Happy Belated WIAW. I was so busy yesterday that despite being able to take pictures of all my eats, I didn't have time to post about them!
I was busy in the morning babysitting. My siblings started off the day with Eggo Waffles, and I started off with this:
Kashi Go Lean Crunch, topped with cinnamon, and coffee. You can see the reflection of the trees surrounding my deck in my coffee cup!
Usually this cereal really fills me up, but by the time lunch rolled around I was starving! I made a salad consisting of iceberg, cucumber, green pepper, corn, carrots, tomato and goat cheese. I loved all the colors in it! I also paired my salad with a slice of Great Harvest Dakota Bread! After reading so much about CVille on Kath's blog, (not that I know her personally, I'm just a big fan!) I decided to look up my local Great Harvest and found one less than five miles away! There's another Great Harvest location near my work, which you will hear quite a lot about very soon.... :)
Can you eat with all the colors of the wind? I can.
After lunch, I took the kids to the pool for a bit. I brought an (unpictured) apple to hold me over, but it hardly did the job! I was, again, quite ravenous when I returned home, so I microwaved some bread pudding and topped it with peanut butter. To die for? I think so.
My sister and I read the book One Day by David Nicholls just last month, so when we heard the movie was coming out we decided we'd have to go and compare. We planned to go to the 7:30 showing, but before that, dinner was in order. I thought Bonefish would be a good option, because they have $5 Bang Bang Shrimp on Wednesdays, but when we got there, we learned of the 40 minute wait, and promptly walked out. We instead chose to go to Fresca Grill, and had an extremely quick dinner of paninis. Unlike my last venture to Fresca, everything was cooked well, and not burnt. Fresca has been redeemed in my eyes.
I ordered the Aztec Chicken panini, made with grilled chicken breast, monterey-jack cheese, caramelized onions and chipotle-mayo.
My sister ordered her staple, the Chicken Parm panini. Both were yummy (but mine was better! Megan agreed).
The movie was, well, awful. It strayed from several important story lines that deeply impacted the characters in the novel, and Jim Sturgess's character was gross and obnoxious. I guess seeing the character live really enhanced his negative qualities. The parts I did enjoy were the ones that reminded me of Bubbaloo. The main characters' love for one another was incredibly passionate and deep; this is what made the novel, and their love was the sole positive aspect of the movie.
Megan was craving dessert after the movie, so I suggested gelato from Ariano. They were out of pistachio, so I instead settled on coffee. It was delicious, as always, so delicious that I finished it in the car before we even got home, before I could take a picture of it.
So I took a pictures of Megan's vanilla, and passed out, asleep, shortly thereafter. I had a big day ahead of me...
Over the weekend, Jay and I dined at Mad Mex, an Americanized Mexican joint that caters specifically to the college crowd. I could tell from the moment we walked in just how much influence UPenn had on this singular restaurant; a table of jocks, so to speak, sat outside wearing obnoxious purple jerseys; inside, a member of the Wharton business club blasted awful rap music from a boombox on her shoulder, as she alternated between giving passerby sour looks and taking massive gulps from her beer. Classy, classy.
And I know I'm considered to be part of their generation. I'm in my early twenties, and I'm in college...but I think the similarities end there. I was truly, truly embarrassed for the crowds of obnoxious students we passed. And embarrassed by them. I know it's a college-friendly restaurant, but really? Really? I'm just saying, it would be nice to enjoy some food without a frat party sitting two tables away.
Onto the service. I don't know if she was high. I don't know if she was drunk. All I know is that she was the slowest, and the WORST waitress I've ever had the misfortune of knowing. Jay and I seriously considered leaving without paying; it took her that long to address us. And to her further discredit, she only addressed us because her manager just so happened to notice that we were done and finished with our meals. He unfortunately also noticed that the balance book was filled with cash. My cash. And he promptly took it from the table.
I ordered their Namesake Burrito with chicken. It contained rice, beans, and chicken. In a soggy flour tortilla. And that's it. The burrito was really bland, boring, and I wouldn't order it ever again. I don't think it was me, really. I'm not much of a burrito person to begin with, but I was excited when the menus said that Lady Gaga traded in her meat dress for a string bikini made out of this burrito. If Lady Gaga wore it, it must taste good, right? Right?
Jay got the Pork Carnitas Burrito, which was served with blue cornbread. Except, the cornbread wasn't really blue. It was gray. Jay said his burrito was pretty good, so I'm glad that at least he got a good meal out of it. Maybe next time I should just get enchiladas, or something with vegetables. I don't know. My dad always says that Mexican food is the same basic ingredients just tossed together differently, and it's kind of true. I don't know if Mad Mex steps it up with their other entrees, but I'm not sure if I'm willing to find out when I can make a decent burrito bowl myself.
My bubbaloo had the best intentions. And I had the best time with him. Maybe I should give Mad Mex another shot? Maybe I shouldn't diss my boo's favorite restaurant? And maybe, but also probably, I should accept the experience for what it was, I should move on, and remember that sometimes, most of the times, going out with the ones you love should be about being with them. Going out to eat should be about having a good time with your company, not with your food. Food should be there only to heighten the experience, not to fulfill it, not to be the focus of it. Because with great company, great taste comes second; with the one you love most, great food isn't even necessary. It's just an added plus.
Last night, I had a slip. The first in thirty-one days. I was in a different environment, uncomfortable, and I had an entirely processed pantry in front of me. Not an excuse, just a shot at understanding.
Just two days ago, I entertained the thought that I would never return to my symptoms, that I felt so comfortable being symptom-free, so proud, so healthy, that symptom-use wasn't even an option. It simply wouldn't happen. It's almost as if these thoughts occur only to be proven wrong. Feeling as if I'm on such safe, sturdy ground, to have that same flooring crumble and collapse beneath me. I will move on, today was better, but even after several fully digested meals, I still felt weak throughout my entire body, unable to complete physical tasks because of the sheer effort they required. Even after a month of no symptom-use, I would stand up and black out for several moments, unsettling me and reminding me of the havoc I've wreaked on my body. It's things like these I didn't seem to notice before, when 80% of my days were spent in bed, and the other 20% was spent in a numbing war.
I notice so much more now. The pale, beautiful ringlets in my sister's hair, orange-red sunsets with traces of violet. I have so much more now. Concentration, self-confidence, and even extreme happiness, at times. I wouldn't trade these things for the world, much less a sick feeling of comfort that ultimately resolves in feelings of guilt, shame, and anger. I know I am moving forward. I know this isn't the end of the road. It's just a speed bump. I am better today, and I have only stepped backwards once.
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Is there anything better than celebrating a day free from your eating disorder and your one-year-one-month anniversary all in the same day? How about with an amazing man? How about with delicious food? (That you don't have to cook yourself, obviously).
After sitting, reading, computing, and walking around in blankets all day, Jay and I defied the rain by driving into town and grabbing dinner at Iron Hill. Usually after a slip, I play it extremely safe, and often end up underfed. Today, though, I was feeling the need for something delicious and sinfully rich. I remembered the Cheesesteak Egg Rolls.
Forgive me, but this is not a vegan post.
I had them on my mind when we settled on Iron Hill, and they were delivered at just the right time, as in right before the gnawing off your arm stage.
Served with ketchup and horseradish sauce, they are the definition of ooey-gooey goodness. Wrapped with melty cheese and a crispy exterior, the thin slices of steak are well worth a breach of my mostly-vegetarian diet. I would only hope that the next time, the horseradish would be spicier!
Next came the entrees.
To counteract the greasy goodness, and because it's absolutely delicious anyway, I ordered the Mesclun Greens salad. Comprised of greens, Granny Smith slices, dried cranberries, pistachios and White Vermont Cheddar, and topped with an orange-vanilla vinaigrette, this salad is an item I frequently order at Iron Hill.
Jay couldn't walk away without a burger, as usual. He ordered the Brewski Burger, just as he did several entries ago. Except this time, it didn't look as pretty. I forgot to take pictures until we'd both already dug in! And they also changed their lovely deep green side salad to a mess of romaine and hastily diced tomato. What can you do?
The meal was quite enjoyable, and I loved even more spending the day with my favorite, Bubbaloo. Every day can't be perfect, but those rare moments seem to get pretty close.
Last Friday, my lovely boyfriend and I went to Iron Hill Brewery. Iron Hill is regarded for it's beer, which is brewed on-sight, with the brewery visible to customers. The History section of their website states that Iron Hill formed "when two award-winning homebrewers, Kevin Finn and Mark Edelson teamed up with Kevin Davies, an experienced professional in restaurant operations." The result is definitely a success. There are now several Iron Hill Breweries throughout Delaware and Pennsylvania, and I'm lucky to live close to the one in Media, PA.
As I am still underage, I've yet to experience their beers. However, I have experienced their food enough to report in what is hopefully an appropriate manner. Bar food typically gets a bad rep, and for good reason. Grease is not very nutritious, and you usually can't order much beyond a burger and fries. Iron Hill, on the other hand, serves above par bar food. They update their menu on a regular basis, and everything I've ordered there, save for a vegetarian entree that has since been removed from the menu, has been excellent. I've dined at Iron Hill many times, and return because I've almost always had decent service, and an above-average meal.
My boyfriend Jay's first beer, an Irish Dry Stout.
Although I just stated that Iron Hill is better than a burger and fries, they do serve them. And for the first time ever, I ordered both, together. This is a big step, not only for my recovery, but also in broadening my horizons. Having been vegetarian for two plus years, meat has often been questionable to me. Sometimes it makes me feel incredibly full, to the extent that the aftereffects negate any enjoyment experienced during the meal. Even so, since reuniting with chicken and fish, I have realized the importance of protein in my life. And since then, I have also experienced hunger pangs that scream, MEAT PROTEIN! Although this is rare, it does occur. I am not a meat fanatic by any means, but when the craving strikes, I will satisfy it. And lately, that craving has been geared towards burgers. Not any burger, mind you, but an upscale, bacon cheeseburger. And I know you're wondering, "Does this girl really have an eating disorder?" But there is no reason, when you're feeling good, to limit yourself. Recovery has taught me to enjoy food, and I do, immensely. Although I still (even very recently) find eating and everything that comes with it to be challenging, I am at the point in my recovery where I am willing to take on these challenges. I am ready to meet my needs, and yes, indulge. So I did just that.
We sat in the bar area next to the window. I loved the view. However, the sound system was right over my head, and it was happy hour, so the music was pounding. Yelling isn't my ideal form of communication, but Jay and I dealt with it. Our waitress took our orders shortly, and I ordered what is probably any anorexic's worst nightmare; their Smoke House burger with their hand-cut sweet potato fries. I've tried their sweet potato fries before, and they are wonderful. Not too greasy, with just the right amount of crisp. As an appetizer, they're served with three dipping sauces; bourbon-vanilla cream, smoked paprika aioli, and habanero-lime. The combination of the sweet potato fries with the bourbon-vanilla cream sauce is absolutely delicious, so I asked for it on the side.
While we waited, I took note of the menu, which describes the brewing process step-by-step, with complimentary images. Jay explained to me the Mug Club, which exists for beer enthusiasts. You get a special mug and a card to go with it, which rewards you with points back for every beer you buy. More info here.
It wasn't long before our orders arrived.
The Smoke House 8 oz. Angus Beef Burger. It comes with smoked gouda, barbecued onions, and bacon. Also on the plate: sweet potato fries, vanilla-bourbon dipping sauce, coleslaw, and a pickle. Upon first glance, I was completely overwhelmed. Not only did my plate look like a heart-attack, but Jay's looked much prettier.
He ordered the Brewski Burger, which comes with lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, bacon, and your choice of cheese. He opted for salad on the side, and it added such vibrancy and color to the plate. For a moment, I felt insecure for picking the less "healthy" option, fries instead of salad, but I quickly cut my burger in half and made a mental note telling ED to shove off.
My Smoke House meal was pretty good. The burger itself was too big for my liking, but I guess that's what happens when you order an 8 oz burger, which equates to two plus servings of protein. I enjoyed the gouda, and I have quite the hankering for any type of cooked onions. The bacon, however, was thin and limp. I would have preferred it to be crispy and thick. If I'm going to eat bacon, which I rarely do, I want it to be bangin'. I decided to eat half of my burger, and save the rest of my appetite for the fries. And I must admit, they were probably my favorite part of the meal. You will never know until you experience it. The wholesome flavor of the sweet potato combined with the subtle richness of the vanilla-bourbon is a real treat. My boo polished off his burger with ease, and nixed the salad. Apparently, it was too bitter.
After we finished, Jay ordered another beer. This time it was an IPA (India Pale Ale). I was quite full at this point, but Jay kept me company and I got through it. Once he finished his beer, I got the rest of my burger and fries to go, and we headed home. Overall, it was a pleasant experience. I think my burger craving is satisfied for now, but I am glad I tried it. I'd never ordered a burger at restaurant before, let alone with fries. Still, I think it was something I needed to experience. After all, burgers are one of America's most beloved sandwiches. I had to find out why.
Recommendations: Mesculn salad, Salmon Spring Rolls, Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Hand Cut Sweet Potato Fries, Moroccan Spiced Salmon, Mediterranean Wrap, and yes, any burger of your choice, if you're in the mood.
Skip: Onion and Ale au Gratin. It's not that bad, but there is so much cheese, I swear I nearly choked on it once.
Overall, a good meal. If you're ever near an Iron Hill, you should give it a try. For more information, click here.
