This weekend comprised some of the best eating I've done all year. It's been nearly 16 hours since I ate my last bite of food, and I am still full.
Saturday, we became the proud new owner of an adorable baby palmetto. Some of our friends are clearing a few trees out of their backyard to open up their beautiful view to the marsh, so we were fortunate enough to inherit one of the homeless trees. The tree had its fronds hurricane cut to help it survive the move, and now we're just watering it and hoping that the transplant sticks. Our baby tree is on the left, and on the right are some trees from our front yard that hopefully it will eventually grow up to look like.
After spending some quality time with our baby tree, I went for a four mile run, got all gussied up and then we headed over to a friend's house for smoked port tacos and a delicious array of desserts! My pal is fortunate enough to have a super sweet sister-in-law living with them for a few months while she creates her portfolio for her DESSERT CHEF school. Oh, yeah. She made us a "tasting menu" of desserts including a lemon and blueberry parfait, ice cream made of an incredible chocolate cake with coconut cream frosting and fondant, and finally a bacon ice cream. And you know what? I want more bacon ice cream! We felt a little bit like we were the judging panel on Iron Chef, America!
Sunday, we had tickets for the Culinary Village at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival in Marion Square (Named as one of the top 5 wine and food festivals in the country by Forbes Traveler--way to go Charleston!). The weather forecast was bleak, with thunderstorms expected and there was a torrential downpour around 9 in the morning. However, when we started driving to the festival, the sun was trying to break through the clouds, and by the time we arrived, the sun had made its triumphant appearance and the skies were perfectly blue all afternoon. We tried samplings of meals, desserts, sauces, and various wines from local restaurants, mail order bakeries, wineries from near and far, and all in all had a delicious afternoon. My favorite wine of the day was Simi Cabernet, and when I went to write it in my wine notebook when I got home, I found that I had actually already named it as a favorite wine. At least, I know I am consistent!
We got home around 5 in the evening, and Colby spent the rest of the night working on a Masters project while I worked my way through some magazines and watched the season premiere of Army Wives. The weekend was incredible, but the fun won't stop there since tonight we're heading back downtown to see the Russian National Ballet perform Romeo and Juliet, and tomorrow is MARDI GRAS!!! Laissez le bon temp roulez!!
Who needs king cake - wow, wish I was there. I am suffering from culinary jealousy:) Sounds like a wonderful weekend, sweetie -
Posted by: The Incubator | March 07, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Good food and good friends, weather cooperating. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Posted by: sophie | March 07, 2011 at 05:30 PM
I feel like I've gone on a lovely vacation after reading this and seeing your beautiful tree!
Posted by: emily jane | March 07, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Fun! I love palms of all kinds. Reminds me of my childhood in Hawaii :-)
I'm going to the Taste Washington Food & Wine festival in a couple weeks and I'm SO excited!
Must be nice to be connected with a dessert chef! All of those desserts sound wonderful.
Posted by: Stevie | March 07, 2011 at 08:50 PM
i am so hungry just reading this post, haha. i mean dessert tasting menu? yes please, sign me up!
Posted by: katelin | March 08, 2011 at 12:22 AM
I am amazed that you ran 4 miles and still managed to get dolled up and go out! I'm pretty sure a) I couldn't run 4 miles and b) if I somehow managed, I'd be out for the day... or week, haha.
Very impressive! And cuuuute little tree!
Posted by: Jen | March 08, 2011 at 02:09 AM
Oh my gosh the festival sounds amazing. I need to get to Charleston soon and sample some of this food!!
Posted by: Jessica | March 08, 2011 at 02:57 AM
Mmm, that all sounds so wonderful! Yet another reason why we want to live in Charleston!
Posted by: Kendra | March 08, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Well, you'll be here soon, and I can't wait!!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:40 PM
Indeed! No complaints here :)
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:41 PM
Aw, you're so sweet! Here's hoping our beautiful tree survives the transplant!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I can't remember if that's the festival I went to there--I think I went to one called Taste of Seattle or something along those lines. And then of course, there's the cheese festival!! Have a great time!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:42 PM
I know, right?!? Man, I felt like a lucky duck :)
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Haha, yeah, believe me, I am just as shocked as you that I managed to do 4 miles!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Yes, you would love it!! It's the perfect charming, historical Southern town :)
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:43 PM
It's an amazing place to live!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | March 09, 2011 at 05:43 PM
All that yumminess AND the ballet? Is that even legal???
Sounds like your weekend was out of control goodness.
Bacon Ice Cream? Yes. Please.
Posted by: Molly | March 11, 2011 at 01:46 AM