Food Lions would eventually adopt the Bloom example of freshly prepared foods, high quality produce, large selections, and an inviting atmosphere.

Sadly, with this decision it looks like we'll be losing some excellent grocery stores -- and I'm guessing that closing Bloom stores is just the beginning of closings for Food Lion.  After all, when was the last time you heard your neighbor exclaim "I love my Food Lion!"  Yeah, me neither.

http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2011/03/15/food-lion-scales-back-bloom-brand.html