I'm just a little late on posting about our dinner last Thursday but a late post is better than no post.
Denim and Diamonds, one of the more popular and hot spots in Wichita Falls (note the sarcasm) had Randy Rogers came to play there so we all decided it would be a nice change of pace. Usually I hate going to things like this because its always crowded, I don't usually know who is playing and the tickets are always overpriced! I have heard some of Randy Rogers' songs and decided that D&D was a bigger bar so it wouldn't be completely unbearable. I even bought by ticket in advanced.
With the new location set for Thursday night, we all chose to eat at our go to restaurant, On the Border! OTB is always a great place to go. About half way throught our dinner we all started getting messages of people already going to the bar. At this point I was a little concerned that there was going to be a line and we may not get in. Although we did purchase our tickets in advance, D&D can be a little shady and I wouldn't be surprised if they over sold the concert. I mean they don't accept debit cards because it costs them too much to run the card. Luckily, they convenietly added an ATM machine with $3.50 surcharge. Its pretty ridiculous and according to Amber, probably illegal. So obviously they aren't afraid to piss off customers.
Anyways, we finally finished up at OTB and made it to D&D (I hope you appreciated all the abbreviations) without any problems getting in--it did feel like airport security trying to get through with scanning your ticket showing ID's getting hand stamps, a little excessive in my opinion. We probably had a good 2 hours before RR came on so we were able to move around and talk to all the people we knew who came out.
The concert was very good and we were fairly close to the stage. I usually leave half way through these types of things but it was a lot of fun! We are all having a good time and I convinced myself that I would go home early, after all, I do have to work on Fridays. Well for those of you who know me...going home early isn't always the easiest thing for me to follow through with. As soon as I heard Toby's the game was over. Amy and I were the only ones who continued the field trip celebration until the bartenders at Toby's were calling out Amy so they could close out the last tab.
It was a great night with Amy and I having a heart to heart that both of us barely remember, but that means we had a good time, right?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Another Resolution Added to the List
Okay, so I know you are supposed to make your resolutions before the new year begins but I have decided to add another to my list even though January is nearly over. I had high hopes for this blog but at the same time I have not carried my wait. Well that ends today! I will follow in my fellow diner's footsteps, Amber. You may know her as Ambularf.
It is fitting that I begin this today because we had one of my personal favorite meals, make your own pizza night! It is one of my favorites because everyone sits in the kitchen talking and preparing their own pizza, you also get good tips and ideas for the next time pizza night rolls around. Going along with the resolution theme, I decided to make somewhat of a healthy pizza since I am finishing my 3rd week of P90X and trying to lose weight. My good friend Catie, who has been helping me as far as good foods to eat, gave me a quick and easy pizza recipe that was sensible. So for the tens of you that may read this or stumble across this blog, here is what I did:
- One piece of flatout bread (it's kind of like a pita bread but only 90 calories)
- Pasta sauce ( I found this roasted garlic sauce that was not bad as far as healthy goes)
- Turkey pepperoni (you can't tell a difference at all!)
- Part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- Finally, loaded it with whatever veggies you like (I had mushrooms, caramelized onions and red bell peppers)
- All you do is put the flatout in the oven first and let it get a little crispy then take it out put everything on it and put it back in the oven until the cheese is melted!
The conversation was on and off because Carlos introduced us to this hilarious movie called Sex Drive (viewer discretion advised--and it was the unrated version). We eventually made our move out to the fire even though it was like 20 degrees. This week I was a little more under control because we had a good conversation about what I was saying last week at dinner or more of "do you not remember saying that," but this week I remember everything ( I had a little better week at work and didn't need to take it out on my friend Pinot). All in all, it was another fun night with friends! So be ready viewer(s) because I am going to blog my a** off!
It is fitting that I begin this today because we had one of my personal favorite meals, make your own pizza night! It is one of my favorites because everyone sits in the kitchen talking and preparing their own pizza, you also get good tips and ideas for the next time pizza night rolls around. Going along with the resolution theme, I decided to make somewhat of a healthy pizza since I am finishing my 3rd week of P90X and trying to lose weight. My good friend Catie, who has been helping me as far as good foods to eat, gave me a quick and easy pizza recipe that was sensible. So for the tens of you that may read this or stumble across this blog, here is what I did:
- One piece of flatout bread (it's kind of like a pita bread but only 90 calories)
- Pasta sauce ( I found this roasted garlic sauce that was not bad as far as healthy goes)
- Turkey pepperoni (you can't tell a difference at all!)
- Part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- Finally, loaded it with whatever veggies you like (I had mushrooms, caramelized onions and red bell peppers)
- All you do is put the flatout in the oven first and let it get a little crispy then take it out put everything on it and put it back in the oven until the cheese is melted!
The conversation was on and off because Carlos introduced us to this hilarious movie called Sex Drive (viewer discretion advised--and it was the unrated version). We eventually made our move out to the fire even though it was like 20 degrees. This week I was a little more under control because we had a good conversation about what I was saying last week at dinner or more of "do you not remember saying that," but this week I remember everything ( I had a little better week at work and didn't need to take it out on my friend Pinot). All in all, it was another fun night with friends! So be ready viewer(s) because I am going to blog my a** off!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Faces of Death, or White Trash Finer Things Dinner Club
I am proud to say last night was one of our "finer" dinner nights. On Monday night when we were watching the National Championship Carlos & I were eating Wingstop. Travis made the comment that Garlic Parmesan wings from Buffalo Wild Wings sound good. Later that night, I came across a recipe for Parmesan Crusted tenders....it was fate! The recipe was actually pretty easy- I used breasts (insert of color comment here) to make it a little healthier. To see the recipe, click here. Along with our chicken, we had corn, some homemade bread I had already made, & Amy's famous mashed potatoes. This is actually the second time we've had the mashed potatoes...they were so delicious the first time we requested them again. They are like magic in your mouth!
While we were in the process of preparing dinner, We were watching a show on Nat Geo about bears. This lead to a discussion about another bear show where it showed a man being killed, & eventually Carlos told us about these movies called Faces of Death. I've since googled them, & they seem pretty freakin grusome. Basically, it's a bunch of footage of peopel/things dying. Some of them sound really horrible- death penalty, hit by train, shotgun to face, beheading- really disturbing stuff to watch. According to the internet, some have been proven to be fake, but I'm still kind of curious to watch them!
On a lighter note, we had a white trash Finer Things dress code last night. Last week, Carlos & I had a (almost heated) discussion about sweatpants. He claims that windpants are ok in front of guests, but sweatpants are not; I said the two were no different. For the record, I was talking about black workout type sweats, not the ones with elastic around the ankles. Carlos was referring to athletic type windpants, not the ADIDAS ones or the wind suit ones everyone had in the 90s. To settle this debate, Amy & Travis showed up in.....SWEATPANTS! I was so excited. Amy really tried to class hers up though...she had on nice booties, and pearls (she was going out after dinner & brought a change of pants). So again readers (if you exist) what are your thoughts on sweatpants vs. windpants, & are they appropriate for casual company?
After dinner, we retired to the back porch to sit by the fire pit. I honestly think that was some of the best money we've ever spent; I love that thing! Maybe eventually I'll post pictures of us sitting around it so you can see what I'm talking about! Travis decided to bring his friend Pinot (because he had a particularly awful day), and seemed to really enjoy himself by the end of the night. I honestly don't know how he handles Orange Leaf sometimes. If I were him I would have turned on all the machines, locked the door, & flooded that baby with FRoYo by now.....or I'd be super fat!
Once again, we had a fabulous night with wonderful friends. Next week, we're bringing back Make Your Own Pizza Night (one of our favorites), so stay tuned-it's always a great success!!
While we were in the process of preparing dinner, We were watching a show on Nat Geo about bears. This lead to a discussion about another bear show where it showed a man being killed, & eventually Carlos told us about these movies called Faces of Death. I've since googled them, & they seem pretty freakin grusome. Basically, it's a bunch of footage of peopel/things dying. Some of them sound really horrible- death penalty, hit by train, shotgun to face, beheading- really disturbing stuff to watch. According to the internet, some have been proven to be fake, but I'm still kind of curious to watch them!
On a lighter note, we had a white trash Finer Things dress code last night. Last week, Carlos & I had a (almost heated) discussion about sweatpants. He claims that windpants are ok in front of guests, but sweatpants are not; I said the two were no different. For the record, I was talking about black workout type sweats, not the ones with elastic around the ankles. Carlos was referring to athletic type windpants, not the ADIDAS ones or the wind suit ones everyone had in the 90s. To settle this debate, Amy & Travis showed up in.....SWEATPANTS! I was so excited. Amy really tried to class hers up though...she had on nice booties, and pearls (she was going out after dinner & brought a change of pants). So again readers (if you exist) what are your thoughts on sweatpants vs. windpants, & are they appropriate for casual company?
After dinner, we retired to the back porch to sit by the fire pit. I honestly think that was some of the best money we've ever spent; I love that thing! Maybe eventually I'll post pictures of us sitting around it so you can see what I'm talking about! Travis decided to bring his friend Pinot (because he had a particularly awful day), and seemed to really enjoy himself by the end of the night. I honestly don't know how he handles Orange Leaf sometimes. If I were him I would have turned on all the machines, locked the door, & flooded that baby with FRoYo by now.....or I'd be super fat!
Once again, we had a fabulous night with wonderful friends. Next week, we're bringing back Make Your Own Pizza Night (one of our favorites), so stay tuned-it's always a great success!!
Fajita night!
Sorry I couldn't think of a clever title for this one! Last week (Jan. 6th) we had Fajita Night. Carlos grilled up the beef, & Travis brought the chicken. Amy brought the other goods- chips & yummy salsa, & cheese! They were both delicious!
Speaking of cheese, we recently had a discussion about food we could eat forever. It started on New Year's Eve-I asked everyone if they had to eat one ethnicity of food for the rest of their lives, what would it be? (I chose Italian or Mexican). Then last week I asked, "If you had to eat one thing every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Of course, Jason M. (Yes he finally showed up again) started asking hypothetical questions, so we had to set some guidelines-you had to eat it at least once a day (preferably every meal) and you could eat other things with it. Mine was a tie-cheese & Coke. For those of you who know me, that's really not a stretch, and I probably already have those every meal, everyday anyway... As you can see we try to have somewhat interesting discussions about food. If anyone out there is following us, what are your favorite foods/food ethnicities?
On another note- I don't mean to get all mushy, but one of my favorite things about The Finer Things Dinner Club is that we get to share stories about what's really going on in our everyday lives. Quite frequently this involves talking about our jobs; it could be stories about awful customers or co-workers, meetings-just about anything. Amy told us a particularly sweet/sad story about a woman she gave a massage to a few weeks ago. It's her story to tell, but the ending really made me proud to have her as a friend. :)
So enough of that...fajita night was definitely a success. Maybe next time we'll get crazy & make our own tortillas!
Speaking of cheese, we recently had a discussion about food we could eat forever. It started on New Year's Eve-I asked everyone if they had to eat one ethnicity of food for the rest of their lives, what would it be? (I chose Italian or Mexican). Then last week I asked, "If you had to eat one thing every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Of course, Jason M. (Yes he finally showed up again) started asking hypothetical questions, so we had to set some guidelines-you had to eat it at least once a day (preferably every meal) and you could eat other things with it. Mine was a tie-cheese & Coke. For those of you who know me, that's really not a stretch, and I probably already have those every meal, everyday anyway... As you can see we try to have somewhat interesting discussions about food. If anyone out there is following us, what are your favorite foods/food ethnicities?
On another note- I don't mean to get all mushy, but one of my favorite things about The Finer Things Dinner Club is that we get to share stories about what's really going on in our everyday lives. Quite frequently this involves talking about our jobs; it could be stories about awful customers or co-workers, meetings-just about anything. Amy told us a particularly sweet/sad story about a woman she gave a massage to a few weeks ago. It's her story to tell, but the ending really made me proud to have her as a friend. :)
So enough of that...fajita night was definitely a success. Maybe next time we'll get crazy & make our own tortillas!
New Year, new blog
Our New Year's Eve was epic. A few weeks before (at a Finer Things dinner), Travis came up with the GENIUS idea for us to rent a limo! So, on New Year's Eve we met at our house & all rode together to go eat at McBride's before the limo came to pick us up. Scratch that-everyone but Amy & Jason rode together for dinner.....we said meet at 6:30, but somehow they thought that meant 6:45ish, so they met us there. Anyway, McBride's (downtown of course) was PACKED! We literally had to stand in the little hallway between the doors because there was absolutely no room inside. Surprisingly, we didn't even have to wait the full 45 minutes before we were seated. We of course had a delicious meal, & headed back to the house to wait for the limo!
Oh the limo ride....what a great idea! We got to ride around enjoying beverages, listening to good music, & looking at Christmas lights. It was fantastic; there might have even been a little fist pumping. I should mention that we did have to drive around with the windows down part of the time because of the nasty citrus air freshener smell. The guy totally douched the limo with it before we got in-it smelled so nasty!
We did make a quick stop at Toby's for New Year's shots, & I definitely have a new favorite! Amy & I tried a chocolate cake-this crazy/awesome lady sitting at the bar suggested it, & I'm so glad we took her advice! You wouldn't think it would taste like chocolate by way it looks (it was yellowish with a lemon wedge on the rim), but magically it did! I should probably explain why Amy & I were taking shots....let's just say it involved a gang bang...
Shortly after, Travis & I headed out to our back porch to sit around the fire pit. It was so nice outside- it had stopped drizzling, & we could hear fireworks in the distance. I honestly am a little fuzzy about what all we talked about (the next morning I found two empty champagne bottles out there), but I remember thinking this was the best EVER!!! I definitely remember feeling like New Year's Day was the worst day ever, so that means New Year's Eve had to be epic, right? Next year I definitely think we should do the limo again, but maybe for more than 2 hours!
Friday, December 10, 2010
An Uneventful Beginning???
So I don't remember how this idea came about (maybe it was too much wine) but I was excited to document our weekly nights of food and fun! I did vision that our first blog would incorporate a somewhat elaborate meal where we would have different mishaps in the kitchen and interesting stories to report about. However, our dinners are always unpredictable. This week our start time was delayed because Amber is oh so popular and had a small Christmas party to attend first...so...it turned into a choice between Papa Murphy's pizza or Sonic.
Luckily, I was on the phone with Amber heading up to my work, which happens to be across the street from Papa Murphy's. Problem solved! For some ridiculous reason, I decided to try and eat healthier so I opted out of eating the pizza, until, I had one more drink and decided to go for the pizza (best decision of the night I must say!)
Even though it was one of our more low key nights, it was still fun getting to sit by the fire on the porch (thanks Amber and Carlos for that investment!) and hanging out. So it may seem to have been an Uneventful Beginning but I would like to note that the post above from Amber had a misspelling (first word, first paragraph). Needless to say this blog was started 2 hours into the night and after a few Coors Lights so I think it was a very suitable beginning!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Blog, blog, blog
Welocone to the Finer Things! This is a blog about Thursday night dinners between a group of friends that may drink a little too much, but enjoy delicious food. The idea for weekly dinners came from a good friend's
mom. We wanted a time when we could come together as old friends, and talk about what's going on in our lives and the world.
We discuss different topics such as:
"What animal are you most passionate about" -Amber
"Why the tooth fairy is a dirty hooker that does things for teeth" -Carlos
"What do you remember about Thursdays on Friday"-Travis
"Blog, blog, blog, blog"-Amy
"It's cold"- Ana
We hope that you enjoy this window into our lives, and you leave a comment of your own!
mom. We wanted a time when we could come together as old friends, and talk about what's going on in our lives and the world.
We discuss different topics such as:
"What animal are you most passionate about" -Amber
"Why the tooth fairy is a dirty hooker that does things for teeth" -Carlos
"What do you remember about Thursdays on Friday"-Travis
"Blog, blog, blog, blog"-Amy
"It's cold"- Ana
We hope that you enjoy this window into our lives, and you leave a comment of your own!
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