I've been hearing some funny comments about my Napa recaps from you all --
The most common: "How did you manage to eat all of that?!?!"
and... "you're not 21...."
Guilty.
Well, I'd be lying to you if I said that I didn't walk away from this trip a few pounds heavier (true story), but more surprising has been the weird after-effects of all those desserts, the trays of pate and cheese... those glasses of wine.
I feel like I need to detox! like that'll ever happen. So, instead... This week has been spent eating what I usually eat: oatmeal, salads, rice pudding & froyo -- you were spared some pretty boring pictures, believe me!
However, since last night was FRIDAY NIGHT -- aka, the end of our lectures for the semester and the last chance to enjoy yourself before finals hell -- I decided to celebrate the only way I know how: with good food and great friends!
Lisa and I met up with Lee and begged him to take us to "Asian Heaven," which is basically some massive mall/complex that is made up of every kind of "Asian" restaurant, bakery, grocery store you could imagine....
Lisa & I were craving a huge bowl of soup, so Lee took us to his favorite noodle place!
We placed our orders and decided to expose Lisa to all the joys of Asian delicacies -- starting with an appetizer of fried fish cakes and picked cabbage
I don't know what it is about fried anything but I'm always a huge fan :)
Plus the words "fish cakes" just make you salivate on command - right? Growing up in a half-asian household has made me immune to the weirdness of some delicious dishes!
Lee taught us all the tricks to sauce mixing. Apparently, it's an art form.
I decided to satisfy my comfort food craving with a huge bowl of NOODLE SOUP! Veggie noodle soup with added beef balls and rice noodles. The soup was amazing. Mine was filled with tofu, fresh broccoli, cabbage, and carrots! Plus I loovvee Asian broths - so light and flavorful!
Lisa also ordered a massive bowl of soup! But she got the tender beef noodle soup with rice noodles and from what I hear, she enjoyed it immensely :)
I don't know how I forgot to snap a picture of Lee's meal! It was yummmmy, although I'm still glad I ordered my "light soup twice the size of my head." Lee got the stir-fried version of our meal -- rice noodles, some sort of sauce, and seafood! I'm glad he shared, that's all I have to say.
SO, being a dessert fanatic, we made Lee point us in the direction of any dessert in Asian Heaven. Um, I don't think I've ever felt more Asian in my life...
There was a menu with a million different desserts - half of which I couldn't figure out/pronounce. Some with ingredients I doubt I would ever put in my mouth (tadpole...?) although, you never know.
We finally decided to order a "Vanilla parfait with brownie,"which sounded safe enough. We weren't disappointed, we were just surprised by the creative add-ins. We found ourselves digging into a sundae with cornflakes, chocolate syrup, jello, bananas, boba.... it was an adventure.
Then, we ordered chocolate ice with brownies, banana, red bean, and condensed milk. Um... literally felt like we were eating chocolate air with a side of red beans and nanners? GOOD but weird!!!!
I, once again, failed to take a picture of our last dessert --- Lee ordered the Mango GiGi with cold noodles. First of all, what the heck is gigi? and second... there was a hay-like substance in the "gigi." Yeah.... we let Lee enjoy that one.
After we had a few good laughs, we drove around and enjoyed the Christmas decorations around our town while singing some classics.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS TIME!!!! And food... and friends... in that order (sorry, family, you're just not making the list this year ;) We came back to my apartment and laughed hysterically to Bridesmaids on DVD!!!!
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This morning, keeping up with my "getting back to normal" theme -- I was excited to lace up my sneakers for my weekly fun day, run day!! Gotta love those long runs!
So, I started off my morning around 8:30 with my typical bowl of oats!
1/2 cup of oats, a handful of blueberries, some almond milk and a few crumbled walnuts
After finishing my oatmeal, drinking my amazing new Godiva Cinnamon Gingerbread Truffle coffee!! and catching up on some blogs, I was ready to go!
I had a goal of 15 miles in mind - my longest distance yet - and I was surprised when it was easy and enjoyable. I've missed my usual long route through my favorite neighborhoods and up my never-ending hills! I literally don't think I stopped smiling the entire time...
Those endorphins must have kicked in after mile .2
Confession: I really need to start fueling/hydrating properly, seeing as I still don't carry any water or fuel with me on my runs. I finished 15.5 miles at around a 9 minute mile pace and then got ready for lunch!
SALAD BEAST: A whole heart of a Romaine lettuce head, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, sundried tomato and basil fat free feta, garlic salt, and a trader joes veggie masala burger! OH MY FIBER. It was amazing.
I also made a batch of pumpkin mousse/filling/pudding...
I'll have to give you details later!!
Glad to be back to my usual routine :)
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