hot dog!

This may not be the fashionable thing to say, but...  I love a good hot dog.

I don't actually eat meat very often, but once every couple of months I have a ridiculous hot dog craving, and so... once every couple of months- we'll have a ridiculous hot dog dinner.  It's easy for a hot dog dinner to be sufficiently gross- so I've learned to follow a few basic rules before presenting this ballpark favorite to my family...

1. Most importantly, buy really great hot dogs.  

If you had to pick just one thing to be insanely picky about in life- it should be this.

2. Make them special.  

As in, fancy little baguettes instead of buns, a variety of mustards, pretty plates and fabric napkins, etc.

3. Serve them with something really fresh.  

I like a simple arugula salad with most every meal, but a nice tabouli, or quinoa salad would be great too.

And I ask you... What says "SUMMER" better than a tasty hot dog on the back porch at the end of the day?   :)

More than french fries...

Ready for the easiest, YUMMIEST scramble ever?

I'm talking potatoes infused with truffle oil, havarti cheese, fresh parsley and green onions- 

all mixed up with fresh eggs.  SO tasty.  But labor-intensive, no?  Not at all.  Because I've got a secret.

I picked up a side of truffle fries at Eureka Burger, chopped them into bits, scramble them with eggs, and that's it!  

Breakfast for dinner gone fancy.  In about ten minutes.  You're welcome.  ♥

NOVO love...

It's no secret that I'm a huge Novo fan. It's not just that I'm addicted to the spring rolls and the scallops... It's not just the incredible creekside setting... A few years ago the good folks at Novo even allowed me to invade their kitchen when I found myself tormented over the prospect of culinary school. They're the sweetest.

 Ok, the truth is, I love everything about Novo. I love that it's a fun, casual spot to catch up with girlfriends and share tapas. I love that I can roll in with a baby and stroller and know that no one's going to glare at me. And like that perfect versatile dress that transitions seamlessly from day to night, after dark Novo magically transforms itself into the most beautifully lit, romantic restaurant in town. I'm partial to the lavender cocktail and chocolate truffle desserts; best served on the terrace under big, twinkling trees.

Jeffrey likes to tease me for ordering their take-out all the time, because he thinks it's "fancy".  
Fine... it's a little fancy, but did you know that Novo offers its take-out orders at a 20% discount? 

 A happy customer is extra fancy!

I am a verrry happy Novo customer. Can you tell? :)

P.S.

HAVE A REALLY HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!  The weather is so beautiful.  Evy's performing with her baton troupe at the Madonna Inn tomorrow, and then...  Paso is calling our name.  What about you guys?  Do you have plans, or are you more the "wing it" type?