Over the past couple of days we learned that Book had developed a painful case of shingles As sad as I am about her leaving I can’t blame her for wanting to go back home after being gone from her family and friends for almost nine months. While in the United States Bookie attended high school and took part in the high school musical, Cinderella. Bookie enjoys singing in the choir as well as being in the musical. As one of Bookie’s close friends I am very sad to see her go but I know she is excited to see her family and friends.

Getting to know Book over the last couple of months has made my senior year very interesting. There was never a day that we didn’t explain something new to her at lunch. She always wanted to know what was going on in everyone’s life. Going out to eat with Bookie was always fun because we always went to the same place, Asian Grill and Buffet in Defiance. We never complained about going to the same place because Bailey and I both really enjoy the food there and Bookie loved it there because she said it reminded her of home. She was also our expert on the food and would be able to tell us what some of the stuff was and how to use our chop-sticks correctly.

When Bookie first arrived here in America she moved around at lunch and didn’t sit with the same table very often until one day she came up to our lunch table and asked if she could join. Of course we said yes, so she sat down and we all started asking her questions and explaining how things were said here in America. She said that she really liked sitting with us because we included her in our conversations. Knowing that some people were not as willing to let her sit with them and engage in conversation with her almost makes me angry. If I were to travel across the world and came to lunch where no one talked to me I would feel awful! Just knowing that she felt comfortable around us makes me feel very special.

Even though Bookie has returned to Thailand she still wants to keep in touch with us through Skype, facetime, Facebook, Twitter, Line, and Instagram. In this day and age it is so much easier to be able to keep in contact with her than it was even ten years ago. For that I am so grateful. Even with all of this technology I am still going to miss seeing her everyday and all of the laughing that took place at lunch, never a dull moment with Book around.

Chan ruk ter!

-Mom

Last Friday it was just my grandson, and I asked him if he’d like to have his friend Zach come over too and have lunch. It was a half-day of school. My granddaughter was going to a friend’s overnight. I wanted to respect his friend’s eating habits, as he’s vegan, so I took the boys to an Asian grill. Not sure that they’d like it, I was thrilled when they piled their bowls to heaping with vegetables of all sorts. B. had meat with his but Zach didn’t. I had to get a box to take about half of mine home and asked the boys if they wanted boxes too.

“No, Grandma,” B. said. “I’m going to eat everything.”

And he did. So did Zach. They used chopsticks (and their forks) to eat every last grain of rice. I was surprised that they left their bowls completely empty. B. has already asked to go there again. Both of these boys run cross country, and believe me, they can eat a lot. Both are slender and built well for running.

So it’s a Grandma day, and I love these days with all my heart. And just the other day I got to babysit for our 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter.

Lucky, lucky me.

Today’s “Way Back Wednesday” is Asian grill.

We marinated two pork tenderloins in  *teriyaki sauce. Julianne cut, red, green, yellow peppers, bok choy, some carrots, along with small cuts of broccoli, sugar peas and placed them separately in the same marinade. Then placed all of it over direct coals till tender with a nice char, along with pineapple kabobs. Then served over a bed of Asian rice.

*

• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 pinch ground ginger

The 2012 market season opens on May 30 and runs on Wednesdays 10am – 2pm through September 26, 2012. Visit our site again for updates on our 2012 season.

AARPHour
AARP members receive a 10% discount on all purchases made between 10am – 11:30am. Welcome AARP!

Local farmers of vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs and poultry.  Highly featured are artisan jewelers, crafts persons, fair-traders, chefs of hot foods, bakers and more.

Our weekly market is open to the public.  It is sponsored in part by John Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus and by the National Children’s Study Maryland Study Center.

The only word under which I can group all the food standouts I devoured over the last week is “potluck.” What a mish-mash of comestibles! No real theme, but a prevalence of cakes and pies. (No surprise there.)

We’ll save the sweet stuff for dessert.

I enjoyed three savory dishes over the last week that all deserve a mention here and a trial by my readers. First up was scallion pancakes at Asian Grill, a tiny little hole-in-the-wall eatery in a strip center. Although a smattering of ordinary Chinese-American dishes are included on the menu for timid eaters, Asian Grill specializes in cuisine from Shanghai.

Though the flavor was a bit like a potato pancake, the texture was not. A quick online search confirmed that Shanghai-style scallion pancakes have a flour base. They arrived in pizza-shaped slices, apparently cut from a single very large pancake. Each thin piece was perfectly crispy on both sides and tender inside, with a very nice green onion flavor and a tangy, thin dipping sauce alongside.

The xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, were also tasty, though I didn’t capture a good photo. What’s a soup dumpling? Envision a typical purse-type dim-sum dumpling, filled with standard goodies but also an ultra-rich broth. Asian Grill’s owner instructed us to poke a small hole in the dumpling and suck out the broth to avoid messy chins and shirts.

18 Seaboard is a perennial favorite of mine. How I’ve never managed to have the Snead’s Ferry she crab soup until one lunch hour last week I’ll never know. Run of the mill she crab soups usually consist of a thick puree with a cloying amount of sherry, the crab nearly taking a back seat. 18 Seaboard’s version was extremely well seasoned and had a large dollop of crab meat chunks floating on the surface, just waiting to be stirred in. Some of the best I’ve had.

The next savory notable was a wonderful pasta from Midtown Grille. (Yay for Triangle Restaurant Week!) Our ingratiating server kept asking how I was enjoying the “fettucce,” which I thought was his irritating mispronunciation of fettuccine — but it turns out fettucce is a slightly wider variation of fettuccine. Learn something new every day … This one was house-made and hearty, flecked with bits of black truffle. At least two types of sauteed mushrooms, wilted arugula, olive oil, truffle oil and finely grated piave rounded out the satisfyingly rich pasta dish.

We’ll move into the pie realm, but with a savory version courtesy of Piebird. I was thrilled to see tomato pie on the specials board. I make it myself often during the summer. It’s a simple but satisfying concoction of fresh tomatoes, cheddar, basil and mayo baked into a pie shell. I like it best cold.

Piebird’s tomato pie was a much richer variation featuring goat cheese and a balsamic reduction, and far fewer tomatoes than mine. (Is there anything as heady as warm, melted goat cheese?)

Now, on to the cakes!

It’s late and I’m running out of steam, so you’ll have to satisfy yourself with brief descriptions and luscious photos.

18 Seaboard’s summery strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting and berries on top and in between layers …

Midtown’s dense, rustic Italian chocolate torte …

Piebird’s cool chocolate cream pie … (Chocolate cream is not a favorite of mine, but I was blown away the first time I tried Piebird’s. And my second piece was just as good.)

Sitti’s light-as-air yellow cake with pistachio whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and marshmallow drizzle …

And a really fantastic tiramisu cake our friend Ann made for friend Paige’s birthday dinner, complete with a try-it-yourself recipe …

Sweet dreams!

Pollen or not, the warmer weather has gotten me in the mood for butterflies and flowers.  So, I rummaged through the bins in the attic and found my darling Easter egg tree and rabbit that talks and moves its cottonball tail.  Just in time for spring, I signed up to receive FREE “Creative Ideas” magazines and various newsletters (e.g. weekend projects, energy solutions) through Lowes.  (www.lowes.com/subscribe)

I finally visited the new Whole Foods on Six Forks Rd and fell in love.  What other store can brag this way?  “Water in our toilets comes from our 10,600 gallon cistern, which harvests rainwater.”  My family rolls their eyes even more now that I have ventured further into greenness by trying my first organic/green glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, shampoo, and facial cleanser.  When you’re there, grab some 2% Fage yogurt and get an easy 17 grams of protein!  And say hello to Dwayne with the ponytail.  But skip the bacon and egg Easter candy – a chocolate egg with a bacon and chocolate truffle center.  I can’t give my honest opinion since my anti-pig stance prevents me from tasting the stuff, but even my cousin Tommy, who owns a bacon wallet and bacon wall clock, turned his snout up to it.  The hot bar and salad bar offer tons of choices for $7.99 per pound.  Monty suggests getting no bone-in meat and to limit starches, as these increase the weight and price of the plate.  But don’t leave without a white chocolate raspberry brownie.

Still chipping away at the ol’ consumer debt, like with my federal income tax refund, I put all of my state income tax refund towards my credit card with the smallest balance.  I am proud to say that the smallest balance is now under $1k!  I just might have to crack open a bottle of Three Wishes to celebrate!  (Three Wishes wine is carried by Whole Foods at $2.99 per bottle.)

Recently, I used a manufacturer’s coupon for $1.50 off of Tide laundry detergent, redeemed an Asian Grill Groupon coupon ($10 for $20 worth of food), and enjoyed a FREE appetizer at The Flying Biscuit Cafe.  I was unable to use a Filtrate coupon at Target because they didn’t have the size air filter I needed, but Filtrate filters were on sale $2 off AND a register coupon printed for $3 off a Filtrate filter.  Imagine my luck!  Nikki, Dave, Andrew, and I were able to redeem coupons for $1.50 off our dinner buffets at Sweet Tomatoes.

I finally tackled the organize-the-pantry project.  I purchased from Walmart three plastic containers – $2.64 for the large one and $1.97 for two smaller ones – to separate light bulbs and batteries.  No more cardboard boxes and bulky packages.  My daily planner was bursting at the seams with coupons, so I invested in a purple expanding file to house them.  I found this at Walmart, also, for $4.47.

Fun Facts:

Dave Ramsey is now on Twitter!  (www.twitter.com/daveramsey)

Twisted Fork offers BOGO desserts every Friday night.  (www.thetwistedfork.com)

Borders Central Raleigh’s store (Six Forks Rd and Wake Forest Rd intersection) Final Days Sale is still underway.  Prices have been slashed 60-80%.

Got an extra $25?  Check out Kiva – a nonprofit organization that connects people around the world through lending to alleviate poverty.  (www.kiva.org)

LL Bean offers FREE shipping – no minimum price and no expiration date.  (www.llbean.com)

Get $5 off of a “Real Simple” magazine subscription (through Bed, Bath, and Beyond).  (https://subscription.realsimple.com/storefront/subscribe-to-real-simple/site/sm-bbbem5offb0411.html?xid=bbb4.5email5dollarsoff&link=1003290)

Borders now has cuddle toys made from soy.  Just in time for Earth Day, buy a Greenzy’s stuffed animal and the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree in your honor.  (www.greenzys.com)

During the month of April, kids 12 and under eat FREE everyday from 4-10pm at IHOP.  With the purchase of an adult entree, receive one FREE kid’s meal from the Just for Kids menu.

The Midtown Farmer’s Market is now open (April – November).  Enjoy local entertainment while purchasing from local farmers every Saturday from 8am-12pm.  (www.northhillsfarmersmarket.com)

I mentioned in my last post that Sherwin Willliams would have another paint sale 4/8-10.  Unlike last time, this sale is for 40% off (versus 30%)!

Through 4/10, get a coupon for $5 off of a $40 purchase when you like CVS on Facebook.

Harris Teeter has one pound of strawberries on sale for $1.25 through 4/12.

Don’t fee like slaving in the kitchen on Easter (4/24)?  The Flying Biscuit Cafe is open from 7am-10pm.  The menu offers something for everyone at reasonable prices.

Fun Events:

On 4/8-10, WRAL’s SmartShopper (Faye Prosser) will be conducting two classes at The Southern Women’s Show – Let’s Bake a Meal Deal and Cut Grocery Bills.  Each class will be taught on all three days during the event.  (www.southernshows.com/wra)

Logan’s Trading Company is holding Logan’s Spring Fling on 4/9.  There will be promotions throughout the store (buy any 3 packages of bulbs and receive 25% off; Easter egg surprises from 11-2pm with Logan’s bucks, coupons, and candy) and FREE classes – Square Foot Gardening at 9am and Japanese Maples at 3pm.  (www.logantrd.com)

The 13th Annual Lebanese Festival occurs 4/9-10 at the NC State Fairgrounds.  Admission is $2 for adults and FREE for children age 6 and under.  The Arabian Night Party on Saturday night is FREE for all.  (www.tlanc.org/documents/lebFestival2011_UPDATED.pdf)

Ornamentea’s Try-It-Tuesday $2 class on 4/12 features a Domed Disc Necklace.

On The Border has begun its Cinco de Mayo Countdown Party, unveiling a new, introductory-priced drink each Thursday in April from 4-7pm.  Tonight’s drink was a CoronaRita - a frozen House Margarita infused with an ice-cold Coronita.  (www.ontheborder.com)

The 2011 Fourth Annual Planet Earth Celebration is on 4/16 from 11am-5pm.  This FREE event is hosted by Burt’s Bees and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.  (www.raleighearthday.com)

Subway’s Customer Appreciation Day is also 4/16.  From 7am-10pm, buy one footlong sub, get one FREE.

4/16 is the North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival.  The Pit sponsors the event with barbeque and bluegrass music.  Your $5 admission fee is donated to North Carolina farmers via Animal Welfare Approved (AWA).  (http://cuegrass.com)

On 4/17, Target hosts its Earth Day Exclusive – a FREE reusable bag (with purchase) to the first one million guests.  When you use a Target reusable bag 10 times, you’ll keep 25 plastic bags out of landfills.

At Starbucks on 4/22, bring in your own travel cup and receive a FREE coffee or tea as an Earth Day promotion.

4/29-5/1 is the 2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.  To enter the festival is FREE, with individual event prices varying.  (www.faydogwoodfestival.com)

The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival is on 5/7.  Like the Dogwood Festival, entering is FREE, with individual event prices varying.  (www.hamandyam.com)

I’m hoping for a fabulous weekend, beginning with waking up Saturday morning to find the federal government still operating.  I’ll be busy attempting to remove the high heel shoe shaped paint stain on the carpet in the master bedroom.  The walls look amazing in their new Showstopper Red, but the spotted tan carpet is questionable.  Oh well, I can always buy a rug!

But some recent dining experiences have me wondering — is eating in Waltham worth it?

Two recent reviews on Yelp — Asian Grill and Watch City Brewing.  Thoughts?

I am eating a hot pocket right now, on Christmas Eve. Only I didn’t even realize it was Christmas Eve until the nice Jewish woman, whose children I watched this morning, told me. Actually, she just kept bringing it up casually in conversation. Apparently, the unspoken Jewish tradition is to eat Chinese food and see double features on Christmas Day. This is ironic because it is my family tradition to eat Chinese food on Christmas Eve (I miss you Asian Grill, I truly do, your drive-thru especially) and then go see whatever movie opened on Christmas Day. So whatever, I’m eating a hot pocket alone, about to go across the street and do some laundry.

Then, and this is what really gets me, not the 2 pm/hot pocket/xmas eve situation but the fact that someone in Denver just texted me asking if he could buy my dog. Not just buy my dog, but buy my dog to give as a surprise gift to someone else. Ummm, WHAT? It’s my dog. It’s my doooooog. Not a purse. Not a toy. Not a board game. Surprising someone with someone else’s dog is just wrong and hurtful and wrong and not okay.

You should probably know: My dog is stuck in Denver because DIA has a hold on any animals leaving. The hold is not due to the low temperature (it has to be above 20 degrees), it is instead due to bad conditions on the tarmac. Continental Airlines Boeing 737 crashed upon take off and burst into flames on Saturday night while trying to leave Denver. Hence the cautionary hold and delay in my dog joining me here. Also, I guess why people still think they have a chance to buy my dog…my dog who is not for sale.

I am not okay.

Bat For Lashes – Whats a Girl To Do