Chillin at The Castello Plan

After a hectic Thanksgiving weekend filled with family time and travel, we were ready for a very quiet and lazy Sunday.  So we decided to try a quaint new restaurant right on Cortelyou Road -

The Castello Plan.

We watched as this place was constructed throughout the start of the year, and have been curious about it for a while.  We heard that they don't have an actual kitchen, so we were a bit wary of their menu.  But today seemed right for an adventure.  :)  And we were pleasantly surprised!  The decor is so homey and relaxed, and the menu is limited but appetizing.  They make all the dishes in pans on a range at the bar, so the whole place is filled with the aroma of whatever was just ordered.  DJ tried the duck confit and Mel had a tomato/goat cheese omelet - both delicious!  

 We're glad we finally got around to giving The Castello Plan a chance; we'll definitely try to go back for one of their live jazz nights!

Thanksgiving - Turkey Triumph!

SUCCESS!!!!

Last month, DJ saw a turkey recipe in Bon Appetit that he said we absolutely must try for Thanksgiving - a bird brined in a mix of Guinness beer and salt water, then basted with a barley malt concoction.  

 

He researched, he refined, and on the big day he made the best turkey ever!  The meat was extremely tasty and juicy, and the skin was browned to perfection.  It looked just like the picture in the magazine.  Even Mel, who usually avoids turkey on Thanksgiving Day, couldn't resist seconds (and sneaky snack bites from the fridge later in the day).  

Quite a proud cooking day.  :-D

Monthiversary Munchies

Just when Mel thought DJ couldn't surprise her any more... SURPRISE!  lol  In the midst of all the holiday excitement, he remembered that the 22nd marks a Monthiversary (term coined by Mel; definition self-explanatory; contract with Webster's Dictionary pending).  So we splurged on some delicious Scandinavian food and drink at Aquavit, Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant in Midtown.

Aquavit is known for its homemade vodka (and therefore extremely well-mixed cocktails), as well as excellent food pairings.  So we tried the Smorgasbord plate to taste a little bit of everything: smoked salmon, venison, potato pancake, shrimp salad, Swedish meatball - all fabulous! 

Riingo Brunch

Manny and Hirut were in the city for a Broadway show, so we had a chance to meet up with them for a nice Sunday brunch at Riingo.

The decor is quite modern and cozy, and the wait staff is extremely friendly.  We didn't feel rushed at all, which says a lot for a Sunday brunch time (which tends to be a quite hectic).  The girls went for savory dishes: Mel had a ham and gruyere sandwich and Hirut tried the lobster pasta.  Both delicious.

The guys went for sweeter plates: Manny opted for French toast and DJ had the pancakes.  We all agreed the pancakes were among the best we've tasted. 

Such a great way to start the Thanksgiving week!!  :)

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! - Engagement Euphoria

AHHHHHHHH!!!  So, DJ was quite busy scheming it seems!  For the past few months, he was planning a most wonderful engagement surprise for Mel's birthday.  He proposed in the morning (with the assistance of an Ernie doll :-D), and then whisked Mel over to The Farm on Adderley for a surprise birthday brunch with both our families there!!!  After enjoying some wonderful breakfasty foods, we headed back to the apartment for some cake and good times.  Quite honestly the best birthday, actually.... the BEST DAY ever!!! 

Peru in New Jersey

For a little pre-birthday celebrating, we headed out to Elizabeth, NJ to see the wonderful Rabines family (and squeeze Ava's cute cheeks!).  They surprised us by treating us to an AWESOME Peruvian feast at one of their fav places - Rocky's.  Every single dish was delectable.  It was like a little Thanksgiving for 4!

Wind Down at Wined Up!

What better way to spend a Friday evening than with good friends at a wine bar!  We met up with Carole, Liz, and Rich at a cute spot called Wined Up, not too far from Union Square.

The wine selection is quite extensive, and all the food was delicious!  We all sampled a mini pizza and a cheese plate, and then DJ tried the pasta, Liz opted for risotto, Carole took on the chicken, and Mel combined appetizers to try a bit of crab cakes and a bit of salmon avocado rolls.  Fun times!

 cool wall of wine!

 awesome pizza... with bacon!

 crab cakes and salmon avocado rolls

risotto

 chicken a la Frenchie

fab pasta with meat sauce

We Love Pittsburgh!!

Mel finally got to check out DJ's old stomping grounds!  :)

First stop: Mad Mex for the best margaritas on the planet (and half-off food after 11 p.m.).  DJ went here at least once a week during his "poor college student" days.

 

Next stop: Fuel and Fuddle for some classic diner-type food and great atmosphere!  Mel was in love at first sight because they carry Ithaca Apricot Ale.  Woo!

 

Last stop: Church Brew Works - a beautiful old church converted into a brewery.  'Nuff said.  :)

 

 Of course we didn't just eat and drink.  Before we took off for home we checked out plenty of the cool sights.   
WE LOVE PITTSBURGH!